The present disclosure relates generally to an improved mattress system with an ability to identify and categorize individual mattresses within an overall product line.
To deliver a well-rested world, it is necessary to address the needs and preferences of a large audience. This drives a strategy to provide personalized mattresses within an overall product line that are designed for impact and for wayfinding in retail channels. To accomplish this, a mattress product should line include features that are consistent across all mattresses within the product line and features that differ among each mattress within the product line.
A mattress identification system provides key mattress information where a mattress has a mattress top panel, a mattress foot, a mattress bottom panel and comprises a plurality of foam layers. If the mattress has only foam layers, there is a twill pattern on the mattress top panel having a first loft comprising essentially parallel straight lines that extends to an upper part of the mattress foot. If the mattress has foam layers and pocket springs, there is a second twill pattern on the mattress top panel comprising essentially straight parallel lines in a different direction than the first twill pattern that forms circle pattern. All mattresses have a first fabric portion that covers approximately ⅔ of the mattress foot below the twill pattern that extends to the upper part of the mattress foot, a second fabric portion that covers approximately ⅓ of the mattress foot below the twill pattern that extends to the upper part of the mattress foot, and a zipper assembly.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
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Consistent features within the product line may include: 1) making one third of the mattress border darker than the remaining two thirds (representing that sleeping occupies a third of a lifespan); 2) a universal construction of the shell; 3) branding details; 4) a common bottom panel; 5) use of slub yarn; and 6) use of details common to all models.
Flexible features within the product line may include: 1) overall height; 2) product name; 3) top panel patterns; 4) waterfall height; 5) fabric colors; and 6) top panel loft.
Other consistent features within the product line may include features of the cover, which affects the performance of the mattress. The cover: a) includes textiles that have 1-2% Spandex for better stretch; b) has more inviting and dimensional ticking to the top panels; and c) replaces wool with foam perforation that outperforms wool as a thermal feature.
The covers may include 50% recycled content. Recovered slub yarn may include 50% up-cycled cotton and 50% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The slub yarn produces slub textiles that are cozy yet forgiving.
Top ticking will result in inviting, tactile and communicating comfort. For all-foam mattresses, the top ticking may comprise stripes. For hybrid mattresses including foam and springs, the top ticking may include stripes and circles. The loft of the mattresses may vary with lower-tier mattresses having low loft, mid-tier mattresses having medium loft, and high-tier mattresses having high loft.
A woven bottom panel may be consistent across all mattresses in the product line, which mitigates tearing. High-tier mattresses may include corner handles for easy carrying.
Hardware, including zipper assembly, may be the same across all mattresses in the product line. The zipper assembly may include artwork that shows an open eye when the zipper is pointed in the direction to open the mattress and shows a closed eye when the zipper is pointed in the direction to close the mattress.
Placement of tags having a brand name may be consistent across all mattresses in the product line and may be placed on the foot of the mattress where the ⅓ part meets the ⅔ part.
The product line is designed to provide a “comfortable” mattress that creates a soothing environment for customers helping them improve their mental state before sleep. Comfort may be affected by the perception of visual input, smell, noise, temperature/humidity, pressure/touch, posture/movement, and history+state. The product line may include a top layer of springy, lively, latex-like foam, which instantly adopts to the human body, is better for sex and is highly breathable. A second layer may include a memory foam, which allows a slow sink for pressure relief and cradling effect and has a special formula allows easy movement throughout the night.
The product line may have a continuum of comfort based on mattress construction. Lower-tier mattresses of foam may consist of two layers and have a slightly firm feel and be eight or 10 inches in height. Mid-tier mattresses of foam or foam+springs may consist of three layers, have a basic signature feel and be 11 inches in height. Other mid-tier mattresses of foam or foam+springs may consist of four layers, have an improved transition feel and be 12 inches in height. High-tier mattresses of foam or foam+springs may consist of five layers, have a signature feel with latex and a softer feel and be 13 inches in height.
The product line is designed to provide an ergonomic design where proper posture leads to less back pain and better sleep. The idea is to provide the proper zoning support for the human body, since if the mattress is too soft or too firm, there will be no such zoning.
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The product line may have a continuum of ergonomics zones based on mattress construction. Lower-tier mattresses of foam may have two foam layers with no special zones and may have a height of eight inches or 10 inches. Mid-tier mattresses may be 11 inches in height and: a) have three foam layers with the middle layer having foam zoning in three parts; or b) have two foam layers with the lower layer having foam zoning in three parts and a spring layer below. This may result in soft shoulder support and firm hip support. Other mid-tier mattresses may be 12 inches in height and: a) have four foam layers with the third layer having CNC zoning in five parts; or b) have three foam layers with the lower layer having CNC zoning in five parts and a spring layer below. This may result in much softer shoulder support, firm abdomen support, and slightly softer pelvis support with 33 support points. Top-tier mattresses may be 13 inches in height and: a) have five foam layers with the fourth layer having SMT with gel pods+continuous gel zoning; or b) have four foam layers with the lower layer having SMT with gel pods+continuous gel zoning and a spring layer below. This may result in vary gradual zoning and a left-to-right response with 425 support points.
Harsh fluctuations in temperature or humidity can disrupt sleep through the night. The product line is designed to provide a proper thermal environment that helps a user arrive in an eased state of mind at bedtime
Thermal performance may be evaluated based on the time frame. For immediate time periods (<5 minutes), thermal performance may include “cool to the touch”, cause immediate sensation, and be important for initial bedtime state of mind. For short-term time periods (5-60 minutes), thermal performance may be barely noticeable immediately and helps ensure moderate temperature during sleep onset and early sleep stages. For long-term time periods (>60 minutes) thermal performance may not be noticeable immediately and help prevent deep sleep disruptions due to temperature.
Thermal performance may be enhanced by the use of highly breathable foams, which allow free movement of air that allows warm air to get away from the human body. These foams are best in short-term effectiveness as determined by foam chemistry. It is best practice to use foams that have minimum airflow requirements.
Thermal performance may be enhanced by the use of phase change material (PCM) where “packets” of gel are applied to foam. Gel is solid at room temperature and melts with human body heat and sucks heat away creating a “cooling” feeling. It provides an immediate effect when against skin and is effective in short and long term depending on the coverage.
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The product line may have a continuum of thermal features based on mattress construction. Lower-tier mattresses of foam may have two open cell foam layers. Other lower-tier mattresses of foam may have two open cell foam layers with one layer perforated. Mid-tier mattresses may have open cell foam layers with one layer perforated; hybrids may have springs that increase airflow. Upper-tier mattresses may have open cell foam layers with two layers perforated and CNC air channels on two sides; hybrids may have springs that increase airflow. Other upper-tier mattresses may have open cell foam layers with three layers perforated, double-layer PCM gel, and four sides of SMT air channels; hybrids may have springs that increase airflow.
The general differences between foam and hybrid mattresses include: for foam, lighter weight, less motion transfer, and more universal support since springs are somewhat more spread out); for hybrid, with springs, smoother sink transition, bouncier, more durable, and better airflow.
The product line may include five tiers of mattresses. The top three tiers may include foam-only and foam+spring (hybrid) versions.
A. Tier 1
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B. Tier 2
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C. Tier 3
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D. Tier 4
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E. Tier 5
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F. Summary
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The feet of the mattresses shows important information about each mattress. Since the twill pattern (if any) on the top of the mattress also extends to the top of the foot, the nature of the loft of the mattress (whether high, medium or low) can be perceived from the foot alone. The branding of the mattress is on the foot. The colors of the ⅓ part may differ depending on whether the mattress is foam-only (darker) or hybrid (lighter). The height of the mattress may convey the tier of the mattress with taller mattresses representing higher tiers.
The advantage of placing this amount of information on the foot of a mattress is that in an environment where many mattresses are present (such as on a retail sales floor), the nature of each mattress may be rapidly discerned merely by looking at the mattress foot.
The look of a hybrid mattress may differ from the look of a foam-only mattress in several ways. First, the hybrid mattress may have circle patterns of different twill patterns on the top and foot of the mattress, which are absent in the foam-only mattress. Second, the ⅓ part of the hybrid mattress may be lighter than the ⅓ part of the foam-only mattress where both ⅓ parts are darker than the ⅔ part. Third, the branding of the hybrid mattress may have an additional moniker not present in the foam-only mattress (here, an “H” superscript).
The look of the foam-only mattress may differ among the tiers in several ways. First, higher tiers of mattresses are taller. Second, higher tiers of mattresses have a higher loft. Specifically, tier-1 mattresses have the highest loft, tier-2 mattresses have a medium loft, and tier-3 mattresses have the lowest loft. The lowest tier-4 and tier-5 mattresses have no loft.
The look of the hybrid mattress may differ among the tiers in several ways. First, higher tiers of mattresses are taller. Second, higher tiers of mattresses have a higher loft both for the first twill pattern of essentially straight parallel lines and the second twill patterns of essentially straight parallel lines in a different direction forming circle patterns. Specifically, tier-1 mattresses have the highest loft, tier-2 mattresses have a medium loft, and tier-3 mattresses have the lowest loft. Third, higher tiers of mattresses have larger second twill patterns of essentially straight parallel lines in a different direction forming circle patterns. Specifically, tier-1 mattresses have the largest circles patterns, tier-2 mattresses have medium circle patterns, and tier-3 mattresses have the smallest circle patterns.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/878,727, filed on Jul. 25, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62878727 | Jul 2019 | US |