SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY SEALING A MATTRESS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to mattresses and mattress casings. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to systems and methods for securely sealing a mattress or mattress contents in a mattress casing.

BACKGROUND

Conventional zippers do not create a secure seal when zipped, especially at the terminal end of the zipper where there is often a gap. Accordingly, unwanted elements (e.g., insects) are free to enter the zone enclosed by the zipper (e.g., through the zipper gap).

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, mattress casings may be used to encase a mattress. The mattress casing may be opened to allow installation or removal of a mattress through a zipper and closed to secure the mattress therein. In some embodiments, the zipper may “encircle” the entire mattress casing, thereby dividing the entire mattress casing into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the zipper may secure the upper portion to the lower portion. In some embodiments, the zipper may be disposed only across part of the mattress casing, e.g., across one or more sides. As stated in the background, traditional zippers have a terminal gap when zipped (e.g., at the terminal end of the zipper). This may allow unwanted entities (e.g., insects, bugs) to enter the mattress casing.

Various embodiments described herein are directed to a secure mattress casing capable of providing improved protection against insects, bugs, dirt, and/or other unwanted entities. For example, a secure mattress casing in accordance with some embodiments may include a backflap disposed to fold over the terminal gap or to create a pinch point that prevents the unwanted entities from reaching the interior of the secure mattress casing. The backflap may be positioned at the terminal end of the zipper, which may be on a side at a corner or on a side between two corners.

Although the description herein may depict and refer to a zipper as the sealing element for opening and closing the secure mattress casing, other sealing elements can be used, such as one or more buttons, snaps, Velcro™ seals, Ziploc™ seals, etc.

In some embodiments, the backflap may be used to allow the same sealing element (e.g., the zipper) that opens and closes the secure mattress casing to further extend across the backflap. That is, the sealing element may include a mattress portion to open and close the secure mattress casing and an extended portion to secure an upper portion and a lower portion of the backflap. In some embodiments, the backflap may have its own sealing element or no sealing element. In some embodiments where the backflap does not include a sealing element, the backflap may just fold over the terminal gap and be affixed using a connector mechanism.

In some embodiments, a secure mattress casing comprises a top portion configured to fit over a top portion of a mattress; a bottom portion configured to fit over a bottom portion of the mattress; one or more side portions configured to fit over one or more side portions of the mattress; a sealing element attached to at least one of the one or more side portions, and configured to open and close the secure mattress casing, the sealing element having a terminal gap; and a backflap configured to cover the terminal gap, thereby securely sealing the mattress within secure mattress casing, the sealing element including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the sealing element disposed along a length of the one or more side portions, the second portion extending into the backflap, the backflap configured to fold and to use one or more connector mechanisms to retain the backflap in a folded position.

The sealing element may comprise a zipper. The one or more connector mechanisms may include a first Velcro™ section. The backflap may be configured to fold over the first portion and to connect to a second Velcro™ section. The one or more connector mechanisms may include a pocket configured to receive at least a portion of the backflap. The secure mattress casing may be rectangular, and the backflap may be located at a corner of the secure mattress casing. The backflap may include quilting fabric.

In some embodiments, a secure mattress casing comprises a top portion configured to fit over a top portion of a mattress; a bottom portion configured to fit over a bottom portion of the mattress; one or more side portions configured to fit over one or more side portions of the mattress; a first sealing element attached to at least one of the one or more side portions, and configured to open and close the secure mattress casing, the first sealing element having a terminal gap; a backflap including an upper backflap portion affixed to an upper portion above the first sealing element, a lower backflap portion affixed to a lower portion below the first sealing element, a second sealing element affixed to the upper backflap portion and to the lower backflap portion, and configured to open and close the backflap by connecting and disconnecting the upper backflap portion to the lower backflap portion, the backflap overlapping the terminal gap of the first sealing element, and one or more connector mechanisms affixed to the backflap for sealing the backflap at a terminal end of the second sealing element.

The first sealing element may comprise a zipper. The second sealing element may comprise a zipper. The first sealing element may terminate at an end. The second sealing element may begin at the end of the first sealing element. The one or more connector mechanisms may include a first Velcro™ section. The secure mattress casing may be rectangular, and the backflap may be located at a corner of the secure mattress casing.

These and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a mattress on a frame, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing with a backflap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B depicts a diagram of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in an open and disengaged position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing with a backflap in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a mattress 102 disposed on a bedframe 104 according to some embodiments. The mattress 102 includes an top 105, a bottom 106, and four sides, namely, a right side 108, a left side 110, a foot side 112 and a head side 114, as currently displayed. The top 105 may include the surface upon which a user rests. The bottom 106 may include the surface in contact with a support structure (e.g., the bedframe 104, a box spring, a floor). Although the mattress 102 shown here has a rectangular shape, the mattress 102 may have other shapes (e.g., ovular, circular, and/or the like). The mattress 102 may comprise springs, memory foam, latex, and/or the like.

The mattress 102 may already include an integrated mattress casing, that is encased by embodiments herein, and/or not include an integrated mattress casing such that the embodiments herein encase the mattress contents. As used herein, a “secure mattress casing” may refer to the integrated secure mattress casing of a mattress and/or a secure mattress casing configured to fit over a mattress with an integrated mattress casing.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 that extends into a backflap 206 according to some embodiments. In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the secure mattress casing 202 includes an upper portion 208 and a lower portion 210. If the sealing element 204 encircles the entire mattress casing 202, then the upper portion 208 includes the entire upper portion of the secure mattress casing 202, and the lower portion 210 includes the entire lower portion of the secure mattress casing 202. If the sealing element 204 only extends around only a portion of the secure mattress casing 202, then the upper portion may be considered only the sections of the secure mattress casing 202 above the sealing element 204, and the lower portion may be considered only the sections of the secure mattress casing 202 below the sealing element 204. The secure mattress casing includes four sides, namely, the right side 212, left side 214, foot side 216 and head side 218. Although the secure mattress casing 202 is shown here with a rectangular shape and a particular dimensions, other shapes and/or dimensions may be used as well (e.g., ovular, circular, and/or the like) as appropriate to cover mattresses of various shapes and/or dimensions.

The sealing element 204, e.g. the zipper, may function to secure the upper portion 208 to the lower portion 210. The sealing element 204 transitions from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. In some zipper embodiments, the sealing element 204 may include a top row of zipper elements 220 (e.g., zipper teeth), a bottom row of zipper elements 220, and a slider 222. The top row of zipper elements 220 may be affixed to the upper portion 208. The bottom row of zipper elements 220 may be affixed to the lower portion 210.

In some embodiments, the sealing element 204 is disposed along at least one of the sides of the secure mattress casing 202, e.g., as shown along right side portion 212. In some embodiments, the sealing element 204 may be disposed vertically central to one or more sides. For example, the right side 212 may have a height of 12.5″, and the sealing element 204 may have a height of 0.5″. Accordingly, in this example, the sealing element 204 may be disposed 6″ below the top and 6″ above the bottom. In other embodiments, the sealing element 204 may be closer to the top, closer to the bottom, along the periphery of the top or along the periphery of the bottom.

In some embodiments, the sealing element 204 may extend into the backflap 206. Accordingly, the sealing element 204 may include a mattress portion 221 that opens and closes the secure mattress casing 202 and a backflap portion that extends into the backflap 206. In some embodiments, the backflap portion is three inches.

The backflap 206 may comprise a flexible and/or rigid fabric, and may further be configured to extend from a side (e.g., as shown on the right side 212) of the secure mattress casing 202 at a corner (e.g., as shown) or not at a corner. The backflap 206 may be in a “disengaged” position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) or in an “engaged” position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B). The backflap 206 may be engaged by being folded over the mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204 and/or other parts (e.g., head side 218 of the secure mattress casing 202). Because the terminal gap extends a length (e.g., 3″) beyond the mattress portion of the secure mattress casing 202, there is reduced chance that unwanted entities can get in. When the backflap 206 is folded, whether forward or back, the sealing element 204 may create a pinch point, further blocking unwanted entities from passing through. In some embodiments, where the backflap 206 is folded over the mattress portion 221, the sealing element 204 may be substantially pinched. In some embodiments, where the backflap 206 is configured to fold over a corner from one side to an adjacent side, the sealing element 204 may be lightly pinched.

In some embodiments, the backflap 206 includes or cooperates with one or more connector mechanisms to remain affixed in the engaged position. The connector mechanism may include one or more buttons, ties, one or more snaps, Velcro™ seals, Ziploc™ seals, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the backflap 206 may use a sealing element to both close the backflap and engage the backflap 206 over the terminal gap, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In some embodiments, the connector mechanism may include a pocket disposed on a side portion of the secure mattress casing 202 (e.g., right side 212 or head side 218). The backflap 206 may be configured to be inserted into the pocket to create the pinch point. In some embodiments, the pocket may be used in addition to other connector mechanisms (e.g., Velcro™, one or more buttons, snaps).

The backflap 206 may include velvet cushioning quilted therein. This may, for example, provide structural depth that provides further protection against unwanted entities from entering the secure mattress casing 202. It may further establish the pinch point. The backflap 206 may be one whole piece of fabric and/or multiple pieces of fabric (e.g., two fabric segments connected by the sealing element 204).

In some embodiments, fabric 230 (e.g., 2″ of fabric) is positioned behind the sealing element 204 under the mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204. This may provide additional protection against unwanted entities accessing the mattress 102 through sealing element 204. The sealing fabric 230 may include overlapping segments of fabric that may be biased to overlap but which may be opened in response to pressure (e.g., a person parting the overlapping segments with their hand as shown in FIG. 6).

In operation, a user can position a mattress 102 within the secure mattress casing 202, seal the secure mattress casing 202 over the mattress 102 using the sealing element 204, and engage the backflap 206. In some embodiments, the secure mattress casing 202 can be opened by moving a slider 222 in a first direction (e.g., across zipper teeth 220) until there is a sufficient opening to insert the mattress 102. The user may extend the backflap 206 so that the secure mattress casing 202 may be easily opened. The user may position the mattress 102 within the secure mattress casing 202, and then move the slider 222 in a second direction (e.g., a direction opposite of the first direction) to the terminal end at the end of the backflap 206 (e.g., the end of the zipper teeth 220). The user may then fold the backflap 206 over a section of the mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204. The user may then affix the backflap 206 to the side using one or more connector mechanisms.

Further, a user can remove a mattress 102 from the secure mattress casing 202 using the sealing element 204. More specifically, the user may disengage the backflap 206 from the connector mechanisms and extend the backflap 206. The user may move the slider 222 (e.g., along the zipper teeth 220) in the first direction until there is a sufficient opening in the sealing element 204 to remove the mattress 102. The user may then remove the mattress 102 from the secure mattress casing 102 through the opening.

FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of a portion 300 a secure mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position and a backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 includes connector parts 302 and 304, and the secure mattress casing 202 includes connector parts 306 and 308. The connector parts 302 and 304 may be male portions of snaps, and the connector parts 306 and 308 may be female portion of snaps. As shown, the sealing element 204 extends from main portion 201 to the backflap 206.

FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of a portion 300 of a secure mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position and a backflap 206 in an engaged position according to some embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 is folded back over the mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204 and secured using the connector parts 302 and 304 that are detachably affixed to the connector parts 306 and 308. As shown, the terminal gap is covered and a pinch point has been created at least at the corner.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict views 402 and 502 of a portion a secure mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in open position and the backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some embodiments. As shown, the backflap 206 includes Velcro™ connector parts 404 and 406, and the secure mattress casing 202 includes corresponding Velcro™ connector parts 408 and 410. The connector parts 404 and 406 may detachably affix to the connector parts 408 and 410 to secure the backflap 206 in an engaged position. The mattress portion 221 of the sealing element 204 is in an open position exposing a fabric 230 sewn onto the secure mattress casing 202 under the sealing element 204. The fabric 230 may provide additional protection against unwanted entities entering the interior cavity. The fabric 230 may be moved to access a mattress therein (e.g., as shown in view 502 of FIG. 5).

FIG. 6A depicts a view 602 of a portion of a secure mattress casing 202 with a sealing element 204 in a closed position and a backflap 206 in a disengaged position according to some embodiments. As shown, the sealing element 204 extends into the backflap 206. The backflap 206 may be configured to fold back over a portion of the sealing element 204 to create a pinch point and affixed using the connector mechanisms 404, 406, 408 and 410, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B. As shown in view 650 of FIG. 6B, the backflap 206 is in an engaged position.

FIG. 7 depicts a view of a portion of a secure mattress casing 700 with a backflap 706 in a closed and engaged position according to some embodiments. As shown, the secure mattress casing 700 includes a sealing element 204 that extends into the backflap 706. The sealing element includes a slider 222. The backflap 706 includes a pocket 708 for receiving the slider 222. In some embodiments, the pocket 708 is positioned at the terminal end of the sealing element to receive the slider 222, and cover the terminal gap at the end of the sealing element 204. The pocket 708 can be at the terminal end of the backflap 706 or between the terminal end and the start of the backflap 706. The backflap 706 may be configured to fold back over a portion of the sealing element 204 to create a pinch point and affixed using the connector mechanisms 404, 406, 408 and 410, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 8A depicts a diagram of a portion 800 of a secure mattress casing 802 in some embodiments. Unlike the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-13 show a backflap partially affixed in a folded position and including a separate sealing element that is not integrated with the sealing element of the mattress casing. As shown, the secure mattress casing 802 includes a first sealing mechanism 803 of a sealing element 804 in a closed position and a second sealing mechanism 805 of the sealing element 804 in a closed position according to some embodiments. The first sealing mechanism 803 may include a first zipper disposed on one or more sides of the secure mattress casing 802 dividing the secure mattress casing 802 into an upper portion 808 and a lower portion 810. The second sealing mechanism 805 may include a second zipper disposed on the backflap 806. As shown, the first sealing mechanism 803 and the second sealing mechanism 805 are both in a closed position and the backflap 806 is in an engaged position over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803.

A first slider 822 may be used to open and close the first sealing mechanism 803, and a second slider 823 may be used to open and close the second sealing mechanism 805. As shown, upon closing the second sealing mechanism 805, the backflap 806 automatically covers the terminal gap of the first sealing mechanism 803. In some embodiments, engaging the backflap 806 does not create a pinch point, and instead only covers the terminal gap of the first sealing mechanism 803.

In some embodiments, the backflap 806 is at least partially affixed to a side of the secure mattress casing 802, e.g., the side having the terminal gap of the first sealing mechanism. In some embodiments, a bottom edge of a lower portion of the backflap 806 is affixed (e.g., sewn) to the lower portion 810 of the secure mattress casing 802, and the top edge of an upper portion of the backflap 806 is affixed to the upper portion 808 of the secure mattress casing 802. In other embodiments, only one edge is affixed, and the other edge includes the second sealing mechanism 805.

It will be appreciated that a secure mattress casing may include a combination of features described and/or shown in any of the embodiments described herein. For example, various embodiments of a secure mattress casing 802 may include features the secure mattress casing 202, and the secure mattress casing 202 may include features of the secure mattress casing 802. For example, the backflap 806 may include the velvet cushioning of the backflap 206. The backflap 806 may include connector mechanisms. The first sealing mechanism 803 may include one type, e.g., a zipper, and the second sealing mechanism 805 may include a different type, e.g., one or more buttons.

FIG. 8B depicts a diagram of a portion 300 of a secure mattress casing 802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed position and a second sealing mechanism 805 in a partially open position according to some embodiments. As shown, opening the second sealing mechanism 805 exposes the first sealing mechanism 803, and exposes the terminal gap. In some embodiments, the backflap 806 and the secure mattress casing 806 include connector mechanisms, e.g., Velcro™ 830 connector parts. As shown, the Velcro™ connector parts and the second slider 823 may be used to secure the second sealing mechanism 805 to the secure mattress casing 806.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict diagrams of a secure mattress casing 802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed position and a second sealing mechanism 805 in a closed position according to some embodiments. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be a first zipper disposed on a side 912 of the secure mattress casing 802, and the second sealing mechanism 805 may be a second zipper disposed on the backflap 806. As shown, the first sealing mechanism 803 and the second sealing mechanism 805 are both in a closed position (e.g., “zipped”) and the backflap 806 is in an engaged position over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803. A first slider 822 may be used to open and close the first sealing mechanism 803, and a second slider 823 may be used to open and close the second sealing mechanism 805.

In some embodiments, the backflap 806 may be 3.5″ tall and 4″ long. The backflap 806 may include an upper portion and a lower portion separated by the second sealing mechanism 805. A 1″×2″ connector, e.g., Velcro™ seal, may be affixed to each backflap portion at the side of the terminal portion of the second sealing mechanism 805. The connector mechanisms may be used to secure the backflap portions and thus the backflap 806 over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803.

In some embodiments, the secure mattress casing 802 includes a flap of fabric sewn 930 under the main portion 821 of the sealing element 804. For example, a 2″ flap of fabric 930 may be sewn under the first sealing mechanism 803 and/or second sealing mechanism 805 to provide additional protection against unwanted entities accessing the interior of the secure mattress casing 802 through first sealing mechanism 803. The fabric 930 may include overlapping fabric segments biased in an overlapping manner but which may be opened in response to pressure (e.g., a person parting the overlapping segments with their hand as shown in FIG. 11). The backflap 806 may include velvet cushioning quilted inside the backflap 806.

In operation, a user can position a mattress 102 within the secure mattress casing 802, and securely seal the secure mattress casing 802 over the mattress 102 and engage the backflap 806 using the sealing element 804. More specifically, the secure mattress casing 802 can be opened by moving the second slider 823 in a first direction of the second sealing mechanism 805 until the second slider 823 reaches an end of the second sealing mechanism 805. The user may also detach the upper portion and the lower portion of the backflap 806 by disengaging the connector mechanisms. Once the second sealing mechanism 805 is in the open position, the corresponding portion of a first sealing mechanism 803 beneath the backflap 805 may be exposed. The user may then move the first slider 822 in a second direction (e.g., in a direction opposite of the first direction) along the first sealing mechanism 803 until there is a sufficient opening to place the mattress 102 within the secure mattress casing 802. The user may then seal the secure mattress casing 802 by moving the first slider 822 (e.g., in the second direction) to the terminal end of the first sealing mechanism 803. The user may then move the second slider 823 (e.g., in the first direction) to the opposite end of the backflap 806. The user may then affix at least a part of the connector mechanisms to the side of the secure mattress casing 802.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict views 1002 and 1102 of a portion of a secure mattress casing 802 with the first sealing mechanism 803 in an open position and the second sealing mechanism 805 in an open position according to some embodiments. The first sealing mechanism 803, the second sealing mechanism 805 and the backflap 806 make up a sealing element 804. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be a first zipper or other mechanism, and the second sealing mechanism 805 may be a second zipper or other mechanism. They need not be the same mechanism. The first sealing mechanism 803 may be extend along one or more sides of the secure mattress casing 802, along the top of the secure mattress casing, or along the bottom of the secure mattress casing. The first sealing mechanism may be positioned vertically central on one or more sides, closer to the top, or closer to the bottom. The second sealing mechanism 805 may be disposed on the backflap 806. As shown, the first sealing mechanism 803 is in an open position exposing a fabric 930 affixed onto the secure mattress casing 802 under the first sealing mechanism 803. The fabric 930 may provide additional protection against unwanted entities. The fabric 930 may be moved (e.g., as shown in view 1102 of FIG. 11) to access a mattress therein.

FIG. 12 depicts a view 1202 of a portion of a secure mattress casing 802 with a first sealing mechanism 803 in a closed position and a second sealing mechanism 805 in an open position according to some embodiments. The backflap 806 may be configured to close over a portion of the first sealing mechanism 803. The backflap 806 may include connector parts to connect the backflap 806 to connector parts disposed on the side of the secure mattress casing 802. As shown in view 1302 of FIG. 13, the backflap 806 is in a closed position and the sealing element 804 is engaged. Although not shown, the slider 822 may be tuck into a pocket, such as pocket 708 shown in FIG. 7.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

The present invention(s) are described above with reference to example embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and other embodiments may be used without departing from the broader scope of the present invention(s). Therefore, these and other variations upon the example embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention(s).

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY SEALING A MATTRESS

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

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