GB2128080A - Mattress assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A mattress assembly comprises an airtight container provided with means whereby suction may be applied thereto to remove the air therefrom, an elongate mattress covering located within the container and containing a filling of lightweight material in the form of discrete particles and a sheet attached at or adjacent each side of the covering and arranged to form a top sheet for the covering in use so as virtually to remove the need for bed- making.

Description

SPECIFICATION Mattresses Technical field Furniture Background art a) Soft furnishing material design b) Sewing machine technology c) Polystyrene technology d) Sewing e) Heavy duty stitching relating to camping and mountaineering equipment f) P.V.C. technology g) Welding of plastic and nylon materials h) Tailoring i) Laundry Invention A mattress which is pliable light and compressible which may be used with or without a bed base differing in design from an air mattress and superior to it in appearance and in its insulating and warmth generating properties.

This mattress can be manufactured in attractive cotton materials and therefore has wide application in the home, the garden and the camping industry.

Because it is compressible and therefore easily packable and does not require a base it should be highly marketable in underdeveloped countries as basic furniture for those lacking in such commodities.

It is particularly suitable for bunk beds and would be also marketable in the furnished holiday house industry and hotel industry.

It could also be used in rail sleeping cars and as bedding for the armed forces. If P.V.C. backed material is used for the mattress base it then has an incorporated ground sheet.

This mattress is filled with polystyrene packing material in its uncompressed or unfused state which moulds to the body and is so designed that a pillow is unnecessary.

A special sheet, sheet bag and cover is incorporated in the design as optional extras. These attach to the mattress with Velcro strips are 'easy care' and virtually remove the necessity for bed making.

The mattress is highly applicable for cots and is easilytransferrable between cot, cane cot, carry cot, drawer or floor. A waterproof cover may be used under the sheet, as a perambulator cover or as a pad on the floor for the baby to kick on.

The mattress makes a very attractive and cheap toy, can be made to fit 'Sarah Kay Twin Bunk Beds' as manufactured by Combex Ltd. The toy would serve as advertisement for the adult model and vice versa. The mattress is washable.

Design The initial design consists of two pieces of material with folds or darts made in the upper and lower pieces. These are then sewn or welded together to form a bag. When filled, the folds make the mattress form a pliable pillow and allow the filling to fall into a shape that is extremely comfortable to lie on.

Additional stitching or welding between upper and lower surfaces make for extra comfort and can be used in a horizontal or vertical direction. A gusset could be inserted between upper and lower surfaces but should not be necessary. It could be made from one piece.

Materials Pliable cotton, cotton seersucker, light canvas P.V.C. nylon or plastic, fibreglass.

Filling Polystyrene packing material in its unfused state i.e. granules or beads. These would benefit from a silicone and waterproofing treatment in order to reduce friction, noise and to facilitate drying.

Amount Approximately 3/4 total volume when unsealed dependent on amount of stitching.

N.B. When the mattress is packed in a plastic envelope and has vacuum suction applied its volume is reduced and it becomes hard. Consideration should be given to this aspect because apart from its export generating facilities when it is further designed for hospital usage it should be possible to produce a mattress which can also serve as a plaster jacket.

Methods ofproduction and marketing It would be possible to produce a cloth kit for home sewing consisting of cut out material and instructions. This could then be returned to a manufacturing centre for filling and despatch.

A special sewing machine, hand held with perhaps a trigger control would be required for final closure of the mattress packing equipment consisting of large plastic bags, vacuum suction devices and plastic sealing would also be necessary. Because the material would crease when packed like this, seersucker material would be most suitable for maintaining a fresh appearance. Steaming at the arrival centre or agency would be helpful. Other types of air tight containers could be used. Polystyrene boxes with the facility for vacuum suction might also be necessary.

CLAIMS (Filed 14.8.80) 1. A different type of mattress with universal applications in the following industries.

1) Furniture 2) Camping and survival equipment 3) Surgical and medical equipment 2. Because of its worth as basic furniture for those lacking in this commodity, the possibility of using it as bedding for the armed forces on exercise, for national travel companies and the further development of the idea particularly in the medical surgical and survival equipment fields, world wide government contracts should be won for this invention.

3. It is also extremely marketable as a personal item for the home, the garden and camp.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (11)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Mattresses Technical field Furniture Background art a) Soft furnishing material design b) Sewing machine technology c) Polystyrene technology d) Sewing e) Heavy duty stitching relating to camping and mountaineering equipment f) P.V.C. technology g) Welding of plastic and nylon materials h) Tailoring i) Laundry Invention A mattress which is pliable light and compressible which may be used with or without a bed base differing in design from an air mattress and superior to it in appearance and in its insulating and warmth generating properties. This mattress can be manufactured in attractive cotton materials and therefore has wide application in the home, the garden and the camping industry. Because it is compressible and therefore easily packable and does not require a base it should be highly marketable in underdeveloped countries as basic furniture for those lacking in such commodities. It is particularly suitable for bunk beds and would be also marketable in the furnished holiday house industry and hotel industry. It could also be used in rail sleeping cars and as bedding for the armed forces. If P.V.C. backed material is used for the mattress base it then has an incorporated ground sheet. This mattress is filled with polystyrene packing material in its uncompressed or unfused state which moulds to the body and is so designed that a pillow is unnecessary. A special sheet, sheet bag and cover is incorporated in the design as optional extras. These attach to the mattress with Velcro strips are 'easy care' and virtually remove the necessity for bed making. The mattress is highly applicable for cots and is easilytransferrable between cot, cane cot, carry cot, drawer or floor. A waterproof cover may be used under the sheet, as a perambulator cover or as a pad on the floor for the baby to kick on. The mattress makes a very attractive and cheap toy, can be made to fit 'Sarah Kay Twin Bunk Beds' as manufactured by Combex Ltd. The toy would serve as advertisement for the adult model and vice versa. The mattress is washable. Design The initial design consists of two pieces of material with folds or darts made in the upper and lower pieces. These are then sewn or welded together to form a bag. When filled, the folds make the mattress form a pliable pillow and allow the filling to fall into a shape that is extremely comfortable to lie on. Additional stitching or welding between upper and lower surfaces make for extra comfort and can be used in a horizontal or vertical direction. A gusset could be inserted between upper and lower surfaces but should not be necessary. It could be made from one piece. Materials Pliable cotton, cotton seersucker, light canvas P.V.C. nylon or plastic, fibreglass. Filling Polystyrene packing material in its unfused state i.e. granules or beads. These would benefit from a silicone and waterproofing treatment in order to reduce friction, noise and to facilitate drying. Amount Approximately 3/4 total volume when unsealed dependent on amount of stitching. N.B. When the mattress is packed in a plastic envelope and has vacuum suction applied its volume is reduced and it becomes hard. Consideration should be given to this aspect because apart from its export generating facilities when it is further designed for hospital usage it should be possible to produce a mattress which can also serve as a plaster jacket. Methods ofproduction and marketing It would be possible to produce a cloth kit for home sewing consisting of cut out material and instructions. This could then be returned to a manufacturing centre for filling and despatch. A special sewing machine, hand held with perhaps a trigger control would be required for final closure of the mattress packing equipment consisting of large plastic bags, vacuum suction devices and plastic sealing would also be necessary. Because the material would crease when packed like this, seersucker material would be most suitable for maintaining a fresh appearance. Steaming at the arrival centre or agency would be helpful. Other types of air tight containers could be used. Polystyrene boxes with the facility for vacuum suction might also be necessary. CLAIMS (Filed 14.8.80) 1. A different type of mattress with universal applications in the following industries.

1) Furniture 2) Camping and survival equipment 3) Surgical and medical equipment 2. Because of its worth as basic furniture for those lacking in this commodity, the possibility of using it as bedding for the armed forces on exercise, for national travel companies and the further development of the idea particularly in the medical surgical and survival equipment fields, world wide government contracts should be won for this invention.

3. It is also extremely marketable as a personal item for the home, the garden and camp.

4. It is orthopaedically beneficial and will make a great contribution towards infant welfare. Expectant mothers will find this mattress more comfortable.

5. Successfully launched this invention will bring comfort and employment to masses.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 14.2.83 Superseded claims All New or amended claims: 1. A mattress assembly comprising an airtight container provided with means whereby suction may be applied thereto to remove the air therefrom, an elongate mattress covering located within the container and containing a filling of lightweight material in the form of discrete particles and a sheet attached at or adjacent each side of the covering and arranged to form a top sheet for the covering in use so as virtually to remove the need for bed making.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the sheet is releasably secured to the rear of the covering by interengaging fastening means and extends around the lower end and over the top thereof.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the top sheet is sewn onto the covering.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the filling is formed of polystyrene granules.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the covering may be evacuated to harden the granules to facilitate export of the assembly.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the covering may be evacuated to harden the granules to enable the covering and its filling to be used in place of a plaster cast.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the covering has a base of P.V.C. backed material.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the covering consists of two pieces of material which are sewn or welded together said pieces being provided with folds or darts which allow the filling to be distributed to provide a mattress assembly which is comfortable to lie on.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 in which the pieces are provided with additional stitching or welding which is provided either longitudinally or transversely of the assembly.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the polystyrene granules are treated with silicone and a waterproofing agent.

11. A mattress assembly substantially as hereinbefore described.