CA1268267A - Water mattress support for conventional mattresses - Google Patents
Water mattress support for conventional mattressesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1268267A CA1268267A CA000554899A CA554899A CA1268267A CA 1268267 A CA1268267 A CA 1268267A CA 000554899 A CA000554899 A CA 000554899A CA 554899 A CA554899 A CA 554899A CA 1268267 A CA1268267 A CA 1268267A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bladders
- water
- mattress
- bed
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/085—Fluid mattresses or cushions of liquid type, e.g. filled with water or gel
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
Abstract
WATER MATTRESS SUPPORT FOR CONVENTIONAL MATTRESSES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventional bed structures typically utilize a box spring to support the conventional innerspring mattress.
This structure is not ideal for supporting the sleeping human body as it tends to produce pressure points on certain parts of the body, and two bodies together on the bed tend to sag to the middle. Water beds have been developed to provide a more even support, but have not been well adapted to conventional bedding and bedroom furniture.
The present invention retains the conventional innerspring mattress and replaces the box spring with one or more water-filled mattresses or bladders to provide more even support, while allowing conventional bedding to be used.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventional bed structures typically utilize a box spring to support the conventional innerspring mattress.
This structure is not ideal for supporting the sleeping human body as it tends to produce pressure points on certain parts of the body, and two bodies together on the bed tend to sag to the middle. Water beds have been developed to provide a more even support, but have not been well adapted to conventional bedding and bedroom furniture.
The present invention retains the conventional innerspring mattress and replaces the box spring with one or more water-filled mattresses or bladders to provide more even support, while allowing conventional bedding to be used.
Description
.~
WATER MATTRESS SUPPORT FOR CONVENTIONAL MATTRESSES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of bed structures and more particularly to beds utilizing water-filled mattresses.
According to the conventional bed structure, an inner-spring mattress is supported by a box spring which is pro-vided with legs, a footboard and headboard. The box spring consists of a cloth-enclosed wooden frame having rows of coil springs. The purpose of the box spring is to increase the comfort of the sleeping person by providing additional resiliency. However, the conventional structure does not provide the optimally-distributed support for the body, and pressure-points are caused on the heavier projecting parts of the body. Also, the conventional structure tends to sag towards the middle, particularly when two persons are on the bed and this problem increases as the box spring be-comes worn.
Waterbeds have become a widely accepted alternative to conventional mattress structures in recent years. Accor-ding to this structure, both innerspring mattress and bo~
spring are replaced with a water-filled bladder which is generally heated and provided with a wave-dampening con-struction. While a more evenly-distributed support for the body is provided by a waterbed, one of the disadvantages of this structure is that conventional bedding cannot be fitted to the waterbed. So-called hybrid mattresses have also been developed, such as those disclosed in United States patents numbers 4,062,077 and 4,145,781 both issued to Autrey. In these designs, the conventional innerspring mattress is replaced with a combination foam and water mattress which has the external dimensions and appearance of an innerspring mattress. These hybrid mattresses simi-larly have not been found to be completely satisfactory.
WATER MATTRESS SUPPORT FOR CONVENTIONAL MATTRESSES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of bed structures and more particularly to beds utilizing water-filled mattresses.
According to the conventional bed structure, an inner-spring mattress is supported by a box spring which is pro-vided with legs, a footboard and headboard. The box spring consists of a cloth-enclosed wooden frame having rows of coil springs. The purpose of the box spring is to increase the comfort of the sleeping person by providing additional resiliency. However, the conventional structure does not provide the optimally-distributed support for the body, and pressure-points are caused on the heavier projecting parts of the body. Also, the conventional structure tends to sag towards the middle, particularly when two persons are on the bed and this problem increases as the box spring be-comes worn.
Waterbeds have become a widely accepted alternative to conventional mattress structures in recent years. Accor-ding to this structure, both innerspring mattress and bo~
spring are replaced with a water-filled bladder which is generally heated and provided with a wave-dampening con-struction. While a more evenly-distributed support for the body is provided by a waterbed, one of the disadvantages of this structure is that conventional bedding cannot be fitted to the waterbed. So-called hybrid mattresses have also been developed, such as those disclosed in United States patents numbers 4,062,077 and 4,145,781 both issued to Autrey. In these designs, the conventional innerspring mattress is replaced with a combination foam and water mattress which has the external dimensions and appearance of an innerspring mattress. These hybrid mattresses simi-larly have not been found to be completely satisfactory.
- 2 _ ~Z6~
A need therefore exists for a bed structure which allows the use of a conventional innerspring mattress yet provides improved support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved bed struc-ture which utilizes one or more water-filled bladders to replace the box spring. Preferably, the water-filled bladders are shallower than for a standard waterbed, and have increased wave dampening features. Three separate bladders are preferred for a double-si~ed or larger mat-tress. A solid frame may be used to contain the water bladders and also retain the innerspring mattress in posi-tion. According to an alternate embodiment, the water mattress support has an exterior foam frame. A heater may also be provided to heat the water mattresses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention in expioded form;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention with the conventional innerspring mattress in phantom outline; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
A need therefore exists for a bed structure which allows the use of a conventional innerspring mattress yet provides improved support.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved bed struc-ture which utilizes one or more water-filled bladders to replace the box spring. Preferably, the water-filled bladders are shallower than for a standard waterbed, and have increased wave dampening features. Three separate bladders are preferred for a double-si~ed or larger mat-tress. A solid frame may be used to contain the water bladders and also retain the innerspring mattress in posi-tion. According to an alternate embodiment, the water mattress support has an exterior foam frame. A heater may also be provided to heat the water mattresses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention in expioded form;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention with the conventional innerspring mattress in phantom outline; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
3-3 of Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT OF T~E INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, a conventional innerspring double mattress is indicated as 1. Typically such mattres-ses are 80 inches long by 60 inches wide by 5 to 7 inches thick. The conventional innerspring mattress is supported on the novel mattress support of the invention which ` -- 3 - ~Z6~z6'~
consists of a wooden frame 2 and two or three water mattresses or bladders 3.
The wooden frame 2 has interior measurements 60 inches by 80 inches to receive the innerspring mattress and is constructed of 2-inch thick pine. The wooden frame 2 is in turn supported on a pedestal or a 9-legged frame. It has sides which are 5 inches high in the center, with raised corners on each end of each side which are 7 or 8 inches high. The raised corner portions extend approximately 6 to 1~ 8 inches from each end. The purpose of the higher corners is to retain the innerspring mattress in place when it sits on top of the water mattresses. A standard waterbed heater
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT OF T~E INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, a conventional innerspring double mattress is indicated as 1. Typically such mattres-ses are 80 inches long by 60 inches wide by 5 to 7 inches thick. The conventional innerspring mattress is supported on the novel mattress support of the invention which ` -- 3 - ~Z6~z6'~
consists of a wooden frame 2 and two or three water mattresses or bladders 3.
The wooden frame 2 has interior measurements 60 inches by 80 inches to receive the innerspring mattress and is constructed of 2-inch thick pine. The wooden frame 2 is in turn supported on a pedestal or a 9-legged frame. It has sides which are 5 inches high in the center, with raised corners on each end of each side which are 7 or 8 inches high. The raised corner portions extend approximately 6 to 1~ 8 inches from each end. The purpose of the higher corners is to retain the innerspring mattress in place when it sits on top of the water mattresses. A standard waterbed heater
4 may be provided on the frame and an interior waterprooE
liner is used to line the wooden frame. The frame is able to be broken down for shipping.
The water mattresses or bladders 3 rest inside the frame. They are approximately 4 inches thick, which is shallower than standard waterbed mattresses. In the case of the double water mattress system, each mattress will be approximately 30 inches wide by 80 inches long. In the case of a triple mattress system each will be 20 inches wide. For reasons set out below, the triple mattress system is preferred for a double bed size. Modifications in these dimensions will be apparent for larger or smaller bed sizes.
The water mattressess 3 are preferably not standard waterbed mattresses. As indicated, they are shallower than standard mattresses (which are typically 8 inches thick).
They will generally be formed of twenty millimeter thick vinyl and incorporate either a baffling system or the other standard water-dampening means used for waterbed mattres-ses.
A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the conventional innerspring mattress 1 is supported on a base consisting of a wooden deck 6 to which a foam frame 7 is attached. Again ~ 4 ~ 12~8~6~
three water bladders 3 are utilized. The innerspring mattress is shown in phantom outline in Figure 2.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the wooden deck 6 has the same exterior dimensions as the innerspring mattress and ideally is four inches thick7 constructed of a frame of 1 inch by 4 inch planks with a plywood deck. The foam frame preferably is about 4.5 inches thick, and extends inwardly six inches along the bottom surface and four inches along the top surface, with an inwardly sloping interior face. The lower edge of the foam frame is indicated by dotted line 14 in Figure 2. The purpose of the foam frame is so that the individual can sit comfortably on the edge of the bed.
The foam frame 7 and exterior surface of the wooden deck 6 are covered by mattress ticking as follows to give the appearance of a conventional box spring. One edge of a sheet of ticking 18 is stapled to the upper surface of deck 6 so that it will be positioned under edge 15 of foam 7.
Foam frame 7 is then glued in position onto the top surface of wooden deck 6 and ticking 18 is drawn around foam 7, down the vertical edge of wooden deck 6 and is stapled in place at location 19. This gives the construction the exterior appearance of a box spring, and allows a certain freedom of compression in the foam frame.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a low-wattage waterbed heater 4 can again be used to heat the water bladders. Such standard waterbed heaters are electrically controlled. The water bladders have preferably two liners surrounding them, as shown in Figure 3. One liner 10 extends under and over the top edge of the bladders, while a second liner 11 extends completely over the bladders.
These liners protect the water mattresses from puncture and protect the heater and the rest of the bed from leakage.
By using two liners rather than a single envelope, access is maintained to the water mattress valves.
~ - 5 - ~Z6~Z67 The wooden deck 6 is supported on a steel frame 12 which has a number of legs.
As shown in cross-section in Figure 3, when a party sits on the edge of the bed, the outer foam frame will compress into a substantially rectangular flattened portion which is more comfortable and has better support than would the edge of the water bladder a]one. As previously indicated, the three-bladder arrangement is preferred for a double mattress as the provision of two bladders alone will tend to allow both parties to roll towards the center joint. With three bladders, each individual will tend to rest on his or her own side of the bed.
One advantage of this system is that the heater will gently heat the underlying water mattresses and the heat will penetrate through the standard innerspring mattress also to keep the mattress and sheets warm for the user.
Standard means of wave-dampening may be used, such as baffling and fibre, but additional wave-dampening, such as by the addition of more than the standard amount of dampening fibre is preferred. While the use of a conventional innerspring mattress has been specified, obviously other forms of mattress such as foam mattresses will also be suitable on the water mattress support of the invention.
It has been found that the use of the water mattress support of the invention provides improved support for the user on a conventional inner spring mattress, while allow-ing the user to continue to use standard bedding for the innerspring mattress. Also the user can adjust the firm-ness of the mattress support by adjusting the amount of water in the mattress. The benefits of improved support of a waterbed are obtained with about half the weight of a traditional waterbed.
Various modifications and alterations of the structure above-described will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, the - 6 _ ~ ~8Z6~
scope of which is to be interpreted in terms of the appended claims.
liner is used to line the wooden frame. The frame is able to be broken down for shipping.
The water mattresses or bladders 3 rest inside the frame. They are approximately 4 inches thick, which is shallower than standard waterbed mattresses. In the case of the double water mattress system, each mattress will be approximately 30 inches wide by 80 inches long. In the case of a triple mattress system each will be 20 inches wide. For reasons set out below, the triple mattress system is preferred for a double bed size. Modifications in these dimensions will be apparent for larger or smaller bed sizes.
The water mattressess 3 are preferably not standard waterbed mattresses. As indicated, they are shallower than standard mattresses (which are typically 8 inches thick).
They will generally be formed of twenty millimeter thick vinyl and incorporate either a baffling system or the other standard water-dampening means used for waterbed mattres-ses.
A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the conventional innerspring mattress 1 is supported on a base consisting of a wooden deck 6 to which a foam frame 7 is attached. Again ~ 4 ~ 12~8~6~
three water bladders 3 are utilized. The innerspring mattress is shown in phantom outline in Figure 2.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the wooden deck 6 has the same exterior dimensions as the innerspring mattress and ideally is four inches thick7 constructed of a frame of 1 inch by 4 inch planks with a plywood deck. The foam frame preferably is about 4.5 inches thick, and extends inwardly six inches along the bottom surface and four inches along the top surface, with an inwardly sloping interior face. The lower edge of the foam frame is indicated by dotted line 14 in Figure 2. The purpose of the foam frame is so that the individual can sit comfortably on the edge of the bed.
The foam frame 7 and exterior surface of the wooden deck 6 are covered by mattress ticking as follows to give the appearance of a conventional box spring. One edge of a sheet of ticking 18 is stapled to the upper surface of deck 6 so that it will be positioned under edge 15 of foam 7.
Foam frame 7 is then glued in position onto the top surface of wooden deck 6 and ticking 18 is drawn around foam 7, down the vertical edge of wooden deck 6 and is stapled in place at location 19. This gives the construction the exterior appearance of a box spring, and allows a certain freedom of compression in the foam frame.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a low-wattage waterbed heater 4 can again be used to heat the water bladders. Such standard waterbed heaters are electrically controlled. The water bladders have preferably two liners surrounding them, as shown in Figure 3. One liner 10 extends under and over the top edge of the bladders, while a second liner 11 extends completely over the bladders.
These liners protect the water mattresses from puncture and protect the heater and the rest of the bed from leakage.
By using two liners rather than a single envelope, access is maintained to the water mattress valves.
~ - 5 - ~Z6~Z67 The wooden deck 6 is supported on a steel frame 12 which has a number of legs.
As shown in cross-section in Figure 3, when a party sits on the edge of the bed, the outer foam frame will compress into a substantially rectangular flattened portion which is more comfortable and has better support than would the edge of the water bladder a]one. As previously indicated, the three-bladder arrangement is preferred for a double mattress as the provision of two bladders alone will tend to allow both parties to roll towards the center joint. With three bladders, each individual will tend to rest on his or her own side of the bed.
One advantage of this system is that the heater will gently heat the underlying water mattresses and the heat will penetrate through the standard innerspring mattress also to keep the mattress and sheets warm for the user.
Standard means of wave-dampening may be used, such as baffling and fibre, but additional wave-dampening, such as by the addition of more than the standard amount of dampening fibre is preferred. While the use of a conventional innerspring mattress has been specified, obviously other forms of mattress such as foam mattresses will also be suitable on the water mattress support of the invention.
It has been found that the use of the water mattress support of the invention provides improved support for the user on a conventional inner spring mattress, while allow-ing the user to continue to use standard bedding for the innerspring mattress. Also the user can adjust the firm-ness of the mattress support by adjusting the amount of water in the mattress. The benefits of improved support of a waterbed are obtained with about half the weight of a traditional waterbed.
Various modifications and alterations of the structure above-described will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, the - 6 _ ~ ~8Z6~
scope of which is to be interpreted in terms of the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1. A bed structure comprising:
a) a supporting framework having vertical sides and ends and a central rigid supporting deck;
b) three water-filled bladders of approximately equal length resting lengthwise on said supporting deck in side-by-side arrangement, said bladders comprising bag-like enclosures of flexible material having valve means communicating with the interior of said bag-like enclosures for filling and emptying said bladders; and c) a conventional bed mattress resting on said water-filled bladders.
a) a supporting framework having vertical sides and ends and a central rigid supporting deck;
b) three water-filled bladders of approximately equal length resting lengthwise on said supporting deck in side-by-side arrangement, said bladders comprising bag-like enclosures of flexible material having valve means communicating with the interior of said bag-like enclosures for filling and emptying said bladders; and c) a conventional bed mattress resting on said water-filled bladders.
2. The bed structure of claim 1 wherein said water-filled bladders have a thickness of approximately four inches.
3. The bed structure of claim 1 further comprising a waterbed heater between said bladders and said supporting deck.
4. The bed structure of claim 1 wherein said vertical sides and ends meet at respective corners and have in the vicinity of said corners a height sufficient to retain said conventional mattress in place on said bladders.
5. The bed structure of claim 1 wherein said vertical sides and ends comprise a foam rubber framework containing the outer edges of said bladders, and further comprising a first liner extending under said bladders and over the top edges of the bladders, and a second liner extending over the top surface of said bladders, down the sides and under the bottom edges of said bladders.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000554899A CA1268267A (en) | 1987-12-04 | 1987-12-04 | Water mattress support for conventional mattresses |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000554899A CA1268267A (en) | 1987-12-04 | 1987-12-04 | Water mattress support for conventional mattresses |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1268267A true CA1268267A (en) | 1990-04-24 |
Family
ID=4137109
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000554899A Expired CA1268267A (en) | 1987-12-04 | 1987-12-04 | Water mattress support for conventional mattresses |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1268267A (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-12-04 CA CA000554899A patent/CA1268267A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |