CA2120435A1 - Foldable foam mattress - Google Patents
Foldable foam mattressInfo
- Publication number
- CA2120435A1 CA2120435A1 CA 2120435 CA2120435A CA2120435A1 CA 2120435 A1 CA2120435 A1 CA 2120435A1 CA 2120435 CA2120435 CA 2120435 CA 2120435 A CA2120435 A CA 2120435A CA 2120435 A1 CA2120435 A1 CA 2120435A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mattress
- foam
- cells
- inserts
- individual
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
- A47C27/14—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays
- A47C27/148—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays of different resilience
-
- 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
- A47C27/14—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays
- A47C27/142—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays with projections, depressions or cavities
- A47C27/146—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays with projections, depressions or cavities on the outside surface of the mattress or cushion
-
- 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
- A47C27/14—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays
- A47C27/15—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays consisting of two or more layers
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A foldable mattress formed entirely of foam material has a generally planar surface to be supported on the carriage of an adjustable bed and an upper support surface on which an individual lies. The mattress includes a central foam body portion partitioned into a head supporting zone, a foot supporting zone and a mid-section supporting zone. The central foam body portion is supported by a frame formed of more rigid foam than the central body portion. The foam frame includes a base and at least a pair of sidewalls running the length of the central body portion. In one embodiment, a pair of laterally spaced, transverse inserts formed of high resilience foam are provided in the foam frame to facilitate folding of the mattress about a pair offold lines extending normal to the central longitudinal axis of the mattress In another embodiment, a single foam insert is provided in each of the sidewalls of the frame to facilitate folding of the mattress.
A foldable mattress formed entirely of foam material has a generally planar surface to be supported on the carriage of an adjustable bed and an upper support surface on which an individual lies. The mattress includes a central foam body portion partitioned into a head supporting zone, a foot supporting zone and a mid-section supporting zone. The central foam body portion is supported by a frame formed of more rigid foam than the central body portion. The foam frame includes a base and at least a pair of sidewalls running the length of the central body portion. In one embodiment, a pair of laterally spaced, transverse inserts formed of high resilience foam are provided in the foam frame to facilitate folding of the mattress about a pair offold lines extending normal to the central longitudinal axis of the mattress In another embodiment, a single foam insert is provided in each of the sidewalls of the frame to facilitate folding of the mattress.
Description
2120'13~
The present invention relates to mattresses and in particular to a folda~le, foam mattress suitable for use with adjustable beds and the like.
Adjustable beds are well known in the art and can be found in S basically all hospitals. Beds of this nature have an adjustable carriage which can be moved to allow the head and foot sections of the bed to be raised and lowered as required. A mattress overlies the carriage and moves with it as the carriage is adjus~ed. Unfortunately, many mattress designs such as those with springs a~e unsuitable for use with such a bed due to the fact that they are relatively inflexible and cannot assume the shape of the carriage as it goes through its entire range of movement.
Due to the flexibility of foam, foam mattress are generally used with the above-described type of adjustable beds. However, even though foam is considered to be very flexible, once a foam mattress reaches a certain thickness or stiffness, its ability to fold about a transverse fold line decreases.
Similar to the spring type mattresses referred to above, this results in the foam mattress lifting from the carriage when the carriage assumes certain positions.
Lifting of the mattress poses problems in that the individua1 lying on the mattress is not supported by the mattress in the manner intended.
To overcome this problem and enhance folding of foarn mattresses, transverse cuts or contours have been formed in the core of the foam mattresses adjacent the fold lines. Although the use of cuts or contours allows such a mattress to fold and better assume the shape of the carriage through its entire range of movement, the cuts or contours define lines of weakness in the mattress which reduce the structural integrity of the mattress and which often cannot withstand the stresses imposed on them during use.
The present invention relates to mattresses and in particular to a folda~le, foam mattress suitable for use with adjustable beds and the like.
Adjustable beds are well known in the art and can be found in S basically all hospitals. Beds of this nature have an adjustable carriage which can be moved to allow the head and foot sections of the bed to be raised and lowered as required. A mattress overlies the carriage and moves with it as the carriage is adjus~ed. Unfortunately, many mattress designs such as those with springs a~e unsuitable for use with such a bed due to the fact that they are relatively inflexible and cannot assume the shape of the carriage as it goes through its entire range of movement.
Due to the flexibility of foam, foam mattress are generally used with the above-described type of adjustable beds. However, even though foam is considered to be very flexible, once a foam mattress reaches a certain thickness or stiffness, its ability to fold about a transverse fold line decreases.
Similar to the spring type mattresses referred to above, this results in the foam mattress lifting from the carriage when the carriage assumes certain positions.
Lifting of the mattress poses problems in that the individua1 lying on the mattress is not supported by the mattress in the manner intended.
To overcome this problem and enhance folding of foarn mattresses, transverse cuts or contours have been formed in the core of the foam mattresses adjacent the fold lines. Although the use of cuts or contours allows such a mattress to fold and better assume the shape of the carriage through its entire range of movement, the cuts or contours define lines of weakness in the mattress which reduce the structural integrity of the mattress and which often cannot withstand the stresses imposed on them during use.
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Moreover, the cuts and contours formed in the mattress create areas of reduced support when the mattress is articulated. If an individual is supported on the mattress when it is articulated, the individual will not be fully supported in those areas.
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It is therefore an object of the present invention to pravide a novel foldable, foam mattress which obviates or mitigates at least some of the above-described problems associated with prior art mattress.
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According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a foldable mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported -~
by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body including at least one insert formed of high resilience foam material to facilitate folding of said mattress about a fold line extending~ . : ~..
normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress and intersecting said at least one insert.
, ~ .. - .
In one embodiment, the at least one insert is continuous and extends across the entire width of the mattress. It is also preferred that a pair ~ ;
of transverse inserts spaced along the length of the mattress are provided, one of the inserts being located adjacent the hip joint of an individual and the other of the inserts being located adjacent the knee joint of an individual when an individual is Iying on the mattress. It is also preferred that the foam body is -constituted by a central body portion on a support frame including at least one ;~
pair of upstanding sidewalls running along opposed sides of the central body portion;. Preferably, the foarn support frame is formed of foam material more ;`
rigid than the central body portion. In one embodiment, the inserts are .: ~:': '..'~
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Moreover, the cuts and contours formed in the mattress create areas of reduced support when the mattress is articulated. If an individual is supported on the mattress when it is articulated, the individual will not be fully supported in those areas.
. ,.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to pravide a novel foldable, foam mattress which obviates or mitigates at least some of the above-described problems associated with prior art mattress.
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, ~. :.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a foldable mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported -~
by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body including at least one insert formed of high resilience foam material to facilitate folding of said mattress about a fold line extending~ . : ~..
normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress and intersecting said at least one insert.
, ~ .. - .
In one embodiment, the at least one insert is continuous and extends across the entire width of the mattress. It is also preferred that a pair ~ ;
of transverse inserts spaced along the length of the mattress are provided, one of the inserts being located adjacent the hip joint of an individual and the other of the inserts being located adjacent the knee joint of an individual when an individual is Iying on the mattress. It is also preferred that the foam body is -constituted by a central body portion on a support frame including at least one ;~
pair of upstanding sidewalls running along opposed sides of the central body portion;. Preferably, the foarn support frame is formed of foam material more ;`
rigid than the central body portion. In one embodiment, the inserts are .: ~:': '..'~
- 3 - ~ ~ ~
' " .;, 2~2~435 provided in the base and in the sidewalls while in another embodiment, the inserts are provided only in the sidewalls.
':' '~ ~:`' Preferably, the central body portion is partitioned into a head S supporting zone, a foot supporting zone and a mid-section supporting zone with the head and foot supporting zones being formed of one type of foam material and the mid-section supporting zone being formed of at least another type of foam material of higher resiliency than the one type of foam material. It is also preferred that the mid-section supporting zone is formed of a region of high resilience foam material interposed between regions of foam material formed of the one type of foam material.
Preferably, the upper surface is divided into transverse cel1s along the entire length of the mattress with the cells being defined by slits formed in the upper surface. It is also preferred that the slits are arranged inpairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone. Preferably, the pairs of slits are spaced further apart in the mid-section supporting zone than in the head and foot supporting zones.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body being foldable about a fold line extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress, said upper surface being divided into transverse cells along at least a portion of the length of said mattress adjacent , said fold line, wherein alternate ceils have a different cross-sectional configuration such that when said mattress is folded about said fold line, the i . :
' " .;, 2~2~435 provided in the base and in the sidewalls while in another embodiment, the inserts are provided only in the sidewalls.
':' '~ ~:`' Preferably, the central body portion is partitioned into a head S supporting zone, a foot supporting zone and a mid-section supporting zone with the head and foot supporting zones being formed of one type of foam material and the mid-section supporting zone being formed of at least another type of foam material of higher resiliency than the one type of foam material. It is also preferred that the mid-section supporting zone is formed of a region of high resilience foam material interposed between regions of foam material formed of the one type of foam material.
Preferably, the upper surface is divided into transverse cel1s along the entire length of the mattress with the cells being defined by slits formed in the upper surface. It is also preferred that the slits are arranged inpairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone. Preferably, the pairs of slits are spaced further apart in the mid-section supporting zone than in the head and foot supporting zones.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body being foldable about a fold line extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress, said upper surface being divided into transverse cells along at least a portion of the length of said mattress adjacent , said fold line, wherein alternate ceils have a different cross-sectional configuration such that when said mattress is folded about said fold line, the i . :
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cells fold over one another to present a continuous upper surface adjacent the ~ ~ -fold line.
Preferably, the cells are defined by slits formed in the upper S surface, the slits being alTanged in pairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone to define cells generally ovate in cross-section and cellsgenerally rectangular in cross-section with the ovate cells and the rectangular -cells being arranged alternately along the length of the mattress. It is also preferred that the ovate cells are slightly lower in height than the rectangularcells and that the rectangular cells have inwardly curved sides whereby the rectangular cells adjacent the fold line fold over the ovate cells to present the continuous upper surface.
The present invention provides advantages in that the inserts make the mattress more readily fioldable than prior art designs allowing it to conform to the shape of an adjustable bed carriage without lifting of the mattress occurring to any great extent and without requiring transverse cuts or contours to be formed in the foam body of the mattress. This of course - -maintains the structural integrity of the mattress and ensures comfort and support to an individual on the mattress.
. . ~ .: :, '~' Embodiments of the present invention will now be described -~
more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which~
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the mattress shown in Figure Figure 3 is a sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 1 taken along line 3-3; ,~
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:,' ~ "' :., :,' ' ;'::. . .' 2 ~ 2 U ~ 3 ~
cells fold over one another to present a continuous upper surface adjacent the ~ ~ -fold line.
Preferably, the cells are defined by slits formed in the upper S surface, the slits being alTanged in pairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone to define cells generally ovate in cross-section and cellsgenerally rectangular in cross-section with the ovate cells and the rectangular -cells being arranged alternately along the length of the mattress. It is also preferred that the ovate cells are slightly lower in height than the rectangularcells and that the rectangular cells have inwardly curved sides whereby the rectangular cells adjacent the fold line fold over the ovate cells to present the continuous upper surface.
The present invention provides advantages in that the inserts make the mattress more readily fioldable than prior art designs allowing it to conform to the shape of an adjustable bed carriage without lifting of the mattress occurring to any great extent and without requiring transverse cuts or contours to be formed in the foam body of the mattress. This of course - -maintains the structural integrity of the mattress and ensures comfort and support to an individual on the mattress.
. . ~ .: :, '~' Embodiments of the present invention will now be described -~
more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which~
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the mattress shown in Figure Figure 3 is a sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 1 taken along line 3-3; ,~
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` ~ 2~21)~3'~3 Figure 4 is a sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 1 ~ .
taken along line 4-4;
Figure S is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow 5; ~ -Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow 6;
Figure 7 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of ; - :
a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 9 is a side elevation view of still yet another embodiment of a foldable foam mattress; : .
Figure 10 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment~of a foldable foam mattress; `:
Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the mattress of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a sectional view of the mattress of Figure 10 taken along line A-A;
Figure 13 is an end elevational view of the mattress of Figure 10 taken in the direction of arrow 4; and :Figure 14 is a sectional view of the mattress of Figure 11 taken along line B-B.
' ,,;', ;` '''' .'' Referring now to the Figures 1 and 2, a mattress is shown and is generally indicated by reference nurneral 10. The entire mattress 10 is forrned of foam material and is foldable making it particularly suitable for use ~.. . .~
with adjustable beds such as those typically found in hospitals.
.'.,',, ,.'~
` ~ 2~21)~3'~3 Figure 4 is a sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 1 ~ .
taken along line 4-4;
Figure S is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow 5; ~ -Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 4 taken in the direction of arrow 6;
Figure 7 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of ; - :
a foldable foam mattress;
Figure 9 is a side elevation view of still yet another embodiment of a foldable foam mattress; : .
Figure 10 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment~of a foldable foam mattress; `:
Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the mattress of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a sectional view of the mattress of Figure 10 taken along line A-A;
Figure 13 is an end elevational view of the mattress of Figure 10 taken in the direction of arrow 4; and :Figure 14 is a sectional view of the mattress of Figure 11 taken along line B-B.
' ,,;', ;` '''' .'' Referring now to the Figures 1 and 2, a mattress is shown and is generally indicated by reference nurneral 10. The entire mattress 10 is forrned of foam material and is foldable making it particularly suitable for use ~.. . .~
with adjustable beds such as those typically found in hospitals.
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The mattress 10 is generally rectangular in plan and in side -~ `
elevation and includes a central foam body portion 12 having an upper surface ~ -14 designed to support an individual. The central foam body portion 12 is disposed on a foam frame 16 formed, for the most part, of dense foam material S such as 1870 grade foam material. The frame 16 includes a foam base 18 (see Figures 3 and 4) and four upstanding foam sidewalls 20 to 26 about the periphery of the base 18. The frame 16 surrounds the entire central body -portion 12 except for its upper surface 14. -. : ~
The central body portion 12 is partitioned into three zones, namely a head supporting zone 30, a mid-section supporting zone 32 and a foot supporting zone 34. The head and foot supporting zones 30 and 34 respectively, are formed of the same type of 2030 grade foam material while the mid-section supporting zone 32 is a composite. In particular, the mid~
section supporting zone 32 includes a center section 36 formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material interposed between two outer sections 38 and 40 respectively formed of 2030 grade foam material.
A plurality of narrow slits 44 arranged in pairs 46 extend across the width of the central body portion 12 along its entire length. The slits 44 are shaped so that each pair 46 of slits generally resembles a wishbone. This defines generally ovate projections 48 disposed between generally rectangular projections S0. The rectangular projections S0 have inwardly cuNed sides 52 and are slightly higher than the ovate projections 48.
The spacing 54 between adjacent pairs 46 of slits is the same in the head and foot supporting zones 30 and 34. In these zones, the pairs of slitsare closely spaced to provide softer support to an individual Iying on the ,'''.'',';''~,'. `.".... ..
.',', ', .~ ,', :,'. ''''.' ', ..' . .,' :.,,:
", -- 212~3 ) mattress 10. The spacing 54 between adjacent pairs 46 of slits in the mid-section supporting zone 32 is greater than in the other zones to provide more support to an individual. The slits 44 promote air circulation and reduce heat and moisture build-up at the skin surface of an individual Iying on the mattress10. A plurality of spaced slits 58 are also formed in the upper surface 14 of the central body portion 12. The slits 58 run the length of the mattress 10 and are parallel to its longitudinal axis. The slits 58 allow each projection 48 and50 respectively to act as a plurality of individual cells aligning and supporting an individual along the width of the mattress 10.
A pair of spaced, triangular inserts 60 and 61 formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material are included in each of the sidewalls 22 and 26 respectively. A pair of spaced, rectangular inserts 62 and 63 also formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material are included in the base 18. The insert 62 extends between the inserts 60 while the insert 63 extends .. . j, ~, -between the inserts 61. Therefore, the inserts 60, 62 and 61, 63 respectively extend continuously across the width of the mattress 10 and are anatomically positioned along the length of the mattress 10 at locations where the hip and knee joints of an individual would be positioned when an individual lies on the mattress 10.
The inserts 60 adjacent the hip joint have their apex at the bottom of the frame 16 while the inserts 61 adjacent the knee joint have their apex at the top of the frame 16. The design of the inserts 60 and 62 facilitate folding of the mattress 10 about fold line 64 to raise the head supporting zone 30 whilethe design of the inserts 61 and 63 facilitate folding of the mattress 10 about fold line 64 to elevate the foot supporting zone 34.
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~ 2~ 20~3b1 : ~' To construct the mattress 10, the various types of foam forming the frame, inserts and central body portion are produced in blocks of foam.
Pieces are then cut from the blocks in the required siæ. The pieces are then glued together to form the mattress 10. The slits 46 and 58 respectively forrnedS in the upper surface 14 of the central body portion 12 are either cut into the upper surface of the pieces forming the central body portion before or after themattress 10 is constructed.
In use, the mattress 10 is typically housed within a lightweight caver (not shown) to protect the foam and is placed on the carriage of an adjustable bed. When the carriage is moved to elevate the head supporting zone 30 and/or the foot supporting zone 34, the mattress 10 folds about one or both of the fold lines 64 without the lower surface of base 18 lifting to any great extent from the carriage. This is due to the provision of the inserts formed of high resilience foam material.
When the mattress 10 is folded about one or both of the fold -; , Iines 64, the rectangular projections 50 on either side of the ovate projections48 near the fold lines 64, fold over the ovate projections 48 to create basically a continuous upper surface 14 with increased support in areas typically supporting the majority of the weight of an individual Iying on the mattress 10.
The thicknesses and grades of foam material used to form ~he mattress I0 are selected so that an individual properly Iying on the mattress ;-does not feel the dense foam frame 16. Also, the different grades of foam used in the various zones 30 to 34 of the central body portion 12, distribute an ~ ;
individua1's weight over a large surface area to minimize local pressure points which can promote discomfort. Moreover, the design of the upper surface I4 ~'..'' ~, '~, ''"' :'' " ':~
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of the central body portion 12 promotes head to toe contact between an individual and the upper surface 14 of the mattress 10. In addition to the above, the firm dense foam material used to form the sidewalls of the frame 16 assists an individual to enter and exit from the mattress. The firm sidewalls S also facilitate sitting on the edge of the mattress 10.
:
Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the mattress 10'.
In this embodiment, like numerals will be used to indicate like components with a " ' " added for clarity. The mattress 10' is very similar to that of the previous embodiment except that the inserts 62' and 63' in the base 18' are removed. Therefore, inserts 60' and 61' are only provided in the sidewalls 22' and 26'.
Figure 8 shows yet another mattress 10" having a different insert ~ ~ ~
configuration to facilitate folding of the mattress about the fold lines. In this ` `
embodiment, the inserts 60" and 61" are generally X shaped to faeilitate foldingof the mattress 10" about the fold lines in either direction.
Figure 9 shows still yet another embodiment of a mattress 10"'.
In this embodiment, the inserts 60"' and 62"' are rectangular in section.
Although the inserts 60 to 63 have been described as being ~ ~
formed of the same high resilience foam material as the center section 36 of ~ 4'' mid-section supporting zone 32, it should be apparent to one of skill in the artthat the inserts and ~enter section can be fiormed of different types foam material provided the materials seiected allow the mattress 10 to fold readily about the fold lines 64. Also, the inserts regardless of their configuration maybe provided only in the sidewalls 22 and 26 or in both the sidewalls 22 and 26 - 10- . ~
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and the base 18. It should also be apparent to one of skill in the art that various alternative insert configurations can be selected which permit the mattress to fold as desired about the fold lines.
S Referring now to Figures 10, 11 and 13, another embodiment ofan articulated foam mattress 110 is shown. In addition to being articulated, themattress is also designed to inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers on an individual supported by the mattress. This is achieved by designing the mattress to distribute an individual's weight over a large surface area and to reduce local pressure points to ensure adequate blood flow to all areas of the individual. The mattress 110 also inhibits the formation of decubitus ulcers by incorporating freely moving cells on its upper surface which reduce shear forcesbetween an individual and the mattress.
The mattress 110 is generally rectangular in plan and in side elevation and includes a central foam body portion 112 having an upper surface 114 designed to support an individual. The central foam body portion 112 ;s disposed on a foam frame 116 formed, for the most part, of dense foam material having an Indentation Load Deflection aLD) co-efflcient equal to about 35 Ibs. The foam frame 116 includes a contoured foam base 118 (see Figure 12) having an upper surface designed to match the postural contour of a typical individual and a planar bottom surface to be supported by the carriage of an adjustable bed. A pair of upstanding side rails 122 and 126 are integrally formed with the base 118 and run along opposite sides of the base. The side rails 122 and 126 are reduced in height intermediate their length and are cut ontheir upper surface ini this intermediate area to form a toothed pattern of rectangular projections 122a. An insert 128 formed of high resilience HR 29 grade foam material is included in each of the side rails 122 and 126 - 11 - .
~20~3~
respectively, and fills in the intermediate areas. The inserts 128 have a bottom ;
- , -complementary to the toothed pattern of projections 122a and are dimensioned so that they extend to locations which correspond with the fold lines of most adjustable bed calTiages. This is generally where the hip and knee joints of an individual are positioned when an individual lies on the mattress 110. The inserts 128 facilitate folding of the mattress 110 about fold lines extending normal to the central longitudinal axis of the mattress.
The central body portion 112 is formed from a number of individual pieces of different grade foam and is partitioned into three zones, namely a head supporting zone 130, a mid-section supporting zone 132 and a foot supporting zone 134.
Referring now to Pigures 12 and 14, it can be seen that within the head supporting zone 130, the central body portion 112 includes a bottom :, , .
Iayer of foam material 140 having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 17 Ibs.
Above layer 140 is a very soft top layer of foam material 142 having an ILD
.. ., , . i~
co-efflcient equal to about 6 Ibs. Layer 142 covers layer 140 and extends above and overtop of the side rails 122 and 126. Both the bottom and top layers 140 and 142 respectively extend from one end of the mattress 110 and stop short of the junction between the head supporting zone 130 and the mid-section supporting zone 132.
A layer of high resilience HR 23 foam material 144 having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 23 Ibs is fitted to the layers 140 and 142 and extends into the mid-section supporting zone 132. The layers 140, 142 and 144 are notched and are complimentarily shaped at their ends to facilitate assembly in such a manner so as to avoid large seams and to provide transitional areas , ., :, . . ~ , .
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2120'~3~
between the zones of the mattress. This increases comfort and also increases the durability of the mattress 110 in high tear areas such as at the fold lines.
The layer 144 increases in thickness in the mid-section supporting S zone 132 adjacent the head supporting zone 130 and slowly decreases in thickness towards the foot supporting zone 134 as it conforms with the contoured base 118. The layer 144 however, stops short of the junction between the mid-section supporting zone 132 and the foot supporting zone 134.
A plurality of narrow slits 146 arranged in pairs 148 extend across the width of the layer 144. The slits 146 are shaped so that each pair 148 resembles a wishbone. This defines generally ovate projections 150 disposed between generally rectangular projections 152. The rectangular projections 152 have inwardly curved sides and are higher than the ovate lS projections lS0.
,~:: : - - :, The spacing between adjacentpairs 148 of slits in the mid-section supporting zone 132 varies along the length of layer 144 with the largest spacing between adjacent pairs 148 of slits occurring midway along its length.
The depth of adjacent pairs 148 of slits also varies along the length of layer 144 with the deepest pairs 148 of slits being located midway along its length. The spacing between and depth of the pairs of slits is chosen to provide full support to an individual by matching the contour of a typical individual. The slits 146 promote air circulation and reduce heat and moisture build-up at the sldn surface of an individual. A plurality of spaced slits 158 running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress 110 are also formed in the upper surface df the layer 144. The slits 146 and 158 divide the upper surface of the rectangular projections 152 into a plurality of freely moving individual cells 160 aligning ~ . ' .~ ' ", ~ , ` -~ 2 ~ 2 ~
and supporting an individual within the mid-section supporting zone 132 while reducing shear forces between the individual and the mattress. ;, ~
Joined to the end of layer 144 near the foot supporting zone 134 ;~ -:
are top and bottom layers of foam material 162 and 164 respectively. The mating ends of the layers 144, 162 and 164 are Stted together and are complimentary shaped in a manner so as to avoid large seams and provide ~ -~
transitional areas between the zones of the mattress. The bottom layer 164 is formed of foam material having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 17 Ibs and extends from layer 144 partially into the foot supporting zone 134. The top layer 162 is formed of very soft foam having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 6 Ibs and extends from layer 144 to the end of the mattress 110. Similar to ~ -~
layer 142, layer 162 also extends above and overtop of the side rails 122 and 126. Therefore, the top layer 162 is deep beyond layer 164 and contacts the base 118. The upper surface of the layer 162 has a depression 168 formed in ~ -it designed to receive the heels of an individual.
In use, the mattress 110 is typically housed within a lightweight cover (not shown) to protect the foam and is placed on the carriage of an adjustable bed. When the carriage is moved to elevate the head supporting zone 130 and/or the foot supporting zone 134, the mattress 110 folds about one or both of the fold lines without the lower surface of base 118 lifting to any great extent from the carriage. This is due to the provision of the inser~s 128 formed ` ~;
of high resilience foam material. - .. --When the mattress 110 is folded about one or both of the fold ~ `
lines, the rectangular projections 152 on both sides of the ovate projections 150 near the fold lines, fold over the ovate projections 150 maintaining a generally . : . :,~, ' ''"'' ' '. ';~ '. '';.;
~''~-".'."'. i' ~~ 2 ~ 2 a ~ 3 ~
continuous upper surface 114 with increased support in areas typically supporting the majority of the weight of an individual Iying on the mattress 110.
The individual cells 160 formed along the projections 152 help S to reduce shear forces placed on the individual as the mattress 110 is articulated. When a mattress is articulated, an individual Iying on the mattresstends to move relative to the mattress. ~Ith conventional mattresses, as the individual moves, the skeleton of the individual tends to move freely while the epidermis of the individual tends to remain stationary against the surface of the mattress. To inhibit this differential movement between the epidermis and the skeleton oscurring, when the present mattress is articulated, the cells 160 movewith the individual before any significant shear forces are placed on the individual.
The thicknesses and grades of foam material used to form the mattress 110 are selected so that an individual properly lying on the mattress does not feel the rigid frame of the underlying bed carriage. Also, the different grades of foam used in the various zones 130 to 134 of the central body portion 112, distribute an individual's weight over a large surface area to relieve local , , i~; ~
pressure points which can promote d;scomfort and lead to the formation of decubitus ulcers. This is achieved by providing very soft foam layers 142 and ;
162 in the head and foot supporting zones 130 and 134 respectively. The bottom layers 140 and 164 of firmer, but still soft foam, help to build load ~ ~ ;
between the firm base 118 and the soft foam layers 142 and 162 to inhibit bottoming out when an individual is supported by the mattress 110. Moreover, the layer 164 in the foot supporting zone 134 acts as a cantilever to suppo~t the ` ~;
calves of an individual while the heels of the individual are received in the depression 168 and are supported by the extremely soft layer of foam material ~'', '-.
- 15- ~ ~
. : :
2 ~ 3 ~
162. This virtually eliminates the formation of decubitus ulcers on the heels of ;
an individual. Also, the design of the mattress virtually to eliminate surface glue seams and to provide transitional areas between the zones, increases -cornfort and durability.
S
The ends of the mattress 110 are not provided with rails. This ensures that the soft foam layers 142 and 162 respectively remain as soft as ~ ~ ~
possible. It has been found that when side rails are provided, the side rails of - ~ ~ -firmer foam constrain the soft foam layers as they are compressed. Also, because the side rails do not reach the upper surface of the mattress, if an individual has an arm and/or leg overhanging the mattress, it is not supported by the firm side rails thereby increasing comfort.
The present invention provides advantages in that the high resilience foam inserts facilitate folding of the mattress about the fold lines.This allows the mattress to assume the configuration of an adjustable bed while , ::,, . ;
minimizing lifting of the mattress from the adjustable bed's carriage occurring.Also, the inserts overcome the problems associated with prior art mattresses which use cuts or contours to facilitate folding, by maintaining the structural : :
integrity of the mattress allowing it to withstand stresses encountered during use without any increased risk in tearing of the mattress occurring. Moreover, the inserts overcome the problems associated with prior art mattresses which use cuts or contours by providing greater support to the individual at the fold lines ~-especially when the mattress is articulated. - ~- ~ -; .. -~ .,,.:. ",' " ',,' . . ; ,. . , ::
. .:
,' ;~.- .
. . .:
' :. :- . . :: ~
: ..: '' '":
. . - . :, ~ . . .
.,
The mattress 10 is generally rectangular in plan and in side -~ `
elevation and includes a central foam body portion 12 having an upper surface ~ -14 designed to support an individual. The central foam body portion 12 is disposed on a foam frame 16 formed, for the most part, of dense foam material S such as 1870 grade foam material. The frame 16 includes a foam base 18 (see Figures 3 and 4) and four upstanding foam sidewalls 20 to 26 about the periphery of the base 18. The frame 16 surrounds the entire central body -portion 12 except for its upper surface 14. -. : ~
The central body portion 12 is partitioned into three zones, namely a head supporting zone 30, a mid-section supporting zone 32 and a foot supporting zone 34. The head and foot supporting zones 30 and 34 respectively, are formed of the same type of 2030 grade foam material while the mid-section supporting zone 32 is a composite. In particular, the mid~
section supporting zone 32 includes a center section 36 formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material interposed between two outer sections 38 and 40 respectively formed of 2030 grade foam material.
A plurality of narrow slits 44 arranged in pairs 46 extend across the width of the central body portion 12 along its entire length. The slits 44 are shaped so that each pair 46 of slits generally resembles a wishbone. This defines generally ovate projections 48 disposed between generally rectangular projections S0. The rectangular projections S0 have inwardly cuNed sides 52 and are slightly higher than the ovate projections 48.
The spacing 54 between adjacent pairs 46 of slits is the same in the head and foot supporting zones 30 and 34. In these zones, the pairs of slitsare closely spaced to provide softer support to an individual Iying on the ,'''.'',';''~,'. `.".... ..
.',', ', .~ ,', :,'. ''''.' ', ..' . .,' :.,,:
", -- 212~3 ) mattress 10. The spacing 54 between adjacent pairs 46 of slits in the mid-section supporting zone 32 is greater than in the other zones to provide more support to an individual. The slits 44 promote air circulation and reduce heat and moisture build-up at the skin surface of an individual Iying on the mattress10. A plurality of spaced slits 58 are also formed in the upper surface 14 of the central body portion 12. The slits 58 run the length of the mattress 10 and are parallel to its longitudinal axis. The slits 58 allow each projection 48 and50 respectively to act as a plurality of individual cells aligning and supporting an individual along the width of the mattress 10.
A pair of spaced, triangular inserts 60 and 61 formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material are included in each of the sidewalls 22 and 26 respectively. A pair of spaced, rectangular inserts 62 and 63 also formed of high resilience HR 35 grade foam material are included in the base 18. The insert 62 extends between the inserts 60 while the insert 63 extends .. . j, ~, -between the inserts 61. Therefore, the inserts 60, 62 and 61, 63 respectively extend continuously across the width of the mattress 10 and are anatomically positioned along the length of the mattress 10 at locations where the hip and knee joints of an individual would be positioned when an individual lies on the mattress 10.
The inserts 60 adjacent the hip joint have their apex at the bottom of the frame 16 while the inserts 61 adjacent the knee joint have their apex at the top of the frame 16. The design of the inserts 60 and 62 facilitate folding of the mattress 10 about fold line 64 to raise the head supporting zone 30 whilethe design of the inserts 61 and 63 facilitate folding of the mattress 10 about fold line 64 to elevate the foot supporting zone 34.
'.''' -.''';:''.,'":'''.', ' ~ , ' ;.
~ 2~ 20~3b1 : ~' To construct the mattress 10, the various types of foam forming the frame, inserts and central body portion are produced in blocks of foam.
Pieces are then cut from the blocks in the required siæ. The pieces are then glued together to form the mattress 10. The slits 46 and 58 respectively forrnedS in the upper surface 14 of the central body portion 12 are either cut into the upper surface of the pieces forming the central body portion before or after themattress 10 is constructed.
In use, the mattress 10 is typically housed within a lightweight caver (not shown) to protect the foam and is placed on the carriage of an adjustable bed. When the carriage is moved to elevate the head supporting zone 30 and/or the foot supporting zone 34, the mattress 10 folds about one or both of the fold lines 64 without the lower surface of base 18 lifting to any great extent from the carriage. This is due to the provision of the inserts formed of high resilience foam material.
When the mattress 10 is folded about one or both of the fold -; , Iines 64, the rectangular projections 50 on either side of the ovate projections48 near the fold lines 64, fold over the ovate projections 48 to create basically a continuous upper surface 14 with increased support in areas typically supporting the majority of the weight of an individual Iying on the mattress 10.
The thicknesses and grades of foam material used to form ~he mattress I0 are selected so that an individual properly Iying on the mattress ;-does not feel the dense foam frame 16. Also, the different grades of foam used in the various zones 30 to 34 of the central body portion 12, distribute an ~ ;
individua1's weight over a large surface area to minimize local pressure points which can promote discomfort. Moreover, the design of the upper surface I4 ~'..'' ~, '~, ''"' :'' " ':~
D( ~ ~ ~
3 ~
of the central body portion 12 promotes head to toe contact between an individual and the upper surface 14 of the mattress 10. In addition to the above, the firm dense foam material used to form the sidewalls of the frame 16 assists an individual to enter and exit from the mattress. The firm sidewalls S also facilitate sitting on the edge of the mattress 10.
:
Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the mattress 10'.
In this embodiment, like numerals will be used to indicate like components with a " ' " added for clarity. The mattress 10' is very similar to that of the previous embodiment except that the inserts 62' and 63' in the base 18' are removed. Therefore, inserts 60' and 61' are only provided in the sidewalls 22' and 26'.
Figure 8 shows yet another mattress 10" having a different insert ~ ~ ~
configuration to facilitate folding of the mattress about the fold lines. In this ` `
embodiment, the inserts 60" and 61" are generally X shaped to faeilitate foldingof the mattress 10" about the fold lines in either direction.
Figure 9 shows still yet another embodiment of a mattress 10"'.
In this embodiment, the inserts 60"' and 62"' are rectangular in section.
Although the inserts 60 to 63 have been described as being ~ ~
formed of the same high resilience foam material as the center section 36 of ~ 4'' mid-section supporting zone 32, it should be apparent to one of skill in the artthat the inserts and ~enter section can be fiormed of different types foam material provided the materials seiected allow the mattress 10 to fold readily about the fold lines 64. Also, the inserts regardless of their configuration maybe provided only in the sidewalls 22 and 26 or in both the sidewalls 22 and 26 - 10- . ~
'''`,~','~.' .'~ ' ' 2 ~ ~ 0 ~ 3 ! ~ ~
.
and the base 18. It should also be apparent to one of skill in the art that various alternative insert configurations can be selected which permit the mattress to fold as desired about the fold lines.
S Referring now to Figures 10, 11 and 13, another embodiment ofan articulated foam mattress 110 is shown. In addition to being articulated, themattress is also designed to inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers on an individual supported by the mattress. This is achieved by designing the mattress to distribute an individual's weight over a large surface area and to reduce local pressure points to ensure adequate blood flow to all areas of the individual. The mattress 110 also inhibits the formation of decubitus ulcers by incorporating freely moving cells on its upper surface which reduce shear forcesbetween an individual and the mattress.
The mattress 110 is generally rectangular in plan and in side elevation and includes a central foam body portion 112 having an upper surface 114 designed to support an individual. The central foam body portion 112 ;s disposed on a foam frame 116 formed, for the most part, of dense foam material having an Indentation Load Deflection aLD) co-efflcient equal to about 35 Ibs. The foam frame 116 includes a contoured foam base 118 (see Figure 12) having an upper surface designed to match the postural contour of a typical individual and a planar bottom surface to be supported by the carriage of an adjustable bed. A pair of upstanding side rails 122 and 126 are integrally formed with the base 118 and run along opposite sides of the base. The side rails 122 and 126 are reduced in height intermediate their length and are cut ontheir upper surface ini this intermediate area to form a toothed pattern of rectangular projections 122a. An insert 128 formed of high resilience HR 29 grade foam material is included in each of the side rails 122 and 126 - 11 - .
~20~3~
respectively, and fills in the intermediate areas. The inserts 128 have a bottom ;
- , -complementary to the toothed pattern of projections 122a and are dimensioned so that they extend to locations which correspond with the fold lines of most adjustable bed calTiages. This is generally where the hip and knee joints of an individual are positioned when an individual lies on the mattress 110. The inserts 128 facilitate folding of the mattress 110 about fold lines extending normal to the central longitudinal axis of the mattress.
The central body portion 112 is formed from a number of individual pieces of different grade foam and is partitioned into three zones, namely a head supporting zone 130, a mid-section supporting zone 132 and a foot supporting zone 134.
Referring now to Pigures 12 and 14, it can be seen that within the head supporting zone 130, the central body portion 112 includes a bottom :, , .
Iayer of foam material 140 having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 17 Ibs.
Above layer 140 is a very soft top layer of foam material 142 having an ILD
.. ., , . i~
co-efflcient equal to about 6 Ibs. Layer 142 covers layer 140 and extends above and overtop of the side rails 122 and 126. Both the bottom and top layers 140 and 142 respectively extend from one end of the mattress 110 and stop short of the junction between the head supporting zone 130 and the mid-section supporting zone 132.
A layer of high resilience HR 23 foam material 144 having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 23 Ibs is fitted to the layers 140 and 142 and extends into the mid-section supporting zone 132. The layers 140, 142 and 144 are notched and are complimentarily shaped at their ends to facilitate assembly in such a manner so as to avoid large seams and to provide transitional areas , ., :, . . ~ , .
,. . --~`
2120'~3~
between the zones of the mattress. This increases comfort and also increases the durability of the mattress 110 in high tear areas such as at the fold lines.
The layer 144 increases in thickness in the mid-section supporting S zone 132 adjacent the head supporting zone 130 and slowly decreases in thickness towards the foot supporting zone 134 as it conforms with the contoured base 118. The layer 144 however, stops short of the junction between the mid-section supporting zone 132 and the foot supporting zone 134.
A plurality of narrow slits 146 arranged in pairs 148 extend across the width of the layer 144. The slits 146 are shaped so that each pair 148 resembles a wishbone. This defines generally ovate projections 150 disposed between generally rectangular projections 152. The rectangular projections 152 have inwardly curved sides and are higher than the ovate lS projections lS0.
,~:: : - - :, The spacing between adjacentpairs 148 of slits in the mid-section supporting zone 132 varies along the length of layer 144 with the largest spacing between adjacent pairs 148 of slits occurring midway along its length.
The depth of adjacent pairs 148 of slits also varies along the length of layer 144 with the deepest pairs 148 of slits being located midway along its length. The spacing between and depth of the pairs of slits is chosen to provide full support to an individual by matching the contour of a typical individual. The slits 146 promote air circulation and reduce heat and moisture build-up at the sldn surface of an individual. A plurality of spaced slits 158 running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress 110 are also formed in the upper surface df the layer 144. The slits 146 and 158 divide the upper surface of the rectangular projections 152 into a plurality of freely moving individual cells 160 aligning ~ . ' .~ ' ", ~ , ` -~ 2 ~ 2 ~
and supporting an individual within the mid-section supporting zone 132 while reducing shear forces between the individual and the mattress. ;, ~
Joined to the end of layer 144 near the foot supporting zone 134 ;~ -:
are top and bottom layers of foam material 162 and 164 respectively. The mating ends of the layers 144, 162 and 164 are Stted together and are complimentary shaped in a manner so as to avoid large seams and provide ~ -~
transitional areas between the zones of the mattress. The bottom layer 164 is formed of foam material having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 17 Ibs and extends from layer 144 partially into the foot supporting zone 134. The top layer 162 is formed of very soft foam having an ILD co-efflcient equal to about 6 Ibs and extends from layer 144 to the end of the mattress 110. Similar to ~ -~
layer 142, layer 162 also extends above and overtop of the side rails 122 and 126. Therefore, the top layer 162 is deep beyond layer 164 and contacts the base 118. The upper surface of the layer 162 has a depression 168 formed in ~ -it designed to receive the heels of an individual.
In use, the mattress 110 is typically housed within a lightweight cover (not shown) to protect the foam and is placed on the carriage of an adjustable bed. When the carriage is moved to elevate the head supporting zone 130 and/or the foot supporting zone 134, the mattress 110 folds about one or both of the fold lines without the lower surface of base 118 lifting to any great extent from the carriage. This is due to the provision of the inser~s 128 formed ` ~;
of high resilience foam material. - .. --When the mattress 110 is folded about one or both of the fold ~ `
lines, the rectangular projections 152 on both sides of the ovate projections 150 near the fold lines, fold over the ovate projections 150 maintaining a generally . : . :,~, ' ''"'' ' '. ';~ '. '';.;
~''~-".'."'. i' ~~ 2 ~ 2 a ~ 3 ~
continuous upper surface 114 with increased support in areas typically supporting the majority of the weight of an individual Iying on the mattress 110.
The individual cells 160 formed along the projections 152 help S to reduce shear forces placed on the individual as the mattress 110 is articulated. When a mattress is articulated, an individual Iying on the mattresstends to move relative to the mattress. ~Ith conventional mattresses, as the individual moves, the skeleton of the individual tends to move freely while the epidermis of the individual tends to remain stationary against the surface of the mattress. To inhibit this differential movement between the epidermis and the skeleton oscurring, when the present mattress is articulated, the cells 160 movewith the individual before any significant shear forces are placed on the individual.
The thicknesses and grades of foam material used to form the mattress 110 are selected so that an individual properly lying on the mattress does not feel the rigid frame of the underlying bed carriage. Also, the different grades of foam used in the various zones 130 to 134 of the central body portion 112, distribute an individual's weight over a large surface area to relieve local , , i~; ~
pressure points which can promote d;scomfort and lead to the formation of decubitus ulcers. This is achieved by providing very soft foam layers 142 and ;
162 in the head and foot supporting zones 130 and 134 respectively. The bottom layers 140 and 164 of firmer, but still soft foam, help to build load ~ ~ ;
between the firm base 118 and the soft foam layers 142 and 162 to inhibit bottoming out when an individual is supported by the mattress 110. Moreover, the layer 164 in the foot supporting zone 134 acts as a cantilever to suppo~t the ` ~;
calves of an individual while the heels of the individual are received in the depression 168 and are supported by the extremely soft layer of foam material ~'', '-.
- 15- ~ ~
. : :
2 ~ 3 ~
162. This virtually eliminates the formation of decubitus ulcers on the heels of ;
an individual. Also, the design of the mattress virtually to eliminate surface glue seams and to provide transitional areas between the zones, increases -cornfort and durability.
S
The ends of the mattress 110 are not provided with rails. This ensures that the soft foam layers 142 and 162 respectively remain as soft as ~ ~ ~
possible. It has been found that when side rails are provided, the side rails of - ~ ~ -firmer foam constrain the soft foam layers as they are compressed. Also, because the side rails do not reach the upper surface of the mattress, if an individual has an arm and/or leg overhanging the mattress, it is not supported by the firm side rails thereby increasing comfort.
The present invention provides advantages in that the high resilience foam inserts facilitate folding of the mattress about the fold lines.This allows the mattress to assume the configuration of an adjustable bed while , ::,, . ;
minimizing lifting of the mattress from the adjustable bed's carriage occurring.Also, the inserts overcome the problems associated with prior art mattresses which use cuts or contours to facilitate folding, by maintaining the structural : :
integrity of the mattress allowing it to withstand stresses encountered during use without any increased risk in tearing of the mattress occurring. Moreover, the inserts overcome the problems associated with prior art mattresses which use cuts or contours by providing greater support to the individual at the fold lines ~-especially when the mattress is articulated. - ~- ~ -; .. -~ .,,.:. ",' " ',,' . . ; ,. . , ::
. .:
,' ;~.- .
. . .:
' :. :- . . :: ~
: ..: '' '":
. . - . :, ~ . . .
.,
Claims (22)
1. A foldable mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body including at least one insert formed of high resilience foam material to facilitate folding of said mattress about a fold line extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress and intersectingsaid at least one insert.
2. A mattress as defined in claim 1 wherein said at least one insert is continuous and extends across the entire width of said foam body.
3. A mattress as defined in claim 1 wherein said foam body includes a pair of inserts spaced along the length of said mattress, one of said inserts being positioned where the hip joint of an individual would be located and the other of said inserts being positioned where the knee joint of an individual would be located, when an individual is lying on said mattress.
4. A mattress as defined in claim 3 wherein said inserts are continuous and extend across the entire width of said foam body.
5. A mattress as defined in claim 1 wherein said foam body includes a central body portion and a foam frame including at least a pair of sidewalls running along opposite sides of said central body portion, said mattress including at least one insert in each of said sidewalls.
6. A mattress as defined in claim 5 wherein only one insert is provided in each of said sidewalls, said inserts extending longitudinally between positions where the hip joint and knee joints of an individual would be located when lying on the mattress to accommodate the articulation of an adjustable bed carriage.
7. A mattress as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the said inserts has a lower toothed surface which mates with a complimentary surface of said sidewall.
8. A mattress as defined in claim 5 wherein said foam frame further includes a foam base on which said central body portion is supported, said mattress including a pair of spaced inserts in each of said sidewalls, said inserts being positioned wherein the hip and knee joints of an individual would be located when lying on said mattress to accommodate the articulations of an adjustable bed carriage.
9. A mattress as defined in claim 8 wherein said inserts are provided in said sidewalls and in said foam base.
10. A mattress as defined in claim 9 wherein said inserts are generally triangular in vertical section in said sidewalls and are generally rectangular in vertical section in said foam base.
11. A mattress as defined in claim 1 wherein said central body portion is partitioned into a head supporting zone, a foot supporting zone and a mid-section supporting zone, said head and foot supporting zones being formed of one type of form material and said mid-section supporting zone being formed of at least another type of foam material of higher resiliency than said one type of foam material.
12. A mattress as defined in claim 11 wherein said mid-section supporting zone is formed of a region of high resiliency foam material interposed between regions of foam material formed of said one type of foam material.
13. A mattress as defined in claim 11 wherein said upper surface is divided into transverse cells along the entire length of said mattress.
14. A mattress as defined in claim 13 wherein said cells are defined by slits formed in said upper surface.
15. A mattress as defined in claim 14 wherein said slits are arranged in pairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone.
16. A mattress as defined in claim 15 wherein said pairs of slits are spaced further apart in said mid-section supporting zone than in said head and foot supporting zones.
17. A mattress as defined in claim 15 wherein said slits define cells generally ovate in cross-section and cells generally rectangular in cross-section, said ovate cells and said rectangular cells being arranged alternately along thelength of said mattress.
18. A mattress as defined in claim 17 wherein said ovate cells are slightly lower in height than said rectangular cells and wherein said rectangular cells have inwardly curved sides whereby the rectangular cells adjacent said fold lines fold over the ovate cells when the mattress is folded about said foldlines to present a continuous upper surface adjacent said fold lines.
19. A mattress as defined in claim 5 wherein said inserts are triangular, rectangular or X-shaped in vertical section.
20. A mattress comprising a foam body having a surface to be supported by an adjustable carriage and an upper support surface on which an individual is to lie, said foam body being foldable about a fold line extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said mattress, said upper surface being divided into transverse cells along at least a portion of the length of said mattress adjacent said fold line, wherein alternate cells have a different cross-sectional configuration such that when said mattress is folded about said fold line, the cells fold over one another to present a continuous upper surface adjacent the fold line.
21. A mattress as defined in claim 20 wherein said cells are defined by slits formed in the upper surface, said slits being arranged in pairs with each pair of slits generally resembling a wishbone to define cells generally ovate incross-section and cells generally rectangular in cross-section with the ovate cells and the rectangular cells being arranged alternately along the length of said mattress.
22. A mattress as defined in claim 21 wherein said ovate cells are slightly lower in height than said rectangular cells and wherein said rectangular cells have inwardly curved sides whereby the rectangular cells adjacent the foldline fold over the ovate cells to present the continuous upper surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4059193A | 1993-03-31 | 1993-03-31 | |
| US08/040,591 | 1993-03-31 | ||
| US12024293A | 1993-09-13 | 1993-09-13 | |
| US08/120,242 | 1993-09-13 | ||
| US15217393A | 1993-11-16 | 1993-11-16 | |
| US08/152,173 | 1993-11-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2120435A1 true CA2120435A1 (en) | 1994-10-01 |
Family
ID=27365752
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2120435 Abandoned CA2120435A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 | 1994-03-31 | Foldable foam mattress |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2120435A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-03-31 CA CA 2120435 patent/CA2120435A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |