CN113038855A

CN113038855A - Mattress, cooling pad or cooling mat, mattress protective cover

Info

Publication number: CN113038855A
Application number: CN201980055959.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·斯米代莱
Original assignee: Soft Tex International Inc
Current assignee: Sti Abc Co ltd; Soft Tex Group Inc
Priority date: 2018-08-24
Filing date: 2019-08-26
Publication date: 2021-06-25
Also published as: EP3840611A1; AU2019325424B2; CA3206305A1; CA3110497A1; AU2023203466A1; MX2021001973A; MX2021001977A; AU2019324115B2; AU2019325424A1; CA3109848C; WO2020041028A1; CA3211205A1; CA3109848A1; EP3840610A1; WO2020041802A1; CN112996415A; US20210289961A1; WO2020041028A8; AU2019324115A1; CA3110497C

Abstract

A body support cushion such as a mattress is disclosed. The body support cushion comprises a plurality of separate and distinct, continuous layers (12) overlapping each other in the depth direction. Each layer (12) comprising a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500Ws⁰ _. ⁵/(m²K) And the total thermal diffusivity increases layer by layer along the depth direction (D1). The plurality of layers (12) includes a plurality of phase change layers (20, 22, 24), each of which includes a solid-liquid phase change material PCM (26) having a phase change temperature in a range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃. The total mass of the PCM (26) increases layer by layer in the depth direction (D1). The gradient distribution of the quality of the PCM (26) and the amount of thermal diffusivity enhancing material TEEM (28) of at least one layer (20, 22, 24) of the plurality of phase change layers (12) increases along the depth direction (D1).

Description

Mattress, cooling pad or cooling mat, mattress protective cover

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.62/722,177 entitled "bedding component with multiple layers" filed 24/8 in 2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/726,270 entitled "automotive component with gradient cooling" filed 2/9/2018, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/770,707 entitled "bedding component with multiple layers" filed 21/11/2018, and PCT patent application No. PCT/US19/046242 entitled "cooling body support cushion and method for making the same" filed 12/8/2019, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to cooling pads, such as cooling bedding pads, that include a Phase Change Material (PCM) and a thermal diffusivity enhancing material (TEEM), and provide a relatively high level of durable cooling to a user during use. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such cooling pads.

Background

Many factors affect the amount and quality of sleep of a person. The type and quality of bedding and the climatic conditions of the bed or other sleeping space may affect a person's sleeping experience. A person who has difficulty falling asleep or enjoying a sound, uninterrupted sleep may experience physical discomfort. This discomfort can occur when heat generated by the person accumulates in bedding pads (e.g., mattresses and pillows) in which the person is resting/lying because air cannot flow through the bedding pads to dissipate the heat dissipated by the person. It is estimated that an adult at rest will release approximately 100 watts of energy. The heat absorbed or present in the bedding will eventually dissipate back to the user.

For example, as heat generated by the human body accumulates in the pillow, warming the pillow, the sleeper often turns the pillow over to find the "cool" face of the pillow. As another example, as heat generated by the human body accumulates in the mattress, warming it, the sleeper often rolls over or shifts his position to the "cool" portion of the mattress and/or removes various layers of the bedding layer that cover the sleeper (e.g., sheets, blankets, comforters, etc.). Such activity thus interrupts a period of sleep.

In existing bedding, heat generated by the human body accumulates in the bedding due to the nature and geometry of the materials used in bedding that tend to store heat rather than emit heat. When the sleeper's body contacts the surface of the bedding, the heat generated by the body is transferred and stored into the direct contact area of the bedding, resulting in a local temperature rise, which may cause discomfort to the sleeper. Heat that accumulates in bedding (e.g., in direct contact areas of bedding) takes a significant amount of time to radiate into the environment and thus radiate back and heat the sleeper.

Traditionally, bedding is essentially composed of layers or envelopes (envelopes) formed of various, usually dense, natural materials and/or synthetic foams and/or fibers that store, rather than dissipate, heat. For example, various types of mattresses (and their accessories, such as mattress covers and mattress pads) utilize cotton layers, synthetic fiber layers, viscoelastic foam layers, polyurethane foam layers, latex foam layers, mung bean shells, and/or other specially constructed filler materials in an attempt to dissipate heat. However, such mattress constructions are only capable of dissipating relatively small amounts of heat over relatively short periods of time and/or are still uncomfortable. For example, some such configurations may actually store heat for a relatively long period of time, resulting in higher temperatures, which may be uncomfortable to the user. Thus, the prior art does not provide a simple, effective, economical and comfortable bedding solution to effectively address the discomfort of a sleeper due to heat.

Other non-bedding body support cushions, such as furniture cushions, car/airplane/boat seats (adults and children), child harnesses, neck rests, leg spacers, clothing (e.g., shoes, hats, backpacks, and clothing), pet accessories (e.g., pet beds, pet harness pads, and pet clothing), sports equipment pads, blankets, pads, mats, building materials (e.g., insulation, wall panels, and floors), and the like, also pose the same discomfort problems due to heat as bedding (as described above).

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for bedding articles such as mattresses, mattress components and accessories, and other body support and cooling pads/liners that are capable of dissipating at least a substantial portion of the body generated heat over a substantial period of time to prevent discomfort to (or provide comfort to) a sleeper.

While certain aspects of conventional technology have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the present application, applicants do not in any way deny these technical aspects and it is contemplated that the claimed present application may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge, or constitutes prior art under the applicable legal provisions; or is considered to be associated with, attempting to solve any problems with which this specification is concerned.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly stated, the present application satisfies the need for improved bedding pads (e.g., mattresses, mattress columns, mattress covers, mattress fire socks, mattress protective covers, mattress pads, mattress components, mattress accessories, pillows, etc.) and other body support pads, wherein a Phase Change Material (PCM) having increased heat dissipation efficiency (e.g., thermal storage/capacity, thermal diffusivity, etc.) and a relatively high thermal diffusivity material are provided in a depth direction extending away from a user. The present application of cooled bedding mats (e.g., mattresses, mattress assemblies, mattress accessories), cushions/cooling mats, and other mats addresses one or more of the problems and deficiencies described above. However, it is contemplated that the cooling bedding pad may prove helpful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in many areas of technology. Accordingly, the disclosed cooling bedding pad and claimed application should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

Certain embodiments of the cooled bedding pads and methods for forming the same, as well as various aspects or assemblies thereof, disclosed herein have several features, no single one of which is responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the cooling bedding pad and method defined by the appended claims, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section of this specification entitled "detailed description" one will understand how the features of various embodiments disclosed herein provide many advantages over the prior art.

The present disclosure provides a mattress comprising: a plurality of separate and distinct, continuous cooling layers, the cooling layers overlapping each other along a depth direction extending from a proximal portion of the mattress proximate a user to a distal portion of the mattress distal from the user. Wherein each of the cooling layers comprises a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) And a solid-liquid Phase Change Material (PCM) having a phase change temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃. Wherein the total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction, and wherein at least one of the cooling layers comprises therein a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM that increases along the depth direction.

A plurality of the cooling layers comprise a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM therein. Each of the cooling layers has a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM. A plurality of the cooling layers comprise a gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM therein. Each of the cooling layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM therein.

The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM comprised in at least one of the cooling layers increasing in the depth direction comprises: a proximal portion proximate to a proximal portion of the mattress, and the proximal portion having a first total mass of PCM and a first total mass of TEEM of the layer; and a distal portion proximate to the distal portion of the mattress, and the distal portion having a second total mass of PCM and a second total mass of TEEM of the layer, the second total mass of PCM being greater than the first total mass of PCM, and the second total mass of TEEM being greater than the first total mass of TEEM. The second total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. The second total mass of the PCM is in an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100% of the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is in an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100% of the first total mass of the TEEM. The second total mass of the PCM is in an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is in an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50% of the first total mass of the TEEM.

The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM that at least one of the cooling layers comprises therein increasing in the depth direction further comprises: an intermediate portion is located between the proximal and distal portions of the layer along the depth direction, and the intermediate portion has a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM. The third total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the TEEM. The third total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%; and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM, an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%. The third total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM by an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass of the PCM; and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM, an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50%.

The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM of at least one of the cooling layers comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM in the depth direction.

The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM of at least one of the cooling layers comprises a uniform gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM in the depth direction.

The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other by at least 3% in the depth direction.

The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction by an amount in a range of about 3% to about 100%.

The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction by an amount in a range of about 10% to about 50%.

The total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases by about at least 3% relative to each other along the depth direction.

The total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction by an amount in a range of about 3% to about 100%.

The total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction by an amount in a range of about 10% to about 50%.

The cooling layer includes: a first linen layer, along the depth direction is located a first foam layer below the first linen layer, along the depth direction is located a second foam layer below the first foam layer, and along the depth direction is located a second linen layer below the second foam layer.

The first foam layer is located directly below the first scrim layer in the depth direction. The second foam layer is located directly below the first foam layer in the depth direction. The second scrim layer is positioned directly beneath the second foam layer in the depth direction. The first foam layer includes a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer, and the second foam layer includes a latex foam layer. The first foam layer includes a latex foam layer and the second foam layer includes a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer. The first and second scrim layers are separate and distinct scrim layers. The first and second scrim layers are proximal and distal portions of the entire scrim layer, respectively. The entire linen layer extends completely around at least a portion of the first foam layer and the second foam layer. The entire linen layer extends entirely around the first foam layer and the second foam layer. The cooling layer further includes a batt layer located below the second linen layer in the depth direction.

Further comprising a bottom portion located below the plurality of cooling layers in the depth direction, wherein the bottom portion is free of PCM and TEEM. The second scrim layer is positioned below the bottom along the depth direction. The cooling layer further includes a proximal fabric cover layer, and the first scrim layer is positioned below the proximal fabric cover layer in the depth direction.

The proximal fabric cover layer defines a proximal side surface of the mattress. The cooling layer still includes the fire prevention socks layer, the fire prevention socks layer includes refractory material or fire resistive material, first linen layer is followed depth direction is located fire prevention socks layer below. The first linen layer is located right below the fireproof sock layer along the depth direction. The layer of fire-blocking socks is formed by the TEEM.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the present application when taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The subject matter regarded as the application is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as others, will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a phase change cycle of a Phase Change Material (PCM) for a solid-liquid phase transition.

FIG. 2 shows a temperature and energy content profile of a solid-liquid phase transformed PCM.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of multiple separate and distinct exemplary layers of a cooling pad having an interlaminar gradient distribution of phase change material and thermal diffusivity enhancing material in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one exemplary layer of a cooling pad having an intra-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and thermal diffusivity enhancing material in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary layer of a cooling pad having an intra-layer gradient distribution of a phase change material and a thermal diffusivity enhancing material in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary cooling mattress of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the exemplary cooling mattress of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary barrel section of the exemplary cooling mattress of fig. 6.

Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cooling mattress of fig. 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling liner according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary quilted cooling liner in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cooling mattress protective cover according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress protective cover according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress protective cover according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details of various aspects are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, manufacturing tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the details of the present application. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the disclosure, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms (e.g., "about" or "substantially") is not to be limited to the precise value specified. For example, these terms may mean less than or equal to ± 5%, such as less than or equal to ± 2%, such as less than or equal to ± 1%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.5%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.2%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.1%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.05%. In some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

Thermal energy storage is the temporary storage of high or low temperature energy for later use. It bridges the time gap between energy demand and energy usage. Among the various heat storage technologies, latent heat storage is particularly attractive because it can provide high heat storage densities under near isothermal conditions. Phase change materials (referred to herein as "PCMs") utilize latent heat that can be stored to or released from the material over a relatively narrow temperature range. PCMs have the ability to change their state over a range of temperatures. These materials absorb energy during the heating process where the phase change occurs and release energy to the environment during the reverse cooling process and the phase change process. The absorbed or released heat content is latent heat. Generally, a PCM may thus act as a thermal insulation layer, since the PCM has to absorb a certain amount of latent heat in order to warm up. Similarly, PCMs may be used as cooling layers because the PCM must remove a certain amount of latent heat to cool.

PCMs, which can be converted from solid to liquid or from liquid to solid, are the most commonly used latent heat storage materials and are suitable for the preparation of heat storage and temperature regulation textiles and garments. As shown in fig. 1, these PCMs absorb energy at a substantially constant phase transition or transformation temperature during heating or melting when a solid-to-liquid phase change occurs, and release energy at a substantially constant phase transition temperature during cooling or freezing/crystallization/solidification when a liquid-to-solid phase change occurs.

Fig. 2 shows a typical solid-liquid phase transition PCM. Starting from an initial solid state at a solid state temperature, a PCM initially absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat. In contrast to latent heat, sensible energy is the process of heat released or absorbed by the human body or a thermodynamic system, resulting in a change in the temperature of the system. As shown in fig. 2, when the PCM absorbs enough energy to bring the ambient temperature of the PCM to the transition temperature of the PCM, the PCM melts and absorbs a large amount of energy while remaining at an almost constant temperature (i.e., transition temperature) -i.e., latent heat/energy storage. The PCM continues to absorb energy while remaining at the transition temperature until all of the PCM has transformed into the liquid phase, whereby the PCM absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat, as shown in fig. 3. In this way, heat is removed from the environment surrounding the PCM and stored while the temperature is maintained at an "optimal" level during the solid-to-liquid phase change. In the reverse process, when the ambient temperature/energy surrounding the liquid PCM drops to the transition temperature, it will re-solidify, releasing/emitting its stored latent heat energy into the environment while remaining at the transition temperature until all the PCM is converted to the solid phase. Therefore, the temperature after management is again kept uniform.

Thus, the temperature of a typical solid-liquid phase transition PCM and its surrounding area remains almost constant throughout the melting process. This is also true of the solidification (e.g. crystallization) process; the temperature of the PCM does not change significantly throughout the curing process. The large heat transfer during melting and during curing without significant temperature changes makes these PCMs interesting as a source of heat storage material in practical textile applications.

However, the insulation effect achieved by the PCM depends on temperature and time, and since it can achieve the insulation effect only during the phase transition, the insulation effect is achieved only in the temperature range of the phase transition and is terminated when the phase transition of all PCMs is completed. Since this type of insulation is temporary, it may be referred to as dynamic insulation. Moreover, the heat transfer mode depends to a large extent on the phase of the materials involved in the heat transfer process. For solid materials, conduction is the dominant means of heat transfer. Whereas for liquid materials convective heat transfer dominates. Unfortunately, some PCMs have relatively low thermal conductivities and may not provide adequate heat transfer rates between the PCM itself and/or the surrounding medium or environment. Thus, incorporating a PCM into a cooling pad does not result in significant cooling over a long period of time (e.g., hours), because the PCM (and the entire cooling pad) will reach maximum heat absorption capacity relatively quickly, and they dissipate or radiate heat back to the user.

The phrases "body support cushion", "support cushion", and "cushion" are used herein to refer to any and all such objects of any size and shape and capable of or generally useful for supporting a user's body or a portion of the body. While some exemplary embodiments of the body support pads disclosed in the present disclosure are shown and/or described in the form of mattresses, mattress covers, mattress pads, and cushions/pads, and thus may be sized to support the entire or majority of a user's body, it is contemplated that the aspects and features described herein are equally applicable to pillows, seat cushions, seat backs, furniture, baby carriers, neck rests, leg spacers, apparel (e.g., shoes, hats, backpacks, and clothing), pet accessories (e.g., pet beds, pet cage pads, and pet apparel), blankets, athletic equipment pads, building materials (e.g., insulation, wall panels, and floors), and the like.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a body support cushion comprising a plurality of separate and distinct (i.e., different) layers 10, as shown in fig. 3. The plurality of layers 10 comprises a plurality of separate and distinct, continuous layers 12, the continuous layers 12 overlapping each other along a depth direction D1, the depth direction D1 extending from an outer or top (or proximal) portion 14 of the body supporting pad that is proximal to the user to an inner or bottom (or distal) portion 16 of the body supporting pad that is distal from the user.

As shown in fig. 3, the outer portion 14 of the body support cushion may be defined or include one or more additional layers of material formed on or over the top layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be the top or outer surface or surface portion of the top layer 20 in the depth direction D1. In other words, the top or uppermost layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10 (in the thickness and/or depth direction D1) may define the outer portion 14 of the body support pad, or the outer portion 14 of the body support pad may be defined by a layer that covers the top or uppermost layer 20 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction D1.

Similarly, as also shown in fig. 3, the inner portion 16 of the body support cushion may define or include one or more additional layers of material formed under or below the bottom layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be the bottom or outer surface or surface portion of the bottom layer 24 in the depth direction D1. In other words, the bottom or lowermost layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10 (in the thickness and/or depth direction D1) may define the bottom or inner portion 16 of the body supporting pad, or the inner portion 16 of the body supporting pad may be defined by a layer that is located below the bottom or lowermost layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10 in the depth direction D1. The depth direction D1 may thus extend from a top outer surface or surface portion of the outer portion 14 of the body support cushion to a bottom or inner outer surface or surface portion of the inner or bottom portion 16 (and through the middle or central portion).

The plurality of layers 10 may include two or more layers. For example, although top, intermediate and

bottom layers

20, 22, 24 are shown and described herein with reference to fig. 3, plurality of layers 10 may include only two separate and distinct, continuous (and possibly contiguous) layers, or may include four or more separate and distinct, continuous (and possibly contiguous) layers 12. Further, although the plurality of layers 10 are separate and distinct layers, at least one of the plurality of layers 10 may be coupled (either removably or fixedly coupled) to at least another one of the plurality of layers 10 (or another layer of the body support cushion), or the plurality of layers 10 may not be coupled to each other (but may be contiguous). For example, the outer layer 20 and the inner layer 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include portions of a cladding or pocket that surrounds (completely or partially) or surrounds at least the intermediate layer 22 (and possibly additional layers), or may form a cladding or pocket that surrounds (completely or partially) or surrounds at least the intermediate layer 22 (and possibly additional layers), and may (or may not) be directly coupled to one another. As another example, multiple layers 10 may be separate components and extend (freely stacked or coupled to each other) from each other, and another additional layer (or pair or layers) may surround or enclose (or sandwich) multiple layers 10 (in whole or in part).

The plurality of distinct, continuous layers 12 include an "active" layer that effectively cools a user (e.g., a human user or a non-human/animal user) by resting or otherwise contacting the user against the top or outer portion 14 of the body support cushion by: a large amount of heat (energy) is drawn away from the user quickly and substantially for a relatively long time, and is stored and/or dissipated away from the user for a relatively long time. As shown in fig. 3, the plurality of distinct, continuous layers 10 are "active" in that they all include a PCM 26 and/or a material 28 having a relatively high thermal diffusivity (e) (referred to herein as a "thermal diffusivity enhancing material" and "TEEM"). In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of a material of a particular layer having a relatively high thermal diffusivity may be significantly higher than the thermal diffusivity of the substrate of that layer to which the TEEM may be coupled, and thus enhance the thermal diffusivity of the entire layer. In some other embodiments, the material of a particular layer having a relatively high thermal diffusivity (TEEM) may define the layer itself (i.e., may be the substrate of the layer).

The PCM 26 of one of the plurality of layers 10 may include a plurality of pieces, particles, dots, or a relatively small amount of phase change material. The TEEM28 of one of the layers 10 may comprise blocks, particles, dots or a relatively small amount of material having a relatively high thermal diffusivity, or the layer itself may be composed of a material having a relatively high thermal diffusivity (i.e. the material having a high thermal diffusivity is the (base) material of the layer).

As shown in fig. 3, each of the plurality of layers 10 thus comprises a large number of PCMs 26, a large number of TEEMs 28, or a large number of PCMs 26 and a large number of TEEMs 28. As shown in fig. 3, in some embodiments, some or all of the plurality of layers 10 may include PCM 26 and TEEM 28. In some other embodiments, all of the layers 10 may include TEEM28, but one or more layers may not have PCM 26. In some other embodiments, all of the layers 10 may include PCM 26, but one or more layers may be devoid of TEEM 28.

In some embodiments, one or more layers of the plurality of layers 10 including the PCM 28 and the TEEM28 may include a coating of a substrate coupling the PCM 28 and the TEEM28 to the one or more layers. In some such embodiments, the PCM 28 may comprise about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM28 may comprise about 5% to about 80% of the mass of the coating, after the coating is hardened, cured, or otherwise stabilized. In some such embodiments, when the coating is initially applied (i.e., pre-hardened, cured, or applied with a coating mixture) (and prior to application), the PCM 28 may comprise about 30% to about 65% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM28 may comprise about 3% to about 5% of the mass of the coating. The coating (both when applied and after curing) may also include an adhesive material for chemically and/or physically coupling or bonding the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 to the substrate of the respective layer.

The PCM 26 may be coupled to the substrate forming the

respective layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10, or may be incorporated into or with the substrate of the

respective layer

20, 22, 24. The PCM 26 may be any phase change material. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may include any solid-liquid phase change material having a phase transition temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃, or in the range of about 15 ℃ to about 45 ℃, or in the range of 20 ℃ to about 37 ℃, or in the range of 25 ℃ to about 32 ℃. In some embodiments, PCM 26 may be or include at least one of: hydrocarbons, waxes, beeswax, oils, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, stearic anhydride, long chain alcohols, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be paraffin. However, as described above, the PCM 26 may be any phase change material, such as any solid-liquid phase change material having a phase change temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃.

In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be in the form of microspheres. For example, in some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be encapsulated or contained in microcapsules or microspheres and applied to multiple layers 10 or integrated with multiple layers 10. In some such embodiments, the PCM 26 may be a paraffin hydrocarbon and is contained or encapsulated in microspheres (also referred to as "microcapsules") that may range in diameter from 1 micron to 100 microns, for example. In some embodiments, the PCM 26 may be polymeric microspheres comprising paraffin wax or n-octadecane or n-eicosane. The paraffin wax may be selected or mixed to have a desired melting temperature or range. The polymer used for the microspheres may be selected to be compatible with the material of each of the plurality of layers 10. However, the PCM 26 may be of any form or structure.

The plurality of layers 10 comprising the PCM 26 may each comprise the same PCM material or may each comprise a different PCM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers 10 comprising the PCM 26 may comprise the same PCM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers 10 comprising the PCM 26 may comprise a PCM material different from the PCM material of at least another layer of the plurality of layers 10 comprising the PCM 26. Thus, the PCM 26 of at least one of the plurality of layers 10 and the PCM 26 of at least another one of the plurality of layers 10 may be the same material or different materials. As such, the latent heat storage capacity (commonly referred to as "latent heat", expressed in J/g) of the PCM 26 of at least one of the plurality of layers 10 may therefore be the same as or different from the latent heat storage capacity of the PCM 26 of at least another one of the plurality of layers 10. In some embodiments including two or more layers having different PCMs 26 and/or different latent heat storage capacities, the latent heat storage capacity of the PCM material 26 having the smallest latent heat storage capacity may be in the range of 200%, 100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, or 5% of the latent heat storage capacity of the PCM material 26 having the largest latent heat storage capacity.

The

various layers

20, 22, 24 comprising PCM 26 material in the plurality of layers 10 may comprise any total amount (e.g., mass) of PCM 26. However, the total mass of the PCM 26 of each of the plurality of layers 10, and/or the total latent heat (absorption) potential of each of the plurality of layers 10 (as a whole), including the PCM 26, i.e., the total latent heat (e.g., joules) that the PCM 26 of said each layer (during the entire phase change) may absorb, increases relative to each other in the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 3 by the increasing number X of the outer, intermediate and

inner layers

20, 22, 24. In other words, the total mass and/or the total latent heat (absorption) possible inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 26 of successive layers 12 of the plurality of layers 10 comprising the PCM 26 increases in the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 3. In some embodiments, the outermost layer 20 of the plurality of phase change layers 10 may comprise at least 25J/m²(e.g., assuming the layers are flat) PCM 26, at least 50J/m²Or at least 100J/m of PCM 26²The PCM 26 of (a).

The multiple layers 20 may thus include different loads (e.g., different PCM materials) and/or different amounts (by mass) of PCM 26 such that the total latent heat (absorption) potential of the PCM 26 within the body support cushion increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) from between successive layers including the PCM 26, as shown in fig. 3. Thus, along the thickness of the body support cushion, the body support cushion may comprise PCM of different loads and/or amounts (by mass). As noted above, in some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of layers 10 may include the PCM 26 (which may be continuous or may be discontinuous), or each/all of the plurality of layers 10 may include the PCM 26 (which may be continuous or may be discontinuous). Thus, the lowest layer in the depth direction D1 contains the highest load or amount of PCM 26 (i.e., the largest quality PCM 26 and/or the largest potential thermal potential), as shown in fig. 3.

In some embodiments, the inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass, and/or the total latent heat, of the PCM 26 of the plurality of layers 10 includes an increase in the depth direction D1 of at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% between successive layers containing PCM. In other words, the total mass of the PCM 26, and/or the total latent heat, of each of the plurality of layers 10, including the PCM 26, increases relative to each other in the depth direction by at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50%.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the gradient distribution of the mass and/or the latent thermal potential of the PCM 26 of at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user). In other words, the intra-layer gradient distribution of the mass and/or the latent thermal potential of the PCM 26 of at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 increases in the depth direction D1.

For example, as shown in fig. 4, at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass) of PCM 26 and/or the total latent heat potential of PCM 26 at/near a proximal portion 30 of the layer (closer to the outer portion 14 of the body support cushion (and user) along the depth direction D1), and a second greater amount (e.g., mass) of PCM 26 and/or the total latent heat potential of PCM 26 at/on a distal portion 34 of the

layer

20, 22, 24 (further from the outer portion 14 of the body support cushion (and user) along the depth direction D1) (i.e., the second greater amount (e., mass) and/or the second total latent heat potential of PCM 26 are greater than the first lesser amount (e.g., mass) and/or first total latent heat potential, respectively, of PCM 26). The second total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or second total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the distal portion 34 of the

layers

20, 22, 24 may be at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or first total latent heat potential of the proximal portion 30 thereof.

As also shown in fig. 4, the

layers

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10, including the gradient PCM 26 along the depth direction D1, may further include an intermediate portion 32 located between the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 34 along the depth direction D1, the intermediate portion 32 including a third total amount (e.g., mass) and/or a third total latent heat potential of the PCM 26, the third total amount (e.g., mass) and/or the third total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 being greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass) and/or the first total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the proximal portion 30, but less than the second total amount (e.g., mass) and/or the second total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the distal portion 34, as shown in fig. 4. The third total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or the third total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the intermediate portion 32 may be at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or the first total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the proximal portion 30, and may be at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% less than the second total amount (e.g., mass) and/or the second total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 of the distal portion 34. However, the layer of the plurality of layers 10 having the intra-layer gradient distribution of the total amount (e.g., mass) and/or the total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 may include any number of portions in the depth direction D1 whose total amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 increases in the depth direction D1.

The increase in the intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM 26 for one or more of the plurality of layers 10 (and possibly a plurality of consecutive layers 12) along the depth direction D1 may include an irregular gradient profile of the total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM 26 and/or the total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 4. In some such embodiments, the

layers

20, 22, and 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include two or more distinct bands or

regions

30, 32, 34 whose loading of the PCM 26 gradually increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50%, as shown in fig. 4. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the outer portion 30, the middle portion 32, and the inner portion 34 may be different regions of the thickness of the

respective layers

20, 22, 24 having different amounts (e.g., masses) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 along the depth direction D1 (e.g., increasing layer-by-layer by an amount of at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% along the depth direction D1).

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 5, an increase in the intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 of one or more of the plurality of layers 10 (and possibly a plurality of consecutive layers 12) along the depth direction D1 may include a smooth or regular gradient distribution of the mass and/or the total latent thermal potential of the PCM 26 along the depth direction D1. As shown in fig. 5, at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include a relatively constant/uniform gradual gradient of at least a portion of the load of the mass and/or the total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 along the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) within the body support cushion. Such a layer having a relatively constant/consistent gradual gradient of at least a portion of the load of the mass and/or the total latent heat potential of the PCM 26 along the depth direction D1 may include a top/proximal portion 30 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate the body support cushion and the user, the top/proximal portion 30 containing a PCM 26 of less total mass and/or total latent heat potential (e.g., at least 3%, in a range of about 3% to about 100%, or in a range of about 10% to about 50% less) than a bottom/distal portion 32 of the distal portion 16 proximate the body support cushion, as shown in fig. 5.

In some embodiments (not shown), a

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include an intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26, the layer including a middle portion 32, the middle portion 32 being located at or near a middle or central portion of the thickness of the body support cushion, the middle portion 32 having a maximum total mass and/or total potential for the PCM 26 as compared to the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 34 of the layer. Thus, the layer itself may be located at or near the middle or central portion of the thickness of the body support cushion. In such embodiments, the body support pad may comprise a dual-sided support pad that provides cooling to the user from either the proximal or distal side of the body support pad.

The TEEM28 may be coupled to the substrate forming the

respective layers

20, 22, 24. The thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 is greater than or equal to 1,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 2,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 2,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 3,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 5,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 7,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 10,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 10,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) Greater than or equal to 12,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Or 15,000Ws or more^0.5/(m²K) In that respect In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 is greater than or equal to 2,500Ws^0.5/(m²K)。

In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 is greater than or equal to 5,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) In that respect In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 is greater than or equal to 7,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) In that respect In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 is greater than or equal to 15,000Ws^0.5/(m²K) In that respect It is noted that the greater the thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 (for the same mass or volume), the faster the multiple layers 10 can draw or transfer thermal energy away from the user (or near the user) and to PCM 26 or away from the user, for example, in the depth direction D1.

The TEEM28 may include a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 1,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Or greater than or equal to 1,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Any material of (4). For example, TEEM28 may include copper, copper alloys, graphite alloys, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, ceramics, graphene, polyurethane gels (e.g., polyurethane elastomer gels), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, TEEM28 may include chips or particles of at least one metallic material.

At least one of the plurality of layers 10 may be formed from a substrate, and the TEEM28 of the at least one layer may be attached, integrated, or otherwise coupled to the substrate. In such embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 of a

respective layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may be at least about 10%, at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 100%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 400%, at least about 500%, at least about 600%, at least about 700%, at least about 800%, at least about 900%, or at least about 1,000% greater than the thermal diffusivity of a respective substrate. In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 may be at least 100% greater than the thermal diffusivity of the substrate of its

respective layer

20, 22, 24. In some embodiments, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 may be at least 1,000% greater than the thermal diffusivity of the substrate of its

respective layer

20, 22, 24. In some other embodiments, TEEM28 may form or comprise a substrate of at least one of the plurality of layers 10.

The multiple layers of the multiple layers 10 including the PCM 28 may each include the same TEEM material, or may each include a different TEEM material. For example, each of the plurality of layers 10 including the TEEM28 may include the same TEEM material, and/or at least one of the plurality of layers 10 including the TEEM28 may include a different TEEM28 material than at least one other of the plurality of layers 10 including the TEEM 28. In some embodiments including two or more layers having a TEEM28 material composed of different TEEM materials, the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM material having the minimum thermal diffusivity may be in the range of 100%, 50%, 25%, 10%, or 5% of the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM material having the maximum thermal diffusivity.

The respective layers 20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 that include the TEEM28 material may include any total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of TEEM 28. However, the total mass and/or volume and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 increases relative to each other along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 3 by the increased number of O's in the proximal layer 20, intermediate layer 22 and distal layer 24. In other words, the inter-layer gradient profile of the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM28 (and/or its total thermal diffusivity) of successive layers 12 of the plurality of layers 10 containing the TEEM28 may increase along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 3.

Accordingly, the plurality of layers 20 may include different loads or amounts of TEEM28 by mass and/or volume, and/or different total thermal diffusivity of TEEM28, such that the loading of TEEM28 within the body support cushion increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) between successive layers including TEEM28, as shown in fig. 3. Thus, along the thickness of the body support cushion, the body support cushion may comprise different loads or amounts of TEEM by mass and/or volume. As noted above, in some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of layers 10 may include TEEM28 (which may or may not be adjacent continuous layer 12), or each/all of the plurality of layers 10 may include TEEM 28. Accordingly, the distal layer 24 and/or distal portion 16 of the plurality of layers 10 may include the highest loading of the TEEM28 (i.e., the greatest mass and/or volume of the TEEM28, and/or the greatest total thermal diffusivity), as shown in fig. 3.

The inter-layer gradient profile of the total mass and/or volume (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM28 of the plurality of layers 10 includes an increase of at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% between successive TEEM-containing layers along the depth direction D1. In other words, the total mass and/or volume (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM28 of each of the plurality of layers 10 comprising the TEEM28 increases in the depth direction by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume (and/or its total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM28 of at least one of the plurality of

layers

10, 22, 24 increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user). In other words, as at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 extends away from the user, the intra-layer gradient profile of the mass and/or volume (and/or the total thermal diffusivity of the layer) of the TEEM28 of the at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 increases in the depth direction D1.

For example, as shown in fig. 4, at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or lesser total potential TEEM28 and a second greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or greater total potential TEEM28, the first lesser amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or lesser total potential TEEM28 being in/on the proximal portion 30 portion of the layer (proximate the body support pad and the outer portion 14 of the user in the depth direction D1), and the second greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or second greater total potential TEEM28 being in/on the distal portion 34 of the

layer

20, 22, 24 (proximate the distal portion 16 of the body support pad and distal portion of the user in the depth direction D1) (i.e., the second loading of the TEEM28 is a greater amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or a lower total thermal diffusivity than the first loading of the TEEM 28). The second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 of the distal portion 34 of the layer may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the amount of the first total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 of the proximal portion 30 along the depth direction D1.

As also shown in fig. 4, such a layer including a gradient TEEM28 along depth direction D1 may further include an intermediate portion 32 located between the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 34 along depth direction D1, the intermediate portion 32 including a third total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28, the third total amount and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 being greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 of the proximal portion 30, but less than the second amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 of the distal portion 34, as shown in fig. 4. The third total amount (e.g., total mass and/or total volume) and/or the total latent heat potential of the TEEMs 28 of the intermediate portion 32 may be at least 3%, between about 3% and about 100%, or between about 10% and about 50% greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass and/or total volume) and/or the total latent heat potential of the TEEMs 28 of the proximal portion 30, and may be at least 3%, between about 3% and about 100%, or between about 10% and about 50% less than the second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or total volume) and/or the total latent heat potential of the TEEMs 28 of the distal portion 34. However, a layer of the plurality of layers 10 having an intra-layer gradient distribution of an amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEMs 28 may include any number of portions along the depth direction D1 having a total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEMs 28 that increases along the depth direction D1.

The intra-layer gradient of TEEM28 increasing in depth direction D1 for one or more of the plurality of layers 10 (and possibly a plurality of consecutive layers 12) may include an irregular gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 in depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 4. In some such embodiments, a layer may include two or more distinct bands or

regions

30, 32, 34 that progressively increase in load of the TEEM28 in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%, as shown in fig. 4. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the proximal portion 30, the intermediate portion 32, and the distal portion 34 may include different regions of thickness of the

respective layers

20, 22, 24 along the depth direction D1, the

respective layers

20, 22, 24 having different amounts (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal diffusivity of the TEEM28 (e.g., increasing layer by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or in a range from about 10% to about 50 and/or total thermal diffusivity along the depth direction D1).

Alternatively, the intra-layer gradient of TEEM28, as the increase in depth direction D1, of one or more of the plurality of layers 10 (possibly a plurality of consecutive layers 12) may comprise a smooth or regular gradient distribution of at least a portion of the mass and/or volume and/or total thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 in depth direction D1. As shown in fig. 5, at least one

layer

20, 22, 24 of the plurality of layers 10 may include a relatively constant/uniform gradual gradient of at least a portion of the load along the mass and/or volume and/or total thermal diffusivity of TEEM28 in the depth direction D1 (i.e., away from the user) within the body support cushion. Such a layer having a relatively constant/consistent gradual gradient of at least a portion of the loading of TEEM28 in depth direction D1 may include a proximal portion 30 (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the outer portion 14 of the body support pad, the proximal portion 30 containing a smaller total mass and/or volume and/or total thermal diffusivity (e.g., at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less) of the TEEM28 than a bottom/distal portion 32 of the distal portion 16 proximate to the body support pad and away from the user, as shown in fig. 5.

In some embodiments (not shown), for example, one of the layers 10 may include an intralayer gradient of the TEEM28, the layer including a middle portion 32, the middle portion 32 being located at or near a middle or central portion of the thickness of the body support cushion, the middle portion 32 having a maximum total mass and/or volume of the TEEM28 as compared to the proximal portion 30 and the distal portion 34 of the layer. Thus, the layer itself may be located at or near the middle or central portion 44 of the thickness of the body support cushion. As described above, such a body support pad may form a dual-sided support pad that provides cooling to the user from the top/proximal side or bottom/distal side of the body support pad.

In some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra-layer gradient loading of PCM 26 and TEEM28 along depth direction D1 for multiple layers 10, e.g., multiple consecutive layers 12, may correspond or match one another. For example, in the depth direction D1, a first layer containing more (or a greater potential for latent heat) PCM 26 may also include more (or a greater total thermal diffusivity) TEEM28 than a second layer, as compared to an adjacent/contiguous continuous (and possibly adjacent) second layer. Similarly, a first layer (e.g., a plurality of consecutive layers 12) of the plurality of layers 10 along the depth direction D1 contains a first portion or region (e.g., an outer portion) having more (or a greater total thermal diffusivity) of the PCM 26 than a second portion or region (e.g., an inner portion), which may also include more (or a greater total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM28 than the second portion. However, in some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra-layer gradients of loading of PCM 26 and TEEM28 of the plurality of layers 10 (e.g., the plurality of consecutive layers 12) along the depth direction D1 may be different from each other. For example, the plurality of layers 10 (e.g., the plurality of consecutive layers 12) along the depth direction D1 may include layers that do not include PCM 26 and include TEEM28 (or do not include TEEM28 and include PCM 26). As another example, one of the layers 10 (e.g., a plurality of consecutive layers 12) may include an intra-layer gradient of PCM 26 but not an intra-layer gradient of TEEM28, or include an inter-layer gradient of TEEM28 but not an inter-layer gradient of PCM 26.

The inter-layer and intra-layer gradient loading/distribution of the PCM 26 and TEEM28 of multiple layers 10 (particularly multiple successive layers 12) (i.e., the gradient of the PCM 26 and TEEM28 between layers of successive layers, and the gradient of the PCM 26 and TEEM28 within at least one layer of the successive layers) provides unexpectedly large heat storage over an unexpectedly long period of time.

The various layers of the plurality of layers 10 may be formed of any material and include any configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of layers 10 may include flexible and/or compressible layers, which may be formed of fabric, non-fabric, wool, cotton, linen, rayon (e.g., inherent rayon), silica, fiberglass, ceramic fiber, para-aramid, linen, batting, polyurethane foam (e.g., viscoelastic polyurethane foam), latex foam, memory foam, loose fiber filler, polyurethane gel, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or organic materials (leather, animal leather, suede, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of layers 10 may be comprised of a flexible foam capable of supporting the body or a portion of the body of the user. Such flexible foams include, but are not limited to, latex foams, reticulated or non-reticulated viscoelastic foams (sometimes referred to as memory foams or low-elasticity foams), reticulated or non-reticulated non-viscoelastic foams, polyurethane elastomeric foams, expanded polymeric foams (e.g., expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene), and the like. In some embodiments, the layers comprise flexible layers, and at least some of the layers may compress along their thickness (in the depth direction D1) under the weight of the user when the user is at least partially resting on the body support pad.

As described above, the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be coupled to the substrate of at least one of the plurality of layers 10. For example, the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be coupled to the outer surface/side of the respective layer at an interior portion of the respective layer, and/or incorporated into/within the substrate forming the layer. Also as described above, in some embodiments, the TEEM28 material may form at least one of the plurality of layers 10. For example, one of the layers 10 may include a liquid and moisture (i.e., liquid vapor) barrier layer formed of a TEEM material 28 (e.g., a vinyl layer, a polyurethane layer (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane layer), a rubberized flannel layer, or a plastic layer) and may include a PCM material 26 coupled with the TEEM material 28 (e.g., applied to an interior distal surface of the layer). The liquid and moisture barrier may include an additional TEEM material 28 coupled to the base TEEM material 28. As another example, one of the layers 10 may include a gel layer that extends directly around, over, or above a foam layer that includes the PCM 26 and/or the TEEM material 28 coupled or otherwise integrated therein. The gel layer may thus comprise a coating on the foam layer and may be formed from the TEEM28 material (e.g. comprising a polyurethane gel). Although the formed gel layer may not include additional TEEM28 and possibly any PCM material 26, the TEEM28 and/or PCM 26 of the upper and/or lower cladding (e.g., foam layer) may migrate or otherwise transfer from the upper and/or lower cladding into the gel layer. Thus, at some point in time after formation, the gel layer may include or comprise the PCM 26 and/or TEEM 28.

The PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 of a layer may be coupled, integrated, or otherwise contained in/on the respective layer by any one or more methods. As non-limiting examples, the respective layers may be formed from PCM 26 and/or TEEM28, and/or PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be bonded or otherwise included in/on the respective layers by, for example, at least one of air knife, spray, compression, immersion/immersion, printing (e.g., computer-assisted printing), roll coating, vacuuming, filling, molding, injection, extrusion. However, as noted above, any other method or methods may also be used to apply or couple the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 to the layers.

In some exemplary embodiments, respective ones of the plurality of layers 10 having an intra-layer gradient of the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be formed by: applying the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 to the layer via a first operation, step or process (e.g., a first air knife, spray, compression, immersion/immersion, printing, roll coating, evacuation, filling or injection process or operation), and then applying the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 to the layer in at least one second operation, such that the PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 applied in the at least one second operation is coupled to a different portion of the layer than the first operation (possibly and at least a portion of the same portion of the layer as compared to the first operation), wherein at least one operating parameter of the second operation is changed as compared to the first operation. In this way, an intra-layer gradient of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be created.

For example, for a layer of fibrous linen or batting (or another relatively porous and/or open structural layer), a first mass of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be applied to a proximal side of the layer by at least one first operation (e.g., by an air knife, spray, roll coating, printing, filling, or injection operation), and a second mass of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 greater than the first mass may be similarly applied to a distal side of the layer opposite its proximal side by at least one second operation. Some of the first and second masses of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28, 26 and/or TEEM28 may permeate or pass through the proximal and distal sides and into an intermediate portion of the layer between the proximal and distal portions (by at least one first and second operation). Thus, the distal portion may include the highest quality PCM 26 and/or TEEM28, the proximal portion may include the lowest quality PCM 26 and/or TEEM28, and the intermediate portion may include a lower quality PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 than the distal portion, but a lower quality PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 than the proximal portion.

As another example, a first mass of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be applied to a distal portion of one layer (e.g., a relatively porous and/or open structure layer) by at least one first operation (e.g., dipping, evacuating, injecting, compressing, etc.), and a second mass of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 may be similarly applied to a distal portion and a more proximal portion of the layer by at least one second operation (e.g., by dipping the layer deeper, evacuating for longer periods of time and/or at higher vacuum pressures, injecting for longer periods of time and/or at higher pressures, etc.). Thus, the distal portion may include a greater mass of PCM 26 and/or TEEM28 as the more proximal portion.

The inter-and intra-laminar gradient distribution of the PCM 26 and TEEM28 of the plurality of layers 10 provides a body support cushion that can be worn for an unexpectedly long period of timeThe user absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away. Over a considerable period of time, the user may accidentally feel the body support cushion "cool". For example, in some embodiments, a body support cushion having an inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distribution of PCM 26 and TEEM28 of multiple layers 10 can be at least 24W/m per hour for at least 3 hours²For example, from the portion of the user in physical contact with the proximal portion 14 of the body support pad, and at least a portion of the user's weight is supported by the body support pad such that the user compresses the plurality of layers 10 at least partially along the thickness of the body support pad (and in the depth direction D1). Unexpectedly, the body support cushion may be at least 24W/m depending on the specific loading of the PCM 26 and TEEM28 of the body support cushion²/hr, or at least 30W/m²/hr, or at least 35W/m²/hr, or at least 40W/m²/hr, or at least 50W/m²/hr absorbs heat for at least 3 hours, at least 3 to 1/2 hours, at least 4 to 1/2 hours, at least 5 to 1/2 hours, or at least 6 hours.

Fig. 6-10 illustrate a cooling mattress 100 according to the present disclosure. The cooling mattress 100 includes a plurality of layers 110 (continuous layers) to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The mattress 100 may include and/or be similar to the body support cushion described above with reference to fig. 3-5, and/or the plurality of layers 110 may include and/or be similar to the plurality of layers 10 described above with reference to fig. 3-5, and the description contained herein for the body support cushion or plurality of layers 10 is equally applicable thereto and, for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated hereinafter. Accordingly, similar components and aspects of the mattress 100 and the body support cushion and/or layers 110 in fig. 3-5 and the layers 10 in fig. 3-5 are thus denoted by like reference numerals preceded by a "1".

As shown in fig. 6-10, the mattress 100 includes or defines a width W1, a length L1, and a thickness T1. As also shown in fig. 6 and 10, the depth direction D1 extends along the thickness T1 of the mattress 100 from an outer proximal portion or surface 140 proximate to the user (i.e., on which the user lies) to a distal medial portion or surface 142 distal from the user (i.e., spaced apart from the user and may be opposite the proximal side 140).

As shown in fig. 8-10, the mattress 100 includes a plurality of separate and distinct sections or layers that overlap or are arranged in the depth direction D1 and constitute or define the thickness T1 of the mattress 100. The mattress 100 includes a proximal end or cap portion 114 that forms the covering of the mattress 100. The mattress 100 also includes a cooling cartridge section 110(cooling cartridge section) comprised of a plurality of successive cooling layers, each cooling layer including a PCM126 and/or TEEM 128, the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 being located (e.g., directly or indirectly) below the proximal top portion 114 along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 6. Below (e.g., directly or indirectly) the cooling cartridge portion 110, the mattress 100 includes a bottom portion 116, the bottom portion 116 physically supporting the proximal top portion 114 and the cooling cartridge portion 110. As shown in fig. 8-10, each of the proximal top portion 114, cooling cylinder portion 110, and bottom portion 116 may include a plurality of successive layers overlapping one another in the depth direction D1 (i.e., the thickness T1 of the mattress). In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the proximal top portion 114, the cooling barrel portion 110, and the bottom portion 116 may comprise a single layer.

At least a plurality of successive layers 112 of the cooling cylinder portion 110 includes an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and the TEEM 128 that increases in the depth direction D1 of the mattress 100. Further, at least one of the plurality of layers 112 of the cooling barrel portion 110 may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 that increases along the depth direction D1. In some embodiments, the proximal top 114 further includes a PCM126 and/or a TEEM 128 such that the cooling barrel portion 110 includes a greater total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 than the proximal top 114, and/or the cooling barrel portion 110 includes a greater total mass (mass and/or volume) (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 than the proximal top 114, such that an increased inter-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of the mattress 100 along the depth direction D1 is maintained. In such embodiments, the distal-most layer or portion of the proximal tip 114 that includes the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 thus includes less total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 and/or less total mass (mass and/or volume) (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 than the proximal-most layer or portion of the proximal tip 114 that includes the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128. In some embodiments, at least one layer of the cooling drum portion 110 further comprises an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 that increases along the depth direction D1.

The distal foot 116 may define an outer distal portion or surface 142 of the mattress 100, as shown in fig. 6, 9, and 10. The distal surface 142 may be substantially planar and/or configured to rest on a bed base or support member or structure (e.g., a bed frame and/or box spring). In some embodiments, the bed base and/or distal foot 116 is configured to raise the height of the mattress 100 (along the thickness T1 dimension) to make it more comfortable for a user to get onto the mattress 100 and/or off of the mattress 110. In some embodiments, the bed base and/or the distal bottom 116 is configured to absorb forces, impacts, and/or weight in the depth direction D1 and/or reduce wear on the mattress 100. In some embodiments, the bed base and/or distal foot 116 is configured to form a substantially flat (i.e., planar) and strong structure for the mattress 100 to lie upon and/or to configure the mattress 100 itself as a substantially flat and strong structure. For example, the outer distal portion or surface 142 may be a substantially hard and flat surface portion.

The distal base 116 may be constructed of any structure and/or material that at least partially physically supports the cooling cartridge portion 110, the proximal top 114, and the user lying thereon or therein. For example, the distal base 116 may include at least one layer 164 of: a spring and/or resilient member, a layer or layers of foam (e.g., a layer or layers of decompression foam, memory foam, support foam, foam layer, or combinations thereof), a structural frame (e.g., a wood, metal, and/or plastic frame), or a combination thereof, as shown in fig. 7-10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distal foot 116 is devoid of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128. However, in alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the distal foot 116 immediately adjacent to the cooling cartridge portion 110 in the depth direction D1 (i.e., directly beneath the cooling cartridge portion 110) includes the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128. In embodiments where the distal base 116 includes the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128, the layer or portion of the distal base 116 immediately adjacent the cooling cylinder portion 110 in the depth direction D1 includes a greater mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 and/or a greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM 128 than the immediately adjacent layer or portion of the cooling cylinder portion 110 including the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 (e.g., the second batt layer 120B as described below). In this way, the increased inter-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 in the depth direction D1 of the mattress 100 is preserved (as explained further below). Further, in some embodiments, the distal foot 116 may include at least one layer or portion having an intralayer distribution of PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 that increases along the depth direction D1.

As shown in fig. 8-10, in some embodiments, the proximal top portion 114 may extend directly over the cooling cylinder portion 110, and thus indirectly over the distal bottom portion 116. In some embodiments, the proximal top 114 may extend over or near lateral sides of the width of the cooling cartridge portion 110 and the distal bottom 116 and longitudinal lateral sides of the width of the cooling cartridge portion 110 and the distal bottom 116. In some such embodiments, the proximal end top 114 may extend over a distal or side surface of the distal end bottom 116 and define a distal portion or surface 142, as shown in fig. 8-10. The proximal tip 114 may thereby form a housing or sleeve that encloses or encloses (e.g., completely or at least along one dimension (e.g., width W1 and/or length L1)).

As shown in fig. 6 and 8-10, in some embodiments, the proximal tip 114 may include an outer covering layer 160 and an underlying (direct or indirect) layer of fire sock (fire sock layer) 162. The cover layer 160 may thereby define an outer proximal portion or surface 140 on which a user of the mattress 100 (directly or indirectly) rests for use of the mattress 100. It should be noted that the user may use one or more sheets, mattress toppers, mattress pads, or any other layer or material, or combination thereof, on the proximal surface 140 of the mattress 100. The cover layer 160 and the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 may be adjacent continuous layers. The cover layer 160 and the layer of fire-blocking hosiery 162 may be coupled together (e.g., sewn, glued, snapped, or otherwise secured together), or the cover layer 160 and the layer of fire-blocking hosiery 162 may be loosely or freely arranged in a stacked or over/under-covering arrangement. For example, the outer covering layer 160 may extend around and/or be secured to the distal sole portion 116, and the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 may be confined or contained between the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 and the cooling cylinder portion 110 along the depth direction D1.

The cover layer 160 may comprise any substrate and construction, and may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers (which may be coupled together). In some embodiments, cover layer 160 comprises a compressible fabric layer, such as a woven or nonwoven fabric layer. In some embodiments, cover layer 160 comprises a quilted compressible fabric layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover layer 160 comprises cotton or a cotton blend fabric. In some embodiments, the cover layer 160 may define a thickness and a loft that are less than the thickness and loft of the first and second scrim layers 120A and 120B, respectively, of the cooling cylinder portion 110. The fabric weight of the cover layer 160 may be greater than the fabric weight of the first and second scrim layers 120A and 120B. In some embodiments, the fabric weight of the cover layer 160 is greater than or equal to about 220 GMS. In some embodiments, the cover layer 160 includes a moisture resistant material (e.g., vinyl and/or polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane)) configured to prevent or impede liquid and/or moisture from passing through the cover layer 160 in the depth direction D1.

The fire-blocking sock layer 162 may be configured as a fire-blocking or fire-resistant layer that prevents, or at least inhibits, the mattress 100 from burning (i.e., inhibits fire, ignites, and/or remains burning). The layer of fire-blocking sock 162 may include any substrate and construction, and may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers (which may be joined together). The layer of fire-blocking socks 162 comprises a fire-blocking or fire-resistant material (i.e., the layer of fire-blocking socks is formed of a fire-resistant material and/or the fire-blocking socks are treated (e.g., coated or impregnated) with a fire-blocking or fire-resistant material). For example, the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 may include one or more of the following layers and/or coatings: wool (e.g., sheep wool), glass fibers (e.g., glass wool), ceramic (possibly ceramic fibers), silica (possibly silica fibers), kevlar

Nylon, boric acid, antimony and chlorineBromine, decabromodiphenyl oxide, any other fire, fire or flame retardant material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 may be formed of a fire-blocking or fire-resistant material. In some other embodiments, the layer of fire-blocking socks 162 may be formed from a substrate (e.g., cotton or a cotton blend), and a fire-blocking or fire-resistant material may be bonded or otherwise integrated with the substrate.

In some embodiments, the cover layer 160 and the fire sock layer 162 include PCM126 (a solid-liquid phase change material having a phase change temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃) and TEEM 128 (a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws)^0.5/(m²K) The material of (a) as shown in fig. 9 and 10. In such embodiments, the inter-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and its TEEM 128 of the cover layer 160 and the fire sock layer 162 increases along the depth direction D1, the fire sock layer 162 including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) (and/or total potential thermal potential) of PCM126 and a greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 as compared to the cover layer 160. In some such embodiments, the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 of the fire sock layer 162 is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 of the cover layer 160. In some embodiments, the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the fire sock layer 162 is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the cover layer 160.

In some embodiments, the cap layer 160 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128. For example, the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of the covering layer 160 may be coupled (by any method) or disposed at a distal portion of the covering layer 160 that faces distally in the depth direction D1 and is proximate to the fire sock layer 162; and a medial portion of thickness T1 of cover layer 160 is adjacent to a distal portion thereof. In some such embodiments, the distal side or surface of the cover layer 160 may include a total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 that is greater (e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%) than a total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the middle portion of the cover layer 160. However, the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 of the overlayer 160 may be disposed anywhere in/on the overlayer 160, and the overlayer 160 may not include an intralevel gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or its TEEM 128.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the fire sock layer 162 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128. For example, the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of the fire sock layer 162 may be coupled or disposed (by any method) on a proximal portion thereof that faces proximally and is positioned distally adjacent to the covering layer 160 in the depth direction D1 and on a distal portion thereof (by any method) that faces distally and is positioned proximally adjacent to the cooling cartridge 110 in the depth direction D1. In some such embodiments, the distal portion of the fire sock layer 162 may include a total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 that is greater (e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%) than a total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential/capacity) of the PCM126 and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the proximal portion of the fire sock layer 162. However, the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128 of the fire sock layer 162 may be disposed anywhere in/on the fire sock layer 162, and the fire sock layer 162 may not include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128.

As described above, the mattress 100 includes the cooling barrel section 110 of the plurality of successive cooling layers 112, each of which includes PCM126 (a solid-liquid phase change material having a phase change temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃) and TEEM 128 (a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws)^0.5/(m²K) The material of (2) as shown in fig. 8 to 10. The continuous cooling layer 112 includes separate and

distinct layers

120A, 122, 124, and 120B arranged along the depth direction D1. The cooling cartridge portion 110 may be located below (possibly directly) the proximal top portion 114 (if provided) and above the bottom portion 116 (if provided) along the depth direction D1. As described above, the inter-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and TEEM 128 of the plurality of layers 112 of the cooling barrel portion 110 increases in the depth direction D1, andthe intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and TEEM 128 of at least one layer 112 increases in the depth direction D1. In some embodiments, multiple layers 112 of the cooling barrel portion 110 include the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128, or each layer of the multiple layers 112 includes the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128. In some embodiments, multiple layers 112 of the cooling barrel portion 110 include an intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128, or each layer of the multiple layers 112 includes an intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM126 and/or the TEEM 128.

As shown in fig. 6-10, the plurality of layers 112 of the cooling cylinder portion 110 include a proximal (possibly most proximal) first scrim layer 120A, a first foam layer 122 (possibly viscoelastic foam), a non-viscoelastic second foam layer 124, and a second scrim layer 120B. Wherein the first scrim layer 120A is positioned directly under (e.g., directly under) the top proximal cover portion 114 in the depth direction D1 (e.g., directly under the fire-protective sock 162 if the fire-protective sock 162 is provided or directly under the cover layer 160 if the fire-protective sock 162 is not provided), the first foam layer 122 is positioned directly under the first scrim layer 120A in the depth direction D1, the non-viscoelastic second foam layer 124 is positioned directly under the first foam layer 122 in the depth direction D1, and the second scrim layer 120B is positioned directly under the second foam layer 124 in the depth direction D1.

In some embodiments, the fabric weight of the first scrim layer 120A can be about 20GSM to about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer 120A has an air permeability of at least about 1-1/2ft³/min。

If the top proximal cover portion 114 includes PCM126 and/or TEEM 128, the first scrim layer 120A includes a greater total amount (e.g., mass) (and/or total potential thermal potential) of PCM126 and/or a greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of TEEM 128 than a total amount (e.g., mass) (and/or total potential thermal potential) of PCM126 and/or a total amount (e.g., mass or volume) (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the most distal layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion 114 (and/or the top proximal cover portion 114 as a whole). In some such embodiments, the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the most distal layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion 114 (and/or the top proximal cover portion 114 as a whole). In some embodiments, the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 120A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the most distal layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion 114 (and/or the top proximal cover portion 114 as a whole).

The PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 120A may be provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1). For example, first scrim layer 120A can include a proximal scrim portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) and a distal scrim portion (e.g., a distal surface portion), wherein the proximal linen portion is proximate to the top proximal covering portion 114 (if provided) and has a first total mass portion (or first potential heat) of the total mass (or total latent heat) of the PCM126 of the first linen layer 120A, the distal linen portion is distal to the top proximal covering portion 114 (if provided) in the depth direction D1, and is located below the proximal linen section and has a second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first linen layer 120A, the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 126. In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A. As another example, the proximal linen section may have a first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first linen layer 120A, and the distal linen section 134 may have a second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first linen layer 120A, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128. In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the first scrim layer 120A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the first scrim layer 120A.

In some such embodiments, first linen layer 120A may include an intermediate linen portion located between the proximal and distal linen portions in the depth direction D1, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of first linen layer 120A. The intermediate linen section may comprise a third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first linen layer 120A, the third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first linen layer 120A and less than the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 126. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A, and may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A. The intermediate linen section 132 may also include a third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first linen layer 120A, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first linen layer 120A being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 and less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first linen layer 120A. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 120A, and at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first scrim layer 120A. It should be noted that the first scrim layer 120A may have any number of portions of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of varying loads that increase in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion, or including at least one other portion in addition to the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion.

As shown in fig. 8-10, the first foam layer 122 directly beneath the first scrim layer 120A in the depth direction D1 may also include PCM126 and/or TEEM 128. As described above, the first foam layer 122 includes a greater total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 than the total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 of the covering layer of the cooling barrel portion 110 (and the top proximal cover portion 114 if the top proximal cover portion 114 includes PCM126 or TEEM 128). For example, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the first foam layer 122 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the first scrim layer 120A, e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater.

The first foam layer 122 may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, the first foam layer 122 may include a proximal foam portion and a distal foam portion, wherein the proximal foam portion has a first total mass portion (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122; and the distal foam portion has a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 and a second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122; the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126, and the first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 is greater than the second total mass fraction (and/or the second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 128. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128.

In some such embodiments, the first foam layer 122 may also include an intermediate foam portion located between the proximal and distal foam portions along the depth direction D1, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of the first foam layer 122. The intermediate foam portion may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 and a third total mass portion (and/or a third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122. A third total mass fraction (and/or a third latent thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total latent thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first latent thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total latent thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or the second latent thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122, and the third total mass fraction (and/or third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or the potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126, and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 126. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or the third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity), and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than its second total mass fraction (and/or the second thermal diffusivity). It should be noted that the first foam layer 122 may include any number of portions of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 in the depth direction with different loads increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion.

As shown in fig. 8-10, the second foam layer 124, which is directly below the first foam layer 122 in the depth direction D1, may also include PCM126 and/or TEEM 128. As described above, the second foam layer 124 includes a greater total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 than the total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 of the covering layer of the cooling barrel portion 110 (and the top proximal cover portion 114 if the top proximal cover portion 114 includes PCM126 or TEEM 128). For example, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the first foam layer 122, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second foam layer 124 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the first foam layer 122, e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater.

The second foam layer 124 may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, the second foam layer 124 may include a proximal foam portion and a distal foam portion, wherein the proximal foam portion has a first total mass portion (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second foam layer 124; and the distal foam portion has a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 and a second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second foam layer 124; the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the total mass of the PCM126 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) thereof, and the second total mass fraction (and/or the second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of the TEEM 128 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first total thermal diffusivity) thereof.

In some such embodiments, the second foam layer 124 may also include an intermediate foam portion located between the proximal and distal foam portions thereof in the depth direction D1, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of the second foam layer 124. The intermediate foam portion may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 and a third total mass portion (and/or a third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 128 of the second foam layer 124. A third total mass fraction (and/or a third latent thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total latent thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first latent thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total latent thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or the second latent thermal potential) of the total mass of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124, and a third total mass fraction (and/or third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second foam layer 124 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the first foam layer 122 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of the TEEMs 128 of the first foam layer 122. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than its second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential). In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or the third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity), and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than its second total mass fraction (and/or the second thermal diffusivity). It should be noted that the second foam layer 124 may include any number of portions of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of different loadings increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, along the depth direction.

As shown in fig. 8-10, the first and second foam layers 122, 124 include separate and distinct compressible foam layers and other layers of the plurality of layers 112 of the cooling cylinder portion 110 of the mattress 100, including any other foam layers. In some embodiments, the first foam layer 122 includes a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam (or memory foam) and the second foam layer 124 includes a layer of latex polyurethane foam (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the foam of the first foam layer 122 and/or the second foam layer 124 may be an open cell foam.

As shown in fig. 8-10, the second scrim layer 120B directly beneath the second foam layer 124 in the depth direction D1 may also include PCM126 and/or TEEM 128. As described above, the second scrim layer 120B includes a greater total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 than the total amount or load of PCM126 and TEEM 128 of the covering layer of the cooling drum portion 110 (and the top proximal cover portion 114 if the top proximal cover portion 114 includes PCM126 or TEEM 128). For example, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second scrim layer 120B is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second foam layer 124, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second scrim layer 120B is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second foam layer 124, e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater.

The PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 of the second scrim layer 120B may be provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1). For example, the second linen layer 120B may comprise a proximal linen portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) and a distal linen portion (e.g., a distal surface portion), wherein the proximal linen portion has a first total mass fraction (or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM126 of the second linen layer 120B; the distal linen section is located below the proximal linen section in the depth direction D1 and has a second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second linen layer 120B, the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 126. In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second scrim layer 120B is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second scrim layer 120B. As another example, the proximal linen section may have a first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second linen layer 120B, and the distal linen section 134 may have a second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second linen layer 120B, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 being greater than the first total mass fraction of the TEEM 128 (or first thermal diffusivity of the TEEM 128). In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second scrim layer 120B is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second scrim layer 120B.

In some such embodiments, second linen layer 120B may include an intermediate linen portion located between the proximal and distal linen portions in the depth direction D1, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of second linen layer 120B. The intermediate linen section may comprise a third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second linen layer 120B, the third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second linen layer 120B and less than the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 126. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second scrim layer 120B may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM126 of the second scrim layer 120B, and may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction of the PCM126 of the first scrim layer 120A. The intermediate linen section 132 may also include a third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second linen layer 120B, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second linen layer 120B being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second linen layer 120B and less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 128 of the second linen layer 120B. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second scrim layer 120B, and at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 128 of the second scrim layer 120B. It should be noted that the second scrim layer 120B may include any number of portions of the PCM126 and/or TEEM 128 in the depth direction with different loads increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion.

As shown in fig. 8-10, first and second scrim layers 120A and 120B include separate and distinct (separate and distinct from each other) scrim layers, as well as other layers of the plurality of layers 112 of the cooling cylinder portion 110 of the mattress 100. In some embodiments, the entire first linen layer 120A is separated in the depth direction from the entire second linen layer 120B by the thickness of the first foam layer 122 and the second foam layer 124. In some embodiments, the material and/or construction of the second scrim layer 120A (except for the loading of its PCM126 and/or TEEM 128) is substantially the same as or similar to the material and/or construction of the first scrim layer 120. For example, in some embodiments, the fabric weight of second scrim layer 120B can be in the range of about 20GSM to about 80GSM, and/or the air permeability can be at least about 1-1/2ft³And/min. In some other embodiments, the material and/or construction of the second scrim layer 120A (including the loading of its PCM126 and/or TEEM 128) is different than the material and/or construction of the first scrim layer 120.

Fig. 11 shows another cooling mattress 200 according to the present application. The cooling mattress 200 includes a cooling cylinder portion 210, the cooling cylinder portion 210 including a plurality of successive, separate and distinct layers 210, the plurality of layers 210 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The mattress 200 may include and/or be similar to the body support cushion described above with reference to fig. 3-5, and is generally similar to the mattress 100 described above with reference to fig. 6-10, so the description contained herein with respect to the body support cushion and mattress 100 is equally applicable to the mattress 200 of fig. 11, and for the sake of brevity will not be repeated hereinafter. Components and aspects of the mattress 200 and cooling cylinder portion 210 similar to the body support cushion of fig. 3-5 and the mattress 100 of fig. 6-10 are thus designated by like reference numerals preceded by a "2".

As shown in FIG. 11, the mattress 200 differs from the mattress 100 in that the cooling cylinder portion 210 includes a linen layer 220 that extends around the width W1 and/or length L1 of the first and second foam layers 222, 224. The scrim layer 220 may form, for example, an outer shell (enclosure), sleeve, or bag containing a first foam layer 222 and a second foam layer 224. The first scrim layer 220A may thus comprise a first portion of the scrim layer 220 that (directly) covers the first foam layer 222, and the second scrim layer 120B may thus comprise a second portion of the scrim layer 220 that is (directly) below the second foam layer 224 in the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 11. As described above, the first and second

linen layer portions

220A, 220B of the linen layer 220 may comprise a different loading of PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228. The first and second

linen layer portions

220A and 220B may be formed by different processes or operations (or processes or operations having different parameters) such that their PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228 are loaded differently.

As also shown in fig. 11, the linen layer 220 may include lateral and/or longitudinal sides 220C, the lateral and/or longitudinal sides 220C extending between the first and second

linen layer portions

220A, 220B along the width W1 and/or length L1 of the mattress 200 over a thickness T1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 11, the lateral and/or longitudinal side portions 220C of the linen layer 220 are free of the PCM 226 and/or TEEM 228. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the lateral and/or longitudinal sides 220C of the scrim layer 220 may include the PCM 226 and/or the TEEM 228.

Fig. 12 shows another cooling mattress 300 according to the present application. The cooling mattress 300 includes a cooling cylinder portion 310, the cooling cylinder portion 310 including a plurality of successive, separate and distinct layers 310, the plurality of layers 310 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The mattress 300 may include and/or be similar to the body support cushion described above with reference to fig. 3-5, and is generally similar to the mattress 100 of fig. 6-10 and the mattress 200 of fig. 11, and thus the description contained herein for the body support cushion and mattress 100 applies equally to the mattress 300 of fig. 12, which will not be repeated below for the sake of brevity. Components and aspects of the mattress 300 and its cooling cylinder portion 310 similar to the body support cushion in fig. 3-5, the mattress 100 in fig. 6-10, and/or the mattress 200 in fig. 11 are thus denoted by like reference numerals preceded by a "3".

As shown in fig. 12, the mattress 300 differs from the mattress 100 and the mattress 200 in that the cooling cylinder portion 310 includes a distal batt layer 325, the distal batt layer 325 covering (e.g., directly covering) the base 364 and/or under (e.g., directly under) the second scrim layer/portion 320B in the depth direction D1. Batt layer 325 may be comprised of any matting material such as a woven or non-woven batt. The batt layer 325 may be comprised of one or more batt layers that loosely overlap or are joined to each other along the depth direction D1.

In some embodiments, the batting layer 325 may define a thickness along the thickness T1 of the mattress 300 that is greater than the thickness of the first scrim layer/portion 320A and/or the thickness of the second scrim layer/portion 320B. In some embodiments, the loft of the batt layer 325 in the depth direction D1 may be greater than the loft of the first and/or second scrim layers/portions 320A and 320B. In some embodiments, the air flow (i.e., CFM) of the batt layer 325 in the depth direction D1 is less than the air flow of the first and/or second scrim layers/portions 320A and 320B.

As shown in fig. 12, the batt layer 325 may include PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328. As described above, the batting layer 325 includes a greater total amount or load of PCM 326 and TEEM 328 than the PCM 326 and TEEM 328 of the covering of the cooling barrel portion 310 (and the proximal cap portion 314 if the top proximal covering portion 114 includes PCM 326 or TEEM 328). For example, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325 may be greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the second scrim layer/section 320B, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325 can be greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the second scrim layer 320B, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%.

The PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325 may be provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile that increases in the depth direction D1). For example, the batt layer 325 may include a proximal batt portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) having a first total mass portion (or a first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325, and a distal batt portion (e.g., a distal surface portion) located below the proximal batt portion in the depth direction D1 and having a second total mass portion (or a second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325, the second total mass portion (or the second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 being greater than the first total mass portion (or the first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325 is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass portion (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325. As another example, the proximal batt portion may have a first total mass portion (or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325, and the distal batt portion 134 may have a second total mass portion (or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325, the second total mass portion (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 being greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328. In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325 is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325.

In some such embodiments, the batt layer 325 may include an intermediate batt portion, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of the batt layer 325, between the proximal and distal batt portions in the depth direction D1. The intermediate batt portion may include a third total mass portion (or third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325, the third total mass portion (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 being greater than the first total mass portion (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325 and less than the second total mass portion (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325. For example, the third total mass portion (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass portion (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325, and at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass portion (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 326 of the batt layer 325. The intermediate batt portion may also include a third total mass portion (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325 being greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325, and at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 328 of the batt layer 325. It should be noted that the batt layer 325 may include any number of portions of the PCM 326 and/or TEEM 328 in the depth direction with different loads increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal, intermediate and distal portions.

Fig. 13 shows another cooling mattress 400 according to the present application. The cooling mattress 400 includes a cooling cylinder portion 410, the cooling cylinder portion 410 including a plurality of successive, separate and distinct layers 412, the layers 412 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The mattress 400 may include and/or be similar to the body support cushions described above with reference to fig. 3-5, and is generally similar to the mattress 100 of fig. 6-10, the mattress 200 of fig. 11, and the mattress 300 of fig. 12, and thus the description contained herein with respect to the body support cushion, the mattress 100, the mattress 200, and the mattress 300 is equally applicable to the mattress 400 of fig. 13 and, for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated below. Components and aspects of the mattress 400 and its cooling cylinder portion 410 similar to the body support cushion in fig. 3-5, the mattress 100 in fig. 6-10, the mattress 200 in fig. 11, and/or the mattress 300 in fig. 12 are thus denoted by like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "4".

As shown in fig. 13, mattress 400 differs from

mattresses

100, 200, and 300 in that a second linen layer/portion 420B of linen layer 420 is located below (e.g., directly below) bottom 416 in depth direction D1. As shown in fig. 13, the linen layer 420 of mattress 400 may extend around the width W1 and/or length L1 of the first foam layer 422, second foam layer 424, and base 416 (and the batting layer, if provided). The scrim layer 420 may thus form an enclosure, sleeve, or bag containing, for example, the first foam layer 422, the second foam layer 424, and the bottom 416 (and batt layer, if provided). The first scrim layer 420A may thus include a first portion of the scrim layer 420 that (directly) overlies the first foam layer 422, and the second scrim layer 420B may thus include a second portion of the scrim layer 420 that is (directly) below the base 416 along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 13. As also shown in fig. 13, in some embodiments, the second scrim layer/portion 420B may cover (e.g., directly cover) the sock layer 462 (if provided) and/or the cover layer 460 (if provided) along the depth direction D1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second scrim layer/section 420B is devoid of PCM 426 and/or TEEM 428. However, in some alternative embodiments (not shown), the second scrim layer/section 420B may include PCM 426 and/or TEEM 428.

Fig. 14 illustrates a cooling pad or cooling pad 500 according to the present application. The cooling pad or pad 500 includes a plurality of successive, separate and distinct layers 512 that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat from a user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The cooling pad or cooling pad 500 may include and/or be similar to the body support pads described above with reference to fig. 3-5, the cooling barrel portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling barrel portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling barrel portion 310 of fig. 12, and the cooling barrel portion 410 of fig. 13, and thus the description of the body support pads, the cooling barrel portion 110, the cooling barrel portion 210, the cooling barrel portion 310, and the cooling barrel portion 410 contained herein applies equally to the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated below. Accordingly, components and aspects of the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 similar to the body support pads in fig. 3-5, the cooling cartridge portion 110 in fig. 6-10, the cooling cartridge portion 210 in fig. 11, the cooling cartridge portion 310 in fig. 12, and the cooling cartridge portion 410 in fig. 13 are thus denoted by like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "5".

As shown in fig. 14, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 may define a width W1, a length L1, and a thickness T1 extending between a proximal portion or surface 540 and a distal portion or surface 542 along a depth direction D1. The cooling pad or cooling cushion 500 may be sized and otherwise configured to cover a bed, chair, sofa, seat, floor/floor, bench, or any other surface or structure that supports at least a portion of a user to add (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism thereto.

As shown in fig. 14, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 may include a proximal fabric layer 520A, an intermediate layer 522 located below (e.g., directly below) the proximal fabric layer 520A, and a distal fabric layer 520B located below (e.g., directly below) the intermediate layer 522. Proximal fabric layer 520A, intermediate layer 522, and distal fabric layer 520B each include PCM526 and TEEM 528, as shown in fig. 14. The cooling pad or cooling pad 500 comprises an inter-layer gradient profile of the PCM526 and the TEEM 528 increasing in the depth direction D1, and an intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM526 and the TEEM 528 increasing in at least one layer in the depth direction D1.

In some embodiments, the proximal fabric layer 520A may not include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM526 and the TEEM 528. For example, only a distal portion of the proximal fabric layer 520A may include a substantial amount of PCM526 and/or TEEM 528. In some other embodiments, the PCM526 and/or TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A may be provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1).

For example, the proximal fabric layer 520A may include a proximal fabric portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) and a distal fabric portion (e.g., a distal surface portion), wherein the proximal fabric portion is located at or near the top proximal surface 540 and the proximal fabric portion has a first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A; the distal fabric portion is located distal to the top proximal surface 540 and below the proximal fabric portion in the depth direction D1, and has a second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A that is greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 526. In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass portion (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. For another example, the proximal fabric portion of the proximal fabric layer 520A may have a first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A, and the distal fabric portion may have a first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the proximal fabric layer 520ATEEMA second total mass (or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528. In some such embodiments, the second total mass fraction (or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A is at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A.

In some such embodiments, the proximal fabric layer 520A may include an intermediate fabric portion located between the proximal and distal fabric portions in the depth direction D1, for example at or near a middle portion of the thickness T1 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. The intermediate fabric portion may include a third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A that is greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A and less than the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A, and may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. The middle fabric section may also include a third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A being greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A and less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. For example, the third total mass fraction (or third total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (or first total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A, at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (or second total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the proximal fabric layer 520A. Note that the proximal fabric layer 520A may include any number of portions of the PCM526 and/or TEEM 528 in the depth direction with different loads increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal, intermediate and distal portions.

As shown in fig. 14, the intermediate layer 522 directly beneath the first scrim layer 520A in the depth direction D1 may also include PCM526 and/or TEEM 528. As described above, the intermediate layer 522 includes PCM526 and TEEM 528 that are greater in overall amount or load than the first scrim layer 520A. For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM526 of the first scrim layer 520A, e.g., by at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the first scrim layer 520A, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%.

The intermediate layer 522 may also include an intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM526 and/or its TEEM 528 that increases in the depth direction D1. For example, the intermediate layer 522 may include a proximal portion having a first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 and a first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522, and a distal portion having a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 and a second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522, the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass of the PCM526 being greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) thereof, the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 is greater than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or the second total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first total thermal diffusivity) thereof.

In some such embodiments, the intermediate layer 522 may also include an intermediate portion between its proximal and distal end portions in the depth direction D1, for example, at or near the middle of the thickness T1 of the intermediate layer 522. The intermediate portion may have a third total mass fraction of the total mass of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 and a third total mass fraction (and/or a third latent thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total latent thermal potential) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522. A third total mass fraction (and/or a third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or the first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or the second potential thermal potential) of the total mass of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522, and a third total mass fraction (and/or third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the first foam layer 122 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of the TEEM 528 of the first foam layer 122. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM526 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) thereof, and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) thereof. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than its second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity). It should be noted that the intermediate layer 522 may include any number of portions in the depth direction with different loadings of the PCM526 and/or TEEM 528 increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal portion, the intermediate portion, and the distal portion.

The intermediate layer 522 may comprise any material or construction. For example, the intermediate layer 522 may include one or more layers of cotton batting, linen, foam, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the middle layer 522 includes a batt layer.

As shown in fig. 14, the second scrim layer 520B directly beneath the intermediate layer 522 in the depth direction D1 may also include PCM526 and/or TEEM 528. As described above, the second scrim layer 520B includes PCM526 and TEEM 528 that are greater than the total amount or load of the covering layer of the cooling pad or cooling mat 500. For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM526 of the second scrim layer 520B is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM526 of the intermediate layer 522, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the second scrim layer 520B is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 528 of the intermediate layer 522, e.g., at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater.

The PCM526 and/or TEEM 528 of the second scrim layer 520B may also be provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases in the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile that increases in the depth direction D1), for example, as described above with respect to the first scrim layer 520A.

As shown in fig. 14, first and second scrim layers 520A and 520B may be proximal and distal portions of scrim layer 520. The scrim layer 520 may thus extend around or about the intermediate layer 522 in the direction of the width W1 and/or the length L1. For example, the scrim layer 520 may include a third section 520C that extends between the first scrim layer 520A and the second scrim layer 520B along a thickness T1 of the pad or cooling mat 500. In some alternative embodiments (not shown), first and second scrim layers 520A and 520B may be separate and distinct layers that may be coupled to each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via intermediate layer 522).

Fig. 15 illustrates a quilted cooling pad (cooled cooling pad) or cooling pad 600 according to the present application. The quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600 includes a plurality of successive, separate and distinct layers 612 that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The cooling pad or cooling pad 600 may include and/or be similar to the components and aspects of the body support pad described above with reference to fig. 3-5, the cooling cartridge portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling cartridge portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling cartridge portion 310 of fig. 12, the cooling cartridge portion 410 of fig. 13, and the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, and thus the description of the body support pad, the cooling cartridge portion 110, the cooling cartridge portion 210, the cooling cartridge portion 310, the cooling cartridge portion 410, and the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 contained herein applies equally to the cooling pad or cooling pad 600 of fig. 15, which will not be repeated below for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, components and aspects of cooling pad or cooling pad 600 similar to the body support pads of fig. 3-5, cooling cartridge portion 110 of fig. 6-10, cooling cartridge portion 210 of fig. 11, cooling cartridge portion 310 of fig. 12, cooling cartridge portion 410 of fig. 13, and cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14 are identified by like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "6".

As shown in fig. 15, the cooling pad or cooling pad 600 is substantially similar to the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, but differs in that it includes quilting (pinning), stitching 676, etc. that forms or defines different regions or chambers of the pad or cooling pad 600. Quilting, stitching, etc. may extend through the first scrim layer 620A, the intermediate layer 622, and the second scrim layer 620B, as shown in fig. 15.

As described above with respect to the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, the proximal first fiber layer 620A (e.g., the woven fiber layer) may include the PCM 626 and/or PCM 628 provided or arranged in a gradient distribution that increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 626 and/or PCM 628 that increases along the depth direction D1). For example, the proximal first fiber layer 620A may include a distal surface portion of its thickness T1 adjacent to the intermediate layer 622, and the mass portion (and/or potential thermal potential) of the PCM 626 and/or the mass portion (e.g., thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 628 of the distal surface portion is greater than the mass portion (and/or potential thermal potential) of the PCM 626 and/or the mass portion (e.g., thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 628 of the intermediate portion and/or proximal portion of the proximal first fiber layer 620A.

Similarly, as also described above, the distal second fiber layer 620B (e.g., a woven fiber layer) may include the PCM 626 and/or the PCM 628 provided or arranged in a gradient profile that increases along the depth direction D1 (i.e., an intra-layer gradient profile of the PCM 626 and/or the PCM 628 that increases along the depth direction D1). For example, the distal second fiber layer 620B may include a distal surface portion of its thickness T1 that is adjacent to the intermediate layer 622, and the mass portion (and/or potential thermal potential) of the PCM 626 and/or the mass portion (e.g., thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 628 of the distal surface portion is greater than the mass portion (and/or potential thermal potential) of the PCM 626 and/or the mass portion (e.g., thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 628 of the intermediate portion and/or the proximal portion of the distal second fiber layer 620B.

As shown in fig. 15, the cooling pad or cooling mat 600 may be configured to be removably or selectively coupled or fixedly coupled to the first base fiber layer 672. For example, the distal portion 642 and/or the distal second fibrous layer 620B may be configured to be coupled to a first base fibrous layer 672 located below the distal second fibrous layer 620B in the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 14. In some such embodiments, the distal second fibrous layer 620B can be configured to be removably coupled to the first base fibrous layer 672, for example, via at least one zipper, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, other removable or selective coupling mechanisms, or a combination thereof. In some other embodiments, the distal second fibrous layer 620B may be fixedly attached to the first base fibrous layer 67, for example, by stitching and/or glue/adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first base fibrous layer 672 may be configured to be coupled to a portion of a base structure (e.g., a mattress, a body support cushion, etc.) or a second distal base fibrous layer 674 that is below the first base fibrous layer 672 along the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 14. The second fibrous layer 674 may be configured to be coupled (fixedly or removably) to a foundation structure (e.g., a mattress, a body support cushion, etc.) located below the second fibrous layer 674 in the depth direction D1, as shown in fig. 14. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first base fiber layer 672 may include a fabric top bedding panel (bedding sheet) and the second fiber layer 674 may include a fabric bed (fabric bed) or bedding skirt (bedding skirt) configured to be coupled to a mattress and/or mattress base structure. In some such embodiments, the first base fiber layer 672 and the second fiber layer 674 may be configured to be removably coupled together by at least one first zipper, and/or the second fiber layer 674 may be configured to be removably coupled to a mattress or mattress foundation structure by at least one second zipper.

As shown in fig. 15, the first base fiber layer 672 and/or the second fiber layer 674 may be devoid of PCM 626 and/or TEEM 628. In some other embodiments (not shown), the first base fiber layer 672 and/or the second fiber layer 674 may include PCM 626 and/or TEEM 628 such that an increased inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM 626 and/or TEEM 628 along the depth direction D1 is maintained. In such embodiments, the first base fiber layer 672 and/or the second fiber layer 674 may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of PCM 626 and/or TEEM 628 that increases along the depth direction D1.

FIG. 16 shows a cooling pad protective sheath 700 according to the present application. The cooling pad protective cover 700 includes a plurality of cooling layers 710, the cooling layers 710 including a plurality of successive, independent and distinct cooling layers 712, the plurality of cooling layers 712 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The cooling pad protective sleeve 700 may include and/or be similar to the components and aspects of the body support pad described above with reference to fig. 3-5, the cooling barrel portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling barrel portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling barrel portion 310 of fig. 12, the cooling barrel portion 410 of fig. 13, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, and the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600 of fig. 15, and thus the description contained herein with respect to the body support pad, the cooling barrel portion 110, the cooling barrel portion 210, the cooling barrel portion 310, the cooling barrel portion 410, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500, and the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600 is equally applicable to the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 and will not be repeated below for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, components and aspects of the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 similar to the body support pad of fig. 3-5, the cooling barrel portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling barrel portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling barrel portion 310 of fig. 12, the cooling barrel portion 410 of fig. 13, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, and the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 15 are thus represented by like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "7".

The cooling pad protective sheath 700 may define a width, length, and thickness T1 extending between a proximal portion or surface 740 and a distal portion or surface 742 in the depth direction D1. The cooling pad protective sleeve 700 may be sized and otherwise configured to cover a mattress/bed, a chair, a sofa, a seat, a floor/floor, a bench, or any other surface or structure supporting at least a portion of a user to add (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism thereto. In some embodiments, cooling pad protective cover 700 is configured as a cooling mattress protective cover that covers the mattress to protect the mattress and provide (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 is configured to be washable so that the cooling effect is not significantly reduced or diminished (e.g., by less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%) by washing the protective sleeve 700, for example, in a conventional washing machine. For example, the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 may be configured to maintain a substantial amount (e.g., at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, or less than about at least about 97%) of the mass of the PCM 726 and/or the TEEM 728 during washing of the protective sleeve 700, for example, in a conventional washing machine.

As shown in fig. 16, the plurality of successive, separate and distinct cooling layers 612 includes at least one top proximal fabric cover layer 720, and at least one intermediate scrim layer 722 located below (e.g., directly below) the proximal fabric cover layer 720 in the depth direction D1. As also shown in fig. 16, the proximal fabric cover layer 720 and the linen layer 722 include at least PCM 726 and/or TEEM 728 such that the linen layer 722 includes a greater mass (or total potential thermal potential) of PCM 726 and/or a greater mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of TEEM 728 than the proximal fabric cover layer 720. As such, the cooling pad protective sheath 700 includes an intralevel gradient distribution of the PCM 726 and/or the TEEM 728 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the linen layer 722 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 728 of the linen layer 722 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEMs 728 of the proximal fabric cover layer 720, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%.

Further, as also shown in fig. 16, each of the proximal fabric covering layer 720 and the linen layer 722 comprises an intra-layer gradient profile of PCM 726 and/or its TEEM 728 that increases in the depth direction D1. For example, in some embodiments, the proximal fabric cover layer 720 includes an intralevel gradient distribution of PCM 726 and TEEM 728 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, the proximal fabric overlay 720 may include at least a proximal portion 730 along the thickness of the layer 720 in the depth direction D1 and a distal portion 734 along the thickness of the layer 720 in the depth direction D1. Wherein the proximal portion 730 has a first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the layer 720, and a second total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 728 of the layer 720; the distal portion 734 has a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the layer 720, and a second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 of the layer 720, the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 being greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726, the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 being greater than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity). In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 of the proximal fabric cover layer 720 may be at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity).

In some such embodiments, the proximal fabric overlay 720 may further include an intermediate portion 734 of thickness between its proximal and distal portions in the depth direction D1, the intermediate portion 734 being, for example, at or near the middle of the thickness T1 of the layer 720, as shown in fig. 16. The intermediate portion 732 may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720, and a third total mass portion (and/or a third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or the total potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 728 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720. A third total mass fraction (and/or third potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 of the proximal fabric covering layer 720, and a third total mass fraction (and/or third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 of the proximal fabric cover layer 720 is greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 of the first foam layer 122 and less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 of the first foam layer 122. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 726 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) thereof, and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) thereof. In some embodiments, the third total mass fraction (and/or the third thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or the total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 728 may be at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity) and at least 3%, about 3% to about 100%, or about 10% to about 50% less than its second total mass fraction (and/or the second thermal diffusivity). It should be noted that the proximal fabric covering layer 720 may include any number of portions of the PCM 726 and/or the TEEM 728 in the thickness/depth direction D1 with different loads increasing in the depth direction D1, such as only two of the proximal portion 730, the intermediate portion 732, and the distal portion 734, or at least one other portion in addition to the proximal portion 730, the intermediate portion 732, and the distal portion 734.

As shown in fig. 16, the cooling pad protective sheath 700 further includes at least one moisture barrier 724 positioned below (e.g., directly below) the scrim layer 722 in the depth direction D1. The moisture barrier 724 includes a liquid and liquid vapor barrier (i.e., a water barrier or barrier) configured to prevent or impede liquid and/or liquid vapor (i.e., moisture) from passing through the moisture barrier 724 in the depth direction D1. For example, the moisture barrier 724 may be configured to prevent at least 99 vol% of water from passing through the moisture barrier 724 in the depth direction D1 to contact the proximal surface of the moisture barrier 724 within 12 hours at atmospheric pressure.

The moisture barrier 724 may be formed of any material or combination of materials that prevents or inhibits moisture from passing therethrough in the depth direction D1. For example, in some embodiments, the moisture barrier 724 may be formed at least in part from vinyl and/or polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). The moisture barrier 724 may be substantially thin and flexible. For example, in some embodiments, the moisture barrier 724 may define a thickness of less than about 3 millimeters, or less than about 2 millimeters, or less than about 1 millimeter, or less than about 1/10 millimeters. In one exemplary embodiment, the moisture barrier 724 has a thickness defined as about 25 microns.

The moisture barrier 724 may or may not include PCM 726 and/or TEEM 728. For example, in some embodiments, the moisture barrier 724 is free of PCM 726, and/or is formed (at least partially) of TEEM 728, or includes TEEM 728 coupled or otherwise integrated therewith. In some other embodiments, the proximal surface of moisture barrier 724 includes a mass of PCM 726 (the mass and/or total latent heat is greater than the mass and/or total latent heat potential of linen layer 722) and is formed (at least in part) by TEEM 728. The moisture barrier 724, the linen layer 722 and the proximal fibrous cover layer 720 may be coupled to one another, such as by adhesive, sewing/quilting, thermal bonding, or any other mechanism or pattern.

FIG. 17 shows another cooling pad protective sheath 800 according to the present application. The cooling pad protective sheath 800 includes a plurality of cooling layers 810, the cooling layers 810 including a plurality of successive, independent and distinct cooling layers 812, the plurality of cooling layers 812 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The cooling pad protective sleeve 800 may include and/or be similar to the body support pads described above with reference to fig. 3-5, the cooling barrel portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling barrel portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling barrel portion 310 of fig. 12, the cooling barrel portion 410 of fig. 13, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600 of fig. 15, and the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 of fig. 16, and thus the descriptions contained herein for the body support pad, the cooling barrel portion 110, the cooling barrel portion 210, the cooling barrel portion 310, the cooling barrel portion 410, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500, the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600, and the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 are equally applicable to the cooling pad protective sleeve 800 and will not be repeated below for brevity. Accordingly, components and aspects of cooling pad protective cover 800 similar to the body support pad of fig. 3-5, cooling cartridge portion 110 of fig. 6-10, cooling cartridge portion 210 of fig. 11, cooling cartridge portion 310 of fig. 12, cooling cartridge portion 410 of fig. 13, cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 15, and/or cooling pad protective cover 700 of fig. 16 are thus represented by like reference numerals preceded by an "8".

As shown in FIG. 17, the cooling pad protective sleeve 800 is substantially similar to the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 of FIG. 16, but includes an additional cooling layer located below the moisture barrier 824 along the depth direction D1. As shown in fig. 17, the cooling pad protective sleeve 800 includes at least one second scrim layer 826 underlying (e.g., directly beneath) the moisture barrier 824 in the depth direction D1, at least one batt layer 827 underlying (e.g., directly beneath) the second scrim layer 826 in the depth direction D1, and at least one third scrim layer 828 underlying (e.g., directly beneath) the batt layer 827 in the depth direction D1. The second scrim layer 826, the batting layer 827, and the third scrim layer 828 may each include PCM 826 and/or TEEM 828, as shown in fig. 17.

For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential heat potential) of the PCM 826 of the second scrim layer 826 is greater than the total mass (or total potential heat potential) of the PCM 826 of the moisture barrier layer 824 (if provided) and/or the linen layer 824, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the second scrim layer 826 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the moisture barrier 824, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the batt layer 827 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the second scrim layer 826, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the batt layer 827 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the second scrim layer 826, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the third scrim layer 828 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the batt layer 827, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the third scrim layer 828 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the batt layer 827, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%.

Further, as also shown in fig. 17, at least one of the second, batting, and third scrim layers 826, 827, 828 includes an intra-layer gradient of PCM 826 and/or TEEM 828 that increases in the depth direction D1. For example, in some embodiments, each of the second, batting, and third scrim layers 826, 827, 828 may include an intralayer gradient of the PCM 826 and the TEEM 828 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, the second linen layer 826, the batting layer 827 and/or the third linen layer 828 may comprise at least a proximal portion of the thickness of the layer in the depth direction D1 having a first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the layer and a first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the TEEM 728 of the layer, and a distal portion of the thickness of the layer in the depth direction D1 having a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal potential) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 826 of the layer and a second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 828 of the layer, the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of the PCM 826 being greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal diffusivity) thereof (and/or first potential) the first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of TEEM 828 is greater than its second total mass fraction (and/or second thermal diffusivity).

FIG. 18 shows another cooling pad protective sheath 900 according to the present application. The cooling pad protective sheath 900 includes a plurality of cooling layers 910, the cooling layers 910 including a plurality of successive, separate and distinct cooling layers 912, the plurality of cooling layers 912 absorbing or drawing an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from the user over an unexpectedly long period of time. The cooling pad protective sleeve 900 may include and/or be similar to the body support pads described above with reference to fig. 3-5, the cooling cylinder portion 110 of fig. 6-10, the cooling cylinder portion 210 of fig. 11, the cooling cylinder portion 310 of fig. 12, the cooling cylinder portion 410 of fig. 13, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600 of fig. 15, the cooling pad protective sleeve 700 of fig. 16, and the cooling pad protective sleeve 800 of fig. 17 and thus the description contained herein with respect to the body support pad, the cooling cylinder portion 110, the cooling cylinder portion 210, the cooling cylinder portion 310, the cooling cylinder portion 410, the cooling pad or cooling pad 500, the quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 600, the cooling pad protective sleeve 700, and the cooling pad protective sleeve 800 applies equally to the cooling pad protective sleeve 900, this is not repeated below for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, components and aspects of cooling pad protective cover 900 are similar to the body support pads of fig. 3-5, cooling cartridge portion 110 of fig. 6-10, cooling cartridge portion 210 of fig. 11, cooling cartridge portion 310 of fig. 12, cooling cartridge portion 410 of fig. 13, cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 14, quilted cooling pad or cooling pad 500 of fig. 15, cooling pad protective cover 700 of fig. 16, and/or cooling pad protective cover 800 of fig. 17 are thus represented by like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "9".

The cooling pad protective sheath 900 is substantially similar to the cooling pad protective sheath 700 of FIG. 16, and the cooling pad protective sheath 800 of FIG. 17. As shown in fig. 18, cooling pad protective sheath 900 differs from cooling pad protective sheath 700 and cooling pad protective sheath 800 in that cooling pad protective sheath 900 includes at least a first vapor barrier 922 and a second vapor barrier 926. As shown in fig. 18, the cooling pad protective sheath 900 includes at least one proximal fiber covering 920, at least a first moisture barrier 922 located below (e.g., directly below) the proximal fiber covering 920 in the depth direction D1, at least one batt layer 924 located below (e.g., directly below) the first moisture barrier 922 in the depth direction D1, and at least a second moisture barrier 926 located below (e.g., directly below) the batt layer 924 in the depth direction D1.

As also shown in fig. 18, the proximal fibrous cover layer 920, the first moisture barrier layer 922, the batting layer 924, and the second moisture barrier layer 926 may each include a PCM 926 and/or TEEM 928. For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the first moisture barrier 922 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the proximal fibrous cover layer 920, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the first moisture barrier 922 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the proximal fiber cover layer 920, such as at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the batting layer 924 is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the second moisture barrier layer 926, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the batting layer 924 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the second moisture barrier layer 926, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the second moisture barrier layer 926 (if provided) is greater than the total mass (or total potential thermal potential) of the PCM 926 of the batt layer 924, e.g., by at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the second moisture barrier 926 is greater than the total mass (or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the batt layer 924, e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater.

Further, as also shown in fig. 18, at least one of the proximal fiber cover layer 920 and the batt layer 924 includes an intralayer gradient distribution of the PCM 926 and/or its TEEM 928 that increases in the depth direction D1. For example, in some embodiments, each of the proximal fiber cover layer 920 and the batt layer 924 may include an intralayer gradient distribution of the PCM 926 and the TEEM 928 that increases along the depth direction D1. For example, the proximal fiber cover layer 920 and the batt layer 924 may include at least a proximal portion of the thickness of the layer in the depth direction D1 having a first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal energy) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal energy) of the PCM 926 of the layer and a first total mass fraction (and/or first thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal energy) of the TEEM 928 of the layer, and a distal portion of the thickness of the layer in the depth direction D1 having a second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal energy) of the total mass (and/or total potential thermal energy) of the PCM 926 of the layer and a second total mass fraction (and/or second total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal diffusivity) of the TEEM 928 of the layer, the second total mass fraction (and/or second potential thermal energy) of the total mass of the PCM 926 being greater than the first total mass fraction (and/or first potential thermal energy) thereof Potential thermal potential) (e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50% greater), the second total mass fraction (and/or the second total thermal diffusivity) of the total mass of the TEEM 928 is greater than its first total mass fraction (and/or the first thermal diffusivity) (e.g., at least 3%, from about 3% to about 100%, or from about 10% to about 50%).

In some embodiments, the underside or distal surface of the first moisture barrier 922 may include a quantity of PCM 926 coupled thereto. As described above, the first moisture barrier 922 and/or the second moisture barrier 926 may be formed (at least in part) by the TEEM 928. The proximal fibrous cover layer 920, the first moisture barrier layer 922, the batting layer 924, and the second moisture barrier layer 926 may be coupled to one another, such as by adhesive, stitching/quilting, thermal bonding, or any other mechanism or pattern. It should be noted that the PCM 926 of the batting layer 924 may be trapped between the first moisture barrier 922 and the second moisture barrier 926, thereby preventing the PCM 926 from being removed from the protective sleeve 900 or otherwise translating.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "has" and "comprising"), "including" (and any form of comprising), and "containing" (and any form of comprising), and any other grammatical variations thereof, are open-link verbs. Thus, a method or article that "comprises," "has," "contains" or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step or element of a method or article that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," "containing," and other grammatical variations thereof include the terms "consisting of and" consisting essentially of.

As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of or grammatical variants thereof is to be taken as specifying the recited features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof where the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

All publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

Subject matter incorporated by reference should not be considered as an alternative to the limitations of any claim unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Where reference is made throughout this specification to one or more ranges, each range is intended as a shorthand format for presenting information, wherein the range is understood to encompass each discrete point within the range, as if the same were fully set forth herein.

Although several aspects and embodiments of the present application have been described and depicted herein, those skilled in the art may make alternative aspects and embodiments to achieve the same objectives. Accordingly, the disclosure and appended claims are intended to cover all such further and alternative aspects and embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A mattress, comprising:

a plurality of separate and distinct, continuous cooling layers overlapping each other in a depth direction extending from a proximal portion of the mattress proximate a user to a distal portion of the mattress distal from the user;

wherein each of the cooling layers comprises a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) And a solid-liquid Phase Change Material (PCM) having a phase transition temperature in the range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃;

wherein the total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction;

wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction; and

wherein at least one of the cooling layers comprises a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM therein that increases in the depth direction.

2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers include a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM therein.

3. The mattress of claim 1, wherein each of the cooling layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM therein.

4. The mattress of any of claims 1-3, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers include a gradient distribution of the mass of TEEM therein.

5. The mattress of any of claims 1-3, wherein each of the cooling layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of TEEM therein.

6. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM comprised in at least one of the cooling layers that increases in the depth direction comprises:

a proximal portion proximate to a proximal portion of the mattress, and the proximal portion having a first total mass of PCM and a first total mass of TEEM of the layer; and

a distal portion is proximate to the distal portion of the mattress and the distal portion has a second total mass of PCM and a second total mass of TEEM of the layer, the second total mass of PCM being greater than the first total mass of PCM and the second total mass of TEEM being greater than the first total mass of TEEM.

7. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM.

8. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is in an amount in a range of about 3% to about 100% of the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is in an amount in a range of about 3% to about 100% of the first total mass of the TEEM.

9. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is in an amount in a range of about 10% to about 50% of the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is in an amount in a range of about 10% to about 50% of the first total mass of the TEEM.

10. The mattress of any of claims 6-8, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of PCM and the amount of TEEM included in at least one of the cooling layers that increases in the depth direction further includes:

an intermediate portion is located between the proximal and distal portions of the layer along the depth direction, and the intermediate portion has a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM.

11. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the PCM; and the third total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the TEEM.

12. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%; and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM, an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%.

13. The mattress of claim 9, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50%; and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM, an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50%.

14. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM of at least one of the cooling layers comprises: an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction.

15. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM of at least one of the cooling layers comprises: a uniform gradient distribution of the quality of the PCM and the amount of TEEM along the depth direction.

16. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other by at least 3% in the depth direction.

17. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction by an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%.

18. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction by an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50%.

19. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases by about at least 3% relative to each other along the depth direction.

20. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction by an amount in the range of about 3% to about 100%.

21. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the total thermal diffusivity of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other along the depth direction by an amount in the range of about 10% to about 50%.

22. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM is greater than or equal to 5,000Ws^0.5/(m²K)。

23. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM is greater than or equal to 7,500Ws^0.5/(m²K)。

24. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM is greater than or equal to 15,000Ws^0.5/(m²K)。

25. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of the successive layers is formed from a respective substrate having a thermal diffusivity, and wherein the thermal diffusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal diffusivity of the respective substrate.

26. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of the successive layers is formed from a respective substrate having a first thermal diffusivity, and wherein the thermal diffusivity of TEEM is at least 1000% greater than the first thermal diffusivity.

27. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the TEEM comprises metal particles.

28. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cooling layers includes a coating that couples the PCM and the TEEM to a substrate of the cooling layer.

29. The mattress of claim 27, wherein PCM comprises from about 50% to about 80% and TEEM comprises from about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating.

30. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein an outermost layer of a plurality of the cooling layers comprises at least 3,000J/m²The PCM of (1).

31. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein an outermost layer of a plurality of the cooling layers comprises at least 5,000J/m²The PCM of (1).

32. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling layer is configured to conform to at least 24W/m from a portion of the user physically supported by the mattress²The heat is absorbed/hr.

33. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, a wax, beeswax, an oil, a fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, a long chain alcohol, or a combination thereof.

34. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the PCM includes paraffin.

35. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the PCM comprises a microsphere PCM.

36. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of successive layers comprises a layer formed from: woven animal and/or vegetable based fiber fabric, non-woven animal and/or vegetable based fiber fabric, linen, cotton batting, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, latex foam, thermoplastic polyurethane, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, silica fiber, or combinations thereof.

37. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers are fixedly attached to each other.

38. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers form a mattress sleeve.

39. The mattress of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling layer comprises: a first linen layer, a first foam layer located below the first linen layer in the depth direction, a second foam layer located below the first foam layer in the depth direction, and a second linen layer located below the second foam layer in the depth direction.

40. The mattress of claim 38, wherein the first foam layer is directly beneath the first scrim layer in the depth direction.

41. The mattress of claim 38 or 39, wherein the second foam layer is located directly below the first foam layer in the depth direction.

42. The mattress of any of claims 38-40, wherein the second scrim layer is positioned directly beneath the second foam layer in the depth direction.

43. The mattress of any of claims 38-41, wherein the first foam layer includes a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer and the second foam layer includes a latex foam layer.

44. The mattress of any of claims 38-41, wherein the first foam layer includes a latex foam layer and the second foam layer includes a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer.

45. The mattress of any of claims 38-43, wherein the first and second scrim layers are separate and distinct scrim layers.

46. The mattress of any of claims 38-43, wherein the first linen layer and the second linen layer are proximal and distal portions of the entire linen layer, respectively.

47. The mattress of claim 45, wherein the entire scrim layer extends completely around at least a portion of the first foam layer and the second foam layer.

48. The mattress of claim 45, wherein the entire scrim layer extends entirely around the entirety of the first foam layer and the second foam layer.

49. The mattress of any of claims 38-47, wherein the cooling layer further comprises a layer of cotton batting underlying the second layer of linen in the depth direction.

50. The mattress of any of claims 38-48, further comprising a base below the plurality of cooling layers in the depth direction, wherein the base is free of PCM and TEEM.

51. The mattress of claim 49, wherein the second scrim layer is positioned below the bottom portion in the depth direction.

52. The mattress of any of claims 38-50, wherein the cooling layer further includes a proximal fabric cover layer, the first scrim layer being positioned below the proximal fabric cover layer in the depth direction.

53. The mattress of claim 51, wherein the proximal fabric overlay defines a proximal side surface of the mattress.

54. The mattress of any of claims 38-52, wherein the cooling layer further comprises a layer of fire-blocking socks comprising a fire-resistant or fire-blocking material, the first scrim layer being positioned below the layer of fire-blocking socks in the depth direction.

55. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the first scrim layer is positioned directly beneath the layer of fire-blocking socks in the depth direction.

56. The mattress of claim 53 or 54, wherein the layer of fire-blocking socks is formed of TEEM.

57. A cooling pad or cooling pad comprising:

a plurality of separate and distinct, continuous cooling layers overlapping each other in a depth direction extending from a proximal portion of the cooling pad or cooling pad near a user to a distal portion of the cooling pad or cooling pad away from the user;

wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases relative to each other in the depth direction;

wherein the cooling layer comprises a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of TEEM that increases along the depth direction; and

wherein the cooling layer comprises a first linen layer, a batt layer located below the first linen layer in the depth direction, and a second linen layer located below the batt layer in the depth direction.

58. The cooling pad or pad of claim 56, wherein the cooling layer further comprises a first fabric layer underlying the second linen layer, and a second fabric layer underlying the first fabric layer.

59. A cooling pad or cooling pad comprising:

60. The cooling pad or pad of claim 56, wherein the cooling layer further comprises a first fabric layer underlying the second linen layer, and a second fabric layer underlying the first fabric layer.

61. A mattress protection cover comprising:

a plurality of separate and distinct, sequential cooling layers overlapping each other in a depth direction extending from a proximal portion of the mattress protective cover proximate a user to a distal portion of the mattress protective cover distal from the user;

wherein each of the cooling layers comprises a thermal diffusivity greater than or equal to 2,500Ws^0.5/(m²K) Thermal diffusivity enhancing materials (TEEM);

wherein a plurality of the cooling layers comprise a solid-liquid Phase Change Material (PCM) having a phase change temperature in a range of about 6 ℃ to about 45 ℃;

wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers comprising PCM increases relative to each other in the depth direction;

wherein a plurality of the cooling layers comprise a gradient distribution of the mass of PCM and the amount of TEEM increasing in the depth direction; and

wherein the cooling layer comprises: a proximal fabric cover layer comprising TEEM and PCM, a linen layer located below the proximal fabric cover layer in the depth direction and comprising TEEM and PCM, and a moisture barrier located below the linen layer in the depth direction and comprising at least TEEM.

62. The mattress protective cover of claim 58, further comprising: a second linen layer located below the moisture barrier layer and comprising TEEM and PCM in the depth direction, a batt layer located below the second linen layer and comprising TEEM and PCM in the depth direction, and a third linen layer located below the batt layer and comprising TEEM and PCM in the depth direction.