CN115843224A

CN115843224A - Bed with negative space

Info

Publication number: CN115843224A
Application number: CN202180049147.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·霍尔; S·斯特朗
Original assignee: Sonu Sleep
Current assignee: Sonu Sleep
Priority date: 2020-07-10
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2023-03-24
Also published as: WO2022010656A1

Abstract

A bed 100 defines a negative space 102 for side and body sleepers by providing space for the user's arms and shoulders. Channel pillows 170a, 170b can be placed within the negative space 102 to support the user's head while allowing the user's hands and shoulders to enter the negative space 102. The negative space 102 is formed into a base 104 having an upper torso region 120, a lower torso region 122, and a transition region 124 between the upper and lower torso regions. The transition region 124 may include an angled wall 126. Mat 106 with sloped walls 148 is configured to cover transition region 124 and lower torso region 122. The upper layer 108 may be provided with an opening 168 that aligns with the negative space 102 when placed on top of the base layer 104 and the backing layer 106.

Description

Bed with negative space

Technical Field

The present invention relates to beds.

Background

Traditional mattress designs only allow a sleeper to lie flat, causing most people to feel discomfort, pain, and pain due to the lack of three dimensional space required to conform to the shape of the human body. Conventional flat mattress designs often result in poor support for neck, shoulder and back muscles and joints, preventing full comfort in the side and stomach sleeping positions, and result in overlapping space requirements when sharing the mattress with another sleeper.

For the above reasons, there is a need for beds that allow three-dimensional movement of the user's shoulders, arms and neck, which greatly improve comfort by: support the body in place, give room in place, and provide multiple support layers to accommodate the overlap of the limbs of additional sleepers in the three dimensional space of the tunnel.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a bed that maintains the rectangular shape of a conventional mattress only in its footprint or plan view, but includes channels or negative spaces formed in the upper torso region of the bed to accommodate three-dimensional movement of the user. The negative space is configured and dimensioned to receive the user's arms and shoulders and is formed into the base of the bed. In addition, auxiliary parts of the bed, such as pillows and bed plates, can also be placed in the negative space. The base also includes an upper torso region and a transition region where the angled walls descend to a flat lower torso region. The pad may be placed on top of the lower torso region. The pad also has an inclined wall corresponding to the angled wall of the base. The upper layer may be placed on top of the foundation and the padding layer to improve comfort. An opening is formed in the upper layer to correspond to the negative space so that the negative space is accessible through the upper layer. A specially designed channel pillow and support layer are provided to be placed in the negative space to provide support for the user.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the top side of an embodiment of the bed.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the underside of the bed.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the bed.

Fig. 4 shows an elevation view from a first side of the bed.

Fig. 5 shows an elevation view from the second side of the bed.

Fig. 6 shows an elevation view from the head end of the bed.

Fig. 7 shows an elevation view from the foot end of the bed.

Fig. 8 shows a plan view from the top of the bed.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view from the head end of the bed, taken along line 9-9 in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view from the side of the bed, taken along line 10-10 in fig. 8.

Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view from the side of the bed, taken along line 10-10 in fig. 8, but showing the embodiment of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the channel pillow and the supporting layer fitted into the negative space.

Detailed Description

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to fig. 1-8, the invention of the present application is a bed 100 that contains a negative space 102 (empty space or channel) at the head and shoulder area (i.e., upper torso area) for allowing a user to insert their arms into the negative space 102 while lying on their side or back. The negative space 102 may also be used to store bed accessories (such as pillows and blankets) that may also provide support for the user. The bed 100 includes different layers for support and comfort. For example, bed 100 includes a base 104 and a mattress layer 106. In some embodiments, the bed may further include an upper layer 108. Additional layers may be added using various mattress materials, techniques, and processes to tailor the amount of support and comfort to suit the user's preferences.

The base 104 forms the base of the bed 100 and has resilient, highly supportive properties. For example, the base 104 may be made of foam, wood, metal, and other materials typically used for bases of beds, or any combination thereof. The base 104 includes a top surface 110, a bottom surface 112 opposite the top surface 110, a head end 114 adjacent to the top surface 110 and the bottom surface 112, a foot end 116 opposite the head end 114 and adjacent to the top surface 110 and the bottom surface 112, a first side 140 adjacent to the head end 114, the foot end 116, the top surface 110, and the bottom surface 112, and a second side 142 opposite the first side 140 and adjacent to the head end 114, the foot end 116, the top surface 110, and the bottom surface 112. The top surface 110 and the bottom surface 112 are generally flat, horizontal, and parallel to each other, unless described in more detail below. As shown in fig. 4, the length L1 of the base portion 104 as measured from the head end 114 to the foot end 116 is a typical value for standard bed sizes, e.g., about 75 inches for single and double beds, about 80 inches for queen, king and extension single beds, about 84 inches for king, california, or any other custom length. The width W1 (see fig. 8) of the base 104 as measured from the first side 140 to the second side 142 may be a typical value for a standard bed size, for example, about 39 inches for a single bed, about 54 inches for a double bed, about 60 inches for a queen bed, about 76 inches for a king bed, about 72 inches for a king bed, or any other custom width.

As shown in fig. 5, the base 104 has an upper torso region 120 with a first thickness T1 (defined as the distance from the top surface 110 to the bottom surface 112 at the upper torso region 120) extending from the head end 114 and a lower torso region 122 with a second thickness T2 (defined as the distance from the top surface 110 to the bottom surface 112 at the lower torso region 122) extending to the foot ends 116. The thickness T1 of the upper torso region 120 is greater than the thickness T2 of the lower torso region 122.

The base 104 also has a transition region 124 where the upper torso region 120 transitions from the head end 114 to the foot end 116 into the lower torso region 122. In some embodiments, transition region 124 includes vertical walls that are perpendicular to top surface 110 and bottom surface 112, thereby creating an abrupt transition from upper torso region 120 to lower torso region 122. In some embodiments, transition region 124 includes an angled wall 126 between top surface 110 at upper torso region 122 and top surface 110 at lower torso region 122. Thus, although the top surface 110 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 112, a portion of the top surface 110 of the base 102 in the transition region 124 may not be parallel to the bottom surface 112 of the base 102. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the base 104 has a top surface 110 with a flat, horizontal upper torso region 120 parallel to the bottom surface 112 that begins at the head end 114 and remains flat up to a transition region 124, merges into an angled wall 126 creating an angled transition region 124, and transitions into the top surface 110 of the lower torso region 122, which is also flat and parallel to the bottom surface 112, and remains flat and parallel to the bottom surface 112 from the transition region 124 to the foot end 116, as shown in fig. 1 and 10. In a preferred embodiment, the transition region 124 may be stepped, as shown in fig. 11 and 12. Thus, the transition region 124 may mimic a step. In other words, the angled wall 126 is stepped rather than a smooth slope. Thus, as used herein, angled wall 126 or angled wall 148 refers to the overall angled nature of the transition region and may comprise a series of right angle walls that form a step that gives a generally angled or inclined appearance.

The upper torso region 120 further defines the negative space 102. The negative space 102 is a hollow space or channel defined by a floor 130 and at least one sidewall 132. Thus, the negative space 102 may be many different shapes, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, and the like. Preferably, the negative space 102 has a substantially box-like or rectangular cuboid shape. Thus, a negative space is defined by the bottom plate 130 and the four side walls 132a to 132 d. The area of the negative space 102 may occupy from about 35% to about 75% of the area of the top surface 110 that occupies the upper torso region 120. Preferably, the area of the negative space 102 may occupy about 45% to about 65% of the area of the top surface 110 of the upper torso region 120. More preferably, the area of the negative space may occupy from about 50% to about 60% of the area of the top surface 110 of the upper torso region 120. For example, in some embodiments, the area of the negative space occupies about 55% of the area of the top surface 110 of the upper torso region 120.

In some embodiments, a portion of the sidewall 132d closest to the transition region 124 or angled wall 126 may have a recessed wall 132e, thereby creating an additional aperture 133 within the negative space 102. Specifically, the bottom portion of the sidewall 132d may have a recessed wall 132e that moves closer to the angled wall 126 or transition region 124 of the base 104. Thus, in the upper torso region 120, a rectangular aperture 133 is formed below the top surface 110 of the base portion 104. Preferably, the opening 133 extends for the entire length L5 of the negative space 104. This opening 133 creates additional space for the user's arm to have inserted into the negative space.

In a preferred embodiment, the base layer 104 at the head end 114 has a thickness T1 in the range of about 4 inches to about 20 inches. Preferably, the thickness T1 of the base layer 104 at the head end 114 is about 8 inches to about 16 inches. More preferably, the thickness T1 of the base layer 104 at the leading end is about 11 inches to about 14 inches.

The thickness T2 of the foundation layer 104 at the foot end 116 may be in the range of about 2 inches to about 8 inches. Preferably, the thickness T2 of the foundation layer 104 at the foot end 116 may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 6 inches. For example, the thickness T2 of the foundation layer 104 at the foot end 116 may be about 5 inches.

The length L2 of upper torso region 120 is in the range of about 16 inches to about 30 inches. In other words, the transition region 124 may begin about 16 inches to about 30 inches from the head end 114 of the base portion 104. Preferably, the length L2 of upper torso region 120 is from about 21 inches to about 28 inches. More preferably, the length L2 of the upper torso region 120 is from about 24 inches to about 26 inches.

The transition region 124 has a length L3 that may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 16 inches. For example, the length L3 of the transition region 124 has a length L3 that may be in the range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches. In some embodiments, the length L3 of the transition region 124 may be in the range of about 11 inches to about 13 inches. In some embodiments, the length L3 of the transition region 124 may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 8 inches. For example, the length L3 of the transition region 124 may be about 5 inches to about 6 inches. In the stepped, angled wall embodiment, each step 127 may be defined by a rise thereof (a vertical rise) and an extension (a horizontal extension). Thus, the length L3 of the transition region 124 may be the sum of the extensions of all the steps within the transition region 124. Thus, by way of example only, if there is only one step 127 as shown in FIG. 11, the extension of this step may be about 5 inches to about 8 inches. If there are two steps, each step 127 may have a smaller extension of about 2 inches to about 4 inches. The rise of each step may similarly depend on the number of steps 127 in the transition region 124. For example, the rise of each step may be in the range of about 1 inch to about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the rise of each step may be in the range of about 2 inches to about 3 inches or 4 inches.

Lower torso region 122 has a length L4 that may be in the range of about 31 inches to about 51 inches. Preferably, length L4 of lower torso region 122 has a length L4 that may be in the range of about 36 inches to about 48 inches. Most preferably, lower torso region 122 has a length L4 that may be in the range of about 42 inches to about 46 inches.

As shown in fig. 9, the depth D of the negative space 102, as measured from the top of one of the sidewalls 132 a-132D to the top of the floor 103, may be in the range of about 5 inches to about 15 inches. Preferably, the depth D of the negative space 102 may be in the range of about 7 inches to about 13 inches. More preferably, the depth D of the negative space 102 may be in the range of about 9 inches to about 11 inches. The length L5 of the negative space 102 measured in a direction from one side wall 132a defining the negative space 102 adjacent to one side 142 of the base 104 toward the opposite side wall 132b defining the negative space adjacent to the opposite side 140 of the base 104 varies significantly depending on the size of the base 104 (i.e., single bed, double bed, queen bed, king bed, etc.). Generally, the negative space 102 may be set about 1 inch to about 6 inches inward (i.e., toward the center of the base) from each

side

140, 142. Preferably, the negative space 102 may be set inward from each

side

140, 142 by about 2 inches to about 5 inches. Most preferably, the negative space 102 is set about 3 inches to about 4 inches inward from the

sides

140, 142 on each

side

140, 142. The width W2 of the negative space 102 (as measured from the sidewall 132c adjacent to the head end 114 to the sidewall 132d adjacent to the transition region 124) may be offset from about 1 inch to about 6 inches inward (i.e., toward the transition region) from the head end 114 and inward (i.e., toward the head end) from the transition region 124. Preferably, the negative space 102 may be set about 2 inches to about 5 inches on each side inward from the head end 114 and the transition region 124. More preferably, the negative space 102 may be set about 3 inches to about 4 inches inward on each side from the head end 114 and the transition region 124. The distance between the negative space 102 and the head end 114 need not be the same as the distance between the negative space 102 and the transition region 124.

To improve the comfort level of the bed 100, the bed 100 further comprises a mattress layer 106. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion 106 is trapezoidal shaped and is configured to cover the transition region 124 and the lower torso region 122 of the base 104, and has a softer memory-type support characteristic. Thus, the cushion 106 has a first side 150, a second side 152 opposite the first side, a top surface 154 adjacent the first and

second sides

150, 152, a bottom surface 156 parallel to the top surface 154 and adjacent the first and

second sides

150, 152, an upper torso side 144 adjacent the top surface 154, the bottom surface 156, the first and

second sides

150, 152, and a foot side 146 opposite the upper torso side 144 and adjacent the top surface 154, the bottom surface 156, the first and

second sides

150, 152, wherein the foot side 146 is adjacent and perpendicular to the top and

bottom surfaces

154, 156, but not parallel to the upper torso side 144. Thus, the pad 106 is more specifically in the shape of a right trapezoid. Specifically, the upper torso side 144 has an angled wall 148 that is angled at the same angle as the angled wall 126 of the base 104. In some embodiments, the sloped wall 148 may be stepped to match the stepped transition region 124, as shown in fig. 11. Thickness T3 (see fig. 5) of pad 106 is substantially the difference between thickness T1 of base 104 at head end 114 and thickness T2 of base 104 at foot end 116. A width W3 (see fig. 8) of the mat 106 as measured from a first side 150 of the mat 106 to a second side 152 of the mat 106 is substantially the same as the width W1 of the base 104. Thus, when the mat 106 is laid on top of the foundation 104, the

sides

150, 152 of the mat 106 are flush aligned with the

sides

140, 142 of the foundation 104, and the foot end 146 of the mat 106 is flush aligned with the foot end 116 of the foundation 104. Further, the top surface 154 of the cushion 106 is flush aligned with the top surface 110 of the base 104 at the upper torso region 120, and the inclined wall 148 of the cushion 106 fully corresponds or mates with the angled wall 126 of the base 106. In some embodiments, fasteners (e.g., clasps, buttons, magnets, clips, hooks, etc.) may be used to connect the angled wall 126 to the angled wall 148.

In some embodiments, to further enhance comfort, the bed 100 may further include an upper layer 108 that covers the entire top region defined by the cushion layer 106 and the base 104. Upper layer 108 may have the softest, longest pile material of bed 100. The upper layer 108 includes a head end 160, a foot end 162 opposite the head end 160, a first side 164 adjacent the head end 160 and the foot end 162, and a second side 166 opposite the first side 164 and adjacent the head end 160 and the foot end 162 of the upper layer 108. The length L6 and width W4 dimensions of the upper layer 108 (see fig. 4 and 8) are substantially similar to the dimensions of the base 104 so as to cover the entire top surface 110 of the base 104 and the pad layer 106. Upper layer 108 further includes an opening 168. Opening 168 is sized substantially similar to the length L5 and width W2 of negative space 102 and is positioned within upper layer 108 so as to align with negative space 102 when upper layer 108 is properly placed on top of foundation portion 104 and mat layer 106. The upper layer 108 has a thickness T4 (measured from the top surface 167 to the bottom surface 169, see fig. 5) that may range from about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches. Preferably, the thickness T4 of the upper layer 108 is about 1 inch to about 4 inches. More preferably, the thickness T4 of the upper layer is about 2 inches to about 3 inches.

To support the upper torso of a user, a support layer 172 is placed on the floor 130 of the negative space to reinforce the base layer 104 intersecting the cushion layer 106 in a graduated shape. This trapezoidal shape allows the base layer 104 to gradually increase support toward the wall 132d at the bottom of the negative space 102, thereby enabling uniform support of the upper torso of the user (most commonly the heaviest region of the body) while preventing over-compression of the region closest to the negative space 102.

The intersecting trapezoids of base layer 104 and mat 106 allow base layer 104 to replace mat 106, meeting upper layer 108 for the remaining three walls 132 a-132 c around negative space 102, to further strengthen the support of negative space 102.

Referring to fig. 9-10, within the negative space 102, there may be a set of specially designed

channel pillows

170a, 170b and a support layer 172. The support layer 172 may be placed on the floor 130 of the negative space 102 and the

channel pillows

170a, 170b may be stacked on top of the support layer 172. The length and width of the support layer 172 are sized substantially similar to the length L5 and width W2 dimensions of the negative space 102 so as to fit closely within the negative space 102. The thickness T5 of the support layer 172 may vary depending on the thickness of the channel pillow, such that when two

channel pillows

170a, 170b are stacked one on top of the other and placed on top of the support layer 172 laid on the floor 130 of the negative space 102, the top surface 173 of the top channel pillow 170a is substantially flush with the top surface 167 of the upper layer 108. A conventional sleep pillow can be placed on top of the aisle pillow 170 a. In some embodiments, the top surface 173 of the top channel pillow 170a can be elevated above the top surface 167 of the upper layer 108 so that the top channel pillow 170a can act as a sleep pillow.

Channel pillows 170a, 172b are stacked one on top of the other and on top of support layer 172 to create the correct amount of support for the user's head when the shoulders and/or arms are immersed in the negative space 102. The two-

layer channel pillows

170a, 170b enable three levels of depth for the user to rest their shoulders and arms in the negative space 102. These levels accommodate users of varying sizes and all sleeping positions while relieving the pressure that would otherwise be exerted by a conventional flat mattress design.

Preferably, the channel pillows 170 a-170 d are stacked in pairs. For wider beds (such as queen, king and king), at least four channel pillows 170 a-170 d may be used, two pairs on each side of the bed, i.e. two

channel pillows

170a, 170b for the left user and two

channel pillows

170c, 170d for the right. Each channel pillow 170 a-170 d has a head end 174 and a shoulder end 176. The head ends 174 of the channel pillows 170 a-170 d are aligned along the head end 114 side of the base portion 104 and are the closest position of the user's crown when properly used, and the shoulder ends 176 of the channel pillows 170 a-170 d are aligned along the transition region 120 side of the base portion 104 and are the closest position of the user's shoulders when properly used.

In some embodiments, the first channel pillow 170a can be connected to the second channel pillow 170b directly below the first channel pillow 170a with a connector 180. For example, referring to fig. 12, in a preferred embodiment, the head end 174 of the first channel pillow 170a can be connected to the shoulder end 176 of the second channel pillow 170b, or vice versa, with the shoulder end 176 of the first channel pillow 170a being connected to the head end 174 of the second channel pillow 170b. In another example, the head end 174 of the first channel pillow 170a may be connected to the head end 174 of the second channel pillow 170b directly below the first channel pillow 170a with a connector 180. Alternatively, the shoulder end 176 of the first channel pillow 170a can be connected to the shoulder end 176 of the second channel pillow 170b directly below the first channel pillow 170 a.

The connector 180 may be any kind of strap, such as an elastic strap.

Multiple strips

180a, 180b may be used to keep the stacked channel pillows aligned and in place overnight. More connectors 180 a-180 d may be used for more channel pillows 170 a-170 d. In a preferred embodiment, the

connectors

180a, 180b may be arranged non-parallel to each other. For example, the

connectors

180a, 180b may be attached to the top channel pillow 170a or the bottom channel pillow 170b near the corners at the shoulder ends 176. The opposite sides of the

connectors

180a, 180b near the head end 174 may be angled toward each other as shown in fig. 3. In another example, the

connectors

180a, 180b may be arranged parallel to one another, the first connector 180a may be placed near a first head end 174 corner of the top channel pillow 170a and its bottom channel pillow 170b, and the second connector 180b may be placed at the opposite head end 174 corner of the top channel pillow 170a and the bottom channel pillow 170b. Having

connectors

180a, 180b at opposite corners prevents lateral movement of the stacked channel pillows 170 a-170 d. The

connectors

180a, 180b may be secured (e.g., sewn) to the pair of

channel pillows

170a, 170b and 170c, 170d, or may be reversibly attached using mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets, snaps, hooks, clips, and the like. This embodiment allows the

channel pillow pairs

170a, 170b or 170c, 170d to be separated. In some embodiments, the connector 180 may be removed and the

channel pillows

170a, 170b may be directly attached together via mating fasteners.

In some embodiments, the connector 180 may be a mating fastener, without the need for straps. For example, the bottom surface of the top channel pillow 170a can have one mating fastener 182 (hook or loop) of a mass of hook-and-loop fasteners, and the top surface of the bottom channel pillow 170b can have a complementary mating fastener 184 (loop or hook, respectively) of a hook-and-loop fastener. Because of the large surface area of the connector 180, the stacked

channel pillow pairs

170a, 170b resist lateral movement. In the event that the mating fasteners 182, 184 may not appear as massive, the multiple mating fasteners 182, 184 may be strategically placed apart from each other to resist lateral movement of the top channel pillow 170a relative to the bottom channel pillow 170b, such as in a corner or along an opposite edge of the channel pillow.

The pillowcase 190 is typically used with a pillow. Thus, the pillow case 190 (see fig. 3) can be uniquely designed with an opening 192 corresponding to the location of the connector 180 so as not to impede the connection of the stacked

channel pillows

170a, 170b. In some embodiments, the connector 180 may be on the pillowcase 190. Thus, the

channel pillows

170a, 170b are not directly attached to each other, but the

channel pillows

170a, 170b may be attached by their respective pillow covers as described above.

In some embodiments, one large pillow case 190 can accommodate two stacked

channel pillows

170a, 170b. In this embodiment, two

channel pillows

170a, 170b can be stacked one on top of the other and then slid into a large pillow case. Alternatively, the

channel pillows

170a, 170b can be stacked and connected to each other as described above, and then slid into the large pillow case 190.

Referring to fig. 11, the channel pillows 170 a-170 d may be standard pillows. Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of a section taken through the center of the

channel pillows

170a, 170b and support 172 from the head end 174 to the shoulder end 176. In some embodiments, each channel pillow 170 a-170 d can be made of at least two types of support materials. First layer 194 may have a higher density than second layer 196 to provide vertical structural support, while second layer 196 may have a lower density than first layer 195 to provide comfort. Additional tiers may be added to accommodate different levels of comfort for different users. In some embodiments, the two

layers

194, 196 may be stacked one on top of the other. Thus, a first side of the channel pillow can have a first layer 194 of higher density foam, while the opposite side of the channel pillow can have a second layer 196 of lower density foam. Preferably, the layers may be arranged concentrically, with a first layer 194 of higher density foam forming an inner core and a second layer 196 of lower density foam wrapping around the first layer 194 as an outer shell. For example only, the first layer 194 may be a high density foam for structural support, while the second layer 196 may be a lower density memory foam to allow comfortable movement and placement of the user's shoulders and arms. This allows the channel pillows 170 a-170 d to be flipped over while providing the same type of support.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition of channel pillows 170 a-170 d can provide the same amount of vertical support as the lower torso region of the bed. The thickness of the channel pillows 170 a-170 d can be configured such that when the two

channel pillows

170a, 170b are stacked one on top of the other, the top 173 of the upper pillow 170a is substantially flush with the top surface 167 of the upper layer 108, thereby enabling the bed 100 to maintain a flat plane of a conventional mattress when needed by a sleeping person lying on his back, while allowing lateral leeway for sleeping persons and sleeping persons lying on his back. While maintaining this flat plane, a user's preferred headrest can be placed on top of the

channel pillows

170a, 170b. In some embodiments, the channel pillows 170 a-170 d can be configured to be slightly elevated above the upper layer 108.

The bed 100 may further include a bed deck 200 to cover at least the upper deck 108 and the negative space 102. Preferably, the deck 200 is configured to reach all the way down to the bottom 112 of the base 104. Preferably, the bed deck 200 is a fitted bed deck that is profiled with additional material to create a pocket 202 that substantially covers the negative space 102 to allow proper coverage, sufficient space for the user to move without adding unnecessary pressure on the channel walls, and to enable cleaning. Thus, the fitted bed deck 200 includes a pocket 202 sized similarly to the size and shape (i.e., length and width) of the negative space 102. A bed deck 200 may be placed on top of the upper tier 108. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the height of the pocket will be substantially similar to the sum of the depth D of the negative space 102 and the thickness T4 of the upper tier 108, such that the pocket 202 can reach the floor 130 of the negative space 102 when the bed deck 200 is placed on top of the upper tier 108.

Existing on-line mattress companies have demonstrated a mode of shipping memory foam mattresses in compressed form directly to customers who simply remove the wrapper, allowing full-size mattresses to be formed from much smaller-sized wrappers. This technology allows these companies to eliminate physical mattress stores, save transportation and installation costs, and establish direct relationships with customers.

The bed 100 of the present invention can be manufactured, packaged and shipped in this manner to achieve the same benefits as existing companies while introducing the additional advantages described herein to the customer.

Due to the foundation layer 104, the bed 100 of the present invention can stand alone as a complete bed. Because the base layer 104 is sized to match a standard mattress size, the bed 100 may also be used with commercially available bed frames.

By way of example only, the king size bed 100 of the present invention may have an overall thickness as measured from the bottom 112 of the base layer 104 to the top 167 of the upper layer 108 that is about 14 inches high, and about 76 inches wide and about 80 inches long.

The negative space 102 may have a depth D of 10 inches from the top surface 110 of the base 104 at the upper torso end 120, a width W2 of about 16 inches, and a length L5 of about 68 inches, centered in the width direction, and positioned 4 inches from the head end 114 of the base layer 104 and 4 inches from each

side

140, 142 of the base layer 104. Ideally, in use, the transition area side of the negative space 102 is located just below the armpit of an average adult user when the top of the user's head is located about 6 inches to about 8 inches from the head end 114 of the bed 100. The negative space 102 is positioned and dimensioned to allow the user's shoulders and arms to be immersed in the negative space 102 when the user's arms extend at least about 90 degrees from the torso in the side-asleep position.

The base layer 104 has a thickness T1 of about 11 inches at the head end 114 of the bed 100, and is graded or stepped to a thickness T2 of about 5 inches to about 7 inches high (as measured at the foot end 116 of the bed) over a transition region 124 of about 5 inches to about 12 inches, which begins about 26 inches from the head end 114 of the bed 100 and terminates at a lower torso region 122, and the lower torso region 122 extends to the foot end 116 of the bed 100. The width W1 of the base layer 104 is about 76 inches.

Mat layer 106 has a thickness T3 of about 4 inches to about 6 inches at the foot end 116 of base 104 and extends from the foot end 116 until about 42 inches from the foot end 116 of bed 104, where the mat layer meets base layer 104 and tapers off over the same 5 to 12 inch sloped section, where the mat layer terminates at the top 110 of the upper torso region 120 of base layer 104. The width W3 of the mat is about 76 inches.

The upper layer 108 has a thickness T4 of about 3 inches, a width W4 of about 76 inches, and a length L6 of about 80 inches, with the openings 168 matching the location and dimensions (length and width) of the negative spaces 102.

The support layer 172 in the negative space has a thickness T5 of about 2 inches, a length L7 of about 68 inches, and a width W5 of about 16 inches to match the length and width dimensions of the negative space 102.

In embodiments having a stepped transition region 124, the base 104 may have one, two, three, four, or five steps 127 between the top surface 110 of the base 104 at the upper torso region 120 and the top surface 110 of the base 104 at the lower torso region 122. In other words, the transition region 124 of the base portion may include one, two, three, four, or five steps 127. In such an embodiment, the pad 106 has the same complementary step 129 to correspond and mate with the step 127 of the base 104. Stepped transition region 124 generally descends from top surface 110 at upper torso region 120 to top surface 110 at lower torso region 122 such that top surface 110 at lower torso region 122 is lower than top surface 110 at upper torso region 120.

In use, a user may lay the base 104 on the floor or within a bed frame. Mat 106 is then placed on top of foundation 104 with sloped wall 144 of mat 106 placed against angled wall 126 of foundation 104. The upper layer 108 may be placed on top of the base 104 and the pad layer 106 such that the apertures 168 of the upper layer 108 are aligned with the negative spaces 102 of the base. The upper layer 108 covers the base 104 and the pad layer 108 while leaving the negative space 102 open and accessible. The deck 200 may be placed on top of the upper deck and fitted around the upper deck 108. In some embodiments, the deck 200 may fit all the way down to the base 104. The pocket 202 of the bed plate is placed into the negative space 102. The support layer 172 may be placed in the negative space. Depending on the size of the bed, one pair of

channel pillows

170a, 170b (stacked one on top of the other) or two pairs of channel pillows 170 a-170 d (one

pair

170a, 170b stacked next to the second pair 170c, 70 d) may be placed on top of the support layer 172 in the negative space. In some embodiments, the top of the channel pillow may be substantially flush aligned with the top 167 of the upper layer 108. In some embodiments, the top of the channel pillow can rise above the top 167 of the upper layer 108. Alternatively, the user may place a conventional pillow on top of the channel pillows 170 a-170 d.

When the user is lying on his or her side or stomach on the bed 100, the user's arm may be inserted between the wall 132d defining the negative space 102 and the channel pillows 170 a-170 d into the negative space to comfortably place the arm.

Industrial applicability

The present invention can be industrially applied to the development, manufacture and use of a bed 100 having a negative space 102 into which

pillows

170a, 170b can be inserted. The user may then lie on the bed 100, inserting their arms into the negative space 102 while resting their head on the

pillows

170a, 170b. Bed 100 includes multiple layers to enhance comfort. An opening may be formed in one or more layers to maintain access to the negative space 102.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims and the equivalents of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A bed, comprising:

a) A base portion;

b) A cushion layer positioned on top of the base portion;

c) An upper layer covering the base portion and the cushion layer;

d) A pair of channel pillows; and

e) A support layer, a first electrode and a second electrode,

f) Wherein the base layer comprises:

(i) A top surface of the base plate,

(ii) A bottom surface opposite the top surface,

(iii) A head adjacent to the top surface and the bottom surface,

(iv) A foot end opposite the head end and adjacent to the top surface and the bottom surface,

(v) A first side adjacent to the head end, the foot end, the top surface, and the bottom surface,

(vi) A second side opposite the first side and adjacent to the head end, the foot end, the top surface, and the bottom surface,

(vii) A width measured from the first side to the second side,

(viii) An upper torso region having a first thickness defined as a distance from the top surface to the bottom surface at the upper torso region,

(ix) A lower torso region having a second thickness defined as a distance from the top surface to the bottom surface at the lower torso region, wherein the thickness of the upper torso region is greater than the thickness of the lower torso region,

(x) A transition region at which the upper torso region transitions into the lower torso region from the head end to the foot end, wherein the transition region includes an angled wall between the top surface at the upper torso region and the top surface at the lower torso region, and

(xi) A negative space defined by a floor and at least one sidewall, occupying about 35% to about 75% of an area of a top surface of the upper torso region,

g) Wherein the cushion is trapezoidal and covers the transition region and lower torso region of the base, the cushion comprising:

(i) A top surface of the base member,

(ii) A bottom surface parallel to the top surface,

(iii) An upper torso side adjacent to the top and bottom surfaces, an

(iv) A foot side opposite the upper torso side, wherein the foot side is adjacent and perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, but not parallel to the upper torso side, the upper torso side having an angled wall angled to mate with the angled wall of the base and form a flush surface with the top surface of the base at the upper torso region,

h) Wherein the upper layer includes a head end, a foot end opposite the head end, a first side adjacent the head end and the foot end, a second side opposite the first side and adjacent the head end and the foot end of the upper layer, and an aperture, wherein the upper layer covers the entire top surface of the foundation and the aperture is aligned with the negative space, and

i) Wherein a first channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows is attached to a second channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows, and wherein each of the first channel pillow and the second channel pillow comprises a first layer having a first density and a second layer having a second density, wherein the first density is higher than the second density, and wherein the first layer forms an inner core and the second layer surrounds the first layer.

2. The bed of claim 1, further comprising a bed deck, wherein the bed deck includes a pocket sized substantially similar to the negative space.

3. A bed, comprising:

a) A base portion, the base portion comprising: an upper torso region, a lower torso region, and a transition region between the upper torso region and the lower torso region, wherein the upper torso region defines a negative space having a length and a width;

b) A cushion layer configured to cover the transition region and the lower torso region; and

c) An upper layer configured to cover the base portion and the cushion layer, the upper layer defining an aperture, wherein a length and a width of the aperture are substantially similar to a length and a width of the negative space.

4. A bed as recited in claim 3 wherein the upper torso region has a thickness, the lower torso region has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the upper torso region, and the transition region includes angled walls that extend from the upper torso region to the lower torso region.

5. The bed of claim 3, wherein the cushion layer comprises an angled wall configured to mate with a transition region of the base.

6. The bed of claim 3, further comprising a channel pillow.

7. The bed of claim 6, wherein the channel pillow comprises a first layer having a first density and a second layer having a second density, wherein the first density is higher than the second density.

8. A bed as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first layer forms an inner core of the channel pillow and the second layer surrounds the first layer.

9. The bed of claim 3, further comprising a pair of channel pillows and a connector for attaching a first channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows to a second channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows.

10. The bed of claim 3, further comprising a support layer having a length and width substantially similar to the length and width of the negative space to fit within the negative space.

11. The bed of claim 3, further comprising a bed deck comprising a pocket configured to substantially cover the negative space.

12. A bed as claimed in claim 3, wherein the negative space is defined by four side walls, wherein a portion of one side wall closest to the transition region is concave.

13. A bed, comprising:

a) A base portion, the base portion comprising:

(i) A top surface of the base plate,

(ii) A bottom surface opposite the top surface,

(iii) A head adjacent to the top surface and the bottom surface,

(vii) An upper torso region adjacent to the head end,

(viii) A lower torso region adjacent to the foot ends,

(ix) A transition region between the upper torso region and the lower torso region, wherein the upper torso region remains flat from the head end to the transition region, the transition region descends to the lower torso region, and the lower torso region remains flat from the transition region to the foot end, an

(x) A negative space in an upper torso region of the base; and

b) A cushion configured to cover the transition region and the lower torso region, wherein the cushion includes an angled wall corresponding to the transition region of the base.

14. The bed of claim 13, wherein the transition area is stepped and the sloped wall is stepped to correspond to the stepped transition area.

15. The bed of claim 13, wherein the transition region extends from the upper torso region to the lower torso region over a length of about 4 inches to about 16 inches.

16. The bed of claim 13, further comprising a channel pillow configured to fit within the negative space, wherein the channel pillow comprises a first layer having a first density and a second layer having a second density, wherein the first density is higher than the second density.

17. A bed as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first layer forms an inner core of the channel pillow and the second layer surrounds the first layer.

18. The bed of claim 16, further comprising a support layer having a length and width substantially similar to the length and width of the negative space to fit within the negative space.

19. The bed of claim 13, further comprising a bed deck comprising a pocket configured to substantially cover the negative space.

20. The bed of claim 13, further comprising a pair of channel pillows and a connector for attaching a first channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows to a second channel pillow of the pair of channel pillows.