EP3426100B1 - Pocketed spring comfort layer - Google Patents

Pocketed spring comfort layer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3426100B1
EP3426100B1 EP17763764.2A EP17763764A EP3426100B1 EP 3426100 B1 EP3426100 B1 EP 3426100B1 EP 17763764 A EP17763764 A EP 17763764A EP 3426100 B1 EP3426100 B1 EP 3426100B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
comfort layer
layer
fabric
pockets
coil springs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17763764.2A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3426100A1 (en
EP3426100A4 (en
Inventor
Austin G. Long
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
L&P Property Management Co
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L&P Property Management Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/062,318 external-priority patent/US9968202B2/en
Application filed by L&P Property Management Co filed Critical L&P Property Management Co
Priority to PL17763764T priority Critical patent/PL3426100T3/pl
Priority to EP20169356.1A priority patent/EP3698674A1/en
Publication of EP3426100A1 publication Critical patent/EP3426100A1/en
Publication of EP3426100A4 publication Critical patent/EP3426100A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3426100B1 publication Critical patent/EP3426100B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B68—SADDLERY; UPHOLSTERY
    • B68G—METHODS, EQUIPMENT, OR MACHINES FOR USE IN UPHOLSTERING; UPHOLSTERY NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B68G9/00—Placing upholstery springs in pockets; Fitting springs in upholstery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/04—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with spring inlays
    • A47C27/06—Spring inlays
    • A47C27/063—Spring inlays wrapped or otherwise protected
    • A47C27/064—Pocketed springs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a comfort layer for bedding and seating products. More particularly, this invention relates to a pocketed spring comfort layer for use in seating or bedding products.
  • Comfort layers are commonly used in seating or bedding products above/below a core, which may or may not include a spring assembly. Such comfort layers may include foam, fiber and gel products.
  • U.S. Patent No. 8,087,114 discloses a comfort layer made of pocketed springs. Such spring assemblies may be made of strings of individually pocketed coil springs joined together or multiple coil springs joined together by helical lacing wires.
  • Spring cores may be generally covered on the top and often on the bottom by pads of resilient foam as, for example, a pad of urethane or latex/urethane mix of foamed material.
  • pads of resilient foam as, for example, a pad of urethane or latex/urethane mix of foamed material.
  • a visco-elastic foam pad which is slow acting or latex foam, which is faster acting than visco-elastic foam. That is, the visco-elastic foam pad is slow to compress under load and slow to recover to its original height when the load is removed from the visco-elastic foam pad.
  • These visco-elastic pads, as well as the latex pads impart a so-called luxury feel to the mattress or cushion.
  • These pads also, because of their closed cell structure, retain heat and are slow to dissipate body heat when a person sits or lies atop such a foam pad-containing cushion or mattress.
  • EP 1707081 discloses a pocketed spring mattress in which each pocket has a ventilation hole in order to improve the airflow into and out of the pocket.
  • the fabric of the pocket may create "noise", as the sound is named in the industry. Such noise may be created by the fabric expanding upon removal of the load due to the coil spring's upwardly directed force on the fabric.
  • CN204273903U discloses a comfort layer according to the preamble of claim 1 of the present invention.
  • Still another objective of this invention has been to provide one or more layers for a seating or bedding product having the same or a similar slow-to-compress and slow-to-recover to its original height luxury feel as memory foam.
  • comfort layer shown or described herein may be incorporated into a bedding product, such as a mattress, foundation or pillow. Further, any of the embodiments of comfort layer shown or described herein may be incorporated into a seating product, such as a vehicle seat and/or office or residential furniture, such as a recliner. Alternatively, any of the embodiments of comfort layer shown or described herein may be sold independently as a retail or wholesale item. In such an application, the comfort layer may be added to and/or removed from a bedding or seating product by a customer.
  • the comfort layer of the present invention whether incorporated inside a bedding or seating product, or manufactured and sold as a separate product, provides an additional cooling effect to the product due to airflow through the comfort layer, including between adjacent pockets.
  • the amount of airflow between pockets may be changed by changing the size of the teeth or slots on a welding tool, including an ultrasonic welding tool. This is an easy way to adjust airflow inside a comfort layer and out of the comfort layer without changing the fabric material of the comfort layer.
  • comfort layer allows air to flow between pockets inside a pocketed spring comfort layer and either exit or enter the comfort layer along the periphery or edge of the comfort layer, such airflow contributing to the luxurious "feel" of any bedding or seating product incorporating the comfort layer.
  • the comfort layer of the present invention has the slow-acting compression and height recovery characteristics of heretofore expensive visco-elastic foam comfort layers, but without the undesirable heat retention characteristics of such foam comfort layers.
  • a manufacturer of the comfort layer may create a comfort layer with a luxury feel without using any foam in a cost effective manner.
  • a single-sided mattress 10 incorporating one example of a comfort layer not forming part of this invention.
  • This mattress 10 comprises a spring core 12 over the top of which there is a conventional cushioning pad 14 which may be partially or entirely made of foam or fiber or gel, etc.
  • the cushioning pad 14 may be covered by a comfort layer 16 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • a second conventional cushioning pad 14 may be located above the comfort layer 16. In some applications, one or both of the cushioning pads 14 may be omitted.
  • This complete assembly may be mounted upon a base 18 and is completely enclosed within an upholstered cover 20.
  • mattress 10 has a longitudinal dimension or length L, a transverse dimension or width W and a height H.
  • length L is shown as being greater than the width W, they may be identical.
  • the length, width and height may be any desired distance and are not intended to be limited by the drawings.
  • comfort layer While several embodiments of comfort layer are illustrated and described as being embodied in a single-sided mattress, any of the comfort layers shown or described herein may be used in a single-sided mattress, double-sided mattress or seating cushion.
  • the bottom side of the product's core may have a comfort layer applied over the bottom side of the core and either comfort layer may be covered by one or more cushioning pads made of any conventional material.
  • the cushioning pad or pads, on top and/or bottom of the core may be omitted.
  • the novel features of the present invention reside in the comfort layer and/or the product's pocketed core.
  • spring core 12 is illustrated being made of unpocketed coil springs held together with helical lacing wires, the core of any of the products, such as mattresses shown or described herein, may be made wholly or partially of pocketed coil springs (see Figs. 7 and 14), one or more foam pieces (not shown) or any combination thereof. Any of the comfort layers described or shown herein may be used in any single or double-sided bedding or seating product having any conventional core.
  • the core may be any conventional core including, but not limited to, pocketed or conventional spring cores.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the components of one example of a comfort layer 16 not forming part of the invention and incorporated into the mattress 10 shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the comfort layer 16 comprises a first or upper ply of fabric 22 and a second or lower ply of fabric 24 with a plurality of mini coil springs 28 therebetween.
  • the fabric plies 22, 24 are joined together with circular containments or seams 30, each seam 30 surrounding a mini coil spring 28.
  • Each circular containment or seam 30 comprises multiple arced or curved weld segments 26 with gaps 31 therebetween.
  • the first and second plies of fabric 22, 24 are joined together along each arced or curved weld segment 26 of each circular containment or seam 30.
  • the first and second plies of fabric 22, 24 are not joined together along each gap 31 between adjacent weld segments 26 of each circular containment or seam 30.
  • the curved weld segments 26 are strategically placed around a mini coil spring 28 and create the circular containment or seam 30.
  • the two plies of fabric 22, 24, in combination with one of the the circular weld seams 30, define a cylindrical-shaped pocket 44, inside of which is at least one resilient member such as a mini coil spring 28. See Figs. 5 and 5A .
  • the mini coil springs 28 may be at least partially compressed before pocket 44 is closed and thereafter.
  • resilient members other than mini coil springs such as foam or plastic or gel or a combination thereof, may be used. Each of the resilient members may return to its original configuration after a load is removed from the pockets in which the resilient members are located.
  • the size of the curved weld segments 26 of seams 30 are not intended to be limited by the illustrations; they may be any desired size depending upon the airflow desired inside the comfort layer. Similarly, the size, i.e., diameter of the illustrated seams 30, is not intended to be limiting.
  • the placement of the seams 30 shown in the drawings is not intended to be limiting either. For example, the seams 30 may be organized into aligned rows and columns, as shown in Figs. 5 and 5A or organized with adjacent columns being offset from each other, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 6A . Any desired arrangement of seams may be incorporated into any example shown or described herein.
  • the weld segments may assume shapes other than the curved weld segments illustrated.
  • the welds or seams may be circular around mini coil springs, but the weld segments may assume other shapes, such as triangles or circles or ovals of the desired size and pattern to obtain the desired airflow between adjacent pockets inside the comfort layer and into or out of the perimeter of the comfort layer.
  • the mini coil springs 28 may be any desired size.
  • One mini coil spring in a relaxed condition may be approximately two inches tall, have a diameter of approximately three inches and be made of seventeen and one-half gauge wire. While compressed inside one of the pockets 44, each of the mini coil springs 28 may be approximately one and one-half inches tall.
  • the mini coil springs 28 in a relaxed condition may be any desired height, have any desired shape, such as an hourglass or barrel shape, have any desired diameter and/or be made of any desired wire thickness or gauge.
  • a portion of a mobile ultrasonic welding horn 32 and anvil 42 there is illustrated a portion of a mobile ultrasonic welding horn 32 and anvil 42.
  • the movable ultrasonic welding horn 32 has a plurality of spaced cut-outs or slots 34 along its lower edge 36.
  • the remaining portions 38 of the ultrasonic welding horn's bottom 36 between the slots 34 are the portions which weld the two pieces of fabric 22, 24 together and create the curved weld segments 26.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 32 can be milled to make the slots a desired length to allow a desired airflow between the curved weld segments 26 as illustrated by the arrows 40 of Fig. 5 .
  • the airflows affect the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a user lays on the mattress 10.
  • anvil 42 comprising a steel plate of 3/8 th inch thickness.
  • the anvil may be any desired thickness.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 32 contacts the anvil 42, the two plies of fabric 22, 24 therebetween, to create the circular weld seams 30 and hence, cylindrical-shaped pockets 44, at least one spring being in each pocket 44.
  • curved weld segments 26 are created by the welding horn 32 of a machine (not shown) having multiple spaced protrusions 38 on the ultrasonic welding horn 32.
  • the plies 22, 24 define a plurality of spring-containing pockets 44 of the comfort layer 16.
  • One or more mini coil springs 28 may be contained within an individual pocket 44.
  • Fig. 4A illustrates another apparatus for forming the circular weld seams 30 comprising multiple curved weld segments 26 having gaps 31 therebetween for airflow.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 32a has no protrusions on its bottom surface 39. Instead, the bottom surface 39 of ultrasonic welding horn 32a is smooth.
  • the anvil 42a has a plurality of curved projections 41, which together form a projection circle 43.
  • a plurality of projection circles 43 extend upwardly from the generally planar upper surface 45 of anvil 42a.
  • a circular weld seam 30 is created, as described above.
  • a plurality of pockets 44 are created by the circular weld seams 30, each pocket 44 containing at least one mini coil spring 28.
  • a pocket 44 containing at least one mini coil spring 28 is compressed by compressing the mini coil spring(s) 28 and air contained within the pocket 44. Air exits the pocket 44 through gaps 31 between the curved weld segments 26 of the circular weld seams 30.
  • the mini coil spring 28 separates the fabric layers 22, 24, and air re-enters the pocket 44 through the gaps 31 between the curved weld segments 26 of the circular weld seams 30.
  • the size of the gaps 31 between the segments 26 of circular seams 30 of perimeter pockets 44 defines how quickly air may enter or exit the comfort layer 16.
  • the rate at which the mini coil springs 28 compress when a load is applied to a pocketed spring core comfort layer 16 is slowed or retarded by the air entrapped within the individual pockets as the pocketed spring comfort layer 16 is compressed.
  • the rate of return of the compressed coil spring comfort layer to its original height after compression is retarded or slowed by the rate at which air may pass through the semi-impermeable fabric material into the interior of the individual pockets 44 of the pocketed spring comfort layer 16.
  • air passes through the gaps 31 between the curved weld segments 26 of the circular weld seams 30, as described above with respect to the examples having non-permeable fabric.
  • some air passes through the fabric, both when the pocket 44 is compressed and when the pocket 44 is unloaded and enlarging or expanding due to the inherent characteristics of the mini springs 28.
  • the individual pockets 44 of comfort layer 16 may be arranged in longitudinally extending columns 46 extending from head-to-foot of the bedding product and transversely extending rows 48 extending from side-to-side of the bedding product. As shown in Figs. 5 and 5A , the individual pockets 44 of one column 46 are aligned with the pockets 44 of adjacent columns 46.
  • Fig. 5B illustrates a portion of an alternative example of comfort layer 16b not forming part of the invention.
  • the fabric material of each of the first and second plies 23, 25 may be a three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow.
  • Each ply of fabric 23, 25 comprises three layers, including from the inside moving outwardly: 1) a protective layer of fabric 27; 2) an airtight layer 29; and 3) a sound attenuating or quieting layer 33.
  • the protective layer of fabric 27 may be a polypropylene non-woven fabric having a density of one ounce per square yard.
  • the airtight layer 29 may be a thermoplastic polyurethane film layer having a thickness of approximately 1.0 mil (0.001 inches).
  • the sound attenuating layer 33 may be a lofted polyester fiber batting having a density of 0.5 ounces per square foot. These materials and material specifications, such as the densities provided for the outer layers, have proven to be effective, but are not intended to be limiting.
  • the thickness of the impermeable middle layer of thermoplastic polyurethane film may vary depending upon the desired characteristics of the multi-layered fabric.
  • the fiber batting layer need not be made of polyester; it may be made of other materials. Similarly, the fiber batting layer need not be lofted.
  • the fabric material of at least one of the plies may be impermeable to airflow through the fabric.
  • Each ply may comprise three layers, including from the inside moving outwardly: 1) a polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 having a density of approximately one ounce per square yard commercially available from Atex, Incorporated of Gainesville, Georgia; 2) a polyether thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 having a thickness of approximately 1.0 mil (0.001 inches) commercially available from American Polyfilm, Incorporated of Branford, Connecticut; and 3) a lofted needle punch polyester fiber batting layer 33 having a density of 0.5 ounces per square foot commercially available from Milliken & Company of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
  • the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 is impermeable to airflow.
  • the lofted needle punch polyester fiber batting layer 33 acts as a sound dampening layer which quiets and muffles the film layer 29 as the springs are released from a load (pressure in the pocket goes from positive to negative) or loaded (pressure in the pocket goes from neutral to positive).
  • the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 keeps the segmented air passages open such that the pocket 44 may "breathe". Without the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 closest to the springs, the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film 29 would cling to itself and not allow enough air to pass through the segmented air passages.
  • the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 closest to the springs also makes the product more durable by protecting the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 from contacting the spring 28 and deteriorating from abrasion against the spring 28.
  • Heat-activated glue may be placed between the airtight layer 29 and the sound attenuating layer 33.
  • the airtight layer 29 and the sound attenuating layer 33 may then be laminated together by passing them through a heat-activated laminator (not shown).
  • the protective layer 27 may or may not be glue laminated to the other two layers. After passing through the heat-activated laminator, at least two of the three layers may be combined together.
  • An alternative method for laminating all three layers without the use of glue may be using an ultrasonic lamination procedure. This process creates ultrasonic welds in a set pattern across the fabric, thereby making the fabric a unitary three-layered piece of material.
  • Figs. 6 and 6A illustrate another comfort layer 50 not forming part of the invention and having the same pockets 44 and same springs 28 as does the example of comfort layer 16 of Figs. 1-5A .
  • the individual pockets 44 of comfort layer 50 are arranged in longitudinally extending columns 52 extending from head-to-foot of the bedding product and transversely extending rows 54 extending from side-to-side of the bedding product.
  • the individual pockets 44 of one column 52 are offset from, rather than aligned with, the pockets 44 of the adjacent columns 52.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of comfort layer 56 incorporated into a single-sided mattress 60.
  • Single-sided mattress 60 comprises a pocketed spring core 62, a cushioning pad 14 on top of the pocketed spring core 62, a base 18, another cushioning pad 14 above comfort layer 56, and an upholstered covering material 20.
  • Pocketed spring core 62 may be incorporated into any bedding or seating product, including a double-sided mattress, and is not intended to be limited to single-sided mattresses.
  • comfort layer 56 may be used in any conventional core, including a spring core made with non-pocketed conventional springs, such as coil springs.
  • mattress 60 has a longitudinal dimension or length L, a transverse dimension or width W and a height H.
  • length L is shown as being greater than the width W, they may be identical.
  • the length, width and height may be any desired distance and are not intended to be limited by the drawings.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates the components of the comfort layer 56 incorporated into the mattress 60 shown in Fig. 7 .
  • the comfort layer 56 comprises a first ply of fabric 64 and a second ply of fabric 66 joined together with multiple linear weld segments 68. These weld segments 68 are strategically placed around a mini coil spring 28 and create a rectangular containment or seam 70. During the welding process, the mini coil springs 28 may be compressed.
  • the length and/or width of the linear weld segments 68 of seams 70 is not intended to be limited to those illustrated; they may be any desired size depending upon the airflow desired through the comfort layer. Similarly, the size of the illustrated seams 70 is not intended to be limiting.
  • a portion of an ultrasonic welding horn 72 and anvil 74 there is illustrated a portion of an ultrasonic welding horn 72 and anvil 74.
  • the mobile or movable ultrasonic welding horn 72 has a plurality of spaced cut-outs or slots 76 between projections 80.
  • the projections 80 of the ultrasonic welding horn 72 are the portions which weld the two pieces of fabric 64, 66 together and create the linear weld segments 68 in rectangular weld seams 70.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 72 can be milled to allow a desired airflow between the linear weld segments 68 as illustrated by the arrows 82 of Fig. 7 .
  • the airflows affect the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a user lays on the mattress 60.
  • anvil 74 comprising a steel plate of 3/8 th inch thickness.
  • the anvil may be any desired thickness.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 72 contacts the anvil 74, the two plies of fabric 64, 66 being therebetween, to create the rectangular weld seams 70 and, hence, pockets 84, at least one spring 28 being in each pocket 84. See Figs. 10 and 10A .
  • linear weld segments 68 may be created by the welding horn 72 of a machine (shown in Fig. 8 and described below) having multiple spaced protrusions 80 on the ultrasonic welding horn 72.
  • each mini coil spring 28 is contained within its own individual pocket 84. Air exits the pocket 84 through gaps 77 between the weld segments 68 of the rectangular weld seams 30.
  • the mini coil spring 28 separates the fabric layers 64, 66, and air re-enters the pocket 84 though the gaps 77 between the weld segments 68 of the rectangular weld seams 70.
  • the size of the gaps 77 between the segments 68 of rectangular weld seams 70 of the pockets 84 defines how quickly air may enter or exit the comfort layer 56.
  • Fig. 9A illustrates another apparatus for forming the rectangular weld seams 70 comprising multiple linear weld segments 68 having gaps 77 therebetween for airflow.
  • the ultrasonic welding horn 72a has no protrusions on its bottom surface 79. Instead, the bottom surface 79 of ultrasonic welding horn 72a is smooth.
  • the anvil 74a has a plurality of linear projections 71, which together form a projection pattern 73, shown in Fig. 9A .
  • a plurality of spaced projections 71 in pattern 73 extend upwardly from the generally planar upper surface 75 of anvil 74a.
  • the fabric material defining pockets 84 and enclosing the mini coil springs 28 therein is non-permeable to airflow.
  • these pockets 84 (with mini coil springs 28 therein) are compressed, causing the air contained within the pockets 84 to move between pockets 84, as shown by arrows 82 of Figs. 10 and 11A , until the air exits the perimeter pockets 84 into the atmosphere, as shown in Fig. 11A .
  • the rate at which the mini springs 28 compress when a load is applied to a pocketed spring core comfort layer 56 containing the mini coil springs 28 is slowed or retarded by the size of the gaps 77 between the linear weld segments 68 of rectangular weld seams 70.
  • the rate of return of the spring comfort layer 56 to its original height depends upon the mini coil springs 28 in the pockets 84 returning to their original height, causing separation of the layers of fabric, drawing air into the pockets 84 through the gaps 77 between the linear weld segments 68 of rectangular weld seams 70.
  • the fabric material is semi-impermeable to airflow, and some air passes through the fabric.
  • the rate at which the mini springs 28 compress when a load is applied to a pocketed spring core comfort layer 56 is slowed or retarded by the air entrapped within the individual pockets 84 as the pocketed spring comfort layer 56 is compressed and, similarly, the rate of return of the compressed coil spring comfort layer 56 to its original height after compression is retarded or slowed by the rate at which air may pass through the semi-impermeable fabric material into the interior of the individual pockets 84 of the pocketed spring comfort layer 56.
  • air passes through the gaps 77 between the weld segments 68 of the weld seams 70, as described above with respect to the embodiments having non-permeable fabric.
  • some air passes through the fabric, both when the pocket 84 is compressed and when the pocket 84 is expanded due to the spring(s) therein.
  • one fabric material semi-impermeable to airflow which may be used in either of the two plies of the pocketed spring comfort layers disclosed or shown herein, may be a multi-layered material, including one layer of woven fabric as, for example, a material available from Hanes Industries of Conover, North Carolina under product names Eclipse 540.
  • a material available from Hanes Industries of Conover, North Carolina under product names Eclipse 540 In testing, using a 13.5 inch disc platen loaded with a 25 pound weight, six locations on a queen size mattress were tested to determine the time required for the pocketed mini coil springs of a comfort layer having rectangular-shaped weld seams made with the multi-layered fabric material described above to compress to half the distance of its starting height.
  • the average rate of compression was 0.569 inches per second, and the average rate of recovery was 0.706 inches per second.
  • These averages are not intended to be limiting. These averages may be dependent upon the type(s) of material of the plies and/or size and shape of the weld segments comprising the weld seams which, in turn, may vary the rate of compression and rate of recovery due to airflow. Such variables may be adjusted/changed to achieve variations in feel and comfort of the end product.
  • the fabric material of the first and second plies of any of the embodiments shown or disclosed herein may be material disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,636,972 ; 8,136,187 ; 8,474,078 ; 8,484,487 and 8,464,381 .
  • This material may have one or more coatings of acrylic or other suitable material sprayed onto or roller coated onto one side of the fabric so as to make the fabric semi-impermeable to airflow as described hereinabove.
  • Fig. 10B illustrates a portion of an alternative embodiment of comfort layer 56b.
  • the fabric material of each of the first and second plies 65, 67 may be the same three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow shown in Fig. 5B and described above.
  • This three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow may be used in any embodiment shown or described herein, including for any pocketed spring core.
  • Each ply of fabric 65, 67 comprises three layers, including from the inside moving outwardly: 1) a protective layer of fabric 27; 2) an airtight layer 29; and 3) a sound attenuating or quieting layer 33. If desired, the protective layer of fabric 27 may be omitted.
  • the protective layer of fabric 27 may be a polypropylene non-woven fabric having a density of one ounce per square yard.
  • the airtight layer 29 may be a thermoplastic polyurethane film layer having a thickness of approximately 1.0 mil (0.001 inches).
  • the sound attenuating layer 33 may be a lofted polyester fiber batting having a density of 0.5 ounces per square foot.
  • These materials and material specifications, such as the densities provided for the outer layers, have proven to be effective, but are not intended to be limiting.
  • the thickness of the middle layer 29 impermeable to airflow may vary depending upon the desired characteristics of the multi-layered fabric.
  • the fiber batting layer need not be made of polyester; it may be made of other materials. Similarly, the fiber batting layer need not be lofted.
  • the fabric material of at least one of the plies may be impermeable to airflow through the fabric.
  • Each ply may comprise three layers, including from the inside moving outwardly: 1) a polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 having a density of approximately one ounce per square yard commercially available from Atex, Incorporated of Gainesville, Georgia; 2) a polyether thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 having a thickness of approximately 1.0 mil (0.001 inches) commercially available from American Polyfilm, Incorporated of Branford, Connecticut; and 3) a lofted needle punch polyester fiber batting layer 33 having a density of 0.5 ounces per square foot commercially available from Milliken & Company of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
  • the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 is impermeable to airflow.
  • the lofted needle punch polyester fiber batting layer 33 acts as a sound-dampening layer which quiets and muffles the film layer 29 as the springs are released from a load (pressure in the pocket goes from positive to negative) or loaded (pressure in the pocket goes from neutral to positive).
  • the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 keeps the segmented air passages open, such that the pocket 84 may "breathe". Without the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 closest to the springs 28, the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film 29 would cling to itself and not allow enough air to pass through the segmented air passages.
  • the polypropylene non-woven fabric layer 27 closest to the springs 28 also makes the product more durable by protecting the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer 29 from contacting the spring 28 and deteriorating from abrasion against the spring 28.
  • Heat-activated glue may be placed between the airtight layer 29 and the sound attenuating layer 33.
  • additional heat active glue may be placed between the airtight layer 29 and the protective layer 27.
  • At least two layers may then be laminated together by passing them through a heat-activated laminator (not shown).
  • the protective layer 27 may remain unattached to the other two layers after passing through the laminator.
  • all three layers may be combined together and form one of the fabric plies.
  • An alternative method for laminating all three layers may be using an ultrasonic lamination procedure. This process creates ultrasonic welds in a set pattern across the fabric, thereby making it one piece or ply of material.
  • the individual pockets 84 of comfort layer 56 may be arranged in longitudinally extending columns 86 extending from head-to-foot of the bedding product and transversely extending rows 88 extending from side-to-side of the bedding product. As shown in Figs. 10 and 10A , the individual pockets 84 of one column 86 are aligned with the pockets 84 of the adjacent columns 86. Air may flow between pockets 84 and into and out of the comfort layer 56 between the linear segments 68 of seams 70.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates one corner of comfort layer 16 of mattress 10 showing airflow between the curved weld segments 26 of the peripheral pockets 44, as illustrated by the arrows 40.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates the arrows 40 only on one corner pocket 44
  • each of the pockets 44 around the periphery of the comfort layer 16 allows airflow through the gaps 31 between the weld segments 26 of circular seams 30. This airflow controls the amount of air entering the comfort layer 16 when a user changes position or gets off the bedding or seating product, thus allowing the springs 28 in the pockets 44 to expand and air to flow into the comfort layer 16.
  • the springs 28 compress and cause air to exit the pockets 44 around the periphery of the comfort layer 16 and exit the comfort layer.
  • the amount of air exiting the comfort layer 16 affects the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a user lays on the mattress 10.
  • Fig. 11A illustrates one corner of comfort layer 56 of mattress 60 of Fig. 7 showing airflow between the weld segments 68 of the peripheral pockets 84, as illustrated by the arrows 82.
  • Fig. 11A illustrates the arrows 82 only on one corner pocket 84
  • each of the pockets 84 around the periphery of the comfort layer 56 allows airflow through the gaps 77 between the weld segments 68 of rectangular seams 70. This airflow controls the amount of air entering the comfort layer 56 when a user changes position or gets off the bedding or seating product, thus allowing the springs 28 in the pockets 84 to expand and air to flow into the comfort layer 56.
  • the springs 28 compress and cause air to exit the pockets 84 around the periphery of the comfort layer 16 and exit the comfort layer.
  • the amount of air exiting the comfort layer 56 affects the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a load is applied to the mattress 10.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates one corner of an alternative example of comfort layer 16a not forming part of the invention, which may be used in any bedding or seating product.
  • the comfort layer 16a comprises aligned rows 48 and columns 46 of pockets 44a, each pocket 44a comprising a circular seam 30a joining upper and lower plies of fabric, as described above.
  • each of the circular seams 30a is a continuous seam, as opposed to a seam having curved weld segments with gaps therebetween to allow airflow through the circular seam.
  • These circular seams 30a of pockets 44a allow no airflow through the seams 30a.
  • the fabric material of the first and second plies of pockets 44a of comfort layer 16a must be made of semi-impermeable material to manage or control airflow into and out of the pockets 44a of comfort layer 16a.
  • the type of material used for comfort layer 16a solely controls the amount of air entering the comfort layer 16a when a user gets off the bedding or seating product, thus allowing the springs 28 in the pockets 44a to expand and air to flow into the comfort layer 16a.
  • the springs 28 compress and cause air to exit the pockets 44a of the comfort layer 16a and exit the comfort layer.
  • the amount of air exiting the comfort layer 16a affects the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a user lays on the product incorporating the comfort layer 16a.
  • Fig. 12A illustrates one corner of an alternative example of comfort layer 56a not forming part of the invention, which may be used in any bedding or seating product.
  • the comfort layer 56a comprises aligned rows 88 and columns 86 of pockets 84a, each pocket 84a comprising a rectangular seam 70a joining upper and lower plies of fabric as described above.
  • each of the rectangular seams 70a is a continuous seam, as opposed to a seam having weld segments with gaps therebetween to allow airflow through the seam.
  • These rectangular seams 70a of pockets 84a allow no airflow through the seams 70a.
  • the fabric material of the first and second plies of pockets 84a of comfort layer 56a must be made of semi-impermeable material to allow some airflow into and out of the pockets 84a of comfort layer 56a.
  • the type of material used for comfort layer 56a solely controls the amount of air entering the comfort layer 56a when a user gets off the bedding or seating product, thus allowing the springs 28 in the pockets 84a to expand and air to flow into the comfort layer 56a.
  • the springs 28 compress and cause air to exit the pockets 84a of the comfort layer 56a and exit the comfort layer.
  • the amount of air exiting the comfort layer 56a affects the feel/compression of the individually pocketed mini coil springs 28 when a user lays on the product incorporating the comfort layer 56a.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a machine 90 used to make several of the comfort layers shown and disclosed herein, including comfort layer 16 shown in Fig. 1 . Some parts of the machine 90 may be changed to make other comfort layers shown or described herein, such as comfort layer 56 shown in Fig. 7 .
  • Machine 90 comprises a pair of ultrasonic welding horns 32, and at least one stationary anvil 42, as shown in Fig. 4 . Alternatively, ultrasonic welding horns 32a and anvil 42a of Fig. 4A may be used in the machine.
  • Machine 90 discloses a conveyor 92 on which are loaded multiple mini coil springs 28.
  • the conveyor 92 moves the mini coil springs 28 in the direction of arrow 94 (to the right as shown in Fig. 2 ) until the mini coil springs 28 are located in predetermined locations, at which time the conveyor 92 stops moving.
  • Machine 90 further discloses several actuators 96, which move a pusher assembly 97, including a pusher plate 98 in the direction of arrow 100. Although two actuators 96 are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 2A , any number of actuators 96 of any desired configuration may be used to move the pusher assembly 97.
  • the pusher plate 98 has a plurality of spaced spring pushers 102 secured to the pusher plate 98 underneath the pusher plate 98.
  • the spring pushers 102 push the mini coil springs 28 between stationary guides 104 from a first position shown in Fig. 2 to a second position shown in Fig. 4 in which the mini coil springs 28 are located above the stationary anvil 42 (or above the alternative anvil 42a shown in Fig. 4A ).
  • Fig. 2A illustrates the mini coil springs 28 being transported from the first position to the second position, each mini coil spring 28 being transported between adjacent stationary guides 104.
  • the stationary guides 104 are secured to a stationary mounting plate 106.
  • the machine 90 further comprises a compression plate 108, which is movable between raised and lowered positions by lifters 110. Although two lifters 110 are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 2A , any number of lifters 110 of any desired configuration may be used to move the compression plate 108.
  • machine 90 further comprises three pressers 112 movable between raised and lowered positions via actuators 116.
  • Figs. 3B and 3C show one of the pressers 112 in a raised position
  • Figs. 3A , 3D and 3E show the presser in a lowered position.
  • Each presser has a blade 114 at the bottom thereof for bringing the plies 22, 24 of fabric together when the presser is lowered, as shown in Figs. 3A , 3D and 3E .
  • machine 90 further comprises rollers 120, 122 around which the plies, 22, 24, respectively, pass before they come together.
  • rollers 120, 122 around which the plies, 22, 24, respectively, pass before they come together.
  • a main roller 116 and secondary roller 118 pull the continuous spring blanket 124 downwardly.
  • a blade 126 cuts the continuous spring blanket 120 to create comfort layer 16 of the desired size.
  • the machine 90 may be programmed to create the desired length and width of comfort layer. This machine 90 is adapted to make any of the comfort layers shown or disclosed herein having circular weld seams.
  • Fig. 3A illustrates the ultrasonic welding horn 32 in a lowered position contacting the stationary anvil 42 with at least one of the pressers 112 in a lowered position pressing the upper ply 22 into contact with the lower ply 24.
  • a new row of mini coil springs 28 has been moved into a loading position with the compression plate 108 in its raised position.
  • Fig. 3B illustrates the ultrasonic welding horn 32 in a raised position spaced from the anvil 42 with at least one of the pressers 112 in a raised position.
  • the compression plate 108 is moved to its lowered position by lifters 110, thereby compressing the row of mini coil springs 28 located on the conveyor 92.
  • Fig. 3C illustrates the row of compressed mini coil springs 28 located on the conveyor 92 being pushed downstream towards the ultrasonic welding horn 32 and stationary anvil 42 by the pusher assembly 97. More particularly, the pushers 102 secured to the pusher plate 98 contact the compressed mini coil springs 28 and move them downstream between the stationary guides 104 and past the raised pressers 112.
  • Fig. 3D illustrates the pusher assembly 97 being withdrawn in the direction of arrow 128. Additionally, the pressers 112 are moved to a lowered position, pressing the upper ply 22 into contact with the lower ply 24. Also, the compression plate 108 is moved to its raised position by lifters 110.
  • Fig. 3E illustrates the ultrasonic welding horn 32 in a lowered position contacting the stationary anvil 42 with at least one of the pressers 112 in a lowered position pressing the upper ply 22 into contact with the lower ply 24.
  • a new row of mini coil springs 28 has been moved by the conveyor 92 into a position in which they may be compressed with the compression plate 108 during the next cycle.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a machine 130, like the machine 90 shown in Figs. 2 and 2A .
  • machine 130 instead of having two ultrasonic welding horns 32, machine 130 has four ultrasonic welding horns 72 along with anvil 74.
  • ultrasonic welding horns 72a and anvil 74a of Fig. 9A may be used in machine 130.
  • This machine 124 is adapted to make any of the comfort layers shown or disclosed herein having rectangular weld seams, as opposed to circular weld seams.
  • Fig. 13A illustrates a posturized comfort layer 132 having three different areas or regions of firmness depending upon the airflow within each of the areas or regions.
  • the comfort layer 132 has a head section 134, a foot section 136 and a lumbar or middle section 138 therebetween.
  • the size and number of segments in the seams, along with the type of material used to construct the posturized comfort layer 132, may be selected so at least two of the sections may have a different firmness due to different airflows within different sections.
  • three sections are illustrated in Fig. 13A , any number of sections may be incorporated into a posturized comfort layer.
  • each of the sections is illustrated being a certain size, they may be other sizes.
  • the drawings are not intended to be limiting.
  • Fig. 13A shows each of the segmented seams of comfort layer 132 being circular, a posturized comfort layer, such as the one shown in Fig. 13A , may have rectangular or square segmented seams.
  • Fig. 13B illustrates a posturized comfort layer 140 having two different areas or regions of firmness depending upon the airflow within each of the areas or regions.
  • the comfort layer 140 has a first section 142 and a second section 144.
  • the size and number of segments in the seams, along with the type of material used to construct the posturized comfort layer 140, may be selected so at least two of the sections may have a different firmness due to different airflows within different sections.
  • two sections are illustrated in Fig. 13B , any number of sections may be incorporated into a posturized comfort layer.
  • each of the sections is illustrated being a certain size, they may be other sizes.
  • the drawings are not intended to be limiting.
  • Fig. 13B shows each of the segmented seams of comfort layer 140 being circular, a posturized comfort layer, such as the one shown in Fig. 13B , may have rectangular or square segmented seams.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
EP17763764.2A 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer Active EP3426100B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL17763764T PL3426100T3 (pl) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Warstwa zapewniająca wygodę ze sprężynami umieszczonymi w kieszeniach
EP20169356.1A EP3698674A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making the same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/062,318 US9968202B2 (en) 2015-02-13 2016-03-07 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making same
PCT/US2017/020310 WO2017155766A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making same

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20169356.1A Division-Into EP3698674A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making the same
EP20169356.1A Division EP3698674A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making the same

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3426100A1 EP3426100A1 (en) 2019-01-16
EP3426100A4 EP3426100A4 (en) 2019-09-04
EP3426100B1 true EP3426100B1 (en) 2020-06-24

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EP20169356.1A Pending EP3698674A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making the same
EP17763764.2A Active EP3426100B1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer

Family Applications Before (1)

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EP20169356.1A Pending EP3698674A1 (en) 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making the same

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EP (2) EP3698674A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN109152487B (zh)
AU (1) AU2017228871B2 (zh)
BR (1) BR112018067695B1 (zh)
CA (1) CA3015891C (zh)
DK (1) DK3426100T3 (zh)
MX (1) MX367749B (zh)
PL (1) PL3426100T3 (zh)
WO (1) WO2017155766A1 (zh)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110328309A (zh) * 2019-06-27 2019-10-15 浙江华剑智能装备有限公司 袋装弹簧串输送装置和方法及弹簧芯体生产设备和方法
US11033116B2 (en) * 2019-08-23 2021-06-15 L&P Property Management Company Dual-sided vented pocketed spring comfort layer
JP7364450B2 (ja) * 2019-12-13 2023-10-18 株式会社アーケム クッション材およびクッション材の製造方法

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US8011046B2 (en) * 2006-03-08 2011-09-06 Stjernfjadrar Ab Pocket spring mattress
CN204273903U (zh) * 2014-12-11 2015-04-22 韩兆德 一种新型气泡弹簧

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US4485506A (en) * 1983-04-07 1984-12-04 Simmons U.S.A. Corporation Coil spring construction
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US8474078B2 (en) 2007-02-07 2013-07-02 L&P Property Management Company Slow acting pocketed spring core having cushioning material
US8266745B2 (en) * 2007-02-07 2012-09-18 L&P Property Management Company Slow acting pocketed spring core having fill material inside pockets
KR200462262Y1 (ko) * 2012-02-27 2012-09-03 코폼라텍스인터내셔널 주식회사 마이크로 포켓스프링이 내장된 이중 쿳션 매트리스
CN203226520U (zh) * 2013-03-01 2013-10-09 运时通(中国)家具有限公司 一种袋中弹簧结构
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WO2006043862A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-27 Stjernfjädrar Ab Thin pocket mattress, and method and device for its manufacturing
US8011046B2 (en) * 2006-03-08 2011-09-06 Stjernfjadrar Ab Pocket spring mattress
US20080246197A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-10-09 L&P Property Management Company Slow Acting Pocketed Spring Core and Method of Manufacturing Same
CN204273903U (zh) * 2014-12-11 2015-04-22 韩兆德 一种新型气泡弹簧

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2018010611A (es) 2019-01-21
BR112018067695B1 (pt) 2023-04-25
EP3426100A1 (en) 2019-01-16
CA3015891C (en) 2023-09-26
DK3426100T3 (da) 2020-08-17
AU2017228871B2 (en) 2022-02-10
WO2017155766A1 (en) 2017-09-14
CA3015891A1 (en) 2017-09-14
BR112018067695A2 (pt) 2019-01-08
CN109152487A (zh) 2019-01-04
PL3426100T3 (pl) 2020-11-30
CN109152487B (zh) 2019-11-01
EP3698674A1 (en) 2020-08-26
AU2017228871A1 (en) 2018-09-13
EP3426100A4 (en) 2019-09-04
MX367749B (es) 2019-09-04

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