EP4142546A1 - Couche de confort à ressorts ensachés et procédé de fabrication associé - Google Patents

Couche de confort à ressorts ensachés et procédé de fabrication associé

Info

Publication number
EP4142546A1
EP4142546A1 EP21796765.2A EP21796765A EP4142546A1 EP 4142546 A1 EP4142546 A1 EP 4142546A1 EP 21796765 A EP21796765 A EP 21796765A EP 4142546 A1 EP4142546 A1 EP 4142546A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
comfort layer
pockets
fabric
layer
plies
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21796765.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4142546A4 (fr
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
Original Assignee
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 US16/861,586 external-priority patent/US10813462B2/en
Application filed by L&P Property Management Co filed Critical L&P Property Management Co
Publication of EP4142546A1 publication Critical patent/EP4142546A1/fr
Publication of EP4142546A4 publication Critical patent/EP4142546A4/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/04—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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21F—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF METAL WIRE
    • B21F27/00—Making wire network, i.e. wire nets
    • B21F27/12—Making special types or portions of network by methods or means specially adapted therefor
    • B21F27/16—Making special types or portions of network by methods or means specially adapted therefor for spring mattresses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21F—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF METAL WIRE
    • B21F33/00—Tools or devices specially designed for handling or processing wire fabrics or the like
    • B21F33/04—Connecting ends of helical springs for mattresses
    • 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

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 and the method of manufacturing such comfort layer.
  • 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 or multiple coil springs joined 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.
  • European Patent No. 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.
  • Still another objective of this invention is to provide one or more comfort 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.
  • Another objective of this invention is to provide a comfort layer for a seating or bedding product made, at least partially, with fabric impervious to airflow through the fabric, but which allows air to enter and exit the pockets at different flow rates in reaction to different loads being applied to one or more pockets.
  • Another objective of this invention is to provide a comfort layer for a seating or bedding product made, at least partially, with fabric impervious to airflow through the fabric, but which allows air to enter and exit the pockets via gaps in the seams of at least some of the pockets.
  • the invention which accomplishes these objectives, comprises a comfort layer for a seating or bedding product.
  • the comfort layer comprises an assembly or matrix of individually pocketed springs, each spring being contained within a fabric pocket.
  • the fabric pocketing material within which the springs are contained may be semi-impermeable to airflow through the fabric material.
  • the term “semi-impermeable” means that the fabric material, while permitting some airflow through the material, does so at a rate which retards or slows the rate at which a spring maintained in a pocket of the fabric may compress under load or return to its original height when a load is removed from the pocketed spring.
  • air may pass through such a semi-impermeable material, but at a reduced rate compared to the rate at which air usually flows through a non-woven polypropylene material commonly used in the bedding industry.
  • the fabric material within which the springs are contained may be non-permeable or impermeable to airflow through the fabric material. In other words, air may not flow through the fabric material.
  • the airflow through the comfort layer is at least partially controlled by the rate at which air escapes through the semi-impermeable fabric within which the pocketed springs are contained. If the weld seams of the comfort layer are segmented, the airflow through the comfort layer is at least partially controlled by the rate at which air travels between segments of weld seams separating individual pockets.
  • the airflow through the comfort layer is controlled only by the rate at which air escapes or travels between segments of weld seams separating individual pockets.
  • the seam segments may be any desired shape, including curved or straight, and any desired length to control airflow within the comfort layer.
  • the length, size and/or shape of the seam segments may be manufactured to achieve a desired airflow between the interior of the pocket and the space outside the pocket.
  • comfort layer shown or described herein may be incorporated into a bedding product, such as a mattress, bedding 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.
  • comfort layer shown or described herein may be sold independently as a retail or wholesale item.
  • 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 comfort layer configured to overlay a core of a bedding or seating product.
  • the comfort layer is characterized by slow and gentle compression when a load is applied to the product.
  • the comfort layer comprises a matrix of pocketed mini coil springs.
  • Each mini coil spring is contained within a pocket of fabric between first and second plies of fabric.
  • Each pocket has weld seams comprising linear weld segments joining the first and second plies of fabric of the pocket.
  • Each weld seam has gaps between the linear weld segments through which air may flow between adjacent pockets.
  • the linear weld segments along outer sides of side pockets are longer than the remainder of the linear weld segments of the side pockets.
  • the comfort layer is characterized, when a load is applied to the comfort layer, by the rate of compression of at least some of mini coil springs inside some of the pockets of the comfort layer being retarded by the rate at which air escapes through the gaps of the weld seams, the rate of compression of the mini coil springs being controlled by the size of the gaps.
  • At least one of the plies of fabric comprises multiple layers and is impermeable to airflow. In some of these embodiments, at least one of the plies of fabric comprises three layers. In some embodiments, each of the plies of fabric comprises multiple layers. In some embodiments, each of the plies of fabric is impermeable to airflow and comprises at least three layers.
  • a first ply of fabric is on one side of the matrix of mini coil springs.
  • a second ply of fabric is on another side of the matrix of mini coil springs.
  • the first and second plies of fabric are joined with weld seams around each of the mini coil springs.
  • Each of the weld seams comprises linear weld segments with gaps between the linear weld segments through which air may flow between adjacent pockets. At least some of the individual pockets have linear weld segments of different lengths.
  • the comfort layer has side pockets and end pockets around the perimeter of the comfort layer. The linear weld segments surrounding the side pockets are different than the linear weld segments surrounding the end pockets.
  • the comfort layer is characterized, when at least some of the mini coil springs in at least some of the pockets are subjected to a load, air moves between the pockets through the gaps between the linear weld segments of the weld seams, the rate of compression of the mini coil springs being controlled by the size of the gaps between the linear weld segments of the weld seams.
  • a first ply of fabric is on one side of the mini coil springs.
  • a second ply of fabric is on another side of the mini coil springs.
  • the first and second plies of fabric are joined with weld seams to create individual pockets which contain the mini coil springs.
  • Each of the pockets has gaps between adjacent linear weld segments.
  • the comfort layer is characterized, when at least some of the pockets are subjected to a load, air moves between the pockets through the gaps between the first and second plies of fabric, air flow through the comfort layer being controlled by the size of the gaps between the linear weld segments of the weld seams.
  • the comfort layer has side pockets, the linear weld segments surround the side pockets being different lengths.
  • the comfort layer also has end pockets and interior pockets.
  • the side and end pockets are around the perimeter of the comfort layer and surround the interior pocket.
  • the linear weld segments surrounding at least one of the end pockets and interior pockets are the same length.
  • the linear weld segments along outer sides of the side pockets are longer than the other linear weld segments surround the side pockets.
  • the linear weld segments surrounding the interior pockets are the same length.
  • the linear weld segments surrounding the end pockets are the same length.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a bedding product incorporating one of the comfort layers of this invention
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the comfort layer of Fig. 1 being manufactured
  • Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of the machine of Fig. 2, the coil springs being inserted into predetermined positions;
  • Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a beginning portion of the manufacturing process using the machine of Figs. 2 and 2A;
  • Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the springs being compressed in the manufacturing process using the machine of Figs. 2 and 2A;
  • Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the springs being laterally moved in the manufacturing process using the machine of Figs. 2 and 2A;
  • Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the upper ply of fabric being moved in the manufacturing process using the machine of Figs. 2 and 2A;
  • Fig. 3E is a cross-sectional view of one of the springs being sealed in the manufacturing process using the machine of Figs. 2 and 2A;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 1 partially disassembled and showing a portion of a welding tool;
  • Fig. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 1 partially disassembled and showing a portion of another welding tool;
  • Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 1 , the arrows showing airflow inside the comfort layer;
  • Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5A-5A of Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment having a different fabric
  • Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of another comfort layer, the arrows showing airflow inside the comfort layer;
  • Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6A-6A of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a bedding product incorporating another embodiment of comfort layer in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the comfort layer of Fig. 7 being manufactured
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 7 partially disassembled and showing a portion of a welding tool;
  • Fig. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 7 partially disassembled and showing a portion of another welding tool;
  • Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 7, the arrows showing airflow inside the comfort layer;
  • Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10A-1 OA of Fig.
  • Fig. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment having a different fabric
  • Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a corner portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 1 , the arrows showing airflow into and out of the comfort layer;
  • Fig. 11 A is a top plan view of a corner portion of the comfort layer of Fig. 7, the arrows showing airflow into and out of the comfort layer;
  • Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a corner portion of another embodiment of comfort layer
  • Fig. 12A is a top plan view of a corner portion of another embodiment of comfort layer
  • Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a posturized comfort layer
  • Fig. 13B is a perspective view of another posturized comfort layer
  • Fig. 14 is a top view of a portion of another embodiment of comfort layer
  • Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14A-14A of Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment having a different fabric
  • Fig. 15 is a top view of a portion of another embodiment of comfort layer
  • Fig. 15A is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along a portion of the line 15A-15A of Fig. 15;
  • Fig. 15B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pocketed spring of Fig. 15A under a load;
  • Fig. 15C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pocketed spring of Fig. 15B under additional load;
  • Fig. 16 is a top view of a portion of another embodiment of comfort layer.
  • Fig. 16A is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along a portion of the line 16A-16A of Fig. 16.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a single-sided mattress 10 incorporating one embodiment of comfort layer in accordance with this invention.
  • This mattress 10 comprises a 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 more of the cushioning pads 14 may be omitted.
  • This complete assembly may be mounted upon a base 18 and is completely enclosed within a cover 20, such as an upholstered cover for example.
  • mattress 10 has a longitudinal dimension or length L, a transverse dimension or width W and a height H. Although the 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.
  • 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. According to the practice of this invention, though, either 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.
  • 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 embodiment of comfort layer 16 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 with circular containments or weld seams 30, each weld seam 30 surrounding a mini coil spring 28.
  • Each circular weld seam 30 comprises multiple arced or curved segments 26 with gaps 31 therebetween.
  • the first and second plies of fabric 22, 24 are joined along each arced or curved segment 26 of each circular weld seam 30.
  • the first and second plies of fabric 22, 24 are not joined along each gap 31 between adjacent segments 26 of each circular weld seam 30.
  • the curved segments 26 are strategically placed around a mini coil spring 28 and create the circular weld 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 segments 26 of weld seams 30 is 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 weld seams 30, is not intended to be limiting.
  • the placement of the weld seams 30 shown in the drawings is not intended to be limiting either.
  • the weld 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 weld seams may be incorporated into any embodiment shown or described herein.
  • the weld segments may assume shapes other than the curved weld segments illustrated.
  • the weld 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 plies 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.
  • Fig. 4A illustrates another apparatus for forming the circular weld seams 30 comprising multiple curved 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. As shown in Fig.
  • 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 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 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 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 segments 26 of the circular weld seams 30, as described above with respect to the embodiments having non- permeable fabric.
  • 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 embodiment of comfort layer 16b.
  • 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 be any desired thickness depending upon the desired characteristics of the multi-layered fabric and the composition of the multi-layered fabric.
  • One middle layer, impermeable to airflow, which has proven to function satisfactorily is 2.0 millimeters thick.
  • 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 sound attenuating layer may be a polyester circular stretch knit fabric. Such a sound attenuating layer may be secured to the middle airtight layer of thermoplastic polyurethane film prior to introduction into a machine such as machine 90.
  • a machine such as machine 90.
  • One combination of sound attenuating layer and airtight layer which has proven satisfactory is manufactured by Culp Home Fashions of Stokesdale, North Carolina and has a fabric weight of 250 grams per square meter.
  • 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 and may be any desired thickness.
  • One thickness which has proven to function satisfactorily is 2.0 millimeters.
  • 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.
  • 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 ply of material.
  • Figs. 6 and 6A illustrate another comfort layer 50 having the same pockets 44 and same springs 28 as does the embodiment 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 alternative 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 a cover 20, such as an upholstered covering.
  • 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 bedding or seating product, including a spring core made with non- pocketed springs, such as coil springs.
  • mattress 60 has a longitudinal dimension or length L, a transverse dimension or width W and a height H. Although the 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 with linear or straight weld seams 70, each weld seam 70 comprising multiple linear weld segments 68.
  • These weld seams 70 are strategically placed around a mini coil spring 28 and create a rectangular containment or pocket 84 made from intersecting weld seams 70.
  • the mini coil springs 28 may be compressed.
  • the length and/or width of the linear weld segments 68 of weld seams 70 is not intended to be limited to those illustrated; the weld segments may be any desired size depending upon the airflow desired through the comfort layer.
  • any of the weld seams shown or described herein is not intended to be limiting. Shapes other than linear weld segments 68 may be used to create weld seams 70, as well as any weld seams shown or described herein.
  • welding segment is not intended to be limited to linear segments.
  • a “weld segment” of a weld seam is intended to include such shapes as triangles or circles or ovals of any desired size and pattern to obtain the desired airflow between adjacent pockets and into or out of the perimeter of the comfort layer.
  • FIG. 9 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 plies of fabric 64, 66 together and create the linear weld segments 68 along 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 intersecting linear 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 intersecting weld seams 70.
  • Fig. 9A illustrates another apparatus for forming the linear weld seams 70, each weld seam 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 11 A, until the air exits the perimeter pockets 84 into the atmosphere, as shown in Fig. 11 A.
  • 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 intersecting 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 intersecting 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.
  • 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 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 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 weld 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. 11 A 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. 11 A 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 intersecting weld 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 embodiment of comfort layer 16a, 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. Therefore, 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.
  • 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. Similarly, when a user gets onto a bedding or seating product, 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 embodiment of comfort layer 56a, 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 intersecting weld seams 70a joining upper and lower plies of fabric as described above.
  • each of the intersecting weld seams 70a is a continuous seam, as opposed to a seam having weld segments with gaps therebetween to allow airflow through the seam.
  • These intersecting weld seams 70a of pockets 84a allow no airflow through the weld 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.
  • 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 .
  • Machine 90 comprises a pair of ultrasonic welding horns 32, and at least one stationary anvil 42, as shown in Fig. 4.
  • 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,
  • 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. However, instead of having two ultrasonic welding horns 32, machine 130 has four ultrasonic welding horns 72 along with anvil 74. Alternatively, 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 intersecting linear 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. Although 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 weld seams of comfort layer 132 being circular, a posturized comfort layer, such as the one shown in Fig. 13A, may have intersecting linear weld 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. Although 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 intersecting linear weld seams.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a portion of an alternative embodiment of comfort layer 56c.
  • the fabric of each of the first and second plies 65, 67 may be the same three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow shown in Figs. 5B and 10B and described above. However, any of the fabrics described herein may be used in this embodiment.
  • the individual pockets 84c of comfort layer 56c 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. 14 and 14A, the individual pockets 84c of one column 86 are aligned with the pockets 84c of the adjacent columns 86. [00123] Air flows between pockets 84c and into and out of the comfort layer 56c through gaps 83 between linear segments 81 of weld seams 70c. The segments 81 of weld seams 70c are longer than other segments of other weld seams shown herein.
  • One purpose of the longer segments 81 of weld seams 70c is so that air flows between pockets 84c at the corners of the pockets 84c, as depicted by arrows 85.
  • the segments 81 of weld seams 70c join the first and second plies 65, 67 of fabric so air does not flow therebetween.
  • the desired amount of air flow between pockets 84c may be achieved by designing the gaps 83 between segments 81 of weld seams 70c to a desired size.
  • Figs. 15, 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate another aspect of the present invention which is present along each of the weld seams shown or described herein regardless of the size and shape of the weld seam and regardless of the size and shape of the segments of the weld seam.
  • each of the first and second plies 89, 91 may be the same three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow shown in Figs. 5B and 10B and described above. However, any of the fabrics described herein may be used in this embodiment.
  • the individual pockets 84d of comfort layer 56d 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 Fig. 15, the individual pockets 84d of one column 86 are aligned with the pockets 84d of the adjacent columns 86. Likewise, the individual pockets 84d of one row 88 are aligned with the pockets 84d of the adjacent rows 88.
  • comfort layer 56d comprises two plies of fabric 89, 91 joined along linear segments 68 of intersecting linear weld seams 70, thereby creating pockets 84d, at least one spring 28 being in each pocket 84d.
  • the fabric of each of the first and second plies 89, 91 may be the same three-layered fabric impermeable to airflow shown in Figs. 5B and 10B and described above. However, any of the fabrics described herein may be used in this embodiment.
  • gaps 77 of weld seams 70 of comfort layer 56d may be considered valves which change in size depending on the load placed upon the pockets 84d of comfort layer 56d or removed from the pockets 84d of comfort layer 56d to control air flow as described below.
  • Gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 function as valves in controlling the air flow into and out of the pockets 84d of the comfort layer 56d without any material or apparatus other than the multi layered fabric of the plies 89, 91 of comfort layer 56d.
  • the construction of the comfort layer 56d has inherent valves therein between seam segments, the valves controlling air flow into and out of the pockets 84d of the comfort layer 56d depending upon the size of the gaps and seam segments, the load(s) placed on the comfort layer 56d and the composition of the fabric material of the plies 89, 91 of comfort layer 56d, among other factors.
  • FIG. 15A shows one pocket 84d of the comfort layer 56d without any load placed on the pocket 84d.
  • the pocket 84d is in a relaxed condition. Air is not flowing through the gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 of pocket 84d.
  • the air pressure inside the pockets 84d is at atmospheric pressure at ambient temperature so the valves 77 are in a relatively restrictive state, i.e. relatively flat.
  • the opposed plies 89, 91 of fabric of the gaps 77 of weld seams 70 may be contacting each other or very close to each other. See Fig. 15A.
  • FIG. 15B shows the pocket 84d with a light load placed on the pocket 84d, as indicated by arrows 146.
  • a light load is placed on the pocket 84d, at least some of the valves or gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 surrounding the pocket 84d open slightly so that air flows through at least some of the gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 of pocket 84d.
  • FIG. 15C shows the pocket 84d with a heavier load placed on the pocket 84d, as indicated by the four arrows 148.
  • a larger or greater load is placed on the pocket 84d, at least some of the valves or gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 open even more so that more air flows through at least some of the gaps 77 of the weld seams 70 of pocket 84d.
  • the term “open” means increasing in width. Therefore, when a valve or gap 77 opens it increases in width.
  • the ability of the valves to stretch and react to the air pressure is largely due to the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer.
  • the middle thermoplastic polyurethane film layer is a relatively elastic material which returns to its original shape after a load is removed. When the load is released, the valves return to their original condition which is a relatively restrictive state in which the air pressure inside the pockets is at atmospheric pressure at ambient temperature.
  • Figs. 16 and 16A illustrate a portion of an alternative embodiment of comfort layer 56e comprising first and second plies 65e, 67e on opposite sides of a matrix of mini coil springs 28.
  • any resilient member may be used in any embodiment shown or described herein in place of a mini coil spring.
  • the fabric of each of the first and second plies 65e, 67e may be a single layer or any multi-layered fabric described herein including, but not limited to the three-layered fabrics shown in Figs. 5B and 10B.
  • the comfort layer 56e has a plurality of individual interior pockets 101 , side pockets 95 and end pockets 105.
  • the side pockets 95 and end pockets 105 comprise perimeter pockets of the comfort layer 56e.
  • Each corner pocket 109 (only one being shown) is both a side pocket 95 and an end pocket 105.
  • the individual pockets including side pockets 95, interior pockets 101 and end pockets 105 of comfort layer 56e are arranged in longitudinally extending columns 99, 103 extending from head-to-foot of the bedding product and transversely extending rows 88e, 107 extending from side- to-side of the comfort layer 56e.
  • the comfort layer 56e has side pockets 95 extending along each outermost column 99 (only one being shown), individual interior pockets 101 extending along interior columns 103, and end pockets 105 extending along transversely extending outer rows 107 (only one being shown).
  • Transversely extending interior rows 88e are located between the two outer rows 107 (only one being shown).
  • intersecting linear weld seams 70e join the first and second plies 65e, 67e.
  • Each linear weld seam 70e comprising multiple linear weld segments 68e.
  • These linear weld seams 70e are strategically placed around a mini coil spring 28 and create a rectangular interior containment or pocket 101 made from intersecting linear weld seams 70e.
  • Each interior pocket 101 is surrounded on all four sides by linear weld seams 70e.
  • Each end pocket 105 is surrounded on all four sides by linear weld seams 70e too.
  • each side pocket 95 is only partially surrounded on three sides by linear weld seams 70e.
  • the first and second plies 65e, 67e of comfort layer 56e are joined along outer sides of the comfort layer 56e with long weld segments 81 e which are longer or greater in length than the weld segments 68e of linear weld seams 70e.
  • each side pocket 95 is surrounded on three sides by linear weld seams 70e and has a long weld segment 81 e on an outer side of the side pocket 95.
  • the long weld segments 81 e are illustrated to be a certain length, they may be any other length greater than the length of the weld segments 68e.
  • the drawings are not intended to limit the size of the long weld segments 81 e.
  • the long weld segments 81 are longer than weld segments 68e of linear weld seams 70e of comfort layer 56e.
  • One purpose of the long weld segments 81 of side pockets 95 is so that air flows into and out of side pockets 95 at a slower rate than air flows into and out of the interior pockets 101 and end pockets 105 when a load is placed on or removed from any portion of the comfort layer 56e.
  • the long weld segments 81 e of side pockets 95 join the first and second plies 65e, 67e of fabric so air does not flow therebetween.
  • the desired amount of air flow between side pockets 95 may be achieved by designing the gaps 101 between long weld segments 81 e to a desired size.
  • each pocket may contain any number of coil springs or other type of spring, made of any desired material.
  • the segments of the weld seams may be stitched, glued or otherwise adhered or bonded. Therefore, I do not intend to be limited except by the scope of the following appended claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)

Abstract

Couche de confort (56e) destinée à un produit de literie ou d'assise, comprenant des sachets à action lente (95, 101, 105) et caractérisée par les mini-ressorts hélicoïdaux individuels (28) de la couche de confort (56e), lesquels sont ensachés dans un tissu semi-imperméable ou imperméable. Chaque couture soudée (70e) d'assemblage d'épaisseurs opposées (65e, 67e) de tissu autour de chaque ressort hélicoïdal (28) de la couche de confort (56e) peut être segmentée, permettant à l'air de circuler entre les segments (81e, 58e, 70e), augmentant ainsi la sensation de luxe de la couche de confort (56e). Le procédé de fabrication de la couche de confort (56e) consiste à comprimer les mini-ressorts (28) et à créer des sachets (95, 101 ,105) avec un cornet de soudure et une enclume.
EP21796765.2A 2020-04-29 2021-04-15 Couche de confort à ressorts ensachés et procédé de fabrication associé Pending EP4142546A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US16/861,586 US10813462B2 (en) 2015-02-13 2020-04-29 Pocketed spring comfort layer and method of making same
PCT/US2021/027436 WO2021221917A1 (fr) 2020-04-29 2021-04-15 Couche de confort à ressorts ensachés et procédé de fabrication associé

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