GB2214798A - Mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

A mattress (M) includes compartments (C) containing a stuffing, preferably of synthetic fibre (F), preferably the compartments extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the mattress (M).

Description

BED The invention relates to an improved bed incorporating an especially com:L'ortable mattress, and to the combination of the mattress and a base therefor.

There is a need for a soft mattress, for use by healthy people and those suffering from back pains and the like. It is an object of this invention to satisfy that need.

In one aspect, the invention provides a bed comprising a mattress and a base therefor, the mattress being characterised by an outer cover containing resilient material housed in compartments defined by partitions which extend transversely across the cover, the partitions stopping short of the longitudinal margins of the cover, and the base being characterised as being in the shape of a box containing springs or the like and having side walls built up so that the base top is dished to receive the mattress.

In use, the material tends to move longitudinally along the mattress, but this movement is resisted by the walls of the partitions. Preferably the partitions do not extend at right angles to the major axis of the cover, but at an angle. It is also a preferred feature of the invention that the partitions are not parallel to each other but alternate so that in side view they appear to be of trapezoidal or triangular pattern.

The resilient material defines the filling for the mattress and is preferably formed of synthetic fibres. X pteferabl the fibres are of fine diameter eg. about 40 micron and having a high void content, for example, by having longitudinal extending through holes. As a result, the moisture permeability is high, as is the rate of heat evacuation.

A mattress of the invention may be used in association with an ordinary base. It is preferred that the base have a dished upper surface, as indicated above, to prevent any tendency for the mattress to undergo longitudinal movement or racking.

The invention includes the mattress and the base disclosed herein, as separate items.

In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a mattress; Figure 2 is a partial plan view, partly in section, of the mattress of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation, partly in section of the mattress of Figures 1 and 2 on a base therefor.

The mattress M comprises an outer cover comprising top and bottom panels 1, 2 and an edge panel 3, joined together by stitching or the like. Partition walls 4 extend across the cover transversely to the major axis, and are secured top and bottom to the inside surface of the top and bottom panels respectively. The partition walls 4 are not in vertical alignment so that, as shown best in Figure 1, they form compartments C generally trapezoidal in section which alternate along the length of the mattress. The partition walls 4 do not reach the side panels 3 of the cover so a longitudinal partition free margins 5 are formed (see Figure 2).

The compartments C of the mattress M are filled with synthetic fibres F, preferably polyester fibres. Most preferably the fibres are of the type available as DACRON QUALLOFIL (trade mark of Du Pont) because they are characterised by high strength, resilience, void content, moisture permeability and bond strength. The degree of filling of the compartments C may vary but it is preferred to fill them to a high density. It has been observed that although the partitions 4 stop short of the longitudinal margins 5 of the mattress M the fibres F reach there so that the mattress has all wound resil eice.

The mattress M is made by securing, eg. stitching the partition walls 4 to the top and bottom panels 1,2 to form the compartments C. Bundles of the fibres F are then shaped into cylinders which are urged into the compartments C and then the side panels 3 are secured in position.

The base B comprises a box frame 6 of rectangular shape in plan having internal springs 7. The marginal upper edge 8 of the base B is of ramp form, so that when the mattress M is placed on the base B any tendency for the mattress to move longitudinally along the base B is contained.

In use, the mattress M is placed on the base B in the usual way.

Because of the filling F the mattress is comfortable to sleep on and because of the shape and disposition of the partition walls 4, the mattress does not rack. Because of the margin a, the mattress does not move along the base. The overall appearance is aesthetically pleasing.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. For example, the mattress may be used on an ordinary base, and the mattress and base may be held together by auxillary means, eg.

tapes, strips of VELCRO, or like means.

Claims (9)

1. A mattress comprising an outer cover having top and bottom Surfaces. partitious exto ktween the top an bottom surfaces and defining compartments therebetween, a stuffing being present in the compartments, the partitions and the compartments extending transversely to the major axis of the mattress.

2. A mattress according to Claim 1, wherein the partitions do not reach at least one side of the mattress whereby a longitudinal margin is formed at that side.

3. A mattress according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the partitions alternate so that the compartments are generally trapezoidal in section.

4. A mattress according to any preceding Claim wherein the stuffing comprises synthetic fibres.

5. A mattress according to Claim 4 wherein the synthetic fibres are formed of polyester.

6. A mattress according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the fibres are packed into the compartments to a high density.

7. A mattress according to any of Claims 4,5 or 6 wherein bundles of fibres are formed into cylinders received in the compartments.

8. A mattress according to any preceding Claim, in combination with a bed base having a margin of ramp form to restrain.

longitudinal movement of the mattress along the base.

9. A mattress and base substantially as described with reference to Figure 3 of the drawings.

9. A mattress substantially as described with reference to Figures 1,2 and 3 of the drawings.

10. A mattress and base substantially as described with reference to Figure 3 of the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A mattress comprising an outer cover having top and bottom surfaces, partitions extending between the top and bottom surf > ces and deriving comparemments le therebetween, a stuffing being present in the compartments, the partitions and the compartments extending transversely to the major axis of the mattress, wherein the partitions do not reach at least one side of the mattress whereby a longitudinal margin is formed at that side.

2. A mattress according to Claim 1, wherein the partitions alternate so that the compartments are generally trapezoidal in section.

3. A mattress according to any preceding Claim wherein the stuffing comprises synthetic fibres.

4. A mattress according to Claim 3 wherein the synthetic fibres are formed of polyester.

5. A mattress according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the fibres are packed into the cotparements to a high density.

6. A mattress according to any of Claims 3, 4, or 5 wherein bundles of fibres are formed into cylinders received in the compartments.

1. A mattress d-corling to any preceding Claim, in combination with a bed base having a margin of ramp form to restrain longitudinal movement of the mattress along the base.

8. A mattress substantially as described with reference to Figures 1,2 and 3 of the drawings.