GB2516055A

GB2516055A - Mattress

Info

Publication number: GB2516055A
Application number: GB201312325A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard White
Original assignee: Lifemarque Ltd
Current assignee: Lifemarque Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-09
Filing date: 2013-07-09
Publication date: 2015-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-09
Also published as: GB2516055B; GB201312325D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an airbed comprising at least one stabiliser to prevent tipping. In one embodiment the airbed may have a sleeping bag (5) provided on the surface of an inflatable mattress (1). The sleeping bag (5) may be shaped to fit between the stabilisers (2) and have an opening (6). The airbed may be shaped to resemble an animal, vehicle or character.

Description

Mattress This invention relates to a mattress. More specifically, the invention relates to a mattress, comprising stabilisers to prevent tipping.

It has been a common problem with conventional mattresses that the application of uneven pressure to the upper surface of the mattress can result in the mattress tipping over and the occupant falling from the mattress. This problem may be exacerbated when the occupant is in a sleeping bag, particularly if the sleeping bag is attached to the mattress.

A particular problem occurs when young children are sleeping or resting on an inflatable mattress. Young children typically move a great deal in their sleep and, especially when constricted by a sleeping bag, such movement may cause the mattress to tip over. This may result in injury to the child and potentially damage to the mattress.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems by providing a mattress which comprises at least one stabiliser.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mattress comprising at least one stabiliser to prevent tipping. Preferably, the mattress is inflatable. The provision of at least one stabiliscr advantageously prevents the mattress from being tipped over when pressure is applied unevenly to its surface. Therefore, for example, if a young child moves their weight from one side of the mattress to the other, the provision of at least one stabiliser has the effect that the mattress will remain substantially flat relative to the ground. The provision of at least one stabiliser has the added benefit of preventing a child from rolling off the surface of the mattress, i.e. providing an additional means of retaining the child within the boundaries of the mattress.

Preferably, the mattress comprises two stabilisers. Preferably, the stabiliscrs are provided at opposite sides of the mattress. Thus, preferably the mattress comprises a mattress section and two stabilisers, wherein each stabiliser is provided on an opposite side of the mattress.

In one embodiment, the mattress comprises a plastics material, for example, PVC.

Preferably, the at least one stabiliser comprises a plastics material, for example, PVC. In another embodiment, the at least one stabiliser comprises a different material to that of the mattress.

Preferably, the mattress further comprises a sleeping bag. The provision of a sleeping bag advantageously provides a soft and comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon, while positioned on the surface of the mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the sleeping bag may be defined by the perimeter of the mattress. In the embodiment wherein the mattress comprises two or more stabilisers, the sleeping bag may be adapted to fit between the stabilisers.

Preferably, the sleeping bag is releasably attachable to the surface of the mattress.

This has the advantage of preventing the sleeping bag from unintentionally being removed from the surface of the mattress. The means for attaching the sleeping bag to the mattress surface may include straps, clips, Velcro®, buttons, zips or open pockets integral to the sleeping bag.

In a preferred embodiment, the mattress is shaped to resemble an animal, vehicle or character. Preferably, the at least one stabiliser comprises a combination of features of an animal, vehicle or character. Preferably, the sleeping bag is designed to resemble part of an animal, vehicle or character, wherein the sleeping bag may be adapted such that the location of the head of a user occupying the sleeping bag correlates in a significant way with the animal, vehicle or character. For example, it could correlate with the location of the head of the animal or character or correlate with a position which might imply the driver of a vehicle. This encourages the user to position themselves on the mattress in the most advantageous position to prevent tipping. In another embodiment, the sleeping bag may be coloured and! or may include a pattern or design such that it resembles an animal, vehicle or character.

Preferably, the at least one stabiliser is inflatable. In the embodiment wherein both the mattress and the at least one stabiliser is inflatable, the entire structure may be deflated simultaneously, in order to minimise storage space and reduce the weight of the mattress, thus improving ease of transport. In one embodiment, the at least one stabiliser may be inflatable independently of the mattress. Advantageously, this may provide an added level of protection to an individual resting on the mattress.

For example, if the mattress were compromised and were to suddenly and! or unexpectedly deflate, then the at least one stabiliser would typically remain inflated and would prevent the individual rolling from the surface of the mattress.

Alternatively, the at least one stabiliser may be provided in fluid communication with the mattress and may be inflated at the same time as the mattress. In this embodiment, the individual sections would not require separate inflation, thus reducing the amount of time required to inflate the mattress and at least one stabiliser. The mattress and the at least one stabiliser may typically be manufactured by welding the at least one stabiliser to the body of the mattress.

Preferably, the at least one stabiliser forms an integral part of the mattress.

Preferably, the width of the at least one stabiliser is greater than approximately 40% of the width of the mattress. In the embodiment wherein the mattress comprises two stabilisers, typically the overall width of the stabilisers is greater than 80% of the width of the mattress. This advantageously increases the stability of the mattress and reduces the possibility that the mattress may be tipped over, for example, due to the application of uneven pressure to the surface thereof Preferably, the at least one stabiliser extends generally along the longitudinal extent of the mattress. Preferably, the at least one stabiliser extends for no more than approximately 40% to 60% of the length of the longitudinal extent of the mattress.

Preferably, the at least one stabiliser extends for no more than approximately 50% of the length of the longitudinal extent of the mattress. This provides increased stability to the mattress, whilst not entirely enclosing an individual resting on the mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one stabiliser is provided at or adjacent the upper end of the mattress, i.e. at the end of the mattress wherein the torso of an individual may typically rest.

Preferably, the height of the at least one stabiliser is at least approximately 50% greater than the height of the mattress. This advantageously provides a structure that protects the torso of an individual resting on the surface of the mattress. In addition, the provision of such stabilisers advantageously provides a banier that would prevent an individual from accidentally rolling off the surface of the mattress.

Preferably, the at least one stabiliser is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress and is preferably substantially in line with the torso of an individual resting on the mattress. Advantageously, the position of the at least one stabiliser provides a structure having increased stability around the torso of an individual resting on the surface of the mattress. As an individual moves in their sleep, the pressure that is exerted to the mattress surface typically moves from one side of the mattress to the other, around the upper body of the individual. It is this movement that may lead to the mattress becoming unstable and tipping over.

Preferably, the mattress further comprises inflation means. In one embodiment, the inflation means may be incorporated into the body of the mattress, thus providing a self-contained inflation means. Preferably, the inflation means may be a hand pump, a foot pump or an electric pump. Thus, a user would advantageously be able to inflate the mattress and! or the at least one stabiliser without the requirement for additional equipment. Preferably the inflation means comprises a pump and! or a valve, wherein the pump and! or valve are typically provided at the lower end of the mattress, i.e. at the end of the mattress that would be typically occupied by the feet of an individual. The provision of the valve and! or pump at the lower end of the mattress may advantageously allow for inflation of the mattress without substantially disturbing an individual resting thereon.

Preferably, the mattress comprises a pillow section. Preferably, the pillow section is inflatable. Preferably, the pillow section comprises a plastics material, such as PVC. Preferably, the pillow section is in fluid communication with the mattress. In another embodiment, the pillow section is separate from the mattress and may be inflated independently of the mattress. The provision of a pillow section provides added comfort to an individual resting on the surface of the mattress. Preferably, the height of the pillow section is greater than the height of the mattress, again providing added comfort to an individual.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a storage bag for use with the mattress in accordance with the first aspect. Preferably, the storage bag is used to store the mattress when it is in the deflated state.

The invention will be further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is an end view of a mattress according to one aspect of the invention; Figure lB is a plan view of the mattress of Figure IA from above; Figure 1C is a side view of the mattress of Figure 1A; Figure 2 is a perspective view the mattress of Figure IA; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mattress incorporating a sleeping bag.

Referring to the Figures, and in particular Figures 1A, B and C, there is illustrated a mattress I comprising at least one stabiliser 2 to prevent tipping. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, B and C, the mattress is inflatable and comprises two stabilisers 2. The mattress 1 further comprises a pillow 3 upon which the head ofan individual may rest. The stabilisers 2 and the pillow 3 are also inflatable. The mattress 1, stabilisers 2 and pillow section 3 comprise a plastics material, typically PVC. As can be seen in Figure IA and IC, the stabilisers 2 are raised above the level of the inflatable mattress, i.e. the height of the stabilisers 2 is greater than the height of the mattress 1. This is beneficial as it may prevent an occupant from accidentally rolling off of the inflatable mattress.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure lB. the inflatable mattress 1, stabilisers 2 and inflatable pillow 3 are adapted to form the shape of a penguin, wherein the mattress body 1 is shaped such that it resembles the body of a penguin, the stabilisers 2 are shaped such that they resemble the wings of the penguin and the pillow 3 is shaped such that it resembles the head of the penguin. The mattress 1 further comprises inflation means 4 which are built into the body of the mattress 1 and are provided in the form of a pump and valve. The inflation means 4 are provided at the lower end of the mattress 1, i.e. at the end of the mattress where the feet of an individual may typically rest. This has the advantage that the mattress may be inflated when an individual is resting thereon, causing minimal disturbance to the individual.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the inflatable mattress 1 comprising stabilisers 2, a pillow 3 and inflation means 4. This view clearly illustrates the embodiment wherein the stabiliscrs 2 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress 1 and extend along the upper part of the mattress 1. Thus, the stabilisers 2 are provided such that they substantially enclose the upper part of the inflatable mattress 1, providing protection for the upper body of an individual resting of the surface of the mattress. The stabilisers 2 and pillow 3 arc typically provided in fluid communication with the mattress 1, and are preferably welded thereto.

Figure 3 shows a sleeping bag 5 provided on the surface of the inflatable mattress 1.

The sleeping bag may be attached to the surface of the mattress, for example, by means of straps, clips, Velcroc1), buttons, zips or open pockets integral to the sleeping bag. In this embodiment, the shape of the sleeping bag 5 is defined by the shape of the mattress 1. In addition, the sleeping bag 5 is shaped to fit between the stabilisers 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the design of the sleeping bag completes the theme of the penguin as defined by the shape of the inflatable mattress 1 and stabilisers 2. The opening of the sleeping bag 6 is provided adjacent to the pillow 3 and is adapted such that the location of the head of a user occupying the sleeping bag 5 correlates with the location of the head of the penguin. The sleeping bags may be coloured to resemble the appearance of a penguin.

A storage bag (not shown) may be used to store the mattress 1 when it is in a deflated state.

Claims

Claims 1. A mattress comprising at least one stabiliser to prevent tipping.
2. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the mattress is inflatable.
3. A mattress according to claim I or 2, wherein the mattress comprises two stabilisers.
4. A mattress according to claim 3, wherein the stabilisers are provided at opposite sides of the mattress.
5. A mattress according any prcccding claim, further comprising a slccping bag.
6. A mattress according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sleeping bag is adapted to fit between the stabilisers.
7. A mattress according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sleeping bag is attached to the surface of the mattress.
8. A mattress according to any preceding claim wherein the mattress is shaped to resemble an animal, vehicle or character.
9. A mattress according to claim 8, wherein the stabilisers comprise a combination of fcaturcs of an animal, vchiclc or character.
10. A mattress according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the sleeping bag is designed to rcscmblc part of an animal, vehicle or character.
11. A mattress according to claim 10, wherein the sleeping bag is adapted such that the location of the head of a user occupying the sleeping bag correlates in a significant way with the animal, vehicle or character.
12. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one stabiliser isinflatable.
13. A mattress according to claim 12, whcrcin thc at Icast onc stabiliscr is inflatable S independently of the mattress.
14. A mattress according to claim 12, wherein the at least one stabiliser is in fluid communication with the mattress.
15. A mattress according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the at least one stabiliser is welded to the mattress.
16. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of the at least one stabiliser is greater than approximately 40% of the width of the mattress.
17. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one stabiliser extends along the longitudinal extent of the inflatable mattress.
18. A mattress according to claim 17, wherein the at least one stabiliser extends for no more than approximately 40% to 60% of the length of the longitudinal extent of the mattress.
19. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the at least one stabiliser is at least approximately 50% greater than the height of the mattress.
20. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one stabiliser is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress and is substantially in line with the torso of an individual resting thcreon.
21. A mattress according to any preceding claim, further comprising inflation means.
22. A mattress according to claim 21, wherein the inflation means is incorporated into the body of the mattress.
23. A mattress according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the inflation means is a hand pump.
24. A mattress according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the inflation means is a foot pump.
25. A mattress according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the inflation means is an electric pump.
26. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the mattress comprises a pillow section.
27. A mattress according to claim 26, wherein the pillow section is inflatable.
28. A mattress according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the height of the pillow section is greater than the height of the mattress.
29. A storage bag for use with the mattress according to any one of claims Ito 28.
30. A mattress as herein defined and with reference to the accompanying drawings.