GB2580396A

GB2580396A - Mattress for an infant

Info

Publication number: GB2580396A
Application number: GB1900307.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maurice Paul; Benaissa Hyde Sophie
Original assignee: Green Sheep Group Ltd
Current assignee: Green Sheep Group Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-09
Filing date: 2019-01-09
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Also published as: GB201900307D0

Abstract

We provide a modular infant mattress 10 comprising: a support layer 12, a soft layer 14, and a cover 16 defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer has a greater firmness than the soft layer, and wherein the order or configuration of the layers may be changed by a user so as to alter the support provided at the sleep surface. Preferably the support layer comprises two surfaces, the first surface providing a firmer surface than the second surface. The first can comprise a bed of springs and the second surface be a first foamed material. The soft layer may comprise a layer of a second foamed material. The cover may have a fastener and may have a viewing portion.

Description

Title: Mattress for an infant

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a mattress for an infant.

Standard mattresses for adult beds (referred to as "adult mattresses") are designed in a range of sizes and materials, to match bed frames of different sizes, and varying consumer preferences for the stiffness and deformability of the material of the mattress. For example, mattresses commonly conform to a size between a "Super king" size of around 180cm by 200cm and a "Single" size of around 90cm by 190cm. The depth of an adult mattress is typically between around 20cm and 40cm.

Adult mattresses are commonly formed with combinations of layers of springs and foam. In a traditional mattress a layer of springs may be provided within a soft outer cover, padded with materials such as polyester fibre and foam, or natural fillings including wool or cotton. In other mattress designs layers of springs, polyurethane foam, latex foamed and/or gel are combined to varying levels of firmness, so that a consumer may choose an appropriate mattress to provide the support they require.

Spring-based adult mattresses are designed to have a consistent firmness so that as the mattress is used, it retains the same level of resilience to return to its original shape. A consumer typically chooses a mattress of the required firmness, expecting the mattress to last for a number of years, providing a roughly consistent experience. Over time, when an adult mattress loses firmness, a consumer replaces the mattress with a new one that has the required firmness.

Infant mattresses are designed to be much smaller than adult mattresses, to match the size of a cot or a crib, for example. A crib-sized mattress may be approximately 50cm by 80cm for example. Other common sizes suitable to fit a standard cot are 60cm by 120cm and 70cm by 140cm. Therefore, references to an infant mattress refer to a mattress of a size that is smaller than a single adult mattress (i.e. smaller than 90cm by 190cm), and more preferably at most approximately 70cm by 140cm, and more preferably still in the range of between 50cm by 80cm and 70cm by 140cm. The depth of an infant mattress suitable for a crib or cot is typically between around 2cm and 15cm, and more preferably between 2.5cm and 12cm, and more preferably still between 3cm and 10cm.

As a child grows, the child's requirements and preference for mattress firmness change. Generally, a baby should be provided with a firm mattress, for safety reasons. A firm mattress is less likely to deform closely to the face of a baby, if the baby manages to turn onto its front. This means that the baby is less likely to suffocate within the folds or depressions which might otherwise be formed in a softer mattress. As a child develops this risk of suffocation lessens considerably, since the child is able to move and readjust its position readily, and unaided, in the event of any discomfort. It is also preferable for the surface of a mattress to be softer, so as to provide greater comfort to the child.

Typically a parent will purchase a mattress for a child that provides some balance between comfort and firmness. As a child grows, a parent must decide either to spend further money on a new mattress that is more suited to the child's needs, or else continue to use a mattress that is sub-optimal for supporting the child or providing suitable comfort.

It is also advantageous for a young child to lie still on a mattress. A soft mattress may assist this by deforming slightly under the weight of a child so as to cradle the child and inhibit the child's ability to roll over. It would be advantageous to provide a mattress which deters a child from rolling off its edge, in the case where a parent uses the mattress within a cot, for example, with one or more sides of the cot removed.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate or overcome one or more problems associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a modular infant mattress comprising: a support layer, a soft layer, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer has a greater firmness than the soft layer, and wherein the order or configuration of the layers may be changed by a user so as to alter the support provided at the sleep surface.

The support layer may comprise a first foamed material, and the soft layer may comprise a layer of a second foamed material, wherein the first and second layers of foamed materials differ in at least one of their firmness, density, compression set, hardness and thickness.

The support layer may comprise two surfaces, the first surface providing a firmer surface than the second surface, such that the support layer may be placed with either one of its surfaces facing uppermost so as to alter the relative firmness of the mattress.

The first surface may comprise a bed of springs and the second surface comprises the first foamed material.

The first surface may be formed of a third foamed material and the second surface is formed of the first foamed material, the third material being firmer, more dense, or having a lower compression set than the first foamed material.

The mattress may be reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the soft layer is provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, a second configuration in which the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer, and a third configuration in which the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.

According to a second aspect, we provide an infant mattress comprising a support layer for supporting the weight of an infant, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layer, the support layer providing a border at and extending along a portion of each of its lengthwise edges, the border being formed of a different material to the portion it surrounds.

The border may extend around the perimeter of the support layer.

The border may be formed of a first foamed material.

The mattress may further include a soft layer formed of a second foamed material that differs from the first foamed material in at least one of its firmness, density, compression set, hardness and thickness.

The soft layer may be formed of a second foamed material The soft layer may be provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost.

The support layer may be provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.

The support layer may be provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as 20 the uppermost layer.

The cover may be openable so that the support layer and soft layer are reconfigurable between the layouts previously defined.

The cover may provide a fastening arrangement comprising one of a zip, poppers, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners.

The cover may provide a viewing portion through which a portion of each layer is visible when the layers are sealed within the cover.

The viewing portion may comprise a panel of transparent or partially transparent material.

According to a third aspect, we provide an infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the soft layer is provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost.

According to a fourth aspect we provide an infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.

According to a fifth aspect we provide an infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.

We now describe features of embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which Figure 1 is a perspective view of an infant's mattress according to embodiments, shown in a first configuration, from the underside of the mattress, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mattress of Figure 1, shown in a second configuration, from the underside of the mattress, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mattress of Figures 1 and 2, shown in a third configuration, from the underside of the mattress, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mattress of the previous figures shown with the layers enclosed within the cover, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mattress as configured in Figure 1, in its first configuration, and shown with its sleep surface uppermost Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mattress as configured in Figure 2, in its second configuration, and shown with its sleep surface uppermost, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mattress as configured in Figure 3, in its third configuration, and shown with its sleep surface uppermost, and Figure 8 is an exploded view of the support layer of the mattress.

With reference to the drawings we describe an infants' mattress according to the invention. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the mattress 10 comprises a support layer 12, a soft layer 14, and a cover 16 defining a cavity 18 for receiving the layers 12, 14. The support layer 12 has a greater firmness than the soft layer 14, by which we mean that the surface is more resilient to deformation and/or less readily deformable under pressure. For example, the weight of an infant lying on a firmer surface will cause less deformation of the surface than that of a softer surface, which is more likely to conform to the shape of the infant.

The order of the layers 12, 14 within the mattress may be changed by a user so as to alter the support provided by the sleep surface 20 formed on the top of the mattress, in use. By the term 'support', we mean at least the firmness of the sleep surface 20, and optionally the ease of compression and associated comfort provided at the sleep surface 20. In effect, the firmness and comfort provided by the sleep surface 20 is caused by the relative ordering and configuration of the layers of the mattress within its cover 16.

Figures 1 and 5 illustrate a first configuration of the mattress 10, in a respective upside-down view (Figure 1) and a corresponding view showing the mattress the correct way up (Figure 5) -the orientation in which it will be used, with the sleep surface 20 uppermost. In the same way, Figures 2 and 6, and Figures 3 and 7, illustrate the second and third configurations of the mattress, respectively.

The support layer 12 comprises a first foamed material, and the soft layer 14 20 comprises a layer of second foamed material which provides a different feel of firmness, as described below.

In embodiments, and as shown in the Figure 8, the support layer 12 comprises multiple layers. The support layer 12 includes two layers in particular that contribute to the firmness and comfort of the support layer 12, with the remaining layers performing more functional roles to hold the respective layers together, and to cover springs within the support layer 12 which could otherwise cause damage to the remaining layers. As the support layer 12 is turned over, the uppermost and lowermost of these most significant two layers is switched, so that the relative firmness and comfort experienced at the sleep surface 20, attributable to the support layer 12, changes. The layers will be referred to herein according to the side of the support layer 12 they are closest to, as first and second surfaces 22, 24. The first surface 22 provides a firmer surface than the second surface 24. In this way, the support layer 12 may be placed with either one of its surfaces 22, 24 facing uppermost so as to alter the relative comfort of the mattress 10 to a person lying on the sleep surface 20.

In embodiments, the first surface 22 comprises a bed of springs (as a spring inlay) and the second surface 24 comprises the first (relatively firm) foamed material. As an alternative, the first surface may be formed of a third foamed material that is firmer still than the first foamed material.

An important aspect of this layout is that the two surfaces of the support layer 12 have a different relative firmness, and so the layer 12 can turned over to provide a different firmness as the uppermost surface to the layer beneath the mattress 10 cover, so as to form its sleep surface 20.

Suitable foamed materials, for forming the soft layer 14 and the second surface 24 of the support layer 12, are well known in the art for providing filling for a mattress suitable for an infant. For example, the foamed material may be a polyurethane foam, a gel foam, a latex rubber foam, a convoluted foam, or any other suitable type of foam as is known in the art. Alternatively, it should be understood that materials other than foamed materials may be used, such as wool, for example. The layers within the mattress are preferably free from toxins and chemicals that may be harmful to a user. The hardness, thickness or the layer, and relative density or compression set (i.e. how readily the material returns to its original shape after a compressive force is removed) of the foam layers will largely define how firm the layers of foam feel or act in relation to one another where different foams or thicknesses are used in different layers.

Therefore, in embodiments, the soft layer 14 is formed of a different foamed material than the first foamed material of the support layer 12. This may be because the foams have different hardness, different thicknesses, different relative densities or compression sets, or some combination of those features.

In other embodiments, the first and second foamed materials may be the same, and have the same thickness, but by connection to a first surface 22 of the support layer 12, as described below, the foamed material of the support layer 12 may be held taut, thus affording the layer less flexibility. In turn, this may cause the layer to feel firmer. By contrast, the soft layer 14 may feel relatively softer since the foamed material is not restricted in its movement, and so feels looser! less rigid.

In embodiments, the support layer 12 also provides a non-woven outer layer 42, and a net layer 44 (preferably made of a plastics material or the like), covering the first layer 22 of the support layer 12. The outer layer 42 lies across the surface of the first layer 22, so as to cover the layer of springs (or other relatively firm material) lying centrally of the layer. Where a border 26 is provided, the outer layer 42 spans the area defined within the border 26. The net layer provides a cover to overlie the springs or other firm material so as to reduce or prevent damage to the outer layer 42, and to contain the springs.

The first layer 22 is next, followed by a divider layer 46, lying between the first layer 22 and second layer 24 of the support layer 12. The divider layer 46 prevents or reduces deformation of the second layer 24 by the springs of the first layer 22 (where springs are incorporated), particularly when the mattress 10 is rolled for storage. In embodiments, the divider layer 46 comprises a layer of felt material.

The mattress is reconfigurable between at least three different configurations, each providing a different level of firmness at the uppermost sleep surface 20. 30 The cover 16 is openable, so that the outer surface 28 of the cover 16 may be folded back to expose the layers underneath. In this way a user may rearrange the layers inside to achieve these various different configurations. The cover 16 provides a fastening arrangement 38 comprising a zip. The zip may be lockable, so that the infant is unable to open the zip to remove the content of the cover 16. Alternatively, poppers, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable fasteners may be used.

In embodiments, and as shown in Figure 4, the cover 16 provides a viewing portion 36 through which a portion of each layer 12, 14 is visible when the layers 12, 14 are sealed within the cover 16. The viewing portion 36 comprises a panel of transparent or partially transparent material. In this way, a user can check the configuration of the mattress 10 without opening the cover 16, to determine the relative firmness of the mattress 10. An instruction label 40, setting out details of the various configurations, is provided on the cover 16.

In a first configuration, and as shown in Figures 1 and 5 of the drawings, the soft layer 14 is provided as the lowermost layer. The support layer 12 is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface 22 lowermost and its second surface 24 uppermost. This configuration has been found to provide the most supportive sleep surface 20 (i.e. providing firmest support, suitable for a baby).

In a second configuration, and as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the support layer 12 is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface 24 lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer 14 is provided as the uppermost layer, lying directly beneath the sleep surface 20. This configuration provides a medium level of support, suitable for a toddler.

In a third configuration, shown in Figures 3 and 7, the support layer 12 is again provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface 22 lowermost this time and its second surface uppermost 24. The soft layer 14 is provided as the uppermost layer, directly beneath the sleep surface 20. This provides the least supportive sleep surface 20, which is suitable soft and provides suitable levels of deformation and comfort for an older child.

Typically, a very young child such as a baby requires a firm mattress, to minimise the risk of the child suffocating, as described previously. For an older child, it is unnecessary for the mattress to be overly firm, so a softer configuration may be adopted, to provide comfort for the child. Therefore, as a child grows in size and weight, a balance must be struck between providing suitable comfort and firmness. To achieve this, the configuration of the mattress 10 may be altered to lessen the support at the sleep surface 20, by adopting the second and then third configurations.

It should be understood that using the layers described herein, a fourth configuration is also possible, which would provide yet further variety in the support achieved at the sleep surface 20. However, such a configuration would involve providing the soft layer 14 lowermost, with the support layer 12 uppermost, with its first layer 22 uppermost and second layer 24 lowermost. In that configuration, the springs or other relatively firm material used in the first layer 22 would be provided directly below the sleep surface 20, which -depending on the specific materials used -may cause a level of discomfort for the child.

In embodiments, and as shown in Figure 1, the support layer 12 provides a border 26 at and extending along a portion of each of its lengthwise edges 30.

The border 26 surrounds the springs of the first surface 22, in embodiments involving springs. In this way, the border 26 helps to resist deformation, bending or sideways movement at the edges of the support layer 12, so as to ensure that the shape of the mattress 10 is maintained during use, as an infant lies on the sleep surface 20. The border 26 may be less susceptible to deformation than the other components of the support layer 12 0.e. forming the rest of its first and second surfaces 22, 24). In this way, as an infant lies on the mattress 10, the uppermost surface of the mattress 10 may deform some amount according to the firmness of the layers beneath its cover, but as the infant rolls towards the edge of the mattress, the edge part does not deform to the same extent. This effect occurs when the central element of the first surface 22 (i.e. the springs, where those are used) is less firm than the surrounding border 26. In this way, the edge of the mattress is relatively resistant to bending to keep the infant from rolling over the edge (rather than bowing downwardly so that the infant might roll off the sleep surface 20).

It should be understood that in other embodiments, the border 26 surrounding the central part of the first surface 22 may be less firm and/or more flexible than the central part, in which case the effect is not observed.

In embodiments and as shown, the border 26 extends around the perimeter of the support layer, along its length and across its width at each end 30, 32.

The border is formed of the first foamed material in some embodiments, but may otherwise be formed of a relatively firm foamed material, or other material as appropriate.

The mattress 10 may be vacuum-packed in a rolled form.

In embodiments, the cover of the mattress is formed of a breathable material.

In some embodiments, the cover may be made of anti-dust mite materials or coated with an anti-dust mite substance. In embodiments, the material may be water proof and/or fire-retardant.

In embodiments, the sleep surface 20 of the mattress 10 is provides a visual indication that is distinct from the opposing underside of the mattress 10. In this way, a user may see that the mattress is orientated correctly, so that the sleep surface 20 provides the intended support to the infant using the mattress 10. The visual indicator may be a pattern or mark, for example. In embodiments, the sleep surface 20 has a different colour or design to the underside of the mattress 10. In preferred embodiments, the sleep surface 10 has a different colour or pattern to the edges and underside of the mattress 10.

While example embodiments of the invention are described herein, it should be understood that features of different embodiments may be combined with one another, in isolation from one another or in any combination, unless stated 10 otherwise.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular infant mattress comprising: a support layer, a soft layer, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer has a greater firmness than the soft layer, and wherein the order or configuration of the layers may be changed by a user so as to alter the support provided at the sleep surface.
2. A modular infant mattress according to claim 1, wherein the support layer comprises a first foamed material, and the soft layer comprises a layer of a second foamed material, wherein the first and second layers of foamed materials differ in at least one of their firmness, density, compression set, hardness and thickness.
3. A modular infant mattress according to claim 2, wherein the support layer comprises two surfaces, the first surface providing a firmer surface than the second surface, such that the support layer may be placed with either one of its surfaces facing uppermost so as to alter the relative firmness of the mattress.
4. A modular infant mattress according to claim 3, wherein the first surface comprises a bed of springs and the second surface comprises the first foamed 25 material.
5. A modular infant mattress according to claim 3, wherein the first surface is formed of a third foamed material and the second surface is formed of the first foamed material, the third material being firmer, more dense, or having a lower compression set than the first foamed material.
6. A modular infant mattress according to any one of claims 3 to 5, reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the soft layer is provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first 5 surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, a second configuration in which the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer, and a third configuration in which the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.
7. An infant mattress comprising a support layer for supporting the weight of an infant, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layer, the support layer providing a border at and extending along a portion of each of its lengthwise edges, the border being formed of a different material to the portion it surrounds.
8. An infant mattress according to claim 7, wherein the border extends around the perimeter of the support layer.
9. An infant mattress according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the border is formed of a first foamed material.
10. An infant mattress according to claim 9, wherein the support layer comprises two surfaces, the first surface providing a firmer surface than the second surface, such that the support layer may be placed with either one of its surfaces facing uppermost so as to alter the relative firmness of the mattress.
11. An infant mattress according to claim 10, wherein the first surface comprises a bed of springs and the second surface comprises the first foamed material.
12. An infant mattress according to claim 10 or claim 11, further including a soft layer formed of a second foamed material that differs from the first foamed material in at least one of its firmness, density, compression set, hardness and thickness.
13. An infant mattress according to claim 12 wherein the soft layer is formed of a second foamed material.
14. An infant mattress according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the soft layer is provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost.
15. An infant mattress according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.
16. An infant mattress according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its 25 second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.
17. An infant mattress according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the cover is openable so that the support layer and soft layer are reconfigurable between the layouts defined in claim 14, claim 15 and claim 16.
18. A modular infant mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or an infant mattress according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the cover provides a fastening arrangement comprising one of a zip, poppers, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners.
19. A modular infant mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or claim 18, or an infant mattress according to any one of claims 8 to 17 or claim 18, wherein the cover provides a viewing portion through which a portion of each layer is visible when the layers are sealed within the cover.
20. An infant mattress or modular infant mattress according to claim 19 wherein the viewing portion comprises a panel of transparent or partially transparent material.
21. An infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the soft layer is provided as the lowermost layer, and the support layer is provided as the uppermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost.
22. An infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its second surface lowermost and its first surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.
23. An infant mattress comprising: a support layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being made of a firmer material than the second surface, a soft layer comprising a layer of material less firm than either of the first or second surface, and a cover defining a cavity for receiving the layers, wherein the support layer is provided as the lowermost layer, with its first surface lowermost and its second surface uppermost, and the soft layer is provided as the uppermost layer.