GB2585234A

GB2585234A - Mattress

Info

Publication number: GB2585234A
Application number: GB1909651.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Duffy Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-04
Filing date: 2019-07-04
Publication date: 2021-01-06
Also published as: GB201909651D0

Abstract

A mattress 10 comprising one or more perimeter walls 16, 18, 24, a, base surface 14 and a top surface 12. The mattress includes a plurality of cavities 20 arranged such that the mattress can be compressed into a compressed configuration. The mattress may be made of a foamed material. Optionally the cavities are located within the interior of the mattress, extend longitudinally or transversally and between the top and base surface. The cavities may extend throughout the mattress from a first transversal perimeter wall to a second opposite transversal wall or from a first longitudinal perimeter wall to a second opposite longitudinal wall. The cavities may also extend from the top surface to the bottom surface. In one embodiment the total volume of the plurality of cavities comprises 20 – 70% of the total mattress volume. Further disclosed is a system comprising the mattress and a bed or an item of furniture arranged so as to compress the mattress between the compressed and uncompressed configurations. A kit consisting of the mattress and a bag for storing the mattress when compressed may be provided.

Description

MATTRESS

Field of Invention

The invention relates to a mattress, more specifically, a mattress having a plurality of cavities such that the mattress can be compressed for storage purposes.

Background to the Invention

It is generally desirable to provide a temporary sleeping structure that can be stored with ease and requiring as little space as possible. For example, the temporary sleeping structure may provide a sleeping structure for a guest of a household, and so it is important that such temporary sleeping structures can be stored away, whilst providing a comfortable sleeping structure for the guest.

It is known in the art to make use of a fold-up wall bed, commonly known as a Murphy Bed, in order to provide a storage solution for a mattress and a bed. However, such a construction is often complicated, owing to the number of mechanical parts, and thus expensive to manufacture. Moreover, the folding and unfolding of such a bed is often time consuming and requires considerable effort on the part of the user. Additionally, such a bed is simply stored, in its usual configuration, against a wall, and as such does not actually reduce the volume of space required to store said bed.

In an attempt to overcome the problems of the fold-up wall bed, other temporary sleeping structures have been designed, such as inflatable mattresses and so-called sofa beds.

The inflatable mattress, whilst providing a cost efficient way of storing a sleeping structure, has several disadvantages. Firstly, the inflatable mattress requires inflation before use and deflation after use. This is often time consuming and requires considerable effort on the part of the user. Secondly, inflatable mattresses are often susceptible to puncture, which renders such a sleeping structure useless. Finally, inflatable mattresses are often undesirable since they tend to be more uncomfortable than a traditional (i.e. non-inflatable) mattress.

The sofa bed, which is primarily a seating structure that can be folded into a temporary bed when required, provides a promising solution to the issue of storage and comfort. However, sofa beds are often time consuming to fold out to form the bed structure. Moreover, sofa beds are technically difficult to manufacture in a cost effective way, owing to the number of mechanical parts used. Finally, whilst a sofa bed tends to be more comfortable than an inflatable mattress, the mattress used in such sofa beds tends to be very thin in order to enable the user to fold the bed into the sofa form. This is undesirable, as such thin mattresses are often more uncomfortable than a traditional mattress.

Therefore, it is an aim of this invention to provide a sleeping structure that can be stored and that overcomes the disadvantages of those known in the art. In particular, it is an aim of this invention to provide a sleeping structure that is comfortable and that can be stored when not in use.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, there is provided a mattress comprising one or more perimeter walls, a base surface and a top surface, wherein the mattress includes a plurality of cavities arranged such that the mattress can be compressed between an uncompressed configuration and a compressed configuration.

That is, the mattress comprises a series of perimeter walls, a base, or bottom, surface and a top, or sleeping, surface. An encasement, defined by the one or more perimeter walls, may be bound by the base surface and the top surface.

The mattress includes a plurality of cavities, pockets, or the like, that are arranged to enable compression of the mattress from an uncompressed configuration, or a sleeping configuration, in which a user may lie on the mattress, to a compressed configuration, or a storage configuration, in which a user may compress the mattress so that is suitable for storage, transit or the like. The plurality of cavities are formed by removal of non-essential material from the mattress, thereby allowing the mattress to be compressed whilst retaining structural integrity. The mattress includes more than one cavity to enable compression, though any number of cavities can be utilised.

When the mattress is in the compressed condition, it is substantially compressed such that the physical dimensions of the mattress is reduced, thereby allowing the mattress to be stored with ease. That is, during compression, the material, for example air or a foamed material, within the cavity may be compressed thereby reducing the volume of the cavity. This, in turn, allows for the volume of the mattress to be decreased, thereby reducing the physical dimensions of the mattress.

The mattress may be resiliently deformable such that, when the mattress does not have a compression force imparted thereto, it assumes the uncompressed configuration.

This provides the advantage that a sleeping structure can be stored at a smaller size with ease when not in use, whilst not compromising on structural support or comfort.

Optionally, the mattress may comprise a foamed material.

This provides the advantage that the compressible mattress is comfortable for the user, whilst allowing air to flow through the mattress.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may be filled with a foamed material.

That is, one or more of the plurality of cavities includes a foamed material therein. Optionally, the plurality of cavities may be filled with air.

Optionally, the cavities may be aligned with a first axis, and wherein the mattress may be configured to be compressed, between the uncompressed configuration and the compressed configuration, along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

That is, the cavities are co-axial with a first axis, which may run the length, width or depth of the mattress, such that the mattress can be compressed in a second axis that forms an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the first axis.

That is, the cavities may generally span a first axis such that the mattress can be compressed in a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Optionally, an interior of the mattress may include the plurality of cavities.

That is, an interior of the mattress may include part of, or all of, the plurality of cavities. In other words, the plurality of cavities are formed within an internal part, or the encasement, of the mattress.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may extend longitudinally within the interior of the mattress.

That is, within the interior of the mattress, the plurality of cavities have a length that runs substantially in parallel to the longest perimeter wall. For example, the mattress may be substantially cuboidal in shape, and the cavities may have a length that is substantially parallel to the two longer sides of the cuboidal mattress.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may extend transversally within the interior of the mattress.

That is, within the interior of the mattress, the plurality of cavities have a length that runs substantially in parallel to the shortest perimeter wall. For example, the mattress may be substantially cuboidal in shape, and the cavities may have a length that is substantially parallel to the two shorter sides of the cuboidal mattress.

Optionally, a first portion of the plurality of cavities may extend transversally, and a second portion of the plurality of cavities may extends longitudinally.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may extend between the top surface and the base surface within the interior of the mattress.

That is, within the interior of the mattress, the plurality of cavities have a length that extends between the top surface and the base surface. That is, the plurality of cavities may run depth-ways within the interior of the mattress.

Optionally, a first portion of the plurality of cavities may extend transversely or longitudinally, and a second portion of the plurality of cavities may extend between the top surface and the base surface. Further optionally, a first portion of the plurality of cavities may extend transversely, a second portion of the plurality of cavities may extend longitudinally, and a third portion of the plurality of cavities may extend between the top surface and the base surface.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may extend throughout the mattress, from a first transversal perimeter wall to a second transversal perimeter wall that is opposite the first transversal perimeter wall That is, the mattress may include a first transversal wall, and a second transversal wall. The mattress may further include a first longitudinal wall and a second longitudinal wall, the first and second longitudinal walls connecting the first and second transversal walls to form the perimeter of the mattress. The plurality of cavities may extend throughout the mattress between the first and second transversal perimeter walls. Further optionally, one or both transversal perimeter walls may have openings forming one or more ends of the cavity. That is, the cavities may have open ends, the open ends being located at the transversal perimeter walls and providing an opening therein.

Optionally, the plurality of cavities may extend throughout the mattress, from a first longitudinal perimeter wall to a second longitudinal perimeter wall opposite the first longitudinal perimeter wall.

That is, the mattress may include a first longitudinal wall, and a second longitudinal wall. The mattress may further include a first transversal wall and a second transversal wall, the first and second transversal walls connecting the first and second longitudinal walls to form the mattress. The plurality of cavities may extend throughout the mattress between the first and second longitudinal perimeter walls. Further optionally, one or both longitudinal perimeter walls may have openings forming one or more ends of the cavity. That is, the cavities may have open ends, the open ends being located at the longitudinal perimeter walls and providing an opening therein.

Optionally, the cavities may extend throughout the mattress, from the top surface to the bottom surface.

That is, the cavities may extend between the top and bottom surfaces and have an opening at one or both ends. That is, the top and bottom surfaces may include a series of openings, formed by the one or more open ends of the cavities.

Optionally, a total volume of the plurality of cavities comprises a proportion of a total volume of the mattress in the range from 20% to 70%, preferably 40% to 60%.

That is, of the total volume of the mattress, calculated by multiplication of its length, width and depth, 20% to 70% is formed as the plurality of cavities. That is, the plurality of cavities form 20% to 70% of the total volume of the mattress.

Any range within the range of 20% to 70% is contemplated herein. For example, a range may have a lower limit of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% and may have an upper limit of 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70%.

In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising a mattress as described herein and a mattress topper disposed thereon.

That is, the mattress as described herein may include, disposed over at least one surface of the mattress, a mattress topper.

Optionally, the mattress topper may comprise a breathable mesh material or an elastomeric material.

This provides the advantage that air can flow through the mattress topper.

In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising a mattress as described herein and a bed, wherein the bed comprises a portion for housing the mattress, the portion being arranged so as to compress the mattress between an uncompressed configuration and a compressed configuration.

That is, a system includes a mattress as described herein and a bed. The bed includes a portion that is configured and arranged such that the mattress can be compressed between an uncompressed configuration, or a sleeping configuration, and a compressed configuration, or a storage configuration.

This provides the advantage that the system can be placed in a storage configuration with ease.

Optionally, the bed may include a first portion for housing a first part of the mattress and a second portion for housing a second part of the mattress, the second portion being slidably moveable with respect to the first portion, so as to compress the mattress from an uncompressed configuration to a compressed configuration.

That is, the first and second portions may, together, provide a surface for receiving the mattress. The mattress may be received thereon, and the second portion may be slidably moveable with respect to the first portion, thereby allowing for compression of the mattress. The second portion may be slidably moveable in a longitudinal direction. The first portion may be fixed in place, and the second portion may be slidably moveable thereto.

In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising a mattress as described herein and an item of furniture, the item of furniture being configured to compress the mattress from the uncompressed configuration to the compressed configuration.

That is, a system includes a mattress as described herein and an item of furniture. The item of furniture is configured and arranged such that it may compress the mattress from the uncompressed configuration, or sleeping configuration, to the compressed configuration, or storage configuration. The item of furniture may be configured and arranged such that it may uncompress the mattress from a compressed configuration, or storage configuration, to an uncompressed configuration, or sleeping configuration.

Optionally, the item of furniture is a sideboard unit.

Optionally, the item of furniture, for example a sideboard unit, comprises a first portion for housing a first part of the mattress and a second portion for housing a second part of the mattress, the second portion being slidably moveable portion with respect to the first portion, so as to compress the mattress from an uncompressed configuration to a compressed configuration.

That is, the item of furniture may include a first portion and a second portion forming a receiving surface for housing, or receiving, a mattress thereon. The mattress may be received thereon, and the second portion may be slidably moveable with respect to the first portion, thereby allowing for compression of the mattress. The second portion may be slidably moveable in a longitudinal direction. The first portion may be fixed in place, and the second portion may be slidably moveable thereto.

Optionally, the second portion is hingedly connected to the first portion.

That is, the second portion is hinged to the first portion to enable rotation with respect to the first portion. The second portion is also slidably moveable with respect to the first portion. In this way, the second portion can first be unfolded, or rotated, with respect to the first portion, and then slidably moved with respect to the first portion.

This provides the advantage that the mattress may be stored out of sight with ease.

In another aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a mattress as described herein and a bag for storing the mattress when the mattress is in the compressed configuration.

That is, the mattress may be compressed to a compressed configuration and stored within the bag. Together, the mattress and the bag form a kit of parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate presently exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain, by way of example only, the principles of the disclosure. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mattress according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mattress of Figure 1 when compressed; Figure 3 is a side view of the mattress of Figure 1 in use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mattress of Figure 1 and a mattress topper; Figure 5A is a top view of a mattress according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5B is a top view of the mattress of Figure 5A when compressed; Figure 6A is a top view of a mattress according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B is a top view of the mattress of Figure 6A when compressed; Figure 7A is a top view of a mattress according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7B is a top view of the mattress of Figure 7A when compressed; Figure 8A is a top view of a mattress according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 8B is a top view of the mattress of Figure 8A when compressed; Figure 9A is a perspective view of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 9B is a perspective view of the system of Figure 9A in a sleeping configuration; Figure 10A is a perspective view of a system according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 10B is a perspective view of the system of Figure 10A as the user unfolds the system from a storage configuration to a sleeping configuration.

Figure 10C is a perspective view of the system of Figure 10A in a sleeping configuration; Figure 11A is a perspective view of a system according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 11B is a perspective view of the system of Figure 11A as the user unfolds the system from a storage configuration to a sleeping configuration; Figure 11C is a perspective view of the system of Figure 11A in a storage configuration; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a kit of parts according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a mattress 10 according to one embodiment includes a top surface 12, which may form a sleeping surface as shown in Figure 3, a base surface 14 and perimeter walls 16, 18, 24. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the top surface 12 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base surface 14. That is, a top surface thickness ttop is greater than a base surface thickness tbase, or tbase < ttop. In other embodiments, the thicknesses may be equal or substantially equal.

As shown in the uncompressed, or sleeping, configuration in Figures 1 and 3, the mattress 10 includes a plurality of cavities 20 and a series of supporting portions 22. The cavities 20 are formed as elongate apertures running throughout the width of the mattress 10, that is, running widthways from a perimeter wall 24 to a perimeter wall (not shown) directly opposite that of perimeter wall 24. It is equally contemplated that the cavities 20 may be formed as elongate apertures running throughout the length of the mattress 10, that is, running lengthways from a perimeter wall 16 to a perimeter wall 18 directly opposite that of perimeter wall 16.

As best shown in Figure 2, the cavities 20 and supporting portions 22 allow for the mattress 10 to be compressed when not in use. That is, the cavities 20 impart compressibility to the mattress 10. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the cavities 20 are formed as elongate apertures having open ends, i.e. the perimeter wall 24 has openings being the opening of each cavity 20. In other embodiments, not shown, the cavities 20 may be formed as elongate cavities formed within the mattress 10 itself, having closed ends. That is, the perimeter wall 24 may form the boundary, or end, of the cavity 20.

The mattress 10 can thus be compressed and stored until later use. As can be seen in Figure 2, the mattress 10 can be compressed in an axis that is perpendicular to the cavities 20. The mattress 10 is also resilient in the sense that, when the mattress 10 does not have a compression force imparted thereto, it assumes its typically shape as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The supporting portions 22 impart support to the mattress 10 such that the top surface 12 assumes a generally flat surface for sleeping thereon.

Turning now to Figure 4, there is also provided a mattress topper 50 provided over the top surface 12 of the mattress 10. The mattress topper 50 may be any mattress topper as commonly known in the art. The mattress topper 50 is shown as a separate feature in the present embodiment, though integral mattress toppers are also contemplated herein.

Referring to Figure 5A and 5B, a mattress 100 according to another embodiment includes a top surface 112, a base surface (not shown) and perimeter walls 114, 118, 124. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 112 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base surface (not shown). That is, a top surface thickness ttop is greater than a base surface thickness tbase, or tbase < ttop. In other embodiments, the thicknesses may be equal or substantially equal.

The mattress 100 includes a plurality of cavities 120 running throughout the depth of the mattress 100. That is, the cavities 120 may be formed in the top surface 112 and run throughout the depth of the mattress 100 to the base surface (not shown). The cavities 120 of the present embodiment are shown as a series of squares. Additionally, the parallel perimeter walls 124 include a series of cavities or cut out regions, shown as triangular cut out portions, to aid in compressing the mattress 100.

As described in relation to Figures 1 to 3, such cavities 120 may be formed as part of the interior of the mattress 100, and thus may not be open at their ends as is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The same applies to the cavities of Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B discussed below.

As shown best in Figure 5B, the mattress 100 can be compressed, in a similar manner as described in Figures 1 to 3. The mattress 100 of Figures 5A and 5B can thus be compressed and stored when not in use or for transit.

Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, a mattress 200 according to another embodiment includes a top surface 212, a base surface (not shown) and perimeter walls 214, 218, 224. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 212 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base surface (not shown). That is, a top surface thickness ttop is greater than a base surface thickness tbase, or tbase < top. In other embodiments, the thicknesses may be equal or substantially equal.

The mattress 200, like the mattress 100 of Figures 5A and 5B, includes a plurality of cavities 220 running throughout the depth of the mattress 200. That is, the cavities 220 may be formed in the top surface 212 and run throughout the depth of the mattress 200 to the base surface (not shown). The cavities 220 of the present embodiment are shown as a series of rectangles having their length running widthways, that is, between the parallel perimeter walls 224. In another way, the longer parallel sides of the cavities 220 may be parallel with the perimeter walls 214, 218, and the shorter parallel sides of the cavities 220 may be parallel with the parallel perimeter walls 224. Additionally, the parallel perimeter walls 224 include a series of cavities or cut out regions, shown as U-shaped cut out regions, to aid in compressing the mattress 200.

As shown best in Figure 6B, the mattress 200 can be compressed, in a similar manner as described in Figures 1 to 3. The mattress 200 of Figures 6A and 6B can thus be compressed and stored when not in use or for transit.

Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, a mattress 300 according to another embodiment includes a top surface 312, a base surface (not shown) and perimeter walls 314, 318, 324. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 312 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base surface (not shown). That is, a top surface thickness ttop is greater than a base surface thickness tbase, or tbase < top. In other embodiments, the thicknesses may be equal or substantially equal.

The mattress 300, like the mattresses 100, 200 of Figures 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, includes a plurality of cavities 320 running throughout the depth of the mattress 300. That is, the cavities 320 may be formed in the top surface 312 and run throughout the depth of the mattress 300 to the base surface (not shown). The cavities 320 of the present embodiment are shown as a series of shapes such as arrow heads, or substantially V-shaped cavities 320. Additionally, the parallel perimeter walls 324 include a series of cavities or cut out regions, also shown as generally V-shaped cut out regions, to aid in compressing the mattress 300.

As shown best in Figure 7B, the mattress 300 can be compressed, in a similar manner as described in Figures 1 to 3. The mattress 300 of Figures 7A and 7B can thus be compressed and stored when not in use or for transit.

Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, a mattress 400 according to another embodiment includes a top surface 412, a base surface (not shown) and perimeter walls 414, 418, 424. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 412 has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base surface (not shown). That is, a top surface thickness ttop is greater than a base surface thickness tbase, or tbase < top. In other embodiments, the thicknesses may be equal or substantially equal.

The mattress 400, like the mattresses 100, 200, 300 of Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B, includes a plurality of cavities 420a, 420b, 420c running throughout the depth of the mattress 400. That is, the cavities 420a, 420b, 420c may be formed in the top surface 412 and run throughout the depth of the mattress 400 to the base surface (not shown). The cavities of the present embodiment are shown as a series of square-shaped cavities 420a and rectangular-shaped cavities 420b, 420c. The rectangular-shaped cavities 420b, 420c are shown as forming a 45-degree angle with respect to the perimeter walls 424. In the depicted embodiment, there are two alternating rows of rectangular-shaped cavities 420b, 420c, each rectangular-shaped cavity of one row being substantially identical in dimension and orientation to the other rectangular-shaped cavities of that row, and rectangular-shaped cavities of adjacent rows being perpendicular in orientation with respect to one another. Additionally, the parallel perimeter walls 424 include a series of cavities or cut out regions, shown as substantially rectangular-shaped cut out regions, to aid in compressing the mattress 400.

As shown best in Figure 8B, the mattress 400 can be compressed, in a similar manner as described in Figures 1 to 3. The mattress 400 of Figures 8A and 8B can thus be compressed and stored when not in use or for transit.

Referring to Figure 9A and 9B, there is provided a system 500 including a bed having a first portion 520 and a second portion 530, and a mattress 510 disposed on the bed. The mattress 510 may be any mattress discussed herein, though the mattress of Figures 1 to 3 is shown in this particular system 500.

The bed includes a first portion 520 and a second portion 530, the first and second portions 520, 530 configured to be slidably moveable relative to one another. That is, at least one of the first and second portions 520, 530 is slidable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the other portion. Any known mechanical coupling means is contemplated to achieve such a sliding relation, for example, rails and runners. The bed also includes a series of feet 540 having casters, rollers, or the like, on the feet 540 of the second portion 530 only. In this way, the first portion 520 remains static, and the second portion 540 may be slidably moved relative to the first portion 530.

The mattress 510 is disposed on a receiving surface of the bed, formed by respective receiving surfaces of the first and second portions 520, 530. The mattress 510, being configured to be compressible, can be compressed from a sleeping configuration (Figure 9B) to a storage configuration (Figure 9A) and vice versa. As the second portion 530 is slidably moved relative to the first portion 520, the mattress 510 can be compressed (i.e. a storage configuration) or uncompressed (i.e. a sleeping configuration) appropriately.

Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, there is provided a system 600 including an item of furniture, for example, a sideboard unit 620. The sideboard unit 620 includes a space defining an area in which a moveable portion 630 can be received, and a mattress 610 disposed within the sideboard unit 620 on top of the moveable portion 630 and configured to be received within the enclosed space. The mattress 610 may be any mattress discussed herein, though the mattress of Figures 1 to 3 is shown in this particular system 600.

The item of furniture, shown in this example as a sideboard unit 620, includes the moveable portion 630 that is configured to be slidably moveable relative to the sideboard unit 620. Any mechanical coupling means is contemplated to achieve such a sliding relation, for example, rails and runners. The moveable portion 630 includes feet (not shown) having castors. In this way, the sideboard unit 620 remains static, and the moveable portion 630 may be slidably moved relative to the sideboard unit 620.

The mattress 610 is disposed on a receiving surface of the moveable portion 630. The mattress 610, being configured to be compressible, can be compressed from a sleeping configuration (Figure 100) to a storage configuration (Figure 10A) via an intermediate compressed configuration (Figure 10B). As the moveable portion 630 is slidably moveable relative to the sideboard unit 620, the mattress 610 can be compressed (i.e. a storage configuration) or uncompressed (i.e. a sleeping configuration) appropriately.

Referring to Figures 11A to 11C, there is provided a system 700 including another embodiment of a sideboard unit 720. The sideboard unit 720 includes a space defining an area in which a moveable portion 730 can be received, feet 740 on the underside surface of the moveable portion 730, and one or more doors 750 configured to enclose the space. The system 700 also includes a mattress 710 disposed on top of the moveable portion 730 and configured to be received within the enclosed space. The mattress 710 may be any mattress discussed herein, though the mattress of Figures 1 to 3 is shown in the particular system 700.

The sideboard unit 720 includes the moveable portion 730 that is hinged with respect to the sideboard unit 720, thereby allowing the moveable portion 730 to be rotated into, or out of, the space in which it is received. Moreover, the moveable portion 730 is configured to be slidably moveable relative to the sideboard portion 720. Any mechanical coupling means is contemplated to achieve such a sliding relation, for example, rails and runners. In this way, the sideboard unit 720 remains static, such that the moveable portion 730 can be pulled out of the space, via rotation (see Figure 11B), and then slidably moved with respect to the sideboard unit 720 (see Figure 11A).

The mattress 710 is disposed on a receiving surface of the moveable portion 730. The mattress 710, being configured to be compressible, can be compressed from a sleeping configuration (Figure 11A) to a storage configuration (Figure 11C) via an intermediate configuration (Figure 11B). As the moveable portion 730 is slidably moveable relative to the sideboard unit 720, the mattress 710 can be compressed (i.e. a storage configuration) or uncompressed (i.e. a sleeping configuration) appropriately.

Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, there is also provided a kit of parts 800, that can form a system, including a mattress 810 and a storage bag 820 for storing the mattress 810. The mattress may be any mattress discussed herein, though the mattress of Figures 1 to 3 is shown in the particular system 800.

The storage bag 820 includes a series of straps 830 for ensuring that the mattress 810 retains its compressed shape within the storage bag 820.

In use, the mattress 810 is firstly compressed and held in a compressed configuration. The mattress 810 is placed within the storage bag 820 and secured in place by the series of straps 830. The system formed from the kit of parts 800 may be stored appropriately by the user.

The mattress as described herein provides a suitable storage solution without compromising comfort and support. Additionally, the mattress allows for storage, i.e. compression, to be achieved with ease, and so is much simpler and easier than existing storage solutions, thereby saving time and effort when assembling.

The mattress as described herein can also be packed away smaller than existing storage solutions, thus it can be transported and/or stored in smaller packages, thus reducing costs and the carbon footprint of the transportation and storage of such products.

It will be appreciated for persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limiting sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the mattress may be of any size, shape, configuration or depth and include one or more of the compression features as described above. The cavities may be of any variety of size, shape, configuration, arrangement or depth in addition to those described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A mattress comprising one or more perimeter walls, a base surface and a top surface, wherein the mattress includes a plurality of cavities arranged such that the mattress can be compressed between an uncompressed configuration and a compressed configuration.
2. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the mattress comprises a foamed material.
3. A mattress according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of cavities are filled with a foamed material.
4. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavities are aligned with a first axis, and wherein the mattress is configured to be compressed, between the uncompressed configuration and the compressed configuration, along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
5. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein an interior of the mattress includes the plurality of cavities.
6. A mattress according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of cavities extend longitudinally within the interior of the mattress.
7. A mattress according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the plurality of cavities extend transversally within the interior of the mattress.
8. A mattress according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the plurality of cavities extend between the top surface and the base surface within the interior of the mattress.
9. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of cavities extend throughout the mattress, from a first transversal perimeter wall to a second transversal perimeter wall that is opposite the first transversal perimeter wall.
10. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of cavities extend throughout the mattress, from a first longitudinal perimeter wall to a second longitudinal perimeter wall opposite the first longitudinal perimeter wall.
11. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavities extend throughout the mattress, from the top surface to the bottom surface.
12. A mattress according to any preceding claim, wherein a total volume of the plurality of cavities comprises a proportion of a total volume of the mattress in the range from 20% to 70%, preferably 40% to 60%.
13. A system comprising a mattress according to any preceding claim and a mattress topper disposed thereon.
14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the mattress topper comprises a breathable mesh material or an elastomeric material.
15. A system comprising a mattress according to any preceding claim and a bed, wherein the bed comprises a portion for housing the mattress, the portion being arranged so as to compress the mattress between an uncompressed configuration and a compressed configuration.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the bed includes a first portion for housing a first part of the mattress and a second portion for housing a second part of the mattress, the second portion being slidably moveable with respect to the first portion, so as to compress the mattress from an uncompressed configuration to a compressed configuration.
17. A system comprising a mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an item of furniture, the item of furniture being configured to compress the mattress from the uncompressed configuration to the compressed configuration.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the item of furniture comprises a first portion for housing a first part of the mattress and a second portion for housing a second part of the mattress, the second portion being slidably moveable portion with respect to the first portion, so as to compress the mattress from an uncompressed configuration to a compressed configuration.
19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the second portion is hingedly connected to the first portion.
20. A kit of parts comprising a mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a bag for storing the mattress when the mattress is in the compressed configuration.