JP2008516681A - System and method for forming furniture handles - Google Patents

Abstract

Furniture handles, in particular mattress handles, in particular by fixing fabric elements along the periphery of the mattress, and more particularly fixing the excess part of the edge panel fabric to the side wall of the mattress Thus, the excess portion of the edge panel forms a handle that is gripped and handled by the user. Embodiments include furniture handles, such as mattresses, cushions, handles for futons, and the like. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing such a handle is shown, wherein an oversized edge panel is attached to the side wall of the mattress and a portion of the edge panel is folded over the handle. A method is included to enable the formation of

Description

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 618,648, filed October 14, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. It becomes.

Often, consumers need to lift and transport heavy furniture components to change the position of the furniture to clean the furniture and the underlying rug. In order to make this possible, furniture members usually have handles. For example, a mattress is attached to or forms part of a string or cord handle at its side region, usually the center or end. Such string handles are common in mattresses and other furniture and are quite effective but have many drawbacks.

String handles are poorly crafted, somewhat difficult to manufacture, and often fit well only for use by people of typical sizes. I feel that the distance is too large to achieve a comfortable grip. In addition, the string handle is usually tightly attached to the furniture in order to camouflage it and make the furniture appeal visually. However, with this technique, the adjustability of the handle is limited, and the grip for moving the furniture by a person may not be comfortable. Another disadvantage of the string handle is that it usually requires a complicated assembly process and can be expensive and time consuming.

Other types of common handles include looped handles that are either superficially attached to the side edge area of the mattress or are somehow linked inside the mattress structure to increase strength. The This also suffers from the same drawbacks described on the string handle. External tools that are attached to furniture and assist in lifting are also known. However, these are not practical solutions for normal household applications because they are expensive, cumbersome and easy to lose.

Accordingly, there is a need for a handle system for furniture having a wide range of handle grip positions that is aesthetically compatible with the furniture, inexpensive and relatively easy to manufacture and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The systems and methods described herein include improved furniture handles and methods of manufacturing improved furniture handles, such as mattress handles.

In one aspect of the invention, furniture handles and furniture having such an improved handle system are provided. In particular, various embodiments include furniture handles such as mattresses, cushions, handles for futons, and the like. Here, the handle is formed as a fabric flap that is attached to the side wall of the mattress or cushion to provide an extension of the fabric that the user can grab and move or otherwise handle the mattress. In one particular embodiment, such fabric handles extend all around the mattress. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing such a handle. This method includes attaching to the side wall of the mattress as a size that exceeds the edge panel so that a portion of the edge panel can be folded over and formed into a handle.

More particularly, in one aspect, the systems and methods described herein include a method of forming a handle system for lifting and moving furniture. Such a method is a step of making the size of the side edge member larger than the size of each side edge region of the furniture, comprising at least one layer of upholstery and at least one layer of padding material joined together. Steps may be provided. A side edge member is attached to each side edge region of at least one of the furniture so as to fold over to form an overlapped flap of excess material of the side edge material, and one of the overlapping flaps adjacent to the fold. A portion is fitted to the side edge region of the furniture so that it can be used as a handle leaving the remaining portion of the overlapped flap. Optionally, the remaining portion of the overlapped flap is trimmed with at least one layer of material. In such a method, the side edge region of the furniture may further include an attached side edge member. The overlapped flaps can surround the periphery of the furniture or surround the periphery of the furniture.

Optionally, the plurality of side edge members are mounted in opposing orientations to form opposing overlapping flaps, wherein the overlapping flaps are at at least one position along a direction parallel to the lifting direction. Divided, separated, or cut, the continuous handles are broken to form more than one discrete handle. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include forming a cut in the overlapping flaps to provide a hole for the user to place a hand or finger. The cut can be rectangular or oval, or any closed form polygon cut made in the overlapping flaps, and the material surrounded by the polygon is an additional discrete Form a grip position. Furniture handles can be used with mattresses including open coils, pocketed coils, coils in foam, full foam units, single sided mattresses, and double sided mattresses . A layer of mattress upholstery and pad material are attached together by stitching, gluing, or thermal bonding. The pad material can be a foam pad material.

In another aspect, the systems and methods described herein include a system for bedding. Such a bedding system comprises a mattress and a side edge member, the size of which is larger than the size of each side edge region of the mattress and is joined together, and at least one layer. And a member having a foam. The excess member of the side edge material is folded over to form an overlapped flap.

In such a system, the overlapped flaps can be used as a handle system for lifting and moving the bedding system. The handle system may comprise a plurality of continuous uninterrupted handles having a plurality of grip positions. The overlapped flaps can surround the periphery of the mattress or can surround the periphery of the mattress.

Optionally, the overlapped flaps are split or separated or cut at at least one position along a direction parallel to the lifting direction so that the continuous handle is more than one discrete handle. Discontinuous to form. A layer of mattress upholstery and foam are attached together by stitching, gluing, or thermal bonding. Additionally and optionally, the system can include a cut on the overlapping flap to provide a hole for the user to place a hand or finger on. The cut can be rectangular or oval, or can be any closed form polygon cut made in the overlapping flaps, and the material surrounded by the polygon is an additional discrete Form a grip position. The mattress may include an open coil, a pocket type coil, a coil in foam, a full foam unit, a single-sided mattress, and a double-sided mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and embodiments of the inventive system and method are described more fully by reference to the figures provided.

Although the systems and methods described herein will be described with reference to specific embodiments, the invention should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments. The illustrative embodiments are merely for the purpose of illustrating the inventive system and method and should not be construed as limiting in any way. As can be seen from the following description, one aspect of the invention provides furniture handles and furniture having such an improved handle system. In particular, the following exemplary embodiments include furniture handles such as mattresses, cushions, and futons. The handle is formed as a fabric flap attached to the side wall of the mattress or cushion and provides an extension of the fabric that can be grasped by the user to move or otherwise handle the mattress. In one particular embodiment, such fabric handles extend around the entire circumference of the mattress. In another aspect, the invention fixes the mattress side wall to a size that exceeds the edge panel, and a portion of the edge panel can be folded onto it to form a handle. A method of manufacturing such a handle is provided.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the handle described herein, and in particular, shows a three-dimensional view of a portion of the handle 100, which includes excess members of the side edge panel 106. It includes an overlapping flap 108 formed from folding. The side edge panel 106 includes at least one layer of upholstery 102 and at least one layer of pad material 104 joined together by a sewing stitch 114. The side edge panel 106 is folded over to form an overlapping flap 108. Overlapping flaps 108 are mated to side edge members 106 by stitching 110 and 112, thus forming overlapping welts 120. The ends of the overlapped flaps 108 are trimmed with a layer 116 of material joined by stitching 118.

The upholstery 102 and the pad material 104 are usually joined together by sewing, bonding, or thermal bonding. The upholstery material 102 and the pad material 104 can be mated in many different positions, and in FIG. 1 the upholstery material 102 and the pad material 104 are mated by a series of stitches 114, 112, and 110. . The pad material 104 can be a foam, such as polyurethane foam, latex, or other suitable material, and the upholstery 102 can be a suitable fiber, including but not limited to polyester, nylon, and cotton. The stitches 110 and 112 provide structural support that increases the strength of the handle 100 by attaching the overlapping flaps 108 to both the side edge member 106 and the furniture side edge area. Optionally, the handle 100 can be secured to an edge assembly including any mattress frame, edge rod, wire, and / or side foam rail. The position of the stitches 110 and 112 can be modified, particularly to adjust the size of the overlapping welts 120 and usually to meet the needs of furniture components. The lower portion of the overlapped flap 108 includes a trim 116 that can be used as a handle grip. Trimming 116 can be conveniently customized for grip, including rubber grips, cushioned padding, or upholstery. In one embodiment, in addition to the trimming 116, the cord or string extends through the loop formed from the trimming material along the length of the overlapped flap, thereby reducing the weight and rigidity of the cord or string. Helps maintain the structure and aesthetic appeal of the handle system 100. Overlapping flaps 108 can be separated or cut perpendicular to stitches 110 and 112 so that a plurality of separate overlapping flaps can be formed, resulting in a plurality of independently movable handles.

For the illustrated handle 100, the components such as the upholstery 102 and the foam 104 can be conventional materials and components used in mattress manufacture. For example, the upholstery 102 can be nylon, cotton, polyester, or any suitable material. The foam 104 can be latex, neoprene, or other suitable material in addition to the polyurethane described above. Optionally and additionally, a layer in which a reinforcement such as a layer of vinyl chloride, a set of Kevlar® fibers or other materials is placed adjacent to the foam 104 and other than below or below the upholstery 102. Can be provided as This additional and optional reinforcing layer provides additional strength of the handle 100 for applications where the object is heavy and additional support is desired. One example may be for a king size mattress that can weigh over 200 pounds. Optionally and additionally, for the provision of a reinforcing layer, the stitches 110 and 112 may be any suitable having a high tensile strength, such as nylon, so that the handle system 100 maintains structural integrity during operation. Fiber. The stitches 110 and 112 are non-uniformly distributed so that there is more stitching at specific locations that may be used more often for gripping and less stitching at other locations along the side edges of the mattress. can do. Adjacent other than below or below the foam 104 and upholstery 102 is another optional and additional layer of refractory material such as Kevlar® FR barrier, such as car seats, sofa cushions, and futons, etc. It can be used in any furniture cushion.

2A-2D show perspective views of the components of a mattress assembly used to form a handle according to the invention. The mattress assembly includes a side edge panel comprising the mattress 122 of FIG. 2A and the side fabric 130 of FIG. 2B, the pad material 132 of FIG. 2C, and the upholstery 134 of FIG. 2D. The mattress 122 includes a foam frame outer shell 124 and an internal structural member 126 such as a spring coil.

In particular, FIGS. 2A-2D show the mattress 122 in a partially assembled state assuming that the side edge panel components shown in FIGS. 2B-2D are not attached and are spaced from the mattress 122. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, side edge panels can be attached to each side of the mattress 122 body including the side, head, and feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels are only shown as being on the longitudinal side 128 of the mattress 122, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional side edge members are opposite the mattress 122. It will be apparent that it can be attached to the side, head side and foot side. In one embodiment, at least one piece of fabric on the pad material 130 surrounds the mattress 122. In one embodiment, at least one piece of pad material 132 and upholstery 134 surround the periphery of the mattress 122. In one exemplary embodiment, the pad material 132 and upholstery 134 shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D are each formed larger than the corresponding size on the longitudinal side 128 along at least one dimension of the mattress 122. The In another embodiment, the pad material 132 is formed to the same size as the side surface of the mattress and the upholstery 134 is formed to a larger dimension. The coil 126 can be at least one of an open coil, a pocket-type coil, or a foam-in-coil. The rigid outer shell 124 can be a cured foam and can be formed from at least one material member. Further, the mattress 122 can be intentionally one-sided or two-sided. The upholstery 134 and the pad material 132 may be conventional materials and components used in the manufacture of mattresses. For example, the upholstery 102 can be nylon, cotton, polyester, or any fibrous material. The pad material 132 may be a foam such as the polyurethane described above, and latex, neoprene, or other suitable material.

3A-3C illustrate a method of forming a handle for a mattress assembly comprising the components shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. The mattress 136 includes at least one flexible bed surface 138 and side walls covered with a material similar to the material 130 of FIG. 2B at the periphery of the mattress similar to the mattress 122 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows assembly of the side edge panel 150 to the side edge area of the mattress 136. The side edge panel 150 comprises at least one layer of upholstery, at least one layer of padding, and at least one layer of optional additional material for increased strength and fire resistance. As shown, the side edge panel 150 is wider than the corresponding dimension of the mattress 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge panels are approximately 12 inches (30 cm) wide. The excess part of the side edge panel 150 is installed so that this part can be folded and formed into a handle. The amount of surplus material installed will depend in part on the width of the handle to be created, how many times the material should be folded, and other similar aspects of a particular embodiment Depends on. The lower portion 140 of the side edge panel 150 is attached directly to the side edge region of the mattress 136. The stitches 142, 144, 146 and 148 indicate positions for attachment. Other means and positions for attachment can also be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the side edge panel is shown only as being on one longitudinal side of the mattress 136, but those skilled in the art will recognize that another side edge member is the opposite side of the mattress 136. It will be understood that it can be attached to the side, the cranial side, and the foot side.

FIG. 3B shows the folding of the top of the side edge panel 150 of FIG. 3A to form an overlapping flap 152. In one exemplary embodiment, the overlapping flaps 152 are formed from folding the top of the side edge panel 150 in the direction of arrows 154 and 156. The size of the overlapped flap 152 can be adjusted by moving it in either the direction of arrows 154 and 156 or in the opposite direction, depending on the specific needs.

FIG. 3C shows the formation of the handle by securely attaching the top of the overlapping flap 152 to itself and the underlying mattress side edge region. In one exemplary embodiment, the overlapping flaps 152 are attached by stitching 160 such that the overlapping welts 158 are formed on the top of the side edge panel 150. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the overlapping flap 152 can be used as a handle grip. In one embodiment, the lower handle of the overlapped flap 152 can be customized for grip convenience, including trimming with rubber molded grips, cushioned padding, or upholstery. included. Overlapping flaps 152 can be separated or cut perpendicular to stitch 160, and a plurality of separate overlapping flaps can be formed, resulting in a plurality of independently movable handles.

In one embodiment, a single continuous handle can be employed, whereby the side edge panel comprises at least one layer of upholstery and at least one layer of padding is one continuous. It is possible for the overlapping flaps formed to surround the periphery of the object. In another embodiment, the method shown in FIGS. 3A-3C is repeated for at least one additional side edge region of mattress 136.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an assembled bedding system 162 comprising at least one overlapping flap 166 from at least one side edge member 164 that surrounds the periphery of the mattress 136. is there. The overlapping flaps 166 are placed half down below the side wall of the mattress 138. The bottom of the overlapped flap 166 is trimmed with material 168. The top of the overlapping flaps forms an overlapping welt 170.

FIG. 4 shows that a single continuous overlapping flap 166 provides a continuous gripping position formed at the entire periphery of the mattress assembly 162. This single continuous overlapping flap 166 is split or separated vertically into the structural stitches 172 and 174 so that a plurality of separate overlapping flaps are formed into a plurality of independently movable handles. Can do.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a two-side mattress assembly 176 with opposed overlapping flaps 178 and 180 formed on at least one side of the mattress 136, according to another embodiment. Overlapping flaps 178 and 180 are formed from folding excess members of side edge material 182 on two sides. The configuration of such a handle system comprising a side edge member 182 and two opposing overlapping flaps 178 and 180 is similar to the configuration of the handle system 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the two overlapping flaps of FIG. Similar to the overlapped flap 108 of FIG. Overlapping flaps 178 ′ and 180 ′ are similarly configured in opposing side edge regions of mattress 136. A Velcro® strap 184 can be attached to the inner surface of the overlapping flaps 178, 178 ', 180, and 180' so that it is securely received when not in use.

Since the mattress assembly 176 is a two-sided mattress, the mattress assembly often requires a rotation by lifting the bed surface of the mattress assembly. Strap 184 prevents overlapping flaps 178 and 180 from sagging when they are on the side of mattress 136 when not in use. Other means of attachment can also be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Similar to the mattress assembly 162 shown in FIG. 4, the mattress assembly 176 may also include two successive overlapping flaps attached to the periphery.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a mattress assembly 186 with overlapping flaps 190 and mattress 194. The mattress 194 includes a side edge region 188 having a bed surface 196 and an existing side edge panel attached thereto. Overlapping flap 190 comprises at least one layer of upholstery and is attached to side edge region 188 by stitching 192.

In the mattress assembly of FIG. 6, the overlapped flap 190 is a piece of fabric that can be attached directly to an existing side edge panel 188. A plurality of such overlapping flaps 190 can be present around at least a portion of at least one side of the mattress 194. Further, it can be split or separated to form a plurality of discrete overlapping flaps that function as multiple discrete gripping positions.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for lifting and moving the mattress assembly 198 using overlapping flaps 202 and 204, according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The mattress assembly includes a mattress 200 and at least one overlapping flap 202 and 204 that covers a portion of at least two side edge regions 210 of the mattress 200. Shown in FIG. 7 are two persons 206 and 208 gripping the lower portions of the overlapping flaps 202 and 204, respectively, and expanding them upward to lift the mattress 200. FIG.

Overlapping flaps 202 and 204 are shown in the figure in two opposing longitudinal side regions. In one embodiment, separate overlapping flaps with grip positions are formed in the head and foot edge regions of the mattress 200 to add at least two people for heavy or other work. Can help move the mattress, which is difficult. In another embodiment, holes can be created at a number of locations along the length of the overlapping flaps to secure other lifting devices to move the mattress 200.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a furniture handle, a cushion, such as a sofa cushion, and a method of manufacturing a mattress having such a handle. The handle is manufactured as described above and used to make mattresses and other products described.

Thus, furniture handles, particularly mattress handles, are provided that provide improved ease of use and manufacturability. Although the invention has been described in particular detail with reference to the disclosed embodiments, many variations and modifications can be practiced within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Should be understood. For example, a mattress may have two or more handles arranged at different locations on the mattress. The handle can be placed on a mattress or other cushion, as well as on a base or other furniture frame that is typically upholstered, providing an easy-to-use handle for such a frame. The handle described herein can be used with any type of mattress including a foam core mattress or a mattress having a foam and spring combination. The mattress may be single-sided or double-sided, and the number of handles installed varies based on the number of mattress bed surfaces. In view of all of the above disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will know or confirm many equivalents of the embodiments and examples described herein with no more than routine experimentation. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but should be understood from the following claims that are to be construed as broadly as permitted by law.

The following figures illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, where like reference numbers indicate like elements. The embodiments thus illustrated are not to scale and should be understood as illustrative of the invention, and in no way should the invention be understood as a limitation.
FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a folded side edge member, including overlapping flaps formed from folding excess members of the side edge material. 2A through 2D show perspective views of the components of the mattress assembly. 3A-3C illustrate a method of forming a mattress handle comprising the components shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled mattress with a flap overlying at least one side edge member that provides a handle that surrounds the periphery of the mattress. FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of an assembled mattress with opposed overlapping flaps formed on opposite sides of the mattress. FIG. FIG. 4 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a mattress assembly further comprising overlapping flaps and side edge members according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. 6 illustrates a method of lifting and moving an assembled mattress using a handle system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Claims (19)

A method of forming a handle system for lifting and moving furniture comprising:
Making the size of the side edge member larger than the size of each side edge region of the furniture, comprising at least one layer of upholstery and at least one layer of pad material mated together;
Attaching at least one side edge member to each side edge region of at least one of the furniture so as to fold over to form a flap overlaid with excess members of the side edge material;
Matching a portion of the overlapped flap close to the fold to a side edge region of the furniture, leaving a remaining portion of the overlapped flap to be used as a handle;
Trimming the remaining portion of the overlapped flap with at least one layer of material;
A method comprising: The method of claim 1, wherein the side edge region of the furniture further comprises an attached side edge member. The method of claim 1, wherein the overlapping flaps surround a periphery of the furniture. The method of claim 1, wherein the overlapping flaps surround a peripheral portion of the furniture. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side edge members are attached in opposing orientations to form a plurality of opposing overlapping flaps. The overlapped flaps are split or separated or cut at at least one position along a direction parallel to the lifting direction so that successive handles are broken to form more than one discrete handle The method according to claim 1. A plurality of rectangular, oval, or arbitrarily closed polygonal cuts are made on the overlapping flaps, and the material enclosed by the polygons is removed to provide additional discrete The method of claim 1, wherein a grip position is formed. The method of claim 1, wherein the furniture comprises a mattress. The method of claim 8, wherein the mattress comprises at least one of an open coil, a pocket coil, a foam-in-coil, a full foam unit, a single-sided mattress, and a double-sided mattress. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one layer of upholstery and the at least one layer of pad material are attached together by stitching, gluing, or thermal bonding. The method of claim 1, wherein the pad material comprises a foam. A bedding system,
Mattress and
At least one side edge member, the size of which is greater than the size of each side edge region of the mattress, and has at least one layer of upholstery and at least one layer of foam that are joined together A member on which the excess member of the side edge material is folded to form an overlapped flap;
A bedding system comprising: The bedding of claim 12, wherein the overlapped flap is used as a handle system for lifting and moving the bedding system, the handle system comprising a plurality of continuous uninterrupted handles having a plurality of gripping positions. system. The bedding system according to claim 12, wherein the overlapping flaps surround a periphery of the mattress. The bedding system according to claim 12, wherein the overlapping flaps surround a peripheral edge of the mattress. The overlapping flaps are split, separated or cut at at least one position along a direction parallel to the lifting direction so that the continuous handles form more than one discrete handle The bedding system according to claim 13, wherein the bedding system is interrupted. The bedding system of claim 12, wherein the at least one layer of upholstery and the at least one layer of foam are attached together by stitching, gluing, or heat. A plurality of rectangular, or oval, or arbitrarily closed polygonal cuts are made on the overlapping flaps to remove the material enclosed by the polygons and provide additional discrete grip positions The bedding system according to claim 12, wherein: The bedding system according to claim 12, wherein the mattress comprises an open coil, a pocket-type coil, a coil-in-foam coil, an all-foam unit, a single-sided mattress, and a double-sided mattress.

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