US20110004999A1

US20110004999A1 - Mattress with a Separate Body and Pillow Contained within a Cover

Info

Publication number: US20110004999A1
Application number: US12/500,136
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Hale; Timothy Michael Workman; Neil Wayne Allen; Robert Danajka
Original assignee: Bob Barker Co Inc
Current assignee: Bob Barker Co Inc
Priority date: 2009-07-09
Filing date: 2009-07-09
Publication date: 2011-01-13

Abstract

A mattress to support a user that includes a body pillow contained within a cover. The body may include first and second sides that are both configured to support the user. The body may also include a height measured between the first and second sides. The pillow may also include first and second sides that are both configured to support the user's head and neck. The pillow includes a height measured between these first and second sides that may be larger than the height of the body. The pillow may also include one or more chamfers. A cover may form an interior space to contain the body and the pillow. The cover may be sized to position the pillow outward from an end of the body in a non-overlapping arrangement.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present application is directed to a mattress and, more particularly, to a mattress with a separate pillow and body contained within a cover.
A mattress provides support for a person that is lying down and often times sleeping. The mattress traditionally includes a rectangular body sized to support the person. In many applications, a separate pillow is used on top of the body to further support the head and neck of the user. However, there are some uses that prevent the user from having a separate pillow. One use is a correctional institution, such as a prison, in which the pillow may be used to hide contraband or used as a weapon to either injure the user or another person. In these contexts, the mattress should either be used without a pillow or include a pillow in a manner to prevent its use in these negative uses.
The mattress should be constructed to be durable for an extended life. The mattress may be used by numerous different persons and at numerous different times. The mattress should be constructed to remain in proper working condition and provide a comfortable support for the user after numerous uses. Further, it should be difficult for the user to tear or otherwise damage the mattress. Again, in a correctional institution, the mattress may be used to store contraband or used as a weapon. The mattress should be constructed to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood that this may occur.
The mattress should also be constructed to be cleaned in a relatively straight-forward manner. The cleaning should enable the exterior to be cleaned and disinfected for the next use.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a mattress with a body and a pillow that are contained within a cover. The body may include first and second sides that are both configured to support the user. The body may also include a height measured between the first and second sides. The pillow may also include first and second sides that are each configured to support the user's head and neck. The pillow includes a height measured between these first and second sides that may be larger than a height of the body. The pillow may also include one or more chamfers. The cover may form an interior space to contain the body and the pillow. The cover may be sized to position the pillow outward from an end of the body in a non-overlapping arrangement. The mattress may be positioned in first and second orientations. The first orientation includes the first sides of the body and pillow facing upward to support the user, and the second orientation includes the second sides of the body and pillow facing upward to support the user.
The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mattress according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a section view of the mattress of FIG. 1 viewed along the line II-II.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a body and a pillow according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a pillow according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a pillow according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a mattress to support a user. FIG. 1 includes one embodiment of a mattress 10 including a cover 40 that extends around a body 20 and a pillow 30. The body 20 is sized to support a user's body, and the pillow 30 is sized to support the user's head and neck. The cover 40 maintains the pillow 30 at the end of the body 20 with the pillow 30 able to move relative to the body 20 for the user to adjust the pillow 30 as necessary to obtain a comfortable position. The cover 40 may also provide a protective surface that facilitates cleaning of the mattress 10, and may also prevent a user from gaining access to the body 20 and/or pillow 30. The mattress 10 is configured to be reversible to support a user on a first side and a second side. In both orientations, a section of the pillow 30 may extend outward above the body 20 an amount to better support the user's head and neck.
The body 20 is sized to support the body of a user. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 20 may include a rectangular shape with a first end 21 that faces towards the pillow 30, and an opposite second end 22. The first end 21 forms a contact face that abuts against the pillow 30. The length of the body 20 measured between the ends 21, 22 may vary. The body 20 also includes a first side 23 and a second side 24 that form the support surfaces for the user. One or both of the sides 23, 24 may be substantially flat or may include variations in their surfaces. A height h of the body 20 is measured between the sides 23, 24. The height h may be substantially constant throughout the body 20, or may vary. The body 20 may be constructed from various materials, including but not limited to polyester, cotton, foam, inner springs, polyurethane, and latex. The body 20 may also be constructed from a combination of two or more of these materials.
The pillow 30 is positioned at the end of the body 20 to support the user's neck and head. The pillow 30 includes a first end 31 that faces towards the body 20 and an opposing second end 32. The pillow 30 also includes a first side 35 and an opposing second side 36. A height H of the pillow 30 is measured between the sides 35, 36. One or both sides 35, 36 may be substantially flat, or may include variations in their surfaces. The pillow 30 may also include one or more chamfer surfaces 33, 34 that extend between the first end 31 and the sides 35, 36 respectively. The chamfers 33, 34 may be the same or may be different. The pillow 30 may be constructed from various materials, including but not limited to polyester, cotton, foam, latex, and polyurethane. The pillow 30 may also be constructed from a combination of two or more of these materials. The pillow 30 may also be constructed from different combinations of these materials.
FIG. 2 includes the pillow 30 formed by a first section 37 and a second section 38 that abut together at a face 39. In this embodiment, each of the sections 37, 38 is substantially identical in shape and size. The face 39 also forms a longitudinal centerline C′ of the pillow 30. Other embodiments may include the sections 37, 38 having different shapes and/or sizes. Other embodiments may include the pillow 30 constructed from a single section.
The first end 21 of the body 20 and the first end 31 of the pillow 30 form abutment surfaces that contact together to position the body 20 and pillow 30 in an end-to-end orientation. The shape of the ends 21, 31 may prevent the body 20 and pillow 30 from having an overlapping orientation. FIG. 2 illustrates the ends 21, 31 being substantially flat with end 21 being perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline C of the body 20, and end 31 being perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline C′ of the pillow 30.
FIG. 3 includes a side view of a pillow 30 that includes first and second chamfers 33, 34. The first chamfer 33 extends between the first end 31 and the first side 35. The second chamfer 34 extends between the first end 31 and the second side 36. The first chamfer 33 is positioned at an angle α1 relative to a pillow centerline C′, and the second chamfer 34 is positioned at a second angle α2 relative to a pillow centerline C′. FIG. 3 includes an embodiment with each of the angles α1, α2 being acute angles. The chamfers 33, 34 in this embodiment include the same length and are positioned at the same angle relative to the centerline C′. The chamfers 33, 34 may also be different such as the pillow 30 illustrated in FIG. 4 with the first chamfer 33 being longer and at a smaller angle relative to the centerline C′ than the second chamfer 34. One or both chamfers 33, 34 may also extend completely between the first and second ends 31, 32.
The different chamfers 33, 34 may provide more options for the various different users. A first user may prefer resting their head and neck on the first chamfer 33, and a different second user may prefer the second chamfer 34. FIG. 5 includes a pillow 30 with just the first chamfer 33 with the second side 36 being substantially flat and parallel to the centerline C′.
The height H of the pillow 30 may be greater than the height h of the body 20. This results in the centerline C′ of the pillow 30 being above the centerline C of the body 20. This causes the pillow 30 to extend outward above the body 20 in both first and second orientations to better support the user's head and neck. In the first orientation, the first side 35 of the pillow 30 extends outward above the first side 23 of the body 20, and in a second orientation the second side 36 of the pillow 30 extends outward above the second side 24 of the body 20. In one embodiment, the pillow height H is twice the body height h.
In the first orientation, the second sides 24, 36 may be aligned as illustrated in FIG. 2. This may occur when the mattress 10 rests on a support surface, such as a floor or bed frame. Likewise, the first sides 23, 25 may align when the mattress 10 is in the second orientation.
Depending upon the orientation, the position of the upward-facing chamfer 33, 34 may align with the upward-facing body side 23, 24. FIG. 2 illustrates the first chamfer 33 being aligned with the first side 23 of the body 20. A height x measured between the starting point 51 of the first chamfer 33 and the second side 36 of pillow 30 may be substantially the same of the height h of the body 20. This causes the first chamfer 33 to extend directly from the first side 23 of the body 20 when the mattress is in the first orientation. This provides a smooth transition between the body 20 and the pillow 30 and increases the comfort of the mattress 10. When the mattress 10 is turned upside-down in the second orientation, a smooth transition is formed between the second side 24 of the body 20 and the second chamfer 34. This smooth transition occurs because a height y measured between the starting point 52 of the second chamfer 34 and the first side 35 of the pillow is substantially the same.
The cover 40 extends around both the body 20 and pillow 30. The cover 40 forms a single interior space 41 sized to receive both the body 20 and pillow 30. The interior space 41 is sized to allow for some movement of the pillow 30 and the first end 21 of the body 20 such as during repositioning between the first and second orientations. As illustrated in FIG. 2, one or more gaps 45 may be formed within the cover 40 at the abutment between the body 20 and pillow 30. The gaps 45 may facilitate the movement between the body 20 and pillow 30. The gaps 45 may also provide for the pillow 30 to be pivoted relative to the body 20 for positioning by the user.
The cover 40 also protects the body 20 and pillow 30 from damage by liquid and other debris. The cover 40 may be liquid-tight to prevent liquid from entering into the interior space 41. The cover 40 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl.
The cover 40 may include one or more seams 43, 44 that extend along the body 20 and/or pillow 30. The seams 43, 44 may be sealed to be air-tight and liquid-tight to prevent access to the interior space 41. The seams 43, 44 may be formed by various techniques, including but not limited to stitching, heat sealing, and RF welding. The seams 43, 44 may be generally divided into horizontal seams 43 that extend along the length of the body 20 and/or pillow 30 (i.e., generally parallel to the centerlines C and C′), and vertical seams 44 that extend along the height of the body 20 and/or pillow 30 (i.e., generally perpendicular to the centerlines C and C′). FIG. 1 includes an embodiment with both horizontal and vertical seams 43, 44. The vertical seams 43 may be isolated to the corners of the mattress 10 with a first pair of vertical seams 43 at the second end 22 of the body 20 and a second pair of vertical seams 43 at the second end 32 of the pillow 30. In one embodiment, the vertical seams 43 include a smaller height than the mattress 10 with the body seams 43 being shorter than the body height h and the pillow seams 43 being shorter than the pillow height H. This smaller height provides for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cover 40.
The cover 40 may also include one or more vents 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The vents 60 allow for airflow into and out of the interior space 41, and prevent the insertion of liquid and other debris. The mattress 10 may include a single vent 60 on either the body 20 or pillow 30, or may include multiple vents 60 at various locations. Embodiments of a vent are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/500,124 filed on the same day as this application and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The mattress 10 is constructed and designed for use in a variety of different contexts. One context is for use at correctional institutions where safety is a major concern. The mattress 10 may also be used for recreational purposes such as camping, and also for everyday home use.
Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A mattress to support a user comprising:

a body with a first end and a second end and first and second sides that extend between the ends and are each configured to support the user, the body also including a height measured between the first and second sides;

a pillow including a first section with first and second sides each configured to support the user and having a taller height than the body, a tapered section, and an abutment surface positioned at an end of the tapered section away from the first section, the abutment surface faces towards the first end of the body, the abutment surface including a shorter height than the first end of the body; and

a cover that forms an interior space to contain the body and the pillow, the cover sized to position the pillow outward from the first end of the body in a non-overlapping arrangement and for the abutment surface of the pillow to move relative to the first end of the body;

the mattress positionable in a first orientation with the second sides of the body and the pillow aligned and the first sides of the body and the pillow facing upward to support the user with the first side of the pillow extending outward above the first side of the body and a first gap adjacent to the second sides between the tapered section and the first end of the body, and a second orientation with the first sides of the body and the pillow aligned and the second sides of the body and the pillow facing upward to support the user with the second side of the pillow extending outward above the second side of the body and a second gap adjacent to the first sides between the tapered section and the first end of the body;

the smaller height of the abutment surface is configured for the abutment surface to move along the first end of the body when the mattress is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation.

2. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the pillow includes a symmetrical shape about a pillow centerline with each of first and second halves including a chamfer.

3. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a first vertical seam at the body that is shorter than the height of the body.

4. The mattress of claim 3, wherein the cover includes a second vertical seam at the pillow that is shorter than the height of the pillow.

5. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the tapered section of the pillow includes a chamfer positioned between the abutment surface and one of the first and second sides, the chamfer positioned at an acute angle relative to a centerline of the pillow.

6. The mattress of claim 5, wherein the tapered section of the pillow includes a second chamfer positioned between the abutment surface and the other of the first and second sides.

7. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the first end of the body is flat and perpendicular to a body centerline and the abutment surface of the pillow is flat and perpendicular to a pillow centerline.

8. A mattress to support a user comprising:

a body with a first end and a second end and first and second sides that extend between the ends and are each configured to support the user;

a pillow positioned beyond the first end of the body and including an abutment end and an opposing end and first and second sides, the pillow also including a first chamfer that extends between the abutment end and the first side of the pillow that is positioned at an acute angle relative to a pillow centerline; and

a cover that forms a single interior space to contain the body and the pillow and position the pillow outward from the first end of the body with the abutment end of the pillow facing towards the first end of the body;

a first height measured between the first and second sides of the pillow at the opposing end being greater than a second height measured between the first and second sides of the body at the first end and the abutment end of the pillow having a height smaller than the second height;

a third height measured between the second side of the pillow and an intersection of the abutment end and the first chamfer of the pillow being substantially equal to the second height, the third height also being greater than the abutment end of the pillow;

the abutment surface of the pillow being movable within the interior space of the cover relative to the first end.

9. The mattress of claim 8, wherein the first and second sides of the body are flat.

10. The mattress of claim 8, wherein the second side of the pillow is parallel to the pillow centerline between the abutment surface and the opposing end.

11. The mattress of claim 8, wherein the pillow includes a second chamfer that extends between the abutment end and the second side of the pillow, the second chamfer positioned at a second acute angle relative to the pillow centerline.

12. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the second acute angle of the second chamfer is different than the acute angle of the first chamfer.

13. A mattress to support a user comprising:

a body with a first end and a second end and first and second sides that extend between the ends and are each configured to support the user, the body also including a body height measured between the first and second sides;

a pillow including an abutment end that faces towards and abuts against the first end of the body and an opposing end, the pillow also including first and second chamfers that each extend from the abutment end towards the opposing end, each of the first and second chamfers positioned at acute angles relative to a pillow centerline, the opposing end of the pillow having a first height that is greater than the body height at the first end, and the abutment end between the first and second chamfers having a second height that is less than the body height at the first end; and

a cover that forms an interior space to contain the body and the pillow and position the pillow outward from the first end of the body with the abutment end of the pillow in contact with the first end of the body;

the mattress positionable in a first orientation with the first side of the body and first chamfer each facing upward to support the user with the first chamfer of the pillow extending outward above the first side of the body and a second orientation with the second side of the body and the second chamfer facing upward to support the user with the second chamfer of the pillow extending outward above the second side of the body;

the pillow being unattached to the body to be movable along the first end in a direction transverse to a centerline of the body

wherein a first intersection at the first chamfer and the abutment end is aligned with the first side of the body and an end of the second chamfer opposite from the abutment end is aligned with the second side of the body when the mattress is in the first orientation;

wherein a second intersection at the second chamfer and the abutment end is aligned with the second side of the body and an end of the first chamfer opposite from the abutment end is aligned with the first side of the body when the mattress is in the second orientation.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The mattress of claim 13, wherein a first chamfer height measured between the second side of the pillow and an intersection of the abutment end and the first chamfer of the pillow is substantially equal to the body height.

17. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the cover includes a first vertical seam at the body that is shorter than the body height of the body.

18. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the pillow includes a first side positioned between the opposing end and the first chamfer and a second side positioned between the opposing end and the second chamfer, each of the first and second sides being parallel to the pillow centerline.

19. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the cover includes a second vertical seam at the pillow that is shorter than a pillow height.

20. The mattress of claim 13, wherein the first and second chamfers are positioned at different angles relative to the pillow centerline.