US20170208957A1

US20170208957A1 - Vertical mattress end protector and display

Info

Publication number: US20170208957A1
Application number: US15/407,971
Authority: US
Inventors: Wesley Ray Keever
Original assignee: Colonial LLC
Current assignee: Colonial LLC
Priority date: 2016-01-21
Filing date: 2017-01-17
Publication date: 2017-07-27

Abstract

A mattress display that allows for presentation of information about a mattress in a retail setting when the mattress is displayed in a substantially vertical position. The mattress display provides easy fitting onto a variety of sized mattresses with interchangeable displaying of information associated with a mattress being displayed in a vertical position. The mattress display may have a front and back portion, two ends, and two sides. The first end is open and receives at least a portion of a mattress. The second end forms the top of the mattress display when the mattress is positioned in a vertical manner. The first side comprises an adjustable portion configured to adjust to fit various sized mattresses. The second side comprises attachment portions for removably coupling one or more panels thereto.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/281,617 titled “Vertical Mattress End Protector and Display” filed Jan. 21, 2016, expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Mattresses are often sold in retail showrooms. Typically, the mattresses displayed in the retail showrooms are accompanied with various types of displays to showcase information related to the prospective mattress. Displays may come in many forms, such as signage located around, near, or on the mattress itself. In some instances, the displays are incorporated into the bedding associated with the mattress such as foot protectors, pillow cases, and the like.
Information related to a mattress can vary drastically for each product being sold. Furthermore the positioning of the display that showcases the information related to the prospective mattress may be required to be in different positions on the mattress and in different orientation. Thus, for large retail showrooms, hundreds and thousands of displays may be required.
Therefore a need exists for providing mattress displays that allow for easy display of information associated with the mattress being sold on the retail showroom.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of several embodiments of the invention relating to a vertical mattress display that allow for easy fitting onto a variety of sized mattresses with interchangeable displaying of information associated with a mattress being displayed in a vertical position. The mattress display may have a front and back portion, two ends, and two sides. The first end is open and receives at least a portion of a mattress. The second end forms the top of the mattress display when the mattress is positioned in a vertical manner. The second side comprises attachment portions for removably coupling one or more panels thereto. The panels may have various types of information, permanently or temporarily displayed on at least one of its sides. Finally, the first side comprises an adjustable portion configured to adjust to fit the mattress or a portion of the mattress the vertical mattress display is covering.
For example in one embodiment, a mattress display is provided as covering one end of a mattress and the sides of the mattress adjacent thereto. The adjustment portion of the mattress display is adjusted to provide a tight fit of the mattress display over the end and adjacent sides of the mattress. The tight fit allows for movement of the mattress without the mattress display sliding off the end of the mattress. Attachment portions associated with the adjustment portion releasable attach to the mattress display for securing the mattress display around a portion of the mattress. The mattress display second side includes a panel affixed to the first side located in the center of the first side. In some embodiments, the panel comprises one or more sleeves that are clear for positioning information associated with the mattress. In some embodiments, the panel comprises printed information associated with the mattress. In some embodiments, the front may comprise printed information associated with the mattress. In some embodiments, the front may comprise one or more panels removably attached thereto containing information associated with the mattress.
Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for a mattress display and a method of attaching the same, the mattress display comprising a first side comprising an attachment portion associated with an adjustment portion; a second side comprising a portion for removable attaching an attachment panel; a first end; a second end, wherein the second end is substantially open to allow the mattress display to fit over a portion of a mattress; a front, wherein the front is relatively perpendicular to the first end and the second end and substantially covers a portion of a front of the mattress; a back, wherein the back is perpendicular to the first end and the second end and is parallel to the front, wherein the back substantially covers a portion of a back of the mattress; and at least one removable attachment panel releasably attached to the second end.
In some embodiments, the invention further comprises forming an open ended rectangle shape with an opening on the second end and the front and back being longer than the first side or the second side, wherein the opening being sized to fit over an end of a mattress such that the mattress is positioned within the second end of the of the mattress display.
In some embodiments, the first side further comprises: attachment seams along a portion of a seam between the first side and the front and the first side and the back of the mattress display; an attachment portion affixed to and extending from an attachment seam, wherein the attachment portion is configured to removably attach to the first side; and an adjustment portion extending substantially parallel to the front and back of the mattress display and being affixed between the first side and front, the back, and the second end, wherein the adjustment portion expands or contracts along the front, the back, and the second end to manipulate the mattress display and tighten the mattress display around varying mattress thicknesses, thus the adjustment portion expands or contract to form a tight fit around a mattress.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first side and second side of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a side of a mattress and wherein at least a portion of the front and the back of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a front or back of a mattress, wherein at least a portion of the second end of the mattress display is positioned against an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display covers the end of the mattress and at least 1/16^thof the sides, front, and back of the mattress. In some embodiments, the mattress display provides protection to a portion of the front, the back, and the sides of the mattress and provides protection to an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display provides space for a logo associated with the mattress and information about the mattress on the front, the back, and the second end of the mattress display. In some embodiments, the mattress display comprises autobacking that includes a foam backing providing rigidity to the mattress display, the autobacking provided on at least a portion of the front, back, first side, second side, and second end of the mattress display that is in contact with the mattress.
In some embodiments, the at least one removable attachment panel is dimensionally smaller than the second side and comprises one or more clear pockets for inserting and displaying information, wherein the information comprises information about the mattress the mattress display is positioned on, wherein the second side comprises portions for accepting and releasably attaching the at least one removable attachment panel.
In some embodiments, a height of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second end of the mattress display is between 17-19 inches, wherein a length of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second is 36-40 inches, wherein a width of the mattress display, a distance from the front to the back across the first side or second side is between 9-12 inches.
In some embodiments, the invention comprises: positioning a mattress for receiving the mattress display wherein the mattress is positioned such that ends of the mattress are parallel to and potentially resting on a floor and a front and back of the mattress are substantially perpendicular to the floor, wherein the mattress display comprises: a first side and second side, wherein the first side comprises an attachment portion associated with an adjustment portion; a first end and second end, wherein the second end is substantially open to allow the mattress display to fit over a portion of a mattress; and a front and a back, wherein the front and back are relatively perpendicular to the first end and the second end and cover a portion of the mattress; inserting the mattress into the first end of the mattress display until an end of the mattress contacts an inside of the second end of the mattress display; compressing the adjustment portion of the first side such that it is positioned on a side of the mattress; releasably attaching the attachment portions onto the first side, wherein the attaching of the attachment portions secures the mattress display to the mattress via a friction fit; securing a removable attachment panel to the second side of the mattress display; presenting information about the mattress in the removable attachment panel; and displaying the mattress vertically such that the information on the removable attachment panel is visible within a retail establishment.
In some embodiments, compressing the adjustment portion of the first side further comprises: adjusting attachment seams along a portion of a seam between the first side and the front and the first side and the back of the mattress display; compressing or expanding the adjustment portion along the attachment seams that extending substantially parallel to the front and back of the mattress display and being affixed between the first side and front, the back, and the second end, wherein the adjustment portion expands or contracts along the front, the back, and the second end to manipulate the mattress display and tighten the mattress display around varying mattress thicknesses, thus the adjustment portion expands or contract to form a tight fit around a mattress; and releasably attaching the attachment portion affixed to and extending from an attachment seam to the first side, wherein releasably attaching the attachment portion comprises folding the attachment seam over the adjustment portion.
In some embodiments, releasably attaching the attachment portions onto the first side further comprises hiding the adjustment portion from visibility when viewing the first side, wherein edges of the first side appear as a seam.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first side and second side of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a side of a mattress and wherein at least a portion of the front and the back of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a front or back of a mattress, wherein at least a portion of the second end of the mattress display is positioned against an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display covers the end of the mattress and at least 1/16^thof the sides, front, and back of the mattress. In some embodiments, the mattress display provides protection to a portion of the front, the back, and the sides of the mattress and provides protection to an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display provides space for a logo associated with the mattress and information about the mattress on the front, the back, and the second end of the mattress display.
In some embodiments, the at least one removable attachment panel is dimensionally smaller than the second side and comprises one or more clear pockets for inserting and displaying information, wherein the information comprises information about the mattress the mattress display is positioned on, wherein the second side comprises portions for accepting and releasably attaching the at least one removable attachment panel.
The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, front view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the first side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the first side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the first side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view of a removable panel, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a schematic front view of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a schematic second side view of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a schematic first side view of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating using the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is “based on” something else, it may be based on one or more other things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated otherwise, as used herein “based on” means “based at least in part on” or “based at least partially on.”
While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other embodiment, unless stated otherwise.
It is noted that the mattress displays described herein are described in an in-use or deployed environment as opposed to a stored environment. Thus, the description below should not limit an understanding of the mattress displays in a folded, stored environment. For example, sides of the mattress displays may be illustrated and described below as in a parallel orientation when in the deployed environment, but it is understood that the sides may be in a different orientation when folded and stored. Furthermore, it should be noted that the mattress display may be deployed in other furniture embodiment, not inclusive of types of mattresses. Other furniture embodiments may include but not be limited to box springs, bed frames, dressers, armoires, chairs, tables, desks, and/or the like.
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing a vertical mattress display. Wherein the mattress display may has a removable portion for use in displaying information.
FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated the mattress display 100 is positioned around the end of a mattress 150. The mattress 159 may be any type or brand of mattress, box spring, or the like. A typical mattress 150 may comprise a front 154, back, two sides 152, and two ends. An individual will typically lay, sit, or otherwise be positioned on the front 154 or back of the mattress when using the mattress. As such, the mattress 150 is typically positioned with the front 154 or back of the mattress parallel with the floor. However, in the embodiments disclosed herein the mattress is positioned such that the ends of the mattress are parallel to and potentially resting on the floor and the front 154 or back of the mattress are perpendicular to the floor. This is a way of displaying mattresses at a retail establishment in order to maximize an amount of mattresses capable of being displayed within a space. The mattress 150 may be any size mattress and as such the mattress display 100 may fit various mattress sizes, including but not limited to, twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sized mattresses. A standard Crib mattress size may be 28 inches by 52 inches. A standard Twin mattress size (e.g. single) may be 39 inches by 75 inches. A standard Full mattress size (e.g. double) may be 54 inches by 75 inches. A standard long twin mattress size may be 36 inches by 80 inches. A standard Queen Mattress size may be 60 inches by 80 inches. A standard King Mattress size may be 54 inches by 75 inches. A standard California King Mattress size may be 72 inches by 84 inches.
The mattress display 100 comprises a first end 250 and a second end 200. The first end 250 that is open to receive the end of the mattress 150. The first end 250 may completely cover and slide over least one end of the mattress 150. As such, the opening of the first end 250 may be sized large enough to fit over an end of a mattress 150. The second end 200 is closed and covers the end or top of the mattress 150.
Adjacent to and positioned between the first and second end includes a front 400 and a back. In some embodiments the front 400 and back are positioned relatively perpendicular to the second end 200. The front 400 and/or back are positioned such that they cover a portion of the front 154 and back of the mattress 150. In some embodiments, the front 400 may cover ½, ¼, ⅙, ⅛, 1/16, or the like of the overall area of the front 154 of the mattress. As such, the front 400 and back of the mattress display 100 provides protection to a portion of the front 154 and back of the mattress 150 and provides space for logos 402 and other information about the mattress 150. In some embodiments, the front 400, second end 200, and back are formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the front 400 and second end 200 may be sewn or otherwise stitched together created a seam along the intersection of the front 400 and second end 200. The front 400 creates an edge on the side of the first end 250 that may be overlapped or seamed such to prevent wear on the exposed edge of the front 400 that aids in creating the open first end 250. In some embodiments, the front 400 and/or the back may comprise a logo 402. In one embodiment, the logo 402 may include information may include marketing information, such as the mattress manufacturers name, logo, brand, type, or the like. In another embodiment, information may include product specifications, such as the mattress dimensions. In yet another embodiment, information may include product sales information, such as the mattress price. Information may also include pictures, logos, and the like. Means for permanently displaying information in the logo 402 position may include but not be limited to, screen printing, embroidering, painting, and the like. Means for temporarily displaying information in the logo 402 position may include but not be limited to the use of, dry erase markers, chalk, erasable ink, digital signage, Velcro® banners, magnetic lettering, and the like. In other embodiments the logo 402 may be positioned within a pocket on the front 400 or back. In one embodiment, information may be displayed on only on the front 400, such that the information is visible to a customer. In another embodiment, information may be displayed on the back of the mattress display 100. In yet other embodiments, the information may be displayed on both the front 400 and the back of the mattress display 100.
The mattress display 100 further comprises a first side 300 and a second side. The first and second side are positioned relatively perpendicular to the first and second ends and the front and back. In this configuration the mattress display 100 forms an open ended rectangle shape, with the front 402 and back being longer than the sides.
The first side 300 comprises an attachment portion 800 that allows for the entire mattress display 100 to be positioned onto the mattress 150. The attachment portion is further detailed below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C. The attachment portion 800 is designed such that the excess material from the mattress display 100 may be taken out via the attachment portion 800, such that the mattress display 100 may fit tightly against the end of a mattress 150, irrespective of the thickness of the mattress 150. As such, a seam may be positioned on the front 400 and back, such that the first side 300 is not abutting the end of the front 400 and the back, but instead is set into the front 400 and back. This way, allowing compression of the first side 300 upon use of the attachment portion 800.
The mattress display 100 may be manufactured from a plurality of textiles. In some embodiments, the mattress display 100 may be manufactured using autobacking and include foam backing for rigidity, comfort, and the like. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the mattress display 100 may be manufactured from a plurality of textiles, including but not limited to, textiles such as cotton (including, but not limited to, appliques, chintz, denim, felt, flannel, canvas, blends), linen, leather, lace, mohair, nylon, polyester, rayon, satin, silk, suede, tulle, ultra suede, ribbon (including, but not limited to grosgrain, nylon, organza, polyester, satin, silk, blends and the like), plastic and the like. In some embodiments, the mattress display 100 may be manufactured with fabric that is designed to accept Velcro® at any location on the fabric. The mattress display 100 may be manufactured from any fabric and/or materials suitable for mattress displays. The mattress display may be manufactured in various shapes.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a front view of the mattress display 100 is presented. While in a retail environment the side of the mattress 150 and the side of the mattress display 100, preferably the second side, will be visible to a customer. If the customer is interested in the mattress 150, the mattress 150 may be pulled out of a vertical storage position and laid on the floor for the customer to test the mattress 150. As such, upon laying on the floor, the mattress 150 may be positioned such as illustrated in FIG. 2. This way, the front 400 of the mattress display 100 may be positioned parallel to the floor with a logo 402 displaying information about the mattress 150 for the customer who is testing the mattress 150.
FIG. 3 provides an exploded, front view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the mattress display 100 may cover a portion of the mattress 150. In some embodiments, the mattress display 100 may cover at least a portion of five sides of the mattress 150 including completely covering an end of the mattress 150. As illustrated, at least a portion of the front 154, back, and both sides of the mattress 150 are covered by the mattress display 100 with one end being completely covered by the mattress display 100. The front 400 of the mattress display 100 comprises a logo 402 for presenting information about the mattress 150 thereon. The logo 402 may include information may include marketing information, such as the mattress manufacturers name, logo, brand, type, or the like. In another embodiment, information may include product specifications, such as the mattress dimensions. In yet another embodiment, information may include product sales information, such as the mattress price. Information may also include pictures, logos, and the like. Means for permanently displaying information in the logo 402 position may include but not be limited to, screen printing, embroidering, painting, and the like. Means for temporarily displaying information in the logo 402 position may include but not be limited to the use of, dry erase markers, chalk, erasable ink, digital signage, Velcro® banners, magnetic lettering, and the like. In other embodiments the logo 402 may be positioned within a pocket on the front 400 or back. In one embodiment, information may be displayed on only on the front 400, such that the information is visible to a customer. In another embodiment, information may be displayed on the back of the mattress display 100. In yet other embodiments, the information may be displayed on both the front 400 and the back of the mattress display 100.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, FIG. 4 provides an exploded perspective view of the first side 300 of the mattress display 100. As illustrated, the mattress display 100 is covering a portion of the mattress 150, including covering a portion of the front 154 and side 152 of the mattress 150, while completely covering one end of the mattress 150. The mattress display 100 slides or is positioned over the end of the mattress 150 by placing the mattress 150 into the first end 250 of the mattress display 100 that is substantially open to accept an end of the mattress 150. Once the mattress display 100 is positioned over the mattress 150, such that the logo 402 is positioned in a direction the merchant desires on the front 400 of the mattress display 100, a user may secure the mattress display 100 onto the mattress 150. The mattress display 100 is secured onto the mattress 150 via an adjustment portion 304 and an attachment portion 800. As illustrated, the first side 300 comprises attachment portions 800. The attachment portions 800 may be affixed to the mattress display 100 via an attachment seams 306, furthermore there is a seam 302 between the front 400 or the back of the mattress display 100 and the first side 300. In other embodiments, the attachment portions 800 may be affixed to the first side 300 of the mattress display 100.
The seam 302 may be a stitched seam between the front 400 and the first side 300 of the mattress display 100, between the back and the first side 300 of the mattress display 100, and/or the second end and the first side 300 or the mattress display 100. The adjustment portion 304 may be a portion of fabric between the seam 302 and the first side 300 that allows for movement or compression of the first side 300 into the mattress side 152 such that the mattress display 100 may secure to the mattress 150. Furthermore, the adjustment portion 304 and attachment portion 800 allows for accepting various thicknesses of mattress 150, as such the side 152 may be various sizes. The attachment portions 800 may be attached to the seam 302, the front 400, the back, or the first side 300, via an attachment seam 306. The attachment seams 306 for affixing, permanently or removably, the attachment portion 800 to the mattress display 100. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 800 may be Velcro®, snaps, buttons, zipper, ties, or the like.
FIG. 5A-5C provide views of the first side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the first side 300 of the mattress display 100 is illustrated. The first end 250 and second end define a section of the first side 300 and the front 400 and back define the other section of the first side 300. In some embodiments, the attachment portions 800 extend out from the attachment seam 306. In other embodiments, the attachment portions 800 are incorporated into the attachment seam 306. As illustrated in FIG. 5A the attachment portions 800 are unattached to the mattress display 100. In this configuration a user may slip the mattress display 100 over the end of a mattress 150. With the side 152 of the mattress 150 shown. The attachment portions may be removably attached to the first side 300 of the mattress display 100 via various releasably attachment methods. The attachment portion 800 may work operatively together with a portion on the first side 300 to removably couple the attachment portion 800 to the mattress display 100. The attachment portion 800 may be attached to the mattress display 100 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, zippers, magnets, adhesive, Velcro®, buttons, clasps, snaps, straps, hock, eyelets, and the like. In one embodiment, the attachment portion 800 is Velcro® that may affix directly to a Velcro® accepting fabric of the first side 300 and/or an attachment region associated with the first side 300. In one embodiment, the attachment portion 800 may be a zipper. The zipper may consist of a first and second half of the zipper (e.g. two rows of protruding teeth) and a slider for joining the first and second halves of the zipper to one another. The zipper may be a coil zipper, invisible zipper, metallic zipper, plastic-molder zipper, open ended zipper, closed-ended zipper, and the like.
Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the attachment portions 800 may be removably affixed to the mattress display 100. In some embodiments, the attachment portions 800 may be removably attached to the mattress display 100. In other embodiments, the attachment portions 800 may be permanently affixed to the mattress display 100. As illustrated, the first side 300 may be compressed or set into the mattress display 100 leaving fabric for the adjustment portion 304. The adjustment portion 304 allows for manipulation of the mattress display 100 to be tightened around various thickness mattresses 150. As such, the adjustment portion 304 may expand or contract in order to form a tight fit around a mattress 150. The adjustment portion 304 extends substantially parallel to the front 400 and back of the mattress display 100. Furthermore the adjustment portion 304, in some embodiments connects the first side 300 to the mattress display 100 via a seam 302.
As such, once the mattress display 100 is positioned on the mattress 150 in the desired location, the user may be able to do final adjustments to the mattress display 100 using the first side 300 and the adjustment portion 304. Once adjusted correctly around the mattress 150, the user may pull the attachment portions 800 onto the first side 300, such that the attachment portions 800 releasably attach to the first side. As such, securing the mattress display 100 on the mattress 150. In this way, the first side 300 may be positioned directly on the side 152 of the mattress 150.
Furthermore, the attachment portions 800 allow for changes in the thickness of the mattress 150. In this way, if the mattress 150 is thicker, say because it has a pillow top, additional padding, or the like, the adjustment portion 304 may account for that thickness based on an expansion of the fabric associated with the adjustment portion 304 relative to the first side 300 and the front 400 and back of the mattress display 100.
Once the mattress display 100 is securely attached to the mattress 150 the adjustment portion 304 illustrated in FIG. 5B may no longer be completely visible, as illustrated in FIG. 5C. In this way, the first side 300 of the mattress display 100 may appear as if a clean seam was created around the edges 308. In this approach, the attachment portions 800 are applied to the first side 300 such that the attachment portions 800 and the associate fabric of the attachment seam 306 are folded over the top of the first side 300.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the vertical mattress display positioned on a mattress, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the mattress display 100 is positioned over a mattress 150, with the second side 500 being illustrated. The first end 250, as illustrated is positioned over the mattress 150 and forms a decorative seam along the perimeter where the mattress 150 and the mattress display 100 meet. Furthermore, the back 156 of the mattress and a side 158 of the mattress 150 are illustrated that were not illustrated in earlier figures. The second side 500 of the mattress display 100 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first side 300. The two sides cover at least a portion of the sides 152, 158 of the mattress 150. Furthermore the first side 300 and the second side 500 are substantially perpendicular to the front 400 and the back 450 of the mattress display 100. The second side 500 of the mattress display 100 comprises a removable panel 502.
The removable panel 502 of the mattress display 100 is removably coupled to the second side 500 as illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the mattress display 100 has a removable panel 502 that is located in the center of the second side 500 of the mattress display 100 and operatively attached thereto. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 is permanently attached to the second side 500 of the mattress display 100 via glue, adhesion, sticking, or the like. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 is removably attached to the second side 500 of the mattress display 100 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, zippers, magnets, adhesive, Velcro®, buttons, clasps, snaps, straps, hock, eyelets, and the like.
Furthermore, the removable panel 502 may comprise one or more clear pockets for inserting information about the mattress thereto. As illustrating in FIG. 6, there are two pockets associated with the removable panel 502. Information about the mattress 150 may be provide in the clear pockets for viewing by a customer. The information may include marketing information, such as the mattress manufacturers name, logo, brand, type, or the like. In another embodiment, information may include product specifications, such as the mattress dimensions. In yet another embodiment, information may include product sales information, such as the mattress price. Information may also include pictures, logos, and the like. In other embodiments, the information may include the same or similar information as provided in the logo 452 on the front 450 of the mattress display 100.
In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be located in various positions of the second side 500. The various positions may include, but not be limited to, the center, right side, left side, top, bottom, and/or the like.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the second side of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the mattress display 100 is provide without the removable panel 502 associated with the second side 500. In some embodiments, as illustrated vertical attachment means 506 and horizontal attachment means 510 may be provided on the second side 500. In other embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be affixed to the second side 500 permanently with no need for attachment means. In some embodiments, the attachment means may be Velcro®. In other embodiments, the attachment means may include but is not limited to, zippers, magnets, adhesive, buttons, clasps, snaps, straps, hock, eyelets, and the like. The vertical attachment means 506 may be positioned near the seam associated with the front and the back of the mattress display 100. The horizontal attachment means 510 may be positioned near the seam associated with the first end 250 and second end. The attachment means are affixed to the mattress display 100 and provide the ability to interchange various removable panels 502.
FIG. 8 illustrates a view of a removable panel, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the removable panel 502 is affixed to the attachment means associated with the second side 500. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the removable panel 502 comprises an upper pocket 512 and a lower pocket 514. The pockets are affixed to the removable panel on three sides, leaving an upper open portion. The upper pocked 512 comprises an upper open portion 516 that allows for insertion of information associated with the mattress 150. The lower pocked 514 comprises an upper open portion 518 that also allows for insertion of information associated with the mattress 150. The pocket may be substantially clear in order for viewing of the information inserted into the pockets. In some embodiments, two pockets may be presented on the removable panel 502. In some embodiments, pocket may be presented on the removable panel 502. In some embodiments, three or more pockets may be presented on the removable panel 502. In some embodiments, no pockets may be present on the removable panel 502. In this embodiment, information may be directly affixed on the removable panel 502, such that the information is integrated into the removable panel 502 via stitching or the like.
In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be releasably attached to the second side 500. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be releasably attached to the first side 300. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be releasably attached to the front 400. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be releasably attached to the back 450. In some embodiments, the removable panel 502 may be releasably attached to one or more of the second side 500, the first side 300, the front 400, and/or the back 450. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 800 and the adjustment portion 304 may be on the first side 300. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 800 and the adjustment portion 304 may be on the second side 500. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 800 and the adjustment portion 304 may be on the first side 300 and the second side 500.
FIG. 9A-9C are schematic views of the vertical mattress display. FIG. 9A illustrates front view of the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A illustrates the front 400 of the mattress display 100. In some embodiments, the length of the mattress display 100 is the distance between the first side and the second side and is represented as L. In some embodiments, L is approximately 38 inches long. The height of the mattress display 100 is the distance between the first end and the second end and is represented by H. In some embodiments, the distance H is approximately 18.25 inches. The distance B is the distance from the first end 250 on the front 400 to the first end 250 on the back. In this way, the distance B comprises the front 400, second end, and back of the mattress display 100. In some embodiments, the fabric is one continuous piece forming the front 400, second end, and back. This distance, B is approximately between 45 and 48 inches. In some embodiments, the 45 inch distance B is for thinner mattresses. In some embodiments, the 48 inch distance B is for thicker mattresses. The ends of the distance B on both sides that form the first end 250. There is a seam 256 generated across the ends of the distance B, creating a decorative embodiment to the mattress display 100. Finally, the distance from the first end 250 to the center of the logo 402 is illustrated as distance A. The distance, distance A is approximately 9 inches from the first end 250 to the center of the logo 402.
FIG. 9B illustrates the second side 500 of the mattress display 100. Also illustrated is a view of the front 400, back 450, and second end 200. Furthermore, the attachment means 506 and 510 are illustrated. Furthermore, the distance W and the distance H are illustrated and presented. The vertical attachment means 506 may be 1 inch by 4 inch black loop Velcro®. The horizontal attachment means 510 may be 1 inch by 8.5 inch black loop Velcro®.
Finally, FIG. 9C illustrates the first side 300 of the mattress display 100. Also illustrated is a view of the front 400, back 450, and second end 200. As described above, the mattress display 100 is secured onto the mattress 150 via an attachment portion 800. The attachment portion 800 allows for accepting various thicknesses of mattress 150, as such the side 152 of the mattress be various sizes. For example, the distance W may be 9 inches up to 12 inches in order to accept various sized mattresses. The attachment portions 800 may be attached to an attachment seam 306 and span a distance D. Distance D may be 1.5 inches. The attachment seams 306 for affixing, permanently or removably, the attachment portion 800 to the mattress display 100. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 800 may be Velcro®, snaps, buttons, zipper, ties, or the like. As such, the attachment portions 800 may span 1.5 inches into the first side 300. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be three attachment portions 800 per the front and per the back of the mattress display 100. The attachment portions 800 may be spaced out C distance. In some embodiments, distance C may be 6 inches. The attachment portion 800 may be attached to the mattress display 100 in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, zippers, magnets, adhesive, Velcro®, buttons, clasps, snaps, straps, hock, eyelets, and the like. In one embodiment, the attachment portion 800 is Velcro® that may affix directly to a Velcro® accepting fabric of the first side 300 and/or an attachment region associated with the first side 300.
The fabric of the mattress display 100 may comprise a backing of cut foam panels that may substantially cover the interior of the mattress display 100. The mattress display 100 may also comprise a decorative hem and/or stitching along the perimeter, as illustrated as a seam 406. The mattress display 100 may be flexible such that it conforms to any shape and/or sized mattress. The mattress display may be manufactured from a plurality of textiles, including but not limited to, textiles such as autobacking with foam facing inside, cotton (including, but not limited to, appliques, chintz, denim, felt, flannel, canvas, blends), linen, leather, lace, mohair, nylon, polyester, rayon, satin, silk, suede, tulle, ultra suede, ribbon (including, but not limited to grosgrain, nylon, organza, polyester, satin, silk, blends and the like), plastic and the like. In one embodiment, the removable panel of the mattress display 100 is manufactured using the same textile of the mattress display 100. In another embodiment, the removable panel of the mattress display 100 is manufactured using a different textile than the mattress display 100.
Now referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates a flow chart of the method of using the vertical mattress display, in according with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown at event 902, a mattress is positioned in order to gain access to at least one end of the mattress for the mattress to receive the mattress display. As illustrated at event 904, the first end of the mattress display may be presented an end of the mattress may be inserted therein. Subsequently, the mattress display may be slid over at least a portion of the mattress until the end of the mattress contacts the inside of the second end of the mattress display.
Next, as illustrated in event 906, once the mattress display second end is in contacted with and positioned against the end of the mattress, a user may compress the adjustment portion of the first side such that it is positioned against and in contact with the side of the mattress. As illustrated in event 908, the process continues by securing the attachment portions onto the first side to secure the mattress display to the mattress via a friction fit. As such, the pulling and securing of the attachment portions positions the front and back of the mattress display into contact with the mattress. Furthermore, forming a snug fit around each side, front, and back of the mattress display relative to the mattress.
Once the mattress display is secured onto a mattress, the process continues by presenting information about the mattress in a removable panel and removably attaching the removable panel to the second side, as illustrated in event 910. Finally, as illustrated in event 912, the process ends by presenting the mattress in a retail setting in a substantially vertical position for display.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mattress display for displaying a mattress in a vertical orientation, the mattress display comprising:

a first side comprising an attachment portion associated with an adjustment portion;

a second side comprising a portion for removable attaching an attachment panel;

a first end;

a second end, wherein the second end is substantially open to allow the mattress display to fit over a portion of a mattress;

a front, wherein the front is relatively perpendicular to the first end and the second end and substantially covers a portion of a front of the mattress;

a back, wherein the back is perpendicular to the first end and the second end and is parallel to the front, wherein the back substantially covers a portion of a back of the mattress; and

at least one removable attachment panel releasably attached to the second end.

2. The mattress display of claim 1, further comprising forming an open ended rectangle shape with an opening on the second end and the front and back being longer than the first side or the second side, wherein the opening being sized to fit over an end of a mattress such that the mattress is positioned within the second end of the of the mattress display.

3. The mattress display of claim 1, wherein the first side further comprises:

attachment seams along a portion of a seam between the first side and the front and the first side and the back of the mattress display;

an attachment portion affixed to and extending from an attachment seam, wherein the attachment portion is configured to removably attach to the first side; and

an adjustment portion extending substantially parallel to the front and back of the mattress display and being affixed between the first side and front, the back, and the second end, wherein the adjustment portion expands or contracts along the front, the back, and the second end to manipulate the mattress display and tighten the mattress display around varying mattress thicknesses, thus the adjustment portion expands or contract to form a tight fit around a mattress.

4. The mattress display of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first side and second side of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a side of a mattress and wherein at least a portion of the front and the back of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a front or back of a mattress, wherein at least a portion of the second end of the mattress display is positioned against an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display covers the end of the mattress and at least 1/16^thof the sides, front, and back of the mattress.

5. The mattress display of claim 4, wherein the mattress display provides protection to a portion of the front, the back, and the sides of the mattress and provides protection to an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display provides space for a logo associated with the mattress and information about the mattress on the front, the back, and the second end of the mattress display.

6. The mattress display of claim 1, wherein the mattress display comprises autobacking that includes a foam backing providing rigidity to the mattress display, the autobacking provided on at least a portion of the front, back, first side, second side, and second end of the mattress display that is in contact with the mattress.

7. The mattress display of claim 1, wherein the at least one removable attachment panel is dimensionally smaller than the second side and comprises one or more clear pockets for inserting and displaying information, wherein the information comprises information about the mattress the mattress display is positioned on, wherein the second side comprises portions for accepting and releasably attaching the at least one removable attachment panel.

8. The mattress display of claim 1, wherein a height of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second end of the mattress display is between 17-19 inches, wherein a length of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second is 36-40 inches, wherein a width of the mattress display, a distance from the front to the back across the first side or second side is between 9-12 inches.

9. A mattress display for displaying a mattress in a vertical position, the mattress display comprising:

a first side, the first side comprising:

attachment seams along a portion of a seam between the first side and the

front and the first side and the back of the mattress display;

an attachment portion affixed to and extending from an attachment seam,

wherein the attachment portion is configured to removably attach to the first side; and

an adjustment portion extending substantially parallel to the front and back

of the mattress display and being affixed between the first side and front, the back, and the second end, wherein the adjustment portion expands or contracts along the front, the back, and the second end to manipulate the mattress display and tighten the mattress display around varying mattress thicknesses, thus the adjustment portion expands or contract to form a tight fit around a mattress;

a second side;

a first end and second end, wherein the second end is substantially open to allow the mattress display to fit over a portion of a mattress;

a front and a back; and

wherein, the mattress display forms an open ended rectangle shape with an opening on the second end and the front and back being longer than the first side or the second side, wherein the opening being sized to fit over an end of a mattress such that the mattress is positioned within the second end of the of the mattress display.

10. The mattress display of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the first side and second side of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a side of a mattress and wherein at least a portion of the front and the back of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a front or back of a mattress, wherein at least a portion of the second end of the mattress display is positioned against an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display covers the end of the mattress and at least 1/16^thof the sides, front, and back of the mattress.

11. The mattress display of claim 10, wherein the mattress display provides protection to a portion of the front, the back, and the sides of the mattress and provides protection to an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display provides space for a logo associated with the mattress and information about the mattress on the front, the back, and the second end of the mattress display.

12. The mattress display of claim 9, wherein the mattress display comprises autobacking that includes a foam backing providing rigidity to the mattress display, the autobacking provided on at least a portion of the front, back, first side, second side, and second end of the mattress display that is in contact with the mattress.

13. The mattress display of claim 9, wherein the at least one removable attachment panel is dimensionally smaller than the second side and comprises one or more clear pockets for inserting and displaying information, wherein the information comprises information about the mattress the mattress display is positioned on, wherein the second side comprises portions for accepting and releasably attaching the at least one removable attachment panel.

14. The mattress display of claim 9, wherein a height of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second end of the mattress display is between 17-19 inches, wherein a length of the mattress display, a distance from the first end to the second is 36-40 inches, wherein a width of the mattress display, a distance from the front to the back across the first side or second side is between 9-12 inches.

15. A method for releasably attaching a mattress display to a mattress for displaying information about a mattress positioned vertically, the method comprising:

positioning a mattress for receiving the mattress display wherein the mattress is positioned such that ends of the mattress are parallel to and potentially resting on a floor and a front and back of the mattress are substantially perpendicular to the floor, wherein the mattress display comprises:

a first side and second side, wherein the first side comprises an attachment portion associated with an adjustment portion;

a first end and second end, wherein the second end is substantially open to allow the mattress display to fit over a portion of a mattress; and

a front and a back, wherein the front and back are relatively perpendicular to the first end and the second end and cover a portion of the mattress;

inserting the mattress into the first end of the mattress display until an end of the mattress contacts an inside of the second end of the mattress display;

compressing the adjustment portion of the first side such that it is positioned on a side of the mattress;

releasably attaching the attachment portions onto the first side, wherein the attaching of the attachment portions secures the mattress display to the mattress via a friction fit;

securing a removable attachment panel to the second side of the mattress display;

presenting information about the mattress in the removable attachment panel; and

displaying the mattress vertically such that the information on the removable attachment panel is visible within a retail establishment.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein compressing the adjustment portion of the first side further comprises:

adjusting attachment seams along a portion of a seam between the first side and the front and the first side and the back of the mattress display;

compressing or expanding the adjustment portion along the attachment seams that extending substantially parallel to the front and back of the mattress display and being affixed between the first side and front, the back, and the second end, wherein the adjustment portion expands or contracts along the front, the back, and the second end to manipulate the mattress display and tighten the mattress display around varying mattress thicknesses, thus the adjustment portion expands or contract to form a tight fit around a mattress; and

releasably attaching the attachment portion affixed to and extending from an attachment seam to the first side, wherein releasably attaching the attachment portion comprises folding the attachment seam over the adjustment portion.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein releasably attaching the attachment portions onto the first side further comprises hiding the adjustment portion from visibility when viewing the first side, wherein edges of the first side appear as a seam.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the first side and second side of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a side of a mattress and wherein at least a portion of the front and the back of the mattress display are positioned against at least a portion of a front or back of a mattress, wherein at least a portion of the second end of the mattress display is positioned against an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display covers the end of the mattress and at least 1/16^thof the sides, front, and back of the mattress.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mattress display provides protection to a portion of the front, the back, and the sides of the mattress and provides protection to an end of the mattress, wherein the mattress display provides space for a logo associated with the mattress and information about the mattress on the front, the back, and the second end of the mattress display.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one removable attachment panel is dimensionally smaller than the second side and comprises one or more clear pockets for inserting and displaying information, wherein the information comprises information about the mattress the mattress display is positioned on, wherein the second side comprises portions for accepting and releasably attaching the at least one removable attachment panel.