A system can include a zipper that connects a mattress to a bed foundation. For example, the zipper can extend from a head end to a foot end of an adjustable foundation. For another example, a zipper can connect to a mattress along a seam of the mattress and/or to a foundation along a seam of a foundation. For another example, a first zipper can connect the mattress core to a second zipper and the second zipper can connect a foundation to the first zipper. For another example, first and second zippers can be substantially vertically aligned.

A system can include a zipper that connects a mattress to a bed foundation. For example, the zipper can extend from a head end to a foot end of an adjustable foundation. For another example, a zipper can connect to a mattress along a seam of the mattress and/or to a foundation along a seam of a foundation. For another example, a first zipper can connect the mattress core to a second zipper and the second zipper can connect a foundation to the first zipper. For another example, first and second zippers can be substantially vertically aligned.

Levitation devices are disclosed for use with beds. In one embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate rotation of a mattress with respect to a box spring. In another embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate making a bed which allows sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress and the box spring without the need to lift the mattress. In a third embodiment, the levitation device functions as a hybrid device and can be used for making a bed or rotating a mattress.

Levitation devices are disclosed for use with beds. In one embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate rotation of a mattress with respect to a box spring. In another embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate making a bed which allows sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress and the box spring without the need to lift the mattress. In a third embodiment, the levitation device functions as a hybrid device and can be used for making a bed or rotating a mattress.

A firmness controlling apparatus for use in a bed arrangement or a seating arrangement is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rigid frame having two opposed sides, and at least one non-elastic flexible elongate element extending between the two opposed sides. Each end of the non-elastic flexible elongate element is directly or indirectly connected to one of the opposed sides, and at least one of the ends is indirectly connected via an elastic flexible elongate element. A plurality of elongate springs are provided and extend in a flat or curved plane, the ends of each elongate spring being attached to one of the at least one non-elastic flexible elongate elements at two separated connections. A retraction device is arranged to tighten and slack the non-elastic flexible elongate element(s) between the two separated connections, thereby adjusting the distance between the two separated connections of each non-elastic flexible elongate element, and thereby controlling the curvature and height of the elongate springs.

A structural element, including a base portion and a connecting central pin, has its base portion formed hallow, and having an internal reinforcement in the shape of WOW or MOM, to connect these elements with an insertable central pin so that the cross-section of the pin corresponds to the shape of the chamber between the reinforcements, when the upper surface of the structural element has longitudinal grooves, and is made from a modified polymer or elastomeric material comprising India rubber mixtures. The foundation is monomer ethylene propylene diene or natural rubber or styrene-butadiene rubber and/or combinations of the natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers, whose base is monomer ethylene-propylene-diene or polypropylene/monomer ethylene-propylene-diene or polyvinylchloride, or thermoplastic vulcanizates, whose base is monomer ethylene-propylene-diene and polyethylene or natural and/or synthetic rubber, modified by polyethylene or polypropylene.

An active mattress encasement which can be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated over a mattress supported by a foundation is disclosed. The encasement is formed to encapsulate a mattress and may include a top panel, a bottom panel and multiple side panels. One or more of the side panels are zippered together, In one embodiment, the un-zippered side panels, i.e. side panels without zippers, fixedly connect the top and bottom portions of the side panels. In another embodiment, an inflatable volume is integrated into the bottom panel. Alternatively, the inflatable volume may be integrated with a separate detachable cover and attached to the bottom panel by conventional means. The top and bottom panels, as well as the side panels may be made from a conventional materials. The underside of the top panel and optionally the inside of the side panels may be coated with a waterproof coating, such as polyurethane (TPU/PU), silicone, and/or urethane to form a waterproof membrane. In accordance with an important aspect of one embodiment of the invention, an interior surface of the bottom panel is formed with a slick surface while the exterior surface of the bottom panel is integrated with an inflatable volume. The inflatable volume faces outwardly and is adapted to be in contact with the foundation or optional bed skirt. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement is formed at least partially with a non-slick surface. The non-slick surface provides a frictional relationship between the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement and the foundation or bed skirt while the encasement is being installed or removed over a mattress. The slick interior surface of the bottom panel allows a mattress to be rotated, installed, or removed, once the bottom panel is juxtaposed between the mattress and the foundation in an application in which the encasement is unzipped and the top panel is disposed on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress. Alternatively, a separate detachable cover may be used to allow the mattress to be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated with the encasement fully installed on the mattress. Optional straps may be provided, fixedly attached to the encasement, to allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress. This enables the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress sizes and still provide a snug fit.

An active mattress encasement which can be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated over a mattress supported by a foundation is disclosed. The encasement is formed to encapsulate a mattress and may include a top panel, a bottom panel and multiple side panels. One or more of the side panels are zippered together, In one embodiment, the un-zippered side panels, i.e. side panels without zippers, fixedly connect the top and bottom portions of the side panels. In another embodiment, an inflatable volume is integrated into the bottom panel. Alternatively, the inflatable volume may be integrated with a separate detachable cover and attached to the bottom panel by conventional means. The top and bottom panels, as well as the side panels may be made from a conventional materials. The underside of the top panel and optionally the inside of the side panels may be coated with a waterproof coating, such as polyurethane (TPU/PU), silicone, and/or urethane to form a waterproof membrane. In accordance with an important aspect of one embodiment of the invention, an interior surface of the bottom panel is formed with a slick surface while the exterior surface of the bottom panel is integrated with an inflatable volume. The inflatable volume faces outwardly and is adapted to be in contact with the foundation or optional bed skirt. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement is formed at least partially with a non-slick surface. The non-slick surface provides a frictional relationship between the exterior surface of the bottom panel of the encasement and the foundation or bed skirt while the encasement is being installed or removed over a mattress. The slick interior surface of the bottom panel allows a mattress to be rotated, installed, or removed, once the bottom panel is juxtaposed between the mattress and the foundation in an application in which the encasement is unzipped and the top panel is disposed on the floor adjacent one end of the mattress. Alternatively, a separate detachable cover may be used to allow the mattress to be relatively easily installed or removed or rotated with the encasement fully installed on the mattress. Optional straps may be provided, fixedly attached to the encasement, to allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress. This enables the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress sizes and still provide a snug fit.

A method of installing an array of linear foam strips designed to be vertically stacked with their linear axes parallel and vertically aligned under a region of a mattress that requires a raised contour on its top face to alleviate a medical condition or to repair a sag in the mattress. The foam strip arrays come in 24 or 32 inch lengths to correspond to the width of standard mattress. Each linear foam strip has a different width but none of the strips are within 25% of the width of any other foam strip. The widths of the four different foam strips in the array has been carefully sized to allow the best possible combinations to develop the proper height and side slope of the contour developed in the mattress's top face.

The present invention relates to fittings and an interior conduit to providing a continuous air flow path from a vertical wall of the box spring to a horizontal surface of the box spring to selectively supply to an inflatable volume integrated into a top surface of the box spring. Fittings are provided on a vertical wall for connection to an external source of air. Another set of fittings are provided on a top surface of the box spring for connection to an inflatable bladder. A conduit inside the box spring is connected to an interior nozzle on each of the fittings to provide a continuous flow path from the fittings on the vertical to the fittings on the horizontal surface. The side wall fittings allow an external source of air to be supported or alternatively provide a stable connection for a conduit. With such a configuration, a mattress being supported by a box spring can be maneuvered under the influence of the inflatable bladder without affecting the external source of air.