Mattress Pad With Channels

Abstract

A tub and mattress pad for redirecting fluid away from breathing regions. An apparatus may comprise a mattress body and channels or channels disposed within the mattress body, wherein the channels are configured to redirect fluid away from one or more breathing regions of the mattress pad. The apparatus may also include a tub comprising a tub body and spires, wherein the mattress pad is seated on the tub.

Claims

1. A mattress pad comprising: a mattress body; and channels disposed within the mattress body, wherein the channels are configured to redirect fluid away from one or more breathing regions at or above the mattress pad.

2. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein each channel has a generally streamlined curvature profile.

3. The mattress pad of claim 2, wherein the generally streamlined curvature profile is characterized by at least one curvilinear function selected from the group consisting of: a parabolic function, a hemispheric function, a polynomial function, a hyperbolic function, an elliptical function, a sinusoidal function, and any combinations thereof.

4. The mattress pad of claim 2, wherein the streamlined curvature profile is biased towards a top or a bottom surface of the mattress body.

5. The mattress pad of claim 1, further comprising one or more permeable or semi-permeable fabrics disposed within the channels to separate an infant from the redirected fluid.

6. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the channels comprise at least twelve channels.

7. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the channels comprise at least nine channels.

8. The mattress pad of claim 7, wherein the channels are arranged in a grid, each channel spaced apart by a distance of at least 2 (5.08 cm).

9. The mattress pad of claim 1, wherein the mattress body comprises a compressible foam.

10. A system comprising: a tub; and a mattress pad comprising a mattress body and channels disposed within the mattress body, wherein the channels are configured to redirect fluid away from one or more breathing regions of the mattress pad.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the tub comprises a plurality of spires.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of spires is configured to support the weight of at least the mattress pad and an infant disposed on the mattress pad.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is further configured to redirect the fluid to one or more regions disposed between the plurality of spires.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of spires is arranged in a grid, each spire spaced apart by at least 0.1 (0.25 cm).

15. The system of claim 11, wherein one or more of the spires have a frustoconical profile.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein one or more of the spires have either a cylindrical or a cuboid profile.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein an opening of each channel is narrower at a top surface of the mattress pad than at a lower surface of the mattress pad.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein an opening of each channel is narrower at a bottom surface of the mattress pad than at a top surface of the mattress pad.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the tub comprises one or more trenches configured to receive the redirected fluid.

20. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured to redirect the fluid away from the breathing regions at a rate of at least 0.1 gallons (379 milliliters) per minute.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some examples of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a mattress pad in a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a mattress in a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a top views of a mattress in a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a mattress pad, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a mattress pad, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a mattress pad, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a mattress pad, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates spires disposed on a surface of a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates spires disposed on a surface of a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates spires disposed on a surface of a tub, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present application is directed to an apparatus comprising a mattress body and channels disposed therein. Specifically, channels disposed within pads or mattresses have an improved ability to prevent drowning and/or suffocation due to oxygen deprivation. More specifically, channels disposed within the body of a mattress pad according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent accumulation of fluids such as vomit, water, or other drowning- or suffocating-inducing fluids on an upper surface of the mattress pad, may provide passageways for such fluids to migrate away from the upper surfaces and towards lower surfaces of the mattress pad, and may serve to provide an infant or toddler disposed on the mattress pad with access to breathable air occupying regions either above, below, or within the mattress pad.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a mattress pad and tub system. As illustrated, system 100 may comprise a mattress pad 102 and a tub 104. Tub 104 may comprise, for example, a tray, platform, or suitable device upon/within which mattress pad 102 may be disposed. Mattress pad 102 may be seated in tub 104, disposed on tub 104, or disposed in tub 104. Alternatively, mattress pad may be used alone without tub 104. System 100 may be used on the ground or within a structure, such as in a crib or portable folding crib. Alternatively, system 100 may be suspended to a ceiling, doorway, or from a structure, mattress pad 102 alone may be suspended, or tub 104 may be suspended and mattress pad 102 seated thereon. A contact surface 108 may exist between mattress pad 102 and tub 104. Mattress pad 102 may comprise an upper surface 106, a lower surface 108, and an inner region 110. Mattress pad 102 may be attachable or detachable to tub 104 by one or more strings, hook and loop fasteners, plastic clips, clips, adhesives, snap fasteners, buckles, the like, and any combinations thereof.

[0022] Referring now to certain embodiments of mattress pad 102, inner region 110 of mattress pad 102 may comprise any material suitable for suspension of an infant toddler thereon. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, a compressible foam, a rigid foam, a flexible foam, a semirigid foam, an elastomeric foam, a plastic foam, a polymeric foam, a viscoelastic foam, latex foam, felt, polyester fiber, cotton fiber, wool fiber, non-woven fiber pads, molded foam, memory foam, down, etc., or any combination thereof. Polymeric foams may be produced from a wide range of polymers including but not limited to polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), nitrile rubber, or combinations thereof. Mattress pad 102 may comprise a single material or may comprise multiple materials. For example, inner region 110 may be coated or enveloped by an outer material 114. Inner region 110 may comprise an absorbent material. Absorbent materials may comprise cotton wool, silicone foam, phenolic foam, polyacrylate, polyurethane, wood fiber, polyester, polyester fiber, feathers, down, and combinations thereof. Coating 114 may comprise a material that is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Coating 114 may comprise an absorbent material. Alternatively, two or more materials may be homogenously combined to form a single continuous solid material or foam. Alternatively, two or more materials may be combined or blended to form a nonhomogeneous material comprising multiple materials, such as a continuous region 604 comprising a first material and inner regions 602 comprising a second material. In some embodiments, air or gas may be entrained within a material or combination of materials.

[0023] Referring now to one or more channels 200 that may be disposed, situated, and/or formed within a mattress pad 102, FIGS. 2-3 illustrate top views of a mattress in a tub. As shown, channels 200 may be round or square, or other geometries suited to redirect fluid away from breathing regions of the mattress pad 102. Channels 200 may also ensure that an infant or toddler has access to a region comprising breathable air, as will be discussed in greater detail by this disclosure. Tub 104 is shown as being wider and longer than mattress pad 102, however, tub 104 may alternatively have equivalent dimensions, approximately equivalent dimensions, or may be smaller than mattress pad 102. Any suitable combination of dimensions of mattress pad 106 and tub 104 may be used. Channels 200 are shown as being arranged in a grid-like fashion, however, channels 200 may be arranged in any suitable manner including but not limited to staggered or scattered spacing arrays, e.g., randomly spaced, provided that the function of the channels (redirecting of fluid) are carried out. Channels 200 may be situated, formed, and/or disposed within mattress pad 102 having an appropriate size and spacing to redirect, for example, at least 0.1 gallons of fluid per minute away from upper surface 106. Alternatively, channels 200 may be situated, formed, and/or disposed within mattress pad 102 having an appropriate size and spacing to accommodate a fluid flow rate of 0.1 gallons per minute to about 50 gallons per minute, or any range therebetween. In addition, any number of channels 200 may be disposed in mattress pad 106, such as, for example, any number of channels 200 in the range from 1 to 100, and ranges therebetween.

[0024] Referring now to dimensions and curvatures of channels 200, FIGS. 4-5 illustrate side views of cross sections of various channels 200 in a mattress pad 102. As shown, one or more channels 200 may be disposed in mattress pad 102 such that one or more voids 302 are formed connecting upper surface 106 to lower surface 108. A curvature profile 306 of a channel 200 is shown as having either a symmetrical or an asymmetrical profile. A first distance 308 may be larger than second distance 310, wherein the first distance 308 and the second distance 310 correspond to widest and narrowest portions of channel 200 respectively. Alternatively, curvature profile 306 may have any profile suitable for passage of fluids through channel 200 or for preventing an infant or toddler's nose or mouth from accessing regions below upper surface 106. Suitable profiles may include but are not limited to any curvilinear profile such as circular, parabolic, hyperbolic, polynomial, hemispheric, sinusoidal, or other streamlined curvature profiles. For example, a streamlined curvature profile 306 may be a hyperbola of equation:

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}y=\frac{x_0{y}_0}{x}& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

[0025] where y is a first axis, x is a second axis, and x.sub.0 and y.sub.0 are points through which a curvature profile 306 passes through. Alternatively, curvature profile 306 may have a general curvature of the form:

Y=f(x)(2)

where y is a first axis, x is a second axis, and f denotes a function. A polynomial function, such as a parabolic function shown below, for example, has the form:

f(x)=ax.sup.2+bx+c(3)

where y is a first axis, x is a second axis, and a, b, and c are constants determining one or more dimensions of curvature profile 306. A, b, and c constants may have any values within a suitable range including, without limitation, between 0.005 inches.sup.1 and 5 inches.sup.1, between 1 and 1, and between 3 inches and 3 inches respectively, or ranges therebetween. A fluid flow rate may be a function of any one of spacing between channels 200, curvature profiles of channels 200, grid-type or arrangement of channels 200, size of channels 200, inner 310 and/or outer 308 diameters of channels, ratio of inner 310 to outer 308 diameters of channels, and combinations thereof. For example, a mattress pad 106 having a grid-like channel arrangement, spacing between channels 200 between about 3 and about 6 inches, a streamlined curvature profile, and a ratio of inner 310 to outer 308 diameter of approximately 0.5 may allow for a fluid flow rate up to about 50 gallons per minute. Fluid flow rate may refer to the rate of fluid flow through a single channel or through multiple. Alternatively, a fluid flow rate may be a function of a type of permeable material used in a fluid permeable region.

[0026] With continued reference to dimension and curvature of one or more of the channels 200 and with reference to fluid permeability, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate cross-sectional side views of the mattress pad 102. A fluid permeable region 402 may, in some examples, divide upper surface 106 from lower surface 108 of mattress pad 102. A fluid permeable region 402 may, in some examples, be perforated to aid with migration of fluid away from upper surface 106 or may be simply fluid permeable. Fluid permeable region 402 may comprise any material suitable for passage of fluid therethrough. Suitable materials may include, without limitation, a mesh, a permeable fabric, permeable synthetics, a woven or nonwoven polymer, silk, natural materials, and combinations thereof. Fluid permeable region 402 may have any thickness suitable for passage of fluids therethrough including, without limitation, a thickness from amount 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, and ranges therebetween. As shown, upper surface 106 and lower surface 108 may have mirrored and/or offset curvature profiles. For example, upper surface 106 may comprise a single indentation extending down towards fluid permeable regions 402 while lower surface 108 may comprise two indentations extending up towards fluid permeable regions 402.

[0027] In one or more examples, the channels 200 may be arranged in a grid, each channel of a plurality spaced apart by at least 0.5 (0.25 cm), for example, between 0.5 and 2, between 2 and 4, between 4 and 6, or any ranges therebetween. Alternatively, the channels 200 may be arranged in a staggered or an offset grid. Spacing between the channels 200 as well as the nature of the arrangement, e.g., uniform or staggered, may influence the channels 200 ability to (i) quickly and effectively redirect fluid away from breathing regions, (ii) provide adequate support to an infant disposed on the mattress pad 102, (iii) maintain separation between the breathing regions and other regions, e.g., non-breathing regions, a tub (e.g., tub 104 of FIGS. 9-10), spires (e.g., spires 502 of FIGS. 9-10), etc., and (iv) may allow for ergonomic manufacture of the mattress pad 102.

[0028] Now referencing tub 104, FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a tub 104 comprising a body 500 and spires 502. A tub 112 may comprise a tray or platform. Spires 502 may be attached to surface 504 of tub 104. As shown, spires 502 may be arranged in a staggered fashion, or in any other suitable arrangement including, but not limited to a grid-like arrangement.

[0029] With continued reference to tub 104, FIGS. 11-13 illustrate various types and shapes of spires. As shown, spires 502 may be conically shaped, cylindrically shaped, or cuboid. In addition, any suitable shape may be such as, but not limited to spherical, ellipsoidal, an inverted cone, a hexagonal prism, or any other suitable geometric shape or combination thereof. For example, spires 502 may be characterized as having a single shape or multiple. Spires 502 may aid with suspension of mattress pad 102 above a body 112 of tub 104. Spires 502 may also provide regions for fluid to accumulate or flow such as between spires 502, regions inaccessible by a nose or mouth of an infant, and/or regions comprising fluid pathways to redirect fluid away from breathing space regions and/or regions above spires 502. In some embodiments, surface 504 may be sloped such that a fluid disposed between spires 502 is lead away from regions between spires 502. Fluid disposed on surface 504 may drain to one or more drainage pans 508. Drainage pans 508 may be removable or nonremovable. Alternatively, fluid disposed on surface 504 may drain to one or more trenches 506 disposed in tub 104. Tub 104 and/or spires 502 may be weight bearing. For example, tub 104 and/or spires 502 may be suitable for suspending an object disposed thereon weighing between pounds and 100 pounds, or any range therebetween, above a body 112 of tub 104. Tub 104 and/or spires 502 may comprise any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, natural or synthetic materials, and combinations thereof. A plastic may include a hard plastic. A plastic may comprise, but is not limited to, thermoplastics and thermosets. Thermoplastics may include polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, epoxy resins, resins, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), acrylic plastics, phenolic plastics, and combinations thereof. Thermosets may include epoxy, polyimide, melamine formaldehyde, polyester resin, resin, urea formaldehyde, polyurethane, phenol formaldehyde resin, phenolic compounds, and combinations thereof. A rubber may include a soft rubber. A rubber may comprise a polyisoprene, latex, synthetic rubber, styrene-butadiene, polychloroprene, vulcanized rubber, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile, butadiene, chloroprene, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polybutadiene, an elastomer, polyethylene, silicone, silicone rubber, natural rubber, and combinations thereof. Natural materials may include, but are not limited to, wood, bamboo, leather, and cane. Spires 502 may be situated, disposed, and/or formed on surface 504 of tub 104 having an appropriate size, shape, length, and spacing to redirect at least 0.1 gallons of fluid away from a breathing region, for example, between 0.1 gallons and 10 gallons per minute, or any ranges therebetween. Alternatively, spires 502 may be situated, disposed, and/or formed on surface 504 of tub 104 having an appropriate size, shape, length, and/or spacing to accommodate a fluid flow rate of, for example, at least 50 gallons per minute. A number of spires 502 situated, disposed, and/or formed on surface 504 may be anywhere within the range of about 1 to about 500, or ranges therebetween.

[0030] In one or more examples, the spires 502 may be arranged in a grid, each spire spaced apart by at least 0.1 (0.25 cm), for example, between 0.1 and 3, or any ranges therebetween. Alternatively, the spires 502 may be arranged in a staggered or an offset grid. Spacing of the spires 502 as well as the nature of the arrangement, e.g., uniform or staggered, may influence the tub's 104 ability to (i) be sufficiently weight-bearing, (ii) allow fluid to be redirected away from breathing regions, e.g., trench or region(s) between spires, etc., (iii) facilitate cleaning of the tub, and (iv) may allow for ergonomic manufacture of the tub 104.

[0031] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to redirect fluids away from an upper surface of a mattress, pad, or mattress pad.

[0032] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to redirect fluids away from breathable regions containing oxygen.

[0033] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to prevent accumulation of fluid in breathing regions.

[0034] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to prevent an infant, toddler, or child's nose or mouth from accessing fluid filled regions and/or oxygen deprived regions.

[0035] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to provide an infant, toddler, or child with better access to breathable regions containing oxygen, such as breathing regions above, below, or within a mattress pad.

[0036] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure have an improved ability to prevent drowning, suffocation and/or oxygen deprivation.

[0037] The preceding description provides various examples of the systems and apparatuses of use disclosed herein which may contain different features and alternative combinations of components. It should be understood that, although individual examples may be discussed herein, the present disclosure covers all combinations of the disclosed examples, including, without limitation, the different component combinations, feature combinations, and properties of the system. It should be understood that the systems and apparatuses are described in terms of comprising, containing, or including various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also consist essentially of or consist of the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles a or an, as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces.

[0038] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any comprised range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, from about a to about b, or, equivalently, from approximately a to b, or, equivalently, from approximately a-b) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

[0039] Therefore, the present examples are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular examples disclosed above are illustrative only and may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual examples are discussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all of the examples. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of those examples. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.