Modular mattress renewal system

Abstract

A modular mattress renewal system is disclosed. A support lattice is made up of a plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks connected one to the other by block connectors that fit into guide apertures within the nodal blocks. The connectors themselves are also compressible and flexible and the compressible nodal foam blocks are provided with an adhesive portion that allows the user to customize the support necessary. Additionally, the nodal foam blocks have varying degrees of compressibility and varying compressibility gradients and are marked as such to further enhance the support customization possible. Thus, sagging mattresses or mattresses with indentations from use over time may be rehabilitated.

Claims

1. A modular mattress renewal system, comprising: a plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, each of said compressible nodal foam blocks having a plurality of block connector guide apertures with an opening in a sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks extending from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof and further including nodal foam block adhesive portions, said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks being a variable number of said compressible nodal foam blocks with the variable number of said compressible nodal foam blocks being adjustable for varying the number of said compressible nodal foam blocks between uses of said modular mattress renewal system; and, a plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors, each of said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors having two nodal foam block connector engagement ends for being received in the block connector guide apertures with the opening in the sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks permitting each of said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors to vertically slide, and be inserted along a vertical axis of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, from the upper surface to the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks and to protrude from each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, each said nodal foam rod-shaped block connector separating two compressible nodal foam blocks of said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks in a non-contiguous spatial arrangement with empty spacing between said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, wherein said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks with said plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped connectors are placed underneath a mattress, and not incorporated into the mattress, and fixed in place via said nodal foam block adhesive portions with said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors being attached via said nodal foam block connector engagement ends for forming a supporting lattice for supporting at least a portion of the mattress by said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks.

2. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors are flexible and compressible.

3. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 1, wherein each of said compressible nodal foam blocks includes a compressibility gradient extending from a more compressible upper, mattress engaging layer to a less compressible lower, nodal foam block adhesive portion layer for preventing inadvertent movement of said modular mattress renewal system when fixed in place.

4. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 3, wherein further comprising an additional compressible layer located between said more compressible upper layer and said less compressible lower layer, said additional compressible layer being least compressible and less compressible than said less compressible lower layer.

5. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 1, wherein said supporting lattice has a rectangular shape.

6. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 1, wherein said supporting lattice has a hexagonal shape.

7. A modular mattress renewal system, comprising: a plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, each of said compressible nodal foam blocks having a plurality of block connector guide apertures with an opening in a sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks extending from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, and each of said compressible nodal foam blocks including a compressibility gradient extending from a more compressible upper, mattress engaging layer to a less compressible lower, nodal foam block adhesive portion layer for preventing inadvertent movement of said modular mattress renewal system when fixed in place, said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks being a variable number of said compressible nodal foam blocks with the variable number of said compressible nodal foam blocks being adjustable for varying the number of said compressible nodal foam blocks between uses of said modular mattress renewal system; and, a plurality of nodal foam block connectors, each of said nodal foam block connectors having two nodal foam block connector engagement ends for being received in the block connector guide apertures with the opening in the sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks permitting each of said nodal foam block connectors to vertically slide, and be inserted along a vertical axis of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, from the upper surface to the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks and to protrude from each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, wherein said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, positioned in a non-contiguous spatial arrangement with empty spacing between said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, are placed underneath a mattress, and not incorporated into the mattress, and are fixed in place via said nodal foam block adhesive portion layer with said nodal foam block connectors being attached via said nodal foam block connector engagement ends for forming a supporting lattice for supporting at least a portion of the mattress by said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks.

8. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 7, wherein further comprising an additional compressible layer located between said more compressible upper layer and said less compressible lower layer, said additional compressible layer being least compressible and less compressible than said less compressible lower layer.

9. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 7, wherein said supporting lattice has a rectangular shape.

10. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 7, wherein said supporting lattice has a hexagonal shape.

11. A modular mattress renewal system, comprising: a plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, each of said compressible nodal foam blocks having a plurality of block connector guide apertures with an opening in a sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks extending from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof and further including nodal foam block adhesive portions; and, a plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors, each of said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors having two nodal foam block connector engagement ends for being received in the block connector guide apertures at either the upper surface or the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks with the opening in the sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks permitting each of said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors to vertically slide, and be inserted along a vertical axis of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, from the upper surface to the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks and to protrude from each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, each said nodal foam rod-shaped block connector separating two compressible nodal foam blocks of said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks in a non-contiguous spatial arrangement with empty spacing between said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, wherein said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks with said plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped connectors are placed underneath a mattress, and not incorporated into the mattress, and fixed in place via said nodal foam block adhesive portions with said nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors being attached via said nodal foam block connector engagement ends for forming a supporting lattice for supporting at least a portion of the mattress by said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks.

12. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of nodal foam rod-shaped block connectors are flexible and compressible.

13. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 11, wherein each of said compressible nodal foam blocks includes a compressibility gradient extending from a more compressible upper, mattress engaging layer to a less compressible lower, nodal foam block adhesive portion layer for preventing inadvertent movement of said modular mattress renewal system when fixed in place.

14. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 13, wherein further comprising an additional compressible layer located between said more compressible upper layer and said less compressible lower layer, said additional compressible layer being least compressible and less compressible than said less compressible lower layer.

15. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 11, wherein said supporting lattice has a rectangular shape.

16. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 11, wherein said supporting lattice has a hexagonal shape.

17. A modular mattress renewal system, comprising: a plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, each of said compressible nodal foam blocks having a plurality of block connector guide apertures with an opening in a sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks extending from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof and each of said compressible nodal foam blocks including a compressibility gradient extending from a more compressible upper, mattress engaging layer to a less compressible lower, nodal foam block adhesive portion layer for preventing inadvertent movement of said modular mattress renewal system when fixed in place; and, a plurality of nodal foam block connectors, each of said nodal foam block connectors having two nodal foam block connector engagement ends for being received in the block connector guide apertures at either the upper surface or the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks with the opening in the sidewall of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks permitting each of said nodal foam block connectors to vertically slide, and be inserted along a vertical axis of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, from the upper surface to the lower surface of each of said compressible nodal foam blocks and to protrude from each of said compressible nodal foam blocks, wherein said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, positioned in a non-contiguous spatial arrangement with empty spacing between said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks, are placed underneath a mattress, and not incorporated into the mattress, and are fixed in place via said nodal foam block adhesive portion layer with said nodal foam block connectors being attached via said nodal foam block connector engagement ends for forming a supporting lattice for supporting at least a portion of the mattress by said plurality of compressible nodal foam blocks.

18. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 17, wherein further comprising an additional compressible layer located between said more compressible upper layer and said less compressible lower layer, said additional compressible layer being least compressible and less compressible than said less compressible lower layer.

19. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 17, wherein said supporting lattice has a rectangular shape.

20. The modular mattress renewal system according to claim 17, wherein said supporting lattice has a hexagonal shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

(1) In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the prior art.

(3) FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the present invention and its uses.

(4) FIG. 3A is an illustrative view of a single density nodal foam block.

(5) FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the single density nodal foam block, taken from FIG. 3A as indicated.

(6) FIG. 3C is an illustrative view of a multi layered nodal foam block having differing densities.

(7) FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view of the multi layered nodal foam block, taken from FIG. 3C as indicated.

(8) FIG. 3E is an illustrative view of a nodal foam block having a plurality of layers having differing densities.

(9) FIG. 3F is a cross sectional view of the plural layered nodal foam block, taken from FIG. 3E as indicated.

(10) FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of the nodal foam blocks and the block connectors.

(11) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the block connectors latched to form a support between a box spring and the mattress.

(12) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention in use between a box spring and a mattress.

(13) FIG. 7 is a view showing an embodiment of the present invention assembled in place between the box spring and the mattress.

(14) FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention being used on a king-sized mattress with two sleep indentations.

(15) FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the present invention in a king-sized mattress, related to that seen in FIG. 8.

(16) FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use.

(17) FIG. 11 is another assembled view of the present invention in use.

(18) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the nodal foam blocks under pressure.

(19) FIG. 13 is an illustrative view of various configurations and contoured shapes for attachment of the nodal blocks and the various block connectors.

(20) FIG. 14A is an illustrative view of the nodal blocks and the corresponding block connectors in a hexagonal configuration.

(21) FIG. 14B is an illustrative view of the nodal blocks and the corresponding block connectors in a square configuration.

(22) FIG. 14C is an illustrative view of the nodal blocks and the corresponding block connectors in a triangular configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(23) The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

(24) Turning first to FIG. 1, a view of the prior art is seen. Over the course of time a user U sleeping in a regular position on a mattress 26 causes a sleep indentation as indicated at 30. These sleep indentations 30 are annoying in that they may cause back problems as they become more pronounced and that they can lead to disturbed sleep. In many cases, makeshift solutions, such as boards or folded blankets located under the mattress are used, but these types of solutions are ineffective, difficult to fit, and can be felt by the user. Additionally, these makeshift solutions may cause more problems than they solve, by making portions of the mattress unaffected by the sleep indentations 30 too firm for the user's comfort.

(25) FIG. 2 shows the present invention, indicated at 10. The invention 10 includes a plurality of nodal foam blocks 12 attached one to the other by a plurality of nodal block connectors 14. As can be seen and as will be discussed further below, each of the nodal foam blocks includes contoured guide apertures 16 which are selectively engageable with nodal block connector engagement ends indicated at 38. The present invention 10 relieves the sagging that occurs over time in cushions, mattresses, and the like and as is seen in the Figure, the present invention 10 may be used to increase the comfort of an easy chair 36, a bed 34, or a sofa 32. Other types of furniture with cushions, could of course, also be addressed.

(26) Turning now to FIGS. 3A to 3F, various types of foam construction involved in the nodal blocks 12 will be discussed. First in FIG. 3A a single layer of foam construction is shown and is indicated at 18. In FIG. 3B this single layer is indicated at 40. This layer 40 could include a density gradient from the bottom of the block proximate the adhesive base layer 24 to the top, or it could be consistent all the way through. In FIG. 3C a double layer of foam having different compressibility and densities is indicated generally at 20 and these layers are pointed out in FIG. 3D at 42 and 42A. Likewise the adhesive base layer 24 is also seen. In FIG. 3E a triple layer of foam having different compressibility and densities is generally indicated at 22 and these layers are more specifically indicated in FIG. 3F at 44, 44A, and 44B. The various nodal foam blocks 12 (and the variations seen in this Figure at 18, 20, and 22) can be chosen by the user to provide the amount of support that is desired. It is contemplated that the varying compressibility combinations of these blocks 12 could be color coded to aid in the in-place assembly of the invention. Another aspect of the present invention is that either the density gradient of the blocks 12 as seen in the Figures or the layers of the blocks as indicated at 18, 20, and 22 allows for lateral or torsional movement of the upper portion of the blocks 12 (proximate the mattress) to prevent detection and sliding or the like, which provides additional comfort for the user once the present invention 10 is in place.

(27) Turning now to FIG. 4 the details of the connectors 14 will be discussed. As can be seen in the Figure, the blocks 12 are provided with a plurality of contoured guide apertures as indicated at 16. In this Figure these are seen as half-moon shaped slots extending substantially through the nodal foam blocks 12. The connectors 14 themselves are contemplated as being made of a flexible and compressible material, similar to that of the compressed nodal blocks 12 themselves. The flexibility of the block connectors 14 allow for even greater customization of the invention 10 as it is being installed. Also as discussed above, the flexibility and compressibility of the connectors 14 additionally add to the comfort of the device during use in that the user will be unaware of the present invention's presence below the mattress. It should be noted here that various types of mattresses will benefit from the application of the present invention such as inner spring mattresses, pillowtop mattresses, and the like.

(28) FIG. 5 shows an assembled lattice array of the present invention 10 with the nodal foam blocks 12 and the block connectors 14 attached to one another to form an array that is to be placed under the sagging or weakened portion of the mattress, cushion, or the like.

(29) The exploded view seen in FIG. 6 shows the present invention 10 ready to be placed as shown between the box spring 28 and the mattress 26 to solve the problem of the mattress sleep indentation indicated at 30. The present invention may be easily assembled and placed as needed.

(30) In FIG. 7 the present invention 10 is shown in place between the mattress 26 and the box spring 28. The present invention eliminates the sleep indentation 30 as is indicated by the support arrows 46. One of the advantages of the present invention 10 is that no further adjustment is necessary once it is in place such as is needed with inflatable air bladders or the like.

(31) Referring to FIG. 8 the present invention is shown being installed under a king-size mattress 50 and above the king-size box spring 48. The invention 10 is located beneath each of the mattress sleep indentations 30.

(32) FIG. 9 shows the present invention 10 in place between the king-size box spring 48 and the king-size mattress 50 and supporting the two mattress sleeping indentations as indicated at 30.

(33) FIG. 10 shows the present invention 10 assembled and placed between the mattress 26 and box spring 28 with the nodal foam blocks 12 and the connectors 14 spread in an array that is designed to support the mattress sleep indentation 30.

(34) In FIG. 11 the present invention 10 is seen in place between the mattress 26 and the box spring 28 with the nodal foam blocks 12 and the corresponding connectors 14 forming a support lattice underneath the mattress sleep indentation 30.

(35) FIG. 12 shows first the uncompressed nodal foam block 12 as is seen in the other Figures discussed above. Additionally, the Figure shows the compressed nodal foam block as indicated at 52 and the contoured guide apertures 16 adapted to receive the block connector engagement ends 38 of the block connectors 14 (neither seen in this Figure) as the compressed nodal block 52 stabilizes the mattress.

(36) Turning to FIG. 13 various ends are disclosed for the block connectors indicated throughout the Figure at 14. First we see a star-shaped connector end at 58 with the corresponding star guide aperture 54. A square shaped connector end 60 has a square guide aperture 56. The diamond-shaped connector end 62 is fitted to a diamond-shaped receiving aperture 64, a cross-shaped connector end 66 is fitted to a cross-shaped receiving aperture 68, a round connector end 70 fits into a round receiving aperture 72 and, likewise, a hexagonal connector end 74 fits a hexagonal receiving aperture 76. It should be understood that any shape of connector ends and corresponding receiving apertures could be utilized in the performance of the present invention and these connector ends and receiving apertures are in no way limited to those seen in the Figures. As long as the present invention 10 is supported and stable in creating the lattice needed under the mattress the connecting shapes do not signify except that they provide a secure stable structure.

(37) Turning now to FIG. 14A through 14C various lattice configurations of the present invention are seen. In FIG. 14A a hexagonal lattice is made up of the nodal foam blocks 12 and the connectors 14. In FIG. 14B, the lattice created between the nodal foam blocks 12 and the connectors 14 is a square lattice. Lastly, in FIG. 14C the lattice structure created between the nodal blocks 12 and the connectors 14 is comprised of triangles.

(38) Thus the present invention 10 in use is adapted to restore a mattress, cushion, or like portion of a piece of furniture that has developed a sag or indentation through a combination of time and usage by providing a modular support that may be placed underneath the sagging portion. The varying degrees of compressibility provided by the novel nodal foam blocks indicated at 12 in the Figures and the compressible and flexible connector portions indicated at 14 in the Figures allows the user to custom fit the invention to a bed, chair, sofa, or the like that has a sag or sleep indentation therein. The construction of the nodal foam blocks with the varying degrees of compressibility attendant to them allows for small amounts of movement while the invention is in use without sliding. This feature is further enhanced by the adhesive pads located under the blocks 12. These adhesive pads or base layers indicated at 24 in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3E may be of a light enough tackiness that the nodal blocks 12 and the connectors 14 may be fixed and then moved as needed or desired.

(39) It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

(40) While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

(41) Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.