Abstract
A pocket spring unit comprising a plurality of pocket springs each comprising a coil spring and a pocket. Each of the pockets comprise top portion and bottom portions. Each of the pockets are formed from a continuous top piece of fabric attached to a continuous bottom piece of fabric to form a bond having a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each coil spring. The pocket spring unit further comprises an attachment layer comprising a top portion comprising an inner and outer surface. The pocket spring unit further comprises a plurality of first cushion elements engaged with the outer surface of the top portion of the attachment layer. The inner surface of the top portion of the attachment element is engaged with the top portion of the pockets of the pocket springs such that each of the first cushion elements act only upon one of the pocket springs.
Claims
1. A pocket spring unit comprising: a plurality of pocket springs; each of said pocket springs comprising a coil spring comprising a central longitudinal axis and a pocket; each of said pockets comprising a top portion and a bottom portion; each of said pockets are formed from a continuous top piece of fabric attached to a continuous bottom piece of fabric to form a bond having a plane perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis of each coil spring thereby allowing movement of each pocket spring; an attachment layer comprising a top portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; and a plurality of first cushion elements engaged with said outer surface of said top portion of said attachment layer; said inner surface of said top portion of said attachment layer being engaged with said top portion of said pockets of said pocket springs such that each of said first cushion elements acts only upon one of said pocket springs.
2. The pocket spring unit of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer further comprises a bottom portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; said pocket spring unit further comprising a plurality of second cushion elements engaged with said outer surface of said bottom portion of said attachment layer; said inner surface of said bottom portion of said attachment layer being engaged with said bottom portion of said pockets of said pocket springs such that each of said second cushion elements acts only upon one of said pocket springs.
3. The pocket spring unit of claim 2, wherein said attachment layer further comprises a side portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; the pillow further comprising a plurality of third cushion elements engaged with said outer surface of said side portion of said attachment layer; said inner surface of said side portion of said attachment layer being engaged with a side portion of each of said pocket springs such that each of said third cushion elements acts only upon one of said pocket springs.
4. The pocket spring unit of claim 3, wherein said top portion, said bottom portion and said side portion of said attachment layer are made from a single piece of material.
5. The pocket spring unit of claim 3, wherein each of said first cushion elements, said second cushion elements, and said third cushion elements are made from a foam material.
6. The pocket spring unit of claim 3, wherein said first cushion elements are attached to said outer surface of said top portion of said attachment layer by adhesive.
7. The pocket spring unit of claim 3, wherein said second cushion elements are attached to said outer surface of said bottom portion of said attachment layer by adhesive.
8. The pocket spring unit of claim 3, wherein said third cushion elements are attached to said outer surface of said side portion of said attachment layer by adhesive.
9. The pocket spring unit of claim 1, wherein said attachment layer and said plurality of first cushion elements are made from a single piece of foam.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The following description of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a pillow according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in an unloaded stated.
(3) FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the pillow in an unloaded stated showing free standing cushion elements that allow air circulation around the cushion elements.
(4) FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the pillow in a partially loaded state by a compressive force on one or more of the cushion pockets that results in a positive displacement of air around the cushion pockets.
(5) FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the pillow (without the pillow casing) in an unloaded state with an attachment layer that extends from the top cushion elements, past the side cushion elements, and to the bottom cushion elements.
(6) FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the pillow (without the pillow casing) showing the pillow in a state where the pillow has been folded over on itself.
(7) FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a second embodiment of a pillow according to the present invention shown in an unloaded state. The pillow comprises a plurality of pocket springs each comprising a coil spring having a longitudinal axis and a pocket that is formed by two (2) pieces of fabric attached together by a bond having a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the coil spring; and a cushion element disposed upon each of the pocket spring units.
(8) FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the second embodiment of a pillow showing it in a state where the pillow has been folded over on itself.
(9) FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a third embodiment of a pillow according to the present invention shown in an unloaded state. The pillow comprises a plurality of pocket spring units each having a coil with having a longitudinal axis and pocket that is formed by two (2) pieces of fabric attached together by a bond having a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the coil spring; and a cushion element disposed upon each of the pocket spring units, and two separate attachment layers, one between the coil pocket springs and the upper cushion layer and another between the same pocket coil springs and the bottom cushion layer.
(10) FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a fourth embodiment of the pillow in an unloaded state with an upper integral attachment layer and a separate lower integral attachment layer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(11) Referring to FIG. 1, where a pillow 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a fabric cover 99. Pillow 10 further comprises a pocket spring unit comprising a plurality of pocket springs 30 disposed within fabric cover 99. Each of pocket springs 30 comprises a pocket 95 and an individual metal coil spring 90 disposed within pocket 95. Pocket 95 has a top portion 61, a bottom portion 63, and a side portion 65. Pocket 95 is made from a piece of non-woven fabric 60 (shown in transparent state for ease of viewing pocket insides), and a piece of non-woven fabric 70, (shown in transparent state for ease of viewing pocket insides), that are fused or attached together by a thermal bond 80 having a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of coil spring 90. Pocket 95 may be formed of other materials, including but not limited to, non-woven, woven, knit, or needle punch fabric. In addition, the fabric bonding is not limited to thermal bonds, but might include, but is not limited to, stitch or glue bonding. Furthermore, coil spring 90 is not limited to any spring type, but might also include a cone shaped, barrel, straight, or other suitable spring construction.
(12) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the pocket spring unit of pillow 10 further comprises an attachment layer 50. In the embodiment shown, attachment layer 50 is made of a non-woven fabric material. However, attachment layer 50 can be made of other suitable fabrics such as, but not limited to, knits, wovens, needle punch, foam, and other suitable constructions. In addition, the fabric weight can be of any number of different weights subject to strength and flexibility considerations. Attachment layer 50 is secured to each pocket spring 30 by a water-based adhesive such as that can be sourced from either Simalfa, Hawthorne, N.J. 07506 USA or SABA North America LLC, Kimball, Mich. 48074. However, it is envisioned that the adhesive can be, but is not limited to, a hot melt adhesive or a solvent based adhesive. The pocket spring unit of pillow 10 further comprises a plurality or layer of foam cushion elements 20, 25, and 40. Each of foam elements 20, 25, and 40 are approximately 2.25 inches×2.25 inches with a height of approximately 1.5 inches. In this manner, it is possible to have a single foam cushion element 20 and a single foam cushion element 25, each engaged with and acting only upon a single pocket spring 30. It should be obvious to one who is skilled in the art that the actual spring and foam dimensions can be varied without changing the functionality and utility of the pillow.
(13) Referring to FIG. 2, attachment layer 50 provides pocket spring unit of pillow 10 with a lateral stability. Additionally, attachment layer 50 provides a connection between the cushion layer above pocket coil springs 30, containing cushion elements 20, with the cushion layer below pocket coil springs 30, containing cushion elements 25. This connection adds to the stability of pillow 10 as well as imparting a counter force to lateral sleeper movements. For instance, if the sleeper shifts their head to the left imparting a lateral force to cushions 20 above pocket springs 30, the lateral forces transmitted thru attachment layer 50 force cushions 25 below pocket springs 30 to shift to the right, thereby resisting having the pillow slide across the sleeping surface. This counterbalancing force has the added benefit of creating a very stable sleeping environment that minimalizes sleeper motions. At the same time, attachment layer 50 provides a method by which we can attach individual foam elements 20 and 25 to individual pocket springs 30. Further, by first gluing the foam cushion elements 20 and 25 to attachment layer 50, and then adhering attachment layer 50 to pocket springs 30, or visa-versa, we can manufacture a pillow in which each foam element 20 and 25 only engaged with and acting upon a single and the same pocket coil spring 30. At the same time, attachment layer 50 provides a means by which we can attach side foam cushion 40 and provide a mechanism to secure the individual side foam cushions 40 to the sides of pocket springs 30.
(14) With continued reference to FIG. 2, air permeates pillow cover 99 and is able to freely circulate between adjacent cushion elements 20 as indicated by passive airflow A1 that is occurring in the cushion layer above pocket springs 30. At the same time, air permeates the pillow cover 99 and can freely circulate between adjacent cushion elements 25 as indicated by passive airflow A2 that is occurring in the cushion layer below pocket springs 30. As a result, passive airflow channels, A1 above pocket springs 30 and A2 below pocket springs 30 simultaneously allow air circulation to occur around the entire pillow 10. Unlike prior art type of conventional pillows, there are not one or more layers of poly foam that are stacked upon one another that act to block and restrict airflow into and out of the pillow cushion layer. Furthermore, unlike other prior art type of conventional pillows, randomly oriented fibers or foam blocks are not compressed together and reoriented so that they act to block and restrict airflow into and out of the pillow cushion layer.
(15) Referring to FIG. 3, where pillow 10 is now subjected to an external compressive force F1 that creates the equivalent of a positive displacement air pump within pillow 10. This pumping action induces eddy currents and airflows within the pillow cushion layers. Since the individual cushion elements 20 are not connected and air is allowed to freely flow throughout the cushion layer, a positively generated airflow A1, is generated in the cushion layer that resides above pocket spring units 30. At the same time, a positively generated airflow A2, is generated in the cushion elements 25 that resides below pocket springs 30. As a result of a sleeper's head movement, pillow 10 acts as a positive displacement air pump both above and below the pocket coil layer and circulates air around the entire pillow 10.
(16) Referring to FIG. 4, that shows a partial cross section view of the pocket spring unit of pillow 10 (without the pillow casing 99) in an unloaded state, attachment layer 50 is shown as a continuous piece of fabric or foam that enables the attachment of top cushion element 20 to the top portion 61 of pocket 95 of each pocket spring 30, then continues on to enable the attachment of side cushion element 40 to the side portion 65 of pocket 95 of the same pocket spring 30, then continues on to enable the connection of bottom cushion element 25 to the bottom portion 63 of pocket 95 of the same pocket spring 30. A major advantage in forming pocket 95 of each of pocket spring 30 with top fabric 93 and bottom fabric 94 attached to form bond 80 having a plane that perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the coil spring 90 is one coil spring 90 does physically touch or interfere with an adjacent coil spring 90. Instead, by design, there is a vacant area 91 that exists between coil spring 90 and pocket 95. This vacant area 91 allows the pocket springs to be folded over on one another and therefore allow the sleeper to fold and contour pillow 10 to their particular needs. Also shown is that attachment layer 50 continues on to provide an in plane lateral stability between each pocket springs, as well as providing an in plane lateral stability within the plane of cushion elements 20, as well an in plane lateral stability within the plane of cushion elements 25. Attachment layer 50 comprises an inner and outer surfaces 53 and 52. Attached to outer surface 52 of upper portion of attachment layer 50 is a plurality of foam cushion elements 20 each aligned and acting upon a single pocket spring 30. Attached to the outer surface 52 of lower portion of attachment layer 50 is a plurality of foam cushion elements 25 each aligned and acting upon a single pocket spring 30. Attached to the outer surface 52 of side portion of attachment layer 50 is a foam cushion element 40 aligned with and acting upon a pocket spring unit 30. It is further envisioned, to one skilled in the art, that attachment layer 50 could be made up of multiple sheets of fabric that are bonded together, via stitching, adhesive, thermal bond, or some other bonding agent, to act as a single continuous sheet. Furthermore, by first gluing foam cushion elements 20 and 25 to attachment layer 50, and then adhering attachment layer 50 containing foam elements 20 and 25, to pocket springs 30, or visa-versa, we can simplify the manufacture of pillow 10. It should also be noted that each of upper foam cushion elements 20 and opposing lower foam cushion elements 25 are both engaged and acting upon each of the same pocket springs 30.
(17) Referring to FIG. 5, where a cross section view shows the pocket spring unit of pillow 10 with one attachment layer 50 that extends from the top cushion elements 20, past the side cushion elements 40, and to the bottom cushion elements 25, in a state where the pocket spring unit of pillow 10 has been folded over on itself. Top cushions elements 20, that fall within the fold zone, are shown compressed and distorted when folded over on one another. At the same time, pocket springs 30 that fall within the fold zone are shown in a partially compressed state due to the forces exerted upon them by the folding action. These same pocket springs 30 that fall within the fold zone have their fabric pockets extended wider than those that fall outside of the fold zone. Attachment layer 50 that falls within the fold zone is also put under tension by the folding action and helps compress pocket springs 30 that fall within the fold zone.
(18) Referring to FIG. 6, a cross section view of a second embodiment of a pillow 100 according to the present invention shown in an unloaded state. Pillow 100 comprises a pocket spring unit comprising a plurality of pocket springs 30 as described in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, each of pocket springs 30 comprises a coil spring 90 and a pocket 95 that is formed by attaching continuous top piece of fabric 93 to continuous bottom piece of fabric 94 to form a bond 80 having a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of coil spring 90. It should be obvious to anyone who is skilled in the art that the bond between upper fabric piece 93, and lower fabric piece 94 can be, but is not limited to, thermal bonds, stitch bonds, or glue bonds. As in the first embodiment, a major advantage in forming pocket 95 of each of pocket spring 30 with top fabric 93 and bottom fabric 94 attached to form bond 80 having a plane that perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the coil spring 90 is one coil spring 90 does physically touch or interfere with an adjacent coil spring 90. Instead, by design, there is a vacant area 91 that exists between the coil spring 90 and pocket 95 in each of pocket springs 30. In addition to bond 80, this vacant area 91 helps pocket springs 30 to be folded over on one another and therefore allow the sleeper to fold and contour the pillow to their particular needs. An upper cushion 20 is attached directly the top fabric 93 of each pocket spring 30 by a glue bond. A lower cushion 25 is directly attached to the bottom fabric 94 of each pocket spring unit 30 by a glue bond. Side cushion 40 is directly attached to both the upper fabric 93 and the lower fabric 94 of pocket cushion 30 by a glue bond. It is further envisioned, to one skilled in the art, that the attachment of cushion elements 20, 25, and 40 to the upper fabric 93 and lower fabric 94 could be accomplished by, but is not limited to, bonding by stitching, adhesive, thermal bond, or some other bonding agent. It should also be noted that an upper cushion 20 and an opposing lower cushion 25 are both engaged with each pocket spring 30.
(19) Referring to FIG. 7, a cross section view of the pocket spring unit of pillow 100 is shown in a state where pocket spring unit of pillow 10 has been folded over on itself. Top cushions elements 20, that fall within the fold zone, are shown compressed and distorted when folded over on one another. At the same time, pocket springs 30, that fall within the fold zone are shown in a partially compressed state due to the forces exerted upon them by the folding action. These same pocket springs 30, that fall within the fold zone have their fabric pockets extended wider than those that fall outside of the fold zone.
(20) Referring to FIG. 8, a cross section view of a third embodiment of a pillow 200 according to the present invention is shown in an unloaded state (without a pillow casing). Pillow 200 of the third embodiment is the same as the pillow 10 of the first embodiment except that attachment layer 50 is made up of individual separate pieces. Pillow 200 comprises a pocket spring unit comprising a plurality of pocket springs 30, a separate upper attachment layer 151, shown as a continuous piece of fabric that enables the attachment of upper cushion element 20 to the top of each pocket spring 30, a separate lower attachment layer 155, shown as a continuous piece of fabric that enables the attachment of lower cushion element 25 to the bottom of each pocket spring 30. Each pocket spring 30 comprises a coil spring 90 and a pocket 95 formed by a continuous top piece of fabric 93 attached to a continuous bottom piece of fabric 94 to form a bond 80 that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of coil spring 90. It should be obvious to anyone who is skilled in the art that attachment layers 151 and 155 can be made from, but is not limited to, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, foams, plastics, or other sheet materials. As in the first embodiment, a major advantage in forming pocket 95 of each of pocket spring 30 with top fabric 93 and bottom fabric 94 attached to form bond 80 having a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the coil spring 90 that does not physically touch or interfere with an adjacent coil spring 90. Instead, by design, there is a vacant area 91 that exists between the coil spring 90 and pocket 95 in each of pocket springs 30. This vacant area 91 along with bond 80 help pocket spring 30 fold over upon another pocket spring 30 and therefore allow the sleeper to fold and contour pillow 200 to their particular needs. Attachment layer 151 comprises an inner and outer surface 153 and 152. Attached to the outer surface 152 of upper attachment layer 151 is a foam cushion element 20 aligned with top portion 96 of pocket 95 of each pocket spring 30. Attachment layer 155 comprises an inner and outer surface 157 and 156. Attached to the outer surface 156 of lower attachment layer 155 is a foam cushion element 25 aligned with bottom portion 97 of pocket 95 of each pocket spring 30.
(21) Referring to FIG. 9, is a cross section view of a fourth embodiment of a pillow 300 according to the present invention shown in an unloaded state, showing a cutaway view of the pocket spring unit comprising the pocket springs 30, a separate integral upper attachment layer 350 shown as a continuous piece of foam that is formed out of a solid piece of foam from which the upper cushion elements 20 are also formed. The method of forming integral attachment layer 350 and cushion elements 20 is accomplished by cutting the contour of cushion elements 20 out of a solid slab of foam, but only cutting deep enough to leave an integral attachment layer 350 that extends from the bottom of each cushion element 20. The bottom of integral attachment layer 350 is bonded to each of pocket springs 30 by an adhesive. Also present is a separate lower integral attachment layer 360, shown as a continuous piece of foam that is formed out of a solid piece of foam from which each lower cushion element 25 are also formed. The method of forming integral attachment layer 360 and cushion elements 25 is accomplished by cutting the contour of each cushion elements 25 out of a solid slab of foam, but only cutting deep enough to leave an integral attachment layer 360 that extends from the bottom of each cushion elements 25. The top of integral attachment layer 360 is bonded to each pocket spring 30 by an adhesive. It is further envisioned, to one skilled in the art, that the attachment of each pocket spring 30 to integral attachment layer 350, and integral attachment layer 360, could be accomplished by, but is not limited to, bonding by stitching, gluing, ultrasonic, thermal bond, or some other bonding agent. It is also envisioned, to one skilled in the art, that integral attachment layer 350 and 360, as well as their integral cushion elements 20 and 25, can be fabricated from a single piece of foam that is poured into a mold. Such a fabrication method eliminates waste and eliminates foam cutting. It is further envisioned that the characteristics of the molded or cut foam can possess substantially similar characteristics to convoluted foam.
(22) Although the pocket spring unit has been described with reference to a pillow 10, the pocket spring unit can be employed in connection with a mattress, a topper or the like.
(23) While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.
