Removable Mattress Cover Assembly With Nested Protective Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattress covers are difficult to remove and replace when stained or damaged, and they often fail to provide adequate protection and comfort, as they can slip off and are made from materials that do not effectively protect the underlying mattress.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising a first cover for enclosing the mattress and a second cover that covers at least the top panel of the first cover, with a fastener system such as zippers allowing easy removal and reattachment, and incorporating durable, washable textiles and additional materials like water-impervious and vapor-permeable layers, flame-retardant materials, and phase change materials for enhanced protection and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fitted sheet is used to cover the mattress cover, then user comfort is improved through softer material contact, but protection reliability deteriorates because the fitted sheet can slip off and fails to protect the underlying mattress cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested cover system where an inner mattress cover encloses the mattress and an outer fitted sheet cover is placed over it. The outer cover has elasticized portions that engage with the inner cover's elasticized portions, creating a nested structure where both covers work together. This nesting arrangement allows the softer outer fitted sheet to provide comfort while the elasticized engagement mechanism prevents slipping, maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cover system into two separate functional segments: an inner mattress cover made of durable, protective material that provides reliable protection, and an outer fitted sheet cover made of softer material that provides comfort. Each segment has specialized elasticized portions that work together through engagement, allowing each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
2Reliability
If a protective mattress cover is used to prevent staining and damage, then mattress protection is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates because the cover is difficult to remove and replace when stained or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective cover system into an inner permanent mattress cover and an outer removable fitted sheet cover. The inner cover remains on the mattress to provide continuous protection, while the outer cover can be easily removed and replaced when stained or damaged. The elasticized engagement portions allow for easy attachment and detachment of the outer cover, making maintenance simple while maintaining continuous protection.
3Device complexity
If a single cover system is used to enclose the mattress, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality deteriorates because it cannot simultaneously provide both protection and comfort with easy maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover system into two specialized segments: an inner mattress cover optimized for protection with durable materials and an outer fitted sheet cover optimized for comfort with softer materials. Each segment has dedicated elasticized portions for engagement, allowing the system to provide multiple functions (protection, comfort, easy maintenance) while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of standard elasticized fabric technologies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cover assembly provides secure, easy-to-clean protection for the mattress, prevents damage and staining, and enhances user comfort with breathable and durable materials, while allowing for visual identification of mattress characteristics through indicia.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the second cover can include a water-impervious and vapor-permeable material that prevents liquids or other moisture from traveling from the second cover to the first cover and the underlying mattress, but that also allows any liquid or moisture in the first cover or underlying mattress to evaporate and travel through the second cover.
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the second cover includes an amount of phase change material that is included in the second cover and is configured to provide cooling at the top surface of the second cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for a mattress is provided that includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel collectively defining a cavity for enclosing the mattress. The second cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface, with the second cover being positioned over and dimensionally-sized to cover at least the top panel of the first cover. A fastener then connects the second cover to the first cover along the perimeter of the second cover. Methods for marking a mattress are also provided that include the step of marking an indicia indicative of a characteristic of a mattress on the top surface of the second cover of the cover assembly.