Abstract:
A mattress with a light-transmissive cover directed at preventing the hiding of contraband in institutional facilities. The mattress has a solid or partially solid core and a light-transmissive cover that envelops the core. A light-transmissive reinforcement section may be provided in the cover. When provided as a mattress for an inmate in a confinement area, the mattress permits visual inspection for contraband hidden in the mattress by looking through the light-transmissive cover of the mattress.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     Institutional facilities, including correctional institutions, hospitals, schools, and the like, accommodate persons during sleeping hours. Some of these facilities provide regular beds that include a frame and mattress. In the interest of cost, space, or other factors, other institutional facilities merely provide a simple mattress on which an inmate, student, or patient may rest or sleep. Persons detained or residing within these institutional facilities often look to unusual places in which to store contraband such as drugs, weapons, or other un-permitted items.  
         [0002]     Existing mattresses are typically constructed of a core which provides the support for mattress. The mattress also includes an opaque cover that surrounds the core. The cover may also function to maintain the position of the elements that comprise the core. These types of mattresses may provide a hiding place for contraband for inmates housed in institutional facilities. Since the cover that envelops the core is opaque, contraband can be hidden inside the mattress by cutting or tearing an access hole in the cover, thereby providing access to the interior of the mattress as a hiding place for contraband. The contraband may be drugs, weapons, tools, utensils, or some innocuous item that is otherwise forbidden in the institutional facility. A cursory search of the mattress by institution personnel will generally not reveal the contents of the mattress and the contraband will remain safely hidden. Further, the contraband may be small in size so that a pat down of the mattress by institution personnel might not reveal the mattress contents either. A handheld metal detector might be used to locate forbidden metallic items, but would not be suitable for drugs or other nonmetallic paraphernalia. Similarly, a metal detector may not be of value where the interior of the mattress includes metal coil springs that will always trigger the metal detector alarm. Thus, about the only way to accurately reveal the contraband is to destroy the mattress by pulling back the exterior cover to reveal the contents within. Naturally, destructive inspections of this nature will tend to be costly and time consuming. Accordingly, an improved mattress design is disclosed herein.  
         [0003]     Transparent or translucent covers have been used on waterbed mattresses to observe the liquid contained therein. However, the reasons for including such a transparent or translucent cover on a waterbed are completely different than the need to see into the interior of an institutional mattress. For a waterbed, the usefulness of a transparent or translucent mattress cover is centrally related to the liquid-bearing nature of the mattress. End users of waterbeds can more easily detect leaks, remove air bubbles from the mattress, or determine when to add water purification chemicals to the water all as a result of the translucent or transparent nature of the mattress cover. In contrast, the need to see within a mattress in an institutional facility is directed less at the intended contents of the mattress (e.g., liquid, foam, springs, etc . . . ) and more at unintended contents (e.g., contraband) placed in the mattress.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     The present invention is directed to a mattress with a light-transmissive cover. The mattress can be used in institutional facilities to aid in preventing the hiding of contraband. The mattress has a solid or partially solid core and a light-transmissive cover that envelops the core. In one embodiment, seams joining sections of the cover may be light-transmissive, minimally opaque, or of minimal size so as not to interfere with the light-transmissive nature of the cover. When provided as a mattress for an inmate in a confinement area, the mattress permits visual inspection for contraband hidden in the mattress by looking through the light-transmissive cover of the mattress. The visual inspection for contraband may occur from a location exterior to the confinement area.  
         [0005]     The mattress may include a liquidless core that is at least partially solid or completely solid. The mattress cover may be seamless or may comprise a plurality of sections, with each section joined together. A variety of permanent or detachable joining techniques may be used to attach the sections together.  
         [0006]     The mattress may have a cover with a light-transmissive section exterior to a solid portion of the mattress core to allow visual observation of the solid portion. A side or section of the cover may be opaque or substantially the entire cover may be light-transmissive. The cover may comprise a single or multiple plies. A light-transmissive reinforcement section may be provided in the cover. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention;  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention;  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a partially-exploded view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     One embodiment of a mattress, illustrated as  10  in  FIG. 1 , includes a first surface  12 , second surface  14 , and side surfaces  16   a,    16   b,    16   c,  and  16   d.  Surfaces  14 ,  16   c,  and  16   d  are not expressly visible, but are indicated generally by arrows in the perspective view of  FIG. 1 . A light-transmissive cover  26  envelops an interior core  20  of the mattress  10  and extends over the surfaces  12 ,  14 ,  16   a - 16   d.  The light-transmissive cover  26  permits visual observation of the core  20  and any contraband  30  that may be hidden within the interior of the cover  26 . The light-transmissive cover  26  allows institution personnel to conduct visual, non-destructive inspections of the mattress  10  for contraband  30 . Furthermore, given appropriate lighting conditions, this visual inspection may be conducted from a safe distance, for instance beyond the room or cell in which the mattress  10  is located. Similarly, visual inspection may be conducted with the aid of a surveillance camera so as to preserve the safety of institution personnel or other inmates. The term “light transmissive” should be understood to represent that characteristic of a medium that permits the transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum so as to enable one to visually distinguish an object through the medium. The term light-transmissive encompasses, but is not intended to be limited to, the terms translucent and transparent.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a side-sectional view of one embodiment of the mattress  10  having the mattress core  20  contained within a light-transmissive cover  26 . The mattress core  20  is configured to support the body of a user. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , mattress core  20  is constructed of one or more separate members  45  contained within the cover  26 . The individual members may be constructed of a variety of materials, including foam, cotton, or polyester. Alternatively, the core  20  may be fabricated from a single piece. The mattress core  20  may also be constructed of various materials. Other embodiments of the mattress core  20  might also include conventional coil springs or other components known to those skilled in the art of mattress construction. In one embodiment, the core has a size of approximately 25″×75″×4″ and weighs about 18 lbs.  
         [0015]     The cover  26  functions to allow visual observation of the core  20 . In one embodiment, the cover  20  is positioned directly against the core  20  to allow visual observation of the core and interior of the mattress  10 . In one embodiment, the cover  26  directly contacts each of the separate core members  45 . The cover  26  also functions to contain or bind the core  20  by keeping the separate core members  45  in relative position to form the overall dimensions of the mattress  10 . Without the binding cover  26 , the core  20  would be exposed, and the separate core members  45  would not be maintained in position. Even in embodiments where the core  20  is comprised of a single member, cover  26  may function to bind the core  20  to maintain the shape and integrity of the mattress  10 .  
         [0016]     In one embodiment, foam pads are constructed of highly flame resistant polymerized synthetic open celled cushioning foam. One embodiment of the foam pad is FIRE SEAL available from Foamex of Compton, Calif. In one embodiment, cotton pads comprise re-cycled post industrial denim and cotton fibers bonded together by poly fibers (maximum 10%). One embodiment of the cotton pad is available from Bonded Logic of Chandler, Ariz. In one embodiment, the cotton pad is composed of re-cycled post industrial denim and cotton fibers with a ply fiber (maximum of 10%) that binds and solidifies the cotton matrix. Batting  36  may also be included within mattress core  42 . In one embodiment, batting is a sheet-like member that is wound around the pads. One embodiment of batting materials is boric acid treated 100% virgin cotton batting manufactured by Trace Industries.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, a polyester pad is constructed of thermally bonded polyester fiber available from Cumulus Fibre of Statesville, N.C. In one embodiment, the polyester pad is made of thermally bonded polyester fiber. The polyester fibers are processed through either a garneting operation or air-layering.  
         [0018]     The mattress core  20  shown in  FIG. 2  includes a perforated pad member  45  having a series of apertures  46 . In one embodiment, apertures  46  are substantially vertical cylinders with a diameter of about ¾ inch and are spaced on a 5-inch square pattern. When constructed with apertures  46  of this type, the core  20  is therefore partially solid and partially gaseous (air). The apertures  46  provide for a more comfortable feel for the user, and also allows for bending the cotton pad such that the mattress  10  can be stored in a folded orientation. In one embodiment, the pad is constructed of cotton and has a thickness of about five inches.  
         [0019]     The light-transmissive cover  26  shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2  is constructed of a single piece of material. In this particular embodiment, the one piece of light-transmissive material is wrapped around core  20  and the ends of the material are joined together and secured around the core  20  using a conventional joining technique, such as stitching or thermal or adhesive bonding. Alternatively, the one-piece, light-transmissive cover  26  in  FIGS. 1-2  may be a seamless cover. That is, cover  26  may be comprised of a single piece of material that is applied to the core  20  using a molding or spraying process. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the structural and operational advantages offered by a seamless design. Such a design may be applicable for larger run quantities. Other alternative embodiments of the mattress cover containing multiple pieces of light-transmissive material, such as those embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , may provide equally effective solutions.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, the light-transmissive cover  26  is made of multiple plies of light-transmissive material. In one embodiment, the light-transmissive cover  26  is made of a single ply of light-transmissive material. The light-transmissive cover may be constructed of a vinyl or flexible PVC film material. The light-transmissive material is fire resistant as determined using NFPA-701 Large Scale Test. A flexible PVC material used for constructing the cover  26  is available from TMI Incorporated of Pittsburgh, Pa. The thickness of the light-transmissive material may vary, and embodiments include material thickness within the range of about 15 mil-26 mil, and may have a weight in ounces per yard ranging from about 7.0 to about 13.0. In one embodiment, the light-transmissive material is a 2-ply flexible PVC sheet with a thickness of about 20 mils.  
         [0021]     In  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of mattress  10  is shown with a multi-piece light-transmissive cover, generally designated  130 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , cover  130  is comprised of two sections  132  and  134 . Section  132  is fabricated as a one-piece bag structure that is rectangular in shape and hollow in design with an open end  136  used for slipping section  132  over core  20 . Section  134  is constructed as a flat, one-piece panel, and is joined with section  132  to envelop core  20 . A number of means or methods may be used to join the two sections  132 ,  134 . The sections may be chemically or thermally bonded, stitched, clamped, or otherwise secured together. The sections may also be semi-permanently joined together using other mechanisms such as zippers, hook-and-loop materials, magnets, or resealable adhesives or fasteners so as to make the cover  130  removable. Those skilled in the art of material fabrication will appreciate alternative means or methods of joining the sections of cover  130 . These illustrative joining techniques are used to join sections  132 ,  134  or other sections of the light-transmissive cover  130  at a seam  138 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the seam  138  is positioned at substantially one end of mattress  10 . In one embodiment, such as where thermal or chemical bonding techniques are employed, the seam  138  is light-transmissive. In one embodiment, the seam  138  is opaque, but minimally obscures the light-transmissive nature of the cover  130 .  
         [0022]     Where a single piece or various pieces are joined together using a stitching or similar method, it may be desirable to hide the stitch at the seam  138  to inhibit access to the interior of the cover. Various techniques are known to those skilled in the art of textile manufacturing to accomplish this task. For instance, the various pieces of light-transmissive material may be joined together while the cover is in an inside out orientation. Prior to inserting the core  20  into the cover, the cover is re-inverted so as to hide the stitches. Other stitching techniques, such as a blind stitch or a tuck stitch may also be used.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a light-transmissive cover comprises of an upper section  142  and a lower section  144  joined together at seam  146 . In one embodiment, seam  146  is located on a vertical side  16   b  of the mattress  10 . In one embodiment, seam  146  is located on a vertical side of mattress  10 , positioned equidistant from top surface  12  and bottom surface  14 . In one embodiment, seam  146  is positioned on or near top surface  12 . In one embodiment, seam  146  is positioned on or near bottom surface  14 .  
         [0024]     In another embodiment, such as that shown in  FIG. 5 , light-transmissive cover  150  may be comprised of a plurality of segments, some of which may be partially or wholly opaque. As a non-limiting example, an opaque cover section  152  extends around the sides  16   a - d  of mattress core  20 . The ends of section  152 , represented by  154   a  and  154   b  may be joined together to form a first seam on a vertical side of the core  20 . The light-transmissive cover  150  further includes a light-transmissive top section  156  that can be joined with cover  152  to form a seam at the perimeter of cover  156  and at the top end of section  152 . The top section  156 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , thereby covers the top surface  12  of mattress  10 . Similarly, the light-transmissive cover  150  shown in  FIG. 5  further includes a light-transmissive bottom section  158  that can be joined with cover  152  to form a seam at the perimeter of cover  158  and at the bottom end of section  152 . When joined to section  152  in this manner, bottom section  158  thereby covers the bottom surface  14  of mattress  10 .  
         [0025]     The embodiment of cover  150  shown in  FIG. 5  includes an opaque section, but does not detract from the ability to inspect for contraband within mattress  10 . Even where contraband is hidden behind the opaque section  152 , institution personnel may still visually inspect the contents of the mattress  10  through the light-transmissive portions  156 ,  158  of cover  150 . Gravity may also play a part in such inspections because contraband hidden behind the opaque, vertical section  152  will tend to fall towards the light-transmissive lower section  158  of cover  150 .  
         [0026]     Section  152  in  FIG. 5  may be constructed, in part or in whole, of a different material than sections  156  and  158 . In one embodiment, sections  156  and  158  are constructed of the same light-transmissive material. In one embodiment, sections  156  and  158  are constructed of different materials. In one embodiment, section  152  may be constructed, in whole or in part, of an opaque, high tensile-strength material. In one embodiment, section  152  may be constructed, in whole or in part, of an opaque, tear-resistant material. In one embodiment, part or the entirety of section  156  or section  158  may be constructed of an opaque material. In general, different combinations of material choice may be incorporated into the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  or into embodiments not specifically shown, but embodying a multi-section light-transmissive cover in accordance with this disclosure.  
         [0027]     Section  152  may also be constructed of a strengthening or reinforcing material to improve the strength of the cover  150 . The reinforcing material may be an opaque material such as Kevlar or a light-transmissive material such as scrim. The term scrim is understood in the textile industry to mean a durable, loosely woven cotton or linen fabric used for curtains or upholstery lining. In the theatrical arts, the word scrim is used to describe a transparent fabric used as a drop to create special lighting or atmosphere effects. In the present context, scrim should be understood to mean a combination of these definitions. That is, the durable, loosely woven characteristics and the transparent characteristic of the material are relevant to the present discussion. In one embodiment, the reinforcing material is a three-layer fabric, constructed of a light-transmissive vinyl top and bottom layer, and an intermediate scrim layer that consists of a loosely woven grid forming half inch apertures and having a weight of about 7 ounces per square yard. When provided in this manner, the reinforcing material is light-transmissive in that it permits transmission of light in the visible spectrum so as to distinguish objects behind the material. One embodiment of the reinforcing material is WATERCLEAR scrim material available from Herculite Products, Inc. of Emigsville, Pa.  
         [0028]     The reinforcing material may be incorporated into those areas of the light-transmissive cover that are high-stress areas as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 6 , the mattress  10  is oriented in an inverted position compared to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 6 , the second surface  14  of the mattress  10  is facing upward while the first surface  12  is hidden from view. Side surfaces  16   a - d  extend in a generally vertical direction between the first  12  and second  14  surfaces. End surface  16   d  represents the head of the mattress and is disposed at the end of the mattress at which a user&#39;s head will rest. Since the bulk of the weight supported by mattress  10  is towards the end  16   d  that supports the torso of a user, it follows that the head of the mattress will be the high-stress or weight bearing area of the mattress  10 . Reinforcing material  162  is therefore positioned at the junction between the bottom surface  14  and end surface  16   d.  In another embodiment, reinforcing material  162  may be positioned at ends  16   d  and  16   b  to make the mattress  10  symmetric. In another embodiment, reinforcing material may be positioned at sides  16   a  or  16   c.    
         [0029]     The term “mattress” herein is used broadly to include a pad, bag, cot, sack, cushion, mat, or similar item of any shape on which a person may rest or sleep. In one embodiment, the mattress includes an arrangement of coiled springs.  
         [0030]     The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. For instance, manufacturing considerations may determine the overall shape and quantity of sections needed to form the light-transmissive cover. Thus, combinations other than those specifically shown in the Figures are certainly possible. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.