Abstract:
A bedding apparatus including a first layer including a heat absorbing and releasing material, and a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer including a wicking material.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This document claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/624,415, filed Nov. 2, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and is incorporated herein by reference. This document also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/624,420, filed Nov. 2, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This document is related to mats used for bedding. More specifically, this document is related to a mat for controlling heat and excess perspiration used for living beings, such as humans and animals, such as pets.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Bed mats have been produced in the past generally for urinary incontinence. There are also bed mats that use a poly stuffing which actually hold in body heat and do not have sweat absorbing capabilities. There is a pillow (Pat. No. 4,649,582) by Cheng-Hsiung Cho of gauze cloth or cotton cloth that does not have bacteria and odor control features.  
         [0004]     Pet beds have also been produced in the past with both natural and synthetic materials.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is an elevated front view of the bed mat, according to an embodiment.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is an elevated back view of the bed mat, according to an embodiment.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is another elevated front view showing the attached blanket and insertion of cold/lot packs or padded pouch, according to an embodiment.  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is an elevated view of the blanket, according to an embodiment.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is an internal view of the bed mat, according to an embodiment.  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of the fabric wicking moisture, according to an embodiment.  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of the fabric absorbing and storing excess body heat, according to an embodiment.  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of the fabric releasing the stored heat back to the body, according to an embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of the fabric in the bed mat pulling perspiration and excess body heat away from the skin, according to an embodiment.  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of the fabric in the blanket pulling perspiration and excess body heat away from the skin, according to an embodiment.  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  is a diagram of the bed mat and blanket working in combination together pulling perspiration and excess heat away from the skin, according to an embodiment.  
         [0017]      FIG. 11A  demonstrates the blanket releasing the stored heat back to the body, according to an embodiment.  
         [0018]      FIG. 11B  demonstrates the bed mat releasing the stored heat back to the body, according to an embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  is an elevated front view of the pet bed, according to an embodiment.  
         [0020]      FIG. 13  shows both the outside and an internal view of the pet bed, according to an embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 14  is a diagram of the fabric absorbing the pet&#39;s excess body heat and moisture, according to an embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 15  is a diagram of the fabric releasing the stored heat back to the pet, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
       [0023]     The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrating specific example embodiments. The example embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other example embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.  
         [0025]     Now, referring to  FIGS. 1-11B , a first set of embodiments will be described for a bed mat that controls head and excess perspiration for a human.  
         [0026]     In order to use the bed mat set, the user places the bed mat on top of the bed&#39;s bottom bed sheet. The bed&#39;s top sheet and blankets may be placed over the bed mat set, if desired, for extra warmth.  
         [0027]     The bed mat is reversible and the side without the pockets may be a preference for some people. The reversed side with the four pockets can be used when either cold or hot packs are desired for comfort in the neck, shoulder, mid-lower back, thigh/leg areas. The pockets can also be used for extra padding for pressure point relief along the body.  
         [0028]     The bed mat set achieves its results as follows:  
         [0029]     The bed mat assembly is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 1 . The main bed mat  11  is constructed of a front cover  12  consisting of a layer of wicking material  42 . This wicking material  42 , pulls off excess perspiration  38 , away from the body/skin  36  to the other side of the material to dry or evaporate  44 . Due to the pulling away of the perspiration from the skin  38 , to the underside of the material, the layer of the wicking material against the skin stays dry  40 . Four pockets are sewn on the front cover for insertion of cold/hot packs  32  or extra padding  34 . The neck pocket  14 C, the shoulder pocket  14 D, the lower to mid back pocket  14 E, and the thigh or lower leg pocket  14 F. The pockets are constructed of phase change material  43  which acts as heat absorbing elements along the main areas of a person&#39;s body. A length of hook-and-loop fastener  18  is placed along the seam so that the bed mat cover easily opens to remove for machine washing and drying. Two buttons  20  are sewn along the bottom edge of the bed mat for attachment of the blanket  26  so that the blanket hangs loosely but securely while sleeping.  
         [0030]     This allows for movement while sleeping but keeps the blanket from coming off the body.  
         [0031]     This blanket is made to the measurements that are comfortable for one person. Due to its smaller size it may slip off a person, so attachment  26  is provided in one example. The blanket is made smaller for two reasons. One is to transport easily when traveling such as hotel use, sleeping bag, and camper. The other reason is that the moisture and heat absorption qualities do not affect another person sleeping next to the individual. It can be easily washed without stripping the entire bed.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows the reverse side of the bed mat  16  is constructed of the same wicking material  42 . Since this bed mat is simply reversed it still has the hook-and-loop fastener opening  18  along the length and the buttons  20  for attaching the blanket  26 . This side is for smooth comfort if the pocket use is not desired.  
         [0033]     The bed mat set  FIG. 3 , with the blanket  26  attached to buttons  20 , with button slits  30 . The reverse side of the blanket  28  lies against the person&#39;s skin  36 .  FIG. 3  also shows the pockets  14 C and  14 D, in use. Hot/cold pack  32  is inserted in pocket  14 C, and a filled pressure relieving comfort pack  34 , is inserted in pocket  14 D.  
         [0034]     The blanket  FIG. 4  is constructed with other materials. One side of the blanket is a phase change molecule fabric  26 , which absorbs excess body heat  46 , off the skin  36 , and pulls it into molecules for storage  48 . As the body cools, molecules  48  release the body heat  46  back to the skin  36 . This eliminates the body overheating and cooling off creating body chills which make sleeping disturbing and uncomfortable. REM sleep is often affected when the body chills. The reverse side of the blanket is constructed of wicking material  28 , which pulls moisture or perspiration  38  off the body so that the fabric layer against the skin stays dry  40 . The perspiration is pulled to the reverse side of the fabric which then spreads it out to dry faster  44 . It also provides odor and bacterial control within the fibers. This blanket is reversible so that a person can choose the side which is most effective for their situation. Two button holes/slits  30  are sewn so that the blanket can attach to the bed mat. Reasons as stated in the previous paragraph.  
         [0035]     An internal cut out view of the bed mat is shown in  FIG. 5 . The cover  12  of wicking material encases, top and bottom, the inner foam mats. The top front cover contains the pockets  14 . The inner top mat  22  is coated with phase change molecules  48 , which faces up toward the body. These absorb, store and release excess body heat when the body cools down. This mat is effective in its purpose even compared to the fabric material that contains the same molecules/cells. Foam&#39;s 6,100 ACR compared to fabric&#39;s 2,000 ACR. The top mat provides soft comfort while absorbing excess heat. The bottom layer of foam  24  works to add additional comfort. It is lightweight to allow transport by rolling or folding the mat. It keeps its loft, by not matting down, even after this folding or traveling has occurred. This mat contributes to all of the other materials constructed in the bed mat by dissipating moisture, does not hold in body heat so it has breath ability. By eliminating body impressions it improves comfort for extra padding and body lift for sleeping ability.  
         [0036]     The diagram  FIG. 6  demonstrates the process of wicking fabric pulling perspiration  38  off the skin  36 . As the perspiration droplets leave the skin surface they attach onto the fibers in the wicking fabric. These treated fibers  42  pull the moisture quickly through the fabric onto the opposite side of the material. As it moves this moisture away, the surface of the fabric  40  next to the skin stays dry. When the moisture is pulled onto the opposite side of the fabric it spreads out  44  to decrease the drying time. This fabric is also treated for odor and bacteria control. This material covers the bed mat  12  and one side of the blanket  28 .  
         [0037]     The diagram  FIG. 7  demonstrates the process of heat absorbing material  43  that has phase change molecules or cells. The skin surface of the person  36  experiences excess heat due to what is commonly referred as hot flashes. This heat  46  is pulled into the fabric or foam mat which contains microencapsulated molecules  48  where it is stored.  
         [0038]     In  FIG. 8  it shows that as the body cools down these molecules or cells within the fabric  48  releases this stored heat  46  back to the skin surface  36 . This eliminates the heat and cooling cycle that creates body chills. The fabric works to keep the skin surface at a constant temperature by reducing excess heat and the resulting perspiration. This material is on the surface of the first top layer of foam  22 , on the bed mat pockets  14 C,  14 D,  14 E, and on one side of the blanket  26 .  
         [0039]     The diagram  FIG. 9  demonstrates how bed mat  11  works for perspiration and heat control. The person is lying on top of the bed mat cover  12 . The person&#39;s skin  36  becomes hot  46  and perspires  38 . The perspiration  38  is pulled thru the wicking layer  42  of the fabric cover that encases the bed mat. Once on the other side of the fabric it spreads out to dry  44 . Since the perspiration has pulled through that leaves the surface of the fabric, the dry layer  40 , touching the skin. Under the fabric cover is the inner top mat  22 . This top mat has a layer of coating on the foam  43 , which absorbs excess heat  46 . This heat is pulled into the cell molecules  48 , where it is stored until the body cools off. Once the body cools off, the cell molecules  48 , release the heat back to the body or skin surface. The bottom mat  24 , is a poly foam that provides comfort cushioning, keeps it loft and doesn&#39;t mat down, and does not impact the heat absorption. Since it does not hold in heat, and has natural air ventilation properties, it maintains the effectiveness of the top mat.  
         [0040]      FIG. 10  demonstrates how the reversible blanket  26  &amp;  28 , works by combining both sides of the blanket for effective control of perspiration, odor, bacteria, mold, and excess heat. This blanket lies on top of the person next to their skin surface  36 . The person&#39;s skin  36  becomes hot  46  and perspires  38 . The perspiration  38  is pulled thru the wicking layer  42  of the blanket fabric  28  that lies against the skin  36 . Once on the other side of the fabric it spreads out to dry  44 . Since the perspiration has pulled through that leaves the surface of the fabric, the dry layer  40 , touching the skin. This side also controls odor and bacteria. On the reverse side of the blanket  26  the second fabric is sewn so that the coated phase change molecules  43 , which are coated on one side of the fabric, are facing inward toward the middle of both layers. The molecules or cells  43  are effective in pulling excess heat from the body  46  even though the other wicking side  42  is against the skin. The heat is stored in the fabric micro-encapsulated molecules  48  in the blanket  26 . When the surface of the skin cools down  36  then the molecules  48  release the stored heat back to the body, demonstrated in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  demonstrates how the bed mat works.  FIG. 10  demonstrates how the blanket works, by combining two types of fabrics and/or foam. Combining  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  on a bed,  FIG. 11  shows how a person laying between these products achieves benefits in reducing perspiration, excess heat control, odor and bacterial control, while enjoying the comfort of a double layer of foam. The device can be transported to a recliner, or a hotel room, wheelchair, camper or sleeping bag.  
         [0042]      FIG. 11  demonstrates a person lying between the bed mat set having bed mat  11  and blanket  26 / 28 . The person&#39;s skin  36 , touches their backside against the wicking fabric cover  12  of the bed mat  11  and touches their front side to either side of the blanket  26 / 28 . The person&#39;s perspiration  38 , and body heat  46 , goes up thru the blanket  26 / 28  and also down thrtl the bed mat  11 . Their perspiration  38 , is pulled through the wicking fibers  42 , of both the blanket  26 / 28  and the bed mat  11 . The remaining fabric fibers  40 , laying against their skin stay dry in both the bed mat  11  and blanket  26 / 28 . After the person&#39;s perspiration  38 , is pulled from their body, it then spreads out to dry faster  44 , again in both the blanket  26 / 28  and the bed mat  11 . The excess body heat  46 , gets absorbed by the micro-encapsulated fabric cells  48 , in the blanket  26 / 28  and a within the micro-encapsulated coating on the inner mat foam  22 , in the bed mat  11 . There it is stored waiting for the person&#39;s skin  36 , to cool down. It will be released later from the blanket  FIG. 11B  and from the bed mat  FIG. 11A , to warm the person back up, as needed after the cool down has occurred. This reduces or eliminates the body chilling cycle. A foam layer  24 , is included in the bed mat  11 , so that it contributes an additional cushioning while maintaining the effectiveness of the bed mat.  
         [0043]     These are not the only example embodiments of the invention. For example, the bed mat  11  and blanket  26 ,  28  may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as an oval. The bed mat  11  can have an opening  18  in different areas around the bed mat for easy removal of the cover. In still another example embodiment, pockets  14 C,  14 D,  14 E on the bed mat may have different positions and quantities and/or occupy both sides of the mat. Other example embodiments include different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components. In lieu of hook-and-loop fasteners  18  along the length of the bed mat and buttons  20 , and button holes/slits  30 , may include other components such as snaps, hooks. In still other embodiments, tabs or hook-and-loop or snap fasteners, may be added to a fabric loop to secure the mat onto outdoor furniture, chair, wheelchair, bed frame. Another embodiment includes different inserts  32 ,  34 , that are added for extra use of the pockets, such as aromatherapy, menthol based items for allergies or colds. Pockets  14 C,  14 D,  14 E may include fasteners to secure or close the opening on the pocket.  
         [0044]     Further embodiments are also contemplated. For example, a layer of foam, stuffing type material such as natural material or a poly may be inserted between the two adjacent fabrics  28 ,  26  of the blanket.  
         [0045]     In another embodiment, the two inside foam materials in the bed mat  22 ,  24  may be reversed. Or  22  may be the only inside foam. Two pieces of  22 , may be used eliminating  24 . The foam placed back to back so that the phase change materials are placed upward so when the mat is reversed the molecules are next to the body on either reversed side.  
         [0046]     In yet another embodiment, the entire cover on the bed mat may be constructed of phase change fabric  43  instead of wicking style fabric  12 .  
         [0047]     In still another embodiment, the blanket  28 ,  26  can be attached to the bed mat  11 , at different points along the bed mat. The buttons  20 , can also be sewn at the top of the bed mat near the head area. It would keep the blanket from falling off the person around the head/neck area. Since it is a loose fit it can be attached anywhere along the bed mat.  
         [0048]     In one embodiment, the bed mat set that fits one person, and is simple to use by placing the bed mat on top of the existing bed sheets. A specialty blanket is attached to the end of the bed mat. They work in combination to control night sweats, hot flashes, body odor and bacteria control. This combination of materials pull moisture off the body, stores excessive heat inside the fabric, and releases the stored heat later when the body cools off. It is mobile, as it can be rolled for traveling, which can make a hotel bed more comfortable. It is versatile since it can also be used in regular and reclining chairs, wheelchairs, and in sleeping bags. Outdoor use is also contemplated when placing the mat, without the blanket attached, on top of a lawn chair. As the body heats up from the sun, the excess heat and body perspiration are absorbed into the mat. As the day progresses or clouds pass over obstructing the sun, then the absorbed heat will be released back to the body thus keeping the body at a comfortable heat level.  
         [0049]     The invention is preferable over previous mats due to the overall comfort level achieved by a combination of materials.  
         [0050]     One example has two inner mats. The bottom mat is foam which dissipates moisture, offers greater breath ability, and eliminates body impressions by retaining its loft for many years. 90% of loft is retained 10 years later. The top inner mat is made with phase change molecules. This coated foam is effective for heat control, compared to other alternative such as fabric. 6,100 ACR compared to fabric&#39;s 2,000 ACR. It absorbs excess body heat, such as hot flashes, stores it inside the micro-encapsulated molecules and releases this stored heat back to the body, after the person&#39;s skin temperature has cooled down. It eliminates chilling of the body which normally happens when it is overheated and then cools down. The combination of these two mats working together offers padded, comfort and effectiveness for heat and moisture control.  
         [0051]     A combination of fabrics makes one example of the outside of the mat and the blanket effective. The outside cover of the mat has wicking capabilities combined with odor and bacterial control within the fabric fibers. It pulls the moisture off the body, in the form of excess perspiration, thru the fibers so that it spreads out quickly to dissipate on the other side of the material. The skin stays dry since the moisture is pulled away from the body. This material is on the bed mat and on one side of the blanket. Odor and bacterial control are provided in perspiration areas. The bed mat has four pockets for two reasons. One reason that it allows the insertion of heat/cold packs for the neck, shoulder, lower back, thighs. They are constructed with extra heat control phase change materials. This makes a double layer of micro-encapsulated molecules. One on the main pocket area which is situated on general areas of the body and the other is the inner mat which also has heat control.  
         [0052]     The adjacent side of the blanket has heat control with phase change materials. On the reversible side of the blanket it contains the wicking capabilities. It pulls the perspiration off the body and by spreading it on the other side of the blanket, it dries quickly. It also has the odor and bacteria control on this side of the blanket.  
         [0053]     Now, referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , a second set of embodiments will be described for a pet or animal bed that controls heat and moisture.  
         [0054]     The pet bed achieves its results as follows:  
         [0055]     The pet bed assembly is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 12 . The pet bed  111  is constructed of a hemp fabric cover  112 , including a top soft fleece upper layer of phase change material  118 . This fleece is coated on one side with heat absorbing molecules  144 . The coated side faces away from the pet. The hemp fabric  112 , is considered a strong natural fiber along with a comfortable fleece  118  that adjusts to the pet&#39;s excess heat and moisture. A hemp cording or rope  116  is sewn between the hemp material  112  and the fleece material  118 . This helps strengthen the cover and provides an area where a pet can chew on or sharpen claws. A zipper is sewn on the length of the cover  114  so that the cover can be removed for washing and drying.  
         [0056]     An internal cutout view of the pet bed is shown in  FIG. 13 . The hemp cover  112  and a top soft fleece upper cover  118  and hemp cording  116  encase the inner mat  120 . The inner mat  120  is covered in a cotton nylon twill covering  122  which is a strong inner strength for pets and also allows breathability features. There is a channel strip  150  sewn around the inside perimeter and filled with buckwheat hulls  126 . These buckwheat hulls  126  add stability, natural air flow to the perimeter of the pet bed. They add a natural scent that the pet may enjoy. The inner mat  120  is filled with millet hulls  128  which provide natural comfort by conforming to the pet&#39;s body and adjusts to their movements.  
         [0057]     The diagram  FIG. 14  demonstrates the process of a pet&#39;s skin surface  146  laying on the heat and moisture absorbing material  118 . The pet experiences excess moisture  134  and heat  148 . The material  118  pulls the moisture  134  through the material&#39;s wicking layer  138  keeping the top layer  136  of the fabric dry against the pet&#39;s skin  146 . The moisture spreads out to dry and evaporate  140 . The excess pet&#39;s heat is transferred through the material  148  and is absorbed into the fabric&#39;s micro-encapsulated molecules  144  where it is stored.  
         [0058]     The diagram  FIG. 15  demonstrates how the molecules or cells  144  release the stored heat  148  back to the pet  146 . This occurs after the pet has cooled down and needs the extra heat  148  to prevent the pet from getting chilled.  
         [0059]     These are not the only embodiments of the invention. Alternatively: 
        The pet bed  111  may have a shape other than a rectangle, such as an oval.     The pet bed  111  can have an opening  114  in different areas around the pet bed for easy removal of the cover  112 .     Different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components. In lieu of the cover zipper  114  along the length of the pet bed, may include other components such as snaps, hook-and-loop.     The inner mat does not currently open for filling of extra buckwheat or millet hulls. The entire inner mat can be replaced in a timely manner, instead of filling, for better hygiene. An opening may be provided in one example.     The phase change material  118  may be sewn on additional parts of the pet bed.     The position in the inner mat  120  of the buckwheat hulls  126  and millet hulls  128  may be different in various examples. For example, the outer perimeter can contain millet hulls  128  and the inner area contain buckwheat hulls  126 . Alternatively, the buckwheat hulls  126  can be mixed with the millet hulls  128 .     Catnip and other enhancing materials, including bells that jingle, may be mixed in the inner mat filling.        
 
         [0067]     The pet bed that combines three natural products with the latest fabric technology that controls heat and moisture. They work in combination to provide pet comfort and also appeal to an animal&#39;s sense of smell. The top portion of the cover contains a soft fleece material that has phase change molecules embedded in the fabric&#39;s fiber. These molecules pull excess heat from the pet&#39;s body and store it within these micro-encapsulated molecules or cells. It releases the stored heat back to the pet, after the pet&#39;s skin temperature has cooled down. It stops the cycle of heating up and getting chilled as the body cools. Often pets will move around from a cooler area to a warmer area, and visa versa, to keep their body temperature comfortable. This pet bed will eliminate that need to move. The moisture is controlled partially from this molecular fabric and also from hemp fabric. Moisture chills the pet after experiencing rain, dew, snow from the outside elements and then coming back inside the home, or doghouse and experiencing temperature change. The pet bed material will minimize or eliminate this body chilling cycle. Both the molecular fabric and the hemp fabric wick away excess moisture.  
         [0068]     The present invention may be preferable over previous pet beds due to the overall comfort level achieved by a combination of materials.  
         [0069]     One example of the pet bed cover is constructed with three different materials. The upper portion where the pet lays is the soft fleece phase change molecular material. A natural hemp roping divides this fleece material from the hemp covering. This natural hemp material is the remaining portion of the cover. Hemp has a natural anti-bacterial quality that helps prevent odor. It helps to keep the pet fresh with the anti-mold and anti-fungal properties which are inherent to hemp. It is strong and durable natural fiber which can withstand a cat or dog&#39;s paws and nails. Hemp is grown and treated without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides so it is considered a natural organic product. This cover has a zipper so that it is convenient to pull off to wash and dry.  
         [0070]     The pet bed inner portion is covered in cotton nylon twill for strength and breath ability. It has a channel strip sewn around the inside perimeter that is filled with buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat hulls are a crop that is 100% organic. They are a little heavier than millet hulls, so they will add a small amount of reinforcement around the inside perimeter. They do not hold in body heat and therefore allows natural airflow so that they keep the pet bed fresher. This offers another natural scent that pets may enjoy. The inside of the bag is filled with 100% organic, pesticide free millet hulls. This natural material containing thousands of hulls conforms to the pet&#39;s body and adjusts to their movements. It satisfies a dog&#39;s natural characteristic of circling around an area until they find a comfortable spot. They can move the hulls around for their own comfort level and again this crop adds an additional natural scent. Three natural products contribute to this pet bed. Hemp material, millet and buckwheat hulls, along with a material that is manufactured to regulate the heat and moisture levels of a pet.  
         [0071]     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.