Abstract:
A connector system includes at least one mattress connector that is coupled to a mattress. The mattress connectors are coupled at the head end and at the foot end of the mattress. A topper connector is coupled to a topper at a head end and a foot end of the topper. A plurality of straps are employed to couple the mattress to the topper, with the straps being coupled to the mattress connectors and the proper connectors.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    In recent years a variety of sleep systems have been proposed in order to enhance user comfort when sleeping on a mattress. For example, padding layers are often added to a mattress to provide additional cushioning. One popular type of padding is the so-called “pillow top” mattress where padding materials are incorporated into a quilting positioned above the mattress. 
         [0002]    Another popular type of cushioning is a “topper” which is a layer of padding that is loosely placed on top of a regular mattress. One problem experienced with toppers is that they can easily slide off the mattress. One traditional way to attach a topper is by user of a mattress cover or mattress pad that envelopes the topper and then surrounds the sides of the mattress. However, these types of mattress covers typically do not work with toppers that are used with adjustable beds that can be inclined or declined. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention provides exemplary connector systems, mattress systems, and associated methods for conveniently coupling a topper to a mattress. Although useful with nearly all toppers and mattresses, the invention will find particular use with adjustable beds where the mattress can be inclined, declined, or height adjusted in other ways. With the mattress systems of the invention, the topper is able to remain firmly secured to the mattress while the bed is adjusted. 
         [0004]    In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a connector system that comprises at least one mattress connector that is coupled to a mattress. Such a mattress can include a top surface, a bottom surface, and four sides extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The mattress can also conveniently be defined in terms of a head end and a foot end, although it will be appreciated that the position of a sleeper on a mattress may not depend on whether they are at the head end or the foot end. One of the mattress connectors is coupled at the head end and another is coupled at the foot end. Further, at least one topper connector is coupled to the topper at the head end and at the foot end of the topper. A plurality of straps are used to secure the topper to the mattress, with one of the straps being coupled to the mattress connector at the head end of the mattress and to the topper connector at the head end of the topper. The other strap is coupled to the mattress connector at the foot end of the mattress and the topper connector at the foot end of the topper. However, it will be appreciated that the connectors and straps may be provided at other locations as well, and in some cases, only one set of connectors and its associated strap may be needed. 
         [0005]    In one particular arrangement, each strap has two ends, and an interlocking connector is coupled to each end. The interlocking connectors are interlocked to secure the straps to the mattress connectors and the topper connectors after the straps have been inserted through their respective connectors. Although a variety of connectors may be used, one type of mattress connector is a metal ring. A similar connector could also be used for the topper connectors. In one aspect, the interlocking connectors are hourglass shaped so that they may easily be interconnected by inserting one of the connectors through the other connector and then twisting them in opposite directions. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, the mattress connectors and topper connectors may comprise metal D-rings. These metal rings may be coupled to the mattress and the topper using fabric segments that are sewn to the mattress and the topper. As one example, the straps may comprise nylon straps that are sewn to the mattress and the topper. Examples of other connectors that may be used include snaps, a hook and loop fastener material, buttons, clips, buckles, ties, hook and eye connectors and the like. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a bed that comprises a mattress having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four sides extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The mattress also has head end and a foot end. A topper is configured to be positioned over a top surface of the mattress and also has a head end and a foot end. At least one mattress connector is coupled to the mattress at the head end and the foot end of the mattress. At least one topper connector is coupled to the topper at the head end and at the foot end of the topper. Straps are then used to couple the mattress to the topper by coupling the strap to the mattress connector at the head end of the mattress and to the topper connector at the head end of the topper. Another strap is coupled to the mattress connector at the foot end of the mattress and to the topper connector at the foot end of the topper. 
         [0008]    The straps may have interlocking connectors that are coupled to each end so that the straps may be placed through the connectors on the mattress and the topper and then interlocked together. For example, the mattress connectors and topper connectors may comprise metal rings, and the interlocking connectors may comprise hourglass shaped rings. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, two or more straps could be coupled to the mattress and the topper at both head end at the foot end in a manner similar to that previously described. Also, one or more straps could be similarly connected at the sides of the mattress. 
         [0010]    In some cases, the mattress will be coupled to an adjustable frame that includes at least one mechanism to vary the height of at least one portion of the mattress. Hence, the adjustable frame may be used to incline, decline or otherwise orient the mattress to the needs of the user. By using the straps as connectors, the topper is prevented from sliding off from the mattress, even with the weight of the user on top of the topper. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment, the invention provides an exemplary method for coupling a topper to a mattress by using straps that are placed between connectors that are coupled to both the mattress and the topper in a manner similar to that previously described. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mattress system shown in use with an adjustable bed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates the mattress system of  FIG. 1  showing the foot of the mattress with an exemplary connector system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates the mattress system of  FIG. 1  with a more detailed view of the connectors. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a close-up view of one of the connectors. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is still a more detailed view of one of the connectors. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates one of the straps that has been removed from the mattress system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the strap of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a head end of the mattress system of  FIG. 1  when elevated, with the connectors holding the topper to the mattress. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a view of the foot end of the mattress system of  FIG. 1 , with the connectors shown holding the topper to the mattress when the foot is elevated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In most current mattresses, the materials that provide comfort to the user, and the materials that provide support to the user, are combined in a single mattress unit. In most cases the support materials (such as springs, high density foams and the like) may last for years, while the comfort materials of a mattress (i.e., the soft plush materials closest to the resting body) wear out at much a faster rate. 
         [0022]    One feature of the invention is to address this problem by separating the support materials (also referred to herein as the mattress core) and the comfort materials (also referred to herein as the mattress topper) into two separate and interchangeable entities. While an individual&#39;s needs may change through aging, personal preference, or wear of cushioning material, this arrangement avoids replacing the entire unit. Should, for instance, the mattress topper need to be replaced, a user may simply loosen the straps, roll and discard the topper and easily replace it with a new one, all the while keeping their mattress core intact. 
         [0023]    One feature of the invention is the ability to use such toppers with a separate mattress that may be adjusted using an adjustable bed foundation. Because the foundation can raise and lower at an angle, traditional toppers will tend to simply “flop over”. To address this issue, the invention provides various connector straps that secure the topper and mattress together and mitigate against any slippage or movement of the topper. These connectors may also be used with toppers placed on stationary foundations or platform beds where the topper could shift through normal use. 
         [0024]    Hence, the invention provides a variety of connector systems that may be used to couple a topper to a mattress. The connector systems are configured so that they are easy to install, yet secure enough that they will hold the topper to the mattress, even when surface of the mattress is elevated and/or when excessive weight is placed onto the topper. For example, the connector systems will find particular use with adjustable mattresses that utilize one or more mechanisms to elevate the head or foot of the bed. In so doing, the connector systems securely hold the topper to the mattress so that it will not slide off of the mattress. In the event that the topper needs to be changed, the connector systems may easily be removed to allow for removal of the topper. 
         [0025]    The invention may be used with a wide variety of mattresses. Such mattresses typically include a core that is covered with a fabric. Examples of cores that may be used include spring cores, latex cores, air bladders, individually wrapped coil springs, and the like. Typically, separate pieces of fabric will be used on the top, bottom, and sides, with seams running between the sides and the top and bottom, respectively. In some cases, a piping may included at the outer periphery of the top and bottom of the mattress where the seam extends. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the fabric segment (such as fabric segment  56  described hereinafter) is sewn into the edge where the border of the mattress core or topper comes into contact with the top or bottom panel of the mattress core or topper. This edge may be further reinforced with a tape edger and Kevlar thread or any other durable thread. 
         [0026]    The invention may also utilize a wide variety of toppers that are positioned on top of the mattress. Toppers are generally defined as any type of padding material that loosely rests on top of the mattress. In some cases, the padding material is encased in a fabric. As one example, the topper may include a generally rectangular piece of foam material having the general shape of the mattress, yet is significantly thinner in thickness. Merely by way of example, toppers may have thicknesses in the range from about one inch to about twelve inches. Typically, the fabric used to encase the padding material includes seams that run along the outer periphery, and may also include a piping material similar to conventional mattresses. Examples of filling materials that may be used in cores include foams, such as polyurethane foam, visco elastic foams, air bladders, air spacer materials, gels and the like. 
         [0027]    Shown in  FIG. 1 , is one embodiment of a mattress system  10  that comprises a mattress  12  having a top surface  14 , a bottom surface  16  and sides  18  that extend between the top surface  14  and bottom surface  16 . For convenience of discussion, the mattress may be defined in terms of a head end  20  and a foot end  22 . Mattress  12  may be constructed of a core that is encased in fabric. This fabric may be in multiple pieces that are sewn together along seam lines. In some cases, piping  23  may be placed along the seam lines. 
         [0028]    Disposed on top surface  14  is a topper  30  that may also be defined in terms of a head end  32  and a foot end  34 . Topper  30  may comprise a padding material that is encased in fabric similar to mattress  12 . Topper  30  may have various seam lines where the fabric is sewn together to encase the padding material. 
         [0029]    Optionally, the mattress  12  and topper  30  may be used with an adjustable frame  40  that includes various mechanisms  42  to raise and lower various portions of the mattress  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1  the head end  20  is inclined as well as the foot end  22 . However, it will be appreciated that the mattress may be inclined in a variety of different ways. 
         [0030]    Referring also now to  FIGS. 2-5 , exemplary connector systems  50  that are used to couple the topper  30  to mattress  12  will be described. The connector systems  50  may be placed at different locations on mattress system  10 . As shown, there are two connector systems  50  at the foot end  22  and two connector systems  50  at the head end  20 . However, it will be appreciated that other numbers could be provided either at the head end or the foot end. Further, although not shown, one or more connector systems  50  could also be placed at the sides  18  of the mattress to couple the topper  30  to the mattress  12  along the sides. 
         [0031]    Each connector system  50  comprises a topper connector  52  and a mattress connector  54  that are coupled to the topper  30  and mattress  12 , respectively. The connectors  52  and  54  comprise ring connectors that are sewn to the topper  30  and mattress  12  using fabric segments  56 . Fabric segments  56  may be sewn into the seam lines of mattress  12  so that they will not tear away from mattress  12  even when significant force is applied. The opposing fabric segments  56  may similarly be sewn into the seam lines of topper  30 . In this way, connectors  52  and  54  are sewn directly to the mattress  12  and topper  30  (typically into a seam) so that they will not tear or break during use. Placed between connectors  52  and  54  is a strap  60  that is used to couple the topper  30  to the mattress  12 . Connector  60  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Straps  60  may be constructed of a durable fabric, such as a nylon webbing, quilted materials, other non-stretchable fabrics, leather, vinyl, or the like. Further, at each end of strap  60  is an interlocking connector  62 . As shown, interlocking connectors  62  are hourglass in shape and are sewn to each end of strap  60 . In this way, connectors  62  may pass through connectors  52  and  54  and then interlock with each other to secure the topper to the mattress. Other types of interlocking connectors could be used, such as snaps, a hook and loop fastener material, buttons, clips, buckles, ties, hook and eye connectors and the like. 
         [0032]    Once securely connected, the topper  30  will remain secured to mattress  12  even when the bed is adjusted as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . As shown, the head and foot ends  20  and  22  may be elevated. In so doing, gravity and the weight of the user will tend to pull topper  30  from off of mattress  12 . However, connector systems  50  hold the topper  30  securely to mattress  12  so that it does not slip off. Further, by constructing connector systems  50  of durable straps and using metal rings as connectors that are sewn to the topper and the mattress, the connection points will not tear and the connectors will not break. 
         [0033]    Although shown with ring connectors  52  and  54  that are sewn to mattress  12  and topper  30  by fabric segments, it will be appreciated that other types of connectors could be used to which straps may be coupled. For example, instead of using a ring connector, other types of possible connectors include other shaped rings, such as D-rings, O-rings, the like. Also, cam and spring buckle connectors could be used to couple a strap to the mattress and topper. Other kinds of connectors include slides, loops, strap adjustors, snap hooks, side release buckles, hooks, carabiners, spring links, and the like. Materials that may be used to construct such connectors include metal, plastic, nylon and the like. In some cases, other types of fasteners could be used to couple straps between the topper and the mattress, including hook and loop fastener materials, buttons, ties, snaps, clips, and the like. As one specific example, pieces of hook and loop fabric material may be sewn to the sides of the topper and the mattress. Corresponding pieces of hook and loop fastener material could also be coupled to the straps which could then be directly coupled to the mattress and topper by interlinking the opposing pieces of hook and loop fastener materials. Similar processes could be used with buttons, ties, clips, and the like. One advantage to using each of these types of connector systems is that they can quickly and easily be used to couple the straps to the topper and the mattress. This permits the topper to be removed in an easy manner whenever needed. Further, these types of systems are strong and durable so that they will not break when excessive force is applied to the straps, such as the topper attempts to move relative to the mattress. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, fabric segments  56  could be made longer and provided with interlocking connectors at their ends. In this way, the fabric segment attached to the topper could be directly coupled to the fabric segment that is attached to the mattress using any of the connectors described herein. In some cases, the two fabric segments could simply be tied to each other. This embodiment would eliminate the need for strap  60 . Further, strap length adjusters could be provided on one or both of the fabric segments to alter their length, if needed. 
         [0035]    In a further option, fabric segments  56  could be formed as fabric loops that are coupled to the mattress and the topper. A connector, such as a strap, could then be coupled to each of the fabric loops. As another option, the fabric segments  56  could terminate in fabric loops that would serve as connectors so that a strap could be coupled to each of the fabric loops. 
         [0036]    The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.