Patent Publication Number: US-2015082545-A1

Title: Bedding article having a cooling insert

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The following description relates to a bedding article having a cooling insert, and in particular, a bedding article such as a pillow shell, pillow protector, blanket, comforter and/or a mattress pad having an insert for providing increased comfort. 
     Bedding articles may include pillow shells, pillow protectors, blankets, comforters and mattress pads. A pillow shell may refer to a stitched piece or pieces of fabric, typically rectangular in shape, and formed with an opening to receive padding or other filling. The opening may be closed by, for example, a zipper. A pillow protector may refer to a stitched piece or pieces of fabric having an open end configured to receive the pillow shell. A mattress pad generally includes a padded surface top surface configured to be disposed across a top surface of a mattress. The mattress pad may also include four depending sides configured to fit around corresponding sides of a mattress. The depending sides may include an elastic material so that the depending sides snuggly engage the sides of mattress to secure the mattress pad to the mattress. 
     Bedding articles are typically made from a single fabric or blend of fabrics, and may include a filling or other padding material therein. These fabrics and/or filling may retain heat, causing an increase in temperature as a result of a person remaining in contact with, or being covered by, the bedding article. In addition, some bedding articles may restrict the flow of air so that heat may build up due to body heat from a user. In some cases, the bedding article or area enclosed by the bedding article may reach an uncomfortable temperature. 
     Accordingly, is desirable to provide a bedding article that may maintain a comfortable a temperature and/or provide a cooling effect as perceived by the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, there is provided a bedding article having a first layer including a first edge region defining a size and a shape of the first layer, the first layer comprising a gel pack, the gel pack having an outer surface storing a gel therein. 
     The gel pack may define the first edge region of the first layer. 
     The first layer may further include a first material and the gel pack is secured to the first material. The first material may define the first edge region, and include an opening having a size and shape, wherein the gel pack has a size and shape substantially the same as the size and shape of the opening, and is positioned in the opening and secured to the first material about a periphery of the gel pack. 
     The first material may define the first edge region and an area of the first layer and the gel pack may be disposed on the first material. The gel pack may be secured to the first material by stitching or adhesive. The stitching may form at least one seam about a periphery of the gel pack. 
     The bedding article may also include a cover layer having a cover layer edge region, wherein a first portion of the cover layer edge region may be secured to the first material to define a pocket between the cover layer and first material, and an opening to the pocket is formed along a second portion of the cover layer edge region such that the gel pack may be received in the pocket through the opening and secured to the first material by the cover layer. The cover layer may be made from a fabric or mesh material. 
     A fastener may be disposed along the second portion of cover layer edge region and a mating fastener may be disposed on the first material adjacent to the second portion of the cover layer edge region, such that the opening to the pocket may be selectively opened or closed with the fastener and mating fastener. 
     The bedding article may also include a skirting extending around the first edge region, wherein the skirting may be a material extending from the first edge region, and the first layer may be configured to be disposed on a top side of a mattress and the skirting may be configured to extend around sides of the mattress to maintain the bedding article in a desired position. 
     The bedding article may further include a second layer, the second layer having a second edge region defining a size and shape of the second layer, wherein the size and shape of the second layer may be substantially the same as the size and shape of the first layer. A first portion of the second edge region may be secured to a first portion of the first edge region so as to define a receptacle between the first layer and the second layer. An article opening may be formed between a second portion of the first edge region and a second portion of the second edge region through which a filler may be received in the receptacle. The filler may be a pillow or a natural or polyester fiber fill. 
     A closure fastener may disposed along the second portion of the first edge region and a mating closure fastener may disposed along the second portion of the second edge region adjacent to the second portion of the first edge region of the first layer, such that the receptacle opening to the receptacle may be selectively opened or closed with the closure fastener and the mating closure fastener. 
     A gusset may be positioned between the first edge region of the first layer and the second edge region of the second layer to space the first edge region from the second edge region, wherein the gusset may be secured to the first portion of the first edge region and the first portion of the second edge region. The gusset may also be secured to one of the second portion of the first edge region and the second portion of second edge region such that the receptacle opening is formed between a free edge of the gusset and the second portion of the first edge region or the second portion of the second edge region to which the gusset is not secured. 
     According to another embodiment, a bedding article may include a first side facing outward, a second side facing inward and a mesh insert including a plurality of apertures configured to allow ambient air adjacent to the first side to fluidly communicate with air adjacent to the second side. 
     The mesh insert may be formed as a strip of material extending along a length or width of the bedding article. A filler may be disposed between the first side and second side. A plurality of baffles may be formed in the bedding article. The baffles may container the filler therein, and the mesh insert may extend between adjacent baffles. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and processes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an example of a bedding article according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an example of the bedding article of  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an example of another bedding article according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of an example of a bedding article shown in  FIG. 3  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of an example of still another bedding article according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of another example of the bedding article of  FIG. 6  according an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of another example of the bedding article shown in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of example of a bedding article having a cooling insert according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section of the bedding article  110  in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or illustrated. 
       FIG. 1  shows a top view of an example of a bedding article  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The bedding article may include a first layer  12  having a first edge region  14  defining a size and a shape of the first layer. The first layer  12  further includes a cooling insert or attachment, such as a gel pack  16 . The gel pack  16  includes an outer surface  18  that envelops a gel material  20 . That is, the outer surface  18  of the gel pack  16  may function as a bladder storing the gel material  20  therein. The gel pack  16  may include a plurality of discrete gel containing squares that are sealed off from adjacent gel containing squares. The outer surface  18  may be formed from a flexible material such as a plastic, thermoplastic or rubber based material, or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the bedding article  10  is configured so that the gel pack  16  is positioned on an exterior side thereof so that the gel pack  16  interfaces with a user. Further, in some examples, the gel pack  16  may define the first edge region  14  of the first layer  12 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the first layer  12  may also include a first material  22 . The first material  22  may be a fabric material made from either natural or synthetic fibers or a blend thereof. The gel pack  16  may be secured to the first material  22 . In one embodiment, the gel pack may be secured to the first material  22 , for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. For instance, the gel pack  16  may include an outer periphery  24  which may be stitched to the first material  22 . The outer periphery  24  may be separated from the portion in which the gel material  20  is disposed such that stitching through the outer periphery  24  does not cause gel to leak from the gel pack  16 . That is, the outer surface  18  of the gel pack  16  may include portions in which gel is not disposed so that he gel pack  16  may be stitched to the first material  22  The stitching may form at least one seam  26  about the outer periphery  24  of the gel pack  16 . Alternatively, or in addition to the stitching, a suitable adhesive may be applied to the outer periphery  24  or other portions, including central portions, of the outer surface  18  of the gel pack  16  to secure the gel pack  16  to the first material  22 . 
     In some examples, the first material  22  may define the first edge region  14 . The first material  22  may include an opening, for example, a substantially centrally located opening, having a size and a shape. The gel pack  16  may have a size and shape substantially the same as the size and shape of the opening, and may be positioned in the opening. The gel pack  16  may be secured to the first material  22  at, for example, a portion of the gel pack  16  that overlaps with the first material  22 . For instance, in some configurations, the outer periphery  24  of the gel pack may overlap with the first material  22 . In other configurations, a plurality of tabs may extend from the gel pack  16  to over lap with the first material  22 . The gel pack  16  may be secured to first material  22 , as noted above, by way of stitching, adhesive, or other suitable securing mechanism. Alternatively, the gel pack  16  may be disposed entirely, or substantially entirely, on the first material  22  and secured thereto by stitching, adhesive or other suitable fastener. 
       FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of an example of the bedding article of  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the bedding article  10  may further include a cover layer  28  for at least partially covering the gel pack  16 . The cover layer  28  includes a cover layer edge region  30 . A first portion  32  of the cover layer edge region  30  may be secured to the first material  22  to define a pocket  34  between the cover layer  28  and first material  22 . An opening  36  to the pocket  34  may be formed along a second portion  38  of the cover layer edge region  30  such that the gel pack  16  may be received in the pocket  34  through the opening  36 . Accordingly, the gel pack  16  may be secured to the first material  22  by the cover layer  28 . In this example, “secured” may refer a situation where the gel pack  16  may be held in place against or adjacent to the first material  22  during normal use, while remaining selectively removable from the bedding article  10  based on a user&#39;s preference. 
     A fastener  40  may be disposed along the second portion  38  of cover layer edge region  30  and a mating fastener  42  may be disposed on the first material  22  adjacent to the second portion  38  of the cover layer edge region  30 . Accordingly, the opening  36  to the pocket  34  may be selectively opened or closed with the fastener  40  and mating fastener  42 . The fastener  40  and mating fastener  42  may be, for example, a slide fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a snap or a button. It is understood, however, that the fastener  40  and mating fastener  42  are not limited to these examples. 
     In one example, the bedding article  10  may be a mattress pad. The mattress pad may be disposed on top of a mattress such that a user in a supine or a prone position, for example, may be positioned on the first layer  12 , and in particular, on at least a portion of the gel pack  16 . The gel  20  stored in the gel pack  16  may be configured to provide a cooling effect to enhance the user&#39;s comfort. For example, the gel may generally be at a temperature of the ambient air. The physical properties of the gel allow the gel resist temperature change or to remain at the temperature of ambient air for a greater period of time than a simple fabric material when a user is positioned on the mattress pad. That is, the gel material may resist a temperature change caused by a user&#39;s body heat more than a simple fabric material, so that the user may perceive a cooling effect from the gel pack  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bedding article  10 , i.e., the mattress pad, may include skirting  44  extending around the first edge region  14 . The skirting  44  may be made from a material, such as fabric similar to the first material  22 , extending from the first edge region  14 . The first layer  12  is configured to be disposed on a top side of a mattress (not shown) and the skirting  44  is configured to extend around sides of the mattress to maintain the bedding article  10 , i.e., the mattress pad, in a desired position. The skirting  44  may include a stretch or elastic material so as to snuggly fit the mattress. Alternatively, anchor bands may be used as well. It is further understood that the skirting  44  is not required, and that the mattress pad, without skirting, may be positioned on a top side of a mattress. 
     In the embodiments above, it is understood that the gel pack  16  could cover or form the entire surface of the bedding article, or may be limited to specifically zoned areas. It is also understood that multiple gel packs  16  may be used at different locations on the bedding article  10 , and that the specific configuration of the bedding article  10  may vary accordingly to accommodate multiple gel packs  16 . The bedding article  10  may also include a layer of polyester batting (not shown), for example, below the first layer  12 . The bedding article  10  may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape such that the first edge region  14  includes four (4) edges. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show examples of another bedding article  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In these embodiments, the bedding article  10  may be, for example a pillow shell. Further,  FIGS. 5-7  show examples of still another bedding article  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIGS. 5-7 , the bedding article may be, for example, a pillow protector. The bedding articles shown in  FIGS. 3-7  include similarities to the bedding articles described above. Accordingly, similar features may be referred to with similar terminology and reference characters. It is understood that feature of the bedding articles  10  described above not specifically referred to below may be implemented below, and vice versa. Further still, similar features between the bedding article  10  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and  FIGS. 5-7  may be referred to using similar terminology and reference characters. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the bedding article  10  may include the various features of the first layer  12  described above, and may further include a second layer  46 . The second layer  46  includes a second edge region  48  defining a size and a shape of the second layer  46 . In one example, the size and shape of the second layer  46  are substantially the same as the size and shape of the first layer  12 . A first portion  50  of the second edge region  48  may be secured to a first portion  52  of the first edge region  14  so as to define a receptacle  54  between the first layer  12  and the second layer  46 . A receptacle opening  56  is formed between a second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  and a second portion  60  of the second edge region  48  through which a filler  62  may be received in the receptacle  54 . The filler  62  may be, for example, a natural or polyester fiber fill inserted in a receptacle of a pillow shell. Alternatively, the filler may be, for example, a pillow inserted in a receptacle  54  of a pillow protector. 
     A closure fastener  64  may be disposed along the second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  and a mating closure fastener  66  may be disposed along the second portion  60  of the second edge region  48  adjacent to the second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  on the first layer  12 , such that the receptacle opening  56  to the receptacle  54  may be selectively opened or closed with the closure fastener  64  and the mating closure fastener  66 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , which show the bedding article  10  as a pillow shell and pillow protector, respectively, the bedding article  10  may further include a gusset  68  positioned between the first edge region  14  of the first layer  12  and the second edge region  48  of the second layer  46 , thereby spacing apart the first edge region  14  and the second edge region  48 . In some embodiments, the gusset  68  may be secured to the first portion  52  of the first edge region  14  and the first portion  50  of the second edge region  48 . The gusset  68  may also be secured to one of the second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  and the second portion  60  of second edge region  48  such that the receptacle opening  56  is formed between a free edge  70  of the gusset  68  and the second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  or the second portion  60  of the second edge region  48  to which the gusset is not secured. The gusset  68  may be secured to the first layer  12  and second layer  46  by, for example, stitching, or other suitable methods. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the closure fastener  64  may be disposed along one of the second portion  58  of the first edge region  14  and the second portion  60  of the second edge region  48 . The mating closure fastener  66  may be disposed along the free edge  70  of the gusset  68 , such that the receptacle opening  56  to the receptacle  54  may be selectively opened or closed with the closure fastener  64  and the mating closure fastener  66 . 
     As in the examples above, the first material  22  and gel pack  16  may be secured to one another. For example, in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 , the gel pack  16  may be positioned in the opening of the first material  22 , and may be secured to the first material  22  at the outer periphery  24  of the gel pack  16 . Alternatively, the gel pack  16  may be disposed on the first material  22 . The cover layer  28  may cover the gel pack  16 , and be made from a fabric or mesh material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the bedding article  10 , as a pillow protector, may include the pocket  34  formed between the cover  28  and first material  22  such that the gel pack  16  may be received therein, and secured to the first material  22  by the cover layer. A suitable fastener, such as a slide fastener, hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps may selectively open and close the opening  36  to the pocket  34  so that the gel pack  16  may be selectively received in, and removed from the pocket  34 . As described above, the cover layer  28  may be made from a fabric or mesh material. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a bedding article  110  having a cooling insert according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a cross-section of the bedding article  110  in  FIG. 8 . Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bedding article  110  may be a comforter, blanket or similar article. The bedding article  110  includes a first side  112  and a second side  114 . The first side  112  and the second side  114  may present a substantially uniform and solid surface that limits or restricts passage of air therethrough. A mesh insert  116  may be disposed in the bedding article  110 . The mesh insert includes a plurality of apertures  118  configured to allow fluid communication between air positioned adjacent to the first side  112  and air positioned adjacent to the second side  114 . 
     The mesh insert  116  may be formed as a strip of material extending along at least a portion of a length or width of the bedding article  110 . In some examples, the mesh insert  116  may extend the entire length or width of the bedding article  110 . More than one mesh insert  116  may be provided for a bedding article  110 . Multiple mesh inserts  116  may extend parallel to one another or intersect with one another. 
     In the examples shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bedding article  110  is a comforter. The comforter includes a filler  120  between the first side  112  and second side  114 . The filler may be a natural filler or a polyester fiber fill, for example. The first side  112  and second side  114  may be stitched together in a pattern, for example, a plurality of squares, to form a plurality of baffles  122  containing the filler  120 . The mesh insert  116  may extend between adjacent baffles  122 . For example, the mesh insert  116  may extend between adjacent rows or columns of baffles  122 . Alternatively, the mesh insert  116  may surround a baffle or baffles  122 . 
     It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the examples above, and other configurations are envisioned. For example, the mesh insert  116  may take any shape, such as a square or circle, and may be positioned, for example, at a central portion, or equally spaced apart portions, of the bedding article  110 . 
     In use, a user may cover themselves with the bedding article  110  such that the first side  112  faces outward and is exposed to ambient air, and the second side  114  faces inward toward the user. The bedding article  110  may trap a portion of air between the second side  114 , the user, and a surface on which the user is positioned. This portion of air, adjacent to the second side, may increase in temperature due to body heat of the user. The air adjacent to the second side  114  may flow outward through the plurality of apertures  118  to the cooler ambient air adjacent to the first side  112 . Similarly, the cooler ambient air adjacent to the first side  112  may flow through the plurality of apertures  118  to an area adjacent to the second side  114  and the user&#39;s body. Accordingly, a cooling effect may be provided to the user. 
     In the embodiments above, a bedding article may be a mattress pad, pillow shell and/or a pillow protector. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and other bedding articles having the features described above are envisioned. For example, the features above may also be implemented on a bottom sheet or fitted sheet. In use, the gel material in the gel packs may initially be at an ambient room temperature. Because the gel does not conduct heat as quickly as traditional fabrics, the gel may provide a cooling effect to a user who is in contact with, and nearly in contact with the gel packs. Accordingly, the bedding articles with the gel packs as described above may enhance a user&#39;s comfort with respect to temperature. Further, by using a mesh insert in a blanket or comforter, air may flow from the first side to second side and vice versa, such that warmer air, for example air nearest a user, may escape from the second side to the first side, and cooler, ambient air, may circulate from the first side to the second side to provide a cooling effect. It is understood that the various features described with respect to certain embodiments above may be implemented across the other embodiments as well, and vice versa. 
     It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.