Patent Publication Number: US-8522376-B2

Title: Captive corner mattress-retention mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to a mechanism for securing a mattress on an automated bed. More particularly, the invention relates to a mattress-retention mechanism for preventing a mattress from moving towards the foot end of an automated bed during articulation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of methods are used to prevent a mattress from shifting past the edge of an automated bed foundation. Traditional mattress-retention methods include foot retainer bars, snaps, zippers, buckles, bars, Velcro®, clips, pockets, and non-slip fabrics or surfaces. Many of these methods help prevent a mattress from moving towards the foot end of an automated bed during base articulation, such as during articulation of a Power Foundation from Leggett &amp; Platt®. However, these retention methods require modifications to the mattress itself and/or parts of the automated bed in order to reduce or eliminate forward, foot-end motion during articulation. Additionally, such methods may be unsightly to a user, and may complicate the use of traditional bedding materials such as sheets or blankets on the bed. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a reliable mattress-retention mechanism for use with an automated bedding system, which addresses the foregoing and other problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a mattress-retention mechanism that prevents a mattress from moving towards the foot end of an automated bed during articulation. In one embodiment, a mattress-retention mechanism is cast from a single mold and secured to the corner of a bed foundation. In another embodiment, a mattress-retention mechanism may include two or more parts, separately molded, that together perform the function of capturing a corner of a mattress during articulation. Accordingly, the mattress-retention mechanism “captures” the corner of the mattress and prevents it from shifting past the edge of the foundation. As will be understood, two mattress-retention mechanisms may be secured to a single foundation, thereby capturing both corners at the foot end of a mattress during articulation. 
     One illustrative embodiment of a mattress-retention mechanism comprises a mattress-support structure adapted to support the corner of a mattress, with a portion of the mattress-support structure having a curved interior surface. The mattress-retention mechanism includes a foundation attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to the top of a mattress foundation, where the foundation attachment surface is perpendicular to the curved interior surface. 
     In another illustrative aspect, a mattress-retention mechanism comprises an upper retaining component and a lower retaining component. The upper retaining component includes: (1) a mattress-support structure adapted to support the corner of a mattress, where a portion of the mattress-support structure has a curved interior surface, and (2) a foundation attachment surface perpendicular to the curved interior surface, where the foundation attachment surface includes a lock component imbedded in the lower surface of the foundation attachment surface. The lower retaining component comprises a socket component that protrudes from the top surface of the lower retaining component. The lower retaining component is removably attached to the top of a mattress foundation. The socket component of the lower retaining component is capable of mating with the lock component of the foundation attachment surface, thereby coupling the upper retaining component to the lower retaining component. 
     According to a third illustrative aspect, the present invention includes a mattress-retention mechanism comprising a mattress-support structure adapted to support the corner of a mattress, with a portion of the mattress-support structure having a curved interior surface that conforms to the curve of the vertical side of the mattress. The mattress-retention mechanism also includes a foundation attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to the top of a mattress foundation, where the foundation attachment surface is perpendicular to the curved interior surface of the mattress-support structure. The mattress-retention mechanism also includes a bedding aperture positioned on the side surface of the mattress-support structure. The bedding aperture is adapted to accommodate bedding inserted through the bedding aperture. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism; 
         FIG. 2A  is an interior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2C  is an exterior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2D  is an interior perspective view of a textured interior surface of a mattress-retention mechanism; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is an interior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is an exterior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism, which includes an upper retaining component and a lower retaining component; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of the upper retaining component of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of the lower retaining component of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4D  is an interior perspective view of the mattress-retention component of  FIG. 4A , with the upper retaining component and the lower retaining component tilted away from each other to reveal the bottom surface of the upper retaining component and the top surface of the lower retaining component; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is an interior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIG. 5D  is an exterior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of a mattress-retention mechanism  10  is seen in FIGS.  1  and  2 A-D. Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a side view of an exemplary mattress-retention mechanism  10  includes a mattress-support structure  12  having a curved interior surface  14  that conforms to the vertical, curved corner of a mattress  16 . Embodiments of the mattress-retention mechanism  10  include an identifying marking  58  molded into the exterior surface of the mattress-support structure  12 . The mattress-support structure  12  includes a foundation attachment surface  18  that can be used to couple the mattress-retention mechanism  10  to a mattress foundation  20  using one or more of the attachment mechanisms  22 . Although the attachment mechanisms  22  in  FIG. 1  are depicted as being screws viewed from the side, a variety of types of attachment mechanisms  22  may be used to couple the mattress-retention mechanism  10  to the mattress foundation  20 , including posts, pegs, bolts, hooks, or other devices. 
     In embodiments, once secured to the corners of a mattress foundation  20 , a pair of mattress-retention mechanisms  10  is used to capture the corners of a mattress  16  during articulation. With a first mattress-retention mechanism  10  coupled to a first foot-end corner of the mattress foundation  20 , and a second mattress-retention mechanism  10  coupled to the second foot-end corner of the mattress foundation  20 , the mattress  16  is prevented from moving towards the foot end of the bed during articulation. In one embodiment, a mattress-retention mechanism  10  is cast from a single mold and secured to the corner of a mattress foundation  20 . In another embodiment, a mattress-retention mechanism  10  may include two or more parts, separately molded, that together perform the function of capturing a corner of a mattress  16  during articulation. Embodiments of a mattress-retention mechanism  10  may be constructed from plastic, metal, or any other material that can maintain the shape of the mattress-retention mechanism  10  while restricting the movement of a mattress  16  during articulation. 
     In addition to preventing the mattress  16  from moving towards the foot end of a bed during articulation, the mattress-retention mechanism  10  also includes a bedding aperture  24  on the side surface of the mattress-support structure  12  that may be used to retain bedding on the mattress  16 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the bedding aperture  24  is an opening in the vertical side of the mattress-support structure  12  that is adapted to accommodate bedding inserted through the bedding aperture  24 . For example, the corner edge of a fitted bed sheet may be inserted into the bedding aperture  24  to secure the bed sheet to the mattress  16 . In one embodiment, the mattress-retention mechanism  10  may be positioned in direct contact with the mattress  16 , with bedding for the mattress  16  secured around the corner of the mattress  16  (and around the mattress-retention mechanism  10 ) and into the bedding aperture  24 . In other embodiments, a fitted sheet may be applied directly to the mattress  16 , with the mattress-retention mechanism  10  securing both the mattress  16  and the fitted sheet. In that example, additional bedding may still be inserted into the bedding aperture  24 . 
     Additional views of the mattress-retention mechanism  10  are depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D .  FIG. 2A  is an interior perspective view of an exemplary mattress-retention mechanism  10 , including a curved interior surface  14  of the mattress-support structure  12  that abuts the vertical side of a mattress  16 . The top of the foundation attachment surface  18  is depicted in  FIG. 2A  as including a plurality of attachment mechanisms  22 . In one embodiment, attachment mechanism  22  includes one or more apertures in the surface of the foundation attachment surface  18  that can be used to attach the mattress-retention mechanism  10  to the mattress foundation  20 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a top view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 1 , which demonstrates that the mattress-support structure  12  has a thickness and a curved interior surface  14 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the mattress-support structure  12  is within the range of 0.09 to 1.3 inches. In some embodiments, as curved to accommodate the vertical corner of a mattress  16 , the internal radius of the curved interior surface  14  is approximately 2.5 inches. 
     The curved exterior of the mattress-support structure  12  is best seen in  FIG. 2C , which is an exterior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism  10  of  FIG. 1 . In embodiments, bedding aperture  24  is an opening in a portion of the curved, vertical side of the mattress-support structure  12 . Accordingly, the size of bedding aperture  24  may be adapted to accommodate various types of bedding inserted through the bedding aperture  24 . 
     Another exemplary mattress-retention mechanism  10  is depicted in  FIG. 2D , with an interior perspective view of a textured interior surface  60  of the mattress-retention mechanism  10 . The textured interior surface  60  may be used to further restrict movement of a mattress  16  during articulation of an automated bed. As will be understood, a variety of techniques, materials, or mechanisms may be used to create the textured interior surface  60 . For example, a series of indentations may be integrated into a cast for the mattress-retention mechanism  10 , such that the molded mechanism may include raised bumps that protrude from the curved interior surface  14 . In further examples, a series of cross-hatched ridges may be incorporated into the mattress-retention mechanism  10  mold, thereby creating a grid-like texture on the curved interior surface  14 . Any number of patterns, or any amount of texture, may be incorporated into the textured interior surface  60 , which may also be applied to some or all of the curved interior surface  14 . Additionally, a texture may also be applied to the foundation attachment surface  18 , so as to further secure a mattress  16  retained against the interior of the mattress-support structure  12 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3A , a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism  26  includes a mattress-support structure  28  having curved interior surfaces  30  and  32 , a foundation attachment surface  34 , and side attachment surface mechanisms  36 . In embodiments, when used to retain a mattress  16  during articulation of an automated bed, curved interior surface  30  conforms to the vertical corner of a mattress  16 , while curved interior surface  32  conforms to the vertical corner of a mattress foundation  20 . Additionally, side attachment surface mechanisms  36  may be used to attach the mattress-retention mechanism  26  to a mattress foundation  20 .  FIG. 3B  depicts the thickness of the mattress-support structure  28 , having a curved interior surface  30 , as viewed from the top. In embodiments, mattress-support structure  28  has a thickness between 0.09 and 0.13 inches. In one example, foundation attachment surface  34  includes foundation attachment mechanisms  38 , which may be used in addition to or instead of side attachment mechanisms  36 . Foundation attachment surface  34  may also have a thickness between 0.09 and 0.13 inches. As discussed with reference to attachment mechanisms  22 , any number of type of side attachment mechanisms  36  and/or foundation attachment mechanisms  38  may be used to secure mattress-retention mechanism  26 , including screws, bolts, posts, pegs, hooks, or other devices. 
       FIG. 3C  is an interior perspective view of exemplary mattress-retention mechanism  26 , demonstrating the curved interior surfaces  30  and  32  of the mattress-support structure  28 . As will be understood, curved interior surface  30  abuts the vertical, curved surface of a mattress  16  positioned above the foundation attachment surface  34 , while curved interior surface  32  abuts a mattress foundation  20  positioned below the foundation attachment surface  34 . As seen in the exterior perspective view of  FIG. 3D , the exterior of mattress-support structure  28  is also curved. Accordingly, having a consistent thickness between the curved interior surface  30  and the exterior surface of the mattress-support structure  28 , embodiments of the mattress-retention mechanism  26  have an internal radius of the curved internal surface  30  of approximately 2.5 inches. Embodiments of the mattress-retention mechanism  26  have an internal radius that conforms to the curved edge of the corner of a mattress  16 , and the corner of a mattress foundation  20 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 4A , a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism  40  includes an upper retaining component  42  having a curved interior surface  46  and a foundation attachment surface  50  having a lower surface with a lock component  52 . The curved interior surface  46  of the upper retaining component  42  is conformed to the vertical curve of a mattress  16 . The upper retaining component  42  is capable of coupling to the lower retaining component  44 , which includes a top surface  54  having a socket component  56 . As will be understood, the curved interior surface  48  of the lower retaining component  44  is conformed to the vertical curve of a mattress foundation  20 . Accordingly, the lower retaining component may be attached to a mattress foundation  20  using one or more attachment mechanisms, such as side attachment mechanisms  36 . 
     Embodiments of the upper retaining component  42  and the lower retaining component  44  may be cast from separate molds of the same or different materials. For example, one or both of the upper retaining component  42  and the lower retaining component  44  may be constructed from plastic, metal, or any other material that can maintain the shape of the mattress-retention mechanism  40  while restricting the movement of a mattress  16  during articulation. 
     In one embodiment, the socket component  56  of the lower retaining component  44  mates with the lock component  52  of the upper retaining component  42 , thereby coupling the upper retaining component  42  to the lower retaining component  44 . As best depicted in  FIG. 4B , the foundation attachment surface  50  has a lower surface with a lock component  52 . Although depicted as only a partial indentation into the lower surface of the foundation attachment surface  50 , in some embodiments, the lock component  52  may be an aperture in the upper retaining component  42  such that the socket component  56  fits through the lock component  52 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the socket component  56  extends from the top surface of the lower retaining component  44 , and fits inside the lock component  52 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4D , an interior perspective view of mattress-retention mechanism  40  demonstrates the coupling of the upper retaining component  42  and the lower retaining component  44 , which are tilted away from each other to reveal the socket and lock combination. As will be understood, lock component  52  and socket component  56  may be any shape that couples to each other, and may also be arranged in any orientation on the foundation attachment surface  50  of the upper retaining component  42 , and the top surface  54  of the lower retaining component  44 . Additionally, in some embodiments, foundation attachment surface  50  includes more than one lock component  52 , while top surface  54  includes more than one socket component  56 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5A , a side view of a mattress-retention mechanism  60  includes a mattress-support structure  62 , a foundation attachment surface  64 , a curved interior surface  66 , a spacer extension  68 , and a cavity  70 . Foundation attachment surface  64  can be used to couple the mattress-retention mechanism  60  to a mattress foundation  20  using one or more attachment mechanisms. 
     Embodiments of a mattress-retention mechanism  60  may be constructed from polypropylene, ABS, glass-filled nylon, aluminum casting, steel, or any other material that can maintain the shape of the mattress-retention mechanism  60  while restricting the movement of a mattress  16  during articulation. In addition to preventing the mattress  16  from moving towards the foot end of a bed during articulation, embodiments of the mattress-retention mechanism  60  include a cavity  70  created between a mattress foundation  20  and the mattress-retention mechanism  60 , which may be used to retain bedding on the mattress  16 . As depicted in  FIG. 5A , the cavity  70  is created when the spacer extension  68  on the bottom surface of the foundation attachment surface  64  is attached to the top surface of a mattress foundation  20 . The cavity  70  is adapted to accommodate bedding inserted through the cavity  70 . For example, the corner edge of a fitted bed sheet may be inserted into the cavity  70  to secure the bed sheet to the mattress  16 . 
     In one embodiment, the mattress-retention mechanism  60  may be positioned in direct contact with the mattress  16 , with bedding for the mattress  16  secured around the corner of the mattress  16  (and around the mattress-retention mechanism  60 ) and into the cavity  70 . In other embodiments, a fitted sheet may be applied directly to the mattress  16 , with the mattress-retention mechanism  60  securing both the mattress  16  and the fitted sheet. In that example, additional bedding may still be inserted into the cavity  70 . 
     Additional views of the mattress-retention mechanism  60  are depicted in  FIGS. 5B-5D .  FIG. 5B  is an top view of an exemplary mattress-retention mechanism  60 , including a curved interior surface  66  of the mattress-support structure  62  that abuts to the vertical side of a mattress  16 . The top of the foundation attachment surface  64  is depicted in  FIG. 5B  as including apertures in the surface that can be used to attach the mattress-retention mechanism  60  to a mattress foundation  20 . 
       FIG. 5C  is an interior perspective view of the mattress-retention mechanism of  FIG. 5A , which demonstrates the curved interior surface  66  of the mattress-support structure. In some embodiments, the thickness of spacer extension  68  is increased or decreased to increase or decrease the amount of space between the bottom of a mattress  16  (retained by the mattress-retention mechanism  60 ) and a mattress foundation  20 , thereby creating a larger or smaller cavity  70 . Spacer extension  68  may be the same material as the mattress-support structure, or a different material. In some embodiments, spacer extension  68  is cast separately and attached to the foundation attachment surface  64 , while in other embodiments spacer extension  68  is integrated into the same mold as the mattress-support structure  62 . 
     As viewed in both  FIGS. 5C and 5D , cavity  70  extends around the body of the mattress-retention mechanism  60 , underneath at least a portion of the foundation attachment surface  64 . Accordingly, bedding may be inserted into a cavity  70  created between the bottom of a mattress  16  and top of a mattress foundation  20 . 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages, which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.