Abstract:
A system and method for displaying a pet bed at a point of sale location is provided including a display unit for displaying a plurality of mattresses having different volumes and differently sized covers corresponding to the different volume mattresses. The mattresses are preferably displayed at the point of sale location restrained in a compressed state having a reduced volume compared to the expanded state, which preferably reduces the amount of space occupied for the display unit. Furthermore, the variety of sizes of the mattresses and designs of the covers can facilitate a user personalizing the pet bed according to the user&#39;s preferences.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/916,751, filed on May 8, 2007, titled “PET BED,” the contents of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates, in general, to a bed, more specifically to a bed suitable for a pet, such as a dog or cat. 
         [0003]    Beds currently available in the market for pets are generally limited to a small selection of beds that are available. The sizes are typically predetermined, as are the color and design. Accordingly, the choices for the consumer are limited, and the number of products that the retailer can display is also limited. 
         [0004]    In light of shortcomings described above, it is desirable to provide a bed suitable for a pet that facilitates customization. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Generally speaking, the present invention is directed toward a bed product suitable for a pet, such as a dog or cat, wherein the bed includes a mattress component that is compressible into a smaller size for packaging and expandable into a larger size for use. One embodiment of the invention provides a variety of sizes of mattresses wherein the mattresses may be compressed to less than half, preferably less than one third their expanded volume, most preferably less than 15% of the size of the mattress when in use. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment of the invention, bed covers are sold separately from the beds, so that where space is limited a store can carry a wide variety of covers and customers can match selected covers to interchangeable beds. 
         [0007]    The invention is also directed to a method and system for displaying a pet bed including displaying a variety of sizes of mattresses, covers, accessories and the like, preferably in a single unit. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is an advantage of the invention to provide a mattress that is compressible into a smaller package than the size of the mattress when in use. 
         [0009]    It is further an advantage of the invention to provide a replaceable cover for a mattress to facilitate customization of a bed. 
         [0010]    It is also an advantage of the invention to provide a display system for displaying a selection of mattresses and covers for providing various options for a pet bed. 
         [0011]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figure. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purpose of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Particularly advantageous embodiments of the devices, methods and objects are explained based on the enclosed figures. Here, 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a mattress removed from a package in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a package containing a liner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a mattress being inserted into a liner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a mattress being rolled up in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a mattress being inserted into a bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of a mattress in a bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of the mattress in the bag of  FIG. 4D  in a compressed state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of the compressed mattress in the bag of  FIG. 4E  being inserted into a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a bed suitable for a pet, such as a dog or cat is provided. Preferably, the bed is at least partially customizable, for example, by providing a substantially wide selection of covers and sizes. These covers are presented on display at the store separated from interchangeable beds that can fit into multiple covers. Such options may permit the user to select a bed that best fits the pet and the space in which the bed will be placed, and may further permit the user to find a bed that is most aesthetically pleasing to the user. It also permits a store to stock a larger variety of covers, since the separate covers do not take up as much room as the beds. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4D , an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a mattress  100  that is compressible and expandable. More specifically, when packaged for sale, display or transport, mattress  100  may be compressed and maintained sealed in the compressed state. Mattress  100  may be compressed by various methods, such as by the use of rollers, presses, wraps, straps, or other restraining devices, then restrained in the compressed state. Alternatively, mattress  100  may be compressed by placing mattress  100  in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag, and having the air removed from the bag and preferably the mattress. Once compressed, mattress  100  is preferably maintained in the compressed state by a retaining device, by way of non-limiting example, a strap, a wrap, a container such as a box or bag, and the like. 
         [0029]    By way of non-limiting example, a process for compressing mattress  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4E . In  FIG. 4A , mattress  100  is illustrated in its expanded state. As shown in  FIG. 4B , mattress  100  can be rolled up and inserted into a bag  170  as shown in  FIG. 4C . The air from within bag  170  can be removed and bag  170  can be sealed to prevent air from entering bag  170 . As the air is removed from bag  170 , air is preferably also removed from within mattress  100 , thus compressing it. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4D  illustrates an embodiment of mattress  100  placed within bag  170  prior to being compressed.  FIG. 4E  shows mattress  100  in bag  170  after being compressed, more specifically, after air has been removed from within bag  170 . Preferably, the volume of mattress  100  in the compressed state is approximately 20-25% of the volume of mattress  100  in the expanded state. Because air is prevented from entering bag  170  thereafter, mattress  100  preferably remains in the compressed state. The compressed mattress  100  is preferably further retained in the compressed state by being inserted into a box  180  as shown in  FIG. 4F . 
         [0031]    One example of a suitable retaining device includes a polyester bag  170 , preferably a laminated polyester bag having relatively good barrier properties. Preferably, bag  170  is sealed to prevent the introduction of air into bag  170 . Alternatively, a combination of retaining devices may be used. For example, mattress  100  may be sealed in a bag and packaged into a box  180 , as a corrugated box, preferably a laminated high grade corrugated box, more preferably a folding box. Mattress  100  may also be strapped in the compressed state and placed into a bag or box, etc. without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    Preferably, once the retaining device is removed, for example, by taking mattress  100  out of the container, releasing the straps, etc., mattress  100  can expand to its natural, expanded state. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, mattress  100  is expanded naturally without the use of an external device. Alternatively, an expanding device may be used. This expanded state is preferably naturally maintained and is further substantially maintained while in use. 
         [0033]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the volume of mattress  100  in the compressed state is approximately 5 to 50% of the expanded state, more preferably approximately 14 to 30%, most preferably approximately 20 to 25%. 
         [0034]    Once mattress  100  is in the expanded state, it may be placed on the floor or other desirable surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, mattress  100  is placed directly on the floor. Alternatively, mattress  100  may be placed on or in a support structure such as a basket, a frame, a stand, a housing, etc. without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , an embodiment of mattress  100  may comprise a covering  142  and a filling  124 ,  144  retained within covering  142 . Preferably, covering  142  comprises a woven or non-woven material, more preferably a non-woven material. Filling  124 ,  144  preferably comprises fiberfill, foam, viscoelastic materials (“memory foam”), and/or other manmade or natural materials. 
         [0036]    In accordance with an embodiment of the mattress illustrated in  FIG. 1 , mattress  100  may include one or more chambers  120 ,  140 , preferably separated by a divider  130 . Whereas divider  130  may comprise a variety of materials, a preferred material for divider  130  includes a flexible material, more preferably a foam material, and most preferably open cell polyurethane foam. Such chambers  120 ,  140  may facilitate the expansion of mattress  100  once the retaining device is removed, and may further facilitate maintaining mattress  100  in the expanded state. Chambers  120 ,  140  may also add support for the pet when the pet is lying on mattress  100 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , divider  130  may define a first chamber  120  therewithin and divider  130  and covering  142  may collectively define a second chamber  140 . Alternatively, divider  130  may include one, two or more walls to provide two or more chambers defined by covering  142  and/or divider  130  without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , mattress  100 ′ may further include a liner  160 , preferably a waterproof liner  160 . Liner  160  may be removable or fixed to the covering  142  as a matter of application specific design choice. Liner  160  preferably protects mattress  100 ′ from wetness, accidents, odors and staining. Liner  160  is preferably washable, thus facilitating keeping the bed clean. It is to be understood that covering  142  may be waterproof in lieu of a separate waterproof lining  160  without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0039]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, liner  160  is removable, thus providing the user with flexibility in decorating the bed. Preferably, a relatively wide selection of liners  160  is made available for aesthetic purposes. For example, the selection of liners  160  may include different colors, patterns, fabric, etc., which may facilitate customizing the bed according to the needs and wants of the user and/or pet. Furthermore, a plurality of liners  160  may be used to change the look of the bed by alternating the liners by season to match the draperies and the like, at the whim of the user. 
         [0040]    Additionally, because only liner  160  is replaced, the cost of changing the appearance of the bed is reduced compared to replacing the bed entirely. Moreover, because liner  160  may be washed independently from mattress  100 , liner  160  may be washed more often, which may be beneficial for the health of the pet as well as the air quality of room in which the bed is located. 
         [0041]    Referring to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , a distributor, such as a retailer, pet store, etc., may provide a variety of sizes of mattresses and liners as well as a relatively wide selection of liners in a single display area, rack or system  200 . By providing mattresses  100  and  100 ′ in the compressed state, a wider selection of mattress sizes may be provided in the same shelf space typically used to display mattresses readily available in the market. Therefore, the compressed mattresses can increase the efficiency in which display areas, such as shelving, as well as storage space, such as warehouses, are used. Reducing the area necessary to display or store the mattresses may also reduce the cost of distributing, storing, or selling the mattresses. Therefore, providing mattresses in the compressed state will preferably reduce distribution and inventory costs compared to the presently available mattresses that are sold in their natural state. Preferably, the mattresses in the compressed state are packaged in boxes of similar size and shape regardless of the size of the mattress, thus providing uniformity and facilitating displaying the mattresses. Alternatively, the mattresses may be sold with the retaining device, such as a bag, without a separate packaging. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , a display system  200 ,  300 ,  400  in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more columns preferably having a plurality of shelves. In  FIG. 5 , display system  200  includes a first column  210  having three shelves  212 ,  214 ,  126 , and a second column  220  having three shelves  222 ,  224 ,  226 . As shown, the first column  210  may be used to hold boxes of mattresses  100  whereas the second column  220  may be used to hold the various liners  160  for mattresses  100 . The different shelves  212 ,  214 ,  216  of the first column  210  may be used to hold mattresses  100  of different sizes. Likewise, shelves  222 ,  224 ,  226  of second column  220  may be used to hold liners  160  of the different size mattresses  100 . For example, a top shelf  212 ,  222  may hold the small mattresses/liners, a middle shelf  214 ,  224  may hold the medium sized mattresses/liners, and a bottom shelf  216 ,  226  may hold the large mattresses/liners. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the mattresses and liners are color-coded. For example, the small mattresses and liners may have a red label whereas the large mattresses and liners may have a blue label. Accordingly, a user may relatively easily select the mattress size and liner to meet the specific need or want of the user and/or pet. Moreover, the compressed mattress may facilitate transporting the mattress home from the store. 
         [0044]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a display column  202  may be provided to display a mattress  100  in the expanded state, preferably covered with a liner  160 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , display column  202  may be provided between first and second columns  210 ,  220 . A graphic display  204  may be provided illustrating the various features of the bed. Additionally, a graphic description of the bed system may also be provided on the display system, for example, proximate the top of the unit. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the display system  300  includes seven columns. A display column  302  can be provided in which a sample mattress  100  can be displayed, preferably in the expanded state. Two columns can be provided for each size being displayed, one for mattresses  100  and one for liners  160 . In the embodiment shown, small, medium, and large sized mattresses  100  can be provided, in its respective packaging  100 S,  100 M,  100 L, in respective columns  310 ,  330 ,  350 . Likewise, liners  160  for each size mattress  100  can also be provided, in its packaging, it respective columns  320 ,  340 ,  360 . 
         [0046]    Each column  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360  can include one or more shelves  312 ,  322 ,  332 ,  342 ,  352 ,  362  on which mattresses  100  or liners  160  can be provided. Preferably, the different liner shelves  322 ,  342 ,  362  provide different styles of liners separated by color, fabric, pattern, etc. A plurality of displays  304  can be provided, preferably identifying the size provided above or below the display  304 . Another display  306 , such as a graphic description of the system can also be provided, for example, spanning across multiple columns of display system  300 . 
         [0047]    Reference is made to  FIG. 7 , wherein an embodiment of display system  400  is illustrated having a sample display  402  above two columns  410 ,  420  rather than providing a separate column for the sample display. As shown, the small sized mattresses  100 S and its corresponding liners  160  can be provided in one or more shelves  412 ,  422  of columns  410 ,  420 . Another pair of columns  430 ,  440  can be provided for displaying large sized mattresses  100 L and corresponding liners  160 . A size identifying display  404  can be provided, as well as a display  406  for the bed system, above columns  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 . 
         [0048]    It is to be understood that mattress  100  may comprise a variety of shapes without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, whereas a generally round mattress is illustrated herein, the mattress may have a generally rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, etc., without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0049]    Whereas a variety of sizes and shapes are contemplated, one example of a range of sizes of the mattress in the expanded state includes a “large” may have a diameter of about 44 inches. Preferably, a large in the compressed state can fit into a container such as a box having a width of about 15 in and a height of about 20 in. 
         [0050]    Additionally, the bed may include, by way of non-limiting example, scotch guard for stain protection, anti-microbial fiber fill that inhibits growth of known pet allergens, cedar wood chips for natural odor control, etc. as a matter of application specific design choice. 
         [0051]    Moreover, whereas the bed has been described herein as suitable for a pet, it is contemplated that the bed may be suitable for people without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, the bed may be a bed for people, a seat cushion, and the like, without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0052]    A method of providing a bed suitable for a pet is also provided herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one may provide a compressible mattress which can be compressed and expanded, wherein the mattress can preferably maintain its expanded state naturally. The mattress may be compressed from its expanded state into a compressed state, preferably to between 14-30% of the volume of the mattress in the expanded state. The mattress may be compressed by applying pressure on the mattress and restraining it. Alternatively, the mattress may be placed into a bag and the air from within the bag and the mattress may be removed. The mattress may then be restrained in the compressed state, for example, by sealing the mattress in a bag, such as a polyester bag. The compressed mattress may be shipped, distributed, sold, etc. utilizing a variety of packaging, for example, in a sealed bag, in a corrugated box, or both. 
         [0053]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sizes of mattresses may be provided. Furthermore, a variety of liners for covering the mattresses may also be provided. Preferably, the liners are washable and waterproof. In accordance with  FIGS. 5-7 , the compressed mattresses and liners may be displayed in a display system facilitating the user to select the necessary mattress and liner from a single unit. Preferably, the different sizes may be color coded to facilitate the experience. A full covered, expanded mattress may also be displayed, preferably identifying the various features, which may further facilitate the process for the user. A graphic description of the system may also be provided, preferably proximate the top of the display system. 
         [0054]    Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novel features of embodiments of the present invention, materials, dimensions, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the shape, size of the mattress, the number of dividers, the number and type of retaining devices used to maintain the mattress in the compressed state, the number and arrangement of columns and shelves of the display system, etc. can be varied without deviating from the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0055]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.