Abstract:
A support surface assembly comprising four corner elements; at least four elongated rigid frame sections; a first air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; and a second air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; wherein the four corner elements include at least one lock element, the lock element having a first position that engages at least one elongated frame section and prevents relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections; the lock element having a second position that permits relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional filing that claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/241,573, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed subject matter relates to a ventilated mattress especially for use in bedding for babies, toddlers and small children. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The sleeping needs of babies and toddlers are of concern for parents. Frequently, parents place their baby or toddler in enclosed bedding (e.g., a crib) in order to prevent their baby or toddler from falling from the bed. Traditional mattresses are difficult to clean and can allow undesired buildup of heat in or near the child. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a new ventilated mattress for babies and toddlers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure includes a first embodiment including a support surface assembly comprising four corner elements; at least four elongated rigid frame sections; a first air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; and a second air permeable layer suspended between the at least four elongated rigid frame sections; wherein the four corner elements include at least one lock element, the lock element having a first position that engages at least one elongated frame section and prevents relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections; the lock element having a second position that permits relative movement between the four elongated rigid frame sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment ventilated mattress; 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the mattress of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1C  is a side perspective view of the mattress of  FIG. 1B  with the upper support surface removed; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of the support frame of the mattress of  FIG. 1A , with the frame in a partially-collapsed orientation; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the mattress of  FIG. 1A  placed in a crib; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is perspective view of a second embodiment mattress; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a cover of the mattress of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an expanded frame of the mattress of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a hinge of the frame of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is top perspective view of the frame of  FIG. 5  in a partially collapsed state; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an end of the frame of  FIG. 7  in the partially collapsed state; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a lock hinge of the frame of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the hinge of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, ventilated mattresses for children are provided. 
         [0020]    Turning to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D , an exemplary ventilated mattress  100  is shown. As illustrated, ventilated mattress  100  includes a cover  102 , and a frame  103 . The frame includes four frame bars  104 , four hinge plates  106 , two enclosure mechanisms  108 , four tracks  110 , eight folding arms  112 , four hinges  114 , and two hinges  116 . 
         [0021]    Ventilated mattress  100  is configured to have an expanded position and a collapsed position. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , ventilated mattress  100  has an expanded position configured to form a flat or substantially flat surface suitable for supporting a child during sleep. As another example ventilated mattress  100  has a collapsed position configured to reduce the effective size of ventilated mattress  100 .  FIG. 1D , shows mattress  100  in a partially collapsed position. As a more particular example, ventilated mattress  100 , and specifically frame  103  can collapse more fully into a more compact size and shape suitable for transportation and/or storage. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, ventilated mattress  100  can be configured to have any suitable dimensions when in an expanded position. For example, ventilated mattress  100  can be configured to have dimensions matching regulated standards for crib mattresses. As a more particular example, ventilated mattress  100  can have a sleeping surface that is 27.5 inches wide and 51.5 inches long, and have a depth that is less than or equal to 6 inches. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, cover  102  includes any suitable air permeable material or materials. For example, cover  102  illustratively includes one or more of a mesh material, a plastic, a fabric, and/or any other suitable air permeable material. As a more particular example, cover  102  includes a washable, air permeable mesh material, such as a plastic mesh, a fiber mesh, a composite mesh, any suitable washable, air permeable mesh material, and/or any combination thereof. As a still more particular example, cover  102  can be made from the Extinct-Spacer mesh material supplied by Cosmo Hong Kong Limited, Zhongshan City, Guangdong, China. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, cover  102  can include a hypoallergenic material. For example, cover  102  can include a polyester fiber material, silk, cotton, any other suitable hypoallergenic material, and/or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0025]    Enclosure mechanism  108  can be any suitable enclosure mechanism. For example, enclosure mechanism  108  can be a clasp locker, zip fastener, a button, a series of buttons, any other suitable enclosure mechanism, and/or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, enclosure mechanism  108  and cover  102  are configured such that cover  102  forms two suitable sleeping surfaces when attached to itself via enclosure mechanism  108  and positioned over frame bars  104  and folding arms  112 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, cover  102  is configured such that, when ventilated mattress  100  is in an expanded position, cover  102  has a relatively firm sleeping surface on one side of ventilated mattress  100  and a relatively soft sleeping surface on another side of ventilated mattress  100 . For example, cover  102  can include different materials having different hardness and/or elastic properties. In such an example, a length of cover  102  can be made of a relatively soft and/or relatively elastic material while another length of cover  102  can be made of a relatively firm and/or relatively inelastic material. As a more particular example, a length of cover  102  can be made of a relatively elastic polyurethane while another length of cover  102  can be made of a relatively inelastic nylon. As another example, cover  102  can have a length that is configured to be relatively inelastic and a length that is configured to be relatively elastic by applying a different degree of tension to each length when ventilated mattress  100  is in an expanded position. As a more particular example, cover  102  can be configured such that, when in an expanded position, frame bars  104  apply relatively little tension to the relatively elastic length of cover  102  while frame bars  104  apply relatively more tension to the relatively inelastic length of cover  102 . 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, frame bar  104 , hinge plate  106 , and folding arm  112  can include any suitable structural material. For example, frame bar  104 , hinge plate  106 , and folding arm  112  can include a relatively rigid structural material such as plastic, aluminum, graphite, any other suitable relatively rigid structural material, and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, frame bar  104  and folding arm  112  can have any suitable shape. In one example, frame bar  104  and/or folding arm  112  has a shape configured to minimize contact with the portion of cover  102  that is provides the sleeping support surface. As a more particular example, frame bars  104  and/or folding arms  112  can have an oval shape, an oblong shape, a semicircular shape, any other suitable shape, and/or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, a hinge plate  106  is attached to two frame bars  104  and to two folding arms  112  via a hinge  114  in any configuration suitable to create a collapsible mattress frame. For example, a hinge plate  106  can be attached at or near the ends of frame bars  104 , and configured to hold frame bars  104  parallel or substantially parallel. To continue the example, hinge plates  106  can be attached to folding arms  112  via hinges  114  such that a user can cause folding arms  112  to collapse inward relative to the mattress frame. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, hinge plates  106  are attached to frame bars  104  via track  110 . For example, hinge plate  106  can include a protrusion configured to fit within a cavity of track  110 . In such an example, the protrusion can have any shape suitable for fitting within track  110 . As a more particular example, hinge plate  106  can include a circular, semicircular, or ovular protrusion configured to fit inside a circular, semicircular, or ovular shape of the cavity of track  110 . As another more particular example, hinge plate  106  can include a substantially triangular protrusion configured to fit inside a substantially triangular cavity of track  110 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, hinge plate  106  and track  110  can be configured to allow a user to slide hinge plate  106  along track  110  and to cause hinge plate  110  to snap and/or lock into place at or near the end of frame bars  104 . For example, track  110  can include a snapping mechanism configured to protrude into a cavity of track  110  and snap into place when hinge plate  106  is moved to a position at or near the ends of frame bars  104 . As another example, track  110  can be configured to include a protrusion into the cavity in order to prevent hinge plate  106  from sliding too far toward the center of frame bars  104 . In such an example, cover  102 , enclosure mechanism  108 , track  110  and hinge plate  106  can be configured to allow a user to slide hinge plate  106  into track  110  and secure hinge plate  106  in place by using enclosure mechanism  108  to fasten cover  102  to itself, thereby applying a pressure appropriate to hold hinge plate  106  in place. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, hinge plate  106 , track  110 , and cover  102  can be configured to allow a user to slide hinge plate  106  along track  110  and to cause hinge plate  110  to snap and/or lock into place at or near the end of frame bars  104  while cover  102  is in place such that upon hinge plate  106  snapping and/or locking into place, ventilated mattress  100  is in a configuration appropriate for sleeping (i.e., an expanded position), as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1   n    FIG. 1B . For example, hinge plate  106  can attach to track  110  while allowing a clearance sufficient to allow hinge plate  106  to slide on track  110  even when cover  102  is located between hinge plate  106  and frame bar  104 . In some embodiments, hinge plate  106  can be immovably attached to track  110 , such as by welding, gluing, riveting, soldering, any other suitable method of immovable attachment, and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, hinge plate  106 , track  110 , and cover  102  are configured to allow a user to slide cover  102  in place along track  110 . For example, cover  102  can include protrusions at its edges configured to slide within track  110  such that upon a user moving ventilated mattress  100  into an expanded position, track  110  creates tension in cover  102  via the protrusions in order to form an appropriate sleeping surface on cover  102 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, hinge plate  106 , track  110 , and cover  102  can be configured to allow a user to slide cover  102  in place along track  110  when hinge plates  106  are in a fixed position. For example, two or more of hinge plates  106  can be attached to frame bars  104  without the use of track  110  (e.g., via an immovable attachment method, as described above), and can have a size and a shape that allows the full length of track  110  to be open and/or exposed, thereby allowing a user to slide cover  102  in place along track  110  even when hinge plate  106  is in place. As a more particular example, as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , hinge plate  106  can have a size and shape that is substantially similar to outline  118 , which does not extend past track  110 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, cover  102  and folding arms  112  can be configured to attach in order to apply tension to cover  102  when ventilated mattress  100  is in an expanded position. For example, cover  102  can and folding arms  112  can include a fastening mechanism, such as a button, clip, snap, any other suitable fastening mechanism, and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, folding arms  112  and hinges  116  can be configured to allow a user to collapse folding arms  112  completely such that each pair of folding arms that are attached by a hinge  114  can be folded far enough to make flush or substantially flush contact upon each other. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , hinge  116  can protrude inward relative to the mattress frame and connect four folding arms  112  with a clearance between folding arms  112  that can allow the folding arms to be rotated about hinge  116  by ninety degrees without the ends of folding arms  112  making contact with each other. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, hinge  114  and hinge  116  can be configured to lock and/or unlock by including a button, switch, and/or any other suitable mechanism for locking and/or unlocking. For example, hinge  116  can include a button such that, if ventilated mattress  100  is locked into an expanded position, a user pressing the button can cause hinge  116  to unlock and allow movement of folding arms  112 , such that ventilated mattress  100  can enter a collapsed position. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, cover  102 , frame bars  104 , and cover plates  106  can be configured such that, when ventilated mattress  100  is in an expanded position, ventilated mattress  100  has a hollow area with ventilation openings formed by a space between frame bars  104  and cover plates  106 , the openings appropriate for allowing air to flow through the mattress, as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , an example  200  of a ventilated mattress placed in a crib assembly is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, ventilated mattress  202  can be placed inside a crib assembly  208  in some embodiments, and can include a sleeping surface  204  and a ventilation opening  206  in some embodiments. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, ventilated mattress  202  can be any suitable ventilated mattress, such as ventilated mattress  100 , as described above in connection with  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D . 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, ventilation opening  206  and crib structure  208  can be configured to allow air to flow through ventilation opening  206 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , crib structure  208  can have vertical bars that extend across ventilation opening  206  but do not prevent air from flowing through ventilation opening  206 . 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, at least some of the above described parts of the ventilated mattress of  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 2  can be omitted. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the ventilated mattress described herein can include a collapsible frame and a cover. The cover can, for example, be made from a washable, hypoallergenic, and/or air permeable material or materials. The cover can be attached to the frame such that when the frame is in an expanded position the cover is drawn tight and forms a sleeping surface. This configuration can form a hollow area beneath the sleeping surface such that air can pass through the ventilated mattress, thereby preventing the buildup of gases within the ventilated mattress. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the ventilated mattress described herein can be configured to be reversible such as to have a firm sleeping surface that is relatively firm and to have a soft sleeping surface that is relatively soft. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the ventilated mattress described herein can include a frame that is configured to collapse and/or fold such as to facilitate transportation and/or storage. The frame can include joints configured to lock in place when the frame is in a collapsed position and/or in an expanded position. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the ventilated mattress described herein can include a sleep computer module that is configured to monitor information about a child user and provide the information to a guardian of the child user. For example, a sleep computer module can be located within in the hollow area of the mattress and include a thermal night vision camera to detect the movement, position, and temperature of a child sleeping on the mattress. As another example, a sleep computer module can provide soothing noises to assist a child in falling asleep. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment mattress  300 . Mattress  300  includes cover  302  and frame  304 . Cover  302  is similar to cover  102 . Cover  302  includes two sides, upper side  305 ,  FIG. 4 , and lower side  307 . It should be appreciated that mattress  300  is reversible such that either side  305 ,  307  can be vertically higher than the other in use. Sides  305 ,  307  are constructed from fabric had have enclosure mechanisms  308  coupled to opposing ends  320 ,  322 . Ends  324 ,  326  of sides  305 ,  307  include sleeves  330  or other thickness elements that run substantially the length of ends  324 ,  326 . In use, sleeves  330  are slid into tracks  310 . The width of sleeves  330  (or diameter of sleeves  330 , if round) is greater than the width of an opening  332  of tracks  310  such that once slid into tracks  310  from a longitudinal end thereof, sleeves  330  are unable to exit tracks  310  by passing through the opening  332 . As such, the cover  302  is coupled to the frame along the substantially full length of the mattress  300 . 
         [0049]    Frame  304 ,  FIG. 5 , includes longitudinal bars  350 , width bars  352 , first hinges  354 , and second hinge mechanisms  356 . Longitudinal bars  350  are illustratively longer than width bars  352 , but this need not be the case. Longitudinal bars  350  and width bars  352  illustratively have a common cross-sectional shape, but again, this need not be the case. 
         [0050]    Longitudinal bars  350  (and width bars  352 ) have rounded corners  358  and have tracks  310  defined along their length. Width bars  352  further include hinge holes  360  defined therein. Each side of frame  304  includes an upper and a lower bar ( 350 ,  352 ). Hinge holes  360  are located on the side of upper and lower width bars  352  that faces the other (upper or lower) width bar  352  on the same end of mattress  300 . Bars  350 ,  352  are generally hollow and receive portions of hinges  354 ,  356  therein for coupling thereto. Longitudinal bars  350  are illustratively fixed to hinges  354 ,  356  via a rivet or other fastener that passes through bars  350  and through a portion of hinges  354 ,  356 . Width bars are likewise coupled between hinges  354 ,  356  via a rivet or other fastener that passes through bars  350  and through a portion of hinges  354 ,  356 . 
         [0051]    Two first hinges  354  are located on a common lateral side of mattress  300 . Two second hinge mechanisms  356  are located on a common lateral side of mattress  300  that is opposite the side having first hinges  356 . First hinges  354  are free hinges that do not lock and have approximately 90 degrees of travel.  FIG. 6  shows first hinges  354  in the open and expanded position.  FIGS. 7 &amp; 8  show first hinges  354  in a partially closed and collapsed position. 
         [0052]    Second hinge mechanisms  356  include a fixed hinge member  362  and a pivoting lock member  364 . Fixed hinge member  362  and pivoting lock member  364  are joined by a hinge rod to allow hinged movement therebetween. Fixed hinge member  362  is fixed to longitudinal bars  350 . 
         [0053]    Pivoting lock member  364  includes lock housing  366 , lock  368 , and detent receiver  370 . Lock housing  366  is a generally rectangular element that is sized to fit between width bars  352  when frame  304  is in an expanded position. One end of lock housing  366  includes hinge detents  372 . In assembly, hinge detents are received in hinge holes  360  defined in width bars  352  and provide for hinged movement of pivoting lock member  364  relative to width bars  352 . Lock housing  366  also includes a lock aperture  374 . Lock aperture  374  receives lock  368  therein. 
         [0054]    Lock  368  includes release  376 , mechanism  378 , and detents  380 . Lock  368 , via mechanism  378  is biased to a locked position in which detents  380  extend out of lock housing  366 . Detent receiver is illustratively a plastic piece that is mounted in an end of width bars  352 . 
         [0055]    A user can pull on release  376  which causes detents  380  to retract into lock housing  366 . When frame  304  is in the expanded position, detents  380  that extend out of lock housing  366  engage detent receiver  370 . Detents  380  are biased to the position that extends out of lock housing  366 . When detents  380  are within detent receiver  370 , the detents  380  along with detents  372  provide points of contact that fix the orientation of bars  350 ,  352  and hold frame  304  in the expanded position. When the release  376  is pulled such that detents  380  are retracted, detent receiver  370  is free to disengage from lock housing  366  to allow frame  304  to assume a collapsed position,  FIG. 7 . 
         [0056]    It should be appreciated that both first hinges  354  and second hinge mechanisms  356  include a continuation of tracks  310  of longitudinal bars  350  such that the tracks  310  extend to an end of the frame  304  and present an open end able to receive sleeves  330 . 
         [0057]    When frame  304  is in the expanded orientation,  FIG. 5 , cover  302  is mounted thereto by sliding respective sleeves  330  into respective tracks  310 . The exact sizings of cover sides  305 ,  307  are chosen to provide a desired firmness for that side of mattress  300 . Once both sides  305 ,  307  are mounted, they are coupled together via enclosure mechanisms  308 . The mattress  300  is then placed within a crib or otherwise positioned as desired. 
         [0058]    When disassembly is desired, a reverse operation is performed. It should be appreciated that disassembly can be partial, where only the cover  302  is removed (such as to be laundered) or where cover  302  remains and frame  304  is collapsed. Cover removal is achieved by disengaging one or more enclosure mechanisms  308  and then sliding cover  302  off until sleeves  330  fully disengage tracks  310 . 
         [0059]    Collapse of frame  304  with the cover  302  still thereon is achieved in the same manner as when the cover  302  is off. Lock  368  is positioned in second hinge mechanisms  356  such that it accessible and operable by a user with the cover  302  thereon. 
         [0060]    Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.