Patent Description:
Sleep is critical for people in every aspect of their lives. A bed mattress is an instrument for sleeping which provides a cushion or a buffering force using cushion members, such as memory foams.

Memory foam mattresses are widely considered to be a superior product for users, because of the ability of a foam mattress not only to conform to user's body shapes, but also to be readily compressed and packaged in a size that is manageable for transportation. However, a memory foam mattress may retain a user's heat, thereby causing the user to get hot during sleep. Heat retention in a mattress is generally undesirable to a majority of users.

Thus, it is beneficial and desirable for people to have a bedding system that is capable of adjusting body positions and bed temperature based on user's sleep preference, so that the user achieves maximum comfort during sleep.

<CIT> describes a climate-controlled bedding system comprising a perforated foam layer that includes a large number of openings. There is no indication to specifically provide only a small number of openings, namely <NUM> or <NUM>.

Australian patent application <CIT> discloses a mattress having a base layer that is made of a mesh or open-weave metal that is porous.

US patent application <CIT> illustrates bedding arrangements in which <NUM> or <NUM> fans are aligned with openings provided in a support structure underneath a mattress. The mattress itself has no openings.

All other aspects described in this document are intended only to illustrate the invention.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a mattress defined in claim <NUM>, comprising a plurality of layers vertically stacked to one another, the plurality of layers comprising a first layer; a second layer; and a third layer, where the first layer is formed of a flex support foam for providing corner to corner support and has only <NUM> or <NUM> openings defined therein being operably in fluidic communication with a plurality of fans for providing air circulation to a user through the mattress, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer and comprises an array of springs, and wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a fourth layer disposed on the third layer and a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer.

In one embodiment, the first layer has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the array of springs comprises hybrid support-springs for providing ventilation and thorough foundation.

In one embodiment, the array of springs comprises a plurality of pocket springs.

In one embodiment, the array of springs comprises about <NUM>-<NUM> pocket springs.

In one embodiment, the second layer further comprises four side walls defining a housing therewith for accommodating the array of springs.

In one embodiment, the second layer has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the third layer of formed of a flex comfort foam.

In one embodiment, the third layer has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the fourth layer is formed of a ventilated bamboo charcoal memory foam, wherein the ventilated bamboo charcoal memory foam comprises a memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal, for regulating moisture, odor and/or temperature.

In one embodiment, the fifth layer is formed of a smart foam that is breathable, flexible and operably adapts to user body's natural contours.

In one embodiment, each of the fourth layer and the fifth layer has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the mattress further comprises a fabric cover for covering the plurality of layers.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected within the scope of independent claim <NUM>.

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the invention are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting and/or capital letters has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term are the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted and/or in capital letters. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top", may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements would then be oriented on the "upper" sides of the other elements. The exemplary term "lower" can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of lower and upper, depending on the particular orientation of the figure. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprise(s)" and/or "comprising", or "include(s)" and/or "including" or "has (have)" and/or "having" or "contain(s)" and/or "containing" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, "around", "about", "substantially" or "approximately" shall generally mean within <NUM> percent, preferably within <NUM> percent, and more preferably within <NUM> percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the terms "around", "about", "substantially" or "approximately" can be inferred if not expressly stated.

As used in this specification, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR.

The description below is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention defined by the appended claims, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the invention.

The description will be made as to the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in <FIG>. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a mattress with breathable and ventilation functions as defined in claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring <FIG>, a mattress <NUM> is schematically shown according to one embodiment of the invention. The mattress includes a plurality of layers <NUM>-<NUM> vertically stacked to one another.

The plurality of layers includes a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM> disposed on the first layer <NUM>, a third layer <NUM> disposed on the second layer <NUM>, a fourth layer <NUM> disposed on the third layer <NUM>; and a fifth layer <NUM> disposed on the fourth layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first layer <NUM> has only four openings <NUM>-<NUM> defined in the first layer <NUM>. The openings <NUM>-<NUM> are operably in fluidic communication with a plurality of fans for providing air circulation to a user through the mattress (<FIG>). It should be noted that two openings can also be utilized to practice the invention. The first layer <NUM> is formed of a flex support foam for providing corner to corner support, and ensuring a deeper, more regenerative night's sleep. In some embodiments, the first layer <NUM> has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second layer <NUM> is arranged between the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> and comprises an array of springs <NUM>. The array of springs comprises a specially fitted hybrid support-springs to provide breathable, ventilation and thorough foundation. In some embodiments, the array of springs comprises a plurality of pocket springs <NUM>, or coil springs. In some embodiments, the array of springs comprises about <NUM>-<NUM> pocket springs, preferably <NUM> pocket springs.

As shown in <FIG>, the second layer <NUM> also has four side walls <NUM>-<NUM> defining a housing therewith for accommodating the array of springs <NUM>. Each of the four side walls <NUM>-<NUM> can be formed of a flex support foam.

In some embodiments, the second layer <NUM> has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

The third layer <NUM> is formed of a flex comfort foam, which adds an additional layer of comfort to create a more breathable and supple feel.

In some embodiments, the third layer <NUM> has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

The fourth layer <NUM> is formed of a ventilated bamboo charcoal memory foam. The ventilated bamboo charcoal memory foam comprises a memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal, for regulating moisture, odor and/or temperature, and adapting to user body's individual points.

The fifth layer <NUM> is formed of a smart foam that is breathable, flexible and operably adapts to user body's natural contours. It also provides all of the benefits of the latex whilst being allergy free.

In some embodiments, each of the fourth layer <NUM> and the fifth layer <NUM> has a thickness in a range of about <NUM>-<NUM>.

In addition, the mattress <NUM> may also have a cool knit fabric cover for covering the plurality of layers <NUM>-<NUM>, so as to enhance air-flow and breathability, creating a cooler, more deep sleep.

In addition, the mattress can be of any sizes, for example, a king size, a queen size, a full size, a twin size, or a customized size, by changing its width, W, and its length, L, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows schematically a mattress <NUM>' according to another embodiment of the invention. The mattress <NUM>' is similar to the mattress <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except that the size of the mattress <NUM>' is different from that of mattress <NUM> and the first layer <NUM>' has two openings <NUM>' and <NUM>' defined in the mattress <NUM>'. It should be appreciated that four openings can also be utilized to practice this invention.

Unlike traditional memory foam, the mattress according to the invention provides ventilation for superior airflow and temperature regulation. This added breathability means a user can rest more comfortably.

<FIG> shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an adjustable bed system with the mattress <NUM>' according to one embodiment of the invention. The adjustable bed system includes a frame structure <NUM>, one or more platforms (or bed boards) <NUM> moveably connected to the frame structure <NUM>, a first lifting assembly <NUM> and a second lifting assembly <NUM> moveably connected to the frame structure <NUM>.

One of the first lifting assembly <NUM> and the second lifting assembly <NUM> is a back lifting assembly, and the other of the first lifting assembly <NUM> and the second lifting assembly <NUM> is the leg lifting assembly. For the purpose of illustration, the first lifting assembly <NUM> is the back lifting assembly, while the second lifting assembly <NUM> is the second lifting assembly <NUM>. When the mattress <NUM>' is disposed on the platforms <NUM>, the upper (back) portion and the lower (leg) portion of the mattress <NUM>' are in relation to the back lifting assembly <NUM> and the leg lifting assembly <NUM>, respectively, and positions of the upper portion and the lower portion of the mattress <NUM>' are individually and/or coordinately adjustable in accordance with operations of the back lifting assembly <NUM> and the leg lifting assembly <NUM>.

The back lifting assembly <NUM> comprises a back lifting bracket 191a pivotally connected to the frame structure <NUM>, and a back lifting actuator 191b pivotally connected between the back lifting bracket 191a and the frame structure <NUM> for operably driving the back lifting bracket 191a to pivotally move in an upward rotating direction or a downward rotating direction relative to the frame structure <NUM>. Such pivotally moving of the back lifting bracket 191a causes the back portion of the platforms <NUM> and therefore the back portion of the mattress <NUM>' to be lifted up (e.g., in a lift portion, not shown) or lifted down (e.g., in a flat position shown in <FIG>).

The leg lifting assembly <NUM> comprises a leg lifting bracket 192a pivotally coupled to the frame structure <NUM>, and a leg lifting actuator 192b pivotally connected between the leg lifting bracket 192a and the frame structure <NUM> for operably driving the leg lifting bracket 192a to pivotally move in an upward rotating direction or a downward rotating direction relative to the one of the frame structure. Such pivotally moving of the leg lifting bracket 192a causes the leg portion of the platforms <NUM> and therefore the leg portion of the mattress <NUM>' to be lifted up (e.g., in a lift portion, not shown) or lifted down (e.g., in a flat position shown in <FIG>).

The adjustable bed system also has two fans <NUM> and <NUM> that are mounted onto corresponding openings in the platforms <NUM>, such that when the mattress <NUM>' is placed on the platforms <NUM>, the openings <NUM>' and <NUM>' in the first layer <NUM>' of the mattress <NUM>' are aligned with and are in fluidic commination with the two fans <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In operation, the two fan <NUM> and <NUM> can individually or cooperatively move air (i.e., air flow or air circulation as indicated by arrows in <FIG>) via the openings <NUM>' and <NUM>' into the mattress body and outputting the air from the top surface of the mattress <NUM>'.

Specifically, each fan <NUM>/<NUM> is configured such that in operation, air is flown from the rear side of said fan <NUM>/<NUM> to the <NUM>'/<NUM>' of the mattress <NUM>', then spread through the mattress body and output from the sleeping surface (i.e., the top surface) of the mattress <NUM>', as illustrated by arrows shown in <FIG>. The air can be room temperature air, cooling air or heating air.

In addition, the strength of the air flow or air circulation is adjustable by individually or cooperatively operating the fans <NUM> and <NUM>, based on the user's preference. The operation of the fans <NUM> and <NUM> can be automatically controlled, or manually controlled via a remote control. The operation can also be controlled via an AAP.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.

Claim 1:
A mattress (<NUM>/<NUM>'), comprising:
a plurality of layers (<NUM>)-(<NUM>) vertically stacked to one another, the plurality of layers comprising a first layer (<NUM>); a second layer (<NUM>); and a third layer (<NUM>),
wherein the first layer (<NUM>) is formed of a flex support foam for providing corner to corner support and has only <NUM> or <NUM> openings (<NUM>-<NUM> / <NUM>'-<NUM>') defined therein being operably in fluidic communication with a plurality of fans (<NUM>)-(<NUM>) for providing air circulation to a user through the mattress (<NUM>, <NUM>'),
wherein the second layer (<NUM>) is disposed between the first layer (<NUM>) and the third layer (<NUM>) and comprises an array of springs (<NUM>), and
wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a fourth layer (<NUM>) disposed on the third layer (<NUM>), and a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer.