TITLE
BEDDING ARTICLE HAVING A COOLING INSERT
BACKGROUND
100011 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] The gel pack may define the first edge region of the first layer.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
100091 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of a bedding article according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] 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;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of an example of another bedding article according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] 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;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an example of still another bedding article according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another example of the bedding article of FIG. 6 according an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] 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;
[0025] 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 [0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the bedding article 110 in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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 pack16 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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's preference.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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'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's body heat more than a simple fabric material, so that the user may perceive a cooling effect from the gel pack 16.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape such that the first edge region 14 includes four (4) edges.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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
9 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's body. Accordingly, a cooling effect may be provided to the user.
[0048] 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'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.
[0049] 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.