Mattress Protector Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/666,708, which was filed on Jul. 2, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of mattress protector devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a washable fabric cover designed to protect a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in mattress protector devices. Generally, over months and years of consistent use, it is inevitable that a mattress accumulates dirt, stains, germs, and bacteria through contact with the skin. Despite the mattress being covered with a fitted sheet, debris can still soak through the sheet and contaminate the mattress. This can be especially problematic in public hospitality (i.e., hotels, motels, hostels, hospitals, etc.) where numerous people use the same mattress.

Further, purchasing a new mattress replacement is incredibly expensive. Thus, when such a mattress protector is soiled on the outside, it can be readily removed from the mattress, washed, and then used again to ensure that the generally bulky and difficult-to-wash mattress is always clean, hygienic, and good for use.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved mattress protector device that protects a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. More particularly, there is a demand for a mattress protector device that enables users to easily attach and remove the cover via hook and loop fasteners.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that provides users with a washable fabric cover designed to protect a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. There is also a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that allows users to feel and stay happy by sleeping in a safe, clean, and comfortable bed. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that improves the longevity of mattresses used in public areas like hotels, hospitals, and more. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that enables users to easily attach and remove the cover via hook and loop fastener tape. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that reduces pressure on the environment and natural resources involved in mattress manufacturing. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that is available in different sizes.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mattress protector device. The device is a fabric cover for preserving the neat and clean look of mattresses. The mattress protector device comprises a top component and the bottom component that combine to go over the top of the mattress to give it a clean and refreshing look. The top component rests on the upper portion of the mattress and serves as a regular mattress cover. The bottom component rests under the lower portion of the mattress. The bottom component is joined to the top component using four-inch sewn strips of hook and loop tape. The hook and loop tape securely holds the mattress cover in place, thus protecting the mattress and its neat presentation. The cover is intended to prevent dirt, stains, and pathogens from contaminating the mattress and reducing its longevity. The cover may be available in different sizes to accommodate all beds.

In this manner, the mattress protector device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that protects a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. The device is a washable fabric cover. The device is available in different sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mattress protector device. The mattress protector device comprises a top component and a bottom component that combine together to go over a mattress to allow users to feel and stay happy by sleeping in a safe, clean and comfortable bed. The top and bottom components are positioned to encapsulate a mattress, thus protecting the mattress and its neat presentation. The device is intended to prevent dirt, stains, and pathogens from contaminating the mattress and reducing its longevity.

In one embodiment, the mattress protector is a fabric cover for preserving the neat and clean look of mattresses. The device improves the longevity of mattresses used in public areas like hotels, hospitals, and more. The device also reduces pressure on the environment and the natural resources involved in mattress manufacturing. Accordingly, the mattress protector device allows users to feel and stay happy by sleeping in a safe, clean, and comfortable bed.

In one embodiment, the mattress protector device is made to cover a conventional mattress. The conventional mattress typically compromises an upper portion, a lower portion, opposing side walls, and opposing front and back walls. The mattress protector device can be available in different sizes to accommodate different-sized mattresses.

In one embodiment, the mattress protector device comprises a top component and a bottom component that combine together to go over the top of the mattress to give it a clean and refreshing look. The top component rests on the upper portion of the mattress and serves as a regular mattress cover. The bottom component may just rest under the lower portion of the mattress, it may be sewed to the lower portion of the mattress manually by the customer or in factory by the mattress manufacturer. The top and bottom components are joined together around the mattress, protecting the mattress from dirt and debris. Sewing the bottom to the mattress reduces the cost of production and indeed the price for the consumer, the efforts to laundry as only the top will need to be washed and replaced more often by the consumer when necessary.

In one embodiment, the top component of the mattress protector device includes a central portion that is sized and shaped to cover the upper portion of the mattress. In another embodiment, the central portion includes a woven-fabric base layer and a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lining layer provided on an inner side of the woven-fabric base layer, wherein the woven-fabric base layer and the TPU lining layer are connected together by a laminator through a hot-pressing process.

In one embodiment, the top component includes a peripheral portion, which is sized and shaped to extend down from the central portion to wrap around the mattress side walls and opposing front and back walls. The peripheral portion typically comprises an elastic outer perimeter which acts to wrap around the mattress walls and be secured underneath the lower portion of the mattress.

In one embodiment, the central portion includes a woven-fabric base layer, a TPU lining layer provided on an inner side of the woven-fabric base layer, and a PU (polyurethane) shell layer provided on an outer side of the woven-fabric base layer, wherein the woven-fabric base layer, the TPU lining layer, and the PU shell layer are connected together by a laminator through a hot-pressing process. The TPU lining layers on the inner sides of the central portions and of the peripheral portion are fused together by the hot-pressing used to connect the aforesaid contact areas, such that a sealed and gap-free inner structure is formed inside the mattress protector device to provide waterproofness and prevent seepage.

In one embodiment, the bottom component comprises a central section which is positioned against the lower portion of the mattress and against the peripheral portion of the top component. The bottom component is then secured to the top component via a securing means.

In one embodiment, the securing means are hook and loop fasteners, which are four-inch sewn strips of hook and loop tape positioned around the edges of the top and bottom components. The hook and loop tape on the top and bottom components mate together and releasably secure the mattress protector device in place, thus protecting the mattress from dirt and debris. The hook and loop fasteners enable users to easily attach and remove the top component from the bottom component, as needed. Other suitable securing means can be utilized as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the central portion and the peripheral portion of the top component are manufactured of the same material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, the central portion and peripheral portion of the top component, as well as the bottom component are manufactured of the same material or combination of materials.

In one embodiment, the top and bottom components have a low elongation rate and high tensile strength and feel comfortable to the touch, thanks to their woven-fabric base layers.

In operation, once the top component and the bottom component are separated via the hook and loop fasteners, the top component is placed on top of a mattress to be protected. The peripheral portions are then positioned around the mattress sidewalls and front and back walls, wrapping around the mattress sides and positioned under the mattress. The bottom component is then placed against the lower portion of the mattress and against the peripheral portions, mating the hook and loop fasteners together. Thus, releasably securing the top component to the bottom component and surrounding the mattress. Once in position, the top component and the bottom component enclose and protect the mattress from dirt and debris. The hook and loop fasteners enable users to easily remove the mattress protector device from the mattress in order to be cleaned. After that, the mattress protector device can be reattached to the mattress and used again.

In one embodiment, the mattress protector device is manufactured from fabric, typically woven fabrics, such as nylon fabrics, polyester, modal cotton, wool, down, knits, and other synthetic fiber-woven fabrics can be used, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Further, the material may, if desired, be filled with a fiber fill made of down for warmth and insulation and may be hypoallergenic. The central portion may, if desired, be quilted in any desired quilting pattern, such as a hexagonal pattern and may be provided with an adaptive finish, if desired. Additionally, the fabrics may be provided with an anti-microbial coating or may be made of an anti-microbial material which is designed to prevent migration of microbes. Thus, the mattress protector device can be waterproof, can provide an allergen barrier, and can provide a barrier to bed bugs. If desired, temperature regulating materials may also be utilized particularly for the fabric of the central portion.

In yet another embodiment, the mattress protector device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of protecting a mattress from dirt, debris, and stains is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a mattress protector device comprising a top component and a bottom component. The method also comprises positioning the top component over a top of the mattress to be protected. Further, the method comprises wrapping the perimeter of the top component around the mattress sides. The method also comprises positioning the bottom component underneath the mattress. Finally, the method comprises securing the bottom component to the top component via hook and loop fasteners.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress protector device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress protector device of the present invention showing the back of the top component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress protector device of the present invention showing the hook and loop fasteners in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress protector device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of protecting a mattress from dirt, debris, and stains in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that provides users with a washable fabric cover designed to protect a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. There is also a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that allows users to feel and stay happy by sleeping in a safe, clean, and comfortable bed. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that improves the longevity of mattresses used in public areas like hotels, hospitals, and more. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that enables users to easily attach and remove the cover via hook and loop fastener tape. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that reduces pressure on the environment and natural resources involved in mattress manufacturing. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a mattress protector device that is available in different sizes.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel mattress protector device. The mattress protector device comprises a top component and the bottom component that combine together to go over the top of the mattress to give it a clean and refreshing look. The top component rests on the upper portion of the mattress and serves as a regular mattress cover. The bottom component rests under the lower portion of the mattress. The bottom component is joined to the top component using four-inch sewn strips of hook and loop tape. The hook and loop tape securely holds the mattress cover in place, thus protecting the mattress and its neat presentation. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting a mattress from dirt, debris, and stains. The method includes the steps of providing a mattress protector device comprising a top component and a bottom component. The method also comprises positioning the top component over a top of the mattress to be protected. Further, the method comprises wrapping the perimeter of the top component around the mattress sides. The method also comprises positioning the bottom component underneath the mattress. Finally, the method comprises securing the bottom component to the top component via hook and loop fasteners.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the mattress protector device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the mattress protector device 100 is an improved mattress protector device 100 that provides a washable fabric cover designed to protect a mattress from stains, dirt, germs, bacteria, and other debris. Specifically, the mattress protector device 100 comprises a top component 102 and a bottom component 104 releasably secured together around a mattress 106. The top 102 and bottom 104 components are positioned to encapsulate a mattress 106, thus protecting the mattress 106 and its neat presentation. The device 100 is intended to prevent dirt, stains, and pathogens from contaminating the mattress 106 and reducing its longevity.

Generally, the mattress protector device 100 is a fabric cover for preserving the neat and clean look of mattresses 106. The device 100 improves the longevity of mattresses 106 used in public areas like hotels, hospitals, and more. The device 100 also reduces pressure on the environment and the natural resources involved in mattress manufacturing. Accordingly, the mattress protector device 100 allows users to feel and stay happy by sleeping in a safe, clean, and comfortable bed.

Further, the mattress protector device 100 is made to cover a conventional mattress 106. The conventional mattress 106 typically compromises an upper portion 108, a lower portion 110, opposing side walls 112, and opposing front and back walls 114. The mattress protector device 100 can be available in different sizes to accommodate different-sized mattresses 106.

Additionally, the mattress protector device 100 comprises a top component 102 and a bottom component 104 that combine together to go over the top of the mattress 106 to give it a clean and refreshing look. The top component 102 rests on the upper portion 108 of the mattress 106 and serves as a regular mattress cover. The bottom component 104 rests under the lower portion 110 of the mattress 106. The top 102 and bottom 104 components are joined together around the mattress 106, protecting the mattress 106 from dirt and debris.

Furthermore, the top component 102 of the mattress protector device 100 includes a central portion 116 that is sized and shaped to cover the upper portion 108 of the mattress 106. In one embodiment, the central portion 116 includes a woven-fabric base layer 118 and a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lining layer 120 provided on an inner side of the woven-fabric base layer 118, wherein the woven-fabric base layer 118 and the TPU lining layer 120 are connected together by a laminator through a hot-pressing process (not shown).

Additionally, the top component 102 includes a peripheral portion 122, which is sized and shaped to extend down from the central portion 116 to wrap around the mattress side walls 112 and opposing front and back walls 114. The peripheral portion 122 typically comprises an elastic outer perimeter 124 which acts to wrap around the mattress walls 112, 114 and be secured underneath the lower portion 110 of the mattress 106.

In another embodiment, the central portion 116 includes a woven-fabric base layer 118, a TPU lining layer 120 provided on an inner side of the woven-fabric base layer 118, and a PU (polyurethane) shell layer 126 provided on an outer side of the woven-fabric base layer 118, wherein the woven-fabric base layer 118, the TPU lining layer 120, and the PU shell layer 126 are connected together by a laminator through a hot-pressing process (not shown). The TPU lining layers 120 on the inner sides of the central portions 116 and of the peripheral portion 122 are fused together by the hot-pressing used to connect the aforesaid contact areas, such that a sealed and gap-free inner structure is formed inside the mattress protector device 100 to provide waterproofness and prevent seepage.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom component 104 comprises a central section 200 which is positioned against the lower portion 110 of the mattress 106 and against the peripheral portion 122 of the top component 102. The bottom component 104 is then secured to the top component 102 via a securing means 202.

In one embodiment, the central portion 116 and the peripheral portion 122 of the top component 102 are manufactured of the same material or combination of materials. In another embodiment, the central portion 116 and peripheral portion 122 of the top component 102, as well as the bottom component 104 are manufactured of the same material or combination of materials.

In one embodiment, the top 102 and bottom 104 components have a low elongation rate and high tensile strength and feel comfortable to the touch, thanks to their woven-fabric base layers 118.

As shown in FIG. 3, the securing means 202 are hook and loop fasteners 300, which are four-inch sewn strips of hook and loop tape 300 positioned around the edges of the top 102 and bottom 104 components. The hook and loop tape 300 on the top 102 and bottom 104 components mate together and releasably secure the mattress protector device 100 in place, thus protecting the mattress 106 from dirt and debris. The hook and loop fasteners 300 enable users to easily attach and remove the top component 102 from the bottom 104 component, as needed. Other suitable securing means 202 can be utilized as is known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 4, in operation, once the top component 102 and the bottom component 104 are separated via the hook and loop fasteners 300, the top component 102 is placed on top of a mattress 106 to be protected. The peripheral portions 122 are then positioned around the mattress sidewalls 112 and front and back walls 114, wrapping around the mattress sides and positioned under the mattress 106. The bottom component 104 is then placed against the lower portion 110 of the mattress 106 and against the peripheral portions 122, mating the hook and loop fasteners 300 together. Thus, releasably securing the top component 102 to the bottom component 104 and surrounding the mattress 106. Once in position, the top component 102 and the bottom component 104 enclose and protect the mattress 106 from dirt and debris. The hook and loop fasteners 300 enable users to easily remove the mattress protector device 100 from the mattress 106 in order to be cleaned. After that, the mattress protector device 100 can be reattached to the mattress 106 and used again.

Typically, the mattress protector device 100 is manufactured from fabric, typically woven fabrics, such as nylon fabrics, polyester, modal cotton, wool, down, knits, and other synthetic fiber-woven fabrics can be used, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Further, the material may, if desired, be filled with a fiber fill made of down for warmth and insulation and may be hypoallergenic. The central portion 116 may, if desired, be quilted in any desired quilting pattern, such as a hexagonal pattern and may be provided with an adaptive finish, if desired. Additionally, the fabrics may be provided with an anti-microbial coating or may be made of an anti-microbial material which is designed to prevent migration of microbes. Thus, the mattress protector device 100 can be waterproof, can provide an allergen barrier, and can provide a barrier to bed bugs. If desired, temperature regulating materials may also be utilized particularly for the fabric of the central portion 116.

In yet another embodiment, the mattress protector device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 400. The top component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the top component 102, or any other indicia 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be mattress, protector, or brand related.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of protecting a mattress from dirt, debris, and stains. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a mattress protector device comprising a top component and a bottom component. The method also comprises at 502, positioning the top component over a top of the mattress to be protected. Further, the method comprises at 504, wrapping the perimeter of the top component around the mattress sides. The method also comprises at 506, positioning the bottom component underneath the mattress. Finally, the method comprises at 508, securing the bottom component to the top component via hook and loop fasteners.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “mattress protector device”, “mattress device”, “protector device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the mattress protector device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the mattress protector device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mattress protector device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the mattress protector device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the mattress protector device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the mattress protector device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.