AU711093B2

AU711093B2 - Mattress and method for preventing accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding

Info

Publication number: AU711093B2
Application number: AU59542/96A
Authority: AU
Inventors: William R. Schmid
Original assignee: Halo Sleep Systems Inc
Current assignee: Halo Innovations Inc
Priority date: 1995-06-07
Filing date: 1996-05-30
Publication date: 1999-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2016-05-30
Also published as: GB2316311B; WO1996039905A1; AU5954296A; CA2221150A1; GB2316311A; GB9725769D0

Description

WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 MATTRESS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING ACCUMULATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN BEDDING Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding which is believed to be a cause or contributing factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

(SIDS).

Many efforts have been made to produce a mattress assembly which will prevent or reduce the occurrence of SIDS. Unfortunately, most of these approaches do not offer a good solution. The present invention solves many of the problems or shortcomings of the prior art mattress assemblies.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding which is believed to be a cause or contributing factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and

I

side walls forming a mattress foundation; a removable mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; a top cover of non porous material covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Preferably the mattress assembly further comprises hand holds for lifting the mattress.

In another embodiment the invention relates to a crib assembly, a comprising: a mattress comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a removable mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; a top cover of nonporous material covering the mattress inner core and having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress; and a crib supporting mattress.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reducing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding, comprising the steps of: forming a mattress o 20 having substantially nonporous bottom and side walls and a removable top cover of non *porous material having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; a removable inner core within the mattress; and forcing air into an interior area ;of the mattress at a sufficient rate to percolate air through the top cover of the mattress.

In another embodiment the invention relates to a mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation and defining an open area for the flow of air; a 25 top cover of nonporous material covering the mattress inner core, the top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough, said top cover being removable to allow cleaning of the top and bottom surfaces; means for attaching bedding to the mattress foundation for maintaining the bedding in a taut condition, said means comprising a frame assembly mounted on top of the mattress foundation; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide mn beddng on the top cover of the mattress.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterise the invention are pointed out with pardticularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter, which form a further part hereof, 9* r 9e 9 9 9 9 9 999 9* 9.

*9 99 9 99 99 9 9 9*9 WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 and in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mattress assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention disposed in a crib, an infant being illustrated as resting on the mattress assembly; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the mattress assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view illustrating air flow from the innerspring of the mattress assembly through the frame and bumper assembly and out the side walls of the frame and bumper assembly into the infant sleeping area; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a latch mechanism for latching the frame assembly onto the sidewalls of the mattress assembly foundation; Figure 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating the frame assembly being pivoted into an open position -3- WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 whereby it is no longer resting on top of the sidewalls of the mattress assembly foundation; Figure 6 is a partial side view of fastener mechanism for fastening the bumper assembly onto the frame assembly; Figure 7 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the fan assembly disposed in a sidewall of the mattress assembly foundation; Figure 8 is a planar view of a top cover of the mattress assembly; and Figure 9 is an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for attaching the top surface of the mattress assembly and the mattress bedding onto the mattress foundation.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings there is shown a preferred embodiment of a mattress assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the mattress assembly being generally referred to by the reference numeral 30. The mattress assembly 30 is shown in Figure 1 as being disposed in a conventional crib 32 with an infant 34 resting on the mattress assembly 30. It will be appreciated that the mattress assembly 30 might be used with or without a conventional crib 32 as shown.

-4- WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 Illustrated in Figure 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the mattress assembly 30 shown in Figure 1.

The mattress assembly 30 shown includes a foundation 40, an innerspring 50, a top cover 60, mattress bedding 70, a frame assembly 80, and a bumper assembly The foundation 40 includes substantially nonporous side walls 41 and a bottom wall 42 so as to form an air impermeable foundation for the mattress. The walls 41,42 might be molded as a single piece from plastic or the like.

Angle brackets 47 are shown disposed on the bottom wall 42 for centering the inner spring 50. These angle brackets 47 might be separate pieces or they might be integrally molded with the foundation As shown in Figures 1-2, 4 7, disposed in the side walls 41 is a fan assembly housing 43 housing a fan 49. As shown in Figure 2, disposed on a top surface of the bottom wall is a heater 45. As shown in Figure 7, in other embodiments, a heater might be present in the fan housing 43 as a heater coil 46 or the like.

The fan housing 43 will include suitable circuitry for controlling operation of the fan 49 and the heater 45/46.

In the embodiment shown there are two switches 44a,b.

Switch 44a is a master on off switch for the fan 49 and the heater 45/46 and switch 44b is for the heater 45/46 only.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner spring 50 is removably mounted in the mattress foundation 40. The inner WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 spring 50 includes a plurality of coils 54 defining an open area for airflow. Air flow in the several views is generally illustrated by the arrows 56. In addition to or as opposed to the angle brackets 47, the mattress foundation 40 might further include individual guides or receptors (not shown) disposed on the bottom wall 42 for receiving each of the coils 54 to further assist in positioning of the inner spring 50. The inner spring 50 is preferably made of non-corrosive, washable material because of possible contact with saliva, sputum, urine, etc. A preferred material is galvanized spring steel.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the top cover 60 is preferably made of a soft, nonporous material such as natural or synthetic rubber, vinyl, etc. so as to not harbor and provide a growth environment for bacteria or the like. Holes 61 are spaced preferably less than 2 cm apart, more preferably less than 1.5 cm apart, and most preferably on 1 dm staggered centers or less to insure that air is delivered from the innerspring 50 through the top cover to at least one nostril of the infant. The diameter of the holes 61 must be large enough to prevent closing from lint, dust, etc. and yet small enough to build static pressure adequate to force air with sufficient velocity through the bedding. Over pressurizing will create air flow volumes that may cause hypothermia in infants. Under pressurizing will not have the desired effect on the bedding. Hole -6diameter should preferably be 3/16 inches when using fan volumes of 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm) to 170 cfm at static pressures of 0.04 inches H20 to 0.08 inches H20 and most preferably 1/8 inch diameter when used with total air flow of 25 cfm to 55 cfm at 0.02 inches to 0.05 inches H20 static As illustrated in Figure 2, the top cover 60 of the mattress comprises apertures 62, such as eyelets or grommets, which are receivable on spaced apart projections 64 disposed on top of the side walls 41, whereby the top cover 60 is attached to the mattress foundation 40 in a taut condition. Likewise the bedding 70 is shown as comprising elasticised straps 72 about its periphery with apertures 74, such as eyelets or grommets, which are receivable on the projections 64, whereby the mattress bedding 70. In the preferred embodiment, the top cover and bedding 70 is attached to the mattress foundation in a taut condition. In the embodiment shown, the projections are angled outward so as to facilitate retention of the top cover 60 and the bedding 70. In the preferred embodiment, the top cover 60 and bedding are taut when secured onto the projections 64. As can be seen the top cover 60 is readily removable to facilitate the cleaning of its top and bottom surfaces of saliva, sputum, urine etc.

that may collect on the top cover 60 or pass through the apertures 61 to the bottom surface of the top cover 60. The top o.

*r ft oo o* °t *o* WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 cover 60 is simply removed or placed in position by sliding it off of and onto the projections 64.

It will be appreciated that other structures or methods might be utilized to removably mount and remove the top cover 60 without requiring tools. For example, as illustrated in Figure 9, the top cover 60 and likewise the bedding 70, might include hooks 75 for engaging an overhanging portion 77 of the foundation 40 created by an indentation 73 disposed about the perimeter of the foundation 40 in the outside surface of the side walls 41.

Preferably the hooks 75 of the bedding 70 and the top cover would be spaced apart from one another so they do not overlap. This arrangement would allow the hooks 75 to be attached at any location about the perimeter of the foundation 40. Of course, in alternate embodiments tools might be required.

In the preferred embodiment, the mattress bedding functions both as a mattress pad and sheet. Preferably the bedding 70 is of sufficient thickness to assure infant comfort yet be constructed of a material that when used in conjunction with the specified air flow and velocity prevents dangerous accumulations of C02. A preferred embodiment shall be a coarsely woven, linen-like outer layer sandwiching a natural cotton batting interior devoid of resins or glues. In alternate embodiments, other porous materials might be used.

WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 As noted above, the mattress bedding 70 is attached to the projections 64 on the foundation 40 and then the frame assembly 80 is disposed over the straps 72. The edges of the mattress bedding 70 might then be suitably attached to the frame assembly 80 and/or bumper assembly 90 by the use of straps of material 76 suitably secured to the bedding which can be wrapped up and over the frame assembly and/or the bumper assembly 90 and fastened thereto by VELCROT strips 93 or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the mattress bedding 70 might attach directly to the frame assembly 80 and/or the bumper assembly 90 so as to obviate the need to remove and replace the frame/bumper assembly when changing sheets.

The mattress foundation 40 preferably shall include rigid, impermeable, nonporous material such as plastic or wood. This will provide rigidity for keeping the top cover and the mattress bedding 70 taught. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, it will provide a rigid compartment for installing the fan housing 43. The mattress foundation is preferably made of a material which is easily cleaned and resistant to harboring bacteria.

In the preferred embodiment, the innerspring 50 has a slightly smaller outer dimension than the inner dimension of the frame assembly 80 and is slightly higher so that when the frame assembly 80 and/or bumper assembly 90 is attached, the top cover 60 and the mattress bedding 70 are -9- WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 pulled down over the edges of the innerspring 50 thereby forming a slightly convex top surface.

The frame assembly 80 and the bumper assembly 90 might be a single assembly as opposed to two separate assemblies.

The frame assembly 80 preferably has a height of inches or less while the bumper assembly 90 preferably has a height of 4 to 6 inches. As shown in Figure 3, both assemblies preferably comprise a rigid frame 81 and 91 respectively covered with a nonporous material 82 and 92, respectively, having a plurality of apertures in it. The configuration and arrangement of the apertures is preferably the same as that for the top cover As shown in Figure 3, a bottom edge of the frame assembly 80 is preferably open to allow flow of air from the innerspring 50 through the top cover 60 and into a cavity in the frame assembly 80. The air will then pass out the apertures in the material 82 and into a cavity of the bumper assembly 90 where in turn the air will then pass out the apertures in the material 92 as generally illustrated by the arrows 56. The frame assembly 80 will provide a seal with the top surface of the mattress foundation to prevent air leakage out the sides of the mattress assembly. As shown in Figure 3, the frame assembly 80 includes cavities 88 in alignment with and positionable over the projections 64 so as to allow the WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 frame assembly 80 to form a seal with the mattress foundation As shown in Figures 4 and 5, mechanical latches 86 preferably requiring no tools, attach the frame assembly to the mattress foundation 40 and allow the frame assembly to be removed and/or pivoted upward as shown in Figure Latches 96, preferably requiring no tools, attach the bumper assembly 90 to the frame assembly 80. In the preferred embodiment the latches 96 can be moved laterally to avoid interference with crib pickets.

The fan assembly is preferably a modularized assembly for easy removal by hand and without the aid of tools. In this way, the mattress assembly 30 can be sold with or without the fan assembly. The fan assembly preferably can be readily added or replaced as needed. Preferably the fan assembly is compatible with future portable mattresses such as those used in bassinets or other types of portable playpens. As shown in Figure 2, upon removal of the frame assembly 80 the fan housing 43 can be preferably slid into place without the aid of tools. The wall of the mattress foundation 40 is open at the top so as to allow the fan housing 43 to be inserted and removed through the top of the foundation wall. The off/on switches 44a,b shall be inaccessible to infants or made tamperproof to prevent inadvertent stoppage of the fan. Options could include -11- WO 96/39905 PCT/US96/08038 controls recessed under a latching cover or "lock-lever" type switches.

The heater 45 is preferably non-adjustable to maintain fixed temperature at the low end of the infant's thermoneutral range of 23-27 degress Centigrade. This is important to prevent accidental overheating which is known to contribute to SIDS while also preventing hypothermia when using unconditioned room air. A preferred embodiment will include an integral fixed temperature thermostat.

Preferably an inlet of the fan 49 will include a media filter 53 to reduce the possibility of the top surface perforations plugging with lint or dirt. Standard finger guards shall be used on the inlet and outlet of the media filter 53. This arrangement will filter the air before it reaches the compartment where the fan is located.

Preferably the fan's electrical cord will have a tamperproof plug that fastens or locks securely to a wall outlet so as to prevent inadvertent stoppage of the fan 49.

The tamperproof plug might also include a transformer to convert to low voltage AC or DC current.

Having read the foregoing description, it is to be understood, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is -12illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claim does not limit the invention claimed to exclude variants or additions which are obvious.

*o 0 *000 *0 00 e o

Claims

1. A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a removable mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; a top cover of nonporous material covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

2. A mattress assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the fan is disposed in the side wall of the mattress assembly.

3. A mattress assembly in accordance with either claim 1 or 2, wherein the mattress foundation bottom and side walls are constructed of plastic.

4. A mattress assembly in accordance with either claim 1 or 2, wherein the mattress foundation bottom and side walls are constructed of wood.

5. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mattress inner core is supported by a plurality of coiled springs.

6. A mattress assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the mattress foundation bottom wall has guide members centering the coiled springs.

7. A mattress assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the guide members are integrally molded with the bottom wall.

8. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the coiled springs are made of corrosive resistant materials.

9. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising hand holds for lifting the mattress.

10. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims-1 to 9, further comprising a heater.

11. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a removable frame portion.

12. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 toll, wherein the fan comprises a media filter.

13. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fan introduces air approximately 32 cubic feet per minute into the mattress.

14. A crib assembly comprising: a mattress comprising: 15 substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a removable mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; a top cover of nonporous material covering the mattress inner core and having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; 20 a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress; and go* Al a crib supporting the mattress. A crib assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein the crib assembly comprises a frame assembly resting on the mattress foundation.

16. A crib assembly in accordance with either claim 14 or 15, further comprising bedding made of porous fabric.

17. A crib assembly in accordance with claim 16, wherein the bedding is made of cotton bat sandwiched between two linen sheets.

18. A crib assembly in accordance with either claim 16 or 17, wherein the bedding is attached to the mattress side walls in a taut condition.

19. A method for reducing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding, comprising the steps of: forming a mattress having substantially nonporous bottom and side walls and a removable top cover of nonporous material having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a removable inner core within the mattress; and 15 forcing air into an interior area of the mattress at a sufficient rate to percolate air through the top cover of the mattress.

20. A method in accordance with claim 19, further comprising the step of heating the air in the mattress.

21. A mattress assembly, comprising: 20 substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; S a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation and defining an open area for the flow of air; a top cover of nonporous material covering the mattress inner core, the top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough, said top cover being removable to allow cleaning of the top and bottom surfaces; means for attaching bedding to the mattress foundation for maintaining the bedding in a taut condition, said means comprising a frame assembly mounted on top of the mattress foundation; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

22. A mattress assembly in accordance with claim 21 being in air flow communication with the inner spring. 15 23. A mattress assembly in accordance with either claim 21 or 22, comprising a bumper assembly configured for mounting on the frame assembly so as to extend the height of S* side walls surrounding the mattress.

24. A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the bumper assembly is in air flow communication with the frame assembly and comprises apertures in 20 an inwardly facing surface so as to allow flow of air from the inner spring and through the inwardly facing surface of the bumper assembly. *2"2* A mattress assembly in accordance with any one of claims 21 to 24 further comprising latching means for latching the frame assembly onto the foundation of the mattress.

26. A mattress assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

27. A crib assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18,substantially hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

28. A method for reducing the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding, substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. DATED this 5 t h day of August 1999 McMaster Arthur Robinson Hedderwicks Patent Attorneys for HALO SLEEP SYSTEMS, INC. 9 9 9 9 9999 9* 9* 9. 9 9 9 9 .999 9. 9999 9 9