Ergonomic Mattress Pad with Polyester Fill Ergonomische Matratzenauflage Mit Polyesterfüllung Matelas Ergonomique À Remplissage De Polyester

(19) *EP002946697B1*

(11) EP 2 946 697 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: A47C 27/12 (2006.01) A47C 27/00 (2006.01) (2006.01) (2006.01) 14.10.2020 Bulletin 2020/42 A47C 27/14 A47C 31/12 D05B 11/00 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 15168269.7

(22) Date of filing: 19.05.2015

(54) ERGONOMIC MATTRESS PAD WITH POLYESTER FILL ERGONOMISCHE MATRATZENAUFLAGE MIT POLYESTERFÜLLUNG MATELAS ERGONOMIQUE À REMPLISSAGE DE POLYESTER

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Goenka, Dipali AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB 400013 Mumbai (IN) GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR (74) Representative: Norris, Timothy Sweyn et al Designated Extension States: Basck Ltd. BA ME 50 - 60 Station Road Cambridge CB1 2JH (GB) (30) Priority: 19.05.2014 IN MU16752014 18.05.2015 US 201514715015 (56) References cited: DE-A1- 19 647 669 US-A- 4 995 220 (43) Date of publication of application: US-A- 5 117 519 US-A- 5 325 555 25.11.2015 Bulletin 2015/48 US-A1- 2010 024 127

(73) Proprietor: Welspun India Limited Mumbai 400013 (IN)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 946 697 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 946 697 B1 2

Description when used on a mattress, but since these mattress pads are made from latex or memory foam, such mattress pads FIELD OF THE INVENTION are bulky, are not so easy to handle, and are not wash- able. Further, such mattress pads also heat up quickly [0001] The present invention generally relates to a 5 during usage and tend to have a displeasing odour. mattress pad having multiple zones of comfort along its [0006] In a published United States patent document length. More specifically, the embodiments herein relate US4995220A (Charles R. Thomas; "Method of making to a polyester fill mattress pad having distinct comfort a therapeutic mattress"), there is described a method of zones, each particularly suited for supporting a particular making a therapeutic mattress comprised of taking a first portion of a human body. 10 sheet of fabric material of rectangular shape, then taking a second sheet of fabric material and folding it over to BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION provide a top cover and an underlying intermediate bottom fabric cover of the same dimensions as the first [0002] Conventionally a polyester filled mattress pad sheet; and thereafter, applying a plurality of parallel has three layers. The top and bottom layers are made 15 spaced rows of stitching across the width of the top cover up of fabric which may be manufactured using different and intermediate bottom cover. Further steps include, textile materials including cotton, polyesters, silk, poly- superimposing the folded over second fabric sheet over propylene or any other natural or manmade material. The the first fabric sheet and peripherally stitching the top middle layer is generally made up of polyester, or cotton, fabric cover, the intermediate bottom fabric cover and or blend of cotton, polyester, or goose feathers, or any 20 the bottom fabric cover together defining a series of rec- other natural or manmade material. The middle layer is tangular tubes within the top cover and intermediate bot- either blown filled (in case of lose fibres), or it is placed tom cover, and a unit chamber between the bottom in- (in case of garnet fill) in between the top and bottom lay- termediate cover and the bottom cover. Additional steps ers, whether placed mechanically, manually, or combi- include, stuffing, filling, compacting and retaining a fi- nation thereof. The three layers are sewn together on the 25 brous material within the plurality of rectangular tubes, edges and then all three layers are quilted together. The defining a plurality of firm resilient top mattress sections; quilt design usually includes a geometric shape such as and stuffing, filling, retaining a resilient fabric material a box, a diamond, a hexagon, etc. Additionally, a knitted within the chamber defining a bottom mattress section or woven or nonwoven fabric is attached on the edges supportably underlying the top mattress sections; and of the quilted piece to form a drop of the mattress pad. 30 transversely stitching closed the open ends of the tubes The purpose of the drop is to make the mattress pad fit and chamber.. properly on a mattress. [0007] In a published United States patent document [0003] It is believed that a drawback to such a mattress US5117519A (Charles Thomas; "Therapeutic mattress pad having a flat quilted surface is the resulting lack of cover and method of making"), there is described a meth- support that is provided at various regions of the body, 35 od of making a therapeutic mattress cover, wherein the which support is required for better sleep and relaxation. method comprises stacking first, second and third fabric In particular, the flat quilted surface of these mattress sheets and applying a plurality of laterally spaced rows pads results in a lack of support at the various regions of first stitching interconnecting the sheets throughout of the body believed to be required for better sleep and their width. The method further includes superimposing relaxation. 40 a hollow continuous skirt to overlie and surround the pe- [0004] Indeed, the mass and distribution of a human rimeter of the sheets and applying second continuous body varies widely from head to toe, which places sub- peripheral stitching connecting the top edge of the skirt stantially more pressure on a mattress in areas such as to corresponding two ends and one side of the sheets the pelvic and shoulder regions than in other regions. As defining with the first stitching a first set of transverse evidence of this, over a period of time the structure of a 45 tubes along the length of the first and second sheets and mattress compresses noticeably to a greater extent in a second set of transverse tubes underlying the first set the pelvic and shoulder regions than the other areas of of tubes with the second stitching closing one end of the the mattress. Further, it is believed that these com- tubes. Moreover, the method further includes inserting a pressed regions induce pain and aches in different re- filler pad of a foam plastic resilient material into each tube gions of the human body. Usage of such a mattress ul- 50 and applying third stitching connecting the remaining side timately leads to discomfort in sleep and frequent tossing of the skirt to the remaining side of the sheets. and turning on a bed. Use of a mattress pad having a flat [0008] In a published United States patent document quilted surface does not help in this respect. US5325555A (John W. Whitley; " Inelastic mattress cov- [0005] As an alternative, consumers sometimes pur- ering with an elastic underskirt"), there is described a chase body contour mattress pads or mattresses, which 55 mattress covering in a form of a fitted mattress pad or are either made of memory foam or latex, and that are fitted sheet having a top portion, an inelastic side skirt, quite expensive. The body contour mattress pad helps and an elastic underskirt with the top portion dimensioned in providing support to the entire body at the major areas to fit a standard size mattress and the side skirt and un-

2 3 EP 2 946 697 B1 4 derskirt being dimensioned to fit a range of mattress FIG. 6 illustrates a graph based on testing using a heights. The side skirt can be made of the same quilted pillow between a conventional mattress pad and an or sheet material as the top portion for attractive appear- ergonomic mattress pad in accordance with a pre- ance, or it can be made of other material, such as inex- ferred embodiment of the invention. pensive single ply, non-woven, sheeting. The elastic un- 5 derskirt can be made of three-ply laminated material hav- DETAILED DESCRIPTION ing a pair of inelastic outer plies gathered and bonded to an elastic inner ply. An elastic strand is secured in a pe- [0012] The embodiments herein and the various fea- ripheral fold in the underskirt to facilitate retention of the tures and advantageous details thereof are explained covering on a mattress. 10 more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments [0009] In view of the foregoing, it is believed that a need that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and exists for a mattress pad that has multiple comfort zones detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- along its length for supporting the human body and facil- known components and processing techniques are omit- itating faster relaxation of the human body to induce bet- ted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments ter sleep, and that overcomes the aforementioned dis- 15 herein. The examples used herein are intended merely advantages of a body contoured mattress pad made of to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the em- memory foam or latex. Such a need is believed to be bodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable addressed by at least some embodiments of the inven- those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments here- tion. in. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed 20 as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. [0010] The present invention provides a mattress pad The following description of one or more preferred em- as claimed in claim 1 and a method of providing a mat- bodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way tress pad as claimed in claim 6. Preferred features are 25 intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or set out in the dependent claims. uses. [0014] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 depict conventional mattress BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS pads. The mattress pad 10 of FIG. 1 has a flat upper exterior surface with box quilting; the mattress pad 20 of [0011] One or more preferred embodiments of the in- 30 FIG. 2 has a flat upper exterior surface with diamond vention now will be described in detail with reference to quilting; and the mattress pad 30 of FIG. 3 has a flat upper the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements exterior surface with invisible flat quilting. are referred to with the same reference numerals. [0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an ergonomic mattress pad 100 in accordance with a preferred embodi- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top view of conven- 35 ment of the invention. The mattress pad 100 comprises tional mattress pad having a flat surface with box an upper layer 90, a lower layer, and a wadding layer quilting. located between the upper layer and the lower layer. All three layers are quilted together to form one single non- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of conven- woven/woven/knitted textile material quilt cake 90. The tional mattress pad having a flat surface with dia- 40 quilted cake thus obtained is then attached with a knit- mond quilting. ted/woven or nonwoven drop 92 to complete the mattress pad 100. FIG. 3 illustrates schematic top view of a conven- [0016] The upper and lower layers are made up of non- tional mattress pad having invisible flat quilting. woven/woven/knitted textile material, which may be man- 45 ufactured using different textile materials including cot- FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic top view of an ergo- ton, polyesters, silk, polypropylene, or any other natural nomic mattress pad with the differential fill and quilt- or manmade material. The wadding layer is made up of ing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of different fill weights. For example, loose fibres are filled the invention. in case of blown fill, and garneted fibres are filled in case 50 of manual/mechanical fill. FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic side view of the er- [0017] In accordance with one or more aspects and gonomic mattress pad of FIG. 4A. features of the invention, the filling and quilting is done in such a way that different wadding or support zones FIG. 5 illustrates a graph based on testing without are created in the mattress pad, each zone having one using a pillow between a conventional mattress pad 55 or more quilt patterns and one or more different eleva- and an ergonomic mattress pad in accordance with tions (i.e., thicknesses). The differences in the wadding a preferred embodiment of the invention. or support zones preferably are achieved by a combina- tion of the quantity or amount of wadding (filled material)

3 5 EP 2 946 697 B1 6 of various densities (grams per square meters) utilized the region 115 for supporting the lower back portion is in each zone; and the quilting applied in each region of within a range of 20.32 cm (eight inches) to 25.4 cm (ten each zone. Polyester fibres are used for wadding in one inches); and the length of the region 117 for supporting or more preferred embodiments. the leg portion is within a range of 50.8 cm (twenty inches) [0018] For example, the mattress pad 100 preferably 5 to 101.6cm (forty inches). includes a plurality of defined wadding or wadding or sup- [0021] In preferred embodiments, the different wad- port zones as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, including a first ding or support zones of the mattress pad are designed wadding or wadding or support zone 101 having a pre- intelligently to provide maximum support to the human determined thickness and length of wadding, and being body, especially at the lumbar and neck portions of the defined by a quilted region 107 for supporting a head 10 human body. It is believed that such support of these portion of a human body and a non-quilted region 109 portions facilitates relaxing of the human body at a faster for supporting a neck portion of a human body; a second rate, thereby resulting in better comfort and inducing bet- wadding or support zone 103 having a predetermined ter sleep, and consequently resulting in increased sleep thickness and length of wadding, and being defined by efficiency and a higher level of restorative sleep. a quilted region 111 for supporting an upper body portion 15 [0022] It will further be appreciated that a mattress pad of a human body and a nonquilted region 113 for sup- may be made of soft support or firm support based on porting a lumbar portion of a human body; and a third the need for such support by changing poly or poly blend- wadding or support zone 105 having a predetermined ed material with a natural/manmade fibre wadding; and thickness and length of wadding, and being defined by it will be appreciated that the thickness and length of wad- a quilted region 115 for supporting a lower back portion 20 ding, and the pattern of quilt, can be varied in each region of a human body and another quilted region 117 for sup- and zone based on the height and weight of the user. porting a leg portion of a human body. Moreover, the quilted regions in this third wadding or support zone 105 Testing each preferably has a different quilt pattern. [0019] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the three wadding or 25 [0023] test including qualitative and quantitative elec- support zones 101,103,105 generally extend the length tromyograms (EMGs) was conducted using (a) a con- and the width of the top of the mattress pad 100, with the ventional mattress pad compared with (b) an ergonomic aforementioned regions 107,109; regions 111,113; and mattress pad representing a preferred embodiment of regions 115,117 defining their respective wadding or sup- the invention, which is referred to below as the "test mat- port zones 101,103,105. Furthermore, the same or sim- 30 tress pad". As will be appreciated, an electromyogram is ilar quilt pattern can be utilized in a region of two or more used for evaluating and recording electrical activity pro- wadding or support zones; the quilt pattern of region 111 duced in muscles of the human body. The systems used is schematically shown in FIG. 4 to be the same as that included ALICE_S and C2 1-330 systems with Physiolab of region 115. In particular, the quilt pattern of region 107 software. The test included ten participants comprising represents a square matrix pattern; the quilt pattern of 35 five males and five females ranging in age from 18 years region 111 represents a rectangular matrix pattern; the to 50 years. The total time of recording per participant quilt pattern of region 115 represents the rectangular ma- was 30 minutes. trix pattern of region 111; and the quilt pattern of region [0024] During the test, multiple electrodes initially were 117 represents a pattern of parallel, elongate strip sec- placed at different parts of the tions, each section extending the length of the region 117. 40 body of each subject, for example, three at the lower [0020] In certain preferred embodiments, the thickness back, two at the neck portion, and one at the hand of the of the region 107 for supporting the head is within a range subject. The electrodes are attached to the skin of the of 1.27 cm (one-half inch) to 2.54 cm (one inch); the thick- subject using an adhesive. In a first phase, each subject ness of the region 109 for supporting the neck portion is with the attached electrodes was made to lie down flat within a range of 254 cm (one inch) to 5.08 cm (two inch- 45 on a conventional mattress pad without a pillow, and a es); and the thickness of the region 115 for supporting first EMG result was recorded. For a second phase, each the lower back portion 115 is within a range of 5.08 cm subject then was given a pillow while lying on the con- (two inches) to 12.7 cm (five inches). Additionally, in cer- ventional mattress pad, and a second EMG result was tain preferred embodiments, the length of the region 107 recorded. In a third phase, each subject next was made for supporting the head is within a range of 15.24 cm (six 50 to lie down on the test mattress pad without a pillow, and inches) to 25.4 cm (ten inches); the length of the region a third EMG result was recorded. In a fourth phase, each 109 for supporting then neck preferably is within a range subject was given a pillow while lying on the test mattress of 15.24 cm (six inches) to 20.32 cm (eight inches); the pad and a fourth EMG result was recorded. Test results length of the region 111 for supporting the upper body were compiled to indicate the comparison between the portion is within a range of 20.32 cm (eight inches) to 55 conventional mattress pad and the test mattress pad. 35.56 cm (fourteen inches); the length of the region 113 [0025] The table provided below indicates test results. for supporting the lumbar portion is within a range of 25.4 cm (ten inches) to 38.1 cm (fifteen inches); the length of

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the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and Without Pillow Results application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described Volunteer Normal Test herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and 1 0.97 0.57 5 equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or rea- sonably suggested by the present invention and the fore- 2 0.53 0.36 going descriptions thereof, without departing from the 3 0.48 0.36 substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has 4 0.79 0.70 [0029] 10 been described herein in detail in relation to one or more 5 0.56 0.40 preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this 6 0.40 0.44 disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of 7 0.85 0.89 providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. 8 0.46 0.86 15 The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present inven- With Pillow Results tion being limited only by the claims appended hereto 20 and the equivalents thereof. Volunteer Normal Test 1 0.72 0.53 2 0.65 0.35 Claims

3 0.48 0.37 25 1. A mattress pad, for supporting a human body, said 4 0.49 0.49 mattress pad comprising: 5 0.52 0.40 an upper layer; 6 0.41 0.42 a lower layer; and 30 a wadding layer disposed between said upper 7 0.46 0.91 layer and said lower layer; 8 0.46 0.78 wherein said wadding layer includes: Test results as compiled indicate that with pillow [0026] 35 on test mattress pad there is reduction of muscle tension a first wadding zone (101) having predetermined in the lower back and the muscles are relaxed which thickness and length for supporting a head por- helps in a better sleep quality. tion (107) and a neck portion (109) of said human [0027] It is believed that the test results generally indi- body, wherein said first wadding zone (101) in- cate a reduction of muscle tension in the lower back when 40 cludes a first quilt region (119) having a prede- a pillow is used with the test mattress pad as opposed termined quilt pattern and a first non-quilt region to a pillow with a convention mattress pad. In this regard, (120); FIG. 5 illustrates a graph showing the test results be- a second wadding zone (103) having predeter- tween the conventional mattress pad and the ergonomic mined thickness and length for supporting an mattress pad without using a pillow; and FIG. 6 illustrates 45 upper body (111) and a lumbar portion (113) of a graph showing the test results between the conven- said human body, wherein said second zone in- tional mattress pad and the ergonomic mattress pad us- cludes a second quilt region (121) having a pre- ing a pillow. Both the graphs show a series of lines which determined quilt pattern and a second non-quilt are thicker and thinner at a given instant time interval. region (122); The thicker lines in the graph indicate higher muscle ten- 50 a third wadding zone (105) having predeter- sion while thinner line indicates lower muscle tension. mined thickness and length for supporting a low- Higher muscle tension is believed to lead to a lower sleep er back portion (115) and a leg portion (117) of efficiency. Thus these graphs, it can be inferred that using said human body, wherein said third zone in- the test mattress pad with a pillow results in a reduction cludes a third quilt region (123) and a fourth quilt of muscle tension in the lower back, thereby providing a 55 region (125) having a predetermined quilt pat- better sleep quality. tern, [0028] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that wherein said upper layer, said lower layer and said

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wadding layer are stitched together to form a single- gion (119) having a predetermined quilt pat- layered quilt cake, characterised in that tern and a first non-quilt region (120); said quilt cake is attached with a knitted or woven or a second wadding zone (103) having pre- non-woven fabric on its edges to form a drop of the determined thickness and length for sup- mattress pad; 5 porting an upper body (111) and a lumbar wherein the quilting pattern applied in the quilted up- portion (113) of said human body, wherein per body region comprises a matrix of irregular pol- said second zone includes a second quilt ygons comprising rectangles; and region (121) having a predetermined quilt the quilting pattern applied in the head region com- pattern and a second non-quilt region 122; prises a matrix of regular polygons comprising 10 a third wadding zone (105) having prede- squares. termined thickness and length for supporting a lower back portion (115) and a leg por- 2. The mattress pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tion (117) of said human body, wherein said wadding layer includes polyester fill material of var- third zone includes a third quilt region (123) ying densities. 15 and a fourth quilt region (125) having a predetermined quilt pattern, 3. The mattress pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thickness of wadding for: wherein the method further comprises stitching head portion is within a range of 1.27 cm (0.5 inch) together said upper layer, said lower layer and to 2.54 cm (1 inch) neck portion 109 is within a range 20 said wadding layer to form a single-layered quilt of 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 5.08 cm (2 inches) lower back cake, characterised in that the method further portion is within a range of 5.08 cm (2 inches) to 12.7 comprises attaching to edges of said quilt cake cm (5 inches). a knitted or woven or non-woven fabric to form a drop of the mattress pad; 4. The mattress pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 25 wherein the method further comprises applying length of wadding for: in the quilted upper body region a quilting pattern that comprises a matrix of irregular polygons head portion is within a range of 15.24 cm (6 comprising rectangles; and inches) to 25.4 cm (10 inches) neck portion 109 applying in the head region a quilting pattern that is within a range of 15.24 cm (6 inches) to 20.32 30 comprises a matrix of regular polygons compris- cm (8 inches) shoulder portion is within a range ing squares. of 20.32 cm (8 inches) to 35.56 (14 inches) lumbar portion 113 is within a range of 25.4 cm (10 inches) to 38.1 cm (15 inches) lower back por- Patentansprüche tion is within a range of 20.32 cm (8 inches) to 35 25.4 cm (10 inches) and 1. Matratzenauflage zum Stützen eines menschlichen leg portion 117 is within a range of 50.8 cm (20 Körpers, wobei die Matratzenauflage Folgendes um- inches) to 101.6 cm (40 inches). fasst: eine obere Schicht; eine untere Schicht; und 5. The mattress pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said 40 eine Wattierungsschicht, die zwischen der oberen quilt cake is adapted to be positioned on a conven- Schicht und der unteren Schicht angeordnet ist; wo- tional mattress or on a floor or the like. bei die Wattierungsschicht Folgendes einschließt: 6. A method of providing a mattress pad for supporting a human body, said method comprising: 45 eine erste Wattierungszone (101) mit einer vorgegebenen Dicke und Länge zum Stützen eines providing an upper layer; Kopfabschnitts (107) und eines Halsabschnitts providing a lower layer; and (109) des menschlichen Körpers, wobei die ers- disposing a wadding layer between said upper te Wattierungszone (101) eine erste Steppregi- layer and said lower layer; 50 on (119) mit einem vorgegebenen Steppmuster wherein und eine erste Nichtsteppregion (120) ein- said wadding layer includes: schließt; eine zweite Wattierungszone (103) mit einer a first wadding zone (101) having predeter- vorgegebenen Dicke und Länge zum Stützen mined thickness and length for supporting 55 eines Oberkörpers (111) und eines Lendenab- a head portion (107) and a neck portion schnitts (113) des menschlichen Körpers, wobei (109) of said human body, wherein said first die zweite Zone eine zweite Steppregion (121) wadding zone (101) includes a first quilt re- mit einem vorgegebenen Steppmuster und eine

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zweite Nichtsteppregion (122) einschließt; zum Stützen eines menschlichen Körpers, wobei eine dritte Wattierungszone (105) mit einer vor- das Verfahren umfasst: gegebenen Dicke und Länge zum Stützen eines unteren Rückenabschnitts (115) und eines Bereitstellen einer oberen Schicht; Beinabschnitts (117) des menschlichen Kör- 5 Bereitstellen einer unteren Schicht; und pers, wobei die dritte Zone eine dritte Steppre- Anordnen einer Wattierungsschicht zwischen gion (123) und eine vierte Steppregion (125) mit der oberen Schicht und der unteren Schicht; einem vorgegebenen Steppmuster einschließt, wobei wobei die obere Schicht, die untere Schicht und die Wattierungsschicht Folgendes einschließt: die Wattierungsschicht zusammengeheftet 10 sind, um eine einlagige Stepp-Platte zu bilden, eine erste Wattierungszone (101) mit einer dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass vorgegebenen Dicke und Länge zum Stüt- die Stepp-Platte an ihren Rändern mit einem ge- zen eines Kopfabschnitts (107) und eines wirkten oder gewebten oder Vliesstoff befestigt Halsabschnitts (109) des menschlichen ist, um eine Absenkung der Matratzenauflage 15 Körpers, wobei die erste Wattierungszone zu bilden; (101) eine erste Steppregion (119) mit ei- wobei das in dem gesteppten Oberkörperregion nem vorgegebenen Steppmuster und eine aufgebrachte Steppmuster eine Matrix von un- erste Nichtsteppregion (120) einschließt; regelmäßigen Polygonen umfasst, die Rechte- eine zweite Wattierungszone (103) mit ei- cke umfassen; und 20 ner vorgegebenen Dicke und Länge zum das in der Kopfregion aufgebrachte Steppmus- Stützen eines Oberkörpers (111) und eines ter eine Matrix von regelmäßigen Polygonen Lendenabschnitts (113) des menschlichen umfasst, die Quadrate umfassen. Körpers, wobei die zweite Zone eine zweite Steppregion (121) mit einem vorgegebenen 2. Matratzenauflage nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Wat- 25 Steppmuster und eine zweite Nichtsteppre- tierungsschicht Polyesterfüllmaterial mit variieren- gion 122 einschließt; den Dichten einschließt. eine dritte Wattierungszone (105) mit einer vorgegebenen Dicke und Länge zum Stüt- 3. Matratzenauflage nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Dicke zen eines unteren Rückenabschnitts (115) der Wattierung für: 30 und eines Beinabschnitts (117) des den Kopfabschnitt innerhalb eines Bereichs von 1,27 menschlichen Körpers, wobei die dritte Zo- cm (0,5 Zoll) bis 2,54 cm (1 Zoll), den Halsabschnitt ne eine dritte Steppregion (123) und eine 109 innerhalb eines Bereichs von 2,54 cm (1 Zoll) vierte Steppregion (125) mit einem vorge- bis 5,08 cm (2 Zoll), den unteren Rückenabschnitt gebenen Steppmuster einschließt, innerhalb eines Bereichs von 5,08 cm (2 Zoll) bis 35 wobei das Verfahren ferner das Zusam- 12,7 cm (5 Zoll) liegt. menheften der oberen Schicht, der unteren Schicht und der Wattierungsschicht um- 4. Matratzenauflage nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Länge fasst, um eine einlagigen Stepp-Platte zu der Wattierung für: bilden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass den Kopfabschnitt innerhalb eines Bereichs von 40 das Verfahren ferner das Anbringen eines 15,24 cm (6 Zoll) bis 25,4 cm (10 Zoll), den Halsab- gewirkten oder gewebten oder Vliesstoffs schnitt 109 innerhalb eines Bereichs von 15,24 cm an Rändern der Stepp-Platte umfasst, um (6 Zoll) bis 20,32 cm (8 Zoll), den Schulterabschnitt eine Absenkung der Matratzenauflage zu innerhalb eines Bereichs von 20,32 cm (8 Zoll) bis bilden; 35,56 cm (14 Zoll), den Lendenabschnitt 113 inner- 45 wobei das Verfahren ferner das Aufbringen halb eines Bereichs von 25,4 cm (10 Zoll) bis 38,1 eines Steppmusters in der gesteppten cm (15 Zoll), den unteren Rückenabschnitt innerhalb Oberkörperregion umfasst, das eine Matrix eines Bereichs von 20,32 cm (8 Zoll) bis 25,4 cm (10 von unregelmäßigen Polygonen umfasst, Zoll) und den Beinabschnitt 117 innerhalb eines Be- die Rechtecke umfassen; und reichs von 50,8 cm (20 Zoll) bis 101,6 cm (40 Zoll) 50 Aufbringen eines Steppmusters in der Kopf- liegt. region, das eine Matrix von regelmäßigen Polygonen umfasst, die Quadraten umfas- 5. Matratzenauflage nach Anspruch 1, wobei die sen. Stepp-Platte dazu ausgelegt ist, auf einer herkömm- lichen Matratze oder auf einem Boden oder derglei- 55 chen positioniert zu werden. Revendications

6. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen einer Matratzenauflage 1. Surmatelas, pour supporter un corps humain, ledit

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surmatelas comprenant : une couche supérieure ; cm (5 pouces). une couche inférieure ; et une couche de rembourrage disposée entre ladite 4. Surmatelas selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la- couche supérieure et ladite couche inférieure ; dans dite longueur de rembourrage pour : la partie de tête lequel 5 se situe dans une plage de 15,24 cm (6 pouces) à ladite couche de rembourrage inclut : 25,4 cm (10 pouces) pour la partie de cou 109 se situe dans une plage de 15,24 cm (6 pouces) à 20,32 une première zone de rembourrage (101) ayant cm (8 pouces) pour la partie d’épaules se situe dans une épaisseur et une longueur prédéterminées une plage de 20,32 cm (8 pouces) à 35,56 (14 pou- pour supporter une partie de tête (107) et une 10 ces) pour la partie lombaire 113 se situe dans une partie de cou (109) dudit corps humain, dans plage de 25,4 cm (10 pouces) à 38,1 cm (15 pouces) lequel ladite première zone de rembourrage pour la partie inférieure du dos se situe dans une (101) inclut une première région de piquage plage de 20,32 cm (8 pouces) à 25,4 cm (10 pouces) (119) ayant un motif de piquage prédéterminé et pour la partie de jambes 117 se situe dans une et une première région sans piquage (120) ; 15 plage de 50,8 cm (20 pouces) à 101,6 cm (40 pou- une deuxième zone de rembourrage (103) ayant ces). une épaisseur et une longueur prédéterminées pour supporter un haut du corps (111) et une 5. Surmatelas selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le- partie lombaire (113) dudit corps humain, dans dit ensemble piqué est conçu pour être positionné lequel ladite deuxième zone inclut une deuxiè- 20 sur un matelas classique ou sur un sol ou similaire. me région de rembourrage (121) ayant un motif de piquage prédéterminé et une deuxième ré- 6. Procédé de fourniture d’un surmatelas pour suppor- gion sans piquage (122) ; ter un corps humain, ledit procédé comprenant : une troisième zone de rembourrage (105) ayant une épaisseur et une longueur prédéterminées 25 la fourniture d’une couche supérieure ; pour supporter une partie inférieure du dos (115) la fourniture d’une couche inférieure ; et et une partie de jambes (117) dudit corps hu- la mise en place d’une couche de rembourrage main, dans lequel ladite troisième zone inclut entre ladite couche supérieure et ladite couche une troisième région de rembourrage (123) et inférieure ; une quatrième région de rembourrage (125) 30 dans lequel ayant un motif de piquage prédéterminé, ladite couche de rembourrage inclut : dans lequel ladite couche supérieure, ladite couche inférieure et ladite couche de rembourrage une première zone de rembourrage (101) sont cousues les unes aux autres pour former ayant une épaisseur et une longueur pré- un ensemble piqué monocouche, caractérisé 35 déterminées pour supporter une partie de en ce que tête (107) et une partie de cou (109) dudit ledit ensemble piqué est fixé avec un textile tri- corps humain, dans lequel ladite première coté ou tissé ou non tissé sur ses bords pour zone de rembourrage (101) inclut une pre- former un rabat du surmatelas ; mière région de piquage (119) ayant un mo- dans lequel le motif de piquage appliqué dans 40 tif de piquage prédéterminé et une première la région piquée du haut du corps comprend une région sans piquage (120) ; matrice de polygones irréguliers comprenant une deuxième zone de rembourrage (103) des rectangles ; et ayant une épaisseur et une longueur pré- le motif de piquage appliqué dans la région de déterminées pour supporter un haut du tête comprend une matrice de polygones régu- 45 corps (111) et une partie lombaire (113) du- liers comprenant des carrés. dit corps humain, dans lequel ladite deuxiè- me zone inclut une deuxième région de 2. Surmatelas selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la- rembourrage (121) ayant un motif de piqua- dite couche de rembourrage inclut un matériau de ge prédéterminé et une deuxième région remplissage en polyester de densités variables. 50 sans piquage 122 ; une troisième zone de rembourrage (105) 3. Surmatelas selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la- ayant une épaisseur et une longueur pré- dite épaisseur de rembourrage pour : la partie de déterminées pour supporter une partie in- tête se situe dans une plage de 1,27 cm (0,5 pouce) férieure du dos (115) et une partie de jam- à 2,54 cm (1 pouce) pour la partie de cou 109 se 55 bes (117) dudit corps humain, dans lequel situe dans une plage de 2,54 cm (1 pouce) à 5,08 ladite troisième zone inclut une troisième ré- cm (2 pouces) pour la partie inférieure du dos se gion de rembourrage (123) et une quatriè- situe dans une plage de 5,08 cm (2 pouces) à 12,7 me région de rembourrage (125) ayant un

8 15 EP 2 946 697 B1 16 motif de piquage prédéterminé, dans lequel le procédé comprend en outre la couture les unes aux autres de ladite couche supérieure, de ladite couche inférieure et de ladite couche de rembourrage pour 5 former un ensemble piqué monocouche, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre la fixation aux bords dudit ensemble piqué d’un textile tricoté ou tissé ou non tissé pour former un rabat du 10 surmatelas ; dans lequel le procédé comprend en outre l’application dans la région piquée du haut du corps un motif de piquage qui comprend une matrice de polygones irréguliers com- 15 prenant des rectangles ; et l’application dans la région de tête d’un motif de piquage qui comprend une matrice de polygones réguliers comprenant des carrés 20

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 4995220 A, Charles R. Thomas [0006] • US 5325555 A, John W. Whitley [0008] • US 5117519 A, Charles Thomas [0007]