阅读说明：本技术 用于垫子的缓冲罩 (Cushion cover for cushion ) 是由 R·W·泰勒 R·B·沃特科特 M·E·罗杰斯 D·Y·阿查里雅 L·萨尔达纳 于 2020-06-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于垫子的罩,该罩包括第一面板、第二面板以及限定在第一面板和第二面板之间的主容器。主容器可以容纳主缓冲元件,例如枕头、枕头插入物或填充材料。第一面板和第二面板中的至少一个包括次缓冲元件。次缓冲元件可以由可压缩的、回弹的弹性体材料限定,该弹性体材料限定多个薄互连壁,该薄互连壁依次限定开放的单元格或列的阵列。每个单元格或列可以具有六边形形状,从而赋予开放的单元格或列的阵列蜂窝状外观。还公开了将主缓冲元件与这种罩组装在一起的方法。(A cover for a mattress, the cover comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a primary container defined between the first panel and the second panel. The primary container may contain a primary cushioning element, such as a pillow, pillow insert, or filler material. At least one of the first and second panels includes a secondary cushioning element. The secondary cushioning elements may be defined by a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of thin interconnecting walls that in turn define an array of open cells or columns. Each cell or column may have a hexagonal shape, giving the array of open cells or columns a honeycomb-like appearance. Methods of assembling the primary cushioning element with such a cover are also disclosed.)

1. A cover for a cushion, the cover comprising:

a first panel, comprising:

an outer layer;

an inner layer; and

a secondary cushioning element between the outer layer and the inner layer;

a second panel overlying the first panel, the second panel including an outer layer and an inner layer, a peripheral edge of the second panel being secured to a corresponding peripheral edge of the first panel;

a primary container housing a primary cushioning element defined between the first panel and the second panel.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the secondary cushioning element comprises a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of interconnected walls defining an array of cells.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the central region of the secondary cushioning element is thicker than the peripheral edge of the secondary cushioning element.

4. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein the secondary cushioning element comprises:

a first half defining a first major surface of a secondary cushioning element and comprising a first plurality of interconnected walls defining a first cell array; and

a second half defining a second major surface of the secondary cushioning element and comprising a second plurality of interconnected walls defining a second cell array.

5. The shroud of claim 4, wherein the second plurality of interconnected walls and the second cell array are laterally offset from the first plurality of interconnected walls and the first cell array.

6. The shroud of claim 4, wherein the second plurality of interconnected walls and the second cell array are aligned with the first plurality of interconnected walls and the first cell array.

7. The cover of any of claims 4-6, wherein the secondary cushioning element further comprises:

a scrim positioned between the first half and the second half.

8. The cover of any of claims 1-7, wherein the second panel comprises:

an inner layer;

an outer layer; and

another secondary cushioning element between the inner and outer layers.

9. The cover of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

a main opening providing access to the main container, the main opening being capable of introducing the main cushioning element into the main container.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the first panel, the second panel, the primary cushioning element, and the secondary cushioning element are substantially rectangular in shape.

11. The cover of claim 10, wherein at least portions of three peripheral edges of a first panel are secured to at least portions of three peripheral edges of a corresponding second panel.

12. The cover of any one of claims 1-11, wherein a peripheral edge of a first panel is sewn to a peripheral edge of a corresponding second panel.

13. A mat, comprising:

a cover, comprising:

a first panel, comprising:

an outer surface;

an inner surface; and;

a secondary cushioning element between the outer surface and the inner surface; a second panel superposed with the first panel, the peripheral edge of the first panel being secured to the corresponding peripheral edge of the second panel;

a primary container defined between a first panel and a second panel; and

a primary cushioning element positionable within the primary container.

14. A mattress according to claim 13, said mattress comprising a pillow.

15. A mattress according to claim 14 wherein the primary cushioning element comprises a standard pillow that can be removed from or replaced within the primary container.

16. The cushion according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the secondary cushion element comprises a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of interconnected walls defining an array of cells.

17. The cushion of claim 16 wherein at least some of the plurality of interconnected walls comprise curved walls defining curved cells.

18. The cushion according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the secondary cushion element comprises:

a first half defining a first major surface of a secondary cushioning element and comprising a first plurality of interconnected walls defining a first cell array; and

a second half defining a second major surface of the secondary cushioning element and comprising a second plurality of interconnected walls defining a second cell array.

19. The mat of claim 18, wherein the second plurality of interconnected walls and the second cell array are laterally offset from the first plurality of interconnected walls and the first cell array.

20. The mat of claim 18, wherein the second plurality of interconnected walls and the second cell array are aligned with the first plurality of interconnected walls and the first cell array.

21. The cushion according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein the secondary cushion element further comprises:

a scrim positioned between the first half and the second half.

22. The cushion as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21 wherein the second panel of the cover comprises:

an outer surface;

an inner surface; and;

a secondary cushioning element between the outer surface and the inner surface.

23. A method for assembling a mat, comprising:

introducing a primary cushioning element into a primary container of a cover according to any of claims 1 to 12, the primary container being defined between a first panel of the cover and a second panel of the cover, including superimposing a secondary cushioning element of the first panel on a first surface of the primary cushioning element.

24. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the introducing further comprises stacking another secondary cushioning element of the second panel on the second surface of the primary cushioning element.

25. The method of claim 23, the method further comprising:

removing the primary cushioning element from the primary container; and is

Introducing another primary cushioning element into the primary container.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to covers for pillows or other primary cushioning elements, and more particularly to covers having panels containing secondary cushioning elements. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cover having a central pocket that receives a cushioning element (e.g., a pillow or pillow insert) between a pair of secondary cushioning elements of the cover. The disclosure also relates to cushions (e.g., pillows) including such covers, and methods of making and using covers for pillows or other primary cushioning elements.

Disclosure of Invention

A cover according to the present disclosure may have a configuration that enables it to accommodate a primary cushioning element (e.g., a pillow insert or pillow). The cover may include a first panel (which carries the secondary cushioning element), a second panel, and a primary container or pocket (which is defined between the first and second panels). The pocket may house a primary cushioning element. In some embodiments, the second panel may also carry a secondary cushioning element.

The secondary cushioning element of the first panel may comprise any suitable type of cushioning element. In particular embodiments, the secondary cushioning element may comprise a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of thin interconnecting walls defining an array of cells or columns. Even more particularly, the compressible, resilient elastomeric material may define a plurality of thin walls that in turn define a hexagonal cell array in a so-called "honeycomb" arrangement. Such a secondary cushioning element may be secured to (e.g., formed on, adhered to, etc.) a portion of the first panel.

The first panel may include an outer layer and an inner layer defining a secondary container therebetween. In some embodiments, the outer peripheral edge of the inner layer may be secured to the inner surface of the outer layer and/or the outer peripheral edge of the outer layer. The inner layer may be secured directly to the outer layer. Alternatively, the inner layer may be secured to an inner edge of a gusset, which in turn is secured to the outer layer, with the gusset spacing the inner and outer layers from one another. A secondary container between the inner and outer layers may receive or carry a secondary cushioning element. In some embodiments, the secondary cushioning element may be secured to one or both of the outer and inner layers of the first panel. The secondary cushioning element may be permanently secured within the secondary container in a manner that prevents access to the secondary cushioning element.

In embodiments where the second panel includes secondary cushioning elements, the secondary cushioning elements of the second panel may also include any suitable type of cushioning elements, including but not limited to cushioning elements in which a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defines a plurality of thin interconnected walls, and the interconnected walls in turn define an array of cells or columns. In such embodiments, the second panel may further comprise an outer layer and an inner layer, and a secondary container defined between the outer layer and the inner layer. In such embodiments, the peripheral edge of the inner layer may be secured to the inner surface of the outer layer and/or to the peripheral edge of the outer layer. The inner layer may be secured directly to the outer layer. Alternatively, the inner layer may be secured to an inner edge of a gusset, which in turn is secured to the outer layer at an outer edge, with the gusset spacing the inner and outer layers from one another. The secondary container between the inner and outer layers may receive or carry the secondary cushioning element of the second panel. The secondary cushioning element of the second panel may be secured to one or both of the outer and inner layers of the second panel. The secondary cushioning element may be permanently secured within the secondary container in a manner that prevents access to the secondary cushioning element.

The peripheral edges of the first and second panels of the cover may be secured to one another in a manner to define a primary container between the first and second panels. In some embodiments, portions of the peripheral edges of the first and second panels that are inseparably affixed to each other may be directly affixed to each other. In other embodiments, portions of the peripheral edges of the first and second panels that are inseparably secured to each other may be indirectly secured to each other. For example, a peripheral edge of a first panel (e.g., top panel, etc.) of the cover may be secured to a first edge (e.g., top edge, etc.) of a gusset, and a peripheral edge of a second panel (e.g., bottom panel, etc.) of the cover may be secured to a second edge (e.g., bottom edge, etc.) of the gusset, wherein the gusset defines a periphery of the cover and is therefore referred to herein as a "peripheral gusset. In embodiments where the first panel comprises an outer layer and an inner layer and the second panel comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layers of the first panel and the second panel may at least partially define the primary container. In embodiments where the cover further comprises a peripheral liner, the peripheral liner may also define part of the primary container.

The shroud may also include a main opening that provides access to the main container. The main opening may be defined by edges of the cover that are separable from each other. For example, the portions of the rim defining the primary opening may be spaced apart from one another to open the primary opening and provide access to the primary container of the closure. As another example, a zipper between portions of the rim defining the main opening may be selectively unzipped to open the main opening to the main container. In yet another example, buttons or other fasteners that secure portions of the rim defining the primary opening to one another may be unbuckled or unfastened to open the primary opening and provide access to the primary container.

The main container can accommodate the main cushioning element as the main opening of the cover is opened. More specifically, the main opening of the cover may facilitate the introduction (or removal) of a main cushioning element (e.g., pillow filler, pillow insert, pillow, etc.) into the main container. The primary container may house the primary cushioning elements in such a way that each secondary cushioning element at least partially or even completely covers a respective surface of the primary cushioning element.

In another aspect, a cushion (e.g., pillow) is disclosed that includes a cover according to the present disclosure and a cushioning element located within an interior of the cover.

Methods for enhancing cushioning of a cushioning element are also disclosed. A primary cushioning element (e.g., a filler for a pillow, a pillow insert, an existing pillow, etc.) may be introduced into a primary receptacle of a cover that includes a secondary cushioning element in one or both panels (i.e., major surfaces) thereof. Each secondary cushioning element of the cover may at least partially overlap the pillow or filling when the primary cushioning element is introduced into the primary container. The resulting mat may then be used to support a body part (e.g., an individual's head, back, legs, etc.). The overlap of the secondary cushioning element over at least a portion of the primary cushioning element may alter or enhance the manner in which the primary cushioning element cushions the body part.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following disclosure, drawings, and appended claims.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion and cover for a cushion according to the present disclosure, wherein the cover includes a first panel carrying a secondary cushioning element and a second panel carrying a secondary cushioning element, and a primary cushioning element that may be placed between the first panel and the second panel;

FIG. 1A provides a top view of the mat and cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B depicts the cushion and cover shown in FIG. 1 from one side;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein the secondary cushioning elements of the first panel of the cover and the second panel of the cover are offset with respect to each other;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a secondary cushioning element of a panel of the variation of the cover shown in FIG. 2, showing the secondary cushioning element being thicker at its center than at its peripheral edge;

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a surface of the embodiment secondary buffer element shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another variation of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein the secondary cushioning elements of the first panel of the cover and the second panel of the cover are substantially aligned with one another;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another variation of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein the secondary cushioning element of each of the first panel of the cover and the second panel of the cover includes halves defining opposing surfaces of the secondary cushioning element and having patterns that are offset with respect to each other;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first selection of secondary cushioning elements of the variation of the cover shown in FIG. 5, wherein one half of the secondary cushioning elements is thicker at its center than at its peripheral edge, and the other half of the secondary cushioning elements has a substantially uniform thickness;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second selection of secondary cushioning elements of the variation of the cover shown in FIG. 5, wherein the two halves of the secondary cushioning elements are thicker at their centers than at their peripheral edges;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of yet another variation of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein the secondary cushioning elements of the first panel of the cover and the second panel of the cover have a substantially uniform thickness;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary cushioning element of a panel of the variation of the cover shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cover for a cushion in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the first panel and the second panel are secured to one another but spaced apart from one another by a peripheral gusset;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion with a cover according to the present disclosure; and

fig. 12 is an alternative embodiment of a pillow or pillow cover having a top panel, a bottom panel, a cushion insert, and a first cushioning element.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, 1A and 1B, an embodiment of a mat 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The cushion 10 may comprise a pillow or other type of cushion. The mat 10 includes a cover 20 having a first panel 40, a second panel 60, and a primary container 80 between the first panel 40 and the second panel 60. The first panel 40 and the second panel 60 may comprise opposite sides (e.g., top and bottom, etc.) of the shroud 20. Primary container 80 (which may also be referred to herein as a "pocket") is configured to receive primary cushioning element 100.

First panel 40 may carry or include a secondary cushioning element 50. The second panel 60 may also carry or include a secondary cushioning element 70. Each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may include any suitable cushioning material. Secondary cushioning elements 50 and 70 may be relatively thin. In various embodiments, secondary cushioning elements 50 and 70 may have a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness, wherein the maximum thickness may be toward a center 56, 76 (fig. 3) of secondary cushioning elements 50, 70 and the minimum thickness may be toward an outer periphery 58, 78 of secondary cushioning elements 50, 70.

As a non-limiting example, each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may comprise a compressible, resilient elastomeric material (e.g., the materials described in U.S. patents 5,994,450, 6,797,765, and 7,964,664, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference, etc.) that defines a plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52, 72 that in turn define an array of cells or columns 54, 74 (e.g., the cushioning elements described in U.S. patents 5,749,111 and 6,026,527, etc., the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein). As shown in fig. 3 and 3A, the cells or columns 54, 74 of each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may be hexagonal in shape; however, any circular or polygonal shape (e.g., square, diamond, triangular, etc.) is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for secondary cushioning elements 50 and 70 to have other shapes or configurations (e.g., solid sheets; adhered multi-component structures; etc.). Other materials may also be used to define each secondary damping element 50, 70, including but not limited to other oil-extended block copolymers, foam rubbers (e.g., natural latex, polyurethane, viscoelastic foam, etc.), and the like.

In some embodiments, the main container 80 may have a configuration that enables a consumer to place the primary cushioning element 100 within the main container 80 and remove the primary cushioning element 100 from the main container 80. Such a main container 80 is accessible through the main opening 90 of the cover 20, so that the main damping element 100 can be inserted into the main container 80 and the main damping element 100 can be removed from the main container 80. In other embodiments, primary cushioning element 100 may be permanently secured within primary container 80.

As shown in fig. 1A, in some embodiments, the cover 20 may include a pair of long edges 24 and 25 and a pair of short edges 26 and 27. As shown in fig. 1B, the primary opening 90 providing access to the primary container 80 of the shroud 20 may extend along the entire length of the short edge 26 of the shroud 20. Alternatively, the primary opening 80 may extend along the long edge 24 or edges (including corners) of the cover 20, which may provide easy access to the primary container 80 and thus enable the primary cushioning element 100 to be easily introduced into or removed from the primary container 80 of the cover 20. In some embodiments, the primary opening 90 may be expandable (e.g., by its elasticity and stretchability, etc.) as permitted by the material defining the primary opening 90. Fasteners 95 (e.g., zippers, which may be visible or hidden under one or more flaps of material; buttons;fasteners, etc.) may be associated with the primary opening 90 to enable closing and reopening of the primary opening 90.

With continued reference to fig. 1, 1A, and 1B, the primary container 80 may be inaccessible or even hidden when the primary opening 90 of the shroud 20 is closed (e.g., zipped, fastened, folded, etc.). The primary container 80 may enable the secondary cushioning elements 50, 70 of the first and second panels 40, 60, respectively, to at least partially cover a corresponding surface of the primary cushioning element 100. In some embodiments, secondary cushioning elements 50 and 70 may extend the entire length and width of primary cushioning element 100, providing additional cushioning layers on each surface 105 and 107 of primary cushioning element 100, respectively.

The shroud 20 may be rectangular, although any of a variety of suitable shapes (e.g., regular polygons, irregular polygons, stars, circles (e.g., circles, ovals, ellipses, etc.), and others) are within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments where the cover 20 has a rectangular shape, the peripheral edges at three sides of the first panel 40 may be secured to the peripheral edges at three sides of the corresponding second panel 60, while the peripheral edges at the fourth side of the first panel 40 and the fourth side of the corresponding second panel may define a primary opening 90 (fig. 1B). The main opening 90 may remain continuously open and/or selectively closed, such as by fasteners (e.g., buttons, zippers, etc.) or the like that enable closing and re-opening. The dimensions of the first panel 40 and the second panel 60 of such a cover 20 may vary, but may be about 20 inches (about 51 cm) by about 26 inches (about 66 nm), i.e., about the same, with reasonable variation, as the dimensions of a standard sized pillow case or pillowcase. However, other dimensions are contemplated and contemplated for larger pillows, i.e., large pillows (20 inches by 30 inches, or about 51 centimeters by about 76 centimeters), king pillows (20 inches by 36 inches, or about 51 centimeters by about 91 centimeters), euro pillows (26 inches by 26 inches, or about 66 centimeters by 66 centimeters), as well as smaller pillows.

Primary cushioning element 100 may include any suitable cushioning element. In embodiments where the cushion 10 (fig. 1, 1A, and 1B) comprises a pillow, the primary cushioning element 100 may comprise a filler material, a pillow insert, or a standard pillow. In some embodiments, an individual may select a particular primary cushioning element 100 that he or she would like to place within the primary container 80 of the cover 20 to provide a customized cushion 10 that achieves a particular or desired cushioning effect.

FIG. 1 depicts a particular embodiment of a primary damping element 100. Primary cushioning element 100 may be formed from a compressible, resilient foam material. By way of non-limiting example, primary damping element 100 may be formed from a foam rubber, such as natural latex foam (e.g., Talalay latex foam, etc.), polyurethane foam, or the like. The array of channels 102 may extend through the thickness of primary cushioning element 100. The channels 102 may facilitate airflow through the primary cushioning element 100 and the cushion 10, wherein the primary cushioning element 100 is part of the cushion 10. Alternatively, the primary cushioning element 100 may comprise a compressible, resilient elastomeric material (e.g., the materials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,994,450, 6,797,765, and 7,964,664, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, etc.). The elastomeric material may define a plurality of thin interconnected walls that in turn define an array of cells or columns (e.g., cushioning elements described in U.S. patents 5,749,111 and 6,026,527 and U.S. patent application publication US2018/0305199a1, hereby incorporated herein, etc.).

In embodiments where primary cushioning element 100 includes a filler material, the filler material may include any material suitable for use as a cushion, such as a pillow (e.g., for cushioning an individual's head, back, legs, etc.). The filler material may be introduced directly into the primary reservoir 80 to define the primary cushioning element 100 of the cushion 10. Alternatively, the filler material may be contained in a separate enclosure that, together with the filler material, defines the primary cushioning element 100 prior to placement of the primary cushioning element 100 (e.g., an existing pillow, etc.) in the primary container 80.

Turning now to fig. 2, the first panel 40 and the second panel 60 of a particular embodiment of the cover 20 are shown in greater detail. First panel 40 may include an outer layer 42 and an inner layer 46. Outer layer 42 and inner layer 46 may include thin layers secured to one another about their outer peripheries 44 and 48, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, outer perimeters 44 and 48 of outer layer 42 and inner layer 46, respectively, may be secured directly to one another (e.g., with stitching, adhesive, etc.). Alternatively, outer peripheries 44 and 48 of outer layer 42 and inner layer 46, respectively, may be secured to respective edges of a gusset (not shown in FIG. 2) that indirectly secures outer layer 42 and inner layer 46 to one another.

The second panel 60 may likewise include an outer layer 62 and an inner layer 66. Outer layer 62 and inner layer 66 may include thin layers secured to one another around their outer peripheries 64 and 68, respectively. As shown in fig. 2, the peripheral edges 64 and 68 of the outer and inner layers 62 and 66, respectively, may be secured directly to one another (e.g., with sutures, adhesives, etc.). Alternatively, the outer layer 62 and the inner layer 66 may be indirectly secured to one another by securing their outer peripheries 64 and 68, respectively, to respective edges of a gusset (not shown in FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, outer layers 42 and 62 and inner layers 46 and 66 may be breathable or air may flow through them. Outer layers 42 and 62 and inner layers 46 and 66 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., a fabric). The fabric can be elastically stretchable (e.g., the fabric can include up to 10% spandex or elastic fiber, etc.). The fabric may comprise a moisture wicking material which provides a cooling effect when a body part is placed against it. Without limitation, outer layers 42 and 62 may be formed of stretchable nylon, which may include visible perforations therethrough (i.e., a nylon mesh), while inner layers 46 and 66 may be formed of a soft and slightly lofty fabric (e.g., cotton or a cotton-polyester blend). Other examples of fabrics that may be used to define outer layers 42 and 62 and inner layers 46 and 66 include, but are not limited to, cotton fabrics, cotton blend fabrics, rayon, polyester, other synthetic fabrics, and bamboo fabrics, to name a few.

In the first panel 40 of the cover 20, a secondary cushioning element 50 may be located between the outer layer 42 and the inner layer 46. The second panel 60 of the cover 20 may likewise include a secondary cushioning element 70 located between the outer layer 62 and the inner layer 66 of the second panel 60. Each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may comprise a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52, 72, which in turn define an array of cells or columns 54, 74. The array of thin interconnecting walls 52 and cells or columns 54 of secondary cushioning elements 50 of first panel 40 may be offset relative to the array of thin interconnecting walls 72 and cells or columns 74 of secondary cushioning elements 70 of second panel 60.

As shown in FIG. 3, each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may include a larger profile center 56, 76 and a smaller profile outer periphery 58, 78. Cushioning elements 50, 70 may have longer or taller cells or columns 54, 74 at and around the center 56, 76 and shorter cells or columns 54, 74 at and adjacent to the outer perimeter 58, 78. In some embodiments, the outer surface 51, 71 of the secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may taper from its center 56, 76 or central portion 57, 77 down to its outer periphery 58, 78. This tapering may be linear or curved. In other words, the length or height of the cells or columns 54, 74 may form a gradient that decreases from the center 56, 76 to the outer periphery 58, 78 or increases from the outer periphery 58, 78 to the center 56, 76. Examples of such mats are shown in U.S. design patent application nos. 29/694,846 and 29/694,851, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein. This configuration may enable greater support and cushioning of center 56, 76 or center portion 57, 77 of secondary cushioning element 50, 70 than provided by the outer edge locations and outer perimeters 58, 78 of secondary cushioning element 50, 70. By way of non-limiting example, the thickness of each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 at its center 56, 76 may beAbout one-half inch (about 1)¹/₄Centimeters) to about two inches (about 5 centimeters) and each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may have a thickness at its outer peripheral edge 58, 78 of about one sixteenth of an inch (about 1.5875 millimeters) to about one inch (about 2.54 centimeters). In a more specific embodiment, each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may be about one inch (about 2.54 centimeters) thick at its center 56, 76 and each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may be about one-eighth inch (about 3.175 millimeters) thick at its outer periphery 58, 78, such secondary cushioning elements 50, 70 may be about 5 inches (about 3.175 millimeters) from any location of the outer periphery 58, 78 toward the center 56, 76³/₄Tapering outward over a distance of inches (about 14.6 centimeters); thus, the central portion 57, 77 of the secondary cushioning element 50, 70 having a substantially uniform thickness may have a length greater than a width, meaning that the region of maximum thickness may have substantially the same shape as the secondary cushioning element 50, 70. Even with a standard size pillow having dimensions of about 20 inches by 26 inches (about 51 centimeters by about 66 centimeters), the central portion 57, 77 having a substantially uniform thickness includes a substantial area of the secondary cushioning element 50, 70.

Referring back to fig. 2, each secondary cushioning element 50, 70 may be secured to a corresponding inner layer 46, 66 of its corresponding panel (i.e., first panel 40 or second panel 60, respectively). Secondary cushion elements 50 and 70 may be simultaneously manufactured by placing overlapping layers of fabric or scrim between the two sides of the mold and then molding each secondary cushion element 50, 70 to a respective scrim. Once the secondary cushion elements 50 and 70 are molded, each scrim may continue to adhere to its respective secondary cushion element 50, 70 while each of the respective inner layers 46, 66 are no longer adhered to each other and thus may serve as the inner layers 46, 66 of the panels (i.e., first panel 40 and second panel 60, respectively) of the cover 20. Alternatively, the secondary cushioning elements 50, 70 may be secured to one or both of their respective outer layers 42, 62 and 46, 66 by any other suitable technique (e.g., heating and melting an elastomeric material, ultrasonic welding, gluing, stitching, etc.). Still further, first cushioning element 14 may be secured to top panel 18 in a similar manner. It should be understood that open knit or woven fabrics may be used as the scrim or other portion of the fabric to allow air permeability and air flow.

In some embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in fig. 2), the array of multiple interconnecting walls 52 and cells or columns 54 of secondary buffer elements 50 may be laterally offset from the array of multiple interconnecting walls 72 and cells or columns 74 of secondary buffer elements 70. Examples of such secondary cushioning elements are shown in U.S. design patent applications 29/694,846 and 29/694,851.

Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of a cover 20' that may include many or all of the same features and elements as the embodiment of cover 20 shown in fig. 2. The primary difference between the cover 20' and the cover 20 is that the plurality of interconnecting walls 52 ' and the array of cells or columns 54 ' of the secondary cushioning element 50' of the first panel 40 ' of the cover 20' are substantially aligned with the plurality of interconnecting walls 72 ' and the array of cells or columns 74 ', respectively, of the secondary cushioning element 70' of the second panel 60 ' of the cover 20 '.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the cover 20 "in which each secondary cushioning element 50", 70 "includes a first half 50 a", 70a "and a second half 50 b", 70b ". The halves 50a "and 50 b", 70a "and 70 b" define opposing surfaces of the secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70". The first half 50a ", 70 a" comprises a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining a plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52a ", 72 a" which in turn define an array of cells or columns 54a ", 74 a" and a second half 50b ", 70 b". The second half 50b ", 70 b" also includes a compressible, resilient elastomeric material defining another plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52b ", 72 b", which in turn define another array of cells or columns 54b ", 74 b". The first half 50a ", 70 a" and the second half 50b ", 70 b" have patterns that are offset with respect to each other. More specifically, as shown in fig. 5, 3A, and U.S. design patent applications 29/694,846 and 29/694,851, the plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52a ", 72 a" of the first half 50a ", 70 a" may be laterally offset from the other plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52b ", 72 b" of the second half 50b ", 70 b", and thus the array of cells or columns 54a ", 74 a" of the first half 50a ", 70 a" may be laterally offset from the array of cells or columns 54b ", 74 b" of the second half 50b ", 70 b". Alternatively, the plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52a ", 72 a" and the array of cells or columns 54a ", 74 a" of the first half 50a ", 70 a" may be aligned with the other plurality of thin interconnecting walls 52b ", 72 b" and the array of other cells or columns 54b ", 74 b" of the second half 50b ", 70 b".

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a secondary cushioning element 50 ", 70", wherein the first half 50a ", 70 a" has a different thickness (e.g., tapering as previously described with reference to fig. 3) from its central location 57a ", 77 a" to its outer periphery 58a ", 78 a". The second half 50b ", 70 b" of such secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70" may have a substantially uniform thickness throughout the area occupied by the second half 50b ", 70 b".

Fig. 7 illustrates another example of a secondary cushioning element 50 ", 70" in which the first half 50a ", 70 a" has a different thickness (e.g., tapering as previously described with reference to fig. 3) from its central location 57a ", 77 a" to its outer periphery 58a ", 78 a". The second half 50b ", 70 b" of such a secondary cushioning element 50 ", 70" may also have a different thickness from its central location 57b ", 77 b" to its outer periphery 58b ", 78 b". Thus, the two halves 50a "and 50 b", and 70a ", 70 b" of each secondary cushioning element 50 ", 70" of the cover 20 "may be thicker at its center than at its periphery.

Secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70" having an offset arrangement as shown in fig. 5-7 may provide greater support than other embodiments of secondary cushioning elements while enabling air to flow through secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70". A fabric or scrim may be molded between the first half 50a ", 70 a" and second half 50b ", 70 b" of each secondary cushioning element 50 ", 70", which may secure the halves 50a "and 50 b", 70a ", and 70 b" to their respective scrims. The scrim may comprise a single, unbroken fabric that extends through the thickness of the secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70" and spans the entire area occupied by the secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70". The scrim may be perforated, cut, or modified to enhance the breathability, support, and/or stability of the secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70". The scrim may also affect the cushioning properties of the secondary cushioning elements 50 ", 70"; for example, the stretchability and resiliency of the scrim may improve the feel of the overall outer surface of the secondary cushion elements 50 ", 70".

The embodiment of the cover 20 "'shown in fig. 8 may include many or all of the same elements and features as the embodiment of the cover 20 shown in fig. 2, the embodiment of the cover 20' shown in fig. 4, and the embodiment of the cover 20" shown in fig. 5, except for the configuration of secondary cushioning elements 50 "', 70"'. Referring again to fig. 9, each secondary cushioning element 50 "', 70" ' of the cover 20 "' may have a substantially uniform thickness across the entire area it occupies; i.e. from its centre 56 "', 76"', across the centre position 57 "', 77"', to its outer periphery 58 "', 78"'.

Fig. 10 provides a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cover 120 for a cushion according to the present disclosure in which a first panel 140 including a secondary cushioning element 150 and a second panel 140 including a secondary cushioning element 170 are secured to but spaced apart from each other by a peripheral gusset 130. The peripheral liner 130 may include an elongated flexible element (e.g., a strip of breathable material, a strip of fabric, etc.) having a first edge 134 along the length of the peripheral liner 130 and a second edge 136 along the length of the peripheral liner 130. The first edge 134 and the second edge 136 may be opposite each other. The first edge 134 of the peripheral gusset 130 may be secured to the peripheral edge 141 of the first panel 140 and the second edge 136 of the peripheral gusset 130 may be secured to the peripheral edge 161 of the second panel 160.

The perimeter liner 30 may carry at least a portion of the fasteners (not shown in fig. 10) to provide selective access to the primary opening 90 (fig. 1B) of the cover 120.

While fig. 4, 5, 8, and 10 illustrate embodiments of covers 20', 20 "' and 120 having secondary cushioning elements 50 'and 70', 50" and 70 ", 50" 'and 70 "', and 150 and 170, respectively, that are substantially or completely identical to one another, embodiments of covers 20 that include combinations of different cushioning elements 50 and 70 are also within the scope of the present disclosure (as shown only to a limited extent in fig. 2). The use of cushioning elements 50 and 70 that differ in softness, thickness, material, or other properties may provide the ability for an individual using the cover 20 over the primary cushioning element 10 to experience different cushioning effects using the same cushion 10 (fig. 1, 1A and 1B).

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an assembled mat 10 including any of the embodiments of the cover 20 according to the present disclosure, with the secondary cushioning elements 50 being slightly visible through the cover 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a mat 210 is shown. The cover 220 of the mattress includes a first panel 240 and a second panel 260 with a primary container 280 therebetween. Only the first panel 240 of the cover 220 includes the secondary cushioning element 250. The first panel 240 and its secondary cushioning elements may be configured in any suitable manner, including those previously described herein. The second panel 260 may include one or more layers of flexible material, such as a fabric (e.g., breathable fabric, moisture wicking fabric, etc.). The primary container 280 may house the primary cushioning element 100.

While the embodiments of mats described herein include a primary container that may removably receive a primary cushioning element, it is also considered within the scope of the present disclosure to include a cover according to the present disclosure and a primary cushioning element permanently secured therein and thus lacking a modular closure system.

While the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as described in any appended claims, but merely as providing information relating to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be used in combination. Furthermore, other embodiments may fall within the scope of the following claims. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scope of the claims are encompassed by the claims.