US 12,446,140 B2Granted

Grounded mattress

AssigneeCarico International, Inc.

InventorsRichard R Cappadona, Igor Zunkovic

Life of this patent

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Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for grounding a person lying on a mattress. Such grounding may connect a user's body to the earth and enable electrical discharge off the human body. The systems and methods may include a mattress pad having conductive inner and outer layers. The mattress pad may also include an insulating interior layer having a flame-retardant layer, a first foam layer, and a second foam layer. The mattress pad may also include a conductive edge ribbon configured to electrically couple the inner and outer layers, as well as a grounding terminal. A grounding cable may be realized to ground the inner layer, outer layer, and conductive edge ribbon. The grounded mattress then grounds the human body, allowing it to get closer to a natural electrical potential. This can reduce static electricity, static shocks and enhance quality sleep. The mattress will also improve shielding from electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Claims20

Dependent claims

A mattress pad comprising:

a top panel including:
an electrically conductive inner layer comprising a plurality of first conductive threads, the first conductive threads being woven in two differing and intersecting directions;
at least one insulating interior layer disposed on the conductive inner layer;
an electrically conductive outer layer disposed on the at least one insulating interior layer, the conductive outer layer:
not being in direct physical contact with the conductive inner layer;
and
comprising a plurality of second conductive threads, the second conductive threads being aligned substantially parallel to one another;
and
a conductive edge ribbon configured to electrically couple the conductive inner layer with the conductive outer layer, the conductive edge ribbon having a plurality of third conductive threads;
a side panel disposed proximate the top panel;
a grounding terminal attached to the outer conductive layer;
a grounding cable that is electrically coupled with the grounding terminal, the grounding cable being configured to electrically ground the inner conductive layer, the outer conductive layer, and the conductive edge ribbon;
and
a first mechanical fastener configured to releasably couple the top panel and the side panel, wherein when in a first configuration the first mechanical fastener electrically couples the top panel with the side panel and when in a second configuration the top panel and the side panel are not electrically coupled.

11 more elements

A mattress comprising:

an inner foam layer having a first side and a second side, the first side being opposite the second side;
a top panel coupled to the first side of the inner foam layer, the top panel comprising:
an electrically conductive first inner layer comprising a plurality of first conductive threads woven in two differing and intersecting directions;
at least one insulating interior layer disposed on the electrically conductive first inner layer;
an electrically conductive first outer layer disposed on the at least one insulating interior layer, the electrically conductive first outer layer:
not being in direct physical contact with the conductive first inner layer;
and
comprising a plurality of second conductive threads aligned substantially parallel to one another;
and
a first conductive edge ribbon configured to electrically couple the conductive first inner layer with the conductive first outer layer, the first conductive edge ribbon having a plurality of third conductive threads;
a side panel disposed proximate the top panel;
a grounding terminal attached to the conductive first outer layer;
a grounding cable that is electrically coupled with the grounding terminal, the grounding cable being configured to electrically ground the conductive first inner layer, the conductive first outer layer, and the first conductive edge ribbon;
and
a first mechanical fastener configured to releasably couple the top panel and the side panel, wherein when in a first configuration the first mechanical fastener electrically couples the top panel with the side panel and when in a second configuration the top panel and the side panel are not electrically coupled.

12 more elements

A method of electrically grounding a mattress, the mattress having an inner foam layer, the inner foam layer having a first side and a second side that is opposite the second side, a side panel, and a top panel disposed proximate the side panel, the top panel being coupled to the first side of the inner foam layer, the top panel having:

an electrically conductive first inner layer comprising a plurality of first conductive threads woven in two differing and intersecting directions;
at least one insulating interior layer disposed on the conductive first inner layer;
an electrically conductive first outer layer disposed on the at least one insulating interior layer, the conductive first outer layer:
not being in direct physical contact with the conductive first inner layer;
and
comprising a plurality of second conductive threads aligned substantially parallel to one another;
a first conductive edge ribbon configured to electrically couple the conductive first inner layer with the conductive first outer layer, the first conductive edge ribbon having a plurality of third conductive threads;
a grounding terminal attached to the conductive first outer layer;
a grounding cable that is electrically coupled with the grounding terminal, the grounding cable being configured to electrically ground the conductive first inner layer, the first outer layer, and the conductive edge ribbon;
and
a first mechanical fastener configured to releasably couple the top panel and the side panel, wherein when in a first configuration the first mechanical fastener electrically couples the top panel with the side panel and when in a second configuration the top panel and the side panel are not electrically coupled;
and
the method comprising:
physically contacting a conductive first outer layer of the top panel;
electrically coupling the conductive first outer layer of the top panel the conductive first inner layer of the top panel;
electrically coupling the conductive first outer layer of the top panel and the conductive first inner layer of the top panel to a conductive edge ribbon;
electrically coupling the conductive first outer layer of the top panel, the conductive first inner layer of the top panel, and the conductive edge ribbon to earth ground;
and
electrically coupling the first mechanical fastener to the top panel and the side panel, wherein when in a first configuration the first mechanical fastener electrically couples the top panel with the side panel and when in a second configuration the top panel and the side panel are not electrically coupled.

16 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/715,990Filed 8 Apr 2022 · us provisional application
Priority: 5 Jan 2022
Published: US 2023/0217578 A16 Jul 2023
Granted: 14 Oct 2025
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

H05F 3/02
Carrying-off electrostatic charges: by means of earthing connections
A47C 27/002
Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas: mattress or cushion tickings or covers
A47C 31/105
Loose or removable furniture covers: for mattresses
B68G 11/04
Finished upholstery not provided for in other classes: mainly composed of resilient materials, e.g. of foam rubber