DISTINGUISHING DIFFERENT FIRMNESS FOAM SPRINGS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR FOAM SPRING END CAPS

• US 20100090383A1
• Filed: 10/16/2009
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hsiu Chen Liao
• Original Assignee: Hsiu Chen Liao
• Inventors: Rawls-Meehan, Martin B.
• Application Number:
  US12/580,465
• Publication Number:
  US 20100090383A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 267/145
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 1/0353 Dog beds
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 23/002 with separate resilient support elements, e.g. elastomeric springs arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/065 of special shape
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/14 with foamed material inlays
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/144 inside the mattress or cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/148 of different resilience
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/20 with springs moulded in, or situated in cavities or openings in foamed material
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/003 Magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/123 for beds or mattresses
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/126 for chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/027 with elastomeric springs A47C7/282 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/35 Combinations of different types of springs; Adjustable springs; Attachment of springs to other springs or to the base frame ; Springs for seat parts not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 3/093 the springs being of different materials, e.g. having different types of rubber F16F1/3835 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/101 Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/016 After-sales
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 5/953 Comprising structurally defined foam material or configuration
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/48 Upholstered article making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/481 Method
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49863 : with prestressing of part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 : by applying separate fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49948 : Multipart cooperating fastener [e.g., bolt and nut]

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user. The foam springs are color coded based on the firmness associated with the foam spring. The foam springs have markings and/or health devices attached to an end of the foam spring.

Claims

1. A foam spring designed to be installed in an interior of a human support facility, the foam spring providing the human support facility with flexibility to aid in a comfort of a person using the human support facility for support, the foam spring comprising:

a resilient foam material, wherein the resilient foam material substantially recovers its resting shape after being mechanically interacted with, the resilient foam material shaped into a solid that is adapted to be installed into the human support facility; and

an end cap disposed on an end of the solid, wherein the end cap comprises a device.

2. The foam spring of claim 1, wherein the device is at least one of a magnet, a massage device, a heating device, a cooling device, a light, and an audio device.

3. The foam spring of claim 2, wherein the magnet provides the person with therapeutic magnet therapy.

4. The foam spring of claim 1, wherein the foam spring is designed to be individually and removably replaceable relative to the interior of the human support facility.

5. The foam spring of claim 1, wherein the end cap further comprises at least one of a color indicating a firmness value of the resilient foam material, a foam spring orientation marking, a logo, a brand name, and a marketing slogan.

6. A foam spring designed to be installed in an interior of a human support facility, the foam spring providing the human support facility with flexibility to aid in a comfort of a person using the human support facility for support, the foam spring comprising:

a resilient foam material, wherein the resilient foam material substantially recovers its resting shape after being mechanically interacted with, the resilient foam material shaped into a solid that is adapted to be installed into the human support facility; and

an end cap disposed on an end of the solid, wherein the end cap comprises at least one of a color indicating a firmness value of the resilient foam material, a foam spring orientation marking, a logo, a brand name, and a marketing slogan.

7. The foam spring of claim 6, wherein the foam spring is designed to be individually and removably replaceable relative to the interior of the human support facility.

8. A foam spring designed to be installed in an interior of a human support facility, the foam spring providing the human support facility with flexibility to aid in a comfort of a person using the human support facility for support, the foam spring comprising:

a resilient foam material, wherein the resilient foam material substantially recovers its resting shape after being mechanically interacted with, the resilient foam material shaped into a solid that is adapted to be installed into the human support facility,

wherein a color of the foam spring that is visible on one or more surfaces of the foam spring when viewing the foam spring installed into a support facility indicates a firmness value of the foam spring.

9. The foam spring of claim 8, wherein the color is presented in a pattern that provides an indication of the firmness value of the foam spring.

10. The foam spring of claim 8, wherein the color assigned to the firmness value is done in accordance with a sequence, wherein a natural spectral progression of color correlates linearly with numerical firmness values.