MATTRESS ASSEMBLY
A mattress assembly includes a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface, and a second layer of non-viscoelastic foam supporting the first layer. The mattress assembly also includes a plurality of spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers. Each of the spring elements includes a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring having a second spring rate different than the first spring rate.
1 . A mattress assembly comprising:
a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface;
a second layer of non-viscoelastic foam supporting the first layer; and
a plurality of spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers, each of the spring elements including a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring beneath the first spring and having a second spring rate different than the first spring rate, and
wherein the spring elements are embedded into the second layer of non-viscoelastic foam.
2 . The mattress assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second layer of non-viscoelastic foam is one of a latex foam and a high-resilience polyurethane foam.
3 . The mattress assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring elements are embedded into the second layer of non-viscoelastic foam using a molding process.
4 . The mattress assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first spring and the second spring are configured as coil springs.
5 . The mattress assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first spring and the second spring are arranged in series.
6 . The mattress assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first spring is supported upon the second spring.
7 . The mattress assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first spring rate is less than the second spring rate.
8 . The mattress assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the spring elements further includes a third spring having a third spring rate.
9 . The mattress assembly of claim 8 , wherein the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring are arranged in series.
10 . The mattress assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first spring is supported upon the second spring, and wherein the second spring is supported upon the third spring.
11 . The mattress assembly of claim 10 , wherein the second spring rate is greater than the first spring rate, and wherein the third spring rate is greater than the second spring rate.
12 . A mattress assembly comprising:
a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface;
a second layer of non-viscoelastic foam supporting the first layer; and
a plurality of spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers, each of the spring elements including a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring beneath the first spring and having a second spring rate different than the first spring rate, and
wherein the spring elements are positioned within discrete cavities within the second layer of non-viscoelastic foam.
13 . The mattress assembly of claim 12 , wherein the second layer of non-viscoelastic foam is one of a latex foam and a high-resilience polyurethane foam.
14 . The mattress assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cavities are formed by a drilling process.
15 . The mattress assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cavities are formed by a cutting process.
16 . The mattress assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first spring and the second spring are arranged in series.
17 . The mattress assembly of claim 16 , wherein the first spring is supported upon the second spring.
18 . The mattress assembly of claim 17 , wherein the first spring rate is less than the second spring rate.