Convertible crib mattress design takes prize
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, April 17, 2010
MEDIA, Pa. —
A convertible crib mattress that can grow with the child by transforming into a twin mattress was the winning idea for a group of students at Philadelphia University who took top honors in a design competition sponsored by FXI.
The foam producer, based here, challenged 41 students from Philadelphia University's Schools of Engineering and Textiles, Design and Media, and Business Administration to create a new consumer sleep product using FXI memory foam.
The four seniors on the winning design team created a crib mattress that can be reconfigured as a twin mattress. They called their bed Adaptwo.
“This was a tremendous learning experience for our students,” said Janet Brady, associate professor of textiles in the School of Engineering and Textiles at Philadelphia University. “It took them beyond the classroom and provided them with hands-on industry experience that is invaluable. I am so proud of all the teams for their hard work and their truly innovative ideas.”
The students were judged on innovation, the features and benefits of their products, and on their commercial viability.
Alvaro Vaselli, senior vice president of foam products business management at FXI, predicts that the winning design will attract considerable interest from crib mattress producers.
He said that FXI is looking for product inspiration both inside its company and from outside sources. The student designs impressed him. “There were some very unique concepts,” Vaselli said.
“Our job is to uncover new foam solutions every day, and by partnering with Philadelphia University we can foster that creative approach to the industry among the next generation of designers and leaders,” he said. “I was incredibly impressed by the student designs and look forward to growing this partnership and competition in the future.”
Joining FXI in supporting the design competition were three home furnishings companies. Bekaert Textiles and PolarTech supplied the fabrics for the products, while A Lava & Sons sewed the covers for the products. “With the help of these three generous partners, the student designers were able to see their ideas turn into a reality, and we're very grateful for their support,” Vaselli said.
The Adaptwo mattress was displayed in the FXI booth at the International Sleep Products Assn. Expo held recently in Charlotte. The students attended the show, as did Brady.
Vaselli said FXI will continue to look for good ideas wherever they can be found. “Reaching out to the outside world for designs and ideas is something we will continue,” he said.
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