Patent Application
20240032702
The present invention relates generally to the field of headboards for beds, and more particularly to interactive headboard systems with one or more video screens and/or other sensory output features.
People often require aids in helping them to fall asleep or to relax. Some people find nature to be relaxing, and often enjoy nature sights or sounds before falling asleep. However, these sights and sounds may not be immersive, thus not as effective in inducing relaxation and sleep as they otherwise could be.
Also, traditional headboards for beds are often plain and boring, with a single, fixed appearance, and fail to take advantage of what is often a large unused space that might otherwise be available for providing a more interesting and interactive bedroom décor.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to traditional bed headboards. It is to the provision of an interactive headboard system meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides an interactive headboard system capable of providing an immersive experience for a user and providing a more interesting and interactive bedroom décor.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard system comprising an interactive headboard incorporating one or more video display screens. Optionally, the system may further include one or more additional sensory output features incorporated in or around a headboard and/or footboard of a bed, for example, audio speaker(s), fan(s) for air movement and circulation, scent ports for olfactory stimulation, and/or an interactive bedframe having motion actuators. In particular embodiments, the system may further comprise a mattress. In some examples, the system may further comprise at least one mister rod.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard for a bed, the interactive headboard comprising at least one video display output device mounted to a headboard and at least one user-interactive electronic processing means for allowing a user to select and display a visual scene on the at least one video display output device. In some embodiments, the headboard further comprises one or more additional sensory output devices that can be speakers, fans, olfactory output devices, motion actuators, lights, and misters. In certain examples, the headboard is connected to a bedframe extending perpendicularly away from the headboard. In particular examples, the bedframe is further connected to a footboard at an end opposite that of the headboard. In some embodiments, a mattress may be set atop the bedframe. In other examples, the mattress may be set atop a box spring on top of the bedframe. In some embodiments, the output of the video screen is determined by an input to the electronic processing means.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an interactive headboard system for a bed comprising a headboard, a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending perpendicularly away from the headboard, and a mattress that lies on top of the bedframe or on an optional box spring atop the bedframe. One or more sensory output features are attached to the headboard and/or bedframe. The system also has user interface controls. Optionally, a footboard may be attached to the bedframe opposite the headboard. In some embodiments, one of the sensory output features is a video screen mounted to the headboard, bedframe, and/or the footboard. In example embodiments, the outputs of the sensory output features combine to present an immersive experience of the images presented on the video screen. In certain embodiments, one or more of the sensory output features are in electronic communication with each other and/or the user interface controls. In particular embodiments, the output of one or more sensory output features is related to at least one input from the user interface controls. In some embodiments, the output of one or more sensory output features is related to the output from one or more other sensory output features. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises one or more onboard digital signal processors in electronic communication with one or more sensory output features and/or the user input controls. In some embodiments, the interactive headboard system further comprises an onboard electronic memory in electronic communication with one or more of the sensory output features and/or the user input controls. In particular embodiments, an output of one or more sensory output features is determined by the electronic memory. In some embodiments, the sensory output features may be speakers, fans, olfactory output devices, motion actuators, lights, and/or misters.
In a further aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method of using an interactive headboard system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a headboard; providing a bedframe attached to the headboard and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard; providing a mattress that lies on the bedframe and/or on an optional box spring set atop the bedframe; providing one or more sensory output features mounted to the headboard and/or bedframe; providing one or more user interface controls; providing an input to one or more of the user interface controls; and changing the output of the one or more sensory output features.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures,
In example embodiments, the bed B comprises a bed frame F attached or located in proximity to the headboard 20 and extending generally perpendicularly away from the headboard, as well as a mattress M, and optionally a box-spring support (unshown) that lies substantially on top of the bed frame F.
The interactive headboard system 10 further comprises one or more sensory output feature(s) in the form of at least one video display screen 30 mounted to or incorporated into the headboard 20. In example embodiments, the video screen(s) 30 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma screen, or other form of electronic display screen. In some example embodiments, the video screen(s) 30 may comprise high definition (HD), ultra-high definition (UHD), 4K, 8K, or other screen resolution formats, for example 1080p (1920×1080 pixels), 3840×2160 pixels, 4096×2160 pixels, 7680×4320 pixels, and/or other screen display formats. In example embodiments, the video display screen(s) 30 span(s) substantially all or at least a majority of the width and exposed height of the headboard. For example, for a twin bed sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 30″-40″ may be provided; for a full bed sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 45″-55″ may be provided; for a queen-sized headboard, a video display screen with of at least about 55″-60″ may be provided; for a California king sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 66″-72″ may be provided; and/or for a king-sized headboard, a video display screen with a width of at least about 70″-76″ may be provided.
The interactive headboard system 10 may further comprise onboard electronic/computer memory, a computer or other electronic digital processor, and/or user interface controls, for example in the form of a touchscreen, keyboard, USB or other communication ports, and/or other user input device(s). Alternatively, one or more external devices may be connected in electronic communication with the one or more video display screen(s) 30 to store and deliver video and other content for display and output during use. For example, in the depicted embodiment of
The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example one or more audio speakers 60 mounted to the headboard on either side of the video screen 30 or elsewhere on the headboard 20. In example embodiments, the sound output from the speakers 60 is coordinated with the video output of the screen 30, for example, the sound of ocean waves coordinated with video of a beach scene with the ocean, wildlife and/or rain sounds coordinated with video of a tropical rainforest, wind or nature sounds coordinated with video of a mountain or other nature environment, etc. The sound and/or other additional sensory output features may be stored in onboard or external memory and delivered via wired or wireless electronic communication in similar fashion to the video output features as described above.
The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more air movement blowers or fans 70 mounted beneath the speakers or elsewhere on the headboard 20. The operation (on/off), speed and/or direction of the fans 70 may be coordinated with the video and/or audio outputs as described above, for example to simulate an ocean breeze coordinated with a beach scene, and/or to simulate a sense of movement such as in connection with skiing down a mountain scene, etc.
The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more olfactory or scent ports 80 similarly mounted beneath the fans or elsewhere on the headboard 20. The scent ports 80 may be coupled with the fans 70 or may comprise separate dispersal mechanisms such as blowers, misters, aerosolizers, etc. One or more onboard or external containers may be provided to contain and deliver scented contents. The delivery (on/off, output rate, etc.) of scent may be coordinated with the video, audio and/or air movement outputs as described above, for example to deliver an ocean mist scent in connection with a beach scene, forest scents in connection with a forest scene, flower scents in connection with a mountain wildflower scene, etc.
The system 10 optionally further comprises one or more additional sensory output features, such as for example, one or more motion actuators such as electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic or other forms of motion actuators 90 attached to the bed frame F. The operation (on/off, amplitude, speed) of the motion actuators 90 may be coordinated with the video, audio, air movement and/or olfactory outputs as described above, for example to provide a gentle rocking motion of the bed B in coordination with the waves of an ocean scene or the swaying of trees in a forest scene, and/or to simulate movement associated with an activity such as skiing in a mountain scene.
When the interactive headboard system is activated, the components may combine to present an immersive experience of the images presented on the video screen. For example, the screen on the interactive video headboard may display a video or rendering of, for example, a particularly enjoyable destination in nature. The fans may activate intermittently or vary in speed to simulate a breeze appearing on the video screen. The scent ports may dispense scents associated with the image on the video screen. The fans may additionally or alternatively be timed to interact with the emanations of the scent ports to aid in the spreading of the scent. The sounds from the speakers may also correspond to the images on the video screen. The combination of sight, smell, and sound may aid the user in immersing themselves into the image presented on the video screen, potentially helping them to relax. Additionally, the interactive bed frame may provide small movements to the interactive bed frame system corresponding to movement on the screen. These movements may resemble the rocking of a boat on water, side to side swaying of a hammock, or other motions that a user may find desirable or relaxing.
The interactive headboard system 10 may be controlled by touch, remote, connected device, built in buttons, or any suitable control means using a wired connection, a wireless connection, or both. The wired connection may be made via a USB, ethernet, HDMI, or any other suitable wired connection. The wireless connection may be made via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other suitable wireless data communication connection. The system may also be controlled by a combination of control means. For example, in
In some embodiments and example methods or modes of use, the user may control or send an input to the interactive headboard system 10 that changes the output of the system on a user-interactive basis. For example, if the user is viewing a forest on the video screen 30, they may send an input that advances or otherwise changes the perceived position of the viewer within the forest or other scene being displayed on the screen. This perceived advance may also change the outputs of the other sensory output components. For instance, if the new perceived location on the screen 30 is perceived to be a more open location than the previous one, the fans 70 may speed up to simulate a stronger wind in that perceived location.
In further example embodiments, the video screen 30 on the interactive headboard system may optionally be used to present a virtual reality experience to the user. The virtual reality scenarios presented by the video screen may be nature scenes or any other type of scene capable of being displayed in virtual reality. The video screen 30 may also be used to view movies, television, pictures, video games, or another type of image to the user.
The video screen 30 may be a standard display screen, or it may be a touch screen. In alternate embodiments, the video screen may also be a projector screen with an image projected on to it by a projector. The images or videos displayed by the video screen may be in two dimensions or three dimensions (with or without 3D-enabling glasses). In some embodiments, the interactive headboard may comprise multiple screens 30, arranged either separately or in a combined or linked array.
The system may also include other components to aid in making a user feel immersed in the images. For example, lighting equipment capable of producing multiple colors of light may be used to add ambient light that changes with the images. A mattress M capable of being heated or cooled may be provided that heats up or cools down depending on the image shown. Additionally, the mattress M may itself blow heated or cooled air onto a user, or include air chambers configured for controlled inflation and deflation to impart movement or different firmness levels at one or more locations on the mattress M.
The reservoir 257 may be located within the base panel 222 and may be fluidly connected to the misting rods 250. The reservoir may hold fluids, such as water, to be released from misting rods 250. Optionally, one or more scented fluids or concentrates are included in the fluid within the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system 210 may include an input for a waterline or other water source instead of, or in addition to, the reservoir 257 that may be fluidly connected to the misting rods 250 or other components. In further example embodiments, one or more pumps or other fluid delivery or pressurization devices are provided to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the misters. In further example embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs are provided, each configured for delivery of a different type of fluid (i.e., different scents and/or fluid types), and one or more valves or pumps provided to allow for selective delivery from one or more of the plurality of reservoirs.
As in the previous embodiments, the mister rods 250 may be used to present an immersive experience for the user. They may operate in conjunction with the other sensory output components, or they may operate independently. There may also be any number of misting rods and/or reservoirs. The equipment may be attached or mounted to the interactive headboard system in different positions from those shown in the previous embodiments. For example, one or more of the video screen(s), speaker(s), fan(s), and/or other sensory output devices could be additionally or alternatively mounted on the headboard 20 as in
In some embodiments, the different components of the interactive headboard system may be used individually or in combination with some or all of the other components. For example, the video screen may be used by itself, or with the speakers. In other examples, the fans can be set so that they are constantly blowing without regard for the images and videos being displayed. Moreover, the system does not require all the components disclosed in the example embodiments described. For example, a user may choose to forgo the interactive bed frame with motion actuators, and instead have a standard bed frame used in combination with the other features disclosed.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/392,380 filed Jul. 26, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/403,997 filed Sep. 6, 2022, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63392380 | Jul 2022 | US | |
| 63403997 | Sep 2022 | US |
