MATTRESS SYSTEM COMPRISING ONE OR MORE ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES CONFIGURED TO OPERATE BASED ON AN INDUCTIVE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY

Abstract

A mattress system, comprising a mattress comprising at least one support layer; and an electrical or electronic device, wherein the electrical or electronic device is configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply. A mattress assembly comprising the mattress and a mattress foundation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Generally, the present disclosure relates to bedding, and, more specifically, to a mattress system comprising a mattress and one or more electrical or electronic devices configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply.

Description of the Related Art

Foam mattresses, such as viscoelastic or “memory foam” mattresses, provide desirably high levels of firmness and support for many users. However, one common consumer complaint regarding foam mattresses is that they “sleep hot,” i.e., that the mattress tends to retain the user's body heat and render the mattress less comfortable for sleep.

In an effort to alleviate the tendency of foam mattresses to “sleep hot,” workers have created airflow channels within a mattress. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,915 discloses a mattress including a viscoelastic foam layer atop a middle layer, wherein the middle layer has a non-plane surface abutting the viscoelastic foam layer. The non-plane surface may contain undulations, thereby providing airflow channels between the undulations.

However, the presence of an airflow channel in a mattress may be insufficient of itself to provide sufficient airflow to alleviate the problem of “sleeping hot.”

The present disclosure may address and/or at least reduce one or more of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a mattress, comprising at least a first support layer comprising at least a first channel extending from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress, wherein the first channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress; and at least a first air movement device disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a mattress assembly, comprising at least a first support layer comprising at least a first channel extending from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress, wherein the first channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress; and at least a first fan disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel; and a mattress foundation disposed under the mattress.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a mattress, comprising at least a first support layer comprising a non-viscoelastic foam and at least a first channel and a second channel, wherein each channel extends from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress, and each channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress; at least a first fan and a second fan, wherein the first fan is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel, and the second fan is disposed at the first opening of the second channel, the second opening of the second channel, or the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first fan is not disposed; at least one support member disposed within at least the first channel, wherein the at least one support member is configured to permit a flow of air therethrough or therearound; and a comfort layer disposed above the first support layer, wherein the comfort layer comprises a viscoelastic foam.

The present disclosure may provide for mattresses with a reduced tendency to “sleep hot.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a stylized top view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a stylized sectional view of the mattress shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 13A illustrates a stylized side view of a mattress assembly containing a mattress foundation, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 13B illustrates a stylized, block diagram depiction of the control unit 1550, in accordance with embodiments herein; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a stylized side view depiction of the mattress foundation of FIG. 13, in accordance with embodiments herein.

While the subject matter disclosed herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will, of course, be appreciated that, in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present subject matter will now be described with reference to the attached figures. Various structures, systems and devices are schematically depicted in the drawings for purposes of explanation only and to not obscure the present disclosure with details that are well known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attached drawings are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the present disclosure. The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

Embodiments herein are directed to mattresses comprising at least one device capable for moving air, e.g., a fan, disposed at an opening of a channel through a support layer of the mattress or an electrostatic air movement device. The air movement device may provide cooling to a user of the mattress by impelling air into or withdrawing air from the channel.

Further, embodiments herein provide for zoned control of airflow. For example, certain channels in a mattress may be selected in order to provide airflow, wherein other channels may be left idle with respect to airflow. Moreover, airflow in channels of a mattress may be controlled in such a manner that the temperature of the mattress may be influenced by controlling the airflow. For example, airflow in certain channels in the mattress may be controlled such that regions proximate to those channels may experience increased cooling or heating. In this manner, zoned temperature control may be provided using airflow control provided by embodiments herein.

Further, embodiments herein provide for user control of airflow in a mattress. For example, a user may control the operations of the air moving devices via a remote device, such as mobile phone, a tablet, a remote control device, a laptop computer, or any electronic device that is capable of communicating with a control device for controlling the operations of the air moving devices in the mattress. In some embodiments, an application (app) may be used by a user of a mobile device to control the operations of air moving devices.

Turning to FIG. 1, a stylized top view of a mattress 100, in accordance with embodiments herein, is illustrated. The mattress 100 has a generally rectangular profile in top view, with opposed shorter sides 103, 105 each having a dimension 101, and opposed longer sides 104, 106 each having a dimension 102. Typically, the shorter sides 103, 105 provide the head and foot ends, respectively, of the mattress 100, and the longer sides 104, 106 provide the sides of the mattress 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stylized side view of the mattress 100, in accordance with embodiments herein. The side view shows one of the longer sides, side 104.

The mattress 100 includes a first layer 120. The first layer 120 comprises at least one channel 122, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, five channels 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, and 122e, each extending from a first side 104 to a second side 106 of the mattress 100. Each channel has a first opening at the first side 104 of the mattress 100 and a second opening at the second side 106 of the mattress 120. Disposed in at least one channel 122 is an air movement device 126, such as a fan, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, two fans 126a and 126b, with a first fan 126a disposed in channel 122a and a second fan 126b disposed in channel 122b. Although the channels 122a-e are depicted as extending laterally from the first side 104 to the opposed second side 106, the invention is not limited to this depicted embodiment.

For ease of illustration, embodiments herein are described in terms of the air movement device being a fan. However, those skilled in the art having benefit of the present disclosure, would appreciate that other type of an air movement devices may be implemented in embodiments herein. For example, the air movement device 126 may be electrostatic air mover. For example, the drawings represented by the fans 126a and 126b may be electrostatic air moving devices. In one embodiment, the electrostatic air moving device 126 may comprise two oppositely charged electrodes, wherein a first electrode may generate ions by electrical means, e.g., a corona discharge. The ions may then be attracted to a second electrode, which has an opposite charge as the first electrode, which may cause movement of air. Accordingly, the fans 126 described herein may be a device having blades to move air, or alternatively, may use electrical means, (e.g., electrostatic air movement) to move air.

In some embodiments, wherein the air moving device 126 is an electrostatic air moving device, a corona discharge may be utilized to cause an air movement. For example, discharge of corona may be used for implementing an air velocity electrostatic pump, i.e., a corona pump.

In an electrostatic air device, ions interacting with an electric field may cause an acceleration of the ions. This flow of ions provides causes an airflow within an air flow region, such as a duct or channel system within a mattress. The airflow may be controlled by the geometry of the electric field as well as the intensity of the electric field. In some embodiments, the electric field may run parallel to the walls of a channel or duct through which the airflow is guided.

In some embodiments the airflow, whether generated using an electrostatic air moving device 126 or one or more fans (126a, 126b), may be controlled by a remove wireless device, such as a mobile phone device, a tablet device, a laptop computer, etc. For example, an application installed on a mobile phone may be capable of communicating with the air moving device, and controlling one or more functions.

In some embodiment, the air moving device may comprise one or more small fans, e.g., micro fans. In many embodiments, each fan 126 may have any case size, blade size, speed, or other parameters known in the art. In one embodiment, all fans 126 in a single mattress 100 may be identical in size, speed, and other parameters. In embodiments, it may be desirable for the fans 126 to have relative large case and blade sizes and relatively slow speeds, in order to provide a given amount of airflow with relatively low noise, given that the noise of a fan is generally correlated with the fan's speed.

Each fan 126 may receive electrical power from one or more sources. In one embodiment, each fan 126 may be powered by direct current (DC), e.g. by one or more batteries. In one embodiment, each fan 126 may be powered by alternating current (AC), such as through cabling electrically connected to a transformer connected to a main electrical line.

In one embodiment, each fan 126 is configured for inductive charging. Inductive charging may provide greater convenience than that provided by alkaline, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries, which require frequent replacement, and may also provide greater convenience and esthetic quality than that provided by electrical cables, which require routing and positioning into and/or along the mattress 100.

More generally, in embodiments wherein a mattress system comprises any electrical or electronic device or devices, one, some, or all of the electrical or electronic device(s) may be configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply. Examples of electrical or electronic devices that may be configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply include, but are not limited to, cooling devices other than air movement devices (e.g., water cooling devices and thermoelectric cooling devices), heating devices (e.g., heating coils and electric blankets), pressure adjustment devices (e.g., air bladders for increasing or decreasing firmness), massage devices, sensors for detecting one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature or humidity) or user events (e.g., motion of the user's body; input made through a user interface to change an operation of a device), motors, including pneumatic and hydraulic systems, for adjusting one or more positions of the mattress 100 or other elements of the mattress system, and control units configured to control operation of one or more other devices, among others. Sensors and control units will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B. Motors will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 14.

Generally, inductive electrical power supplies require a base station 105 to generate an electromagnetic field and a receiving unit (e.g., an induction coil) in the electrical or electronic device configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply. The receiving unit converts energy from the electromagnetic field into electrical energy in the device. By “configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply” is meant both battery-mediated operation (i.e., the receiving unit outputs electrical energy that is stored in a battery or batteries, and the electrical or electronic device draws operating power from the battery or batteries) and direct operation (i.e., the receiving unit outputs electrical energy that is used by the electrical or electronic device for operating power without battery storage).

Any arrangement of base station 105 and an electrical or electronic device (e.g. fan 126) may be used in embodiments herein. In one embodiment, the electrical or electronic device may comprise a battery or batteries and be configured for rapid placement and removal from its operating position in the mattress system. In this embodiment, the electrical or electronic device may be temporarily removed from the mattress system, placed in close proximity to a base station 105 for inductive charging of the battery or batteries, and replaced in its operating position in the mattress system. In a particular example of this embodiment, the base station 105 and the electrical or electronic device may conform to a wireless power standard, such as the Qi wireless power transfer standard.

In another embodiment, the base station 105 may be placed near the mattress system, e.g. on a nightstand or other piece of bedroom furniture, and the electrical or electronic device may remain in its operating position in the mattress system.

The first layer 120 may comprise a visco-elastic foam, a non-viscoelastic foam, or a polyurethane foam, among other materials. In one embodiment, the first layer 120 comprises a non-viscoelastic foam. The first layer 120 may be referred to herein as a “support layer.”

In the depicted embodiment, the mattress 100 may also comprise a comfort layer 130 disposed directly above the first layer 120. The comfort layer 130 may comprise any material and/or assemblage of sublayers suitable for providing comfort to a user reclining on the mattress 100. In one embodiment, the comfort layer 130 comprises a foam. In a particular embodiment, the comfort layer 130 comprises a viscoelastic foam. For example, the viscoelastic foam may have a density from about 25 kg/m³ to about 250 kg/m³, such as from about 50 kg/m³ to about 120 kg/m³. In an even more particular embodiment, the viscoelastic foam may have a density of about 80-85 kg/m³. Alternatively or in addition, the viscoelastic foam may have a hardness from about 5 N to about 20 N, such as a hardness of about 10 N. Alternatively or in addition, the comfort layer 130 may include a base sublayer and a pillow-top sublayer.

The first layer 120 and the comfort layer 130 may be bonded together by any suitable adhesive. The first layer 120 and the comfort layer 130 (if any) may be assembled using any process and/or equipment known in the art.

For the avoidance of doubt, and in accordance with practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, none of the present figures are to scale.

FIGS. 3-5 each show a cross-sectional view of the first layer 120 taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 2. Each of FIGS. 3-5 show that the fans 126, e.g., fan 126a and fan 126b, are disposed at the first opening or the second opening of their respective channels 122a and 122b. In FIGS. 3-5, the direction of airflow generated by each fan 126a and 126b is shown with a heavy arrow.

In FIG. 3, both the first fan 126a and the second fan 126b are configured to impel air into their respective channels 122a and 122b.

In FIG. 4, both the first fan 126a and the second fan 126b are configured to withdraw air from their respective channels 122a and 122b.

In FIG. 5, the first fan 126a is configured to impel air into the first channel 122a and the second fan 126b is configured to withdraw air from the channel at the opening of which it is disposed, namely, second channel 122b.

Any arrangement of airflow directions, e.g., impelling air into or withdrawing air from a channel, may be implemented by the person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

In the depicted embodiments of FIGS. 2-5, the second fan 126b is shown disposed in the first opening of the second channel 122b. By “first opening of the second channel 122b” is meant the opening of the second channel 122b that is on the same side (104 or 106) of the mattress 100 as the opening of the first channel 122a in which the first fan 126a is disposed. In other embodiments, not shown in FIGS. 2-5, the second fan 126b may alternatively be disposed at the second opening of the second channel 122b (i.e., the opening of the second channel 122b on the opposite side of the opening of the first channel 122a at which the first fan 126a is disposed), or at the opening of the first channel 122a at which the first fan 126a is not disposed.

FIGS. 6-8 depict another embodiment of a mattress according to the present disclosure. In the side view of the mattress 600 shown in FIG. 6, elements that are identical to those shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 2-5 are assigned the same reference numerals and need not be described further. Elements that are similar to those shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 2-5 are assigned reference numerals identical in the tens and ones digits, differing only in the hundreds digit, with relevant differences described below.

In the side view of the mattress 600, only one fan, first fan 626a, is visible at a first opening of channel 122a. The cross-sectional views along line A-A′ shown in FIGS. 7-8 show a second fan 626b. In FIGS. 7-8, the first fan 626a is disposed at a first opening of the channel 122a and the second fan 626b is disposed at the second, opposite opening of the channel 122a.

In FIG. 7, the first fan 626a impels air into the channel 122a and the second fan 626b withdraws air from the channel 122a.

In FIG. 8, the first fan 626a withdraws air from the channel 122a and the second fan 626b impels air into the channel 122a.

Turning to FIGS. 9-10, a mattress 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. In addition to fans 126a and 126b disposed at openings of channels, the mattress 900 further comprises at least one support member in at least one channel. Desirably, the at least one support member is configured to permit a flow of air therethrough or therearound.

Regardless of the particular embodiment of the foam spring 124, an advantage of a foam spring 124 as represented in FIGS. 9-10 is that, when the spring 124 is compressed the foam spring 124 has a reduced tendency to bulk out in a radial or lateral direction and hence the diameter of the foam spring is essentially preserved.

Another advantage of the foam spring 124 is that the resilience, compressive strength, and useful lifetime of the spring 124 may be enhanced, even when lower density foam is used for its construction.

Further, the disclosure is not necessarily limited to cylindrical foam springs 124c, but can also be applied to other shapes of springs, such as polygon shapes (e.g., pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, etc.)

Alternatively, or in addition, and as depicted in FIGS. 9-10, at least one foam sphere or hemisphere, such as foam spheres 925e, may be present in one or more channels, e.g., channel 122e. In the side view of FIG. 9, in each channel 122a-122e, only one foam sphere 925e is visible. Arrangements of foam spheres or hemispheres in channels 122 will be described in more detail below. Foam spheres 925e or hemispheres generally have a spherical or hemispherical resilient body made of foam. In one embodiment, the foam spheres 925e or hemispheres comprise polyurethane foam. The foam spheres 925e may have some compressibility when under load, thereby providing improved comfort to a user of the mattress 100. Alternatively, the foam spheres 925e may resist compression when under load, thereby relieving pressure points to the user of the mattress 100.

The person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that foam spheres 925e and foam hemispheres would have the property of permitting airflow therearound, e.g. at the corners of the channel 925e in side view.

Turning to FIG. 10, a sectional view taken along the line A-A′ in FIG. 9, in accordance with embodiments herein, is shown. This sectional view looks down across the middle of the first layer 120. As shown, each channel 122a-122c comprises a plurality of foam springs. FIG. 10 illustrates sets of foam springs 124a-124c, appearing as rounded features, configured within respective channels 122a-122c. The channels 122a-122e may be formed from multiple first layer portions.

Each channel 122a-122c may comprise the same number of foam springs 124 or different numbers of foam springs 124.

As depicted in FIG. 10, four channels (122a-122d) may each comprise a plurality of foam springs 124a-d, and another channel (122e) may comprise a plurality of foam spheres 925e.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10 is exemplary in the number of channels 122 and the number and type of support members in each channel 122. In embodiments, not shown, one or more of the channels 122 may exclude support members. A channel 122 without support members therein may be a channel 122 at an opening of which a fan 126 may be disposed. The person of ordinary skill in the art may vary these and other parameters of the mattress 900 as a routine matter and remain within the spirit of embodiments herein.

Turning to FIGS. 11-12, mattresses 1300 and 1400, each comprising two or three intermediate layers, respectively, are shown.

FIG. 11 depicts a mattress 1300 comprising a polyurethane layer 110 and two support layers 120 and 1320. The first support layer 120 may be as described above, such as with reference to FIGS. 9-10. The second support layer 1320 is similar to the first, in that it may comprise the same material and may also comprise at least one support element (e.g., foam springs 124f-124m) disposed in a channel 1322. The second support layer 1320 depicted in FIG. 11 comprises a single channel 1322. In other embodiments (not shown), the second support layer may comprise a plurality of channels.

FIG. 12 depicts a mattress 1400 comprising three support layers 120, 1320, and 1420. The first support layer 120 and the second support layer 1320 may be as described above. The third support layer 1420 may comprise a single curved channel 1422.

A variety of support layers 120, 420, 620, 1320, 1420, and 1421 have been depicted in FIGS. 2-12. In embodiments wherein a mattress comprises one support layer, the support layer may be any one of the support layers 120, 420, 620, 1320, 1420, and 1421, along with others not depicted but described herein. For example, any support layer shown comprising one or more support elements disposed in a channel may be substituted with an otherwise-identical support layer lacking support elements in a channel, or vice versa. In such embodiments, a single support layer is simultaneously the bottom-most support layer and the uppermost support layer.

In embodiments wherein a mattress comprises two, three, or more support layers, each support layer may comprise any one of the support layers 120, 420, 620, 1320, and 1420, along with others not depicted but described herein. Any one of the support layers 120, 420, 620, 1320, and 1420, along with others not depicted but described herein may be duplicated in a mattress comprising two or more support layers. Alternatively or in addition, in any mattress comprising two or more support layers, any one of the support layers 120, 420, 620, 1320, and 1420, along with others not depicted but described herein. may be arranged in any order, i.e., any support layer 120, 420, 620, 1320, or 1420, or any other not depicted but described herein, may be the bottom-most support layer, the uppermost support layer, or at any position between the bottom-most and uppermost support layers.

In another embodiment, as depicted in stylized side view in FIG. 13A, the present disclosure relates to a mattress assembly 1500, in accordance with embodiments herein. The mattress assembly 1500 comprises a mattress as described above, such as a mattress 100 comprising a plurality of channels 122a-122e and two air movement devices 126a and 126b, (e.g., fans, electrostatic air movement devices, etc.), each disposed at an opening of a channel. The mattress assembly may comprise other mattresses described herein, with such other mattresses being substitutable for the mattress 100 in the mattress assembly 1500 as a routine matter for the person of ordinary skill in the art.

The mattress assembly 1500 may also comprise a control unit 1550 capable of controlling the operation of the air movement devices 126a, 126b. The control unit 1550 may be operatively coupled to the air movement devices 126a, 126b. The term “operatively coupled” may include electrical connection(s), including power connections, low-voltage data connection, and/or wireless connections.

The mattress assembly 1500 may also comprise one or more sensors 1560. The sensors 1560 may represent a plurality of sensors that may be distributed in a predetermined order in pre-selected zones throughout the mattress assembly 1500. The sensors 1560 may represent various types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc. The sensors may be configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply, such as may be provided by base station 105.

FIG. 13B illustrates a stylized, block diagram depiction of the control unit 1550, in accordance with some embodiments herein. The control unit 1550 is capable of controlling one or more operations of the air movement devices 126a, 126b. In some embodiments, the control unit 1550 may cause operation of one air movement device 126a, while idling the operations another air movement device 126b. In this manner, the control unit 1550 may prompt airflow in one zone of the mattress assembly 1500, while preventing airflow in another zone of the mattress assembly 1500. Accordingly, embodiments herein may provide for zoned airflow control, wherein the zoned airflow control provides for zoned temperature control in the mattress assembly 1500.

The control unit 1550 may comprise a controller 1578 that is capable of controlling the operations of the air movement devices 126a, 126b. The controller 1578 may comprise a microprocessor, memory, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or other circuitry to perform control functions. The controller 1578 is capable of receiving data and performing automated actions based upon one or more programs stored in a memory 1578 that is external to the controller 1578, and/or internal to the controller 1580. The memory 1578 may store various status data, program data, condition data, etc.

The control unit 1550 may comprise a communication unit 1570 for providing communications between the air movement device and a remote device. The communication unit comprises a transmitter 1571 and a receiver 1572. The transmitter 1571 is capable of transmitting signals from the control unit 1550 to a remote device. The receiver 1572 is capable of receiving signals from a remote device. The transmitting and/or receiving of data and/or signals may be performed using wired interfaces or wireless technology (e.g., cellular communications, Bluetooth communications, WiFi communications, etc.). Data from the communication unit 1570 may be provided to the controller 1580. Further, data from the controller 1580 may be provided to the communications unit 1570 for transmission to a remote unit.

The control unit 1550 also comprises an application (app) interface 1579. The app interface 1579 may be software module that is capable of providing control and communications between the control unit 1550 and a remote device, such as a mobile phone. Data to and from the app interface 1579 may be provided to and from the controller 1580.

The control unit 1550 also comprises a sensor data interface 1576. The sensor data interface 1576 is capable of communicating with one or more sensors, such as the temperature sensor 160. In some embodiments, the sensor data interface 1576 may prompt sensors to engage, sense predetermined conditions (e.g., temperature), and provide a signal indicative of the sensed condition to the sensor data interface. The sensor data interface may comprise one or more circuit to process the sensed signal and provide data indicative of the sensed signal the controller 1578. Data to and from the sensor data interface 1576 may be provided to and from the controller 1580.

As shown in the depicted embodiment, the control unit 1550 may be configured to operate based on an inductive power supply. Receiving unit 1599 may convert power from an electromagnetic field generated by base station 105 (FIG. 13A) to electrical power used, either directly or via battery 1598, by other elements of the control unit 1550.

One or more portions of the control unit 1550 illustrated in FIG. 13B may be a hardware device, a software device, a firmware device (e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC), and or a combination of two or more thereof. The sensors 1560 and the control unit 1550 may be implemented into any of the embodiments disclosed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-14.

The mattress assembly 1500 also comprises a mattress foundation 1540 disposed under the mattress 100. The mattress foundation 1540 may comprise any structure known to the person of ordinary skill in the art for the support of mattresses. Exemplary mattress foundations 1540 include, but are not limited to, box springs; metal frames; and adjustable supports, including electromechanically adjustable supports; among others.

FIG. 14 illustrates a stylized depiction of the mattress foundation of FIG. 13, in accordance with embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the mattress foundation may be comprised of two or more sections. For example, the mattress foundation 1540 may comprise a 1^st section 1640a, a 2^nd second section 1640b, a 3^rd section 1640c, and a 4^th section 1640d. Some or all of the sections 1640a-1640d may be configured to move independently, as indicated by the dotted lines over the 1^st section 1640a, the 3^rd section 1640c, and the 4^th section 1640d.

Each of the 1^st through 4^th section 1640a-1640d may be connected to pivot points to allow for independent movements. For example, the 1^st section 1640a and the 2^nd section 1640b may be movably coupled to a 1^st pivot point 1610a. In one embodiment, the 1^st section may move up and down about the 1^st pivot point 1610a. The 1^st section 1640a may be at the head of a bed.

The 2^nd section 1640b and the 3^rd section may be movably coupled to a 2^nd pivot point 1610b. In one embodiment, the 3^rd section may move up and down about the 2^nd pivot point 1610b.

The 3^rd section 1640c and the 4^th section 1640d may be movably coupled to a 3rd pivot point 1610c. In one embodiment, the 4^th section may move up and down about the 3^rd pivot point 1610c. In one embodiment, the 4^th section may be at the foot of a bed. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that additional sections and/or pivot points may be implemented onto the mattress foundation 1540 and remain with the spirit and scope of embodiments herein.

In some embodiments, one or more of the pivots 1610a, 1610b, 1610c may comprise a motor that may cause the pivots to be controllably operated. In some embodiments, the pivots 1610a, 1610b, 1610c may be controlled by one or more external motors. Any motor or motors may be configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply. In some embodiments, the pivots 1610a, 1610b, 1610c may be operated using a remote electronic device, such as mobile phone, a laptop, a television, etc.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. For example, the process steps set forth above may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A mattress system, comprising: a mattress comprising at least one support layer; andan electrical or electronic device, wherein the electrical or electronic device is configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply.

2. The mattress system of claim 1, wherein the electrical or electronic device is an air movement device selected from a fan or an electrostatic air movement device, wherein the air movement device is disposed inside a first channel extending from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress.

3. The mattress system of claim 2, wherein the mattress further comprises at least a second channel extending from the first side of the mattress to the second side of the mattress, wherein the second channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress; and at least a second air movement device disposed at the first opening of the second channel, the second opening of the second channel, or the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first air movement device is not disposed.

4. The mattress system of claim 3, wherein the second air movement device is at least one of a fan, or an electrostatic air movement device, wherein the second air movement device is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the second channel.

5. The mattress system of claim 3, wherein the second air movement device is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first air movement device is not disposed.

6. The mattress system of claim 3, wherein the first air movement device is configured to impel air into the first channel and the second air movement device is configured to withdraw air from the channel at the opening of which it is disposed.

7. The mattress system of claim 1, wherein the first support layer comprises a non-viscoelastic foam.

8. The mattress system of claim 1, wherein the mattress further comprises a comfort layer disposed above the first support layer.

9. The mattress system of claim 8, wherein the comfort layer comprises a foam.

10. A mattress assembly system, comprising: a mattress comprising at least one support layer; an electrical or electronic device, wherein the electrical or electronic device is configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply and a mattress foundation disposed under the mattress.

11. The mattress assembly system of claim 10, wherein the electrical or electronic device is an air movement device selected from a fan or an electrostatic air movement device, wherein the air movement device is disposed inside a first channel extending from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress.

12. The mattress assembly system of claim 11, wherein the mattress further comprises at least a second channel extending from the first side of the mattress to the second side of the mattress, wherein the second channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress; and at least a second fan disposed at the first opening of the second channel, the second opening of the second channel, or the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first fan is not disposed.

13. The mattress assembly system of claim 12, wherein the second fan is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the second channel.

14. The mattress assembly system of claim 12, wherein the second fan is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first fan is not disposed.

15. The mattress assembly system of claim 12, wherein the first fan is configured to impel air into the first channel and the second fan is configured to withdraw air from the first channel or the second channel.

16. The mattress assembly system of claim 10, further comprising a control unit for controlling at least one operation of the electrical or electronic device.

17. The mattress assembly system of claim 16, wherein the control unit comprises: a communication unit for receiving and transmitting data;a sensor data interface for receiving sensor data from a sensor;a controller for controlling an operation of the first fan;an application interface for providing control functions for a application; anda memory for storing data;wherein the control unit is configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply.

18. The mattress assembly system of claim 10, further comprising a sensor capable of sensing at least one of a temperature or a humidity, wherein the sensor is configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply.

19. A mattress, comprising: at least a first support layer comprising a non-viscoelastic foam and at least a first channel and a second channel, wherein each channel extends from a first side of the mattress to a second side of the mattress, and each channel has a first opening at the first side of the mattress and a second opening at the second side of the mattress;at least a first fan and a second fan, wherein the first fan is disposed at the first opening or the second opening of the first channel, and the second fan is disposed at the first opening of the second channel, the second opening of the second channel, or the first opening or the second opening of the first channel at which the first fan is not disposed;at least one support member disposed within at least the first channel, wherein the at least one support member is configured to permit a flow of air therethrough or therearound; anda comfort layer disposed above the first support layer, wherein the comfort layer comprises a viscoelastic foam;wherein the first fan and the second fan are each configured to operate based on an inductive electrical power supply.

20. The mattress of claim 19, wherein the first fan is configured to impel air into the first channel and the second fan is configured to withdraw air from the channel at the opening of which it is disposed.