Patent Application
20240188726
This invention relates to beds, and more particularly to adjustable beds.
People have traditionally used beds that come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Such beds can range from extremely simple designs to rather complex designs that include a variety of features. Some beds commonly include a mattress, a box-spring, and a frame. Such bed items can be shipped from a factory to a store or home, but are relatively large and bulky.
For example, mattresses come in a variety of styles including those with innerspring systems or those with adjustable air bladders. Such mattresses are typically shipped in large delivery trucks, either lying flat or standing on an edge. In either case, such mattresses are rather large and bulky, often requiring specialized delivery service. This can add to the cost and complexity of delivering a mattress from a factory to a retail store and ultimately to a consumer.
Some embodiments of a mattress and related assemblies can include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein. Some embodiments can include a mattress having an inflatable bladder that can inflate to a desired pressure without the use of a pump or blower. The mattress can include an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position. The open-cell foam material can be laminated to the air bladder to retain shape and improve functionality of the open-cell foam material as it relates to the air bladder. A user can selectively set a desired firmness of the mattress, by actuating an electronic or mechanical valve. A controller can remember the user's selected firmness setting and can automatically adjust firmness of the mattress to the user's selected firmness setting. User sensing systems can be included in the mattress, which can sense user presence, heartbeat, breathing, motion, or the like. The mattress, including the bladder and foam material inside, can be compressed and shipped in standard shipping boxes. Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features.
In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a mattress including a support layer, a comfort layer, and an adjustable air layer. The support layer can include a first foam material and the comfort layer can include a second foam material. The adjustable air layer can be positioned between the support layer and the comfort layer and can include an air bladder and an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder. The open-cell foam material can be configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure. A manually-actuated valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to manual actuation. A user detection system can be operably connected to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a mattress.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The user detection system includes a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing pressure changes within the air bladder and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. A fluid passage is fluidically connecting the manually-actuated valve to the air bladder. The pressure sensor is positioned interior of a fabric cover that substantially surrounds and encloses the support layer, the comfort layer, and the adjustable air layer, the controller is positioned in a dongle housing exterior of the fabric cover, and the controller is electrically connected to the pressure sensor via a cable. The user detection system is configured to detect pressure changes due to a biological indicator of the user selected from a group consisting of heartbeat and respiration. The user detection system includes a pressure sensing chamber, a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned inside the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned external to the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber has substantially the same length and width as that of the air bladder. A fabric cover is substantially surrounding and enclosing the support layer, the comfort layer, and the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air layer is adhered to the support layer and the comfort layer, the open-cell foam material is adhered to the air bladder at least on top and bottom surfaces of the open-cell foam material, and the fabric cover is adhered to at least one of the comfort layer and the support layer. The manually-actuated valve is manually actuable between an open position that allows air flow to and from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve and a closed position that substantially seals the air bladder. The mattress is configured such that air is forced out of the air bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the open position, air is drawn into the air bladder when there is little or no weight resting on the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the open position, and the air bladder is substantially sealed when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the closed position. The manually-actuated valve is a variable pressure valve that is actuable to set a pressure threshold, the manually-actuated valve resists air flow through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is below the pressure threshold, and the manually-actuated valve allows air flow from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is above the pressure threshold. The manually-actuated valve comprises a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disc. The disc comprises a ball, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring, and wherein the adjuster comprises a threaded dial. An assembly includes the mattress which is folded upon itself in a shippable position to reduce a dimension of the mattress in at least one direction and packaging configured to compress and retain the mattress such that each of the support layer, comfort layer, and the adjustable air layer are compressed. The assembly with the mattress folded into a helical roll. The assembly with the mattress folded alternately with multiple creases. The assembly with the packaging including a vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing the mattress. The assembly with the packaging including a cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and the mattress. The packaging has a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less.
In another embodiment, an assembly can include a mattress and packaging. The mattress can include one or more layers of foam material and an adjustable air layer including an air bladder. The adjustable air layer can be configured to be biased to an inflated position when the air bladder is exposed to atmospheric pressure. A manually-actuated valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to manual actuation. The packaging can compress and retain the mattress such that the one or more layers of foam and the adjustable air layer are compressed. The mattress can be folded or rolled upon itself in a shippable position with the air bladder in a substantially deflated position.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The adjustable air layer comprises an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to the inflated position. The mattress is folded into a helical roll. The mattress is folded alternately with multiple creases. The packaging comprises a vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing the mattress. The packaging further comprises a cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and the mattress. The packaging has a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The mattress includes a user detection system having a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing pressure changes within the air bladder and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect pressure changes due to a biological indicator of the user selected from a group consisting of heartbeat and respiration. The user detection system includes a pressure sensing chamber, a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned inside the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned external to the air bladder and below the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber has substantially the same length and width as that of the air bladder. A fabric cover substantially is surrounding and enclosing the one or more layers of foam material and the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air layer is adhered to the one or more layers of foam material and the fabric cover is adhered to at least one of the adjustable air layer or the one or more layers of foam material. The manually-actuated valve is manually actuable between an open position that allows air flow to and from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve and a closed position that substantially seals the air bladder. The mattress is configured such that air is forced out of the air bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the open position, wherein air is drawn into the air bladder when there is little or no weight resting on the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the open position, and wherein the air bladder is substantially sealed when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the closed position. The manually-actuated valve is a variable pressure valve that is actuable to set a pressure threshold, wherein the manually-actuated valve resists air flow through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is below the pressure threshold, and wherein the manually-actuated valve allows air flow from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is above the pressure threshold. The manually-actuated valve comprises a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disc. The disc comprises a ball, the biasing member comprises a spring, and the adjuster comprises a threaded dial.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer, and a user detection system. The adjustable air layer can include an air bladder sized to support a user laying on the mattress. The user detection system can be operably connected to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a mattress. The user detection system can include a pressure sensing chamber, a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer including an air bladder, and a manually actuated valve fluidically connected to the air bladder. The adjustable air layer can be configured to be biased to an inflated position when the air bladder is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The manually-actuated valve can be configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to manual actuation. The manually-actuated valve can be a variable pressure valve that is actuable to set a pressure threshold. The manually-actuated valve can resist air flow through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is below the pressure threshold. The manually-actuated valve can allow air flow from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is above the pressure threshold.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The manually-actuated valve includes a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disc. The disc comprises a ball, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring, and wherein the adjuster comprises a threaded dial. An inlet valve fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to allow air flow through the inlet valve into the air bladder and reduce flow out of the air bladder through the inlet valve. The one or more layers of foam material comprises an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position. The manually-actuated valve can be actuated between a discrete number of pressure settings that are indicative of mattress firmness.
In another embodiment, a mattress includes one or more layers of foam material. The mattress further includes an adjustable air layer positioned adjacent at least one of the one or more layers of foam material. The adjustable air layer includes an air bladder and an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The mattress further includes a valve system fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The open-cell foam material is adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder at a top surface of the open-cell foam material and the open-cell foam material is adhered to the inner surface of the air bladder at a bottom surface of the open-cell foam material. The open-cell foam material is adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder via a layer of laminate material. The open-cell foam material is laminated to an inner surface of the air bladder at six surfaces of the open-cell foam material, including top, bottom, and side surfaces of the open-cell foam material. The one or more layers of foam material include a support layer comprising a first foam material and a comfort layer comprising a second foam material different than the first foam material, wherein the an adjustable air layer is positioned between the support layer and the comfort layer, wherein the mattress further includes a cover enclosing the support layer, the adjustable air layer, and the comfort layer with the comfort layer positioned above the adjustable air layer for supporting a user. The mattress further comprising a user detection system operably connected to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a mattress the user detection system comprising a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing pressure changes within the air bladder and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor, wherein the user detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting presence of biosignals. The user detection system includes a pressure sensing chamber; a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder, the pressure sensing chamber is positioned inside the air bladder, the pressure sensing chamber is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned external to the air bladder and the pressure sensing chamber has substantially the same length and width as that of the air bladder. The mattress further comprising a foam border and a fabric cover substantially surrounding and enclosing the one or more layers of foam material, the adjustable air layer, and the foam border, wherein the one or more layers of foam material is adhered to the foam border, wherein the open-cell foam material is adhered to the air bladder at least on top and bottom surfaces of the open-cell foam material, and wherein the fabric cover is adhered to at least one of the foam border and the one or more layers of foam material. The valve system includes a valve that is actuable between an open position that allows air flow to and from the air bladder through the valve and a closed position that substantially seals the air bladder, wherein the mattress is configured such that air is forced out of the air bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the valve is in the open position, wherein air is drawn into the air bladder when there is little or no weight resting on the mattress and the valve is in the open position, and wherein the air bladder is substantially sealed when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and the valve is in the closed position. The valve is actuable between the open position and the closed position by user manipulation. The valve is actuable between the open position and the closed position by an electronic controller. An assembly comprising the mattress, wherein the mattress is folded upon itself in a shippable position to reduce a dimension of the mattress in at least one direction; and packaging configured to compress and retain the mattress such that each of the air bladder, the open-cell foam material, and the one or more layers of foam material are compressed. The mattress is folded with multiple hinges formed at elastic sections of material at a bottom surface of a cover of the mattress. The packaging includes a vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing the mattress and a cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and the mattress. The valve system includes a mechanical valve comprising a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the adjuster includes a threaded dial that is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disc. The valve system includes a controller and a valve configured to open and close in response to signals from the controller to control air pressure in the air bladder. The controller includes a processors and a computer memory. The mattress is configured to inflate the adjustable air layer via force exerted by the open-cell foam material on the air bladder and to deflate the adjustable air layer via weight of the user laying on the mattress, and wherein the mattress does not include a blower connected to the air bladder or valve system. The controller is configured to regulate the air bladder between a first pressure substantially equal to ambient atmospheric air and a second pressure set according to a user's selected firmness setting. The pressure sensing chamber is integrated into the air bladder, positioned inside the air bladder, and spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The controller further comprises a network interface configured to connect to a server.
In another embodiment, a method is performed by a computer processing apparatus. The method includes detecting user presence in a bed. The method further includes opening a valve in response to detecting the user presence in the bed such that the bed compresses while the valve is open. The method further includes, after a first delay, closing the valve. The method further includes detecting bed exit. The method further includes opening the valve. The method further includes, after a second delay, closing the valve such that the bed expands during the second delay.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The first delay to compress the bed is based on training data set by a user. The valve is actuated by a solenoid. Detecting bed entrance includes identifying an increase in air pressure. Detecting bed exit includes identifying a decrease in air pressure. The method further includes periodically opening and closing the valve. The periodic opening and closing of the valve is performed if the bed is empty. The periodic opening and closing normalizes air pressure in the bed and the atmosphere.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer including an air bladder having an outlet and an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The open-cell foam material can define a recess positioned proximate the outlet of the air bladder. Implementations can optionally include one or more layer of foam material posited adjacent an outer surface of the adjustable air layer and a valve system fluidically connected to the air bladder via the outlet.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a fitting element having one or more spacers to space the fitting element and the outlet from the open-cell foam material. Implementations can optionally include one or more layer of foam material posited adjacent an outer surface of the adjustable air layer and a valve system fluidically connected to the air bladder via the outlet.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a means for spacing a fitting element and the outlet from the open-cell foam material. Implementations can optionally include the means including a recess defined by an edge of the open-cell foam material.
In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a fitting element having one or more spacers to space the fitting element and the outlet from the open-cell foam material. The open-cell foam material can define a recess positioned proximate the outlet of the air bladder.
Methods and devices for automatically controlling a substrate in response to a monitored subject are disclosed.
One such method includes detecting presence of a subject on the substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure; in response to receiving a request to modify the firmness of the substrate from the base firmness to a requested firmness, setting the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness; detecting absence of the subject on the substrate; and in response to detection of the absence of the subject, restoring the firmness of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. Detecting presence of the subject includes receiving an indication indicative of a pressure increase. Detecting absence of the subject includes receiving an indication indicative of a pressure decrease. The requested firmness is selected by the subject using a remote device. The substrate includes a fluid bladder, a foam core disposed within the fluid bladder, a pressure-controlled valve having an open position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core and a closed position blocking fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core, and a check valve having an open position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core only in the absence of the subject on the substrate. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the base firmness in response to detection of the presence of the subject includes setting the pressure-controlled valve to the closed position. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness incudes setting the pressure-controlled valve to the open position only for a predetermined time period, the predetermined time period being sufficient to lower the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness. Restoring the firmness of the substrate to the base firmness includes the check valve automatically achieving the open position in the absence of the subject on the substrate such that the foam core fully expands within the fluid bladder.
Another method includes detecting presence of a subject on the substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure; detecting identity of the subject on the substrate; in response to detection of the identity of the subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to an identity-specific firmness; detecting absence of the subject on the substrate; and in response to detection of the absence of the subject, restoring the firmness of the substrate from the specified firmness to the base firmness.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. Detecting presence of the subject includes receiving an indication indicative of a pressure increase. Detecting absence of the subject includes receiving an indication indicative of a pressure decrease. The identity-specific firmness is based on a profile associated with the subject. The substrate includes a fluid bladder, a foam core disposed within the fluid bladder, and a valve having an open position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core and a closed position blocking fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the base firmness in response to detection of the presence of the subject includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the identity-specific firmness incudes setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined time period, the predetermined time period being sufficient to lower the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness of the substrate to the identity-specific firmness. Restoring the firmness of the substrate from the identity-specific firmness to the base firmness includes setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core fully expands within the fluid bladder.
An automatically-controlled substrate includes a fluid bladder; a foam core disposed within the fluid bladder; one or more sensors in fluid communication with the fluid bladder; a valve having an open position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core and a closed position blocking fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a processor. The processor is configured to detect, based on signals from the one or more sensors, presence of a subject on the substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the subject, set firmness of the substrate to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure; in response to receiving a request to modify the firmness of the substrate from the base firmness to a requested firmness, set the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness; detect absence of the subject on the substrate; and in response to detection of the absence of the subject, restore the firmness of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the base firmness in response to detection of the presence of the subject includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness incudes setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined time period, the predetermined time period being sufficient to lower the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness. Restoring the firmness of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness includes setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core fully expands within the fluid bladder.
These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the features described below. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize none, one or more of the advantages described below.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
In some embodiments, the resilient border 16 can be omitted, and the first and second air bladders 14A and 14B can extend substantially to the edges of the bed 12. While some of the following embodiments are illustrated without the resilient border 16, it should be understood that the resilient border 16 can be included when suitable for the application.
In various embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted via manual systems and/or automatic systems under computer control. In some embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by a powered pump or blower (not shown). In some embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted manually. In some embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by a system that is a combination of electronic sensors and valves and mechanical forces without necessarily requiring powered pumps or blowers.
In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a closed position in which the valve 24 is substantially sealed and an open position in which the valve 24 is substantially open. When the actuator 25 and the valve 24 are in the closed position, the air bladder 24 can be substantially sealed. A user can adjust firmness of the mattress 20 by opening the valve 24 and allowing air to flow in or out of the air bladder 24. The user can cause the mattress 20 to be softer by laying on the mattress 20 and opening the valve 24, thus letting air out of the air bladder 14A. When the mattress 20 has a desired firmness, the user can then close the valve 24 to seal the air bladder 14A. The mattress 20 can then retain that firmness (or softness) until air is again allowed to flow into or out of the air bladder 14A. The user can cause the mattress 20 to be firmer by getting off the mattress 20 and opening the valve 24, thus letting air into the air bladder 14A. The air bladder 14A can be configured to be biased in an inflated position such that air flows through the valve 24 into the air bladder 14A under atmospheric pressure.
In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between multiple pressure settings. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a substantially infinite number of pressure settings between upper and lower limits. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a discrete number of pressure settings, such as pressure settings 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or pressure settings firm, medium, and soft. The valve 24 can be configured so as to allow air to flow from the air bladder 14A through the valve 24 to the atmosphere when pressure in the air bladder 14A exceeds a set threshold. For example, the actuator 25 can be set to a first pressure threshold (e.g. a firm setting) whereby the valve 24 prevents or reduces air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the air bladder 14A is below the first pressure threshold and allows air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the air bladder 14A exceeds the first pressure threshold. The actuator 25 can be actuated to a second pressure threshold that is lower than the first pressure threshold (e.g. a soft setting) whereby the valve 24 prevents or reduces air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the air bladder 14A is below the second pressure threshold and allows air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the air bladder 14A exceeds the second pressure threshold. Thus, the valve 24 can allow a user to selectively adjust the firmness of the mattress 20 manually, without necessitating a powered air pump.
In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be a one-way valve that allows air flow out of the air bladder 14A (when pressure exceeds a threshold) and prevents or reduces air flow into the air bladder 14A. In such embodiments, the mattress 20 can include an additional valve 26 that allows air flow into the air bladder 14A and prevents or reduces air flow out of the air bladder 14A. The valve 24 can be configured to allow the air bladder 14A to partially deflate when the user lays on the mattress 20 and the valve 26 can be configured to allow the air bladder 14A to partially re-inflate when the user gets off the mattress 20.
In other embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured to selectively allow air flow into and out of the air bladder 14A. In some of such embodiments, the valve 26 can be omitted such that air flow into and out of the air bladder 14A is substantially entirely controlled by the valve 24.
In embodiments in which the air bed system 10 includes the air bladder 14B in addition to the air bladder 14A, the air bed system 10 can include two sets of valves: a valve 24, actuator 25, and valve 26 for controlling pressure in the air bladder 14A and another valve 24, actuator 25, and valve 26 for controlling pressure in the air bladder 14B. This can allow two users to control pressure in each side of the bed to different pressure settings without requiring use of one or more pumps or blowers.
The air bed system 10 also includes a dongle 27 and a cable 28. The dongle 27 includes a controller 30 positioned in a housing 32 and electrical connectors 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connectors 34 are configured to connect to a standard electrical outlet for powering the dongle 27. The cable 28 can electrically connect the dongle 27 to one or more electrical components in the mattress 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 28 includes a connector 36 that can be removably connected to the dongle 27. In other embodiments, the cable 28 can be hard-wired to the dongle 27.
In some embodiments in which the controller 30 is positioned inside the mattress 20, the mattress 20 can define a cavity 37 or chamber for housing the controller 30. For example, the cavity 37 can be formed by cutting-out a portion of foam, such as a portion of the resilient border 16 (shown in
The air bladder 14A of the adjustable air layer 42 can include an open-cell foam material 48 positioned inside the air bladder 14A. The open-cell foam material 48 can substantially fill the air bladder 14A, with an outer surface of the open-cell foam material 48 adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder 14A at a top and bottom of the open-cell foam material 48. For example, in some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A via one or more layers of laminate adhesive material. In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A on substantially all surfaces of the open-cell foam material 48. In other embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A on less than all surfaces of the open-cell foam material 48, for example, laminated on one, two, three, four, or five of six surfaces or laminated only on the top and bottom surfaces on the open-cell foam material 48. In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be adhered to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A via another adhesive material suitable for the application. Such an adhesion may, in some configurations, reduce the chance that the open-cell foam dislodging or becomes misaligned within the air bladder 14A.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be laminated to the open-cell foam material 48 via a separate laminating material positioned between the air bladder 14A and the open-cell foam material 48. In other embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be laminated to one or more surface of the open-cell foam material 48 without any adhesive or other laminating material positioned between the air bladder 14A and the open-cell foam material 48. The air bladder 14A can be laminated directly to the open-cell foam material 48, for example, by heating one or both of the air bladder 14A and the open-cell foam material 48.
Even when the air bladder 14A is substantially filled with the open-cell foam material 48, much or even most of the volume within the air bladder 14A can be occupied by air. The open-cell foam material 48 can be configured with mechanical properties suitable to bias the air bladder 14A to an inflated position when the open-cell foam material 48 is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A via one or more layers of laminate adhesive material 49A and 49B. In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A on substantially all surfaces of the open-cell foam material 48. In other embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A on less than all surfaces of the open-cell foam material 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the open-cell foam material 48 is laminated to an inner surface of the top of the air bladder 14A by a sheet of the laminate adhesive material 49A and 48 is laminated to an inner surface of the bottom of the air bladder 14A by a sheet of the laminate adhesive material 49B. In some embodiments, the combination of the open-cell foam material 48 with laminate adhesive material or other suitable adhesive material positioned inside the air bladder 14A can help control size and shape of the air bladder 14A at different pressure settings, and consequently, can help control pressure of the air bladder 14A in the operation of the air bed system 10. Laminating the open-cell foam material 48 to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A can help maintain structure and location.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be formed of a flexible polymer material such as a urethane material or other suitable polymer material. In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be formed with a seam along one, several, or all of its corner edges 51. Having a seam can allow for a tight edge seal. In some embodiments, the seam can be omitted along one or more of the corner edges 51, and instead those corner edges can be formed of a continuous sheet of polymer material.
A pressure sensor 54 is fluidically connected to the air bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be fluidically connected to the fluid passage 50 at a location between the valve 24 and the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 is fluidically connected to a junction 56 of the fluid passage 50 via a fluid passage 58. The controller 30 (shown in
The combination of the controller 30 and pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes in the air bladder 14A and determine presence of a user on the mattress 20 based upon those pressure changes. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes due to a biological indicator (also called biosignals) of a user on the mattress 20. For example, in some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes due to heartbeat and/or respiration. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can detect movement of a user on the mattress 20. The controller 30 can receive pressure signals from the pressure sensor 54 and determine presence of a user on the mattress 20, as distinguished, for example, from presence of an inanimate object. In some embodiments, the combination of the controller 30 and pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes in the air bladder 14A and determine a state of a user on the mattress 20, such as determining whether the user is likely awake or asleep, based upon pressure changes in the air bladder 14A corresponding to heart rate, respiratory rate, and/or movement patterns. The controller 30 can use information sensed by the pressure sensor 54 to detect a user on a surface of the mattress 20. The controller 30 can use information sensed by the pressure sensor 54 to determine how well a user slept.
The valve 24 can include a connector 68 for fluidically connecting the valve 24 to the air bladder 14A (shown in
The valve housing 62 defines an inlet passage 88 from the inlet 70 to a passage end 90. The valve disc 76 is positioned adjacent the passage end 90. The valve disc 76 is actuable between a closed position in which the valve disc 76 abuts a surface 92 of the valve housing 62 to substantially seal or reduce flow through the passage end 90 and an open position in which the valve disc 76 is spaced from the surface 92 of the valve housing 62 to substantially open the passage end 90. The biasing member 78 biases the valve disc 76 to the closed position. When pressure in the inlet passage 88 (and in the air bladder 14A, shown in
Rotation of the actuator 25 can increase and decrease force exerted by the biasing member 78, thus increasing and decreasing the pressure threshold of which the valve disc 76 is moved from the close position to the open position. Rotating the actuator 25 in a first direction can compress the biasing member 78, thus increasing the biasing force on the valve disc 76. Rotating the actuator 25 in a second direction can allow the biasing member 78 to at least partially decompress, thus decreasing the biasing force on the valve disc 76. This can allow a user to selectively set a desired pressure threshold of the air bladder 14A, and consequently a desired firmness of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured differently than as illustrated.
In some embodiments, the valve 24 can act as a pressure relief valve that can allow some, most, or all of the air in the air bladder 14A to be expelled from the air bladder 14A. This can be useful during the manufacturing process of the mattress 20 and/or during packaging and shipping as further described with respect to
In some embodiments, it can be desirable to design the valve 24 such that it is sized to be suitable for a user when adjusting pressure in the bed, but too small for expelling air during the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. In such embodiments, the mattress 20 can include additional valves 24 with different sizes and configurations: one sized and configured for a user to adjust bed pressure and one sized (larger) and configured for use during the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.
In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a vacuum-sealed bag 104 surrounding and compressing the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed prior to positioning the mattress 20 in the vacuum-sealed bag 104. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed after being positioned in the vacuum-sealed bag 104 as part of a vacuum-sealing process. The valve 24 (shown in
In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a box 106. In some embodiments, the box 106 can be a cardboard box that surrounds and encloses the vacuum-sealed bag 104. In some embodiments, the box 106 can have a combined length and girth of about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. In some embodiments, the package 102 can have a combined length and girth of about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The package 102 can have a size and shape configured to be shippable by a standard parcel service, such as via UPS, which can be more convenient and less expensive than a parcel service that handles oversized packages.
The mattress 20 can be folded upon itself in a shippable position to reduce one or more dimensions of the mattress 20 and to be sized to fit in the package 102. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be folded alternately with multiple creases 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 20 is folded alternately with three creases in a shape of an “M.” In other embodiments, the mattress 20 can be folded in a different shape that is suitable for packaging and shipping. The vacuum-sealed bag 104 can be vacuumed and shrunk tightly against an outer surface of the mattress 20, to retain the mattress 20 in a compressed shape.
In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can have one or more elastic sections configured to allow for folding of the mattress. For example, the cover 18 of the mattress 20 can have elastic sections 107 on a bottom surface of the mattress 20. The elastic sections 107 can be discrete elastic sections that have elastic properties that allow the elastic sections 107 to stretch more than neighboring sections of the cover 18 of the mattress 20. This can cause the mattress 20 to bend substantially like a hinge at the elastic sections 107, which can allow the mattress 20 to fold for packaging and shipment.
In some embodiments, the elastic sections 107 can be on the bottom surface of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the elastic sections 107 can be only on the bottom surface of the mattress 20, allowing the top surface of the mattress 20 to have material selected for the cover 18 that is selected primarily or exclusively for its properties in supporting a user resting on the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the top surface of the mattress 20 can have an elastic section 109, which can be the same or similar to the elastic sections 107. In other embodiments, the elastic section 109 can be different than the elastic sections 107. In some embodiments, the top portion of the cover 18 can have no separate and distinct elastic section separate from that portion of the cover 18 designed for comfort of the user during resting on the mattress 20.
In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can include an elastic section 107 that spans all or most of the bottom surface of the mattress 20. The mattress 20 can be rolled with the bottom of the mattress 20 toward the outside such that the elastic section 107 stretches more than the top surface of the mattress 20.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 122 can be positioned inside the air bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the air bladder 122 can be positioned above or below the air bladder 14A. The air bladder 122 can be fluidically connected to the pressure sensor 54 via a fluid passage 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned exterior of the mattress 120. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned interior of the mattress 120. The air bladder 122 can be substantially hermetically sealed with a substantially constant mass of air contained therein. Consequently, even when the valve 24 is adjusted to increase or decrease the mass of air in the air bladder 14A, the mass of air in the air bladder 122 can remain relatively constant. This can improve sensitivity, consistency, and accuracy of the pressure sensor 54 for use in sensing biological indicators of the user 126. In some embodiments, using a smaller volume of air in the air bladder 122, as opposed to a larger volume of air in the air bladder 14A, accuracy of biometric sensing can be improved by making it easier for the pressure sensor 54 to detect and quantify pressure fluctuations in the air bladder 122 associated with biological indicators of the user 126. Motion or other biological indicators of the user 126 can have a relatively large effect on the air bladder 122 due to the air bladder 122 having a relatively small surface area as compared to larger air bladders (such as, for example, the air bladder 14A). Thus, in some embodiments a smaller air bladder 122 can improve sensing accuracy so long as the air bladder 122 is positioned proximate an appropriate location for sensing a relevant biological indicator (e.g. in an area proximate lungs for sensing respiratory rate and/or an area proximate a heart for sensing heart rate).
In some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can be built into or otherwise integrated with the air bladder 122 as a single component.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 122 can be positioned along a longitudinal length of the mattress 120 that is spaced from both a head 128 and a foot 130 of the mattress 120, nearer the head 128 than the foot 130. The air bladder 122 can be positioned at a location of the mattress 120 corresponding to a location of a heart 132 and lungs 134 of a typical user 126. This can allow the air bladder 122 and the pressure sensor 54 to better sense heart rate and respiratory rate of the user 126. The air bladder 122 can be positioned between a location of hips 136 and shoulders 138 to reduce the chance of the air bladder 122 negatively affecting comfort of the user 126. The air bladder 122 can extend substantially an entire width of the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the air bladder 122 extends nearly, but less than, the entire width of the air bladder 14A. In other embodiments, the air bladder 122 can extend the full width of the air bladder 14A.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The air bladder 14A can include the open-cell foam material 48 (shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 is positioned interior of the mattress 150, proximate the foot 130 of the mattress 150. By positioning the pressure sensor 54 near the foot 130 of the mattress 150, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned interior of the mattress 150 at a location that is less likely to negatively affect comfort of the user 126. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned exterior of the mattress 150.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be omitted and the air bladder 152 can act as both an adjustable air bladder and a pressure sensing chamber. The air bladder 152 can be sized to create an adjustable zone under a torso of a user and need not extend the full length of the mattress 20. In some of such embodiments, the user's lower legs and feet can be supported by foam of the mattress 150 but not by the air bladder 152 that is positioned under the user's torso. This can allow for a relatively small chamber of the air bladder 152 while still allowing for adjustable air pressure relief under a user's torso.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 162 can be positioned outside of the air bladder 14A and can have a length and/or width that is similar to that of the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the air bladder 162 is positioned below the air bladder 14A and has the same length as the air bladder 14A. A top surface of the air bladder 162 can be adhered to a bottom surface of the air bladder 14A, such as via radio frequency (RF) welding or via a separate adhesive layer. Biological activity, such as respiration and heart beats, on the mattress 160 can be transmitted as vibration and pressure changes through the air bladder 14A to the air bladder 162, at which point the pressure sensor 54 can sense pressure changes in the air bladder 162. While the air bladder 14A can be configured primarily as a comfort chamber and the air bladder 162 can be configured primarily as a pressure sensing chamber, the air bladder 162 can also be configured to increase comfort for a user within the mattress 160.
In some embodiments, the air bladder 162 can act as a support layer, without an additional support layer being positioned below the air bladder 162. In other embodiments, the mattress 160 can include one or more additional support layers, such as the support layer 40 (shown in
As described above and shown in the figures, bed systems can include a mattress that includes a manually adjustable air bladder for user comfort, includes a pressure sensing system capable of determining presence and/or state of the user, and/or is compressible for shipping. Such mattresses can be compressed and shipped in packaging with a size and a shape configured to be shipped by a standard parcel service, as opposed to a parcel service that handles oversized packages.
The controller 31 can include a processing unit 1306, a computer memory 1308, solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and a sleep expert board 1314. These components may be enclosed in an enclosure 1316, and powered by a power supply 1318. Each of these components may be interconnected using various buses, and several of the components may be mounted on common circuit boards or in other manners as appropriate. Additionally, the controller 31 may be communicable coupled to the pressure sensor 54, for example by cable 28 and/or wirelessly.
The processing unit 1306 can execute instructions within controller 31, including instructions stored in the computer memory 1308. The process 1306 may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 1306 may provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the controller 31.
The computer memory 1308 stores information within the controller 31. The computer memory 1308 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 1308 may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory). In some implementations, a computer program product maybe tangibly embodied in the computer memory 1308.
The solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312 may be controllers that are configured to actuate solenoid valves 1302 and 1304, respectively. For example, the solenoid controller 1310 and 1312 can receive a control message (e.g., from the processing unit 1306) to open or close their associated solenoid, and the solenoid controllers 1310 and/or 1312 can actuate their corresponding solenoids to the requested state (e.g., open or closed).
Solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 are controllable devices that are capable of opening or closing the bladders 14A and 14B, respectively, to the atmosphere. For example, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 may each include a coil wound into a helix shape to act as an electromechanical solenoid which actuates either a pneumatic or hydraulic valve in response to receiving control messages from the solenoid controllers 1310 or 1312. Although solenoids are used in this example, it will be understood that any kind of controllable valve or switch may be used to selectively expose the air bladders 14A and 14B to the atmosphere.
Sleep expert board 1314 may include components required to determine a user's sleep state, sleep quality, or other sleep-related metrics. These metrics can be computationally intensive, and calculating the sleep metrics on the sleep expert board 1314 can free up the other resources of the controller 31 while the metrics are being calculated. Additionally and/or alternatively, the sleep metrics can be subject to future revisions. To update the controller 31 with the new sleep metrics, it is possible that only the sleep expert board 1314 that calculates that metrics need be replaced. In this case, other components of the controller 31 can be used, saving the need to perform unit testing of additional components instead of just the sleep expert board 1314.
Enclosure 1316 can be made of a plastic, metal, composite, or other appropriate material or materials. The enclosure 1316 can be configured so that the processing unit 1306, the computer memory 1308, the solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and the sleep expert board 1314 are mounted securely and protected from the outside environment (e.g., particulate, heat, static electricity, etc.) Further, the enclosure 1316 may be configured so that wired communication hardware can connect the enclosed components other components. For example, the cable 28 may terminate at the enclosure 1316, and the power supply may be permanently or removable coupled to the enclosure 1316.
Power Supply 1318 may supply the controller 31 with the electricity needed to operate the controller 31. The power supply 1318 may include a power source (e.g., a batter pack, wall outlet adapter, solar panel) and a cable to transmit electricity from the power source to the enclosure 1316 and, thus, the components within the controller 31 to be powered.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control valves such as the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to control air pressure in the air bladder 14A in response to a user command. For example, in some embodiments a user can manually indicate a desired pressure setting on a remote control (such as a wired or wireless remote control or mobile device, including a mobile phone running an application that functions as a remote control) and the controller 31 can respond by controlling the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to open and close appropriately. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 as a function of sensed pressure in the air bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 as a function of time. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 automatically (for example, as a function of sensed pressure and/or time) not in response to a user input. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 partially automatically and partially in response to a user input.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can include a network interface and be connected to one or more servers, such as a local server or a remote cloud-based server. For example, the controller 31 can communicate through a wireless connection (such as a Bluetooth to a smart phone or other mobile computing device or through a Wi-Fi network) to the cloud-based server for storing data sensed and/or otherwise gathered by the controller 31.
The process 1400 begins 1402 with the bed system 10 empty, substantially fully inflated, and with the solenoids closed. For example, the bed system 10 may be unoccupied over the course of the daytime while the user or users that sleep on the bed are awake. The bed system 10 may undergo some diagnostic, maintenance, or other activity while unoccupied. For example, changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, or other environmental factors may create pressure differentials between the atmosphere and the air bladders 14. To normalize that differential, the controller 31 may cause the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to open and shut periodically. This can cause the air bladders 14 to be periodically exposed to atmosphere, and thus release pressure or expand.
The bed system 10 detects 1404 user presence in the bed system 10. For example, the controller may sense from pressure sensor 54 a large increase in pressure in an air bladder 14A or 14B over a short period of time. For example, the controller 31 may compare the pressure reading to a trained model of pressure readings caused by bed entrance, may apply one or more mathematical functions or filters to the pressure reading, and/or may compare the pressure reading to one or more heuristics or thresholds to determine that a user has entered the bed.
In this example, a user has entered the bed and is laying on the bed above air bladder 14A. The controller can receive pressure readings for both air bladders 14A and 14B. The pressure reading for air bladder 14A may show a very large spike, compared to a smaller increase in pressure in air bladder 14B. For example, because the two air bladders 14 are within the same bed system 10, some movement by the user is transferred to both air bladders 14, but mostly to the air bladder 141A below the user. The controller 31 may examine these two pressure readings and determine that a user has entered the bed above air bladder 14A.
In response to detecting the user on the bed above air bladder 14A, the controller 31 can open 1406 the corresponding solenoid 1302. For example, the processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to open.
The controller 31 can delay to allow the air bladder 14A to compress 1408. For example, with the solenoid valve 1302 in the open state and a user laying above the air bladder 14A, the open-cell foam material 48 can begin to compress. As the open-cell foam material 48 compresses, the air bladder 14A loses volume. The controller 31 can delay for a period of time that has been previously determined, either by a pre-set setting or by the user who has previously set the bed system 10 to a preferred firmness setting.
For example, during a setup process, the user can lay on a substantially fully inflated bed system 10 that has the solenoid valve 1302 open. As the air bladder 14A compresses to a desired firmness, the user can send a signal to the controller 31 to close the solenoid valve 1302, halting the compression after a period of time. This can be set by the controller 31 as the user's preferred (or selected) firmness setting. Later, in the action 1408, the controller 31 can delay for this same period of time (or a different period of time derived from the period of time set by the user) to allow the air bladder 14A to compress and achieve the same or similar firmness setting.
After delaying, the controller 31 can close 1410 the corresponding solenoid valve 1302. For example, the processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to close.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 and the solenoid controller 1310 can keep the solenoid valve 1302 substantially indefinitely. For example, the solenoid valve 1302 can remain closed until the user issues a command to change bed pressure.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can dynamically change pressure in the air bladder 14A in response to bed presence. The bed system 10 can detect 1412 a bed exit. For example, the user can lay on the bed for a period of time (e.g., to sleep, read a book), and then exit the bed (e.g., wake up for the day, to fetch a drink). When the user exits the bed, the pressure they were previously exerting on the bed system, and thus the air bladder 14A, is removed, causing a swift reduction in pressure. The pressure sensor 54 can observe this pressure change and report the readings to the controller 31. For example, the controller 31 may compare the pressure reading to a trained model of pressure readings caused by bed exit, may apply one or more mathematical functions or filters to the pressure reading, and/or may compare the pressure reading to one or more heuristics or thresholds to determine that a user has left the bed.
In response to detecting the user exiting the bed, the bed system 10 can open 1414 a solenoid valve 1302. For example, after the controller 31 detects the bed exit event, the controller may delay for a time period. This delay may allow for, for example, a case where a user exits the bed or when a false bed exit is detected (that is, when the controller 31 incorrectly determines a bed exit event when the user has not exited). After the detection and optionally the delay, the processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid 1302 to open.
The bed system 10 can delay 1416 for refresh. For example, with the solenoid valve 1302 in the open state and no user laying above the air bladder 14A, the open-cell foam material 48 can begin to expand. As the open-cell foam material 48 expands, the air bladder 14A also expands, drawing in air. The controller 31 can delay for a period of time that is sufficient to allow the air bladder 14A to fully expand.
For example, the processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to close. At this point in the process 1400, the bed is empty and prepared to receive a user, as it is in step 1402. The next time the user lays on the mattress 20, the bed system 10 can again perform the process 1400 to release air in the air bladder 14A to achieve the user's preferred (or selected) firmness setting.
In various embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to one, more than one, or all of the factors described herein. For example, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to sensed presence as described above. The controller 31 can automatically control pressure between a first pressure that is substantially equal to ambient air when presence is not sensed and a second pressure set according to a user's selected firmness setting when presence is sensed. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to sensed presence in another manner suitable for the application.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to user preferences or rules. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to learning techniques. For example, the controller 31 can automatically learn a user's sleep schedule and control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the learned schedule. This can allow the controller 31 to control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's historical actions.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's analyzed motion. For example, the controller 31 can sense pressure (such as via a pressure sensor as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures according to that sensed motion.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's biometric signals. For example, the controller 31 can sense breathing, heartrate, and/or another biometric signal (such as via a pressure sensor as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures according to that sensed motion.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to environmental conditions. For example, the controller 31 can sense one or more environmental conditions (such as via an ambient light, temperature, or sound sensor) and automatically adjust between pressures according to the sensed condition or conditions. In another example, the controller 31 can sense barometric pressure and automatically adjust the air bladders 14A and 14B between pressures according to the sensed barometric pressure.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's temperature. For example, the controller 31 can sense temperature of the user (such as via a temperature sensor positioned so as to detect the user's temperature, as opposed to ambient or another temperature) and automatically adjust between pressures according to that sensed temperature.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's age. For example, the controller 31 can sense breathing, heartrate, and/or another biometric signal (such as via a pressure sensor as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures according to that sensed motion.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's gender. For example, the controller 31 can automatically adjust between pressures according to a user's gender as identified by that user and as stored in setting of the controller 31. The controller 31 can adjust pressure differently as a function of gender alone, or as a function of gender in combination with other factors described herein.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's weight. For example, the controller 31 can sense a user's weight (such as via a pressure sensor connected to the air bladders 14A and 14B) and automatically adjust between pressures according to a user's weight. In another example, the controller 31 can automatically adjust between pressures according to a user's weight as identified by the user without sensing weight. In the various embodiments describe herein, the controller 31 can adjust pressure differently as a function of a single factor alone, or as a function of that factor in combination with other factors described herein.
The controller 31 can be fluidly connected to the air bladders 14A and 14B via hoses 1506 and 1508. The recess 1504 can be positioned proximate a connection location of the hoses 1506 and 1508 to define a space between the foam material 1502 and the hose 1508. In some of such embodiments, this arrangement can facilitate air flow into and out of the air bladder 14B by reducing the tendency of the foam material 1502 to block flow.
In some embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and the recess 1504 can be positioned at a foot of the air bed system 1500. In other embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and the recess 1504 can be positioned at another location that has a reduced likelihood of being felt by a user resting on the air bed system 1500.
The fitting element 1516 can be used as part of the fitting 1510 with the nipple 1520 extending through the outlet 1512 to connect to a source outside of the air bladder 14B. The base 1522 can be sized with a diameter larger than that of the nipple 1520 so as to be retained in an interior portion of the air bladder 14B. The spacers 1518 can space the fitting element 1516 and the outlet 1512 away from foam material positioned in the air bladder 14B. The spacers 1518 can also space the fitting element 1516 and the outlet 1512 away from an inner surface of a membrane of the air bladder 14B, which can be useful in embodiments in which the air bladder 14B becomes slack and allow the fitting 1510 to turn.
In some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can be a plurality of projections extending from a disc-shaped portion of the base 1522. In other embodiments, the fitting element 1516 can have more or fewer spacers 1518 than as illustrated. For example, the fitting element 1516 could have a single spacer 1518 that is sized and shaped to keep material way from 1524. In some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can take the form of one or more standoffs, ribs, and/or fins.
In some embodiments, the fitting element 1516 with one or more spacers 1518 can be used with embodiments the air bladder 14B having a recess in foam material, such as recesses 1504 and 1504A. The spacers 1518 and recess can function together to increase air flow into and out of the air bladder.
In other embodiments, foam material inside the air bladder 14B can be spaced via one or more spacers 1518 without recesses 1504 and 1504A formed in the foam material. While the fitting element 1516 is illustrated with an example shape and configuration, in some embodiments the shape and configuration of the fitting element 1516 can be modified as suitable for the application.
In operation, when the air bladder 14B is under internal pressure, the fitting element 1516 can be pushed outward from the foam, which can create a natural air gap free from restriction between the fitting element 1516 and foam material (such as foam material 1502 and 1502A). During inflation, the foam material can rebound from a compressed state and push outward on a membrane of the air bladder 14B as the foam material expands. This can create a vacuum with a tendency to pull air into the air bladder 14B, through the fitting element 1516, when a connected valve (such as a valve in the controller 31) is opened. This vacuum has the potential to pull the fitting element 1516 up against foam material to create a restricted air flow condition that limits the volumetric flow of air into the air bladder 14B. This could create a negative user experience as the air bed slowly refreshes. In embodiments having one or more spacers 1518 on the fitting element 1516, those spacers 1518 can create a gap to increase air flow. In embodiments having a foam recess (such as the recesses 1504 and 1504A), such a recess can create a gap to increase air flow.
A number of embodiments of the inventions have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the bed need not include pressure sensing systems. Additionally, different aspects of the different embodiments of mattresses, air bladders, passages and other bed system components described above can be combined with other aspects as suitable for the application. Moreover, the process 1400 described above is just one example process, which can be varied from that described. For example, in some processes the bed system need not be fully inflated, but rather, only partially inflated. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
A substrate, such as a mattress, and methods for controlling the firmness of the substrate are described below. The substrate can include a compressible foam core disposed within a fluid bladder and a pressure-controlled valve allowing fluid communication between the environment and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core. In one embodiment, and in the absence of a subject on the substrate, the pressure-controlled valve can remain open, allowing the foam core to expand to its full extent and the pressure within the fluid bladder to equalize with atmospheric pressure for a base firmness. In another embodiment, a check valve may be employed in combination with the pressure-controlled valve, the check valve opening automatically in the absence of pressure on the substrate and allowing the substrate to fill to ambient pressure. Once a subject is detected on the substrate, the pressure-controlled valve (or both valves) can close, setting the base firmness, until a request is received to modify the firmness of the substrate.
This request to modify the firmness of the substrate can be generated by the subject through use of an application on a remote device or be automatically generated in response to the subject being identified on the substrate. To modify the firmness to either a requested firmness or an identity-specific firmness, the pressure-controlled valve can be opened only for a time period sufficient to soften the substrate to the requested firmness or the identity-specific firmness. After the subject is detected as absent from the substrate, the pressure-controlled valve, or if present, the check valve, can reopen to restore the base firmness. These methods are implemented without the need for a pump as part of the substrate.
The computing device 102′ can be any device or system configured to perform wired or wireless communication. For example, the computing device 102′ can communicate indirectly with the network 106′ via the access point 104′ using a combination of a wired communication link 108′ and wireless communication link 110′. Although the computing device 102′ is shown as a single unit, the computing device 102′ can include any number of interconnected elements.
The access point 104′ can be any type of device configured to communicate with the computing device 102′, the network 106′, or both, via wired or wireless communication links 108′/110′. For example, the access point 104′ can include a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an enhanced Node-B (eNode-B), a Home Node-B (HNode-B), a wireless router, a wired router, a hub, a relay, a switch, or any similar wired or wireless device. The access point 104′ can communicate with the network 106′ via a wired communication link 108′ as shown, or via a wireless communication link, or a combination of wired and wireless communication links. Although the access point 104′ is shown as a single unit, the access point 104′ can include any number of interconnected elements.
The network 106′ can be any type of network configured to provide services, such as voice, data, or any other communications protocol or combination of communications protocols, over a wired or wireless communication link. For example, the network 106′ can be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), a mobile or cellular telephone network, the Internet, or any other means of electronic communication. The network can use a communication protocol, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), the user datagram protocol (UDP), the internet protocol (IP), the real-time transport protocol (RTP) the Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP), or a combination thereof.
The computing and communication device 200′ can be a stationary computing device or a mobile computing device. For example, the computing and communication device 200′ can be a personal computer (PC), a server, a workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a tablet PC, or an integrated circuit. Although shown as a single unit, any one or more elements of the communication device 200′ can be integrated into any number of separate physical units.
The communication interface 210′ can be a wireless antenna, as shown, a wired communication port, such as an Ethernet port, an infrared port, a serial port, or any other wired or wireless unit capable of interfacing with a wired or wireless communication medium 270′. The communication unit 220′ can be configured to transmit or receive signals via a wired or wireless communication medium 270′, such as radio frequency (RF), ultra violet (UV), visible light, fiber optic, wire line, or a combination thereof. Although
The processor 230′ can include any device or system capable of manipulating or processing a signal or other information, such as optical processors, quantum processors, molecular processors, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 230′ can include a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessor in association with a DSP core, a controller, a micro controller, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a programmable logic array, programmable logic controller, microcode, firmware, any type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the term “processor” includes a single processor or multiple processors. The processor can be operatively coupled with the communication unit 220′, the memory 240′, the instructions 250′, the power source 260′, or any combination thereof.
The memory 240′ can include any non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable medium, such as any tangible device that can, for example, contain, store, communicate, or transport the instructions 250′, or any information associated therewith, for use by or in connection with the processor 230′. The non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be, for example, a solid state drive, a memory card, removable media, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), any type of disk including a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a magnetic or optical card, an application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any type of non-transitory media suitable for storing electronic information, or any combination thereof. The memory 240′ can be connected to, for example, the processor 230′ through, for example, a memory bus (not explicitly shown).
The instructions 250′ can include directions for performing any method, or any portion or portions thereof, disclosed here. The instructions 250′ can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. For example, the instructions 250′ can be implemented as information stored in the memory 240′, such as a computer program, that can be executed by the processor 230′ to perform any of the respective methods, algorithms, aspects, or combinations thereof, as described here. The instructions 250′, or a portion thereof, can be implemented as a special purpose processor, or circuitry, that can include specialized hardware for carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, aspects, or combinations thereof, as described herein. Portions of the instructions 250′ can be distributed across multiple processors on the same machine or different machines or across a network such as a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, or a combination thereof.
The power source 260′ can be any suitable device for powering the computing and communication device 200′. For example, the power source 260′ can include a wired power source; one or more dry cell batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion); solar cells; fuel cells; or any other device capable of powering the communication device 200′. The communication interface 210′, the communication unit 220′, the processor 230′, the instructions 250′, the memory 240′, or any combination thereof, can be operatively coupled with the power source 260′.
Although not shown in
In the example of
The non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can be configured to detect an action or condition of the subject 600′, such as presence, movement, position, or vital signs. Incident pressure waves caused by shifting body weight in response to cardiopulmonary activity can induce a change in pressure that can be detected and measured by the pressure sensors. Vital signs capable of being monitored can include a heart rate, a respiration rate, a position of, and any movement of the subject 600′.
Once the presence of the subject 600′ is detected, the firmness of the substrate 300′ can be set to the base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure, by, for example, closing the valve 400′ immediately after presence of the subject 600′ is detected. After the base firmness is fixed, the process of achieving the requested firmness can include opening the valve 400′ to allow fluid to either enter or exit the fluid bladder 304′ based on a pressure value associated with the requested firmness.
Though a single valve 400′ is shown in
Several different methods of implementing the requested firmness for the substrate 300′ are possible. In one method, the non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can receive a request from an external device 602′, such as a remote device or a mobile device, via a wired or wireless communication link to implement the requested firmness. In this example, the non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can include a monitoring controller in the form of a computing and communication device, such as the computing and communication device 102′ shown in
In another method, the external device 602′ can serve as the monitoring controller and can be configured to communicate with an opening and closing mechanism within the valve 400′ and with one or more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304′. In this example, signals related to the requested firmness can be transmitted from the external device 602′ to the opening and closing mechanism within the valve 400′ based on pressure values received from the one or more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304′
In another method, the subject 600′ on the substrate 300′ can be identified, for example, based on a profile associated with the subject 600′. The profile can be associated with an application running on the external device 602′, and an identity-specific firmness associated with the profile can be made available to the monitoring controller for implementation once the subject 600′ is identified as present on the substrate 300′. In other words, if the subject 600′ is identified as present on the substrate 300′, for example, based on a pressure profile or on the presence of a specific external device 602′, and a profile including an identity-specific firmness is available for that subject 600′, the monitoring controller can open the valve 400′ to modify the firmness to the identity-specific firmness based on the profile.
The external device 602′ can include applications configured to receive pressure signals from the sensors within the fluid bladder 304′ and to perform pattern recognition, or other calculations, based on the pressure signals to determine the position, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other bio-signal properties or conditions associated with the subject 600′. For example, the heart rate can be identified based on a portion of the signal that has a frequency in the range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and the respiration rate can be identified based on a portion of the signal has a frequency in the range of less than 1 Hz. This information can be made accessible to the subject 600′ or another user in the form of text messages, a data log, a print-out, an alert, or any other display means sufficient to allow the user to monitor the information.
Each sensor in the group of pressure sensors 700′ can communicate with a signal conditioner 710′. The signal conditioner 710′ can analyze the data and/or signals captured by each sensor in the group of pressure sensors 700′ by, for example, amplifying, filtering noise, and configuring the data and/or signals for use by a micro controller 720′. The micro controller 720′ can receive the conditioned pressure signals from the group of pressure sensors 700′ and can perform pattern recognition, or other calculations, based on the conditioned pressure signals to determine the position, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other bio-signal properties or conditions associated with the subject. The micro controller 720′ can send information, such as information indicating the parameters of the subject, such as the position, heart rate, and respiratory rate, to the external device 602′ of
For example, one or more sensors, such as the pressure sensor(s) 700′ described in
In step 804′ of the process 800′, and in response to detection of the presence of the subject, the firmness of the substrate can be set to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure. For example, as described in reference to
In step 806 of the process 800′, a request can be received to modify the firmness of the substrate, for example, to a requested firmness or an identity-specific firmness. The request can be received from the external device 602′ of
In step 808′ of the process 800′, and in response to receiving the request to modify the firmness of the substrate, the firmness of the substrate can be modified to, for example, the requested firmness or the identity-specific firmness. For example, as described in reference to
In step 810′ of the process 800′, the absence of a subject can be detected on a substrate, as would be the case with the empty substrate 300′ shown in
In step 812′ of the process 800′, and in response to detection of the absence of the subject, the firmness of the substrate can be restored to the base firmness. For example, as described in reference to
While the embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to these examples but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/216,297, filed on Mar. 29, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/595,991 filed on Oct. 8, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,959,535, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/052,270, filed on Feb. 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,441,087, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/740,832, filed Jun. 16, 2015 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/120,294, filed Feb. 24, 2015, 62/254,383, filed Nov. 12, 2015, and 62/273,764, filed Dec. 31, 2015. The entire contents of all of the above identified patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62120294 | Feb 2015 | US | |
| 62254383 | Nov 2015 | US | |
| 62273764 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17216297 | Mar 2021 | US |
| Child | 18545122 | US | |
| Parent | 16595991 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17216297 | US | |
| Parent | 15052270 | Feb 2016 | US |
| Child | 16595991 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14740832 | Jun 2015 | US |
| Child | 15052270 | US |
