The invention relates generally to heating/cooling pads, and, more particularly, to heating/cooling bedding pads which adjust the temperature during the user's sleep cycle.
Sleeping well is essential to one's physical health and emotional well-being. Even minimal sleep loss can take a toll on your mood, energy, efficiency, and ability to handle stress.
The sleep process is comprised of phases that are governed by the Circadian rhythm. The Circadian rhythm refers to physical events occurring within the body every 24-hour period. The Circadian rhythm is a fundamental property possessed by all organisms and these rhythms are driven by an internal time-keeping system.
One Circadian related physiological phenomenon in humans is the variation in body core temperature during the various sleep phases. In such a process, the body core temperature begins to drop after a person begins to fall asleep. The core temperature remains below normal throughout the night, but begins to increase to normal levels sometime before waking up.
The present disclosure is directed to a sleep system including a thermal pad and a thermal control unit in thermal communication with the thermal pad. The thermal controller is configured to automatically adjusts a temperature of the thermal pad during a sleep cycle time according a programmed routine.
During the preprogrammed routine, the thermal control unit maintains the temperature in the thermal pad at a first temperature T1. After a first time period S1 from the initiation of the sleep cycle, the thermal control unit adjusts the temperature in the thermal pad a ΔT, for example to a second temperature T2. The second temperature T2 is dependent of the first, preset, temperature T1 and the ΔT. The second temperature can be less than the first temperature.
The thermal pad temperature is maintained at the second temperature T2 for a majority of the sleep cycle. At a time period S2 before the end of the sleep cycle, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 adjusted a ΔT to a third temperature T3. The third temperature can be greater than the second temperature.
A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in
The thermal pad 12 can include a body portion 16 having a serpentine fluid path 18 there though, where the ends 20 of the serpentine fluid path 18 are in fluid communication with a fluid inlet 72 and a fluid outlet 24. In this manner, a fluid can be transported through the serpentine fluid path 18 to heat or cool the thermal pad 12. The fluid can be water, thermal gel, or other thermally conductive fluids. The thermal pad 12 can further include a cover, not shown, positionable over the body portion 16, where the cover is formed of a soft fabric material, and/or can include foam-like-material for comfort.
The serpentine fluid path 18 can he formed by tubing positioned through the body portion 16 in a serpentine pattern. Alternatively, the body portion 16 can be formed from sheets of plastic, which are laminated together to form the serpentine fluid path 18.
Referring also to
The reservoir 34 can be configured to how hold an amount of the fluid, and can include a removable fill cap. A fluid inlet portion 50 of the reservoir is connectable to the fluid outlet 24 of the thermal pad 12. The connection of the reservoir 24 to the thermal pad 12 can be performed with a first (return) hose 52, where opposing ends of the first hose 52 can be removeably connected to the reservoir fluid inlet portion 50 and the fluid outlet 24 of the thermal pad 12.
A fluid outlet portion 54 of the reservoir 34 is in fluid communication with the pump 36, where the pump 36 is also connected in fluid communication to the heat exchange 32. The heat exchanger 32 can include a fluid outlet portion 56 connectable to the fluid inlet 22 of the thermal pad 12.
The heat exchanger 32 can take the form of a thermo-electric module 60 connected to a heat sink 62, where the fluid is in thermal communication with the heat sink 62 as it travels through the heater exchanger 32 to heat or cool the fluid. While a thermo-electric heater exchanger is described other heating and cooling elements are also contemplated. The connection of heat exchanger 32 to the thermal pad 12 can be performed with a second (intake) hose 64, where opposing ends of the second hose 64 can be removeably connected to the heat exchanger fluid outlet 56 and the fluid inlet 22 on the thermal pad 12.
In this manner, the pump 36 can transport the fluid from the reservoir 34 through the heat exchanger 32, where the heat exchanger 32 can either heat or cool the fluid. The fluid is pumped from the heat exchanger 32 to and through the serpentine fluid path 18 in the thermal pad 12. The fluid from the thermal pad 12 is then returned to the reservoir 34. This process can act on a continuous base during a sleep cycle, maintaining the desired temperatures in the thermal pad 12.
The controller 38 can include a processor connection 66 to the pump 36 and the heat exchanger 32. The control panel 42 is used to provide inputs to the controller 38, such as the temperature setting, the time setting, and the activation of the unit. A power supply 68 is connected to the micro-processer 66, pump 36, and heat exchanger 32.
Temperature sensors 68, 70 can further be included, being located in the first and second hoses 52, 64. The temperature sensors 68, 70 can provide feedback to the controller 38 regarding the temperature of the fluid entering and exiting the thermal pad 12. Utilizing the temperature sensors 68, 70, the controller 38 can monitor and adjust the temperature of the circulating fluid. The controller 38 can provide a control signal to the heater exchanger 32 based on temperature sensor 68, 70 readings, to heat or cool the circulating fluid as required. To switch from cooling to heating, the output polarity of the power supplied by a thermo-electric drive unit 72 of the heat exchanger 32 is reversed which will cause the thermoelectric modules 60 to begin heating.
Referring to
At the end of the first time period S1 the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is decreased ΔT, for example 2-3° F., to a second temperature T2. The decreased ΔT can be a preset temperature or set by a user. The second temperature T2 is dependent of the first, preset, temperature T1 and the ΔT. The temperature change from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2 is depicted as a single temperature change ΔT. However, it is contemplated that the temperature change from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2 can be achieved using stepped, plurality of discrete, temperature changes ΔT1, ΔT2, ΔT3, . . . , ΔTn over a plurality of discrete times S11, S12, S13, . . . , S1n.
The thermal pad 12 temperature is maintained at the second temperature T2 for a majority of the sleep cycle. At a time period S2 before the end of the sleep cycle, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is increased ΔT to a third temperature T3. The second time period S2 can be a preset time period or set by a user. The second time period S2 can be the same as the first time period S1.
The increased ΔT can be a preset temperature car set by a user. The third temperature T3 is maintained until the sleep cycle ends. It is contemplated that the third temperature T3 is the same as the first temperature T1. It is also contemplated that the third temperature T3 can be different from the first temperature T1. The temperature change from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3 is depicted as a single temperature change ΔT. However, it is contemplated that the temperature Change from the second temperature T2 to the third temperature T3 can be achieved using stepped, plurality of discrete, temperature changes ΔT1, ΔT2, ΔT3, . . . , ΔTn over a plurality of discrete times S21, S22, S23, . . . , S2n.
In an example of use, the set temperature T1 is 74° F. and the sleep cycle is set at 8 hours. During the sleep cycle, the controller initially maintains the temperature in the thermal pad 12 at the 74° F. set temperature T1. The thermal pad 12 temperature is maintained at this first temperature T1 for a first time period S1, for example 30 minutes. At the end of the first time period S1, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is decreased a ΔT of 3° F. to a second temperature T2 of 71° F. The thermal pad 12 temperature is maintained at the second temperature T2 for a majority of the sleep cycle. At a time period S2, for example 30 minutes, before the end of the sleep cycle, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is increased ΔT of 3° F. to a third temperature T3 of 74° F. The third temperature is maintained until the end of the sleep cycle, after which the unit automatically shuts off. Not that the selected temperatures and times are only exemplary in nature, and other temperatures and times are contemplate.
Referring to
Referring to
The second and third buttons 84 and 86 can be used to set the first temperature T1, where the second button 84 can be used to raise the temperature and the third button 86 can be used to lower the temperature. The first temperature T1 can initially be preset, for example at 74° F., and the user has the option to raise or lower this temperature.
In an exemplary method of use of the fixed time mode embodiment, a user utilizes the control panel to set the first temperature T1. For example, the use set the first temperature at 75° F., one degree above a preset first temperature of 74° F. Upon going to bed, the user sets the sleep cycle time. For example, setting the sleep cycle time to 7 hours, one hour less than a preset sleep cycle time of 8 hours. Once the sleep cycle time is set the sleep cycle in initiated.
The controller sets/maintains the thermal pad temperature at the first temperature T1 of 75° F. The temperature is maintained for a first time period S1, for example 20 minutes. At the expiration of the first time period S1, the controller decreases the temperate in the thermal pad by a ΔT, for example 3° F., to a second temperature T2 of 72° F.
At a time period S2, for example 20 minutes, before the end of the set sleep cycle time, the temperature in the thermal pad 12. is increased a ΔT of 3V to a third temperature T3 of 75° F. The third temperature T3 is maintained until the end of the set sleep cycle time, after which the controller automatically turns off power to the pump and heat exchanger. Note that the selected temperatures and times are only exemplary in nature, and other temperatures and times are contemplated.
Referring to
Referring to
In setting the time the up and down buttons 82 and 84 can be used to set the time, including a.m. and p.m. To set the wake-up time, the wake-up-time is selected and the up and down buttons 82 and 84 are used to set the wake-up time, including a.m. and p.m. After the time and the wake-up time are set, the controller automatically determines the sleep cycle time, and sets the time related operating parameters accordingly.
To set the temperature, the user selects the temperature, and utilizes the up and down 82 and 84 buttons set the temperature. Note that the setting of the temperature is optional, as the sleep system 10 can be preprogrammed with a first temperature T1. In addition to being able to select the first temperature, it is also contemplated that the other above noted operating parameter can be adjusted.
In an exemplary method of use, a user utilizes the control panel to set the first temperature T1. For example, the user set the first temperature at 75° F., one degree above a present first temperature of 75° F. Upon going to bed or prior thereto, the user set the wake-up time, 6:30 a.m. To initiate the sleep system the user depresses the start button. Upon initiation, the controller 38 automatically determines the sleep cycle time.
The control system sets/maintains the thermal pad temperature at the first temperature T1 of 75° F. The temperature is maintained for a first time period S1, for example 20 minutes. At the expiration of the first time period S1, the control system decreases the temperate in the thermal pad by a ΔT, for example 3° F., to a second temperature T2 of 72° F.
At a time period S2, for example 20 minutes, before the wake-up-time, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is increased a ΔT of 3° F. to a third temperature T3 of 75° F., The third temperature T3 is maintained until the wake-up time, after which the unit automatically shuts off. Not that the selected temperature and time are only exemplary in nature, and other temperatures and times are contemplate.
Referring to
Referring to
In setting the time the up and down buttons 82 and 84 can be used to set the time, including a.m. and p.m. In setting the time, the up and down buttons 82 and 84 can he used to set the time, including a.m. and p.m. To set the wake-up time, the wake-up-time is selected and the up and down buttons 82 and 84 are used to set the sleep time and wake-up time, including a.m. and p.m. The sleep time can be the time the user plans to go to be, or a set time before and after the user plans to go to bed. After the time, sleep time, and the wake-up times are set, the controller automatically determines the sleep cycle time, and sets the time related operating parameters accordingly.
To set the temperature, the user selects the temperature, and utilizes the up and down 82 and 84 buttons set the temperature. Note that the setting of the temperature is optional, as the sleep system 10 can be preprogrammed with a first temperature T1. In addition to being able to select the first temperature, it is also contemplated that the other above noted operating parameter can be adjusted.
In an exemplary method of use, a user utilizes the control panel to set the first temperature T1. For example, the user set the first temperature at 75° F., one degree above a present first temperature of 75° F. Upon going to bed or prior thereto, the user set the start time and the wake-up time, for example, 9:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. The sleep system will automatically start at the set start time.
The control system sets/maintains the thermal pad temperature at the first temperature T1 of 75° F. The temperature is maintained for a first time period S1, for example 20 minutes. At the expiration of the first time period S1, the control system decreases the temperate in the thermal pad by a ΔT, for example 3° F., to a second temperature T2 of 72° F.
At a time period S2, for example 20 minutes, before the wake-up-time, the temperature in the thermal pad 12 is increased a ΔT of 3° F. to a third temperature T3 of 75° F. The third temperature T3 is maintained until the wake-up time, after which the unit automatically shuts off. Not that the selected temperature and time are only exemplary in nature, and other temperatures and times are contemplate.
Referring to
The above disclosed operational modes are exemplary in nature, and it is contemplated that all of the operational parameters, including the times, sleep cycle times, sleep time, wake-up time, first temperature T1, change in temperature ΔT, third temperature, first time S1 and second time S2 can be adjustable.
All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2014/032828 | 10/9/2014 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61807838 | Apr 2013 | US | |
61874595 | Sep 2013 | US |