Patent Application
20180085054
The present invention relates generally to a surface for resting or sleeping and, more specifically, the present invention relates to a sleep surface system and method thereof.
Each year, thousands of infants (aged 2 weeks to 1 year) die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (“SIDS”), a disorder in which otherwise healthy infants seemingly stop breathing. Although scientific and medical research has uncovered factors which indicate a predisposition to the disorder (e.g., low birth weight, age of mothers), no specific cause has been uncovered. Moreover, there are varied theories put forth by the medical community as to the cause of SIDS. Some theories suggest a neurological disorder in the infants which intercepts the breathing functions while sleeping and leads to the infant's death by asphyxiation.
Applicant and the medical community believes a contributing cause of SIDS is that infants fall victim to asphyxiation from carbon dioxide re-breathing. More specifically, infants sleeping face down or in close proximity to soft or porous bedding may re-breathe the carbon dioxide in the exhaled air trapped in the air pocket of their bedding near their air passages. Doctors, nurses and medical journals have for years recommended placing an infant on its back for sleeping to avoid this concern. However, many parents and caregivers are reluctant to follow this advice. Some infants prefer sleeping on their stomachs, and do not adjust to the changed position well. Moreover after 5-6 months, most infants can roll themselves over to their preferred sleeping position. Further, many infants have a tendency to regurgitate and parents are concerned their infant may choke on the regurgitated matter.
Based on the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a sleep surface that will substantially prevent the conditions which can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning to infants as they sleep.
The present invention is directed to various embodiments of a sleep surface system. For example, the sleep surface system may be used for positioning under an infant on a sleep surface. In one embodiment, the sleep surface system includes a removable insert and a forced air device. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface, the removable insert including a port opening extending to a substantially enclosed space defined between a top liner and a bottom liner with a peripheral boundary defining a coupling between the top and bottom liners. The top liner includes an exterior surface and is formed of a material with pores defined therein such that the pores extend between the enclosed space and the exterior surface of the top liner. Further, the top liner is coupled to the bottom liner at multiple discrete locations positioned separate from the peripheral boundary between the top liner and the bottom liner. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow into the enclosed space defined in the removable insert. With this arrangement, the air flow configured to flow into the enclosed space defined within the removable insert and out of the pores defined therein.
In another embodiment, the removable insert includes a peripheral portion extending from the peripheral boundary sized and configured to extend to an underside of the sleep surface. In another embodiment, the insert includes an elastic portion sized and configured to temporarily couple the insert to the sleep surface.
In still another embodiment, the port opening is configured to facilitate the air flow from the forced air device to the substantially enclosed space defined in the removable insert. In another embodiment, the sleep surface system further includes an elongated plenum configured to be positioned adjacent the peripheral boundary between the top and bottom liners and within the space of the removable insert, the plenum including openings along a length of the elongated plenum for distributing air within the enclosed space of the removable insert. In another embodiment, the bottom liner is a non-porous material.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of flowing air to a face of an infant on an infant sleep surface is provided. The method includes the steps of: positioning a removable insert over a mattress sized for the infant sleep surface, the removable insert including a port opening extending to a substantially enclosed space defined between a top liner and a bottom liner with a peripheral boundary defining a coupling between the top and bottom liners, the top liner formed of a material defining pores therein, the pores extending between an exterior surface and the enclosed space, the top liner being coupled to the bottom liner at multiple discrete locations positioned separate from the peripheral boundary between the top and bottom liners; and forcing air from a forced air device through the port opening and into the enclosed space defined in the removable insert such that the air moves through the pores of the top liner to move air to the face of the infant.
In another embodiment, the method step of positioning includes positioning the removable insert over the infant sleep surface so that a peripheral portion extending from the peripheral boundary of the insert extends to an underside of the sleep surface. In another embodiment, the method step of positioning includes temporarily coupling the insert to the sleep surface with an elastic portion extending from or along the insert. In still another embodiment, the method step of forcing includes distributing the air through an elongated plenum positionable adjacent the peripheral boundary between the top and bottom liners and within the space of the removable insert.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface system for use with a head pillow is provided. The sleep surface system includes a pillow case member, a forced air device, and an elongated plenum. The pillow case member includes a liner with an inner surface and an outer surface, the pillow case member defining an enclosable space within the pillow case member such that the space is sized and configured to receive the head pillow. The pillow case member includes one side end configured to be positioned between an open position and a closed position, the pillow case member including a port opening defined therein. Further, the pillow case member includes a material defining multiple pores therein. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow into the enclosable space defined in the pillow case member through the channel port of the pillow case member, the air flow configured to flow through the port opening and into the enclosable space and out of the multiple pores defined in the liner. The elongated plenum is coupled to the forced air device and positionable adjacent a periphery of the pillow case member and within the space defined in the pillow case member. The elongated plenum includes openings along a length of the elongated plenum and is configured to distribute air within the space of the pillow case member.
In another embodiment, the liner includes an upper liner and a lower liner with the spaced defined therebetween, the upper liner including the multiple pores defined therein to facilitate air flow therethrough. In another embodiment, the lower liner includes a permeable material so as to facilitate air flow through pores of the lower liner.
In another embodiment, the plenum includes a tubular structure. In still another embodiment, the plenum includes a foam material. In another embodiment, the plenum includes one end coupled to an output housing of the forced air device. In another embodiment, the forced air device is positionable at least partially within the port opening of the pillow case member.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of flowing air to a face of a person associated with a head pillow on a sleep surface is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a pillow case member on the sleep surface, the pillow case member defining an enclosable space within the pillow case member such that the enclosable space is sized and configured to receive the head pillow, the pillow case member including one side end configured to be positioned between an open position and a closed position, the liner of the pillow case member defining a port opening therein, the pillow case member including a material defining multiple pores therein; and forcing air from a forced air device through the port opening of the pillow case member and through an elongated plenum positioned adjacent a periphery of the pillow case member and within the space defined in the pillow case member such that openings defined along a length of the elongated plenum distributes air within the enclosable space within the pillow case member so that the air then moves through the pores of the liner.
In another embodiment, the method step of forcing includes distributing air within the space of the pillow case member with the plenum coupled to an output of the forced air device. In still another embodiment, the method step of positioning includes positioning the pillow case member with an upper liner and a lower liner that collectively substantially defines the enclosable space within the pillow case member such that the upper and lower liners define the pores therein to facilitate air flow therethrough. In another embodiment, the method step of forcing includes filtering the air being forced into the enclosable space of the pillow case member. In still another embodiment, the method step of forcing includes the step of cooling the air being forced into the enclosable space of the pillow case member.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a blanket system for positioning over a person is provided. The blanket system includes a blanket member and a forced air device. The blanket member is configured to be removably positioned over the person. The blanket member including a top liner and a bottom liner and a port opening, the top liner and the bottom liner define a space therebetween. Further, the top liner is coupled to the bottom liner at multiple discrete locations separate from a periphery of the top and bottom liners, the bottom liner formed of a material with pores defined therein such that the pores extend between the space and an outer surface of the bottom liner so as to facilitate air flow therethrough. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow through the port opening and into the space defined in the blanket member so as to flow air through the pores of the bottom liner.
In another embodiment, the forced air device includes a heating element associated therewith to force heated air through the pores of the blanket member. In another embodiment, the forced air device include a cooling element associated therewith to force cooled air through the pores of the blanket member.
In another embodiment, the blanket system further includes a plenum coupled to the forced air device and positioned adjacent the periphery of the blanket member and within the space of the blanket member. In another embodiment, the plenum includes multiple openings along a length of the plenum to distribute air therethrough. In another embodiment, the blanket member includes batting within the space between the top and bottom liners. In still another embodiment, the top liner includes an impermeable liner.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of flowing air to a person on a sleep surface is provided. The method steps include: positioning a blanket member over the person, the blanket member including a top liner and a bottom liner and a port opening, the top liner and bottom liner defining a space therebetween, the top liner being coupled to the bottom liner at multiple discrete locations separate from a periphery of the top and bottom liners, the bottom liner formed of a material with pores defined therein, the pores extending between the space and an outer surface of the bottom liner so as to facilitate air flow therethrough; and forcing air through the port opening of the blanket member with a forced air device so that the air flows through the pores of the bottom liner.
In another embodiment, the step of forcing includes distributing air within the space with an elongated plenum positioned adjacent the periphery and within the space between the top and bottom liners, the elongated plenum including multiple openings along a length thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert with a frame, and a forced air device. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface. The removable insert includes a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner and bottom liner defines at least one space therebetween. The top liner defines multiple pores that extend between the at least one space and the exterior surface. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow into the at least one space defined in the removable insert, the air flow being configured to flow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores. Further, the removable insert includes a frame, the frame extending adjacent and along a perimeter of the top liner. The frame is sized and configured to move between an expanded first position and a second collapsed position, the expanded first position configured to maintain the top liner in a spread-out horizontal position, the collapsed second position configured to minimize a size of the removable insert.
In one embodiment, upon the frame being in the expanded first position, the frame extends with a continuous single loop. In another embodiment, the frame includes a radial length, a height, and a width, the width being smaller than the height to exhibit a flattened cross-section. In a further embodiment, the flattened cross-section includes at least one of a rectangular periphery and an oval periphery. In another embodiment, upon the frame being moved to the collapsed second position, the frame extends continuously in a multiple loop configuration.
In another embodiment, the forced air device is coupled to the removable insert with a hose. In another embodiment, the frame extends through a padding. In a further embodiment, the padding includes a foam material. In even a further embodiment, the padding includes multiple foam structures positioned adjacent each other along the frame such that the frame is moveable between the expanded first position and the collapsed second position. In another embodiment, the frame is configured to self-expand from a partially collapsed position to the expanded first position.
In another embodiment, the bottom liner of the insert is a non-porous material. In still another embodiment, the bottom liner of the insert is a porous material.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system for positioning under a person on a sleep surface is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert, a forced air device, and a gas source. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface. Further, the removable insert includes a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner and bottom liner defining at least one space therebetween. The top liner defines multiple pores extending between the at least one space and the exterior surface. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow into the at least one space defined in the removable insert, the air flow configured to flow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores. The gas source is associated with the forced air device such that the gas source is configured to flow a gas with the air flow to flow the gas through the multiple pores.
In one embodiment, the gas includes at least one of oxygen and nitrogen, the oxygen configured to create an oxygen rich atmosphere adjacent the exterior surface of the removable insert and the nitrogen configured to create an oxygen poor atmosphere adjacent the exterior surface of the removable insert. In another embodiment, the removable insert is sized to be associated with a pillow.
In still another embodiment, the removable insert includes a padding positioned within the space of the removable insert. In a further embodiment, the padding is a reticulated foam configured to facilitate air flow therethrough. In another further embodiment, the sleep surface insert system includes a shroud configured to extend at least partially over the insert.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system for positioning under a person on a sleep surface is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert and a gas source. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface, the removable insert having a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner and bottom liner defining at least one space therebetween. The top liner defines multiple pores that extend between the at least one space and the exterior surface. The gas source is configured to provide a gas to flow into the at least one space defined in the removable insert, the gas being configured to flow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores.
In one embodiment, the gas includes at least one of oxygen and nitrogen, the oxygen configured to create an oxygen rich atmosphere adjacent the exterior surface of the removable insert and the nitrogen configured to create an oxygen poor atmosphere adjacent the exterior surface of the removable insert. In another embodiment, the removable insert includes a padding positioned within the space of the removable insert. In a further embodiment, the padding is a reticulated foam configured to facilitate air flow therethrough. In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system further includes a shroud configured to extend at least partially over the insert.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system for positioning under a person on a sleep surface is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert and a forced air device. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface. The removable insert includes a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner and bottom liner defining at least one space therebetween. The top liner defines multiple pores extending between the at least one space and the exterior surface. The forced air device is configured to provide air flow from above the exterior surface of the top liner and through the multiple pores and into the at least one space defined in the removable insert, the air flow configured to flow toward and through the forced air device and through a filter.
In one embodiment, the filter is at least one of an absorbent charcoal filter and a molecular sieve. In another embodiment, the removable insert includes a foam material positioned within the space defined in the removable insert, the foam material sized to maintain a gap between the top liner and the bottom liner. In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system further includes a sensor, the sensor configured to detect levels of an agent from the air flow. In another embodiment, the forced air device is a suction device. In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system further includes a shroud configured to extend at least partially over the insert.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of removing an agent being exhaled from a person is provided. The method includes the steps of: positioning a removable insert over a sleep surface, the removable insert having a top liner and a bottom liner defining a space therebetween, the top liner defining pores extending between an exterior surface and the space; and suctioning air and the agent from the exterior surface and through the pores and through the space with a suctioning device so that the agent is absorbed by a filter.
In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of sensing the agent with a sensor associated with the suctioning device. In another embodiment, the positioning step includes positioning a removable insert with a padding disposed within the space defined between the top liner and the bottom liner. In another embodiment, the positioning step includes positioning a shroud over the insert.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of flowing a gas to a person is provided. The method includes the steps of: positioning a removable insert over a sleep surface, the removable insert having a top liner and a bottom liner defining a space therebetween, the top liner defining pores extending between an exterior surface and the space; and forcing a gas from a gas source toward the removable insert and through the space defined in the insert such that the gas moves through the pores of the top liner.
In one embodiment, the forcing step includes delivering the gas with a pressurized tank. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of forcing air toward the removable insert with a blower device such that the gas flows with the air from the blower device through the space of the insert and the pores defined in the top liner. In another embodiment, the positioning step includes positioning a removable insert with a padding disposed within the space defined between the top liner and the bottom liner. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of sensing a gas content being moved to the exterior surface of the insert. In still another embodiment, the method further includes the step of maintaining the gas moved to the exterior surface of the insert with a shroud.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system for positioning under a person on a sleep surface is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert and a forced air system. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface. The removable insert includes a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner and bottom liner defining at least one space therebetween. The top liner defines multiple pores extending between the at least one space and the exterior surface. Further, the insert includes a padding member positioned between the top liner and the bottom liner, the padding member having a periphery smaller than a periphery of the top liner or the bottom liner. With this arrangement, the forced air system is configured to provide air flow into the at least one space defined in the removable insert such that the air flow is configured to flow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores.
In one embodiment, the insert is moveable between a use position and a compact position, the use position being a substantially flat spread-out position and the compact position being at least one of a rolled-up position and a folded position. In another embodiment, the insert is moveable between a spread-out and flat use position and a rolled-up compact position.
In another embodiment, the padding member is a flexible soft material. In another embodiment, the padding member is at least one of an elastomer material and a foam material. In still another embodiment, the bottom liner is a porous material.
In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system further includes a sensor associated with the forced air system, the sensor configured to sense the person positioned on the insert. In another embodiment, the forced air system includes a controller associated with the sensor, the controller configured to turn on or off the forced air system upon the sensor sensing the person on or off the insert. In still another embodiment, the sensor is configured to sense at least one of pressure and temperature.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleep surface insert system for positioning under a person on a sleep surface is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes a removable insert and a forced air system. The removable insert is configured to be removably positioned over the sleep surface, the removable insert including a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner. The top liner and bottom liner defines at least one space therebetween, the top liner defining multiple pores extending between the at least one space and the exterior surface. Further, in this embodiment, the bottom liner includes a padding structure positioned below the top liner, the padding structure having a periphery corresponding with a periphery of the top liner. With this arrangement, the forced air system is configured to provide air flow into the at least one space defined in the removable insert, the air flow configured to flow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores.
In one embodiment, the insert is moveable between a use position and a compact position, the use position being a substantially flat spread-out position and the compact position being at least one of a rolled-up position and a folded position. In another embodiment, the insert is moveable between a spread-out and flat use position and a rolled-up compact position.
In another embodiment, the padding structure is a flexible soft material. In another embodiment, the padding structure includes at least one of an elastomer material and a foam material.
In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system further includes a sensor associated with the forced air system, the sensor configured to sense the person positioned on the insert. In another embodiment, the forced air system includes a controller associated with the sensor, the controller configured to turn on or off the forced air system upon the sensor sensing the person on or off the insert. In another embodiment, the sensor is configured to sense at least one of pressure of the person on the insert and a temperature of the person on the insert.
The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
Referring to
The blower system 14 may include a blower 20 configured to blow air, as indicated by arrow 22, into the insert 12 via the conduit 16. Further, the blower system 14 may include an air intake 24, a filter 26, a thermal element 28, one or more sensors 30, a controller 32, a display 34, and a manual control 36. The blower 20 may pull air from the air intake 24 toward the blower 20 and then push the air through the conduit 16 and into the insert 12. In addition, the filter 26 may be provided between the conduit 16 and the air intake 24 and, more particularly, the filter 26 may be positioned between the air intake 24 and the blower 20. The thermal element 28 may also be positioned between the air intake 24 and the conduit 16. The controller 32 may be coupled to the one or more sensors 30 and the thermal element 28 and, further, the manual control 36. Also, the controller 32 may be coupled to the display 34. The one or more sensors 30 may be positioned along an air flow path to sense air temperature and/or air pressure.
In one embodiment, air temperature of the sleep surface insert system 10 may be controlled. For example, the air temperature may be controlled by manually setting a desired temperature for an infant via the manual control 36. The one or more sensors 30 may sense the actual temperature of the air and then relay the actual temperature to the controller 32. The controller 32 may then control the thermal element 28, positioned in an air flow path, to modify the air temperature from the actual air temperature to the desired air temperature.
In one embodiment, the thermal element 28 may be positioned in the air flow path between the air intake 24 and the blower 20. In another embodiment, the thermal element 28 may be positioned in the air flow path between the blower 20 and the conduit 16 or, otherwise said, an external portion of the conduit 16. In one embodiment, the thermal element 28 may include a heating element 38. In another embodiment, the thermal element 28 may include a cooling element 40. In still another embodiment, the thermal element 28 may include both a heating element 38 and a cooling element 40. Such a heating element 38 and cooling element 40 may be directly coupled adjacent to each other or separate from each other. The heating element 38 may be a coil or the like or any other suitable heating element known in the art, such as a peltier element employed as a heating element. The cooling element 40 may be a peltier element or any other suitable cooling element known in the art.
With respect to
With reference to
Further, the top liner 42 may include multiple pores 18 extending between the outer surface 52 and the inner surface 54 configured to facilitate air flow therethrough. Such multiple pores 18 may be in the form of holes, as depicted in
The multiple pores 18 may be in the form of an array such that the multiple pores 18 may be sized, positioned and/or spaced in a predetermined manner. In this embodiment, the top liner 42 may include a polymeric material in a sheet like form. In another embodiment, the multiple pores 18 may be randomly sized, positioned and/or spaced. In this embodiment, the top liner 42 may be formed from a weaved material or the like such that the multiple pores 18 are inherent to the gaps or spaces formed in the weaved material. Such a top liner 42 may be formed from a synthetic material, such as a polymeric material, or the top liner may be formed from a natural material, such as a cotton, or various combinations or blends thereof or any other suitable material that is safe and provides multiple pores 18 so as to facilitate air through the multiple pores 18, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The bottom liner 44 may be formed of a solid sheet like material, without pores, so as not to facilitate air to flow therethrough. In another embodiment, the bottom liner 44 may be formed to include pores, similar to the top liner 42. Further, in one embodiment, the top liner 42 and the bottom liner 44 may be coupled together via heat pressing, sewing or any other known or suitable method of coupling. In another embodiment, the top liner 42 and the bottom liner 44 may be formed of a continuous, unitary, and/or seamless material.
Referring now to
The actuator 68 may be a timed actuator in the form of a solenoid 69. For example, the actuator 68 may actuate at a frequency. Such a frequency may be manually modified to control the cycle by which air flow is directed into the first and second hollow spaces 48, 50 for alternately inflating different portions of the insert 12. The actuator 68 may also include a pressure sensor 70 that may be configured to actuate upon sensing a predetermined air pressure within the first flow path 64 and the second flow path 66 and, thus, the air pressure within the respective first and second hollow spaces 48, 50 defined in the insert 12. In another embodiment, the actuator 68 may be a bladder controlled diverter (not shown). Such a bladder controlled diverter may be sized and configured to inherently and mechanically actuate between a first position and a second position upon the respective first hollow space 48 and the second hollow space 50 of the insert 12 or bladder inflating to a predetermined air pressure. In other words, the bladder controlled diverter may automatically actuate between the first and second positions upon portions of the bladder, i.e., first and second hollow spaces 48, 50 in the insert, reaching predetermined inflation levels.
Referring now to
Now referring to
For example, the sleep surface insert system 110 may include an insert 112 and a blower system 113 with conduit 116 extending therebetween. The blower system 113 may include an air intake 115 and filter 117, as set forth in the previous embodiment. In one embodiment, the insert 112 may include a first hollow space 118 and a second hollow space 120 defined in the insert 112 between a top liner and a bottom liner (not shown). Each hollow space defined in the insert 112 may include its own conduit extending from the insert to the blower system, namely, a first conduit 122 and a second conduit 124. The first and second conduits 122, 124 may be in the form of a single elongated flexible member, but include respective first and second lumens to channel air flow to the respective first and second hollow spaces 118, 120 defined in the insert 112. The blower system 113 may include a single blower 114 or two blowers dedicated to the respective first and second conduits 122, 124. Further, each air flow path for the first and second conduits 122, 124 may include a first thermal element 126 and a second thermal element 128, respectively. Each thermal element may each include a cooling element and a heating element. The blower system 113 may also include the other components necessary to control a temperature of the air being blown toward the insert 112. For example, the blower system 113 may include a first sensor 130 and a second sensor 132 configured to sense the actual temperature being blown and a controller 134 coupled to the first and second thermal elements 126, 128 to modify the actual temperature to a desired temperature as manually set via a first and second manual control 136, 138. With this arrangement, the sleep surface insert system 110 may be configured to control the temperature over two sleep surface portions of the insert 112 such that the defined first and second hollow spaces 118, 120 correspond with sleep surface portions typical for two persons lying next to each other. Such a system 110 may be desirable for couples who desire different temperatures for their respective sleep portions. Further, the insert 112 may be sized and configured for single person users such that the insert 112 may include a single hollow space with a corresponding single thermal element and sensor in the blower system.
In one embodiment, the insert 112 may be sized and configured to be positioned over a pillow or within a pillow cover. In another embodiment, the insert 112 may be sized and configured to act as a pillow itself while employing one or various combinations of the functions described herein with the sleep surface insert system 110, such as monitoring temperature and temperature control, air filtering, inflation of one hollow space defined in an insert, and alternating (or sequencing) inflation of two or more hollow spaced defined within an insert. In still another embodiment, by employing various functions described herein, the sleep surface insert system 10, 110 may be employed to monitor not only infants, but to monitor sleep disorders, such as snoring, sleep apnea or any other suitable sleep disorder. In another embodiment, the insert 10 described in
Now referring to
With respect to
In one embodiment, for example, the horizontal portion 208 may be rectangular and substantially flat such that the vertical portion 210 may include first and second facing vertical sides 212, 214 and third and fourth facing vertical sides 216, 218, each of which may extend upward and transverse relative to the horizontal portion 208. In one embodiment, the various sides of the vertical portion 210 may extend generally or substantially vertical relative to the horizontal portion 208 with the transition from the horizontal portion 208 to the vertical portion 210 being arcuate. The first vertical side 212 may be contiguous with the third and fourth vertical sides 216, 218. Likewise, the second vertical side 214 may be contiguous with the third and fourth vertical sides 216, 218. The periphery of the horizontal portion 208 of the insert 204 may include other shapes, such as oval or any other suitable shape, such that the vertical portion extends upward from the periphery of the horizontal portion to provide the wall or barrier for an infant.
The horizontal portion 208 may include a top liner 220 and a bottom liner 222 that define first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 or chambers therebetween, similar to the insert 12 depicted in
The top liner 220 of the horizontal portion 208 and the inner liner 228 of the vertical portion 210 may include apertures 202 defined therein. For example, the apertures 202 defined in the top liner 220 and the inner liner 228 may each include first apertures 202a and second apertures 202b, the first apertures 202a corresponding with the first hollow space 224 and the second apertures 202b corresponding with the second hollow space 226. Similar to the horizontal portion 208, each of the vertical sides of the vertical portion 210 may each include one of the first and second hollow spaces 224, 226, or both. Further, the first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 may be separated by one or more impermeable lateral connections 240. Such lateral connections 240 assist in maintaining the top and bottom liners 220, 222 of the horizontal portion 208 in a generally parallel configuration Likewise, the lateral connections 240 assist in maintaining the inner liner 228 generally parallel relative to the outer liner 230 of the vertical portion 210. Further, the lateral connections 240 may serve to separate the first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 in a discrete and distinct manner.
The blower system 14 (
Further, the blower system 14 may provide air flow 236 in an alternating manner via an actuator 68 (
As in the previous embodiment (depicted in
In another embodiment, the conduit 206 may be optional such that the blower system 14 is directly coupled to the insert. The embodiment with an optional conduit may be implemented in any of the embodiments described herein, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
As depicted in
The blower system 14 of this embodiment may be similar to that described and depicted in
With respect to
With reference to
The vertical portion 262 may include first and second facing vertical portions 266, 268 and third and fourth facing vertical portions 270, 272, each of which may border an interior side portion of an infant's crib (not shown). For example, each of the first, second, third and fourth vertical portions 266, 268, 270, 272 may be elongated to extend along one of the interior side portions of the crib as well as each extend with a vertical component to provide padding for an infant within the crib in the event, for example, the baby rolls over against one of the vertical portions. Each vertical portion may include an inner liner 274 and an outer liner 276 with one or more chambers or hollow spaces 278 defined therebetween.
The inner liner 274 may include perforations or apertures 280 and the outer liner 276 may be impermeable. Further, the inner liner 274 and outer liner 276 may be coupled together along a top end 282 and a bottom end 284 as well as include lateral connections 286 at various points between the top and bottom ends 282, 284 so that each vertical portion maintains a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. As in previous embodiments, the inner liner 274 and the outer liner 276 may be formed of a polymeric material, or fabric, or a combination thereof. The lateral connections 286 and coupling along the top and bottom ends 282, 284 may be employed by thermal bonding or sewing or any other suitable means of coupling. With this arrangement, air flow 288 may be provided via the conduit 264 to the one or more hollow spaces 278 or chambers so as to provide air flow 288 from a vertically extending wall or inner liner 274 and through the apertures 280 such that the air flow 288 exits the vertically extending wall or inner liner 274 in a generally horizontal direction, as depicted with arrows in
The conduit 264 may include one or two flow paths depending on the number of chambers defined in the vertical portion of the air flow system 260. For example, in the case of a single chamber or hollow space defined in the vertical portion 262, the conduit 264 may include a single flow path through which air may be blown by the blower system 14 (
Now with reference to
In another embodiment, the forced air system 304 may include a sensor 314 that may be associated with the insert 302. This sensor 314 may sense if an infant is positioned on or off the insert 302 such that the sensor 314 may automatically turn-off the blower device 308 upon the infant being removed. Similarly, upon positioning the infant on the insert 302, the sensor 314 may sense such positioning and automatically turn-on the blower device 308. The sensor 314 may be a pressure sensor, piezo electric sensor, and/or a temperature sensor to sense the presence the infant on the insert 302. The sensor may be made of sensitive materials, such as polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or any other material suitable for acting as a sensor for sensing the presence of an infant or person on the insert 302 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The insert 302 of the sleep surface insert system 300 may include a frame 316 that may be expandable so as to maintain the insert 302 in an expanded position. In the expanded position, the insert 302 may extend in a generally oval and flat configuration. In another embodiment, the insert 302 may extend in a generally rectangular and flat configuration. In still another embodiment, the insert 302 may extend in a generally rectangular and flat configuration with its corners rounded. As in previous embodiments, the insert 302 may include a bottom liner 318 and a top liner 320 to define a single hollow space 322 therebetween that communicates with the forced air system 304. In another embodiment, the insert 302 may define one or more hollow spaces or at least one hollow space, similar to previous embodiments herein, between the bottom liner 318 and the top liner 320.
The frame 316 of the insert 302 may extend in a continuous loop configuration along and adjacent a periphery of the top liner 320 and the bottom liner 318. The frame 316 may extend within a sleeve 324 coupled to the periphery of the top liner 320 and the bottom liner 318. The sleeve 324 may include a similar material as that provided for the bottom liner 318, the bottom liner 318 being non-permeable and the top liner 320 being a permeable membrane or a porous material, as in previous embodiments.
In one embodiment, the frame 316 may be a rigid material that may flex to various configurations. The frame 316 may be configured to move to an expanded configuration so as to maintain the top liner 320 in a spread-out and flat position. In another embodiment, the frame 316 may self-expand from a partially collapsed position to the expanded position. Further, the frame 316 may be moved between the expanded position or first position to a collapsed second position (see
The frame 316 may include and extend with a radial length 326, a height 328, and a width 330. The radial length 326 may extend to exhibit the loop configuration. The width 330 may be smaller than the height 328 such that the frame 316 exhibits a flattened cross-section. Upon the frame 316 being in the expanded position, the height 328 may extend vertically and the width 330 may extend horizontally when the insert 302 is positioned horizontally over a sleep surface. In one embodiment, the frame 316 with the flattened cross-section may be an oval configuration. In another embodiment, a frame 332 may exhibit a flattened cross-section with a rectangular configuration, such as that depicted in
With reference to
Now with reference to
With reference to
The insert 350 of this embodiment may include the frame 352 similar to that depicted in
With reference to
Further, similar to the previous embodiment, each of the elongated structures 374 may be discrete, separate and distinct relative to each other so as to facilitate the frame 376 to move from the expanded first position to the collapsed second position. Further, the elongated structures 374 provide a bordered edge 384 or rim to the insert 370 or sleep surface that also provides padding 372 and assists maintaining the infant on the insert 370. In another embodiment, elongated structures 387 and padding 388 surrounding a frame 377 may include a radius 386 to exhibit a circular or oval cross-section, as depicted in
In another embodiment, as depicted in
In another embodiment, discrete elongated structures 396 or frame may include a circular or oval cross-section and positioned within a sleeve 397 and adjacently positioned top and bottom liners 398, 399, as depicted in
With respect to
With respect to the padding 354, 372, 382 depicted in
Now with reference to
The forced air system 402 may include a forced air device or blower device 410 with the gas source 408 associated therewith. The forced air system 402 may also include a manual control 412 that may be associated with the blower device 410 and/or gas source 408. In one embodiment, as the blower device 410 is flowing air from the intake to the tubing 406 and then through pores of the top liner 420 of the insert 404, the gas source 408 may feed its contents into the air stream of the blower device 410 to push the oxygen or nitrogen to the insert 404 and out the pores, as indicated by arrows 414.
In another embodiment, as depicted by dotted line 416, the gas source 408 may directly feed the insert 404 via the tubing 406 such that the pressurized state of the gas source 408 may act to force gas through the tubing 406 to the insert 404 and through the pores defined in the top liner 420 of the insert 404. In this embodiment, it may not be necessary to include the blower device 410 with the forced air system 402 since the pressurized state of the gas source 408 is forcing the gas through the pores. In other words, the gas source 408 may be independent and/or exclusive of a blower device. In either embodiment, the forced air system 402 may include a sensor 422 and a display 424. The sensor 422 may be coupled downstream of the blower device 410 and/or the gas source 408. Further, the sensor 422 may be configured to sense the gas content and levels being dispensed to the insert 404. The display 424 may provide information relative to the sensed data so that a user may manually modify the content and levels appropriately.
The insert 404 of the sleep surface insert system 400 of this embodiment may be dimensioned and sized similar to a surface area of a typical pillow or larger. For example, the insert 404 may be positioned directly over a pillow for a user to lay his/her head thereon. In one embodiment, the insert 404 can function as a pillow with the appropriate padding (see
In one embodiment, the insert 404 may include the top liner 420 and a bottom liner 421 with an air space 426 therebetween, similar to previous embodiments. Further, the top liner 420 may include pores defined therein extending between an exterior surface 428 of the top liner 420 and the air space 426 between the bottom liner 421 and the top liner 420. The top liner 420 may be coupled to the bottom liner 421 at a periphery of each of the top and bottom liners 420, 421. Further, the top liner 420 and the bottom liner 421 may be coupled at various point attachments 430, or line attachments, within the periphery of the top and bottom liners 420, 421. With the point attachments 430, the insert 404 may maintain a generally flat shape as air flows into the space 426 and through the pores. Such point attachments 430 may be employed in other embodiments set forth herein.
In another embodiment, as depicted in
With respect to
With reference to
As in previous embodiments, the insert 454 may include a bottom liner 460 and a top liner 462 that may define a space 464 therebetween, the top liner 462 including pores defined therein. The tube 458 may be coupled to the insert 454 and coupled to the forced air system 452 to facilitate air flow from the insert 454 to the forced air system 452, as indicated by arrow 466. The tube 458 or hose may be a kink-resistant tube, as known in the art, and may include coupling joints at ends of the tube 458 that facilitate quick connection and disconnection of the tube 458 from the insert 454 and/or the forced air system 452.
The forced air system 452 may include a forced air device or suction device 468 and a filter 470. The suction device 468 may be sized and configured to provide suction necessary to pull air and an agent through the pores defined in the top liner 462, as indicated by arrows 472. The filter 470 may be an absorbent filter, such as a charcoal filter, or molecular sieve/filter or any suitable absorbent filter known in the art. The filter 470 may be sized and configured to absorb an agent, such as carbon dioxide from an infant or anesthetic from a patient, that may be suctioned by the suction device 468. As depicted, the filter 470 may be positioned downstream of the suction device 468. In another embodiment, the filter 470 may be upstream of the suction device 468 within the forced air system 452. In still another embodiment, the filter 470 may be positioned along the tube 458 or adjacent ends of the tube 458. In another embodiment, the suction device 468 may simply remove the suctioned air from the insert 454 and completely from the room with, for example, tubing.
The forced air system 452 may include a manual control 474 sized and configured to control the suction device 468, for example. The forced air system 452 may also include a sensor 476 and a display 478. The sensor 476 may be configured to sense the agent being pulled or suctioned from the insert 454. In one embodiment, the sensor 476 may be positioned upstream of the suction device 468, as depicted, and with the forced air system 452. In another embodiment, the sensor 476 may be positioned adjacent to and/or upstream of the filter 470 and within the forced air system 452. In still another embodiment, the sensor 476 may be positioned along the tube 458 or adjacent the couplings at ends of the tube 458. The display 478 may provide data relative to the sensed agent. For example, upon a patient completing surgery, the patient may be positioned on the insert 454 and may be exhaling an agent, such as anesthetic. The suction device 468 may pull the exhaled agent through the pores and from the insert 454 such that the agent may be carried to the filter 470, during which the display 478 may be monitored to determine when the agent has been substantially or fully expelled from the patient. In this manner, the sensor 476 and display 478 associated with the forced air system 452 may provide information regarding a patient. Similarly, the sleep surface insert system 450 may be employed with an infant such that the system may pull air from above the insert 454, such as exhaled carbon dioxide from the infant, while also monitoring the infant with the sensor 476, in which the sleep surface insert system 450 may include any one of the sensors set forth and described relative to any one of the embodiments herein.
With respect to
In another embodiment, as depicted in
As in previous embodiments, the insert 454, 482 depicted in
With respect to
With reference to
Now with reference to
Now with reference to
The padded member 568 may be disposed between the top liner 564 and the bottom liner 566 such that a top side 570 and bottom side 572 of the padded member 568 may extend generally parallel and planar relative to the top liner 564 and the bottom liner 566. The padded member 568 may include a periphery 574 sized smaller than the periphery of the top liner 564 and the bottom liner 566. The periphery 574 of the padded member 568 may be sized such that the air space 576 may extend around the periphery 574 between the top and bottom sides 570, 572 of the padded member 568. The padded member 568 may include point or line attachments between the top side 570 of the padded member 568 and the top liner 564. Similarly, there may be point or line attachments between the bottom side 572 of the padded member 568 and the bottom liner 566. The padded member 568 may be flexible so as to be moveable between an expanded position and a compact position. In the expanded position, the padded member 568 is flat and substantially planar such that the padded member 568 may be configured to maintain its shape or prefers to maintain its substantially flat and planar configuration. The padded member 568 may be sized and configured to assist the insert in maintaining a spread-out and flat position. The padded member 568 may be formed of a polymeric material or any other suitable flexible, soft material, such as an elastomer material made from a thermoplastic elastomer or a foam material made from, for example, polyurethane.
With respect to
In one embodiment, the insert 562, 582 of
Now with reference to
The insert 602 may include a top liner 606 and a bottom liner 608 such that a top liner periphery 610 may be coupled or directly attached to the bottom liner 608 to define a substantially enclosed space 612 between the top liner 606 and the bottom liner 608. In other words, the enclosed space 612 may be defined by the top liner 606 and the bottom liner 608 with a peripheral boundary 613 or peripheral junction defined by the coupling between the top and bottom liners 606, 608. Such peripheral boundary 613 may be, for example, a continuous coupling (or substantially continuous coupling due to the port opening 628 that may be positioned along the peripheral boundary), such as a threaded stitching or bonding between the top and bottom liners, that may extend from the port opening 628 (or adjacent thereto) of the insert 602 to generally extend and define a rectangular area sized similar to the top surface of an infant's mattress.
The top liner 606 may be formed of a woven material 614 such that a weave of the material may have a density or tightness to the woven material so as to inherently define pores 616 therein within the material itself. Such woven material 614 may be a natural material or fiber, such as cotton or bamboo, or such woven material 614 may be formed of a synthetic polymeric material or synthetic blend between polymeric and natural fibers. The pores 616 defined in the woven material 614 may be sized so as to facilitate air flow therethrough, as depicted by arrows 618, from the space 612 defined in the insert 602.
The top liner 606 may also be attached to the bottom liner 608 at multiple separate and discrete attachment locations 620 that may be positioned separate from the peripheral boundary 613 between the top and bottom liners 606, 608. Such multiple discrete attachment locations 620 of the top liner 606 to the bottom liner 608 may exhibit an array of discrete attachment locations 620 and may be direct attachments, for example, with a stitch of one or more threads in a knotting manner. Further, the multiple separate and discrete attachment locations 620 may be point or line attachments or the like. With the array of attachment locations 620, separate from the peripheral boundary, the top liner 606 may be maintained at a height 622 relative to the bottom liner 608 as air flows within the space 612 between the top liner 606 and the bottom liner 608.
As previously set forth, the insert 602 of this embodiment may be sized to exhibit structure similar to a fitted sheet. In this manner, the bottom liner 608 may include a bottom liner periphery 624 that may be larger than the top liner periphery 610 such that the bottom liner 608 may be sized to extend around end portions of an infant's mattress 601. For example, the bottom liner periphery 624 may include an elastic portion 626 along portions of the bottom liner periphery 624. Such portions with the elastic portions 626 attached thereto may be sized and configured to attach to an underside 603, such as underside corners and periphery, of an infant's mattress 601. The top liner periphery 610 of the top liner 606 may be sized to extend smaller than the bottom liner periphery 624 such that the top liner 606 may be sized and positioned substantially along a top surface 605 of the infant's mattress 601. In this manner, the top liner 606 may be configured to be positioned substantially horizontally over the infant's mattress 601 and the bottom liner 608 may exhibit features similar to a fitted sheet so as to extend over the top surface 605, around vertical sides and to an underside 603 of the infant's mattress 601.
In another embodiment, the top liner 606 may extend with a larger periphery than the bottom liner 608 such that the top liner 606 extends with the fitted sheet structure so as to extend over the top surface 605 of the infant's mattress 601, around the vertical sides, and to an underside 603 of the infant's mattress 601, the top liner 606 having the elastic portions 626 along portions of the periphery of the top liner 606. In this embodiment, the bottom liner 608 may be sized similar to the size of the top surface 605 of the infant's mattress 601. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the top and bottom liners 606, 608 may be similarly sized (and may substantially correspond with the size or periphery of the top surface 605 of the infant's mattress 601), coupled to each other at their respective peripheries with a supplementary liner portion extending from the respective peripheries of the top and bottom liners 606, 608. Such supplementary liner portion may be sized and configured to be tucked around the vertical sides and to the underside 603 of the infant's mattress 601 and may include the elastic portions 626 attached thereto. The supplementary liner portion extending from the top and bottom liners 606, 608 may exhibit structure such that the insert extends similar to a fitted sheet. In each of these embodiments of the sleep surface system 600, the insert may exhibit a supplementary liner portion or peripheral portion 615 extending from the peripheral boundary 613 between the top and bottom liners 606, 608 as an additional material portion to extend over the vertical sides to an underside 603 of the infant's mattress 601 similar to a fitted sheet. In another embodiment, the insert 602 with its top liner 606 and bottom liner 608 defining a space 612 therebetween may be sized so that the periphery of the insert 602 generally corresponds with the size of the top surface 605 of an infant's mattress 601 without the before-described peripheral portion 615 extending from the peripheral boundary 613 of the insert 602. Rather, the insert 602 may include an elastic portion extending from adjacent corners of the insert to facilitate temporarily attaching the insert 602 to the infant's mattress 601.
In one embodiment, the bottom liner 608 may be non-porous or formed of an impermeable material, meaning the bottom liner 608 may be configured to substantially prevent air flow therethrough. Such bottom liner 608 may also be formed of a material to substantially prevent moisture through the material of the bottom liner 608. The bottom liner 608 may be formed from a polymer, such as, polyester or nylon or the bottom liner may be formed of a material with a coating to substantially prevent air flow through any pores that may be inherently within the bottom liner 608. In another embodiment, the bottom liner 608 may be formed with a similar material as the top liner so as to include pores therein.
The insert 602, as in previous embodiments, may include a port opening 628 sized and configured to channel air flow from the forced air device 604 to the space 612 between the top and bottom liners 606, 608. The port opening 628 may be sized and configured to couple directly to the forced air device 604 or may be coupled to a hose 630 positioned between the forced air device 604 and the port opening 628. The port opening 604 may be positioned at any location along the top liner periphery 610 to provide an opening between the top liner 606 and bottom liner 608 to force air within the space 612 defined in the insert 602.
In one embodiment, the forced air device 604 may include a blower fan 632 and manual controls 634 with a fan output 636 coupled directly to the port opening 628 or to the hose 630. Such manual controls 634 may include features such as fan speed and/or a power switch for turning the blower fan 632 on and off. In another embodiment, the forced air device 604 may also be associated with a filter 638, such as a Hepa filter or the like. Such filter 638 may be positioned over the path of the air flow generated by the blower fan 632, such as being directly coupled to the blower fan 632, the hose 630, or a plenum 744 (shown in dashed lines), the plenum discussed in further detail below. In another embodiment, the forced air device 604 may include a temperature sensor 640, one or more controllers 642, and a heating element 644, similar to that set forth in previous embodiments herein, that may facilitate a user to control temperature of the air moving through the insert 602. Further, other sensors 646 (e.g., pressure sensor, heart rate sensor, etc.) may be employed with the sleep surface system 600, similar to that described in other embodiments herein. With this arrangement, the pores 616 defined in the woven material 614 may be sized and configured to allow air flow therethrough at a rate suitable to move the air adjacent to an infant's face to, thereby, limit and potential carbon dioxide pockets that may form adjacent to an infant's face while also controlling characteristics of the air flowing through the insert 102.
With reference to
The outer liner 652 may also be referenced as a pillow case member herein. The outer liner 652 may extend with a sleeve like structure with one end 658 permanently closed and the other opposite side end 660 may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the outer liner 652 may receive a head pillow (not shown) or the head pillow may be removed from the outer liner 652. In the use position of the sleep surface system 650, the outer liner 652 may be moved to a closed position with, for example, a zipper structure 664 or any other structure that may be employed for closing the side end 660 so that the outer liner 652 defines an enclosed space. The outer liner 652 may also include a port opening 662, similar to previous embodiments, for coupling, for example, a fan output 666 of the forced air device 654 to the port opening 662 of the outer liner 652 to facilitate forcing air within the outer liner 652. The port opening 662 may be positioned adjacent to one end of the zipper structure 664 or any other suitable location adjacent a periphery 668 of the outer liner 652.
The outer liner 652 may be formed of a woven material 670, similar to the top liner 606 of the sleep surface system 600 of the previous embodiment (
Now with reference to
In one embodiment, the plenum 656 may be elongated with a length 678 to extend along a longitudinal axis 680. In another embodiment, the plenum 656 may be an elongated tubular structure. The plenum 656 may be flexible and formed of a resilient material. In one embodiment, the plenum 656 may be a foam material. The plenum may include a hollow portion 682, such as a bore extending along the longitudinal axis 680, with multiple openings 684 defined therein and along the length 678 of the plenum 656. The multiple openings 684 may extend from an internal surface 686 of the hollow portion 682 to an exterior surface 688 of the plenum 656 so that air can flow into the hollow portion 682 of the plenum 656 and be distributed from the multiple openings 684 defined in the plenum 656. The multiple openings 684 defined in the plenum 656 may be at separate and distinct locations of the plenum 656, such as along the length 678 of the plenum 656. The multiple openings 684 may be along opposite sides of the plenum 656 in a symmetrical manner and/or at random locations along the plenum 656. As such, the multiple openings 684 may facilitate the distribution of the air into the outer liner 652. In this manner, should some of the openings 684 become inadvertently blocked with, for example, the arm of a person laying on the pillow case member or outer liner 652 the other non-blocked openings 684 may distribute the air within the outer liner 652 and out the pores 672 not being blocked another surface, such as the surface the outer liner 652 is positioned upon.
Similar to previous embodiments, the forced air device 654 may include a blower fan 690 and manual controls 692 for fan speed and/or switching the fan to an on position and off position. Further, similar to previous embodiments, the forced air device 654 or sleep surface system 600 may include a filter 692, such as a Hepa filter or the like (as shown in schematic form). Such filter 692 may be positioned over the path of the air flow, such as being directly coupled to the blower fan 690 or over the length 678 of the plenum 656. Further, as shown in schematic form in
As depicted in
Now with reference to
In another embodiment, the blanket member 702 may include batting 729 (as depicted with dashed lines of
In one embodiment, the forced air device 704 of the sleep surface system 700 may include a blower fan 730 and manual controls 732. Further, as depicted partially in schematic form, the forced air device 704 of the sleep surface system 700 may include a thermal element 734, a temperature sensor 736 and a controller 738, similar to that depicted and described in previous embodiments. With this arrangement, a desired temperature for air flow through the blanket member 702 may be selected, controlled and maintained with the thermal element 734 (with a heating element or a cooling element) associated with the forced air device 704. For example, a user or other person may select a desired temperature for the air moving through the bottom liner 712 of the blanket member 702, the temperature sensor 736 may sense the actual temperature of the air being blown from the blower fan 730, and the thermal element 734 may be activated to change the temperature of the air being blown to substantially correspond to the desired temperature selected. In this manner, the blanket member 702 of the sleep surface system 700 may be positioned over a user to facilitate warming or cooling of the user at the selected temperature. Such sleep surface system 700 with the blanket member 702 may be useful in a hospital setting as well for common home and recreational use.
In another embodiment, the blanket member 702 and sleep surface system 700 may incorporate a plenum 740 (as depicted in dashed lines in
The forced air device 704 of this embodiment (and the other embodiments described herein) may be coupled to and powered directly from an electrical outlet with a typical cord and plug arrangement 742. In another embodiment, the forced air device 704 of this and other embodiments described herein may include, for example, a rechargeable battery pack coupled thereto or incorporated therewith that may be charged during non-use of the forced air device 704. The forced air device 704 may then later be operated from the stored energy of the charged battery pack without the electrical cord connected thereto.
Further, the plenum employed with the sleep surface systems of
While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. Further, the structural features of any one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined or replaced by any one of the structural features of another embodiment set forth herein. As such, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/401,838, filed Sep. 29, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, the present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/985,380, filed Dec. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/907,781, filed May 31, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,247,831, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/654,678, filed Jun. 1, 2012, the disclosures of which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62401838 | Sep 2016 | US | |
| 61654678 | Jun 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13907781 | May 2013 | US |
| Child | 14985380 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14985380 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Child | 15721611 | US |
