Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Mattress with Adjustable Firmness
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/120,294,
entitled "Mattress with Manually Adjustable Firmness," filed on February 24,
2015 are
herein incorporated by reference. The entire contents of U.S. Provisional
Application
Serial No. 62/254,383, entitled "Mattress with Adjustable Firmness," filed on
November
12, 2015 are herein incorporated by reference. The entire contents of U.S.
Provisional
Application Serial No. 62/273,764, entitled "Mattress with Adjustable
Firmness," filed on
December 31, 2015 are herein incorporated by reference. The entire contents of
U.S.
Application Serial No. 14/740,832, entitled "Device and Method of Automated
Substrate
Control and Non-Intrusive Subject Monitoring," filed on June 16, 2015 are
herein
incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to beds, and more particularly to adjustable beds.
BACKGROUND
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.
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SUMMARY
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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-
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cell foam material is adhered to an inner fAirface of the air bladder via a
layer of laminate
material. The open-cell foam material is laminated to an inner =face of the
air bladder
at six surfeces 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 adjustable air
layer is
positioned between the support layer and die comfort layer, wherein the
mattress further
includes a cover enclosing the support layer, the &litigable 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
commeted 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 coronnmication with the pressure
sensor for
receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor, wherein the user
detection system is
18 configured to detect presence of a person on a entice of the mattres 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 suffice 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 seneing
pressure changes
WIND. the pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication with the
pressure
sensor for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The pees=
sensing
chamber is substantially hermetically sealed nom 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
es corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical met The
pressure sensing
chamber is positioned external to the air bladder and the pressure sensing
chamber has
substentiallY the same length and width as that of the air bladder. The
mattress thither
comprising a Beam border and a fabric cover substantially surrounding and
en0103111g the
one or more layers of foam material. the adjustable air layer, and the foam
border,
= =
20 wherein the one or more layers offoam material is adhered to the kam
border, wherein
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the operKell 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 er more layers of foam material. The valve
system
includes a valve that is aataable 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 die 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 wettable between the open position and the closed
position by user
manipulation. The valve is actuable between the open position end the closed
position by
an electronic controller. An assembly comprising the mattress, wherein the
mattress is
folded upon tier 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 Aram
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
blasting 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 float the controller to control air
pressure in the air
bladder. The controller includes a processor and a computer memory. The
smallness is
configured to inflate the adjustable sir layer via force exerted by the open-
cell foam
__ matetial on the air bladder and to deflate the adjustable air layer via
weight of the user
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laying on the mattress, and wherein the mattress does not include a blower
connected to
the air bladder or valve system. The conhuller is configured to regulate the
air bladder
between a first immure 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 afoot 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 anotber anima:nem, a method is pezformed 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, theta
first
delay, closing the valve. The method farther includes detecting bed exit The
method
further includes opening the valve. The method further includes, after a
second delay.
IC closing the valve such that the bed expands during the second delay.
Implementations can include any, all, or none of the followhm features. The
first
delay to compress the bed is based on training data set by ruser. 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 ptsiodically 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 (*Mt 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
QM
define a recess positioned proximate the outlet of the air bladder.
Implementations can
optionally include one or more layer of foam material positioned adjacent an
omer
surface of the adjustable air layer and a valve system ftnidically connected
to the air
bladder via th'è outlet =
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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 atmosphesic pressure, and a fitting element having one
or more
6 spacers to space the fitting eleso.ent and the outlet from the open-cell
foam materiaL
Implemented= can optionally include one or more layer of foam material
positioned
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
to air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell foam matesial 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 pressule, 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 team
material.
In another esnbodbnont, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer
including an
air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell foam material positioned inside the
air ',bidder
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 positiooed 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 ;seance of a subject on the substrate; in
se response to detection of the presence of the subject, setting the
fitumess of the substrate
to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure; in response to
receiving a request
to modify the finmiess of the subsnate from the base firmness to a requested
firmness,
setting the firmness of the substrate to the requested fhmmess; detecting
absence of the
subject on the aubetrate; and in response to detection of the absence of the
subject,
restoring the finnness of the substrate frau the requested firmness to the
base fimmess.
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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
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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
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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.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air bed system of FIG. 1 including a
mattress
and a base.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the air bed system of FIG. 1, with a cover of
the
mattress partially removed.
FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the chamber of the bed system of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4 is a partial view of a portion of the mattress with the cover removed.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a pressure sensor and a fluid passage for
use in
the air bed system.
FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a valve for use in the air bed
system.
FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the valve of FIG. 6, showing a valve
stem, a valve disc, a biasing member, and a support.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly including a package
that
contains the mattress.
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FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging
assembly of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of an alternative embodiment of the mattress
of
FIG. 2.
FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of another alternative embodiment of the
mattress
of FIG. 2.
FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of another alternative embodiment of the
mattress of FIG. 2.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an electronic control unit that may be used
with
the air bed system.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example process that may be performed by the
electronic control unit.
FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an example air bed
system.
FIG. 16 is a top view of an end portion of one embodiment of an air bladder,
including foam material.
FIG. 17 is a perspective partial sectional view of the air bladder and the
foam
material of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an example air bed
system.
FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of one embodiment of an air bladder with foam
material positioned therein.
FIG. 20 is a top view of an end of the air bladder with the foam material of
FIG.
19.
FIG. 21 is a side view of a fitting element having spacers.
FIG. 22 is a diagram of a computing and communications system in accordance
with implementations of this disclosure.
FIG. 23 is a diagram of an example computing and communication device in
accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
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FIG. 24 is a schematic of a substrate in a collapsed condition in accordance
with
implementations of this disclosure.
FIG. 25 is a schematic of the substrate of FIG. 24 in transition from the
collapsed
condition to an expanded condition in accordance with implementations of this
disclosure.
FIG. 26 is a side view of the substrate of FIG. 25 in the expanded condition
in the
process of achieving a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure in
accordance
with implementations of this disclosure.
FIG. 27 is a side view of the substrate of FIG. 26 in a use condition in the
process
of achieving a requested firmness in accordance with implementations of this
disclosure.
FIG. 28 is a representative system architecture for monitoring the presence of
a
subject in accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart detailing an example process of automatic firmness
control
in accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system 10 that includes a bed 12. The bed 12
includes at least one air bladder 14 surrounded by a resilient border 16 and
encapsulated
by a cover 18, such as bed ticking. The resilient border 16 can include edge
bolsters and
may comprise any suitable material, such as foam. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
the bed 12
can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a
first air
bladder 14A and a second air bladder 14B. Air bladders 14A and 14B are air
bladders
that can be inflatable by a user to increase or decrease the pressure as
further described
below. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air bladder 14A or 14B may
cause a
corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air bladder.
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,
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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.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air bed system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the
bed 12 includes a mattress 20 and a base 22. The mattress 20 is positioned on
and
supported by the base 22. A valve 24 is connected to the mattress 20. The
valve 24 is
fluidically connected to the air bladder 14A (shown in FIG. 1). In some
embodiments,
the valve 24 can be a manually actuated valve for adjusting pressure in the
air bladder
14A. In those embodiments when the valve 24 is a manually actuated valve, the
valve 24
can be a mechanical valve, an electronic valve, or can be a valve that
includes a
combination of mechanical and electronic components. The valve 24 can include
an
actuator 25 for adjusting pressure in the air bladder 14A. In some
embodiments, actuator
can be a knob, switch, button, or other actuator configured to selectively
actuate the
20 valve 24. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be an automatic valve,
which can
automatically open and close without manual actuation. For example, the valve
24 can
automatically open and close at certain pressures and/or at certain times.
Embodiments
and examples described herein with respect to manual valves are also
contemplated as
including automatic valves where suitable for the application. For example,
deflation and
25 re-inflation of the bladder can be performed by a manual version of the
valve 24 or an
automatic version of the valve 24. In some implementations manual and
automatic
control valves may be interchangeable. This may allow, for example, the use of
a manual
valve with no electrically powered components for use in areas without
electricity service
(e.g. while camping, in disaster relief areas, or areas with unstable or no
electric power
grid service). This may also allow the sale of a bed system 100 with a
comparatively
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pensive manual valve and an optional later sale of a comparatively more
expensive
automatic version of the valve 24.
In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a closed position
which the valve 24 is substantially sealed and an open position in which the
valve 24 is
s substantially op. When the actuator 25 and the valve 24 are in the closed
position, the
air bladder 14A can be substantially sealed. Amer can adjust finnness of the
mattress 20
by opening the valve 24 and allowing air to flow in or out of the air bladder
14A. The
user can came the mattress 20 to be softer by laying on the mathess 20 and
opening the
valve 24, thus letting air out of the air bladder 14A. When mattress 20 has a
desired
firmness, the user can then dose the valve 24 to seal the air bladder 14A. The
mattress
can then retain that Stumm (or softness) until air is again allowed to flow
into or out
of the air bladder I4A. 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 Slows
15 through the valve 24 into the air bladder 14A under atmospheric
pressure.
In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be adorned between multiple pressure
settings, rn 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
ofpressme
20 settings, such as pressure settings 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or pressure
settings finn, 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
flmi setting) whereby the valve 24 prevents or reduces air flow through the
valve 24
when pressure in the air bladder I4A is below the first pressure threshold and
allows air
flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the Mr bladder 141 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 tbreshold and allows air flow through the valve 24 when
pressure in, the
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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.
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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 FIG. 1) or another suitable portion of
the mattress 20.
In some such embodiments, the dongle 27 can be omitted and the controller 30
can be
powered by connecting to an electrical power outlet. The cavity 37 can include
a flap
that allows access to the controller 30 for inserting and/or removing the
controller 30.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the air bed system 10, with the cover 18 of
the
mattress 20 partially removed. Under the cover 18, the mattress 20 includes a
support
layer 40, an adjustable air layer 42 (which includes the air bladders 14A and
14B) above
the support layer 40, a comfort layer 44 above the adjustable air layer 42,
and a comfort
layer 46 above the comfort layer 44. The support layer 40 can include a foam
suitable for
supporting the adjustable air layer 42. The comfort layers 44 and 46 can
include layers of
foam suitable for providing a comfortable resting surface for the user between
the
adjustable air layer 42 and the cover 18. For example, one of the comfort
layers 44 and
46 can be a layer of memory foam (such as low-resilience polyurethane foam)
and the
other can be a layer of other foam suitable for the application. In some
embodiments, the
adjustable air layer 42 can be adhered to one or both of the support layer 40
and the
comfort layer 44. In some embodiments, the cover 18 can be adhered to one or
more of
the support layer 40, the comfort layer 44, and the comfort layer 46. Adhering
the cover
to one or more of the support layer 40, the comfort layer 44, and the comfort
layer 46 can
increase structural rigidity. In embodiments having resilient borders 16, the
comfort layer
46 can be adhered to the resilient borders 16. In some embodiments, materials
adhered
can be adhered via one or more layers of laminate adhesive material. In some
embodiments, the mattress 20 can have more or fewer layers than as shown in
FIG. 3A.
In some embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 can run substantially the
full length of
the mattress 20 from a head to a foot of the mattress. In other embodiments,
the
adjustable air layer 42 can run less than the full length of the mattress 20.
For example,
the adjustable air layer 42 can be positioned in a torso section of the
mattress 20
configured to support shoulders, abdomen, and hips of a user with no
adjustable air layer
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42 under lower leg and foot sections of the mattress 20. In some of such
embodiments,
lower legs and feet can be supported by foam but not by the adjustable air
layer 42.
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
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suitable to bias the air bladder I4A to an inflated position when the open-
cell foam
material 48 is exposed to atmospheric pressme.
FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the air bladder 14A and the open-cell
foam material 48. In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can have a space,
such as a
. S gap 47, between an inner surface of the air bladder 14A and an
outer surface of the open-
cell foam material 48. For example, the gap 47 can extend substantially around
all sides
of the open-cell foam material, and in some embodiments, can be less than
about 025
inches across. Thais, the gap 47 can be relatively small such that the inner
surface of the
air bladder 14A is relatively close to the outer surface of the open-cell foam
material 48.
The open-cell foam material 48 can substantially fill the air bladder MA.
In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminate' d 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 he
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 surikee 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 open-cell foam Material 48 is laminated to an liner 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 loan) =Assisi 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. T .snainatine the open-cell foam material 48 to the inner
surface of the air
bladder 14A Can help maintain and= 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 farmed with a seam along one, several.
or all of
its comer edges 51. Having a seam can ailow for a tight edge seat In some
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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.
FIG. 4 is a partial view of a portion of the mattress 20 with the cover 18
removed.
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the support layer 40, the adjustable air
layer 42, the
comfort layers 44 and 46. A fluid passage 50 fluidically connects the valve 24
(shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3) to an edge 52 of the air bladder 14A at a head of the bed 12
(shown in
FIGS. 1-3). In some embodiments, the fluid passage 50 can connect to the edge
52 of the
air bladder 14A at a foot or a side of the bed 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the fluid
passage 50 is a fluid hose extending from a head of the bed 12 and can be
tucked under
the mattress 20 such that the valve 24 can be positioned at a side of bed 12.
In other
embodiments, the length and configuration of the fluid passage 50 can be
modified as
appropriate.
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 FIGS. 2 and 3)
is
connected in communication with the pressure sensor 54 for receiving pressure
signals
from the pressure sensor 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure
sensor 54 is
electrically connected to the controller 30 via the cable 28. In other
embodiments, the
pressure sensor 54 can be connected in wireless communication with the
controller 30.
In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be integrated with the
controller 30. In
some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can be integrated with the dongle 27
(shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the pressure sensor 54 and the dongle 27 can be
integrated
in a common housing sharing the controller 30, which can all be positioned
inside or
exterior of the cover 18 (shown in FIGS. 1-3) of the mattress 20. In some
embodiments
the pressure sensor 54 can be integrated with a sensing module that is
connected or
configured differently than the dongle 27.
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
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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.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the pressure sensor 54 connected to the
fluid
passage 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid passage 50 includes a connector 60
at one end
and the valve 24 at an opposite end. In some embodiments, the air bed system
10 (shown
in FIG. 1) can be upgradable, by removing the valve 24 and replacing it with
an
electrically powered air pump system that is connectable to the air bladder
14A (shown in
FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) to inflate and deflate the air bladder 14A.
FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the valve 24. As shown in FIG. 6,
the
valve 24 is partially disassembled, with the actuator 25 being unthreaded from
a valve
housing 62. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be a knob with threads 64
on a
surface of the knob. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the threads 64
are on an
outer surface of the actuator 25. The valve housing 62 can include threads 66
on a
surface of the valve housing 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the threads 66
are on an
inner surface of the valve housing 62. The actuator 25 can threadedly engage
with the
valve housing 62 such that the threads 64 are engaged with the threads 66. The
actuator
25 is engaged with the valve housing 62 such that rotation of the actuator 25
circumferentially about a centerline axis CL of the valve housing 62 can cause
a
24
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corresponding movement of the actuator 25 in an axial direction with respect
to the
centerline axis CL. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured
differently than
as illustrated. For example, the valve 24 can be modified such that the
threads 64 and 66
are positioned on an inner surface of the actuator 25 and an outer surface of
the valve
housing 62.
The valve 24 can include a connector 68 for fluidically connecting the valve
24 to
the air bladder 14A (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4), such as connecting to the
fluid passage
58 (shown in FIG. 4). The connector 68 can be connected to the valve housing
62, and
can include an inlet 70 to the valve housing 62. The valve housing 62 can also
include an
outlet 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 70 is aligned with the
centerline axis
CL of the valve housing 62 and the outlet 72 is positioned radially outward
from the
centerline axis CL. The outlet 72 is positioned between the inlet 70 and the
actuator 25.
In some embodiments, the inlet 70 and the outlet 72 can be positioned and
configured
differently than as illustrated. Air can flow from the inlet 70 through the
valve housing
62 to and through the outlet 72.
FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the valve 24, showing a valve stem
74, a
valve disc 76, a biasing member 78, and a support 80. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
support 80 is an annular support extending from an inner surface of the
actuator 25. The
support 80 can divide an inner cavity of the actuator 25 into first and second
chambers 82
and 84. The support 80 defines a hole 86 aligned with the centerline axis CL.
The valve
stem 74 extends through the hole 86 of the support 80 and is supported
radially by the
support 80 such that the valve stem 74 is axially slidable and rotatable about
the
centerline axis CL. The valve disc 76 is positioned at an end of valve stem
74. In some
embodiments, the valve disc 76 can be a ball. In some embodiments, the valve
disc 76
can be a poppet. The biasing member 78 extends from the valve disc 76 to the
support
80. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 78 is a spring in
compression
between the valve disc 76 and the support 80. In other embodiments, the
biasing member
80 can be positioned and/or configured differently than as illustrated so long
as it is
suitable for biasing the valve disc 76 to a closed position.
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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 FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) exceeds a threshold, pressure forces
the valve
disc 76 to the open position, allowing air to flow past the valve disc 76 and
out one or
more of the outlets 72.
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
FIGS. 8 and 9.
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.
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FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly 100 including a
package
102 that contains the mattress 20. The package 102 can be configured to
compress and
retain the mattress 20 such that each of the support layer 40, the comfort
layers 44 and
46, and the adjustable air layer 42 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) are compressed.
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
FIGS. 2, 3, and 5-7) can act as a pressure-relief valve so as to allow air to
be expelled
from the air bladder 14A (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) while the mattress 20 is
being
compressed. Thus, the valve 24 can help facilitate the mattress 20 being
conveniently
and reliably compressible for shipping in a relatively small packaging
assembly 100.
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.
27
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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.
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly 110 including a
package
112 that contains the mattress 20. The packaging assembly 110 can be similar
to the
packaging assembly 100 (shown in FIG. 8) except that the packaging assembly
110
includes the mattress 20 folded upon itself in a helical or spiral shape. As
shown in FIG.
9, the mattress 20 is compressed in a helical roll inside a vacuum-sealed bag
114, which
is inside a box 116. In some embodiments, the package 112 can have a combined
length
and girth of about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The package 112
can have
a size and shape configured to be shippable by a standard parcel service, such
as via UPS.
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.
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FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a mattress 120, which is an alternative
embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2-4, 8, and 9). The mattress 120
can be
similar to the mattress 20, except the mattress 120 includes an air bladder
122 in addition
to the air bladder 14A. The air bladder 122 can be a dedicated pressure
sensing chamber,
substantially fluidically isolated from the air bladder 14A. The air bladder
14A can be a
dedicated comfort chamber.
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.
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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 FIG. 10, the mattress 120 is a single sized
mattress, with the air bladder 14A extending substantially a full length of
the mattress
120 from the head 128 to the foot 130, and extending substantially a full
width of the
mattress 120 from side to side. In some embodiments, the mattress 120 can be a
larger
mattress, such as a double, queen, or king sized mattress, and can include
one, two, or
more comfort chambers as well as one, two, or more dedicated pressure sensing
chambers.
The air bladder 14A can include the open-cell foam material 48 (shown in FIG.
3A) positioned inside the air bladder 14A 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 positioned inside both
the air
bladder 14A and the air bladder 122, substantially filling both air bladders
14A and 122.
In other embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be positioned inside
the air
bladder 14A around the air bladder 122, but not positioned inside the air
bladder 122.
FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a mattress 150, which is an alternative
embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2-4, 8, and 9) and the mattress
120
(shown in FIG. 10). The mattress 150 can be similar to the mattress 120,
except the
mattress 150 includes an air bladder 152 that is longer in a longitudinal
direction from the
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head 128 to the foot 130, and starrower in a direction from side-to-side of
the mattress
150. The air bladder 152 can be sized and shaped to correspond to both a chest
154 and
abdomen 156 of the user 126. The air bladder 152 can be positiound inside the
air
bladder 14A and be substantially hermetically sealed feem the air bladder 14A.
In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 541* positioned interior of
the
mattress 150, proximate the foot 130 of the nzattreas 150. tly positioning the
prosure
sensor 54 neat the foot 130 of the mattress 150, the pressure sensor 54 can be
positioned
iaterior of the mattress 150 at a location that is less likely to negatively
affect comfott 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 &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 150. In some of such embodiments, the user's
lower legs =
IS 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.
FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a mattess 160, which is an alternative
embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2.4, 8, and 9) the mattress 120
(shown in
zo FIG. 10), and the mattress 150 (shown in FIG. 11). The mattress 160 can
be similar to
the mattresses 120 and 150, except the mattress 160 includes OM air bladder
162, which
can be a dedicated pressure sensing chamber that is fluidieally connected to
the pressure
sensor 34 and that is substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder
14A.
= In some embodiments, the air bladder 162 can be positioned outside of the
air
25 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 none length as the air bladder 14A. A top =thee 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
30 __ respiration and heart beats, on the mattress 160 can be tranemitted as
vibration aud
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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 FIGS. 3-4). In some embodiments, the mattress
160 can
include one or more comfort layers, such as the comfort layer 46, above the
air bladder
14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 160 is a relatively low
profile mattress,
with a single comfort layer 46 positioned above and adhered to the air bladder
14A,
which is positioned above and adhered to the air bladder 162, which functions
as the
support layer for the mattress 160. The mattress 160 can include one or more
additional
layers (not shown) and still remain a low-profile mattress so long as such
additional
layers are suitably thin. In other embodiments, the mattress 160 can be a high-
profile
mattress with relatively thick layers.
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.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an electronic control unit that may be used
with
the air bed system. As previously described, a user may manually actuate a
valve 24 in
order to adjusting pressure in the air bladder 14A. In addition to, or in the
alternative to
the valve 24 being manually actuated, an electronic control unit may be used
to actuate a
valve, such as a solenoid valve, in order to adjust pressure in the air
bladder 14A. In
some examples, the functionality described here may be incorporated into the
controller
30, and in some examples, some or all of the functionality may be incorporated
into one
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or more other enclosures. For clarity of description, the functionality will
be described as
incorporated into a controller 31 actuating solenoid valves 1302 and 1304. The
controller
31 may, for example, replace or supplement the controller 30, and the solenoid
valves
1302 and 1304 may, for example, replace or supplement the valve 24. Each of
the
S solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can include a solenoid that drives a valve
to open and
close to control air flow in a =miler simiktr to that &Seamd above with
respect to valve
24. To some embodimenbi, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can also replace
the valve
26. In some embodiments, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can. Ivo* in
conjunction
with the valve 26.
to The controller 31 can include a processing unit 1306, a. computer
memory 1308,
solenoid COutrollers 1310 and 1312, and a sleep evert board 1314. These
components
may be enclosed in an enclosure 1316, and powered by a power supply 1318. Each
of
these Components may be Interoo=ected using various buses, and several of the
components may be mounted on common circuit boards or in other manners as
15 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 processor 1306 may be
implemented as a chipset of chips that include nmlliple analog and digital
processors.
20 The proceesor 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.
26 The meaxey 1308 may ioelude, for example, flash memory and/or
NVRAMmemcny
(non-volatile random access memory). In some implementations, a computer
program
product may be 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
______________ 30 __ controller 1310 and 1312 cant receive a control message
(e.g., from the processing unit
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- 1306) to open or close their associated solenoid, and the solenoid
controllers 1310 and/or
1312 can actuate their corresponding solenoids to the requested slate (e.g..
open or
ekned).
Solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 are controllable devices that are capable of
opening or closing the bladders 14Aand 14a, respecxively, to the atmosphere.
Foc
example, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 may each include a coil -wend into
a helix
shape to act as an electromechanical solertoid 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
it, kind of controllable valve or switch may be used to selectively expose
the air bladders
14A and 1413 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 Wadding the sleep metrics on the sleep expert
board
. 15 1314 can free up the other resources ofthe controller 31 while
the metrics are being
calculated- Additionally andfor alternatively, the sleep metrics can be
anbject to five=
revisions. To update the controller 31 with the new sleep metrics, it is
posale 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 perforni
unit testing
20 of additional components instead ofjust the deep expert board 1314.
&donne 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 130S, the solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and
the sleep
expert board 1314 are mounted securely and protected from the outside
envinmment
25 (e.g., particulate, heat, static electricity, etc.) Further, the
enclosure 1316 may be
conllgured BO that wired communication hardware OA connect the enclosed
COMPOIIUMS
to other components. For example, the cable 28 may terminate it the enclosure
1316, and
the power supply may be permanently or removable coupled to the enclosure
1316.
Power Supply 1313 may supply the controller 31 with the electricity needed to
so operateihe controller 31. The power supply 1318 may include a power
source (e.g., a
34 =
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battery pack, wall cutlet 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 on control valves such as the solenoid
6 valves 1302 and 1304 to control sir pressure in the air bladder 14A ia
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, inchirling 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 &action 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 embedimeate, the controller 31
can control
the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 automatically (for example, as a function of
sensed
is pressure and/or time) riot 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 servers1, such as a local server or nreruote cloud-
based waiver.
For example, the controller 31 can commintieette through a wireless connection
(such as a
Bluetooth to a smart phone or other mobile computing device at through a /M-Fl
notated) to the cloud-batted server for storing data sensed ancVor otherwise
gathered by
the controller 3L .
P10.14 is a flowchart of an example process 1400 that may be performed by the
=
COntroilar 31. For clarity, the process 1400 will be decorated with refuel= to
the bed
system 10 using the controller 31. However. the same or a similar process may
be =
= performed by other systems and/or devices.
The process 1400 begins 1402 with the bed system 10 empty, substantially
ililly
inflated, and with the solenoids closed. For example. the bed system 10 may be
unoccupied over the coarse of the daytime while the user or users that sleep
on the bed
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are awake. The bed system 10 may undergo some diagnostic, maintenance, or
other
activity while unoccupied. For example, changes in temperature, atmospheric
prmsure,
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
5 solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to open and shut periodically. This can
cause the air
bladders 14 to be periodically exposed to atmostihere 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 lame Increase in pressure
in an air
le bladder 14A or 14B over a short period Of time. For example, the
controller 31 may
compare the pressure reading ins 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 reeding 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
148. 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 tISCC IS
transferred
to both air bladders 14, but mostly to the air bladder 14A below the USU. The
controller
31 may examine these two pram= 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 valve 1102. 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
ao foam material 48 compresses, the air bladder 14A loses vohmie. The
controller 31 can
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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
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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 vet when the user has not called). After
the
detection and optionally the delay, the processing uoft 1306 can send a
control sigual to
s the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller 1310 can cause
the connected
solenoid valve 130210 open;
The bed system 10 can delay 1416 for refresh. For example, with the solenoid
valve 1302 in the open stain 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
to 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 step 1418, the solenoid valve 1302 can be shut. At this
point in the
15 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 14Ato achieve the user's
preferred (or
selected) rtrumtss setting.
In various embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air
bladders
20 14A and 14B according to one, more than one, or all of the ftctors
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
25 when presence is sensed. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can
control pressure in
the air bladders 14A and 1413 according to sensed presence in another manner
suitable for
the application. ,
In some esnbodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air
bladders
14A and 14B according to user pretbrences or odes. In 3UTD.e embodiments, the
controller
30 3 I can control plenum in the air bladders-14A and 14B according to
leamiag techniques.
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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 I4A and I4B
according to
the user's historical actions.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air
bladders
14A and 148 according to the user's analyzed motion. For example, the
controller 31
can sense pressure (Ruch 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
to I 4A and 14B according to the user's biornetrio signals. For example,
the controller 31
can sense breathing, heartrate, and/or another biometrio 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 1413 between
pressures
according to the sensed barometric pressure.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can coffin)! pressure In the air
bladders
14A and 14/3 according to the user's temperature. For example, the controller
31 can
sense tempennure 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
2$ adjust between pressures according to that sensed temperature.
In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure in the air
bladders
14A and 1413 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.
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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.
FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an example air bed
system 1500. The air bed system 1500 can be similar to the air bed system 10
(shown in
FIG. 1) and can include many of the features and functions described above.
For
example, the air bed system can include the air bladders 14A and 14B. In some
embodiments, the air bladders 14A and 14B can contain foam material 1502 that
defines
a recess 1504 (also referred to as a notch or channel). The foam material 1502
can have
features and functions similar to the open cell foam material 48 (described
above) except
for the recess 1504 positioned at a surface of the foam material 48. In some
embodiments, the recess 1504 can be cut out of a block of foam that forms the
foam
material 1502. In some embodiments, the foam material 1502 can be shaped with
the
recess 1504 when the foam material 1502 is formed. In some embodiments, the
foam
material 1502 can be replaced by an alternate material that is breathable and
provides
adjustability to the air bed system 1500.
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
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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 atrangemant 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 embodinients, 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.
FIG. 16 is a top view of an end pretion Of one embodiment of the air bladder
14B,
to including the foam material i52 contained therein. In some
embodiments, the recess
1504 can be shaped as a semi-circle (or one-half of a cylinder) as illustrated
in FIG. 16.
In other embodiments, the recess 1504 can have another shape suitable for
separating an
outlet of the air bladder 14B from a surface of the Bum material 1502. For
example, in
some embodiments thg recess 1504 can have a rectangular shape. in some
embodiments
is the recess 1504 can have a hanis. phaical shape. In some
embodiments the recess 1504
can have a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments the recess 1504 can have a
conical
shape- In some embodiments the recess 1504 can have a fiustoconical shape. In
some
embodiments the recess 1504 can have a cylindrical or tube shape extendlan
tohllimdixtallY into the foam material. In some embodiments the recess 1504
can have a
20 shape eta long and narrow charnel.
no. 17 is a perspective partial sectional view of the air bladder 14B and the
foam
=
material 1302. The foam material 1502 is sectional to illustrate the shape of
one
embodiment of the recess 1504 having a semi-circular shape.
FIG. 17 also shows a fitting 1510 connected to a membrane of the * bladder 14B
26 at an outlet 1512. The fitting 1510 can be a connector that
fluidly connects the air
bladder 14B to the hose 1508 (shown in FIG. 15). As illustrated in. FIG. 17, a
surface
1514 of the foam material 1502 that defines the recess 1504 is spaced from the
outlet
1512 and the fitting 1510 positioned therein.
FIG. ISis a schematic top view of another embodiment of an example air bed
_______ 30 system 1500A. The air bed system 1500A can-be similar to tile
air bed system 1500-
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(shown in FIG. 15) except the air bed system 1500A has a recess 1504A with a
different
shape than that of the recess 1504 (shown in FIG. 15). The recess 1504A can be
a long
and relatively narrow channel extending along some or all of an edge of a foam
material
1502A.
FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of the air bladder 14B with the foam material
1502A positioned therein. FIG. 19 shows the fitting 1510 and the outlet 1512
aligned
with the recess 1504A. In some embodiments, the recess 1504A can be
substantially
vertically centered with respect to the foam material 1502A. In other
embodiments, the
recess 1504A can be positioned near or at a top and/or bottom surface of the
foam
material 1502A. In some of such embodiments, the fitting 1510 and the outlet
1512 can
be aligned with the recess 1504A.
FIG. 20 is a top view of an end of the air bladder 14B with the foam material
1502 therein. In some embodiments, the foam material 1502 can compress in a
way that
allows a membrane of the air bladder 14B to become slack, which can allow the
fitting
1510 to turn. This can result in a portion of the air bladder 14B to become
aligned with
the outlet 1512 and the fitting 1510 and restrict air flow there-through. In
some of such
embodiments, one or more features can be included to create space for air flow
to and
through the outlet 1512.
FIG. 21 is a side view of a fitting element 1516 having spacers 1518. The
spacers
1518 can extend from the fitting element 1516 to space material away from the
fitting
element 1516 to facilitate air flow there-through. In some embodiments, the
fitting
element can have a nipple 1520 or other attachment feature extending from a
base 1522.
The spacers 1518 can extend from the base 1522 in a direction opposite of the
nipple
1520. The fitting element 1516 can define a hole 1524 extending through the
nipple 1520
and the base 1522 for allowing flow of air or another fluid.
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
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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.
s In some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can be a plurality ofprojeclions
Wending 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 away from hole 1524. la some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can take
the
o form of one or more standoffs, ribs, and/or fins.
in some embodiments, the fitting element 1516 with one or more spacers 1518
oan 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.
is In other embodiment& foam material inside the air bladder 14B can be
spaced via
one or more spacers 1518 without recesses 1,504 and 1504A formed in the foam
material.
While the fitting element 1516 is fflustrated 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.
29 In operation, when the air bladder 1413 is under inteceal 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
25 ma terial =panda. This can create a vacuum with a tendency to pull air
into the air
bladder 148. 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
30 __ evetience as ti1C air bed slowly refreshes. In embodiments having one or
mate spacers
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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.
Embodiments of Figures 22-29
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
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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.
FIG. 22 is a diagram of a computing and communications system 100' in
accordance with implementations of this disclosure. The computing and
communications
system 100' can include one or more computing devices 102', one or more access
points
104', and one or more networks 106'. Although shown here as including a single
computing device 102', access point 104', and network 106', the computing and
communications system 100' can include any number of computing and
communication
devices, access points, and networks.
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.
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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
interne
protocol (IP), the real-time transport protocol (RTP) the Hyper Text Transport
Protocol
(HTTP), or a combination thereof
FIG. 23 is a diagram of an exemplary computing and communication device 200'
in accordance with implementations of this disclosure. For example, the
computing
device 102' shown in FIG. 22 can be a computing and communication device 200'
as
shown in FIG. 23. A computing and communication device 200' can include a
communication interface 210', a communication unit 220', a processor 230', a
memory
240', instructions 250', a power source 260', or any combination thereof. As
used
herein, the term "computing device" includes any unit, or combination of
units, capable
of performing any method, or any portion or portions thereof, disclosed
herein.
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.
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Although FIG. 23 shows a single communication unit 220' and a single
communication
interface 210', any number of communication units and any number of
communication
interfaces can be used.
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,
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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 FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the computing and
communication device 200' can include a user interface (UI), which can be any
unit
capable of interfacing with a user, such as a virtual or physical keypad, a
touchpad, a
display, a touch display, a speaker, a microphone, a video camera, a sensor,
or any
combination thereof. The UI can be operatively coupled with the processor, as
shown, or
with any other element of the computing and communication device 200', such as
the
power source 260'. Although shown as a single unit, the UI can include one or
more
physical units. For example, the UI can include an audio interface for
performing audio
communication with a user, and a touch display for performing visual and touch
based
communication with the user.
FIG. 23 shows one exemplary configuration of a computing and communication
device 200' and is not meant to imply limitations with respect to the
embodiments. Other
elements can be used in addition to or in the place of the depicted elements,
and the
computing and communication device 200' can be implemented on a variety of
hardware
48
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platforms and software environments, such as various operating systems.
Although
shown as separate elements, the communication interline 210', the
commtmication Unit
220', the processor 230', the instructions 250', the power source 260', the
memory 240',
the UI, or any combination thereof= be integrated in one or more electronic
units,
circuits, or chips.
FIG. 24 is a schematic of a substrate 300' in a collapsed condition in
acconlanee
=
with implementations of this disclosure. The substrate 300' am include a foam
core 302'
disposed within a fluid bladder 304'. The foam core 302' is shown as
compressed in the
collapsed condition to allow far easy storage and transportation of the
substrate 300'
based on the compact size. In the example of FIG. 24, a band 306' is wrapped
around the
compressed substrate 300' to facilitate keeping the substrate 300' in the
collapsed
condition, though other means of holding the substrate 300' in the collapsed
condition are
also possible.
FIG. 25 is a schematic of the substrate 300' of FIG. 24 in transition from the
collapsed condition to an expanded condition. In FIG. 25, the band 306' has
been
removed from the substrate 300', for example, by a Harry and the foam Carc
302' 'within
the substrate 300' is in process of expanding as the substrate 300' unrolls_
Additionally, a
valve 400' is shown disposed at one edge ofthe substrate 300'. The valve 400'
has an
open position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an interior
ofthe
fluid bladder 304' and the foam core 302' and a closed position blocking fluid
communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder 304'
and the
= foam core 302'. In. other words, when the valve 400' is open, air can
enter and exit the
fluid bladder 304' to facilitate expansion and compression of the foam core
302'.
= Ma 26 is a side view of the substrate 300' of FIG. 25 in the expanded
condition
ze during the process of automatically achkving a base firmness equalized
with atmospheric
pressure. In this example, the substrate 300' Ike been installed OD a frame,
or a
foundation 500', for 113C as a mattress. To achieve base firmness in the
absence of any
subjects or objects on the substrate 300', the valve 400' is set to the open
position.
allowing fluid communication between the atmosphere and the larreios of the
fluid
__ bladder 304' and die foam. COM 302'. The fluid bladder 304' can be sized to
have a
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surface area substantially as large as the surface area of the foundation
500'. For
example, the fluid bladder 304' can have a surface area substantially as large
as a king-
size, queen-size, full, twin, or other sized mattress.
In the example of FIG. 26 where the fluid is air, arrows are shown indicating
the
direction of flow into the open valve 400' with the air expanding the foam
core 302'
within the fluid bladder 304' to a point of equilibrium, that is, to a point
where the
pressure inside the fluid bladder 304' becomes equal to atmospheric pressure.
Achieving
base firmness can include allowing fluid to enter the valve 400' when
atmospheric
pressure is above that present within the fluid bladder 304' or allowing fluid
to exit the
valve 400' when atmospheric pressure is below that present within the fluid
bladder.
Additionally, fixing the base firmness of the fluid bladder 304' can include
closing the
valve 400' once the pressure inside and outside of the fluid bladder 304' has
equalized.
FIG. 27 is a side view of the substrate 300' of FIG. 26 in a use condition
during
the process of achieving a requested firmness. In this example, the use
condition is
indicated based on a subject 600' lying on top of the substrate 300'. The
presence of the
subject 600' can be detected on the substrate 300', for example, by a non-
intrusive
monitoring apparatus. In some embodiments, the non-intrusive monitoring
apparatus can
include one or more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304' and in
communication
with the valve 400'.
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
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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 FIGS. 25-27, the substrate 300' can be
configured to include a pair of valves, one being a pressure-controlled valve
and one
being a single-direction check valve. As the subject 600' puts pressure on the
substrate
300', for example, by entering a bed by lying on a mattress, the check valve
can close and
the pressure-controlled valve can be then engaged to achieve the requested
firmness by
any of the methods described below. When the subject 600' leaves the substrate
300', the
check valve can open automatically to restore the substrate 300' to base
firmness
equalized with ambient pressure.
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 FIG. 22 or the computing and
communication
device 200' shown in FIG. 23, that can be configured to communicate with the
external
device 602' via a wired or wireless communication link. For example, the
monitoring
controller can receive a signal indicating a desired pressure for the fluid
bladder 304' and
can control the valve 400' to open or close to change the pressure in the
fluid bladder
304' to match the desired pressure and achieve the requested firmness.
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'.
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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.
FIG. 28 shows an example of system architecture for monitoring a subject, such
as the subject 600' shown in FIG. 27, using a non-intrusive monitoring
apparatus in
accordance with implementations of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the
non-
intrusive monitoring apparatus may include or be in communication with one or
more
pressure sensors 700'. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors 700'
associated with
the substrate 300' can include pillow pressure sensors and other pressures
sensors to
indicate that additional pressure measurements can be made in association with
the
system for monitoring the position of the subject.
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
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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 FIG. 27
using a communication link 730'. The communication link can be any type of
wired or
wireless communication link such as the communications links 108', 110'
described in
respect to FIG. 22.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart detailing an example process 800' of automatic firmness
control in accordance with implementations of this disclosure. In step 802' of
the process
800', the presence of a subject can be detected on a substrate, such as the
subject 600' on
the substrate 300' as shown in FIG. 27. Detecting the presence of the subject
600' can
include a computing device, such as the monitoring controller or the external
device 602'
described in respect to FIG. 27, receiving an indication indicative of a
pressure increase
within the fluid bladder 304' of the substrate 300'.
For example, one or more sensors, such as the pressure sensor(s) 700'
described
in FIG. 28, can measure incident pressure waves within the fluid bladder 304'.
The
sensors can then send the generated signals to the monitoring controller
and/or external
device 602'. In some embodiments, the presence determination can be based on
the
magnitude of the pressure signals. For example, a smaller object, such as a
cat or a
suitcase, would create pressure signals of lower magnitude than the subject
600' lying on
the substrate 300'. In some embodiments, the monitoring controller or the
external device
602' can determine that a different subject is on the substrate 300'. For
example, the
pressure signals can differ in pattern or magnitude than previously stored
pressure signals
for the subject 600' associated with the substrate 300'.
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
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atmospheric pressure. For example. as described in refetence to FIGS. 26-27,
setthsg the
firmness of the substrate 300' to the base fustiness 'includes setting the
valve 400' to a
closed position as soon as presence of the subject 600' is detected. Since the
valve 400'
was previously open in the absence of the subject 600', the pressure within
the fluid
6 bladder 304' was equalized with atmospheric pressure. Closing the valve
400' sets the
firmness of the substrate 300' at this base firmness.
In step 806' of the process 800', a request can be received to modify the
firmness
of the substrate, for example, to a requested fineness or an identity-spedfic
firmness.
The request can be received from the external device 602' of FIG. 28 through
the
to subject's 600' use of an application on the external device 602'
configured to allow =
control of the firmness of the substrate 300% Alternatively, the request can
be based on
the subject 600' being both identified and present on the substrate 300 as
determined
automatically by the monitoring controller or the external device 602', for
example, in
association with a profile of the subject 600' where an identity-specific
firmness for the
16 substrate 300' is pre-set by the suLdecr 600'.
In step 808' of the process 800', and in response to receiving the request to
mollify the firemen of the substrate, the firmness of the substrate can be
modified to. for
example, the requested firtmess or the identity-specific firmness. For
example, as
described in reference to FIGS. 26-27, setting the fiminess of the substrate
300' to the
20 requested fimmess or the identity.specific firmness includes setting the
valve 400' to the
open Position only for a Predetermined time period. The predetermined this
period is
that sufficient to lower the pressure within the fluid bladder 3E14' and
compress the foam
core 302' to reduce the ftmmess of the substrate 300' to the requested fimmess
or the
identity-specific rumness. In the above examples, the requested firmness and
the ideality-
25 specific f07MIleal are softer than the base firmness, as the substrate
300' does not include
a pump to bvrease pressure within the fluid bladder 304' above atmospheric
pressure.
However, in other embodiments, the substrate can include a pump, sad the
requested
firmness or the identity-specific firmness can be firmer than the base
firmness.
In step 810' of the process 800', the absence of a subject can be detected on
a =
se substrate, as would be the case with the empty substrate 300' shown in
FIG. 26.
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=
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Detecting the absence of the subject 600' can include a computing device, such
as the
monitoring controller or the external device 602' described in zespect to PIG.
27,
receiving an indication indicative of a pressure decrease within the fluid
bladder 304' of
the substrate 300' immediately on the subject 600' exiting the substrate 300'.
The
s pressure decrease can have a magnitude associated with the subject 600'
or can exceed a
threshold sufficient to indicate that the suhject 600' has vacated the
substrate 300'.
In step 812' of the process 800', and in response to detection of the absence
of the
subject, the firmness of the substrate cat be restored to the %ewe firmness.
For example,
as described in reference to FIGS. 26-27, restoring the firmness of the
substrate 300' to
to the base firmness includes setting the valve 444. to the open position
such that the foam
=
core 302' fully expands within the fluid bladder 304' and equilibrium with
atmospheric
pressure is attained within the fluid blruider 304'. In the embodiment where
two valves
are employed, one pressure-controlled valve and one single-direction check
valve,
restoring the firmness of the substrate 300' can occur automatically when the
check valve
15 opens in the absence of the subject 600'. After step 812', the process
800' can end or
repeat by starting again instep 802',
While the embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be the metst practical examples, it is to be tat:stood that the
disclosure is
not to be limited to these examples but. an the COD/I8Xc is intended to cover
various
zo modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and
ecope of the
appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest inbsrpretation so
as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted
under the law.
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