TW201633971A - Mattress with adjustable firmness - Google Patents

Abstract

A mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer including an air bladder, and a valve. The valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to actuation. Some embodiments can include a foam material positioned inside the air bladder.

Description

Mattress with adjustable hardness [Cross-Reference to Related Applications]

The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/120,294, filed on Jan. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/254,383, filed on Jan. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/273,764, filed on Dec. The entire disclosure of U.S. Application Serial No. 14/740,832, filed on Jun.

The present invention relates to beds and, more particularly, to an adjustable bed.

People have become accustomed to using beds of many shapes, sizes and styles. The range of such beds ranges from a very simple design to a rather complex design with a variety of features. Some beds usually contain a mattress, a spring mattress and a bed frame. These bed components can be transported from a factory to a store or home, but are relatively large and cumbersome.

For example, mattresses come in a variety of styles that include a style with an internal spring system or a style with an adjustable airbag. These mattresses are usually transported by large trucks (flat or raised). In any case, these mattresses are quite large and cumbersome, which usually require Dedicated delivery service. This would increase the cost and complexity of transporting a mattress from a factory to a retail store and ultimately to a customer's home.

Some embodiments of a mattress and related assemblies may include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include a mattress having an inflatable bladder that can be inflated to a desired pressure without the use of a pump or blower. The mattress can include an apertured foam material positioned within the balloon and configured to bias the balloon to an inflated position. The open cell foam material can be laminated to the balloon to maintain shape and improve the function of the open cell foam material because the open cell foam material is associated with the balloon. A user can selectively set the desired hardness of one of the mattresses by actuating an electronic or mechanical valve. A controller can remember the selected hardness setting of the user and automatically adjust the hardness of the mattress to the selected hardness setting of the user. A user sensing system that senses the presence of a user, heartbeat, breathing, exercise, or the like can be included in the mattress. The mattress, which includes the balloon and the foam material within the balloon, can be compressed for transport in a standard shipping case. Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features.

In general, one of the innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a mattress comprising a support layer, a pad layer and an adjustable air layer. The support layer may comprise a first foam material and the mat layer may comprise a second foam material. The adjustable air layer can be positioned between the support layer and the backing layer and can include an air bag and an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag. The open cell foam material can be configured to bias the bladder to an inflated position when the open cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure. A manually actuated valve is fluidly connectable to the bladder and configured to adjust the pressure of the bladder in response to manual actuation. A user detection system is operatively coupled to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a mattress.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features Sign. The user detection system includes: a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the air bag to sense a change in pressure within the air bag; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor from the pressure sensor Receive pressure signal. The user detection system is configured to detect that a person is present on a surface of the mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. A fluid passage fluidly connects the manually actuated valve to the air bag. The pressure sensor is positioned to substantially surround and enclose the support layer, the pad layer and one of the adjustable air layers, and the controller is positioned in one of the adapters disposed outside the sleeve And the controller is electrically connected to the pressure sensor via a cable. The user detection system is configured to detect a change in pressure attributed to one of the user's physiological indicators selected from a group consisting of heartbeat and breathing. The user detection system includes: a pressure sensing chamber; a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing chamber to sense a pressure change in the pressure sensing chamber; and a controller coupled to the pressure The sensor communicates to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed by the bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned within the balloon. The pressure sensing chamber is spaced apart from both the head and the foot of the mattress, the pressure sensing chamber being located closer to the head than to the foot corresponding to one of the typical users of the heart and lungs One location at a mattress location. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned outside of the balloon. The pressure sensing chamber has a length and width that are substantially the same as the length and width of the balloon. a cover sleeve substantially encircling and enclosing the support layer, the pad layer and the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air layer is adhered to the support layer and the pad layer, the open-cell foam material at least The top surface and the bottom surface of the open-cell foam material are adhered to the air bag, and the cloth cover is adhered to at least one of the pad layer and the support layer. The manually actuated valve is manually actuatable to allow airflow through the manually actuated valve between an open position of the bladder and a substantially closed position of the bladder. The mattress is configured such that when a person rests on the surface of one of the mattresses and the manually actuated valve is in the open position, the air is forced to exit the air bag, and the weight placed on the mattress is light or absent When the weight rests on the mattress and the manually actuated valve is in the open position, air is drawn into the airbag and when a person rests on the surface of one of the mattresses and the manual The air bag is substantially sealed when the actuating valve is in the closed position. The manually actuated valve is actuatable to set a variable pressure valve of a pressure threshold, the manually actuated valve preventing airflow through the manual when the pressure in the bladder is below the pressure threshold The valve is actuated, and when the pressure in the bladder is above the pressure threshold, the manually actuated valve allows airflow from the bladder to pass the manually actuated valve. The manually actuated valve includes a disk, a biasing member and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disk toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is Adjustments are made to selectively increase and decrease the biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disk. The disc includes a ball, wherein the biasing member includes a spring, and wherein the adjuster includes a threaded dial. An assembly comprising: the mattress itself folded into a transportable position to reduce one dimension of the mattress in at least one direction; and a package configured to compress and retain the mattress such that Each of the support layer, the pad layer, and the adjustable air layer is compressed. The assembly having the mattress is folded into a spiral reel. The assembly having the mattress is alternately folded via a plurality of pleats. The assembly having the package includes a vacuum sealed pouch that surrounds and compresses one of the mattresses. The assembly having the package comprises a cardboard box having one of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less of combined length and circumference to enclose the vacuum sealed bag and the mattress. The package has a combined length and perimeter of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less.

In another embodiment, an assembly can include a mattress and a package. The mattress may comprise: one or more layers of foam material; and an adjustable air layer comprising an air bag. The adjustable air layer can be configured to bias to an inflated position when the bladder is exposed to atmospheric pressure. A manually actuated valve is fluidly connectable to the bladder and configured to adjust the pressure of the bladder in response to manual actuation. The package compresses and holds the mattress such that the one or more layers of foam and the layer of conditioned air are compressed. When the airbag is in a substantially deflated position, the mattress itself can be folded or rolled into a transportable position.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. The adjustable air layer includes an open cell foam material positioned within the air bag and The configuration is configured to bias the bladder to the inflated position. The mattress is folded into a spiral reel. Alternatively, the mattress is alternately folded via a plurality of pleats. The package includes a vacuum sealed pouch that surrounds and compresses one of the mattresses. The package further includes a cardboard box having one of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less combined length and circumference to enclose the vacuum sealed bag and the mattress. The package has a combined length and perimeter of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less. The mattress includes a user detection system having: a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the air bag to sense a change in pressure within the air bag; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor A pressure signal is received from the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect that a person is present 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 a change in pressure attributed to one of the user's physiological indicators selected from a group consisting of heartbeat and breathing. The user detection system includes: a pressure sensing chamber; a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing chamber to sense a pressure change in the pressure sensing chamber; and a controller coupled to the pressure The sensor communicates to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed by the bladder. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned within the balloon. The pressure sensing chamber is spaced apart from both the head and the foot of the mattress, the pressure sensing chamber being located closer to the head than to the foot corresponding to one of the typical users of the heart and lungs One location at a mattress location. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned outside of the balloon and below the balloon. The pressure sensing chamber has a length and width that are substantially the same as the length and width of the balloon. a cover substantially encircling and enclosing the one or more layers of foam material and the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air layer being adhered to the one or more layers of foam material and the cover being adhered to the adjustable air layer Or at least one of the one or more layers of foam material. The manually actuated valve is manually actuatable to allow airflow through the manually actuated valve to enter between an open position of the bladder and a substantially closed position of the bladder. The mattress is configured such that when a person rests on a surface of the mattress and the manually actuated valve is in the open position, air is forced to exit the balloon, wherein the weight placed on the mattress is light or No weight resting on the mattress and the manually actuated valve In the open position, air is drawn into the air bag, and wherein the air bag is substantially sealed when a person rests on the surface of one of the mattresses and the manually actuated valve is in the closed position. The manually actuated valve is actuatable to set a variable pressure valve of a pressure threshold, wherein the manually actuated valve blocks airflow through the manual when the pressure in the bladder is below the pressure threshold The valve is actuated, and wherein the manually actuated valve allows airflow from the air bag to pass the manually actuated valve when the pressure in the air bag is above the pressure threshold. The manually actuated valve includes a disk, a biasing member and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disk toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is Adjustments are made to selectively increase and decrease the biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disk. The disc includes a ball, the biasing member includes a spring, and the adjuster includes a threaded dial.

In another embodiment, a mattress may include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer, and a user detection system. The adjustable air layer can include an airbag that is sized to support one of the users lying on the mattress. The user detection system is operatively coupled 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 fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing chamber to sense a pressure change in the pressure sensing chamber; and a controller associated with the The pressure sensor communicates to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor.

In another embodiment, a mattress may comprise: one or more layers of foam material; an adjustable air layer comprising a bladder; and a manually actuated valve fluidly coupled to the bladder. The adjustable air layer can be configured to bias to an inflated position when the bladder is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The manually actuated valve can be configured to adjust the pressure of the bladder in response to manual actuation. The manually actuated valve can be a variable pressure valve that can be actuated to set a pressure threshold. The manually actuated valve prevents airflow through the manually actuated valve when the pressure in the bladder is below the pressure threshold. The manually actuated valve may allow airflow from the airbag through the manually actuated valve when the pressure in the airbag is above the pressure threshold.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. The manually actuated valve includes a disk, a biasing member and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disk toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is Adjustments are made to selectively increase and decrease the biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the disk. The disc includes a ball, wherein the biasing member includes a spring, and wherein the adjuster includes a threaded dial. An inlet valve is fluidly coupled to the bladder and configured to allow airflow through the inlet valve to the bladder and to reduce airflow through the inlet valve to exit the bladder. The one or more layers of foam material include an apertured foam material positioned within the bladder and configured to bias the bladder to an inflated position. The manually actuated valve can be actuated between a plurality of discrete pressure settings indicative of the stiffness of the mattress.

In another embodiment, a mattress comprises one or more layers of foam material. The mattress further includes an adjustable air layer positioned adjacent to at least one of the one or more layers of foam material. The adjustable air layer comprises an air bag and an open-cell foam material, the open-cell foam material being positioned in the air bag and configured to cause the air bag to be exposed to atmospheric pressure when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure Bias to an inflated position. The mattress further includes a valve system fluidly coupled to the bladder and configured to adjust the pressure of the bladder.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. The open-cell foam material adheres a top surface of the open-cell foam material to an inner surface of the airbag, and the open-cell foam material adheres a bottom surface of the open-cell foam material to the airbag The inner surface. The open cell foam material is adhered to the inner surface of one of the bladders via a layer of laminate. The open cell foam material is laminated to an inner surface of one of the six surfaces of the open cell foam material including the top, bottom and side surfaces of the open cell foam material. The one or more foam materials include: a support layer including a first foam material; and a mat layer including a second foam material different from the first foam material, Wherein the adjustable air layer is positioned between the support layer and the pad layer, wherein the mattress further comprises enclosing the support layer, the adjustable air layer and the pad layer a cover sleeve, wherein the mattress layer is positioned above the adjustable air layer to support a user. The mattress further includes a user detection system operatively coupled to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a mattress, the user detection system comprising: a pressure sensor Fluidly coupled to the high airbag to sense pressure changes within the airbag; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, wherein the user detection system is configured to A person is detected to be present on one of the surfaces of the mattress by detecting a change in the air pressure at the pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect the presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting the presence of a physiological signal. The user detection system includes: a pressure sensing chamber; a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing chamber to sense a pressure change in the pressure sensing chamber; and a controller coupled to the pressure The sensor communicates to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed by the airbag, and the pressure sensing chamber is positioned in the airbag, and the pressure sensing chamber is separated from both the head and the foot of the mattress. The chamber is located closer to the head than to a position of the foot corresponding to one of the heart and lungs of one of the typical users. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned outside of the bladder and the pressure sensing chamber has a length and width that are substantially the same as the length and width of the bladder. The mattress further includes a foam frame and a cover that substantially surrounds and encloses the one or more layers of the foam material, the adjustable air layer, and the foam frame, wherein the one or more layers of the foam Adhesive material is adhered to the foam frame, wherein the open-cell foam material adheres at least the top surface and the bottom surface of the open-cell foam material to the air bag, and wherein the cloth cover is adhered to the foam frame and the At least one of one or more layers of foam material. The valve system includes a valve actuable to allow airflow through the valve to enter between an open position of the bladder and a substantially closed position of the bladder, wherein the mattress is configured such that when a person is When one of the mattress rests on the surface and the valve is in the open position, forcing air away from the air bag, wherein when the weight placed on the mattress is light or no weight rests on the mattress and the valve is in the When the position is in the open position, air is drawn into the air bag, and wherein when a person rests on the surface of one of the mattresses and the valve is In the closed position, the bladder is substantially sealed. The valve is actuatable between the open position and the closed position by manipulation by a user. The valve is actuatable between the open position and the closed position by an electronic controller. An assembly includes: the mattress, wherein the mattress itself is folded into a transportable position to reduce one dimension of the mattress in at least one direction; and a package configured to compress and hold the bed The mat is such that the bladder, the open cell foam material, and the one or more layers of foam material are compressed. The mattress is folded over a plurality of hinges formed at an elastic section of the material at the bottom surface of one of the covers of the mattress. The package comprises: a vacuum sealed bag that surrounds and compresses the mattress; and a cardboard box having a combined length and circumference of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less to enclose the vacuum sealed bag and the bed pad. The valve system includes a mechanical valve including a disk, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disk toward a closed position that substantially seals the manually actuated valve and wherein the The adjuster includes a threaded dial that is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease one of the biasing forces applied to the disk by the biasing member. The valve system includes a controller and a valve configured to open and close in response to a signal from the controller to control air pressure in the air bag. The controller includes a processor and a computer memory. The mattress is configured to inflate the adjustable air layer via the force exerted on the airbag by the apertured foam material and to cause the adjustable air layer via the weight of a user lying on the mattress Deflating, and wherein the mattress does not include a blower connected to the air bag or the valve system. The controller is configured to adjust the airbag between a first pressure that is substantially equal to one of the ambient air pressures and a second pressure that is set based on a selected hardness setting of a user. The pressure sensing chamber is integrated into the air bag, positioned within the air bag, and spaced apart from both the head and the foot of the mattress, the pressure sensing chamber being located closer to the head than the foot The portion corresponds to a mattress position at one of the heart and lungs of a typical user. The controller further includes a network interface configured to connect to a server.

In another embodiment, a method is performed by a computer processing device. The method includes detecting that the user is present on a bed. The method further includes: responding to the detection The user is present on the bed and opens a valve such that when the valve is opened, the bed is compressed. The method further includes closing the valve after a first delay. The method further includes detecting a bed. The method further includes opening the valve. The method further includes closing the valve after a second delay such that the bed expands during the second delay.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. The first delay in compressing the bed is based on training data set by a user. The valve is actuated by a solenoid. The detection bed entrance contains: an increase in the identification air pressure. Detection of getting out of bed involves: identifying one of the reduced air pressures. The method further includes periodically opening and closing the valve. If the bed is empty, the periodic opening and closing of the valve is performed. Periodic opening and closing normalizes the pressure and atmosphere in the bed.

In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; and an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to The open cell foam material is biased to an inflated position when exposed to atmospheric pressure. The open cell foam material can define a recess positioned adjacent the exit of the balloon. Embodiments may optionally include one or more layers of foam material positioned adjacent one of the outer surfaces of the adjustable air layer and a valve system fluidly coupled to the bladder via the outlet.

In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to The apertured foam material is biased to an inflated position when exposed to atmospheric pressure; and a mating component having one or more spacers for the mating component and the outlet and the open cell foam material Separated. Embodiments may optionally include one or more layers of foam material positioned adjacent one of the outer surfaces of the adjustable air layer and a valve system fluidly coupled to the bladder via the outlet.

In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to The open cell foam material is biased to an aeration when exposed to atmospheric pressure a position; and a member for separating a mating component and the outlet from the open cell foam material. Embodiments may optionally include the member having a recess defined by one of the edges of the open cell foam material.

In another embodiment, a mattress may include an adjustable air layer comprising an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to open The aperture foam material is biased to an inflated position when exposed to atmospheric pressure; and a mating component having one or more spacers to separate the mating component and the outlet from the apertured foam material open. The open cell foam material can define a recess positioned adjacent the exit of the balloon.

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for automatically controlling a substrate in response to a monitored subject.

A method comprising: detecting that a body is present on the substrate; determining a hardness of the substrate to be one of a basic hardness in equilibrium with atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body; responding to receiving the hardness of the substrate Setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness from the request of one of the basic hardness modifications to a requested hardness; detecting that the body is not present on the substrate; and in response to detecting the absence of the body, the substrate is The hardness is restored from the requested hardness to the basic hardness.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. Detecting the presence of the subject includes: receiving an indication that one of the pressure increases. Detecting the absence of the subject includes: receiving an indication that one of the pressure reductions is indicated. A remote device is used by the body to select the requested stiffness. The substrate comprises: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed in the fluid bladder; and a pressure control valve having a fluid communication between the atmosphere and the fluid bladder and an interior of the foam core. An open position and a closed position that blocks fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a check valve having an atmosphere permitting only when the body is not present on the substrate An open position in fluid communication with the fluid bladder and the interior of the foam core. Respond to Detecting the presence of the body and setting the hardness of the substrate to the basic hardness includes setting the pressure control valve to the closed position. Setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness comprises setting the pressure control valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the hardness of the substrate To the requested hardness. Restoring the hardness of the substrate to the substantially hardness comprises: the check valve automatically achieving the open position when the body is not present on the substrate such that the foam core is fully expanded within the fluid bladder.

Another method includes: detecting that a body is present on the substrate; determining a hardness of the substrate to be one of a basic hardness balanced with atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body; detecting the body on the substrate Identifying a feature; setting a hardness of the substrate to a specific recognition hardness in response to detecting the identification feature of the body; detecting that the body is not present on the substrate; and in response to detecting that the body is not present The hardness of the substrate is restored from the specific hardness to the basic hardness.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. Detecting the presence of the subject includes: receiving an indication that one of the pressure increases. Detecting the absence of the subject includes: receiving an indication that one of the pressure reductions is indicated. The particular identification hardness is based on one of the profiles associated with the subject. The substrate comprises: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed in the fluid bladder; and a valve having one of fluid communication between the atmosphere and the fluid bladder and an interior of the foam core The open position and a closed position that blocks fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core. Setting the hardness of the substrate to the base hardness in response to detecting the presence of the body includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting the hardness of the substrate to the specific identification hardness comprises: setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder and reducing the hardness of the substrate to This particular identification hardness. Recovering the hardness of the substrate from the specified identification hardness to the basic hardness comprises setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core is fully expanded within the fluid bladder.

An automatic control substrate comprises: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed in the fluid bladder; one or more sensors, in fluid communication with the fluid bladder; a valve having an atmosphere permitting One of a fluid communication between the fluid bladder and one of the interior of the foam core, an open position and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a processor . The processor is configured to detect that a body is present on the substrate based on signals from the one or more sensors; setting the hardness of the substrate to atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body Balancing a basic hardness; setting a hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness in response to receiving a request to modify the hardness of the substrate from the basic hardness to a requested hardness; detecting that the body is not present on the substrate; And in response to detecting the absence of the body, the hardness of the substrate is restored from the requested hardness to the basic hardness.

Embodiments may include any, all or none of the following features. Setting the hardness of the substrate to the base hardness in response to detecting the presence of the body includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness comprises: setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the hardness of the substrate to the Request hardness. Recovering the hardness of the substrate from the requested hardness to the basic hardness comprises setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core is fully expanded within the fluid bladder.

These and other embodiments may include one or more of the features that will be described below, as appropriate. The specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to implement one of the advantages which will be described below, one of the advantages which will be described below, or the advantages described below.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and drawings. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the <RTIgt;

10‧‧‧ air bed system

12‧‧‧ bed

14A‧‧‧First airbag

14B‧‧‧second airbag

16‧‧‧Flexible border

18‧‧‧ Cover

20‧‧‧ mattress

22‧‧‧ pedestal

24‧‧‧ valve

25‧‧‧Actuator

26‧‧‧Valves

27‧‧‧ Adapter

28‧‧‧ cable

30‧‧‧ Controller

31‧‧‧ Controller

32‧‧‧Shell

34‧‧‧Electrical connector

36‧‧‧Connector

40‧‧‧Support layer

42‧‧‧Adjustable air layer

44‧‧‧ 褥 褥

46‧‧‧ 褥 褥

47‧‧‧ gap

48‧‧‧Opening foam material

49A‧‧‧ laminated adhesive material

49B‧‧‧ laminated adhesive material

50‧‧‧ fluid passage

51‧‧‧ corner of the corner

52‧‧‧ edge

54‧‧‧pressure sensor

56‧‧‧ joints

58‧‧‧ fluid passage

60‧‧‧Connector

62‧‧‧ valve housing

64‧‧‧ thread

66‧‧‧Thread

68‧‧‧Connector

70‧‧‧ entrance

72‧‧‧Export

74‧‧‧ valve stem

76‧‧‧ valve disc

78‧‧‧Variable parts

80‧‧‧Support

82‧‧‧First Room

84‧‧‧ second room

86‧‧‧ hole

88‧‧‧Entry channel

90‧‧‧ channel end

92‧‧‧ surface

100‧‧‧Package assembly

100'‧‧‧ Computing and Communication Systems

102‧‧‧Package

102'‧‧‧ arithmetic device

104‧‧‧Vacuum sealed bag

104'‧‧‧ access point

106‧‧‧ box

106'‧‧‧Network

107‧‧‧Flexible section

108‧‧‧ wrinkles

108'‧‧‧Wired communication link

109‧‧‧Flexible section

110‧‧‧Package assembly

110'‧‧‧Wireless communication link

112‧‧‧Package

114‧‧‧Vacuum sealed bag

116‧‧‧ box

120‧‧‧ mattress

122‧‧‧Airbag

124‧‧‧ fluid passage

126‧‧‧Users

128‧‧‧ head

130‧‧‧foot

132‧‧‧ heart

134‧‧‧Lung

136‧‧‧ hip

138‧‧‧ shoulder

150‧‧‧ mattress

152‧‧‧Airbag

154‧‧‧ chest

156‧‧‧Abdomen

160‧‧‧ mattress

162‧‧‧Airbag

200'‧‧‧ Computing and Communication Devices

210'‧‧‧Communication interface

220'‧‧‧Communication unit

230'‧‧‧ processor

240'‧‧‧ memory

250'‧‧‧ directive

260'‧‧‧Power

270'‧‧‧Wired communication medium/wireless communication medium

300'‧‧‧Substrate

302'‧‧‧Foam core

304'‧‧‧ fluid capsule

306'‧‧‧With

400'‧‧‧ valve

500'‧‧‧Base

600'‧‧‧ subject

602'‧‧‧External device

700'‧‧‧ Pressure Sensor

710'‧‧‧Signal Conditioner

720'‧‧‧Microcontroller

730'‧‧‧Communication link

800'‧‧‧ procedure

802'‧‧‧ steps

804'‧‧‧ steps

806'‧‧‧ steps

808'‧‧‧ steps

810'‧‧‧ steps

812'‧‧‧ steps

1302‧‧‧ solenoid valve

1304‧‧‧ Solenoid valve

1306‧‧‧Processing unit/processor

1308‧‧‧Computer memory

1310‧‧‧ Solenoid Controller

1312‧‧‧ Solenoid Controller

1314‧‧‧Sleep expert board

1316‧‧‧Closed

1318‧‧‧Power supply

1400‧‧‧ procedure

1402‧‧‧Clear the bed system and turn off the solenoid

1404‧‧‧Detecting users in the bed system

1406‧‧‧Open corresponding solenoid valve

1408‧‧‧ Delay to allow airbag compression

1410‧‧‧Close the corresponding solenoid valve

1412‧‧‧Detected to get out of bed

1414‧‧‧Open solenoid valve

1416‧‧‧Delay for renew

1500‧‧‧ air bed system

1500A‧‧‧ air bed system

1502‧‧‧Foam material

1502A‧‧‧Foam material

1504‧‧‧ recess

1504A‧‧‧ recess

1506‧‧‧Hose

1508‧‧‧Hose

1510‧‧‧Accessories

1512‧‧‧Export

1514‧‧‧ surface

1516‧‧‧Matching components

1518‧‧‧ spacers

1520‧‧‧ take over

1522‧‧‧Base

1524‧‧‧ hole

C _L ‧‧‧ center axis

Figure 1 shows an exemplary air bed system.

2 is a perspective view of one of the air bed systems of FIG. 1 including a mattress and a base.

Figure 3A is a perspective view of one of the air bed systems of Figure 1 with one of the covers of the mattress partially removed.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a chamber of the bed system of Figure 3A.

Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a portion of a mattress in which the cover has been removed.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of one of a pressure sensor and a fluid passage in an air bed system.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a valve for use in an air bed system.

Figure 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 6 showing a valve stem, a valve disc, a biasing member and a support member.

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of one of the package assemblies including a package containing a mattress.

Figure 9 is a schematic side elevational view of one of the alternative embodiments of the package assembly of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of one of the alternative embodiments of the mattress of Figure 2.

Figure 11 is a schematic top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the mattress of Figure 2.

Figure 12 is a schematic side elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the mattress of Figure 2.

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of one of the electronic control units that can be used with an air bed system.

Figure 14 is a flow diagram of one of the example programs that can be executed by an electronic control unit.

15 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of an exemplary air bed system.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of one of the end portions of one of the embodiments of the bladder comprising one of the foam materials.

Figure 17 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view showing one of the airbag and the foam material of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of an exemplary air bed system.

Figure 19 is a schematic end view of one embodiment of a bladder having one of the foam materials positioned therein.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of one of the ends of the bladder having the foam material of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a side view of one of the mating elements with a spacer.

Figure 22 is a diagram of one of the computing and communication systems in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

23 is a diagram of an exemplary computing and communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of one of the substrates in a stowed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of the substrate of Figure 24 as it transitions from a stowed state to an unfolded state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 26 is a side elevational view of the substrate of Figure 25 in an expanded state in a procedure for achieving one of the basic hardnesses in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a side elevational view of the substrate of Figure 26 in a state of use in a process for achieving a desired hardness in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

28 is a representative system architecture for monitoring the presence of a subject in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is a flow chart detailing an exemplary procedure for automatic hardness control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The same reference element symbols in the various drawings indicate the same elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary air bed system 10 including a bed 12. The bed 12 includes at least one bladder 14 surrounded by a resilient bezel 16 and encased by a cover 18, such as a mattress. The elastic bezel 16 can comprise an edge cushion and can comprise any suitable material, such as a foam. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bed 12 can be a two-chamber design having a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, such as a first bladder 14A and a second bladder 14B. Balloons 14A and 14B are balloons that can be inflated by a user to increase or decrease pressure, as will be further described below. Adjusting the pressure within the selected bladder 14A or 14B can cause a corresponding adjustment in the hardness of the respective bladder.

In some embodiments, the resilient bezel 16 can be omitted and the first and second bladders 14A, 14B can extend substantially to the edge of the bed 12. While portions of the following embodiments have been illustrated as inelastic bezel 16, it will be appreciated that a resilient bezel 16 suitable for the application can be included.

In various embodiments, the pressure in the bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted via a manual system and/or an automated system under computer control. In some embodiments, the pressure in the bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by an electric pump or blower (not shown). In some embodiments, the pressure in the bladders 14A and 14B can be manually adjusted. In some embodiments, the pressure in the bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by a system that is an electronic sensor and a combination of valve and mechanical force without the need for an electric pump or blower.

2 is a perspective view of one of the air bed systems 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the bed 12 includes a mattress 20 and a base 22. The mattress 20 is positioned on the base 22 and supported by the base 22. A valve 24 is coupled to the mattress 20. Valve 24 is fluidly coupled to bladder 14A (as shown in Figure 1). In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be a manually actuated valve for adjusting one of the pressures in the bladder 14A. In such embodiments, when valve 24 is a manually actuated valve, valve 24 can be a mechanical valve, an electronic valve, or can be a valve that includes a combination of mechanical components and electronic components. Valve 24 may include an actuator 25 for adjusting the pressure in bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be configured to selectively actuate a knob, switch, button, or other actuator of the valve 24. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be one that automatically opens and closes one of the automatic valves without manual actuation. For example, valve 24 can be automatically opened and closed under certain pressures and/or at certain times. It is also contemplated that the embodiments and examples described herein with respect to manual valves include automatic valves suitable for the application. For example, deflation and re-inflation of the air bag may be performed by one of the manual type 24 of the valve 24 or an automatic type of the valve 24. In some embodiments, the manual control valve and the automatic control valve are interchangeable. This may allow, for example, the use of a manual valve that does not have one of the electric components for use in areas that do not have electrical service (eg, camping, disaster relief areas, or areas with unstable grid services or gridless services). This may also allow for the sale of a relatively more expensive automatic version of one of the bed systems 100 with a less expensive manual valve and one of the later sold valves 24 as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a substantially closed position in which the valve 24 is closed and an open position in which the valve 24 is substantially opened. When the actuator 25 and valve 24 are in the closed position, the balloon 14A can be substantially sealed. A user can adjust the stiffness of the mattress 20 by opening the valve 24 and allowing air to enter or exit the air bag 14A. The user can cause the mattress 20 to soften by lying on the mattress 20 and opening the valve 24 to thereby cause air to exit the air bag 14A. When the mattress 20 has a desired hardness, the user can close the valve 24 to seal the air bag 14A. Next, the mattress 20 can maintain the stiffness (or softness) until air is again allowed to flow into or out of the air bag 14A. The user can cause the mattress 20 to stiffen by leaving the mattress 20 and opening the valve 24 to thereby allow air to enter the air bag 14A. The bladder 14A can be configured to be biased to an inflated position such that air flows into the bladder 14A through the valve 24 at atmospheric pressure.

In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a plurality of pressure settings. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between a substantially infinite number of pressure settings between an upper limit and a lower limit. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated by a plurality of discrete pressure settings (such as pressure settings 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or pressure settings "hard", "medium", and "soft") between. Valve 24 can be configured to allow air to flow from bladder 14A through valve 24 to the atmosphere when the pressure in bladder 14A exceeds a set threshold. For example, the actuator 25 can be set to a first pressure threshold (e.g., a "hard" setting) whereby the valve 24 is prevented or reduced when the pressure in the bladder 14A is below the first pressure threshold. Airflow passes through valve 24, and valve 24 allows airflow through valve 24 when the pressure in bladder 14A exceeds a first pressure threshold. Actuator 25 can be actuated to a second pressure threshold (e.g., a "soft" setting) below one of the first pressure thresholds, whereby the pressure in bladder 14A is below the second pressure threshold In value, valve 24 prevents or reduces airflow through valve 24, and valve 24 allows airflow through valve 24 when the pressure in bladder 14A exceeds a second pressure threshold. Thus, the valve 24 allows a user to selectively manually adjust the stiffness of the mattress 20 without the need for an electric air pump.

In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured to allow airflow to exit the air bag 14A (when the pressure exceeds A threshold value) and prevents or reduces airflow into a one-way valve of the air bag 14A. In such embodiments, the mattress 20 can include an additional valve 26 that allows airflow into the air bag 14A and prevents or reduces airflow from the air bag 14A. The valve 24 can be configured to allow the balloon 14A to partially deflate when the user is lying on the mattress 20, and the valve 26 can be configured to allow the balloon 14A to partially re-inflate when the user leaves the mattress 20.

In other embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured to selectively allow airflow into and out of the air bag 14A. In portions of these embodiments, the valve 26 can be omitted such that airflow into and out of the air bag 14A is substantially completely controlled by the valve 24.

In embodiments in which the air bed system 10 includes an air bag 14B and an air bag 14A, the air bed system 10 can include two sets of valves: one for controlling the pressure in the air bag 14A, the actuator 24, and the valve 26; The other valve 24, the actuator 25 and the valve 26 that control the pressure in the air bag 14B. This allows two users to control the pressure in each side of the bed to different pressure settings without the use of one or more pumps or blowers.

The air bed system 10 also includes an adapter 27 and a cable 28. The adapter 27 includes a controller 30 and an electrical connector 34 that are positioned in a housing 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 34 is configured to connect to a standard power outlet for powering the adapter 27. Cable 28 can electrically connect adapter 27 to one or more electrical components in mattress 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 28 includes a connector 36 that is removably coupled to the adapter 27. In other embodiments, the cable 28 can be hardwired to the adapter 27.

In some embodiments in which the controller 30 is positioned within the mattress 20, the mattress 20 can define a cavity 37 or chamber for receiving the controller 30. For example, cavity 37 can be formed by cutting a portion of the foam, such as a portion of elastic bezel 16 (as shown in Figure 1) or another suitable portion of mattress 20. In some such embodiments, the adapter 27 can be omitted and the controller 30 can be powered by being connected to a power outlet. The cavity 37 can include a diaphragm that allows access to the controller 30 to insert and/or remove the controller 30.

3A is a perspective view of one of the air bed systems 10 with the cover of the mattress 20 partially removed. Set of 18. Below the cover 18, the mattress 20 includes a support layer 40, an adjustable air layer 42 on the support layer 40 (which includes the air cells 14A and 14B), a pad layer 44 on the adjustable air layer 42, and a pad. One of the enamel layers 46 on the enamel layer 44. The support layer 40 can comprise a foam suitable for supporting one of the adjustable air layers 42. The mattress layers 44 and 46 may include a foam layer between the adjustable air layer 42 and the cover 18 that is adapted to provide a comfortable resting surface for the user. For example, one of the mat layers 44 and 46 can be a layer of memory foam (such as a low elastic polyurethane foam) and the other can be one of the other layers suitable for use in the application. In some embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 can be adhered to one or both of the support layer 40 and the backing layer 44. In some embodiments, the cover 18 can be adhered to one or more of the support layer 40, the pad layer 44, and the pad layer 46. Adhesion of the cover to one or more of the support layer 40, the pad layer 44, and the pad layer 46 can increase structural rigidity. In embodiments having a resilient bezel 16, the pad layer 46 can be adhered to the elastic bezel 16. In some embodiments, the adhered material can be adhered via one or more layers of adhesive material. In some embodiments, mattress 20 can have more or fewer layers than the layers shown in Figure 3A. In some embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 can operate substantially along the entire length of the mattress 20 from one of the heads of the mattress to one foot. In other embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 may not run along the entire length of the mattress 20. For example, the adjustable air layer 42 can be positioned in a torso section of the mattress 20 that is configured to support a user's shoulder, abdomen, and buttocks and the calf section and foot of the mattress 20 There is no adjustable air layer 42 below the section. In portions of these embodiments, the calves and feet may be supported by a foam rather than an adjustable air layer 42.

The air bag 14A of the adjustable air layer 42 can include an apertured foam material 48 positioned within the air bag 14A. The apertured foam material 48 can substantially fill the bladder 14A with an outer surface of one of the apertured foam materials 48 adhered to the inner surface of one of the bladders 14A at the top and bottom of one of the apertured foam materials 48. For example, in some embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the bladder 14A via one or more layers of laminated adhesive material. In some embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can provide substantially all of the surface layer of the apertured foam material 48. Pressed to the inner surface of the air bag 14A. In other embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 may laminate all of the surfaces of the apertured foam material 48 to the inner surface of the bladder 14A, for example, one of the six surfaces, two, three Four or five are laminated to the inner surface of the air bag 14A or only the top and bottom surfaces of the open cell foam material 48 are laminated to the inner surface of the air bag 14A. In some embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can be adhered to the inner surface of the bladder 14A via another adhesive material suitable for the application. In some configurations, this adhesion reduces the likelihood of the open cell foam being displaced or misaligned within the balloon 14A.

In some embodiments, the bladder 14A can be laminated to the apertured foam material 48 via a separate laminate positioned between the bladder 14A and the apertured foam material 48. In other embodiments, the bladder 14A can be laminated to one or more of the apertured foam materials 48 without any adhesive or other laminate positioned between the bladder 14A and the apertured foam material 48. surface. The bladder 14A can be laminated directly to the open cell foam material 48, for example, by heating one or both of the bladder 14A and the open cell foam material 48.

Even when the bladder 14A is substantially filled with the open cell foam material 48, most or even most of the volume within the bladder 14A can be occupied by air. The open cell foam material 48 can be configured to have mechanical properties suitable for biasing the balloon 14A to an inflated position when the open cell foam material 48 is exposed to atmospheric pressure.

3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the air bag 14A and the apertured foam material 48. In some embodiments, the bladder 14A can have a space, such as a gap 47, between the inner surface of one of the bladders 14A and the outer surface of one of the apertured foam materials 48. For example, the gap 47 can extend substantially around all sides of the open cell foam material, and in some embodiments, the gap 47 can be less than about 0.25 inches wide. Thus, the gap 47 can be relatively small such that the inner surface of the bladder 14A is relatively closer to the outer surface of the apertured foam material 48. The apertured foam material 48 can substantially fill the balloon 14A.

In some embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the bladder 14A via one or more layers of laminated adhesive material 49A and 49B. In some embodiments, the opening is made The bubble material 48 allows substantially all of the surface of the open cell foam material 48 to be laminated to the inner surface of the bladder 14A. In other embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 may laminate all of the surfaces of the apertured foam material 48 to the inner surface of the bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertured foam material 48 is laminated to one of the inner surfaces of the top of the bladder 14A by laminating a sheet of adhesive material 49A and the apertured foam material 48 is laminated. One of the adhesive materials 49B is laminated to the inner surface of one of the bottoms of the air bag 14A. In some embodiments, the combination of the apertured foam material 48 and the laminated adhesive material or other suitable adhesive material positioned within the bladder 14A can help control the size and shape of the bladder 14A at different pressure settings, and thus It may be helpful to control the pressure of the bladder 14A during operation of the air bed system 10. Lamination of the open cell foam material 48 to the inner surface of the bladder 14A can help maintain structure and location.

In some embodiments, the bladder 14A can be formed from a flexible polymeric material such as a urethane material or other suitable polymeric material. In some embodiments, the bladder 14A can be formed with a seam along one, a few, or all of one of its corner edges 51. Having a seam allows for a tight edge seal. In some embodiments, seams along one or more of the corner edges 51 may be omitted, and the corner edges may instead be formed from a continuous sheet of one of the polymeric materials.

Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of one portion of the mattress 20 in which the cover 18 has been removed. 4 shows an enlarged view of one of the support layer 40, the adjustable air layer 42, and the pad layers 44 and 46. A fluid passage 50 fluidly connects the valve 24 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) to one of the edges 52 of the bladder 14A at one of the heads of the bed 12 (shown in Figures 1-3). In some embodiments, the fluid passage 50 can be coupled to the edge 52 of the bladder 14A at one of the feet or sides of the bed 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid passageway 50 is a fluid hose extending from one of the heads of the bed 12 and can be crimped under the mattress 20 such that the valve 24 can be positioned at one side of the bed 12. In other embodiments, the length and configuration of the fluid passage 50 can be modified as appropriate.

A pressure sensor 54 is fluidly coupled to the bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be fluidly coupled to the fluid passage 50 at a location between the valve 24 and the bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure sensor 54 is fluidly coupled to one of junctions 56 of fluid passage 50 via a fluid passage 58. Controller 30 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) is coupled in communication with pressure sensor 54 to receive a pressure signal from pressure sensor 54. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure sensor 54 is electrically coupled to controller 30 via 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 adapter 27 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). For example, the pressure sensor 54 and the adapter 27 can be integrated into a common housing of the common controller 30, which can all be positioned in the cover 18 of the mattress 20 (as shown in Figures 1-3). Internal or external. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be integrated with one of the sensing modules connected or configured in a manner different from the adapter 27.

The combination of controller 30 and pressure sensor 54 detects pressure changes in bladder 14A and determines that a user is present on mattress 20 based on such pressure changes. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can detect a change in pressure attributed to one of the physiological indicators (also referred to as physiological signals) of one of the users on the mattress 20. For example, in some embodiments, pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes due to heartbeat and/or respiration. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can detect the movement of a user on the mattress 20. Controller 30 can receive a pressure signal from pressure sensor 54 and determine that a user is present on mattress 20, such as from the presence of an inanimate object. In some embodiments, the combination of controller 30 and pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes in air bag 14A and determine the bed based on pressure changes in air bag 14A corresponding to heart rate, respiration rate, and/or movement pattern. One of the states of the user on the pad 20, such as determining that the user may be awake or asleep. Controller 30 can use information sensed by pressure sensor 54 to detect a user on one of the surfaces of mattress 20. The controller 30 can use the information sensed by the pressure sensor 54 to determine the degree of sleep of a user.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of one of the pressure sensors 54 coupled to the fluid passage 50. As shown in Figure 5, the fluid channel 50 includes a connector 60 at one end and is packaged at a pair of ends Contains valve 24. In some embodiments, an air bed system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) can be used to move the air bag 14A by removing the valve 24 and using a connectable to the air bag 14A (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). One of the inflated and deflated electric air pump systems is upgraded to replace the valve 24.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a valve 24. As shown in Figure 6, the valve 24 is partially disassembled with the actuator 25 released from a valve housing 62. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be a knob with a thread 64 located on one of the surfaces of the knob. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the threads 64 are located on an outer surface of the actuator 25. Valve housing 62 may include threads 66 on one surface of valve housing 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the threads 66 are located on an inner surface of the valve housing 62. The actuator 25 is threadably engageable with the valve housing 62 such that the threads 64 engage the threads 66. The actuator 25 engages with the valve housing 62, such that the actuator 25 causes the rotation about the central axis C _L of the periphery of one of the valve housing 62 in the actuator 25 with respect to the C _L corresponding to one axial direction of the center axis of one of the mobile. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured in a manner different from that depicted. For example, the valve 24 can be modified such that the threads 64 and 66 are positioned on an inner surface of one of the actuators 25 and an outer surface of the valve housing 62.

Valve 24 may include a connector 68 for fluidly connecting valve 24 to one of bladders 14A (shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4), such as connected to fluid passage 58 (as shown in Figure 4). The connector 68 can be coupled to the valve housing 62 and can include an inlet 70 to one of the valve housings 62. The valve housing 62 can also include an outlet 72. In the depicted radially from the center axis C _L embodiments, the central inlet 62 of the valve housing 70 and axis C _L is aligned and the outlet 72 is positioned outwardly. The outlet 72 is positioned between the inlet 70 and the actuator 25. In some embodiments, inlet 70 and outlet 72 can be positioned and configured in a manner different than that illustrated. Air may flow from inlet 70 through valve housing 62 to outlet 72 and through outlet 72.

7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a valve 24 showing a valve stem 74, a valve disc 76, a biasing member 78 and a support member 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 80 is an annular support extending from an inner surface of one of the actuators 25. The support member 80 can divide one of the lumens of the actuator 25 into a first chamber 82 and a second chamber 84. The support member 80 and the center axis C _L defining one of the alignment holes 86. The valve stem 74 extends through the aperture 80 of the support member 86 and supported by a radial support member 80, such that the stem 74 is axially slidable and rotation about the central axis C _L. Valve disc 76 is positioned at one 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 valve. The biasing member 78 extends from the valve disc 76 to the support member 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 78 is compressed by a spring between the valve disc 76 and the support member 80. In other embodiments, the biasing member 80 can be positioned and/or configured in a manner different than that illustrated, as long as it is suitable for biasing the valve disc 76 to a closed position.

Valve housing 62 defines an inlet passage 88 from inlet 70 to a passage end 90. Valve disc 76 is positioned adjacent channel end 90. The valve disc 76 can be actuated in a manner in which the valve disc 76 abuts a surface 92 of the valve housing 62 to substantially seal the passage end 90 or reduce the flow of air through one of the closed positions of the passage end 90 and the valve disc 76 is spaced from the surface 92 of the valve housing 62 Open to substantially open between one of the open positions of the channel end 90. The biasing member 78 biases the valve disc 76 to the closed position. When the pressure in the inlet passage 88 (and the bladder 14A, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4) exceeds a threshold, the pressure forces the valve disc 76 to the open position to allow air to flow through the valve disc 76 and One or more of the outlets 72 flow out.

Rotating the actuator 25 increases and decreases the force applied by the biasing member 78 to thereby increase and decrease the pressure threshold for moving the valve disc 76 from the closed position to the open position. The actuator 25 is rotated in a first direction to compress the biasing member 78 to thereby increase the biasing force on the valve disc 76. Rotating the actuator 25 in a second direction may allow the biasing member 78 to at least partially decompress to thereby reduce the biasing force on the valve disc 76. This may allow a user to selectively set a desired pressure threshold for one of the air bags 14A and thus set the desired hardness of one of the mattresses 20. In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured in a manner different from that depicted.

In some embodiments, the valve 24 can act as a pressure relief valve that allows a portion of the air in the bladder 14A, most or all of which is expelled from the bladder 14A. This can be used during the processing of mattress 20 and/or during packaging and shipping, as will be further described with respect to Figures 8 and 9.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to design a size that is suitable for use by a user to adjust the bed. The pressure is not sufficient to allow the air to exit the valve 24 during manufacture, packaging, and transportation. In such embodiments, the mattress 20 can include additional valves 24 of different sizes and configurations: a valve of a set size and configured to allow a user to adjust the bed pressure and a set size (larger) and Configurations are used for valves during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a package assembly 100 including a package 102 (which includes a mattress 20). The package 102 can be configured to compress and hold the mattress 20 such that each of the support layer 40, the pad layers 44 and 46, and the adjustable air layer 42 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) are compressed.

In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a vacuum sealed pouch 104 that surrounds and compresses the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed prior to positioning the mattress 20 in the vacuum sealed pouch 104. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed (as part of a vacuum sealing procedure) after positioning the mattress 20 in the vacuum sealed pouch 104. Valve 24 (shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5-7) can act as a pressure relief valve to allow self-balloon 14A when compressed mattress 20 (as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4) Exhaust air. Thus, the valve 24 can help facilitate the convenient and reliable compression of the mattress 20 for shipment into a relatively small package assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a bin 106. In some embodiments, the bin 106 can be a cardboard box that surrounds and encloses one of the vacuum sealed bags 104. In some embodiments, the bin 106 can have a combined length and perimeter of about 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less. In some embodiments, the package 102 can have a combined length and perimeter of about 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less. The package 102 can have a size and shape that is configured to be transportable by a standard package service (such as via a UPS) that is more convenient and less expensive than handling one of the oversized packages.

The mattress 20 itself can be folded into a transportable position to reduce one or more sizes of the mattress 20 and be sized to accommodate the package 102. In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be alternately folded via a plurality of pleats 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 20 is alternately folded into an "M" shape via three pleats. In other embodiments, the mattress 20 can Fold into a different shape suitable for packaging and shipping. The vacuum sealed pouch 104 can be evacuated and shrunk to fit against an outer surface of the mattress 20 to maintain the mattress 20 in a compressed shape.

In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can have a configuration to allow for folding one or more elastic sections of the mattress. For example, the cover 18 of the mattress 20 can have an elastic section 107 on one of the bottom surfaces of the mattress 20. The elastic section 107 can be a discrete elastic section having elastic properties that allow the elastic section 107 to stretch more than adjacent sections of the cover 18 of the mattress 20. This can cause the mattress 20 to flex substantially as a hinge at the resilient section 107, which can allow the mattress 20 to be folded for packaging and shipping.

In some embodiments, the elastic section 107 can be located on the underside of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the elastic section 107 can be located only on the underside of the mattress 20 to allow the top surface of the mattress 20 to have a material selected for the cover 18 that is primarily or exclusively supported on the mattress 20 Choose the nature of the rest of the user. In some embodiments, the top surface of the mattress 20 can have an elastic section 109 that can be the same or similar to one of the elastic sections 107. In other embodiments, the elastic section 109 can be different than the elastic section 107. In some embodiments, the top portion of the cover 18 may not have a separate and distinct resilient section that is designed to provide a user with a comfortable separation from the portion of the cover 18 during rest on the mattress 20.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of one of the package assemblies 110 including a package 112 (which includes a mattress 20). The package assembly 110 can be similar to the package assembly 100 (as shown in Figure 8) except that the package assembly 110 includes a mattress 20 that is itself folded into a spiral or spiral shape. As shown in Figure 9, the mattress 20 is compressed into a spiral reel within a vacuum sealed pouch 114 (which is located within a tank 116). In some embodiments, the package 112 can have a combined length or perimeter of about 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less. The package 112 can be configured to be transportable by a standard package service (such as via a UPS) in one size and shape.

In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can include one or a majority of the elastic segments 107 across the bottom surface of the mattress 20. The mattress 20 can be rolled up with the bottom of the mattress 20 facing outward such that the elastic section 107 extends more than the top surface of the mattress 20.

Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of one of the mattresses 120, which is an alternative embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in Figures 2 to 4, 8 and 9). Mattress 120 can be similar to mattress 20 except that mattress 120 includes an air bag 122 and air bag 14A. The bladder 122 can be a dedicated pressure sensing chamber that is substantially fluidly isolated from the bladder 14A. The air bag 14A can be a dedicated pad chamber.

In some embodiments, the balloon 122 can be positioned within the balloon 14A. In some embodiments, the balloon 122 can be positioned above the balloon 14A or below the balloon 14A. The bladder 122 can be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor 54 via a fluid passage 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned outside of the mattress 120. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned within the mattress 120. The bladder 122 can substantially hermetically seal a substantially constant amount of air contained therein. Thus, even when the valve 24 is adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of air in the bladder 14A, the amount of air in the bladder 122 can remain relatively constant. This can improve the sensitivity, consistency, and precision of the pressure sensor 54 for sensing the physiological indicators of the user 126. In some embodiments, the use of a smaller air volume than one of the air cells 14A in the air bag 122 can be associated with the physiological indicators of the user 126 by making the pressure sensor 54 easier to detect and quantify. The pressure fluctuations in the balloon 122 improve the accuracy of physiological feature sensing. The motion or other physiological indicators of the user 126 may have a relatively large impact on the balloon 122 due to the relatively large surface area of the balloon 122 having a relatively large balloon (such as, for example, the balloon 14A). Thus, in some embodiments, as long as the balloon 122 is positioned proximate to a suitable location for sensing a related physiological indicator (eg, for sensing a respiratory rate near one of the lung regions and/or for sensing the proximity of the heart rate) In one of the regions of the heart, a smaller balloon 122 improves the accuracy of the sensing.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be built into the bladder 122 or otherwise integrated into the bladder 122 as a single component.

In some embodiments, the balloon 122 can be positioned along one of the longitudinal lengths of the mattress 120 to be spaced from both the head 128 and the one foot 130 of the mattress 120, closer to the head 128 than the foot 130. The balloon 122 can be positioned at a location corresponding to the mattress 120 of one of the heart 132 and the lung 134 of a typical user 126. This may allow the balloon 122 and pressure sensor 54 to better sense the heart rate and respiration rate of the user 126. The air bag 122 can be positioned between one of the positions of the hip 136 and one of the shoulders 138 to reduce the likelihood that the air bag 122 negatively affects the comfort of the user 126. The bladder 122 can extend substantially the entire width of the bladder 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the bladder 122 extends along substantially (but less than) the entire width of the bladder 14A. In other embodiments, the balloon 122 can extend along the entire width of the balloon 14A.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the mattress 120 is a single mattress, wherein the balloon 14A extends substantially along the entire length of the mattress 120 from the head 128 to the foot 130, and substantially along one The entire width of the mattress 120 from side to side extends. In some embodiments, the mattress 120 can be a larger mattress (such as a double mattress, a queen mattress or a king size mattress) and can include one, two or more pad chambers and one, Two or more dedicated pressure sensing chambers.

The bladder 14A can include an apertured foam material 48 (as shown in Figure 3A) positioned within the bladder 14A to bias the bladder 14A to an inflated position when the apertured foam material 48 is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can be positioned within both the bladder 14A and the bladder 122 to substantially fill both bladders 14A and 122. In other embodiments, the apertured foam material 48 can be positioned within the balloon 14A surrounding the balloon 122, but not within the balloon 122.

Figure 11 is a schematic top plan view of one of the mattresses 150, one of the mattress 20 (shown in Figures 2 to 4, 8 and 9) and the mattress 120 (shown in Figure 10). Alternative embodiment. The mattress 150 may be other than the one of the airbags 152 that is longer in the longitudinal direction from the head 128 to the foot 130 and narrower in the direction from one side of the mattress 150 to the other side. Similar to mattress 120. The balloon 152 can be sized and shaped to correspond to the chest 154 and the abdomen 156 of the user 126. The balloon 152 can be positioned within the balloon 14A and is substantially hermetically sealed by the balloon 14A.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 is positioned within the mattress 150 proximate the foot 130 of the mattress 150. By positioning the pressure sensor 54 proximate the foot 130 of the mattress 150, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned at a location within the mattress 150 that is unlikely to negatively impact the comfort of the user 126. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned outside of the mattress 150.

In some embodiments, the balloon 14A can be omitted and the balloon 152 can function as both an adjustable balloon and a pressure sensing chamber. The bladder 152 can be sized to create an adjustable region below the torso of the user and need not extend along the entire length of the mattress 150. In portions of these embodiments, the user's lower leg and foot may be supported by the foam of the mattress 150 rather than by the air bag 152 positioned below the user's torso. This may allow one of the airbags 152 to be relatively small, while still allowing for adjustable air depressurization under the torso of a user.

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a mattress 160 with a mattress 20 (shown in Figures 2 to 4, 8 and 9), a mattress 120 (shown in Figure 10) and a bed. One of the pads 150 (shown in Figure 11) is an alternative embodiment. The mattress 160 can be similar to the mattress 120 and the mattress 160, except that the mattress 160 includes an air bag 162 (which can be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor 54 and is substantially hermetically sealed by the air bag 14A). 150.

In some embodiments, the balloon 162 can be positioned outside of the balloon 14A and can have a length and/or width similar to the length and/or width of the balloon 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the balloon 162 is positioned below the balloon 14A and has the same length as the balloon 14A. The top surface of one of the bladders 162 can be adhered to a bottom surface of the bladder 14A, such as via radio frequency (RF) welding or via a separate adhesive layer. Physiological activity on the mattress 160 (such as breathing and heartbeat) can be transmitted to the balloon 162 as a vibration and pressure change through the balloon 14A, at which point the pressure sensor 54 can sense the pressure change in the balloon 162. While the bladder 14A can be primarily configured as a mattress chamber and the bladder 162 can be primarily configured as a pressure sensing chamber, the bladder 162 can also be configured to enhance the comfort of a user on the mattress 160.

In some embodiments, the balloon 162 can act as a support layer without an additional support The layer is positioned below the balloon 162. In other embodiments, the mattress 160 can include one or more additional support layers, such as a support layer 40 (as shown in Figures 3-4). In some embodiments, the mattress 160 can include one or more pad layers, such as a pad layer 46, above the balloon 14A. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 160 is a relatively low-profile mattress in which a single pad layer 46 is positioned over the balloon 14A and adhered to the balloon 14A. The balloon 14A is positioned over the balloon 162 and adhered to the balloon 162. The air bag 162 is used as a support layer for the mattress 160. The mattress 160 can include one or more additional layers (not shown) and still remain a low mattress as long as the additional layers are suitably thin. In other embodiments, the mattress 160 can be a high mattress having a relatively thick layer.

As described above and as illustrated in the figures, the bed system can include a mattress that includes one of the user's comforts to manually adjust the air bag, including a pressure sensing system that can determine the presence and/or state of the user, And / or can be compressed in transit. These mattresses can be compressed and shipped in a package to have a size and shape that is configured to be transported by a standard parcel service (as compared to one of the overwrapped packages).

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of one of the electronic control units that can be used with an air bed system. As previously described, a user can manually actuate a valve 24 to adjust the pressure in the bladder 14A. In addition to manually actuating the valve 24, an electronic control unit can be used to actuate a valve (such as a solenoid valve) to adjust the pressure in the bladder 14A, or as an alternative to the manually actuated valve 24, a An electronic control unit actuates a valve (such as a solenoid valve) to adjust the pressure in the bladder 14A. In some examples, the functionality described herein can be incorporated into controller 30, and in some instances, some or all of the functionality can be incorporated into one or more other enclosures. For clarity of description, the function will be described as being incorporated into one of the controllers 31 that actuate the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304. Controller 31 may, for example, replace or supplement controller 30, and solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 may, for example, replace or supplement valve 24. Each of solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can include a solenoid that drives a valve to open and close to control airflow in a manner similar to that described above with respect to valve 24. In some embodiments, the snail The spool valves 1302 and 1304 can also replace the valve 26. In some embodiments, solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can work with valve 26.

The controller 31 can include a processing unit 1306, a computer memory 1308, solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and a sleep expert board 1314. These components can be enclosed in an enclosure 1316 and powered by a power supply 1318. Various bus bars can be used to interconnect each of these components, and several of these components can be mounted on a common circuit board or otherwise suitably mounted. Moreover, controller 31 can be communicatively coupled to pressure sensor 54 via, for example, cable 28 and/or wirelessly.

Processing unit 1306 can execute instructions within controller 31 that include instructions stored in computer memory 1308. Processor 1306 can be implemented as a wafer set of wafers comprising a plurality of analog and digital processors. The processor 1306 can provide, for example, coordination of other components of the controller 31.

Computer memory 1308 stores information within controller 31. Computer memory 1308 can be implemented as one or more of a computer readable medium, one or several volatile memory units, or one or more non-volatile memory units. Memory 1308 can include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory). In some embodiments, a computer program product can be tangibly embodied in computer memory 1308.

Solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312 can be controllers configured to actuate solenoid valves 1302 and 1304, respectively. For example, the solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312 can receive a control message (eg, from the processing unit 1306) to open or close the solenoid associated therewith, and the solenoid controllers 1310 and/or 1312 can snail them The conduit is actuated to the request state (eg, open or closed).

Solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 are controllable devices that enable airbags 14A and 14B to be open or closed to the atmosphere, respectively. For example, solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can each include a coil that is wound into a helical shape to act as an electromechanical solenoid that actuates a pneumatic or hydraulic valve in response to receiving control information from solenoid controller 1310 or 1312. tube. Although using a snail in this example The conduit, but it should be understood that any type of controllable valve or switch can be used to selectively expose the bladders 14A and 14B to the atmosphere.

The sleep expert board 1314 can include components needed to determine a user's sleep status, sleep quality, or other sleep related metrics. These metrics can be computationally intensive, and when calculating metrics, the sleep metrics can be calculated on the sleep expert board 1314 to release other resources of the controller 31. Additionally or alternatively, the sleep metrics may be subject to future corrections. To update the controller 31 with the new sleep metric, only the sleep expert board 1314 can be calculated to calculate the metrics that need to be replaced. In this case, other components of the controller 31 can be used, and additional components other than the sleep expert board 1314 need not perform unit testing.

The closure 1316 can be made of one or several plastic materials, metallic materials, composite materials, or other suitable materials. The enclosure 1316 can be configured such that the processing unit 1306, the computer memory 1308, the solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and the sleep expert board 1314 are securely mounted and protected from external environments (eg, particles, heat, static, etc.) influences. Additionally, the enclosure 1316 can be configured such that the wired communication hardware can connect the enclosed components to other components. For example, the cable 28 can terminate at the enclosure 1316 and the power supply can be permanently or removably coupled to the enclosure 1316.

The power supply 1318 can supply the controller 31 with the power required to operate the controller 31. The power supply 1318 can include a power source (eg, a battery pack, wall outlet adapter, solar panel) and a cable to transfer power from the power source to the enclosure 1316 and thus to the controller 31 for powering Component.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control valves such as solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to control the air pressure in bladder 14A in response to a user command. For example, in some embodiments, a user can manually instruct a remote control (such as a wired or wireless remote control or mobile device that includes a mobile phone running one of the applications used as a remote control) One of the desired pressure settings, and the controller 31 can respond by controlling the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to open and close properly. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can Solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 are controlled in accordance with the sensed pressure in bladder 14A. In some embodiments, controller 31 can control solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 as a function of time. In some embodiments, controller 31 can control solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 automatically (eg, based on sensing pressure and/or time) rather than in response to a user input. In some embodiments, controller 31 can control solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 in part automatically and in part in response to a user input.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can include a network interface and be coupled to one or more servers, such as a local server or a remote cloud server. For example, the controller 31 can communicate to the cloud server via a wireless connection (such as Bluetooth to one of a smart phone or other mobile computing device or through a Wi-Fi network) for storage and sensing by the controller 31. / or other information collected.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of one of the example programs 1400 that may be executed by controller 31. For the sake of clarity, the procedure 1400 will be described with reference to the bed system 10 using the controller 31. However, the same or similar procedures may be performed by other systems and/or devices.

The routine 1400 begins at 1402 where the bed system 10 is emptied (substantially fully inflated) and the solenoid is closed therein. For example, bed system 10 may be idle during the daytime when sleeping on one of the beds or when several users get up. The bed system 10 can undergo some diagnostics, repairs, or other activities while idle. For example, changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, or other environmental factors can create a pressure differential between the atmosphere and the bladder 14. To normalize the pressure differential, the controller 31 can cause the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to periodically open and close. This can cause the bladder 14 to periodically be exposed to the atmosphere and thus release pressure or expansion.

Bed system 10 detects that a user is present in bed system 10 (1404). For example, the controller may sense a substantial increase in one of the pressures in the air bag 14A or 14B from the pressure sensor 54 for a short period of time. For example, the controller 31 can compare the pressure reading to one of the pressure readings caused by the bed inlet to train the model, apply one or more mathematical functions or filters to the pressure readings, and/or compare the pressure readings with one or more probes. A trial or threshold to determine that a user has gone to bed.

In this example, a user has gone to bed and is lying above the air bag 14A on the bed. The controller can receive pressure readings for both bladders 14A and 14B. The pressure reading of the balloon 14A can exhibit a sharp peak compared to a small increase in one of the pressures in the balloon 14B. For example, since the two balloons 14 are located within the same bed system 10, some of the user's movement is transferred to the two balloons 14, but most are transferred to the balloon 14A below the user. The controller 31 can review the two pressure readings and determine that a user is already above the air bag 14A on the bed.

In response to detecting that the user is above the air bag 14A on the bed, the controller 31 can open the corresponding solenoid valve 1302 (1406). For example, processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to solenoid controller 1310, and solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to open.

Controller 31 can be retarded to allow bladder 14A to compress (1408). For example, when the solenoid valve 1302 is in the open state and a user is lying above the air bag 14A, the open cell foam material 48 can begin to compress. When the open cell foam material 48 is compressed, the volume of the balloon 14A is reduced. The controller 31 can be delayed for a period of time that has previously been determined by a predetermined setpoint or by a user who has previously set the bed system 10 to a preferred hardness setting.

For example, during a setup procedure, the user can lie on the bed system 10 that causes the solenoid valve 1302 to open one of the substantially fully inflated beds. When the air bag 14A is compressed to a desired hardness, the user can send a signal to the controller 31 to close the solenoid valve 1302 to stop compression after a period of time. This can be set by the controller 31 to the user's preferred (or selected) hardness setting. Subsequently, in act 1408, controller 31 may delay this same time period (or one of the different time periods derived from the time period set by the free user) to allow air bag 14A to compress and achieve the same or similar stiffness setting.

After the delay, the controller 31 can close the corresponding solenoid valve 1302 (1410). For example, processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to solenoid controller 1310, and solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to close.

In some embodiments, the controller 31 and the solenoid controller 1310 can be substantially unlimited The solenoid valve 1302 is controlled and controlled. For example, the solenoid valve 1302 can remain closed until the user issues a command to change the bed pressure.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can dynamically change the pressure in bladder 14A in response to the presence of the bed. The bed system 10 can detect the next bed (1412). For example, a user may lie in bed for a period of time (eg, sleep, read a book) and then get out of bed (eg, get up during the day, go to drink water). When the user gets out of bed, the pressure previously applied to the bed system and thus applied to the air bag 14A is removed to cause a rapid decrease in pressure. Pressure sensor 54 can observe this pressure change and report the reading to controller 31. For example, controller 31 can compare the pressure reading to one of the pressure readings caused by the bed, train one or more mathematical functions or filters on the pressure readings, and/or compare the pressure readings with one or more probes. A trial or threshold to determine that a user has gone out of bed.

In response to detecting that the user has gone out of bed, bed system 10 can open a solenoid valve 1302 (1414). For example, after the controller 31 detects a bed-out event, the controller may delay for a period of time. This delay may allow, for example, one of the users to have gone out of bed or to detect a false out of bed (i.e., the controller 31 incorrectly determines that the user has not gone to bed to be a bed-on event). After detecting and optionally delaying, processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to solenoid controller 1310, and solenoid controller 1310 can cause connected solenoid 1302 to open.

Bed system 10 can be delayed for renewing (1416). For example, the open cell foam material 48 may begin to expand when the solenoid valve 1302 is in the open state and no user is lying over the air bag 14A. When the open cell foam material 48 expands, the balloon 14A also expands to inhale. The controller 31 can be delayed for a period of time sufficient to allow the balloon 14A to fully expand.

For example, processing unit 1306 can send a control signal to solenoid controller 1310, and solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to close. At step 1418, the solenoid valve 1302 can be closed. At this point, in the routine 1400, the bed is empty and ready to receive a user, as in step 1402. When the user lies on the mattress 20 again, The bed system 10 can again execute the routine 1400 to release the air in the air bag 14A to achieve a preferred (or selected) hardness setting for the user.

In various embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B in accordance with one, more than one, or all of the factors described herein. For example, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the sensed presence, as described above. The controller 31 can automatically control the pressure to be set to a first pressure that is substantially equal to one of the ambient air pressures when the first pressure is not sensed, and one of the second pressures is set according to a selected hardness setting value of the user when the presence is sensed. between. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control the pressure in the bladders 14A and 14B in another manner suitable for the application based on the sensed presence.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on user preferences or rules. In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B in accordance with learning techniques. For example, controller 31 can automatically learn a user's sleep schedule and control the pressure in airbags 14A and 14B based on the learned schedule. This may allow the controller 31 to control the pressure in the air bags 14A and 14B based on the historical actions of the user.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the user's analytical motion. For example, controller 31 may sense pressure (such as via a pressure sensor, as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures based on the sensed motion.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the physiological characteristic signals of the user. For example, controller 31 may sense breathing, heart rate, and/or another physiological characteristic signal (such as via a pressure sensor, as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures based on the sensing motion.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on environmental conditions. For example, controller 31 can sense one or more environmental conditions (such as via an ambient light, temperature, or sound sensor) and automatically adjust between pressures based on the or the sensing conditions. In another example, the controller 31 can sense the air pressure and according to the sensing air pressure The air bags 14A and 14B are automatically adjusted between the pressures.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the temperature of the user. For example, the controller 31 can sense the temperature of the user (such as via a temperature sensor positioned to detect the temperature of the user (compared to ambient temperature or another temperature) and based on the sensed temperature Automatically adjusted between pressures.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the age of the user. For example, controller 31 may sense breathing, heart rate, and/or another physiological characteristic signal (such as via a pressure sensor, as described above) and automatically adjust between pressures based on the sensing motion.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the gender of the user. For example, controller 31 can be automatically adjusted between pressures based on the gender of a user (as recognized by the user and stored as set in the settings of controller 31). Controller 31 may adjust the pressure in different ways based solely on gender or by gender and other factors described herein.

In some embodiments, controller 31 can control the pressure in bladders 14A and 14B based on the weight of the user. For example, controller 31 can sense the weight of a user (such as via a pressure sensor coupled to one of bladders 14A and 14B) and automatically adjust between pressures based on the weight of the user. In another example, controller 31 can be automatically adjusted between pressures based on the weight of a user (as recognized by the user) rather than sensing weight. In various embodiments described herein, controller 31 may adjust the pressure in a different manner based solely on a single factor or in accordance with the factors and other factors described herein.

15 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of an exemplary air bed system 1500. The air bed system 1500 can be similar to the air bed system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) and can include many of the features and functions described above. For example, an air bed system can include air bags 14A and 14B. In some embodiments, the bladders 14A and 14B can contain a foam material 1502 that defines a recess 1504 (also referred to as a notch or channel). In addition to the recess 1504 positioned in the foam Outside of the surface of one of the materials 48, the foam material 1502 can have features and functions similar to the open cell foam material 48 (as described above). In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can be cut from one of the block foams forming the foam material 1502. In some embodiments, the foam material 1502 can be shaped with a recess 1504 when the foam material 1502 is formed. In some embodiments, the foam material 1502 can be replaced with a material that is breathable and provides one of the adjustability of the air bed system 1500.

Controller 31 can be fluidly coupled to bladders 14A and 14B via hoses 1506 and 1508. The recess 1504 can be positioned proximate to one of the hoses 1506 and 1508 to define a space between the foam material 1502 and the hose 1508. In portions of these embodiments, this configuration facilitates airflow into and out of the air bag 14B by attenuating the tendency of the foam material 1502 to block airflow.

In some embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and the recess 1504 can be positioned at one of the feet of the air bed system 1500. In other embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and the recess 1504 can be positioned at a location that is less likely to be felt by one of the users resting on the air bed system 1500.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of one of the end portions of one embodiment of the bladder 14B, the bladder 14B including a foam material 1502 contained therein. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can be shaped as a half circle (or one half of a cylinder), as depicted in FIG. In other embodiments, the recess 1504 can have another shape suitable for separating one of the outlets of the bladder 14B from the surface of one of the foam materials 1502. For example, in some embodiments, the recess 1504 can have a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can have a hemispherical 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 frustoconical shape. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can have a cylindrical or tubular shape that extends longitudinally into the foam material. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can have one of the shapes of an elongated channel.

Figure 17 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the air bag 14B and the foam material 1502. Foam Material 1502 is slit to illustrate the shape of one embodiment of recess 1504 having a semicircular shape.

Figure 17 also shows an accessory 1510 attached to one of the membranes of the bladder 14B at an outlet 1512. The fitting 1510 can be one of the connectors that fluidly connect the bladder 14B to the hose 1508 (as shown in Figure 15). As depicted in FIG. 17, one surface 1514 of the foam material 1502 defining the recess 1504 is spaced from the outlet 1512 and the fitting 1510 positioned within the foam material 1502.

18 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of an exemplary air bed system 1500A. The degassing bed system 1500A has a recess 1504A (which has a shape that is different from the shape of the recess 1504 (shown in Figure 15)), which can be similar to the air bed system 1500 (shown in Figure 15). . The recess 1504A can be a channel that is long and relatively narrow along one or all of one of the edges of one of the foam materials 1502A.

Figure 19 is a schematic end view of one of the bladders 14B having a foam material 1502A positioned therein. Figure 19 shows the fitting 1510 and the outlet 1512 aligned with the recess 1504A. In some embodiments, the recess 1504A can be substantially centered substantially relative to the foam material 1502A. In other embodiments, the recess 1504A can be positioned adjacent one of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the foam material 1502A or at one of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the foam material 1502A. In portions of these embodiments, the fitting 1510 and the outlet 1512 can be aligned with the recess 1504A.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of one of the ends of the bladder 14B having the foam material 1502 located therein. In some embodiments, the foam material 1502 can be compressed in a manner that allows one of the films of the bladder 14B to become slack, which can allow the fitting 1510 to rotate. This may result in a portion of the air bag 14B becoming aligned with the outlet 1512 and the fitting 1510 and restricting airflow through the outlet 1512 and the fitting 1510. In portions of such embodiments, one or more features may be included to create a space for airflow to pass through the outlet 1512.

21 is a side view of one of the mating elements 1516 having a spacer 1518. Spacer 1518 can extend from mating component 1516 to separate material from mating component 1516 to facilitate airflow By mating component 1516. In some embodiments, the mating component can have one of the connectors 1520 or other attachment features extending from a pedestal 1522. Spacer 1518 can extend from pedestal 1522 in one of the opposite directions from nipple 1520. The mating component 1516 can define a hole 1524 that extends through the splice 1520 and the pedestal 1522 to allow air or another fluid to flow.

The mating component 1516 can be used as part of the fitting 1510 with the adapter 1520 extending through the outlet 1512 to connect to a source external to the bladder 14B. The base 1522 can be sized to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the spout 1520 to be retained in an interior portion of the bladder 14B. Spacer 1518 can separate mating component 1516 and outlet 1512 from the foam material positioned in bladder 14B. The spacer 1518 can also separate the mating component 1516 and the outlet 1512 from the inner surface of one of the membranes of the balloon 14B, which can be used in embodiments in which the balloon 14B is relaxed and the accessory 1510 is allowed to rotate.

In some embodiments, the spacer 1518 can be a plurality of protrusions extending from a disc shaped portion of the base 1522. In other embodiments, the mating component 1516 can have more or less spacers 1518 than the spacers depicted. For example, the mating component 1516 can have a single spacer 1518 that is sized and shaped to hold the material away from the aperture 1524. In some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can be in the form of one or more mounts, ribs, and/or fins.

In some embodiments, the mating component 1516 having one or more spacers 1518 can be used with embodiments in which the bladder 14B has a recess of one of the foam materials, such as the recesses 1504 and 1504A. Spacer 1518 and recesses can be used together to increase airflow into and out of the air bag.

In other embodiments, the foam material within the bladder 14B can be separated via one or more spacers 1518 and no recesses 1504 and 1504A are formed in the foam material. Although the mating component 1516 has been illustrated as having an exemplary shape and configuration, in some embodiments, the shape and configuration of the mating component 1516 can be modified to suit the application.

In operation, when the bladder 14B is subjected to internal pressure, the mating component 1516 can be pushed outwardly from the foam, which can result in, without limitation, the mating component 1516 and the foam material (such as foaming) A natural air gap between body materials 1502 and 1502A). During inflation, the foam material can rebound from a compressed state and push a film of the bladder 14B outward as the foam material expands. When a connection valve (such as one of the valves in controller 31) is opened, this can create a vacuum that tends to introduce air into the bladder 14B through the mating component 1516. This vacuum causes the mating component 1516 to pull up against the foam material to create a restricted airflow condition that restricts the volumetric flow of air into the bladder 14B. This can result in a negative user experience as the air bed is slowly renewed. In embodiments having one or more spacers 1518 on the mating component 1516, the spacers 1518 can create a gap to increase airflow. In embodiments having a foam recess, such as recesses 1504 and 1504A, this recess creates a gap to increase airflow.

Several embodiments of the invention have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the bed need not include a pressure sensing system. Moreover, the different aspects of the different embodiments of the mattress, bladder, channel, and other bed system components described above can be combined with other aspects suitable for the application. Moreover, the program 1400 described above is merely an example program that may differ from the described program. For example, in some procedures, it is not necessary to fully inflate the bed system, but only partially inflate the bed system. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

22 to 29 embodiment

A substrate (such as a mattress) and a method for controlling the hardness of the substrate will be described below. The substrate can include: a compressible foam core disposed within a fluid bladder; and a pressure control valve that permits fluid communication between the environment and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core. In an embodiment, and when there is no body on the substrate, the pressure controller valve can remain open to allow the foam core to fully expand and the pressure within the fluid bladder and atmospheric pressure for a substantially hardness balance. In another embodiment, a check valve can be used in combination with the pressure control valve that automatically opens when there is no pressure on the substrate and allows the substrate to be filled to ambient pressure. Once a body is detected on the substrate, the The pressure control valve (or both valves) can be closed to set the basic hardness until receiving a request to modify the hardness of the substrate.

The request to modify the hardness of the substrate can be automatically generated by the body by using an application on a remote device or in response to identifying the body on the substrate. To modify the hardness to a requested hardness or a specific identification hardness, the pressure control valve can be opened only for a period of time sufficient to soften the substrate to the requested hardness or the particular identification hardness. After detecting the absence of the body on the substrate, the pressure control valve or the check valve (if present) can be reopened to restore the basic stiffness. These methods are carried out without the need for a pump as part of the substrate.

Figure 22 is a diagram of one of the computing and communication systems 100' in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The computing and communication system 100' can include one or more computing devices 102', one or more access points 104', and one or more networks 106'. Although the computing and communication system 100' is shown herein as including a single computing device 102', an access point 104', and a network 106', the computing and communication system 100' can include any number of computing and communication devices, access Point and network.

The computing device 102' can be any device or system configured to perform wired or wireless communication. For example, computing device 102' can use a combination of a wired communication link 108' and a wireless communication link 110' to communicate indirectly with network 106' via access point 104'. Although the computing device 102' has been shown as a single unit, the computing device 102' can include any number of interconnecting elements.

Access point 104' may be any type of device that is configured to communicate with computing device 102', network 106, or both via wired communication link 108' or wireless communication link 110'. For example, the access point 104' may 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 repeater, a switch, or any similar wired or wireless device. The access point 104' can be coupled to the network via a wired communication link 108' (as shown), or a wireless communication link, or a combination of a wired communication link and a wireless communication link 106' communication. Although the access point 104' has been shown as a single unit, the access point 104' can include any number of interconnected elements.

Network 106' may be any type of network that is configured to provide services (such as voice, data, or any other communication protocol or combination of communication protocols) over a wired or wireless communication link. For example, the network 106' can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a mobile or cellular telephone network, the Internet, or any other electronic means of communication. The network may use a communication protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Internet Protocol (IP), Instant Transfer Protocol (RTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc. One combination.

23 is a diagram of one exemplary computing and communication device 200' in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the computing device 102' shown in FIG. 22 can be one of the computing and communication devices 200' shown in FIG. An computing and communication device 200' can include a communication interface 210', a communication unit 220', a processor 230', a memory 240', an instruction 250', a power supply 260', or any combination thereof. As used herein, the term "operating device" includes any unit or combination of elements capable of performing any of the methods disclosed herein or any one or portions thereof.

The computing and communication device 200' can be a fixed 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 small computer, a large computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a laptop, a tablet. PC or an integrated circuit. Although any one or more of the elements of communication device 200' have been shown as a single unit, any one or more of the elements of communication device 200' may be integrated into any number of separate physical units.

The communication interface 210' can be a wireless antenna (shown in the figure) that can be interfaced with a wired or wireless communication medium 270', such as a wired communication port (such as an Ethernet port, an infrared port, a string)埠) or any other wired or wireless unit. Communication unit 220' can be configured to communicate via a wired or wireless communication medium 270' (such as radio frequency (RF), ultraviolet (UV), visible A signal is transmitted or received by a combination of light, fiber, cable, or the like. 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.

Processor 230' may comprise any device or system capable of manipulating or processing a signal or other information, such as a combination of an optical processor, a quantum processor, a molecular processor, or the like. 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 associated with a DSP core. Microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, an integrated integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array, a programmable logic controller, microcode, and toughness Any combination of body, any type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, or the like. As used herein, the term "processor" includes a single processor or multiple processors. The processor is operatively coupled to any combination of communication unit 220', memory 240', instruction 250', power supply 260', or the like.

The memory 240' may comprise any non-transitory computer usable or computer readable medium (such as any tangible device) that may, for example, contain, store, communicate or transmit the instructions 250' or any information associated with the instructions 250'. Used by or in conjunction with processor 230'. The non-transitory computer usable or computer readable medium can be, for example, a solid state disk drive, a memory card, removable media, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), any a type of disc (which includes a hard disc, a floppy disk, a compact disc, a magnetic or optical card), an exclusive integrated circuit (ASIC), or any type of non-transitory medium suitable for storing electronic information, Or any combination thereof. Memory 240' can be coupled to, for example, processor 230' via, for example, a memory bus (not explicitly shown).

The instructions 250' can include instructions for performing any of the methods disclosed herein, or any one or portions thereof. The instructions 250' can be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, or the like. For example, the instructions 250' can be implemented as information stored in the memory 240' (such as a computer program) that can be executed by the processor 230' to perform the respective methods, algorithms, and aspects. Any of or a combination thereof, as described herein. The instructions 250' or a portion thereof can be implemented as a special purpose processor or circuit, including dedicated hardware for implementing any of the methods, algorithms, aspects, or combinations thereof, as described herein. Portions of instructions 250' may be distributed among multiple processors on the same machine or different machines or distributed among a network (such as a regional network, a wide area network, the Internet, or a combination thereof).

Power supply 260' can be any suitable device for powering computing and communication device 200'. For example, the power source 260' can include a wired power source, one or more dry battery packs (such as nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel zinc (NiZn) batteries, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium ion (Li ion) batteries) , a solar cell, a fuel cell, or any other device capable of powering the communication device 200'. Any combination of communication interface 210', communication unit 220', processor 230', instruction 250', memory 240', or the like, is operatively coupled to power supply 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 that can interface with a user, such as a virtual or physical keyboard. , a touchpad, a display, a touch display, a speaker, a microphone, a video camera, a sensor, or any combination thereof. The UI is operatively coupled to the processor (as shown) or to any other component of the computing and communication device 200', such as power supply 260'. Although the UI has been shown as a single unit, the UI may contain 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.

Figure 23 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an arithmetic and communication device 200' and is not intended to imply limitations with respect to the embodiments. Other elements may be used in addition to the elements depicted, or other elements may be substituted for the elements depicted, and the computing and communication device 200' may be implemented in a variety of hardware platforms and software environments, such as various operating systems. . Although shown as a separate component, any combination of communication interface 210', communication unit 220', processor 230, instructions 250', power supply 260', memory 240', UI, or the like can be integrated into one or more Electronic slip In a cell, circuit or wafer.

Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of one of the substrates 300' in a stowed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The substrate 300' can include a foam core 302' disposed within a fluid bladder 304'. The foam core 302' is shown in a stowed state as being compressed to allow for easy storage and transport of the substrate 300' based on a compact size. In the example of FIG. 24, a strip 306' wraps around the compressed substrate 300' to cause the substrate 300' to remain in a stowed state, but other ways of maintaining the substrate 300' in a stowed state are also possible.

Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of one of the substrates 300' of Figure 24 when transitioning from a stowed state to an unfolded state. In Figure 25, the strip 306' has been removed, for example, by a user from the substrate 300', and the foam core 302' within the substrate 300' is continuously expanded as the substrate 300' unfolds. Additionally, a valve 400' is shown disposed at one edge of the substrate 300'. The valve 400' has an open position that allows fluid communication between the atmosphere and the fluid bladder 304' and one of the interior of the foam core 302' and prevents the atmosphere from interfacing between the fluid bladder 304' and the interior of the foam core 302'. One of the fluid connections is in the closed position. In other words, when the valve 400' is open, air can enter and exit the fluid bladder 304' to promote expansion and compression of the foam core 302'.

Figure 26 is a side elevational view of the substrate 300' of Figure 25 in an expanded state during a program that automatically achieves one of the basic hardness balances. In this example, the substrate 300' has been mounted on a bed frame or a base 500' for use as a mattress. To achieve a substantial stiffness when no body or object is present on the substrate 300', the valve 400' is set to an open position to allow fluid communication between the atmosphere and the fluid bladder 304' and the interior of the foam core 302'. The fluid bladder 304' can be sized to have a surface area that is substantially as large as the surface area of the base 500'. For example, the fluid bladder 304' can have a surface area that is substantially as large as a king size mattress, a queen size mattress, a standard mattress, a double mattress or other type of mattress.

In the example of Figure 26 in which the system air is flowing, the arrows are shown to indicate the direction of flow into the open valve 400', wherein the air expands the foam core 302' within the fluid bladder 304' to a point of equilibrium, ie, Where the pressure within the fluid bladder 304' becomes equal to one of the atmospheric pressures point. Achieving the basic stiffness may include allowing fluid to enter the valve 400' when the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure present in the fluid bladder 304'; or allowing the fluid to exit the valve 400' when the atmospheric pressure is lower than the pressure present in the fluid bladder . Additionally, the substantial stiffness of the fixed fluid bladder 304' can include closing the valve 400' once the pressure within the fluid bladder 304' and the pressure outside the fluid bladder 304' are equal.

Figure 27 is a side elevational view of the substrate 300' of Figure 26 in a state of use during a process of achieving a requested hardness. In this example, the state of use is indicated based on a body 600' lying on top of the substrate 300'. The presence of the body 600' on the substrate 300' can be detected, for example, by a non-invasive monitoring device. In some embodiments, the non-invasive monitoring device can include one or more pressure sensors located within the fluid bladder 304' and in communication with the valve 400'.

The non-invasive monitoring device can be configured to detect one of the actions or states of the subject 600', such as presence, movement, location, or vital signs. An incident pressure wave caused by a shift in weight in response to cardiopulmonary activity induces a change in pressure that can be detected and measured by the pressure sensor. The vital signs that can be monitored can include one of the heart rate, a breathing rate, a position, and any movement of the subject 600'.

Once the presence of the body 600' is detected, the hardness of the substrate 300' can be set to a base hardness balanced to atmospheric pressure by, for example, immediately closing the valve 400' after detecting the presence of the body 600'. After the base stiffness is fixed, the process of achieving the requested stiffness can include opening the valve 400' to allow fluid to enter or exit the fluid bladder 304' based on a pressure value associated with the requested stiffness.

Although a single valve 400' is illustrated in Figures 25-27, the substrate 300' can be configured to include a pair of valves: one valve-to-pressure control valve and the other valve as a one-way check valve. When the body 600', for example, exerts pressure on the substrate 300' by lying on a mattress, the check valve can be closed and then the pressure control valve can be engaged for any of the methods described below. The hardness is requested. When the body 600' exits the substrate 300', the check valve can be automatically opened to return the substrate 300' to a substantial hardness that is balanced with ambient pressure.

Several different methods of applying hardness to the substrate 300' are possible. In one method, the non-intrusive monitoring device can receive a request from a foreign device 602' (such as a remote device or a mobile device) via a wired or wireless communication link to enforce the requested hardness. In this example, the non-intrusive monitoring device can include a monitoring controller (such as the computing and communication device 102' shown in FIG. 22 or the computing and communication device shown in FIG. 23 in the form of an arithmetic and communication device. 200'), which may be configured to communicate with external device 602' via a wired or wireless communication link. For example, the monitoring controller can receive a signal indicative of one of the desired pressures of one of the fluid bladders 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 hardness.

In another approach, the external device 602' can act as a monitoring controller and can be configured to communicate with one of the opening and closing mechanisms within the valve 400' and with one or more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304' . In this example, the opening and closing mechanism that transmits the signal related to the requested hardness from the external device 602' to the valve 400' may be based on the pressure value received from one or more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304'. .

In another method, the body 600' on the substrate 300' can be identified, for example, based on a profile associated with the body 600'. The profile can be associated with one of the applications running on the external device 602', and once the identification body 600' is present on the substrate 300', the monitoring controller can be enabled to implement a particular identification hardness associated with the profile. In other words, if, for example, a body 600' is present on the substrate 300' based on a pressure profile or based on the presence of a particular external device 602' and a profile containing a particular identification hardness is available for the body 600', then monitoring The controller can open the valve 400' to modify the hardness to a particular identification hardness based on the profile.

The external device 602' can include an application configured to receive a pressure signal from a sensor within the fluid capsule 304' and perform pattern recognition or other calculations based on the pressure signal to determine a position, heart rate associated with the subject 600' , respiratory rate or other physiological signal properties or status. For example, it can be based on one of the signals having a frequency in the range of 0.5 Hz to 4.0 Hz. The heart rate is identified and the respiratory rate can be identified based on a portion of the signal having a frequency less than 1 Hz. The subject 600' or another user may obtain this information in the form of a text message, a data record, a report sheet, a warning or any other display means sufficient to allow the user to monitor the information.

28 shows an example of a system architecture for monitoring a subject (such as the body 600' shown in FIG. 27) using a non-intrusive monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the non-invasive monitoring device can include one or more pressure sensors 700' or be in communication with one or more pressure sensors 700'. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 700' associated with the substrate 300' can include a pillow pressure sensor and other pressure sensors, such as an indication that additional pressure measurements can be made to monitor the position of the subject The system is associated.

Each of the sensors in the group of pressure sensors 700' can be in communication with a signal conditioner 710'. The signal conditioner 710' can be analyzed by the group of pressure sensors 700' by, for example, amplifying the noise, filtering the noise, and configuring the data and/or signals for use by a microcontroller 720'. Information and/or signals captured by each sensor. The microcontroller 720' can receive the adjusted pressure signal from a group of pressure sensors 700' and perform pattern recognition or other calculations based on the adjusted pressure signal to determine the position, heart rate, respiration rate, or Other physiological signal properties or states. Microcontroller 720' may use a communication link 730' to transmit information, such as information indicative of parameters of the subject, such as location, heart rate, and respiratory rate, to external device 602' of FIG. The communication link can be any type of wired or wireless communication link, such as communication link 108', 110' as described with respect to FIG.

29 is a flow chart detailing one exemplary routine 800' of automatic hardness control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step 802' of routine 800', a body can be detected to be present on a substrate, such as body 600' on substrate 300', as shown in FIG. Detecting the presence of the body 600' can include an indication that an computing device (such as the monitoring controller or external device 602' described with respect to FIG. 27) receives an increase in pressure within the fluid capsule 304' indicating 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 sensor can then send the generated signal to the monitoring controller and/or external device 602'. In some embodiments, the presence determination may be based on a magnitude of the pressure signal. For example, a smaller object (such as a cat or a suitcase) will produce a pressure signal having a lower magnitude than the body 600' lying on the substrate 300'. In some embodiments, the monitoring controller or external device 602' can determine that a different body is located on the substrate 300'. For example, the image or magnitude of the pressure signal can be different than the image or magnitude of the previously stored pressure signal of the body 600' associated with the substrate 300'.

In step 804' of routine 800', the hardness of the substrate can be set to one of the basic hardnesses in equilibrium with atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body. For example, as described with reference to Figures 26-27, setting the hardness of the substrate 300' to substantially hardness includes setting the valve 400' to a closed position upon detection of the presence of the body 600'. Since the valve 400' was previously opened in the absence of the body 600', the pressure within the fluid bladder 304' is balanced against atmospheric pressure. The closing valve 400' sets the hardness of the substrate 300' to this basic hardness.

In step 806' of routine 800', a request to modify the hardness of the substrate to, for example, a requested hardness or a particular identification hardness may be received. The request can be received from the external device 602' of FIG. 28 by the body 600' using an application on the external device 602' that is configured to allow control of the hardness of the substrate 300'. Alternatively, the request may be identified based on the body 600' and present on the substrate 300' as automatically determined by, for example, a monitoring controller or external device 602' associated with one of the profiles of the body 600', wherein the substrate 300 'One specific recognition hardness is preset by the body 600'.

In step 808' of routine 800', the hardness of the substrate can be modified to, for example, a requested hardness or a specific identification hardness in response to receiving a request to modify the hardness of the substrate. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 26-27, setting the hardness of the substrate 300' to the requested hardness or the specific identification hardness includes setting the valve 400' to the open position only for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder 304' and compress the foam core 302' to the substrate 300' The hardness is reduced to the time period during which the hardness is requested or the hardness is specifically identified. In the above example, the requested hardness and the specific identification hardness are softer than the basic hardness because the substrate 300' does not include a pump to increase the pressure within the fluid capsule 304' to above atmospheric pressure. However, in other embodiments, the substrate can include a pump and the requested hardness or specific identification hardness can be harder than the base hardness.

In step 810' of routine 800', a body may be detected that does not exist on a substrate, as is the case with the empty substrate 300' shown in FIG. Detecting the absence of the body 600' can include: after the body 600' exits the substrate 300', an computing device (such as the monitoring controller or external device 602' described with respect to FIG. 27) immediately receives the fluid indicative of the substrate 300' An indication of a decrease in pressure within the bladder 304'. The pressure reduction may have a magnitude associated with the body 600' or may exceed a threshold sufficient to indicate that the body 600' has been evacuated from the substrate 300'.

In step 812' of routine 800', the hardness of the substrate can be restored to a substantial hardness in response to detecting the absence of the body. For example, referring to FIGS. 26-27, restoring the hardness of the substrate 300' to a substantially firm thickness includes setting the valve 400' to an open position such that the foam core 302' is fully expanded within the fluid bladder 304' and is in the fluid bladder. The balance between atmospheric pressure and 304' is achieved. In embodiments in which two valves (a pressure control valve and a one-way check valve) are employed, when the body 600' is not present, the recovery of the hardness of the substrate 300' can occur automatically when the check valve is opened. After step 812', the routine 800' may end or be repeated by starting again from step 802'.

The present invention has been described in connection with the presently preferred embodiments, and it is understood that the invention is not to be construed as This category should be interpreted the broadest to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures permitted by law.

10‧‧‧ air bed system

12‧‧‧ bed

14A‧‧‧First airbag

14B‧‧‧second airbag

16‧‧‧Flexible border

18‧‧‧ Cover

Claims (52)

A mattress comprising: one or more layers of foam material; an adjustable air layer positioned adjacent to at least one of the one or more layers of foam material, the adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag; An open cell foam material positioned within the bladder and configured to bias the bladder to an inflated position when the open cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure; and a valve system fluidly coupled to The balloon is configured to adjust the balloon. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the open-cell foam material is adhered to an inner surface of one of the open-cell foam materials to the inner surface of the airbag, and the open-cell foam material is foamed at the opening One of the bottom surfaces of the body material is adhered to the inner surface of the air bag. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the open cell foam material is adhered to an inner surface of one of the air cells via a layer of laminate. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the open-cell foam material is laminated to an inner surface of one of the airbags at a plurality of surfaces. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the open-cell foam material is laminated to an inner surface of one of the six surfaces of the open-cell foam material, the six surfaces comprising the open-cell foam material Top, bottom and side surfaces. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more foam materials comprise: a support layer comprising a first foam material; and a mat layer comprising a different foam material than the first foam material a second foam material, wherein the adjustable air layer is positioned between the support layer and the backing layer, wherein the mattress further comprises enclosing the support layer, the adjustable air layer, and the mat layer a cover sleeve in which the mattress layer Positioned above the adjustable air layer to support a user. The mattress of claim 1 and further comprising a user detection system operatively coupled to the mattress for detecting a user on a surface of a mattress, the user detection system comprising: a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the air bag to sense a change in pressure within the air bag; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, wherein the user The detection system is configured to detect that a person is present on a surface of the mattress by detecting a change in one of the air pressures at the pressure sensor. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the user detection system comprises: a pressure sensing chamber; a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing chamber to sense a pressure change in the pressure sensing chamber; And a controller in communication with the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. The mattress of claim 7, wherein the pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed by the airbag, the pressure sensing chamber is positioned within the airbag, the pressure sensing chamber and one of the head and the foot of the mattress The two are spaced apart, the pressure sensing chamber being located closer to the head than to a position of the foot corresponding to one of the heart and lungs of one of the typical users. The mattress of claim 7, wherein the pressure sensing chamber is positioned outside the balloon and the pressure sensing chamber has a length and width substantially the same as the length and width of the balloon. The mattress of claim 1 , and further comprising a foam frame and a cover, the cover substantially surrounding and enclosing the one or more layers of foam material, the adjustable air layer and the foam a frame, wherein the one or more layers of foam material are adhered to the foam frame, wherein the open-cell foam material adheres to the air bag at least on a top surface and a bottom surface of the open-cell foam material, and wherein the cloth The sleeve is adhered to the foam frame and At least one of the one or more layers of foam material. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the valve system includes a valve actuable to allow airflow through the valve to enter between an open position of the air bag and a substantially closed position of the air bag. The mattress is configured such that when a person rests on the surface of one of the mattresses and the valve is in the open position, air is forced to exit the air bag, wherein the weight placed on the mattress is light or has no weight to rest When the mattress is in the open position, air is drawn into the air bag, and wherein when a person rests on a surface of the mattress and the valve is in the closed position, the air bag is substantially Sealed. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the valve is actuatable between the open position and the closed position by manipulation by a user. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the valve is actuatable between the open position and the closed position by an electronic controller. An assembly comprising: the mattress of claim 1, wherein the mattress itself is folded into a transportable position to reduce the size of the mattress in at least one direction; and the package is configured The mattress is compressed and held such that the bladder, the open cell foam material, and each of the one or more layers of foam material are compressed. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the mattress is folded over a plurality of hinges formed at an elastic section of the material at a bottom surface of one of the covers of the mattress. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the package comprises: a vacuum sealed bag that surrounds and compresses the mattress; and a cardboard box having a combined length and circumference of one of 165 inches (about 419 cm) or less. The vacuum sealed bag and the mattress are enclosed. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the valve system comprises a mechanical valve comprising a disk, a biasing member and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disk toward the substantially sealed manual One of the moving valves closes the position bias, and wherein the adjustment The device includes a threaded dial that is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease the biasing force applied to the disk by the biasing member. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the valve system includes a controller and a valve configured to open and close in response to a signal from the controller to control air pressure in the air bag. The mattress of claim 18, wherein the controller comprises a processor and a computer memory. The mattress of claim 18, wherein the mattress is configured to inflate the adjustable air layer via the force exerted on the airbag by the apertured foam material and to be used by lying on the mattress The adjustable air layer is deflated by the weight of the person, and wherein the mattress does not include a blower connected to the air bag or valve system. The mattress of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the airbag between a first pressure substantially equal to one of the ambient air pressures and a second pressure set according to a selected hardness setting of the user. The mattress of claim 1 and further comprising a user detection system operatively coupled to the mattress for detecting a user on a surface of a mattress, the user detection system comprising: a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the air bag to sense a change in pressure within the air bag; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, wherein the user The detection system is configured to detect the presence of a person on one of the mattresses by detecting the presence of a physiological signal. The mattress of claim 7, wherein the pressure sensing chamber is integrated into the airbag, the pressure sensing chamber is positioned in the airbag, and the pressure sensing chamber and one of the head and the foot of the mattress Separately, the pressure sensing chamber is located closer to the head than to a foot position of the foot corresponding to one of the heart and lungs of one of the typical users. The mattress of claim 20, wherein the controller further comprises a configuration to connect to One of the servers' network interfaces. A mattress comprising: an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; and an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to foam at the opening The body material biases the bladder to an inflated position upon exposure to atmospheric pressure, wherein the open cell foam material defines a recess positioned adjacent the outlet of the bladder. The mattress of claim 26, and further comprising: one or more layers of foam material positioned adjacent an outer surface of the adjustable air layer; and a valve system fluidly coupled to the valve via the outlet Airbag. A mattress comprising: an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to be in the apertured foam The bladder is biased to an inflated position when exposed to atmospheric pressure; and a mating component having one or more spacers to separate the mating component and the outlet from the open cell foam material. The mattress of claim 28, and further comprising: one or more layers of foam material positioned adjacent an outer surface of the adjustable air layer; and a valve system fluidly coupled to the valve via the outlet Airbag. A mattress comprising: an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to open The apertured foam material biases the bladder to an inflated position upon exposure to atmospheric pressure; and a member for spacing a mating component and the outlet from the open cell foam material. A mattress according to claim 30, wherein the member comprises a recess defined by an edge of one of the apertured foam materials. A mattress comprising: an adjustable air layer comprising: an air bag having an outlet; an apertured foam material positioned within the air bag and configured to be in the apertured foam Exposing the material to atmospheric pressure to bias the bladder to an inflated position, wherein the open cell foam material defines a recess positioned adjacent the exit of the bladder; and a mating component having one or more spacers The mating component and the outlet are separated from the open cell foam material. A method for automatically controlling the hardness of a substrate, comprising: detecting that a body is present on the substrate; and setting the hardness of the substrate to be one of a balance with atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body Hardness; setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness in response to receiving a request to modify the hardness of the substrate from the basic hardness to a requested hardness; detecting that the body is not present on the substrate; and responding The hardness of the substrate is restored from the requested hardness to the basic hardness after detecting the absence of the body. The method of claim 33, wherein detecting the presence of the subject comprises: receiving an indication that the pressure is increased. The method of claim 33, wherein detecting the absence of the subject comprises: receiving an indication that the pressure is reduced. The method of claim 33, wherein the remote device is used by the subject to select the requested hardness. The method of claim 33, wherein the substrate comprises: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed in the fluid bladder; a pressure control valve having a gas atmosphere and the fluid bladder and the foam core An open position between the interior of the fluid communication and a closed position that blocks fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a check valve having only the substrate One of the fluid communication spaces between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid capsule and the interior of the foam core is absent in the absence of the body. The method of claim 37, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the basic hardness in response to detecting the presence of the body comprises: setting the pressure control valve to the closed position. The method of claim 37, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness comprises: setting the pressure control valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being sufficient to reduce the Pressure and reduce the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness. The method of claim 37, wherein restoring the hardness of the substrate to the basic hardness comprises: when the body is absent on the substrate, the check valve automatically reaches the open position such that the foam core is in the fluid The capsule is fully inflated. A method for automatically controlling the hardness of a substrate, comprising: detecting that a body is present on the substrate; setting the hardness of the substrate to be atmospheric in response to detecting the presence of the body a basic hardness of the pressure balance; detecting an identification feature of the body on the substrate; setting the hardness of the substrate to a specific recognition hardness in response to detecting the identification feature of the body; detecting the body Not present on the substrate; and in response to detecting the absence of the body, the hardness of the substrate is restored from the specified hardness to the base hardness. The method of claim 41, wherein detecting the presence of the subject comprises: receiving an indication that the pressure is increased. The method of claim 41, wherein detecting that the absence of the subject comprises: receiving an indication that the pressure is decreasing. The method of claim 41, wherein the particular identification hardness is based on a profile associated with the subject. The method of claim 41, wherein the substrate comprises: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed in the fluid bladder; and a valve having one of a core allowing the atmosphere and the fluid bladder and the foam core One of the fluid communication between the interiors opens the position and blocks one of the fluid communication with the fluid bladder and the interior of the foam core. The method of claim 45, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the base hardness in response to detecting the presence of the body comprises: setting the valve to the closed position. The method of claim 45, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the specific identification hardness comprises: setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder And reducing the hardness of the substrate to the specific identification hardness. The method of claim 45, wherein the hardness of the substrate is determined from the specific identification hardness Restoring to the base hardness includes setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core is fully expanded within the fluid bladder. A substrate comprising: a fluid capsule; a foam core disposed within the fluid bladder; one or more sensors in fluid communication with the fluid bladder; a valve having an atmosphere permitting One of a fluid communication between the fluid bladder and one of the interior of the foam core, an open position and a closed position that prevents fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a processor Configuring, based on the signal from the one or more sensors, detecting that a body is present on the substrate; setting the hardness of the substrate to atmospheric pressure in response to detecting the presence of the body Balancing a basic hardness; setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness in response to receiving a request to modify the hardness of the substrate from the basic hardness to a requested hardness; detecting that the body is not present on the substrate And responding to detecting the absence of the body to restore the hardness of the substrate from the requested hardness to the basic hardness. The substrate of claim 49, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the basic hardness in response to detecting the presence of the body comprises: setting the valve to the closed position. The substrate of claim 49, wherein setting the hardness of the substrate to the requested hardness comprises: setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being sufficient to reduce the pressure within the fluid bladder and The hardness of the substrate is reduced to the requested hardness. The substrate of claim 49, wherein the hardness of the substrate is restored from the requested hardness Up to the base hardness comprises setting the valve to the open position such that the foam core is fully expanded within the fluid bladder.