US20180125259A1

US20180125259A1 - Bed With Magnetic Couplers

Info

Publication number: US20180125259A1
Application number: US15/347,572
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Peterson; Dominic Grey; Jeff Ingham; Anthony John Shakal
Original assignee: Sleep Number Corp
Current assignee: Sleep Number Corp
Priority date: 2016-11-09
Filing date: 2016-11-09
Publication date: 2018-05-10
Also published as: AU2017359304B2; AU2017359304A1; EP3537934B1; EP3537934A1; WO2018089464A1

Abstract

A magnetic coupler for attaching a mattress to a bed foundation includes a magnet assembly, a target assembly, and a shunt. The magnet assembly includes a housing and a magnet, wherein the housing is configured to couple the magnet to the mattress. The target assembly is configured to couple a target to the foundation. The shunt is disposed within the housing of the magnet assembly or in the mattress. The magnet assembly and the target assembly are releasably attached when the magnet is magnetically coupled to the target.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to beds, and more particularly to beds with magnetic couplers.

BACKGROUND

People have traditionally used beds that come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Such beds can range from extremely simple designs to rather complex designs that include a variety of features. For example, some beds include mattresses that include foam, inner-springs, fluid-inflatable bladders, other materials, or combinations thereof. Such mattresses may be supported by a structure such as a frame, box spring, adjustable foundation, or a non-adjustable foundation.
In some cases, a bed system can include a mattress that is placed on a frame without it being secured onto the frame. The mattress may however eventually slide off the frame or bunch together on a side that butts up against a wall, a head frame, or a foot frame. In some cases, the mattress can be secured to the frame with rigid mechanical couplers, such as screws and bolts. Such mechanical couplers can, however, be cumbersome when securing the mattress onto the frame or when removing the mattress from the frame, thus increasing the difficulty of installing and using such bed systems.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of a bed system provided herein can include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein. In particular, the bed system can include a mattress, a bed foundation, and one or more magnetic couplers to attach the mattress to the foundation. Some embodiments of the magnetic coupler provided herein can include a two-component assembly that includes a first portion attachable to a portion of the mattress, and a second portion that is attachable to a portion of the foundation. The mattress can be attached and held in proper position on top of the foundation using the one or more magnetic couplers provided herein by positioning the first portion of each coupler to the second portion thereof. The magnetic couplers provided herein provide a quick, simple, and reliable way to attach and secure the mattress to the foundation as well as to detach the mattress from the foundation, when desired.
In some aspects, a magnetic coupler for attaching a mattress to a bed foundation includes a magnet assembly, a target assembly, and a shunt disposed within the housing of the magnet assembly or in the mattress. The magnet assembly can comprise a housing and a magnet, wherein the housing is configured to couple the magnet to a mattress. The target assembly can be configured to couple a target to a foundation. The magnet assembly and the target assembly can be releasably attached when the magnet is magnetically coupled to the target.
In some cases, the magnet can be a permanent magnet. In some cases, the permanent magnet can include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic magnets, or ferrite magnets. In some cases, the target, the shunt, or both, can include iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, or alloys or combinations thereof. In some cases, the shunt can be configured to shield at least a portion of the magnetic field radiating towards the mattress. In some cases, the magnet assembly and the target assembly can be released from one another when the tensile force applied to either the magnet assembly or the target assembly is greater than a predetermined threshold force value ranging from about 50 lbf. to about 150 lbf. In some cases, the housing can comprise a top housing and a bottom housing, wherein the top housing and bottom housing are configured to mate together to form a shell defining an internal cavity. In some cases, the magnet assembly can further comprise a clamping disc shaped to mate with the top housing and configured for gripping a portion of the mattress when mated with the top housing. In some cases, the clamping disc can include a top surface defined by a plurality of teeth and wherein the teeth of the clamping disc engage with the mating teeth of the top housing to grip a fabric material of the mattress. In some cases, the clamping disc can be disposed within the internal cavity. In some cases, the shunt can be disposed within the internal cavity. In some cases, the magnet assembly can comprise a received portion and the target assembly comprises a receiving portion, the received portion configured to engage with the receiving portion when the magnet assembly is magnetically coupled to the target assembly, and wherein the received portion has a surface area that is smaller than the surface area of the receiving portion. In some cases, a ratio of a diameter of the receiving portion to a diameter of a received portion can be between 1.5:1 to 3:1.
In some cases, a bed system includes a foundation, a mattress positioned on the foundation, one or more magnetic couplers, and a shunt disposed within the housing of the magnet assembly or in the mattress. Each magnetic coupler includes a magnet assembly comprising a housing and a magnet, wherein the housing is configured to couple the magnet to the mattress. Each magnetic coupler can include a target assembly configured to couple a target to the foundation. The magnet assembly and the target assembly can be releasably attached when the magnet is magnetically coupled to the target.
In some cases, the bed system can be an air bed system, wherein the mattress comprises an inflatable air chamber, wherein the foundation comprises an adjustable foundation configured for raising both the head and feet of the mattress when the adjustable foundation is actuated, and wherein the one or more magnetic couplers retains the mattress on the adjustable foundation during articulation of the adjustable foundation. In some cases, the foundation can be an articulable foundation. In some cases, the mattress can comprise a fabric layer and a support structure positioned inside of and fully encapsulated by the fabric layer, and wherein the magnet assembly is coupled to the fabric layer. In some cases, the magnet assembly can comprise means for engaging with the target assembly.
In some aspects, a bed system includes an adjustable foundation, a mattress positioned on the foundation, and a plurality of means for releasably coupling the mattress to the foundation so as to hold the mattress in place on the foundation when the foundation is raised and lowered. The plurality of means for releasably coupling the mattress can comprise one or more magnetic couplers. Each magnetic coupler can include a magnet assembly comprising a top housing, a bottom housing, and a housing fastener for coupling the top and bottom housing together, the top housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sloped top lateral walls, the bottom surface being defined by the sloped lateral walls, a plurality of teeth, and a central flange, the bottom housing including a top surface, a bottom surface, and sloped bottom lateral walls, the bottom surface includes an outwardly projecting bead forming a flange that extends interior walls defining a central hole of the bottom housing, wherein the central hole of the bottom housing is configured to receive a magnet. Each magnetic coupler can include a target assembly comprising an annular cup, a target, and one or more mechanical fasteners for coupling the target to the annular cup.
These and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the features described below. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize none, one or more of the advantages described below.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of an example bed system with magnetic couplers.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of an alternative example bed system with magnetic couplers.

FIG. 2B is a magnified illustration of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an example bed foundation with magnetic couplers.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a magnetic coupler attached to a mattress and a foundation (shown as cut out portions in the illustration), according to an example.

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A (with portions of the mattress and the foundation omitted for clarity).

FIG. 4C is a top view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A (with portions of the mattress and the foundation omitted for clarity).

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A (with portions of the mattress and the foundation omitted for clarity).

FIG. 5A is side view of the magnetic coupler as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a partially exploded side view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5C is a fully exploded side perspective view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional side view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A in an attached state.

FIG. 5E is a partially exploded cross-sectional side view of the magnetic coupler of FIG. 4A in a detached state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Magnetic connectors for bed systems, such as for inflatable air beds, can be used to attach a mattress (e.g., an air mattress) to a bed foundation at bed assembly. The magnetic couplers provided herein can include a two-component assembly that includes a first portion that is attachable to a portion of the mattress (e.g., ticking, scrim, or fabric layer), and a second portion that is attachable to the bed foundation. The mattress can be held in proper position in a quick and simple manner with one or more magnetic couplers by positioning the first portion of each coupler to the second portion thereof. The magnetic couplers provided herein can be desirable for a bed system to provide a quick, simple, and reliable way to attach and secure the mattress to the bed foundation as well as detach the mattress from the foundation, when desired.
FIG. 1 shows an example bed system 100 that includes a mattress 112. The mattress 112 can be an air bed system that includes at least one air chamber 114 surrounded by a resilient border 116 and encapsulated by bed ticking 118. The resilient border 116 can comprise any suitable material, such as foam. In some cases, the bed ticking 118 can be made of a fabric material, such as a scrim. In some cases, the bed ticking 118 can be attached with one or more magnetic couplers 119 for coupling the bed to a bed foundation (not shown in FIG. 1; see the foundation 204 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The magnetic couplers 119 can be connected to the bed ticking 118 and/or another portion of the mattress 112 without requiring the magnetic couplers 119 to connect directly to the air chamber 114.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mattress 112 can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first air chamber 114A and a second air chamber 114B. In alternative embodiments, the mattress 112 can include chambers for use with fluids other than air that are suitable for the application. In some embodiments, such as single beds or kids' beds, the mattress 112 can include a single air chamber 114A or 114B or multiple air chambers 114A and 114B. First and second air chambers 114A and 114B can be in fluid communication with a pump 120. The pump 120 can be in electrical communication with a remote control 122 via control box 124. The control box 124 can include a wired or wireless communications interface for communicating with one or more devices, including the remote control 122. The control box 124 can be configured to operate the pump 120 to cause increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B based upon commands input by a user using the remote control 122. In some implementations, the control box 124 is integrated into a housing of the pump 120. In other implementations, the control box 124 can be separate from the pump 120.
The remote control 122 can include a display 126, an output selecting mechanism 128, a pressure increase button 129, and a pressure decrease button 130. The output selecting mechanism 128 can allow the user to switch air flow generated by the pump 120 between the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B, thus enabling control of multiple air chambers with a single remote control 122 and a single pump 120. For example, the output selecting mechanism 128 can by a physical control (e.g., switch or button) or an input control displayed on display 126. Alternatively, separate remote control units can be provided for each air chamber and can each include the ability to control multiple air chambers. Pressure increase and decrease buttons 129 and 130 can allow a user to increase or decrease the pressure, respectively, in the air chamber selected with the output selecting mechanism 128. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air chamber can cause a corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air chamber. In some embodiments, the remote control 122 can be omitted or modified as appropriate for an application. For example, in some embodiments the bed system 100 can be controlled by a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other device in wired or wireless communication with the bed system 100. In some embodiments, the remote control 122 can also control operation of an articulable foundation that supports the mattress 112.
FIG. 2A shows another example bed system 200 that includes a bed mattress 202 and an articulable foundation 204. The mattress 202 can be positioned on top of the foundation 204 to provide a comfortable, supportive sleep area for the user (not shown). The mattress 202 can include a support structure (not shown in FIG. 2A; see e.g., the air chamber 114 surrounded by a resilient border 116 as shown in FIG. 1) encapsulated by an outer fabric layer 206. The mattress 202 can include a top 208, a bottom 210, and sides 212 extending between the top 208 and the bottom 210. The foundation 204 can include one or more sections 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, 214 d. One or more of the sections 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, 214 d can be articulable sections for positioning various sections of the mattress 202 into various spatial configurations, as desired by the user. The foundation 204 can move into the various spatial configurations by changing the heights and adjusting the angles of one or more of its articulable sections 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, 214 d relative to one another.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom 210 of the mattress 202 can be coupled to the foundation 204 by one or more magnet couplers 220 such that the mattress 202 does not slide along a top surface of the foundation 204 when the articulable sections 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, 214 d move the mattress 202. This allows the mattress 202 to remain aligned with the foundation 204 when articulated such that the mattress 202 does not slide out of alignment with the foundation, slide off the foundation 204, or bunch together against an adjacent structure (not shown), such as a wall or a head or foot frame. The magnet coupler 220 can thus provide an easy method of attaching or detaching the mattress 202 to the foundation 204 since magnetic coupling can be established by simply placing coupleable portions of the magnetic coupler 220, which are separately attached to the mattress 202 and the foundation 204, into close proximity to one another.
FIG. 2B shows a magnified illustration of the magnet coupler 220 of FIG. 2A coupling the mattress 202 to the foundation 204. As shown, the magnetic coupler 220 can be attached to a portion of the mattress 202 (e.g., the outer fabric layer 206) and a portion of the foundation 204. Respective parts of the magnet coupler 220 can be attached to portions of the mattress 202 and foundation 204 by one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., a screw, a nut, a bolt, a staple, a hook, or the like), which will be discussed in later sections. As shown in FIG. 2B, the outer fabric layer 206 can be elastic so as to at least partially stretch when the magnet coupler 220 is in tension.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of an example foundation 304 including eight locations for attaching a magnetic coupler 320. The depicted foundation 304 includes four sections: a head section 314 a, an upper midsection 314 b, a lower midsection 314 c, and a foot section 314 d. The foundation 304 can be sized and shaped for any mattress size, for example, a king, queen, twin, twin XL sized mattress, or a custom-sized mattress. The magnetic couplers 320 can be positioned at one or more locations along a top surface of the foundation 304 such that magnetic couplers 320 secure the mattress 302 to the foundation 304. In some cases, the foundation 304 can accommodate any number of magnetic couplers 320 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or greater than fifty). In some cases, the magnetic couplers 320 can be positioned at locations symmetrically along the foundation 304 to increase proper securement of the mattress, and, in some cases, to reduce or minimize the amount of shear force exerted on the mattress 302 that prevents possible detachment of the mattress 302 from the foundation 304. Alternatively, in some cases, the magnetic couplers 320 can be asymmetrically positioned along the surface of the foundation 304 to allow for easier movement and conformance of the mattress 302 when the foundation 304 is articulated. The depicted foundation 304 can be compatible and magnetically coupleable with a mattress (not shown in FIG. 3) having a complementary set of magnetic couplers 320 attached along its bottom surface.
As shown in FIG. 3, the head section 314 a of the foundation 304 includes one set of two symmetrically positioned magnetic couplers 320, the upper midsection 314 b of the foundation 304 includes one set of two symmetrically positioned magnetic couplers 320, and the foot section 314 d includes two sets of two symmetrically positioned magnetic couplers 320. In some cases, some of the articulable sections of the foundation 304 may not include magnetic couplers 320 (e.g., the lower midsection 314 c). In some cases, any one section of the foundation 304 can include one or more sets of magnetic couplers. In some cases, any one section of the foundation 304 can include a single magnet or a set of magnets, either symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned. In FIG. 3, the magnetic couplers 320 at the head section 314 a are located near a central portion 316 of the foundation 304. The magnetic couplers 320 at the upper midsection is located in a peripheral portion 318 of the foundation 304. The magnetic couplers 320 at the foot section 314 d are positioned at both the central and peripheral portions 316, 318 of the foundation 304. The magnetic couplers 320 at the head section 314 a are spaced apart by a second lateral distance “D1”. The magnetic couplers 320 located in the upper midsection 314 b are spaced apart by a first lateral distance “D2”. In some cases, the pair of magnetic couplers 320 at the head sections 314 a are positioned closer to one another than the pair of magnetic couplers 320 at the upper midsection 314 b (D1<D2). Such a configuration may be desirable in an articulable bed system having separately articulable head sections, such as an articulable bed system that is split with two separately articulable mattress or an articulable bed system with a split head section and a joined foot section. In some cases, the magnetic couplers 320 may be positioned on the foundation 304 such that the couplers 320 can be easily accessed during assembly and/or disassembly of the bed system.
FIGS. 4A-4D show an example magnetic coupler 420 in an assembled state. The magnetic coupler 420 can be coupled to a mattress 402, such as an outer fabric layer of the mattress, and a foundation 404 of a bed system (e.g., the bed system 100 of FIG. 1). The magnetic coupler 420 can include two major portions: a first portion 430 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) of the magnetic coupler 420 that is coupled (e.g., mechanically coupled) to the mattress 402, and a second portion 440 (see FIGS. 4B-4D) of the magnetic coupler 420 that is coupled (e.g., mechanically coupled) to the foundation 404. The two major portions 430, 440 can be magnetically coupled together to attach the mattress 403 to the foundation 404. In some cases, the first portion 430 (and/or the second portion 440) of the magnetic coupler 420 can optionally include ergonomic features, such as gripping ribs 476, which will be discussed in greater detail in a subsequent section. In some cases, the first portion 430 (and/or the second portion 440) of the magnetic coupler 420 can optionally include apertures (e.g., slots 487 in FIGS. 4B and 4C) to facilitate mechanical fastening of one or more components of the magnetic coupler 420.
FIGS. 5A-5E show in greater detail the first and second portions of the magnetic coupler 420, which will be referred to hereinafter as a magnet assembly 430 and a target assembly 440, respectively. These figures show various views of the magnetic coupler 420 of FIGS. 5A-5E in an assembled state (FIGS. 5A, 5D) and an unassembled state (FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5E).
As mentioned above, the magnetic coupler 420 can include the magnet assembly 430, which is magnetically coupleable to the target assembly 440. The magnet assembly 430 can be configured to secure one or more magnets 432 to a portion of the mattress 402 (e.g., the outer fabric layer of the mattress). A “magnet” is defined in this document as any material or object that produces a magnetic field. The magnet 432 can include any material containing iron (e.g., steel) that attracts other iron-containing objects or aligns itself in an external magnetic field. In some cases, the magnet 432 can include one or more permanent magnets (e.g., neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, and ceramic or ferrite magnets), and/or electromagnets. In some cases, the magnet can be a cup magnet, e.g., a neodymium cup magnet supplied by Amazing Magnets. In some cases, the magnet can be a programmed magnet or correlated magnet, such as a Polymagnet® supplied by Polymagnet, which are engineered magnetic structures that incorporate correlated patterns of magnets with alternating polarity, designed to achieve a desired behavior. The magnet can be sized and shaped as desired. In some cases, the magnet 432 is sized and shaped to yield a desired magnetic field strength for securing the mattress 402 to the foundation 404. In some cases, the magnet 432 can be sized with a diameter ranging from about 1 inch to about 3 inches (e.g., about 1.00 inch, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.50 inches, or about 3.00 inches), and a thickness ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.25 inches, about 0.50 inches, about 0.75 inches, or about 1.00 inches).
Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the target assembly 440 can be configured to secure one or more targets 442 to the foundation. A “target” is defined in this document as a ferrous material or other object that suitably responds to a magnetic field. Exemplary targets 442 can include, but are not limited to, iron, certain steels, nickel, cobalt, and alloys or combinations thereof. The target 442 is attracted to the magnet. The target 442 serves to attract and bond to the magnet 432 when placed in close proximity to the magnet 432. The target 442 can be sized and shaped as desired. In some cases, the target 442 is sized and shaped for coupling with the magnet 432. In some cases, the target 442 can be sized with a diameter ranging from about 2 inch to about 4 inches (e.g., about 2.00 inch, about 2.50 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.50 inches, 3.75 inches or about 4.00 inches), and a thickness ranging from about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inch (e.g., about 0.05 inches, about 0.10 inches, about 0.20 inches, about 0.30 inches, about 0.40 inches, or about 0.50 inches).
The attraction between the magnet 432 in the magnet assembly 430 and the target 442 in the target assembly 440 can be used to form a bond, e.g., a magnetic coupling, when the magnet assembly 430 and the target assembly 440 are placed in close proximately to one another. As such, the magnetic coupler 420 can be used to secure the mattress 402 to the bed foundation 404 when the magnet assemblies 430 of the mattress 402 are placed near the target assemblies 440 of the foundation 440.
The various embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to only the depicted embodiments, however. For example, although not shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, in some cases, the magnet assemblies 430 can be configured to secure the magnet 432 to the foundation 404, and the target assemblies 440 can be configured to secure the target 442 to the mattress 402.
The bed systems provided herein (e.g., the bed system 100 of FIG. 1) can include one or more magnetic couplers 420 to secure the mattress 402 to the foundation 404 during normal use, e.g., when the user adjusts his or her sleep position on the mattress 402, or when the foundation 404 articulates, for example, the foundation 404 articulates from a sitting position to a sleeping position. As such, the bed system can include the one or more magnetic couplers 420 for securing the mattress 402 to the foundation 404 under conditions in which the forces (tensile and/or torque forces) applied to the mattress is below a predetermined threshold force value. The predetermined threshold force value can be set to a suitable threshold. For example, in some cases, the predetermined threshold force value can range from about 50 lbf. to about 150 lbf. (e.g., from about 60 lbf. to about 140 lbf, from about 70 lbf. to about 130 lbf., from about 80 lbf. to about 120 lbf., from about 90 lbf. to about 110 lbf, from about 95 lbf. to about 105 lbf, about 50 lbf., about 60 lbf., about 70 lbf., about 80 lbf., about 90 lbf., about 100 lbf., about 110 lbf., about 120 lbf., about 130 lbf., about 140 lbf., or about 150 lbf.). The predetermined threshold force should set high enough such that the magnet and target assemblies 430,440 can remain coupled while the foundation 404 articulates, but low enough so that the decoupling of the magnet assembly 430 and the target assembly 440 does not become too difficult for the user or cause damage (e.g., tearing) to the mattress 402. In some cases, at least one magnetic coupler 420 can be set to a first predetermined threshold force value, and at least one magnetic coupler 420 can be set to a second one predetermined threshold force value. In such cases, the different threshold force values may be appropriate for different couplers 420 due to the varying forces being applied to different locations along the mattress 402. For example, one or more first couplers 420 at or near the midsection of the mattress may be set to a first predetermined threshold force value of about 120 lbf., while one or more second couplers at or near the head or foot section of the mattress are set to a second predetermined threshold force value of about 80 lbf.
In some cases, for example, the predetermined threshold force value can have a value suitable for securing the mattress 402 on the foundation 404 with the couplers 420 during normal use. However, when the couplers 420 are subjected to a force value greater than the predetermined threshold force, the components of the magnetic couplers 420 will release and allow the mattress 402 to detach from the foundation 404. The predetermined threshold force can be set such that easy detachment of the mattress 402 from the foundation 404 can be achieved during a non-normal use, for example, when the mattress 402 is pulled or jerked away from the foundation 404 for servicing or disassembly. Furthermore, the couplers 420 allow the mattress 402 to be released from the foundation 404 when the couplers 420 are subjected to a high amount of force that would otherwise normally damage or tear a mattress 402 rigidly attached to the foundation 404. As such, damage to the mattress can be prevented by using the magnetic couplers 420, which in turn can help to extend the use life of the bed system.
Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the magnet assembly 430 includes a top housing 450, a bottom housing 452, and a housing fastener 454. As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the top housing 450 is generally circular and has a top surface 456, a bottom surface 458, and sloped lateral walls 460. The top housing 450 also defines a central hole 461 configured for receiving the housing fastener 454. The top surface 456 has a generally flat profile to prevent the tearing or damaging of interior portions of the mattress 402 after its attachment. The bottom surface 458 is defined by the sloped lateral walls 460, a plurality of teeth 462, and a central flange 464. The plurality of teeth 462 can serve to retain a portion of the mattress 402, such as the outer fabric layer that encapsulates the support structure of the mattress 402. The central flange 464 can serve as a guide or a stop feature to help position the other inner components of the coupler 420, such as a clamping disk 480 or a shunt 478, which will be discussed in later sections.
As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the bottom housing 452 of the magnet assembly 430 is a generally flat circular component with a central hole 465. The bottom housing 452 can include a top surface 466, a bottom surface 468, and sloped lateral walls 470. The top surface 466 can include a recessed inner cavity partially defined by interior surfaces of the sloped lateral walls 470. The bottom surface 468 includes an outwardly projecting bead 472 that forms a flange 474 that extends interior walls defining the central hole 465 of the bottom housing 452. The central hole 465 of the bottom housing 452 can be configured to receive the magnet 432. The exterior walls of the sloped lateral walls 470 of the bottom housing 452 can define a plurality of gripping ribs 476, which are best shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The gripping ribs 476 can be configured to assist a person with holding and manipulating the bottom housing 452 during the assembly or disassembly of the magnet assembly 430.
The top and bottom housing 450, 452 of the magnet assembly 430 can be configured to mate together to form a clam-shaped shell defining an internal cavity. The shell can be configured to hold various inner components within the internal cavity. For example, the internal cavity can hold one or more shunts 478 and a clamping disc 480, which will be discussed in later sections.
Both the top and bottom housing 450, 452 can include the centrally located holes 461, 465 sized for receiving the housing fastener 454 to secure the top and bottom housing 450, 452 together. The top and bottom housing 450, 452 can be secured together by the housing fastener 454, such as a threaded connector. In some cases, the fastener 454 can be a non-magnetic fastener, such as a stainless steel fastener, to assist with shielding or directing the magnetic field (which will be discussed further in later sections) generated by the magnet 432.
As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the magnet assembly 430 can also include the clamping disc 480, the shunt 478, and the magnet 432. The clamping disc 480 can be a thin, disc-shaped component. The clamping disc 480 has a top surface 482 defined by a plurality of teeth 484. The plurality of teeth 484 extend circumferentially along the top planar surface 482 of the clamping disc 480. The plurality of teeth 484 can include two or more circumferentially extending teeth (e.g., three, four, five, or more than five teeth). Each tooth can have a triangular, trapezoidal, barb shaped, or the like. The teeth 484 of the clamping disc 480 engage with the complementary teeth 462 of the top housing 450, which were discussed above. The mated teeth 462, 484 when engaged with one another, are configured to grip a fabric material (e.g., the scrim of the mattress 402) to prevent slippage of the magnetic coupler 420 after being attached to the mattress 402. The mated teeth 462, 484 therefore provide the benefit of maintaining the proper location of the magnetic coupler 420 once attached to the mattress 402.
The clamping disc 480 can optionally include a pair of outwardly projecting prongs 486 (see FIG. 5C) from the top planar surface 482. Each prong 486 can include a tab configured for snap fitting the clamping disc 480 to the top housing 450 when each tab is inserted into a corresponding mating tab slot (e.g., the tab slots 487 in FIGS. 4B & 4C) defined in the top housing 450. The tab of the prong may be inserted through a premade hole in a portion of the mattress 402 (e.g., the outer fabric layer), or used to puncture through the portion of the mattress. The top housing 450 and the clamping disc 480 can be adapted to secure a portion of the mattress 402 therebetween when the clamping disc 480 is secured to the top housing 450. In some cases, the clamping disc 480 can include one or more prongs (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more than five prongs).
Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the magnet assembly 430 includes a flat, circular magnet 432 disposed within a portion of the bottom housing 452. Although the depicted embodiment includes only one magnet 432, the magnet assembly 430 can include multiple magnets 432 to create a magnetic field for achieving magnetic coupling. As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the magnet 432 can be sized and shaped to be received within the central hole 465 defined by the flange 474 of the bottom housing 452. The magnet 432 can also include a central bore 488 to receive the fastener 454 for securing the magnet 432 to the other components of the magnet assembly 430. In some cases, the fastener 454 can be used to prevent movement of the magnet 432 within the magnet assembly 430. In some cases, the magnet 432 can be sized and shaped for a press fit with the interior walls of the flange 474 of the bottom housing 452 as another means for securement.
As shown in FIGS. 5C-5E, the magnet assembly can optionally include a flat, circular shunt 478 disposed within the internal cavity of magnet assembly 430. The shunt 478 serves to shield magnetic field radiation generated by the magnet 432 from radiating in a particular direction. For example, the shunt 478 when placed on top of the magnet 432, will shield magnetic radiation generated from the magnet 432 from radiating towards the mattress 402 (see arrow in FIG. 5B) where the user would be located. In some cases, the shunt 478, when used in conjunction with the target 442 of the target assembly 440, can create a closed loop magnetic circuit. The closed loop magnetic circuit can localize and/or redirect the magnetic field to a desired location, for example, towards the bed foundation 404 and away from the mattress 402 (see arrow in FIG. 5B). Accordingly, the shunt 478 can therefore be used to redirect magnetic field in a desired direction, e.g., toward the foundation 404 (see arrow in FIG. 5B). The shunt 478 can therefore be beneficial in shielding or redirecting magnetic radiation away from the user on the mattress 402, in particular users who are sensitive to magnetic radiation (e.g., users with pacing implant devices).
The shunt 478 can be made of any ferrous material or object. Exemplary shunt materials can include, but are not limited to, iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and alloys or combinations thereof. In some cases, the shunt 478 and the target 442 are made of the same materials. The shunt 478 can be any shape or size. In some cases, the shunt 478 can be shaped and sized to be received within the internal cavity of the magnet assembly 430, for example, between the clamping disc 480 and the bottom housing 452. The shunt 478 can also include a central bore to receive the fastener 454 for securing the components of the magnet assembly 430 together. In some cases, the shunt 478 is sized with a diameter and thickness for providing an adequate amount of magnetic shielding. In some cases, the shunt 478 can be sized with a diameter ranging from about 2 inch to about 4 inches (e.g., about 2.00 inch, about 2.50 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.50 inches, 3.75 inches or about 4.00 inches), and a thickness ranging from about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inch (e.g., about 0.05 inches, about 0.10 inches, about 0.20 inches, about 0.30 inches, about 0.40 inches, or about 0.50 inches).
In some cases, all of the components of the magnet assembly 430 can be included as part of a kit (not shown) for the bed system such that the magnet assembly 430 can be attached during delivery and assembly of the bed system. In some cases, the magnet assembly 430 can be preassembled and attached to the mattress 402.
Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the magnetic coupler includes a target assembly 440 that can be secured to the foundation 404 of the bed systems provided herein. Best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the target assembly 440 includes an annular cup 490, the target 442, and one or more mechanical fasteners 492, 500, 502. As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the annular cup 490 of the target assembly has a top surface 494, a bottom surface 495, and defines a central hole 496. The top surface 494 is defined by a raised ridge that extends along an outer edge of the annular cup 490 and a flat recessed annular surface 497 along a central portion of the cup 490 that forms a recessed area 498. The bottom surface 495 is a flat annular surface. The target 442 can be a flat disc sized to fit within the recessed area 498 of the cup 490 such that the target 442 does not shift or move significantly once placed on the recessed annular surface 497.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the cup 490 and the target 442 are coupled together by the threaded fastener 492 (e.g., bolt). A bottom surface of the target 442 can be bonded to the fastener 492 (e.g., a bolt head of a bolt) and secured to the cup 490 by a threaded nut 500 coupled to a shaft portion of the bolt extended through a central hole 496 of the cup 490. The threaded fastener 492 can also serve to couple the target assembly 440 to the foundation 404. In particular, the threaded fastener 492 can be extended through a bore in the foundation 404 and secured to the foundation 404 by the nut 500 and an optional washer 502. There are various types of mechanical fasteners that can be used to couple the annular cup 490 to the target 442, and/or to generally couple the target assembly 440 to the foundation 404. Exemplary fasteners 492 can include, but are not limited to, a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt, nut, screw, washer, threaded insert, threaded rod, or the like), a grommet, a cable tie, a clasp, a clip, a latch, a pin, a rivet, a snap fastener, a staple, a strap, solder joint, and combinations thereof. In some cases, the target 442 can be press fit into, or bonded by a joinder (e.g., an adhesive or a solder) to the annular cup 490.
As best shown in FIGS. 5D-5E, the thickness of the target 442 is less than the height of the recessed area 498 such that a shallow recessed area 498 is still present after the placement of the target 442 within the recessed area 498 (best shown in cross-sectional views provided in FIGS. 5D-5E). The cup 490 is therefore configured to receive a bottom portion (e.g., bottom housing 452) of the magnet assembly 430 within the recessed area 498 when the magnet and target assemblies 430, 440 are joined.
When coupling, the bottom housing 452 of the magnet assembly 430 is placed in the recessed area 498 of the target assembly 440, which contain the target 442 (as best shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E). The bottom housing 452 of the magnet assembly 430 has the magnet 432 exposed along its bottom surface 468 and the recessed area 498 of the target assembly 440 has the target 442 exposed along its recessed annular surface 497, which together facilitate close magnet-to-target coupling when the magnet and target assemblies 430, 440 are joined. In some cases, the magnet 432 can be exposed along the bottom surface 468 of the magnet assembly 430 but positioned within the flange 474 such that a bottom surface of the magnet 432 is slightly recessed within the flange 474. The magnet 432 can thus be positioned within the flange 474 at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 468 of the bottom housing. Positioning the magnet 432 the set predetermined distance from the bottom surface 468 can protect the magnet from impact forces that might otherwise damage the magnet 432 when the magnet assembly 430 and the target assembly are joined together. The predetermined distance should set large enough so that the magnet is protected from impact forces, but small enough so that the magnet assembly 430 magnetically couples to the target assembly 440 with a desired coupling force. The bottom surface of the magnet 432 can be set at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the bottom housing 452 such that the distance between the magnet 432 and the target ranges from about 0.001 inches to about 0.013 inches when the magnet and target assemblies are coupled together.
The magnet coupler 420 can be designed to allow for a small amount of imprecise positioning of the magnet and target assemblies 430, 440 that still achieves magnetic coupling therebetween. In particular, in some cases, the magnetic coupler 420 can be designed such that the surface area of the receiving portion of the target assembly is larger than the surface area of the received portion of the magnet assembly. This allows for the received portion of the magnet assembly 430 to be magnetically coupled to the receiving portion of the target assembly 440 even though the magnet assembly 430 can be offset from the center “C” of the target assembly, and thus not concentrically coupled to the target assembly 440. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, magnet assembly 430 can have a received portion (e.g., the flange 474 and the magnet 432 at the bottom surface 468) configured for securing the magnet 432 and seating within the receiving portion (e.g., the recessed annular surface 497 of the recessed area 498) of the target assembly 440. The surface area of the receiving portion of the magnet assembly 430, as shown, can be smaller than that of the receiving portion of the target assembly 440 to allow for offset coupling of the magnet and target assemblies. The difference in the surface areas of the received and receiving portions can be set, as desired, to form a coupling gap “G” that extends from an outer edge of the received portion to an inner edge of the receiving portion. In some cases, the ratio of the diameter of the receiving portion and the received portion can range from about 1.5:1 to 2:1, or from about 1.5 to 3:1, or from about 2:1 to 4:1. In some cases, the ratio of the surface area of the receiving portion to the received portion can range from about 2:1 to 5:1 (e.g., from about 2:1 to 3:1, from about 2:1 to 4:1, from about 3:1 to 4:1, from about 3:1 to 5:1, or from about 4:1 to 5:1).
In some cases, a maximum coupling gap G between the receiving portion to the received portion can range from about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches (or about 1.27 mm to about 2.54 mm), or from about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inch (or from about 2.54 mm to about 25.4 mm).
In some cases, the target assembly 440 can be included as part of a kit (not shown) for the bed system such that the target assembly 440 can be attached during delivery and assembly of the bed system. In some cases, the target assembly 440 can be preassembled to the bed foundation 404 prior to delivery.
As described above and shown in the figures, bed systems can include a magnetic coupler that can provide convenient attachment and detachment of two bed components, e.g., mattress and the foundation. Such bed systems can include one or more magnetic couplers that can significantly reduce the time and inconvenience of installing a bed system and disassembling a bed system, while providing secure attachment of a mattress that provides user comfort and sleep quality to the bed foundation during normal use.
A number of embodiments of the inventions have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the bed need not include adjustable air chambers. Additionally, different aspects of the different embodiments of foundations, mattresses, and other bed system components described above can be combined while other aspects as suitable for the application. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A magnetic coupler for attaching a mattress to a bed foundation, the magnetic coupler comprising:

a magnet assembly comprising a housing and a magnet, wherein the housing is configured to couple the magnet to a mattress; and

a target assembly configured to couple a target to a foundation; and

a shunt disposed within the housing of the magnet assembly or in the mattress;

wherein the magnet assembly and the target assembly are releasably attached when the magnet is magnetically coupled to the target.

2. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

3. The magnetic coupler of claim 2, wherein the permanent magnet comprises neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic magnets, or ferrite magnets.

4. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the target, the shunt, or both, comprise iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, or alloys or combinations thereof.

5. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the shunt is configured to shield at least a portion of the magnetic field radiating towards the mattress.

6. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly and the target assembly are released from one another when the tensile force applied to either the magnet assembly or the target assembly is greater than a predetermined threshold force value that ranges from about 50 lbf. to about 150 lbf.

7. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a top housing and a bottom housing, wherein the top housing and bottom housing are configured to mate together to form a shell defining an internal cavity.

8. The magnetic coupler of claim 8, wherein the magnet assembly further comprises a clamping disc shaped to mate with the top housing and configured for gripping a portion of the mattress when mated with the top housing.

9. The magnetic coupler of claim 9, wherein the clamping disc has a top surface defined by a plurality of teeth and wherein the teeth of the clamping disc engage with the mating teeth of the top housing to grip a fabric material of the mattress.

10. The magnetic coupler of claim 10, wherein the clamping disc is disposed within the internal cavity.

11. The magnetic coupler of claim 10, wherein the shunt is disposed within the internal cavity.

12. The magnetic coupler of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly comprises a received portion and the target assembly comprises a receiving portion, the received portion configured to engage with the receiving portion when the magnet assembly is magnetically coupled to the target assembly, and wherein the received portion has a surface area that is smaller than the surface area of the receiving portion.

13. The magnetic coupler of claim 13, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the receiving portion to a diameter of a received portion is between 1.5:1 to 3:1.

14. A bed system comprising:

a foundation;

a mattress positioned on the foundation;

one or more magnetic couplers, each magnetic coupler comprising:

a magnet assembly comprising a housing and a magnet, wherein the housing is configured to couple the magnet to the mattress;

a target assembly configured to couple a target to the foundation; and

a shunt disposed within the housing of the magnet assembly or in the mattress;

15. The bed system of claim 14, wherein the bed system is an air bed system, wherein the mattress comprises an inflatable air chamber, wherein the foundation comprises an adjustable foundation configured for raising both the head and feet of the mattress when the adjustable foundation is actuated, and wherein the one or more magnetic couplers retains the mattress on the adjustable foundation during articulation of the adjustable foundation.

16. The bed system of claim 14, wherein the foundation is an articulable foundation.

17. The bed system of claim 14, wherein the mattress comprises a fabric layer and a support structure positioned inside of and fully encapsulated by the fabric layer, and wherein the magnet assembly is coupled to the fabric layer.

18. The bed system of claim 14, wherein the magnet assembly comprises means for engaging with the target assembly.

19. Abed system comprising:

an adjustable foundation;

a mattress positioned on the foundation; and

a plurality of means for releasably coupling the mattress to the foundation so as to hold the mattress in place on the foundation when the foundation is raised and lowered.

20. The bed system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of means for releasably coupling the mattress comprises one or more magnetic couplers, each magnetic coupler comprising:

(a) a magnet assembly comprising a top housing, a bottom housing, and a housing fastener for coupling the top and bottom housing together, the top housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sloped top lateral walls, the bottom surface being defined by the sloped lateral walls, a plurality of teeth, and a central flange, the bottom housing including a top surface, a bottom surface, and sloped bottom lateral walls, the bottom surface includes an outwardly projecting bead forming a flange that extends interior walls defining a central hole of the bottom housing, wherein the central hole of the bottom housing is configured to receive a magnet; and

(b) a target assembly comprising an annular cup, a target, and one or more mechanical fasteners for coupling the target to the annular cup.