CA3218775A1 - A mattress with integrated massage capability - Google Patents
A mattress with integrated massage capability Download PDFInfo
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- CA3218775A1 CA3218775A1 CA3218775A CA3218775A CA3218775A1 CA 3218775 A1 CA3218775 A1 CA 3218775A1 CA 3218775 A CA3218775 A CA 3218775A CA 3218775 A CA3218775 A CA 3218775A CA 3218775 A1 CA3218775 A1 CA 3218775A1
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- air bladder
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- 210000004712 air sac Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 126
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
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- 206010049816 Muscle tightness Diseases 0.000 claims description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003443 bladder cell Anatomy 0.000 claims description 2
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- 230000036772 blood pressure Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
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Abstract
A mattress system with integrated massage capabilities is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments of the invention the mattress incorporates a remote-controlled air bladders therein to pwvide compressive force to users lying on the mattress. A tnemory foam or other comfortable sleeping material is placed above a ma.ssage layer which incorporates the elements necessaiy to achieve a massage effect for users lying upon the sleeping surface. The massage is achieved by utilizing air purnps which either contract or expand to perform a body message for the user.
Description
A MATTRESS SYSTEM. WITH INTEGRATED MASSAGE CAPABILITY
Background 100011 Mattresses are designed to provide a suitable platform for users to rest upon. Various mattress configurations exist some of which offer massaging capabilities by utilizing motors to vibrate the mattress so the user can feel such a sensation. These vibrating mattresses, while briefly entertaining, do not provide true massage capabilities or lasting comfort for the user and can become more irritating than soothing after extended use, The benefits of massage where touch is utilized, to provide compressive pressure to the body is well-known aspect of the healing arts. There is however no existing mattress that emulate the healing touch of a human in an effective way while maintaining the capability to also serve as a comfortable platform for sleep.
A need exists for a device that can reliably serve as a comfortable mattress while adaptably providing compressive massage capabilities when such is desired.
Summary of the Invention 100021 A mattress system having integrated massage capabilities will now be described in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, The following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention._ it will be apparent, however, to an artisan or ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that, the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention, In other instances, specific features., quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill, in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention, it.
should be noted that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention, 100031 For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth 'herein, It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated. as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation.
100041 The term. "first", "second" and the like, herein do not denote any orderõ quantity or importance, but rather are used. to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a." and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
10051 Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "under,"
"above," "upper,"
and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures, It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended, to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device
Background 100011 Mattresses are designed to provide a suitable platform for users to rest upon. Various mattress configurations exist some of which offer massaging capabilities by utilizing motors to vibrate the mattress so the user can feel such a sensation. These vibrating mattresses, while briefly entertaining, do not provide true massage capabilities or lasting comfort for the user and can become more irritating than soothing after extended use, The benefits of massage where touch is utilized, to provide compressive pressure to the body is well-known aspect of the healing arts. There is however no existing mattress that emulate the healing touch of a human in an effective way while maintaining the capability to also serve as a comfortable platform for sleep.
A need exists for a device that can reliably serve as a comfortable mattress while adaptably providing compressive massage capabilities when such is desired.
Summary of the Invention 100021 A mattress system having integrated massage capabilities will now be described in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, The following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention._ it will be apparent, however, to an artisan or ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that, the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention, In other instances, specific features., quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill, in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention, it.
should be noted that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention, 100031 For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth 'herein, It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated. as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation.
100041 The term. "first", "second" and the like, herein do not denote any orderõ quantity or importance, but rather are used. to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a." and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
10051 Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "under,"
"above," "upper,"
and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures, It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended, to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device
2 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 in the .ligures, is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" or "under" other elements or features would, then be oriented "above" the other elements or features.
Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations') and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly, 100061 It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present, 100071 As used. herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured of calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein., the terms "use,"
"using," and "used"
may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.
Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.
190081 Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the sam.e meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which th.e present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 meaning in the context of the relevant art. and/or the present. specification, and 8hould not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
100091 References. The description of the figures provided herein contain references to each depicted component. A. list of these components described in the context of each figure is provided below for easy reference, 1900101 100 First Set of Air Bladders 1000111 1Ø2 Massage Layer 1000121 104 Tube Ouicie 1000131 '106 Air Hose t0001.41 108 Air Pump 1.000151 202 Additional Padding Layer 1900161 114 Remote Control 1000171 116 Controller 19001.8.1 117 Interface Module [0001.91 120 Communication Network 1000201 122 Air Bladder Cell 1000211 124 Cover Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 190022) 200 Comfort Layer 1000231 204 Support Layer [00024[ 300 Zipper 1000251 302 Biometrie Sensor [90026) 304 Temperature Control 1000271 306 Temperature Control System [90028) 308 Heating / Cooling Elements 100029.1 500-524 Air Bladder Cells Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 Description of the Drawings 1000301 Figure 1 illustrates mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
1900311 Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[000321 Figure 3 illustrates the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities with embedded bi ometri c sensors and temperature control as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, [000331 Figure 4 illustrates a two-person mattress with integrated massage capabilities and. biornettic sensors as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, 1000341 Figure 5 illustrates an air bladder configuration for use in a mattress with integrated. massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
1000351 Figure 6 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for implementing a mattress with integrated massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, Detailed Description 1000361 Figure 1 illustrates the massage layer of the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In this illustrated example, the system's massage layer (102) contains a set of air Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 bladders (100), a cover (200) encapsulating the air bladders (100), and air hoses (106) extending from the air bladders into an air pump (108). The air hoses (106) extend through a tube guide (104) to the air pump (108). A remote control (114) interfaces with a controller (116) to direct the system activities required to enable the massage capabilities, 1000.371 The first set: of air bladders (100) are inflatable and de:flat:able when air pressure is added or subtracted using the air pump (108). These air bladders (100) are elastic and. composed of an elastic material that expands when inflated and retracts while retaining its primary form when deflated. in one embodiment of the invention, for example, air bladder (100) can stretch, for example, 1-10 inches and can retract when deflated to approximately 0,5 inches. Other degrees of elasticity may also be utilized and are covered by the disclosure provided here which utilizes and.
implements the concept of elastic air bladders (100) as needed to accomplish the desired massage capabilities. The first set of air bladders (100) are pneumatic since they function with circulated air which comes from the air pump (108). Each air bladder (100) can expand or retract based on the amount of air that is pushed into or pulled from the first set of air bladders (100). Each air bladder (100) is connected to an air hose (1.06) which can push or pull air in or out of the air bladders (100).
1000381 The air bladders (100) are placed inside the cover (124) to keep them in place when they are inflated and deflated during use. The cover (124) is generally snug when the air bladders are inflated and is able to maintains the air bladders in position when they are deflated, To securely prevent movement of a plurality of air bladders, the cover (124) may utilize a compartmentalized design which contains separate pockets for each air bladder. This design prevents movement of the air bladders when they are inflated and deflated to massage the user. The quantity of air bladders (100) is dependent upon the mattress size and the level of control desired for massage Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 purposes. A larger mattress, for example, will typically contain more air bladders than a. smaller mattress would. When more isolated pressure points are desired. for the user it is generally beneficial to include more air bladders (100) into the system. For example, if multiple pressure points are desired fOr a user's lower back area, the system could include a plurality of smaller air bladders (100) or utilize a plurality of internal cells (122) where the user's back would be when lying down on the system. Eacl.i air bladder (100) contains internal cells (122) that when individually inflated or deflated enable the system to apply isolated pressure to a specific area. In one or more embodiments of the invention for example, the system utilizes four to six individual air bladders (100) although other configurations containing a different quantity of air bladders (100) are well within the scope and spirit of the invention. In the example depicted in Figure 1, each air bladder (100) contains six, internal cells (122). Each cell may be individually connected to a separate air hose so that one or multiple cells may be inflated while other cells are being deflated or left in their current state. The manner each cell is inflated or deflated depends upon the selected massage routine as will be further discussed below. The quantity of air bladders (100) and the quantity of cells (122) within each air bladder (100) is a preference the system builder can vary to change the number of available pressure points within the system. Having multiple air bladders (100) with a plurality of cells (122) enables the system to implement various massage routines by inflating and deflating the air bladders (100) at different times for a specified or controllable am oun t of time, The system has a controller (116) that provides the ability to control the amount of air pushed into or pulled out of each air bladder (100). This controller (116) contains the electronic components required to cause the air pump (108) to initiate a pumping action, When the controller (116) receives a command to initiate a pumping action, it causes the air pump to either inflate or Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 deflate in the manner defined by the command. A microprocessor, memory, storage, networking components, a. system bus and any additional computer components required to achieve the necessary functionality are incorporated. into the controller (1.16) or linked to it as needed.
1000401 To regulate airflow into each. air bladder (100) each air hose (106) is connected to an inte.mal cell at one end and the air pump (108) on the other end. This enables each, cell within the air bladder to maintain a separate pressure level that is dictated by the massage routine the controller (116) is executing. Various alternative air bladder implementations are also feasible.
For example, if air hose (106) is connected only to the air bladder the pressure between cells within the air bladder can be regulated by a valve of airflow regulator or other means able to control the amount of air flowing into and out of each cell within the air bladder (100).
In another instance, a.
plurality of individual, air bladders can. be utilized albeit such is less preferred than air bladders with a plurality of cells within the air bladder.
[000411 Each air hose (106) runs through a tube guide (104) configured to hold the air hoses (106) for the first set of air bladders (100). In one or more embodiments of the invention, this tube guide (104) is positioned to the side of the mattress layer (102) and leads to the air pump (108), This tube guide (104) may however be placed in other locations within the system and accomplish the same basic functionality which is that the air hoses (106) need to be routed into the air pump (108) in a non-intrusive way. The tube guide (104) may, for example, be positioned on either side of the bed or below it to create a cavity for each air hose (106) to connect:
to the air pump (108).
The tube guide (104) may also be placed inside traveling towards the head. or foot of the bed or wherever the air pump (108) is located. Each air hose (106) is routed through the tube guide (104) which holds the air hoses (106) from the first set of air bladders (100), The massage bed system is Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 typically configured so that the user will not feel or see the air hoses (106) and the tube guide (104).
100042.1 The air pump (108) circulates air into the bed. to inflate or deflate a targeted internal air bladder cell (122) within each air bladder (100) via air hoses (106), When air moves into an air bladder (100) the cell within the air bladder (100) being inflated, becomes firmer and thus so does the portion of the comfort layer (200) proximate to the inflated cell. When air is removed fmrn an air bladder cell (122) by the air pump (108) the portion of the bed proximate to deflated air bladder (100) becomes softer and more pliable. The number of air bladder cells or independent air bladders utilized in any given system design may vary dependent upon the desired massage effect, When a larger quantity of air bladder cells are utilized, the system can implement a greater degree of isolated pressure to specific muscle groups on the user's body. A system design having multiple air bladder cells under th.e user's lower back region, for example, could provide varying patterns of isolated pressure to the user's back area whereas a design with less internal air bladder cells would still provide a massaging effect but one less isolated to a specific muscle group.
100043.1 To provide users with an ability to control how the massage bed moves and more specifically how the air bladders within the bed function, a remote control (114) is provided in one or more embodiments of the invention. The remote control (114) controls the air pump (108) which in turn, changes the amount of air that can be pushed or pulled from the first set of air bladders (100). This remote may be a wired or wireless device that is able to interface with controller (116) which directs the air pump (108) activities. It is also possible to incorporate the functionality of remote control (1.14) into a smart phone app thereby enabling users to control the massage system using a mobile phone. A. smart hub interface may also be implemented to control the system using voice commands. The user can change the settings of' the remote control (114) which changes the Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 amount of air in each of the air bladders (100) to produce a massage best suited for that user. The remote control (114) may also initiate pre-programmed. massage routines stored within the controller (116) memory. When these pre-programmed massage routines are initiated the controller (116) runs a sequence of that inflates, deflates, or maintains the pressure within each cell of the air bladder using a sequence and timing defined by the routine, Users may also use the remote to cause the controller to run a requested massage routine that directs the air bladder cells to operate in a desired sequence specific, to a region of the body Or preference identified by the user.
1000441 An interface enables the remote to communicate with. controller (116) and thereby initiate commands as desired by the user. In one or more embodiments of the invention the remote control sends an initiate command associated with a selected instruction set that defines the parameters of the massage routine to be performed, The system also may include an interface module (117) that enables the system to communicate with the remote control and/or connect to a local area network, wide area network., the Internet or any other communication network. (120) needed to provide functionality or update and add new functionality. This network module (1.17) may, for example, be used to communicate with a smart hub such as the Amazon's AlexaTM, Google's Nest TM, Apple's siriTm, Microsoft's Cortanarm, Samsung's BixbyTM or any other voice activated system able to obtain verbal commands and convert them. into an operable instruction set able to trigger actions to be taken by the controller.
1900451 Figure 2 illustrates a side view the mattress with integrated massage capabilities.
This side view shows how the components of the massage mattress are layered in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, As depicted in Figure 1, the massage mattress comprises a topmost comfort layer (200) to provide a comfortable surface upon which the user can Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 lay down. The comfort layer (200) can be made from but is not limited to a .tbam, a bedding material or any equivalent structure that provides a padding between. the user and the massage layer (102) containing at least one air bladder (100). This comfort layer (200) may, for example, take various suitable forms and can be, for example, but is not limited to a memory foam mattress, a foam mattressõ a mattress topperõ a mattress cover or any other suitable structure capable of movement when the air bladders are actuated. The thickness and, material used for this comfort layer (200) may be varied as it. is a design. choice dependent upon the level of comfort desired for the intended user. The comfort layer (200) is configured with a sufficient level of padding to provide a buffer to the massage layer and thereby prevent the user from feeling the at least one air bladder (100) when the air bladders are not actively being actuated by the system. Unless the air bladder is actively being activated by varying the air pressure within the plurality of air bladder cells, users maintain the feeling of a regular mattress, The default firmness of the at least. one air bladder (100) maintains the comfort and feeling of a regular mattress .when the air bladder is not being inflated or deflated during use of the massage system.
One or many additional, padding layers (202) may sit between the comfort layer (200) and massage layer (102) to enhance the mattress comfort level. The purpose of this optional additional padding layer (202) is to provide further padding for purposes of comfort. The thickness, composition, and makeup of this additional padding layer (202) is also a design choice is variable dependent upon what type of mattress is being designed for the end user. A range of firmer and/or softer material options may be utilized as desired.. Within this optional additional padding layer (202) is, a massage layer (102) which contains at least one air bladder (100). In embodiments of the invention without the additional padding layer (202) the massage layer (102) is positioned below the comfort layer (200). There are advantages and disadvantages to the varying Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 embodiments, When the additional padding layer (202) is present the mattress is generally viewed as more comfortable by most users whereas when the addi.ti.onal padding layer is not present, the massage layer (102) is more proximate to the user and movement of the air bladder (100) is more pronounced to the user. Either approach. is acceptable to implement one or more embodiments of the invention based on design and user preferences, 1.000471 -The massage layer (102) contains the components utilized to create the massage motion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, Internal to the massage layer (102) is at least One air bladder (100) although embodiments utilizing a plurality of air bladders (100) are also possible dependent: upon the desired massage capabilities. Each air bladder (100) is placed horizontally and parallel to the comfort layer (200) in one or more embodiments of the invention. The at least one air bladder (100) is connected to an. air hose (106) that feeds into and connects with the air pump (108), 1000481 As discussed above the plurality of air bladders (100) may be kept in placed using the cover (124). A plurality of air hoses (106) are connected to an air pump (108) which is operated by controller (1.16). Under the mattress layer (102), a support layer (204) is placed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention to provide additional support for the mattress layer (102) and comfort to the user. This support layer (204) provides support and enables the mattress to have a height sufficient to provide users with a comfortable and expected mattress, thickness.
This support layer (204) can take various forms and still accomplish the intended function, Support layer (204) may, for example, be a spring, memory foam, or other type of foam or structure suitable to provide support for the elements placed upon the support layer (204). 'The system described herein can. be adapted for use with various bed sizes and shapes and thus mattresses of any typical size are contemplated as being with the scope of the invention, The support:
layer (.204) is typically Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 configured in a single, twin, twin XL, full, or queen mattress size, but other sizes are feasible.
Wheti larger mattresses are produced multiple instances of the system described herein may be incorporated and placed. adjacent to one another. For example, in a king size bed with two adult sleepers a left-side system and right-side system may be utilized to provide each user with.
independent controls for the side of the bed they are sleeping upon. In this instance two twin size support layers may be combined to create a king size bed. A. king size bed.
can also be made using a single support layer (204) that is made king size, Other configurations such as a California king or any ',referrable size are also feasible as the mattress system having integrated, massage capabilities described 'herein is implementable is any preferred size albeit when multiple sleepers are involved it is beneficial to have independent massage layers for each sleeper.
Figure 3 illustrates the mattress with integrated massage capabilities having embedded biometric sensors and temperature controls as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Figure 3 depicts the basic system elements set forth, and.
described in. Figure]. such as the first set of air bladders (100), the massage layer (102), the cover (124), the tube guide 004), the plurality of air hoses (106), the remote control (114), the additional padding layer (202), the air pump (108), controller (116), network module (.117) and communication network (120). For the sake of brevity, the elements depicted and described in Figure 1. are not reiterated here in. this Figure 3 description. The cover (124) may have a zipper (300) that provides a mechanism to open the cover (124) and thereby obtain access to the air bladders (100) within. Figure 3 provides for the addition of at least one biometric sensor (302).
This biometric sensor is typically embedded inside the additional padding layer (202) or the comfort layer (200), This positioning fadliti es the biometric sensor s ab i I
ity to obtai n input from a user who is sleeping or laying proximate to the sensors. These biometric sensors are configured Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 to obtain various types of i rabrmati on from the user. For example, biometric, sensors that can detect.
the user's temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and rate of breath may be added to the massage bed system. The biometric sensors (302) can also measure muscle tension in areas of the users back and adapt its massage routine to focus on identified problem areas for the user, The system can maintain a user profile and adapt as needed based on the biometric feedback obtained from the user. This enables the system to adaptably adjust its massage routine based on the user's current state, 'Different profiles may exist. for different users and the system is able to store and retrieve the profile information as needed to select the appropriate niassage routine, [000501 In one or more embodiments of the invention the system also contains a temperature control (304) that interfaces with a temperature control system (306) which provides an ability to heat or cool the mattress system based on a user's preference, The temperature control (304) may be integrated into the remote control (114) or be provided as a separate device for regulating temperature. When a user expresses a preference to heat or cool the mattress system using the temperature control (304), the temperature control system (306) activates heating or cooling elements (308) in response to the given input. These heating or cooling elements distribute a heating or cooling erect into the mattress system, An automated version of the system That heats or cools the user based on biometric sensor data such as the user's temperature or user's skin temperature is also feasible. In this instance, the heating or cooling elements of the temperature control system (306) are activated when the hi metric sensor data indicates the user's temperature is above or below a certain threshold.
1 s Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 1900511 In one or more embodiments of the invention the additional support layer (202) depicted in Figure 3 typically sits below the massage layer (102) and. is the same size or approximately the same or a. similar size as the massage layer (102).
I00052) Figure 4 illustrates a two-person mattress with integrated massage capabilities and biom.etric sensors as it is configured in accordance with. one or more embodiments of the invention, Figure 4 contains the elements described in conjunction with Figures 1 and 3 above but adds an.
additional massage system into the bed so that two people can utilize independent systems, When two units are combined the support layer (204) in this configuration is typically a queen, king or California king mattress size although the concept of utilizing adjacent massaging systems into one bed frame can be adapted for any other bed sizes if desired.. T'he system can be designed as one bed unit with two independent massage systems or as two separate bed units with two independent massage systems that when combined makeup a. single bed unit Each system is independently controlled but may have its own separate components or share certain components such as the air pump (108) and the controller (1'16) when such is a practical design choice.
Generally speaking, incorporating two separate systems into one bedframe unit is ',referrable as it provides users with separably controllable units and is more cost effective to manufacture and produce at scale. The independent massage units may sit on a unitary support layer that functions as a base platform or remain independently adjacent to one another.
1000531 Figure 5 illustrates an air bladder configuration for use in a mattress with integrated, massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Systems embodying one or more aspects of the invention make use of one or more air bladders (100) to provides users with massage capabilities, Within the air bladder (100) is a. plurality of internal, air bladder cells 500 524. Each air bladder cell 500 - 524 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 is connected to an air pump (108) controlled by controller (116). The remote control (116) provides users with an interface to initiate a desired massage routine. When an initiate command is issued by the user via, the remote control (114), by the system itself based on data obtained from, the biometric sensors, or via control buttons elsewhere on system, the controller (116) directs the air pump to execute an. instruction set. to inflate and deflate the air bladder cells 500 524 in accordance with a. desired massage routine. If, for example, the user requests a. massage routine that. calls for the lower back region of the user's body to be massaged, the controller (116) would direct the air bladder cells 500-524 which are in that region to inflate and deflate in the manner needed to massage the user's lower back region. Similarly, if the user directed the system to perform an arm and/or leg massage, the controller (116) could direct the system to inflate the air bladder cells on each side of the users arm and/or leg and deflate the cells lying directly underneath the user's arm and/or leg. U for example, the users arm were placed directly across air bladder cells 502, 507, 512, 517, and 522 the system. could deflate those cells and inflate the two adjacent column of cells 501, 506, 511, 516, 521 and 503, 508, 513, 518 and 523.
Various massage routines possibilities exist, and the system is capable of executing different massage routine as directed in the instruction set. The instruction set starts to execute when an initiate command is given through input received from the user or from the system itself. Each instruction set defines the air bladder cell activity by identifying which air bladder cells to inflate and deflate in sequence, how much air pressure is to be given to each of the identified air 'bladder cells and for what duration of time each air bladder cell, is to stay at the assigned air pressure. A
plurality of massage routines are built into the system and the system is able to activate specific air bladder cells, a region of air bladder cells or a plurality of air bladder cells as needed to accomplish a. desired. massage effect.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 1900541 Figure 6 provides a. flow chart: illustrating a method for implementing a mattress with integrated massage capabilities as such is configured. in, accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.. The process begins when a user lays upon the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities (600). A. massage routine is then selected (602), The user can either utilize the remote control (1. IA) to select a desired massage routine and/or pick a specific body region or regions to massage. The remote (HA) can provide various options to the user in the form of a user interface or using buttons, The system may also select a massage routine for the user based on data obtained. from the biometric sensors which can detect areas of the user's body in need of a. massage treatment, The biometric sensors can also detect a user's current physical state and select a massage routine to help alleviate or modify the user's physical state. For example, if the biometric sensors indicate the user's lower back region is tight a massage routine focused on that area can be selected, in another example., if the system detects the user has an elevated, heart rate and/or other attributes indicative of the user being in an anxious physical state, the system could select a massage routine intended to alleviate the user's anxiety. Once a desired massage routine is selected or the system selects a massage routine for the user (602), an initiate command is sent to the controller. If the controller receives the command to initiate a massage routine at step (604), an instruction set for the selected massage routine is then obtained (606). This instruction set provides whatever details are needed for the system to execute the selected massage routine. An instruction set may, for example, define which air bladders and which air bladder cells within each air bladder are to be activated by the system, identify the sequence by which the air bladders are to be inflated /
deflated by the air pump, and set the timeframe within which the air bladder activity is to happen.
1000551 Using this instruction set, the system then activates the air pump to inflate/deflate Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 the air bladder cells per the instruction set (608). The massage routine continues until terminated.
If a STOP command is given, or the TIME identified. by the instruction set elapses, the system terminates the air pumping action (610).
[000561 A. mattress pl atform with integrated massage capabilities and a method for initiating such capabilities has now been. described, .1t is the claims .following below and their plain meaning viewed from the perspective of a. person of ordinary skill, in. the art along with the full scope of their equivalents that define the scope of the invention, Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03
Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations') and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly, 100061 It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present, 100071 As used. herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured of calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein., the terms "use,"
"using," and "used"
may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.
Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to an example or illustration.
190081 Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the sam.e meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which th.e present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 meaning in the context of the relevant art. and/or the present. specification, and 8hould not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
100091 References. The description of the figures provided herein contain references to each depicted component. A. list of these components described in the context of each figure is provided below for easy reference, 1900101 100 First Set of Air Bladders 1000111 1Ø2 Massage Layer 1000121 104 Tube Ouicie 1000131 '106 Air Hose t0001.41 108 Air Pump 1.000151 202 Additional Padding Layer 1900161 114 Remote Control 1000171 116 Controller 19001.8.1 117 Interface Module [0001.91 120 Communication Network 1000201 122 Air Bladder Cell 1000211 124 Cover Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 190022) 200 Comfort Layer 1000231 204 Support Layer [00024[ 300 Zipper 1000251 302 Biometrie Sensor [90026) 304 Temperature Control 1000271 306 Temperature Control System [90028) 308 Heating / Cooling Elements 100029.1 500-524 Air Bladder Cells Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 Description of the Drawings 1000301 Figure 1 illustrates mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
1900311 Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
[000321 Figure 3 illustrates the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities with embedded bi ometri c sensors and temperature control as it configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, [000331 Figure 4 illustrates a two-person mattress with integrated massage capabilities and. biornettic sensors as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, 1000341 Figure 5 illustrates an air bladder configuration for use in a mattress with integrated. massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
1000351 Figure 6 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for implementing a mattress with integrated massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, Detailed Description 1000361 Figure 1 illustrates the massage layer of the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In this illustrated example, the system's massage layer (102) contains a set of air Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 bladders (100), a cover (200) encapsulating the air bladders (100), and air hoses (106) extending from the air bladders into an air pump (108). The air hoses (106) extend through a tube guide (104) to the air pump (108). A remote control (114) interfaces with a controller (116) to direct the system activities required to enable the massage capabilities, 1000.371 The first set: of air bladders (100) are inflatable and de:flat:able when air pressure is added or subtracted using the air pump (108). These air bladders (100) are elastic and. composed of an elastic material that expands when inflated and retracts while retaining its primary form when deflated. in one embodiment of the invention, for example, air bladder (100) can stretch, for example, 1-10 inches and can retract when deflated to approximately 0,5 inches. Other degrees of elasticity may also be utilized and are covered by the disclosure provided here which utilizes and.
implements the concept of elastic air bladders (100) as needed to accomplish the desired massage capabilities. The first set of air bladders (100) are pneumatic since they function with circulated air which comes from the air pump (108). Each air bladder (100) can expand or retract based on the amount of air that is pushed into or pulled from the first set of air bladders (100). Each air bladder (100) is connected to an air hose (1.06) which can push or pull air in or out of the air bladders (100).
1000381 The air bladders (100) are placed inside the cover (124) to keep them in place when they are inflated and deflated during use. The cover (124) is generally snug when the air bladders are inflated and is able to maintains the air bladders in position when they are deflated, To securely prevent movement of a plurality of air bladders, the cover (124) may utilize a compartmentalized design which contains separate pockets for each air bladder. This design prevents movement of the air bladders when they are inflated and deflated to massage the user. The quantity of air bladders (100) is dependent upon the mattress size and the level of control desired for massage Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 purposes. A larger mattress, for example, will typically contain more air bladders than a. smaller mattress would. When more isolated pressure points are desired. for the user it is generally beneficial to include more air bladders (100) into the system. For example, if multiple pressure points are desired fOr a user's lower back area, the system could include a plurality of smaller air bladders (100) or utilize a plurality of internal cells (122) where the user's back would be when lying down on the system. Eacl.i air bladder (100) contains internal cells (122) that when individually inflated or deflated enable the system to apply isolated pressure to a specific area. In one or more embodiments of the invention for example, the system utilizes four to six individual air bladders (100) although other configurations containing a different quantity of air bladders (100) are well within the scope and spirit of the invention. In the example depicted in Figure 1, each air bladder (100) contains six, internal cells (122). Each cell may be individually connected to a separate air hose so that one or multiple cells may be inflated while other cells are being deflated or left in their current state. The manner each cell is inflated or deflated depends upon the selected massage routine as will be further discussed below. The quantity of air bladders (100) and the quantity of cells (122) within each air bladder (100) is a preference the system builder can vary to change the number of available pressure points within the system. Having multiple air bladders (100) with a plurality of cells (122) enables the system to implement various massage routines by inflating and deflating the air bladders (100) at different times for a specified or controllable am oun t of time, The system has a controller (116) that provides the ability to control the amount of air pushed into or pulled out of each air bladder (100). This controller (116) contains the electronic components required to cause the air pump (108) to initiate a pumping action, When the controller (116) receives a command to initiate a pumping action, it causes the air pump to either inflate or Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 deflate in the manner defined by the command. A microprocessor, memory, storage, networking components, a. system bus and any additional computer components required to achieve the necessary functionality are incorporated. into the controller (1.16) or linked to it as needed.
1000401 To regulate airflow into each. air bladder (100) each air hose (106) is connected to an inte.mal cell at one end and the air pump (108) on the other end. This enables each, cell within the air bladder to maintain a separate pressure level that is dictated by the massage routine the controller (116) is executing. Various alternative air bladder implementations are also feasible.
For example, if air hose (106) is connected only to the air bladder the pressure between cells within the air bladder can be regulated by a valve of airflow regulator or other means able to control the amount of air flowing into and out of each cell within the air bladder (100).
In another instance, a.
plurality of individual, air bladders can. be utilized albeit such is less preferred than air bladders with a plurality of cells within the air bladder.
[000411 Each air hose (106) runs through a tube guide (104) configured to hold the air hoses (106) for the first set of air bladders (100). In one or more embodiments of the invention, this tube guide (104) is positioned to the side of the mattress layer (102) and leads to the air pump (108), This tube guide (104) may however be placed in other locations within the system and accomplish the same basic functionality which is that the air hoses (106) need to be routed into the air pump (108) in a non-intrusive way. The tube guide (104) may, for example, be positioned on either side of the bed or below it to create a cavity for each air hose (106) to connect:
to the air pump (108).
The tube guide (104) may also be placed inside traveling towards the head. or foot of the bed or wherever the air pump (108) is located. Each air hose (106) is routed through the tube guide (104) which holds the air hoses (106) from the first set of air bladders (100), The massage bed system is Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 typically configured so that the user will not feel or see the air hoses (106) and the tube guide (104).
100042.1 The air pump (108) circulates air into the bed. to inflate or deflate a targeted internal air bladder cell (122) within each air bladder (100) via air hoses (106), When air moves into an air bladder (100) the cell within the air bladder (100) being inflated, becomes firmer and thus so does the portion of the comfort layer (200) proximate to the inflated cell. When air is removed fmrn an air bladder cell (122) by the air pump (108) the portion of the bed proximate to deflated air bladder (100) becomes softer and more pliable. The number of air bladder cells or independent air bladders utilized in any given system design may vary dependent upon the desired massage effect, When a larger quantity of air bladder cells are utilized, the system can implement a greater degree of isolated pressure to specific muscle groups on the user's body. A system design having multiple air bladder cells under th.e user's lower back region, for example, could provide varying patterns of isolated pressure to the user's back area whereas a design with less internal air bladder cells would still provide a massaging effect but one less isolated to a specific muscle group.
100043.1 To provide users with an ability to control how the massage bed moves and more specifically how the air bladders within the bed function, a remote control (114) is provided in one or more embodiments of the invention. The remote control (114) controls the air pump (108) which in turn, changes the amount of air that can be pushed or pulled from the first set of air bladders (100). This remote may be a wired or wireless device that is able to interface with controller (116) which directs the air pump (108) activities. It is also possible to incorporate the functionality of remote control (1.14) into a smart phone app thereby enabling users to control the massage system using a mobile phone. A. smart hub interface may also be implemented to control the system using voice commands. The user can change the settings of' the remote control (114) which changes the Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 amount of air in each of the air bladders (100) to produce a massage best suited for that user. The remote control (114) may also initiate pre-programmed. massage routines stored within the controller (116) memory. When these pre-programmed massage routines are initiated the controller (116) runs a sequence of that inflates, deflates, or maintains the pressure within each cell of the air bladder using a sequence and timing defined by the routine, Users may also use the remote to cause the controller to run a requested massage routine that directs the air bladder cells to operate in a desired sequence specific, to a region of the body Or preference identified by the user.
1000441 An interface enables the remote to communicate with. controller (116) and thereby initiate commands as desired by the user. In one or more embodiments of the invention the remote control sends an initiate command associated with a selected instruction set that defines the parameters of the massage routine to be performed, The system also may include an interface module (117) that enables the system to communicate with the remote control and/or connect to a local area network, wide area network., the Internet or any other communication network. (120) needed to provide functionality or update and add new functionality. This network module (1.17) may, for example, be used to communicate with a smart hub such as the Amazon's AlexaTM, Google's Nest TM, Apple's siriTm, Microsoft's Cortanarm, Samsung's BixbyTM or any other voice activated system able to obtain verbal commands and convert them. into an operable instruction set able to trigger actions to be taken by the controller.
1900451 Figure 2 illustrates a side view the mattress with integrated massage capabilities.
This side view shows how the components of the massage mattress are layered in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, As depicted in Figure 1, the massage mattress comprises a topmost comfort layer (200) to provide a comfortable surface upon which the user can Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 lay down. The comfort layer (200) can be made from but is not limited to a .tbam, a bedding material or any equivalent structure that provides a padding between. the user and the massage layer (102) containing at least one air bladder (100). This comfort layer (200) may, for example, take various suitable forms and can be, for example, but is not limited to a memory foam mattress, a foam mattressõ a mattress topperõ a mattress cover or any other suitable structure capable of movement when the air bladders are actuated. The thickness and, material used for this comfort layer (200) may be varied as it. is a design. choice dependent upon the level of comfort desired for the intended user. The comfort layer (200) is configured with a sufficient level of padding to provide a buffer to the massage layer and thereby prevent the user from feeling the at least one air bladder (100) when the air bladders are not actively being actuated by the system. Unless the air bladder is actively being activated by varying the air pressure within the plurality of air bladder cells, users maintain the feeling of a regular mattress, The default firmness of the at least. one air bladder (100) maintains the comfort and feeling of a regular mattress .when the air bladder is not being inflated or deflated during use of the massage system.
One or many additional, padding layers (202) may sit between the comfort layer (200) and massage layer (102) to enhance the mattress comfort level. The purpose of this optional additional padding layer (202) is to provide further padding for purposes of comfort. The thickness, composition, and makeup of this additional padding layer (202) is also a design choice is variable dependent upon what type of mattress is being designed for the end user. A range of firmer and/or softer material options may be utilized as desired.. Within this optional additional padding layer (202) is, a massage layer (102) which contains at least one air bladder (100). In embodiments of the invention without the additional padding layer (202) the massage layer (102) is positioned below the comfort layer (200). There are advantages and disadvantages to the varying Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 embodiments, When the additional padding layer (202) is present the mattress is generally viewed as more comfortable by most users whereas when the addi.ti.onal padding layer is not present, the massage layer (102) is more proximate to the user and movement of the air bladder (100) is more pronounced to the user. Either approach. is acceptable to implement one or more embodiments of the invention based on design and user preferences, 1.000471 -The massage layer (102) contains the components utilized to create the massage motion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, Internal to the massage layer (102) is at least One air bladder (100) although embodiments utilizing a plurality of air bladders (100) are also possible dependent: upon the desired massage capabilities. Each air bladder (100) is placed horizontally and parallel to the comfort layer (200) in one or more embodiments of the invention. The at least one air bladder (100) is connected to an. air hose (106) that feeds into and connects with the air pump (108), 1000481 As discussed above the plurality of air bladders (100) may be kept in placed using the cover (124). A plurality of air hoses (106) are connected to an air pump (108) which is operated by controller (1.16). Under the mattress layer (102), a support layer (204) is placed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention to provide additional support for the mattress layer (102) and comfort to the user. This support layer (204) provides support and enables the mattress to have a height sufficient to provide users with a comfortable and expected mattress, thickness.
This support layer (204) can take various forms and still accomplish the intended function, Support layer (204) may, for example, be a spring, memory foam, or other type of foam or structure suitable to provide support for the elements placed upon the support layer (204). 'The system described herein can. be adapted for use with various bed sizes and shapes and thus mattresses of any typical size are contemplated as being with the scope of the invention, The support:
layer (.204) is typically Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 configured in a single, twin, twin XL, full, or queen mattress size, but other sizes are feasible.
Wheti larger mattresses are produced multiple instances of the system described herein may be incorporated and placed. adjacent to one another. For example, in a king size bed with two adult sleepers a left-side system and right-side system may be utilized to provide each user with.
independent controls for the side of the bed they are sleeping upon. In this instance two twin size support layers may be combined to create a king size bed. A. king size bed.
can also be made using a single support layer (204) that is made king size, Other configurations such as a California king or any ',referrable size are also feasible as the mattress system having integrated, massage capabilities described 'herein is implementable is any preferred size albeit when multiple sleepers are involved it is beneficial to have independent massage layers for each sleeper.
Figure 3 illustrates the mattress with integrated massage capabilities having embedded biometric sensors and temperature controls as it is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Figure 3 depicts the basic system elements set forth, and.
described in. Figure]. such as the first set of air bladders (100), the massage layer (102), the cover (124), the tube guide 004), the plurality of air hoses (106), the remote control (114), the additional padding layer (202), the air pump (108), controller (116), network module (.117) and communication network (120). For the sake of brevity, the elements depicted and described in Figure 1. are not reiterated here in. this Figure 3 description. The cover (124) may have a zipper (300) that provides a mechanism to open the cover (124) and thereby obtain access to the air bladders (100) within. Figure 3 provides for the addition of at least one biometric sensor (302).
This biometric sensor is typically embedded inside the additional padding layer (202) or the comfort layer (200), This positioning fadliti es the biometric sensor s ab i I
ity to obtai n input from a user who is sleeping or laying proximate to the sensors. These biometric sensors are configured Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 to obtain various types of i rabrmati on from the user. For example, biometric, sensors that can detect.
the user's temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and rate of breath may be added to the massage bed system. The biometric sensors (302) can also measure muscle tension in areas of the users back and adapt its massage routine to focus on identified problem areas for the user, The system can maintain a user profile and adapt as needed based on the biometric feedback obtained from the user. This enables the system to adaptably adjust its massage routine based on the user's current state, 'Different profiles may exist. for different users and the system is able to store and retrieve the profile information as needed to select the appropriate niassage routine, [000501 In one or more embodiments of the invention the system also contains a temperature control (304) that interfaces with a temperature control system (306) which provides an ability to heat or cool the mattress system based on a user's preference, The temperature control (304) may be integrated into the remote control (114) or be provided as a separate device for regulating temperature. When a user expresses a preference to heat or cool the mattress system using the temperature control (304), the temperature control system (306) activates heating or cooling elements (308) in response to the given input. These heating or cooling elements distribute a heating or cooling erect into the mattress system, An automated version of the system That heats or cools the user based on biometric sensor data such as the user's temperature or user's skin temperature is also feasible. In this instance, the heating or cooling elements of the temperature control system (306) are activated when the hi metric sensor data indicates the user's temperature is above or below a certain threshold.
1 s Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 1900511 In one or more embodiments of the invention the additional support layer (202) depicted in Figure 3 typically sits below the massage layer (102) and. is the same size or approximately the same or a. similar size as the massage layer (102).
I00052) Figure 4 illustrates a two-person mattress with integrated massage capabilities and biom.etric sensors as it is configured in accordance with. one or more embodiments of the invention, Figure 4 contains the elements described in conjunction with Figures 1 and 3 above but adds an.
additional massage system into the bed so that two people can utilize independent systems, When two units are combined the support layer (204) in this configuration is typically a queen, king or California king mattress size although the concept of utilizing adjacent massaging systems into one bed frame can be adapted for any other bed sizes if desired.. T'he system can be designed as one bed unit with two independent massage systems or as two separate bed units with two independent massage systems that when combined makeup a. single bed unit Each system is independently controlled but may have its own separate components or share certain components such as the air pump (108) and the controller (1'16) when such is a practical design choice.
Generally speaking, incorporating two separate systems into one bedframe unit is ',referrable as it provides users with separably controllable units and is more cost effective to manufacture and produce at scale. The independent massage units may sit on a unitary support layer that functions as a base platform or remain independently adjacent to one another.
1000531 Figure 5 illustrates an air bladder configuration for use in a mattress with integrated, massage capabilities as such is configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Systems embodying one or more aspects of the invention make use of one or more air bladders (100) to provides users with massage capabilities, Within the air bladder (100) is a. plurality of internal, air bladder cells 500 524. Each air bladder cell 500 - 524 Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 is connected to an air pump (108) controlled by controller (116). The remote control (116) provides users with an interface to initiate a desired massage routine. When an initiate command is issued by the user via, the remote control (114), by the system itself based on data obtained from, the biometric sensors, or via control buttons elsewhere on system, the controller (116) directs the air pump to execute an. instruction set. to inflate and deflate the air bladder cells 500 524 in accordance with a. desired massage routine. If, for example, the user requests a. massage routine that. calls for the lower back region of the user's body to be massaged, the controller (116) would direct the air bladder cells 500-524 which are in that region to inflate and deflate in the manner needed to massage the user's lower back region. Similarly, if the user directed the system to perform an arm and/or leg massage, the controller (116) could direct the system to inflate the air bladder cells on each side of the users arm and/or leg and deflate the cells lying directly underneath the user's arm and/or leg. U for example, the users arm were placed directly across air bladder cells 502, 507, 512, 517, and 522 the system. could deflate those cells and inflate the two adjacent column of cells 501, 506, 511, 516, 521 and 503, 508, 513, 518 and 523.
Various massage routines possibilities exist, and the system is capable of executing different massage routine as directed in the instruction set. The instruction set starts to execute when an initiate command is given through input received from the user or from the system itself. Each instruction set defines the air bladder cell activity by identifying which air bladder cells to inflate and deflate in sequence, how much air pressure is to be given to each of the identified air 'bladder cells and for what duration of time each air bladder cell, is to stay at the assigned air pressure. A
plurality of massage routines are built into the system and the system is able to activate specific air bladder cells, a region of air bladder cells or a plurality of air bladder cells as needed to accomplish a. desired. massage effect.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 1900541 Figure 6 provides a. flow chart: illustrating a method for implementing a mattress with integrated massage capabilities as such is configured. in, accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.. The process begins when a user lays upon the mattress system having integrated massage capabilities (600). A. massage routine is then selected (602), The user can either utilize the remote control (1. IA) to select a desired massage routine and/or pick a specific body region or regions to massage. The remote (HA) can provide various options to the user in the form of a user interface or using buttons, The system may also select a massage routine for the user based on data obtained. from the biometric sensors which can detect areas of the user's body in need of a. massage treatment, The biometric sensors can also detect a user's current physical state and select a massage routine to help alleviate or modify the user's physical state. For example, if the biometric sensors indicate the user's lower back region is tight a massage routine focused on that area can be selected, in another example., if the system detects the user has an elevated, heart rate and/or other attributes indicative of the user being in an anxious physical state, the system could select a massage routine intended to alleviate the user's anxiety. Once a desired massage routine is selected or the system selects a massage routine for the user (602), an initiate command is sent to the controller. If the controller receives the command to initiate a massage routine at step (604), an instruction set for the selected massage routine is then obtained (606). This instruction set provides whatever details are needed for the system to execute the selected massage routine. An instruction set may, for example, define which air bladders and which air bladder cells within each air bladder are to be activated by the system, identify the sequence by which the air bladders are to be inflated /
deflated by the air pump, and set the timeframe within which the air bladder activity is to happen.
1000551 Using this instruction set, the system then activates the air pump to inflate/deflate Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 the air bladder cells per the instruction set (608). The massage routine continues until terminated.
If a STOP command is given, or the TIME identified. by the instruction set elapses, the system terminates the air pumping action (610).
[000561 A. mattress pl atform with integrated massage capabilities and a method for initiating such capabilities has now been. described, .1t is the claims .following below and their plain meaning viewed from the perspective of a. person of ordinary skill, in. the art along with the full scope of their equivalents that define the scope of the invention, Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03
Claims (26)
- (Ili MS
What is claimed is:
A. mattress system with integrated massage ca.pa.bilities comprising;
a massage layer having at least one air bladder with a plurality of internal air bladd.er cells;
at least one air hose connected on one end to said at least one air bladder and on another end to an air puinp and a controller connected to said air pump, said controller being configured to activate said air pump to innate and deflate said plurality of air bladder cells in said at least one air bladder according to an instruction set upon receipt of an, initiate command, - 2. The mattress system of claim 1 further comprising:
a remote control configured to send said initiate command to said controller, said initiate command being associated with, said instruction set, - 3, The mattress systern of claim i wherein said instruction set identifies which of said plurality of air bladder cells said air pump is to inflate and deflate when activated and for what duration of time.
- 4, The mattress system of claim I. further comprising:
a tube guide through which said at least one air hose is routed through. - 5. The mattress system of claim 1 further comprising:
a cower that surrounds a. plurality of said at least one air bladders to securely hold said plurality of said at least one air bladders together. - 6. The mattress system of clann l fUrther comprising a comfort layer that rest above said massage layer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 - 7, The mattress system of claim 1, wherein said at least one air bla.dders comprises an elastic material capable of expanding a.nd contracting with air pressure.
- 8. The mattress system of claim 7 wherein said elastic material has a thickness up to 0,5 inches and is capable of expanding up to 10 inches,
- 9. The mattress system. of claim 1, wherein said cover is an elastic material capable of expanding and contracting with said at least one air bladder.
- 10, A Mkittre. system with integrated massage capabilities comprising;
a support layer placed below a massage layer;
a comfort layer positioned above said massage layer;
an air bladder positioned within said massage layer, said air bladder having a plurality (,)f air bladder cells;
a plurality of air hoses connected to said plurality of air bladder cells;
an air pump connected to each of said plurality (yf air hoses said air pump being configured to circulate air into said plurality of air hoses;
a remote control configured to select a. massage routine an.d send an initiate command to a.
controller; and said eontraer being configured to cause said air pump to inflate or deflate each of saic.
plurality of air bladder cells to adjust the firmness arid softness of areas of said massage layer according to an instruction set associated with said massage routine. - 11. The mattress system of claim 10 .further comprising at least one additional air bladder within said massage layer, said air bladder a.nd said at least one additional air bladder being held in place when activated. by an elastic cover, Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03
- 12. The mattress system of claim 10 wherein said plurality of air hoses route through a tube guid.e.
- 13. The mattress system of claim. 10 wherein said remote control interfaces with said controller through an interface module configured to enable receipt of said initiate command.
- 14. The mattress system (yf claim 10 wherein said instruction set identifies which of said plurality ()fair bladder cells within each of said air bladders are to be inflated and deflated by said air pump,
- 15. The mattress system of claim 14 wherein said. instruction set further comprises an operational sequence within which said air bladders are to be inflated and deflated by the air pump,
- 16. The mattress system of claim 14 wherein. said instruction. set comprises a tirneframe within which the air bladder activity Occur within.
- 17, Th.e mattress system of claim 10 wh.erein, said massage layer com.prises additional padding la.yer having additional cushioning for said u.ser.
- 18. The mattress system of claim 10 wherein said comfort layer pmvides a buffer to said massa.ge layer such. that said user cannot feel said air bladder unless said air bladder cells are actively being activated with varying air pressures to achieve a massage effect.
- 19, A mattress system with integrated massage capabilities comprising:
a support la.yer pla.ced below a. ma.ssage la.yer;
a comfort layer position.ed above said massage layer;
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 an air bladder positioned within said massage layer, said air bladder having a plurality of air bladder cells;
a plurality of air hoses connected to said plurality Of air bladder cells;
an air pump connected to each of said plurality of air hoses said air pump being configured to circulate air into said plurality of air hoses;
a biometric sensor configured to obtain biometric data from a userla.ying upon said comfort layer; and said controller being configured to evaluate said biometric data. to select a massage routine for said users and cause said air pump to inflate or. deflate each. of said plurality of air bladder cells to adjust the firmness and softness of areas Of said ma.ssage layer according to an instruction set associated with said massage routine, - 20. Th.e inattress system of clai in 19 wherein said biotnetric data comprises said usees heart rate information.
- 21. Th.e mattress system of claim 19 wherein. said biometric data comprises said user's blood pressure inform.ation.
- 22. The mattress system of claim 19 wherein said biornetric data comprises said user's blood oxygen levels.
- 23, The mattress system of claim 1.9 wherein said biometric data comprises said user's breath rate information.
- 24. The mattress system of claim 19 wherein said hiornetric data comprises said user's muscle tension information.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03 - 25, The mattress system of claim 19 wherein said. massage layer comprises an additional pad.ding la.yer having additional cushioning for said user.
- 26. The mattress system of claim 25 wherein said hiometrie sensor is within said addition.al padding layer, Date Recue/Date Received 2023-11-03
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202217980984A | 2022-11-04 | 2022-11-04 | |
| US17/980,984 | 2022-11-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3218775A1 true CA3218775A1 (en) | 2024-05-04 |
Family
ID=90921564
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3218775A Pending CA3218775A1 (en) | 2022-11-04 | 2023-11-03 | A mattress with integrated massage capability |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3218775A1 (en) |
-
2023
- 2023-11-03 CA CA3218775A patent/CA3218775A1/en active Pending
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