EP3560389A1 - Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon - Google Patents

Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3560389A1
EP3560389A1 EP19180957.3A EP19180957A EP3560389A1 EP 3560389 A1 EP3560389 A1 EP 3560389A1 EP 19180957 A EP19180957 A EP 19180957A EP 3560389 A1 EP3560389 A1 EP 3560389A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base layer
layer
body supporting
upper base
supporting layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19180957.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Paul E. Griese
Daniel S. Powell
Leslie A. Burton
Mario A. G. Nava
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tempur Pedic Management LLC
Original Assignee
Tempur Pedic Management LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tempur Pedic Management LLC filed Critical Tempur Pedic Management LLC
Priority to EP19180957.3A priority Critical patent/EP3560389A1/de
Publication of EP3560389A1 publication Critical patent/EP3560389A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/04—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating
    • A47C21/042—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling
    • A47C21/044—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling with active means, e.g. by using air blowers or liquid pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/14—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays
    • A47C27/15—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays consisting of two or more layers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to support cushions and methods for actively ventilating support cushions.
  • the present invention relates to support cushions, such as mattress assemblies, that make use of a fan located within the support cushion to draw and amount of air through and away from the support cushion.
  • sleep deprivation can have significant negative impacts on longevity, productivity, and overall mental, emotional, and physical health.
  • Chronic sleep debt has been linked to weight gain and, more specifically, has been observed to not only affect the way the body processes and stores carbohydrates, but has also been observed to alter hormone levels that affect appetite.
  • sleep debt may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness, which has led some researchers to suggest a link between sleep debt and worksite accidents, traffic incidents, and general afternoon inattentiveness.
  • the present invention relates to support cushions and methods for actively ventilating support cushions.
  • the present invention relates to support cushions, such as mattress assemblies, that make use of a fan located within the support cushion to draw and amount of air through and away from the support cushion.
  • the support cushions of the present invention allow a user to increase his or her level of comfort, including sleep comfort, by actively ventilating the support cushions.
  • a support cushion in the form of a mattress assembly includes a body supporting layer having a first surface and a second surface.
  • the body supporting layer of the mattress assembly includes a first porous foam insert that is positioned in a first side of the body supporting layer, and a second porous foam insert that is positioned in a second side of the body supporting layer opposite the first porous foam insert.
  • Both the first porous foam insert and the second porous foam insert are generally sized to support a torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly.
  • the first porous foam insert and the second porous foam insert are not only configured to support the torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly, but are also configured to assist in dissipating any heat generated by the torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly away from the body supporting layer and the remainder of the mattress assembly.
  • the body supporting layer of the mattress assembly is covered by a comfort portion or layer that is positioned atop the body supporting layer.
  • the comfort layer defines a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels that extend through the comfort layer and that are positioned over the first porous foam insert and the second porous foam insert, respectively, of the body supporting layer.
  • the channels of the comfort layer place the first porous foam insert and the second porous foam insert in fluid communication with not only the comfort layer, but also with the environment surrounding the mattress assembly and/or the body of a user lying on the mattress assembly.
  • the comfort layer also functions to provide a level of comfort to a body of a user or a portion of thereof that is resting on the mattress assembly.
  • an upper base layer that is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the body supporting layer.
  • the upper base layer defines a first plurality of air conduits and a second plurality of air conduits that extend through the upper base layer and that are positioned below the first porous foam insert and the second porous foam insert, respectively, of the body supporting layer.
  • a lower base layer is also included in the exemplary mattress assembly and is positioned adjacent to the upper base layer opposite the body supporting layer.
  • the lower base layer defines a first cavity and a second cavity, which both extend through the lower base layer.
  • the first cavity of the lower base layer houses a fan assembly and is positioned below and is in fluid communication with the first plurality of air conduits in the upper base layer .
  • the second cavity houses a separate fan assembly and is positioned below and is in fluid communication with the second plurality of air conduits .
  • the fan assemblies draw air through the channels in the comfort layer, through the porous foam inserts in the body supporting layer, through air conduits in the upper base layer, and then through the fan assemblies and the lower base layer, where it is then exhausted air into a bottom layer of the mattress assembly that is positioned adjacent to the lower base layer opposite the upper base layer.
  • each of the fan assemblies includes a fan that is mounted in a housing sized to fit within one of the cavities defined by the lower base layer and to be frictionally held in position within the cavities even when the mattress assembly is moved, tipped, or otherwise adjusted.
  • the fan assemblies each further include a sleeve that is positioned between each of the housings and the respective cavities and that is comprised of a material which promotes friction between the cavities and the respective housings.
  • an exemplary mattress assembly also includes a power supply for supplying electrical current to the fan assemblies and a controller for controlling the electrical current supplied to the fan assemblies from the power supply.
  • an exemplary mattress assembly can further include several features that are operably connected to the body supporting layer and provide input to the controller.
  • an exemplary mattress assembly includes temperature sensors that are operably connected to porous foam inserts included in the body supporting layer and that provide temperature feedback to the controller to thereby not only allow the controller to selectively provide power to the fan assemblies and adjust how quickly or how much air is moved through the mattress assembly in response to the received temperature feedback, but to also maintain a desired temperature at the first surface of the body supporting layer.
  • pressure sensors are also operably connected to the body supporting layer and provide pressure feedback to the controller in response to a user resting upon or adjacent to the first surface of the body supporting layer.
  • a method for actively ventilating a support cushion includes first providing a support of the present invention. Power, in the form of electrical current, is then supplied to the fans in the support cushion, such that the fan draws air from the first surface of the body supporting layer, through upper base layer and lower base layer, and into the bottom layer and away from the body supporting layer of the support cushion to thereby actively ventilate the support cushion and dissipate any heat away from the body supporting layer of the support cushion.
  • the present invention relates to support cushions and methods for actively ventilating support cushions.
  • the present invention relates to support cushions, such as mattress assemblies, that make use of a fan located within the support cushion to draw an amount of air through and away from the support cushion.
  • the support cushions of the present invention allow a user to increase his or her level of comfort, including sleep comfort, by actively ventilating the support cushions.
  • a support cushion in the form of a mattress assembly 10 is provided that includes a body supporting layer 20 having a first surface 22, which is generally an upper surface of the body supporting layer 20, and a second surface 24, which is opposite the first surface 22 and is generally the lower surface of the body supporting layer 20.
  • the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10 includes a first porous foam insert 26a positioned in a first side 28 of the body supporting layer 20, and a second porous foam insert 26b that is positioned in a second side 29 of the body supporting layer 20 opposite the first porous foam insert 26a.
  • Both the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b are generally sized to support a torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly 10.
  • the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b are not only configured to support the torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly 10, but the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b are also configured to assist in dissipating any heat generated by the torso of a user lying on the mattress assembly 10 away from the body supporting layer 20 and the remainder of the mattress assembly 10, as described in further detail below.
  • the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10 is generally comprised of a continuous layer of flexible foam for suitably distributing pressure from a user's body or portion thereof across the body supporting layer 20.
  • flexible foams include, but are not limited to, latex foam, reticulated or non-reticulated visco-elastic foam (sometimes referred to as memory foam or low-resilience foam), reticulated or non-reticulated non-visco-elastic foam, polyurethane high-resilience foam, expanded polymer foams (e.g., expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene), and the like.
  • the body supporting layer 20 is comprised of a visco-elastic foam that has a low resilience as well as a sufficient density and hardness, which allows pressure to be absorbed uniformly and distributed evenly across the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10.
  • a visco-elastic foam that has a low resilience as well as a sufficient density and hardness, which allows pressure to be absorbed uniformly and distributed evenly across the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10.
  • such visco-elastic foams have a hardness of at least about 10 N to no greater than about 80 N, as measured by exerting pressure from a plate against a sample of the material to a compression of at least 40% of an original thickness of the material at approximately room temperature (i.e., 21 °C to 23°C), where the 40% compression is held for a set period of time as established by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 2439 hardness measuring standard.
  • ISO International Organization of Standardization
  • the visco-elastic foam has a hardness of about 10 N, about 20 N, about 30 N, about 40 N, about 50 N, about 60 N, about 70 N, or about 80 N to provide a desired degree of comfort and body-conforming qualities.
  • the visco-elastic foam described herein for use in the mattress assembly 10 can also have a density that assists in providing a desired degree of comfort and body-conforming qualities, as well as an increased degree of material durability.
  • the density of the visco-elastic foam used in the body supporting layer 20 has a density of no less than about 30 kg/m 3 to no greater than about 150 kg/m 3 .
  • the density of the visco-elastic foam used in the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10 is about 30 kg/m 3 , about 40 kg/m 3 , about 50 kg/m 3 , about 60 kg/m 3 , about 70 kg/m 3 , about 80 kg/m 3 , about 90 kg/m 3 , about 100 kg/m 3 , about 110 kg/m 3 , about 120 kg/m 3 , about 130 kg/m 3 , about 140 kg/m 3 , or about 150 kg/m 3 .
  • a visco-elastic foam having a particular density will affect other characteristics of the foam, including its hardness, the manner in which the foam responds to pressure, and the overall feel of the foam, but it is appreciated that a visco-elastic foam having a desired density and hardness can readily be selected for a particular application or mattress assembly as desired. Additionally, it is appreciated that the body supporting layers of the mattress assemblies need not be comprised of a continuous layer of flexible foam at all, but can also take the form of more traditional mattresses, including spring-based mattresses, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
  • the porous foam inserts 26a, 26b are also comprised of a visco-elastic foam, but are generally comprised of a viscoelastic foam having a porosity greater than the visco-elastic foam included in the body supporting layer 20 to allow air to enter the porous foam inserts 26a, 26b more readily than the remainder of the body supporting layer 20.
  • porous foam inserts 26a, 26b need not be comprised of a visco-elastic foam at all, but that any number of porous flexible foams can be used to produce a porous foam insert having a porosity sufficient to allow for air to readily enter and move through.
  • porous foam or “porous flexible foam” (visco-elastic or otherwise) is used herein to generally refer to flexible foam having a cellular foam structure in which at least a portion of the cells of the foam are essentially skeletal.
  • the cells of the foam are each defined by a plurality of apertured windows surrounded by cell struts, where the cell windows of the porous foam can be entirely absent (leaving only the cell struts) or substantially missing.
  • the foam is considered “porous” if at least 50% of the windows of the cells are missing (i.e., windows having apertures therethrough, or windows that are completely missing and therefore leaving only the cell struts).
  • Such structures can be created by destruction or other removal of cell window material, by chemical or mechanical means, or by preventing the complete formation of cell windows during the manufacturing process of the foam.
  • the term “porous” can thus be used interchangeably with the term “reticulated” when referring to flexible foam.
  • the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10 is further covered by a comfort portion or layer 62 that is positioned atop the body supporting layer 20.
  • the comfort layer 62 defines a first plurality of channels 66a and a second plurality of channels 66b that extend through the comfort layer 62 and that are positioned over the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b, respectively.
  • the channels 66a, 66b of the comfort layer 62 place the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b in fluid communication with not only the comfort layer 62, but also with the environment surrounding the mattress assembly 10 and/or the body of a user lying on the mattress assembly 10.
  • the comfort layer 62 also functions to provide a level of comfort to a body of a user or a portion of thereof that is resting on the mattress assembly 10.
  • the comfort layer 62 can also be comprised of a visco-elastic foam, but typically has a density, hardness, or both that is less than that of the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10 such that the comfort layer 62 provides a softer surface on which to rest the body of a user.
  • the mattress assembly 10 includes a body supporting layer 20 that is comprised of visco-elastic foam with a density of about 80 kg/m 3 and a hardness of about 13 N, while the comfort layer is comprised of a visco-elastic foam with a density of about 35 kg/m 3 and a hardness of about 10 N.
  • the porous foam inserts 26a, 26b, and the comfort layer 62 further included in the mattress assembly 10 is an upper base layer 30 that is positioned adjacent to the second surface 24 of the body supporting layer 20.
  • the upper base layer 30 defines a first plurality of air conduits 32a and a second plurality of air conduits 32b that extend through the upper base layer 30 and that are positioned below the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b, respectively, of the body supporting layer 20.
  • the first plurality of air conduits 32a and the second plurality of air conduits 32b are thus placed in direct fluid communication with the first porous foam insert 26a and the second porous foam insert 26b, and create a pathway for air to flow from the body supporting layer 20 and through the upper base layer 30, the importance of which is also described in further detail below.
  • pathways for air to flow from the body supporting layer 20 and through the upper base layer 30 can also be created by using a variety of other means, such as porous foam inserts with or without air conduits and which may be positioned in an exemplary upper base layer without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
  • a lower base layer 40 is also included in the exemplary mattress assembly 10 and is positioned adjacent to the upper base layer 30 opposite the body supporting layer 20.
  • the lower base layer 40 defines a first cavity 42a and a second cavity 42b, which both extend through the lower base layer 40.
  • the first cavity 42a of the lower base layer 40 houses a fan assembly 80a and is positioned below and is in fluid communication with the first plurality of air conduits 32a in the upper base layer 30.
  • the second cavity 42b houses a separate fan assembly 80b and is positioned below and is in fluid communication with the second plurality of air conduits 32b.
  • the fan assemblies 80a, 80b draw air through the channels 66a, 66b in the comfort layer 62, through the porous foam inserts 26a, 26b in the body supporting layer 20, through air conduits 32a, 32b in the upper base layer 30, and then through the fan assemblies 80a, 80b and the lower base layer 40, where it is then exhausted air into a bottom layer 50 of the mattress assembly 10 that is positioned adjacent to the lower base layer 40 opposite the upper base layer 30.
  • any air and, consequently, any associated heat around or within the comfort layer 62 and the body supporting layer 20 that may be present as a result of a user lying on the mattress assembly 10 is drawn away from the comfort layer 62 and the body supporting layer 20 and is pulled through the mattress assembly 10 before being dissipated away from the mattress assembly 10 through the bottom layer 50.
  • the upper base layer 30 and the lower base layer 40 of the mattress assembly can also be comprised of a flexible foam, including any of the flexible foams described above with reference to the body supporting layer 20.
  • the flexible foam comprising the body supporting layer 20 typically has a density less than that of the upper base layer 30 and the lower base layer 40, such that the upper base layer 30 and the lower base layer 40 have a density and hardness sufficient for supporting the body supporting layer 20 and the comfort layer 62 of the mattress assembly.
  • the upper base layer 30 and the lower base layer 40 are comprised of a higher density, porous polyurethane foam that provides sufficient support to the overlying body supporting layer 20 and the comfort layer, but that also provides an open environment in which air can move by virtue of its porous structure.
  • the bottom layer 50 is further comprised of a breathable porous material that promotes the dispersion of the air, including the air exhausted into the bottom layer 50 by the fan assemblies 80a, 80b, but that also provides support to the remainder of the mattress assembly 10.
  • the porous materials included in the bottom layer 50 can be selected from a reticulated foam, knitted spacer fabric, textile, or a composite material.
  • a knitted spacer fabric can be included that is generally comprised of two exterior mesh textile substrates and an insert material such as polyester monofilaments which are configured to keep the two exterior mesh textile substrates separated.
  • Such knitted spacer fabrics include, by way of example, the WellcoolTM 3D spacer fabric manufactured by Quanzhou Wellcool Cushion Technology Co., Ltd (Fujian, China).
  • the bottom layer 50 as well as the comfort layer 62, the body supporting layer 20, the upper base layer 30, and the lower base layer 40 are generally secured to one another to prevent the body supporting layer 20, the upper base layer 30, the lower base layer 40, the bottom layer 50, and the comfort layer 62 from moving relative to one another during use.
  • Various means of securing one layer of material to another can be used in this regard, including tape, hook and loop fasteners, conventional fasteners, stitches, and the like.
  • the body supporting layer 20, the upper base layer 30, the lower base layer 40, the bottom layer 50, and the comfort layer 62 are bonded together by an adhesive or cohesive bonding material to create a substantially continuous assembly where the body supporting layer 20, the upper base layer 30, the lower base layer 40, the bottom layer 50, and the comfort layer 62 are fully adhered to one another.
  • adhesive bonding materials include, for example, environmentally-friendly, water based adhesives, like SABA AQUABOND RSD, a two-component water-based adhesive product produced by SABA DINXPERLO BV, B-7090 AA, Dinxperlo, Belgium.
  • the fan assemblies 80a, 80b included in the mattress assembly 10 are housed internally within the mattress assembly 10. More specifically, the fan assemblies 80a, 80b are housed within the cavities 42a, 42b of the lower base layer 40 with the upper base layer 30 covering the fan assemblies from above and the bottom layer 50 covering the fan assemblies 80a, 80b from below.
  • each of the fan assemblies 80a, 80b includes a fan 82a, 82b that is mounted in a housing 84a, 84b sized to fit within one of the cavities 42a, 42b defined by the lower base layer 40 and to be frictionally held in position within the cavities 42a, 42b even when the mattress assembly 10 is moved, tipped, or otherwise adjusted.
  • the fan assemblies 80a, 80b each further include a sleeve 88a, 88b that is positioned between each of the housings 84a, 84b and the respective cavities 42a, 42b and that is comprised of a material which promotes friction between the cavities 42a, 42b and the respective housings 84a, 84b, for example a textile.
  • the sleeves 88a, 88b can also be comprised of a flame retardant material to provide a layer of fire suppression between the fan assemblies 80a, 80b and the rest of the mattress assembly 10.
  • each of the sleeves 88a, 88b provide a means of securing and positioning an air filter 86a, 86b within each of the fan assemblies 80a, 80b.
  • the mattress assembly 10 also includes a power supply 92 for supplying electrical current to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b and a controller 90 for controlling the electrical current supplied to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b from the power supply 92.
  • the controller 90 By including the controller 90 in the mattress assembly 10, the amount of electrical current supplied to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b from the power supply 92 can be controlled to allow for a desired amount of air to move through the mattress assembly 10 and, consequently, a desired amount of heat to be dissipated away from the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10.
  • the controller 90 can be used to simply turn the fan assemblies 80a, 80b on or off depending on whether the user wishes to ventilate the mattress assembly 10 and remove heat from the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10, or can be used to operate the fan assemblies 80a, 80b at a particular speed depending on how quickly the user wishes to ventilate the mattress assembly 10 and remove heat from the body supporting layer 20 of the mattress assembly 10.
  • the controller 90 can also be configured to automatically control the electrical current supplied to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b from the power supply 92, such that the electrical current can be supplied to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b when the first surface 22 of the body supporting layer 20 reaches a desired temperature.
  • the controller 90 can be configured to allow the electrical current to be supplied to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b from the power supply 92 for a predetermined time period, such as for an 8-hour sleeping period or for a length of time a user usually spends in a specific stage of the sleep cycle (e.g., REM sleep) in order to increase the sleep comfort of a user.
  • a predetermined time period such as for an 8-hour sleeping period or for a length of time a user usually spends in a specific stage of the sleep cycle (e.g., REM sleep) in order to increase the sleep comfort of a user.
  • the mattress assembly 10 also includes several features that are operably connected to the body supporting layer 20 and provide input to the controller 90.
  • the mattress assembly 10 includes temperature sensors 94a, 94b that are operably connected to porous foam inserts 26a, 26b included in the body supporting layer 20 and that provide temperature feedback to the controller 90 to thereby not only allow the controller 90 to selectively provide power to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b and adjust how quickly or how much air is moved through the mattress assembly 10 in response to the received temperature feedback, but to also maintain a desired temperature at the first surface 22 of the body supporting layer 20.
  • FIG. 1 the mattress assembly 10 includes temperature sensors 94a, 94b that are operably connected to porous foam inserts 26a, 26b included in the body supporting layer 20 and that provide temperature feedback to the controller 90 to thereby not only allow the controller 90 to selectively provide power to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b and adjust how quickly or how much air is moved through the mattress assembly 10 in response to the received temperature feedback, but to also maintain a desired temperature at the first surface 22 of the body
  • pressure sensors 96a, 96b are also operably connected to the body supporting layer 20 and provide pressure feedback to the controller 90 in response to a user resting upon or adjacent to the first surface 22 of the body supporting layer 20, such that the controller 90 can automatically allow power to be provided to the fan assemblies 80a, 80b air to be moved through the mattress assembly 10 as soon as the user lies on the mattress assembly 10 or otherwise places an amount of pressure on the mattress assembly 10.
  • An additional benefit of the inclusion of the pressure sensors 96a, 96b is that the controller 90 can be configured to automatically shut off the fan assemblies 80a, 80b if a user is no longer lying on the mattress assembly 10.
  • a remote control not shown
  • FIG. 5 in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, another support cushion in the form of a mattress assembly 110 is provided that includes additional features to increase the comfort and convenience of the user of the mattress assembly 110.
  • a support cushion in the form of a mattress assembly 110 is provided that includes additional features to increase the comfort and convenience of the user of the mattress assembly 110.
  • FIGS. 5 Like the support cushion shown in FIGS.
  • the mattress assembly 110 also includes: a comfort layer 162 defining a plurality of channels 166; a body supporting layer 120 including a porous foam insert 126; an upper base layer 130 positioned below the body supporting layer 120 and defining a plurality of air conduits 132 in fluid communication with the porous foam insert 126; a lower base layer 140 defining a cavity 142 with a fan assembly 180 located within the cavity 142; and a bottom layer 150 positioned below the lower base layer 140.
  • an adjustable foundation 170 is included in the mattress assembly, however, is an adjustable foundation 170 that is positioned below the bottom layer 150 and allows a user to place the mattress assembly 110 into one or more desired ergonomic positions.
  • a cover 172 is included in the mattress assembly 110 and surrounds the comfort layer 162, the body supporting layer 120, the upper base layer 130, the lower base layer 140, and the bottom layer 150 of the mattress assembly 110.
  • the cover 172 in the form of a fire sock that surround the various layers is comprised of a flame retardant material.
  • an exemplary cover of the present invention can also be comprised of another textile, such as cotton that provide an exemplary support cushion with a unitary appearance, but that also provides a user with a sufficiently soft surface on which to rest while being sufficiently breathable to allow air to be drawn through the cover and the exemplary support cushion.
  • another textile such as cotton that provide an exemplary support cushion with a unitary appearance, but that also provides a user with a sufficiently soft surface on which to rest while being sufficiently breathable to allow air to be drawn through the cover and the exemplary support cushion.
  • the support cushions shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 are in the form of mattress assemblies 10, 110 and are dimensionally-sized to support a user lying in a supine or prone position, it is contemplated that the features described herein are equally applicable to other support cushions, such as head pillows, seat cushions, seat backs, neck pillows, leg spacer pillows, mattress topers, overlays, and the like.
  • the phrase "body support” or “body supporting” is used herein to refer to any and all such objects having any size or shape, and that are capable of supporting, or are generally used to support, the body of a user or a portion thereof.
  • 1-3 includes two removable inserts 26a, 26b, two sets of air conduits 32a, 32b, two cavities 42a, 42b, and two fan assemblies 80a, 80b, it is also contemplated other embodiments may include any number of removable portions, conduits, cavities, and fan assemblies depending on the size and shape of the particular support cushion.
  • a method for actively ventilating a support cushion includes first providing a support cushion having: a body supporting layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an upper base layer positioned adjacent to the second surface of the body supporting layer and defining one or more air conduits extending through the upper base layer and in fluid communication with the body supporting layer; a lower base layer positioned adjacent to the upper base layer opposite the body supporting layer and defining a cavity extending through the lower base layer; a bottom layer positioned adjacent to the lower base layer opposite the upper base layer; and a fan located within the cavity define by the lower base layer.
  • Power in the form of electrical current, is then supplied to the fan, such that the fan draws air from the first surface of the body supporting layer, through upper base layer and lower base layer, and into the bottom layer and away from the body supporting layer of the support cushion to thereby actively ventilate the support cushion and dissipate any heat away from the body supporting layer of the support cushion.

Landscapes

  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
EP19180957.3A 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon Withdrawn EP3560389A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19180957.3A EP3560389A1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2015/027262 WO2016171692A1 (en) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Support cushions and methods for active ventilation of same
EP19180957.3A EP3560389A1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon
EP15890095.1A EP3285618B1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15890095.1A Division EP3285618B1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung
EP15890095.1A Division-Into EP3285618B1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3560389A1 true EP3560389A1 (de) 2019-10-30

Family

ID=57143319

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19180957.3A Withdrawn EP3560389A1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen und verfahren zur aktiven belüftung davon
EP15890095.1A Active EP3285618B1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15890095.1A Active EP3285618B1 (de) 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20180098637A1 (de)
EP (2) EP3560389A1 (de)
CN (1) CN107529895A (de)
AU (1) AU2015392446A1 (de)
HK (1) HK1247537A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2016171692A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2341800B8 (de) 2008-07-18 2012-12-26 Gentherm Incorporated Klimatisierte bettanordnung
US10342358B1 (en) 2014-10-16 2019-07-09 Sleep Number Corporation Bed with integrated components and features
CN107136814B (zh) * 2017-06-19 2023-10-27 湖北省海舍创享健康智能科技有限公司 通过气体调温的床垫加热层
US11304538B2 (en) 2017-11-01 2022-04-19 Bedgear, Llc Mattress with rails and method of use
US11160386B2 (en) * 2018-06-29 2021-11-02 Tempur World, Llc Body support cushion with ventilation system
US20200078242A1 (en) * 2018-09-10 2020-03-12 Lamont Smith Therapeutic mattress
US20200237106A1 (en) * 2019-01-25 2020-07-30 Bedgear, Llc Bedding system
US12115116B2 (en) 2019-05-14 2024-10-15 Ige, Llc Support system including layers of spacer fabric and non-viscoelastic pressure relief material, and method for measuring pressure and pressure distribution properties of a support system
EP3989776A2 (de) * 2019-06-30 2022-05-04 Top Vision Group B.V. Kompaktierbare matratze und verfahren
FR3104014B1 (fr) * 2019-12-05 2021-12-17 Guez Gerard Matelas-sommier ostéopathique
AU2020417816A1 (en) 2020-01-03 2022-06-23 Sleep Number Corporation Bed airflow and temperature control
WO2021207259A1 (en) 2020-04-06 2021-10-14 Purple Innovation, Llc Ventilated mattresses
WO2024180500A1 (en) * 2023-02-28 2024-09-06 Dan-Foam, Aps Support cushion assembly including active ventilation system

Citations (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448788A (en) 1994-03-08 1995-09-12 Wu; Shuenn-Jenq Thermoelectric cooling-heating mattress
US5730120A (en) 1997-02-20 1998-03-24 Electro-Appliance Company, Inc. Bed ventilator system
US6253401B1 (en) 1998-07-15 2001-07-03 Dennis Boyd Air mattress system
US20010021438A1 (en) 2000-01-11 2001-09-13 Tempur World, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky Cushion
USD456660S1 (en) 2001-08-01 2002-05-07 Tempur World, Inc. Contoured head pillow
US6402775B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2002-06-11 Augustine Medical, Inc. High-efficiency cooling pads, mattresses, and sleeves
US20030019044A1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2003-01-30 Stefan Larsson Bed
US6541094B1 (en) 1994-06-03 2003-04-01 Tempur World, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US6578218B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2003-06-17 Tempur World, Inc. Leg spacer pillow
US20030171954A1 (en) 2002-02-01 2003-09-11 Tempur World, Inc. Method of managing the provision of healthcare and system for effecting same
US20040073931A1 (en) 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 Tempur World, Inc. Interactive bed display
US6866915B2 (en) 2000-01-11 2005-03-15 Tempur World, Llc Cushion
US20050076446A1 (en) 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 Tempur World, Inc. Pillow top for a cushion
US20050084667A1 (en) 1994-06-03 2005-04-21 Tempur World, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
JP2005192883A (ja) * 2004-01-09 2005-07-21 Hitachi Hometec Ltd 温熱治療器
US7051389B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-05-30 Tempur World, Llc Comfort pillow
US7082633B1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-08-01 Tempur World, Llc Pillow
USD529325S1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-10-03 Tempur World, Llc Pillow
US20060288490A1 (en) 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 Tempur World, Llc Reticulated material body support and method
US20080028536A1 (en) 2006-08-04 2008-02-07 Charlesette Hadden-Cook Mattress with cooling airflow
WO2008143467A2 (en) 2007-05-22 2008-11-27 Sungjun Ko Mattress using thermoelectric module
US7555615B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2009-06-30 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Product demonstration system and method for using same
WO2010075230A2 (en) * 2008-12-22 2010-07-01 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Body support with fluid system and method of operating same
US20110252562A1 (en) 2008-12-23 2011-10-20 Mikkelsen Tom D Adjustable-firmness body support and method
WO2012160502A1 (en) 2011-05-23 2012-11-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Temperature-controlled multi-zone mattress-style support
US20130025069A1 (en) 2011-07-29 2013-01-31 Dreamwell, Ltd. Foam mattress assembly with increased airflow and independent suspension
USD686723S1 (en) 2012-02-14 2013-07-23 Brookstone Purschasing, Inc. Bed fan
US8490233B2 (en) 2009-02-05 2013-07-23 Heinrich Essers Gmbh & Co. Kg Mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2176067Y (zh) * 1993-07-02 1994-09-07 游画理 空调床垫
US6786541B2 (en) * 2001-01-05 2004-09-07 Johnson Controls Technology Company Air distribution system for ventilated seat
US6546576B1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-04-15 Ku-Shen Lin Structure of a ventilated mattress with cooling and warming effect
US20050011009A1 (en) * 2003-07-15 2005-01-20 Hsiang-Ling Wu Ventilation mattress
GB0412998D0 (en) * 2004-06-11 2004-07-14 Statham John Environmental conditioning
JP2006042985A (ja) * 2004-08-02 2006-02-16 Bridgestone Corp シートパッド及びシート
GB2435320B (en) * 2006-02-17 2008-10-08 Richards Morphy N I Ltd A device for temperature conditioning an air supply
CN201055161Y (zh) * 2007-06-22 2008-05-07 广州兴杭塑胶制品有限公司 带卷筒发泡塑料支柱微型电扇凉风节能床垫
US8332975B2 (en) * 2009-08-31 2012-12-18 Gentherm Incorporated Climate-controlled topper member for medical beds
US20130238042A1 (en) * 2012-03-12 2013-09-12 Richard Gildersleeve Systems and methods for providing temperature-controlled therapy
JP5964198B2 (ja) * 2012-10-15 2016-08-03 東洋ゴム工業株式会社 シートパッドの製造方法
EP2908699B1 (de) * 2012-10-18 2018-07-11 Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC Stützkissen
CN105407764A (zh) * 2013-06-18 2016-03-16 泰普尔-派迪克管理有限责任公司 包括热电元件和空气管道的支撑垫和控制其表面温度的方法
EP2957191B1 (de) * 2014-06-17 2019-02-27 Stefan Larsson Obermatratze

Patent Citations (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448788A (en) 1994-03-08 1995-09-12 Wu; Shuenn-Jenq Thermoelectric cooling-heating mattress
US7507468B2 (en) 1994-06-03 2009-03-24 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US6541094B1 (en) 1994-06-03 2003-04-01 Tempur World, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US8034445B2 (en) 1994-06-03 2011-10-11 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US8025964B2 (en) 1994-06-03 2011-09-27 Tempur World, Llc Laminated visco-elastic support
US20040033351A1 (en) 1994-06-03 2004-02-19 Tempur World, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US20050084667A1 (en) 1994-06-03 2005-04-21 Tempur World, Inc. Laminated visco-elastic support
US5730120A (en) 1997-02-20 1998-03-24 Electro-Appliance Company, Inc. Bed ventilator system
US6253401B1 (en) 1998-07-15 2001-07-03 Dennis Boyd Air mattress system
US6402775B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2002-06-11 Augustine Medical, Inc. High-efficiency cooling pads, mattresses, and sleeves
US6764502B2 (en) 1999-12-14 2004-07-20 Arizant Healthcare Inc. High-efficiency cooling pads, mattresses, and sleeves
US6602579B2 (en) 2000-01-11 2003-08-05 Tempur World, Inc. Cushion
US20050202214A1 (en) 2000-01-11 2005-09-15 Tempur World, Llc Cushion
US6866915B2 (en) 2000-01-11 2005-03-15 Tempur World, Llc Cushion
US20010021438A1 (en) 2000-01-11 2001-09-13 Tempur World, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky Cushion
US20030019044A1 (en) * 2000-03-09 2003-01-30 Stefan Larsson Bed
US6578218B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2003-06-17 Tempur World, Inc. Leg spacer pillow
US7979374B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2011-07-12 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Product demonstration system and method for using the same
US7555615B2 (en) 2001-01-10 2009-06-30 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Product demonstration system and method for using same
USD456660S1 (en) 2001-08-01 2002-05-07 Tempur World, Inc. Contoured head pillow
US20030171954A1 (en) 2002-02-01 2003-09-11 Tempur World, Inc. Method of managing the provision of healthcare and system for effecting same
US7051389B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-05-30 Tempur World, Llc Comfort pillow
US7735169B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2010-06-15 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Comfort pillow
US7415742B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2008-08-26 Tempur World, Llc Comfort pillow
US20060277684A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-12-14 Tempur World, Llc Comfort pillow
US20040073931A1 (en) 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 Tempur World, Inc. Interactive bed display
US7707670B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2010-05-04 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Pillow top for a cushion
US7155765B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2007-01-02 Tempur World, Llc Pillow top for a cushion
US20050076446A1 (en) 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 Tempur World, Inc. Pillow top for a cushion
US20070094803A1 (en) 2003-10-14 2007-05-03 Tempur World, Llc Pillow top for a cushion
US7444702B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2008-11-04 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Pillow top for a cushion
JP2005192883A (ja) * 2004-01-09 2005-07-21 Hitachi Hometec Ltd 温熱治療器
US20060174414A1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-08-10 Tempur World Llc Pillow
USD529325S1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-10-03 Tempur World, Llc Pillow
USD558499S1 (en) 2005-02-04 2008-01-01 Tempur World, Llc Pillow
US7082633B1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-08-01 Tempur World, Llc Pillow
US20060288490A1 (en) 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 Tempur World, Llc Reticulated material body support and method
US7469437B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2008-12-30 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Reticulated material body support and method
US20080028536A1 (en) 2006-08-04 2008-02-07 Charlesette Hadden-Cook Mattress with cooling airflow
WO2008143467A2 (en) 2007-05-22 2008-11-27 Sungjun Ko Mattress using thermoelectric module
WO2010075230A2 (en) * 2008-12-22 2010-07-01 Tempur-Pedic Management, Inc. Body support with fluid system and method of operating same
US20110252562A1 (en) 2008-12-23 2011-10-20 Mikkelsen Tom D Adjustable-firmness body support and method
US8490233B2 (en) 2009-02-05 2013-07-23 Heinrich Essers Gmbh & Co. Kg Mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector
WO2012160502A1 (en) 2011-05-23 2012-11-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Temperature-controlled multi-zone mattress-style support
US20130025069A1 (en) 2011-07-29 2013-01-31 Dreamwell, Ltd. Foam mattress assembly with increased airflow and independent suspension
USD686723S1 (en) 2012-02-14 2013-07-23 Brookstone Purschasing, Inc. Bed fan

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK1247537A1 (zh) 2018-09-28
CN107529895A (zh) 2018-01-02
AU2015392446A1 (en) 2017-11-09
EP3285618A4 (de) 2018-10-31
WO2016171692A1 (en) 2016-10-27
EP3285618B1 (de) 2020-01-08
EP3285618A1 (de) 2018-02-28
US20180098637A1 (en) 2018-04-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3285618B1 (de) Stützkissen mit aktiver belüftung
US20160128487A1 (en) Support Cushions Including Thermoelectric Elements and Air Conduits, and Methods for Controlling Surface Temperature of Same
US9596945B2 (en) Support cushions and methods for dissipating heat away from the same
US12016466B2 (en) Environmentally-conditioned mattress
JP7513532B2 (ja) 通気システムを備える身体支持クッション
EP2908699B1 (de) Stützkissen
US20150257540A1 (en) Support Cushion and Method for Converting a Temperature Difference Within the Same into an Electric Voltage
US20150208815A1 (en) Support cushions including reticulated materials and methods for controlling surface temperature of same
US20170150822A1 (en) Support cushion cover assemblies for removing heat and humidity
WO2014062188A1 (en) Support cushions including reticulated materials and methods for controlling surface temperature of same
WO2024180500A1 (en) Support cushion assembly including active ventilation system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 3285618

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20200603