GB2398506A

GB2398506A - Temperature regulating bed cover

Info

Publication number: GB2398506A
Application number: GB0303646A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Tait
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-18
Filing date: 2003-02-18
Publication date: 2004-08-25
Also published as: GB0303646D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a temperature regulation apparatus 1 for dispersion of air to control the temperature of a sleeping space in a bed. The temperature regulation apparatus 1 comprises air temperature regulation means 2 and air delivery means 2, both of which are connected to a bed cover 3. The bed cover 3 has a first sheet 4 which is at least in part gas-permeable and a second sheet 5 attached to the first sheet to create at least one cavity formed between the first and second sheets. The air delivery means is connectable to a first type conduit 8 formed in at least one side of the cover, the conduit being capable of introducing air into said at least one cavity to allow said air to permeate through the gas permeable portion of the first sheet.

Description

TEMPERATURE REGULATION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Is

The present invention relates to a temperature regulation system and in particular a temperature regulation system for dispersion of air to control the temperature of a bed.

I O BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a common problem for many people to experience difficulty getting to sleep, or having succeeded in getting to sleep, have a troubled sleep due to becoming excessively hot and uncomfortable. The causes of overheating may be wide and varied, for example, the ambient temperature in the bedroom may be high, the humidity levels in the surroundings may be elevated, or a medical condition may prevent the body f r om regulating its own temperature in the usual way.

When laying down in the sleeping space of a bed to sleep it is usual to cover ones body with quilted fabric, blankets or sheets, this has the effect of insulating the body from the surrounding air. Under normal conditions the heat produced by the body is exchanged through the covering fabric at a rate which allows the body to sustain a comfortable temperature. Additionally the body produces moisture which is normally evaporated as well as being absorbed by the bedding material.

If the ambient temperature or humidity in the bedroom gets elevated, as often happens during the summer months, a person trying to sleep may experience difficulty in getting to sleep due to becoming too hot and uncomfortable even if they completely remove the covering fabric. Alternatively, if the ambient temperature in the bedroom becomes so low as to necessitate the use of extra covering fabric, a person may initially get to sleep but find that after a time under the extra insulation, they begin to overheat and push the covering fabric of, only to cool to the point where they become uncomfortable and have to retrieve the covers. 1()

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature regulation apparatus for controlling temperature in a bed.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature regulation apparatus for 2() controlling the temperature of a sleeping space in a bed, the temperature regulation apparatus comprising, air temperature regulation means and air delivery means, both being connected to a bed cover, the bed cover having a first sheet which is at least in part gas-permeable and a second sheet attached to the first sheet to create at least one cavity formed between the first and second sheets, wherein the air delivery means is connectable to a first type conduit formed in at least one side of the cover, the conduit being capable of introducing air into said at least one cavity to allow said air to permeate through the gas permeable portion of the first sheet.

Preferably, said first sheet contains a gas-permeable light weave fabric.

Preferably the density of the gas-permeable light weave fabric is variable along the length of the first sheet.

Preferably the density of the gas-permeable light weave fabric is highest at the connection thereof with the air delivery means and reduces along the length of the first sheet.

Optionally, the density of the gas-permeable light weave fabric is reduced at at least one pre-determined location along the length of the first sheet.

Optionally, said light weave fabric is cotton.

Preferably, said bed cover is attachable to a mattress.

Preferably, the second sheet contains a non gas-permeable heavy weave fabric.

Optionally, said heavy weave fabric is cotton.

Preferably, said connection between said air delivery means and said bed cover is a manifold.

::eferably, the manifold is integrally formed with said bed cover.

Optionally, said manifold is formed separately.

Preferably, said at least one cavity formed between the first and second sheets is subdivided into two cavities bisecting said bed cover along its length.

Preferably, the two cavities are separated by a substantially non gaspermeable barrier.

Optionally, said air delivery means is provided with a valve mechanism to supply each of said two cavities with air separately.

Preferably, said first type conduit is integrally formed with the bed cover from dense weave fabric having gas escape passages.

Preferably, said gas escape passages are formed by fabric strips arranged along the length of the first type conduit which extend into the at least one cavity at an upward angle of approximately 45 .

Optionally, said first type conduit is separately fitted inside said bed cover.

Preferably, the air delivery means is an air conditioning unit adapted to provide an air stream that allows for the introduction of air into the sleeping space without causing a draught.

Preferably, said air delivery means is provided with a timer to automatically switch the air delivery means off after a predetermined time has passed.

Preferably, said air delivery means is provided with means for introducing a scent into the airflow.

Preferably, said air delivery means is provided with means for reducing the air volume delivered over time.

Preferably, said air delivery means is provided with a hand control for controlling the temperature and flow of air from a bed.

Preferably, said air delivery means is provided with a downward pointing glow light.

Optionally, the temperature regulation apparatus further comprises a second conduit connectable to the air temperature regulation means and air delivery means, said second conduit being arranged to provide air directly to the sleeping space.

Preferably, the second conduit is located adjacent to the first conduit.

Optionally, the second conduit extends from the first conduit into the sleeping space.

Optionally, the temperature regulation apparatus further comprises a first bed cover positioned below the sleeping space and a second bed cover positioned above the sleeping space such that both provide temperature regulating air into the sleeping space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure l is an isometric view of an embodiment of the temperature regulation apparatus) Figures 2a, b and c show the air flow path in the first type conduit of the temperature regulation apparatus; Figure 3 is a sectional view through the first type conduit of figure 2a.

Figure 4 is a sectional view through a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to figure l, a temperature regulation apparatus l for controlling temperature in a bed is shown. Air temperature regulation and delivery means 2 being of suitable size to allow it to be portable and containing a timer, a downward pointing glow light, means suited to reduce the air volume delivered over time, means for introducing a scent into the airflow and a valve are connected to a bed cover 3 via a manifold 6. The bed cover 3 has a first sheet 4 containing light weave fabric and a second sheet 5 containing heavy weave fabric. In this 3() example, the first and second sheets are made from cotton and are stitched together along their edges to create a cavity. Other suitable materials may be used for the first and second sheets. The bed cover in this example, is made in such a way as to allow it to be attachable to a mattress.

The air temperature regulation and delivery means 2 are connected to the bed cover 3 via flexible tubing 12 and manifold 6. The first sheet 4 and a second sheet 5 are further connected together via a substantially non gaspermeable barrier 7 to create two cavities.

Referring now to figures 2a, 2b and 2c, a plan, end view and side view of the temperature regulation apparatus of figure 1 is shown covering a mattress 10. A first type conduit 8 formed from dense weave fabric is shown in figure 2a extending from the manifold end of the bed cover 3 and along each side of said substantially non gas- permeable barrier 7.

The first type conduit 8 is an integral part of the bed cover 3. Alternatively, it may be separately fitted inside the bed cover 3. The first type conduit 8 also includes gas escape passages 9 formed from fabric strips which are arranged along the length of the first type conduit 8. The direction of air travel is indicated by the arrows pointing along first type conduit 8 and emanating from the first type conduit.

Figure 3 shows a sectional view through the first type conduit 8 of figure 2a. It can be seen that the first type conduit 8 extends down the side of the mattress 10, in this location first type conduit 8 experiences no reduction of pressure no matter where the bed occupant lies on the mattress 10. Gas escape passages 9 are shown protruding between said first sheet 4 and said second sheet 5 at an upward angle of approximately 45 . The apparatus of the present invention is designed to minimize any reduction of pressure or blockages in the first type conduit.

Referring now to Figure 4, a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a second type gas escape passage 13 is shown protruding directly into the sleeping space 11.

S It is also envisaged that an additional conduit arranged adjacent to the first conduit could be used to provide air directly into the sleeping space.

In operation the air temperature regulation and delivery means 2 provides air to the manifold 6 via flexible tubing 12. The manifold 6 directs the air along the first type conduits which inflate, the gas escape passages 9 also inflate as conduit 8 inflates and air then flows through them into the cavity between first sheet 4 and second sheet 5. As air fills the cavity between first sheet 4 and second sheet 5 it permeates through first sheet 4 to the sleeping space 11 where it cools the bed occupant(s).

If only one occupant of the bed requires cooling, this can be achieved by operation of manual controls comprised in the air temperature regulation and delivery means 2 or by operation of a hand control operable from the bed. When air is delivered to only one side of the bed the substantially non gas-permeable barrier 7 restricts the passage of air so as to allow the air to be concentrated on the occupant whom requires cooling.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the gas- permeable light weave fabric sheet allows conditioned air to 3() diffuse slowly through it onto the sleeping space. The density of the weave can be varied along the length of the sheet to ensure uniform air delivery by compensating for pressure drops at points remote from the manifold.

Furthermore it is envisaged that the density of the weave could be varied to provide increased air delivery to, for example, cool the sleeping space more at that point where a persons torso is likely to be situated and therefore providing less cool air to the extremities of the sleeping space.

In another embodiment, two covers are used. One positioned below the sleeping space and one above. Both can be operated from a single air delivery means and are arranged such that both provide cool air into the sleeping space.

The present invention allows temperature conditioned air to be guided up through where ever the occupant is not lying so the sleeper, no matter how much they move will always have substantially the same amount of conditioned air around them in the sleeping space.

Improvements and modifications may incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A temperature regulation apparatus for controlling the

temperature of a sleeping space in a bed, the temperature regulation apparatus comprising air temperature regulation means and air delivery means, both being connected to a bed cover, the bed cover having a first sheet which is at least in part gas-permeable and a second sheet attached to the first sheet to create at least one cavity formed between the first and second sheets, wherein the air delivery means is connectable to a first type conduit formed in at least one side of the cover, the conduit being capable of r;crcdcing air into said at least one cavity to allow said À, c<; permeate through che gas permeable portion of the first sheet.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the first sheet contains a gas-permeable light weave fabric.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, in which the density of the gaspermeable light weave fabric is variable along the length of the first sheet.
4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, in which the density of the gas-permeable light weave fabric is highest at the connection thereof with the air delivery means and reduces along the length of the first sheet.
5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in- hich the density of the gas-permeable light weave fabric is reduced at least one pre-determined location along the length of the first sheet.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the light weave fabric is cotton.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the bed cover is attachable to a mattress.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second sheet contains a non gas-permeable heavy weave fabric.
9. A temperature regulation apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, in which the heavy weave fabric is cotton.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which a connection between the air delivery means and the bed cover is a manifold.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, in which the manifold is integrally formed with said bed cover.

12. An apparatus according to claim 10, in which the manifold is formed separately of the bed cover.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one cavity formed between the first and second sheets is subdivided into two cavities bisecting said bed cover along its length.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, in which the two L cavities are separated by a substantially non gas-permeable barrier.

15. An apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, in which the; air delivery means is provided with a valve mechanism to supply each of the two cavities with air separately.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first type conduit is integrally formed with the Sect cover from dense weave fabric having gas escape passages.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, in which the gas escape passages are formed by fabric strips arranged along the length of the first type conduit which extend into the at least one cavity at an upward angle of approximately 45'.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first type conduit is separately fitted inside sail bed cover.

I. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is an air conditioning unit adapted to provide an air stream that allows for the introduction of air into the sleeping space without causing a draught.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is provided with a timer to automatically switch the air delivery means off after a predetermined time has passed.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is provided with means for introducing a scent into the airflow.

22. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is provided with means for reducing the air volume delivered over time.

23. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is provided with a hand control for controlling the temperature and flow of air r rom a bed.

24. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the air delivery means is provided with a downward pointing glow light.

25. An apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a second conduit connectable to the air temperature regulation means and air delivery means, said second conduit being arranged to provide air directly to the sleeping space.

"r,, An apparatus according to claim 25, in which the second conduit is located adjacent to the first conduit.

27. An apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, in which the second conduit extends from the first conduit into the sleeping space.

As. An apparatus according to any preceding claim further inprising a first bed cover positioned below the sleeping space and a second bed cover positioned above the sleeping space such that both provide temperature regulating air into the sleeping space.