GB2554044A

GB2554044A - A bedding device

Info

Publication number: GB2554044A
Application number: GB1609208.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Green Darren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-24
Filing date: 2016-05-24
Publication date: 2018-03-28
Also published as: GB201609208D0

Abstract

A bedding device comprises a temperature alteration mechanism in the form of a heating element operable using an electrical energy source and which mechanism is controllable remotely. The device may form part of a blanket, quilt or mattress and in use me be located above or below a supine user. The bedding device may have sensors to detect the temperature of the user or the surrounding environment. The heating element may comprise an electric resistance element or carbon fibre wires. A controller may be provided and may operate wirelessly and remotely. The bedding device may be separated into zones of temperature alteration. An advantage of the bedding device is that the use may check the temperature of, and warm, their bed when they are out and about.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Darren Green

Keyston Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3NG, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2011/139671 A2 CN 203693025 U CN 104414294 A CN 101658375 A (58) Field of Search:

CN 204318231 U CN 201256822 Y CN 104146547 A US 5948303 A (72) Inventor(s):

Darren Green

INT CLA47G, A61F, H05B Other: Online: EPO INTERNAL.

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ip consult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A bedding device

Abstract Title: Remote control heated bedding (57) A bedding device comprises a temperature alteration mechanism in the form of a heating element operable using an electrical energy source and which mechanism is controllable remotely. The device may form part of a blanket, quilt or mattress and in use me be located above or below a supine user. The bedding device may have sensors to detect the temperature of the user or the surrounding environment. The heating element may comprise an electric resistance element or carbon fibre wires. A controller may be provided and may operate wirelessly and remotely. The bedding device may be separated into zones of temperature alteration. An advantage of the bedding device is that the use may check the temperature of, and warm, their bed when they are out and about.

SMART THERMO MATTRESS AND BLANKET

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

02 18

PUSH ON CONNECTOR

02 18

A BEDDING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bedding device, in particular a device for providing adjustable comfort to a supine user; more particularly but not exclusively a mattress or mattress cover, blanket, sheet or covering.

Background

Increasing automation of homes is seen across many societies, where network capabilities and energy conservation priorities enable a user to monitor and activate devices and equipment with greater precision and utility.

For example it may be possible for the user to turn their devices or equipment off even when not at home. Environmental control for a home may be operable through electronic devices such as a mobile telephone, for example whereby the user may be enabled to check the temperature of their home when out and about, and if they wish activate space heaters.

Many users have different heat and body thresholds, or characteristics or preferences. This can be problematic even with greater control, particularly when the user is asleep. Electric bedding has been known and standard for over a century, as a solution to this, but is not integrated into the general environment of a home, so can be ineffective, costly or a blunt instrument.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Chinese patent application CN 204 813 077 (XING) discloses a healthcare smart electric blanket, characterized in: comprising a body, an electric blanket, heating resistance wire temperature sensor, waist, leg temperature sensor, temperature sensor foot breathing and heart rate sensor, a control panel, keyboard, display screen, a controller, WiFi module and a network terminal, the waist of body internal electric blanket, leg and foot sections at the corresponding location is provided with a heating resistance wire, along with respective temperature sensor provided with the waist, leg and foot temperature sensor temperature sensor, respiratory and heart rate sensor, the corresponding position is also provided with a pillow body is provided with a WiFi module, controller and electric blanket interior of WiFi module and an external network terminal is connected, is also provided with a control panel, disposed at one side of the electric blanket control panel includes a keyboard and display screen, a temperature sensor, waist, leg temperature sensor, the foot temperature sensor and a heart rate sensor and a control panel are the respiratory signal input is connected to the controller, and a WiFi module and a controller of an electric resistance heating wire connected to the output.

Chinese utility model CN 201 256 822 (YING et al) relates to a temperature adjusting bedding and pillow capable of being remote operated, which comprise a bedding body or a pillow body, wherein the bedding body or the pillow body is internally provided with a thermal resistance and a heater strip which forms a serial-connection loop together with a heating DC power supply and an electronic switch, a voltage output module controlled by the thermal resistance is connected with a backward input end of an amplifier, the voltage output module controlled by a remote-control unit is connected with a forward input end of the amplifier, and the output end of the amplifier is connected with a control end of the electronic switch. The temperature inside the bedding is adjusted and controlled through the remote-control unit the heating DC power supply providing electricity for the heater strip can be arranged away from the pillow, a user can operate by remote control without getting up from the bed, the use is very convenient, and the safe use of electricity is guaranteed. The temperature adjustment setting and heating control of the pillow are controlled through the remote-control unit so that the temperature of the pillow is increased to the preset temperature, and the user feels warm when contacting the pillow by head to achieve the warming effect.

Chinese patent application CN 101 081 132 (ZHONGSHENG) discloses an automatic remote-controlled comfortable quilt may be spread, made and edge belt automatically. It consists of a quilt core, transverse troughs, a soft antenna, a signal wire, a hose, longitudinal troughs, a bag, a control box, inner ribs, etc. The present invention introduces automation to quilt for the first time, and has humanized design.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a bedding device providing a temperature alteration mechanism for a supine user, said mechanism comprises at least one heating element operable using an electrical energy source and which mechanism is controllable remotely.

In some embodiments the mechanism is comprised in, or the device embodied as, a blanket or quilt or other inner or outer user covering device, such that the device provides a temperature alteration mechanism for a subordinate user, wherein the mechanism is carried in a flexible cover, which cover is envisaged to cover the user at least in part; the mechanism further comprising a control means, which means is arranged to control the mechanism and alter the temperature according to the user’s temperature.

The mechanism may be subdivided into separate zones, which zones may be independently controllable or monitored. Such zones may comprise side of the bed, head, torso and legs, or even more localised. In some embodiments the zones may be reactive in real time, so as to alter temperature according to a sensed temperature. In this way the mechanism may reduce temperature or heat output where the body is beginning to overheat, for example where in contact with an embedded sensor.

In other embodiments the mechanism may be composed in a mattress, such that the device comprises a temperature alteration mechanism for a superior user, which mechanism may be enclosed in a substantially inflexible mattress, or comprised by a layer for placement onto or included in a substantially inflexible mattress.

In some embodiments the control means is arranged to control the mechanism according to user preference in addition or the alternative. For example in some embodiments the means comprises a user calibration or input means. The means may comprise a digital or analogue means using which the user may input preferences or patterns.

In some embodiments the means may comprise a temperature sensing means. This temperature sensing means may comprise means for sensing external temperature, such as sensing the ambient temperature of the room in which the user is lying or seating.

This temperature sensing means may additionally or alternatively comprise means for sensing the temperature of an area superior or subordinate the mechanism. In this way for example ambient temperature of a bed covered by a cover may be monitored. In some embodiments the temperature sensing means may comprise means for sensing the temperature of the user as s/he lies or is otherwise situated under the cover. For example the temperature sensing means may comprise at least one or a plurality of sensors, arranged for contact with the user.

In some embodiments therefore the temperature sensing means may be cooperable with or in control of the mechanism. In this way the device may comprise at least one thermostat.

The device may comprise an energy source. Such energy source may comprise a rechargeable battery, or may comprise mains electrical supply. The energy source may be envisaged to carry sufficient voltage to operate the mechanism and means, but may be envisaged to be fitted with a safety cut-out feature, such that said feature suspends or diverts electrical supply upon registration of predefined conditions, such as a short-circuit or introduction of fluid to a system.

In some embodiments the mechanism comprises a heating element, which may comprise a sealed fluid heating element. In some embodiments the element may comprise an electric resistance heating element.

In some embodiments the mechanism may comprise a dispersal portion. For example in some embodiments the dispersal portion may comprise a plurality or network of extending heat conducting material, fabric or portion, extending from the heating element.

In some embodiments the mechanism may comprise an insulation section.

Said section may for example be disposed to an upper side of the element in use, such that for example heat loss upwards away from the user, is limited.

Said section may comprise a heat reflective section in some embodiments, wherein the heat is reflected downwards, or directed at the user.

In this way it may be envisaged that the device provides a flexible cover for use in a bed environment or similar, which device is enabled to regulate or control the body temperature of the user, and/or the temperature of the area below the device. The device furthermore enables flexibility in the temperature controls according to user preference, industry or society norms, or even local climate variation.

In some embodiments the control means may comprise a wireless remote control means. For example in some embodiments the device comprises a transceiving apparatus. Such apparatus may be incorporated into a local control unit on the device, which may be operable locally with at minimum actuation control of wireless function, and/or other control over the mechanism.

In such embodiments remote control means may comprise software and/or hardware, wherein the hardware may comprise a bespoke unit for operation of the control means and mechanism.

In other embodiments the remote control means may comprise software or applications, which software may be installable on the user’s electronic equipment so as to provide control on known and convenient equipment, and/or using a home or local communication network.

In some embodiments the means may be operable through usage of inter-machine operability systems such as Bluetooth (RTM). In other embodiments the means may be operable using shortwave radio frequency signals within a local WiFi (RTM) environment.

In this way the means may cooperate with the local network, such that data inputs or prompts in the local network framework are sharable with the control means.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 3 show diagrammatic views of embodiments of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

An embodiment of the device comprises an integrated heating element built into a mattress. The mattress is divided into 3 zones; top, middle and bottom and left side or right side. In some embodiments the zones may be more local, or of greater number. For example in some embodiments the zones may comprise sides of the bed also or in addition. In some such embodiments the sensing means may be likewise subdivided.

In some embodiments the temperature of the different zones may be according controlled separately according to preference and/or sensed parameters.

As shown in Figure 1 the embodiment features (from left) a mattress cover or blanket, push-on connector, RF and WiFi digital bed thermostat and transmitter with N/O .C. N/C relay and temperature probe, radio frequency (RF) and wireless internet receiver (WiFi) digital bed thermostat and transmitter, home hub connected to home router, and smartphone app or portable electronic equipment software application.

As shown in Figure 2 the embodiments comprise a mattress cover or blanket 1 with a low-voltage carbon cable,, push on connector 2, radio frequency (RF) and wireless internet receiver (WiFi) connected to wall socket, battery operated bed temperature controller 4, RF and Wifi transmitter and infrared manual control, plug-in home hub 5 connected to existing home router, connection 7 via router to centrally accessible software application capable of timing, programming, liason with other Internet of Things enabled devices and wearable technology for monitoring user temperature, and smartphone 6.

As shown in Figure 3 the embodiment features a mattress or blanket 1, push-on connector 2, RF/WiFi receiver 3, RF and WiFi digital thermostat and transmitter, home hub 5 and software application 12.

The heating element may comprise carbon fiber wires in the zones.

The mechanism comprises a temperature control unit, located between the blanket and the electrical outlet, which manages the amount of current entering into the heat elements, wires or zones in the mattress.

The mechanism is operable in relation to these zones and could be separately operated by the users and controlled by a smartphone app via a WI-FI smart thermostat which monitors the local environment in a house.

The mechanism may therefore be configured as a part of the home’s environmental elements, wherein the mechanism may be operable in relation to other variables such as coordination with when heating is activated or deactivated.

The mechanism may be preprogramed to learn and set the times the user or users go to bed and the temperature they like.

The mechanism may be also arranged with a rheostat to monitor the user's body heat for example from independent or separately available device, for example a smart watch worn by the user.

In this way the mechanism may be arranged to keep the temperature of the user and their local environment regulated throughout a night.

An embodiment comprising a flexible cover may be arranged to work in the same manner but comprise an adaptation of an existing electric blanket fitted with a Wi-Fi smart thermostat control.

Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. They may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by a computing platform to perform the operations described herein.

More specifically, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the pre-, sent invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a circuit, module or system. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A bedding device providing a temperature alteration mechanism for a supine user, said mechanism comprises at least one heating element operable using an electrical energy source and which mechanism is controllable remotely.

2. A device according to claim 1 comprising a blanket or quilt or other inner or outer user covering device, such that the device provides a temperature alteration mechanism for a subordinate user, wherein the mechanism is carried in a flexible cover, which cover is envisaged to cover the user at least in part; the mechanism further comprising a control means, which means is arranged to control the mechanism and alter the temperature according to the user’s temperature.

3. A device according to claim 1 comprising a mattress, such that the device comprises a temperature alteration mechanism for a superior user, which mechanism may be enclosed in a substantially inflexible mattress, or comprised by a layer for placement onto or included in a substantially inflexible mattress.

4. A device according to claim 1 comprising a mattress cover, such that the device comprises a temperature alteration mechanism for a superior user, which mechanism may be enclosed in a substantially inflexible mattress, or comprised by a layer for placement onto or included in a substantially inflexible mattress.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the control means is arranged to control the mechanism according to user preference in addition or the alternative.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means comprises a user calibration or input means.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means comprises a digital or analogue means using which the user may input preferences or patterns.

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means comprise a temperature sensing means.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein this temperature sensing means comprises means for sensing external temperature, such as sensing the ambient temperature of the room in which the user is lying or seating.

10. A device according to claim 8 wherein this temperature sensing means comprises subordinate or superior air temperature sensing means.

11. A device according to claim 8 wherein this temperature sensing means comprises means comprises means for sensing the temperature of the user.

12. A device according to claim 11 comprising a rheostat.

13. A device according to claim 11 comprising an independently available item of wearable technology.

14. A device according to claim 8 wherein the temperature sensing means comprise at least one or a plurality of sensors, arranged for contact with the user.

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least one thermostat.

16. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising electric resistance heating element.

17. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising carbon fiber wires.

18. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a heat dispersal portion.

19. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a heat Insulation section.

20. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a heat reflective section.

21. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising wireless remote control means.

22. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least one transceiver.

23. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein remote control means comprises software, for usage on independently provided hardware.

24. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein remote control means comprises hardware, wherein the hardware comprises a bespoke unit for operation of the control means and mechanism.

25. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mechanism is separated into zones of temperature alteration.

26. A device according to any of the preceding claims separated into zones of temperature sensing.

27. A device according to any of the preceding claims separated into zones of temperature control.

28. A method of heating bedding utilising a device according to any of the preceding claims.

29. Software for a method according to claim 28.

Intellectual

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Application No: GB1609208.2 Examiner: Mr Mike Leaning