US20230128215A1

US20230128215A1 - Mattress with attachable cores

Info

Publication number: US20230128215A1
Application number: US17/968,983
Authority: US
Inventors: Kody Lee Karschnik; Chee Nong Yang
Original assignee: Sleep Number Corp
Current assignee: Sleep Number Corp
Priority date: 2021-10-27
Filing date: 2022-10-19
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: WO2023076084A1

Abstract

A mattress including a core having a corner positioned along a top surface of the core and extending along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the core, a perimeter rail structure that extends around a perimeter of the core to surround the core. The core is attached via the corner to the perimeter rail structure along the perimeter rail structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/272,381, filed Oct. 27, 2021. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.
This document describes devices, systems, and methods related to mattresses with attachable cores.

BACKGROUND

In general, a bed is a piece of furniture used for sleeping and relaxing. Many modern beds include a soft mattress on a bed frame. The mattress may include springs, foam material, and/or air chambers to support the weight of one or more users. Various features and systems have been used in conjunction with beds, including pressure adjustment systems for adjusting firmness of one or more users of the bed.

SUMMARY

The document generally relates to mattresses with multiple mattress components (such as air chambers or other mattress cores) that can be connected to each other. More specifically, the document relates to mattress systems with a core (such as an air chamber core) that is attached to a rail structure that surrounds the core to retain the core to the rail structure when the mattress system is compressed and shipped, and when the mattress system is in use. This can retain the core in an appropriate position with respect to the rail structure.
Particular embodiments described herein include a mattress that includes a core having a corner positioned along a top surface of the core and extending along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the core, a perimeter rail structure that extends around a perimeter of the core to surround the core. The core can be attached via the corner to the perimeter rail structure along the perimeter rail structure. The mattress can include a foam layer positioned at a top surface of the mattress above the core and the perimeter rail structure. The mattress can include a plurality of straps that are each positioned between a top surface of the perimeter rail structure and a bottom surface of the foam layer, the plurality of straps attach the perimeter rail structure to the corner. The mattress can be configured to be compressed and rolled, and in a compressed and rolled position, the attachment of the core to the perimeter rail structure maintains a desired positioning of the core. The core can be one or more air chambers. The corner can include a seam that extends outwardly from the top surface of the core. A plurality of straps can connect the core to the perimeter rail. The core can be one or more foam layers. The perimeter rail structure can include an inverted foam tub that surrounds the core. The perimeter rail structure can include one or more foam rails including a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions.
Embodiments described herein include a mattress that includes one or more air chambers and a perimeter rail structure including a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions. The perimeter rail structure is configured to extend around a perimeter of the one or more air chambers to surround the one or more air chambers. The mattress includes one or more anchors that connect the one or more air chambers to the perimeter rail structure. Each of the one or more air chambers can include a seam positioned along a top surface of the air chamber and extending outwardly from the air chamber along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the air chamber. One or more anchors can connect the perimeter rail structure to the one or more air chambers at the seam. The one or more anchors can include a plurality of straps positioned around the perimeter of the one or more air chambers and extend between the seam and the perimeter rail structure. Each of the straps can connect to the seam via a snap connection. The mattress can include a foam layer positioned at a top surface of the mattress above the one or more air chambers and the perimeter rail structure. Each of the plurality of straps can be each attached between a top surface of the perimeter rail structure and a bottom surface of the foam layer. The anchors can include at least one of snaps, straps, Velcro® brand hook and loop, lamination, buttons, zippers, and combinations thereof. The anchors can be positioned along a length and along a width of the air chamber. The mattress can be configured to be compressed and rolled, and in a compressed and rolled position, the attachment of the air chambers to the perimeter rail structure maintains a desired positioning of the air chambers. The mattress can include a mattress cover that encloses the mattress. The one or more air chambers can include a first air chamber and a second air chamber that extend from a head of the mattress to a foot of the mattress. The air chambers can be connected to each other along a midline of the mattress. The mattress can include a pump system having one or more air pumps fluidly connected to the first and second air chambers, wherein the pump system is configured to inflate the first and second air chambers. The mattress can include means for inflating the first and second air chambers.
Embodiments described herein include a method of assembling a mattress assembly. The method can include connecting a core to a perimeter rail structure, compressing and packaging a compressed mattress including the core and perimeter rail structure, and expanding the compressed mattress while the core remains secured to the perimeter rail structure. The core can be connected to the perimeter rail structure via a corner positioned along a top surface of the core. The core can be an air chamber that has a seam extending from the core, and the core is connected to the perimeter rail structure at the seam of the air chamber extending along a top surface of the air chamber. The air chamber can be inflated by pneumatic connection to an air pump.
The devices, system, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, the disclosed embodiments provide for improved relative positioning of the core and the rail structure when the mattress system is compressed and shipped, and when the mattress system is in use. Attachment of the core to the rail structure facilitates a fully assembled mattress system throughout a compressing and rolling process, which enables expansion of the mattress with a proper positional relationship between the core, the perimeter rail structure, and other layers of the mattress system without a need to access components of the mattress that are contained inside of a mattress cover. The mattress cover can facilitate access to or may be removable to facilitate access to an interior of a mattress system that will allow a user and/or a serviceperson to adjust the positional relationship between the core, the perimeter rail structure, and other layers of the mattress system.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a mattress with a core, base layer, and a cover removed.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a portion of a mattress with a cover removed.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of cores that can be implemented in a mattress.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a portion of an air chamber with an attached anchor that can be implemented in a mattress.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an end of an air chamber with an attached anchor that can be implemented in a mattress.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an anchor that can be implemented in a mattress.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an anchor connecting an air chamber to a perimeter rail structure.

FIG. 8A shows an example configuration of the mattress system having multiple layers.

FIG. 8B shows an example configuration of the mattress system having multiple layers.

FIG. 9 shows an example air bed system with a pump.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system.

FIG. 11 shows an example environment including a bed in communication with devices located in and around a home.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document generally relates to air mattress systems with internal support structures, such as foam, air chambers, springs, or other suitable structures. A plurality of air chambers (or other cores) can be positioned in such a way to provide support and sleeper spine alignment through a range of firmness pressure settings.
Referring to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example mattress system 100 as described herein. The mattress system 100 is depicted upside down in FIG. 1 to show components contained therein. The mattress system 100 can include a rail structure 110, a top foam layer 102, a plurality of anchors 104, and a core 120 that can be inserted within the rail structure 110 under the foam layer 102, as described in detail in reference to FIG. 8 .
The top foam layer 102 is positioned at a top surface of the mattress system 100 above the core 120 and the perimeter rail structure 110. The top layer 102 can extend across an entire length of the mattress system 100 from the head end 114 to the foot end 116 of the mattress system 100. The top layer 102 can be made of foam or some similar type of cushioning material, such as synthetic support materials (e.g., polymer materials) or natural support materials. The top layer 102 can be any type of material as described throughout this disclosure, such as foam, batting, or other suitable material. For example, the top layer 102 can be positioned between the core 120 and a sleeper on the mattress system 100 and the top layer 102 can include one or more layers of materials (e.g. foam layers). The top layer 102 can provide comfort and/or support to a user resting on the mattress system 100.
The rail structure 110 can be a structure positioned at a perimeter of the mattress system 100. The rail structure 110 can be a foam rail structure that includes separate rails at the head end 114, foot end 116, and the right and left sides, each of the separate rails can be connected to each other (e.g. via adhesives, fasteners, or fastening means). In some embodiments, each of the separate rails (e.g. head end head end 114, foot end 116, and the right and left sides) are not connected to each other, and each of the separate rails are attached to the top layer 102. For example, each of the separate rails can be connected to a bottom surface of the top layer 102 at a top surface of each of the separate rails. The rail structure 110 can be a foam rail structure that combines with another layer (such as the top layer 102) to form an inverted foam tub where the head end 114, foot end 116, and right and left sides of the rail structure 110 are connected with each other and with the top layer 102 via adhesive, lamination, or other suitable fasteners. The rail structure 110 can be formed of materials other than foam, and can be positioned around the perimeter of the mattress system 100. The rail structure 110 provides some shape and/or structural support to the mattress system 100. In some implementations, the core 120 can be inserted within a space defined by the rail structure 110. The core 120 can include one or more additional foam layers, one or more air chambers 106A,106B, one or more sets of springs, or combinations thereof. The core 120 can be positioned within the space defined by the rail structure 110 and below the top foam layer 102 between a head end 114 and a foot end 116 of the mattress system 100, as depicted and described further in reference to FIG. 8 .
Moreover, as depicted, the components of the mattress system 100 are arranged inside a perimeter formed by the rail structure 110. The rail structure 110 can be a foam structure (or other material suitable for the application) that can maintain the components described herein in place when the mattress system 100 is moved and used. The rail structure 110 can therefore be positioned at a perimeter of the mattress system 100. In some implementations, a fire resistance sock 109 (FR sock 109) can be positioned around some or all of the components within the mattress 100.
A plurality of anchors 104 can be positioned along the head end 114, the foot end 116, and right and left sides of the mattress system 100. The plurality of anchors 104 extend inwardly from the rail structure 110 and are attached between a top surface of the rail structure 110 and a bottom surface of the top layer 102, as will be described in more detail in reference to FIG. 7 . As illustrated, mattress system 100 includes three anchors 104 on each the right and left side of mattress system 100 and four anchors 104 along the head end 114 of the mattress system 100. In some aspects, not illustrated in FIG. 1 , more or fewer anchors 104 can be used. For example, four anchors 104 can be positioned along a foot end 116 of mattress system 100. In some aspects, mattress system 100 includes the anchors 104 positioned along the head end 114 and the right and left sides, and omits anchors 104 along a foot end 116. In some aspects, mattress system 100 includes the anchors 104 positioned along the right and left sides, and omits anchors 104 along the head end 114 and the foot end 116. Anchors 104 can include snaps, straps, Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners, lamination, buttons, zippers, and combinations thereof such that the anchors 104 connect the core 120 to the rail structure 110, as described in reference to FIG. 7 .
The mattress can also include a mattress cover 112. The mattress cover 112 is mostly removed from view in FIG. 1 to illustrate the interior of the rail structure 110 and the anchors 104. The mattress cover 112 can cover the components described herein to also maintain the components in place. The mattress cover 112 can be made of one or more fabrics or other similar textile materials. The mattress cover 112 can enclose the entire mattress system 100.
Referring to FIG. 2 , a partial exterior view layers of the mattress system 100 is shown. The mattress system 100 includes the top layer 102 positioned above and connected to the rail structure 110. The top layer 102 can be a comfort layer positioned above the rail structure 110 and above the core 120 to enclose the core 120 within the rail structure 110.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the mattress system 100 can include a core 120 that is received within the rail structure 110. In some aspects, the core 120 includes one or more air chambers 106A, 106B that extend from the head end 114 to the foot end 116. The first air chamber 106A can extend from a left side to a midline 111 of the mattress system 100 and the second air chamber 106B can extend from a right side to the midline of the mattress system 100. The first air chamber 106A and the second air chamber 106B can be connected to each other at the midline 111 via one or more fasteners positioned along the length of each of the air chambers 106A, 106B. The fasteners that connect the first and second air chambers 106A, 106B can include zippers, anchors, snaps, hooks, Velcro® brand hook and loop, or combinations thereof that connect the air chambers 106A, 106B to each other. In some aspects, the first air chamber 106A and the second air chamber 106B can be the same size as each other, or the first air chamber 106A and the second air chamber 106B can be different sizes. The first air chamber 106A and the second air chamber 106B can be connected away from midline 111. In some aspects, mattress system 100 can include more or fewer than two air chambers.
The mattress system 100 can be sized in a number of suitable mattress sizes, including single, twin, Full, Queen, and King sized beds. In some of such implementations, the mattress system 100 can include a first zone having a first air chamber 106A and a second zone having a second air chamber 106B. The first zone can be used by a first user and the second zone can be used by a second user. In some implementations, such as with Full, Twin, or Single beds, the mattress system 100 may only include the first air chamber 106A. In some embodiments, the second air chamber 106B can be fluidly connected to the first air chamber 106A. In other embodiments, the second air chamber 106B can be fluidly separated from the first air chamber 106A.
As depicted in FIGS. 9-10 , the mattress system 100 can be in fluid communication (via hoses) to a pump 920. The pump 920 can include one or more air pumps that can be fluidly connected to the first and second air chambers 106A, 106B, respectively. The pump 920 can be configured to inflate the first air chamber 106A to a first common internal pressure and to inflate the second air chamber 106B to a second common internal pressure. The first common internal pressure can be different than the second common internal pressure, for example, based on user preference.
FIG. 3 illustrates the first air chamber 106A and second air chamber 106B connected along midline 111 and shows the air chambers 106A, 106B inverted such that a bottom surface 202 is up and a top surface 204 is down. When installed the air chambers 106A and 106B in the mattress system 100, the top surface 204 can be positioned above bottom surface 202 such that the top surface 204 is closer to the top layer 102 than the bottom surface 202.
The core 120 ( e.g. air chambers 106A, 106B and/or foam core, spring core, or other core) includes a corner 210 positioned along a top surface of the core 120 and extending along the head portion 114, a foot portion 116, and the right and left side portions of the core 120. The term corner 210 can be used to describe a place or angle where two or more sides or edges meet. The corner 210 can be positioned along the top surface of the core 120, and the core 120 can include more than one corner around the perimeter of the core 120. For example, the corner 210 at the head end 114 can be separate from the corner 210 along the right and left sides and can be separated from the corner 210 at the foot end 116. The corner 210 can include one or more fasteners 208 that are spaced apart around the top surface of the core 120 along a head end 114, foot end 116, and along the right and left sides. The fasteners 208 can include snaps, straps, Velcro® brand hook and loop, fasteners, lamination, buttons, zippers, and combinations thereof that are compatible with anchors 104 to connect the core 120 to the rail structure 110, as described in reference to FIG. 7 .
The core 120 can also include a bottom surface corner 212 that shares the features of corner 210 and is positioned along a bottom surface 202 of the core 120. The core 120 can include corners that are oriented horizontally (e.g. corners 210, 212) and corners (e.g. corners 214) that are oriented vertically that extend between the bottom surface 202 and the top surface 204 of the core 120. Each of the corners 210, 212, 214 can include one or more fasteners 208 that can connect each surface of the core 120 to the rail structure 110 via connection with anchors 104. While it is possible that each of the corners 210, 212, 214 can include fasteners 208, in some embodiments it is not required that each of the corners 210, 212, 214 has fasteners 208. For example, the corner 210 can include fasteners 208 while the corners 212, 214 do not include fasteners 208. The fasteners 208 can include snaps, straps, Velcro® brand hook and loop, fasteners, lamination, buttons, zippers, and combinations thereof that are compatible with anchors 104 to connect the core 120 to the rail structure 110, as described in reference to FIG. 7 .
As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 , in aspects of the mattress system 100 where the core 120 includes one or more air chambers 106A, 106B, the corner 210 can include a seam that extends around the perimeter of the top surface 204 of each of the air chambers 106A, 106B. In some aspects, the seam can be a lamination seam where layers of the air chambers 106A, 106B are laminated and sealed thereby forming a seam of material that extends from the top surface 204 of the air chambers 106A, 106B. In some aspects, including the corner 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 , the seam can extend outwardly from the top surface 204. In other aspects, the seam can be an internal seam where the seam folds inwardly from the top surface 204.
In aspects of the mattress system 100 where the core 120 includes one or more layers of foam and/or one or more layers of springs, the corner 210 can be a border section that surrounds the top surface 204 of the core 120, where the border section can be flush with the top surface 204 or can extend away from the top surface 204 in the same or similar manner to the seam that extends from the air chambers 106A, 106B. The corner 210 can include fabric or other materials.
FIG. 6 shows an anchor 104 detached from the core 120 and the rail structure 110. The anchor 104 includes a strap 230 that extends from and is connected to a base 232. In some aspects, the base 232 can connect the anchor 104 to the rail structure 110. In other aspects, the base 232 can connect the anchor 104 to the core 120. The base 232 and the strap 230 can be sewn together, integral with each other, connected via Velcro® brand hook and loop, zippers, snaps, hooks, or otherwise attached to each other.
The strap 230 can extend away from the base 232, and can be formed of a rigid material or a flexible material. A flexible strap 230 facilitates a non-rigid connection between the anchors 104 and the core 120 that allows for relative movement of the core 120 while maintaining the position of the core 120 within the rail structure 110. A rigid strap 230 maintains the position of the core 120 within the rail structure 110 while minimizing or eliminating the relative movement of the core 120 within the rail structure 110.
The strap 230 can include one or more fasteners 234 that can be positioned near an end 236 of the strap 230 and in the center of a width of the strap. The strap 230 can include more than one fastener 234. For example, the strap 230 can include two or more fasteners 234 at varied positions along the strap 230 and/or the base 232. In some aspects, the fastener 234 can be a snap, a hook, Velcro® brand hook and loop, or another fastener that is compatible with fasteners 208 positioned along the corner 210.
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the anchor 104 connected to the rail structure 110. The base 232 (not shown in FIG. 7 ) of the anchor 104 is connected between the rail structure 110 and the top layer 102, and the strap 230 that is connected to the base 232 extends outwardly from the connection gap 240 between the top layer 102 and the rail structure 110 to connect to the corner 210 of the core 120. As illustrated, the corner 210 includes a seam of air chamber 106A that has a fastener 208 (e.g. a snap) that mates with the fastener 234 and the strap 230. As illustrated, the connection occurs at the corner 210 along the top surface 204 of the core 120. In operation, the connection of the core to the rail structure 110 along the top surface 204 of the core is advantageous to facilitate improved support to the top layer 102 with more reliable and consistent positioning of the core 120 within the rail structure 110.
FIGS. 8A and 8B depict example configurations of the mattress system having one or more layers including a core 820, a rail structure 810, a top layer 802 and a bottom layer 816 as described above. FIG. 8A is a schematic head end 812 view of an example configuration of components of mattress system 800A with a cover removed to show internal components thereof. As shown in this view, the mattress system 800A can include the top layer 802, the rail structure 810, the air chamber 806A, the air chamber 806B, and a base layer 816. A mattress cover (not shown in FIG. 8A) can be positioned on an outside of the mattress system 800A. The top layer 802 can extend across an entire length of the mattress system 800A from the head end 812 to the foot end of the mattress system 800A. The top layer 802 can be any type of material as described throughout this disclosure, such as foam, batting, or other suitable material. The top layer 802 can provide comfort and/or support to a user resting on the mattress system 800A.
The air chambers 806A, 806B can extend across some, most, or all of a length of the mattress system 800A. The rail structure 810 can be positioned beneath the top layer 802 and can form a perimeter around the air chambers 806A, 806B. The rail structure 810 can form a perimeter around the air chambers 806A, 806B. The rail structure 810 can provide additional structural support to the mattress system 800A and maintain the air chambers 806A, 806B in place. In addition to the rail structure, anchors (e.g. anchors 104 described above) facilitate connection between the air chambers 806A, 806B and the rail structure 810 to maintain the relative positioning of the air chambers 806A, 806B and the rail structure 810 within mattress system 800A.
FIG. 8B is a schematic head end 812 view of an example configuration of components of mattress system 800B with a cover removed to show internal components thereof. As shown in this view, the mattress system 800B shares features with mattress system 800A including the top layer 802, the rail structure 810, and the base layer 816. A mattress cover (not shown in FIG. 8B) can be positioned on an outside of the mattress system 800B. In some embodiments, base layer 816 can be removed.
Mattress system 800B includes a core 820, the core 820 can include air chambers ( e.g. air chambers 806A, 806B), one or more foam layers, one or more spring layers, and combinations thereof. The core 820 can extend across some, most, or all of a length of the mattress system 800B. The rail structure 810 can be positioned beneath the top layer 802 and can form a perimeter around the core 820. The rail structure 810 can form a perimeter around the core 820. The rail structure 810 can provide additional structural support to the mattress system 800A and maintain the core 820 in place. In addition to the rail structure, anchors (e.g. anchors 104 described above) facilitate connection between the core 820 and the rail structure 810 to maintain the relative positioning of the core 820 and the rail structure 810 within mattress system 800A.
Example Airbed Hardware
FIG. 9 shows an example air bed system 900 that includes a bed 912 that can be implemented and used in mattress system 100. The bed 912 includes at least one air chamber 914 surrounded by a resilient border 916 and encapsulated by bed ticking 918. The resilient border 916 can comprise any suitable material, such as foam.
As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the bed 912 can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first air chamber 906A and a second air chamber 906B. In alternative embodiments, the bed 912 can include chambers for use with fluids other than air that are suitable for the application. In some embodiments, such as single beds or kids' beds, the bed 912 can include a single air chamber 906A or 906B or multiple air chambers 906A and 906B. First and second air chambers 906A and 906B can be in fluid communication with a pump 920. The pump 920 can be in electrical communication with a remote control 922 via control box 924. The control box 924 can include a wired or wireless communications interface for communicating with one or more devices, including the remote control 922. The control box 924 can be configured to operate the pump 920 to cause increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the first and second air chambers 906A and 906B based upon commands input by a user using the remote control 922. In some implementations, the control box 924 is integrated into a housing of the pump 920.
The remote control 922 can include a display 926, an output selecting mechanism 928, a pressure increase button 929, and a pressure decrease button 930. The output selecting mechanism 928 can allow the user to switch air flow generated by the pump 920 between the first and second air chambers 906A and 906B, thus enabling control of multiple air chambers with a single remote control 922 and a single pump 920. For example, the output selecting mechanism 928 can by a physical control (e.g., switch or button) or an input control displayed on display 926. Alternatively, separate remote control units can be provided for each air chamber and can each include the ability to control multiple air chambers. Pressure increase and decrease buttons 929 and 930 can allow a user to increase or decrease the pressure, respectively, in the air chamber selected with the output selecting mechanism 928. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air chamber can cause a corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air chamber. In some embodiments, the remote control 922 can be omitted or modified as appropriate for an application. For example, in some embodiments the bed 912 can be controlled by a computer, tablet, smart phone, or other device in wired or wireless communication with the bed 912.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of various components of a bed system. For example, these components can be used in the example mattress system 100 and air bed system 900. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control box 924 can include a power supply 934, a processor 936, a memory 937, a switching mechanism 938, and an analog to digital (A/D) converter 940. The switching mechanism 938 can be, for example, a relay or a solid state switch. In some implementations, the switching mechanism 938 can be located in the pump 920 rather than the control box 924.
The pump 920 and the remote control 922 are in two-way communication with the control box 924. The pump 920 includes a motor 942, a pump manifold 943, a relief valve 944, a first control valve 945A, a second control valve 945B, and a pressure transducer 946. The pump 920 is fluidly connected with the first air chamber 906A and the second air chamber 906B via a first tube 948A and a second tube 948B, respectively. The first and second control valves 945A and 945B can be controlled by switching mechanism 938, and are operable to regulate the flow of fluid between the pump 920 and first and second air chambers 906A and 906B, respectively.
In some implementations, the pump 920 and the control box 924 can be provided and packaged as a single unit. In some alternative implementations, the pump 920 and the control box 924 can be provided as physically separate units. In some implementations, the control box 924, the pump 920, or both are integrated within or otherwise contained within a bed frame or bed support structure that supports the bed 912. In some implementations, the control box 924, the pump 920, or both are located outside of a bed frame or bed support structure (as shown in the example in FIG. 9 ).
The example air bed system 900 depicted in FIG. 10 includes the two air chambers 906A and 906B and the single pump 920. However, other implementations can include an air bed system having two or more air chambers and one or more pumps incorporated into the air bed system to control the air chambers. For example, a separate pump can be associated with each air chamber of the air bed system or a pump can be associated with multiple chambers of the air bed system. Separate pumps can allow each air chamber to be inflated or deflated independently and simultaneously. Furthermore, additional pressure transducers can also be incorporated into the air bed system such that, for example, a separate pressure transducer can be associated with each air chamber.
In use, the processor 936 can, for example, send a decrease pressure command to one of air chambers 906A or 906B, and the switching mechanism 938 can be used to convert the low voltage command signals sent by the processor 936 to higher operating voltages sufficient to operate the relief valve 944 of the pump 920 and open the control valve 945A or 945B. Opening the relief valve 944 can allow air to escape from the air chamber 906A or 906B through the respective air tube 948A or 948B. During deflation, the pressure transducer 946 can send pressure readings to the processor 936 via the A/D converter 940. The A/D converter 940 can receive analog information from pressure transducer 946 and can convert the analog information to digital information useable by the processor 936. The processor 936 can send the digital signal to the remote control 922 to update the display 926 in order to convey the pressure information to the user.
As another example, the processor 936 can send an increase pressure command. The pump motor 942 can be energized in response to the increase pressure command and send air to the designated one of the air chambers 906A or 906B through the air tube 948A or 948B via electronically operating the corresponding valve 945A or 945B. While air is being delivered to the designated air chamber 906A or 906B in order to increase the firmness of the chamber, the pressure transducer 946 can sense pressure within the pump manifold 943. Again, the pressure transducer 946 can send pressure readings to the processor 936 via the A/D converter 940. The processor 936 can use the information received from the A/D converter 940 to determine the difference between the actual pressure in air chamber 906A or 906B and the desired pressure. The processor 936 can send the digital signal to the remote control 922 to update display 926 in order to convey the pressure information to the user.
Generally speaking, during an inflation or deflation process, the pressure sensed within the pump manifold 943 can provide an approximation of the pressure within the respective air chamber that is in fluid communication with the pump manifold 943. An example method of obtaining a pump manifold pressure reading that is substantially equivalent to the actual pressure within an air chamber includes turning off pump 920, allowing the pressure within the air chamber 906A or 906B and the pump manifold 943 to equalize, and then sensing the pressure within the pump manifold 943 with the pressure transducer 946. Thus, providing a sufficient amount of time to allow the pressures within the pump manifold 943 and chamber 906A or 906B to equalize can result in pressure readings that are accurate approximations of the actual pressure within air chamber 906A or 906B. In some implementations, the pressure of the air chambers 906A and/or 906B can be continuously monitored using multiple pressure sensors (not shown).
In some implementations, information collected by the pressure transducer 946 can be analyzed to determine various states of a person lying on the bed 912. For example, the processor 936 can use information collected by the pressure transducer 946 to determine a heart rate or a respiration rate for a person lying in the bed 912. For example, a user can be lying on a side of the bed 912 that includes the chamber 906A. The pressure transducer 946 can monitor fluctuations in pressure of the chamber 906A and this information can be used to determine the user's heart rate and/or respiration rate. As another example, additional processing can be performed using the collected data to determine a sleep state of the person (e.g., awake, light sleep, deep sleep). For example, the processor 936 can determine when a person falls asleep and, while asleep, the various sleep states of the person.
Additional information associated with a user of the air bed system 900 that can be determined using information collected by the pressure transducer 946 includes motion of the user, presence of the user on a surface of the bed 912, weight of the user, heart arrhythmia of the user, and apnea. Taking user presence detection for example, the pressure transducer 946 can be used to detect the user's presence on the bed 912, e.g., via a gross pressure change determination and/or via one or more of a respiration rate signal, heart rate signal, and/or other biometric signals. For example, a simple pressure detection process can identify an increase in pressure as an indication that the user is present on the bed 912. As another example, the processor 936 can determine that the user is present on the bed 912 if the detected pressure increases above a specified threshold (so as to indicate that a person or other object above a certain weight is positioned on the bed 912). As yet another example, the processor 936 can identify an increase in pressure in combination with detected slight, rhythmic fluctuations in pressure as corresponding to the user being present on the bed 912. The presence of rhythmic fluctuations can be identified as being caused by respiration or heart rhythm (or both) of the user. The detection of respiration or a heartbeat can distinguish between the user being present on the bed and another object (e.g., a suit case) being placed upon the bed.
In some implementations, fluctuations in pressure can be measured at the pump 920. For example, one or more pressure sensors can be located within one or more internal cavities of the pump 920 to detect fluctuations in pressure within the pump 920. The fluctuations in pressure detected at the pump 920 can indicate fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers 906A and 906B. One or more sensors located at the pump 920 can be in fluid communication with the one or both of the chambers 906A and 906B, and the sensors can be operative to determine pressure within the chambers 906A and 906B. The control box 924 can be configured to determine at least one vital sign (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate) based on the pressure within the chamber 906A or the chamber 906B.
In some implementations, the control box 924 can analyze a pressure signal detected by one or more pressure sensors to determine a heart rate, respiration rate, and/or other vital signs of a user lying or sitting on the chamber 906A or the chamber 906B. More specifically, when a user lies on the bed 912 positioned over the chamber 906A, each of the user's heart beats, breaths, and other movements can create a force on the bed 912 that is transmitted to the chamber 906A. As a result of the force input to the chamber 906A from the user's movement, a wave can propagate through the chamber 906A and into the pump 920. A pressure sensor located at the pump 920 can detect the wave, and thus the pressure signal output by the sensor can indicate a heart rate, respiratory rate, or other information regarding the user.
With regard to sleep state, air bed system 900 can determine a user's sleep state by using various biometric signals such as heart rate, respiration, and/or movement of the user. While the user is sleeping, the processor 936 can receive one or more of the user's biometric signals (e.g., heart rate, respiration, and motion) and determine the user's present sleep state based on the received biometric signals. In some implementations, signals indicating fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers 906A and 906B can be amplified and/or filtered to allow for more precise detection of heart rate and respiratory rate.
The control box 924 can perform a pattern recognition algorithm or other calculation based on the amplified and filtered pressure signal to determine the user's heart rate and respiratory rate. For example, the algorithm or calculation can be based on assumptions that a heart rate portion of the signal has a frequency in the range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and that a respiration rate portion of the signal a has a frequency in the range of less than 1 Hz. The control box 924 can also be configured to determine other characteristics of a user based on the received pressure signal, such as blood pressure, tossing and turning movements, rolling movements, limb movements, weight, the presence or lack of presence of a user, and/or the identity of the user. Techniques for monitoring a user's sleep using heart rate information, respiration rate information, and other user information are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100170043 to Steven J. Young et al., titled “APPARATUS FOR MONITORING VITAL SIGNS,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
For example, the pressure transducer 946 can be used to monitor the air pressure in the chambers 906A and 906B of the bed 912. If the user on the bed 912 is not moving, the air pressure changes in the air chamber 906A or 906B can be relatively minimal, and can be attributable to respiration and/or heartbeat. When the user on the bed 912 is moving, however, the air pressure in the mattress can fluctuate by a much larger amount. Thus, the pressure signals generated by the pressure transducer 946 and received by the processor 936 can be filtered and indicated as corresponding to motion, heartbeat, or respiration.
In some implementations, rather than performing the data analysis in the control box 924 with the processor 936, a digital signal processor (DSP) can be provided to analyze the data collected by the pressure transducer 946. Alternatively, the data collected by the pressure transducer 946 could be sent to a cloud-based computing system for remote analysis.
In some implementations, the example air bed system 900 further includes a temperature controller configured to increase, decrease, or maintain the temperature of a bed, for example for the comfort of the user. For example, a pad can be placed on top of or be part of the bed 912, or can be placed on top of or be part of one or both of the chambers 906A and 906B. Air can be pushed through the pad and vented to cool off a user of the bed. Conversely, the pad can include a heating element that can be used to keep the user warm. In some implementations, the temperature controller can receive temperature readings from the pad. In some implementations, separate pads are used for the different sides of the bed 912 (e.g., corresponding to the locations of the chambers 906A and 906B) to provide for differing temperature control for the different sides of the bed.
In some implementations, the user of the air bed system 900 can use an input device, such as the remote control 922, to input a desired temperature for the surface of the bed 912 (or for a portion of the surface of the bed 912). The desired temperature can be encapsulated in a command data structure that includes the desired temperature as well as identifies the temperature controller as the desired component to be controlled. The command data structure can then be transmitted via Bluetooth or another suitable communication protocol to the processor 936. In various examples, the command data structure is encrypted before being transmitted. The temperature controller can then configure its elements to increase or decrease the temperature of the pad depending on the temperature input into remote control 922 by the user.
In some implementations, data can be transmitted from a component back to the processor 936 or to one or more display devices, such as the display 926. For example, the current temperature as determined by a sensor element of temperature controller, the pressure of the bed 912, the current position of the foundation or other information can be transmitted to control box 924. The control box 924 can then transmit the received information to remote control 922 where it can be displayed to the user (e.g., on the display 926).
In some implementations, the example air bed system 900 further includes an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of a bed (e.g., the bed 912) by adjusting the adjustable foundation that supports the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 912 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). In some implementations, the bed 912 includes multiple separately articulable sections. For example, portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the chambers 906A and 906B can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person positioned on the bed 912 surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., an reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). In some implementations, separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 912 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also be configured to provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed 912.
Example of a Bed in a Bedroom Environment
FIG. 11 shows an example environment 300 including a bed 302 in communication with devices located in and around a home. In the example shown, the bed 302 includes pump 304 for controlling air pressure within two air chambers 306 a and 306 b (as described above with respect to the air chambers 906A-906B). The pump 304 additionally includes circuitry for controlling inflation and deflation functionality performed by the pump 304. The circuitry is further programmed to detect fluctuations in air pressure of the air chambers 306 a-b and used the detected fluctuations in air pressure to identify bed presence of a user 308, sleep state of the user 308, movement of the user 308, and biometric signals of the user 308 such as heart rate and respiration rate. In the example shown, the pump 304 is located within a support structure of the bed 302 and the control circuitry 334 for controlling the pump 304 is integrated with the pump 304. In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 is physically separate from the pump 304 and is in wireless or wired communication with the pump 304. In some implementations, the pump 304 and/or control circuitry 334 are located outside of the bed 302. In some implementations, various control functions can be performed by systems located in different physical locations. For example, circuitry for controlling actions of the pump 304 can be located within a pump casing of the pump 304 while control circuitry 334 for performing other functions associated with the bed 302 can be located in another portion of the bed 302, or external to the bed 302. As another example, control circuitry 334 located within the pump 304 can communicate with control circuitry 334 at a remote location through a LAN or WAN (e.g., the internet). As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can be included in the control box 924 of FIGS. 9 and 10 .
In some implementations, one or more devices other than, or in addition to, the pump 304 and control circuitry 334 can be utilized to identify user bed presence, sleep state, movement, and biometric signals. For example, the bed 302 can include a second pump in addition to the pump 304, with each of the two pumps connected to a respective one of the air chambers 306 a-b. For example, the pump 304 can be in fluid communication with the air chamber 306 b to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306 b as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306 b such as bed presence, sleep state, movement, and biometric signals while the second pump is in fluid communication with the air chamber 306 a to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306 a as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306 a.
As another example, the bed 302 can include one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions that are operable to detect movement, including user presence, user motion, respiration, and heart rate. For example, a first pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into a surface of the bed 302 over a left portion of the bed 302, where a first user would normally be located during sleep, and a second pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into the surface of the bed 302 over a right portion of the bed 302, where a second user would normally be located during sleep. The movement detected by one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions can be used by control circuitry 334 to identify user sleep state, bed presence, or biometric signals.
In some implementations, information detected by the bed 302 (e.g., motion information) is processed by control circuitry 334 (e.g., control circuitry 334 integrated with the pump 304) and provided to one or more user devices such as a user device 310 for presentation to the user 308 or to other users. In the example depicted in FIG. 11 , the user device 310 is a tablet device; however, in some implementations, the user device 310 can be a personal computer, a smart phone, a smart television (e.g., a television 312), or other user device capable of wired or wireless communication with the control circuitry 334. The user device 310 can be in communication with control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 through a network or through direct point-to-point communication. For example, the control circuitry 334 can be connected to a LAN (e.g., through a Wi-Fi router) and communicate with the user device 310 through the LAN. As another example, the control circuitry 334 and the user device 310 can both connect to the Internet and communicate through the Internet. For example, the control circuitry 334 can connect to the Internet through a WiFi router and the user device 310 can connect to the Internet through communication with a cellular communication system. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate directly with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, infrared, or another wireless communication protocol suitable for the application. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wired connection such as, for example, a USB connector, serial/RS232, or another wired connection suitable for the application.
The user device 310 can display a variety of information and statistics related to sleep, or user 308's interaction with the bed 302. For example, a user interface displayed by the user device 310 can present information including amount of sleep for the user 308 over a period of time (e.g., a single evening, a week, a month, etc.) amount of deep sleep, ratio of deep sleep to restless sleep, time lapse between the user 308 getting into bed and the user 308 falling asleep, total amount of time spent in the bed 302 for a given period of time, heart rate for the user 308 over a period of time, respiration rate for the user 308 over a period of time, or other information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 or one or more other users of the bed 302. In some implementations, information for multiple users can be presented on the user device 310, for example information for a first user positioned over the air chamber 306 a can be presented along with information for a second user positioned over the air chamber 306 b. In some implementations, the information presented on the user device 310 can vary according to the age of the user 308. For example, the information presented on the user device 310 can evolve with the age of the user 308 such that different information is presented on the user device 310 as the user 308 ages as a child or an adult.
The user device 310 can also be used as an interface for the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 to allow the user 308 to enter information. The information entered by the user 308 can be used by the control circuitry 334 to provide better information to the user or to various control signals for controlling functions of the bed 302 or other devices. For example, the user can enter information such as weight, height, and age and the control circuitry 334 can use this information to provide the user 308 with a comparison of the user's tracked sleep information to sleep information of other people having similar weights, heights, and/or ages as the user 308. As another example, the user 308 can use the user device 310 as an interface for controlling air pressure of the air chambers 306 a and 306 b, for controlling various recline or incline positions of the bed 302, for controlling temperature of one or more surface temperature control devices of the bed 302, or for allowing the control circuitry 334 to generate control signals for other devices (as described in greater detail below).
In some implementations, control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 (e.g., control circuitry 334 integrated into the pump 304) can communicate with other first, second, or third party devices or systems in addition to, or instead of, the user device 310. For example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the television 312, a lighting system 314, a thermostat 316, a security system 318, or other house hold devices such as an oven 322, a coffee maker 324, a lamp 326, and a nightlight 328. Other examples of devices and/or systems that the control circuitry 334 can communicate with include a system for controlling window blinds 330, one or more devices for detecting or controlling the states of one or more doors 332 (such as detecting if a door is open, detecting if a door is locked, or automatically locking a door), and a system for controlling a garage door 320 (e.g., control circuitry 334 integrated with a garage door opener for identifying an open or closed state of the garage door 320 and for causing the garage door opener to open or close the garage door 320). Communications between the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 and other devices can occur through a network (e.g., a LAN or the Internet) or as point-to-point communication (e.g., using Bluetooth, radio communication, or a wired connection). In some implementations, control circuitry 334 of different beds 302 can communicate with different sets of devices. For example, a kid bed may not communicate with and/or control the same devices as an adult bed. In some embodiments, the bed 302 can evolve with the age of the user such that the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 communicates with different devices as a function of age of the user.
The control circuitry 334 can receive information and inputs from other devices/systems and use the received information and inputs to control actions of the bed 302 or other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can receive information from the thermostat 316 indicating a current environmental temperature for a house or room in which the bed 302 is located. The control circuitry 334 can use the received information (along with other information) to determine if a temperature of all or a portion of the surface of the bed 302 should be raised or lowered. The control circuitry 334 can then cause a heating or cooling mechanism of the bed 302 to raise or lower the temperature of the surface of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 can indicate a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees while a second user of the bed 302 indicates a desired sleeping temperature of 72 degrees. The thermostat 316 can indicate to the control circuitry 334 that the current temperature of the bedroom is 72 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 has indicated a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees, and send control signals to a heating pad located on the user 308's side of the bed to raise the temperature of the portion of the surface of the bed 302 where the user 308 is located to raise the temperature of the user 308's sleeping surface to the desired temperature.
The control circuitry 334 can also generate control signals controlling other devices and propagate the control signals to the other devices. In some implementations, the control signals are generated based on information collected by the control circuitry 334, including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 and/or one or more other users. In some implementations, information collected from one or more other devices other than the bed 302 are used when generating the control signals. For example, information relating to environmental occurrences (e.g., environmental temperature, environmental noise level, and environmental light level), time of day, time of year, day of the week, or other information can be used when generating control signals for various devices in communication with the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302. For example, information on the time of day can be combined with information relating to movement and bed presence of the user 308 to generate control signals for the lighting system 314. In some implementations, rather than, or in addition to, providing control signals for one or more other devices, the control circuitry 334 can provide collected information (e.g., information related to user movement, bed presence, sleep state, or biometric signals for the user 308) to one or more other devices to allow the one or more other devices to utilize the collected information when generating control signals. For example, control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can provide information relating to user interactions with the bed 302 by the user 308 to a central controller (not shown) that can use the provided information to generate control signals for various devices, including the bed 302.
Still referring to FIG. 11 , the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can generate control signals for controlling actions of other devices, and transmit the control signals to the other devices in response to information collected by the control circuitry 334, including bed presence of the user 308, sleep state of the user 308, and other factors. For example, control circuitry 334 integrated with the pump 304 can detect a feature of a mattress of the bed 302, such as an increase in pressure in the air chamber 306 b, and use this detected increase in air pressure to determine that the user 308 is present on the bed 302. In implementations, the control circuitry 334 can identify a heart rate or respiratory rate for the user 308 to identify that the increase in pressure is due to a person sitting, laying, or otherwise resting on the bed 302 rather than an inanimate object (such as a suitcase) having been placed on the bed 302. In some implementations, the information indicating user bed presence is combined with other information to identify a current or future likely state for the user 308. For example, a detected user bed presence at 11:00 am can indicate that the user is sitting on the bed (e.g., to tie her shoes, or to read a book) and does not intend to go to sleep, while a detected user bed presence at 10:00 pm can indicate that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and is intending to fall asleep soon. As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 has left the bed 302 at 6:30 am (e.g., indicating that the user 308 has woken up for the day), and then later detects user bed presence of the user 308 at 7:30 am, the control circuitry 334 can use this information that the newly detected user bed presence is likely temporary (e.g., while the user 308 ties her shoes before heading to work) rather than an indication that the user 308 is intending to stay on the bed 302 for an extended period.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 is able to use collected information (including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308, as well as environmental information, time information, and input received from the user) to identify use patterns for the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use information indicating bed presence and sleep states for the user 308 collected over a period of time to identify a sleep pattern for the user. For example, the control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 generally goes to bed between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm, generally falls asleep between 10:00 μm and 11:00 μm, and generally wakes up between 6:30 am and 6:45 am based on information indicating user presence and biometrics for the user 308 collected over a week. The control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns for a user to better process and identify user interactions with the bed 302 by the user 308.
For example, given the above example user bed presence, sleep, and wake patterns for the user 308, if the user 308 is detected as being on the bed at 3:00 μm, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user's presence on the bed is only temporary, and use this determination to generate different control signals than would be generated if the control circuitry 334 determined that the user 308 was in bed for the evening. As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 has gotten out of bed at 3:00 am, the control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns for the user 308 to determine that the user has only gotten up temporarily (for example, to use the rest room, or get a glass of water) and is not up for the day. By contrast, if the control circuitry 334 identifies that the user 308 has gotten out of the bed 302 at 6:40 am, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user is up for the day and generate a different set of control signals than those that would be generated if it were determined that the user 308 were only getting out of bed temporarily (as would be the case when the user 308 gets out of the bed 302 at 3:00 am). For other users 308, getting out of the bed 302 at 3:00 am can be the normal wake-up time, which the control circuitry 334 can learn and respond to accordingly.
As described above, the control circuitry 334 for the bed 302 can generate control signals for control functions of various other devices. The control signals can be generated, at least in part, based on detected interactions by the user 308 with the bed 302, as well as other information including time, date, temperature, etc. For example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the television 312, receive information from the television 312, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the television 312. For example, the control circuitry 334 can receive an indication from the television 312 that the television 312 is currently on. If the television 312 is located in a different room from the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off upon making a determination that the user 308 has gone to bed for the evening. For example, if bed presence of the user 308 on the bed 302 is detected during a particular time range (e.g., between 8:00 μm and 7:00 am) and persists for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) the control circuitry 334 can use this information to determine that the user 308 is in bed for the evening. If the television 312 is on (as indicated by communications received by the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 from the television 312) the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off. The control signals can then be transmitted to the television (e.g., through a directed communication link between the television 312 and the control circuitry 334 or through a network). As another example, rather than turning off the television 312 in response to detection of user bed presence, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal that causes the volume of the television 312 to be lowered by a pre-specified amount.
As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has left the bed 302 during a specified time range (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am) the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and tune to a pre-specified channel (e.g., the user 308 has indicated a preference for watching the morning news upon getting out of bed in the morning). The control circuitry 334 can generate the control signal and transmit the signal to the television 312 to cause the television 312 to turn on and tune to the desired station (which could be stored at the control circuitry 334, the television 312, or another location). As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has gotten up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and begin playing a previously recorded program from a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with the television 312.
As another example, if the television 312 is in the same room as the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 does not cause the television 312 to turn off in response to detection of user bed presence. Rather, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. For example, the control circuitry 334 can monitor biometric signals of the user 308 (e.g., motion, heart rate, respiration rate) to determine that the user 308 has fallen asleep. Upon detecting that the user 308 is sleeping, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to turn the television 312 off. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate the control signal to turn off the television 312 after a threshold period of time after the user 308 has fallen asleep (e.g., 10 minutes after the user has fallen asleep). As another example, the control circuitry 334 generates control signals to lower the volume of the television 312 after determining that the user 308 is asleep. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to cause the television to gradually lower in volume over a period of time and then turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can similarly interact with other media devices, such as computers, tablets, smart phones, stereo systems, etc. For example, upon detecting that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a control signal to the user device 310 to cause the user device 310 to turn off or turn down the volume on a video or audio file being played by the user device 310.
The control circuitry 334 can additionally communicate with the lighting system 314, receive information from the lighting system 314, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the lighting system 314. For example, upon detecting user bed presence on the bed 302 during a certain time frame (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) that lasts for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can determine that the user 308 is in bed for the evening. In response to this determination, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause lights in one or more rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located to switch off. The control signals can then be transmitted to the lighting system 314 and executed by the lighting system 314 to cause the lights in the indicated rooms to shut off. For example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn off lights in all common rooms, but not in other bedrooms. As another example, the control signals generated by the control circuitry 334 can indicate that lights in all rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located are to be turned off, while one or more lights located outside of the house containing the bed 302 are to be turned on, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening. Additionally, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the nightlight 328 to turn on in response to determining user 308 bed presence or whether the user 308 is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate first control signals for turning off a first set of lights (e.g., lights in common rooms) in response to detecting user bed presence, and second control signals for turning off a second set of lights (e.g., lights in the room in which the bed 302 is located) in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep.
In some implementations, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement a sunset lighting scheme in the room in which the bed 302 is located. A sunset lighting scheme can include, for example, dimming the lights (either gradually over time, or all at once) in combination with changing the color of the light in the bedroom environment, such as adding an amber hue to the lighting in the bedroom. The sunset lighting scheme can help to put the user 308 to sleep when the control circuitry 334 has determined that the user 308 is in bed for the evening.
The control circuitry 334 can also be configured to implement a sunrise lighting scheme when the user 308 wakes up in the morning. The control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day, for example, by detecting that the user 308 has gotten off of the bed 302 (i.e., is no longer present on the bed 302) during a specified time frame (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am). As another example, the control circuitry 334 can monitor movement, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other biometric signals of the user 308 to determine that the user 308 is awake even though the user 308 has not gotten out of bed. If the control circuitry 334 detects that the user is awake during a specified time frame, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day. The specified time frame can be, for example, based on previously recorded user bed presence information collected over a period of time (e.g., two weeks) that indicates that the user 308 usually wakes up for the day between 6:30 am and 7:30 am. In response to the control circuitry 334 determining that the user 308 is awake, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement the sunrise lighting scheme in the bedroom in which the bed 302 is located. The sunrise lighting scheme can include, for example, turning on lights (e.g., the lamp 326, or other lights in the bedroom). The sunrise lighting scheme can further include gradually increasing the level of light in the room where the bed 302 is located (or in one or more other rooms). The sunrise lighting scheme can also include only turning on lights of specified colors. For example, the sunrise lighting scheme can include lighting the bedroom with blue light to gently assist the user 308 in waking up and becoming active.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can generate different control signals for controlling actions of one or more components, such as the lighting system 314, depending on a time of day that user interactions with the bed 302 are detected. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use historical user interaction information for interactions between the user 308 and the bed 302 to determine that the user 308 usually falls asleep between 10:00 μm and 11:00 μm and usually wakes up between 6:30 am and 7:30 am on weekdays. The control circuitry 334 can use this information to generate a first set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed at 3:00 am and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after 6:30 am. For example, if the user 308 gets out of bed prior to 6:30 am, the control circuitry 334 can turn on lights that guide the user 308's route to a restroom. As another example, if the user 308 gets out of bed prior to 6:30 am, the control circuitry 334 can turn on lights that guide the user 308's route to the kitchen (which can include, for example, turning on the nightlight 328, turning on under bed lighting, or turning on the lamp 326).
As another example, if the user 308 gets out of bed after 6:30 am, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to initiate a sunrise lighting scheme, or to turn on one or more lights in the bedroom and/or other rooms. In some implementations, if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed prior to a specified morning rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 causes the lighting system 314 to turn on lights that are dimmer than lights that are turned on by the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after the specified morning rise time. Causing the lighting system 314 to only turn on dim lights when the user 308 gets out of bed during the night (i.e., prior to normal rise time for the user 308) can prevent other occupants of the house from being woken by the lights while still allowing the user 308 to see in order to reach the restroom, kitchen, or another destination within the house.
The historical user interaction information for interactions between the user 308 and the bed 302 can be used to identify user sleep and awake time frames. For example, user bed presence times and sleep times can be determined for a set period of time (e.g., two weeks, a month, etc.). The control circuitry 334 can then identify a typical time range or time frame in which the user 308 goes to bed, a typical time frame for when the user 308 falls asleep, and a typical time frame for when the user 308 wakes up (and in some cases, different time frames for when the user 308 wakes up and when the user 308 actually gets out of bed). In some implementations, buffer time can be added to these time frames. For example, if the user 308 is identified as typically going to bed between 10:00 μm and 10:30 pm, a buffer of a half hour in each direction can be added to the time frame such that any detection of the user getting onto the bed between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm is interpreted as the user 308 going to bed for the evening. As another example, detection of bed presence of the user 308 starting from a half hour before the earliest typical time that the user 308 goes to bed extending until the typical wake up time (e.g., 6:30 am) for the user can be interpreted as the user going to bed for the evening. For example, if the user typically goes to bed between 10:00 μm and 10:30 pm, if the user's bed presence is sensed at 12:30 am one night, that can be interpreted as the user getting into bed for the evening even though this is outside of the user's typical time frame for going to bed because it has occurred prior to the user's normal wake up time. In some implementations, different time frames are identified for different times of the year (e.g., earlier bed time during winter vs. summer) or at different times of the week (e.g., user wakes up earlier on weekdays than on weekends).
The control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (such as for the night) as opposed to being present on the bed 302 for a shorter period (such as for a nap) by sensing duration of presence of the user 308. In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (such as for the night) as opposed to going to bed for a shorter period (such as for a nap) by sensing duration of sleep of the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can set a time threshold whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for longer than the threshold, the user 308 is considered to have gone to bed for the night. In some examples, the threshold can be about 2 hours, whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for greater than 2 hours, the control circuitry 334 registers that as an extended sleep event. In other examples, the threshold can be greater than or less than two hours.
The control circuitry 334 can detect repeated extended sleep events to determine a typical bed time range of the user 308 automatically, without requiring the user 308 to enter a bed time range. This can allow the control circuitry 334 to accurately estimate when the user 308 is likely to go to bed for an extended sleep event, regardless of whether the user 308 typically goes to bed using a traditional sleep schedule or a non-traditional sleep schedule. The control circuitry 334 can then use knowledge of the bed time range of the user 308 to control one or more components (including components of the bed 302 and/or non-bed peripherals) differently based on sensing bed presence during the bed time range or outside of the bed time range.
In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can automatically determine the bed time range of the user 308 without requiring user inputs. In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can determine the bed time range of the user 308 automatically and in combination with user inputs. In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can set the bed time range directly according to user inputs. In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can associate different bed times with different days of the week. In each of these examples, the control circuitry 334 can control one or more components (such as the lighting system 314, the thermostat 316, the security system 318, the oven 322, the coffee maker 324, the lamp 326, and the nightlight 328), as a function of sensed bed presence and the bed time range.
The control circuitry 334 can additionally communicate with the thermostat 316, receive information from the thermostat 316, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the thermostat 316. For example, the user 308 can indicate user preferences for different temperatures at different times, depending on the sleep state or bed presence of the user 308. For example, the user 308 may prefer an environmental temperature of 72 degrees when out of bed, 70 degrees when in bed but awake, and 68 degrees when sleeping. The control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can detect bed presence of the user 308 in the evening and determine that the user 308 is in bed for the night. In response to this determination, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the thermostat to change the temperature to 70 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can then transmit the control signals to the thermostat 316. Upon detecting that the user 308 is in bed during the bed time range or asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the thermostat 316 to change the temperature to 68. The next morning, upon determining that the user is awake for the day (e.g., the user 308 gets out of bed after 6:30 am) the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control circuitry 334 to cause the thermostat to change the temperature to 72 degrees.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can similarly generate control signals to cause one or more heating or cooling elements on the surface of the bed 302 to change temperature at various times, either in response to user interaction with the bed 302 or at various pre-programmed times. For example, the control circuitry 334 can activate a heating element to raise the temperature of one side of the surface of the bed 302 to 73 degrees when it is detected that the user 308 has fallen asleep. As another example, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can turn off a heating or cooling element. As yet another example, the user 308 can pre-program various times at which the temperature at the surface of the bed should be raised or lowered. For example, the user can program the bed 302 to raise the surface temperature to 76 degrees at 10:00 μm, and lower the surface temperature to 68 degrees at 11:30 pm.
In some implementations, in response to detecting user bed presence of the user 308 and/or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can cause the thermostat 316 to change the temperature in different rooms to different values. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the thermostat 316 to set the temperature in one or more bedrooms of the house to 72 degrees and set the temperature in other rooms to 67 degrees.
The control circuitry 334 can also receive temperature information from the thermostat 316 and use this temperature information to control functions of the bed 302 or other devices. For example, as discussed above, the control circuitry 334 can adjust temperatures of heating elements included in the bed 302 in response to temperature information received from the thermostat 316.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals for controlling other temperature control systems. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals for causing floor heating elements to activate. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause a floor heating system for a master bedroom to turn on in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day.
The control circuitry 334 can additionally communicate with the security system 318, receive information from the security system 318, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the security system 318. For example, in response to detecting that the user 308 in is bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the security system to engage or disengage security functions. The control circuitry 334 can then transmit the control signals to the security system 318 to cause the security system 318 to engage. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system 318 to disable in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day (e.g., user 308 is no longer present on the bed 302 after 6:00 am). In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a first set of control signals to cause the security system 318 to engage a first set of security features in response to detecting user bed presence of the user 308, and can generate and transmit a second set of control signals to cause the security system 318 to engage a second set of security features in response to detecting that the user 308 has fallen asleep.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can receive alerts from the security system 318 (and/or a cloud service associated with the security system 318) and indicate the alert to the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can detect that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and in response, generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system 318 to engage or disengage. The security system can then detect a security breach (e.g., someone has opened the door 332 without entering the security code, or someone has opened a window when the security system 318 is engaged). The security system 318 can communicate the security breach to the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302. In response to receiving the communication from the security system 318, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to alert the user 308 to the security breach. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the bed 302 to vibrate. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can cause portions of the bed 302 to articulate (e.g., cause the head section to raise or lower) in order to wake the user 308 and alert the user to the security breach. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the lamp 326 to flash on and off at regular intervals to alert the user 308 to the security breach. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can alert the user 308 of one bed 302 regarding a security breach in a bedroom of another bed, such as an open window in a kid's bedroom. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can send an alert to a garage door controller (e.g., to close and lock the door). As another example, the control circuitry 334 can send an alert for the security to be disengaged.
The control circuitry 334 can additionally generate and transmit control signals for controlling the garage door 320 and receive information indicating a state of the garage door 320 (i.e., open or closed). For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a request to a garage door opener or another device capable of sensing if the garage door 320 is open. The control circuitry 334 can request information on the current state of the garage door 320. If the control circuitry 334 receives a response (e.g., from the garage door opener) indicating that the garage door 320 is open, the control circuitry 334 can either notify the user 308 that the garage door is open, or generate a control signal to cause the garage door opener to close the garage door 320. For example, the control circuitry 334 can send a message to the user device 310 indicating that the garage door is open. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the bed 302 to vibrate. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a control signal to cause the lighting system 314 to cause one or more lights in the bedroom to flash to alert the user 308 to check the user device 310 for an alert (in this example, an alert regarding the garage door 320 being open). Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the garage door opener to close the garage door 320 in response to identifying that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and that the garage door 320 is open. In some implementations, control signals can vary depend on the age of the user 308.
The control circuitry 334 can similarly send and receive communications for controlling or receiving state information associated with the door 332 or the oven 322. For example, upon detecting that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a request to a device or system for detecting a state of the door 332. Information returned in response to the request can indicate various states for the door 332 such as open, closed but unlocked, or closed and locked. If the door 332 is open or closed but unlocked, the control circuitry 334 can alert the user 308 to the state of the door, such as in a manner described above with reference to the garage door 320. Alternatively, or in addition to alerting the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the door 332 to lock, or to close and lock. If the door 332 is closed and locked, the control circuitry 334 can determine that no further action is needed.
Similarly, upon detecting that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a request to the oven 322 to request a state of the oven 322 (e.g., on or off). If the oven 322 is on, the control circuitry 334 can alert the user 308 and/or generate and transmit control signals to cause the oven 322 to turn off. If the oven is already off, the control circuitry 334 can determine that no further action is necessary. In some implementations, different alerts can be generated for different events. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the lamp 326 (or one or more other lights, via the lighting system 314) to flash in a first pattern if the security system 318 has detected a breach, flash in a second pattern if garage door 320 is on, flash in a third pattern if the door 332 is open, flash in a fourth pattern if the oven 322 is on, and flash in a fifth pattern if another bed has detected that a user of that bed has gotten up (e.g., that a child of the user 308 has gotten out of bed in the middle of the night as sensed by a sensor in the bed 302 of the child). Other examples of alerts that can be processed by the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 and communicated to the user include a smoke detector detecting smoke (and communicating this detection of smoke to the control circuitry 334), a carbon monoxide tester detecting carbon monoxide, a heater malfunctioning, or an alert from any other device capable of communicating with the control circuitry 334 and detecting an occurrence that should be brought to the user 308's attention.
The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with a system or device for controlling a state of the window blinds 330. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds 330 to close. As another example, in response to determining that the user 308 is up for the day (e.g., user has gotten out of bed after 6:30 am) the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds 330 to open. By contrast, if the user 308 gets out of bed prior to a normal rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is not awake for the day and does not generate control signals for causing the window blinds 330 to open. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals that cause a first set of blinds to close in response to detecting user bed presence of the user 308 and a second set of blinds to close in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep.
The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals for controlling functions of other household devices in response to detecting user interactions with the bed 302. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the coffee maker 324 to cause the coffee maker 324 to begin brewing coffee. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the oven 322 to cause the oven to begin preheating (for users that like fresh baked bread in the morning). As another example, the control circuitry 334 can use information indicating that the user 308 is awake for the day along with information indicating that the time of year is currently winter and/or that the outside temperature is below a threshold value to generate and transmit control signals to cause a car engine block heater to turn on.
As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause one or more devices to enter a sleep mode in response to detecting user bed presence of the user 308, or in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep. For example, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause a mobile phone of the user 308 to switch into sleep mode. The control circuitry 334 can then transmit the control signals to the mobile phone. Later, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the mobile phone to switch out of sleep mode.
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with one or more noise control devices. For example, upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause one or more noise cancelation devices to activate. The noise cancelation devices can, for example, be included as part of the bed 302 or located in the bedroom with the bed 302. As another example, upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn the volume on, off, up, or down, for one or more sound generating devices, such as a stereo system radio, computer, tablet, etc.
Additionally, functions of the bed 302 are controlled by the control circuitry 334 in response to user interactions with the bed 302. For example, the bed 302 can include an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of one or more portions of the bed 302 by adjusting the adjustable foundation that supports the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 302 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed 302 is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). In some implementations, the bed 302 includes multiple separately articulable sections. For example, portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the air chambers 306 a and 306 b can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person positioned on the bed 302 surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). In some implementations, separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 302 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also be configured to provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed 302 or to cause the bed to vibrate to communicate alerts to the user 308 as described above.
The control circuitry 334 can adjust positions (e.g., incline and decline positions for the user 308 and/or an additional user of the bed 302) in response to user interactions with the bed 302. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed 302 to a first recline position for the user 308 in response to sensing user bed presence for the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed 302 to a second recline position (e.g., a less reclined, or flat position) in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can receive a communication from the television 312 indicating that the user 308 has turned off the television 312, and in response the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the position of the bed 302 to a preferred user sleeping position (e.g., due to the user turning off the television 312 while the user 308 is in bed indicating that the user 308 wishes to go to sleep).
In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can control the articulation controller so as to wake up one user of the bed 302 without waking another user of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 and a second user of the bed 302 can each set distinct wakeup times (e.g., 6:30 am and 7:15 am respectively). When the wakeup time for the user 308 is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only a side of the bed on which the user 308 is located to wake the user 308 without disturbing the second user. When the wakeup time for the second user is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only the side of the bed on which the second user is located. Alternatively, when the second wakeup time occurs, the control circuitry 334 can utilize other methods (such as audio alarms, or turning on the lights) to wake the second user since the user 308 is already awake and therefore will not be disturbed when the control circuitry 334 attempts to wake the second user.
Still referring to FIG. 11 , the control circuitry 334 for the bed 302 can utilize information for interactions with the bed 302 by multiple users to generate control signals for controlling functions of various other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can wait to generate control signals for, for example, engaging the security system 318, or instructing the lighting system 314 to turn off lights in various rooms until both the user 308 and a second user are detected as being present on the bed 302. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate a first set of control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to turn off a first set of lights upon detecting bed presence of the user 308 and generate a second set of control signals for turning off a second set of lights in response to detecting bed presence of a second user. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can wait until it has been determined that both the user 308 and a second user are awake for the day before generating control signals to open the window blinds 330. As yet another example, in response to determining that the user 308 has left the bed and is awake for the day, but that a second user is still sleeping, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a first set of control signals to cause the coffee maker 324 to begin brewing coffee, to cause the security system 318 to deactivate, to turn on the lamp 326, to turn off the nightlight 328, to cause the thermostat 316 to raise the temperature in one or more rooms to 72 degrees, and to open blinds (e.g., the window blinds 330) in rooms other than the bedroom in which the bed 302 is located. Later, in response to detecting that the second user is no longer present on the bed 302 (or that the second user is awake) the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a second set of control signals to, for example, cause the lighting system 314 to turn on one or more lights in the bedroom, to cause window blinds in the bedroom to open, and to turn on the television 312 to a pre-specified channel.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosed technology or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosed technologies. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment in part or in whole. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and/or initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Similarly, while operations may be described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, in some embodiments the mattress system 100 can include more or fewer foam structures and/or air chambers than those illustrated. Moreover, in some embodiments the mattress system 100 can include additional features not depicted, such as coil springs, comfort layers, sensors, or other support structures.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mattress comprising:

a core having a corner positioned along a top surface of the core and extending along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the core

a perimeter rail structure that extends around a perimeter of the core to surround the core; and

wherein the core is attached via the corner to the perimeter rail structure along the perimeter rail structure.

2. The mattress of claim 1, further comprising a foam layer positioned at a top surface of the mattress above the core and the perimeter rail structure.

3. The mattress of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of straps that are each positioned between a top surface of the perimeter rail structure and a bottom surface of the foam layer.

4. The mattress of claim 3, wherein the plurality of straps attach the perimeter rail structure to the corner.

5. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the mattress is configured to be compressed and rolled, and in a compressed and rolled position, the attachment of the core to the perimeter rail structure maintains a desired positioning of the core.

6. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the core is one or more air chambers.

7. The mattress of claim 6, wherein the corner includes a seam that extends outwardly from the top surface of the core.

8. The mattress of claim 7, wherein a plurality of straps connects the core to the perimeter rail structure.

9. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the core is one or more foam layers.

10. The mattress of claim 1, wherein the perimeter rail structure includes an inverted foam tub that surrounds the core.

11. A mattress comprising:

one or more air chambers;

a perimeter rail structure including a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions, wherein the perimeter rail structure is configured to extend around a perimeter of the one or more air chambers to surround the one or more air chambers; and

one or more anchors that connect the one or more air chambers to the perimeter rail structure.

12. The mattress of claim 11, wherein each of the one or more air chambers includes a seam positioned along a top surface of the air chamber and extending outwardly from the air chamber along a head portion, a foot portion, and first and second side portions of the air chamber.

13. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the one or more anchors connect the perimeter rail structure to the one or more air chambers at the seam.

14. The mattress of claim 12, wherein the one or more anchors include a plurality of straps positioned around the perimeter of the one or more air chambers and extend between the seam and the perimeter rail structure.

15. The mattress of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of straps are each attached between a top surface of the perimeter rail structure and a bottom surface of a foam layer.

16. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the anchors are positioned along a length and along a width of the air chamber.

17. The mattress of claim 11, wherein the one or more air chambers includes a first air chamber and a second air chamber that extend from a head of the mattress to a foot of the mattress, the mattress further comprising a pump system having one or more air pumps fluidly connected to the first and second air chambers, wherein the pump system is configured to inflate the first and second air chambers.

18. A method of assembling a mattress assembly comprising:

connecting a core to a perimeter rail structure;

compressing and packaging a compressed mattress including the core and perimeter rail structure; and

expanding the compressed mattress while the core remains secured to the perimeter rail structure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the core is connected to the perimeter rail structure via a corner positioned along a top surface of the core.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the core is an air chamber that has a seam extending from the core, and the core is connected to the perimeter rail structure at the seam of the air chamber extending along a top surface of the air chamber.