Foot Pillow

Abstract

A framework spanning the lower end of a mattress and positioned to use overlying bedding materials for creation of an enclosed open space on the upper surface of the mattress for the free movement of feet and lower limbs of humans. The controlled environment within this space provides ample surface area to allow healthful movement of air currents, heat and humidity and thus enable unrestrained natural radiation of body heat through the feet of sleeper(s) encouraging the beneficial outcomes of nocturnal circadian rhythms. With comfort and convenience as high priorities, this bedding accessory is designed for long-term use in therapeutic and household settings.

Claims

1. A bedding accessory comprising: a. a framework spanning a mattress side-to-side which suspends overlying bedding materials above one or more sets of human lower limbs, b. said framework and suspended bedding materials forming an open space above said mattress with means for freedom of human feet movement and for control of environmental conditions within said open space.

2. A bedding accessory comprising: a. a healthful setting within said framework and open space for the feet of humans as they approach a period of sleep and for the duration of said period of sleep, b. resting conditions for said human feet identified by scientific research to be ideal for promoting periods of deep nocturnal sleep.

1a. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said framework is adjustable to the size and position of one or more sets of human lower limbs.

1b. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said framework and suspended bedding materials effectively control movement of air and heat within said open space so as to provide a buffer against rising and dropping temperatures within said open space and whereby improved conditions of temperature and humidity result.

1c. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein a breathable sheet of skirting may be attached along one edge to a horizontal spanning member of said framework with said skirting then directed over the top of the hindmost said horizontal spanning member and attached by various means under the foot of said mattress thus providing additional stability to said framework and offsetting pulling forces of said bedding materials toward the head of said mattress.

1d. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said framework consists of one or more horizontal members of one or more segments of appropriate length(s) which are attached at each end to orthogonal members with connected vertical assemblies, each set of which are adjustable in length, allowing adaptability of said framework to various sizes of mattress, human feet and length of limb.

1e. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said open space comprises dimensional proportions of sufficient means to employ one or several thermostat-controlled systems for the purpose of providing a source of radiant electrical heating within said open space.

1f. The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said framework includes one or more said horizontal members consisting of a plurality of said segments and having one or more said segments with the means to emit electrically-controlled heat radiation.

2a. The bedding accessory of claim 2 wherein said healthful setting relates to the control of air and thermal movement and associated passage of heat and humidity through said open space due to the expansive permeable surface area within said open space, the lining of which consists of said suspended bedding materials.

2b. The bedding accessory of claim 2 wherein said resting conditions are consistent with known circadian rhythm-related biological requirements associated with human deep sleep cycles experienced during said periods of nocturnal sleep.

Description

DRAWINGS—FIGURES AND DIAGRAM

[0082] In the drawings below, numerical identities for parts are consistent on FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Diagram 1 is more conceptual in nature and where overlap of alphabetical labels and numerical parts has occurred those overlaps are identified in the Key provided.

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the Prototype 2 Foot Pillow framework with no attachments, positioned for use in a mattress/box spring setting.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows a side-view of the Foot Pillow framework from the foot area of a mattress with tension skirting in place.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below mattress level of the Foot Pillow framework with heating system components and tension skirting.

[0086] Diagram 1 presents a diorama bringing together several novel aspects of the Foot Pillow Zone environment and a visualization of the Prototype 2 embodiment.

FIGURES—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0087] 1 control bar [0088] 2 hip section [0089] 3 set screw [0090] 4 strut length adjuster [0091] 5 strut base tube [0092] 6 tube insert [0093] 7 tube insert brace [0094] 8 mattress [0095] 9 tension skirting [0096] 10 heat sensor [0097] 11 thermostat [0098] 12 heat mat

CONCLUSIONS

[0099] Introduced as an accessory for therapeutic applications and modern bed sets, the Foot Pillow (A) aligns to the structural and physiological needs of our feet and revitalizes the sleep experience. The reader will see that the described prototype greatly improves the resting environment for a user's feet by several metrics. Free from the constraints of bedding materials and free to move about in a climate-controlled setting, a user's feet and lower legs are exposed only to a gentle flow of air currents and are protected against the discomfort of high or low temperatures.

[0100] Providing convenience as well as comfort, the Foot Pillow may be combined with any mattress configuration and will adjust to persons of any foot size or length of limb.

[0101] Normal daily use, daily upkeep and periodic laundering activities are accommodated and unhindered.

[0102] Many physiological processes take place while we sleep. None of these is more important than the release of excess heat that builds up in the body each day. The soles of our feet are the biggest radiators of this heat, and the Foot Pillow provides an ideal setting for this process. As the only device conforming to circadian rhythm biology, the Foot Pillow stands alone as an encouraging environment for rest and health.

RAMIFICATIONS

[0103] The focus of this presentation is the second prototype of the Foot Pillow which has undergone dozens of modifications and upgrades since its inception. Several thousand hours of actual usage and testing have been applied to date. The current result is a device that will greatly benefit the sleeping environment that we know today.

[0104] Transforming this device into a finished product and adapting it to the myriad of settings in which to benefit will be challenging. The following discussion will attempt to generally describe this anticipated transition to the marketplace. None of this should be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as a broad exemplification of the many embodiment(s) that this device will become. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be determined by the fundamental form of the described prototype, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0105] A manufactured version of the Foot Pillow for therapeutic or general use would require many upgrades in materials and construction over the described prototype embodiment:

[0106] Materials

[0107] Framework components in a finished product would need to meet high standards for structural durability and, as an assembled unit, exhibit a degree of flexible rigidity. These parts would be produced from raw materials accepting of a very smooth finish and be appealing to the consumer. Some examples would be tubular metal, high impact plastic, and various combinations of extruded materials, molded resin, fiberglass or some similar structurally sound material.

[0108] Horizontal members would likely be of high quality extruded plastic, possibly containing carbon fiber components for rigidity, perhaps with metallic parts, or some other hybrid of components. Any chosen material would need to be receptive to modification as multi-segmented units, be adaptive for internal electrical connections and related heating and sensor apparatus.

[0109] Connecting and Adapting

[0110] A wide range of sizes and connectors for various assemblies is envisioned. Bases for attachment and mounts for strut components would need to adapt to many bedframe and mattress models. Single component mattresses may use a system of underlying straps with ratchet adjustments for securing a mounting base for the Foot Pillow framework. Anchored or clamped bases for this purpose may be applied on framed mattress models. Inserted frameworks like the prototype detailed above may be used on mattress/box spring sets.

[0111] Different mattress widths will require a variety of horizontal member components. As a future generic example, multiple horizontal segments would be required which interconnect and whose total length spans the applicable mattress width. Each end of the assembled horizontal member(s) would then attach to strut supports on either side of the mattress. The use of multiple horizontal segments would also aid in handling, packaging and shipping considerations.

[0112] Connectors and means for adjustment of component length and relative position would be important in a manufactured product. Breakaway connectors with safety latches between horizontal segments would be one of many possible solutions. Sliding and telescopic adjustments of strut members could be accomplished by many hardware applications, such as setscrew mechanisms, various friction and pressure engagement units or threaded adjustment devices.

[0113] Electrical Wiring

[0114] A typical bedroom set-up has the foot of the bed towards the middle of the room and the headboard near the wall. Plug-in outlets are usually located in these walls, making an easy connection for any appliance associated with the Foot Pillow. The present prototype model has an in-line rocker switch attached to a small cardboard control panel which is mounted on the headboard for on/off control of the supplemental heating system. This has worked well and is very convenient. A future embodiment would likely expand this control panel to include some basic thermostat functions such as a system status indicator (off, on-standby, on-active) and the ability to toggle the desired temperature up or down. Optional appliances may include servo units for adjusting the Foot Pillow frame orientation and elevation.

[0115] A basic wiring harness would include an outlet connection, in-line controls, adequate perimeter wiring (likely clad in safety insulated coverings) for connections to a thermostat, appropriate sensors, heating units, optional outlets, etc.

[0116] Insulating Bedding

[0117] Seasonal adjustment of the equilibrium bedding (D) layers over the Foot Pillow Zone(H) are one of the few maintenance steps necessary to assure comfort year-around.

[0118] Quilted covers manufactured from breathable fabric and batting materials and based on standard patterns will be required. Patterns would be sized to fit various Foot Pillow frames that are appropriate for specific mattress dimensions.

[0119] User's preferences and in-room temperature ranges will vary so a selection of equilibrium bedding is anticipated. Typically, a set of light and medium weight bedding layers would suffice since these can be used singly or in combination. As such, a light layer would likely do for summer, the medium for spring and fall, and the total of the two for winter time. Note that the purpose of these insulating layers is to approach equilibrium of heat loss rates between the sleeper's torso area (G) and the Foot Pillow Zone (see Specification and Diagram 1). Minor adjustments—adding or taking away a light covering, use of supplemental heat—may give additional comfort.

[0120] P.S.

[0121] Ramifications in this instance can only be based on a degree of speculation. In a business sense (and the writer is not a businessman) the market will determine where this product will go. Retrofitting and retooling for every possibility—and similarly trying to anticipate every possibility in this writing—is just not practical. So please allow for the repetition and consider the request that the scope of this disclosure should not be determined by the fundamental form of the described prototype, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Thank you.