System For a Pillow or Mattress

Abstract

A system for use by a person when sleeping in an ambient environment. The system comprises a cushion layer made from a substantially air impermeable material and for use by the person. The system further comprises a first air channel disposed within the cushion layer and in communication with the ambient environment. The system further comprises an air pump disposed outside the cushion layer and in communication with the first air channel to supply the person with fresh air.

Claims

1. A system for use by a person when sleeping in an ambient environment comprising: a cushion layer made from a substantially air impermeable material and for use by the person; a first air channel disposed within said cushion layer and in communication with the ambient environment; and an air pump disposed outside said cushion layer and in communication with said first air channel to supply the person with fresh air.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said cushion layer comprises a top cushion element and a bottom cushion element disposed below said top cushion element; said first air channel is disposed within said top cushion element.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second air channel disposed within said bottom cushion element; said second air channel is disposed in said bottom cushion and in communication with the ambient environment.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said first air channel comprises a plurality of air channel portions.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said second air channel comprises a plurality of air channel portions.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said plurality of air channel portions of said first air channel comprises a plurality of laterally spaced air channel portions and a plurality of longitudinally spaced air channel portions.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said plurality of air channel portions of said second air channel comprises a plurality of laterally spaced air channel portions and a plurality of longitudinally spaced air channel portions.

8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a layer of pocket spring elements disposed between said lower cushion element and said upper cushion element.

9. The system of claim 2, further comprising a scent infuser disposed outside said cushion layer and adapted to add a scent to said fresh air supplied by said air pump.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a filter engaged with said air pump to supply filtered air to said air pump.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said cushion layer is made from high density foam.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said air pump is an electric air pump.

13. The system of claim 1, where said cushion layer is used in a pillow.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said cushion layer is used in a mattress.

15. A system for use by a person to sleep in an ambient environment comprising: a cushion layer for use by the person; an air pump disposed outside said cushion layer and adapted to deliver air to said cushion layer to supply the sleeper with said air; and a scent infuser adapted to add a scent to said air before said air enters said cushion layer.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein said cushion layer comprises a first air channel disposed within said cushion layer and in communication with the ambient environment; said air pump being adapted to deliver air to said first air channel of said cushion layer to supply the sleeper with said air.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillow according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the pillow according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the pillow according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are a side view and rear isometric view of the hose interface adapter.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pillow according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a graphic representation of the protective air shield that envelops a sleeper on the pillow.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a photograph of a sleeper on the pillow with fog representing air on a black background.

[0019] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a crib mattress according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a cutout of the exploded perspective view of a crib mattress from FIG. 12 detailing components of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mattress according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a cutout of the perspective view of a crib mattress from FIG. 14 detailing components of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1,2 and 3, where a system 102 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown for use by a person, infant or other sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a pillow 100 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to pillow 100 as will be further described. Pillow 100 comprises an air permeable fabric cover (not shown for clarity) that covers the entire pillow core. Pillow 100 further comprises a lower cushion layer or element 60. An identical construction, or similar construction, vertically mirrored, upper cushion layer or element 70 is situated directly above the lower cushion layer or element 60. In the embodiment shown, cushion elements 60 and 70 are composed of a high-density polyurethane foam. However, cushion elements 60 and 70 can be made of other suitable cushion elements such as, but not limited to, latex rubber and other suitable cushion materials. The foam cushions layers are substantially air impermeable.

[0024] A solid isolation piece of foam 65, is situated at the bottom of cushion elements 60 and 70 and isolates the two cushion layers or elements 60 and 70 from each other. It is further envisioned that solid isolation layer 65, could be made to be air permeable, either via material construction of through the placing of air channels that allow fluid communication between the top and bottom of isolation layer 65.

[0025] A fluid retention barrier 61, made of foam, encircles the entire cushion layers or elements 60 and 70 respectively, and ensures that air does not leak out the sides of the cushion layer. Once the air channels 80 and 90 are full of air, the air empties in a vertical plane perpendicular to the channel direction. This ensures that all air is directed towards the sleeper and prevents any of the air from leaking out of the sides of the pillow. It is envisioned that the foam wall 61 can be made of any material that restricts airflow and is flexible, such as a plastic film, imperviable fabric, or some like material.

[0026] Cushion layer or element 60 is secured to cushion layer or element 70 by a hot melt adhesive, that glues their respective isolation layers 65 to each other. The adhesive can be, but is not limited to, a water based adhesive or a solvent based adhesive. It is further envisioned, that the two cushion layers 60 and 70, and the isolation layers 65, can be constructed of a single piece of foam, thereby eliminating the need to glue the two separate cushion elements 60 and 70 together.

[0027] In this embodiment, air channels 90, are cut into cushion layers 60 and 70, where one or more of fluid distribution channels 85 and 95 exit on the sides of their respective cushion layer. Each of the channels intersect with other air channels 80, to allow each air channel to intersect with another air channel and subsequently all air channels are interconnected and in fluid communication with one another. Each of air channels 80 and 90 extend thru cushion layers 60 and 70 to a position where air channels 80 and 90 are in communication with the outside of cushion layers 60 and 70 or ambient environment to allow air communication thru the substantially air permeable cover (not shown). Similarly, each of air channels 80 and 90 extend thru cushion layers 60 and 70 to a position where air channels 80 and 90 are in communication with the outside of cushion layers 60 and 70 or ambient environment to allow air communication thru the substantially air permeable cover (not shown). Air channel portions 80 are laterally spaced while air channel portions 90 are longitudinally spaced and in communication with laterally spaced air channel portions 80. In this embodiment, channels 80 and 90 are situated at 90 degrees to one another. However, it should be obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the angles between the channels can vary, as long as the channels intersect to allow for fluid communication between the channels. By creating a matrix of interconnected air channels 80 and 90, the act of folding or bending the pillow does not result in the fluid communication within the cushion layer being interrupted. This is due to the fact that the many interacting air channels act as a redundancy, should one air channel be obstructed due to folding, pressure, or some other cutoff means, the fluid communication with the other air channels still exists.

[0028] External electric air pump 20, draws air through a Hepa and Charcoal filter that is housed in filter housing 10. The Hepa and charcoal filter, filters out most airborne allergens, viruses, and smells. The filtered air is pushed through a scent infuser 40, that can atomize a liquid scent agent, including but limited to essential scented oils, in this case by evaporation, resulting in the forced air being delivered to the cushion elements 60 and 70 through a flexible air hose 30. At the end of flexible hose 30, is a fluid distribution interface 50, that distributes the filtered and scented air to the fluid distribution channels 85 and 95, on the side of the pillow.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of the fluid distribution interface 50, and FIG. 5, a back perspective view of the fluid distribution channel. The fluid distribution interface includes a rotatable fitting section 55 that allows the flexible hose 30 to be rotated during a night sleep without kinking or binding overnight. This allows the pillow 100 to be turned, folded, and rotated during a night's sleep. Fluid distribution cavity 53 ensures that fluid distribution channels 85 and 95, on the side of the pillow, remain in fluid communication with external electric air pump 20.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, where a system 102 according to a second embodiment is shown for use by a sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a pillow 200 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to pillow 200 as will be further described. Pillow 200 comprises an air permeable fabric cover (not shown for clarity) that covers the entire pillow core. Pillow 200 further comprises a lower cushion layer or element 60. An identical construction, or similar construction vertically mirrored, upper cushion layer or element 70 is situated above the lower cushion element 60. Situated between lower cushion layer or element 60 and upper cushion layer or element 70 is a pocketed cushion element 75. Pocketed cushion element 75 is made from two pieces of non-woven fabric (shown in transparent state for ease of viewing pocket insides) that form a pocket 72, that are fused or attached together by a thermal bond having a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of coil spring 73. Pocket 72 may be formed of other materials, including but not limited to, non-woven, woven, knit, or needle punch fabric. In addition, the fabric bonding is not limited to thermal bonds, but might include, but is not limited to, stitch or glue bonding. Furthermore, coil spring 73 is not limited to any spring type, but might also include a cone shaped, barrel, straight, or other suitable spring construction.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, cushion layers or elements 60 and 70 are composed of a high-density polyurethane foam. However, cushion layers or elements 60 and 70 can be made of other suitable cushion elements such as, but not limited to, latex rubber and other suitable cushion materials. The foam cushions layers are substantially air impermeable.

[0032] A solid isolation piece of foam 65, is situated at the bottom of cushion elements 60 and 70. Cushion layer or element 60 and cushion layer or element 70 are respectively secured to pocket cushion element 75 by a hot melt adhesive, that glues their respective isolation layers 65 to the top and bottom of pocket cushion element 75. The adhesive can be, but is not limited to, a water based adhesive or a solvent based adhesive.

[0033] In this embodiment, air channels 90, are cut into cushion layers 60 and 70, where one or more of fluid distribution channels 85 and 95 exit on the sides of their respective cushion layer. Each of the channels intersect with other channels 80, to allow each channel to intersect with another channel and subsequently all channels are interconnected and in fluid communication with one another. Air channel portions 80 are laterally spaced while air channel portions 90 are longitudinally spaced and in communication with laterally spaced air channel portions 80. In this embodiment, channels 80 and 90 are situated at 90 degrees to one another. However, it should be obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the angles between the channels can vary, as long as the channels intersect to allow for fluid communication between the channels. By creating a matrix of interconnected channels 80 and 90, the act of folding or bending the pillow does not result in the fluid communication within the cushion layer being interrupted. This is due to the fact that the many interacting fluid channels act as a redundancy, should one fluid channel be obstructed due to folding, pressure, or some other cutoff means, the fluid communication with the other channels still exists.

[0034] External electric air pump 20, draws air through a Hepa and Charcoal filter that is housed in filter housing 10. The Hepa and charcoal filter, filters out most airborne allergens, viruses, and smells. The filtered air is pushed through a scent infuser 40, that can atomize a liquid scent agent, including but limited to essential scented oils, in this case by evaporation, resulting in the forced air being delivered to the cushion elements 60 and 70 through a flexible air hose 30. At the end of flexible hose 30, is a fluid distribution interface 50, that distributes the filtered and scented air to the fluid distribution channels 85 and 95, on the side of the pillow.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, where a system 102 according to a third embodiment is shown for use by a sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a pillow 300 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to pillow 300 as will be further described. Pillow 300 comprises all of the elements of pillow 100 with the addition of expandable bladder 96. Expandable bladder 96 is formed from any suitable bladder material. In the case of this embodiment, the bladder is made up of thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). However, to one skilled in the art, the bladder can be made up of a multitude of other materials. The bladder is inflated by manually pumping inflation bulb 97, which delivers air to inflate the bladder through air tube 98. Other inflation means, such as, but not limited to, electric pump of mouth blow tube could also be used to inflate and deflate the bladder. By inflating the bladder 96, the thickness of the pillow 300 can be adjusted to the specific comfort needs of the sleeper.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 9, where a system 102 according to a fourth embodiment is shown for use by a sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a pillow 400 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to pillow 400 as will be further described. Pillow 400 comprises all of the elements of pillow 200 with the addition of expandable bladder 96. Expandable bladder 96 is formed from any suitable bladder material. In the case of this embodiment, the bladder is made up of thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). However, to one skilled in the art, the bladder can be made up of a multitude of other materials. The bladder is inflated by manually pumping inflation bulb 97, which delivers air to inflate the bladder through air tube 98. Other inflation means, such as, but not limited to, electric pump of mouth blow tube could also be used to inflate and deflate the bladder. By inflating the bladder 96, the thickness of the pillow 400 can be adjusted to the specific comfort needs of the sleeper.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 10, a graphic representation of a protective air health shield 500 that envelops the sleeper 503 when sleeping on a pillow 100. Mattress 505 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not part of this invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 11, is a photograph of an actual protective air health shield 500 that envelops the sleeper 503 when sleeping on a pillow 100. In this photograph, white fog was injected into blower 10, to fully simulate the airflow that envelops sleeper 503. A black pillowcase and black mattress were used for illustrative purposes only and are not part of this patent disclosure. Mattress 505 is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not part of this invention.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 12, where a system 102 according to a fifth embodiment is shown for use by a sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a crib mattress 600 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to crib mattress 600 as will be further described. Crib mattress 600 comprises an air permeable fabric cover (not shown for clarity) that covers the entire Mattress core. In this embodiment, there are two distinct sides of the mattress 600, the infant side 620, and toddler side 610. Infant side 620 is composed of a high ILD foam that provides a firm surface for the infant to sleep on that minimizes the chances that the infant's nose could be enveloped by the foam cushion in an infant face down scenario. Toddler side 610, is composed of a lower ILD foam that provides better spine alignment and a more comfortable sleep surface once the toddler is no longer prone to SIDs risks. Other than the foam differences, an identical construction, or similar construction vertically mirrored, infant cushion layer or element 620 is situated above the toddler cushion layer or element 610. Situated between infant cushion layer or element 620 and toddler cushion layer or element 620 is a pocketed cushion element 640. Pocketed cushion element 640 is made from two pieces of non-woven fabric (shown in transparent state for ease of viewing pocket insides) that form a pocket 645, that are fused or attached together by a thermal bond having a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of coil spring 643. Pocket 645 may be formed of other materials, including but not limited to, non-woven, woven, knit, or needle punch fabric. In addition, the fabric bonding is not limited to thermal bonds, but might include, but is not limited to, stitch or glue bonding. Furthermore, coil spring 643 is not limited to any spring type, but might also include a cone shaped, barrel, straight, or other suitable spring construction.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, cushion layers or elements 610 and 620 are composed of a high-density polyurethane foam. However, cushion layers or elements 610 and 620 can be made of other suitable cushion elements such as, but not limited to, latex rubber and other suitable cushion materials. The foam cushions layers are substantially air impermeable.

[0041] A solid isolation piece of foam 615, is situated at the bottom of cushion layers or elements 610 and 620. Cushion layer or element 610 and cushion layer or element 620 are respectively secured to pocket cushion element 640 by a water-based adhesive, that glues their respective isolation layers 615 to the top and bottom of pocket cushion elements 645. The adhesive can be, but is not limited to, a water based adhesive or a solvent based adhesive. It should be further obvious to someone skilled in the art, that pocketed cushion element 640 can be eliminated from this construction, and infant cushion layer or element 620 can be directly bonded to toddler cushion layer or element 610 by gluing their respective isolation layers 615 to one another using, but not limited to, a water based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a solvent based adhesive.

[0042] In this embodiment, air channels 660, are cut into cushion layers or elements 610 and 620, where one or more of fluid distribution channels 670 and 680 exit on the sides of their respective cushion layer. Each of the channels intersect with other channels 675, to allow each channel to intersect with another channel and subsequently all channels are interconnected and in fluid communication with one another. Air channels 660 are longitudinally spaced while air channel portions 675 are laterally spaced and in communication with laterally spaced air channel portions 660. In this embodiment, channels 660 and 675 are situated at 90 degrees to one another. However, it should be obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the angles between the channels can vary, as long as the channels intersect to allow for fluid communication between the channels. By creating a matrix of interconnected channels 660 and 675, any single depressed section of the mattress does not result in the fluid communication within the cushion layer being interrupted. This is due to the fact that the many interacting fluid channels act as redundancies, should one fluid channel be obstructed due to a spot depression, or some other cutoff means, the fluid communication with the other channels still exists.

[0043] A fluid retention barrier 612 for cushion 610, and fluid retention barrier 622 for cushion 620 force air channels 660 and 675 to direct their airflow, once the channel is full of fluid, to empty in a vertical plane perpendicular to the channel direction. This ensures that all air is directed towards the sleeper and prevents any of the air from leaking out of the sides of the mattress.

[0044] External electric air pump 20, draws air through a Hepa and Charcoal filter that is housed in filter housing 10. The Hepa and charcoal filter, filters out most airborne allergens, viruses, and smells. The filtered air is pushed through a scent infuser 40, that can atomize a liquid scent agent, including but limited to essential scented oils, in this case by evaporation, resulting in the forced air being delivered to the cushion elements 610 and 620 through a flexible air hose 30. At the end of flexible hose 30, is a fluid distribution interface 630, that distributes the filtered and scented air to the fluid distribution channels 670 and 680, on the side of the mattress. Fluid distribution interface 630 is designed to cutoff of the airflow so that only one fluid distribution channel, 670, or 680, receives air at one time. Which channel 670, or 680, that receives air is dictated by which cushion element 610, or 620 is being used by the infant or toddler (faces up in the crib) at this time.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 14, where a system 102 according to a sixth embodiment is shown for use by a sleeper in an ambient environment. System 102 generally comprises a mattress 700 and an electric air pump 20 adapted to deliver fresh air to mattress 700 as will be further described. Mattress 700 comprises an air permeable fabric cover (not shown for clarity) that covers the entire mattress core. In this embodiment, there is one distinct comfort layer or element 720 of the mattress 700. Situated below the comfort layer or element 720 is a foam support base 780. However, it should be obvious, to one skilled in the art, that support base 780 does not need to be made of foam, but can be, but is not limited to, a spring support base, an artificial material support base, or an air support base.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, cushion layer or element 720 is composed of a high-density polyurethane foam. However, cushion layer or element 720 can be made of other suitable cushion elements such as, but not limited to, latex rubber and other suitable cushion materials. The foam cushions layers are substantially air impermeable.

[0047] A solid isolation element 715, is situated at the bottom of cushion layer or element 720. In this embodiment, isolation element 715 is made of high-density foam. However, it should be obvious to anyone skilled in the art, that isolation element 715 can be made of other suitable isolation materials, such as, but not limited to, fabric or plastic. It should also be obvious, to one skilled in the art, that isolation element 715 can be made integral to cushion element 720, in a one-piece construction. It should be further obvious in one skilled in the art, that foam support base 780, isolation element 715, and cushion layer or element 720 can be fabricated from either a single piece of foam or two pieces of foam. In this embodiment cushion layer or element 720 is secured to isolation element 715 by a water-based adhesive that glues the top of isolation layer 715 to the bottom of cushion layer or element 720. The adhesive can be, but is not limited to, a water-based adhesive or a solvent based adhesive.

[0048] In this embodiment, air channels 760, are cut into cushion layer or element 720, where one or more of fluid distribution channels 770 exit on the side of the cushion layer. Each of the channels intersect with other channels 775, to allow each channel to intersect with another channel and subsequently all channels are interconnected and in fluid communication with one another. Air channels 760 are longitudinally spaced while air channel portions 775 are longitudinally spaced and in communication with laterally spaced air channel portions 760. In this embodiment, channels 760 and 775 are situated at 90 degrees to one another. However, it should be obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the angles between the channels can vary, as long as the channels intersect to allow for fluid communication between the channels. By creating a matrix of interconnected channels 760 and 775, any single depressed section of the mattress does not result in the fluid communication within the cushion layer being interrupted. This is due to the fact that the many interacting fluid channels act as redundancies, should one fluid channel be obstructed due to a spot depression, or some other cutoff means, the fluid communication with the other channels still exists.

[0049] A fluid retention barrier 712 for cushion 710 forces air channels 660 and 675 to direct their airflow, once the channel is full of fluid, to empty in a vertical plane perpendicular to the channel direction. This ensures that all air is directed towards the sleeper and prevents any of the air from leaking out of the sides of the mattress.

[0050] External electric air pump 20, draws air through a Hepa and Charcoal filter that is housed in filter housing 10. The Hepa and charcoal filter, filters out most airborne allergens, viruses, and smells. The filtered air is pushed through a scent infuser 40, that can atomize a liquid scent agent, including but limited to essential scented oils, in this case by evaporation, resulting in the forced air being delivered to the cushion elements 720 through a flexible air hose 30. At the end of flexible hose 30, is a fluid distribution interface 730, that distributes the filtered and scented air to the fluid distribution channels 770, on the side of the mattress.

[0051] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the sprit and scope of the claimed invention.