Abstract
A cushioning system may include sensor strip coupled to a cushion. The sensor strip may include a first textile layer, at least one sensor supported by the first textile layer, a second textile layer superimposed with the first textile layer and covering the at least one sensor. At least a portion of a perimeter of the second textile layer coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the first textile layer. The sensor strip may be coupled to the cushion by an anchor. The anchor may include a base positionable beneath the sensor strip, a first wing extending from a first side of the base and coupled to the sensor strip, a second wing extending from a second side of the base opposite from the first side and coupled to the sensor strip, and a fastener configured to removable couple the anchor between the cushion and a cover.
Claims
1. A sensor strip for a mattress, comprising: a first textile layer; at least one sensor supported by the first textile layer; and a second textile layer superimposed with the first textile layer and at least partly covering the at least one sensor, at least a portion of a perimeter of the second textile layer coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the first textile layer.
2. The sensor strip of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor.
3. The sensor strip of claim 2, wherein wiring extending from the at least one sensor is at least partially coupled to the first textile layer to substantially hold the at least one sensor in place relative to the first textile layer while enabling at least some movement of the at least one sensor and/or the wiring.
4. The sensor strip of claim 3, wherein the wiring is at least partially coupled to the first textile layer by at least one bar tack.
5. The sensor strip of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises two packaged sensors, and wherein the two packaged sensors comprise a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.
6. The sensor strip of claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate layer between the at least one sensor and the second textile layer, the intermediate layer decreasing high spots created by the at least one sensor in the sensor strip.
7. The sensor strip of claim 1, wherein the second textile layer comprises a micro-mesh.
8. The sensor strip of claim 1, further comprising: a first anchor at or adjacent to a first end of the sensor strip and a second anchor at or adjacent to a second end of the sensor strip, the second end being opposite from the first end.
9. The sensor strip of claim 8, wherein the first anchor comprises a directional fabric for removably coupling the sensor strip to a substrate.
10. The sensor strip of claim 1, further comprising at least one anchor coupled to the sensor strip, the at least one anchor comprising: a base positionable beneath the sensor strip; a first wing extending from a first side of the base and coupled to the sensor strip; a second wing extending from a second side of the base and coupled to the sensor strip; and a fastener configured to removably couple the anchor between the mattress and a covering for the mattress.
11. A cushioning system, comprising: a mattress; and at least one sensor strip extending at least partially across the mattress including: a first textile layer; one or more sensors carried by the first textile layer; an intermediate layer laterally surrounding at least a portion of the one or more sensors; and a second textile layer superimposed with the first textile layer and covering the one or more sensors and the intermediate layer, a perimeter of the second textile layer fastened to a perimeter of the first textile layer.
12. The cushioning system of claim 11, further comprising: bedding covering the one or more sensor strips.
13. The cushioning system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor strip extends across a width of the mattress.
14. The cushioning system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor strip comprises a plurality of sensor strips.
15. The cushioning system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor strip extends across a head region of the mattress, an intermediate region of the mattress, or a foot region of the mattress.
16. The cushioning system of claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors comprises at least one of a humidity sensor or a temperature sensor.
17. The cushioning system of claim 11, further comprising: a cover extending at least partially across the mattress; and an anchor removably coupling the sensor strip to the mattress, the anchor comprising: a base positionable beneath the sensor strip; a first wing extending from a first side of the base and coupled to the sensor strip; a second wing extending from a second side of the base opposite from the first side and coupled to the sensor strip; and a fastener configured to removable couple the anchor between the mattress and the cover.
18. A method of manufacturing a cushioning system, comprising: positioning one or more sensors along a first textile layer; coupling the one or more sensors to the first textile layer; superimposing a second textile layer over the first textile layer; and coupling at least a portion of a perimeter of the second textile layer to at least a portion of a perimeter of the first textile layer.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the one or more sensors to the first textile layer comprises bar tacking the one or more sensors to the first textile layer across wiring extending from the one or more sensors.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: positioning the one or more sensors over a cushion; placing a cover over the one or more sensors and the cushion; and coupling a fastener to the one or more sensors through the cover to maintain a position of the one or more sensors relative to the cover and the cushion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a sensor strip that includes a textile layer that carries one or more packaged sensors;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIGS. 1 and 2A, taken through the line B-B of FIG. 2A;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIG. 1, with at least one optional layer of the textile sensor strip removed to illustrate the packaged sensors and wiring of the textile sensor strip;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the sensor strip of FIG. 1, with at least one optional layer of the textile sensor strip removed to illustrate the packaged sensors, wiring, and an embodiment of a securement mechanism for the wiring and packaged sensors of the sensor strip;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sensor strip, showing an embodiment of an optional edge binding of the sensor strip;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor for anchoring the sensor strip to a cushion;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaged sensor;
[0022] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of embodiment of a cap or filter that may be used with the embodiment of the packaged sensor shown in FIG. 7A;
[0023] FIG. 8A is a top plan view depicting another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing a packaged sensor and/or wiring to a textile layer of a sensor strip of this disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 8B illustrates yet another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing a packaged sensor and/or wiring to a textile layer of a sensor strip of this disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a sensor strip, such as the embodiment of sensor strip illustrated by FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a cushioning system that includes a cushion and one or more sensor strips extending across a surface of the cushion;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a system, including a cushion, a sensor strip, and at least one anchor for securing the sensor strip in place over the cushion;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the system of FIG. 11, showing an embodiment of a sensor strip positioned over the cushion, a cover (not shown in FIG. 11) for the cushion over the sensor strip and the cushion, and use of the anchor to hold the sensor strip in place through the cover;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional representation of the sensor system of FIG. 11, showing the sensor strip positioned over the cushion, the cover over the sensor strip and the cushion, and the anchor holding the sensor strip in place over the cushion;
[0030] FIG. 14A is a first perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor;
[0031] FIG. 14B is a second perspective view of the embodiment of the anchor shown in FIG. 14A;
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor strip; and
[0033] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for securing a sensor strip in place over a cushion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIGS. 1 through 2B illustrate an embodiment of a sensor strip 100. The sensor strip 100 may include a first textile layer 10, one or more sensors shown as packaged sensors 30 on the first textile layer 10, an optional intermediate layer 20, and an optional second textile layer 15. The optional intermediate layer 20 may at least partially surround the packaged sensor(s) 30. The optional second textile layer 15 may be superimposed with the first textile layer 10. Additionally, the optional second textile layer 15 may cover the packaged sensor(s) 30 when the optional second textile layer 15 is superimposed with and secured to the first textile layer 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A). In embodiments where the sensor strip 100 includes a plurality of packaged sensors 30, the plurality of packaged sensors 30 may be connected to each other and to one or more external devices (e.g., an external power source, a controller, a network (via communication ports, wireless communication devices, etc.)) through wiring 36. The wiring 36 may be joined at one end of the textile sensor strip 100 to define a wiring harness 38.
[0035] The first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may comprise a layer of a pliable material, such as a fabric or a fabric-like material. The first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed of the same type of material, though they need not be. For example, both the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed from a breathable, mesh material. The mesh material may be a micro-mesh material having pores ranging in size from about 1.5 m (micrometers or microns) to about 3.5 m (e.g., 1.8 m, 2 m, 2.2 m, 2.5 m, 2.8 m, 3.0 m, 3.2 m, etc., or a pore size within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values). In some embodiments, the first textile layer 10 may be formed from a mesh material having a first pore size and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed from a mesh material having a second pore size different than the first pore size.
[0036] Outer edges or a perimeter of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to each other through a securement mechanism 40. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the perimeters of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to each other through stitching (e.g., sewing stitches, stitch bonds, etc.), with an adhesive material, by fusing, or in any other suitable manner. Referring briefly to FIG. 5, the perimeters of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be additionally or alternatively secured to each other through an edge binding 46. Securing the first textile layer 10 to the optional second textile layer 15 may maintain a position of the optional intermediate layer 20 between the optional second textile layer 15 and the packaged sensor(s) 30. However, the optional intermediate layer 20 may independently be secured to the first textile layer 10, the optional second textile layer 15, and/or the packaged sensor(s) 30.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2B, each packaged sensor 30 may have a thickness that may create high spots or bumps in the sensor strip 100. To eliminate the look and feel of the high spots or bumps and, optionally, to improve comfort as a user uses a cushion with the sensor strip 100 thereon, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be positioned laterally around the packaged sensor(s) 30 (e.g., adjacent to an outer periphery of each packaged sensor 30, between adjacent packaged sensors 30, etc.). The optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed from a foam, a synthetic rubber material, or any other appropriate spacer material. For example, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed from an ARIAPRENE synthetic foam fabric. In other embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed of an open-cell foam. In still other embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed of a neoprene or neoprene like material.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be included as separate pieces that are positioned between around and/or between packaged sensors 30. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be included as a single sheet of material with a receptacle for each packaged sensor 30 and, optionally, other components within the sensor strip 100. In such embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may include one or more openings or depressions (or recesses) shown as recesses 21 to receive each packaged sensor 30; each opening or depression may maintain a position of the optional intermediate layer 20 relative to a packaged sensor 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the optional intermediate layer 20 may include cylindrical or tapered strips that are positioned about edges of each packaged sensor 30 to create a smooth transition between the packaged sensors 30 and portions of the sensor strip 100 that do not include packaged sensors 30 (e.g., at edges of the sensor strip 100, etc.).
[0039] FIGS. 3 and 4 are top plan views of the sensor strip 100 of FIG. 1. The packaged sensor(s) 30 and wiring 36 are visible, as the sensor strip 100 is shown without the optional second textile layer 15 and the optional intermediate layer 20. The sensor strip 100 is elongated with a first end 33 and a second end 34. A plurality of packaged sensors 30 are positioned along a length of the first textile layer 10, between the first end 33 and the second end 34. The wiring 36 that electrically connects the packaged sensors 30 to each other and to external devices also extends between the first end 33 and the second end 34.
[0040] The wiring 36 may be consolidated or joined at the first end 33 (alternatively, the second end 34, or both the first end 33 and the second end 34) to form a harness 38. This allows the wiring 36 to be guided away from the sensor strip 100 for connection to one or more external devices (e.g., a power source, a controller, a network, etc.). The packaged sensors 30 may be dispersed equidistantly across the first textile layer 10. For example, the packaged sensors 30 may be spaced approximately 6 inches (about 15.25 cm) apart from each other (e.g., 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), 5 inches (12.7 cm), 6.5 inches (16.5 cm), 7 inches (17.75 cm), 7.5 inches (19 cm), etc., apart from each other or a space within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values).
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the packaged sensors 30 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 such that each packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36 may move somewhat within the sensor strip 100 while substantially maintaining their positions within the sensor strip 100 and reducing strain on the wiring 36 (e.g., so the wiring 36 is not bent, broken, or otherwise strained), to prevent damage of the wiring 36 and ensure proper functioning of the packaged sensors 30. For example, the packaged sensors 30 and/or the wiring 36 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 via bar tacking 42 (e.g., sewing several long, narrowly-spaced stitches along the line of the bar tacking 42 that will be formed, followed by short stitches made perpendicular to the long stitches, through the fabric and over the bar tacking 42). In this way, the wiring 36 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 while preventing damage to the wiring 36. This form of securement mechanism may also provide the packaged sensors 30 with a lateral degree of freedom. For example, the packaged sensors 30 may slide laterally along the wiring 36 and the first textile layer 10, such as when placing and positioning the sensor strip 100 over a cushion (e.g., a mattress, etc.).
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor 50 for anchoring the textile sensor strip 100 in place over to a substrate, such as a cushion (e.g., to the cushion, to a covering (e.g., a mattress pad, etc.) over the cushion, etc.). The anchor 50 may comprise a touch fastener. For example, the anchor 50 may include a textile strip 52 (e.g., a woven, non-woven, fabric, etc.) of directional fabric with directional hairs 54, or a directional pile, protruding from a surface of the textile strip. The directional hairs 54 may grip the substrate, such as a surface of the cushion, to anchor the textile sensor strip 100 to the cushion. The anchor 50 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the first end 33, the second end 34, and/or another portion of the sensor strip 100.
[0043] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a packaged sensor 30 and FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of a cap or filter 39 for the packaged sensor 30. The packaged sensor 30 includes a carrier (e.g., a printed circuit board, a printed circuit board assembly, a lead frame, etc.) and a sensor 32 carried by the carrier. The assembly of the carrier and the sensor 32 may be partially encased by a package 31 (e.g., a polymeric material package, a ceramic package, etc.). The sensor 32 may be a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other appropriate sensor for sensing a climate at a top surface of the cushion (e.g., a temperature and humidity at the top surface of the cushion). The wiring 36 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and leads of the sensor 32 may establish communication between each packaged sensor 30 and one or more external devices (e.g., a power supply, a controller, a network, etc.) and may provide measurements of the temperature and humidity at the top surface of the cushion. In some embodiments, the sensor 30 may be 2.5 mm by 2.5 mm.
[0044] As the sensors 32 may sense the environment in which they are placed, a cap or filter 39, such as that depicted by FIG. 7B, may be assembled with each packaged sensor 30. The cap or filter 39 may cover the sensor 32 and prevent the sensor 32 from becoming dirty; this may maintain a sensing capacity of the sensor 32 and help ensure that the sensor 32 is not taking inaccurate measurements. The cap or filter 39 may also prolong the usable lifespan of the packaged sensor 30.
[0045] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing the packaged sensor 30 and/or wiring 36 to the first textile layer 10 of the sensor strip 100. As illustrated, the securement mechanism may include a patch 60 (which may be a part of the intermediate layer 20) that is positioned over or about the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36. The patch 60 may be corner stitched 43 to the first textile layer 10, thereby securing the patch 60 in place against the first textile layer 10. Since the patch 60 is positioned over the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36, securing the patch 60 in place against the first textile layer 10 also secures the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36 in place against the first textile layer 10.
[0046] FIG. 8B illustrates yet another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing the packaged sensor 30 and/or wiring 36 to the textile sensor strip 100. As illustrated, the wiring 36 has been incorporated into a flexible ribbon 44, or a bendable strip, that can be woven into and/or through openings 45 in the first textile layer 10.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 of manufacturing a sensor strip, such as the textile sensor strip 100 of FIGS. 1 through 4. The method 300 may include, at 305, positioning one or more packaged sensors 30 and wiring 36 (FIGS. 1-4) along a first textile layer 10 (FIGS. 1-4). The method 300 may also include securing the one or more packaged sensors 30 to the first textile layer 10, at 310 (see FIGS. 4, 8A, and 8B). The packaged sensors 30 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 through bar tacking 42 (FIG. 4), through a patch 60 that has been corner stitched 43 to the first textile layer 10 (FIG. 8A), by weaving wiring (e.g., wiring carried by a flexible ribbon 44) through openings 45 in the first textile layer (FIG. 8B), or in any other suitable manner.
[0048] Optionally, the method 300 may include placing an intermediate layer 20 (FIGS. 1-2B) over and/or around the one or more packaged sensors 30, at 315. Placing the intermediate layer over the one or more packaged sensors may include arranging a plurality of pieces of the intermediate layer 20 around each packaged sensors 30 and/or between adjacent packaged sensors 30. For example, such a method may include placing a first piece between a first packaged sensor and a second packaged sensor; placing a second piece between the second packaged sensor and a third packaged sensor; placing a third piece between the third packaged sensor and a fourth packaged sensor; placing a fourth piece between the fourth packaged sensor and a fifth packaged sensor; and securing the intermediate layer 20 between the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15. Alternatively, placing an intermediate layer 20 around and/or between the one or more packaged sensors 30 may include placing a continuous layer over the one or more packaged sensors 30, with each sensor 30 being received by an opening or a recess in the intermediate layer 20. In some embodiments, more than one optional intermediate layer 20 may be positioned laterally adjacent to and/or over the packaged sensors 30.
[0049] As another option, the method 300 may include superimposing a optional second textile layer 15 (FIGS. 1-2B) over the first textile layer 10 and the packaged sensor(s) 30 and wiring 36 carried by the first textile layer 10 and over any intermediate layer 20, at 320 and securing a perimeter of the optional second textile layer 15 to a perimeter of the first textile layer 10, at 325. The perimeter of the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to the perimeter of the first textile layer 10 layer through stitching, fusing, with an adhesive, and/or with edge binding (e.g., binding 46).
[0050] The method 300 may additionally include coupling a first anchor, such as the anchor 50 of FIG. 6, to or adjacent to a first end 33 (FIG. 3) of the sensor strip 100 (FIG. 3) and coupling a second anchor to or adjacent to a second end 34 of the sensor strip 100. Turning now to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a cushioning system 200 is depicted. The cushioning system 200 includes a cushion 210, such as a mattress, and one or more sensor strips 100 extending across a surface 212 of the cushion 210. Each sensor strip 100 may extend across a width of the cushion 210. As illustrated, in embodiments where the cushion 210 comprises a mattress, a sensor strip 100 may extend across a head region 212h of the surface 212, an intermediate region 212i of the surface 212, and/or a foot region 212f of the surface 212. Optionally, the cushioning system 200 may also include a cover, such as cover 245 described below with reference to FIG. 10 (e.g., bedding, such as a mattress pad, a fitted sheet, etc.) over each sensor strip 100 and the surface 212 of the cushion 210.
[0051] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another embodiment of the cushioning system 200, which may be a sleeping system or another cushioning or relaxation system. The cushioning system 200 includes the cushion 210 and the sensor strip 100 positioned over a portion of the surface 212 (e.g., a cushioning surface, etc.) of the cushion 210, and at least one anchor 400 for securing the sensor strip 100 to the cushion 210. As illustrated, the cushioning system 200 includes two (2) anchors 400 at opposing ends of the sensor strip 100.
[0052] As described herein, the cushion 210 may be a mattress or another cushion (e.g., a seat cushion, a pillow (a head pillow, a neck pillow, a body pillow, etc.), a lumbar support, etc.) for supporting a user or a part (e.g., a body, a head, a neck, knees, a back, etc.) of the user. In embodiments where the cushion 210 is a mattress, the sensor strip 100 may be positioned in the foot region 212f of the surface 212 of the cushion 210, an intermediate region 212i of the surface 212 of the cushion 210, or a head region 212h of the surface 212 of the cushion 210 (see FIG. 10). The sensor strip 100 may include sensors 32 that monitor a temperature and/or a humidity.
[0053] The cushion 210 and the sensor strip 100 may be covered by a cover 245 (e.g., a cover of the cushion 210, a fitted sheet, a mattress pad, a topper, etc.; see FIGS. 12 and 13). The sensor strip 100 may be positioned between the cover 245 and the surface 212 of the cushion 210. A body 410 of the anchor 400 may be secured to the sensor strip 100 and a fastener 455 of the anchor 400 may engage the body 410 of the anchor 400 through the cover 245. That is, the fastener 455 of the anchor 400 may be positioned over the cover 245 while the body 410 of the anchor 400 is positioned under the cover 245. The anchor 400 maintains a position of the sensor strip 100 relative to the cushion 210 and the cover 245.
[0054] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a specific but non-limiting embodiment of the anchor 400. The anchor 400 includes a body 410 having a base 415, a first wing 420, and a second wing 430. The first wing 420 extends from the base 415 to a first side 425 of the anchor 400; the second wing 430 extends from the base 415 to a second side 435 of the anchor 400. The body 410 may be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the body 410.
[0055] The first end 425 and the second end 435 of the anchor 400 may each define a recess 445 for receiving a coupler 450 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) to engage the fastener 455 of the anchor 400. In some embodiments, the couplers 450 are magnets and the fastener may include corresponding magnets. Alternatively, the couplers 450 and the fastener 455 may include complementary snaps, clips, or other mechanisms that enable the couplers 450 to engage the fastener 455 through the cover 245.
[0056] The anchor 400 also includes a receiver 440 that receives and routes cables from the sensor strip 100. The receiver 440 may include a channel 440C defined in the base 415 of the body 410 of the anchor 400. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the receiver 440 may comprise a receiving piece 440P that is received by and secured to a complementary receptacle of the anchor 400 (e.g., secured to the first wing 420, the second wing 430, or the base 415). The receiving piece 440P may define a channel for receiving and routing the cables (e.g., wiring such as wiring 36 and/or other conductive elements) from the sensor strip 100.
[0057] By including the receiver 440 (e.g., the channel 440C and/or the receiving piece 440P, etc.), the anchor 400 can receive and route the cables from the sensor strip 100 without straining or otherwise bending the cables. Specifically, referring briefly to FIG. 13, the cables 36 of the sensor strip 100 may be routed through the anchor 400, down a side of the cushion 210, and out of the cover 245. Reducing or eliminating the strain or bend to the cables may prolong the lifespan and functionality of the cables. For example, when the electrical wires of the cables 36 get bent or strained, the wires can break and, thus, begin to fail. This means that the sensors of the sensor strip 100 may not be adequately powered or may be unable to communicate with each other and any systems in communication with the sensors. Accordingly, by reducing the strain on the cables 36, the anchor 400 not only anchors the sensor strip 100 in place but also prolongs the lifespan and functionality of the sensor strip 100 by protecting the cables 36.
[0058] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the sensor strip 100. The sensor strip 100 may have any configuration as described herein. The sensor strip 100 has a first end 33, a plurality sensors 32 that are spaced apart from each other, and a second end 34. The sensors 32 are connected to external devices (e.g., a power source, a controller, a network, etc.) and optionally to each other by a plurality of cables 36. The sensors 32 may be carried by a fabric or textile base 5 that may have one or more layers 25. For example, the plurality of sensors 32 may be secured to a first fabric layer of the base 5 and may be covered by a second fabric layer of the base 5. The cables 36 may extend between the sensors 32. The cables 36 may be joined together at the first end 33 of the sensor strip 100 for routing through the anchor 400.
[0059] With added reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, each anchor 400 may be positioned between the one or more layers 25 of the sensor strip 100. For example, the anchor 400 (e.g., the body 410, the base 415, the first wing 420, and/or the second wing 430) may be secured to a first fabric layer and covered by a second fabric layer of the sensor strip 100. The first wing 420 and second wing 430 of the body 410 of the anchor 400 may secure the anchor 400 to the sensor strip 100. For example, the first wing 420 and second wing 430 may be sewn, bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to the sensor strip 100.
[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensor strip 100 may be positioned over the surface 212 of the cushion 210 (e.g. and held in place by the anchor 400). The sensor, with at least one anchor 400 positioned adjacent to an end of the sensor strip 100 (e.g., the first end 33, the second end 34), may be positioned over the cushion 210. The first end 33, second end 34 of the sensor strip 100 with the anchor 400 may hang over an edge 250 and a side of the cushion 210. A cover 245 (e.g., a cushion cover, a mattress pad, a fitted sheet, etc.) may be positioned over the cushion 210, such that the cover 245 covers both the sensor strip 100 and the anchor(s) 400.
[0061] The fastener 455 may be positioned over the cover 245 and the anchor 400 and may attach to the anchor 400 through the cover 245. For example, the fastener 455 may include one or more magnets that mate with magnets 450 of the anchor 400. As another non-limiting example, the fastener 455 may include clips or snaps that clip or snap into a portion of the anchor 400 through the cover 245. In this way, the anchor 400 may be secured between the sensor strip 100 and the cover 245, thereby anchoring the sensor strip 100 in place over the cushion 210, between the cushion 210 and the cover 245.
[0062] As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cables 36 of the sensor strip 100 may be routed through the anchor 400. Specifically, the cables 36 are carried by the sensor strip 100 along the top surface of the cushion 210. The cables 36 are then routed over the edge 250 of the cushion 210 and into and through the anchor 400. As seen most clearly in FIG. 13, the cables 36 are routed through the anchor 400 and from beneath the cover 245 (e.g., through an open bottom of the cover 245, etc.). In this way, the cables 36 can be connected to external devices, which may be located within the cushion 210, on the cushion 210, or outside of the cushion 210 without bending or strain.
[0063] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for anchoring a sensor strip 100 in place over a cushion 210 with one or more anchors 400 (FIGS. 11-13). The method 500 includes placing the sensor strip 100 over the cushion 210, at 510, and placing a cover 245 over the sensor strip 100 and the cushion 210, at 515. The method 500 may further include engaging the body 410 of each anchor 400 through the cover 245 with a fastener 455 of the anchor 400. The body 410 and the fastener 455 maintain a position of the sensor strip 100 relative to the cover 245 and the cushion 210, at 520.
[0064] Although the disclosure provides many specifics, the specifics should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised that are also within the scopes of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.
[0065] Although the disclosure provides many specifics, the specifics should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised that are also within the scopes of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.
[0066] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
[0067] The terms coupled as used herein means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
[0068] References to or may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using or may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to at least one of A and B can include only A, only B, as well as both A and B. Such references used in conjunction with comprising or other open terminology can include additional items.
[0069] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below, etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0070] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.
[0071] Additionally, the word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
[0072] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
