HK1225455A1

HK1225455A1 - Apparatuses and methods for evaluating a person for a mattress

Info

Publication number: HK1225455A1
Application number: HK16113182.3A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 罗伯特．D．欧埃克斯曼; 大卫．B．斯科特
Original assignee: 金斯道恩公司
Priority date: 2008-02-14
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

A method for evaluating a person for a sleep system, the method including: while the person is not positioned on an evaluating member, adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member disposed within a comfort layer of the evaluating member to an initial comfort value; positioning the person on the evaluating member in a first position; while the person is positioned on the evaluating member in the first position, measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value; calculating a difference between the first measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as comfort pressure 1; calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member using comfort pressure 1; and recommending a sleep support member for the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member and using data measuring quality of sleep.

Description

Apparatus and method for evaluating a person for a mattress

The present application is a divisional application of a patent application having an application date of 2008/11/14, an application number of 200880128584.3, entitled "apparatus and method for evaluating a person for sleep system".

Cross reference to related patent applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/028,578, filed on U.S. patent and trademark office at 14.2.2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

Methods and apparatus related to the present invention relate generally to evaluating a person positioned on a sleep system. In particular, the above-described methods and apparatus relate to the measurement and analysis of a particular person's characteristics with respect to a sleep system to determine the sleep system characteristics that are most appropriate for that person and to make recommendations for the sleep system that are most appropriate for that person.

Background

Various different sleep systems currently exist. The sleep system described above may include various aspects of bedding components, including, but not limited to, mattresses, trampolines, base units, bed frames, pillows, mattresses, and sheets, and more broadly, any type of sleep product that affects a person's sleep. However, each different sleep system may be appropriate for a portion of the population and not others. The characteristics of a suitable sleep system for a person depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, physical characteristics of the person (e.g., weight, height, body size, weight distribution, etc.), preferred sleep positions (e.g., supine, side, and prone, etc.), and sleep habits, among others.

Two significantly different main features of the sleep system contribute to the overall sleep perception of a person: namely support and comfort. First, the sleep system provides support to a person by maintaining the person in a proper posture while evenly redistributing the person's weight over a larger area to reduce interface pressure. For example, a mattress may provide support through the resistance provided by the inner springs to the downward force exerted by the person's weight.

Second, the sleep system is comfortable to the human body by using a comfort material layered on the top area of the sleep surface. For example, mattresses can be made to provide different levels of firmness or firmness by layering firm cushions on top of the inner springs, along with a harder high density foam. On the other hand, mattresses can be made to provide varying levels of softness or better comfort by laminating soft materials such as corrugated foam, low density foam, and/or fibrous materials (such as wool, silk, or kefir) over the inner springs.

Thus, the sleep system that is best suited for a particular person is the sleep system that provides the best possible combination of comfort and support for that person. Further, a suitable sleep system may be appropriately changed based on physical characteristics of a person, sleep habits, and the like.

Factors that influence the degree of suitability of a sleep system for a person are numerous and interrelated. Therefore, selecting an appropriate sleep system is a very cumbersome and difficult process for a human. Furthermore, a sleep system selected by a person based on the sleep system perception that is most attractive to the person during the sample display room testing of the sleep system may not be the most appropriate sleep system for the person. Conversely, a person may be required to sleep on a given sleep system for several weeks in order to determine the long-term suitability of the sleep system. However, prospective sleep system purchasers are generally limited to the above-described short sample showroom tests.

Therefore, there is a need for a way to objectively assess a person on a sleep system to determine the most appropriate sleep system for that person. There is also a need for a way to evaluate a person for sleep systems in a sample display room in order for the person to choose the appropriate sleep system and recommend the most appropriate sleep system for the person.

Disclosure of Invention

The method and apparatus according to the present invention relate to evaluating a person for a sleep system, measuring and analyzing physical characteristics of the person on the sleep system, determining sleep system characteristics that are most suitable for the person, and recommending the most suitable sleep system to the person. The method and apparatus according to the invention also relate to measuring and analyzing the influence of the mattress and the person on the base and using the analysis results to recommend a suitable sleep system.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for evaluating a person for a sleep system, the method comprising: adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member arranged within a comfort layer of the evaluation member to an initial comfort value without the person being positioned on the evaluation member; placing the person on the evaluation member in a first pose; measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value with the person positioned on the evaluation member in the first posture; calculating a difference between the first measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as Δ_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}(ii) a Using delta_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member; and recommending a sleep support member to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member and using data measuring sleep quality.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for evaluating a person for a sleep system, the method comprising: in case the person is not positioned on the evaluation member: adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member disposed within a comfort layer of the evaluation member to an initial comfort value and adjusting a pressure of a support layer inflatable member disposed within a support layer of the evaluation member to an initial support value; placing the person on the evaluation member in a first pose; with this person positioned on the evaluation member in the first pose: measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value, and measuringThe pressure of the support layer inflatable member is taken as a first measured support value; calculating a difference between the first measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as Δ_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}(ii) a Calculating a difference between the first measured support value and the initial support value as Δ_{SUPPORTPRESSURE1}(ii) a Using delta_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member; using delta_{SUPPORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the support layer inflatable member; and recommending a sleep support member to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member and using the calculated first optimal pressure level for the support layer inflatable member.

Drawings

The above and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an inductive control unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 shows a second flowchart of a method for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a view of an inflatable member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system including a third force dispersing cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system including a third force dispersing cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for evaluating a person for a sleep system in which a set of supporting layer inflatable members S1 is inflated according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A shows a side view of one end of an inflatable member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and is

Fig. 9B shows a top view of an inflatable member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system is provided. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, a test bed 101 for evaluating a person for a sleep system comprises a mattress layer 102 and a foundation layer 103 arranged below the mattress layer 102. According to an exemplary embodiment, the test bed 101 is a device designed to simulate the various components of a sleep system and evaluate the characteristics of a person positioned on the test bed 101. As shown in fig. 1, the test bed 101 is connected to a sensing control unit 150.

Illustratively, the test bed 101 may be employed in a bedding store sample display room to assist in selecting purchasers of sleep system components (e.g., mattress, trampoline unit, or pillow). The test bed 101 may also be employed to assist the sales personnel in providing advice to the purchaser regarding whether a particular sleep system component is currently on sale. In addition, the test bed 101 may also be employed to measure and analyze specific characteristics of a person, thereby allowing a customized sleep system to be designed and manufactured for that person.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, the base layer 103 is configured as a spring mattress simulating a sleep system. The foundation layer 103 includes a plurality of foundation coil springs 104. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the layer of base coil springs 104 is arranged as rows of coil springs extending in the longitudinal direction of the test bed 101 (i.e., rows of coil springs extending from the head of the test bed 101 to the foot of the test bed 101). However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary configuration of the coil springs, and the rows of coil springs constituting the layer of base coil springs 104 may extend laterally in the width direction of the test bed 101 according to the present invention. In general, the rows of coil springs that make up the layers of base coil springs 104 may include any arrangement of coil springs, and the invention is not limited to any particular configuration of coil springs.

The base layer 103 also includes a plurality of base sensors 105 configured to measure an amount of pressure applied to the base sensors 105. In particular, each foundation sensor 105 is configured to provide a real-time measurement related to the amount of pressure applied by the mattress layer 102 to various locations on the foundation layer 103. Such as may be caused by a person positioned on the mattress layer 102.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base layer 103 includes eight base sensors 105, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a greater or lesser number of base sensors 105 may be employed in accordance with the present invention. Further, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the plurality of basic sensors 105 are divided into two groups, F1 and F2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and various grouping manners of the basic sensors 105 may be employed, or the basic sensors 105 need not be grouped at all. According to the invention, among other things, the measurement results obtained by the base sensor 105 allow an evaluation of the person positioned on the test bed 101. In particular, the base sensor 105 allows for the evaluation of the pressure applied to the base layer 103. The measurements obtained by the base sensor 105 also allow the identification of the base or trampoline unit that is most suitable for the person.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, a mattress layer 102 is used to simulate a mattress of a typical sleep system. As shown in fig. 1, the mattress layer 102 includes a comfort measuring/adjusting layer 120 and a support measuring/adjusting layer 130 disposed below the comfort measuring/adjusting layer 120.

Comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 and support measurement/adjustment layer 130 are used to allow measurement and adjustment of two major aspects of the aforementioned sleep system that affect the overall sleep quality of the person (i.e., comfort and support) (various other measurements may also be included).

The comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 is used to measure and adjust the pressure applied to the top area of the test bed 101 at various areas of the human body with the person positioned on the test bed 101. In particular, the comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 is used to allow for immediate measurement and adjustment of the areas of the sleep system that typically deliver comfort to the human body by using a comfort layer at the top area of the sleep surface. The comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 is used to simulate various types of comfort layers described above.

In contrast, the supportive measurement/adjustment layer 130 is used to measure and adjust pressure applied to a region of the test bed 101 below the comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 at various region positions of the human body in a case where a human is placed on the test bed 101. In particular, the supportive measurement/adjustment layer 130 serves to allow for immediate measurement and adjustment of the areas of the sleep system that typically deliver comfort to the human body through the resistance provided by the internal springs. The supportive measurement/adjustment layer 130 is used to simulate the various degrees of support that may be provided by the sleep system.

By measuring and adjusting both the comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120 and the support measurement/adjustment layer 130, as described below, a sleep system can be determined that provides the best possible combination of comfort and support for a person.

As shown in fig. 1, the support measurement/adjustment layer 130 includes a layer of coil springs 131 under the mattress and a layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the layers of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layers of coil springs 132 under the mattress are arranged as rows of coil springs extending in the longitudinal direction of the test bed 101 (i.e., the rows of coil springs extend from the head of the test bed 101 to the foot of the test bed 101). However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary configuration of the coil springs described above, and according to the present invention, rows of coil springs constituting the layer of the mattress upper coil springs 131 and the layer of the mattress lower coil springs 132 may extend laterally in the width direction of the test bed 101. In general, the rows of coil springs that make up the layers of mattress upper coil springs 131 and the layers of mattress lower coil springs 132 may include any arrangement of coil springs, and the invention is not limited to coil springs having any particular configuration.

Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, the coil springs that make up the layers of the mattress upper coil springs 131 and the layers of the mattress lower coil springs 132 comprise pocketed coil springs (pocketed coil springs) as are known in the art, wherein each spring is individually enclosed within a material recess. However, the present invention is not limited to configurations employing pocketed coil springs, and various support means may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, but not limited to, layers of plastic-based material or other engineered support systems.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the coil springs constituting the layer of coil springs 131 under the mattress are formed of a higher gauge (gauge) material than the coil springs constituting the layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress. For example, the coil springs making up the layer of mattress upper coil springs 131 may be formed from 16 gauge wire (i.e., softer coil springs), while the coil springs making up the layer of mattress lower coil springs 132 may be formed from 14 gauge wire (i.e., harder coil springs). Thus, when a force is applied to the top of the mattress layer 102 (i.e., when a person is lying on the test bed 101), the coil springs that make up the layer of mattress-upper coil springs 131 compress more easily than the coil springs that make up the layer of mattress-lower coil springs 132.

A plurality of support layer inflatable members or bladders 134 are disposed between the layers of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layers of coil springs 132 under the mattress. As shown in fig. 1, there are three sets of support layer inflatable members 134, represented by S1, S2, and S3, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and any number of sets of support layer inflatable members 134 may be employed. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the support layer inflatable member 134 is of the pneumatic type and is connected to a pump/vacuum unit 310 (shown in fig. 3) via a pneumatic conduit. However, the present invention is not limited to this exemplary configuration and other gases or fluids besides air may be used to expand/contract the support layer inflatable members 134 to thereby achieve the desired pressure. The support layer inflatable members 134 may be constructed of different materials including, but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, polychloroprene, and rubber. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the support layer inflatable members 134 extend laterally across the width of the test bed 101.

As shown in fig. 1 and 8, the support layer inflatable members 134 are configured such that, when inflated, the support layer inflatable members 134 apply a force to the layers of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layers of coil springs 132 under the mattress. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of test bed 101 with set S1 of support layer inflatable members 134 retracted. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of test bed 101 with set of inflatable members S1 inflated.

Thus, by controlling the inflation/deflation of the support layer inflatable members 134, the support characteristics of the test bed 101 may be adjusted. For example, if it is desired to provide more support to the person's lower back area, the support layer inflatable members 134 positioned below the person's lower back area may be controlled for further inflation. Thus, the support layer inflatable members 134 apply greater force to the layers of mattress upper coils 131 and mattress lower coils 132 positioned below the person's lower back region, thereby causing the above-described coils to further compress, thereby providing more support to the person's lower back region.

In addition, as shown in fig. 1, the test bed 101 is connected to a sensing control unit 150. Fig. 3 shows details of the inductive control unit 150. As shown in fig. 3, the sensing control unit 150 includes a plurality of comfort layer sensors 128 respectively associated with the comfort layer inflatable members 124, the comfort layer inflatable members 124 being denoted as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14 and C15, respectively. The sensing control unit 150 also includes a plurality of support layer sensors 138 associated with sets S1, S2, and S3, respectively, of the support layer inflatable members 134. The sensing control unit 150 also includes a plurality of base layer sensors 105, which are denoted as F1 and F2, respectively.

As shown in fig. 3, the sensing control unit 150 includes an embedded control unit 300, a pump/vacuum unit 310, and an auxiliary discharge unit 320. The embedded control unit also includes a processor 330. The pump/vacuum unit 310 may be controlled by the embedded control unit 300 to pump or draw air to or from the support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 as desired. The auxiliary venting unit 320 vents gas or fluid from the support layer inflatable members 134 and the comfort layer inflatable members 124 in an active or passive manner.

As shown in fig. 1 and 3, each of the plurality of support layer sensors 138 is connected to a respective set of support layer inflatable members 134. For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 3, a set of five support layer inflatable members 134, which are located in the left side region of the test bed 101 as shown in fig. 1, are connected to the support layer sensor S1. Similarly, a set of five support layer inflatable members 134, located in a central region of the test bed 101 as shown in fig. 1, are connected to the support layer sensors S2. In addition, a set of five support layer inflatable members 134, which are located on the right side of the test bed 101 as shown in fig. 1, are connected to the support layer sensors S3. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and various groupings of support layer sensors 138 may be used in accordance with the present invention. Further, each of the plurality of support layer sensors 138 is connected to each of the support layer inflatable members 134.

Each of the support layer sensors 138 is used to make real-time measurements of pressure for the individual support layer inflatable members 134 or individual groups of support layer inflatable members 134. Thus, when a person is positioned on the test bed 101, measurements relating to the pressure of the support layer inflatable members 134 may be taken and analyzed. Using the above measurements, the stress profile (profile) of the person's support layer can be obtained and used to determine the most appropriate sleep system support layer characteristics for that person.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the supportive measurement/adjustment layer 130 includes fifteen supporting layer inflatable members 134, although the invention is not limited to this configuration and a greater or lesser number of supporting layer inflatable members 134 may be employed according to the invention.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, each support layer inflatable member 134 is used to apply a force to a plurality of rows of mattress upper coils 131 and a plurality of rows of mattress lower coils 132. In other words, each support layer inflatable member 134 is arranged in correspondence with more than one row of coil springs. Alternatively, each support layer inflatable member 134 may be arranged regardless of the position of the respective coil in the layer of mattress upper coils 131 and the layer of mattress lower coils 132. In one embodiment, the support layer inflatable members 134 may be mounted to the coils in the layer of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress, for example, by bonding the respective support layer inflatable members 134 to the coils.

Further, a first force spreading cage 135 may be disposed between the support layer inflatable member 134 and the coil springs in the layer of coil springs 131 on the mattress. Among other things, the first force spreading cover 135 may facilitate spreading the force exerted by each support layer inflatable member 134 between rows of mattress coil springs 131. The first force dissipating cover 135 may be constructed of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, non-woven fabrics and polystyrene.

Similarly, a second force dispersion cover 136 may be disposed between the support layer inflatable member 134 and the layer of the mattress lower coil 132. The second force spreading boot 136 may facilitate, among other things, spreading the force exerted by the various support layer inflatable members 134 among the rows of mattress innersprings 132.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first force spreader lid 135 may be bonded to the coils in the layer of coils 131 on the mattress, while the second force spreader lid 136 may be bonded to the layer of coils 132 under the mattress. By inserting the first force dispersing cover 135 and the second force dispersing cover 136 between the coil springs and the inflatable members, the force applied by inflating each inflatable member is distributed over a larger area, and thus over a larger number of coil springs. In the exemplary embodiment, the first force spreading cover 135 and the second force spreading cover 136 spread the force of the inflatable member to achieve a better effect on the coil spring over a larger area.

Fig. 1 also shows an exemplary embodiment in which the layer of coil springs 131 under the mattress, the layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress, and the support layer inflatable members 134 are surrounded by a foam encasement 180.

As shown in fig. 1, upper thickening layer 190 is disposed above the layer of coil springs 131 on the mattress. The upper thickening layer 190 includes a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members 124 disposed above the layers of coil springs 131 on the mattress and below the topmost layer 195. The construction of each of the various comfort layer inflatable members 124 is similar to the construction of the support layer inflatable members 134 described above.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the comfort layer inflatable member 124 is configured such that, when inflated, the comfort layer inflatable member 124 applies a force to the layer of coil springs 131, the upper thickening layer 190, and the topmost layer 195 on the mattress. Thus, by controlling the inflation/deflation of the comfort layer inflatable members 124, the comfort characteristics of the test bed 101 can be adjusted. For example, the inflation/deflation of the comfort layer inflatable members 124 may be controlled to change the comfort level of the test bed 101 by making the comfort measuring/adjusting layer 120 harder or softer. In other words, inflating or deflating each comfort layer inflatable member 124 can produce an effect of pressurizing or depressurizing the upper thickening layer 190, thereby producing a different contact surface profile (or feel) for the user of the test bed 101.

Thus, if the sensory control unit 150 determines to make the comfort measuring/adjusting layer 120 stiffer under the person's shoulder area, each comfort layer inflatable member 124 under the person's shoulder area is further inflated. On the other hand, if the sensory control unit 150 determines that the comfort measuring/adjustment layer 120 is to be made softer below the person's shoulder regions, then each comfort layer inflatable member 124 below the person's shoulder regions is caused to be further deflated, thereby having more cushioning in these regions.

Further, as shown in fig. 1 and 3, each of the plurality of comfort layer sensors 128 is connected to a respective one of the comfort layer inflatable members 124. Each of the comfort layer sensors 128 is used to provide real-time measurements of the pressure of the respective comfort layer inflatable member 124. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 3, fifteen comfort layer inflatable members 124 are connected to fifteen comfort layer sensors 128. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a greater or lesser number of comfort layer sensors 128 may be employed in accordance with the present invention.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, each comfort layer inflatable member 124 is aligned with a respective one of the support layer inflatable members 134, however, the alignment arrangement described above is not required and exemplary embodiments of the invention may include configurations of misaligned comfort layer inflatable members 124 and support layer inflatable members 134.

Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the comfort layer inflatable members 124 need not be aligned with the rows of coil springs 131 on the mattress. In practice, each comfort layer inflatable member 124 may be aligned with more than one row of layers of coils 131 on the mattress. Alternatively, the comfort layer inflatable member 124 may be disposed regardless of the position of the layer of coil springs 131 on each mattress.

Importantly, measurements relating to the pressure of each comfort layer inflatable member 124 can be acquired and analyzed when a person is positioned on the test bed 101. Using the measurement results, the comfort layer pressure profile of the person can be obtained and used to determine the most suitable sleep system comfort layer characteristics for that person.

The support layer sensors 138 and comfort layer sensors 128 provide the ability to measure a variety of different data in accordance with the present invention. For example, the data provided by the support layer sensors 138 and comfort layer sensors 128 may be analyzed to determine a person's weight, weight distribution, breathing rate, heart rate, sleep state, and the like, among other things, while the person is positioned on the test bed 101.

Furthermore, although the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a foundation layer 103, a comfort measurement/adjustment layer 120, and a support measurement/adjustment layer 130, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Indeed, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include only base layer 103, or only comfort measuring/adjustment layer 120, or only supportive measuring/adjustment layer 130, or any combination thereof.

Further, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 7A and 7B, test bed 101 may include a third force dispersion cover 600 that wraps around the layer of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 7A and 7B, third force spreading cover 600 extends along the length of test bed 101, but does not extend over the head or foot of test bed 101. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, illustratively, a third force spreading cover 600 is shown loosely surrounding the layers of coil springs 131 on the mattress and the layers of coil springs 132 under the mattress. However, example embodiments of the present invention may include a third force-distributing cover 600 that tightly wraps around the layer of coil springs 131 under the mattress and the layer of coil springs 132 under the mattress. Among other things, third force spreading cover 600 may spread the force applied by coil springs 131 and 132 on and under the mattress over a larger area of foam encapsulation layer 180 (as shown in fig. 1), thereby helping to prevent a bulging effect that may occur at the top surface of test bed 101.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 7A, the third force spreading cover 600 is mounted to the bottom border (e.g., border line) of the test bed 101 and does not extend below the layer of mattress lower coils 132.

Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 7B, the third force spreading cover 600 extends below the layer of mattress lower coil springs 132. Further, as shown in fig. 7B, two opposing portions of the third force spreading cover 600 are mounted together at a mounting portion 604. For example, two opposing portions of the third force spreading cover 600 may be mounted via ultrasonic welding, stitching, and stapling. However, the present invention is not limited to the two exemplary configurations shown in fig. 7A and 7B, and the third force-distributing housing 600 may take on a variety of different configurations.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2, the support layer inflatable member 134, the support layer sensor 138, the comfort layer inflatable member 124, and the comfort layer sensor 128 are all connected to a sensing control unit 150. Further, as shown in fig. 2, a display 250 is connected to the sensing control unit 150, and the database 200 is connected to the sensing control unit 150.

As shown in fig. 2, the digital imaging device 260 is disposed near the test bed 101, thereby obtaining a digital image of the person positioned on the test bed 101. The digital imaging device 260 is connected to the sensing control unit 150. According to an exemplary embodiment, the digital imaging device 260 is used to acquire a digital image of a person positioned on the test bed 101. The sensing control unit 150 then controls the processor 330 to process the acquired digital images.

Although it has been described above that the digital imaging device 260 is used to acquire a digital image of a person who is placed on the test bed 101, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Indeed, any other device capable of measuring a physical characteristic of a person positioned on the test bed 101 may be used in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the measurement results related to the physical property of the user may also be obtained by embedding additional sensors in the test bed 101 or by obtaining answers from a person to questions related to other physical properties. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ scientific or statistical analysis methods instead of the digital imaging device 260.

Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 4, in operation S401, the sensing control unit 150 first starts the calibration mode by inflating/deflating each of the support layer inflatable members 134 and the comfort layer inflatable members 124 until the pressure of the respective inflatable members 134 and 124 is set to a predetermined state.

In operation S402, the person lies on the test bed 101, and the person places himself in a specific posture. For example, the person may place himself on the test bed 101, lying back down in a supine position, or lying prone, or lying on side, or all in any possible position.

In operation S403, once the person is placed in a steady posture and is substantially at rest, the sensing control unit 150 acquires measurement data from each of the base layer sensor 105, the support layer sensor 138, and the comfort layer sensor 128. The processor 330 then calculates a pressure change (Δ) for each of the base layer sensor 105, the support layer sensor 138, and the comfort layer sensor 128_Pressure). By comparing the calculated pressure change (delta)_Pressure) Using various operations, the processor 330 may determine various useful analytical measurements of the person.

By using the information collected by the sensing control unit 150, and in one exemplary embodiment also using digital images obtained by the digital imaging device 260 (described in detail below), the approximate body size and weight distribution (among other items) of the person positioned on the test bed 101 can be predicted from statistics. The processor 330 may use these statistically predicted values to determine the best combination of partition support and partition comfort provided by the test bed 101 to produce a healthy sleep system. In general, using measurement data obtained from each of the base layer sensor 105, the support layer sensor 138, and the comfort layer sensor 128, the processor 330 may analyze the overall impact on the human body at various different locations on the mattress layer 102 and the base layer 103.

In operation S404, the digital imaging device 260 acquires a digital image of the person while the person is positioned on the test bed 101. The acquired data images are then processed by the processor 330 and, using various analysis algorithms, various human body characteristics can be determined. For example, processor 330 may determine the height of the person, the width of the person's shoulders, the girth, hip circumference, and head circumference, the distance from the person's head to the shoulders, and the person's pose on test bed 101.

Then, in operation S405, all of the support layer inflatable members 134 and the comfort layer inflatable members 124 are highly inflated with the person remaining in a stable position on the test bed 101. This high degree of inflation allows the test bed 101 to be "full" or helpful in understanding the anatomy, and also provides for standardized processing (described in detail below). High degree of inflation is essentially the maximum pressure that can vary depending on the initial reading (much like a sphygmomanometer).

In operation S406, Δ is utilized_PressureAnd the acquired digital images to calculate the optimal pressure level for each of the support layer inflatable members 134 and the comfort layer inflatable members 124 at which the test bed 101 provides the best comfort and support characteristics to the person. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention also calculate an optimal pressure level for each of the various support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 without using the acquired digital images. For example, other body measurement devices may be used or only Δ may be utilized_PressureTo calculate the optimum pressure level.

Optimal comfort and support characteristics may be determined for individual persons, for example, by analyzing data obtained via observation of a plurality of different persons having different physical characteristics (e.g., persons having different heights, weights, weight distributions, waist circumferences, shoulder widths, etc.) positioned on various different sleep systems and in various different sleep postures, and by recording the observed data in database 200. By recording the above observation data in the database 200, from which a particular sleep system can provide optimal support (e.g., spinal alignment, etc.) and comfort characteristics (e.g., minimal amount of interface pressure, etc.) for each individual, a correspondence between a particular physical characteristic of a person and a suitable sleep system can be established and stored in the database 200.

Examples of analytical systems for measuring characteristics of a person and facilitating the selection of bedding may be found in U.S. patent 6,571,192 issued to Hinshaw et al (hereinafter the "192 patent"), U.S. patent 6,741,950 issued to Hinshaw et al (hereinafter the "950 patent"), U.S. patent 6,990,425 issued to Hinshaw et al (hereinafter the "425 patent"), and U.S. patent 6,585,328 issued to ooexman et al (hereinafter the "328 patent"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As discussed in the ' 192 patent, the ' 950 patent, and the ' 425 patent, the test bed acquires pressure reading data for a plurality of zones, and the data is processed to recommend one of a plurality of mattresses based on a closest match to the data. Further, as described in the '328 patent, a system allows a mattress retail store to collect data from sensor pads disposed on top of a support surface to generate this person's pressure profile. The pressure distribution profile and other information is used to generate specific mattress design parameters or coefficients, which are then used to design a specific mattress specifically tailored for that person. However, the '192 patent, the' 950 patent, the '425 patent, and the' 328 patent are merely examples of an analysis system, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

According to one exemplary embodiment, anthropometric data may be utilized to determine optimal comfort and support characteristics for each individual. The following documents provide examples of the above-mentioned anthropometric data, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: "Humanscale 1/2/3" by NielsDiffriend et al, published by MITPRES 1974; "Humanscale 4/5/6" by NielsDiffriend et al, published in 1981 by MITPRES; and the revision "the measureofman & Woman" by alvinr. tilley, published in john wiley & Sons, inc.2002.

In operation S407, the processor 330 adjusts and normalizes the respective support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 to the calculated optimal pressure level so that the test bed 101 provides the optimal comfort and support characteristics to the person.

Finally, in operation S408, the sensing control unit 150 provides recommendation information to the person via the display 250 for a suitable sleep system product that provides the best comfort and support characteristics calculated in operation S406. For example, the recommendation provided may relate to the size of the pillow and the type of pillow that is most appropriate for the person. In addition, the recommendation information provided may relate to the most appropriate variable support and variable comfort settings to which the variable support/variable comfort sleep system may adjust. The inventors of the present application have developed a variable support/comfort sleep system described in related U.S. provisional patent application 61/028,591 entitled "apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort for controlling of a sleep system and a pillow adjustment mechanism of the present application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The recommendation provided may also relate to a custom non-adjustable mattress that may be custom manufactured for this person. Alternatively, the recommendation provided may relate to which type of conventional mattress in the present sample display room may provide the most appropriate support and comfort characteristics for that person.

Fig. 5 shows a second flowchart of a method for evaluating a person for a sleep system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, operations S501, S502, S503, S504, S505, S506, S507, and S508 are similar to operations S401, S402, S403, S404, S405, S406, S407, and S408 described above with reference to fig. 4. However, the flowchart shown in fig. 5 also differs from that of fig. 4 mainly in that after operation S507 (the processor 330 adjusts and normalizes the respective support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 to the calculated optimal pressure level), then in operation S509, the sensing control unit 150 determines whether an instruction to acquire a preferred sleep posture measurement has been received.

If the sensing control unit 150 has not received the instruction to acquire the preferred sleep posture measurement result (no in operation S509), operation S516 is performed.

However, if the sensing control unit 150 has received an instruction to acquire a preferred sleep posture measurement result (yes in operation S509), operation S510 is performed in which the person is moved into the preferred sleep posture in operation 510. For example, if the person generally prefers side sleeping, the person moves into its side position. On the other hand, if the person normally prefers a prone posture, for example, the person moves into a posture in which the person is in a prone posture.

Then, once the person is in a stable position and substantially stationary, the sensing and control unit 150 initiates a reset calibration mode by inflating/deflating each of the respective support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 until the pressure of the respective inflatable members 134 and 124 is set to a predetermined state in operation S511.

Then, in operation S512, the sensing control unit 150 acquires measurement result data from each of the base layer sensor 105, the support layer sensor 138, and the comfort layer sensor 128. Using the information collected by the sensing control unit 150 and the digital image acquired by the digital imaging device 260, the processor 330 again analyzes the overall effect on the human body at various locations on the mattress layer 102 and the foundation layer 103.

In operation S513, all of the support layer inflatable members 134 and the comfort layer inflatable members 124 are again highly inflated with the person maintaining a stable posture on the test bed 101.

Then, in operation S514, an optimal pressure level for each of the respective support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124, at which the test bed 101 provides optimal comfort and support characteristics to the person, is calculated.

In operation S515, with the person in their preferred sleep position, the processor 330 adjusts and normalizes each of the support layer inflatable member 134 and the comfort layer inflatable member 124 to the calculated optimal pressure level such that the test bed 101 provides the person with the optimal comfort and support characteristics.

In operation S516, the sensing control unit 150 determines whether an instruction to acquire a pillow measurement result has been received. If the sensing control unit 150 has not received the instruction to acquire the pillow measurement result (no in operation S516), operation S508 is performed and recommendation information related to a suitable sleep system product that can provide the best comfort and support characteristics calculated by the processor 330 in operation S506 and operation S514 is provided to the person via the display 250.

If the sensing control unit 150 has received the instruction to acquire the pillow measurement result (yes in operation S516), operation S517 is performed in which the support layer inflatable member 134 and the comfort layer inflatable member 124, which are located in the regions corresponding to the neck and upper back regions of the person, are highly inflated while the person maintains a stable posture on the test bed 101 in operation 517.

Then, in operation S518, an optimal pressure level for each of the various support layer inflatable members 134 and comfort layer inflatable members 124 located in the areas corresponding to the person' S neck and upper back areas, at which the test bed 101 provides the best comfort and support characteristics to the person, is calculated.

In operation S519, the processor 330 adjusts and normalizes each of the support layer inflatable member 134 and the comfort layer inflatable member 124 located in the areas corresponding to the person 'S neck and upper back areas to the calculated optimal pressure level such that the test bed 101 provides the optimal comfort and support characteristics in the areas corresponding to the person' S neck and upper back areas.

Finally, operation S508 is performed and recommendation information is provided to the person via the display 250 regarding a suitable sleep system product calculated by the processor 330 in operations S506, S514, and S518 that provides the best comfort and support characteristics. Although the above exemplary embodiments relate to evaluating one person for a sleep system, the present invention may also be employed to evaluate multiple persons for a sleep system. For example, the device and the method according to the invention can be used to evaluate a person on a sleep system and a partner sleeping therewith. According to an exemplary embodiment, test bed 101 may include two separate test surfaces, whereby one or two persons may be evaluated simultaneously. Thus, the apparatus and method according to the invention can recommend a sleep system that can provide the best comfort and support characteristics to both the person and his partner sleeping therewith.

Fig. 6 illustrates a view of an inflatable member 124 or 134 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Although one exemplary shape and configuration of the inflatable member is shown in fig. 6, other shapes and configurations of the inflatable members 124 or 134 may be used in accordance with the present invention. Further, the comfort layer inflatable member 124 may take on a different shape and/or configuration than the support layer inflatable member 134. As shown in fig. 6, each inflatable member includes a valve 401.

Fig. 9A shows a side view of one end of an inflatable member 124 or 134 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9B shows a top view of an inflatable member 124 or 134 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary embodiments described above should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the present invention but by the claims set forth in the related official application, and any difference covered by the above scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating a person for a mattress, the method comprising the steps of:

adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member disposed within a comfort layer of an evaluation mattress to an initial comfort value without the person being positioned on the evaluation mattress, wherein the comfort layer is configured to deliver comfort to the person at a top region of the evaluation mattress;

positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a first position;

measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the first position;

calculating a difference between the first measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as Δ_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}；

Using delta_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member; and is

Recommending a mattress to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member and using data measuring sleep quality.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: adjusting the comfort layer inflatable member to the calculated first optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

adjusting a pressure of a support layer inflatable member disposed within a support layer of the evaluation mattress to an initial support value without the person positioned on the evaluation mattress, wherein the support layer is configured to impart support to the person;

measuring a pressure of the support layer inflatable member as a first measured support value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the first position;

calculating a difference between the first measured support value and the initial support value as Δ_{SUPPORTPRESSURE1}；

Using delta_{SUPPORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the support layer inflatable member; and is

Recommending the mattress to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the support layer inflatable members.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of: adjusting the support layer inflatable member to the calculated first optimal pressure level of the support layer inflatable member.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

measuring a pressure at a first region of a foundation layer of the evaluation mattress as an initial foundation value without the person being positioned on the evaluation mattress;

measuring a pressure at the first region of the foundation layer as a first measurement basis value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the first posture;

calculating a difference between the first measured base value and the initial base value as Δ_{FOUNDATIONPRESSURE1}；

Using delta_{FOUNDATIONPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the first region of the base layer; and is

Recommending the mattress to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the base layer.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the support layer inflatable members are disposed below the layer of upper coil springs and above the layer of lower coil springs.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

acquiring a digital dimensional image of the person's body; and is

Calculating the first optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member using the acquired digital size image.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the support layer is disposed below the comfort layer.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first posture comprises a preferred sleep posture of the person.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a second position;

measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a second measured comfort value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the second position;

calculating a difference between the second measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as Δ_{COMFORTPRESSURE2}；

Using delta_{COMFORTPRESSURE2}Calculating a second optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member; and is

Recommending the mattress to the person using the calculated second optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member.

11. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a second position;

12. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a second position;

measuring a pressure of the support layer inflatable member as a second measured support value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the second position;

calculating a difference between the second measured support value and the initial support value as Δ_{SUPPORTPRESSURE2}；

Using delta_{SUPPORTPRESSURE2}Calculating a second optimal pressure level for the support layer inflatable member; and is

Recommending the mattress to the person using the calculated second optimal pressure level of the support layer inflatable members.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

14. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of:

positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a second position;

measuring pressure at the first region of the foundation layer as a second measurement basis value with the person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the second posture;

calculating the difference between the second measured base value and the initial base valueThe difference therebetween is taken as Δ_{FOUNDATIONPRESSURE2}；

Using delta_{FOUNDATIONPRESSURE2}Calculating a second optimal pressure level for the first region of the base layer; and is

Recommending the mattress to the person using the calculated second optimal pressure level of the base layer.

15. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

calculating a difference between the second measured base value and the initial base value as Δ_{FOUNDATIONPRESSURE2}；

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the comfort layer inflatable member is disposed in an area of the evaluation mattress corresponding to at least one of the person's head, neck, and upper back; and is

Wherein the method further comprises the step of recommending a head support member.

19. A method for evaluating a person for a sleep system, the method comprising the steps of:

in case the person is not positioned on the evaluation mattress:

adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member disposed within a comfort layer of the evaluation mattress to an initial comfort value, wherein the comfort layer is configured to deliver comfort to the person at a top region of the evaluation mattress; and is

Adjusting a pressure of a support layer inflatable member disposed within a support layer of the evaluation mattress to an initial support value, wherein the support layer is configured to deliver support to the person; positioning the person on the evaluation mattress in a first position;

with this person positioned on the evaluation mattress in the first position:

measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value; and is

Measuring a pressure of the support layer inflatable member as a first measured support value;

Using delta_{COMFORTPRESSURE1}Calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member;

Recommending a mattress to the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the comfort layer inflatable member and using the calculated first optimal pressure level of the support layer inflatable member.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

acquiring a digital dimensional image of the person's body; and is