JP7594013B2 - Controllable Bed - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/965,775, filed January 24, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to controllable beds, including, but not limited to, beds incorporating an inflatable bladder.

Beds with mattresses that have inflatable bladders to support the body in the prone position aid in better sleep. However, providing effective bladder inflation control while minimizing noise and vibration can be difficult.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0026327 Chinese Patent Publication No. 105909499 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0211829 Chinese Patent Publication No. 108056627 U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,319 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0125905 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0125095

1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a support structure. 13 is a schematic side view of another support structure embodiment; FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pneumatic controller. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the pneumatic controller of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the right rear side of the air pressure controller of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pneumatic controller of FIG. 3 with an upper housing portion removed. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pneumatic controller of FIG. 3 with an upper housing portion removed. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic controller taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pneumatic controller taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pneumatic controller of FIG. 3 with the rear panel removed to show an exemplary foot. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the air pressure controller of FIG. 3 showing alternative feet. FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of the embodiment of the air pressure controller of FIG. 3 showing an alternative foot. FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of the embodiment of the air pressure controller of FIG. 3 showing an alternative foot. 4 is an embodiment of the pneumatic controller of FIG. 3 showing representative dimensions in centimeters. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold of the pneumatic controller disclosed herein. FIG. 16 is a bottom left perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the manifold of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the manifold of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a rotated right side view of the manifold of FIG. 15. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system disclosed herein; 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system disclosed herein; 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system disclosed herein; 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system disclosed herein; 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system disclosed herein; 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a support structure. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a support structure. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a support structure.

Specific embodiments are better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements, and in which:

Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein are now described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, and use of the devices, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Throughout this specification, references to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "one example embodiment," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "in an embodiment," or "in an embodiment" throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The examples discussed herein are merely illustrative and are provided to aid in the description of the apparatus, devices, systems, and methods described herein. No feature or component shown in the drawings or described below should be considered essential for a particular implementation of the apparatus, device, system, or method unless specifically specified as essential. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described only in conjunction with certain figures. Failure to specifically describe a combination or subcombination of components should not be understood as indicating that the combination or subcombination is not possible. Additionally, for any method described, whether or not the method is described in conjunction with a flow chart, unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implied order of steps performed in performing the method does not imply that the steps must be performed in the order presented, but instead could be performed in another order or in parallel.

Solutions to problems associated with effective control of bladder inflation and control of bed components can be achieved using embodiments of the bladder control devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein. In general, the disclosed devices, methods, and systems provide relatively fast, quiet, and adaptable inflation, deflation, and inflation control of one or more bladders incorporated into a support structure, such as a mattress for a bed. Although the disclosed bladder control devices are described in the context of a mattress for a bed, it is understood that the structure, features, and advantages described herein are applicable to other bladder controls.

1, a schematic side view of an embodiment of a support structure 10 is shown, which may include a mattress for a bed 20 on which a person 30 may lie. The support structure 10 may incorporate one or more air bladder cells 22, such as air bladder cells 22A-22F, each of which functions as an adaptive cushion and is adaptable to changing conditions and control instructions. The support structure 10 may be sized and shaped appropriately for use with a standard single bed, double bed, queen size bed, king size bed, or hospital bed. However, the size and shape of the support structure 10 may be altered to accommodate different applications, such as use with a fixed chair or a wheelchair. Of course, it should be understood that the support structure 10 may also be sized and shaped for use with any type of bed, platform, or piece of furniture.

The support structure 10 can adjust the body force concentrations of a person 30 lying in bed by adjusting the pressure of one or more air bladder cells 22. Each air bladder cell 22 can be sealingly joined at its edges to form a sealed body. Each air bladder cell 22 can be laterally elongated rectangular in shape and can be made of a thin sheet of flexible elastomeric material, such as Neoprene™ rubber or polyurethane, having a thickness of about 0.014 inches. The side and end panels of each air bladder cell 22 can be sealingly joined at their edges to form a sealed body having a hollow interior space. Optionally, each air bladder cell 22 can be manufactured from a tubular preform with each end panel sealingly joined to the opposite lateral ends of the tubular preform. In either embodiment, adjacent panels of the individual air bladder cells 22 can be sealingly joined by a suitable method, such as ultrasonic bonding, RF welding, or adhesive bonding.

The number, size, shape, thickness, relative location and spacing of the air bladder cells 22 can be varied as desired. As shown in FIG. 1, the air bladder cells 22 (22A-22E) can be positioned to support one or more of the legs, hips, lower back, shoulders and head regions of the person 30, respectively.

The support structure 10 can provide support to a person in distinct support zones, with each zone associated with a target portion of the person's body. In one example, the support structure 10 can provide adjustable support in one or more of a head zone, a shoulder zone, a lumbar zone (upper and/or lower), a hip zone, and a foot zone. Each row of air bladder cells 22 can span multiple zones. For example, three to six zones can be positioned to correspond to positions along the principal curvatures of the longitudinally-oriented medial section of a typical human body. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the support structure 10 may be a bed 20 having six air bladder cells 22 and four support zones 50, such as a combined head and leg support zone 50A including air bladder cells 22A, 22B, and 22F, a shoulder support zone 50B including air bladder cell 22E, a lumbar support zone 50C including air bladder cell 22D, and a hip support zone 50D including air bladder cell 22C. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support structure 10 has six air bladder cells 22 and four support zones 50 as shown in Figure 1, although in general a support structure may have more than six air bladder cells and support zones equal to or less than the number of air bladder cells. In one embodiment, the air bladder cells 22 can be closely spaced front to back and side to side with negligible minimum vertical and horizontal spacing, respectively, such that adjacent air bladder cells are in physical contact with one another.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the support structure 10 can include a combination of air bladder cells 22 and cushioning members 42, which can be non-inflated cushions such as foam cushions. In the illustrated embodiment, two cushioning members 42 are provided, a leg zone cushion 42A disposed in the leg support zone 50E and a head zone cushion 42B disposed in the head support zone 50F. Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the support structure 10 can have three support zones, a first support zone 50G, which can be a hip support zone, a second support zone 50H, which can be a lumbar support zone, and a third support zone 50I, which can be a shoulder support zone, each support zone having one or more air bladder cells. It should be understood that the support structure can include any number of air bladder cells 22 and/or support zones 50, or a combination of support zones 50 and air bladder cells 22.

One or more air bladder cells 22, including at least one air bladder cell 22 per support zone 50, may include an air inlet port 24 that may protrude through a sidewall, e.g., the left or right sidewall, to provide fluid communication with a hollow interior space within the air bladder cell 22. Air entering or escaping the hollow interior space through the air inlet port 24 of the air bladder cell 22 allows the air bladder cell to inflate or deflate to a selected, predetermined, or adaptively altered pressure.

The shape of the air bladder cells 22 may be that of a rectangular block or a parallelepiped, although the air bladder cells 22 may optionally have a different shape, such as a convex hemisphere that projects upward from the base of the cushion.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example of an air pressure controller 100 for controlling air pressure in one or more air bladder cells 22 is shown.

Each air inlet port 24 of the air bladder cells 22 can be operably connected to an air pressure controller 100, which can communicate a fluid, e.g., air, to the air bladder cells 22 via one or more inlet tubes 110, such as inlet tubes 110A-110D shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the air bladder cells 22 for a single zone can be connected to a single inlet tube 110. Thus, in one embodiment, a single inlet tube 110 can provide an air passage to two or more air bladder cells 22. Each inlet tube 110 can have a connector 118, which can be a quick disconnect connector, that connects to a mating feature on the air inlet port 24 or to an extension tube (not shown) connected to the air inlet port 24. Each inlet tube 110 exits from a housing 112 of the air pressure controller 100, which can include an upper housing portion 112A and a matingly connectable lower housing portion 112B. Power to the pneumatic controller 100 can be provided by a power cord 170, shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 21, which can plug into a power connection 142, such as a barrel connector shown in FIG. 5. A Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable 115 can be connected to the pneumatic controller 100 at a USB port 146, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The USB cable 115 can be routed from the pneumatic controller 100 to one or more of the sensors on the support structure and can transmit data from the one or more of the pressure sensors to control the air pressure of the air bladder cells described herein below. It should be understood that power can be provided via any other suitable mechanism for powering the pneumatic controller 100 (e.g., PoE, bus bars, wires and conduits, external power storage units, etc.).

4, the underside of the air controller 100 can include one or more feet 114 for a floor-mounted or surface-mounted configuration. In general, the feet 114 can be made of a relatively soft, non-slip material (or combination of materials), such as rubber or neoprene™, to help reduce the transmission of vibrations from the air controller 100 or between the air controller 100 and a mounting surface, such as a floor, table, nightstand, or the like, in a user's bedroom. Air vents 116 allow air to enter the housing 112 for eventual transmission to and from the air bladder cells 22 via one or more air pumps 120, which are described below in connection with FIG. 6. One or more channels 117 can provide securing cords, such as USB cables 115, for safe, strain-relieved operation.

5, the pneumatic controller 100 can include a control panel portion, such as an end panel or a rear panel opposite the inlet tube 110. For example, the end panel can include a connection and control panel 140, which includes various control components and user input components (e.g., toggle switches, touch screen, buttons, etc.) and/or indicators (e.g., LED lights, display panel, etc.) for providing a visual signal to a user indicating an operating state, selected options, and/or user-specific settings or data. For example, the connection and control panel 140 can include a power connection 142, an on/off switch, a power status indicator 144, a USB port 146, a Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth® connection status indicator 148, a reset button, etc.

6, a perspective view of a representative air pressure controller 100 is shown with the upper housing portion 112A removed to show various exemplary components and features. In general, the air pressure controller 100 can include a plurality of air pumps 120, each of which can be operably connected to a pliable manifold 122 through which air from the air pumps 120 can flow to a plurality of solenoid valves 124, each of which can be connected to an inlet tube 110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pliable manifold can be connected by suitable connections to a first solenoid valve 124 of a plurality of interconnected solenoids 124, the interconnection including a closed path for air flow through the first solenoid valve to the last solenoid valve 124. Thus, air from the one or more air pumps 120 may flow to a first solenoid valve 124 and then through one or more of the remaining solenoid valves 124 to provide airflow to any or all of the solenoid valves 124. The flexible manifold 122 is flexible as compared to a manifold made of a rigid material such as a rigid polymer, metal, composite material, etc. In one embodiment, the flexible manifold comprises silicone. The air pumps 120 may be powered by a low voltage direct current power source such as a 24VDC or 12VDC pump. In operation, air may be selectively pumped from outside the air pressure controller 100 by the one or more air pumps 120, with each pumped air being provided to or from the flexible manifold 122 and selectively pumped through the one or more solenoid valves 124, then through the inlet tube 110 and into one or more air bladder cells 22 of the support zone 50. The operation of the pumps, solenoids and other operating components can be selectively and individually controlled through various components of an electronic control board 126, which may be or include a multifunction processor. The electronic control board 126 has RS-232 connections for serial communication of data, CAN bus, Ethernet capabilities, connections for USB, Bluetooth connectivity, multi-channel Wi-Fi, and I/O capabilities for receiving, analyzing, reporting, or otherwise processing data from pressure inputs from one or more sensors in one or more zones. The electronic control board 126 is operably connected to the features of the control panel 140 in a manner known in the art of controls.

7, a top view of the air pressure controller 100 with the upper housing portion 112A removed shows an example embodiment in which there are four air pumps 120, each of which can pump air alone or in combination with one or more other air pumps to a flexible manifold 122. The flexible manifold 122 directs air flow to four solenoid valves 124 in the illustrated embodiment. A fifth solenoid valve 124A can be actuated as a vent to release air from one or more air bladder cells 22. In general, any number of air pumps 120 and any number of solenoid valves 124 can be selectively utilized. Each solenoid valve 124 can have a return hose 132 providing fluid communication to a corresponding pressure transducer 134, and pressure feedback from the zones can be utilized to facilitate proper pressure control in the zone's associated air bladder cells 22. During operation, a manual or programmed signal from the control panel 126 can selectively activate one or more of the air pumps 120 depending on the amount and rate of airflow desired to one or more of the air bladder cells 22. In one embodiment, one air pump 120 can be activated when, for example, minimal airflow is desired or required due to a relatively small volume change in the air bladder cells 22. However, all four air pumps 120 can be activated when, for example, maximum airflow is desired for the initial filling of one or all of the air bladder cells 22. Once a particular air bladder cell 22 is filled to a desired pressure, their respective solenoids 124 can be selectively activated to shut off the airflow while airflow remains in the other air bladder cells 22.

Thus, as can be understood from the description herein, a bed utilizing the support structure 10 system and device of the present disclosure can include a support structure 10 having multiple support zones 50, the zones being associated with parts of the human body, such as the head, shoulders, lower back, buttocks, feet, etc. The number of zones 50 can be, for example, between 2 and 10 or between 3 and 6. Each zone 50 can have one or more air bladder cells 22 associated therewith. In one embodiment, all air bladder cells of a single zone 50 are operably connected to the air pressure controller 100 by an inlet tube 110. Thus, generally, there can be one inlet tube 110 for each zone 50. In one embodiment, a bed of the present disclosure can have five air bladder cells 22 and four zones 50, or ten air bladder cells 22 and six zones 50.

Figure 8 is a cutaway perspective view of the air pressure controller 100, showing examples of various mounting mechanisms. Each of the air pumps 120 can be securely mounted by being clamped between the upper and lower housing portions 112A, 112B. In one embodiment, a cushioning member 128 is disposed between the outer housing of the air pump 120 and the housing 112 components to dampen noise and vibration. Each air pump 120 can be powered via an electrical connector 130, as shown in Figure 9.

Referring now to FIG. 10, one representative design of the foot 114 is shown. FIGS. 11-13 show other non-limiting design examples of the foot 114.

14 shows a representative air pressure controller 100 with dimensions expressed in centimeters. By way of example, the air pressure controller 100 can have a width dimension W between about 150 cm and 350 cm, and can be about 210 cm. The air pressure controller 100 can have a length L between about 150 cm and about 350 cm, and can be about 218 cm. The air pressure controller 100 can have a height dimension H between about 50 cm and about 150 cm, and can be about 91 cm. It should be understood that the air pressure controller 110 can have any other dimensions depending on the particular application (e.g., control of an air bladder in a single bed vs. a king size bed, or an embodiment requiring control of additional air bladder cells).

The flexible manifold 122 is shown in further detail in Figures 15-20. Figures 15 and 16 show top and bottom perspective views of the flexible manifold 122, respectively. Figure 17 shows a top view of the flexible manifold 122, and Figure 18 shows a rear view. Figure 19 shows a rotated right side view, and Figure 20 shows a cross section taken along line 20-20 of Figure 19. Various features have been described with respect to Figures 14 and 15, and similar features are evident in Figures 16-19. As shown, the flexible manifold 122 can have a generally L-shape with a primary tubing portion 150 feeding a secondary tubing portion 152. A first end 154 can be operatively plugged, and a second end 156 can be operatively connected to a solenoid valve. A third end 158 can have an emergency relief valve integrated therein or coupled thereto, as described above. As mentioned above, each of the air pumps 120 can be joined to a manifold inlet tube 160 that can have a flange portion 162 that helps to make a leak-free connection with the air pump. Webbing 164 between the inlet tubes 160 can provide dimensional stability, as well as have portions that form holes 166 that can be used to connect or secure the flexible manifold in place.

As can be seen from the above description, the support structure 10 can benefit from the features and components of the air pressure controller 100, which provide for effective air bladder cell inflation while minimizing noise and vibration. By "ganging" the multiple air pumps 120 to a single manifold, for example, an effective amount of air (e.g., measured in cubic feet per minute) can be moved in a variable and quiet manner through the flexible manifold 122 to the solenoid valve 124. For example, when the air bladder cells 22 are initially filled, all of the multiple air pumps 120 can be activated and utilized. During use, less than all of the multiple air pumps 120, including one air pump 120, can be utilized to maintain, change or otherwise modify the pressure in any given air bladder cell 22. Because each air pump 120 feeds into a single flexible manifold 122, any or all of the air pumps 120 can be used to feed air to any of the solenoid valves 124. The use of a low voltage DC air pump not only reduces noise and vibration, but also improves user safety. Additionally, as described above, noise and vibration can be reduced due to the variable reduction in use of the air pumps 120 and their isolation mounting when integrated into the housing 112. Additionally, by essentially "interconnecting" each of the air pumps 120 to one of the solenoid valves 124, air flow to any or all of the inlet tubes 110, and ultimately the air bladder cells 22, can be optimized and/or maximized.

The flexible manifold 122 provides many advantages to the operation of the pneumatic controller 100. In one embodiment, the flexible manifold 122 can be made of rubber, flexible plastic, and/or silicone. The flexible manifold 122 can reduce noise and vibration, minimize or eliminate water or chemical damage, and reduce costs of manufacture and use. The flexible manifold 122 can incorporate a pressure relief valve 136 therein or thereon. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that can act as an emergency relief valve in the event of an overpressure condition. The pressure relief valve 136 can be a venturi valve that, in addition to allowing air to be released therethrough, also provides an audible signal, such as a whistling sound, upon actuation or operation.

In some embodiments, the air pressure controller 100 may be attached to or otherwise positioned proximate to the foot or distal portion of the support structure 10. However, it should be understood that the air pressure controller 100 may be attached or positioned elsewhere relative to the support structure 10 (e.g., mounted to the side, to the head portion of the support structure 10, to the floor, to a wall, etc.). The air pressure controller 100 may be encapsulated with foam or other dampening material. In some embodiments, the air pressure controller 100 may selectively pump air to one or more air bladder cells 22 on one side of the support structure 10 or on multiple sides of the support structure 10 (and in some embodiments, may selectively pump air to one or more air bladder cells 22 on one side of the support structure 10). For example, in an embodiment (not shown) in which a first air pressure controller 10 selectively pumps air to air bladder cells 22 located on a first side of the support structure 10, a second air pressure controller 100 may be utilized to selectively pump air to air bladder cells 22 located on a second side of the support structure 10.

In one embodiment, the support structure 10 in the form of a bed can be configured as described with reference to FIG. 21. In addition to the various features and advantages described above, with reference to FIG. 2, in which all of the aforementioned components can be present, in an exemplary configuration, the air pressure controller 100 can be located inside the support structure 10, for example, inside the cushion member 42, such as in the leg zone cushion 42A. One or more cables, such as a USB cable 115, can be operatively connected to one or more sensors, for example, a matrix of sensors 192, two of which are shown diagrammatically in a sensing layer 190, which can extend over all or a portion of the surface 10 of the support structure. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors 192, for example 50 to 5000 sensors 192, can be incorporated into a fabric extending over the surface of the bed. The plurality of sensors 192 can be resistive or capacitive elements evenly distributed in the sensing layer 190 to detect pressure in one or more zones. This pressure data is utilized to cause one or more air pumps 120 within the air controller 100 to pump air into one or more of the zones 50 or evacuate air from one or more of the zones 50 via the respective air bladder cells 22 contained therein. In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors 192 can be set or adjusted for sensitivity such that pressure changes can have thresholds or reference values that trigger pressure adjustments. In one embodiment, the air controller 100 can be housed and supported by a controller housing (not shown) that is itself configured within the cushion member 42. The controller housing can be a multi-piece member, for example, constructed of one or more pieces, such as molded foam pieces, that cooperate to fit around and hold the air controller 100 securely in place and provide openings for proper air circulation and cable access.

The multiple sensors 192 can detect local pressure and respond by transmitting local pressure data to a control panel of the air pressure controller to execute instructions to vary the amount of air in one or more air bladder cells in the zone of the detected local pressure, as needed. In one embodiment, the person 30 can predetermine, such as by preprogramming, one or more desired pressure profiles for the support structure 10. The pressure profiles can be set for different sleeping positions, such as on the back or on the side. With the disclosed system, the real-time feedback controlled response of the air pressure controller to increase or decrease the amount of air in one or more air bladder cells 22 can redistribute air pressure to reshape the bed in response to a person turning from behind to on their side, for example. For example, when a person rolls over on their back, more inflation of the air bladder cells 22 in the back zone 50 may be desired, and less inflation of the air bladder cells 22 in each of the buttocks zone 50 and shoulder zone 50 may be desired. Such redistribution of air bladder cell 22 inflation can be accomplished by appropriately linking multiple sensors 192 with the control components of air pressure controller 100 to provide sensing, response, and feedback in a loop that operates to provide predetermined inflation levels. Thus, the distribution of air bladder cell 22 inflation can be constantly monitored for each zone, and adjustments are made automatically while person 30 is sleeping.

The air pressure controller 100 can draw air from outside the bed through any suitable path, including, for example, an air duct 119 with an opening on the outside of the bed, including any foam padding. Similarly, the air pressure controller 100 can be positioned with the control panel 140 facing the outside of the bed, as shown in FIG. 21. The air pressure controller 100 can have one or more inlet tubes 110 leading to each of the multiple air bladder cells 22, as described above (one of which is representatively shown in FIG. 21). The air pressure controller 100 can be powered by an AC power source, for example, from a 120 VAC wall outlet via a power cord 170 and plug 174. The power can be converted by a transformer 172, for example, from 120 VAC to 12 VDC to power the air pump. In one embodiment, the transformer 172 can be located outside the support structure 10, such as on the floor on which the support structure 10 rests. In this configuration, all relatively high voltages and all AC voltages are decoupled from the support structure 10 and are therefore physically isolated from the person 30 lying on the support structure 10.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 21, several beneficial advantages can be achieved in the support structure 10. The low voltage DC motor provides safe power that can be unobtrusively placed near but not visible to humans and is not susceptible to inadvertent shock from external influences. Additionally, the foam cushioning helps to dampen vibrations and sound, providing quiet, non-vibrating operation. Finally, the transformer 172 is safely located external to the support structure 10, with only one cord located externally.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments described in Figs. 22-24, the support structure 10, such as in the form of a bed, can be communicatively coupled to any number of other electronic devices (e.g., smart devices, IoT devices, computers, smartphones, etc.) via one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels. For example, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 22, the support structure 10 can wirelessly communicate with a smartphone 200, execute a connected "app" from which it can manage various controls and settings and receive and analyze various data. Similarly, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 23 and 24, the support structure 10 can wirelessly communicate with any number of electronic devices 240 via one or more wireless communication channels (e.g., a WiFi communication channel, a Bluetooth communication channel, or any other wireless communication). In one example, the system of the present disclosure may include virtual assistants (e.g., ALEXA®, GOOGLE®), noise generators (e.g., speakers), haptic feedback generators (e.g., vibration devices), noise canceling speakers, lighting, window coverings, doors including garage doors, alarm systems, smart thermostats, and other devices that affect the environment of the support structure 10. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 25, biometric monitoring may be utilized to monitor parameters such as movement and respiration, which may be analyzed to record, analyze, and/or report on sleep quality, respiration, movement, and/or tissue pressure distribution and management. The biometric data may be displayed on a device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. In embodiments where the connection and control panel 140 includes a display screen, such biometric data may be displayed to the user on the pneumatic controller 100 itself.

In addition to the above components and features, the pneumatic controller 100 can be configured to be operable to generate, collect, and/or transmit data and reports related to sleep time, sleep comfort, and sleep quality. For example, data related to sleep activities can be collected and stored in a cloud-based storage. Such data can include, for example, data related to sleep comfort, sleep cycles, pressure distribution, respiration, heart rate, body temperature, etc. Similarly, other data related to the sleep environment can be collected, analyzed, and/or transmitted, including, for example, room lighting, room temperature, bed temperature, noise levels, etc. In some embodiments, such data can be processed and reports generated locally by the pneumatic controller 100 and then transmitted to the user's connected device for display. In other embodiments, data processing and report generation can be performed by one or more remote computing devices (e.g., remote servers, etc.) or remote computing services (e.g., cloud services) and distributed to the user's connected device for display. In such embodiments, the pneumatic controller 100 can be configured to transmit sensor data and operational data to a remote computing device/service for analysis and report generation. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, some of the data processing and report generation may also be performed by a combination of the pneumatic controller 100 and a remote computing device/service.

26-28, in one embodiment, the support structure 10 features left and right (e.g., side-by-side) rows of zones 50 of air bladder cells (not shown), with each row 12 positioned, for example, on the left or right side of the bed such that the person 30 lies in a row of zones 50. As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the support structure 10 can include a left row 12A of zones 50, designated as L1, L2, and L3, and a right row 12B of zones 50, designated as R1, R2, and R3. A single air pressure controller 100 can selectively supply air to one or more air bladder cells in one or more selected zones 50 in either or both rows 12. The air pressure controller can selectively supply air from any combination of air pumps 120 to any combination of solenoid valves (as described above) and any combination of zones 50. As an example, as shown in Fig. 26, the air pressure controller 100 can selectively supply air from four of the six solenoid valves to four zones 50, indicated as L1 and L2 for a person lying on the left side of the bed (not shown) and R2 and R3 for a person lying on the right side of the bed (not shown). Similarly, as shown in Fig. 27, the air pressure controller 100 can selectively supply air from five of the six solenoid valves to five zones 50, indicated as L1 and L3 for a person lying on the left side of the bed (not shown) and R1, R2, and R3 for a person lying on the right side of the bed (not shown). Similarly, as shown in Fig. 28, the air pressure controller 100 can selectively supply air from two of the six solenoid valves to two zones 50, indicated as L3 for a person lying on the left side of the bed (not shown) and R2 for a person lying on the right side of the bed (not shown). Any combination of air supplies can be determined, including pre-determined ones, and the components of the air pressure controller 100 can adjust the air pressure in any and all air bladder cells as needed. In one embodiment, the selective adjustment of the air in selected zones can be adjusted manually. In one embodiment, the selective adjustment of the air in selected zones can be adjusted automatically based on user settings and/or other system settings, as well as sensed needs and/or feedback from the multiple sensors 92, including feedback-based dynamic adjustments. In one embodiment, a multi-column configuration of the support structure 10 as described in FIGS. 26-28 can be fed from two or more air pressure controllers. In one embodiment, a multi-column configuration of the support structure 10 as described in FIGS. 26-28 can have any number and arrangement of zones and air bladder cells, and any number and arrangement of cushions, such as the leg cushions 42A and/or head cushions 42B shown in FIGS. 26-28.

The foregoing description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms described. Many modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of these modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the various embodiments as suited to the particular applications contemplated. Of course, the scope is not limited to the examples described herein, but may be used by those skilled in the art in any number of applications and equivalent arrangements. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (26)

A support structure for supporting a human body, comprising:
a plurality of zones adjacent to one another in a configuration that supports at least a portion of a human body, each of the plurality of zones;
at least one air bladder cell disposed in each of said plurality of zones, each air bladder cell forming a sealed body having a hollow interior space and an inlet port;
an air pressure controller including a plurality of air pumps, each of the plurality of air pumps fluidly connected to a flexible manifold having a single L-shape , the flexible manifold having a single L-shape fluidly connected to one or more of a plurality of solenoid valves, the air pressure controller further including a plurality of inlet tubes, each of the plurality of inlet tubes fluidly connected at a first end to one of the plurality of solenoid valves and at a second end to the inlet port of the at least one air bladder cell;
a power source connected to the pneumatic controller ;
the plurality of air pumps includes a first air pump and a second air pump, the plurality of solenoid valves includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve in fluid communication with a first air bladder cell disposed in a first zone of the plurality of zones, and the second solenoid valve in fluid communication with a second air bladder cell disposed in a second zone of the plurality of zones;
The air pressure controller includes:
(i) energizing the first air pump and operating the first solenoid valve to direct air to the first air bladder cell in the first zone;
(ii) driving the first and second air pumps and operating the first and second solenoid valves to direct air to the first air bladder cell in the first zone and to the second air bladder cell in the second zone;
Support structure. The support structure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of zones is one of a hip zone, a lumbar zone, and a shoulder zone. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the lumbar zone further comprises an upper lumbar zone and a lower lumbar zone. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of air pumps are powered by a low-voltage DC power source. The support structure of claim 1 , wherein the single L-shaped flexible manifold comprises silicone. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the air pressure controller is disposed within the support structure. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the power source includes a transformer. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the air pressure controller further comprises a discharge solenoid valve, the discharge solenoid valve being in fluid communication with one or more of the at least one air bladder cells. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the air pressure controller further includes an electronic control board for selectively controlling one or more of the plurality of air pumps and one or more of the plurality of solenoid valves. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the number of air bladder cells is greater than the number of zones. A support structure for supporting a human body, comprising:
a plurality of zones, each of the plurality of zones being adjacent to one another in one of a plurality of side-by-side rows, each of the plurality of side-by-side rows configured to support at least a portion of a human body;
at least one air bladder cell disposed in each of said plurality of zones, each air bladder cell forming a sealed body having a hollow interior space and an inlet port;
an air pressure controller including a plurality of air pumps, each of the plurality of air pumps fluidly connected to a first tubing section of a single flexible manifold, the single flexible manifold having a second tubing section perpendicularly coupled to the first tubing section, the second tubing section fluidly connected to one or more of a plurality of interconnected solenoid valves, the air pressure controller further including a plurality of inlet tubes, each of the plurality of inlet tubes fluidly connected at a first end to one of the plurality of interconnected solenoid valves and fluidly connected at a second end to the inlet port of the at least one air bladder cell;
an electronic control board for selectively controlling each air pump of the plurality of air pumps and each solenoid valve of the plurality of solenoid valves;
a power source connected to the pneumatic controller;
A support structure including: The support structure of claim 11 , wherein a volume of said at least one air bladder cell is greater than a volume of said plurality of zones. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein the electronic control board is housed within the pneumatic controller. 14. The support structure of claim 13, wherein the electronic control board includes wireless communication circuitry for establishing a communication channel between the support structure and one or more of a smartphone, a tablet, a virtual assistant, a speaker, a light, a window covering, and a remote computing server. the plurality of air pumps includes a first air pump and a second air pump, the plurality of solenoid valves includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve in fluid communication with a first air bladder cell disposed in a first zone of the plurality of zones, and the second solenoid valve in fluid communication with a second air bladder cell disposed in a second zone of the plurality of zones;
The air pressure controller includes:
(i) energizing the first air pump and operating the first solenoid valve to direct air to the first air bladder cell in the first zone;
(ii) driving the first and second air pumps and operating the first and second solenoid valves to direct air to the first air bladder cell in the first zone and to the second air bladder cell in the second zone;
The support structure of claim 11 . The support structure of claim 11 , wherein the single flexible manifold comprises silicone. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein the air pressure controller is disposed within the support structure. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein one or more of the plurality of air pumps are powered by a direct current power source, the power source including an AC to DC transformer. 12. The support structure of claim 11 , wherein the air pressure controller further comprises a bleed solenoid valve, the bleed solenoid valve in fluid communication with one or more of the at least one air bladder cells. A support structure for supporting a human body, comprising:
a plurality of zones adjacent to one another in a configuration supporting at least a portion of a human body, each of the plurality of zones being one of a hip zone, a lower back zone, and a shoulder zone;
at least one air bladder cell disposed in each of said plurality of zones, each air bladder cell forming a sealed body having a hollow interior space and an inlet port;
a head zone disposed at a proximal end of the support structure and a foot zone disposed at a distal end of the support structure, each zone including a non-inflatable cushion; an air pressure controller including a plurality of air pumps, each of the plurality of air pumps fluidly connected to a first tubing section of a single flexible manifold, the single flexible manifold further having a second tubing section perpendicularly coupled to the first tubing section, the second tubing section fluidly connected to a first solenoid valve of a plurality of solenoid valves, the plurality of solenoid valves being interconnected such that air flowing to the first solenoid valve travels through one or more of the remaining plurality of solenoid valves via a closed path different from the flexible manifold, the air pressure controller further including a plurality of inlet tubes, each of the plurality of inlet tubes fluidly connected at a first end to one of the plurality of solenoid valves and fluidly connected at a second end to the inlet port of the at least one air bladder cell;
an electronic control board for selectively controlling each air pump of the plurality of air pumps and each solenoid valve of the plurality of solenoid valves;
a power source connected to the pneumatic controller;
A support structure including: The support structure of claim 20 , wherein the single flexible manifold comprises silicone. The support structure of claim 20 , wherein the air pressure controller is disposed within the support structure. 23. The support structure of claim 22 , wherein the air pressure controller is encapsulated in a damping material. 23. The support structure of claim 22 , wherein the air pressure controller is disposed in the foot zone of the support structure. 21. The support structure of claim 20, wherein the electronic control board includes wireless communication circuitry for establishing a communication channel between the support structure and one or more of a smartphone, a tablet, a virtual assistant, a speaker, a light, a window covering, and a remote computing server. 21. The support structure of claim 20 , wherein the air pressure controller further comprises a bleed solenoid valve, the bleed solenoid valve in fluid communication with one or more of the at least one air bladder cells.

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