U.S. patent application number 10/987913 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for bedding cover and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bedbug Lights, Inc.. Invention is credited to Abraham, Jeffrey J., Dobbs, Gregg T..
Application Number | 20050102752 10/987913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34619380 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050102752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abraham, Jeffrey J. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
Bedding cover and associated methods
Abstract
A bed covering has a translucent top layer that has a pattern
thereon with a plurality of decorative elements that are positioned
in a plurality of sectors. An array of light-emitting elements is
positioned beneath the top layer. The array is segregated into
sectors corresponding to at least some of the top-layer sectors. A
control element is programmable to activate at least some of the
light-emitting elements within at least some of the sectors in a
predetermined pattern. Such an activation backlights at least some
of the decorative elements in the top-layer sectors in the
predetermined pattern. Additional elements of the bed covering may
include an audio emitter for providing sound commensurate with the
predetermined pattern and a light-diffusing element positioned
between the top layer and the light-emitting-element array for
providing a more diffuse illumination of the top layer sectors.
Inventors: |
Abraham, Jeffrey J.;
(Orlando, FL) ; Dobbs, Gregg T.; (Windermere,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLEN, DYER, DOPPELT, MILBRATH & GILCHRIST, PA
P.O. BOX 3791
ORLANDO
FL
32802-3791
US
|
Assignee: |
Bedbug Lights, Inc.
Orlando
FL
|
Family ID: |
34619380 |
Appl. No.: |
10/987913 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60519839 |
Nov 13, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/482 ; 362/130;
5/905 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
A47G 9/0207 20130101; F21V 33/0024 20130101; A47G 2009/005
20130101; H05K 1/038 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/482 ;
005/905; 362/130 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bed covering comprising: a translucent top layer having a
pattern thereon comprising a plurality of decorative elements
positioned in a plurality of sectors; an array of light-emitting
elements positioned beneath the top layer, the array segregated
into sectors corresponding to at least some of the top-layer
sectors; and a control element in signal communication with the
light-emitting elements, the control element programmable to
activate at least some of the light-emitting elements within at
least some of the sectors in a predetermined pattern, thereby
backlighting at least some of the decorative elements in the
top-layer sectors in the predetermined pattern.
2. The bed covering recited in claim 1, wherein the top layer
comprises a first and a second top layer having different patterns
comprising a plurality of different decorative elements thereon,
the decorative elements for each of the first and the second top
layer positioned in a same plurality of sectors, the first and the
second top layer thereby interchangeable for use with the
light-emitting-element array.
3. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising a
light-diffusing layer positioned between the top layer and the
light-emitting-element array.
4. The bed covering recited in claim 3, wherein the light-diffusing
layer comprises a batting material.
5. The bed covering recited in claim 4, wherein the light-diffusing
layer further comprises a mesh material positioned between the
batting material and the top layer.
6. The bed covering recited in claim 1, wherein the
light-emitting-element array comprises an array of light-emitting
diodes and circuitry connecting each diode with the control
element.
7. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising an upper
and a lower protective sheet positioned in surrounding relation to
the light-emitting-element array, the upper protective sheet having
an aperture therethrough above each of the light-emitting
elements.
8. The bed covering recited in claim 7, further comprising a
protective holder positioned in lateral surrounding relation to
each of the light-emitting elements.
9. The bed covering recited in claim 8, wherein the upper and the
lower protective sheet are substantially water-impervious and are
joined together with an adhesive to form a unitary light-emitting
layer.
10. The bed covering recited in claim 9, further comprising means
for retaining the light-emitting layer in substantial registry with
the top layer, for retaining the top layer sectors in substantial
alignment with the light-emitting-element array sectors.
11. The bed covering recited in claim 10, wherein the retaining
means comprises a plurality of detachable fixation elements affixed
to the light-emitting layer and the top layer.
12. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising a
bottom layer having four outer edges, and wherein the top layer has
four outer edges, three of the bottom layer outer edges affixed to
a corresponding three of the top layer outer edges to form a pocket
positionable in encompassing relation to the light-emitting-element
array.
13. The bed covering recited in claim 12, wherein the pocket is
dimensioned to further encompass a comforter.
14. The bed covering recited in claim 12, further comprising a
comforter positioned within the pocket beneath the
light-emitting-element array.
15. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising a
translucent bottom layer positioned beneath the
light-emitting-element array, the light-emitting elements adapted
to illuminate upwardly and downwardly.
16. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising an
audio emitter in signal communication with the control element, the
control element further programmable to activate the audio emitter
to emit sounds commensurate with the predetermined pattern.
17. The bed covering recited in claim 1, wherein the control
element is further programmable to, following an execution of the
predetermined pattern, gradually decrease a number of
light-emitting elements that are illuminated until none is
illuminated.
18. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising a
battery receptacle positioned along a bottom edge of the bed
covering, the battery receptacle in signal communication with the
control element.
19. The bed covering recited in claim 1, further comprising a
switch in signal communication with and for activating and
deactivating the control element, the switch positioned adjacent a
top edge of the bed covering.
20. The bed covering recited in claim 19, further comprising an
audio emitter in signal communication with the control element, the
control element further programmable to activate the audio emitter
to emit sounds commensurate with the predetermined pattern, the
audio emitter positioned adjacent the switch.
21. A method of making a bed covering, comprising the steps of:
positioning an array of light-emitting elements beneath a
translucent top layer having a pattern thereon comprising a
plurality of decorative elements positioned in a plurality of
sectors, the array segregated into sectors corresponding to at
least some of the top-layer sectors; and placing a control element
in signal communication with the light-emitting elements; and
programming the control element to activate at least some of the
light-emitting elements within at least some of the sectors in a
predetermined pattern, thereby backlighting at least some of the
decorative elements in the top-layer sectors in the predetermined
pattern.
22. The method recited in claim 21, wherein the top layer comprises
a first top layer, and further comprising the step of interchanging
a second top layer for the first top layer, the second top layer
having a different pattern from the first top layer pattern
comprising a plurality of different decorative elements thereon,
the decorative elements for the second top layer positioned in the
same plurality of sectors as those of the first top layer, the
first and the second top layer thereby interchangeable for use with
the light-emitting-element array.
23. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising positioning
a light-diffusing layer between the top layer and the
light-emitting-element array.
24. The method recited in claim 23, wherein the light-diffusing
layer comprises a batting material.
25. The method recited in claim 24, further comprising positioning
a mesh material between the batting material and the top layer.
26. The method recited in claim 21, wherein the
light-emitting-element array comprises an array of light-emitting
diodes and circuitry connecting each diode with the control
element.
27. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of
positioning an upper and a lower protective sheet in surrounding
relation to the light-emitting-element array, the upper protective
sheet having an aperture therethrough above each of the
light-emitting elements.
28. The method recited in claim 27, further comprising the step of
positioning a protective holder in lateral surrounding relation to
each of the light-emitting elements.
29. The method recited in claim 28, further comprising the step of
joining together the upper and the lower protective sheets with an
adhesive to form a unitary light-emitting layer, the upper and the
lower protective sheets substantially water-impervious.
30. The method recited in claim 29, further comprising retaining
the light-emitting layer in substantial registry with the top
layer, for retaining the top layer sectors in substantial alignment
with the light-emitting-element array sectors.
31. The method recited in claim 30, wherein the retaining step
comprises affixing a plurality of detachable fixation elements to
the light-emitting layer and the top layer.
32. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the steps of
affixing three outer edges of a bottom layer to a corresponding
three outer edges of the top layer to form a pocket, and
positioning the pocket in encompassing relation to the
light-emitting-element array.
33. The method recited in claim 32, wherein the pocket is
dimensioned to further encompass a comforter.
34. The method recited in claim 32, further comprising the step of
positioning a comforter within the pocket beneath the
light-emitting-element array.
35. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of
positioning a translucent bottom layer beneath the
light-emitting-element array, the light-emitting elements adapted
to illuminate upwardly and downwardly.
36. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the steps of
placing an audio emitter in signal communication with the control
element, and programming the control element to activate the audio
emitter to emit sounds commensurate with the predetermined
pattern.
37. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of
further programming the control element to, following an execution
of the predetermined pattern, gradually decrease a number of
light-emitting elements that are illuminated until none is
illuminated.
38. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the steps of
positioning a battery receptacle along a bottom edge of the bed
covering and placing the battery receptacle in signal communication
with the control element.
39. The method recited in claim 21, further comprising the steps of
placing a switch in signal communication with the control element,
the switch adapted to activate and deactivate the control element,
and positioning the switch adjacent a top edge of the bed
covering.
40. The method recited in claim 39, further comprising the steps of
placing an audio emitter in signal communication with the control
element, further programming the control element to activate the
audio emitter to emit sounds commensurate with the predetermined
pattern, and positioning the audio emitter adjacent the switch.
41. A method of enhancing a bedtime experience comprising the steps
of: activating a control element in a bed covering, the bed
covering comprising: a translucent top layer having a pattern
thereon comprising a plurality of decorative elements positioned in
a plurality of sectors; and an array of light-emitting elements
positioned beneath the top layer, the array segregated into sectors
corresponding to at least some of the top-layer sectors; and
viewing a predetermined pattern of an activation of at least some
of the light-emitting elements in at least some of the sectors, the
pattern caused by a programmed control of the control element, the
illuminated light-emitting elements backlighting at least some of
the decorative elements in the top-layer sectors in the
predetermined pattern.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
Ser. No. 60/519,839, filed Nov. 13, 2004, entitled "Programmable
Audio/visual Tapestry Display and Method."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to bedding and, in
particular, to decorative and interactive bedding and methods for
using and making same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Decorative bedding is known wherein scenes are imprinted
thereon. For example, for children, cartoon characters or action
figures may be represented. It is also known to incorporate light
and sound elements into bedding, the light elements positioned atop
the bedding to represent features such as eyes of a creature. It is
further known to affix a light-emitting phosphorescent material to
bedding to display a pattern in the dark for a period of time
following illumination.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide bedding that is decorative,
amusing, and comforting, and includes entertainment elements, the
bedding being activatable and stimulating to the imagination of the
user. It would also be desirable to provide such bedding portions
of which are exchangeable with other bedding portions for
introducing different entertainment elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a bed covering that
comprises a translucent top layer that has a pattern thereon. The
pattern comprises a plurality of decorative elements that are
positioned in a plurality of sectors. An array of light-emitting
elements is positioned beneath the top layer. The array is
segregated into sectors corresponding to at least some of the
top-layer sectors.
[0006] A control element is in signal communication with the
light-emitting elements, and is programmable to activate at least
some of the light-emitting elements within at least some of the
sectors in a predetermined pattern. Such an activation backlights
at least some of the decorative elements in the top-layer sectors
in the predetermined pattern.
[0007] Additional elements of the bed covering may include an audio
emitter for providing sound commensurate with the predetermined
pattern and a light-diffusing element positioned between the top
layer and the light-emitting-element array for providing a more
diffuse illumination of the top layer sectors.
[0008] The features that characterize the invention, both as to
organization and method of operation, together with further objects
and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the
following description used in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing. It is to be expressly understood that the drawing is for
the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the invention. These and other
objects attained, and advantages offered, by the present invention
will become more fully apparent as the description that now follows
is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional schematic illustration of
the bed covering layers of the present invention.
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2P represent alternate embodiments of LED holders
and positions.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the light-emitting-element
array.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side-cross-sectional view of the
light-emitting-element array.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top-side view of an exemplary switch.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the light-diffusing layer
positioned atop the light-emitting-element array.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the light-diffusing
layer positioned atop the light-emitting-element array.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates the means for affixing the
light-diffusing layer to the light-emitting-element array.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a
light-diffusing layer positioned atop the light-emitting-element
array.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a diffusing element of FIG.
9.
[0019] FIGS. 11A and 11B are alternate embodiments of a battery
case.
[0020] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a battery case affixed to the
fabric of the light-emitting-element array.
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a pouch for the battery case.
[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a top layer atop a
light-emitting-element array.
[0023] FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate an exemplary story mode
sequence.
[0024] FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate an exemplary sleep mode
sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] A description of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will now be presented with reference to FIGS. 1-16E.
[0026] The present invention in a particular embodiment is directed
to a bed covering; however, one of skill in the art will recognize
that the structure and method of operation of the invention could
be applied to other embodiments as well, and no limitation is
intended by the use of the descriptor "bed covering."
[0027] In this embodiment, the bed covering 10 comprises a
plurality of layers, as shown in FIG. 1. One layer comprises an
array 11 of light-emitting elements, for example, light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) 12, in circuit connection 13 with a power source and
control element to be described in the following. Preferably each
of the LEDs 12 is positioned in a protective holder 14, which is in
lateral surrounding relation thereto.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, an upper 15 and a lower 16
protective sheet are positioned in surrounding relation to the
light-emitting-element array. The upper protective sheet 15
preferably has an aperture 17 therethrough above each of the
light-emitting elements. Also preferably, the upper 15 and the
lower 16 protective sheets are translucent and substantially
water-impervious, and may comprise, for example, nylon,
particularly rip stop nylon, although this is not intended as a
limitation. The upper 15 and lower 16 protective sheets are
preferably cleanable by wiping down, for example. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the upper 15 and the lower 16 protective sheets
are joined together with an adhesive 18 to form a unitary
light-emitting layer 19. The light-emitting layer 19, owing to its
construction, is flexible and can be rolled up without damaging the
elements.
[0029] A plurality of embodiments of the holder 14 may be
envisioned, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2P. In FIG. 2A, the LED 12
protrudes above the upper sheet 15; in FIG. 2B, the top of the LED
12 is below the upper sheet 15; in FIG. 2C, the LED 12 is encased
in a toroidal holder 20, such as rubber (FIG. 2D), and is
surrounded by a mesh layer 21. FIG. 2E illustrates the joining of
the upper 15 and lower 16 sheets, and the LED holder 20 kept in
place with glue 23. In FIG. 2F the LED 12 is positioned on its
side, with the holder 20 again kept in place with glue 23. A soft
ring 20 is also used in the embodiments of FIGS. 2G-I. In FIG. 2H a
space 24 between the upper 15 and the lower 16 sheets is filled
with soft beads 25. In FIG. 21, adhesive 23 is applied and the
upper 15 and the lower 16 sheets are vacuum-sealed together.
[0030] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2J-2P, all the LEDs 12 are
surrounded by toroidal rubber holders 20, and various methods of
affixing the holders 20 to the lower sheet 16 are illustrated. In
FIG. 2J, a mesh 21 surrounds the holder 20, which is glued to the
lower sheet 16; in FIGS. 2K and 2L, a toadstool-shaped element 26
is affixed to the lower sheet 16, with a ring 27 surrounding the
lower end 28 of the holder 20. The embodiment of FIGS. 2M and 2N
has a plurality of finger-like structures 29 extending inwardly
toward the center of the ring 20, and holes 30 are provided for use
in affixing to the lower sheet 16 using, for example, rubber
buttons sewn through the fabric, as well as an adhesive 23 such as,
for example, epoxy. The embodiments of FIGS. 20 and 2P have
outwardly extending petal-like structures 31 and "feet" 32 that can
be glued 23 over to the lower sheet 16.
[0031] In all embodiments, the LEDs 12 are segregated into sectors
33a-33d (FIG. 3), which are under control of a programmable control
element 34 that is in signal communication with the LEDs 12. The
control element 34 is programmable to activate at least some of the
LEDs 12 within at least some of the sectors 33a-33d in a
predetermined pattern, which will be described further in the
following.
[0032] The control element 34 is under control of an on/off switch
35 (FIG. 5), which preferably is located adjacent a top edge 36 of
the light-emitting layer 19, for ease of reach by the user.
Preferably the switch 35 comprises a soft, raised element, for
example, in the shape of a coil 37, to facilitate the user's
locating it in the dark.
[0033] The bed covering 10 further comprises, in signal
communication with the control element 34, an audio emitter 38. The
control element 34 is further programmable to activate the audio
emitter 38 to emit sounds in a predetermined pattern, as will be
described in the following. Preferably the audio emitter 38 is
positioned adjacent the switch 35.
[0034] The bed covering 10 further comprises a light-diffusing
layer 39 that is positioned above the light-emitting layer 19
(FIGS. 1 and 6). In a particular embodiment, the light-diffusing
layer 39 comprises a batting material 40 atop the LEDs 12, and a
mesh material 41 positioned above the batting material 40. The
effect of the light-diffusing layer 39 is illustrated schematically
in FIGS. 4 and 7, wherein it can be seen that LED light emerging
from the light-emitting layer 19 shines in a narrow cone 42, but
that light 43 emerging from the light-diffusing layer 39 is spread
outward virtually isotropically, including downward. The
light-diffusing layer 39 is affixed to the light-emitting layer 19
via, for example, tabs 44, to form an illumination unit 45.
Alternatively, Velcro-type fasteners may be used (FIG. 8).
[0035] An alternate embodiment of the light-diffusing layer 46 is
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein additional shiny elements 47
are added, such as, but not intended to be limited to, sparkling,
glimmering, or shimmering elements such as glitter, to add to the
effect of the LEDs 12.
[0036] Power for the LEDs 12 and control element 34 is provided by
batteries, such as D batteries 48, housed in a battery receptacle
49 (FIGS. 11A-13). FIGS. 11A and 11B are alternate embodiments of
the battery receptacle 49,49', wherein the connecting wires 50,50'
are shown emerging from ends of the receptacle 49 and from a more
central location of the receptacle 49'. The latter is believed to
represent a preferred embodiment.
[0037] The battery receptacle 49 (FIG. 12) comprises, for example,
a substantially cylindrical base 51 affixed to a mounting plate 51a
that is in turn affixed to a protrusion 52 from the light-emitting
layer 19 by fasteners such as screws 53 or using glue. A removable
door 54 admits the user into the base 51 for changing the batteries
48. The mounting plate 51a may have, for example, ridges in the
surface facing the fabric for improving friction therebetween. The
rounded edges of the base 51 are believed preferable for safety,
thereby avoiding sharp edges or corners.
[0038] The battery receptacle 49 is shielded by a pouch 55 (FIG.
13) that can be, for example, formed by snapping or buttoning 55a
the protrusion 52 over the receptacle 49. This permits the
receptacle 49 to depend downward from the bottom of the bed to
protect it from the user's movements and not to cause discomfort to
the user.
[0039] Surrounding the illumination unit 45 is a pocket 56 formed
by a translucent top layer 57 and a preferably translucent bottom
layer 58, stitched together along three sides, the unstitched edge
59 providing an opening for admitting the illumination unit 45
(FIG. 1).
[0040] The top layer 57 has a pattern thereon that comprises a
plurality of decorative elements 60a-60d that are positioned in a
plurality of sectors 61a-61d (FIG. 14). At least some of the
top-layer sectors 61a-61d correspond to the LED sectors 33a-33d.
When the LEDs in each of the sectors 33a-33d are illuminated, they
backlight at least some of the decorative elements 60a-60d in the
top-layer sectors 61a-61d in the predetermined pattern as
programmed in the control element 34. It has been found that a
preferred fabric for the top layer 57 comprises a material having a
high polyester content, such as 65%, in order to optimize the
glowing effect caused by the illumination unit 45. In addition, the
LEDs 12 also permit a diffuse light to shine downward through the
bottom layer 58, providing a dimly lighted space under the bed
covering 10, akin to a flashlight under the covers, which is
attractive to children.
[0041] Another benefit of the bed covering 10 of the present
invention is that the pocket 56 is removable for washing, and can
also be interchanged with other pockets having substantially the
same physical distribution of sectors 61a-61d, but with different
decorative elements.
[0042] Also provided are means for retaining the illumination unit
45 in substantial registry with the top layer 57, for retaining the
top layer sectors 61a-61d in substantial alignment with the
light-emitting-element array sectors 33a-33d. For example, a
plurality of detachable fixation elements such as Velcro fasteners
63 may be affixed to the illumination unit 45 and the top layer
57.
[0043] The bed covering 10 may also include, or be dimensioned for
holding, a comforter 62, positionable within the pocket 56 beneath
the illumination unit 45 (FIG. 1).
[0044] In use, the bed covering 10 can provide entertainment and a
decorative experience akin to a light and sound show to the user.
As illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15E, a series of illumination patterns
can be effected by the programmable control element 34, wherein,
when the switch 35 is activated (FIG. 15A), LEDs 12 are illuminated
in an outward sequence (FIG. 15B) to reach different sectors
33a-33d at different times. At some point in the sequence, a
maximum number of LEDs 12 may be illuminated (FIG. 15C). The
sequence may then include a reversal of the illumination pattern
(FIG. 15D) until the covering is unilluminated (FIG. 15E).
[0045] The show sequence illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15E can be used
to entertain and stimulate the imagination of a child, for example,
by asking the child to make up a story commensurate with the light
sequence. For example, a spaceship may be illuminated prior to
takeoff, during takeoff, and in space. Alternatively, a superhero
character can be illustrated performing heroic acts in
sequence.
[0046] In another sequence, which may be initiated following the
show sequence, comprises a more muted "sleep sequence" (FIG.
16A-16E). In this exemplary sequence, only a few LEDs 12 are
illuminated, for example, in a pseudorandom pattern that gradually
fades until no LEDs 12 are illuminated.
[0047] The timing of the sequences is obviously a matter of design
choice, and the programmable nature of the control unit 34 permits
virtually limitless options in the sequences provided. That
outlined above is believed to represent a preferred embodiment for
a child prior to falling asleep.
[0048] Another benefit of the bed covering 10 is that it can
provide security to a fearful child, since the switch 35 can be
activated during the night if the child awakens and is afraid.
[0049] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of
the prior art, because such words are used for description purposes
herein and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the
embodiments of the apparatus illustrated and described herein are
by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to
the exact details of construction.
[0050] Having now described the invention, the construction, the
operation and use of preferred embodiments thereof, and the
advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and
useful constructions, and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof
obvious to those skilled in the art, are set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *