U.S. patent application number 12/702405 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for truss-reinforced adjustable bed frame.
Invention is credited to Martin B. Rawls-Meehan.
Application Number | 20100199432 12/702405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42539136 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100199432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rawls-Meehan; Martin B. |
August 12, 2010 |
TRUSS-REINFORCED ADJUSTABLE BED FRAME
Abstract
An adjustable bed assembly includes a mattress platform, center
frame, a head frame, a truss, and actuators for raising and
lowering the head frame. The mattress platform may be made of wood.
The center frame and/or the head frame members may be of tubular
construction. The actuator may be controlled through a programmable
logic controller (PLC). Alternatively, the PLC may execute actuator
control according to user remote control instructions.
Inventors: |
Rawls-Meehan; Martin B.;
(Lexington, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRATEGIC PATENTS P.C..
C/O PORTFOLIOIP, P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
42539136 |
Appl. No.: |
12/702405 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12328728 |
Dec 4, 2008 |
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12702405 |
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61150910 |
Feb 9, 2009 |
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61170187 |
Apr 17, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/617 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/1246 20130101;
A61H 2201/5002 20130101; A61H 2201/5012 20130101; A61H 2201/5046
20130101; A61H 2203/0443 20130101; A47C 19/00 20130101; A61H
2201/0149 20130101; A61H 2201/0146 20130101; A61H 2201/0142
20130101; A61H 2201/5097 20130101; A61H 23/0263 20130101; A61H
2201/0138 20130101; A61H 2201/501 20130101; A61H 2201/5015
20130101; A47C 20/041 20130101; A61H 2201/0134 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/617 |
International
Class: |
A47C 19/00 20060101
A47C019/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable bed frame assembly, comprising: a center frame
comprising two substantially parallel side frame members; a truss
connected to at least one point on the center frame, wherein the
truss comprises two truss members positioned to form an X; and a
head frame comprising two substantially parallel head side frame
members, each having a lower end, connected by at least one
connector frame member, wherein the lower end of each of the head
side frame members are pivotally attached to a forward connector
frame member of the center frame, and wherein a downwardly facing
extension frame member is attached to the at least one connector
frame member of the head frame.
2. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 1, wherein a fastener
secures the truss at a point where the truss members cross.
3. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the truss
is secured to a mattress platform.
4. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 1, further comprising
an actuator for raising and lowering the head frame, wherein one
end of the actuator is pivotally connected to the downwardly facing
extension frame member and an opposing end of the actuator is
connected to a rear connector frame member.
5. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 4, wherein the
actuator is controlled through a programmable logic controller
(PLC).
6. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 5, wherein the PLC
executes actuator control as indicated through receipt of a user
remote control instruction.
7. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 1, further comprising
a mattress platform secured to an upper portion of the center frame
and the head frame.
8. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 7, wherein the
mattress platform is made of wood.
9. The adjustable bed frame assembly of claim 4, wherein the
actuator is made of a tubular construction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/150,910, filed on Feb. 9, 2009, and to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/170,187, filed on Apr. 17,
2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. This application is a continuation-in-part of
commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/328,728 (filed on Dec. 4, 2008), which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This invention relates to an adjustable bed frame, in
particular an adjustable bed frame providing a reinforced truss
structure.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Adjustable beds are available in a number of configurations.
There exists a need for a truss-reinforced frame assembly for
adjustable beds for ease of manufacture and to satisfy end user
customers.
SUMMARY
[0006] In an aspect of the invention, an adjustable bed frame
assembly includes a center frame comprising two substantially
parallel side frame members connected by two substantially parallel
connector frame members, a forward connector frame member and a
rear connector frame member, wherein the two connector frame
members are located within approximately a center one-third of the
length of the side frame members. The adjustable bed frame assembly
also includes a base frame that includes a plurality of legs for
mounting on a floor being rigidly affixed to the center frame such
that the center frame does not move with respect to the base frame.
The adjustable bed frame assembly further includes a head frame
that comprises two substantially parallel head side frame members
connected by at least one connector frame member, wherein two lower
ends of the head frame's parallel side frame members are pivotally
attached to the forward connector frame member of the center frame;
in addition, a downwardly facing extension frame member is attached
to the at least one connector frame member of the head frame. The
adjustable bed frame assembly also includes an actuator for raising
and lowering the head frame, wherein one end of the actuator is
pivotally connected to the head frame's extension frame member and
an opposing end of the actuator is connected to the rear connector
frame member. The adjustable bed frame assembly also includes a
mattress platform affixed to a top side of the head frame to
provide support to a head portion of a mattress.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, an adjustable bed frame
assembly includes a center frame comprising two substantially
parallel side frame members connected by two substantially parallel
connector frame members, a forward connector frame member and a
rear connector frame member, wherein the two connector frame
members are located within approximately a center one-third of the
length of the side frame members, and wherein a base frame that
includes a plurality of legs for mounting on a floor is rigidly
affixed to the center frame such that the center frame does not
move with respect to the base frame. The adjustable bed frame
assembly further includes a head frame that comprises two
substantially parallel head side frame members connected by at
least one connector frame member, wherein two lower ends of the
head frame's parallel head side frame members are pivotally
attached to the forward connector frame member of the center frame;
in addition, a downwardly facing extension frame member is attached
to the at least one connector frame member of the head frame. The
adjustable bed frame assembly also includes an actuator for raising
and lowering the head frame, wherein one end of the actuator is
pivotally connected to the head frame's extension frame member and
an opposing end of the actuator is connected to the rear connector
frame member. The adjustable bed frame assembly also includes a
mattress platform affixed to a top side of the head frame to
provide support to a head portion of a mattress.
[0008] In the aspect, the actuator is controlled through a
programmable logic controller. Alternatively in the aspect, a PLC
executes actuator control as indicated through receipt of a user
remote control instruction. Alternatively in the aspect the
mattress platform is made of wood. In the aspect, the center frame
members or the head frame members are made of a tubular
construction.
[0009] In an aspect of the invention, an adjustable bed frame
assembly may include a center frame comprising two substantially
parallel side frame members, a truss connected to at least one
point on the center frame, wherein the truss comprises two truss
members positioned to form an X, and a head frame comprising two
substantially parallel head side frame members connected by at
least one connector frame member, wherein the two lower ends of the
head frame's parallel side frame members are pivotally attached to
the forward connector frame member of the center frame, and wherein
a downwardly facing extension frame member is attached to the at
least one connector frame member of the head frame. The truss may
be X-shaped. A fastener may secure the truss at the point where the
truss members cross. The truss may be secured to a mattress
platform of the assembly. The assembly may further comprise an
actuator for raising and lowering the head frame, wherein one end
of the actuator is pivotally connected to the head frame's
extension frame member and an opposing end of the actuator is
connected to the rear connector frame member. The actuator may be
controlled through a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC
may execute actuator control as indicated through receipt of a user
remote control instruction. The actuator may be made of a tubular
construction. The assembly may further comprise a mattress platform
secured to the upper portion of the center frame and head frame for
supporting a mattress. The mattress platform may be made of
wood.
[0010] These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment and the drawings. All documents mentioned
herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0011] The systems and methods described herein may be understood
by reference to the following figures:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an adjustable bed facility
and associated components.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of two methods of maintaining
user memory for storing user preferred adjustable bed
positions.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a remote control used to
command the adjustable bed facility.
[0015] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of the shipping of a mattress
retainer bracket in the upside down position.
[0016] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of the shipping of a mattress
retainer bracket in the upright position.
[0017] FIG. 5A shows a top view of a vibration motor within an
opening of an adjustable bed facility section lateral surface.
[0018] FIG. 5B shows a side view of a vibration motor within an
opening of an adjustable bed facility lateral surface.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a typical hospital adjustable bed.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows one use of actuators connected to the bed frame
and the adjustable sections.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows more than one actuator for each adjustable bed
section, in this case there are two actuators for each adjustable
section.
[0022] FIG. 9 shows an adjustable bed using slats instead of wood
decking for the foundation of the adjustable sections.
[0023] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show an adjustable bed facility
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 shows operation of an adjustable bed facility
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 shows a hinge joint between the frames/sections of
an adjustable bed facility.
[0026] FIG. 13A shows a gusset from an angled view in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13B shows a gusset from a side view in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 shows mounting of a control box, a receiver, and a
power supply on an adjustable bed facility according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 shows an adjustable bed frame perspective assembly
view.
[0030] FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E show various views of an
adjustable bed incorporating frame concepts from the frame of FIG.
15.
[0031] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, and 17F show various views of
an adjustable bed incorporating frame concepts from the frame of
FIG. 15 with separated mattress support panels.
[0032] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and 18F show the bed of FIGS.
17A-F in a horizontal position.
[0033] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E, and 19F show the bed of FIGS.
17A-F with skirt panels.
[0034] FIG. 20 shows a detail of a drive bracket assembly.
[0035] FIG. 21 shows various rotated positions of the drive bracket
assembly of FIG. 20.
[0036] FIG. 22 shows an alternate embodiment of an adjustable bed
frame that incorporates many elements from FIGS. 15-21.
[0037] FIG. 23A depicts the adjustable bed facility supporting a
weight on the head board and FIG. 23B depicts the adjustable bed
facility supporting a weight on the head board and bed deck.
[0038] FIG. 24 depicts the truss structure of the adjustable bed
facility.
[0039] FIG. 25 depicts the steel skeleton of the adjustable bed
facility.
[0040] FIG. 26 depicts an alternate view of the steel skeleton of
the adjustable bed facility.
[0041] FIG. 27A depicts a covered adjustable bed facility in the
fully extended position. FIG. 27B depicts a covered adjustable bed
facility in the head board lifted position.
[0042] FIG. 28 depicts a covered adjustable bed facility in the
head board lifted position.
[0043] FIG. 29 depicts a view of the truss down the length of the
adjustable bed frame.
[0044] FIG. 30 depicts a view of the truss down the width of the
adjustable bed frame.
[0045] FIG. 31 depicts a view of the truss down the width of the
adjustable bed frame.
[0046] FIG. 32A, FIG. 32B, and FIG. 32C depict different structural
views of the adjustable bed facility in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 32D and FIG. 32E depict the different structural views
of the truss of the adjustable bed facility in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 32F depicts a side view of the adjustable bed facility
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 32G depicts a top view of the adjustable bed facility
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 33 depicts a motor connection.
[0051] FIG. 34 depicts the connections to a head board of the bed
assembly.
[0052] FIG. 35A depicts a side view of the bed with the support
tube.
[0053] FIG. 35B depicts an underside view of the bed with the
support tube.
[0054] FIG. 35C depicts a top view of the bed with the support
tube.
[0055] FIG. 36 depicts an exploded view of the bed with support
tube.
[0056] FIG. 37 depicts an underside view of the bed assembly with
support tube.
[0057] FIG. 38A depicts a side view of the support tube.
[0058] FIG. 38B depicts a top view of the support tube.
[0059] FIG. 38C depicts an alternate view of the support tube.
[0060] FIG. 39 depicts an underside view of the bed assembly with
support tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] In the following description, terms such as `adjustable
mattress`, `adjustable bed`, `adjustable bed facility`, `adjustable
bed apparatus`, and the like are used interchangeably to refer
generally to an apparatus including a sleeping or resting surface
with one or more adjustable or moveable sub-surfaces that can be
positioned for user comfort and/or convenience, unless a specific
meaning is explicitly provided or otherwise clear from the
context
[0062] As users spend more and more time in adjustable beds they
may desire to have a level of independence by controlling devices
that may be in the room from the adjustable bed. The devices and
facilities that users may wish to control may include audio
equipment, video equipment, lamps, air purification facilities,
power outlets, and the like. It may be desirable for the user to
control these devices and facilities from the adjustable bed
without having to leave the bed or ask for aid from someone else.
For example, the user may be confined to the bed and may want the
simple ability to control the lights around the adjustable bed.
[0063] In an embodiment, an adjustable bed may not be the only rest
facility to benefit from position and additional function control.
Users may also use beds, adjustable beds, adjustable chairs,
adjustable couches, and the like to provide comfortable positions
when the user may have limited mobility. For example, a user that
has had hip replacement surgery may not be confined to bed but may
require a chair or couch to be adjustable to provide a comfortable
sitting position while providing control of other devices within
the room to limit the number of times the user must get up and
adjust the devices. In an embodiment, while recovering from a
surgery, an injury, an illness, or the like, the user may use more
than one type of rest facility. The user may require confinement to
an adjustable bed for a time and then, with health improvement, be
able to move to either an adjustable chair or adjustable couch.
[0064] Aspects of the invention may be described as an adjustable
bed, but it may be understood that the same aspects may be applied
to other rest facilities that may include a bed, a couch, a chair,
or the like. Such rest facilities may be in a home, a car, a
recreational vehicle, a cruise ship, an airline, a train, or
anywhere that a user required them, and they may be fixed or
mobile.
[0065] One aspect of this invention may be to provide the
adjustable bed with more than one power option to move the
adjustable bed sections. The adjustable bed may use electric motors
with gearboxes, pneumatic springs, hydraulic springs, or the like
to actuate the adjustable bed sections. There may be both pricing
and durability reasons to have the different actuation types.
[0066] Another aspect of this invention may be to provide the
ability to provide additional functionality to the adjustable bed
by using modular controls that may be able to communicate with the
user's interface control. The modular controls may be designed to
control a number of additional devices and facilities that may
include audio devices, video devices, lamps, air purification
facilities, power outlets, and the like.
[0067] Another aspect of the adjustable bed may be to provide a
support structure to support the bed materials (e.g. mattress),
motors, actuators, hinges between bed sections, and the like. The
support structure may be a frame structure to provide the support
yet remain lightweight.
[0068] Another aspect may be the use of replaceable memory to
maintain the bed memory and software applications. The replaceable
memory may allow user specific information to be moved from one
adjustable bed to another adjustable bed. This may be useful in
care facilities where a user may move from one bed to another bed
during the stay in the care facility. If the user has saved a
preferred positioning of the adjustable bed, when the user moves to
another bed, the preferred positioning settings may be moved to the
other bed with the user.
[0069] Another aspect of the adjustable bed may be to provide
safety features that may control the retraction of the adjustable
bed sections to reduce the risk of crushing an object that may be
under the adjustable bed.
[0070] Now referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of the various
components of the adjustable bed facility 102 is shown. In an
embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 may be made up of a
number of devices and facilities that may include actuators 104,
springs 108, mattresses 110, a sub-frame 112, a skeleton structure
114, vibration motors 118, supports 120, safety brackets 122, an
electronic facility 124, an air purification facility 144, a remote
148, a memory facility 150, a memory connection 160, a network
connection 162, and the like. In an embodiment, the electronic
facility 124 may include a wire harness 128, a receiver 130,
modular controls 132, a control box 134, power outlets 138, a power
connection 142, and the like. In an embodiment, the memory facility
150 may include a receiver learn facility 152, bed memory 154, a
backup battery 158, and the like. In an embodiment, the receiver
learn facility 152, bed memory 154, and backup battery 158 may not
be part of the memory facility 150, but may be combined into other
facilities or devices, be stand-alone devices, or the like.
[0071] In an embodiment, the physical aspects of the adjustable bed
facility 102 that provide support for the user may include the
actuators 104, springs 108, mattresses 110, a sub-frame 112, a
skeleton structure 114, vibration motors 118, supports 120, and
safety brackets 122.
[0072] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may provide the
central structure that the other physical aspects may interact
with. In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may provide
direct support to the mattress 110, springs 108, and the like. In
an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be a lightweight
frame structure that may provide both the strength and rigidity
required to properly support the mattress 110 and springs 108. In
embodiments, the skeleton structure 114 may use materials that
include metal, plastic, wood, or the like; the materials may be
used individually or in combination.
[0073] In an embodiment, springs 108 may be used with a mattress
110, instead of a mattress 110, or the like. In an embodiment, the
springs may be a standard bed spring system (e.g. coils within a
wire framework), individual coil springs, individual foam springs,
air springs, or the like. In an embodiment, the individual springs
(e.g. coil, foam, or air) may be used to provide variable firmness
to provide comfort to the user. For example, the springs 108 may be
less firm or firmer in a local area to provide the user with the
support that may be required for a body location that is
experiencing discomfort (e.g. a hip, shoulder, back, neck). Springs
that may have local firmnesses will be described in more detail
below.
[0074] In an embodiment, the mattress 110 may include foam,
feathers, springs 108, material, or the like. In an embodiment, the
different materials may be used individually or in combination. The
mattress may be intended to provide the user with a firmness that
provides for the comfort requirements of the user.
[0075] In an embodiment, the mattress 110 may be an air mattress
110. In an embodiment, the air mattress 110 may be constructed
using a single chamber, a plurality of chambers, a plurality of
individual chambers, a combination of chamber shapes, or the like.
In an embodiment, the air mattress 110 may be inflated to various
pressures that may provide the user with the desired comfort level.
In an embodiment, there may be separate air mattresses 110 for each
of the adjustable bed facility 102 sections. For example, there may
be separate air mattresses 110 for the head, torso, and foot
sections of the adjustable bed facility 102. In an embodiment, the
inflation pressure of the individual air mattresses 110 may be
different from each other depending on user settings.
[0076] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 sections
may each contain individual air mattresses 110. For example, the
head, torso, and foot sections may each have individual air
mattresses that may be individually controlled for air pressures
and therefore firmness. In an embodiment, the user may be able to
control the firmness of the individual air mattresses 110 using a
remote 148. In an embodiment, the remote 148 may have indicators
for each of the firmness adjustable air mattresses 110. For
example, the remote 148 may have keys for increasing or decreasing
the pressures of the individual air mattresses 148. Using the
remote 148, the user may be able to adjust the firmness of the
adjustable bed facility sections.
[0077] In an embodiment, the air mattress 110 may use a common air
supply source facility as an air actuator 104. In an embodiment, a
control box 134 may control both the air mattress 110 and air
actuator 104. The control box 134 may provide controlling commands
to both the air mattress 110 and air actuators.
[0078] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may have
structural members that support the mattress 110 and springs 108
and may also provide support and connections for the actuators 104,
sub-frame 112, supports 120, vibrator motors 118, safety bracket
122, and the like. In an embodiment, the structural members may be
positioned on the peripheral edges of the mattress 110 and springs
108 to provide overall support and rigidity to the mattress 110 and
springs 108 and may form the base of the individual adjustable bed
facility 102 sections. Additionally, there may other structural
members as support, cross pieces, or the like that may provide
additional support to the mattress 110 and springs 108 as may be
required. A person knowledgeable in the art may understand that the
frame structure may have many different construction configurations
to provide support and rigidity to the mattress 110 and springs
108.
[0079] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may include
more than one section/frame. The sections/frames may be fixed or
may be adjustable or movable. Further, the sections/frames may be
assembled together to form the skeleton structure 114 in such a way
that the sections/frames may be able to move relative to each other
to provide the various bed positions required by the user. To
achieve this, the sections/frames may be connected together using
hinges or like devices that allow a freedom of motion between
them.
[0080] In one embodiment, one frame/section may remain fixed and
may act as the foundation for the other movable frames/sections.
For example, in an arrangement as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the
skeleton structure 114 may have a fixed center frame 1002 and
adjustable frames for the head 1004, foot 1008, and leg 1010. In
this arrangement, the adjustable head frame 1004 and the adjustable
leg frame 1010 may be pivotally attached to the center frame 1002.
The pivot attachments may enable rotational movement of the head
frame 1004 and the leg frame 1010 with respect to the fixed center
frame 1002. In a scenario, because of this rotational movement, the
head frame 1004 may be raised with the help of the actuators 104 to
raise the upper portion of a patient body during meals. Further,
the head frame 1004 may be lowered to the normal level after the
patient has had his/her meal. In a similar fashion, a person lying
on the adjustable bed 102 may raise or lower the head frame 1004
and/or the foot frame 1008 to his/her convenience. FIG. 10C shows
an example top view of one embodiment.
[0081] In another embodiment, any or none of the frames/sections
may be a fixed foundation section in the adjustable bed facility
102. In embodiments, there may be more than one adjustable bed
facility 102 configuration depending on the requirements of a user,
cost requirements, medical needs, or the like. For example, there
may be a configuration where only the head section is adjustable to
provide the user with the ability to have an elevated upper body
position. This configuration may be a single purpose bed but may
also provide the user with a less expensive adjustable bed facility
102 that meets the user's needs. One skilled in the art may
understand that there may be many different adjustable bed facility
configurations containing fixed and moveable sections.
[0082] In embodiments, there may be different combinations of
movable and fixed sections with one or all of the sections being
movable. In an embodiment, the sections may include the skeleton
structure 114, mattress 110, springs 108, and the like and may
individually be small mattress structures of the entire adjustable
bed facility 102 mattress.
[0083] In embodiments, the frames may be made of square tubular
steel bars/pipes or any other material capable of providing
required strength to the frames. In preferred embodiments, each
frame may include two substantially parallel side frame members
connected by one or more connector frame members. In order to
connect the parallel side frame members, various joining methods
such as welding, brazing, riveting, fastening with nuts, and the
like can be used. For example, the center frame 1002 may include
two substantially parallel side frame members 1012 connected by two
substantially parallel connector frame members 1014 and 1018. The
two connector frame members 1014 and 1018 may be located within
approximately a center one-third of the length of the side frame
members 1012. Once the frame members have been connected to each
other using any one of the joining methods as discussed above, the
center frame 1002 may take a substantially square or rectangular
shape. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the frames
may have various other shapes and designs to perform the same
functionality and without deviating from the scope of the
invention.
[0084] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114, as part of
each adjustable bed facility 102 frame/section, may also provide
support and connection members for the components that may be used
to move the various adjustable bed facility 102 sections. There may
be skeleton structure 114 members that provide connection support
to the actuators 104, supports 120, safety brackets 122, vibration
motors 118, and the like. These support and connection members may
have any shape or configuration required to provide the support and
connections needed by the various other components. For example, in
addition to the skeleton structure 114 that is used to provide
support to the mattress 110 and springs 108 there may be at least
one cross member that may provide a connection to the actuator 104
and safety bracket 122.
[0085] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 and the
sub-frame 112 may interface with each other; the sub-frame 112 may
provide structural support and a rigid foundation base to the
skeleton structure 114. In an arrangement of this embodiment, only
one frame of the skeleton structure 114 may be attached with the
sub-frame 112. For example, the center frame 1002 may be rigidly
attached to the sub frame 112 in such a manner that the center
frame 1002 may not move with respect to the sub frame 112. The
sub-frame 112 may provide a base to solidly connect the center
frame 1002 to provide a fixed non-moving section. The other
moveable frames such as the head frame 1004 and the foot frame 1008
may be moveably connected to the fixed center frame 1002 and
additionally supported by the sub-frame 112 using a moveable
interface connection.
[0086] In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may be the rigid
structure that is in contact to the floor and may provide a base
for any fixed adjustable bed facility 102 sections and an interface
for any movable adjustable bed facility 102 sections. In an
embodiment, the sub-frame 112 legs may be connected to the
sub-frame 112 using a threaded stud into threads of the sub-frame
112. In an embodiment, to prevent the threaded stud from pulling
out of the legs during tightening, the head of the threaded stud
may be fixed between two or more layers of leg material. This
construction may trap the threaded stud head to prevent it from
moving away from the end of the leg and may also prevent the
threaded stud head from being pulled through the end of the leg
during the tightening of the leg to the sub-frame. In addition, the
two or more layers of leg material may provide for added strength
to the sub-frame 112 legs to prevent distortion at the sub-frame
112 and leg interface.
[0087] In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may have structural
members that may run along the length of the adjustable bed
facility 102, run along the width of the adjustable bed facility
102, run diagonally across the adjustable bed facility 102, or
other orientation in relation to the adjustable bed facility 102
that may be required for support or connection to components.
[0088] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be used as
an RF antenna for receiving communication from the remote 148. In
embodiment, the entire skeleton structure 114 may be used as an
antenna; a portion of the skeleton structure 114 may be used as an
antenna, or the like.
[0089] In one embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may provide solid
connections for any fixed section and skeleton structure 114 by
rigidly connecting the skeleton structure 114 directly to the
sub-frame 112. In this manner, any fixed section and skeleton
structure 114 may be rigidly connected to the sub-frame 112, and
through the sub-frame 112, rigidly connected to the floor.
[0090] In another embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may provide an
interface for the fixed adjustable bed facility 102 section and
skeleton structure 114 where the fixed section may be able to move
or slide in relation to the sub-frame 112. By providing a non-rigid
interface connection between the sub-frame 112 and the skeleton
structure 114, the fixed adjustable bed facility 102 section may
have a freedom of motion but still may be supported by the
sub-frame in a solid foundation manner. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11, the center frame 1002 may have wheels 1102 that run in a
track 1104 and may be able to move horizontally during the motion
of one or more of the movable frames. The track 1104 may be in form
of a groove, a "C" channel, or the like. In an embodiment, the
horizontal freedom of motion may provide for a "wall hugger"
feature where, as the head frame 1004 is adjusted up, the center
frame 1002 may move, along with the head frame 1004, horizontally
backward and towards an adjacent wall to maintain a fixed distance
between the head frame 1004 and the wall, therefore "hugging" the
wall. Similarly, when the head frame 1004 is adjusted down, the
center frame 1002 may move horizontally forward and away from the
wall to maintain the fixed distance. It may be understood by one
skilled in the art that the moveable interface between the skeleton
structure 114 and sub-frame 112 may be any type of interface, such
as a rack and a pinion arrangement that may allow freedom of motion
between the sub-frame 112 and skeleton structure 114.
[0091] In an embodiment, any adjustable section/frame may have two
connections, a first connection may be provided by a hinge type
connection and a second connection may be the connection with the
actuator 104 and safety bracket 122 that may provide the force to
rotate the adjustable bed facility 102 section up or down. In an
embodiment, the hinge type connection between the skeleton
structure 114 of a first section and a second section may provide
the point of rotation for the section motion. In an embodiment, the
adjustable bed facility 102 may contain more than one section and
any or all of the sections may be connected by a hinge type
connection. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the head frame 1004
may be connected to the center frame 1002 by two hinge joints.
Here, the parallel side frame members of the head frame 1004 may be
pivotally connected to a forward connector frame member 1014 of the
center frame 1002. The hinged joints between each of the parallel
side frame members of the head frame 1004 and the forward connector
frame member 1014 may enable the rotational motion between the
center frame 1002 and the head frame 1004. In an arrangement of
this embodiment, the hinge joints may be reinforced by providing a
"U" shaped end bracket 1202 at the end of the parallel side frame
members. The "U" shaped end bracket 1202 may be of any thickness
that increases the strength of the hinge joint to prevent bending.
The thickness of the "U" shaped end bracket 1202 may be determined
by the amount of force and torque that may need to be resisted
during the movement
[0092] With the adjustable bed facility 102 sections interconnected
using hinge type connections there may be at least one actuator 104
that may provide a connection between a fixed adjustable bed
facility 102 section and a moveable section. In an embodiment, the
hinge connection between the adjustable bed facility 102 sections
may be a pivot point bracket that may include additional
strengthening to resist bending forces. In an embodiment, the
actuation 104 connection may be between two of the skeleton
structures 114. For example, a first end of the actuator 104 may be
connected to a rear connector frame member 1018 of the center frame
1002 and a second end of the actuator 104 may be connected to the
frame that is to be moved (e.g. head frame 1004, leg frame 1010, or
foot frame 1008). In an arrangement, as shown in FIG. 13A, a
downwardly facing extension frame member/a gusset 1302 may be
attached to the head frame 1004 or any other frame to be moved.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the actuator 104 may be connected to
the head frame 1004 to be moved using the downwardly facing
extension frame member.
[0093] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13B, there may be the
gusset 1302 for connection between the actuator 104 and the
adjustable bed facility 102 section/frame. In embodiments, the
gusset 1302 may be an I beam, a T beam, an L beam, a box beam, or
any other beam design that may provide the strength to lift the
combined weight of the adjustable bed facility 102 section and the
user without bending. In an embodiment, to resist bending forces at
the connections to the actuator 104 and the adjustable bed facility
102 section, the ends of the gusset may be reinforced. In
embodiments, the reinforcement may be an additional bracket added
to the ends of the gusset, such as a U bracket or other bracket
shape, to provide for increased material thickness and strength of
the gusset ends. The thickness of the additional bracket may be
determined by the amount of force and torque that may need to be
resisted during the adjustable bed facility 102 section
movement.
[0094] In an embodiment, the actuator 104 may use electric motors
and mechanical gears, pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure,
pneumatic spring, air spring, hydraulic spring or the like to
provide the force to extend and retract the actuator 104. The
action of extending and retracting the actuator 104 may move the
various movable bed sections up or down. By the actuator 104
pushing against the section, the section may rotate upward around
the pivot point provided by the hinge type connection. In the same
manner, by the actuator 104 pulling against the section, the
section may rotate downward around the pivot point provided by the
hinge type connection. In an embodiment, there may be at least one
actuator 114 for every moveable adjustable bed facility 102
section.
[0095] In an embodiment, the combination of actuator 114, safety
bracket 122, and supports 120 may provide a safety feature to
prevent an object that may be under the adjustable bed facility 102
from being damaged, impinged, crushed, or the like during the
decent of the adjustable bed facility 102 section. During the
downward motion of one adjustable bed facility 102 sections, the
section may come in contact with an object that is under the
adjustable bed facility 102. If the actuator 104 is allowed to
continue to pull the section in the downward direction, the object
may be crushed under the force the actuator 104 may apply. In an
embodiment, the safety bracket 122 may have a slot that may provide
time to determine that there is an object under the section that is
moving downward.
[0096] In an embodiment, the slot may have a first side that is on
the opposite side of the slot from the actuator 104 and a second
side that is on the same side as the actuator 104. In an
embodiment, the slot that is between the first side and the second
side may be of any length. In an embodiment, the actuator may push
against the first side to move the adjustable bed facility 102
section in an upward direction. In an embodiment, during the
downward motion of the section, the actuator 104 may move at the
same speed as the adjustable bed facility 102 section and therefore
the actuator connection to the safety bracket 122 may remain within
the safety bracket 122 slot without contacting either the first or
second sides of the slot. In an embodiment, the section may move in
the downward direction under the weight of the section without the
actuator 104 pulling on the second side of the safety bracket
122.
[0097] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 section
downward speed may be further controlled by supports 120 that may
provide resistance to the section motion to control the rate of
decent. In an embodiment, the support 120 may be a pressurized
device using pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or the like to
provide a resistive force to slow the decent of the adjustable bed
facility 102 section. In an embodiment, the supports may provide
enough resistance to control the rate of decent of the section as
the actuator 104 is retracted.
[0098] In an embodiment, as the actuator 104 retracts, the
adjustable bed facility 102 section, with the aid of the support
120, may descend at the same rate as the as the actuator 104 is
retracting. By matching the rates of the actuator 104 retraction
and the adjustable bed facility 102 section descending, the
actuator 104 connection within the safety bracket 122 slot may
remain within the slot area and not contact either the first or
second side of the slot. In an embodiment, as the section descends,
if an object is encountered, the adjustable bed facility 102
section may stop its decent and the actuator 104 connection will
move within the safety bracket 122 slot without pulling the section
downward. In an embodiment, the amount of time that the actuator
104 connection is moving within the safety bracket 122 slot while
the adjustable bed facility 102 section is stopped may provide time
to the user to realize that an object has been contacted and to
stop the downward motion of the section.
[0099] In an embodiment, an additional safety feature may be the
addition of a shut off sensor, shut off switch, or the like on the
first side of the safety bracket 122 slot to stop the retraction of
the actuator 104 if the actuator 104 connection comes in contact
with the first side of the slot. In this manner, if the actuator
104 connection with the safety bracket 122 slot reaches the first
side of the slot, the actuator 104 retraction may be stopped and
the adjustable bed facility 102 section will not be forcibly pulled
down into the object that may be under the section. In an
embodiment, there may be an indication to the user that the
actuator 104 connection has come in contact with the first side of
the slot and the adjustable bed facility 102 sections downward
motion has been stopped. In an embodiment, the indication may be an
audio indication, a visual indication, a motion indication (e.g.
vibration), or the like to indicate to the user that the motion has
been stopped and there may be an obstruction with the adjustable
bed facility 102 section.
[0100] In an embodiment, there may be at least one vibration motor
118 that may provide vibration and massage functions to the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections and mattresses 110. In an
embodiment, there may be vibration motors 118 associated with any
of the adjustable bed facility 102 sections. In an embodiment there
may be more than one vibration motor 118 for each adjustable bed
facility 102 section that may have vibration motors 118. In an
embodiment, using the remote 148, the user may be able to control
the vibration mode of the various vibration motors 118; the mode
may include the vibration setting for a particular bed section, the
vibration frequency of at least one of the vibration motors,
stopping the vibration of at least one of the vibration motors, or
the like. In an embodiment, the vibration motors 118 may be
operated independently or in combination. In an embodiment, the
user may select a vibration mode on the remote 148 and the control
box 134 may use a software application to control the various
vibration motors 118 to the user's request.
[0101] In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be an
electric/mechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device,
or the like. The mechanical device may use an electric motor to
rotate an offset mass to create a vibration; the vibration motor
may be controlled for vibration frequency and amplitude by the
speed of rotation of the electric motor. Referring to FIG. 5A and
FIG. 5B, an embodiment of a vibration motor 118 is shown within an
opening of a adjustable bed facility 102 support lateral surface
508. The adjustable bed facility 102 section may have a lateral
surface 508 and the lateral surface 508 may include an opening in
which the vibration motor 118 may be located; the vibration motor
118 may fit within the opening such that the vibration motor 118
may not contact the lateral surface 508.
[0102] In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be secured to
the adjustable bed facility 102 section using at least one bracket
504. In an embodiment, when more than one bracket 504 is used, at
least one of the brackets 504 may be separable and removable. In an
embodiment, the at least one bracket 504 may be shaped to secure
the vibration motor 118 within the section opening such as a
straight bracket, a U shaped bracket, an L shaped bracket, or the
like; in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B the bracket 504 is shown as a straight
bracket 504. In an embodiment, the removal of one of the brackets
504 may facilitate securing the vibration motor 118 to the bed
section, facilitating the servicing of the vibration motor 118, or
the like. The bracket 504 may be positioned such that at least one
portion of the bracket 504 is within the opening of the lateral
surface 508 and may also be positioned such that the bracket 504
may overlap the vibration motor 118 flange. The bracket 504 may
provide support to the vibration motor 118 flange along a majority
of the perimeter of the mattress support opening. The bracket 504
may be coupled to the mattress support 508 using a removable
coupling. Removing the bracket 504 may facilitate removing and
servicing the vibration motor 118. The vibration motor 118 flange
may extend beyond the perimeter of the opening of the mattress
support 508 and the resilient material 502 may provide positional
support for the motor so that the flange may impart vibration to
the mattress without contacting the mattress support. The resilient
material 502 may provide mechanical insulation between the flange
and the perimeter of the opening in the mattress support 508. The
resilient material 502 disposed between the flange and the lateral
support 508 surface of the bracket 504 may further provide
positional support for the vibration motor 118 housing.
[0103] The bracket 504 may be constructed using material such as
plastic, metal, or the like, and may be constructed using the
materials individually or in combination. In an embodiment, there
may be a resilient material 502 associated with the brackets 504,
the resilient material may provide for dampening the vibration
between the vibration motor 118 and the adjustable bed facility
102, may contact the vibration motor 118 to secure the vibration
motor 118 to the bed section, may provide for dampening of
vibration to the adjustable bed facility 102 and hold the vibration
motor 118 in place, or the like. The resilient material 502 may
include latex foam, polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam,
polyethylene foam, or the like and may be used individually or in
combination.
[0104] In an embodiment, either of the pneumatic or hydraulic
devices may act as a vibration motor 118 increasing and decreasing
the pressure within a cylinder, bladder, or the like at certain
frequencies to provide the vibration required by the user. In an
embodiment, a device to provide the pressure frequency may be part
of the vibration motor 118, a separate device from the vibration
motor 118, or the like.
[0105] In an embodiment, the vibration facility 118 may be
connected to the skeleton structure 114, the mattress 110, the
lateral surface 508, or the like where the vibration may be
imparted into the adjustable bed facility 102 mattress 110 as
desired by the user. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118
flange may provide surface area that may impart a vibration into
the mattress 110. In another embodiment, the vibration motor 118
may be in proximity to a vibration distribution facility (not
shown) that may aid in the propagation of vibration energy to the
adjustable bed facility 102 section. In an embodiment, the
vibration motor 118 may be operatively connected to the vibration
distribution facility, may be in contact with the vibration
distribution facility, may not be in contact with the vibration
distribution facility, or the like. The vibration distribution
facility may be constructed using materials such as plastic,
rubber, metal, or the like and may be constructed using these
materials individually or in combination. In an embodiment, the
vibration distribution facility may provide for a more uniform
distribution of the vibration characteristics of the vibration
motor 118 and may have a size and shape relative to the size and
shape of the adjustable bed facility 102 section.
[0106] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the adjustable
bed facility 102 may have an electronic facility 124 that may
contain components that provide control of the physical aspects of
the adjustable bed facility 102 (e.g. actuator, vibration motors),
interface with the remote 148, interface with networks, interface
with bed memory 154, control electronic devices of the adjustable
bed facility 102, and the like.
[0107] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may coordinate the
electronic requirements of the electronic facility 124. In an
embodiment, the control box 134 may interface with the receiver
130, remote 148, air purification facility 144, power outlets,
power connection 142, power supply 140, modular controls 132, wire
harness 128, and the like. In an embodiment, the control box 134,
receiver 130, and power supply 140 may be mounted directly to the
skeleton structure 114. The control box 134, receiver 130 and the
power supply 140 may be mounted on the center frame 1002.
[0108] Referring now to FIG. 14, in order to provide a proper
mounting space to the control box 134, the receiver 130, and the
power supply 140, an additional frame member 1402 may be added. The
additional frame member 1402 may be made of a tubular construction.
The additional frame member 1402 is designed in such a manner that
it can bear the load of the components mounted on it.
[0109] In another embodiment, the control box 134, the receiver
130, and the power supply 140 may be mounted on any other frame
member of the center frame 1002.
[0110] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may receive its
command request from the user requesting adjustable bed facility
102 functions using the remote 148. In an embodiment, the remote
may communicate to the receiver 130 and the receiver may transmit
the received user command request to the control box 134. In an
embodiment, the receiver 130 and control box 134 may be individual
devices or a combined device.
[0111] In an embodiment, the remote 148 and receiver 130 may have
wired or wireless communication. In an embodiment, the wireless
communication may be by radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),
Bluetooth, or the like. In an embodiment, the receiver 130 may
receive the user commands from the remote 130 and transmit the same
command to the control box 134; the receiver may not provide any
interpretation of the remote 148 commands. In an embodiment, the
remote 148 and receiver 130 may be communication matched by the use
of a code key. The code key may be any indicator that may be
interpreted by the remote 148 and receiver 130 that commands may be
received and executed between the remote 148 and receiver 130. In
embodiments, the code key may be a number, a word, a serial number,
a bed identification, a remote identification, a user
identification, or any other identification known to both the
remote 148 and receiver 130, all an indication that communications
should be received. The code key may be transmitted as the
beginning of the communication, the end of the communication, as
part of the communication or the like.
[0112] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be used as
an RF antenna for receiving communication from the remote 148 to
the receiver 130. In embodiment, the entire skeleton structure 114
may be used as an antenna; a portion of the skeleton structure 114
may be used as an antenna, or the like.
[0113] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may also control the
functions of the adjustable bed facility 102 using a wireless
technology in place of, or in coordination with, the wire harness
128. In an embodiment, the wireless technology may include
Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless USB (WUSB), IEEE 802.11,
cellular, or the like. The various controlled functions (e.g.
actuators 104 or external devices) may be able to communicate using
the wireless technology, may use an intermediate wireless receiver,
or the like to communicate with the control box 134.
[0114] In an embodiment, the control box 134 wireless communication
may use a wireless network protocol that may include peer-to-peer
communication, master/slave communication, as a hub, as a server,
or the like. In an embodiment, the wireless communication may be
used to control more than one adjustable bed facility. For example,
the user may be able to control his/her adjustable bed facility and
may additionally be able to control another adjustable bed that may
be within the range of the communication method.
[0115] In an embodiment, the cellular communication may utilize a
cell phone, a smart phone, or the like to provide the communication
method with the control box 134, modular controls 132, or the like.
In an embodiment, the control box 134 may be controlled by a
programmable control circuit (PLC). In an embodiment, the user may
use a menu on the cell phone for adjustable bed functions that may
be controlled by the cell phone. For example, the cell phone
technology may be able to control the bed position and vibration
characteristics of the adjustable bed facility 102 and therefore
the cell phone menu may present the user with options for
controlling the bed position and vibration.
[0116] In an embodiment, if the communication between the remote
148 and receiver 130 is wireless, the receiver learn facility 152
may be used to establish the communication between them. In an
embodiment, a learn protocol between the remote 148 and receiver
130 may be user initiated by pressing a button on the receiver
learn facility 152, powering up the receiver learn facility 152,
bringing the receiver learn facility 152 within a certain proximity
of the receiver 130, indicating on the remote 152 to begin the
learn protocol, or the like. In an embodiment, the learn protocol
may be fully automatic, semi-automatic with user intervention,
manual, or the like. In an embodiment, a user may select a channel,
frequency, or the like during learn protocol or after the learn
protocol. The changing of the channel, frequency, or the like may
prevent two different remote 148 and receiver 130 combinations from
interfering with other wireless communication devices. In an
embodiment, each time the learn protocol is executed, a new unique
communication link may be established; there may be a plurality of
unique communication links available for each remote 148 and
receiver 130 combination.
[0117] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may be a user controlled
device to provide control commands to the control box 134 to
command certain functions of the adjustable bed facility 102. In an
embodiment, the certain functions may be adjustable bed facility
section movement (e.g. up or down), vibration control, modular
controlled 132 devices, or the like. In an embodiment, the remote
148 may communicate with the control box using wired communication,
wireless communication, or the like. In an embodiment, the wireless
communication may use a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),
Bluetooth, or the like. If the remote communicates using a wireless
technology, the communication may be with the receiver 130 and the
receiver 130 may pass the command request to the control box
134.
[0118] In an embodiment, the inputs of the remote control 148 may
be organized into groups of common function control; the remote
control 148 groups may be arranged in a circular orientation. As
shown in FIG. 3, the remote control 148 may include more than one
group 302 and may include at least one positioning control group
and one vibration control group. In one embodiment, the remote
control 148 groups 302 may be organized into a circular pattern
where the circular pattern may provide for inputs that control
increasing a function, decreasing a function, storing a function,
global command functions 304, or the like. For example, a circular
group 302 may be divided up into a number of segments to control
certain functions of the adjustable bed facility 102. FIG. 3 shows
four sections for each of the circular groups 302, but it should be
understood that there may be any number of sections to provide the
required adjustable bed facility 102 control.
[0119] In one example, one of the circular groups 302 may be used
to control movements of the adjustable bed facility 102 sections.
The movement circular group 302 may have inputs for moving the head
section up/down, moving the foot section up/down, inputs for
storing a user preferred positions to the PLC, or the like.
Additionally, there may be a global command input 304 that may
provide for commanding more than one adjustable bed facility 102
function using a single input such as commanding the adjustable bed
facility 102 to go to a flat position. For example, the user may be
able to select the flat button and the adjustable bed facility 102
may move all of the adjustable sections to the flat position.
[0120] A vibration circular group 302 may have inputs for
controlling the vibration of the head section up/down, controlling
the foot section vibration up/down, inputs for storing a user
preferred vibration characteristics to the PLC, or the like.
Additionally, there may be a global command input 304 that may
provide for commanding more than one adjustable bed facility 102
vibration characteristic using a single input such as commanding
the adjustable bed facility 102 to stop all vibration. For example,
the user may be able to select the stop vibration input and the
adjustable bed facility 102 may stop all of the adjustable sections
from vibrating. In an embodiment, the user may select the all stop
global 304 input to stop the adjustable bed facility 102 vibration
before selecting a different vibration characteristic for one of
the adjustable bed facility 102 sections.
[0121] In an embodiment, the user may be able to determine the
control functions that the global command 304 may control. For
example, the user may be able to input a command sequence to
indicate the global command that should be applied to the global
command 304 input. In an embodiment, the global command may be
stored in the adjustable bed facility 102 memory 154 for later
recall. In an embodiment, after the global command 304 has been
stored, the user may select the global command 304 input for the
command sequence execution.
[0122] The function of the remote 148 has been described with
controlling adjustable bed facility 102 movement and vibration, but
it should be understood that the remote may have control inputs for
any function of the adjustable bed facility 102. Additionally, the
control inputs have been described as having a circular pattern,
but it should be understood that other embodiments of the control
input organization may be used for controlling the function of the
adjustable bed facility 102.
[0123] The remote 148 may include a timer that has a user defined
setting that may allow the user to determine when the remote 148
communicates a control command to the adjustable bed facility. For
example, the user may be able to set a timer on the remote 148 to
indicate a time when the adjustable bed facility 102 is to go to a
flat position. The user may use this function in the evening where
the user may want to read for a half hour and then go to sleep, the
user could set the timer for a half hour and the adjustable bed
facility 102 may go to the flat position after the half hour. In
another embodiment, the timer may be a clock where the user may be
able to set a time when the adjustable bed facility 102 is to
complete a certain function. In an embodiment, the user may be able
to indicate the command that the remote 148 is to transmit to the
adjustable bed facility 102 when the timer or clock setting
indication has been reached.
[0124] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may be able to directly
control the settings of external power outlets associated with the
adjustable bed facility 148. The power outlet may be an RF
controlled power outlet and the remote 148 may be able to transmit
an RF command directly to the RF power outlet. In an embodiment,
the power outlet may include settings of at least on, off, a
percentage of power, or the like. The power outlet control power
setting may be controlled by a hardware setting, a software
setting, or the like. The power outlet may be an AC powered power
outlet or a DC powered power outlet.
[0125] The remote 148 may include a timer that has a user defined
setting that may allow the user to determine when the remote 148
communicates a control command to the RF power outlet. For example,
the user may be able to set a timer on the remote 148 to indicate a
time when the RF power outlet is to turn on or off. For example,
the user may use this function in the evening where the user may
want to read for a half hour and then go to sleep, the user could
set the timer for a half hour to turn off a power outlet that
controls a light fixture, after the half hour the remote 148 may
command the RF power outlet to turn off and therefore turn the
light fixture off. In another embodiment, the timer may be a clock
where the user may be able to set a time when the RF power outlet
may turn on or off. In an embodiment, the user may be able to
indicate the command, such as on or off, that the remote 148 is to
transmit to the RF power outlet when the timer or clock setting
indication has been reached.
[0126] In an embodiment, the user may indicate adjustable bed
facility 102 functions using the remote 148 by pressing a button,
touching a screen, entering a code, speaking a command, or the
like. In an embodiment, the control box 134, using the receiver
130, may receive and interpret the command provided by the remote
148. The remote may control devices with commands that may include
on, off, high power, medium power, low power, volume, play, fast
forward, rewind, skip, modular device to control, or the like. For
example, the remote 148 may transmit a command to move the head
section up and the control box 134 may command the actuator 104 to
extend a certain amount in response to the command. In another
example, the remote 148 may command that a modular control 132
connected lamp be turned off. The control box 134 may command the
control box 132 to turn off the lamp.
[0127] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the control box
124 may use the bed memory 154 to store adjustable bed facility 102
settings, application software, demonstration software, and the
like. In an embodiment, the user may determine that certain
adjustable bed locations are preferred and should be saved for
future recall. The control box 134 may save the user preferred
settings in the bed memory 154 in order to recall the preferred
settings at the use request. In an embodiment, the control box 134
may also store non-user requested information to the bed memory 154
as needed for the control of the various adjustable bed facility
102 components. For example, when the user requests an adjustable
bed facility 102 section to move, the control box 134 may store the
last position into bed memory 154 to be used as a last position
recall, an undo command, the last settings for all the adjustable
bed facility 102 component at shutdown, or the like.
[0128] In an embodiment, the control box 134 application software
may be stored in the bed memory 154. In an embodiment, the software
may be downloaded to the control box 134, may be run from the bed
memory 154, or the like. In an embodiment, the application software
may be an interrupt type application, a polling type application,
or the like for sensing what command the user may have indicated on
the remote 148. For example, in an interrupt application, each
command requested by the remote 148 may send an interrupt code to
the control box 134. The control box 134 may then request from the
application software the command sequence that is associated with
the received interrupt. In another example, the polling application
may continually poll the remote 148 for requested user commands and
when a user command is detected, then request the command sequences
for the requested user command.
[0129] In another embodiment, the control box 134 may use
programmable logic circuits (PLC) to store application programs for
control of the adjustable bed facility components. In an
embodiment, the PLC may be part of the control box 134, part of a
bed memory 154, in a separate control box, or the like. In an
embodiment, the PLC may include a microcomputer, a microprocessor,
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, IO connection to components,
or the like. The PLC may provide an interface to permit software
application updates to the PLC memory; PLC memory may be over
written. In an embodiment, this may provide a method and system for
providing software application upgrades to the adjustable bed
facility 102.
[0130] In an embodiment, the PLC may have a connection to an
external interface that may allow updates to be downloaded to the
PLC. The connection may be a serial connection, a USB connection, a
USB device, a parallel connection, a wireless connection, a bed
memory 154, or the like. The capability to download information to
the PLC may allow for software updates to the PLC, may allow for
remote 148 interface updates to the PLC, may allow memory updates
to the PLC, or the like. For example, if the user was supplied with
a new or upgraded remote 148, the user may also be supplied with
updated software for the PLC. The user may be able to connect the
device containing the new software to the external interface and
download the new software to the PLC.
[0131] In an embodiment, the PLC may have a connection interface
with the modular controls 132 to provide the user with control over
other devices that may be connected to the adjustable bed facility
102. The PLC may receive commands from the remote 148 for the
modular controls 132 and may pass the command through to the
modular control 132, may interpret the remote 148 command and
command the modular control 132, or the like.
[0132] In an embodiment, the PLC may interface with a modular
control 132 that is associated with external power outlets. In this
embodiment, the user may be able to control the setting of the
external power outlet by selecting a setting on the remote 148. The
setting on the remote 148 may be received by the receiver 130 and
PLC within the control box 134 to set the power outlet setting. For
example, the user may be able to turn on the external power outlet
by selecting an external outlet on input on the remote. This may
result in the external outlet power being turned on to power an
attached device such as a lamp.
[0133] In an embodiment, the bed memory 154 may be part of the PLC,
external from the PLC, a combination of internal and external
memory from the PLC, or the like.
[0134] In an embodiment, the bed memory 154 may be separate from
the control box 134 and the PLC. In an embodiment, the bed memory
154 may be removable memory, the bed memory 154 may be moved from a
first adjustable bed facility 102 to a second bed facility 102 to
move user settings from the first adjustable bed facility 102 to
the second bed facility 102. For example, a user in a care facility
may be moved from a first adjustable bed facility 102 to a second
adjustable bed facility 102 but the user may have already
determined and saved at least one preferred setting to the bed
memory 154. The bed memory may be removed from the first adjustable
bed facility 102 and moved to the second adjustable bed facility
102 with the user and therefore the user may keep the same
preferred adjustable bed 102 settings.
[0135] In this manner the bed memory 154 may be considered portable
memory. In an embodiment, the removable bed memory 154 may be flash
memory, programmable logic circuit (PLC), secure digital (SD)
memory, mini SD memory, Compact Flash type I memory, Compact Flash
type II memory, Memory Stick, Multimedia Card, xD Picture card,
Smartmedia, eXtreme Digital, Microdrive, or the like.
[0136] In an embodiment, the bed memory 154 may be part of the
remote 148. As part of the communication between the remote 148,
receiver 130, and control box 134 memory information may be
exchanged between the remote 148 and control box 134. For example,
the user may indicate that a certain adjustable bed facility 102
position should be maintained for future recall. The control box
134 may receive the save position request from the remote 148 and
transmit the position information back to the remote 148 for
storage within the bed storage 154. In a like manner, when the user
requests the recall of a previously saved position, the control box
134 may request the position information from the remote 148 bed
memory 154.
[0137] In an embodiment, if the remote 148 is wireless, the remote
148 may contain both a transmitter and receiver, or a transceiver,
to transmit and receive information with the control box 134. In an
embodiment, the remote 148 may communicate with the receiver 130
using a connection key. The connection key may be a code that
indicates that a certain remote is associated with a certain
adjustable bed facility 102. When the remote 148 transmits
information to the receiver, the remote may first send a key code
to indicate that the remote 148 is associated with the adjustable
bed facility 102. If the key code matches the key that the receiver
130 is listening for, the receiver 130 may receive the command from
the remote.
[0138] In an embodiment, the bed memory 154 may maintain the
position information for the user preferred positions of the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections. In an embodiment, the bed
memory 154 may be implemented as a programmable logic circuit
(PLC), a logic circuit (LC), or the like. FIG. 2 shows an
embodiment of two methods of maintaining the user preferred
positions in memory. In an embodiment, a first method may be to
have discreet memory table 202 for each preferred user bed position
204. There may be the same number of preferred bed positions 204
and memory locations 208 as indicators on the user remote 148. For
example, the remote may have two buttons for the user to set the
preferred positions that may be used for later recall; the two
buttons may be associated with two discreet memory locations 208.
In an embodiment, each time the user indicates a new preferred
position for a button on the remote 148 the memory location 208 may
be over written with the new position information. In an
embodiment, this method may only allow the user to set one user
preferred position for every button on the remote 148.
[0139] In an embodiment, a second method of memory storage for user
preferred adjustable bed positions may be a table 222 that may have
a plurality of possible positions 212 the user may select. In an
embodiment, as shown, the possible positions 212 may be P1 through
Pn. In an embodiment, the possible positions 212 may be a plurality
of values that may define the range of available positions for the
adjustable bed facility 12; the plurality of values may be a set of
values that define the range of available positions for one or more
adjustable bed facility 102 functions. For example, the available
positions 212 may be a set of increments of section positions that
may include a set of actuator 104 positions, a set of actuator 104
activation times, bed section rotation angles, or the like. The set
of increments may be determined from a base value for the section.
For example, the increments may start at zero from the flat
position for the adjustable bed facility 102 section. In an
embodiment, the user may be able to select the increment set to be
used as possible positions 212 for the section. For example, the
user may be able to select the type of graduations by selecting
from a set of possible graduation methods such as distance, angle
of rotation, actuation time, or the like.
[0140] In FIG. 2, the table 222 is shown with an increment column
210 and an indication column 220. In an embodiment, the table 222
may have a plurality of columns 220 to store position information
for any of the adjustable aspects of the adjustable bed facility
102. For example, there may be an indication column 220 for the
head section angle, the foot angle section, the vibration
characteristics for the various vibration motors of the adjustable
bed facility 102, or the like. In another embodiment, the
adjustable aspects of the adjustable bed facility 102 may be
represented by a plurality of individual tables 210 for storing
indication information for each of the individual adjustable
attributes for the adjustable bed facility 102. The individual
tables 210 may be substantially the same as the table 222 shown in
FIG. 2 where there may be one column 210 for increments 212 and
another column 220 for indication information (214 and 218). For
example, there may be individual tables 210 for the head section
angle, foot section angle, vibration motor characteristics, or the
like. In an embodiment, the PLC may be able to access the
adjustable bed facility 102 settings by accessing large tables 210
that contain many columns, small tables 210 that contain a few
columns, a combination of large and small tables 210, or the
like.
[0141] In an embodiment, the PLC may store the tables 210 within
the PLC memory for accessing the settings of the adjustable bed
facility 102. In another embodiment, the table 222 may be stored in
memory outside of the PLC and the PLC may access the table 222
through an interface connection. The table 222 increment column 210
may represent a plurality of available positions associated with
adjustable bed facility functions. In an embodiment, the increment
values may be a measurement scale (e.g. inches or angle), may be
the number of rotations of the actuator, the vibration frequency of
the vibration motor, or other increment scale. In response to a
user input, the indication column 220 may be marked with the
indication 214 to represent the position intended by the user. When
the user makes a request to save a position, the PLC may search the
increment column 210 to determine which of the plurality of
increments 212 represents the current position value of the
adjustable bed facility 102 section. Once the current position
value increment 212 within the table 222 is determined, an
indication 214 may be stored to the indication column 220
associated to the current position value increment 212. In an
embodiment, the indication 214 may be any character that may
represent a position being selected such as a letter, a number,
special character, or the like. In embodiments, the indication
column 220 may include all indications, no indications, one
indication, more than one indication, or the like to indicate the
user's intended position. The storing of the indication association
of the current position value with the user selected position may
include adding a store indication to the table 222 entry
representing the current position value, removing the current
position value from the table 222 of values, removing a plurality
of the table 222 values where the removal does not include removing
the current position value, adding a store indication to every
table 222 entry except a table 222 entry representing the current
position value, or the like.
[0142] In an embodiment, when a user indicates on the remote 148
that a position is to be saved in the table 222, the PLC may select
the increment value 212 from within the increment column 210 set of
values that represents the current position of the adjustable bed
facility 102. The PLC may store an indication 214 associated with
the increment value 212; the stored indication associated with the
current position value may be a recall value that may be recalled
at a later time to reposition the adjustable bed facility 102.
[0143] In an embodiment, in response to the user requesting to
return to a recall value, the PLC may scan the table 222 indication
column 220 for an indication 214 that may represent the user's
recall value. Upon locating the recall value indication 214, the
PLC may command the adjustable bed function to the recall value
indicated 214 location, position, vibration, or the like.
[0144] In an embodiment, the indication column 220 of the table 222
may initially contain indications 214 in all to the available
discrete locations 212. As a user indicates that current position
value is the position to be stored within the table 222, the
indication 214 for the current position value may be removed from
the table 222. This may result in one increment location 212 being
empty of an indication. In this case, when a user requests to
return to the recall position, the PLC may scan the table 222
indication column 220 for the empty increment location 212. Once
the empty increment location is found, the PLC may command the
adjustable bed function to the recall position, vibration, or other
adjustable bed facility 102 function. In an embodiment, if the user
stores a different current position value, the empty discrete
location 212 may be filled with an indication and the new
indication associated to the current position value may have the
indication 214 removed. In an embodiment, the user may be able to
clear the stored position by indicating a clear command and all of
the increment locations 212 may be filled with indications 214.
[0145] In an embodiment, the available increment locations 212 in
the indication column 220 of the table 222 may initially contain no
indications 214 so that the indication column 220 may be empty. As
a user indicates that a current position value is the position to
be stored within the table 222, the indication 214 associated to
the current position value may be added to the table 222. This may
result in one increment location 212 having an indication. In this
case, when a user requests to return to recall value position, the
PLC may scan the table 222 indication column 220 for the increment
location 212 containing the indication 214 associated with the
recall value. Once the increment location is found, the PLC may
command the adjustable bed function to the recall value position,
position, vibration, or other adjustable bed facility 102 function.
In an embodiment, if the user stores a different position, the
increment location 212 indication 214 may be removed and the new
current position value may have the indication 214 added. In an
embodiment, the user may be able to clear the stored position by
indicating a clear command and all of the discrete locations 212
may have the indication 214 removed.
[0146] In an embodiment, when a user indicates a current position
value is to be indicated in the table 222, the indication may
represent the user's preferred adjustable bed facility 102
position. In an embodiment, the user's indicated current position
value may be rounded to the closest table 222 increment location
214. For example, if the user selects a current position value that
is between two increment positions on the table 222, an algorithm
may be used to determine which of the increment positions are to be
indicated in the indication column 220.
[0147] Embodiments of the present invention involve setting a
recall bed position in response to a user making a storage
selection. The user's storage selection may send a command to the
adjustable bed facility's 102 controller (e.g. the PLC) indicating
that the user would like the present position of the adjustable bed
facility 102 stored such that the user can later have the
adjustable bed facility 102 return to the stored position. The user
may use a user interface (e.g. the remote control 148) and make
such a storage selection once the adjustable bed facility 102 is in
a desired position. As described herein elsewhere, a plurality of
position values that define a range of available positions for the
adjustable bed facility 102 may be stored in memory accessible by
the adjustable bed facility's 102 controller. The available
positions may be stored in a table 222 or other structure for
example. Once the user initiates such a storage request, the
controller may receive the request to save the current adjustable
bed facility 102 position as a user selected position. The
controller may then make a determination of which of the plurality
of position values represent the current position of the adjustable
bed facility 102 to provide a current position value. In
determining which of the plurality of position values represents
the current position, the controller may use an algorithm to decide
which of the plurality of values best represents the current
adjustable bed facility 102 position. For example, the actual
adjustable bed facility 102 position may match one of the values
and the algorithm may then select the matching value as the one
that best represents the current position. In another situation,
the actual adjustable bed facility 102 position may not match any
of the plurality of values. In this case an algorithm may be used
to determine which value best represents the position of the
adjustable bed facility 102. The algorithm may run an averaging
calculation, interpolation calculation or other form of prediction
algorithm to select between two positions representing positions on
either side of the actual adjustable bed facility 102 position, for
example. Once the controller has made the determination as to which
value represents the current adjustable bed facility 102 position,
the controller may then store an association of the current
position value with the user-selected position (e.g. as described
elsewhere herein).
[0148] The embodiment of unmarking 218 preferred positions will be
used in the following illustrations, but it should be understood
that marking a current position value may also be used as a method
of indicating a preferred position 212.
[0149] In an embodiment, the user may indicate the current position
value by indicating a set position on the remote 148; this
indication may result in all of the possible increment locations
212 having an indication 214 except for the one increment the user
has selected which may be non-marked 218. For example, if the user
selected the P3 position 212 as a preferred position, all of the
positions 212 may receive a mark 214 except the one position P3
which may receive a non-mark 218.
[0150] In an embodiment, the positioning recall position logic of
the adjustable bed may seek possible positions 212 that do not have
a mark 218 when determining what user positions to select.
[0151] In an embodiment, the user may be able to set more than one
increment position 212 in the table 222 for a single button on the
remote 148. For example, the user may be able to press a button on
the remote 148 in a certain way to set a non-mark 218 at different
preferred positions 212. In another example, when the user presses
a button on the remote 148, the current position value may be
unmarked 218 as a preferred position and an algorithm may be
executed to unmark 218 other preferred positions 212 at certain
increments from the user selected position. In one example of the
algorithm, every 3rd position may be selected to be unmarked 218 as
a preferred position 212. The additional non-markings 218 may be by
actuation time, section rotation angle, or the like. A person
skilled in the art may understand that there may be any number of
different methods of unmarking more than one position 212 using a
single button on the remote 148.
[0152] In an embodiment, with user preferred positions 212 unmarked
218 on the table 222, the user may indicate on the remote 148 to
recall the user preferred position 212. In an embodiment, there may
be an algorithm to search the table 222 for an unmarked 218 user
preferred position 212 to position the bed to the recall value.
Once the preferred position 212 is determined, the command logic
may command the actuator or actuators to move the adjustable bed
sections into the preferred position 212 recall value. In an
embodiment, there may be more than one preferred position 212
unmarked 218 on the table 222. In this case, the algorithm may seek
the first unmarked 218 position 212 and move the adjustable bed
section to that position. In an embodiment, if this is not the user
desired position, the user may indicate again on the remote to
recall a preferred position and the algorithm may seek the next
unmarked 218 position 212. A person skilled in the art may
understand that there may be a number of different methods of
recalling a plurality of marked 214 or unmarked 218 positions 212
from the table 222.
[0153] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the removable
bed memory 154 may be used to upgrade the adjustable bed facility
102 memory and software. For example, if new control box 134
software was developed to provide better control over one of the
adjustable bed facility 102 components, the software may be saved
to a new replaceable memory that may replace the existing
replaceable memory. In this manner, the software of the adjustable
bed facility 102 could be upgraded just by providing the user with
a new replaceable memory.
[0154] In an embodiment, the removable memory may be used to
provide a sales enterprise with adjustable bed facility 102
demonstration software where the enterprise may be able to indicate
at least one of a plurality of demonstrations for a user. For
example, the user may be interested in how the adjustable bed
facility 102 sections may be adjusted and the enterprise may select
a demonstration to shows all the section motion available. In an
embodiment, before an adjustable bed facility 102 is shipped to a
user, the enterprise may remove the demonstration removable memory
and replace it with a standard adjustable bed facility 102 bed
memory 154.
[0155] In an embodiment, the memory connection 160 may be any
connection type that provides a connection between the bed memory
154, control box 134, and the like. In an embodiment, the memory
connection 160 may be a wired or wireless connection. The wired
connection may be a USB connection, a serial connection, parallel
connection, or the like. The wireless connection may be by radio
frequency (RF), infrared (IR), Bluetooth, or the like. In an
embodiment, the memory connection 160 may be in a location that is
easy for the user to access the bed memory 154, may be attached to
the memory facility 150, may be attached to the control box 134, or
the like. In an embodiment, the easy access memory connection may
be on the side of the adjustable bed facility 102, on a rail of the
adjustable bed facility 102, under the adjustable bed facility 102,
or the like.
[0156] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may also access a
network using a network connection 162. In an embodiment, the
network may be a LAN, WAN, Internet, intranet, peer-to-peer, or
other network with computer devices that the control box 134 may
communicate with. In an embodiment, the network connection 162 may
be a wired or wireless connection.
[0157] In an embodiment, using the network connection 162, the
control box 134 may be able to communicate with the network to
periodically check for application software updates. In an
embodiment, if an application software update is located, the
control box 134 may send the user an email, instant messenger
message, phone message, phone call, cell phone message, cell phone
call, fax, pager message, or the like to indicate that software
updates are available. The user, using the device that received the
notice of software update, may send a reply to the control box that
the software upgrade should be downloaded, should not be
downloaded, or the like.
[0158] In an embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 enterprise,
an adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, an adjustable bed
facility 102 service enterprise, or the like may send the control
box 134 software updates using the network connection 162. In an
embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 enterprise, an
adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, an adjustable bed
facility 102 service enterprise, or the like may notify the user of
available software upgrades for the adjustable bed facility 102 by
email, instant messenger message, phone message, phone call, cell
phone message, cell phone call, fax, pager message, or the like.
The user, using the device that received the notice of software
upgrade, may send a reply to the adjustable bed facility 102
enterprise, the adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, the
adjustable bed facility 102 service enterprise, or the like that
the software upgrade should be downloaded, should not be
downloaded, or the like.
[0159] In an embodiment, the user may access the network connection
162 with the user's own computer device.
[0160] In an embodiment, the remote 148 and control box 134 may be
able to control other devices that may be connected to modular
controls 132. In an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may be
similar to the control box by interpreting commands to control a
device, but may be unique to the device that is connected to it. In
an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may control audio
equipment, video equipment, lamps, air purification facilities,
outlets, and the like. For example, the modular control 132 may be
connected to audio equipment and may contain the command sequences
to control the audio equipment based on commands that may be
received from the remote 148. It may be obvious to someone in the
art that any of the devices that are connected to modular controls
132 may be controlled in the same manner.
[0161] In an embodiment, the user may indicate a function to be
accessed for a certain device connected to a modular control 132,
the control box 134 may receive the request from the remote 148 and
pass the command onto the appropriate modular control 132. In an
embodiment, the remote 148 may have modular control 132 device
functions that the user may select to control a modular control 132
device. For example, the remote 148 may have functions such as
play, fast-forward, rewind, skip, pause, and the like for an audio
device connected to the modular control 132.
[0162] In an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may be connected
to the control box 134 and power supply 140 using a wire harness
128. The wire harness 128 may contain power and data connections
for all of the possible connection locations for the modular
controls 132. For example, if there are six locations on the
adjustable bed facility 102 for attaching modular controls 132, the
wire harness 128 may have six sets of power and data connections
available.
[0163] In another embodiment, the wire harness may provide only
power to the modular controls 132 and the communication between the
modular controls 132 and control box 134 may be wireless that may
include radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), Bluetooth, and the
like.
[0164] In an embodiment, using the remote 148, the control box 134
may be able to control power outlets 138 to which external devices
may be connected; the power outlets may be associated with the
adjustable bed facility 102, remote from the adjustable bed
facility 102, or the like. In an embodiment, the control box may
communicate with the power outlet using wired or wireless
communications. In this embodiment, the power outlets 138 may
receive power directly from a household outlet, fuse box, circuit
box, or the like but the function of the power outlets 138 (e.g. on
or off) may be controlled by the control box 134. For example, an
external lamp may be connected to the power outlets 138, there may
be a selectable control on the remote 148 for the user to turn the
power outlet 138 on and off and therefore to turn the lamp on and
off. In an embodiment, the power outlets 138 may include a control
circuit that is able to control if the power outlet 138 receives
power from the household current. In an embodiment, there may be
more than one power outlet controlled by the control box 134 and
there may be a selection for each of the power outlets 138 on the
remote 148.
[0165] In an embodiment, the power outlets 138 may be directly
controlled by the remote control 148 using radio frequency (RF).
The remote control and power outlets may be RF capable for
communication within the adjustable bed facility 102. The remote
control 148 may be able to directly control the power outlets 138
to turn the power outlets on and off using RF without interfacing
with the control box 134.
[0166] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may be able to control
an external air purification 144 facility; the air purification 144
facility may be directly controlled by the control box using a
wired or wireless connection. In an embodiment, the wireless
connection may be radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), Bluetooth,
or the like. In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144
may be any type of device or facility that may be capable of
improving that air environment in the area of the adjustable bed
facility 102. In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144
may be an absorbent type (e.g. carbon), electro-static, HEPA
filter, or the like. In an embodiment, absorbent materials may be
used in a filter, in the adjustable bed facility 102, in the
mattress 110, or the like to absorbed odor, dust, contaminants, or
the like from the air environment around the bed, within the bed,
or the like. In an embodiment, electro-static or iconic air filters
may use negative ions to attract dust, contaminants, and the like
from the air. In an embodiment, electro-static materials (e.g.
tourmaline) may be used in a filter, in the adjustable bed facility
102, in the mattress 110, or the like to absorbed odor, dust,
contaminants, or the like from the air environment around the bed,
within the bed, or the like. In an embodiment, HEPA filters are
composed of a mat of randomly arranged fibers that are designed to
trap at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any
airborne particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers (.mu.m) at 85
liters per minute (Lpm). The HEPA filter may be used in a device,
facility, or the like for filtering the air in the area of the
adjustable bed facility 102.
[0167] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be
part of the adjustable bed facility 102, a freestanding device or
facility, or the like. In an embodiment, if the air purification
facility 144 is part of the adjustable bed facility 102 the air
purification facility 144 may be attached to any part of the
adjustable bed facility 102 such as the mattress 110, sub-frame
112, skeleton structure 114, or the like. In an embodiment, the air
purification facility 144 that is attached to the adjustable bed
facility 102 may be controlled direct control of the air
purification facility 144 device, control using the remote 148, or
the like.
[0168] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be a
free standing device that may be plugged into a adjustable bed
facility 102 power outlet 138 and therefore may be controlled with
the remote 148 controlling the on/off condition of the power outlet
138.
[0169] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be a
freestanding device that may be connected to an adjustable bed
facility 102 modular control 128. The modular control may provide
power (AC or DC), control communication, and the like to the air
purification facility 114. In an embodiment, the user may be able
to control the air purification facility 144 using the remote 148
to control the modular controls 132.
[0170] In an embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 may be any
bed that is capable of adjusting at least one aspect of the bed
such as a head section, a foot section, a leg section, a torso
section, or the like. In an embodiment, the adjustment may include
moving the sections up, down, higher, lower, longer, shorter, and
the like. In an embodiment, the section adjustments may also
include vibration, massage, and the like. In an embodiment, the
adjustable bed facility 102 may include components such as
actuators 104, springs 108, a mattress 110, a sub-frame 112, a
skeleton structure 114, vibration motors 118, supports 120, safety
brackets 122, wire harness 128, receiver 130 modular controls 132,
control box 134, power outlets 138, power supply 140, power
connection 142, air purification facility 144, remote control 148,
receiver learn facility 152, bed memory 154, backup battery 158,
memory connection 160, network connection 162, and the like.
[0171] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 sections
may be adjustable by a user, a care giver, a medical person, or the
like to provide a comfortable position, a medical required
position, a working position, a resting position, or the like. For
example, a medical position may be required to have a user's legs
elevated to aid in the reduction of swelling and therefore the leg
or foot sections may be elevated. In another example, a user with a
back condition may need to rest his or her back and may still wish
to work, the user may be able to position the adjustable bed
facility 102 to provide a comfortable back position that allows the
user to work on papers or a computer device.
[0172] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 may be
used in a home, a hospital, a long-term care facility, or the like.
The adjustable bed facility 102 may be used by users that may have
limited mobility, are restricted to bed rest, require a non-flat
sleeping position, and the like.
[0173] In an embodiment, actuators 104 may be used to move the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections. The actuator 104 may
typically be a cylinder device where a first component, under a
force, is extendable from second component that may result in the
action of moving an object. In an embodiment, there may be more
than one actuator 104 per adjustable bed facility 102. There may be
an actuator 104 to move any of the adjustable bed facility 102
sections or other aspects of the adjustable bed facility 102. For
example, there may be individual actuators for the head section,
leg section, foot section, torso section, or the like. In an
embodiment, a single actuator may be used to move more than one
adjustable bed facility 102 section. For example, one actuator may
be used to move the leg and foot sections; the leg and foot
sections may be connected by a mechanical structure that may
control the orientation of the leg and foot sections during
movement. In an embodiment, the actuators 104 may be connected
between the adjustable bed facility 102 section to be moved and the
sub-frame 112, skeleton structure 114, or the like.
[0174] In an embodiment, the actuator 104 may have different
driving means to extend and retract the actuator 104 such as an
electric motor, pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or the
like.
[0175] In an embodiment, the electric motor driven actuator 104 may
use a DC or AC motor and gear assembly to extend and retract the
actuator 104.
[0176] In an embodiment, the pneumatic pressure actuator 104 may
use an air source to extend and retract the actuator 104. The air
source may be part of the pneumatic actuator 104, may be a separate
device, or the like. In an embodiment, the separate air source
device may be part of the adjustable bed facility 102 or may be
external to the adjustable bed facility 102.
[0177] In an embodiment, the hydraulic pressure actuator 104 may
use a fluid source to extend and retract the actuator 104. The
fluid source may be part of the hydraulic actuator 104, may be a
separate device, or the like. In an embodiment, the separate fluid
source device may be part of the adjustable bed facility 102 or may
be external to the adjustable bed facility 102.
[0178] In an embodiment, springs 108 may be used with a mattress
110, instead of a mattress 110, or the like. In an embodiment, the
springs may be a standard bed spring system (e.g. coils within a
wire framework), individual coil springs, individual foam springs,
air springs, or the like. In an embodiment, the individual springs
(e.g. coil, foam, or air) may be used to provide variable firmness
to provide comfort to the user. For example, the springs 108 may be
less firm or firmer in a local area to provide the user with the
support that may be required for a body location that is
experiencing discomfort (e.g. a hip, shoulder, back, neck).
[0179] In an embodiment, the mattress 110 may include foam,
feathers, springs 108, material, or the like. In an embodiment the
different materials may be used individually or in combination. The
mattress may be intended to provide the user with a firmness that
provides for the comfort requirements of the user.
[0180] In an embodiment, the mattress 110 may be an air mattress.
In an embodiment, the air mattress may be constructed using a
single chamber, a plurality of chambers, a plurality of individual
chambers, a combination of chamber shapes, or the like. In an
embodiment, the air mattress 110 may be inflated to various
pressures that may provide the user with the desired comfort level.
In an embodiment, there may be separate air mattresses 110 for each
of the adjustable bed facility 102 sections. For example, there may
be separate air mattresses 110 for the head, torso, and foot
sections of the adjustable bed facility 102. In an embodiment, the
inflation pressure of the individual air mattresses 110 may be
different from each other depending on user settings.
[0181] In another embodiment of an air mattress 110 with individual
chambers, local firmness control may provide local firmness comfort
to a user to provide comfort. For example, a user may be recovering
from surgery and may require the air mattress 110 to be less firm
in a certain area, the user may be able to indicate the area to be
less firm and the individual chamber pressures may be adjusted to
provide the less firm area. Additionally, while a local area may be
provided with a less firm pressures, the remainder of the mattress
110 may have a consistent firmness pressure.
[0182] In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may be a structural
support frame in contact with the floor and may include the floor
legs, connections for the actuators 104, connections for the
supports 120, support for the skeleton structure 114, and the like.
In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 materials may include wood,
metal, plastic, and the like. In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112
may provide a support interface to the skeleton structure 114 and
may support the freedom of motion for the skeleton structure 114.
For example, the sub-frame 112 may include an interface such as a
track, surface, groove, slot, or the like in which the skeleton
structure 114 may interface and use as a guide while providing
motion support for the various adjustable bed facility 102
sections. In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 interface may be a
"C" channel in which the skeleton structure 114 may have
interfacing wheels to move within the "C" channel during the
adjustable bed facility 102 section movements.
[0183] In an embodiment, the sub-frame 112 may be substantially the
same shape as the adjustable bed facility 102 and may have
structural members along the length and width of the sub-frame 112.
In an embodiment, the structural members may be assembled in any
configuration that meets the requirements of supporting the
adjustable bed facility 102 and the various devices such as the
actuators 104, supports 120, skeleton structure 114, and the
like.
[0184] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be a
mechanical structure that may provide support to the springs 108,
provide support to the mattress 110, interface with the sub-frame
112, provide a connection to the actuators 104, provide a
connection to the supports 120, support the vibration motors 118,
and the like. In an embodiment, there may be more than one skeleton
structure 114 within the adjustable bed facility 102; there may be
a skeleton structure 114 for each adjustable bed facility 102
section. For example, there may be a skeleton structure 114 for the
head section, foot section, leg section, torso section, and the
like.
[0185] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be a frame
type structure to support at least one mattress 110, provide
connectivity between more than one mattress 110, contain a hinge
mechanism to allow the motion of a first mattress 110 in relation
to a second mattress 110, and the like. The frame structure may be
substantially the same shape as the mattress 110 that the skeleton
structure 114 is supporting and may have individual structure
members at the peripheral edges of the mattress 110 in addition to
other individual structural members that may be required for
support of mechanical connections, support of the mattress 110, or
the like. In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may include
materials such as metal, wood, plastic, and the like. The skeleton
structure 114 materials may be used individually or in
combination.
[0186] In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may have an
interface facility such as wheels, slides, skids, rails, pivot
points, and the like that may interface with the sub-frame 112
support interface. The skeleton structure 114 interface facility
may provide for smooth interaction with the sub-frame 112 support
interface when the skeleton structure 114 is in motion as a result
of actuation from the actuators 104.
[0187] In an embodiment, a vibration facility 118 may provide
vibration input to the adjustable bed facility 102 sections such as
the head section, foot section, leg section, torso section, and the
like; there may be vibration facilities in any or all of the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections. In an embodiment, the
vibration facilities 118 may be operated independently, at the same
time, at alternate times, in coordination, or the like. For
example, the vibration facilities in the head section and foot
section may be operated at the same time to provide a full body
massage or the vibration frequencies may operate at alternating
times to provide a wave effect of the vibration moving from the
head to foot of the adjustable bed facility 102. In another
example, the different vibration facilities 118 may be used in
concert where the vibration facilities 118 may be vibrated in
sequences to create a massaging effect. It may be understood by one
knowledgeable in the art that different effects may be created with
more than one vibration facility 118.
[0188] In an embodiment, using the remote 148, the user may be able
to control the vibration mode of the various vibration motors 118;
the mode may include the vibration setting for a particular bed
section, the vibration frequency of at least one of the vibration
motors 118, stopping the vibration of at least one of the vibration
motors, or the like. The remote 148 may provide vibration motor 118
control information to the adjustable bed facility 102 control box
134 for control of the vibration characteristics of the adjustable
bed facility 102. In an embodiment, the remote 148 may include user
inputs that include at least one of head vibration increase, head
vibration decrease, foot vibration increase, foot vibration
decrease, user preferred vibration settings, vibration stop, or the
like.
[0189] In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be capable of
a plurality of vibration frequencies. For example, the vibration
motor 118 may be able to operate on frequencies such as high,
medium, low, settings 1-10, or the like. In an embodiment, a first
vibration frequency may be stopped before a second vibration
frequency is started. In embodiments, the stopping between the
first vibration and the second vibration may be automatic and
controlled by the logic within the control box 134, may be manually
indicated by the user using the remote 148, or the like. As an
example of manual input, the vibration motor 118 may be operating
on a medium frequency and the user may provide a stop vibration
input on the remote 148 to stop the first vibration motor 118
vibration before pressing the low vibration frequency input.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, an embodiment of a
vibration motor 118 is shown within an opening of a adjustable bed
facility 102 support lateral surface 508. The adjustable bed
facility 102 section may have a lateral surface 508 and the lateral
surface 508 may include an opening in which the vibration motor 118
may be located; the vibration motor 118 may fit within the opening
such that the vibration motor 118 may not contact the lateral
surface 508. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be
secured to the adjustable bed facility 102 section using at least
one bracket 504. In an embodiment, when more than one bracket 504
is used, at least one of the brackets 504 may be separable and
removable. In an embodiment, the at least one bracket 504 may be
shaped to secure the vibration motor 118 within the section opening
such as a straight bracket, a U shaped bracket, an L shaped
bracket, or the like; in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B the bracket 504 is
shown as a straight bracket 504. In an embodiment, the removal of
one of the brackets 504 may facilitate securing the vibration motor
118 to the bed section, facilitating the servicing of the vibration
motor 118, or the like. The bracket 504 may be positioned such that
at least one portion of the bracket 504 is within the opening of
the lateral surface 508 and may also be positioned such that the
bracket 504 may overlap the vibration motor 118 flange. The
vibration motor 118 flange may extend beyond the perimeter of the
opening of the mattress support and the resilient material 502 may
provide positional support for the vibration motor 118 so that the
flange imparts vibration to the mattress 110 without contacting the
mattress support. The at least one bracket 504 may be coupled to
the mattress support 508 using a removable coupling. Removing the
at least one bracket may facilitate removing and servicing the
motor. The resilient material 502 may provide mechanical insulation
between the flange and the perimeter of the opening in the mattress
support 508. The resilient material 502 disposed between the flange
and the lateral support 508 surface of the at least one bracket 504
may further provide positional support for the vibration motor 118
housing. The bracket 504 may be constructed using material such as
plastic, metal or the like and may be constructed using the
materials individually or in combination. In an embodiment, there
may be a resilient material 502 associated with the brackets 504,
the resilient material may provide for dampening the vibration
between the vibration motor 118 and the adjustable bed facility
102, may contact the vibration motor 118 to secure the vibration
motor 118 to the bed section, may provide for dampening of
vibration to the adjustable bed facility 102 and hold the vibration
motor 118 in place, or the like. The resilient material 502 may
include latex foam, polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam,
polyethylene foam, or the like and may be used individually or in
combination.
[0191] In an embodiment, the vibration facility 118 may be
connected to the skeleton structure 114, the mattress 110, the
lateral surface 508, or the like where the vibration may be
imparted into the adjustable bed facility 102 mattress 110 as
desired by the user. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118
flange may provide surface area that may impart a vibration into
the mattress 110. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be
secured to the adjustable bed facility 102 section using two
separable brackets; at least one of the two separable brackets may
be removable. In an embodiment, the removal of one of the brackets
may facilitate securing the vibration motor 118 to the bed section,
facilitating the servicing of the vibration motor 118, or the like.
The bracket may be constructed using a material such as plastic,
metal, or the like and may be constructed using the materials
individually or in combination. In an embodiment, there may be a
resilient material attached to the brackets, the resilient material
may provide for a dampening the vibration between the vibration
motor 118 and the adjustable bed facility 102, may contact the
vibration motor 118 to secure the vibration motor 118 to the bed
section, or the like. For example, the brackets may be attached to
the adjustable bed facility 102 section with the resilient material
making contact with the vibration motor 118 that may be in an
opening of the section. The resilient material may provide the
force required to hold the vibration motor in place within the
section opening and may provide dampening of the vibration to the
adjustable bed facility. The resilient material may include latex
foam, polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, polyethylene foam, or
the like and may be used individually or in combination.
[0192] In an embodiment, the electric motor vibration facility 118
may use DC or AC current to power the motor. In an embodiment, to
provide the vibration, the motor may rotate an offset mass on the
motor shaft that may cause the vibration facility 118, mattress
110, skeleton structure 114, or the like to vibrate. The user may
feel the vibration through the mattress 110, springs 108, or the
like.
[0193] In an embodiment, an air bladder or air spring may be used
to provide a vibration to the adjustable bed facility 102. In an
embodiment, the air bladder or air spring air pressure may be
varied at a frequency to create a vibration within the vibration
facility 118, mattress 110, skeleton structure 114, or the like. In
an embodiment, there may be an air supply unit that supplies the
frequency varied air pressure to the air bladder or air spring.
[0194] In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be in
proximity to a vibration distribution facility that may aid in the
propagation of vibration energy to the adjustable bed facility 102
section. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be
operatively connected to the vibration distribution facility, may
be in contact with the vibration distribution facility, may not be
in contact with the vibration distribution facility, or the like.
In an embodiment, the vibration distribution facility may provide
for a more uniform distribution of the vibration characteristics of
the vibration motor 118 and may have a size and shape relative to
the size and shape of the adjustable bed facility 102 section. The
vibration distribution facility may be constructed using materials
such as plastic, rubber, metal, or the like and may be constructed
using these materials individually or in combination. In an
embodiment, the user may be able to control the speed, amplitude,
pulse, and the like of the vibration facility 118 using an
interface such as the remote 148.
[0195] In an embodiment, the vibrator facility 118 may be mounted
to the mattress 110 using the vibration distribution facility,
resilient material 502, strong fabric, or the like. In an
embodiment, each adjustable bed facility 102 section that includes
a vibrator facility 118 may have an opening in the section to
accept the vibrator facility 118. In an embodiment, over the
opening in the section, a layer of resilient material 502, strong
fabric, or the like may be placed. The layer of resilient material
502, strong fabric, or the like may be placed between the vibrator
facility 118 and the mattress 110. In an embodiment, the vibrator
facility 118 may impart vibrations to a mattress 110 through the
resilient material 502 disposed over an opening in an adjustable
bed facility 102 section. In an embodiment, a fabric cover may be
disposed over the resilient material 502 and/or an adjustable bed
facility 102 section, between the vibrator facility 118 and the
mattress 110. In embodiments, a plurality of fabric covers may be
disposed over the resilient material 502 and/or an adjustable bed
facility 102 section to provide stabilization. In an embodiment,
the vibrator facility 118 may impart vibrations to a mattress 110
through a resilient material 502 and a fabric or plurality of
fabrics covering the resilient material 502 and/or adjustable bed
facility 102 section.
[0196] In an embodiment, the resilient material 502 may be foam,
cotton matting, or the like. In an embodiment, the vibration
distribution facility may be plastic, wood, rubber, metal, or the
like and may be any size and/or shape that supports the required
vibration characteristics. The vibration distribution facility may
have a plurality of barbs or other anchoring devices that may be
pushed into the resilient material, strong fabric, or the like to
secure the vibration distribution facility in place on top of the
resilient material, strong fabric, or the like. In an embodiment,
the barbs or other anchoring devices may have a number of gripping
edges, points, or the like to provide a connection with the
resilient material and strong fabric.
[0197] In an embodiment, the vibrator facility 118 may be mounted
to the vibration distribution facility through the opening of the
adjustable bed facility 102 section lateral surface 508. In an
embodiment, the vibration motor 118 may be operatively connected to
the vibration distribution facility, may be in contact with the
vibration distribution facility, may not be in contact with the
vibration distribution facility, or the like. In an embodiment,
there may be a layer of resilient material, strong fabric, or the
like between the vibrator motor 118 and the vibration distribution
facility.
[0198] In an embodiment, any space between the vibration facility
118 and the opening of the adjustable bed facility 102 section may
be filled with a vibration absorbent material such as foam, cotton
matting, rubber, or the like. The absorbent material may provide a
layer of vibration insulation between the vibration facility 118
and the adjustable bed facility 102 section opening.
[0199] In an embodiment, the combination of the vibration
distribution facility and vibration facility 118 may be a vibration
facility assembly. In an embodiment, the vibration facility 118
assembly may be attached to the adjustable bed facility 118
sections with the plurality of barbs or anchoring devices.
[0200] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the supports
120 may be hydraulic pressurized cylinders that may provide
additional control of the decent of the adjustable bed facility 102
sections. The pressurized supports 120 may be designed to support a
certain amount of weight that may include the skeleton structure
114, mattress 110, springs 108, user, and the like. In an
embodiment, the pressurized cylinders may be similar to the type of
supports that are used in automobile trunks to support the trunk
open while the user access the trunk area.
[0201] In an embodiment, the supports 120 may provide a safety
feature when combined with the safety bracket 112. The safety
bracket 122 may prevent the actuators from forcibly pulling the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections down; the safety bracket is
described in more detail below. The supports 120 may be positioned
on the sections that are actuated and may provide a controlled
speed at which the sections will return to a horizontal position.
In an embodiment, the support 120 may provide support of a weight
that is less than the weight of the section, therefore the section
will provide enough force (e.g. weight) on the support 120 to
compress the cylinder and move the section down. In an embodiment,
there may be more than one support 120 for each actuated adjustable
bed facility 102 section. In an embodiment, the support 120 may be
connected between the skeleton structure 114 and the sub-frame
112.
[0202] In an embodiment, the safety bracket 122 may be a slotted
bracket that provides the connection between the actuators 104 and
the skeleton structure 114 for the purpose of moving the adjustable
bed facility 102 sections. A side of the slot that is farthest from
the actuator 104 may be the slot first side and may be the side
that the actuator 104 pushes on to move the adjustable bed 102
section up. A side of the slot that is nearest to the actuator 104
may be the slot second side and may be the side the actuator 104
pulls on to move the adjustable bed 102 section down. In an
embodiment, when the actuator 104 is expanding and moving an
adjustable bed facility 102 section it may apply a force on the
first side of the slot and move the section in an upward direction.
When the actuator 104 is retracted to move the section in a
downward direction, the actuator 104 connection may move into the
middle area (e.g. not in contact with the first or second side of
the slot) of the safety bracket 122 slot. As the actuator 104
connection moves into the slot middle area, the adjustable bed
facility 102 section may move in a downward motion under the force
of section weight. In an embodiment, the actuator 104 may retract
at the same speed as the safety bracket 122 moves, therefore the
actuator 104 connection may stay in the safety bracket 122 slot
middle area and not make contact with the second side of the safety
bracket 122 slot. In this manner, the actuator 104 connection may
not contact the second side of the slot and therefore the
adjustable bed 102 section may not move in the downward direction
by the force of the actuator 104.
[0203] In an embodiment, if the actuator 104 connection comes in
contact with the second side of the safety bracket 122 slot, there
may be a shutoff switch, shutoff indicator, or the like that may
stop the retraction of the actuator 104.
[0204] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 may
include an electronic facility 124. In an embodiment, the
electronic facility 124 may include a wire harness 128, a receiver
130, power outlets 138, modular controls 132, a power supply 140, a
power connection 142, and the like. In an embodiment, different
components of the electronic facility 124 may be individual
components, combined components, individual and combined
components, or the like. For example, the receiver 130, control box
134, and power supplied may be individual components, may be
combined into a single component, may be a combination of
individual and combined components, or the like. In an embodiment,
the various electronic facility 124 components may be mounted on
the sub-frame 112, skeleton structure 114, or the like as required
for the particular component.
[0205] In an embodiment, the wire harness 128 may provide power and
data connections to a plurality of modular controls 132. Depending
on the power supply 140, the wire harness may provide either DC or
AC power to the modular controls 132. In an embodiment, the data
connections may be serial, parallel, or the like. In an embodiment,
the wire harness may have the same number of power/data connections
as there are possible modular controls 132. In an embodiment, the
wire harness may be a unit of power/data connections that may be
bound together into a single wire harness. In another embodiment,
the wire harness may be a group of individual power/data
connections. In an embodiment, for each individual wire in the
bundle, group, or the like, a first end may have connections for
the control box 134 and power supply 140. A second end of the wire
harness 128 may be a power and data connection for each individual
modular control 132.
[0206] In an embodiment, a receiver 130 may receive user commands
from a remote control 148. In an embodiment, the receiver 130 may
have a wireless or wired connection to the remote 148. In an
embodiment, the wireless remote 148 to receiver 130 communication
may be a radio frequency (RF) communication, infrared (IR)
communication, Bluetooth communication, or the like. In an
embodiment, the receiver 130 may receive the communication command
from the remote 148 and transmit the remote 148 command to the
control box 134. The communication with the control box 134 may be
wireless or wired. In an embodiment, the wireless communication
between the receiver 130 and the control box 134 may be a radio
frequency (RF) communication, infrared (IR) communication,
Bluetooth communication, or the like. In an embodiment, the
receiver 130 may be combined with the control box 134 into a single
component. In an embodiment, the skeleton structure 114 may be used
as an RF antenna for receiving communication from the remote 148 to
the receiver 130. In embodiment, the entire skeleton structure 114
may be used as an antenna, a portion of the skeleton structure 114
may be used as an antenna, or the like.
[0207] In an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may provide
additional functionality to the adjustable bed facility 102 that
may include a stereo, a CD player, an MP3 player, a DVD player, a
lamp, power outlets 138, an air purification facility 144, or the
like. The additional functionality that the modular controls 132
provide may be considered optional equipment that may be offered
with the adjustable bed facility 102. For example, a user may be
able to purchase an adjustable bed facility 102 without any modular
controls 132 and may add modular controls as he or she desires. In
another example, the user may purchase the adjustable bed facility
102 with modular controls already installed. In an embodiment, the
modular controls 132 may have predetermined mounting locations on
the sub-frame 112, skeleton structure 114, or the like.
[0208] In an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may directly
control devices, indirectly control devices, or the like. For
example, the modular control 132 may directly control a lamp that
is connected to the modular control 132 but may indirectly control
a device or facility that is plugged into an outlet 138 controlled
by the modular control 132. The devices and facilities may include
a stereo, CD player, DVD player, air purification facilities, or
the like may receive power from power outlets 138 that are
controlled by the modular control 132. In this example, the user
control of the power outlet 138 to turn the device on or off but
the user may not be able to control the individual device (e.g. the
volume of stereo). In an embodiment, the user may control the
additional function devices by using the remote 148 that may have
an interface for each of the modular controls 132. For example,
there may be an interface on the remote 148 for turning on a lamp,
turning off a lamp, dimming a lamp, and the like. In a similar
manner, the user may be able to control if a power outlet 138
provided by a modular control 132 is on or off.
[0209] In an embodiment, the modular controls 132 may be connected
to the control box 134, power supply 140, or the like; the
connection may be the wire harness 128. In an embodiment, the
modular controls 132 may communicate with the control box 134 by a
wireless means that may include radio frequency (RF), infrared
(IR), Bluetooth, or other wireless communication type.
[0210] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may interpret commands
received from the receiver 130 into commands for the various
adjustable bed facility 102 components such as the actuators 104,
the vibration facility 118, the modular controls 132, power outlets
138, and the like. In an embodiment, the control box 134 may
contain a microprocessor, microcontroller, or the like to run a
software application to interpret the commands received from the
remote 148 through the receiver 130. In an embodiment, the software
application may be interrupt based, polling based, or other
application method for determining when a user has selected a
command on the remote 148. In an embodiment, the software
application may be stored in the control box 134, stored in bed
memory 154, or the like and may be stored as software, as firmware,
as hardware, or the like.
[0211] In an embodiment, the control box 134 may receive
information from the receiver 130 by wired communication, wireless
communication, or the like. In an embodiment, the wireless
communication may be by radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),
Bluetooth, or other wireless communication type.
[0212] In an embodiment, after the control box 134 has interpreted
the received user commands, the control box 134 may transmit the
interpreted commands to the various controllers for the adjustable
bed facility 102 components such as the actuators 104, vibrator
facility 118, modular controls 132, power outlets 138, and the
like. The control box 134 may transmit information that may be
further interpreted by the components into commands for the
individual components. For example, the control box 134 may receive
a command to move the head section up. The control box 134 may
interpret the remote 148 command into a command the actuator may
understand and may transmit the command to extend the head section
actuator to move the head section up.
[0213] In an embodiment, the power supply 140 may receive power
from a standard wall outlet, fuse box, circuit box, or the like and
may provide power to all the powered components of the adjustable
bed facility 102. In an embodiment, the power supply 140 may
provide DC power or AC power to the components. In an embodiment,
if the power supply 140 provides DC power, the power supply 140 may
convert the incoming AC power into DC power for the adjustable bed
facility 102.
[0214] In an embodiment, the power outlets 138 may provide standard
household AC current using a standard outlet for use by external
devices using a standard plug. In an embodiment, the power outlets
138 may receive power directly from a standard wall outlet, a fuse
box, a circuit box, or the like, but the control box 134 may
control whether the power outlet 138 on or off. In an embodiment,
the power outlet 138 may have a control circuit that may determine
if the power outlet 138 is active (on) or inactive (off). In an
embodiment, the command to indicate if the power outlet 138 is
active or inactive may be received from the control box 134. In an
embodiment, the control box 134 may receive commands for the power
outlet 138 control from the remote 148.
[0215] In an embodiment, the power connection 142 may receive
standard power for the adjustable bed facility 102 from a standard
outlet, fuse box, circuit box, or the like. In an embodiment, the
power connection 142 may provide standard AC power to the power
outlets 138, the power supply 140, or the like.
[0216] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be
any type of device or facility that may be capable of improving
that air environment in the area of the adjustable bed facility
102. In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be an
absorbent type (e.g. carbon), electro-static, HEPA filter, or the
like. In an embodiment, absorbent materials may be used in a
filter, in the adjustable bed facility 102, in the mattress 110, or
the like to absorbed odor, dust, contaminants, or the like from the
air environment around the bed, within the bed, or the like. In an
embodiment, electro-static or iconic air filters may use negative
ions to attract dust, contaminants, and the like from the air. In
an embodiment, electro-static materials (e.g. tourmaline) may be
used in a filter, in the adjustable bed facility 102, in the
mattress 110, or the like to absorbed odor, dust, contaminants, or
the like from the air environment around the bed, within the bed,
or the like. In an embodiment, HEPA filters are composed of a mat
of randomly arranged fibers that are designed to trap at least
99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles
with a size of 0.3 micrometers (.mu.m) at 85 liters per minute
(Lpm). The HEPA filter may be used in a device, facility, or the
like for filtering the air in the area of the adjustable bed
facility 102.
[0217] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be
part of the adjustable bed facility 102, a freestanding device or
facility, or the like. In an embodiment, if the air purification
facility 144 is part of the adjustable bed facility 102 the air
purification facility 144 may be attached to any part of the
adjustable bed facility 102 such as the mattress 110, sub-frame
112, skeleton structure 114, or the like. In an embodiment, the air
purification facility 144 that is attached to the adjustable bed
facility 102 may be controlled direct control of the air
purification facility 144, control using the remote 148, or the
like.
[0218] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be a
free standing device that may be plugged into an adjustable bed
facility 102 power outlet 138 and therefore may be controlled with
the remote 148 controlling the on/off condition of the power outlet
138.
[0219] In an embodiment, the air purification facility 144 may be a
freestanding device that may be connected to an adjustable bed
facility 102 modular control 128. The modular control may provide
power (AC or DC), control communication, and the like to the air
purification facility 114. In an embodiment, the user may be able
to control the air purification facility 144 using the remote 148
to control the modular controls 132.
[0220] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may be a user controlled
device to provide control commands to the control box 134 to
command certain functions of the adjustable bed facility 102. In an
embodiment, the certain functions may be adjustable bed facility
section movement (e.g. up or down), vibration control, modular
controlled 132 devices, or the like. In an embodiment, the remote
148 may communicate with the control box using wired communication,
wireless communication, or the like. In an embodiment, the wireless
communication may be using a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),
Bluetooth, or the like. If the remote communicates using a wireless
technology, the communication may be with the receiver 130 and the
receiver 130 may pass the command request to the control box
134.
[0221] In an embodiment, the user may indicate the certain
adjustable bed facility 102 function using the remote 148 by
pressing a button, touching a screen, entering a code, speaking a
command, or the like. In an embodiment, the control box 134, using
the receiver 130, may receive and interpret the command provided by
the remote 148. In an embodiment, the certain functions available
on the remote may instruct the control box 134 to directly control
a device (e.g. actuator 104), control a modular control 132
connected device, or the like. The remote may control devices with
commands that may include on, off, high power, medium power, low
power, volume, play, fast forward, rewind, skip, modular device to
control, or the like. For example, the remote 148 may transmit a
command to move the head section up and the control box 134 may
command the actuator 104 to extend a certain amount in response to
the command. In another example, the remote 148 may command that a
modular control 132 connected lamp be turned off. The control box
134 may command the control box 132 to turn off the lamp.
[0222] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may save adjustable bed
facility 102 user preferred settings to a plurality of memory
locations that may be used to maintain the user determined bed
position, an adjustable bed facility 102 historical setting, or the
like. For example, the user may have a certain preferred adjustable
bed facility 102 position that may be stored in at least one of the
memory locations that the user may be able to later recall to move
the adjustable bed facility into the user preferred position. By
indicating the recall of the at least one memory locations, the
adjustable bed facility 102 control box 134 may command the various
components to move to the stored memory location position to
achieve the recalled position. In an embodiment, for a remote 148
that may contain buttons, the user may press a single button, a
combination of buttons, or the like to recall the memory position
desired.
[0223] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may have buttons, an LCD
screen, a plasma screen or the like to allow the user to indicate
the desired command. In an embodiment, the user may press a button
to indicate a command to the control box 134. In an embodiment, the
LCD or plasma screens may be touch screen sensitive. In an
embodiment, the remote 148 screen may present the available
controls to the user and the user may touch the screen to indicate
the command desired. For example, the remote 148 screen may only
present controls that are available in the adjustable bed facility
102; therefore if a modular control 132 is not available, the
remote 148 may not display a selection for that modular control
132. In an embodiment, the remote 148 screen may present content
sensitive selections to the user. For example, if the user selected
to control a CD player, the user may be presented with CD player
controls that may include play, fast forward, rewind, skip, stop,
repeat, or the like.
[0224] In an embodiment, the remote 148 may provide feedback to the
user to indicate the success of the certain command. In an
embodiment, the feedback may be an audio feedback, a visual
feedback, a forced feedback, or the like. In an embodiment, the
feedback types may be used individually or in combination. In an
embodiment, the audio feedback may be a sound that indicates that
the command was successful, failed, is in progress, in conflict
with a command in progress, failed for safety reasons, or the like.
In an embodiment, the visual feedback may be an indication of the
remote 148 screen that indicates that the command was successful,
failed, is in progress, in conflict with a command in progress,
failed for safety reasons, or the like. In an embodiment, the
forced feedback may be a vibration that indicates that the command
was successful, failed, is in progress, in conflict with a command
in progress, failed for safety reasons, or the like.
[0225] In an embodiment, a memory facility 150 may contain
components that are intended to maintain certain memory locations
for the control box to access, receiver to access, and the like. In
an embodiment, the memory facility 150 may include a receiver learn
facility 152, a bed memory 154, a backup battery 158, and the like.
In an embodiment, the receiver learn facility 152, bed memory 154,
and backup battery 158 may be in a single memory facility 150 or
may be in more than one memory facilities 150. In an embodiment,
the memory facility 152 may be part of the adjustable bed facility
102, part of the electronic facility 124, a separate facility, or
the like. In an embodiment, the receiver learn facility 152, bed
memory 154, and backup battery 158 may not be part of the memory
facility 150, but may be combined into other facilities or devices,
be stand-alone devices, or the like.
[0226] In an embodiment, the receiver learn facility 152 may act to
establish the communication link between the remote 148 and the
receiver 130 where the communication between the remote 148 and
receiver 130 is a wireless connection. In an embodiment, the
communication link between the remote 148 and the receiver 130 may
need to be a unique connection to assure that the remote 148
communicates with only one receiver 130 within one adjustable bed
facility 102. In an embodiment, the receiver learn facility 152 may
be used to provide a unique communication between any remote 148
and any adjustable bed facility 102. For example, a remote 148 may
be used to communicate with a first adjustable bed facility 102 and
may be used to establish communication between the same remote and
a second adjustable bed facility 102. The remote 148 may only be
able to communicate with one adjustable bed facility 102 at a
time.
[0227] In an embodiment, a learn protocol between the remote 148
and receiver 130 may be user initiated by pressing a button on the
receiver learn facility 152, powering up the receiver learn
facility 152, bringing the receiver learn facility 152 within a
certain proximity of the receiver 130, indicating on the remote 148
to begin the learn protocol, or the like. In an embodiment, the
learn protocol may be fully automatic, semi-automatic with user
intervention, manual, or the like. In an embodiment, a user may
select a channel, frequency, or the like during learn protocol or
after the learn protocol. The changing of the channel, frequency,
or the like may prevent two different remote 148 and receiver 130
combinations from interfering with other wireless communication
devices. In an embodiment, each time the learn protocol is
executed, a new unique communication link may be established; there
may be a plurality of unique communication links available for each
remote 148 and receiver 130 combination.
[0228] In an embodiment, the bed memory 154 may be the memory
location where the control box 134 stores user desired preset
information, software for interpreting remote 148 commands,
demonstration software, and the like. In an embodiment, the bed
memory 154 may be removable memory. For example, the bed memory 154
may be moved from a first adjustable bed facility 102 to a second
bed facility 102 to move user settings from the first adjustable
bed facility 102 to the second bed facility 102. In this manner the
bed memory 154 may be considered portable memory. In an embodiment,
the removable bed memory 154 may be flash memory, programmable
logic circuit (PLC) memory, secure digital (SD) memory, mini SD
memory, Compact Flash type I memory, Compact Flash type II memory,
Memory Stick, Multimedia Card, xD Picture card, Smartmedia, eXtreme
Digital, Microdrive, or the like.
[0229] In an embodiment, the removable bed memory 154 may be used
to upgrade the adjustable bed facility 102 memory and software. For
example, if new control box 134 software was developed to provide
better control over one of the adjustable bed facility 102
components, the software may be saved to a new replaceable memory
that may be used in the place of the existing replaceable memory.
In this manner, the software of the adjustable bed facility 102
could be upgraded just by providing the user with a new replaceable
memory.
[0230] In an embodiment, the removable memory may be used to
provide a sales enterprise with adjustable bed facility 102
demonstration software where the enterprise may be able to indicate
at least one of a plurality of demonstrations for a user. For
example, the user may be interested in how the adjustable bed
facility 102 sections may be adjusted and the enterprise may select
a demonstration to shows all the section motion available. In an
embodiment, before an adjustable bed facility 102 is shipped to a
user, the enterprise may remove the demonstration removable memory
and replace it with a standard adjustable bed facility 102 bed
memory 154.
[0231] In an embodiment, the backup battery 158 may be used to
provide power to volatile memory, provide power to the receiver
learn facility 152, provide power to the programmable logic circuit
(PLC) memory, or the like.
[0232] In an embodiment, the memory connection 160 may be any
connection type that provides a connection between the bed memory
154, control box 134, and the like. In an embodiment, the memory
connection 160 may be a wired or wireless connection. The wired
connection may be a USB connection, a serial connection, parallel
connection, or the like. The wireless connection may be by radio
frequency (RF), infrared (IR), Bluetooth, or the like. In an
embodiment, the memory connection 160 may be in a location that is
easy for the user to access the bed memory 154, may be attached to
the memory facility 150, may be attached to the control box 134, or
the like. In an embodiment, the easy access memory connection may
be on the side of the adjustable bed facility 102, on a rail of the
adjustable bed facility 102, under the adjustable bed facility 102,
or the like.
[0233] In an embodiment, the network connection 162 may be used to
connect the control box 134 to a network connection. In an
embodiment, the network connection may be a LAN, a WAN, an
Internet, an intranet, peer-to-peer network, or the like. Using the
network connection 162, the control box 134 may be able to
communicate with computer devices on the network. In an embodiment,
the network connection 162 may be a wired or wireless
connection.
[0234] In an embodiment, using the network connection 162, the
control box 134 may be able to communicate with the network to
periodically check for software updates. In an embodiment, if a
software update is located, the control box 134 may send the user
an email, instant messenger message, phone message, phone call,
cell phone message, cell phone call, fax, pager message, or the
like to indicate that software updates are available. The user,
using the device that received the notice of software, may send a
reply to the control box that the software upgrade should be
downloaded, should not be downloaded, or the like.
[0235] In an embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 enterprise,
an adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, an adjustable bed
facility 102 service enterprise, or the like may send the control
box 134 software updates using the network connection 162. In an
embodiment, an adjustable bed facility 102 enterprise, an
adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, an adjustable bed
facility 102 service enterprise, or the like may notify the user of
available software upgrades for the adjustable bed facility 102 by
email, instant messenger message, phone message, phone call, cell
phone message, cell phone call, fax, pager message, or the like.
The user, using the device that received the notice of software,
may send a reply to the adjustable bed facility 102 enterprise, the
adjustable bed facility 102 manufacturer, the adjustable bed
facility 102 service enterprise, or the like that the software
upgrade should be downloaded, should not be downloaded, or the
like.
[0236] Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an embodiment of
shipping and assembling a mattress retaining bracket 402 is shown.
The mattress retaining bracket 402 may be used to hold the mattress
110 (not shown) in place on the adjustable bed facility 102 as the
adjustable bed facility 102 sections are adjusted. For example, as
the head section is adjusted up, the mattress 110 may tend to slide
down towards the foot of the bed, the mattress retaining bracket
402 may stop the mattress from sliding and may maintain the
mattress 110 in the proper position on the adjustable bed facility
102. In an embodiment, there may be a mattress retaining 402
bracket at the head section and/or the foot section of the
adjustable bed facility 102.
[0237] In an embodiment, the mattress retaining bracket 402 may be
made of materials that include metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or the
like. In an embodiment, the materials may be used individually or
in combination.
[0238] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the adjustable
bed facility 102 is shipped to the user, the mattress retaining
bracket 402 may be mounted upside down at the final location of the
mattress retaining bracket 402. This mounting method may provide
benefits that may include mattress retaining bracket 402 breakage
prevention, mattress retaining bracket 402 bending prevention,
clear user understanding of the final mattress retaining bracket
402 location, prevention of the mattress retaining bracket 402
becoming lost, and the like. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B,
once the user receives the adjustable bed facility 102 with the
upside down mounted mattress retaining bracket 402, the user may
rotate the mattress retaining bracket 402 into the upright position
and re-secure it to the adjustable bed facility 102.
[0239] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of an adjustable bed 600
(without the mattress) is shown with the head 602 and foot 604
sections raised to an elevated position. This adjustable bed 600
shows that sections, in this case the foot 604 section may be
divided into more than one section to provide contouring of bed
sections.
[0240] Referring to FIG. 7, an example of actuators 104 connected
to the bed frame 702 and the adjustable sections 704 is shown. In
this case two actuators 104 are used, one for each adjustable bed
section 704.
[0241] Referring to FIG. 8, an example of more than one actuator
104 for each adjustable bed section 802 is shown, in this case
there are two actuators 104 for each adjustable section 802. In
embodiments, more than one actuator 104 per section 802 may be used
if the bed sections 802 are heavy, smaller actuators 104 are used,
if the bed is a wide bed (e.g. king bed), or the like.
[0242] Referring to FIG. 9, an example of an adjustable bed 900
using slats 902 instead of wood decking for the foundation of the
adjustable sections is shown. In embodiments, the slats 902 may be
wood, plastic, rubber, cloth, elastic material, or the like. Using
this design, the adjustable bed 900 may be provided with curved
contours has shown in the head section 904. In an embodiment, the
curved sections may be constructed of a number of small connected
individual sections.
[0243] An adjustable bed may be constructed in a variety of ways,
including distinct functional frame assemblies that are
functionally connected to each other and/or to a base frame. The
distinct frame assemblies may allow for separate controlled
movement and positioning of portions of the adjustable bed to
enhance user comfort. The adjustable bed embodiments of FIGS. 15
through 19 include various features that provide independent
adjustability, ease of assembly, wheeled movement of the bed, and
other capabilities through the use of an assembly of distinct frame
assemblies.
[0244] Referring to FIG. 15 which depicts portions of an adjustable
bed frame assembly, the adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 includes
a center frame 1502 comprising two substantially parallel side
frame members 1504 connected by two substantially parallel
connector frame members, a forward connector frame member 1508A and
a rear connector frame member 1508B, wherein the two connector
frame members 1508A and 1508B are located within approximately a
center one-third of the length of the side frame members 1504. The
adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 also includes a base frame 1510,
a portion of which is shown in FIG. 15, that includes a plurality
of legs 1512 for mounting on a floor is rigidly affixed 1514 to the
center frame 1502 such that the center frame 1502 does not move
with respect to the base frame 1510. The adjustable bed frame
assembly 1500 further includes a head frame 1518 that comprises two
substantially parallel side frame members 1520 connected by a pair
of connector frame members 1528A and 1528B, wherein a lower end of
each of the head frame's parallel side frame members 1520 are
pivotally attached to the forward connector frame member 1508A of
the center frame 1502. In addition, a downwardly facing extension
frame member 1522 is attached to connector frame member 1528A. The
adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 also includes an actuator 1524
for raising and lowering the head frame 1518, wherein one end of
the actuator 1524 is pivotally connected to the head frame's
extension frame member 1522 and an opposing end of the actuator
1524 is connected to the center frame's rear connector frame member
1508B. The adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 also includes a
mattress platform (not shown in FIG. 15) affixed to a top side of
the head frame 1518 to provide support to a head portion of a
mattress (also not shown in FIG. 15). The adjustable bed frame
assembly 1500 may be made of tubular construction with a round
profile, square profile, oblong profile, and the like.
Alternatively the frame assembly 1500 may be made of angle iron,
u-channel, I-beam, and other metal fabrication shapes. Any and all
shapes may be used on various frame elements in various
combinations to assemble the frame assembly 1500.
[0245] In operation, the actuator 1524 may retract to raise the
head frame 1518 and may extend to lower the head frame 1518. When
extended, the adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 provides a
substantially horizontal plane for supporting a mattress. An angle
between the base frame 1510 and the head frame 1518 is
approximately 180 degrees. During retraction of the actuator 1524,
the pivot connections between the head frame's parallel side frame
members 1520 and the forward connector frame member 1508 causes the
head frame 1518 to move relative to the base frame 1510 resulting
in the angle being formed between the head frame 1518 and the base
frame 1510 to decrease below 180 degrees. Extending the actuator
1524 causes the angle to increase until the angle is approximately
180 degrees again.
[0246] The actuator 1524 may be controlled through a programmable
logic controller. Alternatively a programmable logic controller
(PLC) executes actuator control as indicated through receipt of a
user remote control instruction. The mattress platform may be made
of wood.
[0247] Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E which depict
various orthogonal views of an embodiment of an adjustable bed, the
adjustable bed frame assembly 1500 may be fitted with a flexible
mattress platform 1602, shown in FIG. 16A. The flexible mattress
platform 1602 may be surrounded by fixed position skirt panels 1604
which may be rigidly attached to the center frame 1502, the base
frame 1510, or a combination thereof. In operation, as the actuator
1524 extends and the head frame 1518 pivots in relationship to the
base frame 1510, the flexible mattress platform 1602 flexes
substantially along the axis of the forward connector frame member
1508A. A mattress stop 1604 may be secured to one of the skirt
panels 1604 that is opposite the head frame 1518. The mattress stop
1604 may keep a mattress that is placed on top of the flexible
mattress support 1602 from being unintentionally repositioned by
the operation of the actuator 1524. An exemplary top view 1610 is
shown. FIG. 16B includes a bottom view 1608. FIG. 16C includes a
head view 1612. FIG. 16D includes a side view 1614. FIG. 16E
includes a foot view 1618. In an alternative configuration of the
adjustable bed depicted in FIG. 16A, the flexible mattress support
1602 and the skirt panels 1604 may be co-joined to form a rigid
mattress support that substantially inhibits adjustability of the
bed frame.
[0248] Also depicted in FIG. 16B, base frame 1510 may include
lateral support members 1624, 1628, and 1630.
[0249] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, and 17F show exemplary
depictions of various orthogonal views of an embodiment of an
adjustable bed that may be an adaptation of the adjustable bed
depicted in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E. The adjustable bed
frame assembly 1500 may be fitted with substantially parallel and
co-planar separated mattress platform panels including a head panel
1702, as shown in FIG. 17A, that may be attached to the head frame
1518, a seat panel 1704, as shown in FIG. 17B, that may be attached
to the center frame 1502, and two leg panels 1708 and 1710 that may
be pivotably attached together along an edge. Leg panel 1708 may be
pivotably attached along an edge that is opposite to the edge along
which it is attached to leg panel 1710 to the center frame 1502 and
in close proximity to the seat panel 1704. Additionally leg panel
1708 may be driven by an actuator 1712, shown in FIG. 17E, that is
attached at one end to the center frame 1502 and at the other end
to a leg frame 1714, shown in FIG. 17F. Leg panel 1710 may also be
pivotably connected to leg panel riser members 1718 close to the
edge that is opposite the edge to which leg panel 1708 is
connected. The actuator 1712 and leg panel riser members 1718
operate cooperatively to enable the leg panels to rise up to form a
shape that allows the legs of a user of the adjustable bed to be
elevated while keeping the user's knees bent. The result is the leg
panels 1708 and 1710 support a user's legs between the hip and knee
at a greater vertical incline than the user's legs between the knee
and foot. In operation, actuator 1712 may extend, causing leg panel
1708 to pivot around the connection to center frame 1502 resulting
in the leg panel 1708 forming an angle with seat panel 1704 less
than 180 degrees. Pivotal connections between leg panel 1708 and
1710 work cooperatively with the pivotably connected leg panel
riser member 1718 to cause leg panel 1710 to elevate in response to
leg panel 1708 pivoting. In elevation, leg panel 1710 may remain
close to horizontal with the edge that connects to leg panel 1708
being slightly more elevated than the opposite edge. In the
embodiment of the adjustable bed of FIGS. 17A-F, the elements
depicted and described for the adjustable bed of FIGS. 16A-E may
apply with the exception of the flexible mattress 1602 and the
fixed skirt panels 1604. FIG. 17C includes a bottom view 1720. FIG.
17B includes a top view 1722. FIG. 17D includes a head view 1724.
FIG. 17E includes a side view 1728. FIG. 17F includes a foot view
1730.
[0250] Leg frame 1714 may include thigh tube 1734 to which actuator
1712 is connected through a drive arm. Thigh tube 1734 extends
laterally across the bed to connect opposing parallel longitudinal
leg frame 1714 members. Extending longitudinally from thigh tube
1734 to lateral leg frame member 1738 are two foot support members
1732.
[0251] FIGS. 18A-F depicts the adjustable bed of FIGS. 17A-F with
head, seat, and leg panels in a substantially horizontal common
plane. This may be accomplished by extending actuator 1524 and
retracting actuator 1712. FIG. 18A includes a bottom view 1820.
FIG. 18B includes a top view 1822. FIG. 18C includes a head view
1824. FIG. 18D includes a side view 1828. FIG. 18E includes a foot
view 1830. FIG. 18F includes a raised angular view 1832.
[0252] FIGS. 19A-F depict the adjustable bed of FIGS. 17A-F with
skirt panels attached to outer edges of the head panel 1702, seat
panel 1704, and leg panels 1708 and 1710. The skirt panels, as
depicted, may enhance visual appearance and provide a barrier to
the user from easily accessing the frame members and actuators.
FIG. 19A includes a bottom view 1920. FIG. 19B includes a top view
1922. FIG. 19C includes a head view 1924. FIG. 19D includes a side
view 1928. FIG. 19E includes a foot view 1930. FIG. 19F includes a
raised angular view 1932.
[0253] FIG. 20 depicts a detail of a portion of the bed frame 1500
that facilitates movement of either the head frame 1518 or the leg
frame 1714 when the actuator is operated. Although the embodiment
of FIG. 20 includes references for a head frame 1518 use, the same
configuration can be used for facilitating movement of the leg
frame 1714. In particular, an actuator bracket 2002 is connected to
frame connector bracket 1528B. Downwardly facing extension frame
member 1522 is rigidly connected to frame connector bracket 1528A
at one end and the actuator bracket 2002 at the other. As actuator
1524 extends, actuator bracket 2002 applies a force to connector
frame bracket 1527B and to downwardly facing extension frame member
1522 that transfers the force to connector frame bracket 1528A
resulting in head frame 1518 rotating around the pivotable
connection 2004 made by parallel side frame members 1520 and
forward connector frame member 1508A.
[0254] FIG. 21 depicts the operation of bracket 2002 through
various extension positions of actuator 1524. Based on extension
position of actuator 1524, head frame 1518 may be positioned in any
position. Three representative positions 2102, 2104, and 2108 are
depicted in FIG. 21.
[0255] FIG. 22 depicts an alternate embodiment of the adjustable
bed fame assembly that incorporates many of the frame elements of
FIGS. 15-21 wherein center lateral member 1628 is removed and
diagonal support members 2202 and 2204 are added. Diagonal support
member 2202 is connected at one end to a first side rail of base
frame 1510 midway between lateral supports 1624 and 1630 and is
connected at an opposite end to approximately the center of lateral
support member 1624. Diagonal support member 2204 is connected at
one end midway between lateral supports 1624 and 1630 to a second
side rail of the base frame 1510 that is opposite the first side
rail and at the opposite end to approximately the center of lateral
support member 1630. Castors 2208 and 2210 are positioned
approximately below the connection of each diagonal support member
and each side rail of the base frame. The embodiment of FIG. 22
further includes actuator bracket 2002 assembled as described with
respect to FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0256] FIG. 22 also shows actuators 1524 and 1712 positioned close
to a center line of the bed to at least reduce the potential for
rotational torque applied to an extending actuator. The centerline
position of the actuators also enables control electronics 2212 to
be positioned away from the center of the bed, thereby improving
serviceability. In addition to eliminating center lateral support
1628, the adjustable bed frame of FIG. 22 also has a simplified
foot frame 1714 that eliminates both foot support members 1732 and
reduces the length of lateral thigh tube 1734 by approximately
one-half.
[0257] FIG. 23 depicts an alternate embodiment of the adjustable
bed fame assembly with a truss-reinforced structure. In an
embodiment, a steel skeleton may be disposed under the head and
center of the adjustable bed facility 102. In an embodiment, the
adjustable bed facility 102 may comprise a truss. The truss may be
formed from at least two truss members that may be crossed to for
an X shape. The truss may be disposed between the upper frame 2310
of the adjustable bed facility and the lower frame 2312 of the
adjustable bed facility 102. For example, the truss may connect to
the steel skeleton 114 and the foundation materials, such as
oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, and the like, of the
adjustable bed frame, which may comprise a bed deck 2304, head
board 2318, upper frame 2310, lower frame 2312, and middle section
2314 (also known as center frame elsewhere). The truss members may
be fastened together in the center of the X to give it more
strength. The truss may box in a key area of the adjustable bed
facility 102 and enable the adjustable bed facility 102 to support
large amounts of weight.
[0258] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 frame
could be built with legs or without legs on the corners. If the
adjustable bed facility 102 lacks legs, it can rest on a standard
steel foundation 2308. Some steel foundations provide more support
than others depending on where the crossbars are located, but the
adjustable bed facility 102 may be operable with most steel
foundations.
[0259] In an aspect, an adjustable bed facility 102 may comprise
standard flat foundation materials. For example, the adjustable bed
facility 102 may comprise wood strapping and 2.times.4s. In an
alternative embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 may be made
from any material, such as metal, steel, plastic, wood, fiberglass,
and the like.
[0260] The adjustable bed facility 102 may support considerable
weight. For example, in FIG. 23A, the head board 2318 is supporting
400 pounds of weight and in FIG. 23B, the head board 2318 of the
adjustable bed facility 102 is supporting 400 pounds of weight and
the bed deck 2304 is supporting 350 pounds. As can be seen in FIG.
23B, the adjustable bed facility 102 rests on and is supported on a
standard steel foundation 2308. The truss 2402 may be disposed in
the middle section 2314 between the lower frame 2312 and the upper
frame 2310/bed deck 2304. The truss may be oriented such that the X
shape formed by the truss is oriented along the length of the
adjustable bed facility 102. In some embodiments, the truss 2402
may be oriented along the width of the adjustable bed facility 102.
In some embodiments, the truss 2402 may be disposed anywhere along
the bed deck 2304 portion of the adjustable bed facility 102. The
truss 2402 may be connected to the skeleton 114, the bed deck 2304,
the upper frame 2310, lower frame 2312, middle section 2314, or any
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the actuator 104 may also
be connected to the truss 2402.
[0261] In operation, when the adjustable bed facility is fully
extended, the head board 2318 rests on the upper frame 2310 of the
adjustable bed facility. When the adjustable bed facility 102 is
operated, the head board 2318 may lift away from the upper frame
2310. For example, the head board 2318 and bed deck 2304 may be
hinged such that the head board 2318 is pivotally connected to the
bed deck 2304. In some embodiments, the upper frame 2310, lower
frame 2312, and bed deck 2304 may remain motionless. In other
embodiments, the bed deck 2304 may be divided into a center frame
and a leg frame portion so that there may be additional motions
possible for the adjustable bed facility 102. In an embodiment,
when the skeleton 114 is connected to the truss 2402, the weight of
a user against the head board 2318 and bed deck 2304, either in the
fully extended or head board-lifted positions, are more supported
than if no truss 2402 were present.
[0262] Referring to FIG. 24, the truss 2402 is disposed between the
upper frame 2310 and lower frame 2312 of the adjustable bed
facility. In an embodiment, the truss is secured to both the upper
frame 2310 and lower frame 2312 using a fastener, such as a screw,
nail, bolt, staple, and the like. In some embodiments, the truss
2402 is secured to the bed deck 2304 as well.
[0263] Referring to FIG. 25, the adjustable bed facility 102 may
comprise a skeleton 114. The skeleton 114 may provide structural
support for the adjustable bed facility 102 and the physical
connection between the head board 2318 and the lift facility (not
shown). The skeleton 114 may be secured to the head board 2318
through certain attachment points, and secured to the middle
section 2314, bed deck 2304, upper frame 2310 and/or lower frame
2312 using a fastener, such as a screw, nail, bolt, staple, and the
like. The truss 2402 may be part of the skeleton 114. In FIG. 25,
the adjustable bed facility 102 is shown in the lifted position,
with the skeleton 114 attached to at least the head board 2318 and
the middle section 2314. FIG. 26 shows an alternate angle of the
adjustable bed facility 102 in a lifted position.
[0264] Referring to FIG. 27, the truss-reinforced adjustable bed
facility 102 is shown with a mattress cover. The adjustable bed
frame is covered with a mattress fabric. Additionally, the bed deck
2304 and head board 2318 may be additionally covered in a mattress
cushioning for the user's comfort. In FIG. 27A, the head board 2318
is fully extended. In FIG. 27B, the head board 2318 has been
lifted, as has been described herein. The head board 2318 lifts
away from the upper frame 2310. For example, the head board 2318
and bed deck 2304 may be hinged such that the head board 2318
rotates around the axis of the hinges while the upper frame 2310,
lower frame 2312, and bed deck 2304 remain motionless. In FIG. 27,
the head board 2318 has its own covering so that when it lifts, the
portion of the adjustable bed facility 102 that remains motionless
is also covered. This may also be seen in an alternate view of the
head board 2318 lifted position in FIG. 28.
[0265] The truss reinforced adjustable bed facility 102 may
comprise any number of components described herein, such as
actuators 104, springs 108, mattresses 110, a sub-frame 112, a
skeleton structure 114, vibration motors 118, supports 120, safety
brackets 122, an electronic facility 124, an air purification
facility 144, a remote 148, a memory facility 150, a memory
connection 160, a network connection 162, and the like. In an
embodiment, the electronic facility 124 may include a wire harness
128, a receiver 130, modular controls 132, a control box 134, power
outlets 138, a power connection 142, and the like. In an
embodiment, the memory facility 150 may include a receiver learn
facility 152, bed memory 154, a backup battery 158, and the like.
In an embodiment, the receiver learn facility 152, bed memory 154,
and backup battery 158 may not be part of the memory facility 150,
but may be combined into other facilities or devices, be
stand-alone devices, or the like. In an embodiment, the physical
aspects of the truss-reinforced adjustable bed facility 102 that
provide support for the user may include the actuators 104, springs
108, mattresses 110, a sub-frame 112, a skeleton structure 114,
vibration motors 118, supports 120, and safety brackets 122.
[0266] Referring to FIG. 29, a view of the truss 2402 is shown
looking down the center of the adjustable bed frame length-wise.
The truss 2402 is attached to the middle section 2314, between the
lower frame 2312 and the upper frame 2310/bed deck 2304.
[0267] Referring to FIG. 30, looking down the center of the
adjustable bed frame width-wise, the truss 2402 is fastened to at
least two places on the skeleton 114 and to the middle section 2314
of the adjustable bed frame. An actuator 104 is shown in the
foreground, partially obstructing the view of the truss 2402.
Referring to FIG. 31, the truss 2402 is now seen from the opposite
side of the adjustable bed frame, still looking down the center
width-wise. The fastener at the center of the X structure of the
truss 2402 is clearly visible in this view.
[0268] In embodiments, referring to FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B,
structural views of the adjustable bed facility 102 may be
provided. The adjustable bed facility may have a mattress support
section 3208 and a truss 2402. As shown in FIG. 32C, the mattress
support section may have a screw 3210 to tighten/loosen the
mattress retained by bar 3202. In embodiments, the screw may be a
wooden screw 3212. In addition, a foot and back deck 3204 is also
represented in the FIG. 32C. Moreover, FIG. 32C represents a rail
3230, rail 3232, foam 3228, cross bars 3234, decks 3224, and the
like. In embodiments, the rail 3230 may have a 19mm *32.5mm as its
dimensions. In embodiments, the rail 3232 may have 19 mm*65 mm as
its dimensions. These structural elements may support the
adjustable bed facility 102. The deck 3224 may be made up of wood,
plastic, and the like.
[0269] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 32C, FIG. 32D, and FIG.
32E, the truss 2402 may include lower deck 3220, stabilizing bar
3222, an `L` bracket 3218, a screw 3214, a tee nut 3238, a shoulder
screw 3240, a vertical bar 3242, a bottom rail 3234, cross bars
3258, a plastic washer 325, an `R` clip 3248, a motor pin 3250, and
the like. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 32E, the stabilizing
bars 3222 may be connected to the bottom rail 3234 using the tee
nut 3238, `L-bracket` 3238, and the screw 3214. The stabilizing
bars 3222 may be crossly connected to each other by using the
shoulder screw 3234. The foot and back deck 3204 and the vertical
bar 3242 may support the stabilizing bars 3222. In embodiments, the
stabilizing bars 3222 may support the adjustable bed facility 102.
For example, the user may put a heavy load on the adjustable bed
facility 102. The stabilizing bar 3222 and the cross bars 3258 may
absorb the pressure of the heavy load and may stabilize the
adjustable bed facility 102. In embodiments, as explained above,
the truss 2402 may help the bed to attain the position in the FIG.
32A from the FIG. 32D.
[0270] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 32F, the mattress support
section 3208 may include the mattress retained bar 3202, wood screw
3212, an end rail 3260, the screw 3210, a tee nut 3238, a foam
3228, decking 3224, the rail 3230, the rail 3232, a bottom rail
3234, and the like. It may be noted that the mattress support
section may be shown to have only the above stated structural
components. Those skilled in the art, however, may appreciate that
the mattress support section may have lesser or more number of
structural components.
[0271] In embodiments, the decking 3228 may be placed on the rail
3230. The mattress retained bar 3202 may support the mattress on
the adjustable bed facility 102. The screw 3210 and the tee nut
3238 may hold the rail 3230, the rail 3232, and the end rail 3260.
On loosening the screw 3210 and the tee nut 3238, the rails may be
adjusted as per requirement.
[0272] In embodiments, a top view of the adjustable bed facility
102 may be provided in FIG. 32G.
[0273] In an embodiment, the adjustable bed facility 102 may have a
motor mechanism connection that includes an extra tube for support.
The support tube may be welded to the motor connection bracket and
the steel skeleton for added support. FIGS. 34-39 depict an
adjustable bed facility 102 including the support tube.
Additionally, the adjustable bed facility 102 in these figures does
not include wall-hugging capability or massage motors, however, it
should be understood that the support tube may be included in any
adjustable bed facility 102 described herein or not described
herein. FIG. 33 depicts a motor connection bracket 3302. The motor
connection bracket 3302 may be connected on an end to the motor and
on another end to the headboard or a lever arm associated with the
headboard.
[0274] FIG. 34 depicts how the head board of the adjustable bed
facility connects to the motor. The motor connection bracket 3302
is shown along with the support tube 3402. The support tube 3402
connects on one end to the motor connection bracket 3302 and on
another end to a vertical skeleton structure 3404. In this
embodiment, only one vertical skeleton structure is shown but it
should be understood that multiple vertical skeleton structures
connected to the head board are possible and within the scope of
this disclosure. The vertical skeleton structure may be connected
to a horizontal skeleton structure 3408. The support tube 3402
provides additional support for the motor connection bracket 3302.
As the motor operates and pushes the end of the motor connection
bracket 3302 to rotate it, the headboard is also rotated to a
vertical position. The support tube 3402 provides additional
support to the motor connection bracket 3302 as pressure is
transmitted through it by the rotation of the end connected to the
motor.
[0275] FIG. 35A depicts a side view of the adjustable bed facility
with the support tube. FIG. 35B depicts an underside view of the
adjustable bed facility with the support tube 3402. FIG. 35C
depicts a top view of the adjustable bed facility with the support
tube. FIG. 36 depicts an exploded view of the adjustable bed
facility connections with support tube. FIG. 37 depicts an
underside view of the bed assembly with support tube 3402. FIG. 38A
depicts a side view of the support tube 3402. FIG. 38B depicts a
top view of the support tube 3402. FIG. 38C depicts an alternate
view of the support tube 3402. FIG. 39 depicts an underside view of
the bed assembly with support tube 3402.
[0276] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in
part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software,
program codes, and/or instructions on a processor. The processor
may be part of a server, client, network infrastructure, mobile
computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other
computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or
processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes,
binary instructions and the like. The processor may be or include a
signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor,
microprocessor or any variant such as a co-processor (math
co-processor, graphic co-processor, communication co-processor and
the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate
execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon.
In addition, the processor may enable execution of multiple
programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed
simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to
facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. By way of
implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and
the like described herein may be implemented in one or more thread.
The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned
priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these
threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions
provided in the program code. The processor may include memory that
stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described
herein and elsewhere. The processor may access a storage medium
through an interface that may store methods, codes, and
instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium
associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes,
program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being
executed by the computing or processing device may include but may
not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk,
flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.
[0277] A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance
speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In embodiments, the
process may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other
chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more
independent cores (called a die).
[0278] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in
part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software
on a server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such
computer and/or networking hardware. The software program may be
associated with a server that may include a file server, print
server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other
variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server
and the like. The server may include one or more of memories,
processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical
and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of
accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a
wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or
codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the
server. In addition, other devices required for execution of
methods as described in this application may be considered as a
part of the infrastructure associated with the server.
[0279] The server may provide an interface to other devices
including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers,
database servers, print servers, file servers, communication
servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this
coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of
program across the network. The networking of some or all of these
devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method
at one or more location without deviating from the scope of the
invention. In addition, any of the devices attached to the server
through an interface may include at least one storage medium
capable of storing methods, programs, code and/or instructions. A
central repository may provide program instructions to be executed
on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository
may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and
programs.
[0280] The software program may be associated with a client that
may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet
client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary
client, host client, distributed client and the like. The client
may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable
media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication
devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients,
servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless
medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described
herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition,
other devices required for execution of methods as described in
this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure
associated with the client.
[0281] The client may provide an interface to other devices
including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers,
database servers, print servers, file servers, communication
servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this
coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of
program across the network. The networking of some or all of these
devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method
at one or more location without deviating from the scope of the
invention. In addition, any of the devices attached to the client
through an interface may include at least one storage medium
capable of storing methods, programs, applications, code and/or
instructions. A central repository may provide program instructions
to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the
remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code,
instructions, and programs.
[0282] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in
part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network
infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices,
servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers,
communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive
devices, modules and/or components as known in the art. The
computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the
network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a
storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and
the like. The processes, methods, program codes, instructions
described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of
the network infrastructural elements.
[0283] The methods, program codes, and instructions described
herein and elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network
having multiple cells. The cellular network may either be frequency
division multiple access (FDMA) network or code division multiple
access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may include mobile
devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers,
and the like. The cell network may be a GSM, GPRS, 3G, EVDO, mesh,
or other networks types.
[0284] The methods, programs codes, and instructions described
herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile
devices. The mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell
phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops,
palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players
and the like. These devices may include, apart from other
components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM,
ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices
associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute program
codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the
mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in
collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may
communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and
configured to execute program codes. The mobile devices may
communicate on a peer to peer network, mesh network, or other
communications network. The program code may be stored on the
storage medium associated with the server and executed by a
computing device embedded within the server. The base station may
include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device
may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing
devices associated with the base station.
[0285] The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions
may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may
include: computer components, devices, and recording media that
retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time;
semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass
storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical
discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums,
cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile
memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD;
removable media such as flash memory (e.g. USB sticks or keys),
floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone
RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the
like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory,
read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access,
sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content
addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar
codes, magnetic ink, and the like.
[0286] The methods and systems described herein may transform
physical and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The
methods and systems described herein may also transform data
representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to
another.
[0287] The elements described and depicted herein, including in
flow charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply
logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to
software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements
and the functions thereof may be implemented on machines through
computer executable media having a processor capable of executing
program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software
structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that
employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any
combination of these, and all such implementations may be within
the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of such machines may
include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants,
laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld
computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless
communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites,
tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices
having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking
equipments, servers, routers and the like. Furthermore, the
elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any other
logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of
executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings
and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed
systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing
these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions
unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.
Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified
and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may
be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed
herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall
within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and/or
description of an order for various steps should not be understood
to require a particular order of execution for those steps, unless
required by a particular application, or explicitly stated or
otherwise clear from the context.
[0288] The methods and/or processes described above, and steps
thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination
of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. The
hardware may include a general purpose computer and/or dedicated
computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect
or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be
realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded
microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other
programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory.
The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application
specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array,
programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of
devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It
will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may
be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed
on a machine readable medium.
[0289] The computer executable code may be created using a
structured programming language such as C, an object oriented
programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or
low-level programming language (including assembly languages,
hardware description languages, and database programming languages
and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to
run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous
combinations of processors, processor architectures, or
combinations of different hardware and software, or any other
machine capable of executing program instructions.
[0290] Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and
combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code
that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the
steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in
systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed
across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may
be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other
hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps
associated with the processes described above may include any of
the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutations
and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0291] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various
modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent
to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of
the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable
by law.
[0292] All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *