U.S. patent application number 14/982229 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for bedding product with age indicator.
The applicant listed for this patent is L&P Property Management Company. Invention is credited to John A. Garrett, Terrance L. Myers.
Application Number | 20170236456 14/982229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53005845 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170236456 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Myers; Terrance L. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
Bedding Product With Age Indicator
Abstract
A mattress age indicating device includes an enclosure and an
indicating assembly contained within the enclosure. The age
indicating device may be configured to present an indication
related to the mattress's age and may be coupled to the mattress or
other bedding or seating product.
Inventors: |
Myers; Terrance L.; (Joplin,
MO) ; Garrett; John A.; (Carthage, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L&P Property Management Company |
South Gate |
CA |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160203739 A1 |
July 14, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
53005845 |
Appl. No.: |
14/982229 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14592406 |
Jan 8, 2015 |
9257057 |
|
|
14982229 |
|
|
|
|
13709401 |
Dec 10, 2012 |
8939379 |
|
|
14592406 |
|
|
|
|
13406053 |
Feb 27, 2012 |
8870083 |
|
|
13709401 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/002 20130101;
G06N 5/04 20130101; G09F 3/201 20130101; G09F 2013/222 20130101;
G09F 3/00 20130101; A47C 21/00 20130101; A47G 9/10 20130101; A47C
31/00 20130101; G09F 13/22 20130101; G09F 3/208 20130101; G09F
3/0297 20130101; A47C 27/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09F 3/20 20060101
G09F003/20; G09F 13/22 20060101 G09F013/22; G09F 3/00 20060101
G09F003/00; A47C 27/00 20060101 A47C027/00 |
Claims
1. In combination, a mattress and a mattress age indicating device,
the combination comprising: the mattress, the mattress age
indicating device coupled to the mattress and comprising an
enclosure; an indicating assembly contained within the enclosure,
the indicating assembly including a visual indicator, a timer, a
controller and a power source; and wherein the visual indicator is
at least one light configured to present a visual indication
related to the mattress' age.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a
back and a cover, and the indicating assembly is positioned between
the back and the cover.
3. The combination of claim 1, wherein after the timer is initially
activated, the visual indicator is activated by the controller at
any time by a user pushing a test button.
4. The combination of claim 1, further comprising a label providing
information used in conjunction with the indication.
5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the device is attached to a
surface of a mattress.
6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the device is attached to a
side surface of a mattress.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a frame
portion, and the device is configured to be attached to the
mattress by stitching.
8. The combination of claim 1, further comprising a barcode.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the barcode includes a QR
code.
10. In combination, a mattress and a mattress age indicating
device, the combination comprising: the mattress, the mattress age
indicating device coupled to the mattress and comprising an
enclosure; an indicating assembly contained within the enclosure,
the indicating assembly including a controller, a test button, a
visual indicator, a timer, wherein upon the test button being
pressed multiple times, the controller initially activates the
timer for the first time and upon the test button being pushed
after the timer has been initially activated, the controller causes
the visual indicator to undergo a single sequence of activating and
deactivating the visual indicator.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the visual indicator
comprises at least one LED.
12. The combination of claim 10, wherein the visual indicator
includes at least one LED, and the controller selectively activates
the at least one LED to provide the single sequence.
13. The combination of claim 10, wherein the enclosure includes a
frame portion, the frame portion being sewn to the mattress.
14. The combination of claim 10, wherein the mattress age
indicating device is attached to a side surface of the
mattress.
15. The combination of claim 10, wherein the visual indicator
includes color changing dyes.
16. The combination of claim 10, wherein the visual indicator
includes color changing materials.
17. In combination, a bedding product and an age indicating device,
the combination comprising: the bedding product, the age indicating
device comprising an indicating assembly including a a timer, a
controller, a power source and a visual indicator comprising at
least one light emitting diode; an enclosure surrounding the age
indicating assembly, the enclosure having a frame portion for
coupling the age indicating device to the bedding product; wherein
the timer, controller and visual indicator cooperate to present a
visual indication related to the bedding product's age.
18. The combination of claim 17, wherein the timer is initially
activated by a user pressing a test button.
19. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a label
providing information used in conjunction with the indication.
20. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a QR code.
21. In combination, a bedding product and an age indicating device,
the combination comprising: the bedding product, the age indicating
device coupled to the bedding product and comprising an indicating
assembly including a light sensor, a timer, a controller, and an
indicator; an enclosure surrounding the indicating assembly;
wherein the, timer, controller, and indicator cooperate to present
a visual indication related to the bedding product's age, the timer
being initially activated by the light sensor.
22. The combination of claim 21, wherein the indicator includes at
least one LED.
23. The combination of claim 22, wherein the indicator comprises
multiple LEDs, each LED being a different color.
24. The combination of claim 21, wherein the indicator includes at
least one LED.
25. The combination of claim 21, wherein the indicator comprises
multiple LEDs, each LED being a different color.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/592,406 filed Jan. 8, 2015, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/709,401
filed Dec. 10, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,379, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,053
filed Feb. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,083. Each of these
documents is fully incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to age indicating
devices for products, and may find application in bedding and
seating products.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Most products have limited useful lifetimes, which generally
span from when a product is new (or ready to be used) to when it
fails to function properly and, consequently, may be less useful
than when it was new. Thus, products go through several stages
during their lifetimes, including what may be characterized as a
beginning, a middle and an end. The lifetime of a product may be
generally understood with reference to the nature of the product.
For some products, their lifetime may be determined mostly by the
passage of time. A piece of fruit, for example, generally has a
lifetime that comes to an end when the piece of fruit becomes
overripe and is no longer palatable, which happens with the passage
of time. For some products, their lifetime may be determined
primarily by the amount of use of the product. A traditional wooden
pencil, for example, reaches the end of its lifetime after it is
used and sharpened so many times that the wooden cylinder
surrounding the graphite core cannot be sharpened any further, or
until the wooden cylinder is reduced to a size where the pencil is
no longer desirable for use. And for some products, their lifetime
may be determined mostly by a combination of the passage of time
and the amount of use of the product. A rubber bicycle tire, for
example, may degrade and dry out over time and may be worn down by
use.
[0004] Effective use of a product generally includes using the
product during its useful lifetime, and discontinuing use of the
product once the product reaches the end of its useful lifetime.
Determining what stage of its lifetime a product is in may be
difficult for a potential user, especially for a product that
doesn't provide readily apparent indications about where it is
along its useful life.
[0005] In some circumstances, a change in the user of a product may
influence the product's useful lifetime. For example, a change in a
user's health status might influence whether a particular product
is still useful to the user. In addition, a change in a user's
preferences might influence whether the user perceives the product
as useful.
[0006] Mattresses provide an example of a product whose useful
lifetime may be influenced by its age, use, and a user's
preferences. A mattress typically includes a cover made of durable
upholstery which may be partially or entirely covered by a mattress
pad and/or sheets while the mattress is being used. Because of this
covering, a superficial visual inspection of a mattress surface may
not reveal the amount of use the mattress has seen or the age of
the mattress, which may be factors in determining its useful life.
A potential purchaser of the mattress may be deceived or
misinformed regarding the remainder of the useful life of the
mattress. Moreover, some mattress owners may find it difficult to
recall exactly when the mattress was purchased or how long or how
often the mattress has been used. The amount of time a mattress
owner has owned a mattress may be relevant, as mattress owners may
prefer different mattress qualities (such as stiffness) at
different stages in their lives. Thus, mattresses in particular,
and products generally present problems in terms of understanding
how far along (or how far beyond) they are in their useful
lifetime.
[0007] Different bedding products have different useful lifetimes.
For example, the useful life of a pillow may be less than the
useful life of a mattress.
[0008] Thus, a need exists in the art for an apparatus that may
assist owners of bedding products with understanding when a bedding
product is nearing the end, or has been used past the end of, its
useful lifetime. Such apparatus may have application with respect
to different bedding products including pillows, mattress toppers,
box springs and mattresses, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment, a method for tracking an age of a bedding
product is provided. The bedding product is of a bedding type of a
plurality of bedding types, and each bedding type is associated
with a recommended replacement age. The method includes receiving,
by at least one processor, an input signal associated with the
bedding type of the bedding product, and receiving, by the at least
one processor, an initiation input. In response to receiving the
initiation input, the method further includes starting a timer by
the at least one processor. The method also includes providing, by
the at least one processor and via an indicator, an indication of
whether replacement of the bedding product is recommended based on
the timer and the recommended replacement age of the bedding type
associated with the input signal.
[0010] In another embodiment, a system for tracking the age of the
bedding product is provided. The system includes at least one
processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when
executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to receive
an input signal associated with the bedding type of the bedding
product, and receive an initiation input. In response to receiving
the initiation input, the instructions upon execution cause the
system to start a timer. The instructions upon execution further
cause the system to provide, via an indicator, an indication of
whether replacement of the bedding product is recommended based on
the timer and the recommended replacement age of the bedding type
associated with the input signal.
[0011] In another embodiment, a device for tracking the age of the
bedding product is provided. The device includes a housing defining
an interior, at least one processor positioned in the interior, an
indicator coupled to the housing and the at least one processor,
and a memory positioned in the interior. The memory stores
instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor,
cause the device to receive an input signal associated with the
bedding type of the bedding product, and receive an initiation
input. In response to receiving the initiation input, the
instructions upon execution cause the device to start a timer. The
instructions upon execution further cause the device to provide,
via an indicator, an indication of whether replacement of the
bedding product is recommended based on the timer and the
recommended replacement age of the bedding type associated with the
input signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the figures,
corresponding or like numbers or characters indicate corresponding
or like structures.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mattress, partially
disassembled, having an age indicating device attached to a side
surface of the mattress.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another mattress, partially
disassembled, having an age indicating device attached to an end
surface of the mattress.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a product age indicating
device attached to a surface by stitching.
[0016] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a product age indicating
device attached to a surface by rivets.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial disassembled isometric view of the
product age indicator of FIG. 1, showing a label may be attached to
an enclosure of the device.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 5 and showing an
alternative embodiment of a product age indicator.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an age indicating
device.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a product age indicating
device showing another innovative aspect of the age indicating
device.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an alternative age
indicating device.
[0023] FIG. 9 is diagram of a circuit for implementing the features
of an age indicating device.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a mattress topper having an
age indicating device coupled thereto.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a pillow having an age
indicating device coupled thereto.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of an indicator of an
age indicating device.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an age indicating
system.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for tracking the age of a
bedding product and providing an indication of whether replacement
of the bedding product is recommended.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an alternative method for
providing an indication of whether replacement of the bedding
product is recommended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a single-sided
mattress 2 incorporating this invention. This bedding product or
mattress 2 comprises a pocketed spring core 4 over the top of which
there is a conventional foam pad 9 covered by a fiber pad 6. This
complete assembly is mounted upon a base 7 and is completely
enclosed within an upholstered covering material 8. The mattress 2
has a longitudinal dimension or length "L" extending between end
surfaces 3 of the mattress 2 (only one being shown) and a
transverse dimension or width "W" extending between the side
surfaces 5 of the mattress 2. Although the length is shown as being
greater than the width, the length and width may be the same in the
case of a square mattress. The present invention is not intended to
limit the size or shape of the bedding product or mattress 2.
Referring to FIG. 1, a mattress age indicating device 10 is secured
to one of the side surfaces 5 of the mattress 2.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of mattress 2a
comprising a foam core 4a over the top of which there is one or
more fiber pads 6a. The foam core 4a and fiber pad or pads 6a are
completely enclosed within an upholstered covering material 8a. The
mattress 2a has a longitudinal dimension or length "L" extending
between end surfaces 3a of the mattress 2a and a transverse
dimension or width "W" extending between the side surfaces 5a of
the mattress 2a. Although the length is shown as being greater than
the width, the length and width may be the same in the case of a
square mattress. The present invention is not intended to limit the
size or shape of the bedding product or mattress 2a. Referring to
FIG. 2, a mattress age indicating device 10 is secured to one of
the end surfaces 3a of the mattress 2a. Although the mattress age
indicating device 10 is shown secured to the mattress covering
material in each of the mattresses 2 and 2a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
respectively, the mattress age indicating device 10 may be secured
to the mattress at any desired location. Although FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrate specific types of mattresses or bedding products, the
mattress age indicator 10 of the present invention may be used with
any known mattress or bedding product, either one-sided or
two-sided, such as one incorporating non-pocketed coil springs
secured together with helical lacing wires into a metal spring
core, for example.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, mattress age indicating
device 10 includes an enclosure 20 and an indicating assembly 30.
Many features of the product age indicating device 10 are discussed
in the context of a mattress age indicating device, but other
suitable applications for an age indicating device as disclosed
herein will be appreciated.
[0033] The enclosure 20 contains and protects the indicating
assembly 30, and includes a back 22, a front 23 and a continuous
sidewall 24 defining an interior space 25. The indicating assembly
30 is located and positioned inside the interior space 25 of the
enclosure 20. The back 22 and sidewall 24 of enclosure 20 are
joined along an edge 26. A frame portion 28 of the back 22 extends
outwardly from the edge 26 around the indicating assembly 30, and
may be, for example, a continuation of the back 22, the sidewall
24, or both. In some embodiments, the frame portion 28 may provide
a useful portion for attaching the age indicating device 10 to a
surface, as will be described below. In some embodiments, the frame
portion 28 may be omitted.
[0034] The enclosure 20 is designed to create an environment for
the indicating assembly 30 that is impervious to the ingress of
air, water, dust, fibers, or any other substance that might
interfere with the function of the indicating assembly 30. The
enclosure 20 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for
example, plastic, rubber, rubberized polymers, and the like. In
some embodiments, the back 22, the front 23, the sidewall 24, or
any combination thereof, may be partially or substantially
flexible, and, in some embodiments, the back 22, front 23 or the
sidewall 24 may be sufficiently rigid to provide structural
protection to the components of the indicating assembly 30,
somewhat preventing them from being crushed.
[0035] In some embodiments, the entire enclosure 20 may be
partially or substantially transparent, and in other embodiments,
portions of the enclosure 20 may be partially or substantially
transparent, including portions of the back 22, front 23 or the
sidewall 24.
[0036] Turning to the components of the indicating assembly 30
shown schematically in FIG. 6, they generally include an indicator
32, a timer 34, a controller 36, a light sensor 38, a test button
40, and a power source 42. The indicator 32, the timer 34, the
light sensor 38, the test button 40, and the power source 42 are
all operatively connected through the controller 36.
[0037] The controller 36 controls all of the components of the
indicating assembly 30, including those discussed below. The
controller 36 is in communication with and may gather information
from, or send information to, the indicator 32, the timer 34, the
light sensor 38, the test button 40, and the power source 42. For
example, the controller 36 controls the activation and deactivation
of the indicator 32.
[0038] The indicator 32 presents an indication to an observer
relating to the age of an associated product, such as, for example,
a mattress. The indicator 32 may be visual, auditory, or any other
perceivable indication. In the figures, indicator 32 is a visual
indicator 44 that includes an array of light emitting diodes
(LEDs), including a red LED 46, a yellow LED 48, and a green LED
50. For such an arrangement, the controller 36 controls the visual
indicator 44 and selectively activates and deactivates the LEDs 46,
48, and 50 to create an indication relating to the age of the
mattress, as determined by the timer 34. For example, the green LED
50 could be activated when the mattress is nearly new, or when it
is between zero and three years old. The yellow LED 48 could be
activated when the mattress is in a middle stage of its lifetime,
or when it is about four years old. And the red LED 46 could be
activated when the mattress is near the end of its lifetime, or
when it is five or more years old. The indicator 32 may be
controlled by the controller 36 so that the indications it creates
are presented on a predetermined interval, constantly, or
otherwise. For example, the controller 36 may activate the
indicator 32 on a daily basis. Other activation options may also be
desirable. As one example, if a user presses the test button 40,
the controller 36 may perform a single sequence where the indicator
32 is activated for 0.33 seconds, deactivated for 0.33 seconds,
re-activated for 0.33 seconds, and then deactivated. As another
example, if the light sensor 38 senses that the age indicating
device 10 is exposed to light, the controller may perform a
sequence where the indicator 32 is activated for 0.33 seconds,
inactivated for 0.33 seconds, re-activated for 0.33 seconds, and
then deactivated for 5 seconds. The controller 36 may repeat the
sequence for 10 minutes, and then deactivate the indicator 32,
unless the light sensor 38 senses that the age indicating device 10
is no longer exposed to light, in which case the controller 36 may
deactivate the indicator 32. And, of course, an indicator may
include other forms of a visual indicator, such as a one-LED or
two-LED visual indicator, for example, color changing dyes or color
changing materials, or any other suitable structure for creating a
perceivable indication. A non-limiting example of another form that
the indicator may have is an audible alarm or voice notice. The LED
colors and ages used herein are merely exemplary; the present
document is not intended to limit these colors or ages of the
product indicated by these activated LEDs.
[0039] The timer 34 counts time and may include any suitable timing
circuit or apparatus generally available in the marketplace,
including quartz crystal timers. For a product whose lifetime is
influenced by the passage of time, the timer 34 may provide
information about the age of the product. Such may be useful, for
example, if the product's owner is unaware of or cannot recall the
age of the product. In the case of a mattress, the timer 34 may
provide information about the age of the mattress, and this
information is used by the controller 36 to provide an appropriate
indication via the indicator 32, as discussed above.
[0040] The light sensor 38, which may be included in some
embodiments, but not in others, may provide information to the
controller 36 about whether the age indicating device 10 is exposed
to light. Such information may be useful in the case of a mattress,
as mattresses are often covered by a mattress pad and sheets. A
user may not want any of the LEDs activated when the mattress is
covered with a mattress pad and sheets. Such light may interfere
with a user's sleep. However, the user may desire to know the age
of the mattress or product when these items are removed from the
mattress and the light sensor 38 is exposed to light. When the
light sensor 38 is exposed to light, it may communicate with the
controller 36 so that the indicator 32 is activated. In such a
case, and especially where a visible indication is used, the
indication created by the indicator 32 will be more readily
perceived by a nearby user.
[0041] The light sensor 38 may also be configured to communicate
with the controller 36 in a way that is relevant to the operation
of the timer 34. For example, exposing the light sensor 38 to light
could be an event that activates the timer 34 for the first time.
Such activation could begin the timer 34 counting time, which may
be associated with the starting point for an associated product's
lifetime. The light sensor 38 may include any useful settings or
characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator 32
is activated when the light sensor 38 is impinged by 100 or more
lux of light, and the indicator 32 will remain activated when the
light sensor 38 is exposed to more than 30 lux of light. If the
light level drops below 30 lux, then the indicator 32 will be
temporarily deactivated until the light sensor 38 is exposed to
more than 30 lux of light again. Additionally or alternatively, the
timer 34 may be initially activated by a user pushing the test
button 40 three times or depressing test button 40 for a
predetermined time (say five seconds). These numbers may be varied
in select applications; it is not the intent of this document to
limit these light levels or test button pushes or times to the
examples provided.
[0042] Test button 40, which may be included in some embodiments,
but not in others, may provide a way for a user to activate the
indicator 32 and observe the indication relating to the age of the
product. As discussed above, when the test button 40 is pressed, a
sequence may be initiated where the controller 36 activates the
indicator 32. Test button 40 may also be used to provide user input
for testing, operating, or controlling any function of the
indicating assembly 30.
[0043] All of the components of the indicating assembly, including
the indicator 32, the timer 34, the controller 36, the light sensor
38, and the test button 40 may receive power from the power source
42, which may be, for example, a battery. The power source 42 may
be chosen in view of an appropriate product lifetime for an
associated product, and may, for example, include a CR2032 coin
battery having a seven year battery life.
[0044] Indicia for use with the age indicating device 10 may also
be provided and is shown in the form of a label 60. The label 60 is
designed to be affixed to the age indicator, such as in the form of
a sticker. The label 60 may include marketing information 62, such
as the name or slogan of a mattress manufacturing retailer. For
example, the figures show the marketing information 62 as, "Leggett
& Platt" and "Idea Center Innovations." The label 60 shown in
the figures also includes a window area 64 and a legend 66. The
window area 64 includes one or more transparent panes 68 that are
positioned so as to allow a visual indication from the age
indicator to be perceived through the label 60, such as, for
example, the indications created by a visual indicator including a
red LED, a yellow LED, and a green LED, as discussed above with
respect to the age indicating device 10. The window area 64 or the
panes 68 may have any shape, including square, round, and the like.
The legend 66 provides information to a user that may be used in
conjunction with the indication, such as, "Green: 0-3 years" at 70,
"Yellow: 4 years" at 72, and "Red: 5 years or more" at 74. Thus, a
user observing a green LED 50 could easily read the legend 66 and
determine that the mattress is between zero and three years old.
Similar observations could be made when the mattress is four years
old or five or more years old. The label 60 may also include a
transparent pane in a region above a light sensor, and may include
visual indications for a test button in a region above the test
button. The ages may be varied as desired and are not intended to
be limited to those shown or described. In some embodiments, all
surfaces of the age indicating device 10 may be printed on or are
configured for an adhesive label to be attached thereto.
[0045] An age indicator, such as age indicating device 10, may be
attached to a surface in any appropriate way and in any appropriate
position. For example, FIG. 3 shows the age indicating device 10
attached to a side surface 5 of mattress 2 (as shown in FIG. 1).
Stitching may be used to attach the age indicating device 10 to a
surface, with the frame portion 28 of age indicating device 10
providing an area for stitching the age indicating device to the
surface, such as what is shown at the stitching 82. Also, the age
indicating device could be affixed to a mattress using adhesive,
with the back 22 being affixed to the upholstery of the mattress.
FIG. 5A shows an age indicating device 10a attached to the mattress
surface 5 by an adhesive layer 90. Because adhesive layer 90 is
used, the frame portion 28 is not included, and the age indicating
device 10a is not stitched to the surface. In addition, the age
indicating device could be inserted into a pocket on the mattress.
Generally, an age indicating device may be coupled with an
associated product, whether the associated product is a mattress or
any other product.
[0046] FIG. 3A shows an age indicating device 10 attached to the
mattress surface 5 by four buttons or rivets 92 (only three being
shown). However, any number of rivets or buttons 92 may be used at
any desired location.
[0047] The age indicating device 10 may be any useful size, and in
some embodiments, has an overall size of
2''.times.3''.times.0.125''.
[0048] In some embodiments that are not shown in the figures, an
age indicator or age indicating device, such as what has been
generally described herein, may be used in association with other
products, non-limiting examples of which include pillows, mattress
protectors, and baby car seats. Also, an age indicating device may
include structure for transmitting information, such as information
relating to the age of an associated product. In these or other
embodiments, the age information may be wirelessly transmitted in a
form that is readable by an associated remote assembly. An age
indicating device may also include structure for determining the
amount of use an associated product experiences.
[0049] It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that
any or all of the components of the indicating assembly 30 could be
formed integral with any of the other components. For example, the
timer could be formed integral with the controller. Also, an age
indicator need not include all of the components discussed above.
Moreover, the programming of an age indicator controller may be
chosen so that indications are presented in any useful manner. For
example, the controller may be programmed so that it activates the
indicator when a product has reached the end of its useful life,
which may take into account the passage of time, the amount of use
experienced by a product, or both.
[0050] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 7, the age
indicating device 10 may include a machine-readable barcode, such
as a QR code 100, which is a two-dimensional barcode. Machines for
reading the QR code 100 are known and do not require further
explanation. The QR code 100 advantageously relates to, or is
associated with, information relevant to the product to which the
age indicating device 10 is attached. Non-limiting examples of the
type of information that the QR code 100 may be related to or
associated with include: the product's date of manufacture, the
product's date of purchase, a projected expiration date for when
the product has reached the end of its useful life, a website URL
address, the name of the manufacturer, the name of the retail
business where the product was purchased, instructions for care of
the product, and any other information. The QR code 100
advantageously is positioned on a portion of the age indicating
device that is accessible by a machine for reading it, such as, for
example, on the label 60. The QR code 100 may be included with the
age indicating device 10 when the age indicating device 10 is
manufactured, or the QR code 100 may be supplied after the time of
the age indicating device 10 is manufactured, such as in the form
of a sticker that is adhered to the age indicating device.
[0051] FIG. 8 provides an exemplary age indicating device 10b,
which is associated with, including being secured to, a bedding
product 96 that is one of a plurality of bedding types. For
example, the associated bedding product 96 may be a mattress pad
and/or mattress topper type as shown in FIG. 10, a pillow type as
shown in FIG. 11, or any other suitable type of bedding product.
Each bedding type may vary in useful life and thus be associated
with a different recommended replacement age. Hence, the age
indicating device 10b is configurable so that it can track the age
of the bedding product 96 associated therewith and provide
indications that are tailored to the particular type of bedding
product 96. In other words, the age indicating device 10b can
tailor indications regarding whether replacement of a bedding
product 96 is recommended based on the recommended replacement age
specific to the type of bedding product 96.
[0052] Age indicating device 10b includes a housing 80, which may
be equivalent or substantially similar to the enclosure 20 (FIG.
3). The housing 80 defines an interior space 81, which may be
equivalent or substantially similar to the interior space 25 (FIG.
4). The interior space 81 includes a controller 87 positioned
therein.
[0053] Age indicating device 10b also includes a light sensor 82,
an actuator 84, a bedding type signal generator 86, and/or an
indicator 88. Any one of the light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the
bedding type signal generator 86, and the indicator 88 may be
coupled to the housing 80, may be implemented in hardware and/or
software, and/or may be integrated with another element. For
example, the bedding type signal generator 86 may be implemented as
hardware electronically coupled to the controller 87, as a software
program stored and executed on the controller 87, or both. Any one
of the light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the bedding type signal
generator 86, and the indicator 88 may be entirely positioned in
the interior space 81 of the housing 80 or, alternatively, be
partially positioned in the interior space 81, such that some
portion of the element extends outside of the housing 80.
Alternatively, any one of the light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the
bedding type signal generator 86, and the indicator 88 may be
coupled to an exterior surface of the housing 80, such that the
element is entirely positioned outside of the interior space
81.
[0054] The light sensor 82, actuator 84, controller 87, and/or
indicator 88 may be equivalent or substantially similar to the
light sensor 38, test button 40, controller 36, and indicator 32 of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, respectively (FIG. 6). As shown in
FIG. 8, the interior space 81 defined by the housing 80 may include
a timer or counter 85, such as timer 34 (FIG. 6), and may include a
power supply 83, such as power source 42 (FIG. 6). As previously
described, the timer or counter 85 may be separate from or
integrated with the controller 87. Each of the light sensor 82,
actuator 84, bedding type signal generator 86, indicator 88,
counter/timer 85 and/or power source 83 are electronically coupled
to the controller 87.
[0055] The actuator 84 includes any suitable structure for
receiving an input representative of an actuation. For example,
actuator 84 may include a button, such as test button 40 (FIG. 6),
a motion sensor, an audio sensor, a pressure sensor, a touch
sensor, a switch, or any other suitable technology. The actuator 84
is accessible from outside of the housing 80, meaning that input
originating from outside the housing 80 can cause an actuation of
the actuator 84. In this way, the actuator 84 may extend outside of
the housing 80 from the interior space 81, may be fully positioned
in the interior space 81 of the housing 80 behind an
actuation-permeable portion thereof, or may be coupled to an
exterior surface of the housing 80, such that the actuator 84 is
entirely positioned outside of the interior space 81. For example,
in the case of a button actuator, the button actuator may extend
from the interior space 81 to outside the housing 80, and a user
can press the button to cause an actuation. Alternatively, the
button actuator may be fully positioned in the interior space 81 of
the housing 80 behind a flexible portion thereof, and a user can
press the flexible portion of the housing 80 to cause an actuation.
In the case of an audio sensor actuator, for example, the audio
sensor actuator is accessible from outside the housing 80 so long
as the audio sensor can receive audio signals originating from
outside the housing 80, such as through a portion of the housing 80
that includes a vent, aperture, or some other audio-permeable
structure.
[0056] The light sensor 82 may also be accessible from outside of
the housing 80, meaning that the light sensor is able to detect
light exposure originating from outside of the housing 80. In this
way, the light sensor 82 may extend from the interior space 81 to
outside the housing 80, may be fully positioned in the interior
space 81 of the housing 80 behind a light-permeable portion thereof
(e.g., a window), or may be coupled to an exterior surface of the
housing 80, such that the light sensor 82 is entirely positioned
outside of the interior space 81. The act of the light sensor 82
detecting sufficient light exposure (e.g., exposure to more than a
specified amount of light for a specified period of time) is
hereinafter referred to as an actuation of the light sensor 82.
[0057] The indicator 88 includes any suitable apparatus for
providing an indication relating to the bedding product 96
associated with the age indicating device 10b. For example, the
indicator 88 may include one or more LEDs, an LCD screen, a
speaker, a vibration unit, or the like. The indicator 88 is
similarly accessible from outside of the housing 80, meaning that
any indication from the indicator 88 is perceivable from outside of
the housing 80. For example, if the indicator 88 is a visual
indicator, then a user can view the indication from outside of the
housing 80. Alternatively, if the indicator 88 is an audio
indicator, then the user can hear the indication from outside of
the housing 80. The indicator 88 may extend from the interior space
81 to outside of the housing 80, may be fully positioned in the
interior space 81 of the housing 80 behind an indication-permeable
portion thereof (e.g., a window), or may be coupled to an exterior
surface of the housing 80, such that the indicator 88 is entirely
positioned outside of the interior space 81.
[0058] The bedding type signal generator 86 is configured to
generate a signal relating to the type of the bedding product 96
associated with the age indicating device 10b. As described above,
the useful life expectancy or recommended replacement age of a
bedding product 96 may vary depending on the type. For example, a
pillow may have a useful life expectancy of one (1) year, a
mattress topper or pad may have a useful life expectancy of two (2)
years, and a mattress may have a useful life expectancy of eight
(8) years. These useful lives are purely for exemplary purposes and
not intended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the bedding type
signal generator 86 is configured to generate a signal indicative
of the type of bedding product 96 associated with (including
attached to) the age indicating device 10b. The controller 87 is
configured to receive this signal from the bedding type signal
generator 86 and apply the recommended replacement age associated
with the indicated bedding type. For example, if the timer
indicates that the associated bedding product 96 is one (1) year
old, and the bedding type signal generator 86 generates a signal
indicating a mattress type, then the controller 87 may be
configured to cause the indicator 88 to indicate that the mattress
is new or near new. Conversely, if the timer indicates that the
associated bedding product 96 is one (1) year old, and the bedding
type signal generator 86 generates a signal indicating a pillow
type, then the controller 87 may be configured to cause the
indicator 88 to indicate that the pillow has reached its
recommended replacement age. In addition, or alternatively, the
bedding type signal generator 86 may generate a signal that
indicates the type of bedding product 96 associated with the age
indicating device 10b and the recommended replacement age of the
bedding product 96. It is possible the bedding type signal
generator 86 may inform the controller 87 only of the recommended
replacement age, and not the type, of the bedding product 96
associated therewith. However, in most instances, the bedding type
signal generator 86 will inform the controller 87 of the type of
the bedding product 96 associated therewith, and the controller 87
will know the recommended replacement age of the bedding type.
[0059] In one embodiment, age indicating device 10b is coupled to
the bedding product 96 associated therewith, such as by buttons,
rivets, stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable apparatus for
affixing a device to a bedding product. In alternative embodiments,
the age indicating device 10b may be separated from (not attached
to) the bedding product 96. In some instances, the age indicating
device 10b may be packed with and sold with a bedding product 96,
but not attached to the product. The customer may initially
activate the age indicating device 10b and then store the age
indicating device 10b separately from the bedding product 96 (in a
drawer for example). Every so often the customer may check the
status of the age indicating device 10b to determine whether the
bedding product 96 needs to be replaced. Additionally, the age
indicating device 10b may be implemented as a stand-alone device,
as part of a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or other portable device,
or as part of a home computer, such as a desktop.
[0060] In some embodiments, the age indicating device 10b also
includes a wireless receiver/transceiver 93 configured to
communicate with a remote computing device 94, such as via Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, or any other suitable protocol. In this way, the
controller 87 is enabled to wirelessly send information relating to
the bedding product 96, such as its age and/or whether replacement
of the bedding product 96 is recommended, to the remote computing
device 94. As one non-limiting example, remote computing device 94
may include a laptop computer, a desktop, a tablet, a cellular
phone, or any like device suitable for receiving information from
the age indicating device 10b.
[0061] Upon or after receiving information from the age indicating
device 10b, the remote computing device 94 may be configured to
generate a notification based on the received information, such as
a notification of the age of the bedding product 96 and/or an
indication of whether replacement of the bedding product 96 is
recommended. In some embodiments, information is automatically
transmitted between the age indicating device 10b and the remote
computing device 94 on an event-driven basis, such as once the
bedding product 96 reaches or nears its recommended replacement
age. In addition, or alternatively, information may be transmitted
at regular intervals or on-demand from the remote computing device
94.
[0062] Remote computing device 94 may operate in conjunction with
the actuator 84, indicator 88 and/or bedding type signal generator
86 of the age indicating device 10b. Alternatively, remote
computing device 94 may replace one or more of these elements. In
other words, remote computing device 94 may function as the
actuator 84, bedding type signal generator 86, and/or indicator 88.
For example, remote computing device 94 may include an actuator 84
implemented in hardware and/or software. Upon actuation of the
actuator 84 on the remote computing device 94, remote computing
device 94 may be configured to transmit a signal indicative of the
actuation to the controller 87 of the age indicating device 10b via
the wireless receiver/transceiver 93. Furthermore, remote computing
device 94 may be configured to generate an indication via an
indicator of the remote computing device 94, such as a display
screen, relating to the bedding product's age or whether
replacement of the bedding product 96 is recommended.
[0063] Remote computing device 94 may also include a bedding type
signal generator 86 implemented in hardware and/or software that is
configured to generate a signal indicative of the type of bedding
product 96 (or a recommended replacement age of the bedding product
96). In one embodiment, the remote computing device 94 transmits
this signal to the age indicating device 10b, which utilizes the
signal to determine a relevant recommended replacement age for
comparison with the timer as described above. In other embodiments,
the remote computing device 94 is configured to wirelessly receive
age information for the bedding product 96 from the age indicating
device 10b and compare the received age with the recommended
replacement age of the bedding type indicated in the signal. In
this way, the remote computing device 94 is able to determine
whether replacement of the bedding product 96 is recommended and
provide a corresponding indication, such as via a display screen of
the remote computing device 94.
[0064] The controller 87 (and remote computing device 94) may
include a processor 128, a memory 130, and a mass storage memory
device 132. The controller 87 may also include an input/output
(I/O) interface and a Human Machine Interface (HMI). The controller
87 may be coupled to one or more external resources, devices,
and/or systems, such as the light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the
bedding type signal generator 86, the indicator 88, the wireless
receiver/transceiver 93, and/or the remote computing device 94, via
a network and/or the I/O interface. Alternatively, any one of the
light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the bedding type signal generator
86, the indicator 88, and the wireless receiver/transceiver 93 may
be integrated with the controller 87. Additional external
resources, devices, and/or systems may include, but are not limited
to, servers, databases, mass storage devices, peripheral devices,
cloud-based network services, or any other suitable computer
resource that may be used by the controller 87.
[0065] The processor 128 may include one or more devices selected
from microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors,
microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate
arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits,
analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other devices that
manipulate signals (analog or digital) based on operational
instructions that are stored in the memory 130. Memory 130 may
include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices
including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random
access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static
random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),
flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing
information. The mass storage memory device 132 may include data
storage devices, such as a hard drive, optical drive, tape drive,
non-volatile solid state device, or any other device capable of
storing information.
[0066] Processor 128 may operate under the control of an operating
system that resides in memory 130. The operating system may manage
computer resources so that computer program code embodied as one or
more computer software applications, such as an application
residing in memory 130, may have instructions executed by the
processor 128. In an alternative embodiment, the processor 128 may
execute the application directly, in which case the operating
system may be omitted. As one example, a control module 352 (FIG.
13) may be at least part of an application stored in the memory
130. One or more data structures may also reside in memory 130 and
may be used by the processor 128, operating system, or application
to store or manipulate data.
[0067] The I/O interface of the controller 87 may provide a machine
interface that operatively couples the processor 128 to other
external resources, devices, and/or systems, such as a network, the
light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the bedding type signal generator
86, the indicator 88, the wireless receiver/transceiver 93, and/or
the remote computing device 94. The application may thereby work
cooperatively with the external resources, devices, and/or systems
by communicating via the I/O interface to provide the various
features, functions, applications, processes, or modules comprising
embodiments of the invention. The application may also have program
code that is executed by one or more external resources, devices,
and/or systems, or otherwise rely on functions or signals provided
by the one or more external resources, devices, and/or systems.
Indeed, given the nearly endless hardware and software
configurations possible, persons having ordinary skill in the art
will understand that embodiments of the invention may include
applications that are located externally to the controller 87,
distributed among multiple controllers or other external resources,
or provided by computing resources (hardware and software) that are
provided as a service over a network, such as a cloud computing
service.
[0068] The HMI of the controller 87 may be operatively coupled to
the processor 128 of controller 87 in a known manner to allow a
user to interact directly with the controller 87. The HMI may
include video or alphanumeric displays, a touch screen, a speaker,
and any other suitable audio and visual indicators capable of
providing data to the user. The HMI may also include input devices
and controls, such as an alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device,
keypads, pushbuttons, control knobs, microphones, etc., capable of
accepting commands or input from the user and transmitting the
entered input to the processor 128. In one exemplary embodiment,
the HMI includes the light sensor 82, the actuator 84, the bedding
type signal generator 86, and/or the indicator 88.
[0069] A database may reside on the mass storage memory device 132,
and may be used to collect and organize data used by the various
systems and modules described herein. The database may include data
and supporting data structures that store and organize the data. In
particular, the database may be arranged with any database
organization or structure including, but not limited to, a
relational database, a hierarchical database, a network database,
or combinations thereof. A database management system in the form
of a computer software application executing as instructions on the
processor 128 may be used to access the information or data stored
in records of the database in response to a query, where a query
may be dynamically determined and executed by the operating system,
other applications, or one or more modules. In one embodiment, the
database includes stored bedding types, each associated with a
recommended replacement age. Thus, upon receiving a signal
indicating a type of bedding product, the receiving device, such as
the controller 87, may retrieve the recommended replacement age
associated with that bedding type.
[0070] FIG. 9 provides an exemplary circuit 225 for implementing
the controller 87, actuator 84, indicator 88, and bedding type
signal generator 86 of age indicating device 10b. In circuit 225,
the indicator 88 is provided via a red LED D1 and a green LED D2,
each of which are electrically coupled to the controller 87.
Actuator 84 is provided by switch S1. When the switch S1 is
actuated, the circuit 225 is configured such that a pin 227 of the
controller 87 is set to "low." The controller 87 is configured to
recognize the "low" pin 227 as relating to an actuation.
[0071] The bedding type signal generator 86 may include a circuit
component that is either populated or non-populated in the age
indicating device 10b, such as during manufacturing of the device.
Population (or inclusion) of the circuit component results in the
generation of a signal associated with one bedding type, and
non-population (or non-inclusion) of the circuit component results
in the generation of a signal associated with another bedding type.
The circuit component may include a resistor, switch, button,
jumper, or any other like circuit component that would be
recognized as suitable by those skilled in the art. In the case of
a switch or button, for example, the switch or button may be
considered populated or non-populated depending on its selected
position. The switch may be a multi-position switch that enables
selection between two or more bedding types.
[0072] In circuit 225, for example, a resistor R5 represents the
circuit component of the bedding type signal generator 86. When the
resistor R5 is included in the circuit 225, and upon the
application of power from the battery Batt1, the circuit 225 is
configured such that a pin 229 of the controller 87 is set to
"high." The controller 87 is configured to recognize the "high" pin
229 as being associated with a particular type of bedding product
or recommended replacement age. Conversely, if the resistor R5 is
not included in the circuit 225 (represented in FIG. 12 by dashed
lines), then the circuit 225 is configured such that the pin 229 is
set to "low." The controller 87 is configured to recognize the
"low" pin 229 as being associated with another type of bedding
product or recommended replacement age. Thus, when manufacturing
the age indicating device 10b with the circuit 225, a manufacturer
can select a particular type of bedding product for the device by
merely including (or not including) the resistor R5.
[0073] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the age
indicating device 10b is associated with a mattress topper type
bedding product. More particularly, the age indicating device 10b
is coupled to a mattress topper 250 that lies atop a mattress 252.
The mattress topper 250 may be secured to the mattress 252 via an
elastic flange 254 that extends from the mattress topper 250 and
around the top edge of the mattress 252. The mattress topper 250
may also include a compressing surface adjacent to an upper surface
of the mattress 252 that protects and/or improves comfort of the
mattress 252.
[0074] As illustrated, the age indicating device 10b may be coupled
to the flange 254 of the mattress topper 250, thereby enabling a
user of the mattress topper 250 and mattress 252 to avoid potential
discomfort caused by lying on or rolling over the age indicating
device 10b. However, in other embodiments, the age indicating
device 10b may be coupled elsewhere to the mattress topper 250,
such as on a top, bottom, or side surface of the mattress topper
250 and/or in a corner of the mattress topper 250. Moreover, while
the age indicating device 10b is illustrated as being coupled to
the mattress topper 250 on an outside surface of the flange 254,
the age indicating device 10b may alternatively be coupled to any
surface of the flange 254 or mattress topper 250 such that the
device is provided between the mattress 252 and the flange 254 or
mattress topper 250. The age indicating device 10b may be coupled
to the mattress topper 250 via any method discussed herein or any
other method that would be recognized as suitable by those skilled
in the art.
[0075] FIG. 11 provides an exemplary embodiment in which the age
indicating device 10b is associated with a pillow type bedding
product. More particularly, the age indicating device 10b is
coupled to a side surface of a pillow 275, thereby enabling use of
the pillow without potential discomfort caused by direct or
indirect contact with the age indicating device 10b. Alternatively,
the age indicating device 10b may be fixed to other areas of the
pillow 275, such as a bottom surface or a top service and/or a
corner of the pillow 275. The device 10b is illustrated as having a
tag-like appearance with one end being stitched into a seam of the
pillow 275. Alternatively, the age indicating device 10b may be
coupled to the pillow 275 via any method discussed herein or any
other method that would be recognized as suitable by those skilled
in the art.
[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the indicator
88 of the age indicating device 10b. More particularly, an exterior
surface 300 of the housing 80 facilitates access to a visual
indicator 302, such that indications from the visual indicator 302
are perceivable from outside of the housing 80. Visual indicator
302 includes LEDs 304, 306, and/or 308. Each of LEDs 304, 306, and
308 are associated with a current status of the bedding product,
such as the bedding product being near new or "ok", the bedding
product being close to its recommended replacement age, and
replacement of the bedding product being recommended. The LEDs 304,
306, and 308 may be green, yellow, and red respectively. In some
embodiments, the visual indicator 302 may only include two LEDs,
such as LED 304 and LED 308.
[0077] The exterior surface 300 also facilitates access to the
light sensor 82 and/or actuator 84 from outside the housing 80. In
this way, the light sensor 82 may detect light exposure originating
from outside of the housing 80, and the actuator 84 may receive an
actuation input from outside of the housing 80. In response to a
sufficient actuation of the light sensor 82 or the actuator 84,
such as for a set period of time, the age indicating device 10b may
be configured to cause illumination of one of the LEDs 304, 306,
and 308 and thereby indicate whether replacement of the bedding
product is recommended. For example, upon an actuation of the light
sensor 82 or the actuator 84 for a set period of time, such as two
seconds, if the current age of the bedding product falls within a
set range including zero, then LED 304 may be illuminated.
Alternatively, if the current age of the bedding product falls
within a set range that neither includes zero nor the bedding
product's recommended replacement age, then LED 306 may be
illuminated. Finally, if the current age of the bedding product
falls within a set range that includes the bedding product's
recommended replacement age, or alternatively, the age of the
bedding product exceeds the recommended replacement age, then LED
308 may be illuminated. As used herein, a set range may be defined
by one or more age values, one or more percentages relative to the
recommended replacement age, or both.
[0078] FIG. 13 provides an exemplary age indicating system 350. Age
indicating system 350 includes a control module 352 and a
timer/counter 354. Age indicating system 350 may be provided by the
light sensor 82, actuator 84, bedding type signal generator 86,
controller 87, power supply 83, timer 85 and/or indicator 88 of the
age indicating device 10b. For example, the control module 352
and/or the timer/counter 354 may be provided by the controller 87
of the age indicating device 10b.
[0079] In operation, the control module 352 receives an actuator
signal 356 that represents an actuation, such as from the light
sensor 82 or the actuator 84 of the age indicating device 10b. If
the actuator signal 356 represents an initiation input, which may
include an actuation of the actuator 84 for a set period of time,
such as ten (10) seconds, then control module 352 starts the
timer/counter 354. In general, a "counter" counts the occurrence of
events. A "timer" may include a traditional timer that tracks
seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc. Alternatively, a timer may
include one or more counters, each which count a total passage of a
single time interval (e.g., a counter that is incremented every
hour).
[0080] Control module 352 also receives a bedding type signal 358
associated with a bedding type of a bedding product associated with
the age indicating system 350. The bedding type signal 358 may be
generated by the bedding type signal generator 86 of the age
indicating device 10b. As previously described, each type of
bedding product is associated with a recommended replacement age.
Based on the bedding type signal 358, the control module 352 is
able to determine a recommended replacement age for comparison with
the timer/counter 354. In some embodiments, the bedding type signal
358 indicates the type of bedding product. In this case, upon
receiving the bedding type signal 358, the control module 352 may
query a database or other storage structure to retrieve the
recommended replacement age associated with the indicated bedding
type. In other embodiments, the bedding type signal 358 directly
indicates the recommended replacement age rather than the bedding
type.
[0081] Upon receiving an actuator signal 356 representative of a
status check input, which may include an actuation of the light
sensor 82 or actuator 84 of the age indicating device 10b for a set
period of time, such as two (2) seconds, the control module 352 is
configured to provide an indicator signal 360 that indicates
whether replacement of the bedding product is recommended. The
provided indicator signal 360 is based on a comparison between the
timer/counter 354 and the recommended replacement age of the
bedding type indicated in the bedding type signal 358. Indicator
signal 360 is configured to cause generation of an appropriate
indication based on the comparison, such as causing an LED
associated with an outcome of the comparison to illuminate.
[0082] FIGS. 14 and 15 provide exemplary methods 400 and 500,
respectively. One or more of the operations of methods 400 and/or
500 may be performed by the age indicating system 350.
[0083] Referring now to method 400, in box 402, an input signal
relating to a type of bedding product, such as bedding type signal
358, is received, such as at the control module 352. The received
input signal may indicate the type of bedding product, and the
control module 352 may utilize the received signal to retrieve the
recommended replacement age associated with the indicated bedding
type. Alternatively, the received input signal may directly
indicate the recommended replacement age of the bedding type for
the control module 352.
[0084] In box 404, an initiation input is received, such as at the
control module 352. The initiation input may include an actuation
of the actuator 84 of age indicating device 10b for at least a set
period of time, such as ten (10) seconds. In response to such
actuation, the actuator 84 may generate an actuator signal 356
representative of the initiation input. In box 406, in response to
receiving the initiation input, a timer/counter, such as
timer/counter 354, is started, such as by the control module 352.
After starting, the timer/counter may be incremented at a plurality
of regular time intervals. For example, the timer/counter may be
incremented every hour.
[0085] After the timer/counter is started, in box 408, a status
check input is received, such as at the control module 352. The
status check input may include an actuation of the light sensor 82
or the actuator 84 of the age indicating device 10b, such as for
two (2) seconds. In response to such actuation, the light sensor 82
or the actuator 84 may generate an actuator signal 356
representative of the status check input. In some embodiments, the
status check input includes an actuation of the light sensor 82 or
the actuator 84 for a set period of time that is less than the set
period of time for the initiation input of box 404.
[0086] In response to receiving the status check input, an
indication is provided of whether replacement of the bedding
product is recommended. This indication may be based on the
timer/counter started in box 406 and the recommended replacement
age of the bedding type indicated by the input signal received in
box 402. In one embodiment, in box 410, a comparison is performed
between the timer/counter and the recommended replacement age, such
as by the control module 352. If the timer/counter is greater than
or equal to the recommended replacement age, then in box 412, an
indication is provided that replacement of the bedding product is
recommended. For example, control module 352, in response to the
comparison, may generate an indicator signal 360 that causes an
illumination of LED 308 of visual indicator 302 (FIG. 12), which
corresponds to a recommendation to replace the bedding product.
Conversely, if the timer/counter is not greater than or equal to
the recommended replacement age, then in box 414, an indication is
provided that replacement is not yet recommended. For example,
control module 352 may generate an indicator signal 360 that causes
illumination of LED 304 of visual indicator 302 (FIG. 12), which
corresponds to an indication that the bedding product is new, near
new, "ok," or simply not ready for replacement.
[0087] In some embodiments, after the timer/counter is started in
box 406, in box 416, a determination may be made as to whether a
reset input has been received. This determination may entail the
control module 352 continuously monitoring for receipt of the reset
input. In response to the reset input being received, the
timer/counter is reset in box 418. In this way, the age indicating
device 10b may be restarted at any time. In some embodiments, the
reset input includes an actuation of the actuator 84 of the age
indicating device 10b, which generates a corresponding actuator
signal 356 for the control module 352. The reset input may include
an actuation of the actuator 84 for a set period of time equal to
the set period of time of the actuation for the initiation input in
box 404.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 15, method 500 provides another
embodiment for providing an indication of whether replacement of
the bedding product is recommended based on the timer/counter and
the recommended replacement age of the bedding type indicated in
the input signal. As with method 400, method 500 includes box 410
in which a determination is made as to whether the timer/counter is
greater than or equal to the recommended replacement age. If so,
then, as described above, an indication is provided that
replacement of the bedding product is recommended in box 412.
[0089] Conversely, if the timer/counter is less than the
recommended replacement age, then, in box 502, a determination is
made as to whether the timer/counter is greater than or equal to
the recommended replacement age minus a set threshold. If so, then
in box 504, an indication is provided that the bedding product is
nearing its recommended replacement age. Conversely, if the timer
is less than the recommended replacement age minus the set
threshold, then in box 414, an indication is provided that
replacement of the bedding product is not yet recommended, or
alternatively, that the bedding product is new, near new, or
"ok."
[0090] For example, a bedding product may be associated with a
bedding type that has a recommended replacement age of five (5)
years, and a set threshold may be equal to 20% of the recommended
replacement age or one (1) year. If upon comparison, the control
module 352 determines that the timer/counter is greater than or
equal to five (5) years, then the control module 352 may be
configured to generate an indicator signal 360 that causes an
indication that replacement of the bedding product is recommended,
such as by illuminating LED 308 of visual indicator 302.
Alternatively, if the control module 352 determines that the
timer/counter is less than five (5) years, then the control module
352 may proceed to determine whether the timer/counter is greater
than or equal to the recommended replacement age minus the set
threshold, or in this case, greater than or equal to four (4)
years. If so, then the control module 352 may be configured to
generate an indicator signal 360 that causes an indication that the
bedding product is close to its recommended replacement age, such
as by illuminating LED 306 of visual indicator 302. However, in
this example, if the timer/counter is less than four (4) years,
then the control module 352 may be configured to generate an
indicator signal 360 that causes an indication that the bedding
product is in good condition and no action is recommended, such as
by illuminating LED 304 of the visual indicator 302.
[0091] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments of the invention, whether implemented as part of an
operating system or a specific application, component, program,
object, module or sequence of instructions, or even a subset
thereof, may be referred to herein as "computer program code," or
simply "program code." Program code typically comprises
computer-readable instructions that are resident at various times
in various memory and storage devices in a computer and that, when
read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause
that computer to perform the operations necessary to execute
operations and/or elements embodying the various aspects of the
embodiments of the invention. Computer-readable program
instructions for carrying out operations of the embodiments of the
invention may be, for example, assembly language or either source
code or object code written in any combination of one or more
programming languages.
[0092] Various program code described herein may be identified
based upon the application within that it is implemented in
specific embodiments of the invention. However, it should be
appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows
is used merely for convenience, and thus, the invention should not
be limited to use solely in any specific application identified
and/or implied by such nomenclature. Furthermore, given the
generally endless number of manners in which computer programs may
be organized into routines, procedures, methods, modules, objects,
and the like, as well as the various manners in which program
functionality may be allocated among various software layers that
are resident within a typical computer (e.g., operating systems,
libraries, API's, applications, applets, etc.), it should be
appreciated that the embodiments of the invention are not limited
to the specific organization and allocation of program
functionality described herein.
[0093] The program code embodied in any of the applications/modules
described herein is capable of being individually or collectively
distributed as a program product in a variety of different forms.
In particular, the program code may be distributed using a
computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program
instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects
of the embodiments of the invention.
[0094] Computer-readable storage media, which is inherently
non-transitory, may include volatile and non-volatile, and
removable and non-removable tangible media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information, such as
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data. Computer-readable storage media may further include
RAM, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other solid state memory technology, portable compact
disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the
desired information and which can be read by a computer. A
computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as
transitory signals per se (e.g., radio waves or other propagating
electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a
transmission media, such as a waveguide, or electrical signals
transmitted through a wire). Computer-readable program instructions
may be downloaded to a computer, another type of programmable data
processing apparatus, or another device from a computer-readable
storage medium or to an external computer or external storage
device via a network.
[0095] Computer-readable program instructions stored in a
computer-readable medium may be used to direct a computer, other
types of programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices
to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions
stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of
manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions,
acts, and/or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence
diagrams, and/or block diagrams. The computer program instructions
may be provided to one or more processors of a general purpose
computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data
processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the
instructions, which execute via the one or more processors, cause a
series of computations to be performed to implement the functions,
acts, and/or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence
diagrams, and/or block diagrams.
[0096] In certain alternative embodiments, the functions, acts,
and/or operations specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams,
and/or block diagrams may be re-ordered, processed serially, and/or
processed concurrently consistent with embodiments of the
invention. Moreover, any of the flowcharts, sequence diagrams,
and/or block diagrams may include more or fewer blocks than those
illustrated consistent with embodiments of the invention.
[0097] While the invention has been illustrated by the description
of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been
described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or
in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to
those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broadest
aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described.
The various features disclosed herein may be used in any
combination necessary or desired for a particular application.
Consequently, departures may be made from the details described
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims
which follow.
* * * * *