U.S. patent application number 16/378246 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for cooling pillow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronald D. Blum. Invention is credited to Ronald D. Blum, Amitava Gupta.
Application Number | 20190307270 16/378246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68099193 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190307270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blum; Ronald D. ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
Cooling Pillow
Abstract
A pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip that is associated with
a pillow or pillow case, comprising a Peltier cooling module is
disclosed. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip is configured
such that the Peltier cooling module is capable of transporting at
least 0.5 joules of heat per second across a temperature difference
of at least 10.degree. C. between opposite sides of the pillow,
pillow case or cooling strip.
Inventors: |
Blum; Ronald D.; (Roanoke,
VA) ; Gupta; Amitava; (Roanoke, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blum; Ronald D. |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68099193 |
Appl. No.: |
16/378246 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62653595 |
Apr 6, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2200/146 20130101;
A47G 2200/205 20130101; A47G 2200/143 20130101; A47G 9/1036
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/10 20060101
A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip used in association with
a pillow comprising a Peltier cooling module.
2. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip is configured such that
the Peltier cooling module is capable of transporting at least 0.5
joules of heat per second across a temperature difference of at
least 10.degree. C. between opposite sides of the pillow or pillow
case.
3. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
one of the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprises a side
which is contoured to match the topography of a neck and head of a
user.
4. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
one of the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprises an open
cell foam.
5. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, further
comprising a memory gel.
6. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the Peltier cooling module requires a minimum voltage of 3.5 volts
DC.
7. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise a Peltier
cooling module, wherein the Peltier cooling module requires a
maximum voltage of 12 volts DC.
8. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip further comprise an
electronic control circuit capable of controlling the Peltier
cooling module.
9. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip further comprise a remote
electronic device capable of controlling the Peltier cooling
module.
10. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
one of the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip further comprise
two or more of a clock, timer, vibration source, audio source,
power source, and/or a plurality of different sensors.
11. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 8, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise an electronic
control circuit, and wherein the electronic control circuit
comprises a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array, a
temperature sensor, a rechargeable battery, and/or a memory
unit.
12. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 8, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise an electronic
control circuit, and wherein the electronic control circuit
comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver.
13. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 12, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise a wireless
transmitter and receiver, and wherein the wireless transmitter and
receiver are capable of communicating with an external remote
controller.
14. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 1, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise a phase change
material, wherein the phase change material is shaped in a
three-dimensional form with an aspect ratio in the range of
2.0-5.0.
15. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip of claim 14, wherein
the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise a phase change
material comprising a height in the range of 3-10 mm, a width in
the range of 10-30 mm, and a length in the range of 10-30 mm.
16. A bladder cooling section or cooling strip comprising a Peltier
cooling module, wherein the Peltier cooling module is capable of
transporting at least 0.5 joules of heat per second across a
temperature difference of at least 10.degree. C., and wherein the
bladder cooling section or cooling strip is configured for
attachment to a pillow and/or pillow case and/or can be placed
between the pillow case and the pillow.
17. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip has a
topography which partially fits a contour of a back of a neck of a
user.
18. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip further
comprise an audio source.
19. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip further
comprise a vibration source.
20. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip further
comprise a plurality of different sensors.
21. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip further
comprise a clock.
22. The bladder cooling section or cooling strip of claim 16,
wherein the bladder cooling section or cooling strip further
comprise a remote control electronic device.
23. A pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow that can be set to a specified temperature, wherein the
pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a pillow
maintain a temperature within +/-2 degrees of the set temperature
while the user is sleeping on the pillow and wherein one of the
pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip comprise a Peltier cooler
module.
24. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip has a topography which partially fits a contour of a back of
a neck of a user.
25. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip further comprise an audio source.
26. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip further comprise a vibration source.
27. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip further comprise a plurality of different sensors.
28. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip further comprise a clock.
29. A pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow of claim 23, wherein the pillow, pillow case, or cooling
strip further comprise a remote control electronic device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relies on the disclosure of and claims
priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/653,595 filed Apr. 6, 2018, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to the field of pillows
that cool the head and/or neck of a user.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Pillows that provide a relatively cool support for the head
or the body while sleeping have been developed and commercialized
widely. There are three main types of cooling pillows: gel cooling
pillows, pillows which use airflow to cool the sleeper, and
temperature-regulating pillows that use phase change materials to
control temperature. A gel cooling pillow uses a soft flowable gel
to remove body heat via convection from the region of highest
temperature, which is usually the part of the pillow directly in
contact with the head or the body part to a cooler region, away
from the body. This process helps maintain a closer match between
the ambient (room) temperature that may be in the range of
.about.70.degree. F., or 20-22.degree. C., and the temperature
under the head or at points of contact with the body (e.g.
.about.97-100.degree. F., or 35-40.degree. C.). Some gel materials
are hydrophilic and contain adsorbed water that further supports
heat transport via convection and enhances the thermal capacity of
the gel.
[0004] In addition, heat transport may be further promoted by the
use of foams, especially contoured foams, in which air passages
promote convective cooling of the hot surface in contact with the
head or the body part.
[0005] An example of a phase change material that may be used in
phase change pillows is provided in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 BioPCM Q25 Physical and Chemical Properties
Property Value Melting point 25.degree. C. Latent Heat 210-250 J/g
Energy Storage capacity 400-1250 KJ/m.sup.3 Specific Heat 2.5 J/gK
Thermal Conductivity 0.15-0.25 W/mK Density 0.85-0.95 g/cm.sup.3
Phase Viscous liquid-Viscous gel-Solid-solid gel
[0006] Phase change materials such as BioPCM Q 25 may be further
contoured or shaped in containers inside the phase change pillows
such that the surface of the phase change material closest to the
head that melts or undergoes a phase change flows away from the
contact area and is subsequently cooled as heat is transferred to
the ambient environment. The material undergoes a reverse phase
change as a result, releasing latent heat to the ambient
environment. A heat transfer process is set up thereby, and the
capability of the pillow to transport heat is effectively the
product of the total thermal storage capacity and the rate of
cycling of the material between the two phases.
[0007] Since the energy storage capacity of the phase change
material is fixed, the total amount of heat that can be transferred
depends on the rate of cycling of the phase change material which
is controlled by the geometry of the compartment comprising the
phase change material.
[0008] These pillow designs cannot be used unless the two surfaces
of the pillow are made different; in other words, it is necessary
to specify the "head side," and the obverse side that is always
away from the head. This may be accomplished by providing a
contoured shape, with a slot or shelf to receive and match the
contour of the neck and the back of the head. Such contoured
designs work especially well when the user sleeps face up.
[0009] The two main disadvantages of the use of phase change
materials in building cooling pillows are the relatively low
thermal storage capacity of most phase change materials that may be
used in construction of pillows and the relatively narrow range of
temperatures at which phase change occurs. Thermal properties of
the phase change material BioPCM Q 25 are shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] For example, BioPCM Q 25, a phase change material frequently
used in making pillows, provides a heat storage capacity of
400-1250 KJ/m.sup.3, or about 200-625 joules, or 50-156 calories
for a total loading of 500 ccs of memory foam material (20
cm.times.25 cm.times.1 cm).
[0011] This material undergoes a phase change at 25.degree. C., the
phase change being complete between 20-30.degree. C. For optimum
utilization, a temperature spread of up to 15.degree. C. is
desired, mainly to take into account variabilities in the ambient
temperature and the temperature of the surface contacting the head.
This deficiency may be mitigated by using a blend of two or three
different phase change materials, with the phase change occurring
at temperatures ranging from 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.,
spanning a range of 15.degree. C.-35.degree. C.
[0012] A preferred construction of the compartment comprising a
phase change material in a pillow is shown in FIG. 2. Examples of
contoured pillows are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0013] Examples of commercially available pillows utilizing one or
more passive cooling technologies are as follows:
[0014] Active X.TM. pillow, made by Nest Bedding: This product uses
a cover that incorporates a phase change material. This cover can
absorb more heat and acts as a temperature regulator. This
particular product contains open-cell memory foam. This type of
memory foam is more porous and open than closed cell foams, so that
air is better able to travel throughout the material and dissipate
body heat, thereby regulating body temperature. This model is
reversible, which means that for warmer nights, it is possible to
keep cool with a gel layer on one side, which helps to disperse
heat and promote airflow. On colder nights, the pillow is flipped
over.
[0015] Customers rate it highly for back and neck support as well
as for its cooling effect in hot climates. Some reviewers, on the
other hand, say that the gel side does not stay cool throughout the
night, and claim that the gel pockets are too few. This memory foam
gel pillow has a contoured design with a memory foam interior.
[0016] Technogel.TM. Sleeping Pillow: The first thing to note is
that this pillow is designed for small-framed people with narrow
shoulders. Thus, this pillow will probably be too thin for those
that are broad or well-built, and consequently it will not offer
adequate support. The pillow works by layering cooling gel over a
base of memory foam. This means that while the top feels soft and
cool, the user will always get the underlying support of the firm
memory foam. The pillow is also made with a series of holes and
tunnels, promoting air flow and allowing the user to keep cooler
for longer.
[0017] These approaches for lowering temperature of the area of
contact may be termed passive, since they do not involve any active
or electrically-activated heat pumping process. Passive heat
transport strategies suffer from the deficiency that the rate of
heat transport is limited by the heat transport capacity of the
materials used in the pillow. Therefore, only a limited rate of
cooling is achievable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects of
embodiments of the present invention, and should not be used to
limit the invention. Together with the written description the
drawings serve to explain certain principles of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a graph showing thermal properties of the phase
change material BioPCM Q 25.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a preferred construction of a
compartment comprising a phase change material in a pillow.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of contoured
pillows.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the theory of Peltier
cooling.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a function diagram of a commercially available
Peltier cooler.
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing high zT materials as a
function of operating temperature for n- (FIG. 6A) and p- (FIG. 6B)
type semiconductors.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a design of a cooled pillow
utilizing Peltier Modules according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 8-17 are diagrams showing a cooled pillow with a
bladder cooling section according to embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a diagram of a self-contained cooling strip
comprising a Peltier module according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary
embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the
following discussion of exemplary embodiments is not intended as a
limitation on the invention. Rather, the following discussion is
provided to give the reader a more detailed understanding of
certain aspects and features of the invention.
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention utilize an active
cooling process to further enhance heat transport from the hot
surface of the pillow contacting the head or other body parts of
the user to the cool surface that is away from body contact.
[0030] A preferred cooling process involves utilization of the
Peltier cooling process, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0031] In practice, a large number of narrow band gap
semi-conductors may be used. Such Peltier cooling modules may be
fabricated by printing, vapor deposition or other microfabrication
processes.
[0032] Peltier elements are commonly used in consumer products. For
example, Peltier elements are used in camping, portable coolers,
and as cooling modules for electronic components and small
instruments. The cooling effect of Peltier heat pumps can also be
used to extract water from the air in dehumidifiers. A camping/car
type electric cooler can typically reduce the temperature by up to
20.degree. C. (36.degree. F.) below the ambient temperature.
Thermoelectric coolers are used to augment heat sinks for
microprocessors. They are also used for wine coolers.
[0033] The electronic circuit of the Peltier cooling module
consists of a DC power source such as a rechargeable battery or a
rectifier, a resistor and a capacitor to control current and a
trigger that may be driven by a temperature sensor that senses the
temperature of the hot surface and actuates the cooler when the
temperature of the surface of the pillow in contact with the body
part exceeds a set point that is in the range of 25.degree.
C.-30.degree. C. Function diagrams of specific Peltier modules with
their specific electrical configurations and figure of merit are
shown in FIG. 5.
[0034] Common thermoelectric materials used as semiconductors
include bismuth telluride, silicon-germanium, and bismuth-antimony
alloys. Of these materials, bismuth telluride is the most commonly
used. Performance of thermoelectric modules depends on the material
properties of the n- and p-type semiconductors used in their
fabrication, and is expressed by the figure of merit of the
material as shown in equations 1 and 2.
Q=.alpha.TI Eqn 1
zT=.alpha..sup.2T/.rho..kappa. Eqn 2
where Q is the amount of heat removed, .alpha. is Seebeck
coefficient, T is absolute temperature, I is current, zT is figure
of merit, .rho. is electrical resistivity and .kappa. is thermal
conductivity.
[0035] FIGS. 6A and 6B show that Bismuth Telluride as an n-type
semiconductor and Antimony Telluride as a p-type semiconductor
operate within the temperature range of interest.
[0036] These materials are heavily doped in order to minimize their
electrical resistivity. A compromise has to be accepted for the
value of thermal conductivity. While the performance of the Peltier
module is enhanced by reducing thermal conductivity (Eqn 2), heat
transfer is impeded by reducing thermal conductivity, so a certain
optimum value is required, depending on the distance over which the
thermal load has to be transported.
[0037] These considerations drive the design of the pillow with
Peltier modules, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a pillow with
opposite surfaces. Multiple Peltier modules (10 mm.times.5 mm) are
disposed near one of the surfaces. The Peltier modules are
sandwiched between a 1 mm layer of wood, coated with 50 microns of
Aluminum, top and bottom (hot surface; temperature in the range of
30 to 35.degree. C.), and a 0.5 mm aluminum sheet (cold surface,
temperature in the range of 20 to 25.degree. C.). The hot surface
is disposed closest to the pillow surface while the cold surface is
disposed to face the pillow interior. The cold surface is in an
operable electrical connection to the Peltier modules and in
operable connection to an electronic module disposed in the pillow
interior. The electronic module includes an electrical inlet or
rechargeable battery, and can have, by way of example only, a
diameter of 25 mm and a height of 5 mm. The pillow interior is
filled with a foam, memory foam, gel, or latex to provide
cushioning for the user.
[0038] Examples 1 and 2 show performance of two examples of Peltier
modules suitable for construction of a Peltier cooler for
pillows.
EXAMPLE 1
[0039] Temperature of hot terminal: 35-40.degree. C.
[0040] Temperature difference: 10.degree. C.
[0041] Voltage: 3.8 volts (DC)
[0042] Current required: 0.4 Amp
[0043] Total power required: 1.5 watts
[0044] Commercially available Peltier cooler
EXAMPLE 2
[0045] Temperature of hot terminal: 35-40.degree. C.
[0046] Temperature difference: 15.degree. C.
[0047] Voltage: 3.5 volts (DC)
[0048] Current required: 1.5 Amp
[0049] Total power required: 12.5 watts
[0050] Commercially available Peltier cooler
Preferred Embodiments
[0051] Another embodiment of the invention is a pillow, pillow case
or cooling strip, wherein said pillow, pillow case or cooling strip
comprises a Peltier cooling module transporting at least 0.5 joules
of heat per second across a temperature difference of at least 10 C
between the opposite sides of said pillow. The pillow, pillow case
or cooling strip can be contoured on one surface to match the
topography of the neck and head of a user. The pillow, pillow case
or cooling strip can be filled with an open cell foam. The pillow,
pillow case or cooling strip can be filled with a memory gel. The
Peltier cooling module can require a minimum voltage of 3.5 volts
DC. The Peltier module can require a maximum voltage of 12 volts
DC. The Peltier module can be controlled by an electronic control
circuit. The electronic control circuit can comprise a
microcontroller or an FPGA and/or temperature sensor(s), and/or a
rechargeable battery, and/or a memory unit. The electronic control
circuit can comprise a wireless transmitter and receiver. The
wireless transmitter/receiver can communicate with an external
remote controller. The pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can
utilize a phase change material wherein said phase change material
is shaped in a three-dimensional form of aspect ratio in the range
2.0-5.0. The pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can comprise a
phase change material shaped in three dimensional forms of a height
in the range 3-10 mm, a width in the range of 10-30 mm and a length
in the range of 10-30 mm. A bladder cooling section can attach to
or be part of a pillow, pillow case or cooling strip, wherein the
bladder cooling section comprises a Peltier cooling module
transporting at least 0.5 joules of heat per second across a
temperature difference of at least 10.degree. C. The bladder
cooling section can be permanently attached to or be incorporated
as part of the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip. The bladder
cooling section can be releaseably attached to the pillow, pillow
case or cooling strip. The bladder cooling section can be attached
permanently to the pillow case. The bladder cooling section can be
releaseably attached to the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip.
The bladder cooling section can have a topography which partially
fits the contour of the back of the neck of the user. The bladder
cooling section of the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can
comprise an audio source. The bladder cooling section of the
pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can comprise a vibration
source. The bladder cooling section of the pillow, pillow case or
cooling strip can comprise a sensor. The bladder cooling section of
the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can comprise a plurality
of different sensors. The bladder cooling section of the pillow,
pillow case or cooling strip can have a topography that partially
fits the contour of the back of the neck of the user. The bladder
cooling bladder cooling section of the pillow, pillow case or
cooling strip can comprise an audio source. The bladder cooling
section of the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip can comprise a
vibration source. The Peltier cooling module incorporated with the
bladder cooling section can transport at least 0.5 joules of heat
per second across a temperature difference of at least 10.degree.
C. The bladder cooling section comprising a Peltier cooling module
can be in the form of a cooling strip.
[0052] Another embodiment is that of a bladder cooling section
comprising a Peltier cooling module which can be in the form of a
self-contained cooling strip. Such a self-contained cooling strip
can be permanently attached to a pillow. Such a self-contained
cooling strip can be permanently attached to a pillow case. Such a
self-contained cooling strip can be releaseably attached to a
pillow. Such a self-contained cooling strip can be releaseably
attached to a pillow case. Such a self-contained cooling strip can
be placed between a pillow and a pillow case. Such a self-contained
cooling strip can be covered by a covering and placed under the
head of a user while on top of a pillow.
[0053] A preferred embodiment includes a Peltier Module comprising
a Peltier cooler operating at 3.7 volts (range 3.5-4.0 v), at a
current level of 0.5 Amp (range 0.2-1.5 Amp) and a power level of
1.0 watts (range 0.5-6.0 watts). The embodiment is powered by a
rechargeable lithium ion battery operating at 3.7 volts and with a
capacity of 6.27 AH, so that it can operate for 12 hours at a
current load of 0.5 Amps.
[0054] In one embodiment, the temperature control system includes
one or more Peltier modules, one or more temperature sensors, a
rechargeable battery, a Bluetooth or WIFI transmitter to wirelessly
communicate with a remote monitor, an electronic control circuit to
control the voltage and current input to the Peltier circuit, and a
sensor to monitor the level of charge capacity left in the battery
at any time.
[0055] In one embodiment, the Peltier cooling module covers a
limited area at the center of a contoured pillow, preferably an
area of 50 mm.times.50 mm, with a range of 30-80 mm.times.30-80 mm.
The height of the Peltier module, electronic controls and end
plates is in the range 5-10 mm, preferably 8 mm. This central zone
is positioned at the center of the contour where the head and the
neck are targeted to be positioned. The cooled zone creates
temperature gradients along the depth of the pillow.
[0056] In one embodiment, the temperature difference between the
cool side and the warm side, effected by the Peltier module is
10-15.degree. C., and preferably 12.degree. C. The temperature of
the cool side may be in the range 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.,
and preferably 25.degree. C. The temperature of the warm side is in
the range 30-45.degree. C., and preferably 37.degree. C., or close
to body temperature.
[0057] In one embodiment, the temperature of the cool side is
adjustable, and can be set by means of a remote monitor. In another
embodiment, the temperature of the cool side may be set as one
would set a thermostat, which may be set on the pillow or Peltier
module, on a wired or wireless remote, on a computer, on a cell
phone, on a tablet computer, or by any other method or device for
setting a temperature or temperature range. According to this
embodiment, if, for example, the cool side of the pillow is not at
the set temperature or within the set temperature range, the
cooling system will adjust the temperature to be at the set
temperature or within the set temperature range. As such, a certain
temperatures or temperature ranges may be maintained while a user
sleeps.
[0058] In some embodiments, the electronic control system of the
Peltier cooling system comprises one or more temperature sensors
that monitor temperature of the cooled surface directly under the
surface where the head and neck are designed to be positioned. The
temperature sensors are connected to a field-programmable gate
array (FPGA) or a microcontroller unit (MCU) that also turns on or
off the Peltier module, operated by the battery. The rechargeable
battery is recharged in between uses by connecting to a wall
outlet.
[0059] In some embodiments, the electronic control system has a
Bluetooth or a WIFI module that can be used to trigger the
operation (turn ON and OFF) of the Peltier module. A handheld
remote controller is provided with the pillow that can be used to
trigger the microcontroller or the FPGA, in aspects.
[0060] In some embodiments, the MCU or the FPGA sends a signal via
the wireless transmitter to the remote monitor when the battery
requires recharging. The remote monitors and displays an alert
(e.g., a LED light) for the user.
[0061] In one embodiment, a temperature dial, button or setting can
be set to a desired temperature by the user to permit the pillow,
pillow case or cooling strip to automatically maintain a desired
temperature throughout the time such user is sleeping or utilizing
the cooling pillow. In another embodiment, a temperature dial,
button or setting can be programed to a desired temperature profile
by the user to permit the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip to
automatically maintain a desired temperature profile throughout the
time such user is sleeping or utilizing the cooling pillow. In
still another embodiment, in addition to setting a temperature
dial, button, or setting, a setting further permits a user to set
the time for when the user desires to wake up. In this embodiment
the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip not only cools to either a
desired temperature profile or maintains a constant desired
temperature, but in addition, wakes up the user at a designated
time set the user by way of example only, a vibration or sound. In
another embodiment the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip not
only cools, but also provides sounds, by way of example only, music
or soothing relaxing sounds. In still another embodiment the
pillow, pillow case or cooling strip not only cools, provides
sounds, by way of example only, music or soothing relaxing sounds,
but also can awake the user at a preset time by the user, or in an
emergency situation such as, by way of example only; high carbon
monoxide being present, weather alert, undesired smoke being
monitored. In this last embodiment, the cooling pillow, pillow case
or cooling strip comprises a plurality of different sensors.
[0062] The dimensions of the Peltier module are in the range 10-30
mm in length, 10-30 mm in width and 5-15 mm in height. One or more
Peltier modules may be used to provide the required thermal
transport.
[0063] In one embodiment, three or more Peltier modules are used,
in order to ensure more uniform heat transport. They are mounted in
between aluminum plates, with the warmer side being thicker and
stiffer than the cooler side which is covered by a thinner,
flexible Aluminum foil.
[0064] In one embodiment, the pillow is filled with either shredded
open cell foam or a memory gel. In one embodiment, the pillow is
filled with a hydrophilic gel that absorbs water and retains it as
water of hydration.
[0065] The pillow can be contoured in order to ensure that the neck
and the head are in proper position to receive maximum cooling
benefit, and that heat is transported away from the contact surface
with the body.
[0066] In certain embodiments, a bladder cooling section of the
pillow contains a liquid, gel or gas and is cooled by the Peltier
cooler(s). FIGS. 8-14 show various embodiments of the pillow with a
bladder cooling section. The bladder cooling section can have
outside dimensions corresponding to one side of the pillow. This
bladder cooling section can have outside dimensions smaller than
one side of the pillow. The bladder cooling section can have a
length that is equal to that of the horizontal length of the
pillow. The section can have a height that ranges between 25 mm and
250 mm. The preferable range of the height is between 25 mm and 100
mm. The section can have a thickness within the range of 5 mm to
100 mm. The preferable range is between 10 mm and 50 mm of
thickness. The thickness can be shaped to partially fit the contour
of the back of the neck between the lower part of the head and the
shoulders of a user. The thickness can be shaped to fit the contour
of the back of the neck between the lower part of the head and the
shoulders of a user. The top and bottom sides of the section can be
made out of a pliable, foldable, or bendable material. These sides
of the bladder cooling section can be made of a hypoallergenic
material. By way of example only, the side sections can be made of
polyester, fabric, memory material, silicone, acrylic or a
combination of one or more of these materials. The bladder cooling
section can be permanently attached to the pillow. The bladder
cooling section can be powered by a battery. The bladder cooling
section can be powered by a rechargeable battery. The bladder
cooling section can be directly connected to an electrical
socket.
[0067] In another embodiment, the bladder cooling section (as
described above) can be separate and attachable to a pillow by the
consumer. The bladder cooling section can be releaseably attached
to the bottom of the pillow. The bladder cooling section can be
releaseably attached to a side of the pillow. The bladder cooling
section can be releaseably attached to the pillow case which covers
a pillow. The bladder cooling section can be permanently attached
to the pillow case which covers a pillow. The bladder cooling
section can be releaseably attached to the pillow and then covered
with the pillow case. The bladder cooling section can be
permanently attached to the pillow and then covered with the pillow
case.
[0068] In certain embodiments a self-contained cooling strip
comprising a bladder cooling section can be placed between the
pillow case and the pillow. In certain embodiments a self-contained
cooling strip comprising a bladder cooling section can be attached
to the pillow. In certain embodiments a self-contained cooling
strip comprising a bladder cooling section can be attached to the
pillow case. In certain embodiments a self-contained cooling strip
comprising a bladder cooling section can be covered with its own
covering and placed under the head of a user and on top of the
pillow of a user.
[0069] In another embodiment a pillow, pillow case or cooling strip
associated with a pillow that can be set to a specified
temperature, wherein the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip
associated with a pillow will maintain its temperature within +/-2
degrees of the set temperature while the user is sleeping on the
pillow and wherein one of the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip
comprise a Peltier cooler module.
[0070] The bladder cooling section which includes a Peltier cooler
of the pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip associated with a
pillow or pillow case can include a vibration source. The bladder
cooling section can include an audio source. The bladder cooling
section can include a speaker(s). The bladder cooling section can
include a clock. The vibration source can be controlled by the
user. The audio source can be controlled by the user. The
speaker(s) can be controlled by the user. The clock can be
controlled by the user. The clock can include a timer associated
therewith. The bladder cooling section can include a sensor. The
bladder cooling section can comprise a speaker(s). The bladder
cooling section can comprise a plurality of different sensors. The
sensor can be a thermal sensor. The sensor can be a pressure
sensor. The sensor can be an acoustic sensor that recognizes
snoring. The bladder cooling section can comprise a receiver. The
bladder cooling section can comprise a transceiver. The vibration
source can be used to wake the user when snoring occurs. The
vibration source can be used to help the user fall asleep.
[0071] In other embodiments, the system includes a timer. In other
embodiments, the system includes an alarm, which may be used to
alert the user to poor sleep, snoring, breathing changes, sleep
apnea, medical sleeping conditions, temperature(s), temperature
changes, time(s), waking time(s) (e.g., as an alarm clock), or
other reasons for alerting a user of the pillow. The bladder
cooling section can comprise a power source. The power source can
be an AC or DC power source. The power source can be
rechargeable.
[0072] In another embodiment a cooling strip is associated with a
pillow or pillow case and comprises a Peltier cooler module. The
cooling strip can comprise a bladder cooling section. The cooling
strip can comprise a bladder cooling section that comprises a
Peltier cooler module. The cooling strip can be self-contained. The
cooling strip can include a vibration source. The cooling strip can
include an audio source. The cooling strip can comprise a
speaker(s). The cooling strip can comprise a clock. The cooling
strip can comprise a speaker(s). The cooling strip can comprise a
plurality of different sensors. The vibration source can be
controlled by the user. The audio source can be controlled by the
user. The speaker(s) can be controlled by the user. The clock can
be controlled by the user. The clock can comprise a timer
associated therewith. The cooling strip can comprise a sensor. The
sensor can be a thermal sensor. The sensor can be a pressure
sensor. The sensor can be an acoustic sensor that recognizes
snoring. The cooling strip can comprise a receiver. The cooling
strip can comprise a transceiver. The cooling strip can comprise a
vibration source. The vibration source can be used to wake the user
when snoring occurs. The vibration source can be used to help the
user fall asleep. The cooling strip can comprise an alarm. The
cooling strip can comprise a power source. The power source can be
an AC or DC power source. The power source can be rechargeable.
[0073] As used herein the bladder cooling section comprises a
Peltier cooling module. As used herein a cooling strip comprises
the Peltier cooling module.
[0074] The present invention has been described with reference to
particular embodiments having various features. In light of the
disclosure provided above, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that various modifications and variations can be made in
the practice of the present invention without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosed features may be used singularly, in
any combination, or omitted based on the requirements and
specifications of a given application or design. When an embodiment
refers to "comprising" certain features, it is to be understood
that the embodiments can alternatively "consist of" or "consist
essentially of" any one or more of the features. Other embodiments
of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention.
[0075] It is noted in particular that where a range of values is
provided in this specification, each value between the upper and
lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. The
upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be
included or excluded in the range as well. The singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary in nature and that variations
that do not depart from the essence of the invention fall within
the scope of the invention. Further, all of the references cited in
this disclosure are each individually incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties and as such are intended to provide an
efficient way of supplementing the enabling disclosure of this
invention as well as provide background detailing the level of
ordinary skill in the art.
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