Patent Publication Number: US-2003234247-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for a multi-zone blanket

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Technical Field  
       [0002] This invention relates, generally, to bedding systems and, more particularly to an improved blanket with multiple zones with adjustable insulation properties.  
       [0003] 2. Background Information  
       [0004] Traditional bedding systems typically include a top blanket, comforter or the like on top of the bed for providing the primary source of insulation against the environment, A particular individual will generally select a blanket type which fits his or her personal preferences, based on, for example, room temperature and preferred sleeping temperature—both of which may vary with season, time, bed-clothes, and other such variables.  
       [0005] Given the individualized nature of blanket preferences, it is not surprising that two individuals using a single blanket will find it difficult if not impossible to select a blanket which simultaneously conforms to their individual preferences. Simply stated, if one person is comfortable, the other is invariably too hot or too cold.  
       [0006] Known bedding systems are unsatisfactory in a number of respects. For example, while blankets have been developed which have multiple thicknesses for different regions of the blanket, the insulation value of each region is constant, and may not precisely fit the preferences of the user. And while other known systems may modify the temperature of various regions of a blanket, those systems generally do so by using a series of electrical wires (i.e., an electric blanket) which changes the absolute temperature of the blanket but which does not directly impact the insulation value itself.  
       [0007] Known systems are also unsatisfactory in that they generally provide open-loop configurations; i.e., they do not provide meaningful feedback to keep the individual comfortable over time. Even in systems which provide rudimentary closed-loop regulation, this regulation is not based on temperature feedback from the blanket itself.  
       [0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable-insulation blanket which overcomes these and other limitations of the prior art.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009] The present invention overcomes shortcomings in the prior art by providing a multi-zone bedding system which includes a blanket (or sleeping bag, pad, medical heating enclosure, or the like) defined by two or more zones having independent insulation values. In one embodiment, the bedding system includes a controller configured to independently modify or regulate the insulation value of one or more of those zones to suit the personal preferences of the individual or individuals using the system. The insulation value of the zones may be altered by modifying, for example, the density, material type, air content, and/or the thickness of the blanket.  
       [0010] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the bedding system includes one or more sensors incorporated into the blanket for sensing and controlling the respective temperatures of the zones.  
       [0011] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an external sensor is coupled to the controller for sensing an attribute of the environment, i.e.: ambient light, ambient temperature, and the like.  
       [0012] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the controller includes a programmable timer and is configured to modify the insulation values of the blanket zones in response to one or more timed events.  
       [0013] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the blanket includes a transition zone between two of the zones, wherein the transition zone is configured to provide a transition insulation value between zones to compensate for the heating effect of two individuals located close to the center of the blanket.  
       [0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the blanket includes an inner chamber and the controller is configured to modify the first insulation value of at least one of the zones by controlling the volume of air within the inner chamber through, for example, the use of an air pump.  
       [0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the blanket includes an internal cellular structure whose thermal conductivity is a function of the volume of air contained within the cellular structure.  
       [0016] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the zones is substantially constant across the various zones and/or the blanket is contained within an outer cover.  
       [0017] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the controller includes a memory configured to retain personal preferences and/or presets corresponding to, for example, the desired insulation values for the various zones.  
       [0018] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to learn a set of preferences corresponding to a set of desired insulation values based on an individual&#39;s operation of the controller.  
       [0019] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the insulation value and/or heat supplied by the blanket is a function of a chemical reaction (e.g., a chemical reaction modulated by an electrical excitation) produced within one or more zones of the blanket.  
       [0020] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a blanket includes three or more zones whose respective temperatures are controlled through an applied electrical current (e.g., through heating wires, pads, or the like). 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0021] The subject invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:  
     [0022]FIG. 1 is a conceptual overview of a bedding system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 2 is a conceptual overview of a bedding system including a controller configured to control two zones;  
     [0024]FIG. 3 is a conceptual overview of a bedding system including a sensor incorporated into one zone for providing feedback to the controller;  
     [0025]FIG. 4 is a conceptual overview of a bedding system including a second sensor incorporated into a second zone for providing feedback to the controller;  
     [0026]FIG. 5 is a conceptual overview of a bedding system further including one or more external sensors for sensing an attribute of the environment;  
     [0027] FIGS.  6 A- 6 D present various zone configurations for a blanket in accordance with the present invention;  
     [0028] FIGS.  7 A- 7 B are side-view conceptual overviews of a dual-zone blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0029]FIGS. 8A and 8B are side-view conceptual overviews of a blanket in accordance with the present invention enclosed by a cover or sleeve; and  
     [0030]FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a controller in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0031] The present invention overcomes shortcomings in the prior art by providing a multi-zone bedding system including a blanket defined by two or more zones and a controller configured to independently modify the insulation value of one or more of those zones to suit the personal preferences of individuals using the system. The insulation value of the zones may be altered by modifying, for example, the density, material type, air content, and/or the thickness of the blanket.  
     [0032] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a blanket is defined by two or more zones with independent insulation values. More particularly, referring momentarily to the exemplary cross-section shown in FIG. 10, a static blanket design  1000  may incorporate two or more zones (e.g., zones  1002  and  1004 ), wherein the thermal insulation value of zone  1002  (R th,1 ) is different from and independent of the thermal insulation value of zone  1004  (R th,2 ), wherein the thickness of the blanket is substantially constant across the regions. The insulation values for the various regions may be specified by altering one or more attributes of the blanket zones. For example, zone  1002  may comprise a different material from zone  1002 . Alternatively, zone  1002  may comprise the same material as zone  1004 , but may have a different density. In a further embodiment, zones  1002  and  1004  may include a structure, such as a cellular structure, that increases and decreases in insulation value when air or another gas is provided within the structure.  
     [0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a bedding system  100  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention comprises a blanket  102  partitioned into or otherwise defined by a first zone  104  and a second zone  106 . Blanket  102  has a first end  109  (alternatively referred to as the “head” end), and a second end  108  (alternatively referred to as the “foot” end). A controller  110  is suitably coupled to first zone  104  and is configured to adjust the insulation value of first zone  104  in a manner which is substantially independent of the insulation value of zone  106 . In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, controller  110  is further configured to adjust the insulation value of second zone  106 .  
     [0034] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the bedding system includes one or more sensors incorporated into the blanket for sensing and controlling the respective temperatures of the zones in a close-loop fashion. More particularly, referring now to FIG. 3, bedding system  100  includes a sensor  302  (e.g., a thermocouple or the like) which is suitably positioned and provided within, on, or under blanket  102  in region  104  to sense a temperature associated with region  104 , e.g., the temperature of the interior of blanket  102 , the temperature of a surface of blanket  102 , or the temperature of an individual lying beneath blanket  102 . FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a second sensor  402  is incorporated into region  106  of blanket  102  and coupled to controller  110  to facilitate thermal control of region  106 .  
     [0035] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, an external sensor is coupled to the controller for sensing an attribute of the environment, i.e.: ambient light, ambient temperature, and the like. That is, with reference to FIG. 5, one or more external sensors  502  are coupled to controller  110  (or integrated into controller  110 ) and suitably positioned within the environment (e.g., bedroom, tent, etc.). Responsive to information received from sensor or sensors  502 , controller  110  suitably adjusts a temperature associated with zone  104  and/or zone  106  of blanket  102 .  
     [0036] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the blanket includes a transition zone between two of the zones, wherein the transition zone is configured to provide a transition insulation value between zones to compensate for the heating effect of two individuals located close to the center of the blanket.  
     [0037] Blanket  102  may be partitioned into any number of zones to individually control the temperature of the zones in accordance with the desired goal. FIGS.  6 A- 6 D depict exemplary multi-zone blanket configurations desirable in instances where one or more individuals are sleeping beneath the blanket.  
     [0038]FIG. 6A shows a configuration wherein two adjacent rectangular zones  602  and  604  are defined at approximately the head  109  and foot  108  of blanket  102  respectively. Such a configuration might be appropriate, for example, when it is desired that the foot of the blanket be hotter or colder than the blanket at the head of the bed.  
     [0039]FIG. 6B depicts a configuration wherein blanket  102  is partitioned into four generally rectangular zones  606 ,  608 ,  610 , and  612 . This variation is similar to FIG. 6A, but allows for individual side-by-side control of individual head and foot regions. That is, zones  608  and  606  generally correspond to the foot and head end of one individual sleeping under (or on) blanket  102 , and zones  610  and  612  correspond to the food and head ends of another individual.  
     [0040] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention blanket  102  is generally split into two primary zones  616  and  618  and one intermediary or transition zone  620  which compensates for the extra heating effects resulting from the proximity of two individuals near the center of blanket  102 .  
     [0041]FIG. 6D depicts another example wherein blanket  102  is split into six zones. Zones  622 ,  624 , and  626  generally corresponding to one individual, and zones  630 ,  628 , and  632  corresponding to another individual.  
     [0042] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the blanket includes an inner chamber and the controller is configured to modify the first insulation value of at least one of the zones by controlling the volume of air within the inner chamber through, for example, the use of an air pump. Referring to the cross-sectional overview shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, a first inner chamber  702  is separate from a second inner chamber  704  by a partition, membrane, or other separator  706 .  
     [0043] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the blanket includes an internal cellular structure whose thermal conductivity is a function of the volume of air contained within the cellular structure.  
     [0044] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the zones is substantially constant across the various zones and/or the blanket is contained within an outer cover.  
     [0045] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the controller includes a memory configured to retain personal preferences and/or presets corresponding to, for example, the desired insulation values for the various zones.  
     [0046] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the controller includes a programmable timer and is configured to modify the insulation values of the blanket zones in response to one or more timed events.  
     [0047] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to learn a set of preferences corresponding to a set of desired insulation values based on an individual&#39;s operation of the controller.  
     [0048] A controller in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a pump, compressor, or other form of air supply controlled via a microprocessor and associated electronics, including a user interface which allows individuals to modify the characteristics of the blanket as desired. Referring to FIG. 9, for example, an exemplary controller  110  includes a microprocessor  904 , a memory  906 , a user interface  910 , and a pump control block  908  communicating over a data bus  922 . A pump or compressor  912  having an output  916  and vent  914  is suitably coupled to pump control block  908 . In addition, a thermocouple  918  (which senses the temperature of the blanket or environment, as described above) may be coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (A/D)  902  via a wire  920 , wherein A/D also communicates with microprocessor  904  and/or other components over data bus  922 .  
     [0049] Pump  912  comprises any suitable uni-directional or bi-directional compressor, pump, or air supplier sufficient to effect insulation changes in the blanket to which it is coupled. Pump output  916  is suitably coupled to the blanket (not shown) via tubing, for example a small diameter flexible plastic tubing.  
     [0050] Pump control block  908  comprises any combination of analog and/or digital components (e.g., relays, passive components, transistors, and the like) appropriately configured to control the volume and/or pressure of air (or other gas) output from pump  912  in response to control signals from microprocessor  904 .  
     [0051] A/D  902  functions to take the small voltage produced via thermocouple  918  (e.g., a standard JK thermocouple) and produce a suitable digital value for processing by microprocessor  904 . In this regard, it will be appreciated that A/D  902  might also include certain amplification components configured to modify the range and sensitivity of the system with respect to thermal changes.  
     [0052] Microprocessor  904  suitably comprises any of a variety of standard microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and the like configured to control pump  912  to achieve the objectives described above. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, microprocessor  904  includes thermostat functionality which processes thermal information regarding the various blanket zones and activates the pump to modify the insulation value of the blanket zones accordingly.  
     [0053] Memory  906  comprises any suitable form of memory (RAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc.) capable of storing user preferences, set-points for the various blanket zones, and any other data required by the system. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, memory  906  is incorporated into microprocessor  904  (e.g., as on-board EEPROM memory or the like).  
     [0054] User interface  910  includes an appropriate panel which allows a user to control the operation of the bedding system. In this regard, user interface may include various input regions (buttons, knobs, sliders, and the like), and output regions (LCD or LED displays, lights, lamps, etc.). The input regions may include, fore example, one or more of the following functions: on-off control, zone selection, increase temperature, decrease temperature, and timer control. The output regions on user interface  910  may include, for example, a zone-selection readout, a temperature readout, a temperature set-point readout, a timer readout, an on-off indicator, etc.  
     [0055] User interface may be included either on or separate from controller  110 . In the event user interface is separate from controller  110 , it may communicate with controller  110  via electrical wiring or, alternatively, a wireless device of the type used in connection with conventional remote controllers.  
     [0056] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-zone blanket comprises a first zone having a first insulation value and a second zone having a second insulation value, wherein the first insulation value is a function of a chemical reaction produced within the first zone of the blanket. The chemical reaction (e.g., an exothermic chemical reaction) may be produced through sudden or controllable mixing of one or more chemical components. In addition, the chemical reaction may be of the type which is responsive to an applied electrical excitation, in which case the user may be provided with an appropriate controller for modulating the rate of reaction and therefore the heating provided by that zone of the blanket.  
     [0057] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-zone blanket includes greater than two zones, wherein the individual zones are heated through application of an electrical current (e.g., through the use of heat-generating wires, pads, and the like). As described above in connection with the previous embodiments, a controller may be provided for controlling the heat and/or insulation value provided by the particular zones of the blanket. In addition, any convenient geometrical configuration may be provided for the various zones.  
     [0058] Although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with the appended drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of the invention is not so limited. Modifications in the selection, design, and arrangement of the various components and steps discussed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.