Patent Publication Number: US-2021161300-A1

Title: Ambient bed having a heat reclaim system

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/926,526, filed Jan. 13, 2014, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/926,540, filed Jan. 13, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to systems that include a temperature controlled bed system configured to draw ambient air away from a sleeping surface of a mattress. Methods of use are included. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sleep is critical for people to feel and perform their best, in every aspect of their lives. Sleep is an essential path to better health and reaching personal goals. Indeed, sleep affects everything from the ability to commit new information to memory to weight gain. It is therefore essential for people to use bedding that suit both their personal sleep preference and body type in order to achieve comfortable, restful sleep. 
     Mattresses are an important aspect in achieving proper sleep. It is therefore beneficial to provide a mattress capable of maintaining a preselected temperature based on a user&#39;s sleep preference, so that the user achieves maximum comfort during sleep. It is desirable to provide a system which draws ambient air away from a sleeping surface of the mattress. It is also desirable to provide a temperature control system capable of being controlled to apply different temperature environments on different regions of the sleeping surface. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bedding system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of components of the system as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1  taken along lines A-A in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of components of the system shown in 
       
         FIG. 1 
       
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view, in part phantom, of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of components of the system shown in 
         FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of components of the system as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1  taken along lines D-D in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1  taken along cross-sectional lines E-E in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view, in part phantom, of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a component of the system shown in 
         FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 12  is a top, detailed view of components of the system shown in 
         FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1  taken along lines B-B in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1  taken along lines C-C in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of components of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of components of one embodiment of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of components of one embodiment of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of components of one embodiment of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of components of one embodiment of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of an ambient bed having a heat reclaim system and methods of use are discussed in terms of a bedding system that includes elements that enable air to be drawn away from a sleep surface of a mattress to regulate the temperature of the sleep surface. The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. 
     Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”. 
     The following discussion includes a description of an ambient bed having a heat reclaim system, related components and methods of using the ambient bed system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to  FIGS. 1-19 , there are illustrated components of a bedding system  20 . 
     The components of bedding  20  can be fabricated from materials including metals, polymers and/or composites, depending on the particular application. For example, the components of bedding system  20 , individually or collectively, can be fabricated from materials such as fabrics or textiles, paper or cardboard, cellulosic-based materials, biodegradable materials, plastics and other polymers, metals, semi-rigid and rigid materials. Various components of bedding system  20  may have material composites, including the above materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, rigidity, elasticity, performance and durability. The components of bedding system  20 , individually or collectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material such as a combination of two or more of the above-described materials. The components of bedding system  20  can be extruded, molded, injection molded, cast, pressed and/or machined. The components of bedding system  20  may be monolithically formed, integrally connected or include fastening elements and/or instruments, as described herein. 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , bedding system  20  includes a cooling member, for example a fan box layer  22 , a capacitor layer  24  positioned above fan box layer  24  and a mattress layer  26  positioned above capacitor layer  24 . In one embodiment, the cooling member can be a Peltier device, Peltier heat pump, solid state refrigerator, or thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Capacitor layer  24  includes components to detect the temperature adjacent to a sleep surface  28  of mattress layer  26 . If the temperature adjacent to sleep surface  28  deviates from a temperature selected by a user, capacitor layer  24  will heat or cool air within bedding system  20 , which is exhausted from bedding system  20  by fan box layer  22  such that the heated or cooled air can change the temperature of the air adjacent to sleep surface  28  to the temperature selected by the user. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , fan box layer  22  comprises a housing  30  configured to support, enclose and/or protect other components of fan box layer  22 , such as, for example, a plurality of fans  32  and a plurality of ducts  34 . In particular, housing  30  includes at least one of fans  32  within a wall on a first side of housing  30  and at least one of fans  32  within a wall on an opposite second side of housing  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. It is envisioned that fan box layer  22  and/or housing  30  can have any size or shape, depending upon the requirements of a particular application. For example, fan box layer  22  and/or housing  30  can be sized to substantially conform to the size and shape of a particular mattress, such as, for example, a twin mattress, a queen mattress, a king mattress, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the wall on the first side of housing  30  includes three fans  32  that are spaced apart from one another and the wall on the second side of housing  30  includes three fans  32  that are spaced apart from one another. However, it is envisioned that the wall on the first side of housing  30  and the wall on the second side of housing  30  may each include one or a plurality of fans  32 . In one embodiment, each of fans  32  in the wall on the first side of housing  30  is aligned with one of fans  32  in the wall on the second side of housing  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Fans  32  are each coupled to one of ducts  34  such that an air channel defined by an inner surface of a respective one of ducts  34  is in communication with one of fans  32  such that fans  32  can each move air within the air channels of ducts  34  out of housing  30  and into an area surrounding bedding system  20 , such as, for example, the ambient air surrounding bedding system  20 . Ducts  34  each extend from a first end  36  that is coupled to one of fans  32  and an opposite second end  38 . Ducts  34  each include an arcuate portion between first end  36  and second end  38  such that an opening in first end  36  extends perpendicular to an opening in second end  38 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , for example. 
     In one embodiment, housing  30  comprises a recess  40  between adjacent fans  32  and/or between fans  32  and top and bottom sides of housing  30  that extend between the first and second sides of housing  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, recesses  40  extend between and through the walls on the first and second sides of housing  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , to permit air to move under housing  30  from the first side of housing  30  to the second side of housing  30 . In one embodiment, housing  30  does not include recesses  40  and has a solid wall configuration in place of recesses  40  to prevent air from moving under housing  30 . 
     Capacitor layer  24  is positioned atop fan box layer  22  such that second ends  38  of ducts  34  are each coupled to an outlet port  42  of capacitor layer  24 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , such that openings in outlet ports  42  are in communication with the openings in second ends  38  of ducts and the air channels of ducts  34 . Outlet ports  42  extend upwardly from a bottom surface  44  of capacitor layer  24  and terminate prior to a top surface  46  of capacitor layer  24 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Top surface  46  and bottom surface  44  define a hollow compartment  48  therebetween. In one embodiment, compartment  48  is divided into a first section  48   a  and a second section  48   b  by a wall  50 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, wall  50  includes one of a plurality of openings  50   a  to allow air within first section  48   a  to move into second section  48   b , and vice versa. It is noted that a portion of top surface  46  that covers first section  48   a  of compartment  48  has been removed in  FIG. 5  in order to view the contents of first section  48   a . In one embodiment, first section  48   a  is a mirror image of second section  48   b . First section  48   a  and second section  48   b  each include one or a plurality of system controllers  52  and one or a plurality of temperature regulator assemblies  54 , which are discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. 
     Top surface  46  of capacitor layer  24  includes a plurality of apertures  56  associated with each outlet port  42 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , top surface  46  includes eight apertures  56  for each outlet port  42 . However, it is envisioned that top surface  46  may include one or a plurality of apertures  56  for each outlet port  42 . Capacitor layer  24  includes a plurality of air flow aperture devices  58  extending upwardly from top surface  46  of capacitor layer  24 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Air flow aperture devices  58  are hollow and are each aligned with one of apertures  56 . Each air flow aperture device  58  is aligned with one of apertures  56 . In some embodiments, top surface  46  of capacitor layer  24  includes a plurality of apertures  56   a  positioned between aligned outlet ports  42 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . It is envisioned that top surface  46  may include one or a plurality of apertures  56   a  positioned between each pair of aligned outlet ports  42 . Capacitor layer  24  includes a plurality of air flow aperture devices  58   a  extending upwardly from top surface  46  of capacitor layer  24 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Air flow aperture devices  58   a  are hollow and are each aligned with one of apertures  56   a.    
     Mattress layer  26  is positioned atop capacitor layer  24  such that air flow aperture devices  58 ,  58   a  are aligned with first holes  60  that extend through a bottom surface of mattress layer  26 . First holes  60  are in communication with one of apertures  56  and one of outlet ports  42  or are in communication with one of apertures  56   a . Mattress layer  26  includes a plurality of sets of second holes  62 , each set of second holes  62  being in communication with one of first holes  60 . That is, each first hole  60  is in communication with a plurality of second holes  62  that each extend through sleep surface  28 . First holes  60  each have a diameter that is greater than that of each of second holes  62  such that the holes in mattress layer  26  decrease in diameter and increase in quantity from the bottom surface of mattress layer  26  to sleep surface  28 . First holes  60  each extend parallel to each of second holes  62 . In one embodiment, at least one of second holes  62  is coaxial with a respective one of first holes  60  and at least one of second holes  62  is offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the respective one of first holes  60 . In one embodiment, each set of second holes  62  has a circular configuration, as shown in  FIG. 12  with one second hole  62  at the center of the set, a first ring of second holes  62  extending radially about the one second hole  62  and a second ring of second holes  62  extending radially about the first ring of second holes  62 . 
     Mattress layer  26  includes a plurality of cavities  64  extending perpendicular to second holes  62  such that cavities  64  each extend through a plurality of second holes  62 , as shown in  FIGS. 3, 13 and 14 , for example. Each of cavities  64  is aligned with one of outlet ports  42 . In one embodiment, cavities  64  each include opposite linear portions and an arcuate portion therebetween, as shown in  FIG. 14 . The linear portions at as a conduit/airflow channel portion and the round center or arcuate portion acts as a void space to draw from. In one embodiment, cavities  64  each have an insert  66  disposed therein, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In one embodiment, inserts  66  are made of foam, such as, for example, reticulated foam. In one embodiment, cavities  64  each extend perpendicular to each of second holes  62 . In one embodiment, cavities  64  are positioned below sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, cavities  64  and inserts  66  are positioned to span across a plurality of sets of second holes  62  to provide an area will an ample size to draw air from sleep surface  38  into. Indeed, if cavities were too small or too few, it is likely that there would not be an ample area to draw air from sleep surface  38  into such that the amount of air from sleep surface  38  that enters second holes  62  would be reduced, even when fans  32  are on. Cavities  64  and inserts  66  allow air that moves perpendicular to sleep surface  28  within second holes  62  to move parallel to sleep surface  28  within cavities  64  and inserts  66 . This, for example, allows air that is moving vertically within one of second holes  62  in a direction that moves away from sleep surface  28  to enter one of cavities  64  and inserts  66  and move laterally within the cavity  64  and insert  66  such that the air may continue to move vertically in a different one of second holes  62  in the direction that moves away from sleep surface  28 . That is, cavities  64  and inserts  66  create a partially open cavity of space, which intersects a plurality of second holes  62  to allow the draw of air from cavities  64 . The orientation of cavities  64  and inserts  66  in relation to the sleeper are configured to be positioned adjacent the sleeper&#39;s head, torso, and feet, as these areas of the body are most often affected by increases and decreases in temperature. 
     System controller  52  may include a printed circuit board and the sensors throughout the system that are constructed within the various components. System controller  52  may be connected to a module  68  by a wire or wirelessly such that a user can select a desired temperature for sleep surface  28  using module  68 . The functions of system controller  52  and/or module  68  may be carried out by a processor, such as, for example, a computer processor. Temperature regulator assemblies  54  are connected to system controller  52  by a wire or wirelessly. Temperature regulator assemblies  54  extend into mattress layer  26  such that a soft flow channel  70  of each temperature regulator assembly  54  is positioned adjacent sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, soft flow channels  70  are flush with sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, soft flow channels  70  protrude at least slightly above sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, soft flow channels  70  are positioned at least slightly below sleep surface  28 . In any event, soft flow channels  70  are positioned to bear at least part of the load of a sleeper who is lying upon sleep surface  28 , while still enabling the flow of air across sleep surface  28 . 
     Temperature regulator assemblies  54  each include sensors  72 . Sensors  72  may include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, moisture sensors, mass flow sensors, etc. Sensors  72  are configured to detect at least one characteristic of air within soft flow channels  70 , such as, for example, temperature. Temperature regulator assemblies  54  each include a device configured to adjust the temperature of air within compartment  48 , such as, for example, a thermoelectric device. In one embodiment, bedding system  20  includes a moisture sensor  76  that is separate from temperature regulator assemblies  54  and pressure sensors  78  that are integral with temperature regulator assemblies  54 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Likewise, bedding system  20  may include temperature sensors  80  and mass flow sensors  82  that are integral with temperature regulator assemblies  54 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In one embodiment, moisture sensor  76  is positioned in one of first holes  60  or second holes  62 . The orientation of temperature regulator assemblies  54  and/or sensors  72  in relation to the sleeper are configured to be positioned adjacent the sleeper&#39;s head, torso, and feet. The biometric analysis algorithms are what drive the exact placement of sensors  72 . Thus, this determines the placement of sensors  72  in various locations on sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, the electrical components that are included in the mattress construction are to run on 5 Volts or lower and be of the highest fire safety standards. 
     In one embodiment, bedding system  20  comprises pressure sensors positioned in the areas corresponding to the lower lumbar and hips of a sleeper as he or she lies upon mattress layer  26 . There are two primary functions for the pressure sensor array within bedding system  20 . The first is that it is used to indicate the presence of the sleeper. The second function of the pressure sensor array is to interpolate the lying direction, weight, and approximate size of the sleeper. The pressure sensor array directly interacts with a PID system controller and/or system controller  54 . The pressure sensor array also allows for the potential use of intelligent comfort controls and features. 
     Sensors  72  may be used to detect whether the temperature of air within at least one of soft flow channels  70  is greater than, less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68  and send a signal to system controller  52  indicating the same. If the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  is greater than the temperature selected using module  68 , system controller  52  will send a signal to temperature regulator assemblies  54  which causes thermoelectric devices  74  to alter air within compartment  48  such that the temperature of such air is less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . System controller  52  and/or temperature regulator assemblies  54  will send a signal to fans  32  causing fans to turn on and blow air out of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The negative pressure created as the air moves out of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20  will cause air at sleep surface  28  that has a temperature that is greater than the temperature selected using module  68  to move into second holes  62 . The air will move from second holes  62  and into first holes  60 . The air will move from first holes  60  and into outlet ports  42  such that the air moves through the air channels of ducts  34  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The air will change the ambient temperature in the area surrounding bedding system  20  over time. 
     Likewise, if the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  is less than the temperature selected using module  68 , system controller  52  will send a signal to temperature regulator assemblies  54  which causes thermoelectric devices  74  to alter air within compartment  48  such that the temperature of such air is greater than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . System controller  52  and/or temperature regulator assemblies  54  will send a signal to fans  32  causing fans to turn on and blow air out of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The negative pressure created as the air moves out of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20  will cause air at sleep surface  28  that has a temperature that is less than the temperature selected using module  68  to move into second holes  62 . The air will move from second holes  62  and into first holes  60 . The air will move from first holes  60  and into outlet ports  42  such that the air moves through the air channels of ducts  34  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The air will change the ambient temperature in the area surrounding bedding system  20  over time. 
     In one embodiment, bedding system  20  may be configured to continuously draw air from sleep surface  28 , alter the temperature of the air within bedding system  20  and then move the air into the area surrounding bedding system  20  continuously until sensors  72  detect that the air within soft flow channels  70  is equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . That is, bedding system  20  will operate in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs until sensors  72  detect that air within soft flow channels  70  each have a temperature that is equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . System controller  52  will then terminate the signal to temperature regulator assembly  54  that causes temperature regulator assembly  54  to turn thermoelectric device  74  on and/or the signal that causes fans  32  to turn on. Alternatively, system controller  52  can send a signal to temperature regulator assembly  54  that causes temperature regulator assembly  54  to turn thermoelectric device  74  off and/or a signal that causes fans  32  to turn off. There will be no signal between system controller  52  and temperature regulator assembly  54  unless and until sensors  72  detect that the temperature of air within at least one of soft flow channels  70  is greater or less than the temperature selected using module  68 , at which point system controller  52  will provide the signals discussed above. The end result is to create and achieve an ambient equilibrium between the sleeper and his or her environment. 
     In one embodiment, first section  48   a  and a second section  48   b  of capacitor layer  24  each have a system controller  52  and a temperature regulator assembly  54  that can be controlled independently. That is, the system controller  52  and the temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  may be set and controlled independently from the system controller  52  and the temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   a  such that a portion of sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  of capacitor layer  24  can be set to a temperature that is distinct from a portion of sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  of capacitor layer  24 . In one embodiment, this may be achieved by selecting a desired temperature for the portion of sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a . Sensors  72  of the temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  may be used to detect whether the temperature of air within at least one of soft flow channels  70  of the temperature regulator assembly assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  is greater than, less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68  and send a signal to system controller  52  of first section  48   a  indicating the same. If the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  of first section  48   a  is greater than the temperature selected using module  68 , system controller  52  of first section  48   a  will send a signal to temperature regulator assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  which causes thermoelectric devices  74  of first section  48   a  to alter air within compartment  48   a  such that the temperature of such air is less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . System controller  52  and/or temperature regulator assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  will send a signal to fans  32  in a portion of fan box layer  22  directly below first section  48   a  causing fans  32  to turn on and blow air out of compartment  48   a  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The negative pressure created as the air moves out of first section  48   a  of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20  will cause air at the portion of sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  that has a temperature that is greater than the temperature selected using module  68  to move into second holes  62  of a portion of mattress layer  26  directly above first section  48   a . The air will move from second holes  62  and into first holes  60  of the portion of mattress layer  26  directly above first section  48   a . The air will move from first holes  60  of a portion of mattress layer  26  directly above first section  48   a  and into outlet ports  42  of first section  48   a  such that the air moves through the air channels of ducts  34  of the portion of fan box layer  22  directly below first section  48   a  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The air will change the ambient temperature in the area surrounding bedding system  20  over time. System  20  may also be used to decrease the temperature of the air adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  if the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  of first section  48   a  is less than the temperature selected using module  68  in the manner discussed above. 
     Likewise, to set the temperature of a portion of sleep surface directly above second section  48   b  of capacitor layer  24 , a user selects a desired temperature for the portion of sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b . Sensors  72  of the temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  may be used to detect whether the temperature of air within at least one of soft flow channels  70  of the temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  is greater than, less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68  and send a signal to system controller  52  of second section  48   b  indicating the same. If the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  of second section  48   b  is greater than the temperature selected using module  68 , system controller  52  of second section  48   b  will send a signal to temperature regulator assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  which causes thermoelectric devices  74  of second section  48   b  to alter air within compartment  48  such that the temperature of such air is less than or equal to the temperature selected using module  68 . System controller  52  and/or temperature regulator assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  will send a signal to fans  32  in a portion of fan box layer  22  directly below second section  48   b  causing fans  32  to turn on and blow air out of compartment  48   b  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The negative pressure created as the air moves out of second section  48   b  of compartment  48  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20  will cause air at the portion of sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  that has a temperature that is greater than the temperature selected using module  68  to move into second holes  62  of a portion of mattress layer  26  directly above second section  48   b . The air will move from second holes  62  and into first holes  60  of the portion of mattress layer  26  directly above second section  48   b . The air will move from first holes  60  of a portion of mattress layer  26  directly above second section  48   b  and into outlet ports  42  of first section  48   a  such that the air moves through the air channels of ducts  34  of the portion of fan box layer  22  directly below second section  48   b  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20 . The air will change the ambient temperature in the area surrounding bedding system  20  over time. System  20  may also be used to decrease the temperature of the air adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  if the temperature of air within one of soft flow channels  70  of second section  48   b  is less than the temperature selected using module  68  in the manner discussed above. 
     When a thermoelectric device is in cooling mode it must exhaust hot air and when it is in heating mode it must exhaust cool air. As such, in one embodiment, thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  of capacitor layer  24  are configured to exchange air with thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  of capacitor layer  24 . This may improve the efficiency of bedding system  20  by limiting the amount of work required by thermoelectric devices  74  to alter the temperature within first section  48   a  or second section of compartment  48  of capacitor layer  24 . In one embodiment, air in first section  48   a  may be exchanged with air in second section  48   b  through openings  50   a  in wall  50  of fan box layer  22 . Such a configuration acts as a heat reclaim system that feeds hot air into second section  48   b  of compartment  48  when a sleeper above first section  48   a  of compartment  48  is being cooled and a sleeper above second section  48   b  is being warmed. Conversely, the cold air that is produced by thermoelectric device  74  in second section  48   b  that is warming the sleeper will be sent to first section  48   a , which includes the thermoelectric device  74  that is cooling the sleeper. 
     In one embodiment of the heat reclaim system, when thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  receive a signal to increase the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a , thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  may exhaust cool air when creating hot air in order to return the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  to a selected temperature. The cool air may then be used by thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  to cool air adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  in order to decrease the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b . This allows air from one side of system  20  to be “reclaimed” and utilized by an opposite side of system  20  to improve the efficiency thereof. In the same manner, thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  may exhaust cool air when creating hot air in order to return the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  to a selected temperature. The cool air may then be used by thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  to cool air adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  in order to decrease the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a.    
     Likewise, when thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  receive a signal to decrease the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a , thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  may exhaust hot air when creating cool air in order to return the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  to a selected temperature. The hot air may then be used by thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  to heat air adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  in order to increase the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b . This allows air from one side of system  20  to be “reclaimed” and utilized by an opposite side of system  20  to improve the efficiency thereof. In the same manner, thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of second section  48   b  may exhaust hot air when creating cool air in order to return the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  to a selected temperature. The hot air may then be used by thermoelectric device(s)  74  of temperature regulator assembly or assemblies  54  of first section  48   a  to heat air adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  in order to increase the temperature adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a . Thermoelectric device(s)  74  can be, for example, an instrument is also called a Peltier device Peltier heat pump, solid state refrigerator, or thermoelectric cooler (TEC). 
     In one embodiment, thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  of compartment  48  of capacitor layer  24  and thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  of compartment  48  of capacitor layer  24  include an outlet or exhaust  84  to exhaust air outside of capacitor layer  24  such that when thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  or thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  are producing hot air (to increase the temperature of air adjacent sleep surface  28 ), the cool air that is exhausted from thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  or thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  is not contained within compartment  48 . Rather the cool air is exhausted outside of capacitor layer  24 . Likewise, when thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  or thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  are producing cool air (to decrease the temperature of air adjacent sleep surface  28 ), the hot air that is exhausted from thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  or thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  is not contained within compartment  48 . Rather the hot air is exhausted outside of capacitor layer  24 . This allows thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  to cool air adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  at the same time thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  cools air adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b  or thermoelectric device(s) in first section  48   a  to heat air adjacent sleep surface  28  above first section  48   a  at the same time thermoelectric device(s) in second section  48   b  heats air adjacent sleep surface  28  above second section  48   b.    
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 16-19 , bedding system  20  is configured to direct conditioned air adjacent to sleep surface  28 , rather than direct the conditioned air to the area surrounding bedding system  20 , such as, for example, the room in which bedding system  20  is positioned, as was the case for the embodiment show in  FIGS. 1-15 . That is, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , the conditioned air is directed to sleep surface  28  (or an area adjacent to sleep surface  28 ) to adjust the temperature of sleep surface  28 , rather than adjust the temperature of the air in the room bedding system  20  is positioned. It is envisioned that this configuration will allow the temperature of sleep surface  28  to be adjusted more rapidly than would occur when the temperature of the air in the room bedding system  20  is adjusted. Accordingly, bedding system  20  includes at least one airflow post  86  coupled to fan box layer  22  such that conditioned air from one of fans  32  may be directed into airflow post  86  such that the conditioned air can exit airflow post  86  adjacent to sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, bedding system  20  includes an airflow post  86  coupled to fan box layer  22  adjacent each of fans  32 . That is, each fan  32  will be coupled to one of air flow posts  86  such that conditioned air from each of fans  32  will be directed into one of air flow posts  86  such that the conditioned air can exit airflow posts  86  adjacent to sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, airflow posts  86  each include a first portion  86   a  extending parallel to sleep surface  28 , a second portion  86   b  extending perpendicular to sleep surface  28  and a third portion  86   c  extending parallel to sleep surface  28 . An inner surface of airflow post  86  defines a passageway  88  that is continuous through portions  86   a ,  86   b ,  86   c.    
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16A , third portion  86   c  of airflow post  86  includes an opening  90  that extends parallel to sleep surface  28  such that fan  32  will blow conditioned air out of fan box layer  22  and into first portion  86   a . The conditioned air will move from first portion  86   a  and into second portion  86   b . The conditioned air will move from second portion  86  and into third portion  86   c , where it will exit third portion  86  through opening  90  such that the conditioned air moves parallel to sleep surface  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16A . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 17 , opening  90  of airflow post  86  extends perpendicular to sleep surface  28  such that conditioned air within airflow post  86  will exit opening  90  in a direction that is perpendicular to sleep surface  28 . In one embodiment, third portion  86   c  is rotatable relative to second portion  86   b  so as to adjust the direction of the air flow in a plane defined by third portion  86   c . As shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , second portion  86   b  has a height that allows third portion  86   b  to be positioned above sleep surface  28 . This allows the conditioned air to move over sleep surface  28 . As shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , third portion  86  has a length that allows third portion  86  to extend over at least a portion of mattress layer  26  such that conditioned air is directed toward the center of mattress layer  26 , rather than to a perimeter of mattress layer  26 . 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 16-19 , airflow posts  86  include features to allow conditioned air from fans  32  to be to be directed either adjacent to sleep surface  28  or into the area surrounding bedding system  20 , depending upon the preference of a sleeper. For example, second portions  86   b  of air flow posts  86  can include a flap  92  that is movable between a closed position, shown in  FIG. 16 , to an open position, shown in  FIG. 17 . As flap  92  moves from the closed position to the open position, flap  92  exposes opening  94  shown in  FIG. 17  such that fans  32  can move conditioned air through opening  94  in a direction that is parallel to sleep surface  28  such that the conditioned air moves into the area surrounding bedding system  20 , where it will adjust the temperature in such area until the temperature in the room matches the selected temperature. In one embodiment, flap  92  moves between the open and closed positions by rotating or pivoting flap  92  about a hinge  96 . In one embodiment, flap  92  includes a latch or tab  98  configured to maintain flap  92  in the closed position. It is envisioned that flaps  92  of some airflow posts  86  may be in the closed position while other flaps of other airflow posts  86  may be in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 17 . This allows the conditioned air to be directed adjacent to sleep surface  28  and into the area surrounding bedding system  20  simultaneously. 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 19 , second portion  86   b  of airflow post  86  has a reduced length compared to that shown in  FIGS. 16-18 . The reduced length of second portion  86   b  allows third portion  86   c  to be positioned such that opening  90  of airflow post  86  directs conditioned air to a portion of mattress layer  26  between sleep surface  28  of mattress layer  26  and an opposite bottom surface of mattress layer  26 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . Third portion  86   c  of airflow post  86  also has a reduced length compared to that shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16A  such that third portion  86  can be positioned to the side of mattress layer  26 , as opposed to over mattress layer  26 . In one embodiment, second portion  86   b  of airflow post  86  is telescopic such that the length of second portion  86   b  can be reduced or increased axially, depending upon preference. For example, if a sleeper desires that conditioned air be directed above sleep surface  28 , the sleeper can adjust the height of second portion  86   b  such that third portion  86   c  is positioned above sleep surface  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 . Should the sleeper desire that conditioned air be directed below sleep surface  28 , the sleeper can adjust the height of second portion  86   b  such that third portion  86   c  and/or opening  90  is positioned below sleep surface  28 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, features of any one embodiment can be combined with features of any other embodiment. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.