Patent Description:
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's sleep preference, so that the user achieves maximum comfort during sleep. However, conventional mattresses fail to create negative pressure to draw ambient air away from a sleeping surface of the mattress. <CIT> discloses a known bedding system with a vacuum system. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior art technologies.

In one embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, there is provided a bedding system comprising:.

Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.

The exemplary embodiments of a bedding system are discussed in terms of a bedding system that creates negative pressure to draw air away from a sleep surface of a mattress to regulate the temperature of the sleep surface. The present invention 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 invention 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 invention.

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. 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 invention. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to <FIG>, there are illustrated components of a bedding system <NUM>.

The components of bedding system <NUM> can be fabricated from materials including metals, polymers and/or composites, depending on the particular application. For example, the components of bedding system <NUM>, 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM> can be extruded, molded, injection molded, cast, pressed and/or machined. The components of bedding system <NUM> may be monolithically formed, integrally connected or include fastening elements and/or instruments, as described herein.

According to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, bedding system <NUM> includes a box layer <NUM>, a capacitor layer <NUM> positioned above box layer <NUM> and a mattress layer <NUM> positioned above capacitor layer <NUM>. Mattress layer <NUM> includes a sleep surface <NUM>. If the temperature adjacent to sleep surface <NUM> deviates from a temperature selected by a user, bedding system <NUM> will create negative pressure that draws air away from sleep surface <NUM>, as discussed herein.

As shown in <FIG>, box layer <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> configured to support, enclose and/or protect other components of box layer <NUM>, such as, for example, one or a plurality of ducts <NUM>. It is envisioned that box layer <NUM> and/or housing <NUM> can have any size or shape, depending upon the requirements of a particular application. For example, box layer <NUM> and/or housing <NUM> 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. Ducts <NUM> each define a passageway <NUM>. Passageways <NUM> are each in communication with an opening, such as, for example, an inlet <NUM> that extends through a wall of housing <NUM>.

It is envisioned that housing <NUM> may include any number of ducts <NUM>, such as, for example, one duct <NUM>, two ducts <NUM>, three ducts <NUM>, four ducts <NUM>, five ducts <NUM>, six ducts <NUM>, seven ducts <NUM>, eight ducts <NUM>, nine ducts <NUM>, ten ducts <NUM>, etc. In one embodiment, a first sidewall of housing <NUM> includes three inlets <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another and an opposite second sidewall of housing <NUM> includes three inlets <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another. Each of inlets <NUM> in the first sidewall is coaxial with one of inlets <NUM> in the second sidewall. It is envisioned that the first sidewall of housing <NUM> and the second sidewall of housing <NUM> may each include one or a plurality of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the end walls of housing <NUM> that extend between the first and second sidewalls of housing <NUM> include one or a plurality of inlets <NUM> in place of or in addition to inlets <NUM> in the first sidewall and/or the second sidewall. Passageways <NUM> of ducts <NUM> are each in communication with one of inlets <NUM> such that air within passageways <NUM> can move out of housing <NUM> and into an area surrounding bedding system <NUM> through inlets <NUM>. Ducts <NUM> each extend from a first end <NUM> that is coupled to one of inlets <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>. Ducts <NUM> each include an arcuate portion between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> such that an opening in first end <NUM> extends perpendicular to an opening in second end <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example.

Capacitor layer <NUM> is positioned atop box layer <NUM> such that second ends <NUM> of ducts <NUM> are each coupled to an outlet port <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, such that openings in outlet ports <NUM> are in communication with the openings in second ends <NUM> of ducts and passageways <NUM> of ducts <NUM>. Outlet ports <NUM> extend upwardly from a bottom surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM> and terminate prior to a top surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Top surface <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM> define a hollow compartment, such as, for example, a cavity <NUM> therebetween. In one embodiment, cavity <NUM> is divided into a first section 48a and a second section 48b by a wall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, wall <NUM> includes one of a plurality of openings 50a to allow air within first section 48a to move into second section 48b, and vice versa. It is noted that a portion of top surface <NUM> that covers first section 48a of compartment <NUM> has been removed in <FIG> in order to view the contents of first section 48a. In one embodiment, first section 48a is a mirror image of second section 48b. In one embodiment, capacitor layer <NUM> does not include wall <NUM> and cavity <NUM> is a single cavity. That is, cavity <NUM> is not divided into first section 48a and second section 48b by wall <NUM>.

Top surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> associated with each outlet port <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, shown in <FIG>, top surface <NUM> includes eight apertures <NUM> for each outlet port <NUM>. However, it is envisioned that top surface <NUM> may include one or a plurality of apertures <NUM> for each outlet port <NUM>. Capacitor layer <NUM> includes a plurality of air flow aperture devices <NUM> extending upwardly from top surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Air flow aperture devices <NUM> are hollow and are each aligned with one of apertures <NUM>. Each air flow aperture device <NUM> is aligned with one of apertures <NUM>. In some embodiments, top surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures 56a positioned between aligned outlet ports <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. It is envisioned that top surface <NUM> may include one or a plurality of apertures 56a positioned between each pair of aligned outlet ports <NUM>. Capacitor layer <NUM> includes a plurality of air flow aperture devices 58a extending upwardly from top surface <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Air flow aperture devices 58a are hollow and are each aligned with one of apertures 56a.

Mattress layer <NUM> is positioned atop capacitor layer <NUM> such that air flow aperture devices <NUM>, 58a are aligned with first holes <NUM> that extend through a bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM>. First holes <NUM> are in communication with one of apertures <NUM> and one of outlet ports <NUM> or are in communication with one of apertures 56a. Mattress layer <NUM> includes a plurality of sets of second holes <NUM>, each set of second holes <NUM> being in communication with one of first holes <NUM>. That is, each first hole <NUM> is in communication with a plurality of second holes <NUM> that each extend through sleep surface <NUM>. First holes <NUM> each have a diameter that is greater than that of each of second holes <NUM> such that the holes in mattress layer <NUM> decrease in diameter and increase in quantity from the bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM> to sleep surface <NUM>. First holes <NUM> each extend parallel to each of second holes <NUM>. In one embodiment, at least one of second holes <NUM> is coaxial with a respective one of first holes <NUM> and at least one of second holes <NUM> is offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the respective one of first holes <NUM>. In one embodiment, each set of second holes <NUM> has a circular configuration, as shown in <FIG> with one second hole <NUM> at the center of the set, a first ring of second holes <NUM> extending radially about the one second hole <NUM> and a second ring of second holes <NUM> extending radially about the first ring of second holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, mattress layer <NUM> includes only first holes <NUM> wherein first holes <NUM> each extend continuously through and between the bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM> and sleep surface <NUM> of mattress layer <NUM>. That is, mattress layer <NUM> does not include second holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, mattress layer <NUM> includes only second holes <NUM> wherein second holes <NUM> each extend continuously through and between the bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM> and sleep surface <NUM> of mattress layer <NUM>. That is, mattress layer <NUM> does not include first holes <NUM>.

In some embodiments, mattress layer <NUM> includes a plurality of cavities <NUM> extending perpendicular to second holes <NUM> such that cavities <NUM> each extend through a plurality of second holes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. Each of cavities <NUM> is aligned with one of outlet ports <NUM>. In one embodiment, cavities <NUM> each include opposite linear portions and an arcuate portion therebetween, as shown in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> each have an insert <NUM> disposed therein, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, inserts <NUM> are made of foam, such as, for example, reticulated foam. In one embodiment, cavities <NUM> each extend perpendicular to each of second holes <NUM>. In one embodiment, cavities <NUM> are positioned below sleep surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM> are positioned to span across a plurality of sets of second holes <NUM> to provide an area will an ample size to draw air from sleep surface <NUM> into. Indeed, if cavities <NUM> were too small or too few, it is likely that there would not be an ample area to draw air from sleep surface <NUM> into such that the amount of air from sleep surface <NUM> that enters second holes <NUM> would be reduced. Cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM> allow air that moves perpendicular to sleep surface <NUM> within second holes <NUM> to move parallel to sleep surface <NUM> within cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM>. This, for example, allows air that is moving vertically within one of second holes <NUM> in a direction that moves away from sleep surface <NUM> to enter one of cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM> and move laterally within the cavity <NUM> and insert <NUM> such that the air may continue to move vertically in a different one of second holes <NUM> in the direction that moves away from sleep surface <NUM>. That is, cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM> create a partially open cavity of space, which intersects a plurality of second holes <NUM> to allow the draw of air from cavities <NUM>. The orientation of cavities <NUM> and inserts <NUM> in relation to the sleeper are configured to be positioned adjacent the sleeper's head, torso, and feet, as these areas of the body are most often affected by increases and decreases in temperature.

According to the invention, mattress layer <NUM> is positioned directly on top of box layer <NUM> such that passageways <NUM> of ducts are in fluid communication with hole(s) <NUM> and/or hole(s) <NUM>. That is, bedding system <NUM> may not include a capacitor layer <NUM> such that the bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM> directly engages outlet ports <NUM>. In some embodiments, outlet ports <NUM> may extend into and/or through the bottom surface of mattress layer <NUM>. This configuration allows air on sleep surface <NUM> to move through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and then move directly into passageways <NUM>, as discussed herein.

Bedding system <NUM> includes a central vacuum system <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Central vacuum system <NUM> comprises a power unit <NUM>, a pipe <NUM> having a first end 72a that is connected to power unit <NUM> and a second end 72b that is connected to an outlet <NUM>. Outlet <NUM> is configured for disposal of a first end 76a of a hose <NUM>. A second end 76b of hose <NUM> is configured for disposal in one of inlets <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, second end 76b of hose <NUM> is removably disposed in one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, an outer surface of second end 76b includes outer threads that mate with inner threads of one of inlets to couple second end 76b to one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, an outer surface of second end 76b engages an inner surface of one of inlets in a snap fit or friction fit configuration to couple second end 76b to one of inlets <NUM>. It is envisioned that inlets <NUM> may each have a size and shape that cooperate with one another to allow second end 72b of hose <NUM> to be positioned in one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, second end 76b of hose <NUM> and/or inlets <NUM> can have various shape configurations, such as, for example, oval, oblong, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable and/or tapered. In some embodiments, second end 76b of hose <NUM> is permanently and irremovably disposed in one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of pipe <NUM> and hose <NUM> is a tube, such, as for example a flexible tube.

In some embodiments, bedding system <NUM> includes one or more caps or covers <NUM> that are configured to cover any unused inlets <NUM>. That is, a cap or cover <NUM> may be coupled to one or more of inlets <NUM> that do not include second end 76b of hose <NUM> disposed therein to prevent air from flowing in or out of passageways <NUM> of ducts <NUM> through the unused inlets <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, covers <NUM> completely prevent air from flowing in or out of passageways <NUM> of ducts <NUM> through the unused inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, covers <NUM> can each be variously connected with one of inlets <NUM>, such as, for example, monolithic, integral connection, frictional engagement, threaded engagement, mutual grooves, screws, adhesive, nails, barbs and/or raised element. In some embodiments, bedding system <NUM> includes only one inlet <NUM>. In some embodiments wherein bedding system <NUM> includes only one inlet <NUM>, the plurality of ducts <NUM> are each in communication with the one inlet <NUM>. This may eliminate the need to use covers <NUM> to cover unused inlets <NUM>.

Power unit <NUM> includes a motor that is configured to create negative pressure, such as, for example, a vacuum when the motor is in an on position to provide suction within hose <NUM>. When the motor is turned from the on position to an off position, suction is stopped. That is, power unit <NUM> is configured to create a vacuum that draws air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. This allows warm air to be moved away from sleep surface <NUM>, thus providing a cooling effect to sleep surface <NUM>. For example, the temperature of sleep surface <NUM> may increase due to a person's body temperature, creating an uncomfortable sleep environment. The temperature of sleep surface <NUM> may be reduced by turning the motor of power unit <NUM> from the off position to the on position such that power unit <NUM> creates a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>.

According to the invention, power unit <NUM> comprises a sensor, such as, for example, a power sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Power sensor <NUM> is configured to move the motor between the on and off positions. It is envisioned that bedding system <NUM> may include a remote control that communicates with power sensor <NUM> to turn the motor on and off. For example, should a sleeper desire to decrease the temperature of sleep surface <NUM>, the sleeper can use the remote control to turn the motor of power unit <NUM> from the off position to the on position such that power unit <NUM> creates a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. When sleep surface <NUM> reaches a comfortable temperature, the sleeper can operate the remote control to turn the motor of power unit <NUM> from the on position to the off position to terminate any suction created by power unit <NUM> to prevent air from being drawn from sleep surface <NUM> and moved through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote control is a smart phone. In some embodiments, the remote control is a tablet or computer. In some embodiments, the remote control is voice activated to allow a sleeper to turn the motor on and off using a voice command, thus eliminating the need to hold or otherwise touch the remote control.

According to the invention, bedding system <NUM> comprises a temperature sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Temperature sensor <NUM> is configured to send a signal to power sensor <NUM> to move the motor from the off position to the on position when temperature sensor <NUM> detects a temperature below a threshold temperature. This allows power unit <NUM> to create a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through hole <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. In some embodiments, temperature sensor <NUM> is part of a thermostat. That is, bedding system <NUM> may be integrated with an existing thermostat in a home or other building such that the thermostat sends a signal to power sensor <NUM> to move the motor from the off position to the on position when the thermostat detects a temperature below a threshold temperature. Likewise, the thermostat can send a signal to power sensor <NUM> to move the motor from the on position to the off position when the thermostat detects a temperature above a threshold temperature. This allows the motor of power unit <NUM> to be turned on and off automatically, based on the temperature in a room, as detected by the thermostat. It is envisioned that the thermostat can also function to regulate the temperature of one or more rooms within a building or other structure by turning an HVAC system on and off, for example.

In some embodiments, bedding system <NUM> comprises a pressure sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Pressure sensor <NUM> is in communication with temperature sensor <NUM>. Pressure sensor <NUM> may be positioned within mattress layer <NUM> such that pressure sensor <NUM> can detect when a person is lying on sleep surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, pressure sensor <NUM> is positioned below one of cavities <NUM>. In some embodiments, pressure sensor <NUM> is positioned above one of cavities <NUM>. In some embodiments, pressure sensor <NUM> is positioned within one of holes <NUM> and/or holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, bedding system <NUM> comprises two or more pressure sensors <NUM>. It is envisioned that one of pressure sensors <NUM> may be positioned on one side of mattress layer <NUM> and the other one of pressure sensors may be positioned on an opposite side of mattress layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This allows one of pressure sensors <NUM> to be positioned under a person that sleeps on the left side of mattress layer <NUM> and the other one of pressure sensors <NUM> to be positioned under a person that sleeps on the right side of the bed. Pressure sensors <NUM> are configured to send a signal to temperature sensor <NUM> when pressure sensor <NUM> detects a person lying on sleep surface <NUM>. For example, temperature sensor <NUM> may remain off until one of pressure sensors <NUM> sends a signal to temperature sensor <NUM> to turn temperature sensor <NUM> on. Once temperature sensor <NUM> is turned on after receiving the signal from one of pressure sensors <NUM>, temperature sensor <NUM> will send a signal to power sensor <NUM> to move the motor from the off position to the on position when temperature sensor <NUM> detects a temperature below a threshold temperature and/or to send a signal to power sensor <NUM> to move the motor from the on position to the off position when temperature sensor <NUM> detects a temperature above a threshold temperature. Pressure sensor(s) <NUM> thus prevent(s) the motor of power unit <NUM> from being turned on when no one is lying on sleep surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, hose <NUM> comprises a switch that is in communication with the motor of power unit <NUM>. The switch is configured to move the motor between the on and off positions. For example, should a sleeper desire to decrease the temperature of sleep surface <NUM>, the sleeper can operate the switch on hose <NUM> to turn the motor of power unit <NUM> from the off position to the on position such that power unit <NUM> creates a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. When sleep surface <NUM> reaches a comfortable temperature, the sleeper can operate the switch on hose <NUM> to turn the motor of power unit <NUM> from the on position to the off position to terminate any suction created by power unit <NUM> to prevent air from being drawn from sleep surface <NUM> and moved through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>.

In one embodiment, pipe <NUM> includes a flap <NUM> positioned therein, as shown in <FIG>. Flap <NUM> is movable between a first configuration in which flap <NUM> blocks the flow of air through pipe <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and a second configuration in which flap <NUM> allows air to flow through pipe <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When flap <NUM> is in the first configuration, there is no suction within hose <NUM> to prevent air from being drawn from sleep surface <NUM> and moved through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. When flap <NUM> is in the second configuration, the vacuum created by power unit <NUM> draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. It is envisioned that flap <NUM> can move between the first and second configurations by a wired connection or wirelessly. For example, a sleeper can operate a switch, remote control, etc. to move flap <NUM> from the first configuration to the second configuration to draw warm air away from sleep surface <NUM>, for example. In some embodiments, a gasket or O-ring may be provided about all or a portion of flap <NUM> such that the gasket or O-ring forms an air tight seal with an inner surface of pipe <NUM> when flap is in the first configuration.

In some embodiments, outlet <NUM> includes a switch <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Switch <NUM> is configured to move flap <NUM> between the first and second configurations. In one embodiment, switch <NUM> is in an extended orientation when flap <NUM> is in the second configuration and is in a depressed orientation when flap <NUM> is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, switch <NUM> is biased to the extended orientation such that the sleeper must move switch <NUM> from the depressed orientation to the extended orientation in order to move flap <NUM> from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some embodiments, switch <NUM> may be moved from the depressed orientation to the extended orientation by disengaging a cover <NUM> of outlet <NUM> from a body <NUM> of outlet <NUM>. That is, cover <NUM> may be rotated relative to body <NUM> such that cover <NUM> no longer presses in on switch <NUM>. In some embodiments, switch <NUM> may be moved from the extended orientation to the depressed orientation by rotating cover <NUM> relative to body <NUM> such that cover engages switch <NUM> and presses switch <NUM> inwardly to the depressed orientation.

In some embodiments, switch <NUM> is configured to move the motor of power unit <NUM> from the off position to the on position such that power unit <NUM> creates a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface <NUM> and moves the air through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> such that the air moves through one of ducts <NUM> and into hose <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. For example, switch <NUM> may be moved from the depressed orientation to the extended orientation by disengaging cover <NUM> of outlet <NUM> from body <NUM> of outlet <NUM> to move the motor of power unit <NUM> from the off position to the on position. That is, cover <NUM> may be rotated relative to body <NUM> such that cover <NUM> no longer presses in on switch <NUM>. In some embodiments, switch <NUM> may be moved from the extended orientation to the depressed orientation by rotating cover <NUM> relative to body <NUM> such that cover engages switch <NUM> and presses switch <NUM> inwardly to the depressed orientation to move the motor of power unit <NUM> from the on position to the off position.

In some embodiments, bedding system <NUM> is configured for use with a preexisting HVAC system in a building or other structure. In particular, a first end of a hose, such as, for example, hose <NUM> can be connected to a duct of the HVAC system and a second end of the hose can be connected to one of inlets <NUM>. This will allow air to move from the duct of the HVAC system and into passageway <NUM> of one of ducts <NUM> through one of inlets <NUM>. The air will move out of the passageway <NUM> and into cavity <NUM> of capacitor layer <NUM>. The air will move through holes <NUM>, <NUM> and will exit holes <NUM> through openings that extend through sleep surface <NUM>. This allows cool or warm air from the HVAC system to be circulated on sleep surface <NUM> to heat or cool sleep surface <NUM>. This may help to maintain an air temperature adjacent to sleep surface <NUM> that is the same or substantially the same as an air temperature of a room or other area in which components of bedding system <NUM>, such as, for example, mattress layer <NUM> are positioned.

Claim 1:
A bedding system (<NUM>) comprising:
- a box layer (<NUM>) comprising at least one duct (<NUM>) and at least one inlet (<NUM>), the at least one duct (<NUM>) having a passageway (<NUM>) that is in communication with the at least one inlet (<NUM>);
- a capacitor layer (<NUM>) positioned above the box layer (<NUM>), the capacitor layer (<NUM>) comprising a cavity (<NUM>) that is in communication with the passageway (<NUM>);
- a mattress layer (<NUM>) positioned above the capacitor layer (<NUM>), the mattress layer (<NUM>) comprising a bottom surface and an opposite top surface that defines a sleep surface (<NUM>), the mattress layer (<NUM>) comprising at least one hole that extends through the top and bottom surfaces and is in communication with the cavity (<NUM>);
- a temperature sensor (<NUM>); and
- a central vacuum system (<NUM>)
characterised in that the central vacuum system comprises:
- a power unit (<NUM>) comprising a motor and a power sensor (<NUM>);
- at least one pipe (<NUM>) having a first end (72a) that is connected to the power unit (<NUM>) and a second end (72b) connected to an outlet (<NUM>); and
- a hose (<NUM>) having a first end (76a) that is connected to the outlet (<NUM>) and a second end (76b) that is connected to the at least one inlet (<NUM>);
wherein the power sensor (<NUM>) is configured to move the motor between an on position in which the power unit (<NUM>) creates suction and an off position in which suction is stopped, and wherein the temperature sensor (<NUM>) is configured to send a signal to the power sensor (<NUM>) to move the motor from the off position to the on position when the temperature sensor (<NUM>) detects a temperature below a threshold temperature.