WO2008098945A2

WO2008098945A2 - Temperature controlled mattress pad

Info

Publication number: WO2008098945A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/051695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry Ward; David Barker
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Limited
Priority date: 2007-02-15
Filing date: 2008-02-12
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: GB2446572B; WO2008098945A3; GB2446572A; GB0702957D0

Abstract

Temperature controlled mattress pads are described which utilise a flow of air through the mattress pad to affect the temperature within a bed. The invention also relates to a bedding arrangement configured to orientate a mattress pad correctly within a bed. The invention also relates to a mattress pad that may be controlled remotely. The invention also relates to a heating and cooling apparatus that may be provided in one of two orientations. The invention also relates to a connector for use in coupling an air supply to a mattress pad.

Description

Title

Temperature controlled mattress pad. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mattress pads and in particular to a mattress pad that utilises a flow of air through the mattress pad to affect the temperature within the bed. The invention also relates to a bedding arrangement configured to orientate a mattress pad correctly within a bed. The invention also relates to a mattress pad that may be controlled remotely. The invention also relates to a heating and cooling apparatus that may be provided in one of two orientations. The invention also relates to a connector for use in coupling an air supply to a mattress pad.

Background

Within the context of the present invention the term "mattress pad" is intended to define a temperature control arrangement that is located above the mattress and below the bottom bed sheet of a bed. When activated the mattress pad provides for a modification or control of the temperature within the bed. Such arrangements are useful for pre-heating a bed, or indeed for maintaining the heat within the bed. Within the art such mattress pads have traditionally been provided using what are termed electric blankets which incorporate an electrical heating element within the blanket. Electric blankets usually have a control unit which adjusts the amount of heat the blanket produces. Blankets for larger sized beds often have separate controls for the heating of each side of the bed. The passing of an electrical current through the heating element effects a heating of the element and a resultant transfer of heat from that element into the bed.

Such arrangements are useful in bedding configurations as the location of the element is predefined and as such it is easy to ensure that a distributed source of heat is effected across the entire area of the bed. However there are difficulties with such arrangements including the fact that it is difficult to offer cooling of the bed through an electrical heating element. Some people prefer to have their beds cooled as opposed to heated and this is difficult to achieve with the traditional electrical blanket.

It is known to use a passage of air through a cushion to effect a heating or cooling of that cushion. It is known in the provision of such cushions to provide flexible webs of material having a plurality of tubular channels through which air can flow, so that heated or cooled air can pass along the air channels to provide a warmed or cooled pad of material. Such materials are described in US 6,085,369 for use in temperature controlled seats for automotive use.

Typically, such temperature controllable materials may be formed from a thermo setting plastics material, having a plurality of relatively thicker fibers arranged in a first direction, crossed by a plurality of laterally undulating thinner fibers in a second direction both above and below the thicker fibres. Parallel to the thicker fibers in the first direction, may be provided a plurality of thermo setting fibers, such that when the thicker fibers in the first direction are bonded to the thinner fibers in a second direction and heat is applied, the thermo setting thinner fibers in the first direction contract, thereby pulling the thicker fibers into a series of vertical undulations, and forming a plurality of air channel between a sandwich of upper and lower relatively thinner fibers.

This hollow material can be covered with upper and lower layers of fabric to produce a hollow resilient pad which is comfortable to sit or lay on, and through which air can be passed. By temperature controlling the air, the pad can be heated up or cooled down.

Although the arrangement of US 6,085,369 is explained as being useful for mattresses, this explanation is only done in passing and the mainstay of the disclosure pertains to the use within an automotive application where the passenger seats may be heated and cooled as desired by the passenger. While superficially similar to the heating or cooling of a bed there are a number of distinct problems in translating the teaching of this automotive seat heating to a bed. These problems include the fact that the area of the bed is traditionally larger than that of a seat so it is difficult to ensure adequate distribution of the heat. Furthermore, in an automotive application there is no requirement to preheat the seat- the user is seated within the seat prior to effecting a control of the seat. This is directly in contrast to the bed environment where the user typically requires the operation of the heating/cooling prior to them entering the bed. Also, typically a bedroom is not designed around a mattress pad- whereas an automotive seat may be designed around its heated cushion. There are therefore a number of problems pertaining to using a mattress pad with a bed, which would not be evident to the person skilled in the use of cushions in the automotive industry.

For these reasons and others there are a number of problems associated with mattress pads.

Summary These problems and others are address in accordance with the teaching of the invention by a mattress pad that includes a number of air channels through which air, which may be suitably heated or cooled, may be introduced. The circulation of air within the pad and the escape of air from that pad may be used to effect a change in the temperature of the bed located above the mattress pad.

According to a first embodiment of the invention a mattress pad is provided having a volume incorporating a plurality of air channels defined therein, the air channels allowing for a distribution of air introduced through an inlet at a first end of the mattress pad throughout the volume of the pad, the pad further having an air permeable upper layer through which air introduced into the volume may escape from the pad and wherein the upper layer includes a plurality of individual sections, each of the sections varying in their permeability relative to others of the sections, the sections being arranged within the upper layers to distribute the air throughout the pad. Such distribution is effected to equalise the temperature differential across the pad to ensure that hot or cold air that is introduced at the foot of the pad is distributed throughout the pad.

The pad typically has a lower layer which is air impermeable such that substantially no air exits from the pad through the lower layer. The upper layer may additionally include at least one section that is air impermeable. If provided such an air impermeable layer is desirably located adjacent the foot region of the pad. Such air impermeability does not infer that the layer is also water impermeable, although of course certain materials may provide both properties.

The upper layer may be integrally formed within the pad or may be provided as an envelope within which the pad may be received. Such an envelope may allow for the selective introduction and removal of the pad which is useful for washing purposes. If an envelope is provided the lower layer of the envelope may be formed of an air impermeable material. In a further embodiment the mattress pad may be integrally formed with a mattress, such that the upper region of the mattress includes a number of air channels that extend through the pad.

The plurality of air channels typically run parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the pad. The channels may be formed from a mesh of fibres which allow for air to pass along the length of the channels and across the boundary of one channel into its neighbouring channel. Typically these fibres are formed from a plastic material.

The grading of the upper air permeable layer into different regions or sections of air permeability is judiciously selected to provide for a first section of low air permeability to be located adjacent the entrance port so as to maintain or entrap the air introduced into the pad within the pad. Such entrapment ensures that the air introduced through the port to a subset of the air channels will percolate across more of the channels so as to achieve an effective distribution of air passing travelling along the width of the pad.

A second section is provided which has a permeability higher than that of the first section. By the term higher permeability is meant more air may escape through this section than would escape through a corresponding region of the first section. The second section is located further from the air inlet than the first section. Optionally further sections may be provided, each having a higher permeability than their preceding neighbouring section and each being located further from the air inlet than their preceding neighbour. It will be appreciated that the further from the inlet that the air travels the lower the differential in pressure between the air within the volume of the pad and that outside the mattress pad. Therefore, although the first section has a lower permeability than subsequent sections, air will still escape from the region of the pad defined by the first section, as the pressure differential of the air within the pad and that outside the pad is quite high. However through use of the sectional upper layer, it is possible to effectively distribute the air throughout the length of the bed and ensure even distribution of the heating/cooling effect as required.

The invention also provides a connector for coupling an air supply to a mattress pad. In accordance with the teaching of the invention such a connector includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one another, the outlet including two plates spaced apart from one another to receive a portion of the mattress pad therebetween. The inlet is desirably substantially perpendicular to the outlet such that when located on a mattress pad which is situated on a bed, the connector overlaps with the end portion of the bed and the inlet is directed downwardly towards the floor on which the bed is located. In this way the inlet may be considered as being substantially parallel to the end of the bed, whereas the outlet is substantially parallel with the top of the bed. Such a configuration ensures that the connector does not project substantially beyond the end of the bed and can therefore be used unobtrusively with beds. The inlet typically defines a substantially cylindrical inlet aperture which is dimensioned to receive and cooperate with an air supply, the air supply typically being a flexible hose. The outlet typically defines a planar arrangement having a width which overlaps with a plurality of air channels within the pad such that air may be simultaneously introduced into said plurality of air channels from the air supply. Each of the plates typically has side walls which extend to abut against exterior surfaces of the pad to seal the sides of the connector. The plates desirably cooperate with one another through opposing sides of the mattress pad. The two plates are located relative to one another and secured to the pad through use of at least one pin which passes through the first and second plates and the mattress pad located therebetween. Desirably the pin passes through a region of the pad between two adjacent longitudinal channels so as to not occlude any one of the air channels. Retention of the at least one pin at each of the plates secures the connector to the pad. Relative spacing of the pads to one another is effected by use of a spacer element which defines the distance between inner surfaces of each of the plates and prevents the opposing plates coming together and crushing the pad located therebetween. Such a spacer may be provided by a pin which is secured to a first plate and then abuts against the inner surface of the second plate.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention a heating and cooling device is provided for providing a source of pumped air which may be introduced into the mattress pad. The heating and cooling device may be operable using one of a number of different technologies such as Peltier systems, Stirling heat pumps or the like. What is intended to be defined by the heating and cooling device of the present invention is any arrangement that can provide a air output for introduction into the mattress pad whose temperature can be controlled, be that through a heating or cooling of the air. Such an arrangement may typically comprise an outer casing, which can be a variety of different shapes but typically are of a rectangular "brick" shape, the outer casing having an air inlet for drawing air in from the atmosphere, and an air outlet for expelling atmospheric air; an outlet pipe, through which air is pumped, the air having been temperature conditioned by the heating and cooling device either by heating the air, maintaining the air at its ambient temperature, or cooling the air; and a power supply cable.

In such an embodiment, the air inlet and air outlet are on a same face of the casing- the front face. This enables the heating and cooling device to be placed in a maximum number of orientations on a floor surface, up or against a wall or other item of furniture. Such an arrangement or configuration is useful in that the number of surfaces on which the heating and cooling device cannot be rested is minimised, for example to an upper surface on which the air inlet and air outlet are present, and an side surface out of which the supply tube and electrical connector cable are positioned on. However, the heating and cooling device can be placed to rest on any of the remaining faces. When used in combination with a flexible extendible hose, such a configuration is desirable as it allows the same device to be used at the end of a bed, where it is desirable that the width is not such as to present an obstacle to a person walking around the end of the bed or under the bed where the height available is not normally so great as to allow an upstanding device to be located.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a mattress topper is provided, the mattress topper being dimensioned to be received on a mattress, the topper having retention means useful in retaining the mattress topper relative to the mattress and wherein the topper defines an envelope within which a mattress pad may be located. The topper envelope may include a closure mechanism by which the envelope with inserted pad may be closed. Such a closure mechanism may include any one of a number of suitable arrangements such as a button and aperture arrangement, a zipper including engageable teeth or a hook and clasp arrangement such as that provided using Velcro™.

The retention means typically is provided by an elastic skirt of the topper which on extension allows the skirt to be received about a desired location of the mattress, retraction of the elastic maintaining the topper in its desired location. It will be understood that retention of the topper relative to the mattress also achieves a retention of the mattress pad relative to the mattress. The topper desirably includes a cushioned upper surface which provides a cushioning of the user of the bed from the mattress pad and mattress located below.

A further embodiment according to the teaching of the invention provides a dual pad for use in double beds, each pad arranged to allow for coupling of each of the pads to a personalised heating/cooling arrangement. By providing for a personalised heating/cooling of adjacent pads it is possible for an individual to personally select the desired temperature for their portion of the bed and for that temperature to be delivered to that person. Using an arrangement according to the teaching of the invention it is possible for one pad to be heated and the other cooled simultaneously. As the pad is desirably formed from a plurality of longitudinal air channels which preferentially direct air along the length of the bed as opposed to the width of the bed, it is possible to minimise the lateral transfer of heat between adjacent pads.

A further embodiment according to the teaching of the invention provides a remote control for operation of a mattress pad or electrical blanket- collectively referred to as a heating blanket, the term "heating" intended to define both heating and cooling characteristics. In such an arrangement the mattress pad may include a plurality of longitudinal air channels through which an air flow may be distributed as heretofore described or could include a heated electrical element such as is known in prior art arrangements. By use of a remote control which desirably operates on a wireless radio frequency that does not require a line of sight it is possible to operate the mattress pad from a distance. This is particularly useful if one would like to operate the heating blanket from another room within the building where the blanket is located. By using a one way control it is possible for a user to remotely activate or deactivate the blanket. A further arrangement could provide dual communication whereby signals indicative of the current performance or state of the blanket could be returned to the handheld remote. Such signals could include current temperature of the device, or indeed a simple notification that the desired temperature has been reached. This is particularly advantageous where one would like to activate the blanket prior to going to bed and yet wants to ensure that the temperature is at the desired level before entering the bedroom.

Accordingly the invention provides arrangements according to each of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are provided in the claims dependent thereto.

These and other features will be better understood with reference to the following drawings which are provided to assist in an understanding of the teaching of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way except as may be deemed necessary in the light of the appended claims.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mattress pad according to the teaching of the invention.

Figure 2A is a section view showing internal construction of portion of a mattress pad.

Figure 2B is a section view showing an alternative construction of portion of a mattress pad. Figure 3 shows a mattress pad with a graded upper layer according to the teaching of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a mattress topper according to the teaching of the invention. Figure 5 shows portions of a connector according to the teaching of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a view from the end of a bed illustrating different embodiments according to the teaching of the invention.

Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 6 showing an alternative bed arrangement. Figure 8 shows a double bed arrangement according to the teaching of the invention.

Figure 9 shows a dual heating and cooling device for use with the arrangement of Figure 8.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments which will assist in an understanding of the teaching of the invention. Where two or more embodiments are described it will be understood that each of the described arrangements may be used independently of, or together, with others of the described arrangements. Where features are described with reference to one specific Figure or embodiment it will be understood that they could be exchanged for or used in combination with features or elements of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention which it only to be limited as deemed necessary by the appended claims.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mattress pad 100. The pad 100 includes a number of air channels 105 through which air, which may be suitably heated or cooled, may be introduced. Each of the air channels 105 are substantially identical in nature and extend the length of the pad, from the foot (Location A) to the head (Location B). The dimensions of the pad are suitably comparable with the bed that it is intended to be used with. For example the pad could be provided as a single bed size, a double bed size or a king bed size. Typical diameters for each of the channels are of the order of 1 to 2cm.

As mentioned above and shown in the section view of Figure 2A, the plurality of air channels 105 typically run parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the pad. In the arrangement of Figure 2A, the pad is formed from a first set of fibres 200 which are arranged in a grid pattern 205 and form upper and lower layers 210, 215. Sandwiched between these two layers 210, 215 are a second set of fibres 220 which are interlaced with one another and with the upper and lower layers periodically so as to provide continuity between the upper and lower layers. When the upper and lower layers are brought towards one another, through heating or some other suitable fashion, the inner fibres are compressed and adopt a sinusoidal pattern. As adjacent fibres 220a, 220b are out of phase with one another- along the longitudinal direction of the ultimately formed channel, the crest formed by a first fibre will be adjacent to trough formed by a second fibre and as a result a continuous channel 105 is formed. Due to the cyclical and periodic repeat of the sinusoidal pattern of each fibre, a set of channels are formed, all running parallel with one another along a longitudinal axis of the pad.

Due to the grid structure and the interlacing used to form the channels, it will be understood that the overall structure is breathable in that air will pass along a route defined by the channels but will also percolate across the boundary between adjacent channels and furthermore along the boundary between the channels and the upper and lower layers 210, 215.

In an alternative arrangement, shown in Figure 2B, the channels 105 are individually formed from a mesh of fibres 225 which will also allow for air to pass along the length of the channels and across the boundary of one channel into its neighbouring channel. Typically these fibres are formed from a plastic material. Such an arrangement would be similar in construction to that described in US 6, 085, 369. However any other similar arrangement which includes a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits through which air may travel the length of the pad may also be considered suitable. The circulation of air within the pad and the escape of air from that pad may be used to effect a change in the temperature of the bed located above the mattress pad. The perimeter 1 10 of the pad 100 is desirably defined by an air impervious material that serves to prevent the escape of air out of the side portions of the pad.

The air desirably enters the mattress pad at a first end, "A", of the mattress pad, typically that end of the pad that will be located at the foot of the bed being heated. The air is typically introduced into the pad via a connector 120 which is used to couple the pad to an air supply, conventionally through an intermediary hose 125, more of which will be discussed below. Where the connector overlaps with the mattress pad it is desirable to remove the perimeter seal 1 10 so as to present open ended channels to the air that is coming from the air supply and ease the introduction of that air into the plenum that defines the interior volume of the mattress. The introduced air will pass throughout the volume of the pad. Due to the nature of the fabrication of the channels 105, air may percolate out of the channels and by having an air permeable upper layer 300 through which air previously introduced into the volume may escape from the pad it is possible to heat regions of the bed above the pad. It will be understood that the air passing into the pad will travel along the path of least resistance. To prevent all the air that is introduced at the foot of the bed escaping at the foot of the bed and therefore not heating the remainder of the bed, the invention provides for the air permeable upper layer to be graded into regions of different permeability. As shown in the example of Figure 3, three different regions or sections or varying permeability are provided, each of the sections varying in their permeability relative to others of the sections, the sections being arranged within the upper layers to ensure that air introduced at the first end of the pad is channelled towards the second end of the pad, end "B". Of course the number and dimensions of the individual sections may be changed as appropriate to the size of bed and the air flow that is expected through the channels. The individual sections are adhered to one another by stitching or glueing or some other effect, in effect the upper layer is an integral layer formed from a plurality of different sections.

The pad typically has a lower layer which is air impermeable such that substantially no air exits from the pad through the lower layer. Such a layer does not necessarily have to have water impermeable features. It will also be understood that as the intended location of the pad is on top of a mattress which will be a planar surface located parallel to the planar lower surface of the pad and there will be a certain degree of weight on the pad (arising from the weight of the bed clothes etc.) that there is a certain inherent resistance preventing the passage of air out of this lower surface making the use of an air permeable layer less critical.

The upper layer may be integrally formed within the pad or may be provided as an envelope 320 within which the pad may be received. It is this latter arrangement that is described in Figure 3. Such an envelope has an opening 325 that may allow for the selective introduction and removal of the pad 100 which is useful for washing purposes. If an envelope is provided the lower layer 330 of the envelope may be formed of an air impermeable material. Of course the upper and lower layers could be integrally formed into the pad construction. Furthermore, it is possible that the entire pad construction including upper and lower layers where provided could be integrally formed into an upper region of a mattress.

The grading of the upper air permeable layer into different regions of air permeability is judiciously selected to provide for a first section of low or no air permeability 305 to be located adjacent the foot of the pad, close to location "A" so as to maintain or entrap the air introduced into the pad within the pad. Such entrapment ensures that the air introduced through the connector to a subset of the air channels will percolate across more of the channels so as to achieve an effective distribution of air passing travelling along the width of the pad. Typically dimensions for this first section are about 300-400mm from the foot of the mattress pad. If formed from an air impermeable material, this section may be formed from the same material that is useful in formation of the lower air impermeable layer.

A second section 310, is provided which has a permeability higher than that of the first section. By the term higher permeability is meant more air may escape through this section than would escape through a corresponding region of the first section. The second section is located further from the connector 120 than the first section. Again a typical length for this section is of the order of 300- 400mm. Of course it will be understood that such parameters are indicative of the length of the section and these could be modified outside this range as required. This second section is conveniently formed from a non-woven needle bond fabric such as a felt material. Indicative density values which are useful in this section are of the order of 300-350 g/m², which are achievable using for example polyester or acrylic materials. Such materials are conventionally used for the bulk materials of electric blankets- ie those heated bedding blankets that have an integrally formed electrical element formed therein. It may be convenient to extend this second section from the foot of the pad, in which case the reduction in air permeability that is desired for this first section may be achieved by doubling the felt material up in this region- i.e. having two or more layers of the same material which will in effect reduce the capacity of the air within the pad to escape through this region. Alternatively the felt material that is conveniently used to form the second section may be overlain with an alternative material such as that used for the bottom air impermeable layer.

Optionally further sections, such as section 315, may be provided, each having a higher permeability than their preceding neighbouring section and each being located further from the air connector 120 than their preceding neighbour. It will be appreciated that the further from the entrance port that the air travels the lower the differential in pressure between the air within the volume of the pad and that outside the mattress pad. Therefore although the first section has a lower permeability than subsequent sections, air will still escape from the region of the pad defined by the first section, as the pressure differential of the air within the pad and that outside the pad is quite high. However through use of the sectional upper layer, it is possible to effectively distribute the air throughout the length of the bed and ensure even distribution of the heating/cooling effect provided by the circulating air. Examples of the material that may be used for these additional sections include cotton or polyester which would have comparable air permeable characteristics or an open weave netting which may be formed from a nylon. Such a latter arrangement would typically provide little or no restriction to air flow or escape from the mattress pad.

It will be understood that the provision of an upper layer that is formed from different sections of different air permeability provides a layer having a graded permeability from the foot to the head of the pad. This graded permeability may be provided by forming the upper layer from different materials that are bonded or coupled together or could be provided by using a single material but treating it differently in different sections to affect the breathability of the material in those sections.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention and as shown in Figure 4, a mattress topper 400 is provided. A mattress topper is conventionally located between the user of the bed (not shown) and the mattress 405, in effect it lies on top of the mattress and hence is known as a topper for the mattress. The mattress topper is dimensioned to be received on the mattress 405. The topper is provided with an elastic skirt 410 which provides for retention of the mattress topper on the mattress. The skirt 410 is suitably dimensioned such that on extension it is received about a desired location of the mattress- typically the length of the side walls 415 of the mattress and overlapping at least a portion of the base surface 420 of the mattress. On release of the elasticated skirt,a retraction of the elastic against the mattress serves to maintain the topper 400 in its desired location.

The topper 400 is provided with a cushioned or quilted upper surface 425 which provides a cushioning of the user of the bed from the mattress pad and mattress located below.

The topper 400 of the present invention differs from prior art mattress toppers in that it is co-operable with a mattress pad- such as those described in Figures 1 to 3- in a manner such that retention of the mattress topper at a desired location relative to the mattress also serves to maintain the pad in a correct orientation and location relative to the mattress. In the arrangement of Figure 4 such cooperation is achieved by providing the topper with an envelope structure 430 into which the pad may be located. The envelope desirably includes upper and lower surfaces, which in this arrangement are provided by the substantially planar upper surface 435 of the skirt and the quilted upper surface 425 of the topper. An opening 440 is defined into which the pad may be inserted. Once inserted, the opening may be closed to retain the pad within the envelope defined by the topper.

It will be appreciated that as the pad is retained within the topper and the topper is retained relative to the mattress that this arrangement also serves to effect a retention of the mattress pad relative to the mattress. The topper envelope 430 may include a closure mechanism by which the envelope with inserted pad may be closed. Such a closure mechanism may include any one of a number of suitable arrangements such as a button and aperture arrangement, a zipper including engageable teeth or a hook and clasp arrangement such as that provided using Velcro™, the specifics of which will be understood by those skilled in the art and require no explanation here. While being shown as allowing the pad to be inserted from the end of the topper it will be understood that equivalently the envelope defined within the topper could be side opening to allow the pad to be inserted from the side. Such an arrangement would be particularly useful in the context of a double topper arrangement as will be discussed later.

The arrangement of Figure 4 shows the insertion of the pad into the topper without the graded upper layer previously having been located onto the pad. It will be understood that the topper arrangement could be used with a pad that may or may not have a graded upper upper layer.

The topper envelope may include an aperture through which the connector 120 and its hose 125 may project so as to enable a coupling of the hose to the air supply.

While not shown in Figure 4, it will be understood that a modification to the pad arrangement disclosed herein may provide for the structure of the pad- ie the longitudinal air channels, to be formed in an upper region of a mattress. In this way the mattress will have an integrally formed air layer, within which air may be introduced and circulate. In such arrangements if a topper is used in conjunction with such mattresses, it will not be necessary to locate the pad relative to the mattress- this having being achieved by the integration of the two into the same unit- but it will be necessary to provide an aperture in the topper to allow the connector to be coupled to an air supply.

As was discussed heretofore a connector 120 may be provided to couple the mattress pad to an air supply. In accordance with the teaching of the invention, and as shown in Figure 5, such a connector 120 includes an inlet 505 and an outlet 51 o in fluid communication with one another. The outlet 510 typically includes two plates 515, 520 spaced apart from one another to receive a portion of the mattress pad 100 therebetween. The distance between inner surfaces 515a, 520a of each of the two plates is desirably sufficient to enable the mattress pad to be located within the space without any crushing of the mattress pad. The plates 515, 520 desirably cooperate with one another through opposing sides of the mattress pad. The two plates are located relative to one another and secured to the pad through use of at least one pin 525 which passes through the first and second plates and the mattress pad located therebetween. Desirably the pin passes through a region of the pad between two adjacent longitudinal channels so as to not occlude any one of the air channels. Retention of the at least one pin at each of the plates secures the connector to the pad. Relative spacing of the pads to one another is maintained by use of a spacer element 530 which defines the distance between inner surfaces of each of the plates and prevents the opposing plates coming together and crushing the pad located therebetween. Such a spacer may be provided by a pin which is secured to a first plate 515 and then abuts against the inner surface 520a of the second plate. By forming the pin from a substantially rigid material such as a plastics it is possible to use the strength and rigidity of the pin to prevent movement of the two plates towards one another.

The pins and/or spacers could be integrally formed in the moulding process for one of the plates and then could be simply secured to the other of the plates in assembly. Alternatively, the pins and/or spacers could be provided separately and then used to engage the top and bottom plate.

Each of the plates typically has side walls 535 which extend to exterior surfaces of the pad to seal the sides of the connector. In this way air that passes from the inlet 505 to the outlet 510 is directed into the longitudinal channels where it may then travel down the length of the bed. The inlet 505 is desirably substantially perpendicular to the outlet 510 such that when located on a mattress bad which is situated on a bed 600, 700 (such as shown in Figure 6 or 7), the connector overlaps with the end portion 605, 705 of the mattress and the inlet is directed downwardly towards the floor on which the bed is located. In this way the inlet may be considered as being substantially parallel to the end 610, 710 of the bed, whereas the outlet is substantially parallel with the top 615, 715 of the bed. Such a configuration ensures that the connector does not project substantially beyond the end of the bed and can therefore be used unobtrusively with beds. The inlet typically defines a substantially cylindrical inlet aperture which is dimensioned to receive and cooperate with a flexible hose 125 from an air supply. The outlet typically defines a planar arrangement having a width which overlaps with a plurality of air channels within the pad such that air may be simultaneously introduced into said plurality of air channels from the air supply. The width of the outlet is typically greater than that of the inlet so as to achieve a distribution of air that is provided into the inlet across a wider area at the outlet. This is advantageous in that a number of air channels may be simultaneously fed from the same inlet, thereby more efficiently introducing the air into the volume defined by the mattress pad. It will be appreciated that the wider the outlet the lower the pressure of air that will be introduced into individual channels, so there is a tradeoff between pressure of introduced air and that number of channels that can be simultaneously serviced. Typical widths that are useful in the plates are of an order of 150 mm. Such an arrangement will typically overlap with about 10 channels, each having a diameter or pitch of about 10-15 mm.

Heretofore the air supply for the mattress pad has been discussed in general terms. Suffice to say that as the mattress pad requires a circulation of air that it is important that any air source that is used can generate an adequate supply of air to ensure that the air once introduced into the pad will travel along the length of the pad. A pad in accordance with the teaching of the invention may be utilised with a heating and cooling device which serves to provide for a source of pumped air which may be introduced into the mattress pad. The heating and cooling device may be operable using one of a number of different technologies such as Peltier systems, Stirling heat pumps or the like. What is intended to be defined by the heating and cooling device of the present invention is any arrangement that can provide a controlled air output for introduction into the mattress pad whose temperature can be controlled, be that through a heating or cooling of the air that is to be introduced into the pad. An example of a suitable arrangement is described in our co-pending British Patent Application GB0603292.4.

Examples of suitable heating and cooling devices are shown in Figures 6 and 7, each of which comprise an outer casing 620, which can be a variety of different shapes but is desirably is in a rectangular "brick" shape, the outer casing having an air inlet 621 for drawing air in from the atmosphere, and an air outlet 622 for expelling atmospheric air; an outlet pipe 623, through which air is pumped, the air having been temperature conditioned by the heating and cooling device either by heating the air, maintaining the air at its ambient temperature, or cooling the air. To ensure that the air drawn into the air inlet 621 is not contaminated by the air expelled from the air outlet 622, it is desirable that one or more baffles are located between the air inlet and the outlet. The baffles serve to ensure that the air expelled from the air outlet is expelled in a flow pattern which directs the air away from the air inlet. Typically the device is powered from a mains power supply which will require the use of a mains power cord to couple the device to an available socket. Collectively the heating and cooling device and the mattress pad to which it supplies air may be considered a bed warmer- although it will be understood that an elevation of the temperature within the bed is not a requirement of the bed warmer, it could also be used to effect a cooling of the temperature of the bed.

In the embodiments shown, air inlet 621 and air outlet 622 are on a same face of the casing, the front face. This enables the heating and cooling device to be placed in a maximum number of orientations on a floor surface, up or against a wall or other item of furniture. In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, there are two surfaces on which the heating and cooling device cannot be rested, this being a side surface 625 on which the air inlet and air outlet are present, and an upper surface 626 out of which the mattress outlet is provided and to which the flexible and extendible hose or supply tube 623 is coupled to the device. However, the heating and cooling device can be placed to rest on any of the remaining faces. Such a configuration is desirable as it allows the same device to be used at the end of a bed- such as that shown in Figure 6, where it is desirable that the width is not such as to present an obstacle to a person walking around the end of the bed or under the bed - Figure 7- where the height available is not normally so great as to allow an upstanding device to be located. The use of a flexible and extendible hose ensures that the length of the hose may be easily adjusted to compensate for variances in the height between the device and the connector arising from different orientations of the device.

In this way it will be understood that it is desirable that the air inlet and air outlet are on a first face of the casing, the mattress outlet being provided on a side of the casing substantially perpendicular to the first face, the casing being locatable relative to the bed in one of two orientations, a first orientation providing for the mattress outlet to be substantially perpendicular to the mattress pad, i.e. it points upwardly along the end of the bed (Figure 6) and a second orientation providing for the mattress outlet to be substantially parallel to the mattress pad (i.e. parallel to the floor Figure 7). The distance that the mattress outlet is from the connector is different in both configurations and this difference can be catered for by the provision of the extendible and flexible hose- an extension of the hose allowing the casing to be moved from the first to the second orientations While heretofore described with reference to application in a single bed, a further embodiment according to the teaching of the invention provides a dual pad for use in double beds. Such an arrangement is shown in Figures 8 & 9. As shown in these exemplary embodiments where similar reference numerals are used for identical parts to those previously described each pad 800a, 800b, are arranged to allow for coupling of each of the pads to a personalised heating/cooling arrangement. While co-located on the bed, each of the pads 800a, 800b are individually coupled via individual connectors 120a, 120b and hoses 125a, 125b to respective heating or cooling devices. The illustrated embodiment of Figure 9 shows both devices being provided in a single housing 900, but it will be appreciated that internally within that house that separate controls could be provide for each pad. By providing for a personalised heating/cooling of adjacent pads it is possible for an individual to personally select the desired temperature for their portion of the bed and for that temperature to be delivered to that person. Using an arrangement according to the teaching of the invention it is possible for one pad to be heated and the other cooled simultaneously. As the pad is desirably formed from a plurality of longitudinal air channels which preferentially direct air along the length of the bed as opposed to the width of the bed, it is possible to minimise the lateral transfer of heat between adjacent pads. Again the dual pads can be provided with a graded upper layer to allow for selective escape of air along the length of the bed. Furthermore their orientation relative to the bed base may be maintained through use of a suitably dimensioned mattress topper.

A further embodiment according to the teaching of the invention, and as shown in Figure 6 provides a remote control 650 for operation of a mattress pad or electrical blanket- collectively referred to as a heating blanket, the term "heating" intended to define both heating and cooling characteristics. While the arrangement of the mattress pad described elsewhere in this specification is specific to one that includes a plurality of longitudinal air channels through which an air flow may be distributed, within the context of remote control of the operation of the heating/cooling pad as is provided by this embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that any actively thermally controlled bedding element such as is known in prior art arrangements could also be controlled. By use of a remote control which desirably operates on a wireless radio frequency that does not require a line of sight it is possible to operate the mattress pad from a distance. This is particularly useful if one would like to operate the heating blanket from another room within the building where the blanket is located. To operate the bed warmer remotely it will be understood that a certain level of control architecture will need to be co-located with the bed warmer in the form of a controller. This could be integrally formed into the casing for the heating/cooling device or provided elsewhere.

By using a one way control it is possible for a user to remotely activate or deactivate the blanket. A further arrangement could provide dual communication between the controller of the bed warmer and the remote control whereby signals indicative of the current performance or state of the blanket could be returned to the handheld remote. Such signals could include current temperature of the device- which may be provided by a sensor 655 externally located on the heating device, or indeed a simple notification that the desired temperature has been reached. This is particularly advantageous where one would like to activate the blanket prior to going to bed and yet wants to ensure that the temperature is at the desired level before entering the bedroom. The internal configuration of remote control mechanism and the type of wireless protocols that may be employed will be understood by the person skilled in the art and do not require further disclosure here.

Where used to effect control of a dual device, it will be understood that the control could be used to individually control each of the devices. Furthermore where two or more pads are used within a household it will be appreciated that each of the combination pads/remote controls may need to be related to one another to ensure that a control for a first pad does not effect an erroneous control of a second pad. Such a relationship may be effected using for example an encoding algorithm or the like that is used to link the response characteristics of each of the controller.

By modifying the circuitry and/or algorithms that are used within the controller it could be possible to increase the distance from which the controller may be controlled remotely. For example using devices configured according to the X10 protocol it is possible to activate the device from outside the household environment such as through a telephone dial in or the like. By incorporating a GSM or similar wireless telecommunication card within the controller for the bed warmer direct remote contact with the controller may be effected.

It will be understood that a number of embodiments of a mattress pad and associated components have been described heretofore. While each of the components described in respective embodiments may be used together it will be appreciated that they may also be used independently of one another. It is not intended to limit the invention to any one specific set of components for use together as those described with reference to a first figure could be interchanged or used for those of another figure without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the words "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "side" and the like are provided to assist in an understanding of typical orientations of components of embodiments of the invention when in use. It is not intended to limit the teaching of the invention to any one specific configuration or arrangement.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers , steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1 . A mattress pad having a plurality of air channels defined therein, the air channels allowing for a distribution of air introduced through an inlet at a first end of the mattress pad throughout the pad, the pad further having an air permeable upper layer through which air introduced into the pad may escape from the pad and wherein the air permeable upper layer includes a plurality of individual sections, each of the sections varying in their permeability relative to others of the sections, the sections being arranged within the upper layer to distribute the air introduced at the inlet throughout the pad.

2. The pad of claim 1 further including an air impermeable lower layer such that substantially no air exits from the pad through the lower layer.

3. The pad of claim 1 or 2 wherein the upper layer is integrally formed within the pad or is provided as a component of an envelope within which the pad may be received.

4. The pad of claim 3 wherein the upper layer is a component of an envelope, the envelope having an opening dimensioned to allow for a selective introduction and removal of the pad into the envelope.

5. The pad of any preceding claims wherein each of the plurality of air channels are arrange parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis of the pad.

6. The pad of any preceding claim wherein the grading of the upper air permeable layer into regions of different air permeability provide for a first section of low air permeability to be located adjacent the inlet so as to maintain or entrap the air introduced into the pad within the pad and allow for air introduced through the inlet to a subset of the air channels to percolate across more of the channels so as to achieve an effective distribution of air passing travelling along the width of the pad.

7. The pad of claim 6 wherein a second section is provided which has a permeability higher than that of the first section, the second section being located further from the inlet than the first section.

8. The pad of claim 7 including further sections, each having a higher permeability than their preceding neighbouring section and each being located further from the inlet than their preceding neighbour.

9. The pad of any preceding claim wherein the upper layer includes an air impervious section.

10. The pad of any preceding claim including a connector for coupling an air supply to a mattress pad, the connector having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one another, the outlet including two plates spaced apart from one another to receive a portion of the mattress pad therebetween.

1 1 . The pad of claim 10 wherein the inlet is substantially perpendicular to the outlet such that when located on a mattress pad which is situated on a bed, the connector overlaps with the end portion of the bed and the inlet is directed downwardly towards the floor on which the bed is located.

12. The pad of claim 1 1 wherein the inlet defines a substantially cylindrical inlet aperture which is dimensioned to receive and cooperate with an air supply, the air supply typically being a flexible hose coupled at its other end to a heating and/or cooling device.

13. The pad of claim 10 wherein the outlet defines a planar arrangement having a width which overlaps with a plurality of air channels within the pad such that air may be simultaneously introduced into said plurality of air channels from the air supply.

14. The pad of claim 13 wherein each of the plates has side walls which extend to exterior surfaces of the pad to seal the sides of the connector.

15. The pad of any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the plates are located relative to one another and secured to the pad through use of at least one pin which passes through the first and second plates and the mattress pad located therebetween.

16. The pad of claim 15 wherein the at least one pin passes through a region of the pad between two adjacent longitudinal channels so as to not occlude any one of the air channels and retention of the at least one pin at each of the plates secures the connector to the pad.

17. The pad of any one of claims 15 to 16 wherein relative spacing of the plates to one another is effected by use of a spacer element which defines the distance between inner surfaces of each of the plates and prevents the opposing plates coming together and crushing the pad located therebetween.

18. The pad of claim 17 wherein the spacer is provided by a pin which is secured to a first plate and then abuts against the inner surface of the second plate.

19. The pad of any preceding claim being integrally formed as part of a mattress.

20. A bed warmer for use in providing a heating or cooling of a bed, the warmer including a mattress pad as claimed in any preceding claim when coupled to a heating and cooling device, the heating and cooling device providing a source of pumped air which may be introduced into the mattress pad.

21 . The bed warmer of claim 20 wherein the heating and cooling devices provides a controlled air output for introduction into the mattress pad whose temperature can be controlled, be that through a heating or cooling of the air that is to be introduced into the pad.

22. The bed warmer of claim 21 wherein the heating and cooling device includes an outer casing having an air inlet for drawing air in from the atmosphere, and an air outlet for expelling atmospheric air; an outlet pipe, through which air is pumped, the air having been temperature conditioned by the heating and cooling device either by heating the air, maintaining the air at its ambient temperature, or cooling the air.

23. The bed warmer of claim 22 wherein the air inlet and air outlet are on a first face of the casing, the outlet pipe being coupled to a second face of the casing, the second face being substantially perpendicular to the first face so as to allow the casing to be located on its side or on its back.

24. The bed warmer of claim 23 wherein the heating and cooling device is coupled to the mattress pad through a flexible and extendible hose, an extension of the hose allowing the casing to be located on its back below the bed with which the bed warmer is being used.

25. The bed warmer of any one of claims 20 to 24 including a mattress topper, the mattress topper being dimensioned to be received on a mattress, the topper having retention means useful in retaining the mattress topper relative to the mattress and wherein the topper defines an envelope within which the mattress pad may be located.

26. The bed warmer of claim 25 wherein the topper envelope includes a closure mechanism by which the envelope with inserted pad may be closed.

27. The bed warmer of claim 25 or 26 wherein the retention means is formed by an elastic skirt of the topper which on extension allows the skirt to be received about a desired location of the mattress, retraction of the elastic maintaining the topper in its desired location relative to the mattress and wherein retention of the topper relative to the mattress effects a simultaneous retention of the mattress pad relative to the mattress.

28. The bed warmer of any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the topper includes a cushioned upper surface which provides a cushioning of the user of the bed from the mattress pad and mattress located below.

29. A bed warmer including a first and second mattress pad, each of the first and second mattress pads being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 19, the first and second pads each having an individual coupling to a respective heating and cooling device, such that each of the pads can be independently provided with air of a desired temperature.

30. The bed warmer of claim 29 wherein the temperature within a first pad may be independently controlled relative to the temperature within a second pad.

31 . The bed warmer of claim 30 wherein a first pad may be heated while a second bad is cooled, the presence of the plurality of longitudinal air channels within each pad which preferentially direct air along the length of the bed as opposed to the width of the bed, serving to minimise the lateral transfer of heat between adjacent pads.

32. The bed warmer of any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein the respective heating and cooling devices for each of the first and second pads are located within the same casing.

33. A mattress pad or bed warmer of any preceding claim being controllable using a wireless remote control.

34. The pad or warmer of claim 33 wherein the remote control operates on a radio frequency such that operation can be effected from a different room to where the pad or bed warmer is located.

35. The pad or bed warmer of claim 33 or 34 wherein the remote control is capable of effecting a bidirectional communication with the warmer or pad, the warmer or pad being configured to provide the remote control with a signal indicative of their current operating condition.

36. A connector for coupling an air supply from a heating and cooling device to a mattress pad, the connector having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with one another, the inlet being arranged to receive a hose from the heating and cooling device, the outlet including two plates spaced apart from one another to receive a portion of the mattress pad therebetween.

37. The pad of claim 36 wherein the inlet is substantially perpendicular to the outlet such that when located on a mattress pad which is situated on a bed, the connector overlaps with the end portion of the bed and the inlet is directed downwardly towards the floor on which the bed is located.

38. The pad of claim 37 wherein the inlet defines a substantially cylindrical inlet aperture which is dimensioned to receive and cooperate with an air supply, the air supply typically being a flexible hose coupled at its other end to a heating and/or cooling device.

39. The pad of any one of claims 36 to 38 wherein the outlet defines a planar arrangement having a width which overlaps with a plurality of air channels within the pad such that air may be simultaneously introduced into said plurality of air channels from the air supply.

40. The pad of claim 39 wherein each of the plates has side walls which extend to exterior surfaces of the pad to seal the sides of the connector.

41 . The pad of any one of claims 36 to 40 wherein the plates are located relative to one another and secured to the pad through use of at least one pin which passes through the first and second plates and the mattress pad located therebetween.

42. The pad of claim 41 wherein the at least one pin is located on the plates so as to pass through a region of the pad between two adjacent longitudinal channels so as to not occlude any one of the air channels and retention of the at least one pin at each of the plates secures the connector to the pad.

43. The pad of any one of claims 36 to 42 wherein relative spacing of the plates to one another is effected by use of a spacer element which defines the distance between inner surfaces of each of the plates and prevents the opposing plates coming together and crushing the pad located therebetween.

44. The pad of claim 43 wherein the spacer is provided by a pin which is secured to a first plate and then abuts against the inner surface of the second plate.

45. A bed warmer for providing a heating or cooling of a bed, the warmer including at least one mattress pad coupled to a heating and cooling device through a flexible and extendible hose, the heating and cooling device providing a source of temperature controlled pumped air which may be introduced into the mattress pad, the heating and cooling device including an outer casing having: a. an air inlet for drawing air in from the atmosphere, and b. an air outlet for expelling atmospheric air; c. a mattress outlet which may be coupled to the flexible and extendible hose and through which air is pumped, the air having been temperature conditioned by the heating and cooling device either by heating the air, maintaining the air at its ambient temperature, or cooling the air and wherein the air inlet and air outlet are on a first face of the casing, the mattress outlet being provided on a side of the casing substantially perpendicular to the first face, the casing being beatable relative to the bed in one of two orientations, a first orientation providing for the mattress outlet to be substantially perpendicular to the mattress pad and a second orientation providing for the mattress outlet to be substantially parallel to the mattress pad, an extension of the hose allowing the casing to be moved from the first to the second orientations.

46. The bed warmer of claim 45 including first and second mattress pads, each of the mattress pad being coupled to a first and second heating and cooling device respectively, the temperature within each of the first and second mattress pads being individually controllable.

47. A wireless remote control and controller combination for use in controlling the temperature of a bed warmer, the bed warmer including a warming element which is beatable within a bed, the temperature provided by the warming element being controlled using a controller, and wherein the remote control is actable on the controller so as to enable operation of the controller from a remote location.

48. The combination of claim 47 wherein communication between the remote control and the controller is unidirectional such that commands may be transmitted from the remote control to the controller.

49. The combination of claim 47 wherein communication between the remote control and the controller is bidirectional such that the remote control may transmit a command to the controller and the controller may transmit a signal to the remote control indicative of the current status of the controller for subsequent display on the remote control.

50. The combination of any of claim 47 to 49 wherein the remote control is actable using protocols in accordance with the x10 protocol.

51 . A bed warmer or mattress pad substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.