Negative pressure mattress system

Abstract

The bedding system includes a bin layer having a conduit and an inlet. The conduit has a channel in communication with the inlet. The capacitor layer comprises a cavity communicated with the channel; the mattress layer includes a bottom surface and a top surface defining a sleep surface. An aperture extends through the top and bottom surfaces and communicates with the cavity. The central vacuum system includes a power unit, a conduit having a first end connected to the power unit and a second end connected to the outlet, and a hose having a first end connected to the outlet and a second end connected to the at least one inlet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with application number 201880031289.X, application date April 10, 2018, and invention name “Negative Pressure Mattress System”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems configured to generate negative pressure to draw ambient air away from the sleeping surface of a mattress, including methods of use. Background Art

[0003] Sleep is essential for people to feel and perform their best in all aspects of life. It's a crucial pathway to better health and achieving personal goals. In fact, sleep influences everything from transferring new information to memory to weight gain. Therefore, it's essential for people to use bedding tailored to their individual sleep preferences and body type to achieve a comfortable, restful night's sleep.

[0004] Mattresses are a crucial aspect of achieving a proper night's sleep. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide mattresses that can maintain a preselected temperature based on the user's sleep preferences, thereby maximizing comfort during sleep. However, conventional mattresses are unable to generate negative pressure to draw ambient air away from the sleeping surface of the mattress. This invention describes improvements to these existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, according to the principles of the present invention, a bedding system is provided, comprising a box layer comprising at least one conduit and at least one inlet. At least one of the conduits has a channel connected to at least one of the inlets. A capacitor layer is located above the box layer and comprises a cavity connected to the channel. A mattress layer is located above the capacitor layer and comprises a bottom surface and an opposing top surface defining a sleeping surface. The mattress layer comprises at least one hole extending through the top and bottom surfaces and connected to the cavity. A central vacuum system comprises a power unit, at least one conduit having a first end connected to the power unit and a second end connected to an outlet, and a hose having a first end connected to the outlet and a second end connected to at least one inlet. In some embodiments, the power unit is configured to generate a vacuum, i.e., to draw air from the sleeping surface and move the air through the at least one hole into the cavity, such that the air moves through the at least one conduit and enters the hose through the at least one inlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bedding system according to the principles of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2yes Figure 1 A side view of components of the system shown in ;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The components of the system are shown along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of components of the system shown in ;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a (partially imaginary) perspective view of components of the system shown in ;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of components of the system shown in ;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side view of components of the system shown in ;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The components of the system are shown along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of line DD in FIG;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The components of the system are shown along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the EE cross-sectional line in;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A top view detail of components of the system shown in FIG;

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The components of the system are shown along Figure 13 Cross-sectional view of the BB cross-sectional line in FIG;

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The components of the system are shown along Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of CC cross-sectional line in;

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A top view of components of the system shown in ;

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of components of the system shown in ;

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 1A perspective view of components of the system shown in ;

[0022] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in ; and

[0023] Figure 17 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of components of the system shown in ;

[0024] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Exemplary embodiments and methods of use of a bedding system are discussed based on a bedding system that generates negative pressure to draw air away from the sleeping surface of a mattress to regulate the temperature of the sleeping surface. The present invention may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or illustrated herein, and that the terminology used herein is intended only to describe specific embodiments by way of example and is not intended to limit the claimed invention.

[0026] In addition, as used in this specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms, and references to a particular numerical value include at least that particular value unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Herein, ranges may be expressed as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as approximate, it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment by using the aforementioned "about." It should also be understood that all spatial references (e.g., horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left, and right) are for illustrative purposes only and may be changed within the scope of the present invention. For example, references to "upper" and "lower" are relative and are used only in context and are not necessarily "better" and "lesser."

[0027] The following discussion includes a description of an environmental bed having a heat recovery system, related components, and methods of using the environmental bed system according to the principles of the present invention. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Turning to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1-15 , the schematic components of the bedding system 20 are shown in the figure.

[0028] The components of the bedding system 20 can be made of materials including metals, polymers and / or composite materials, the specific materials depending on the specific application. For example, the components of the bedding system 20 can be made, individually or collectively, from materials such as fabrics or textiles, paper or cardboard, cellulose-based materials, biodegradable materials, plastics and other polymers, metals, semi-rigid and rigid materials. The various components of the bedding system 20 can have material composites (including the above materials) to achieve various desired characteristics such as strength, stiffness, resilience, performance and durability. The components of the bedding system 20, individually or collectively, can also be made of heterogeneous materials such as combinations of two or more of the above materials. The components of the bedding system 20 can be extruded, molded, injection molded, cast, pressed and / or machined. As described herein, the components of the bedding system 20 can be integrally formed, integrally connected, or include fastening elements and / or instruments.

[0029] In one embodiment, Figure 1-17 As shown, bedding system 20 includes a box layer 22, a capacitor layer 24 positioned above box layer 24, and a mattress layer 26 positioned above capacitor layer 24. Mattress layer 26 includes a sleeping surface 28. As discussed herein, if the temperature near sleeping surface 28 deviates from a user-selected temperature, bedding system 20 will generate negative pressure, thereby drawing air away from sleeping surface 28.

[0030] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the casing layer 22 includes a shell 30 that is configured to support, enclose, and / or protect the other components of the casing layer 22 (e.g., one or more conduits 34). It is contemplated that the casing layer 22 and / or shell 30 can have any size or shape, depending on the requirements of a particular application. For example, the dimensions of the casing layer 22 and / or shell 30 can substantially conform to the size and shape of a particular mattress, such as a twin mattress, a queen mattress, a king mattress, etc. Each conduit 34 defines a channel 32. Each channel 32 communicates with an opening (e.g., an inlet 35 through a wall of the shell 30).

[0031] It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the housing 30 may include any number of ducts 34 (e.g., one duct 34, two ducts 34, three ducts 34, four ducts 34, five ducts 34, six ducts 34, seven ducts 34, eight ducts 34, nine ducts 34, ten ducts 34, etc.), with a first sidewall of the housing 30 including three spaced-apart inlets 35 and an opposing second sidewall of the housing 30 including three spaced-apart inlets 35. Each inlet 35 in the first sidewall is coaxial with one of the plurality of inlets 35 in the second sidewall. It is contemplated that the first sidewall of the housing 30 and the second sidewall of the housing 30 may each include one or more inlets 35. In some embodiments, at least one of the end walls of the housing 30 extending between the first and second sidewalls of the housing 30 includes one or more inlets 35 instead of or in addition to the inlets 35 in the first and / or second sidewalls. The passages 32 of the ducts 34 each communicate with one of the inlets 35, such that air within the passages 32 can be moved out of the housing 30 and into the area surrounding the bedding system 20 through the inlets 35. The conduits 34 each extend from a first end 36 coupled to an inlet 35 and an opposite second end 38. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the conduits 34 each include an arcuate portion between a first end 36 and a second end 38 such that the opening in the first end 36 extends perpendicular to the opening in the second end 38 .

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, capacitor layer 24 is positioned on top of tank layer 22 such that second ends 38 of conduits 34 are each coupled to outlet ports 42 of capacitor layer 24 such that openings in outlet ports 42 communicate with openings in second ends 38 of conduits 34 and passages 32. Figure 5 As shown, the outlet port 42 extends upward from the bottom surface 44 of the capacitor layer 24 and terminates before the top surface 46 of the capacitor layer 24. The top surface 46 and the bottom surface 44 define a hollow chamber (e.g., a cavity 48 between the top surface 46 and the bottom surface 44). Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a wall 50 divides the cavity 48 into a first portion 48a and a second portion 48b. In one embodiment, the wall 50 includes one of a plurality of openings 50a to allow air in the first portion 48a to enter the second portion 48b and vice versa. It should be noted that in order to view the contents of the first portion 48a, the Figure 5 4. A portion of top surface 46 covering first portion 48a of cavity 48 is removed. In one embodiment, first portion 48a is a mirror image of second portion 48b. In one embodiment, capacitor layer 24 does not include wall 50, and cavity 48 is a single cavity. That is, wall 50 does not divide cavity 48 into first portion 48a and second portion 48b.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the top surface 46 of the capacitor layer 24 includes a plurality of holes 56 associated with each outlet port 42. Figure 5 In one embodiment shown, the top surface 46 includes eight holes 56 for each outlet port 42. However, it is contemplated that the top surface 46 may include one or more holes 56 for each outlet port 42. Figure 6 As shown, capacitor layer 24 includes a plurality of airflow hole devices 58 extending upward from top surface 46 of capacitor layer 24. Airflow hole devices 58 are hollow and each is aligned with one of holes 56. Each airflow hole device 58 is aligned with one of holes 56. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the top surface 46 of the capacitor layer 24 includes a plurality of holes 56a located between the aligned outlet ports 42. It is contemplated that the top surface 46 may include one or more holes 56a located between each pair of aligned outlet ports 42. Figure 6 As shown, capacitor layer 24 includes a plurality of airflow hole devices 58a extending upwardly from top surface 46 of capacitor layer 24. Airflow hole devices 58a are hollow and are each aligned with one of holes 56a.

[0034] The mattress layer 26 is positioned on top of the capacitor layer 24 such that the airflow hole devices 58, 58a are aligned with the first holes 60 extending through the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26. The first hole 60 is in communication with one hole 56 and one outlet port 42, or with one hole 56a. The mattress layer 26 includes a plurality of groups of second holes 62, each group of second holes 62 being in communication with one first hole 60. That is, each first hole 60 is in communication with a plurality of second holes 62 that extend through the sleeping surface 28. The first holes 60 each have a diameter that is greater than the second holes 62, such that the diameter of the holes in the mattress layer 26 decreases and the number increases from the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26 to the sleeping surface 28. The first holes 60 each extend parallel to each second hole 62. In one embodiment, at least one second hole 62 is coaxial with a corresponding one of the first holes 60, and at least one second hole 62 is offset from the longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding one of the first holes 60. In one embodiment, as Figure 12As shown, each group of second holes 62 has a circular configuration, with one second hole 62 located at the center of the group, a first ring of second holes 62 extending radially around one second hole 62, and a second ring of second holes 62 extending radially around the first ring of second holes 62. In some embodiments, the mattress layer 26 includes only first holes 60, wherein each first hole 60 extends continuously through between the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26 and the sleeping surface 28 of the mattress layer 26. That is, the mattress layer 26 does not include second holes 62. In some embodiments, the mattress layer 26 includes only second holes 62, wherein each second hole 62 extends continuously through between the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26 and the sleeping surface 28 of the mattress layer 26. That is, the mattress layer 26 does not include first holes 60.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mattress layer 26 includes a plurality of cavities 64 extending perpendicular to the second aperture 62 (e.g., Figure 3 、 13 14 ), such that each cavity 64 extends through the plurality of second holes 62. Each cavity 64 is aligned with one outlet port 42. In one embodiment, each cavity 64 includes opposing linear portions and an arcuate portion therebetween (e.g., Figure 14 As shown). The linear portion acts as the tube / airflow channel portion, and the circular center or arcuate portion acts as the cavity space from which the air can be sucked away. In one embodiment, as shown Figure 14 As shown, each cavity 64 has an insert 66 disposed therein. In one embodiment, the insert 66 is made of foam rubber, such as reticulated foam rubber. In one embodiment, the cavities 64 each extend perpendicular to each second aperture 62. In one embodiment, the cavities 64 are located below the sleep surface 28. In one embodiment, the cavities 64 and inserts 66 are positioned to span multiple groups of second apertures 62 to provide a sufficiently large area to draw air from the sleep surface 38. In fact, if the cavities 64 are too small or too few, there is likely not enough area to draw air from the sleep surface 38, thereby reducing the amount of air entering the second apertures 62 from the sleep surface 38. The cavities 64 and inserts 66 allow air that moves perpendicular to the sleep surface 28 within the second apertures 62 to move parallel to the sleep surface 28 within the cavities 64 and inserts 66. For example, air moving vertically within one second hole 62 in a direction away from sleep surface 28 is allowed to enter one of cavities 64 and insert 66 and move laterally within cavity 64 and insert 66, allowing the air to continue moving vertically within the other second hole 62 in a direction away from sleep surface 28. That is, cavity 64 and insert 66 form a partially open cavity space that intersects with the plurality of second holes 62 to allow air to be drawn in from cavity 64. Cavity 64 and insert 66 are configured relative to the direction of the sleeper to be located near the head, torso, and feet of the sleeper, as these areas of the body are often affected by temperature increases and decreases.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mattress layer 26 is positioned directly on top of the box layer 22, such that the conduit's channel 32 is in fluid communication with the apertures 60 and / or apertures 62. That is, the bedding system 20 may not include the capacitor layer 24, such that the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26 is directly engaged with the outlet port 42. In some embodiments, the outlet port 42 may extend into and / or through the bottom surface of the mattress layer 26. As discussed herein, this configuration allows air above the sleep surface 28 to move through the apertures 60, 62 and then directly into the channel 32.

[0037] like Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the bedding system 20 includes a central vacuum system 68. The central vacuum system 68 includes a power unit 70, a conduit 72 having a first end 72a connected to the power unit 70 and a second end 72b connected to an outlet 74. The outlet 74 is configured to receive a first end 76a of a hose 76. Figure 15 As shown, the second end 76b of the hose 76 is configured to handle one of the inlets 35. In some embodiments, the second end 76b of the hose 76 is removably disposed in one of the inlets 35. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second end 76b includes outer threads that mate with the inner threads of one of the inlets to couple the second end 76b to the one of the inlets 35. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second end 76b engages the inner surface of one of the inlets in a snap-fit ​​or friction-fit configuration to couple the second end 76b to the one of the inlets 35. It is contemplated that the inlets 35 can each have mutually cooperating sizes and shapes to allow the second end 72b of the hose 76 to be positioned in one of the inlets 35. In some embodiments, the hose 76 and / or the second end 76b of the inlet 35 can have various configurations, such as oval, rectangular, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, variable, and / or tapered. In some embodiments, the second end 76b of the hose 76 is permanently fixedly disposed in one of the inlets 35. In some embodiments, at least one of the conduit 72 and the hose 76 is a tubular object, such as a flexible tube.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 includes one or more covers or covers 92 configured to cover any unused inlets 35. Figure 15As shown, a cover or covering 92 can be coupled to one or more inlets 35 that do not include the second end 76b of the hose 76 disposed therein to prevent air from flowing into or out of the passage 32 of the conduit 34 through the unused inlet 35. In some embodiments, the covering 92 completely prevents air from flowing into or out of the passage 32 of the conduit 34 through the unused inlet 35. In some embodiments, the covering 92 may each be connected to one inlet 35, for example, integrally, integrally, frictionally, threadedly, mutually grooved, screws, adhesives, nails, barbs and / or raised elements. In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 includes only one inlet 35. In some embodiments, wherein the bedding system 20 includes only one inlet 35, multiple conduits 34 are each connected to one inlet 35. This can eliminate the need to use a covering 92 to cover the unused inlets 35.

[0039] Power unit 70 includes a motor configured to generate negative pressure (e.g., a vacuum) to provide suction within hose 76 when the motor is in the on position. When the motor is turned from the on position, the suction ceases. Specifically, power unit 70 is configured to generate a vacuum that draws air from sleep surface 28 and moves the air through apertures 60, 62 and into cavity 48, where it passes through a conduit 34 and into hose 76 through an inlet 35. This moves heated air away from sleep surface 28, thereby providing a cooling effect on sleep surface 28. For example, the temperature of sleep surface 28 may rise due to a person's body heat, creating an uncomfortable sleeping environment. By turning the motor of power unit 70 from the off position to the on position, the temperature of sleep surface 28 can be lowered, causing power unit 70 to generate a vacuum that draws heated air from sleep surface 28 and moves the air through apertures 60, 62 and into cavity 48, where it passes through a conduit 34 and into hose 76 through an inlet 35.

[0040] In some embodiments, the power unit 70 includes sensors (e.g. Figure 14, such as a power sensor 86. The power sensor 86 is configured to move the motor between an on and off position. It is contemplated that the bedding system 20 may include a remote control that communicates with the power sensor 86 to turn the motor on and off. For example, if a sleeper wants to lower the temperature of the sleeping surface 28, the sleeper may use the remote control to turn the motor of the power unit 70 from an off position to an on position, causing the power unit 70 to create a vacuum that draws warm air from the sleeping surface 28 and moves the air through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48, causing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and enter the hose 76 through an inlet 35. When the sleeping surface 28 reaches a comfortable temperature, the sleeper may operate the remote control to turn the motor of the power unit 70 from an on position to an off position to terminate any suction created by the power unit 70 to prevent air from being drawn from the sleeping surface 28 and moving through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48, causing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and enter the hose 76 through an inlet 35. In some embodiments, the remote control is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the remote control is a tablet or computer. In some embodiments, the remote control is voice activated to allow the sleeper to turn the motor on and off using voice commands, eliminating the need to grasp or otherwise touch the remote control.

[0041] In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 includes a temperature sensor 88 (e.g., Figure 1476 ). The temperature sensor 88 is configured to send a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the off position to the on position when the temperature sensor 88 detects a temperature below a threshold temperature. This allows the power unit 70 to create a vacuum that draws air from the sleeping surface 28 and moves the air through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48 so that the air passes through a conduit 34 and into the hose 76 through an inlet 35. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 88 is configured to send a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the on position to the off position when the temperature sensor 88 detects a temperature above a threshold temperature. This terminates any suction created by the power unit 70 to prevent air from being drawn from the sleeping surface 28 and moving through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48 so that the air passes through a conduit 34 and into the hose 76 through an inlet 35. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 88 is part of the thermostat. That is, the bedding system 20 can be integrated with an existing thermostat in a home or other building so that the thermostat sends a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the off position to the on position when the thermostat detects a temperature below a threshold temperature. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the thermostat detects a temperature above a threshold temperature, the thermostat can send a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the on position to the off position. This allows the motor of the power unit 70 to automatically turn on and off based on the room temperature detected by the thermostat. It is contemplated that the thermostat can also regulate the temperature of one or more rooms in a building or other structure by, for example, turning the HVAC system on and off.

[0042] In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 includes a pressure sensor 90 (e.g., Figure 2 ). The pressure sensor 90 is in communication with the temperature sensor 88. The pressure sensor 90 can be placed within the mattress layer 26 so that the pressure sensor 90 can detect when a person is lying on the sleep surface 28. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 90 is located below a cavity 64. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 90 is located above a cavity 64. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 90 is located within a hole 60 and / or hole 64. In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 includes two or more pressure sensors 90. It is contemplated that one of the pressure sensors 90 can be located on one side of the mattress layer 26 and the other pressure sensor can be located on the other side of the mattress layer 26 (e.g., Figure 2). This allows one pressure sensor 90 to be located beneath a person sleeping on the left side of the mattress layer 26, while another pressure sensor 90 is located beneath a person sleeping on the right side of the bed. The pressure sensors 90 are configured to send a signal to the temperature sensor 88 when the pressure sensors 90 detect a person lying on the sleep surface 28. For example, the temperature sensor 88 can remain off until one of the pressure sensors 90 sends a signal to the temperature sensor 88 to turn the temperature sensor 88 on. Once the temperature sensor 88 turns on after receiving a signal from one of the pressure sensors 90, the temperature sensor 88 will send a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the off position to the on position when the temperature sensor 88 detects a temperature below a threshold temperature, and / or send a signal to the power sensor 86 to move the motor from the on position to the off position when the temperature sensor 88 detects a temperature above a threshold temperature. Thus, when no person is lying on the sleep surface 28, the pressure sensors 90 prevent the motor of the power unit 70 from turning on.

[0043] In some embodiments, hose 76 includes a switch in communication with the motor of power unit 70. The switch is configured to move the motor between an on and off position. For example, if a sleeper desires to lower the temperature of sleep surface 28, the sleeper can operate the switch on hose 76 to turn the motor of power unit 70 from an off position to an on position, causing power unit 70 to generate a vacuum that draws warm air from sleep surface 28 and moves the air through holes 60, 62 and into cavity 48, causing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and into hose 76 through an inlet 35. When sleep surface 28 reaches a comfortable temperature, the sleeper can operate the switch on hose 76 to turn the motor of power unit 70 from an on position to an off position, terminating any suction generated by power unit 70 and preventing air from being drawn from sleep surface 28 and moving through holes 60, 62 and into cavity 48, causing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and into hose 76 through an inlet 35.

[0044] In one embodiment, Figure 16 and 17 As shown, the duct 72 includes a flap 78 positioned therein. The flap 78 is movable (eg, between a first configuration in which the flap 78 blocks air flow through the duct 72) and a second configuration in which the flap 78 allows air flow through the duct 72. Figure 17When the flaps 78 are in the first configuration, there is no suction within the hose 70 to prevent air from being drawn from the sleeping surface 28 and moving through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48, allowing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and into the hose 76 through an inlet 35. When the flaps 78 are in the second configuration, the vacuum created by the power unit 70 draws warm air from the sleeping surface 28 and moves the air through the holes 60, 62 and into the cavity 48, allowing the air to pass through a conduit 34 and into the hose 76 through an inlet 35. It is contemplated that the flaps 78 can be moved between the first and second configurations via a wired connection or wirelessly. For example, the sleeper can operate a switch, remote control, etc. to move the flaps 78 from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby drawing warm air away from the sleeping surface 28. In some embodiments, a gasket or O-ring can be provided around all or part of the flaps 78 so that when the flaps are in the first configuration, the gasket or O-ring forms an airtight seal with the inner surface of the conduit 72.

[0045] In some embodiments, as Figure 14 As shown, the outlet 74 includes a switch 80. The switch 80 is configured to move the flap 78 between a first and a second configuration. In one embodiment, when the flap 78 is in the second configuration, the switch 80 is in an extended orientation, and when the flap 78 is in the first configuration, the switch 80 is in a retracted orientation. In some embodiments, the switch 80 is biased toward the extended orientation, so that the sleeper must move the switch 80 from the retracted orientation to the extended orientation in order to move the flap 78 from the first configuration to the second configuration. In some embodiments, the switch 80 can be moved from the retracted orientation to the extended orientation by separating the cover 82 of the outlet 74 from the body 84 of the outlet 74. That is, the cover 82 can be rotated relative to the body 84 so that the cover 82 no longer presses into the switch 80. In some embodiments, the switch 80 can be moved from the extended orientation to the retracted orientation by rotating the cover 82 relative to the body 84 so that the cover engages the switch 80 and presses the switch 80 inwardly into the retracted orientation.

[0046] In some embodiments, the switch 80 is configured to move the motor of the power pack 70 from the off position to the on position, thereby lowering the temperature of the sleeping surface 28 and causing the power pack 70 to create a vacuum that draws heated air from the sleeping surface 28 and moves the air through the apertures 60, 62 and into the cavity 48, where it passes through a conduit 34 and into the hose 76 through an inlet 35. For example, the switch 80 can be moved from a recessed orientation to an extended orientation by separating the cover 82 of the outlet 74 from the body 84 of the outlet 74 to move the motor of the power pack 70 from the off position to the on position. That is, the cover 82 can be rotated relative to the body 84 so that the cover 82 no longer presses against the switch 80. In some embodiments, the switch 80 can be moved from the extended orientation to the recessed orientation by rotating the cover 82 relative to the body 84 so that the cover engages the switch 80 and presses the switch 80 inwardly into the recessed orientation, thereby moving the motor of the power pack 70 from the on position to the off position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the bedding system 20 is configured for use with a pre-existing HVAC system in a building or other structure. Specifically, a first end of a hose (e.g., hose 76) can be connected to a duct of the HVAC system, and a second end of the hose can be connected to an inlet 35. This will allow air to move from the duct of the HVAC system through an inlet 35 into a channel 32 of a duct 34. The air will move from the channel 32 into the cavity 48 of the capacitor layer 24. The air will move through the holes 60, 62 and exit the hole 62 through an opening extending through the sleeping surface 28. This allows cool or hot air from the HVAC system to circulate over the sleeping surface 28 to heat or cool the sleeping surface 28. This may help maintain the air temperature near the sleeping surface 28 at the same or substantially the same temperature as the air temperature in the room or other area where the components of the bedding system 20 (e.g., the mattress layer 26) are located.

[0048] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified in various ways. For example, the features of any one embodiment may be combined with the features of any other embodiment. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as illustrations of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a state, the method comprising: Providing a piece of bedding, the piece of bedding comprising an uppermost surface and an opposite lowermost surface, the piece of bedding comprising a mattress and a base, the mattress comprising a sleeping surface defining the uppermost surface, the base defining the lowermost surface and comprising an inlet spaced from the mattress; providing a connection from a vacuum device to the inlet, at least part of the connection being located on the exterior of the piece of bedding; sending a first signal via a first sensor to a second sensor to cause the second sensor to move from a closed position to an open position, the first sensor and the second sensor both being operatively associated with the piece of bedding; determining a value of a condition surrounding the entrance using the second sensor when the second sensor is in the open position; as well as A second signal is sent to the vacuum device via the second sensor to cause the vacuum device to draw air from the sleep surface through the inlet, thereby changing the value of the condition of the sleep surface. The method of claim 1 , wherein the state is temperature and the value is in degrees.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition is temperature and the value is a degree, the vacuum device drawing air from the sleep surface to change the value from a first degree to a second degree less than the first degree. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor and the second sensor is a temperature sensor. 5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending a third signal to the vacuum device via the second sensor to cause the vacuum device to stop drawing air from the sleep surface.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the piece of bedding includes a conduit extending from the inlet into a cavity of the mattress.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second sensor is configured to activate the vacuum device when the value exceeds a selected threshold.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the vacuum device is part of a central vacuum system.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inlet is in communication with a cavity of the piece of bedding.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the vacuum device includes a motor, and the second signal activates the motor to cause the vacuum device to generate negative pressure that draws air from the sleep surface.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sleep surface includes a plurality of holes in communication with the vacuum device.

12. A method for regulating temperature, the method comprising: Providing a piece of bedding, the piece of bedding comprising an uppermost surface and an opposite lowermost surface, the piece of bedding comprising a mattress and a base, the mattress comprising a cushion pad, the cushion pad comprising a sleeping surface defining the uppermost surface, the base defining the lowermost surface and comprising an inlet spaced apart from the cushion pad; providing a connection from a vacuum device to the inlet, at least part of the connection being located on the exterior of the piece of bedding; sending a first signal to a temperature sensor via a pressure sensor to cause the temperature sensor to move from a closed position to an open position, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor both being operatively associated with the piece of bedding; determining a temperature surrounding the inlet using the temperature sensor when the temperature sensor is in the open position; as well as A second signal is sent to the vacuum device via the temperature sensor to cause the vacuum device to draw air from the sleep surface through the inlet to reduce the temperature of the sleep surface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to activate the vacuum device when the temperature exceeds a selected temperature.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising sending a third signal to the vacuum device via the temperature sensor to cause the vacuum device to stop drawing air.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the vacuum device comprises a motor, and the motor is activated via a signal sent via a remote controller to cause the vacuum device to generate negative pressure to draw air.

16. A method for regulating temperature, the method comprising: A bedding article is provided, the bedding article comprising an uppermost surface and an opposite lowermost surface, the bedding article comprising a cushion pad and a base, the cushion pad defining the uppermost surface, the base defining the lowermost surface and comprising an inlet spaced from the cushion pad, the bedding article comprising a duct extending from the inlet to a cavity of the cushion pad; providing a connection from the vacuum device to the cushioning pad, at least a portion of the connection being located on the exterior of the piece of bedding; sending a first signal to a temperature sensor via a pressure sensor to cause the temperature sensor to move from a closed position to an open position, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor both being operatively associated with the piece of bedding; sending a second signal to the vacuum device via the temperature sensor to cause the vacuum device to draw air to reduce the temperature; as well as A third signal is sent to the vacuum device via the remote controller to enable the vacuum device to generate negative pressure to draw air from the cushion cavity through the inlet, thereby reducing the temperature of the cushion cavity.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising sending a fourth signal to the vacuum device via the remote control to stop any negative pressure generated by the vacuum device.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a remote control for the piece of bedding and the second sensor is a temperature sensor.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the pressure sensor is a remote control for the piece of bedding.

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