Automated bed or baby cot

Abstract

To provide a bed, particularly a baby cot, with features for adaptation to variations in temperature and humidity.SOLUTION: A bed is provided, comprising a sleeping surface and an elevation mechanism arranged to control the elevation of the sleeping surface. The bed further comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to measure temperature in the environment surrounding the bed and / or at least one humidity sensor configured to measure humidity in the environment surrounding the bed. The elevation mechanism is configured to alter the height of the sleeping surface based on signals from the at least one temperature sensor and / or the at least one humidity sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to beds with temperature and humidity control, including but not limited to cots for infants and young children. [Background technology]

[0002] Everyone needs sleep. Good sleep is most easily achieved in comfortable environmental conditions. Being too hot, too cold, or too humid can disrupt sleep.

[0003] Adults have many means by which they can control temperature or humidity while they sleep. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers are known, as are temperature control methods ranging from simple blankets to more complex electric blankets or central heating. There are a variety of means by which adults (and even children who are well instructed) can control these methods.

[0004] However, infants cannot be expected to understand how to adjust a thermostat or calibrate a humidifier to regulate the temperature in their sleep area. Also, providing heating in an infant's cot is unsafe. While an adult or competent child would not (for example) bite an electric blanket or touch an electric heater, infants cannot be expected to understand the dangers associated with such actions.

[0005] This problem is compounded by the fact that infants are typically more sensitive than adults to small changes in environmental temperature or humidity. And what may be perfectly tolerable to an infant's caregiver can be very uncomfortable for the infant himself. A competent caregiver will ensure that an infant's room is not too cold or too hot, but even so, infants may become uncomfortable with small fluctuations in temperature or humidity and cry out to their caregiver. The caregiver must then discern whether the infant's crying is due to discomfort, hunger, thirst, or simply a desire for attention.

[0006] Similarly, there may be situations where an adult or older child could benefit from a bed that can be adjusted accordingly to the outside temperature and humidity. Sick, disabled, injured, elderly, or frail people may find it substantially more difficult to take appropriate measures themselves. Furthermore, because uninterrupted sleep is more restful than intermittent sleep, it is clearly preferable for a bed to be adjustable to the outside temperature and humidity without the user having to get up to make such adjustments.

[0007] Note that the temperature and humidity in a room are not uniform: warm air rises and cool air falls, so there is a temperature and humidity gradient in the room from the floor up. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention therefore provides a bed comprising a sleeping surface, a lifting mechanism arranged to control the raising and lowering of the sleeping surface, and at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one humidity sensor, wherein the lifting mechanism varies the height of the sleeping surface based on signals from the sensors.

[0009] The sensors are configured to detect the temperature (in the case of a temperature sensor) and humidity (in the case of a humidity sensor) in the environment surrounding the bed, for example the room in which the bed is located or the immediate area surrounding the bed if the bed is located outdoors. Preferably, these sensors are configured to make these measurements at the level of the sleeping surface.

[0010] The bed according to the present invention may be suitable for any type of sleeper. The bed may preferably be a baby bed.

[0011] Advantageously, the present invention does not require the inclusion of any mechanical or electrical features within the cot or bed, ensuring the safety of the sleeper.

[0012] Advantageously, the present invention allows for subtle temperature regulation without directly incorporating heat generating means, further enhancing safety for the sleeper.

[0013] Advantageously, the present invention allows for minor adjustments of temperature and humidity by simply mechanically raising and lowering the cradle or bed, and therefore requires less energy than dedicated heaters or humidifiers.

[0014] Typical cradles and beds have a flat sleeping surface, which may also be the case in the present invention. Alternately, a preferred feature is that the sleeping surface can be tilted. Advantageously, this can improve blood circulation for the sleeping infant or person.

[0015] A typical sleeper includes a peripheral wall to prevent an infant from exiting the sleeper without the assistance of a caregiver. If such a peripheral wall is present, the peripheral wall defines an opening through which an infant may be placed in or removed from the sleeper. Preferably, a sleeper according to the present invention may also include a peripheral wall whose elevation is controlled by a lifting mechanism (the sleeping surface can be raised and lowered independently of the peripheral wall, but this requires the peripheral wall to be taller and may result in pinched or injured fingers if the mechanism is activated when an infant, out of curiosity, places their hand at the interface between the sleeping surface and the peripheral wall).

[0016] Advantageously, the sleeper according to the invention may further comprise a cover that can be placed over the opening, which may for example be a moisture-permeable cover for further humidity control, or a shade to shield the baby from bright light.

[0017] Advantageously, a sleeper or bed according to the invention may further comprise a weight sensor arranged to detect when a user is bearing weight on the sleeping surface or when an infant is placed on the sleeping surface. If a weight sensor is present, the sleeper or bed may advantageously be arranged so that the lifting mechanism only operates when the weight sensor detects that a baby is placed on the sleeping surface or a user is bearing weight on the sleeping surface. This increases the safety of the sleeper by ensuring that the mechanism will not operate when the baby or user is outside the sleeper, preventing the baby or user from being injured by the operating mechanism.

[0018] It is envisioned that a bed according to the present invention will have application in many environments, including but not limited to childcare / daycare, the hotel industry, and healthcare.

[0019] The medical benefits that can result from a bed according to the present invention are obtained by helping to control the temperature and / or humidity surrounding the person sleeping in the bed, which can be important in any medical situation where careful control of environmental factors surrounding the patient is essential. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a plot of temperature measurements at different elevation heights in a room over a period of time. [Figure 2] 1 is a plot of humidity measurements at different elevation heights in a room over a period of time. [Figure 3] 1 shows an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating preferred features; [Figure 4] 1 shows an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating preferred features; [Figure 5] 1 shows an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating preferred features; [Figure 6] 1 shows an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating preferred features; [Figure 7] 1 shows an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating preferred features; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] FIG. 1 shows temperature measurements taken in a typical bedroom over the period from 12:43 PM on September 25, 2018 (far left on the graph) to 4:39 PM on September 28, 2018 (far right). Two sensors were used to measure the temperature. The lower sensor was set at a height typical of most infant cribs. Readings from the lower sensor are represented by the dashed line on the graph. The upper sensor was set at a typical elevation height achievable with the present invention. Readings from the upper sensor are represented by the solid line on the graph. As is evident from these readings, in a typical bedroom, temperature varies with elevation above floor level, both in terms of the temperature achieved (at some points, there is a 1.5°C temperature difference between sensor readings) and the temperature constancy (the upper sensor detects relatively rapid temperature fluctuations over time compared to the lower sensor).

[0022] Figure 2 shows humidity measurements made in the same bedroom over the same period, using a humidity sensor at the same height as the temperature sensor used to generate the graph in Figure 1. Again, the lower sensor readings are represented by the dashed line, and the upper sensor readings are represented by the solid line. As is evident from these readings, the humidity is less constant at higher elevations in the room (the upper sensor registers a larger drop), and at higher elevations, the humidity drops before being detected by the lower elevations, and does not rise until the lower elevations indicate an increase in humidity.

[0023] These tests demonstrate that temperature, humidity, or both can be a function of altitude, even in a typical room size in a typical home. Note that the subject rooms were carpeted. It can be expected that the effects of altitude may be greater in rooms with linoleum or ceramic tile floors, for example. The aim of the present invention is to provide a more comfortable sleep experience for sleepers by providing a bed that can automatically adjust its height to reflect changes in temperature and humidity. This feature is particularly useful for infant sleepers, as infants are typically less able to adjust to account for such changes in their surroundings. However, other individuals may also benefit from this feature, and beds for adults and older children incorporating the features of the present invention are also envisioned.

[0024] 3-7 show an infant sleeper according to the present invention, illustrating various preferred features. The sleeper shown incorporates a cover 2, a peripheral wall 4, a sleeping surface 6 surrounded by the peripheral wall 4, and an automatic lifting mechanism 8 arranged to lift the sleeping surface 6 and the peripheral wall 4. The automatic lifting mechanism 8 shown is a scissor action mechanism, although any other lifting mechanism, such as a telescoping linear actuator, could be used with the present invention, provided it is controllable to raise and lower the sleeping surface 6 in response to temperature or humidity sensor data.

[0025] Advantageously, the cover 2 is disposed on a frame 10 having a telescoping linear actuator 12, which allows the cover to be lowered (manually or automatically) to surround the cot, thus preventing an infant from climbing over the cot and falling to the floor when the cot is in the raised position. A cover that rises and falls in this manner, of course, does not constitute the only means by which such a cover can be implemented. A cover provided as an entirely separate part, or a cover configured to slide over an opening defined by the upper part of the peripheral wall 4, would also be effective. If a cover is provided, the only requirement for the cover is that it be suitable for placement over the opening defined by the peripheral wall to prevent an infant from climbing over the cot.

[0026] Preferably, the cover 2 and peripheral wall 4 are provided with perforated fabric and are positioned on the respective frames 10, 14. The perforated fabric allows air flow through the sleeper to prevent it from becoming too hot and also allows light in.

[0027] Optionally, the cover 2 may also include a feature that allows an infant to be placed onto the cover 2 for changing the infant's diaper.

[0028] In the illustrated example of the infant crib according to the present invention, the automatic lifting mechanism 8 is surrounded by a protective casing 16 and a spring-loaded roll-up fabric cover 18, which is attached to the peripheral wall 4 and / or the peripheral wall frame 14 and / or the protective casing 16, so that when the automatic lifting mechanism 8 raises the crib, the spring-loaded roll-up fabric cover 18 extends into the gap between the peripheral wall 4 or its frame 14 and the protective casing 16. This prevents the baby from directly touching the mechanism, thereby improving safety. If, as in the illustrated crib, the cover 2 and / or its frame 10 are above a telescopic linear actuator 12 or some other mechanism for raising and lowering the cover, this mechanism can also be surrounded by a protective casing 16 for similar safety reasons.

[0029] In the illustrated example of an infant sleeper according to the present invention, the sleeper also includes the optional and preferred feature of having a set of telescoping linear actuator legs 20 that can be extended manually or automatically. If these legs 20 are automatically extendable, the legs 20 can provide additional height. If the legs 20 are manually extendable, the legs 20 can be extended independently of the sleeper's automated system to provide additional height as needed or to accommodate uneven floors.

[0030] Other lifting mechanisms can also be used. The lifting mechanism can incorporate features configured or attached to the ground, or to the floor, wall, or ceiling of the room in which the bed according to the invention is placed. For example, the sleeping surface of the bed can be suspended from the ceiling of the room by an extendable support or by a rope and pulley system, allowing the sleeping surface to be raised and lowered. Alternatively or additionally, the lifting mechanism can utilize air, for example, in a pneumatic system or in an inflatable component of the bed.

[0031] The lifting mechanism according to the present invention is automatically controlled by sensor signals and is in this respect a so-called "smart" system. In some beds according to the present invention, the lifting mechanism may also be manually controllable, either directly or by a remote control, a smartphone app, or any other means by which a user can activate the lifting mechanism to raise or lower the sleeping surface to the level desired by the user.

[0032] Not shown in the drawings are temperature and / or humidity sensors. Preferably, these sensors are incorporated into the perimeter frame 14, preferably at its four corners, so that temperature and / or humidity readings so produced can reflect the temperature or humidity at or near the level of the sleeping surface 6.

Claims

1. 1. A bed comprising a sleeping surface and a lifting mechanism arranged to control the elevation and lowering of the sleeping surface, the bed further comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature in an environment surrounding the bed and / or at least one humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity in the environment surrounding the bed; The bed, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to vary the height of the sleeping surface based on signals from the at least one temperature sensor and / or the at least one humidity sensor.

2. The bed of claim 1 , wherein the environment surrounding the bed includes a room in which the bed is located.

3. The bed of claim 1 , wherein the environment surrounding the bed includes the area immediately outside the bed.

4. Bed according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one temperature sensor and / or the at least one humidity sensor are configured to perform measurements at the level of the sleeping surface.

5. A bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sleeping surface is inclined at an angle from the horizontal.

6. further comprising a user control mechanism; 6. The bed of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user control mechanism is configured to instruct the lifting mechanism to raise or lower the sleeping surface to a specified height upon receiving a signal from the user control mechanism.

7. The bed of claim 6 , wherein the user controls include at least one of physical buttons on the bed, a remote control, or a smartphone app.

8. A bed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bed is a baby bed.

9. 10. The infant sleeper of claim 8, further comprising a peripheral wall defining an opening.

10. 10. An infant sleeper according to claim 9, wherein the lifting mechanism is also arranged to control the raising and lowering of the peripheral wall.

11. 11. An infant sleeper according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a cover positionable over the opening.

12. An infant sleeper as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a weight sensor positioned to detect when an infant is on the sleeping surface.

13. 13. The infant sleeper of claim 12, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to operate only when the weight sensor detects an infant on the sleeping surface.

14. A method for operating a bed according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: a) receiving a signal from at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one humidity sensor; b) transmitting a signal to a lift mechanism and causing the lift mechanism to adjust the height of the sleeping surface in response to the signal; A method comprising:

15. A control system for a bed according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a processor, said processor being configured to carry out the method of claim 14.

16. 16. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program code that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of claim 15.

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