Bed temperature regulating system and assembly

Abstract

A temperature regulating system for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed arranged on a support surface, the system comprising: an air delivery unit having: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a fan for drawing air in through the air inlet and delivering the drawn air out of the air outlet; and a stand having: a base configured to be at least partially receivable between the bed and the support surface therebeneath; and an upright extending from the base for supporting the air delivery unit such that the air inlet is elevated above the support surface and the air outlet is positioned to deliver air across the sleeping surface of the bed.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Bed temperature regulating system and assembly

[0003] The disclosures of the complete specifications of Australian provisional patent application nos. 2024904008, 2025902097, and 2025904129 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a temperature regulating system and assembly, and more particularly, to a system and associated assembly for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] A comfortable sleeping temperature is important for sleep onset and sleep quality. Many people find it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, particularly in shared beds where different occupants prefer different thermal conditions. Conventional approaches to temperature regulation include adjusting the ambient room temperature using air conditioning, opening or closing windows, or adding or removing blankets. These approaches can be slow to take effect, can affect the entire room rather than the occupant’s immediate sleeping environment, and may not accommodate different thermal preferences of multiple occupants.

[0008] Bed-specific temperature regulation products have been proposed, including systems that deliver cooled or heated air into the bedding. A common architecture for such systems places a relatively large fan or thermal conditioning unit on the floor, with an air duct or hose that directs air into the bedding. These systems can be bulky, may occupy floor space in an already crowded bedroom, and may be inconvenient to move or store. The floor-standing unit and attached duct can also present a trip hazard.

[0009] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature regulating system for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed arranged on a support surface, the system comprising: an air delivery unit having: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a fan for drawing air in through the air inlet and delivering the drawn air out of the air outlet; and a stand having: a base configured to be at least partially receivable between the bed and the support surface therebeneath; and an upright extending from the base for supporting the air delivery unit such that the air inlet is elevated above the support surface and the air outlet is positioned to deliver air across the sleeping surface of the bed. It will be appreciated that the support surface can be any surface or material which substantially underlies the bed, such as a bed frame, the floor, etc.

[0012] The air delivery unit and the upright may be releasably engageable with one another. For example, the air delivery unit and the upright may be magnetically engageable with one another.

[0013] The system may further comprise a retention means configured to: retain engagement between the upright and the air delivery unit; and when a load applied to the air delivery unit causes disengagement thereof from the upright, retain the air delivery unit to the upright such that the air delivery unit remains elevated above the support surface.

[0014] It is envisaged that the retention means may comprise a resilient band configured to strap the air delivery unit and the upright together.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the air delivery unit comprises a channel for receiving at least a portion of a first side of the upright, and the band is configured to strap around the air delivery unit and an opposite second side of the upright so as to at least partially enclose the channel and retain the upright therein.

[0016] The band may be manually graspable so as to be urgeable away from the air delivery unit around which the band is strapped, thereby creating sufficient space to permit insertion or removal of the upright relative to the channel.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, bedding draped over the air delivery unit can be tucked between the air delivery unit and the band.

[0018] In certain examples, the retention means may be configured to retain a filter proximate the air inlet of the air delivery unit for filtering air drawn therethrough.

[0019] The upright may be extendable to permit adjustment of a height of the air delivery unit above the support surface. In certain examples, the upright may be pivotable, relative to the base, between: a deployed position in which the upright extends upwardly from the base; and a stowed position in which the upright is at least partially received against the base. In at least one embodiment, the system may comprise magnetic means for retaining the upright in the stowed position.

[0020] The system may be configured such that, in use, the upright is configured to collapse toward the stowed position from the deployed position in response to excessive load applied to the air delivery unit in a direction of the bed.

[0021] The disclosed system may comprise angle adjustment means for adjusting an angle of the upright relative to the base. In certain examples, the angle adjustment means comprises a spacer movably disposed along the upright. The spacer may be positionable between the upright and the base to alter the angle therebetween.

[0022] Systems embodying the presently disclosed subject matter may also comprise fan repositioning means configured to be manually actuated to reseat a hub of the fan if displaced from an operating position. In certain examples, the presently disclosed system may further comprise an inlet grille proximate the air inlet. In such examples, the fan repositioning means may comprise a projection extending from the inlet grille toward the hub.

[0023] It is considered that in certain systems embodying the presently disclosed subject matter, the air outlet is configured to extend along a first axis that is substantially aligned with the sleeping surface of the bed. In certain embodiments, the air inlet extends along a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature regulating assembly for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed arranged on a support surface, the assembly comprising: an air delivery unit having: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a fan for drawing air in through the air inlet and delivering the drawn air out of the air outlet; a stand having: a base configured to be at least partially receivable between the bed and the support surface therebeneath; and an upright extending from the base for supporting the air delivery unit such that, in use, the air inlet is elevated above the support surface and the air outlet is positionable to deliver air across the sleeping surface of the bed.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the air delivery unit and the upright are releasably engageable with one another. In such embodiments, the system may further comprise a retention means configured to: retain engagement between the upright and the air delivery unit; and when a load applied to the air delivery unit causes disengagement thereof from the upright, retain the air delivery unit to the upright such that the air delivery unit remains elevated above the support surface. The retention means may be configured to strap the air delivery unit and the upright together. For example, the retention means may comprise a resilient band.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an example bed temperature regulating system comprising an air delivery unit supported by a stand having an upright;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 ;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 in use;

[0031] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the stand of the system of FIG. 1 , the upright of the stand in a deployed position;

[0032] FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the stand of FIG. 4A with the upright in a stowed position;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 in use, wherein the air delivery unit is dislodged from but still retained to the upright of the stand;

[0034] FIG. 6A is a bottom perspective view of the air delivery unit of the system of FIG. 1 , a retention means thereof being omitted;

[0035] FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the retention means omitted from the air delivery unit of FIG. 6A;

[0036] FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of an inlet grille proximate a fan of the air delivery unit; and

[0037] FIG. 7B is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 7A.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Embodiments of the presently disclosed temperature regulating system and associated assembly are configured to deliver a controlled flow of air across a sleeping surface of a bed using a relatively compact air delivery unit that is supported at or near an upper edge of a mattress. Unlike conventional systems that rely on a large floor-standing unit and a flexible duct or hose, the present system integrates the fan and air outlet into a relatively small air delivery unit that can be positioned at the bedside and oriented to direct air across the sleeping surface and beneath any bedding. The disclosed system may be highly portable and may be powered from a low-voltage source, such as a power bank.

[0040] To support the air delivery unit at the bedside, the system uses a stand with a base that is receivable between a mattress and an underlying support surface, such as a bed frame or the ground, and an upright that extends upwardly from the base. In use, the base may be sandwiched in place between the mattress and the underlying support surface while the upright supports the air delivery unit such that it is elevated above the support surface. The air inlet is oriented generally aligned with a side of the bed, with its axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of the air outlet. A fan within the air delivery unit is configured to draw air through the inlet and deliver it through the outlet across the sleeping surface, for example into or under a sheet or quilt.

[0041] Because the fan is contained within the air delivery unit and the unit is located at or above the mattress level, the unit can be relatively top-heavy compared to the stand. The system therefore incorporates a connection architecture that is deliberately non-rigid. A complementary mechanical interface between the air delivery unit and the upright provides positive location in normal operation but is configured to release when loads above a predetermined level are applied, for example if the air delivery unit is knocked, walked into, or pulled by bedding. A retention means, such as a resilient band extending around the housing and the upright, may help retain the air delivery unit to the upright even when the mechanical interface releases, thereby preventing the air delivery unit from falling to the floor and thus reducing the likelihood of damage thereto.

[0042] In some fan constructions, particularly those using low-noise bearing arrangements, a significant impact or drop can cause a fan hub to move from its intended operative position relative to a motor. To address this, the air delivery unit further includes a fan repositioning mechanism accessible from the inlet side of the unit. This mechanism provides a user-actuated feature, such as a projection associated with an inlet grille or a button driving a reseating member, that can be pressed to urge the hub back into its operative position without disassembling the unit; the mechanism may also prevent separation by providing a stop limit. The depressible button or cap may extend beyond all other surfaces at the inlet of the fan and therefore may be first to contact the ground in the event that the air delivery unit falls to the floor, which contact may actuate the projection against the fan blade hub so as to prevent separation thereof. Together, the controlled break-away connection, retention means and fan repositioning mechanism enable a compact, bedside, fan-containing unit that is robust to the top-heavy, knock-prone environment in which it is used.

[0043] FIGs. 1 and 2 show different views of a temperature regulating system 2 according to the presently disclosed subject matter. The system comprises an air delivery unit 4 and a stand 6 that is configured to support the air delivery unit 4 at an edge region of a mattress 8. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the system 2 in-situ. The stand 6 includes an elongate base 10 which is generally flat and thin in profile, with dimensions chosen such that the base 10 can be inserted between the lower surface 12 of the mattress 8 and the support surface 14 (such as a bed frame or the ground). In use, the weight of the mattress 8 and any persons thereon clamps the base 10 between the mattress 8 and the support surface 14 so that the base 10 is held substantially fixed relative to the bed.

[0044] To improve stability in use, a friction-enhancing region can be provided on at least an upper side of the base 10. For example, with reference to FIG. 4A, the upper surface 15 of the base 10 can be provided with a high friction material, such as textured or ribbed gripping features 16. In this way, the base 10 may be more inclined to move with the mattress 8 rather than sliding relative to it.

[0045] In use, an upright 18 extends from the base 10 near or against an end or side 20 of the mattress 8, as shown in FIG. 3. The upright 18 may be attached to the base 10 via a hinge or pivot connection so that the upright 18 can pivot between a deployed position (FIG. 4A) and a stowed position (FIG. 4B). In the deployed position, the upright 18 extends generally upwardly from the base 10 and is configured to support the air delivery unit 4 above the support surface 14. In the stowed position, the upright 18 can be pivoted downwardly so that it lies against an upper region of the base 10. The depicted base 10 comprises a channel 22 shaped to receive the upright 18 in the stowed position so that, when folded flat, the upright 18 sits at least partially within the thickness of the base 10 for ease of storage.

[0046] The pivot between the upright 18 and the base 10 is preferably configured to provide sufficient resistance to rotation to hold the upright 18 in the deployed position under normal operating loads. This may be achieved by a friction hinge, detents, an over-centre mechanism, or a combination of these. However, the connection is intentionally not absolutely rigid. It is desirable that if the air delivery unit 4 is pushed towards the mattress 8, the upright 18 can yield and pivot towards the mattress 8 rather than transmitting high bending loads into the base 10 or upright 18. This controlled collapse can help prevent damage to the system 2. With reference to FIG. 3, the depicted air delivery unit 4 can pivot freely toward but not away from the mattress 8 to improve air delivery efficacy and reduce the profile of the air delivery unit 4 relative to the bed 8.

[0047] A retention element, such as a magnet or latch, may be provided to retain the upright 18 in the stowed position. This may simplify handling of the stand 6 for storage and may reduce accidental deployment. Other retention mechanisms are of course within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] The upright 18 is preferably extendable to accommodate different mattress 8 thicknesses and to position the air delivery unit 4 at an appropriate height relative to the sleeping surface 34 of the mattress 8. In the depicted embodiment, the upright 18 is telescopic, comprising multiple nested sections that can slide relative to each other along a longitudinal axis of the upright 18. It is considered that mating profiles such as splines, ribs, keys or flats may be used so that the sections cannot freely rotate relative to one another.

[0049] Height adjustment can be achieved by providing frictional engagement between the sections, for example via compressible inserts, interference fits, collars or clamps, or by using detents that engage in a series of discrete positions. The user can extend the upright 18 until the air delivery unit 4 sits at a desired position relative to the upper edge of the mattress 8 and then lock the upright 18 at that length. In certain embodiments, it is desirable not to lock a height of the telescoping upright 18 so that it can freely compress (e.g., if accidentally sat on), thereby mitigating damage to the air delivery unit 4 and / or stand 2 and injury to the user if the air delivery unit 4 is not engaged with the upright 18.

[0050] To provide additional control over the position and angle of the air delivery unit 4 relative to the mattress 8, an angle adjustment arrangement can be provided. Such angle adjustment may be provided to improve air delivery efficacy. For example, when the air outlet 38 of the unit 4 is further back from the of the mattress 8, more airflow may be lost back out the edge and does not reach the occupant. Additionally, it may be advantageous to position the air delivery unit 4 so that it has a lower profile relative to the edge of the mattress 8. By comparison, when the unit 4 sits further back it protrudes more and is more likely to get bumped into when walking around the bed. Aesthetics are also impacted with a larger profile visible under the blankets.

[0051] In the depicted embodiment, the angle adjustment arrangement comprises a spacer 24 to engage between a lower end of the upright 18 and a rear internal wall 26 of the base 10 of the stand 6. The depicted spacer 24 comprises a collar 28 configured to receive and slide along the upright 18, and a rearward angled wedge portion 30 which can selectively occupy a space 32 between the upright 18 and the rear internal wall 26 of the base 10. The angle adjustment arrangement, such as the spacer 28, may be formed from an elastomeric material to allow better retention between the upright 18 and the internal wall 26 of the base 10 as it can better conform between the contact surfaces and avoid sliding out of position due to increased friction.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows the spacer 24 in a raised position in which the wedge portion 30 is not occupying the space 32 between the upright 18 and the base 10, and thus the upright 18 is substantially perpendicular to the base 10. By comparison, FIG. 5 shows the spacer 24 in a lowered position in which a lower end of the wedge portion 30 occupies the space 32 between the upright 18 and the base 10, thereby angling the upright 18 to a slightly more acute angle relative to the base 10. Given the angled or tapered profile of the wedge portion 30, as it is slid lower down the upright 18, the wedge portion 30 is pushed further into the space 32 between the upright 18 and the base 10 so as to progressively reduce the angle of the upright 18 relative to the base 10 (e.g., tilt the upright 18 in the direction of the stowed position). It will be appreciated that the rear internal wall 26 of the base 10 and / or the spacer 24 (when lowered to occupy said space 32) functions to inhibit rearward pivoting of the upright 18 away from the direction of the mattress 8.

[0053] The air delivery unit 4 is carried by the upright 18 at or near an upper end region of the upright 18, adjacent an upper sleeping surface 34 of the mattress 8. The air delivery unit 4 comprises a duct-like housing 36 defining an air inlet 38 and an air outlet 40. A fan 42, such as an axial fan 42, is located in the housing 36 to draw air through the inlet and discharge air through the outlet 40.

[0054] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the axis of the air outlet 40 is substantially parallel to the plane of the sleeping surface 34, while the axis of the air inlet 38 is substantially orthogonal to that plane. The fan 42 provided with the air delivery unit 4 may be arranged so that its axis of rotation is generally aligned with the inlet axis, the air being redirected via the generally elbow-like bending geometry of the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4 so as to exit at the air outlet 40 at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the air inlet 38 axis.

[0055] The exterior of the shell-like housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4 is configured to interface comfortably with bedding 44 that may be draped thereover. In the depicted embodiment, a top surface 46 of the air delivery unit 4 may be gently curved, with rounded edges and a low profile so that bedding 44 can be draped thereover without creating an uncomfortable ridge.

[0056] The air inlet 38 is typically located at a lower rear portion of the air delivery unit 4. In use, the air inlet 38 axis is generally aligned with the end or side 20 of the bed and is configured to draw air in upwardly. An inlet grille 48 is provided at the air inlet 38 and helps to prevent ingress of fingers, bedding 44, and other objects, while offering low flow resistance. A filter element can be supported at or near the inlet, for example a mesh, non-woven or foam filter to capture dust and lint.

[0057] The air delivery unit 4 and the upright 18 are configured to be releasably engageable with one another. In particular, engagement between the unit 4 and the upright 18 is configured to be sufficiently reliable and secure so that the stand 6 can readily support the unit 4 during normal operating conditions. However, said engagement between the unit 4 and the upright 18 is considered to predictably release or detach if sufficient force or loading is applied to the unit 4 (e.g., if it is bumped, sat on etc.). As will be discussed, this deliberate disengagement helps to limit or prevent damage to the system 2, including the unit 4 and stand 6 thereof. In certain embodiments, the upright 18 and the unit 4 may be magnetically engaged with one another in a releasable manner, as will be discussed.

[0058] With reference to FIGs. 4A, and 6, the depicted upright 18 terminates in a shaped head 50 that engages in a complementary socket formed in the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4. In the depicted embodiment, the upright 18 head 50 is formed with splines 52 which can key into corresponding grooves 54 formed in a correspondingly shaped elongate channel 56 at a front ‘neck’ portion of the air delivery unit 4. When engaged, the air delivery unit 4 is configured to be rotationally locked to the upright 18. The depicted channel 56 with a grooved upper end 54 is formed at a front side of the air delivery unit 4 housing 36 which would ordinarily face the side or end 20 of the mattress 8. In the depicted embodiment, the head 50 is made of a non-rigid material such as an elastomer so it can deform relative to the socket grooves 54; this mechanism can facilitate the releasable engagement between the upright 18 and the unit 4.

[0059] Still referring to FIGs. 4A and 6, the head 50 of the upright 18 and an upper end of the channel 56 of the unit 4 are provided with cooperating magnetic means to enable magnetic engagement of the upright head 50 to the unit 4. In the depicted embodiment, a relatively strong magnet 55, such as a high-power neodymium magnet, is provided proximate an upper end of the socket-like channel 54 of the air delivery unit 4. Meanwhile, the head 50 of the upright 18 is provided with a correspondingly magnetic component for releasable engagement with the magnet 55. In the depicted embodiment, an upper end of the head 50 of the upright 18 is provided with a ferrous washer 57 which is configured to magnetically engage the magnet 55 of the unit 4. This magnetic engagement between the upright 18 and the unit 4 helps to limit vertical movement of the upright relative to the channel of the unit once connected. A minimum force is required to break the magnetic engagement between the upright 18 and the air delivery unit 4. This releasable engagement between the upright 18 and the unit helps ensure the unit 4 is not too easily lifted off the head 50 of the upright 18 (e.g., during sleep or when lightly bumped). It will be appreciated that the magnetic engagement is relatively weak when a shear force is applied. In this way, the magnetic attraction between the unit 4 and upright 18 is relatively strong to inhibit vertical displacement therebetween, but sufficiently weak to disengage in response to a sufficiently large shear force (e.g., when the unit 4 is bumped sufficiently hard).

[0060] The connection between the air delivery unit 4 and the upright 18 is not intended to be absolutely rigid. Because the air delivery unit 4 houses the fan 42 and associated components, it is relatively heavy compared to the stand 6 that it is supported by. When the unit 4 is located at or above the sleeping surface 34 of the mattress 8, it is therefore relatively top-heavy. In normal use this does not tend to be problematic, but if someone walks past and bumps the unit 4, it is accidentally sat on, or if bedding 44 exerts a pulling load on the housing 36, a rigid connection between the air delivery unit 4 and the upright 18 could be compromised and result in damage to the system 2. To address this, the engagement between the head 50 of the upright 18 and the channel 56 of the air delivery unit 4 is configured so that they will disengage from one another if loads above a predetermined threshold are applied. In other words, the engagement between the upright 18 and the unit 4 is intentionally breakable in a controlled way.

[0061] To ensure that the air delivery unit 4 does not simply fall to the ground when the aforementioned engagement between the upright 18 and the air delivery unit 4 is broken, a retention means is provided to help retain the air delivery unit 4 to the upright 18 even when the two are not engaged via the aforementioned head 50 and channel 56. With reference to FIG. 6B, the depicted retention means comprises a resilient band 58 which is formed to snugly fit and strap around the inlet portion of the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4.

[0062] In position, the band 58 also straps over the channel 56 of the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4 that is configured to receive the upright 18. In this way, the band 58 at least partially encloses the channel 56, thereby forming an elongate opening defined between the band and the channel 56 of the housing 36 for receiving the upright 18.

[0063] The band 58 is made from a deformable, elastic material such as silicone, rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. In the depicted embodiment, a front ‘bed-facing’ side wall

[0064] 61 of the band 58 is formed with a manually graspable tab 60. The user can grip this tab 60 and pull the band 58 away from the housing 36, thereby stretching the band 58 away from the underlying channel 56. In this way, when securing the upright 18 to the air delivery unit 4, the user can simply pull on the tab 60 to pull the band 58 away from the elongate channel 56, thereby creating a larger elongate opening between the band 58 and channel 56 into which the upright 18 can be inserted. Once the head 50 of the upright 18 is appropriately received in the channel 56 of the air delivery unit 4 housing 36, the tab 60 of the band 58 can be released so that the band 58 returns toward the housing 36 and snugly straps over the front side of the upright 18, thereby retaining its engagement with the air delivery unit 4. Similarly, the tab 60 can be manually pulled away from the housing 36 to enable release of the upright 18 from within the channel 56. In this way, the air delivery unit 4 can readily be disassembled from the stand 6 for ease of storage and / or transport.

[0065] Of course, in certain embodiments, it is envisaged that the air delivery unit 4 can be removed from the upright 18 without needing to pull on the tab 60 to increase the size of the elongate opening. In certain embodiments, a plastic component may be removably fixed to an interior of the band 58 proximate the channel 56 to facilitate sliding of the head 50 of the upright 18 into the socket head end of the channel 56 of the unit 4.

[0066] In the depicted embodiment, the resilient band 58 is formed as an endless, loop-like strap of deformable, elastic material that is sized to sit closely around the lower periphery of the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4. The depicted band 58 has sidewalls arranged in a generally square shape corresponding to the generally square-shaped outlet portion of the housing 36 of the air delivery unit 4. The band 58 comprises a lower central opening 59 which is aligned with and does not obstruct the air inlet 38 of the air delivery unit 4. Bottom internal comers of the depicted band 58 adjacent the central opening 59 are formed with webbed regions 63 configured to brace against corresponding bottom comers 37 of the outlet portion of the unit 4, thereby providing a tactile stop to the user indicating the band 58 has been sufficiently applied to the unit 4.

[0067] In use, the band 58 is stretched around the bottom portion of the housing 36 so that its central opening 59 aligns with and does not obstruct the air inlet 38. The front wall 61 of the band 58 passes over the elongate channel 56 that receives the head 50 of the upright 18. Once the upright 18 has been seated in the channel 56, the tab 60 of the band 58 can be released so that it elastically returns toward the housing 36 and straps over a front portion of the upright 18, thereby retaining the upright 18 in the channel 56. In this way, the band 58 encircles the lower air inlet portion of the housing 36 and provides a tensioned strap across the bottom front portion of the air delivery unit 4 so as to secure the unit 4 to the upright 18.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 5, when the air delivery unit 4 is knocked or pulled so that the head 50 of the upright 18 disengages from the channel 56 and the grooved recess thereof, the band 58 remains engaged around the upright 18 and housing 36. The air delivery unit 4 may move slightly relative to the upright 18 and may be supported primarily by the band 58 at this point. The elasticity of the band 58 allows it to absorb some of the kinetic energy of the movement, and the band 58 acts as a safety mechanism which catches the air delivery unit 4 so that it does not drop to the floor avoiding damage and waking the user.

[0069] The band 58 can serve additional functions. For example, a portion of the band 58 can be positioned close to the air inlet 38 so that it forms a pocket into which a filter element can be tucked and retained. This allows a user to substitute different filters — for example for pollen, dust or other particulates — without requiring modification of the inlet grille 48. Additionally, it is envisaged that bedding 44, such as a sheet or the edge of a duvet cover, can be tucked between the band 58 and the housing 36. This can help to create a better seal between the air outlet 40 and the bedding 44, encouraging air to flow under the bedding 44 rather than escaping directly into the room. It also serves to prevent lightweight bedding from being drawn into the inlet 38 and blocking airflow.

[0070] The presently disclosed system is designed to be portable and versatile in power supply. For example, the air delivery unit may house or may be connected to a control module that powers and controls the fan and any additional temperature conditioning elements. In one implementation, the system is powered by a low-voltage DC supply via a cable terminating in a USB-compatible connector, allowing it to be powered from a power bank or standard USB power adapter. It is envisaged that the fan speed may be controllable (e.g., via a remote or mobile phone).

[0071] In addition to moving air, the system can incorporate temperature conditioning elements. For example, a heating element can be arranged downstream of the fan so that heated air is delivered through the air outlet. A temperature sensor can be positioned at or near the outlet to measure the temperature of air delivered to the bed. A controller can then regulate heater power and fan speed to maintain the outlet temperature at or near a user-selected set-point.

[0072] Evaporative cooling can be implemented in several ways. For instance, an evaporative pad can be located in the air delivery unit and supplied with water from a reservoir. As air passes through or over the pad, water evaporates, absorbing heat from the air. The rate of evaporation, and hence the cooling effect, can be controlled by adjusting fan speed and water supply. In another variant, an ultrasonic diffuser creates a fine mist of water droplets that are entrained in the air stream. A humidity sensor can be used to prevent excessive humidification, and the system can adjust operation to strike a balance between cooling and humidity comfort. Control logic can determine when to activate or pulse the diffuser based on humidity set-points, temperature and time.

[0073] In certain embodiments, a user may define time-varying temperature set-point profiles over the course of a night. For example, a user may prefer to fall asleep in a cooler environment and then have the bed gradually warm towards morning. The mobile application or on-device interface can allow the user to define a profile in which the set-point temperature or a relative comfort scale changes as a function of time. This can be presented graphically, with the user able to drag points on a curve to adjust the profile.

[0074] The system can also learn from user behaviour. For instance, when operating in a profile mode, the system can record manual adjustments made by the user during the night, such as increases or decreases in the target temperature, changes in fan speed, or mode changes. Over multiple nights, these adjustments can be analysed to determine systematic patterns — for example, if the user consistently increases the temperature at a particular time or decreases the fan speed in certain conditions. Smoothing or curve-fitting techniques can be applied to the recorded adjustments to derive an updated profile that better matches the user’s preferences. Outliers, such as changes made during very unusual conditions or in response to one-off events, can be detected and ignored. The updated profile can then be used as the default for subsequent nights, with the user able to override or edit it at any time. Profile optimisation can be carried out entirely on the device, or data can be uploaded to a remote server for more sophisticated analysis, depending on privacy and connectivity requirements.

[0075] Temperature sensing can be implemented in various ways. A simple arrangement uses a sensor fixed within the air delivery unit, for example at the air outlet. This measures the temperature of air delivered to the bed. Other arrangements include a remote sensor placed in or under the bedding, closer to the occupant, to measure the temperature within the micro-environment between the occupant and the bedding. In yet other embodiments, the system can receive input from a wearable device that estimates body temperature or skin temperature, allowing the system to adjust operation based on the user’s physiological state. The controller may operate in an absolute temperature space or in a relative comfort space, for example mapping user selections such as “cooler” or “warmer” to changes in set-point.

[0076] For beds with more than one occupant, the system can support dual-zone operation. In one approach, a partitioning device is placed between the occupants, extending along the bed. The partition may be a flexible elongate element that is weighted or incorporates a fluid-filled bladder so that it rests securely between the occupants. It can be placed under a quilt cover or between layers of bedding. Fasteners such as buttons, clips, zips or hook-and-loop strips can be used to secure the partition to the bedding or to itself so that it stays in position. The partition helps to reduce mixing of air between sides of the bed so that one occupant’s temperature-conditioned air remains largely on their side. Two temperature regulating systems can be used, one on each side of the bed, with independent settings for each occupant. Alternatively, a single system on one side can provide targeted conditioning for one occupant while the partition reduces impact on the other. The partition device can also reduce draughts and provide a physical separation between the occupants if desired.

[0077] The design of the fan assembly within the air delivery unit may be influenced by acoustic, airflow, and reliability considerations. Fans using fluid or so-called hydraulic bearings can offer lower noise compared to fans with traditional ball bearings or sleeve bearings, especially at lower speeds. However, fluid bearing fans can be more sensitive to shock and may permit a degree of axial movement of the rotor relative to the stator. If the air delivery unit is dropped or subjected to a sharp impact, the fan hub can be displaced from its optimal operating position. In some cases, the fan may still rotate but with increased noise, rubbing, or reduced life; in other cases, the fan may fail to start.

[0078] High-performance bearing types can offer good noise performance but sleeve bearings are generally not suitable for horizontal mounting with airflow directed up or down as the lubricant is not distributed evenly as it pools at the bottom of the sleeve. Hydraulic bearings can get around this flaw by having channels cut into the bearing which ensure the lubricant is distributed up the bearing when it is mounted horizontally. Precision ball bearings offer good noise performance but the balls can be dented if the fan is dropped which can render them unsuitable for the present application. Hydraulic bearings are generally not damaged by shock but can be prone to separation of the blade hub from the motor mount.

[0079] To address this, a fan repositioning mechanism is incorporated. With reference to FIGs. 7A and 7B, the resilient inlet grille 48 is formed or fitted with a reseating projection 62 that extends towards the hub 64 of the fan 42. In normal operation, a gap exists between the projection 62 and the hub 64, so that the projection 62 does not interfere with airflow or fan 42 operation. If the fan 42 hub 64 is displaced towards the air inlet 38, the projection 62 can act as a travel stop, limiting movement and protecting surrounding components.

[0080] In the depicted embodiment, a depressible cap or button 66 is provided at a centre of the inlet grille 48. The cap 66 is in mechanical communication with the projection 62 located behind the grille 48 and aligned with the hub 64. When the cap 66 is pressed, the reseating projection 62 is configured to move toward the hub 64 and push it into the desired operating position. The resilient grille 48 returns the cap 66 and reseating projection 62 to their rest positions when manual pressure is released, so that the reseating projection 62 does not contact the hub 64 during normal operation. This mechanism allows a user, who may notice a change in fan 42 noise or failure to start, to attempt to correct the problem without disassembling the air delivery unit 4.

[0081] Installation of the system 2 relative to a bed 8 can be carried out by a user without specialist tools. With the upright 18 raised to the deployed position, the user can slide the base 10 of the stand 6 between the mattress 8 and the underlying support surface 14. The upright 18 can be extended above the mattress height. The air delivery unit 4 is then attached to the upright 18 by inserting the upright 18 into the channel 56 of the housing 36, stretching the band 58 to a release configuration if necessary, and engaging the head 50 of the upright 18 in the channel 56. The band 58 is allowed to return to the retaining configuration, pressing the upright 18 into the channel 56. It will rest into the channel 56 naturally as the centre of mass is towards the back of the air delivery unit 4. The unit 4 is then pushed down until it rests on top of the mattress 8, compressing the upright 18 to an appropriate height. The spacer 24, if provided, can be slid along the upright 18 and wedged between the upright 18 and the rear internal wall 26 of the base 10 to fine-tune the angle of the air delivery unit 4 so that the air outlet 40 delivers air substantially across the sleeping surface 34 of the mattress 8.

[0082] If the air delivery unit 4 is accidentally bumped, kicked or pressed with sufficient force, the head 50 of the upright 18 is configured to disengage from the channel 56 of the air delivery unit 4 (with the magnetic engagement shearing), and the upright 18 may pivot slightly relative to the base 10. Instead of the air delivery unit 4 disconnecting from the upright 18 and falling to the floor (which may awaken a sleeping user and potentially damage the system 2), the band 58 and any other retention means retains the air delivery unit 4 to the upright 18 so that the unit 4 remains supported above the support surface 14. The user can then reposition the air delivery unit 4 on the upright 18 by re-engaging the head 50 in the channel 56 of the housing 36 and ensuring the band 58 is adequately strapped in place. If the fan 42 fails to start, having experienced a significant shock during transport or after dropping, the user can operate the fan repositioning mechanism by pressing on the grille 48 or a dedicated cap 66 associated therewith to urge the hub 64 of the fan 42 back into its operating position.

[0083] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and

[0084] “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0085] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0086] Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and / or additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A temperature regulating system for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed arranged on a support surface, the system comprising: an air delivery unit having: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a fan for drawing air in through the air inlet and delivering the drawn air out of the air outlet; and a stand having: a base configured to be at least partially receivable between the bed and the support surface therebeneath; and an upright extending from the base for supporting the air delivery unit such that the air inlet is elevated above the support surface and the air outlet is positioned to deliver air across the sleeping surface of the bed.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the air delivery unit and the upright are releasably engageable with one another.3 The system of claim 2, wherein the air delivery unit and the upright are magnetically engageable with one another.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a retention means configured to: retain engagement between the upright and the air delivery unit; and when a load applied to the air delivery unit causes disengagement thereof from the upright, retain the air delivery unit to the upright such that the air delivery unit remains elevated above the support surface.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the retention means comprises a resilient band configured to strap the air delivery unit and the upright together.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the air delivery unit comprises a channel for receiving at least a portion of a first side of the upright, and the band is configured to strap around the air delivery unit and an opposite second side of the upright so as to at least partially enclose the channel and retain the upright therein.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the band is manually graspable so as to be urgeable away from the air delivery unit around which the band is strapped, thereby creating sufficient space to permit insertion or removal of the upright relative to the channel.

8. The system of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein bedding draped over the air delivery unit can be tucked between the air delivery unit and the band.

9. The system of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the retention means is configured to retain a filter proximate the air inlet of the air delivery unit for filtering air drawn therethrough.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upright is extendable to permit adjustment of a height of the air delivery unit above the support surface.

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upright is pivotable, relative to the base, between: a deployed position in which the upright extends upwardly from the base; and a stowed position in which the upright is at least partially received against the base.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein, in use, the upright is configured to collapse toward the stowed position from the deployed position in response to excessive load applied to the air delivery unit in a direction of the bed.

13. The system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising angle adjustment means for adjusting an angle of the upright relative to the base.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the angle adjustment means comprises a spacer movably disposed along the upright, the spacer being positionable between the upright and the base to alter the angle therebetween.

15. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising fan repositioning means configured to be manually actuated to reseat a hub of the fan if displaced from an operating position.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising an inlet grille proximate the air inlet, wherein the fan repositioning means comprises a projection extending from the inlet grille toward the hub.

17. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet extends along a first axis that is substantially aligned with the sleeping surface of the bed, and the air inlet extends along a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

18. A temperature regulating assembly for delivering air across a sleeping surface of a bed arranged on a support surface, the assembly comprising:an air delivery unit having: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a fan for drawing air in through the air inlet and delivering the drawn air out of the air outlet; a stand having: a base configured to be at least partially receivable between the bed and the support surface therebeneath; and an upright extending from the base for supporting the air delivery unit such that, in use, the air inlet is elevated above the support surface and the air outlet is positionable to deliver air across the sleeping surface of the bed.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the air delivery unit and the upright are releasably engageable with one another, the system further comprising a retention means configured to: retain engagement between the upright and the air delivery unit; and when a load applied to the air delivery unit causes disengagement thereof from the upright, retain the air delivery unit to the upright such that the air delivery unit remains elevated above the support surface.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the retention means is configured to strap the air delivery unit and the upright together.

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