# US 11,297,953 B2 · Environmentally-conditioned bed > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,297,953 B2 - Document ID: US11297953B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/296,731 - Filed: 2019-03-08 - Published: 2020-02-06 - Granted: 2022-04-12 - Earliest claimed: 2008-07-18 - Assignees: Sleep Number Corporation - Applicants: Sleep Number Corporation - Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski; John Terech; Dusko Petrovski - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11297953B2 ## CPC - A47C 21/04: Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating - A47C 21/044: {with active means, e.g. by using air blowers or liquid pumps} - A47C 21/048: {for heating} - A61G 7/05: Parts, details or accessories of beds (devices for prevention against falling out A47C21/08, A47D7/00 {; mattresses A47C27/00}) - A61G 2203/46: for temperature - A47C: CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS - A61G: TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS (appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk A61H3/00); OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES (embalming corpses A01N1/00) ## Abstract According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A climate controlled bed comprising: an upper portion comprising: a core having a top core surface and a bottom core surface, said core comprising at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface; at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, said fluid distribution member being in fluid communication with the at least one passageway of the core, wherein said fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member; and at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member; and a lower portion configured to support the upper portion; and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion, wherein said fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device, and wherein the lower portion includes a top surface comprising at least one lower portion opening, the lower portion opening being configured to align with and be in fluid communication with the passageway of the core, wherein the upper portion has an upper portion top, an upper portion bottom, and an upper portion perimeter, the upper portion configured to support first and second users and have a first side that is sized and configured to support the first user and a second side that is sized and configured to support the second user, wherein the comfort layer is positioned proximate the upper portion top on both the first and second sides of the upper portion to support the first and second users, the comfort layer configured to allow air flow between a comfort layer bottom and a comfort layer top, wherein the upper portion comprises an intermediate layer that is positioned under the comfort layer and defines a first recess on the first side of the upper portion and a second recess on the second side of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member includes a first fluid distribution member and a second fluid distribution member, the first fluid distribution member positioned in the first recess and configured to diffuse air through the first fluid distribution member, and the second fluid distribution member positioned in the second recess and configured to diffuse air through the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the core is positioned below the intermediate layer on both the first and second sides of the upper portion and defines the at least one passageway, the at least one passageway including first and second passageways configured to fluidly connect the first and second recesses to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, further comprising: one or more thermoelectric devices in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, wherein the thermoelectric devices are configured to selectively heat or cool air. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid module is in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and wherein one or more filters are positioned to filter undesirable substances from entering the at least one fluid module. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises foam that includes (i) an inner foam portion positioned between the first and second recesses to space the first recess from the second recess and (ii) an outer foam portion positioned between the upper portion perimeter and the first and second recesses, wherein the inner and outer foam portions combine to define the first and second recesses to each have a substantially rectangular shape. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members are more air permeable than the intermediate layer. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the first passageway extends from a middle of the first recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom and wherein the second passageway extends from a middle of the second recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises: a cover with fabric and one or more zippers configured to enclose the comfort layer, the intermediate layer, the first and second fluid distribution members, and the core. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the first recess extends partially through a depth of the intermediate layer such that a bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the first fluid distribution member, wherein the second recess extends partially through the depth of the intermediate layer such that the bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the first and second passageways extend through the bottom portion of the intermediate layer to the first and second recesses, respectively. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the comfort layer is perforated with a plurality of openings that extend through the comfort layer from the comfort layer top to the comfort layer bottom to allow air flow between the comfort layer bottom and the comfort layer top. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the lower portion openings includes first and second openings through which air passes into the first and second passageways, wherein the lower portion has a covering material, wherein the lower portion has a frame and legs that extend from the frame to support the frame. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The bed of claim 10, wherein the bed is an adjustable bed and the lower portion is configured to be selectively reclined. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a first fluid duct having a first flanged top end, wherein the first fluid duct is positioned in the upper portion with the first flanged top end positioned below and adjacent to a bottom surface of the first fluid distribution member and wherein the first fluid duct extends into the first passageway. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The bed of claim 12, wherein the first fluid duct extends out of the upper portion through the upper portion bottom and is fluidly connected to the fluid module having the fluid transfer device. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The bed of claim 12, wherein the first fluid duct comprises a first bellowed conduit portion positioned in the first passageway. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, further comprising: a first fluid duct that extends through the lower portion opening and fluidly connects the upper portion to the fluid module below the top surface of the lower portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, wherein the comfort layer comprises viscoelastic foam, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members comprise open cell foam, wherein another foam layer is positioned between the comfort layer and the first and second fluid distribution members, and wherein the comfort layer has a greater surface area than a combined surface area of the first and second fluid distribution members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a mattress top. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The bed of claim 1, further comprising: a controller programmable to operate the fluid module to provide individualized climate control with different settings for each of a first climate zone on the first side of the upper portion and a second climate zone on the second side of the upper portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The bed of claim 17, wherein the controller is in data communication with a plurality of temperature sensors and a plurality of humidity sensors and is configured to selectively operate the fluid module based on data received from the plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of humidity sensors. ### Claim 19 A climate controlled bed comprising: an upper portion comprising: a core having a top core surface and a bottom core surface; a passageway configured to deliver fluid from one of the top core surface and the bottom core surface to the other of the top core surface and the bottom core surface; at least one fluid distribution member in fluid communication with the passageway, the fluid distribution member comprising at least one spacer; and at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member; and a lower portion configured to support the upper portion; and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion through the passageway, wherein the passageway is routed around the core, wherein the upper portion has an upper portion top, an upper portion bottom, and an upper portion perimeter, the upper portion configured to support first and second users and have a first side that is sized and configured to support the first user and a second side that is sized and configured to support the second user, wherein the comfort layer is positioned proximate the upper portion top on both the first and second sides of the upper portion to support the first and second users, the comfort layer configured to allow air flow between a comfort layer bottom and a comfort layer top, wherein the upper portion comprises an intermediate layer that is positioned under the comfort layer and defines a first recess on the first side of the upper portion and a second recess on the second side of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member includes a first fluid distribution member and a second fluid distribution member, the first fluid distribution member positioned in the first recess and configured to diffuse air through the first fluid distribution member, and the second fluid distribution member positioned in the second recess and configured to diffuse air through the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the core is positioned below the intermediate layer on both the first and second sides of the upper portion and defines the passageway, the passageway including first and second passageways configured to fluidly connect the first and second recesses to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, further comprising: one or more thermoelectric devices in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, wherein the thermoelectric devices are configured to selectively heat or cool air. ### Claim 21 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the at least one fluid module is in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and wherein one or more filters are positioned to filter undesirable substances from entering the at least one fluid module. ### Claim 22 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the intermediate layer comprises foam that includes (i) an inner foam portion positioned between the first and second recesses to space the first recess from the second recess and (ii) an outer foam portion positioned between the upper portion perimeter and the first and second recesses, wherein the inner and outer foam portions combine to define the first and second recesses to each have a substantially rectangular shape. ### Claim 23 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members are more air permeable than the intermediate layer. ### Claim 24 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the first passageway extends from a middle of the first recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom and wherein the second passageway extends from a middle of the second recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 25 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the upper portion comprises: a cover with fabric and one or more zippers configured to enclose the comfort layer, the intermediate layer, the first and second fluid distribution members, and the core. ### Claim 26 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the first recess extends partially through a depth of the intermediate layer such that a bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the first fluid distribution member, wherein the second recess extends partially through the depth of the intermediate layer such that the bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the first and second passageways extend through the bottom portion of the intermediate layer to the first and second recesses, respectively. ### Claim 27 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the comfort layer is perforated with a plurality of openings that extend through the comfort layer from the comfort layer top to the comfort layer bottom to allow air flow between the comfort layer bottom and the comfort layer top. ### Claim 28 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the lower portion openings includes first and second openings through which air passes into the first and second passageways, wherein the lower portion has a covering material, wherein the lower portion has a frame and legs that extend from the frame to support the frame. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The bed of claim 28, wherein the bed is an adjustable bed and the lower portion is configured to be selectively reclined. ### Claim 30 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the upper portion comprises a first fluid duct having a first flanged top end, wherein the first fluid duct is positioned in the upper portion with the first flanged top end positioned below and adjacent to a bottom surface of the first fluid distribution member and wherein the first fluid duct extends into the first passageway. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The bed of claim 30, wherein the first fluid duct extends out of the upper portion through the upper portion bottom and is fluidly connected to the fluid module having a fluid transfer device. ### Claim 32 (depends on 30) The bed of claim 30, wherein the first fluid duct comprises a first bellowed conduit portion positioned in the first passageway. ### Claim 33 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, further comprising: a first fluid duct that extends through the lower portion opening and fluidly connects the upper portion to the fluid module below the top surface of the lower portion. ### Claim 34 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, wherein the comfort layer comprises viscoelastic foam, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members comprise open cell foam, wherein another foam layer is positioned between the comfort layer and the first and second fluid distribution members, and wherein the comfort layer has a greater surface area than a combined surface area of the first and second fluid distribution members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a mattress top. ### Claim 35 (depends on 19) The bed of claim 19, further comprising: a controller programmable to operate the fluid module to provide individualized climate control with different settings for each of a first climate zone on the first side of the upper portion and a second climate zone on the second side of the upper portion. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The bed of claim 35, wherein the controller is in data communication with a plurality of temperature sensors and a plurality of humidity sensors and is configured to selectively operate the fluid module based on data received from the plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of humidity sensors. ### Claim 37 A climate controlled bed comprising: an upper portion comprising: a core having a top core surface and a bottom core surface, said core comprising at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface; at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, said fluid distribution member being in fluid communication with the at least one passageway of the core, wherein said fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member; and at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member; and a lower portion configured to support the upper portion; and at least one fluid module configured to transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion, wherein said fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device, and wherein the lower portion includes a top surface comprising at least one lower portion opening, the lower portion opening being configured to align with and be in fluid communication with the passageway of the core, wherein the upper portion has an upper portion top, an upper portion bottom, and an upper portion perimeter, the upper portion configured to support first and second users and have a first side that is sized and configured to support the first user and a second side that is sized and configured to support the second user, wherein the comfort layer is positioned proximate the upper portion top on both the first and second sides of the upper portion to support the first and second users, the comfort layer configured to allow air flow between a comfort layer bottom and a comfort layer top, wherein the upper portion comprises an intermediate layer that is positioned under the comfort layer and defines a first recess on the first side of the upper portion and a second recess on the second side of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member includes a first fluid distribution member and a second fluid distribution member, the first fluid distribution member positioned in the first recess and configured to diffuse air through the first fluid distribution member, and the second fluid distribution member positioned in the second recess and configured to diffuse air through the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the core is positioned below the intermediate layer on both the first and second sides of the upper portion and defines the at least one passageway, the at least one passageway including first and second passageways configured to fluidly connect the first and second recesses to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 38 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the at least one fluid module includes a means for filtering undesirable substances from entering the at least one fluid module. ### Claim 39 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the upper portion includes a means for enclosing the comfort layer, the intermediate layer, the first and second fluid distribution members, and the core. ### Claim 40 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein each of the at least one fluid module includes a body that receives the fluid transfer device and houses at least one temperature sensor within the body. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The bed of claim 40, wherein the at least one temperature sensor includes first and second temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor being positioned upstream of a fluid path defined through the body, and the second temperature sensor being positioned downstream of the fluid path defined through the body. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The bed of claim 41, wherein each of the at least one fluid module includes at least one humidity sensor housed within the body. ### Claim 43 (depends on 42) The bed of claim 42, wherein the at least one humidity sensor includes first and second humidity sensors, the first humidity sensor being positioned upstream of the fluid path defined through the body, and the second humidity sensor being positioned downstream of the fluid path defined through the body. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) The bed of claim 43, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors positioned along a top surface of the upper portion. ### Claim 45 (depends on 43) The bed of claim 43, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors positioned along a top surface of the comfort layer. ### Claim 46 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the intermediate layer comprises foam that includes (i) an inner foam portion positioned between the first and second recesses to space the first recess from the second recess and (ii) an outer foam portion positioned between the upper portion perimeter and the first and second recesses, wherein the inner and outer foam portions combine to define the first and second recesses to each have a substantially rectangular shape. ### Claim 47 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members are more air permeable than the intermediate layer. ### Claim 48 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the first passageway extends from a middle of the first recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom and wherein the second passageway extends from a middle of the second recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 49 (depends on 37) The bed of claim 37, wherein the first recess extends partially through a depth of the intermediate layer such that a bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the first fluid distribution member, wherein the second recess extends partially through the depth of the intermediate layer such that the bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the first and second passageways extend through the bottom portion of the intermediate layer to the first and second recesses, respectively. ### Claim 50 A climate controlled bed comprising: an upper portion comprising: a core having a top core surface and a bottom core surface, said core comprising at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface; at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, said fluid distribution member being in fluid communication with the at least one passageway of the core, wherein said fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member; and at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member; and a lower portion configured to support the upper portion; and at least one fluid module configured to transfer air to the fluid distribution member of the upper portion, wherein said fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device, and wherein the lower portion includes a top surface comprising at least one lower portion opening, the lower portion opening being configured to align with and be in fluid communication with the passageway of the core, wherein the upper portion has an upper portion top, an upper portion bottom, and an upper portion perimeter, the upper portion configured to support first and second users and have a first side that is sized and configured to support the first user and a second side that is sized and configured to support the second user, wherein the comfort layer is positioned proximate the upper portion top on both the first and second sides of the upper portion to support the first and second users, the comfort layer configured to allow air flow between a comfort layer bottom and a comfort layer top, wherein the upper portion comprises an intermediate layer that is positioned under the comfort layer and defines a first recess on the first side of the upper portion and a second recess on the second side of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member includes a first fluid distribution member and a second fluid distribution member, the first fluid distribution member positioned in the first recess and configured to diffuse air through the first fluid distribution member, and the second fluid distribution member positioned in the second recess and configured to diffuse air through the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the core is positioned below the intermediate layer on both the first and second sides of the upper portion and defines the at least one passageway, the at least one passageway including first and second passageways configured to fluidly connect the first and second recesses to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the at least one fluid module includes a means for filtering undesirable substances from entering the at least one fluid module. ### Claim 52 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the upper portion includes a means for enclosing the comfort layer, the intermediate layer, the first and second fluid distribution members, and the core. ### Claim 53 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein each of the at least one fluid module includes a body that receives the fluid transfer device and houses at least one temperature sensor within the body. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) The bed of claim 53, wherein the at least one temperature sensor includes first and second temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor being positioned upstream of a fluid path defined through the body, and the second temperature sensor being positioned downstream of the fluid path defined through the body. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The bed of claim 54, wherein each of the at least one fluid module includes at least one humidity sensor housed within the body. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) The bed of claim 55, wherein the at least one humidity sensor includes first and second humidity sensors, the first humidity sensor being positioned upstream of the fluid path defined through the body, and the second humidity sensor being positioned downstream of the fluid path defined through the body. ### Claim 57 (depends on 56) The bed of claim 56, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors positioned along a top surface of the upper portion or a top surface of the comfort layer. ### Claim 58 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the intermediate layer comprises foam that includes (i) an inner foam portion positioned between the first and second recesses to space the first recess from the second recess and (ii) an outer foam portion positioned between the upper portion perimeter and the first and second recesses, wherein the inner and outer foam portions combine to define the first and second recesses to each have a substantially rectangular shape. ### Claim 59 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the first and second fluid distribution members are more air permeable than the intermediate layer. ### Claim 60 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the first passageway extends from a middle of the first recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom and wherein the second passageway extends from a middle of the second recess substantially vertically downward to the upper portion bottom. ### Claim 61 (depends on 50) The bed of claim 50, wherein the first recess extends partially through a depth of the intermediate layer such that a bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the first fluid distribution member, wherein the second recess extends partially through the depth of the intermediate layer such that the bottom portion of the intermediate layer is positioned below the second fluid distribution member, and wherein the first and second passageways extend through the bottom portion of the intermediate layer to the first and second recesses, respectively.