Multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping systems and methods
First Claim
1. A multiple convective cushion system comprising:
- a first plenum defined by a first bottom surface secured around a perimeter to a generally air permeable first top surface and containing a first air flow structure therein, said first top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the first air flow structure to the first top surface;
a first air inlet in fluid communication with the first air flow structure;
a second plenum defined by a second bottom surface secured around a second perimeter to a generally air permeable second top surface and containing a second air flow structure therein, said second top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the second air flow structure to the second top surface;
a second air inlet in fluid communication with the second air flow structure; and
a power unit having a blower in fluid communication with both the first air inlet and the second air inlet to deliver air of selectively variable temperature and quantity to the first air flow structure through the first air inlet and to the second air flow structure through the second air inlet.
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Abstract
A multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping system for providing temperature modified air to multiple surfaces, such as a seating surface and a sleeping surface, with the same air cooling or heating source. The invention includes the use of tubular spacer material including tubular spacer fabric. A power unit including a heat pump and blower is in fluid communication with a first convective cushion by a first duct and with a second convective cushion by a second duct to provide the temperature modified air to both convective cushions for controllably heating or cooling multiple users. A thermoelectric heat pump, a Stirling cycle heat pump or other type of heat pump can be used. The invention includes the use or one or more valves to control the air flow to one or more of the convective cushions and provides for manual operation, electronic control and operation by a remote telecommunications unit. The invention can be utilized in vehicles, such as tractor trailers and recreational vehicles, and in buildings such as apartments, dorm rooms and houses.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A multiple convective cushion system comprising:
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a first plenum defined by a first bottom surface secured around a perimeter to a generally air permeable first top surface and containing a first air flow structure therein, said first top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the first air flow structure to the first top surface; a first air inlet in fluid communication with the first air flow structure; a second plenum defined by a second bottom surface secured around a second perimeter to a generally air permeable second top surface and containing a second air flow structure therein, said second top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the second air flow structure to the second top surface; a second air inlet in fluid communication with the second air flow structure; and a power unit having a blower in fluid communication with both the first air inlet and the second air inlet to deliver air of selectively variable temperature and quantity to the first air flow structure through the first air inlet and to the second air flow structure through the second air inlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for delivering temperature modified air using convective cushions, comprising the steps of:
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providing a first plenum structure having a generally air permeable first top surface and containing a first air flow structure therein, said first top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the first air flow structure to the first top surface; providing a second plenum structure having a generally air permeable second top surface and containing a second air flow structure therein, said second top surface adapted for convective air flow delivered from the second air flow structure to the second top surface; placing a power unit having a blower in fluid communication with the first air flow structure by a first conduit and in fluid communication with the second air flow structure by a second conduit; and activating the power unit to produce air of selectively variable temperature and quantity and to deliver said air to the first conduit for the first air flow structure and substantially simultaneously deliver said air to the second conduit for the second air flow structure, wherein the first plenum structure and the second plenum structure receive air of a desired temperature and quantity. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification