System and Method for Recommending a Bedding Product

• US 20090240514A1
• Filed: 06/27/2008
• Published: 09/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: L&P Property Management Company (Leggett & Platt Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: L&P Property Management Company (Leggett & Platt Incorporated)
• Inventors: Scott, Dave, Oexman, Robert D.
• Application Number:
  US12/163,650
• Publication Number:
  US 20090240514A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/300
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/123 for beds or mattresses
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/101 Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services

Abstract

The present invention is directed at a system and method for recommending a bedding product for an individual. In one arrangement, a test mattress system comprises a mattress portion, a box spring portion, and fluid bladders positioned at various locations within the system. In an alternative embodiment, a method comprises the steps of taking a first pressure measurement of at least one bladder situated within a test mattress while the individual reclines on the test mattress; elevating pressure within the at least one bladder; and taking a second pressure measurement of the at least one bladder while the individual reclines on the test mattress.

Claims

1. A method for recommending a bedding product for an individual, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) taking a first pressure measurement of at least one bladder situated within a test mattress system while the individual reclines on the test mattress system;

(b) elevating pressure within the at least one bladder; and

(c) taking a second pressure measurement of the at least one bladder while the individual reclines on the test mattress system.

2. A method for recommending a bedding product for an individual using a test mattress system comprising at least one bladder with at least one sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) before the individual reclines on the test mattress system, filling the at least one bladder to a first pressure value;

(b) while the individual is reclining on the test mattress system with the at least one bladder filled to a first pressure value, taking a first measurement with the at least one pressure sensor of pressure within the bladder;

(c) filling the at least one bladder to a second pressure value, the second pressure value comprising a value elevated relative to the first pressure value;

(d) while the individual is reclining on the test mattress system with a bladder filled to a second pressure value, taking a second measurement with the at least one pressure sensor of pressure within the bladder;

(f) correlating the first measurement and the second measurement to a reference profile; and

(g) based on the correlation, identifying a bedding product for the individual.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the test mattress system comprises:

(a) a mattress portion comprising a support structure and a top cushioning layer;

(b) a box spring portion situated beneath the mattress portion;

(c) at least one zone, wherein a middle zone is located between the support structure and the box spring portion; and

(d) fluid bladders, wherein at least one fluid bladder is located in the middle zone.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the test mattress system comprises:

(a) at least one bladder integrated into the top cushioning material;

(b) at least one bladder overlaying the support structure;

(c) at least one bladder underlying the support structure; and

(d) at least one bladder overlaying the box spring portion.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the first pressure value is equal to ambient air pressure.

6. The method of claim 2 further comprising using the first measurement to develop a weight distribution profile of the individual.

7. The method of claim 2 further comprising using the second measurement to develop a body flexibility profile of the individual.

8. The method of claim 2 wherein the reference profile is established by:

(a) filling the bladders to a first profile pressure value;

(b) measuring sensor readings at the first profile pressure value for a test group of individuals, the test group comprising individuals of various body types;

(c) filling the bladder to a second profile pressure value;

(d) measuring sensor readings at the second profile pressure value for the test group of individuals; and

(e) based on the sensor readings for each test group individual, determining an appropriate bedding product.

9. A test mattress system for recommending a bedding product for an individual, the system comprising:

(a) a mattress portion, comprising a support structure;

(b) a box spring portion situated beneath the mattress portion;

(c) at least one zone, wherein a middle zone is located between the support structure and the box spring portion; and

(d) fluid bladders, wherein at least one fluid bladder is located in the middle zone.

10. The system of claim 9,

wherein the mattress portion comprises a top cushioning material positioned on top of the support structure;

wherein one or more pressure sensors are coupled to at least one bladder;

wherein the one or more pressure sensors are coupled to a processor for computing pressure values; and

wherein the processor is coupled to a storage device for storing pressure values and a database of reference values.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one bladder is integrated into the top cushioning material.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one bladder overlays the support structure.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one bladder underlies the support structure.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one bladder overlays the box spring portion.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein the pressure sensors are distributed throughout a bladder layer in a horizontal x-y grid.

16. The system of claim 10 wherein the reference values correlate with a reference bedding product profile.

17. The system of claim 9 wherein the support structure comprises upright spring coils.

18. The system of claim 9 wherein fluid bladders comprise interconnecting channels to provide evenly distributed support.