SENSOR STRIP FOR USE WITH SLEEPING SYSTEMS AND ANCHOR FOR USE WITH SENSOR STRIP

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/687,190, filed on Aug. 26, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/687,979, filed on Aug. 28, 2024, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to sensor strips for use with cushions, such as mattresses, and/or cushioning systems or sleeping systems. Methods for assembling sensor strips with cushions are also disclosed. This disclosure also relates generally to anchors for securing such sensor strips, including textile sensor strips, to cushions. This disclosure also relates to methods for anchoring sensors to cushions.

SUMMARY

A sensor strip for use with cushions, such as mattresses, and/or cushioning systems and/or sleeping systems is disclosed. In various aspects, sensor strip of this disclosure includes a textile strip with a first textile layer and one or more packaged sensors secured to the first textile layer. The textile strip may also include a second textile layer superimposed with the first textile layer and covering the one or more sensor boards. Each packaged sensor may also be referred to as a “sensor.” A perimeter of the second textile layer may be fastened to a perimeter of the first textile layer. Optionally, the sensor strip may include a foam layer positioned between the one or more packaged sensors and the second textile layer. As another option, the sensor strip may include a first anchor at a first end of the textile strip and a second anchor at a second end of the textile strip, with the second end being opposite from the first end.

A cushioning system includes a substrate and at least one sensor strip secured in place over a surface of the substrate. The substrate may comprise a cushion, such as a mattress. The sensor strip may be secured at least partially across a width of the mattress. A sensor strip may be positioned across a head region of the mattress, an intermediate region of the mattress, and/or a foot region of the mattress. The cushioning system may also include covering, such as bedding, over each sensor strip and the mattress.

A method of assembling a sensor strip with a cushion, such as a mattress, includes placing the sensor strip across a location on a surface of the cushion where at least one input is to be obtained from a user of the cushion. The method may include positioning a plurality of sensor strips across a plurality of locations on the surface of the cushion. In embodiments where the cushion is a mattress, at least one sensor strip may be positioned across a width of the mattress, in a head region, an intermediate region, or a foot region of the surface of the mattress. The method may optionally including anchoring the sensor strip to the surface of the cushion. As another option, a covering, such as bedding, may be positioned over the sensor strip and the surface of the cushion.

In various aspects, a method of manufacturing a textile strip includes positioning one or more packaged sensors along a first textile layer and securing the one or more packaged sensors to the first textile layer. The method may optionally include one or more of placing a foam layer over the one or more packaged sensors, superimposing a second textile layer over the first textile layer and the one or more packaged sensors, securing a perimeter of the second textile layer to a perimeter of the first textile layer, and securing one or more anchors to the first textile layer. In embodiments where one or more anchors are provided, the one or more anchors may secure the sensor strip in place over a cushion, such as a mattress.

In various aspects, an anchor for securing sensors in place over a cushion, such as a mattress, includes a base positionable beneath a strip that carries the sensors, which may be referred to as a “sensor strip.” The anchor includes a first wing extending from a first side of the base and a second wing extending from a second side of the base opposite from the first side. The first wing and second wing are securable to a fabric of the sensor strip. Additionally, the anchor includes a fastener that removably holds the anchor and the sensor that the anchor has been secured to in place between the cushion and a cover for the cushion (e.g., a cushion cover, a fitted bed sheet, a mattress pad, etc.).

In various aspects, one or more anchors (e.g., a pair of anchors, etc.) may be used with a sensor strip that is positionable across a surface of a cushion after the cushion has been manufactured. The anchor(s) may be used to secure the sensor strip to the cushion by a manufacturer of the cushion, a seller of the cushion, or a consumer. The sensor strip may include a fabric strip comprising one or more layers of fabric and carrying a plurality of packaged sensors. The anchor may be positioned adjacent to an end portion of the fabric strip. In some embodiments, an anchor may be positioned adjacent to each end of the fabric strip. The anchor may be positioned beneath the fabric strip or between the one or more layers of fabric of the fabric strip. The base may be positioned centrally or substantially centrally across the width of the sensor strip. The first wing and second wing may also be located beneath or within the fabric strip, with outer edges of the first wing and second wing being oriented parallel or substantially parallel long edges of the sensor strip. The outer edges of the first wing and second wing may be adjacent to or aligned with the long edges of the sensor strip. The first wing and second wing are securable to one or more layers of fabric of the fabric strip (e.g., by sewing, by bonding (e.g., melt bonding a material of the first wing and/or second wing to a material of the fabric strip, etc.), with an adhesive, etc.).

The fastener of the anchor may hold the anchor and the sensor strip between the cushion and a cover for the cushion. The fastener may be positioned on the opposite side (e.g., outside, etc.) of a cover for the cushion with which the sensor strip is assembled. The fastener may engage the base of the anchor through the cover. Without limitation, the fastener may be receivable by a receptacle in the base of the anchor, engage the base by way of an interference fit (e.g., a snap fit, etc.), magnetically engage the base, or engage the base in any other suitable manner.

Optionally, the anchor may include a routing mechanism for receiving and directing one or more cables from the packaged sensor(s) of the sensor strip across or through the anchor. The routing mechanism directs the one or more cables such that a strain of the one or more cables is reduced as the one or more cables are routed about the anchoring device.

In various aspects, a method of anchoring a sensor strip to a cushion includes securing an anchor adjacent to at least one end of the sensor strip, placing the sensor strip over the cushion, placing a cover over the sensor strip and the cushion, and positioning a fastener over each anchor to engage the anchor through the cover. Together, the anchor and the fastener maintain a position of the sensor strip relative to the cover and the cushion.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a sensor strip that includes a textile layer that carries one or more packaged sensors;

FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIGS. 1 and 2A, taken through the line B-B of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the sensor strip of FIG. 1, with at least one optional layer of the textile sensor strip removed to illustrate the packaged sensors and wiring of the textile sensor strip;

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the sensor strip of FIG. 1, with at least one optional layer of the textile sensor strip removed to illustrate the packaged sensors, wiring, and an embodiment of a securement mechanism for the wiring and packaged sensors of the sensor strip;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sensor strip, showing an embodiment of an optional edge binding of the sensor strip;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor for anchoring the sensor strip to a cushion;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaged sensor;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of embodiment of a cap or filter that may be used with the embodiment of the packaged sensor shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a top plan view depicting another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing a packaged sensor and/or wiring to a textile layer of a sensor strip of this disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates yet another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing a packaged sensor and/or wiring to a textile layer of a sensor strip of this disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a sensor strip, such as the embodiment of sensor strip illustrated by FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a cushioning system that includes a cushion and one or more sensor strips extending across a surface of the cushion;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a system, including a cushion, a sensor strip, and at least one anchor for securing the sensor strip in place over the cushion;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the system of FIG. 11, showing an embodiment of a sensor strip positioned over the cushion, a cover (not shown in FIG. 11) for the cushion over the sensor strip and the cushion, and use of the anchor to hold the sensor strip in place through the cover;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional representation of the sensor system of FIG. 11, showing the sensor strip positioned over the cushion, the cover over the sensor strip and the cushion, and the anchor holding the sensor strip in place over the cushion;

FIG. 14A is a first perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor;

FIG. 14B is a second perspective view of the embodiment of the anchor shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor strip; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for securing a sensor strip in place over a cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 2B illustrate an embodiment of a sensor strip 100. The sensor strip 100 may include a first textile layer 10, one or more sensors shown as packaged sensors 30 on the first textile layer 10, an optional intermediate layer 20, and an optional second textile layer 15. The optional intermediate layer 20 may at least partially surround the packaged sensor(s) 30. The optional second textile layer 15 may be superimposed with the first textile layer 10. Additionally, the optional second textile layer 15 may cover the packaged sensor(s) 30 when the optional second textile layer 15 is superimposed with and secured to the first textile layer 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A). In embodiments where the sensor strip 100 includes a plurality of packaged sensors 30, the plurality of packaged sensors 30 may be connected to each other and to one or more external devices (e.g., an external power source, a controller, a network (via communication ports, wireless communication devices, etc.)) through wiring 36. The wiring 36 may be joined at one end of the textile sensor strip 100 to define a wiring harness 38.

The first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may comprise a layer of a pliable material, such as a fabric or a fabric-like material. The first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed of the same type of material, though they need not be. For example, both the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed from a breathable, mesh material. The mesh material may be a micro-mesh material having pores ranging in size from about 1.5 μm (micrometers or microns) to about 3.5 μm (e.g., 1.8 μm, 2 μm, 2.2 μm, 2.5 μm, 2.8 μm, 3.0 μm, 3.2 μm, etc., or a pore size within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values). In some embodiments, the first textile layer 10 may be formed from a mesh material having a first pore size and the optional second textile layer 15 may be formed from a mesh material having a second pore size different than the first pore size.

Outer edges or a perimeter of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to each other through a securement mechanism 40. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the perimeters of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to each other through stitching (e.g., sewing stitches, stitch bonds, etc.), with an adhesive material, by fusing, or in any other suitable manner. Referring briefly to FIG. 5, the perimeters of the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15 may be additionally or alternatively secured to each other through an edge binding 46. Securing the first textile layer 10 to the optional second textile layer 15 may maintain a position of the optional intermediate layer 20 between the optional second textile layer 15 and the packaged sensor(s) 30. However, the optional intermediate layer 20 may independently be secured to the first textile layer 10, the optional second textile layer 15, and/or the packaged sensor(s) 30.

Referring again to FIG. 2B, each packaged sensor 30 may have a thickness that may create high spots or bumps in the sensor strip 100. To eliminate the look and feel of the high spots or bumps and, optionally, to improve comfort as a user uses a cushion with the sensor strip 100 thereon, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be positioned laterally around the packaged sensor(s) 30 (e.g., adjacent to an outer periphery of each packaged sensor 30, between adjacent packaged sensors 30, etc.). The optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed from a foam, a synthetic rubber material, or any other appropriate spacer material. For example, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed from an ARIAPRENE® synthetic foam fabric. In other embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed of an open-cell foam. In still other embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be formed of a neoprene or neoprene like material.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be included as separate pieces that are positioned between around and/or between packaged sensors 30. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the optional intermediate layer 20 may be included as a single sheet of material with a receptacle for each packaged sensor 30 and, optionally, other components within the sensor strip 100. In such embodiments, the optional intermediate layer 20 may include one or more openings or depressions (or recesses) shown as recesses 21 to receive each packaged sensor 30; each opening or depression may maintain a position of the optional intermediate layer 20 relative to a packaged sensor 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the optional intermediate layer 20 may include cylindrical or tapered strips that are positioned about edges of each packaged sensor 30 to create a smooth transition between the packaged sensors 30 and portions of the sensor strip 100 that do not include packaged sensors 30 (e.g., at edges of the sensor strip 100, etc.).

FIGS. 3 and 4 are top plan views of the sensor strip 100 of FIG. 1. The packaged sensor(s) 30 and wiring 36 are visible, as the sensor strip 100 is shown without the optional second textile layer 15 and the optional intermediate layer 20. The sensor strip 100 is elongated with a first end 33 and a second end 34. A plurality of packaged sensors 30 are positioned along a length of the first textile layer 10, between the first end 33 and the second end 34. The wiring 36 that electrically connects the packaged sensors 30 to each other and to external devices also extends between the first end 33 and the second end 34.

The wiring 36 may be consolidated or joined at the first end 33 (alternatively, the second end 34, or both the first end 33 and the second end 34) to form a harness 38. This allows the wiring 36 to be guided away from the sensor strip 100 for connection to one or more external devices (e.g., a power source, a controller, a network, etc.). The packaged sensors 30 may be dispersed equidistantly across the first textile layer 10. For example, the packaged sensors 30 may be spaced approximately 6 inches (about 15.25 cm) apart from each other (e.g., 4.5 inches (11.4 cm), 5 inches (12.7 cm), 6.5 inches (16.5 cm), 7 inches (17.75 cm), 7.5 inches (19 cm), etc., apart from each other or a space within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values).

Referring to FIG. 4, the packaged sensors 30 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 such that each packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36 may move somewhat within the sensor strip 100 while substantially maintaining their positions within the sensor strip 100 and reducing strain on the wiring 36 (e.g., so the wiring 36 is not bent, broken, or otherwise strained), to prevent damage of the wiring 36 and ensure proper functioning of the packaged sensors 30. For example, the packaged sensors 30 and/or the wiring 36 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 via bar tacking 42 (e.g., sewing several long, narrowly-spaced stitches along the line of the bar tacking 42 that will be formed, followed by short stitches made perpendicular to the long stitches, through the fabric and over the bar tacking 42). In this way, the wiring 36 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 while preventing damage to the wiring 36. This form of securement mechanism may also provide the packaged sensors 30 with a lateral degree of freedom. For example, the packaged sensors 30 may slide laterally along the wiring 36 and the first textile layer 10, such as when placing and positioning the sensor strip 100 over a cushion (e.g., a mattress, etc.).

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor 50 for anchoring the textile sensor strip 100 in place over to a substrate, such as a cushion (e.g., to the cushion, to a covering (e.g., a mattress pad, etc.) over the cushion, etc.). The anchor 50 may comprise a touch fastener. For example, the anchor 50 may include a textile strip 52 (e.g., a woven, non-woven, fabric, etc.) of directional fabric with directional hairs 54, or a directional pile, protruding from a surface of the textile strip. The directional hairs 54 may grip the substrate, such as a surface of the cushion, to anchor the textile sensor strip 100 to the cushion. The anchor 50 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the first end 33, the second end 34, and/or another portion of the sensor strip 100.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a packaged sensor 30 and FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of a cap or filter 39 for the packaged sensor 30. The packaged sensor 30 includes a carrier (e.g., a printed circuit board, a printed circuit board assembly, a lead frame, etc.) and a sensor 32 carried by the carrier. The assembly of the carrier and the sensor 32 may be partially encased by a package 31 (e.g., a polymeric material package, a ceramic package, etc.). The sensor 32 may be a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other appropriate sensor for sensing a climate at a top surface of the cushion (e.g., a temperature and humidity at the top surface of the cushion). The wiring 36 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and leads of the sensor 32 may establish communication between each packaged sensor 30 and one or more external devices (e.g., a power supply, a controller, a network, etc.) and may provide measurements of the temperature and humidity at the top surface of the cushion. In some embodiments, the sensor 30 may be 2.5 mm by 2.5 mm.

As the sensors 32 may sense the environment in which they are placed, a cap or filter 39, such as that depicted by FIG. 7B, may be assembled with each packaged sensor 30. The cap or filter 39 may cover the sensor 32 and prevent the sensor 32 from becoming dirty; this may maintain a sensing capacity of the sensor 32 and help ensure that the sensor 32 is not taking inaccurate measurements. The cap or filter 39 may also prolong the usable lifespan of the packaged sensor 30.

FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing the packaged sensor 30 and/or wiring 36 to the first textile layer 10 of the sensor strip 100. As illustrated, the securement mechanism may include a patch 60 (which may be a part of the intermediate layer 20) that is positioned over or about the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36. The patch 60 may be corner stitched 43 to the first textile layer 10, thereby securing the patch 60 in place against the first textile layer 10. Since the patch 60 is positioned over the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36, securing the patch 60 in place against the first textile layer 10 also secures the packaged sensor 30 and the wiring 36 in place against the first textile layer 10.

FIG. 8B illustrates yet another embodiment of a securement mechanism for securing the packaged sensor 30 and/or wiring 36 to the textile sensor strip 100. As illustrated, the wiring 36 has been incorporated into a flexible ribbon 44, or a bendable strip, that can be woven into and/or through openings 45 in the first textile layer 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 of manufacturing a sensor strip, such as the textile sensor strip 100 of FIGS. 1 through 4. The method 300 may include, at 305, positioning one or more packaged sensors 30 and wiring 36 (FIGS. 1-4) along a first textile layer 10 (FIGS. 1-4). The method 300 may also include securing the one or more packaged sensors 30 to the first textile layer 10, at 310 (see FIGS. 4, 8A, and 8B). The packaged sensors 30 may be secured to the first textile layer 10 through bar tacking 42 (FIG. 4), through a patch 60 that has been corner stitched 43 to the first textile layer 10 (FIG. 8A), by weaving wiring (e.g., wiring carried by a flexible ribbon 44) through openings 45 in the first textile layer (FIG. 8B), or in any other suitable manner.

Optionally, the method 300 may include placing an intermediate layer 20 (FIGS. 1-2B) over and/or around the one or more packaged sensors 30, at 315. Placing the intermediate layer over the one or more packaged sensors may include arranging a plurality of pieces of the intermediate layer 20 around each packaged sensors 30 and/or between adjacent packaged sensors 30. For example, such a method may include placing a first piece between a first packaged sensor and a second packaged sensor; placing a second piece between the second packaged sensor and a third packaged sensor; placing a third piece between the third packaged sensor and a fourth packaged sensor; placing a fourth piece between the fourth packaged sensor and a fifth packaged sensor; and securing the intermediate layer 20 between the first textile layer 10 and the optional second textile layer 15. Alternatively, placing an intermediate layer 20 around and/or between the one or more packaged sensors 30 may include placing a continuous layer over the one or more packaged sensors 30, with each sensor 30 being received by an opening or a recess in the intermediate layer 20. In some embodiments, more than one optional intermediate layer 20 may be positioned laterally adjacent to and/or over the packaged sensors 30.

As another option, the method 300 may include superimposing a optional second textile layer 15 (FIGS. 1-2B) over the first textile layer 10 and the packaged sensor(s) 30 and wiring 36 carried by the first textile layer 10 and over any intermediate layer 20, at 320 and securing a perimeter of the optional second textile layer 15 to a perimeter of the first textile layer 10, at 325. The perimeter of the optional second textile layer 15 may be secured to the perimeter of the first textile layer 10 layer through stitching, fusing, with an adhesive, and/or with edge binding (e.g., binding 46).

The method 300 may additionally include coupling a first anchor, such as the anchor 50 of FIG. 6, to or adjacent to a first end 33 (FIG. 3) of the sensor strip 100 (FIG. 3) and coupling a second anchor to or adjacent to a second end 34 of the sensor strip 100. Turning now to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a cushioning system 200 is depicted. The cushioning system 200 includes a cushion 210, such as a mattress, and one or more sensor strips 100 extending across a surface 212 of the cushion 210. Each sensor strip 100 may extend across a width of the cushion 210. As illustrated, in embodiments where the cushion 210 comprises a mattress, a sensor strip 100 may extend across a head region 212h of the surface 212, an intermediate region 212i of the surface 212, and/or a foot region 212f of the surface 212. Optionally, the cushioning system 200 may also include a cover, such as cover 245 described below with reference to FIG. 10 (e.g., bedding, such as a mattress pad, a fitted sheet, etc.) over each sensor strip 100 and the surface 212 of the cushion 210.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another embodiment of the cushioning system 200, which may be a sleeping system or another cushioning or relaxation system. The cushioning system 200 includes the cushion 210 and the sensor strip 100 positioned over a portion of the surface 212 (e.g., a cushioning surface, etc.) of the cushion 210, and at least one anchor 400 for securing the sensor strip 100 to the cushion 210. As illustrated, the cushioning system 200 includes two (2) anchors 400 at opposing ends of the sensor strip 100.

As described herein, the cushion 210 may be a mattress or another cushion (e.g., a seat cushion, a pillow (a head pillow, a neck pillow, a body pillow, etc.), a lumbar support, etc.) for supporting a user or a part (e.g., a body, a head, a neck, knees, a back, etc.) of the user. In embodiments where the cushion 210 is a mattress, the sensor strip 100 may be positioned in the foot region 212f of the surface 212 of the cushion 210, an intermediate region 212i of the surface 212 of the cushion 210, or a head region 212h of the surface 212 of the cushion 210 (see FIG. 10). The sensor strip 100 may include sensors 32 that monitor a temperature and/or a humidity.

The cushion 210 and the sensor strip 100 may be covered by a cover 245 (e.g., a cover of the cushion 210, a fitted sheet, a mattress pad, a topper, etc.; see FIGS. 12 and 13). The sensor strip 100 may be positioned between the cover 245 and the surface 212 of the cushion 210. A body 410 of the anchor 400 may be secured to the sensor strip 100 and a fastener 455 of the anchor 400 may engage the body 410 of the anchor 400 through the cover 245. That is, the fastener 455 of the anchor 400 may be positioned over the cover 245 while the body 410 of the anchor 400 is positioned under the cover 245. The anchor 400 maintains a position of the sensor strip 100 relative to the cushion 210 and the cover 245.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a specific but non-limiting embodiment of the anchor 400. The anchor 400 includes a body 410 having a base 415, a first wing 420, and a second wing 430. The first wing 420 extends from the base 415 to a first side 425 of the anchor 400; the second wing 430 extends from the base 415 to a second side 435 of the anchor 400. The body 410 may be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the body 410.

The first end 425 and the second end 435 of the anchor 400 may each define a recess 445 for receiving a coupler 450 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) to engage the fastener 455 of the anchor 400. In some embodiments, the couplers 450 are magnets and the fastener may include corresponding magnets. Alternatively, the couplers 450 and the fastener 455 may include complementary snaps, clips, or other mechanisms that enable the couplers 450 to engage the fastener 455 through the cover 245.

The anchor 400 also includes a receiver 440 that receives and routes cables from the sensor strip 100. The receiver 440 may include a channel 440C defined in the base 415 of the body 410 of the anchor 400. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the receiver 440 may comprise a receiving piece 440P that is received by and secured to a complementary receptacle of the anchor 400 (e.g., secured to the first wing 420, the second wing 430, or the base 415). The receiving piece 440P may define a channel for receiving and routing the cables (e.g., wiring such as wiring 36 and/or other conductive elements) from the sensor strip 100.

By including the receiver 440 (e.g., the channel 440C and/or the receiving piece 440P, etc.), the anchor 400 can receive and route the cables from the sensor strip 100 without straining or otherwise bending the cables. Specifically, referring briefly to FIG. 13, the cables 36 of the sensor strip 100 may be routed through the anchor 400, down a side of the cushion 210, and out of the cover 245. Reducing or eliminating the strain or bend to the cables may prolong the lifespan and functionality of the cables. For example, when the electrical wires of the cables 36 get bent or strained, the wires can break and, thus, begin to fail. This means that the sensors of the sensor strip 100 may not be adequately powered or may be unable to communicate with each other and any systems in communication with the sensors. Accordingly, by reducing the strain on the cables 36, the anchor 400 not only anchors the sensor strip 100 in place but also prolongs the lifespan and functionality of the sensor strip 100 by protecting the cables 36.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the sensor strip 100. The sensor strip 100 may have any configuration as described herein. The sensor strip 100 has a first end 33, a plurality sensors 32 that are spaced apart from each other, and a second end 34. The sensors 32 are connected to external devices (e.g., a power source, a controller, a network, etc.) and optionally to each other by a plurality of cables 36. The sensors 32 may be carried by a fabric or textile base 5 that may have one or more layers 25. For example, the plurality of sensors 32 may be secured to a first fabric layer of the base 5 and may be covered by a second fabric layer of the base 5. The cables 36 may extend between the sensors 32. The cables 36 may be joined together at the first end 33 of the sensor strip 100 for routing through the anchor 400.

With added reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, each anchor 400 may be positioned between the one or more layers 25 of the sensor strip 100. For example, the anchor 400 (e.g., the body 410, the base 415, the first wing 420, and/or the second wing 430) may be secured to a first fabric layer and covered by a second fabric layer of the sensor strip 100. The first wing 420 and second wing 430 of the body 410 of the anchor 400 may secure the anchor 400 to the sensor strip 100. For example, the first wing 420 and second wing 430 may be sewn, bonded, adhered, or otherwise secured to the sensor strip 100.

Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensor strip 100 may be positioned over the surface 212 of the cushion 210 (e.g. and held in place by the anchor 400). The sensor, with at least one anchor 400 positioned adjacent to an end of the sensor strip 100 (e.g., the first end 33, the second end 34), may be positioned over the cushion 210. The first end 33, second end 34 of the sensor strip 100 with the anchor 400 may hang over an edge 250 and a side of the cushion 210. A cover 245 (e.g., a cushion cover, a mattress pad, a fitted sheet, etc.) may be positioned over the cushion 210, such that the cover 245 covers both the sensor strip 100 and the anchor(s) 400.

The fastener 455 may be positioned over the cover 245 and the anchor 400 and may attach to the anchor 400 through the cover 245. For example, the fastener 455 may include one or more magnets that mate with magnets 450 of the anchor 400. As another non-limiting example, the fastener 455 may include clips or snaps that clip or snap into a portion of the anchor 400 through the cover 245. In this way, the anchor 400 may be secured between the sensor strip 100 and the cover 245, thereby anchoring the sensor strip 100 in place over the cushion 210, between the cushion 210 and the cover 245.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cables 36 of the sensor strip 100 may be routed through the anchor 400. Specifically, the cables 36 are carried by the sensor strip 100 along the top surface of the cushion 210. The cables 36 are then routed over the edge 250 of the cushion 210 and into and through the anchor 400. As seen most clearly in FIG. 13, the cables 36 are routed through the anchor 400 and from beneath the cover 245 (e.g., through an open bottom of the cover 245, etc.). In this way, the cables 36 can be connected to external devices, which may be located within the cushion 210, on the cushion 210, or outside of the cushion 210 without bending or strain.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for anchoring a sensor strip 100 in place over a cushion 210 with one or more anchors 400 (FIGS. 11-13). The method 500 includes placing the sensor strip 100 over the cushion 210, at 510, and placing a cover 245 over the sensor strip 100 and the cushion 210, at 515. The method 500 may further include engaging the body 410 of each anchor 400 through the cover 245 with a fastener 455 of the anchor 400. The body 410 and the fastener 455 maintain a position of the sensor strip 100 relative to the cover 245 and the cushion 210, at 520.

Although the disclosure provides many specifics, the specifics should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised that are also within the scopes of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

Although the disclosure provides many specifics, the specifics should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised that are also within the scopes of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms “coupled” as used herein means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.