US 5,367,726 A · Pneumatic support system

Abstract

A portable, inflatable support system, and a portable inflator for use with such a system are provided in one embodiment. The inflatable support system may include an inflatable mattress having a pressure valve and a battery powered inflator for removable engagement therewith, which on engagement is automatically powered for a predetermined time or until a predetermined pressure is achieved. The mattress may be readily expanded for use and collapsed for storage. Another embodiment provides a multipurpose pressure control, for manual adjustment to provide an inflatable support system of desired firmness, and to modify the posture of the reclining user. A dual valve assembly includes a cover assembly that removably covers a throat, and the cover assembly is itself provided with a one-way valve. Another embodiment provides an in-place bedding system, including a mattress, mattress cover, and top and bottom bedsheets, which retain their functional arrangement when the bed is collapsed for storage and prepared for use, thereby eliminating the necessity for re-making the bed with each use.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An inflatable system, comprising:

an inflatable body having an interior, an exterior, a port for transfer of air between the interior and exterior and a wall separating the interior and exterior;
a flange attached to the wall proximate to the port and having a throat, defined by a deformable rim around the perimeter thereof, the rim having interior and exterior sides and a top, the throat disposed within the port, and the flange configured in the port to required all air being transferred between the interior and exterior of the body to pass through the throat;
and
an assembly for removably covering the throat, the assembly including:
(i) a substantially rigid ring-shaped base disposed around the exterior of the rim and configured to limit the radially outward expansion of the rim, (ii) a cap removably attached to the base, and (iii) shape means for restricting radially inward movement of the rim at least when the cap is in a closed position, so that when the cap is in an open position, the throat is uncovered, and when the cap is in a closed position, the throat is covered by the cap.

2 more elements

An inflatable support system, comprising:

an inflatable body having an interior, an exterior, and inflation input for transfer of air between the interior and exterior;
and
a one-way valve, disposed between the interior and the inflation input, for controlling the transfer of air, providing a substantially hermetic seal under low pressure conditions, such valve including:
a passageway having a general circular cross section and a first end in communication with the interior and a second end in communication with the inflation input;
a circular lip, disposed peripherally in the passageway and protruding radially inward, having a first surface generally facing the interior, defining a valve seat;
a flexible circular diaphragm, having an interior surface generally facing the interior and an outer surface facing away from the interior mounted for axial movement in the passageway away from and against the valve seat in respectively open and closed positions of the valve, so that an outer annular region of the outer surface of the diaphragm engages against the valve seat in the closed position;
and
a generally circular coupling defining the passageway, the coupling having an open end defining the inflation input and a flared end, contiguous therewith, providing the circular lip, so that the (i) the coupling at the open end has a smaller internal diameter than at the flared end and (ii) the diaphragm can be pushed axially to open the valve by reaching into the open end of the coupling.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pneumatic support system

Life of this patent

Pneumatic support system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20