U.S. patent application number 10/940901 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for airbed with built-in air pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew T. Metzger.
Application Number | 20060053560 10/940901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032247 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Metzger; Andrew T. |
March 16, 2006 |
Airbed with built-in air pump
Abstract
An airbed is having a built-in pump. The pump is removably
received within a receptacle. When the pump is placed in the
receptacle, an outlet port for the pump is in fluid communication
with a valve. The valve is operated via a solenoid. In an
embodiment, the valve is opened while the pump is operating to
inflate the airbed. The valve is also opened to deflate the airbed.
In accordance with an embodiment, the pump utilizes a dual fan
configuration, having two sets of fan blades on opposite sides of a
disc. Air inlets are provided for the fan housing of the pump on
both the top and the bottom so that each set of blades may draw air
into the pump.
Inventors: |
Metzger; Andrew T.; (Belle
Plaine, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG, VOIT & MAYER, LTD.;(SEATTLE OFFICE)
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA
SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6780
US
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
36032247 |
Appl. No.: |
10/940901 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/084 20130101;
A47C 27/082 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/713 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08 |
Claims
1. An airbed, comprising: an air chamber; a receptacle attached to
the air chamber and configured to receive a pump, the receptacle
comprising an opening in fluid communication with the air chamber
and configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with a
pump installed in the receptacle; a valve located inside the air
chamber and positioned to close the opening; and a solenoid
positioned inside the air chamber and connected to the valve, the
solenoid being arranged and configured to move the valve between a
first position in which the opening is closed by the valve and a
second position in which the opening is not closed by the
valve.
2. The airbed of claim 1, wherein the opening is connected to the
receptacle by a conduit, and wherein the conduit extends out the
receptacle and turns to extend along the receptacle.
3. The airbed of claim 1, further comprising an electrical circuit
extending from the solenoid to an interior of the receptacle, the
circuit for supplying a signal to the solenoid for operation.
4. The airbed of claim 3, wherein the electrical circuit supplies
power to the solenoid.
5. The airbed of claim 3, wherein the electrical circuit connects
to a pump in the receptacle, and wherein at least a portion of the
operation of the solenoid and the pump is controlled by the same
controller.
6. An airbed, comprising: an air chamber; a pump; a receptacle
attached to the air chamber and configured to receive the pump, the
receptacle comprising an opening in fluid communication with the
air chamber and configured and arranged to be in fluid
communication with the pump when the pump is installed in the
receptacle; a valve located inside the air chamber and positioned
to close the opening; and a solenoid positioned inside the air
chamber and connected to the valve, the solenoid being arranged and
configured to move the valve between a first position in which the
opening is closed by the valve and a second position in which the
opening is not closed by the valve.
7. The airbed of claim 6, wherein the opening is connected to the
receptacle by a conduit, and wherein the conduit extends out the
receptacle and turns to extend along the receptacle.
8. The airbed of claim 6, further comprising an electrical circuit
extending from the solenoid to an interior of the receptacle, the
circuit for supplying a signal to the solenoid for operation.
9. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the electrical circuit supplies
power to the solenoid.
10. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the electrical circuit connects
to the pump when the pump is in the receptacle, and wherein at
least a portion of the operation of the solenoid and the pump is
controlled by the same controller.
11. The airbed of claim 6, wherein the pump comprises a fan
comprising two sets of blades.
12. The airbed of claim 11, wherein the fan comprises a disk with
the two sets of blades positioned on opposite sides of the
disk.
13. The airbed of claim 12, wherein the two sets of blades are
backwardly curved.
14. The airbed of claim 12, wherein the two sets of blades comprise
first and second sets of blades, and further comprising a fan
housing for receiving the fan and directing air to the opening, the
fan housing comprising first and second sets of vents for drawing
air into the first and second sets of blades, respectively.
15. The airbed of claim 11, wherein the two sets of blades comprise
first and second sets of blades, and further comprising a fan
housing for receiving the fan and directing air to the opening, the
fan housing comprising first and second sets of vents for drawing
air into the first and second sets of blades, respectively.
16. An airbed, comprising: an air chamber; a pump comprising a fan
comprising two sets of blades; and a receptacle attached to the air
chamber and configured to receive the pump, the receptacle
comprising an opening in fluid communication with the air chamber
and configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the
pump when the pump is installed in the receptacle; wherein the
pump, the fan, and the two sets of blades are arranged and
configured so that the two sets of blades direct a fluid toward the
opening when the pump is operating.
17. The airbed of claim 16, wherein the fluid is air.
18. The airbed of claim 16, wherein the fan comprises a disk with
the two sets of blades positioned on opposite sides of the
disk.
19. The airbed of claim 18, wherein the two sets of blades are
backwardly curved.
20. The airbed of claim 18, wherein the two sets of blades comprise
first and second sets of blades, and further comprising a fan
housing for receiving the fan and directing air to the opening, the
fan housing comprising first and second sets of vents for drawing
air into the first and second sets of blades, respectively.
21. The airbed of claim 16, wherein the two sets of blades comprise
first and second sets of blades, and further comprising a fan
housing for receiving the fan and directing air to the opening, the
fan housing comprising first and second sets of vents for drawing
air into the first and second sets of blades, respectively.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to inflatable products,
and more specifically to airbeds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An airbed is a large rectangular rubber or plastic (e.g.,
vinyl) bag that is filled with air so that it may be used as a bed.
Airbeds are well known in the art and have proven themselves to be
very useful. On the one hand, an inflatable airbed may be deflated
and folded to store the airbed in a closet or basement. On the
other hand, when guests arrive or when the owner of the airbed
takes a trip to a place where there is no bed, the airbed may be
inflated and may be used as a bed.
[0003] One thing airbeds have in common is that they must be
inflated for use. To this end, a valve or valves are supplied on an
airbed for a user to provide air or another gas into the airbed.
The user may utilize his or her breath, i.e., by blowing into a
valve or valves, may utilize a manual or electric pump, or may use
an air compressor, as examples.
[0004] More recently, some manufacturers have begun incorporating
pumps into airbeds. Examples can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,224,706,. 5,588,811, and 6,543,073. Incorporating the pump into
the airbed or airbed frame provides a convenient location for
storage of the pump, and may provide better fitting of the pump to
the airbed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed is provided
having a built-in pump. The pump is removably received within a
receptacle.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment, when the pump is placed in
the receptacle, an outlet port for the pump is in fluid
communication with a valve. The valve is operated via a solenoid.
In an embodiment, the valve is opened while the pump is operating
to inflate the airbed. The valve is also opened to deflate the
airbed.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, the pump utilizes a dual
fan configuration, having two sets of fan blades on opposite sides
of a disc. Air inlets are provided for the fan housing of the pump
on both the top and the bottom so that each set of blades may draw
air into the pump.
[0009] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an airbed incorporating
a built-in pump in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a detail view of the built-in pump and a
receptacle for the pump of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pump of FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly
for the airbed of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the pump of FIG. 2
installed in the receptacle of FIG. 2; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit that may be
used with the pump and valve assembly of FIGS. 2 and 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described. In addition,
to the extent orientations are given, such as "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "top," "bottom," and the like, such orientations
are given for ease of reference only.
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows an airbed 20 that may utilize aspects of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown, the airbed 20 includes a
receptacle 22 for receiving a pump 24. In the embodiment shown, the
pump 24 is removably received within the receptacle 22. However, to
the extent that the pump 24 may be attached to the airbed 20 and
may remain attached thereto so as to be stored in that manner, the
pump 24 is "built in" to the airbed 20.
[0018] Details of the pump 24 can best be seen in FIG. 2
(assembled) and FIG. 3 (exploded). The pump 24 shown in the
drawings is generally cylindrical in shape but may be configured in
another manner. The pump 24 includes a port 26 for the output of
air. A motor housing 28 is situated below a fan housing 30 in the
orientation shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the motor
housing 28 includes a lower shell 32 and an upper spacer 34.
[0019] A motor 39 is mounted within the motor housing 28. The motor
39 preferably utilizes AC power, put alternatively may utilize a
rechargeable battery, or one or more non-rechargeable dry cell
batteries. Motors and/or their components, such as the motor 39,
are known in the art, and further detail will not be given
here.
[0020] The fan housing 30 includes a lower fan housing 40 that
mounts over the spacer 34. Alternatively, the lower fan housing 40
may be formed integral with the spacer 34. The lower fan housing 40
includes vents 42 at a lower, central portion and a shaft opening
36 located centrally in its bottom portion. The lower fan housing
40 additionally includes molded therein a lower portion 44 of the
port 26.
[0021] The fan housing 30 also includes an upper fan housing 46
that is configured and arranged to attach to the top of the lower
fan housing 40. The upper fan housing 46 includes an upper vent 48,
in the embodiment shown located centrally on the upper fan housing
46 and radiating outward. The upper fan housing 46 also includes an
upper portion 48 of the port 26 molded therein.
[0022] A fan 50 is mounted between the lower fan housing 40 and the
upper fan housing 46. The fan 50 mounts on a shaft 51 that extends
out of the motor 39. The shaft 51 extends through the shaft opening
36.
[0023] As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the fan 50 includes a central
disc 52. Backwardly curved fan blades 54 extend from both sides of
the disc 52.
[0024] When the pump 24 is operating, the motor 39, or other power
source, if relevant, rotates the shaft 51, causing the fan 50.to
rotate. For the lower side of the fan 50, air is drawn through a
port 53 (best shown in FIG. 5) at a lower portion of the pump 24.
The air flows around the motor 39 and through the vents 42 on the
bottom of the lower fan housing 40. The lower air flow not only
provides air for the fan, but also provides cooling for the motor
39.
[0025] For the upper side of the fan 50, air is drawn through the
upper vent 48 of the upper fan housing 46. The upper vent 48 and
the vents 42 in the lower fan housing 40 are preferably arranged so
that they may draw in a sufficient amount of air, but do not cause
a significant drop in air pressure for the pump 24. The upper vent
48 is arranged in a backwardly curved manner, such as the
backwardly curved fan blades 54, although another arrangement may
be provided.
[0026] Air blown from the upper and lower fan blades 54 is blown
out of the port 26 for the pump 24. The use of two sets of fan
blades provides increased air flow than a fan having a single set
of blades and utilizing the same motor 39. In addition, if a more
powerful motor 39 is used, the dual fan blade system provides
increased air pressure.
[0027] The receptacle 22 is arranged and configured so that it can
receive the pump 24. To this end, the pump 24 and the receptacle 22
may include guides (not shown) for directing the pump 24 into
proper alignment with the receptacle 22. In addition, the
receptacle 22 includes a flange 60 to which side walls or a side
wall of the airbed 20 are attached.
[0028] The receptacle 22 includes a rear opening 62 (e.g., FIG. 2)
for receiving the port 26 of the pump 24. In addition, in
accordance with an embodiment, contacts 64 are provided in the
receptacle 22 for connecting with and making a circuit with
contacts 56 positioned on the outside of the pump 24, for example
on the lower shell 32 of the motor housing 28. The purpose of the
contacts 64, 56 is described below.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the receptacle 22
includes a valve assembly 65 mounted on a back portion of the
receptacle 22, and that is installed inside the airbed 20. The
valve assembly 65 shown in the drawings includes an elbow 66
extending from the rear opening 62 to a valve seat 68 (best shown
in FIG. 5). An O-ring 80 (FIG. 5) may be provided to seal the elbow
66 to the rear opening 62. Air vents or openings 70 are positioned
around and just below the valve seat 68.
[0030] A solenoid 72 is mounted as part of the valve assembly 65. A
collar 74 is attached to the solenoid 72, and a stem 76 is
slidingly received therein. A valve 78 is attached to the end of
the stem 76. This valve 78 is positioned to engage the valve seat
68 when the solenoid 72 is in a normal, or non-actuated, position.
In an embodiment, the valve 78 is formed of rubber or another
sealable material. Alternatively, a sealing structure, such as an
O-ring, may be provided.
[0031] A circuit 90 that may be utilized to operate the pump 24 and
the valve assembly 65 is shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, wires
92 (FIG. 5) extend from the solenoid 72 to the receptacle 22. These
wires 92 may connect, for example, to the contacts 64. The contacts
64, in turn, connect to the contacts 56 when the pump 24 is
inserted into the receptacle 22. In this manner, wiring for the
solenoid 72 is connected to the pump 24, so that operation of the
solenoid may be controlled by a switch or other control that is
located in or otherwise is associated with the pump 24. To this
end, the switch or other control may be mounted on the pump 24, or
may be alternatively mounted on the receptacle 22, such as on the
flange 60. In addition, if desired, a wireless or wired remote may
be provided for operation of the pump 24 and/or the valve assembly
65.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the contacts 56, 64
are positioned so that they connect at the back of the receptacle,
away from the rear opening 62. However, the contacts may be located
near or may be associated with the rear opening 62, or may be
otherwise suitably positioned.
[0033] In the circuit 90 shown in FIG. 6, a power cord 94 or other
power source is wired to the pump 24 and the solenoid 72. In the
embodiment shown in the drawings, a double pole, double throw
switch 96 having an off position is used to alternatively cut and
supply power to the pump 24 and the solenoid 72. Alternatively, the
function of the double pole, double throw switch 96 may be provided
by more than one switch, such as an on/off switch and a two-way
switch, or may be provided by another suitable mechanism or
mechanisms.
[0034] In accordance with an embodiment, the double pole, double
throw switch 96 may be positioned in an off position, an inflate
position, or a deflate position. In either the inflate or the
deflate positions, in accordance with an embodiment, the solenoid
72 is provided power and thus is actuated. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 5, actuation of the solenoid 72 causes the valve 78 to move
from the position against the valve seat 68 shown in phantom in
FIG. 5 to the position removed from the valve seat 68, shown just
to the left of the phantom position in FIG. 5. This opening of the
valve 78 permits air to flow through the elbow 66, out the valve
seat 68, around the face of the valve 78 and out the air openings
70.
[0035] The flow thus described is airflow when the pump 24 is on
and the airbed 20 is being inflated. In the inflate position of the
double pole, double throw switch 96, the pump 24 is provided power,
and blows air into the airbed 20 while the valve 78 is held into an
open position by the solenoid 72.
[0036] Airflow is opposite this direction if the airbed 20 is being
deflated. As described above, when the two-way switch 98 is in the
deflate position, the solenoid 72 opens the valve 78, and air is
free to flow through the elbow 66 and out of the airbed 20. In this
flow, the air flows into the port 26 and out of the vents 42, 48
for the fan housing 30.
[0037] Alternatives may be provided. For example, if desired, the
solenoid 72 may include a separate power source so that it may be
actuated without the pump 24 in position so that the airbed 20 may
be deflated with the pump 24 removed. In addition, as another
alternative, the pump 24 may be reversible, and a circuit may be
provided wherein in a deflate mode, the pump operates in a reverse
direction to draw air out of the airbed 20.
[0038] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0039] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0040] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0041] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *