U.S. patent application number 11/850563 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for variable size airbed.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Luke E. Kelly, Jason T. McClintock, Jordan G. Rockstad.
Application Number | 20080078023 11/850563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39264307 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080078023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClintock; Jason T. ; et
al. |
April 3, 2008 |
VARIABLE SIZE AIRBED
Abstract
An airbed (20) that is variable in size. The airbed includes a
principal bladder (22) and one or more extension bladders (24, 26).
The principal bladder (22) may be inflated and used as an airbed.
The extension bladders (24, 26) may remain deflated, or one or more
of the additional bladders may be inflated to increase the total
size of the inflated portions of the airbed (20).
Inventors: |
McClintock; Jason T.;
(Wichita, KS) ; Rockstad; Jordan G.; (Andover,
KS) ; Kelly; Luke E.; (Augusta, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG, VOIT & MAYER, LTD.;(SEATTLE OFFICE)
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA, SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6731
US
|
Assignee: |
THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
39264307 |
Appl. No.: |
11/850563 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60827816 |
Oct 2, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/118 ;
5/710 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/081 20130101;
A47C 17/80 20130101; A47C 27/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/118 ;
5/710 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/10 20060101
A47C027/10; A47C 17/80 20060101 A47C017/80 |
Claims
1. An airbed, comprising: a plurality of bladders, each bladder
being selectively inflatable; wherein each bladder has a front end
and a back end, the front end located opposite the back end;
wherein each bladder has a length determined by measuring from the
front end to the back end; wherein the plurality of bladders are
connected one to another in series at one or more connections, each
connection comprising a union of the front end of one bladder to
the back end of an adjacent bladder, such that, when the bladders
are inflated, the bladders form a substantially planar surface
having a combined length approximately equal to the sum of the
lengths of the bladders; and wherein the length of at least one of
the bladders is greater than the length of another bladder.
2. The airbed of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bladders
is connected to at least one other bladder by a top edge weld.
3. The airbed of claim 1, further comprising, for each bladder, an
inflation valve configured to allow inflation of the bladder.
4. The airbed of claim 1, further comprising: a connecting valve
configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between two
adjacent bladders; and an inflation valve configured to allow
inflation of a first of the two adjacent bladders, with the
connecting valve selectively allowing inflation from the first
bladder to a second of the two adjacent bladders.
5. The airbed of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
bladders is removably connected to the other bladders.
6. The airbed of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of
bladders is configurable from a first position, wherein the at
least one of the plurality of bladders provides a portion of the
sleeping surface, to a second position, wherein said at least one
of the plurality of bladders is atop an adjacent bladder so as to
provide a pillow atop the sleeping surface.
7. The airbed of claim 1, wherein the width of at least one of the
plurality of bladders varies to allow the airbed to receive a rear
wheel well of an automobile when the airbed is positioned in a rear
portion of the automobile.
8. An airbed, comprising: an independently inflatable principal
bladder having a first length and a sleeping surface; and an
independently inflatable extension bladder having a second length
shorter than the first length, the extension bladder having an
upper surface and being connected to the principal bladder so that,
when the principal bladder and extension bladder are simultaneously
inflated, the upper surface of the extension bladder is
substantially coplanar with the sleeping surface of the principal
bladder and the airbed fits closely inside a first rear portion of
a first automobile; wherein, when the principal bladder is inflated
and the extension bladder is deflated, the airbed is configured to
fit closely inside a second rear portion of a second automobile,
the second rear portion being shorter than the first rear
portion.
9. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the principal bladder and the
extension bladder are connected to one another by a top edge
weld.
10. The airbed of claim 8, further comprising, an inflation valve
configured to allow inflation of the principal bladder.
11. The airbed of claim 8, further comprising: a connecting valve
configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between two
adjacent bladders; and an inflation valve configured to allow
inflation of a first of the two adjacent bladders, with the
connecting valve selectively allowing inflation from the first
bladder to a second of the two adjacent bladders.
12. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the extension bladder is
removably connected to the principal bladder.
13. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the extension bladder is
configurable from a first position, wherein the extension bladder
is adjacent the principal bladder, and a second position, wherein
the extension bladder is atop the principal bladder.
14. The airbed of claim 8, wherein the width of at least the
principal bladder varies to receive a rear wheel well of an
automobile when the airbed is positioned in a rear portion of the
automobile.
15. The airbed of claim 8, further comprising one or more
independently inflatable additional bladders connected to the
principal bladder, each of the one or more additional bladders
having a second upper surface, each of the one or more additional
bladders being configured so that the second upper surface is
substantially coplanar with the sleeping surface of the principal
bladder when the principal bladder, the extension bladder, and the
additional bladders are inflated.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/827,816, filed Oct. 2, 2006, and
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An airbed, sometimes called an "air mattress," 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] Although airbeds work well for their intended purpose, one
limitation to the use of airbeds is that most conventional airbeds
are manufactured to be used in a large open area. Thus, if an
airbed is inflated and placed in the bed of a truck, wagon, sport
utility vehicle (SUV), or other vehicle, the dimensions of the
airbed may cause the airbed to fit poorly, either being too long or
too short in one or more dimensions. One type of airbed that has
been used to address this limitation is specifically manufactured
to fit the dimensions of a particular vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 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 of some embodiments that are presented
later.
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed is provided that
is variable in size. In an embodiment, the airbed includes a
principal bladder and one or more extension bladders. The principal
bladder may be inflated and used as an airbed. The extension
bladders may remain deflated, or one or more of the additional
bladders may be inflated to increase the total size of the inflated
portions of the airbed.
[0006] In an embodiment, each bladder has its own valve so that
each bladder may be inflated individually. Alternatively, two or
more bladders may be inflated using the same valve.
[0007] 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
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an airbed in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle with an
airbed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a cutout view of an
airbed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a cutout view of an
alternate embodiment of an airbed; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is schematic representation of a cutout view of an
edge weld in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows an airbed 20 in accordance with an embodiment. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the airbed 20 includes a principal
bladder 22, a first extension bladder 24, and a second extension
bladder 26 connected in series. As further described below, the
principal bladder 22, the first extension bladder 24, and/or the
second extension bladder 26 may be inflated so as to provide an
inflated airbed having varying lengths. The variable lengths of the
airbed 20 may permit the airbed to be used in a variety of
different applications, including, but not limited to, for use in
the back of various different vehicles, such as sport utility
vehicles.
[0015] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each the bladders
22, 24, and 26 are connected to the respective adjacent bladder by
a releasable or permanent connection. For example, as shown in FIG.
1, the principal bladder 22 is attached to the first extension
bladder 24 by an edge weld 30. Also shown in FIG. 1, the second
extension bladder 24 is attached to the second extension bladder 26
by an edge weld 30.
[0016] "Edge welds" are well-known in the airbed art. Details of an
example of attachment of the principal bladder 22 to the first
extension bladder 24 at an edge weld are shown in FIG. 3. As is
known, as shown in FIG. 5, when two or more sheets of material 50
for an airbed are welded, the welded juncture forms a seam 52. This
seam 52 includes excess flashing material 54 that usually extends
outward at the seam 52. This excess flashing material 54 is also
known as an "edge weld." In most conventional airbeds, such
junctures are formed at the connection of a top wall 32 (FIG. 3) of
an airbed 20 to a side wall 34 for the airbed, and similarly at a
connection of a bottom wall 36 to the side wall 34, but edge welds
may be positioned at other locations on the airbed.
[0017] In accordance with an embodiment, the bladders 22, 24, and
26 of the airbed 20 are connected at edge welds 30. However,
bladders may be attached in a number of ways, including, but not
limited to, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, ties, hooks, snaps,
loops and toggles, clasps, and other suitable attachments. The
attachments may be permanent, or may allow users to attach or
detach bladders to or from each other. In addition, two or more of
the bladders 22, 24, and 26 of the airbed 20 may be formed in a
single process. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a single side
panel 134 and a single top panel 132 may be used, and a weld 130
may be formed in the construction that defines a boundary between
adjacent bladders.
[0018] In accordance with an embodiment, the connection of adjacent
bladders is made at the top of the airbed. However, the bladders
22, 24, and/or 26 may be connected in a variety of other locations.
For example, connections may be located at the bottom of the airbed
or in a location between the top and bottom of the airbed. In
general, the edge welds or other connectors may be located in any
manner that allows proper connection of the bladders.
[0019] The present invention need not be limited to three bladders.
A variable size airbed may alternatively have one extension bladder
or more than two extension bladders. Also, in the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the extension bladders 24 and 26 are on the same side of
the principal bladder 22. However, any number of configurations may
be used. For example, one or more extension bladders may be
attached to opposite sides of the principal bladder. In addition,
FIG. 1 shows extension bladders 24 and 26 that may be selectively
inflated to vary the length of the airbed. However, extension
bladders may also be used to vary the width of the airbed as
well.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, each bladder 22, 24, and 26 includes a
valve 28 so that each bladder may be selectively inflated. Other
configurations may be used that allow selective inflation of the
bladders 22, 24, and 26. For example, the principal bladder 22 may
include a valve for inflating the principal bladder 22. A closure
valve (not shown) may fluidly connect the extension bladder 24 to
the principal bladder 22 such that, when the valve is open, there
is a fluid connection between the principal bladder 22 and
extension bladder 24 so that air can flow between the two bladders.
Similarly, the second extension bladder 26 may either contain a
valve 28 for inflation as shown in FIG. 1, or may include a closure
valve connecting the second extension bladder 26 to the first
extension bladder 24 providing a fluid connection between the two
bladders. In general, any configuration of valves may be utilized
that allows the bladders to be selectively inflated.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the airbed is manufactured to fit inside
the bed of a vehicle 32. Specifically, bladders are manufactured to
correspond to common size vehicle beds. For example, the principal
bladder 22 may be four feet long while the extension bladders 24
and 26 each may be one foot long, allowing the bed to fit inside
vehicles with beds that are four, five, or six feet long. In
another embodiment, an airbed may have two bladders connected, for
example at edge welds, a principal bladder having a width of forty
one inches and a length of sixty two inches, and an extension
bladder having a width of forty one inches and a length of seven
inches so that, when both bladders are inflated, the airbed has a
width of forty one inches and a length of sixty nine inches and,
when only the principal bladder is inflated, the airbed is
approximately the size of the principal bladder. Of course, in
other embodiments, each bladder may be manufactured to any desired
length, allowing the airbed to fit in a variety of places. In
addition, the extension bladders need not have dimensions that
match other extension bladders and/or the principal bladder.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the bladders have a rectangular shape.
As shown in FIG. 2, the width dimension of the rectangle is such
that the airbed will fit between protruding wheel wells in the bed
of a vehicle. Alternate embodiments may have one or more bladders
of another size or shape. For example, the principal bladder 22
and/or the extension bladders 24, 26 may have different widths to
accommodate variations in the width of a vehicle bed, such as
variations due to wheel wells. The width of one or more bladders
may also vary to accommodate such variations in the width of a
vehicle bed. As shown in FIG. 1, the bladders 22, 24, and 26 have
the same width, but the bladders may also vary in width.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the extension bladders 24 and 26 may be
used to extend the length of the airbed. However, the extension
bladders 24 and 26 may serve other purposes such as pillows or
backrests. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, inflated extension
bladder 26 may be folded along the edge weld 30 and used as a
pillow. In addition, inflated extension bladders 24 and 26 may be
folded up along the edge weld connecting the extension bladder 24
to the primary bladder 22 to provide a larger pillow. Also,
inflated extension bladder 24 and deflated extension bladder 26 may
be folded along the edge weld 30 connecting the extension bladder
24 to the primary bladder in order to provide a pillow. In this
last configuration, the deflated extension bladder 26 may lie on
top of the primary bladder 22 or may be folded under the inflated
extension bladder 24. Of course, similar variations may also be
made with other configurations.
[0024] Although described with reference to a "principal" and one
or more "extension" bladders, an airbed in accordance with an
embodiment may include two or more bladders that are of the same
size. In addition, an airbed in accordance with an embodiment may
include a first bladder that is configured and sized to fit the
back of one size of a vehicle, and a second bladder configured and
sized to fit the back of another size of vehicle. In a variation of
such an embodiment, the bladders are both inflated to be used in a
third, larger sized vehicle.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the bladders
may contain a built in pump or compressor in addition to or instead
of the valve that inflates one or more of the bladders. The built
in pump or compressor may be incorporated into one or more of the
bladders.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
* * * * *