VARIABLE SIZE AIR MATTRESS

Abstract

A variable size air mattress that has at least a first plenum, a second plenum side-by side with said first plenum, a first inflation/deflation valve for the air mattress communicating with said first plenum, and a second inflation/deflation valve communicating with said second plenum, to allow inflation for only the first plenum when said first inflation/deflation valve is open but said second inflation/deflation valve is closed, or when both said first and second inflation/deflation valves are open, communicating with said first plenum and said second plenum so that when inflated the air mattress is a larger size of a double bed mattress, a queen bed mattress, or a king bed mattress, depending on the size of said first and second plenums. The air mattress may further include a third plenum, such that said second and third plenums are on either side of said first plenum.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a variable size air mattress that is consistent with a standard size acceptance by the general public, such that sheet, duvets, bed skirts, comforters, blankets and pillows fit. In the U.S. the standard sizes are known as twin, double, queen and king beds. These same names are often referred to in other countries such as U.K., Japan, China, and Germany, but in fact the sizes vary a bit from country to country. The variable size air mattress can be manufactured to cover each country's sizes.

The variable size air mattress is designed with multiple plenums, especially from 2 to 4 plenums and most preferably 3 plenums. One plenum can be a twin bed size and another plenum(s) can be sized to make a double, queen or king size. With this concept, if there are 2 plenums you will have up to one openable and closeable valve per plenum to control whether you use one or both plenums. This same concept can be applied to a 3 or 4 plenum air mattress to allow even more variability, such as twin size, double size (sometimes referred to as a full bed), queen size and king size, and with or without attached pillows. Thus you can deploy the mattress to a size that fits your needs. The air mattress can be employed, for example, for house guests, in hotels for children, in RV for guests or family, camping in tents, or permanent in-home bedroom use.

PRIOR ART

Air mattresses are well known and often come in distinct sizes. There is no size variability in air mattresses for public use in the market place. They come in a single size and are designed to fit the interior of a car, or sleeping bag size, or in-home bedroom size, but are not adaptable to cover multiple size situations.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,910 to Davis discloses a partially deflatable transfer mattress for transporting a patient. While FIGS. 12-14 show an air mattress where 2 side chambers and a bottom chamber can be deflated while transporting a patient, this is a temporary situation.

The air mattress is not designed to be a deflated for any longer than it takes to transport the patient. Further the mattress is not designed for long term use. Any attempt to wash it will cause it to disintegrate, as disclosed in the specification. Lastly it clearly is not sized to fit any standard bed sizes such that sheets, duvets, bed skirts, comforters, blankets and pillows fit the air mattress.

U. S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0078023 to McClintock et al discloses an air bed designed to fit in the bed of a truck, wagon, sport utility vehicle, or other vehicle. The mattress has a plurality of bladders and each bladder has its own valve so that each bladder can be inflated individually. The bladders may have different lengths to allow for wheel wells, or other protrusions in the bed of a vehicle. The bladders are not designed as standard size beds.

Thus a need exists for a variable size bed that can accommodate at least 2 different sizes of standard beds, such as a twin and a double bed, a twin and a queen or a twin and a king bed, a double and a queen, or double and a king bed, or a queen and a king bed. Preferably the variable size air mattress will accommodate 4 different sizes such as a twin, double, queen or king. For each of these sizes, it is also within the scope of the invention that each has a pillow. This allows the user maximum flexibility to choose the best bed size for the situation, with or without pillow(s).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the broadest sense, the present invention pertains to an air mattress having at least 2 different plenums one of which is a twin bed size plenum or a double bed size or a queen bed size, and a second plenum. When only the twin plenum of the mattress is inflated then it is obvious that the mattress will be of a twin bed size. If the twin plenum is inflated with the second plenum the size of the mattress can be a double bed mattress, a queen bed mattress, or a king bed mattress, depending on the size of the second plenum.

In the first embodiment of 2 plenums, one skilled in the art would recognize that you can have one inflation/deflation valve per plenum communicating with said twin bed plenum and said second plenum. Of course one skilled in the art recognizes that the inflation/deflation valve may consist of a single valve performing both functions, or a separate valve for the inflation and a separate valve for deflation. This allows inflation/deflation for only the twin size plenum or inflation/deflation of both the twin plenum and the second plenum. Optionally in a second embodiment, you can have a single inflation/deflation valve and an open/close valve to control inflation/deflation to the second plenum from the twin plenum. When the open/closed valve is closed and the inflation/deflation valve is open, only the twin plenum will inflate. When the open/closed valve is open along with the inflation/deflation valve, air flows into both plenums so that when inflated the air mattress is full size, queen size or king size.

In the broadest sense the present invention also pertains to an air mattress having 2 different plenums, one of which is a double bed size plenum and a second plenum. When both the double plenum and the second plenum are inflated, the air mattress is the size of a queen bed mattress, or a king bed mattress, depending on the size of the second plenum. The valve system described above can likewise apply to this double bed-second plenum embodiment.

In the broadest sense the present invention can also pertain to an air mattress having 2 different plenums, one of which is a queen bed size and a second plenum. When both the queen plenum and the second plenum are inflated, the air mattress is a king bed size. The valve system described above can likewise apply to this queen bed-second plenum embodiment.

In the broadest sense the preferred embodiment of the present invention is also a variable size air mattress comprising 3 plenums, wherein a twin bed size plenum is positioned between a second plenum and a third plenum. When only the middle twin bed size plenum is inflated, you only have a twin bed size air mattress. When the twin bed plenum and said second plenum are inflated, it is the size of a double (full) bed. When the twin bed plenum and the third plenum are inflated, it is the size of a queen bed. When said twin plenum, second plenum and third plenum are inflated, the entire size of the air mattress is that of a king bed.

Optionally an extra plenum could be added to create a pillow for the twin bed size. Additional plenums could be added to create a pillow for each additional plenums so that as each plenum is inflated there is the option of also inflating a pillow (or not) for the additional plenums.

For the preferred embodiment of 3 plenums, each plenum may have its own inflation/deflation valve. Thus the inflation valve may be separate and distinct from the deflation valve, or they may be a single valve capable of performing both functions. Likewise, there could be a single inflation/deflation valve and 2 open/close valves to control the flow of air from the twin, middle plenum to either or both side plenums to control the final size of desired inflation. With the later concept, the inflation/deflation valve would be located in/on the twin plenum. The 2 open/closed valves could also be located on the twin plenum or on each side plenum. Preferably all the valves would be located on the twin plenum so that if either or both side plenums are not in use, they can easily be folded under the twin plenum so that twin bedding fits properly and so that the valves would not create a height differential, due to the valves, when only the twin plenum is inflated (known as the princess and the pea situation).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are meant to further clarify and aid in the understanding of the present invention. They are not meant to limit the present invention in any manner, as that is the purpose of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a 2 plenum air mattress showing a twin plenum and a second plenum sized to be a full/double bed size when both plenums are inflated.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a 2 plenum air mattress showing a double plenum and a second plenum sized to be a queen or king size bed when both plenums are inflated.

FIG. 3 is a cut away plan view of the valve system of the 2 plenum air mattress.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the inlet/outlet valve shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a partial view along lines 4-4 in FIG. 3 showing a side view of the septum and air passage there through.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a 3 plenum air mattress showing a central twin plenum, a second plenum and a third plenum, and the valve control system.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the 3 plenum air mattress showing just the twin plenum inflated and the other plenums deflated, and the valve control system.

FIG. 7 is an end view of a valve system of a 3 plenum air mattress valve system where the plenum valves are adjacent the air inflation valve.

FIG. 8 is a cut away side view of a plenum valve shown in its closed position.

FIG. 9 is a cut away side view of a plenum valve shown in its open position.

FIG. 10 is an end cut away view showing all the septums in a 3 plenum air mattress.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the exemplary embodiment, the exterior of the air mattress of the present invention may be of any design known in the art. The air mattress of the exemplary embodiment shown includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet, side trim and one or more septums. The top edges of the side trim and septums are connected to the top sheet and the bottom edges of the side trim and septums are connected to the bottom sheet in a manner such that the air mattress forms 2 to 4 sealed plenums to keep the air or any other gaseous medium inside the air mattress. The side trim and septums may be connected to the top sheet and bottom sheet by thermo welding adhesive welding, or any sealing means known in the art such as using adhesives, glue, cement, etc. to prevent gas from leaking out at the connections seams. Within each of the plenums, strips running the length of the mattress can be attached to the inner surface of the top and bottom of each plenum forming channels inside which provide shape and structure to the mattress. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative chambers support architectures, such as the “coil construction”, tethered wall techniques, etc known in the art, may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The materials for making an air mattress of the present invention may be vinyl, polyester, or nylon sheets, ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer, ethylene-vinyl-acetate, etc all well known in the art, or a laminate of 2 or more of these, optionally coated with or laminated with polyurethane, natural or synthetic rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer on the inside, thus forming a laminate, or any other suitable material, and having a wall thickness of about 1/16 to about 3/16 inch thick. The septums, which separate the plenums from one another, and various walls may be electronically welded, heat sealed or glued or otherwise adhered to one another such that they can easily support 600 pounds, and preferably twice that. The material is sufficiently flexible to be folded and placed in a bag for transport and/or storage. Preferably the top and optionally the bottom surface of the mattress may be surface coated with a slip resistant material such as fabric, flocking, shelf lining or felt, or compositions that contains polyurethane, styrene-butadiene rubber, or nitrile butadiene rubber, or the like, to stop occupants from slipping off the air mattress top and to prevent the air mattress from sliding on the support surface.

The height of the side trim sheets, which determines the height of the air mattress, is variable. The recent trend has been making air mattress that are at least 11 inches high. But the present invention is intended to cover from about 3 inches to about 24 inches.

While the present invention may be functional with every plenum having an inflation valve and a separate deflation valve, it is also meant to cover a single valve for ever plenum that performs both inflation and deflation functions, or a combination inflation/deflation valve with one or more open/closed valves to regulate the flow of air from one plenum to another. Preferably there is one combination inflation/deflation valve coupled with one or more open/closed valves. This assures that when the combination valve is operable for inflation, and all the open/closed valves are open, the air pressure in all plenums will be equal. The valves for inflation, deflation or to control air transport from one plenum to another are preferably made of plastic, but may be made of metal. Suitable plastic may be polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, and polycarbonate, and the like. Suitable metal may be copper, brass, or aluminum—metals that are not affected by moisture. The side trim sheets that are generally laminate walls of the air mattress can also be heat sealed, cemented or glued to the valves as is known in the art.

Natural and/or synthetic elastomeric or rubber hose material may be employed to transport air from the open/close plenum valves to second and/or third and/or fourth plenums. Likewise the hose material may be employed to transport air from the inflation valve to the open/close plenum valves. The number of hoses and the number of valves are directly dependant on the design of the valve system.

Preferably a motorized pump is attached to the plenum. The pump should be powerful enough to fill the entire support system with air. Inflation of the air mattress can begin by pressing a button on or near pump or via a remote control to start air flow into a plenum. In the event the user wishes to reduce the pressure within the air mattress to reduce firmness, the user may do so by pressing a push-button valve. The pump system could also be configured with a pressure sensor which would automatically start and stop inflation based on the user's settings. In the alternative, the air mattress may be inflated via a manual pump or by a person as is known in the art. The details of the pump are not specific to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a 2 plenum mattress wherein the twin plenum 12 and second plenum 14 are illustrated. When both plenums are inflated the air mattress is a double (or full) bed size, or a queen bed size, or a king bed size depending on the size of the second plenum. However it is possible to inflate just the twin plenum 12 and leave the second plenum deflated. When the twin plenum is inflated, it is approximately 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. The second plenum is the same length, but only 16 inches wide to create a double bed mattress, 22 inches wide to create a queen bed mattress, or 38 inches wide, to create a king mattress size. If the second plenum is 16 inches wide and both plenums are inflated, the width of the air mattress is 54 inches—the size of a double or full bed. If the second plenum is 22 inches wide and both plenums are inflated, the width of the air mattress is 60 inches wide—the size of a queen bed. If the second plenum is 38 inches wide and both plenums are inflated, the width of the air mattress is 76 inches wide—the size of a king bed. These dimensions described above and throughout conform to the standard US bed sizes, but they may be easily changed to conform to standard bed sizes in other countries.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a 2 plenum mattress wherein the double plenum 16 and second plenum 18 are illustrated. When both plenums are inflated the air mattress is a queen or king bed size. However it is possible to inflate just the double plenum 16 and leave the second plenum deflated. When the double plenum is inflated, it is approximately 54 inches wide and 80 inches long. The second plenum is the same length, but only either 6 inches wide, or 22 inches wide. If the second plenum is 6 inches wide and both plenums are inflated, the width of the air mattress is 60 inches—the size of a queen bed. If the second plenum is 22 inches wide and both plenums are inflated, the width of the air mattress is 76 inches wide—the size of a king bed. It would also be within the scope of the invention that the primary plenum be queen size and the second plenum, when inflated, could make the mattress a king size.

FIG. 3 is a cut away plan view illustrating a valve system for a 2 plenum air mattress. The invention is not limited by any specific valving system. Every plenum can have its own air inlet/outlet system, or two or more plenums may share a system, as will be described later. Therefore the valving system described is merely for illustrative purposes to further illustrate the air mattress of the present invention. The valve system shown is for a twin/double 12/16 and a second plenum 14/18-dual plenum mattress system. Specifically it can be for a twin-double, a twin-queen, or a twin-king, a double-queen or a double-king dual plenum mattress. An air inlet/outlet is indicated by reference numeral 22 which comprises a screw cap outlet 29 on the outside wall of the plenum which is held in place by a nut 26 permanently and securely mounted within the plenum. The screw cap outlet 29 includes a screw cap inlet 24 carried within and surround by the outlet cap 29. The screw cap inlet 24 has a one way check valve 28 such that a pump (or person) can inflate the air mattress by blowing air through the inlet cap 24. Due to the check valve 28, once the air enters the plenum via inlet cap 24, it cannot escape. There are many types and shapes of inflation/deflation valves and one skilled in the art can easily discern the types of valves that can be employed in the present invention. The screw cap inlet 24, when screwed in place seals the check valve 28 and therefore the inside of the plenum 12/16 from the outside environment to keep dust and dirt out. To inflate the plenum 12/16 one merely unscrews the cap 24 and manually blows air into the plenum through check valve 28. Alternatively, one may insert an air pump hose (not shown) into and through the check valve 28, and activate the pump (also not shown). When sufficient air is inside the plenum, the air pump hose is removed and the screw cap 24 is screwed into place sealing the plenum. If it is time to deflate the plenum 12/16, the larger screw cap outlet 29 that carries screw cap 24 and check valve 28 is mere unscrewed and the air escapes the plenum.

To fill the second plenum 14/18 with air, the system described with respect to the inlet/outlet valve 22 can be employed. Alternatively an open/close valve 30 is rotatably secured within a base 34 having a tubular passage 36 that is sealed to the septum 38. The septum 38 is merely a sealed wall in the interior of the air mattress that divides and seals the 2 plenums from one another. See FIG. 4. Valve 30 and base 34 are sealed to the plenum 12/16. In the stem of the valve 30 is a through hole 32. When the through hole 32 is in alignment with passage 36, air within the plenum 12/16 flows into the plenum 14/18 via the passage 36 (also seen in FIG. 4). While air is being blown into plenum 12/16 through screw cap 24, valve 30 is rotated to the open position allowing air to also flow into 14/18. When the proper pressure is achieved, screw cap 24 is quickly screwed into place sealing all plenums 12/14 or 16/18 from the outside environment. To deflate both plenums one merely leaves valve 30 in the open position and unscrews cap 29 allowing air to escape. Optionally each plenum may also have its own separate deflation valve.

FIG. 5 shows a 3 plenum air mattress 40 comprising a twin size plenum 42, a double or full size plenum 44, and a queen side plenum 46. Additionally a valve system 50 is mounted with the twin plenum 42. If air is only in twin plenum 42, the side plenums may be tucked under the air mattress 40 as shown in FIG. 6. When a twin fitted sheet is properly positioned on the inflated twin size mattress, it will cover the deflated sides such that they are not viable. If air is in the twin plenum 42 and the double side plenum 44, the total size is that of a double bed. In that configuration, the deflated queen side plenum is tucked under the air mattress 40. If air is in the twin plenum 42 and the queen side plenum 46, the total size of the air mattress is that of a queen bed. In that configuration the deflated double side plenum is tucked under the air mattress. If all three plenums are inflated, as is shown in FIG. 5, the air mattress is the size of a king bed.

Each plenum could contain the air inlet/outlet valve shown in FIG. 3A or any other equivalent system. Alternatively, the valve system 50 (see FIG. 7) comprises an air inlet/outlet 22 comprising a screw cap outlet 29 on the outside wall of the plenum and a screw cap inlet 24 carried by outlet 29, and in turn inlet 24 supports the check valve 28. If the screw cap 24 is removed a pathway from outside the twin plenum 42 to inside the plenum exists through check valve 28. The cap, when screwed in place seals the inside of the plenum 42 from the outside environment. So to inflate the twin plenum 42 one merely unscrews the cap 24 and inserts an air pump hose (not shown) into the opening 28 and turns on the pump (also not shown). When sufficient air is inside the twin plenum 42, the hose is removed and the screw cap 24 is quickly screwed into place sealing the plenum as shown in FIG. 6. If it is time to deflate the plenum 42 the screw cap 29 is mere unscrewed and the air escapes out opening from the plenum.

When a full or double size air mattress is desired, you proceed with the filling operation described above, and additionally open side valve 54 to the ON (open) position, while maintaining valve 56 in the OFF (close) position as shown in FIG. 8 where through hole 32 is not in alignment with passage 37. The ON position, as shown in FIG. 9 aligns through hole 32 with passage 36, allowing air to flow from the twin plenum 42 to the double side plenum 44. When it is desirable to deflate both plenums 42 and 44, one merely opens screw cap 29 while maintaining the valve 54 in the ON position.

When a queen size air mattress is desired, you proceed with the filling operation described above with respect to filling the twin plenum. Then open side valve 56 to the ON position, where through-hole 32 is in alignment with passage 37, while maintaining valve 54 in the OFF (close) position as shown in FIG. 8. The ON position, as shown in FIG. 9 aligns through hole 32 with passage 37, allowing air to flow from the twin plenum 42 to the queen side plenum 46, thus forming a queen size mattress when both the twin plenum and the queen side plenum are inflated. When it is desirable to deflate both plenums 42 and 46, one merely opens screw cap 29 while maintaining the valve 56 in the ON position.

When it is desired to fully inflate the air mattress 50, thus forming a king bed side mattress, you proceed with the filling operation described above with respect to filling the twin plenum 42, and additionally open both side valves 54 and 56 to the ON position, as shown in FIG. 9. To deflate the entire air mattress 40, merely open screw cap 29 and maintain both valves 54 and 56 in the open position. Optionally, it may be desirable to include in each side plenum 44 and 46 another screw cap valve such as 60 and 62 which are merely exhaust valves. This allows for faster deflation of one or both side plenums 44 and 46 without or without deflating the twin plenum 42.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional interior of air mattress 40 showing more than just septums 38 and 39 thus dividing all the plenums into many areas of support.

Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention a variable size air mattress. This application for the variable air mattress fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. An air mattress having a first plenum, a second plenum and a third plenum for holding gas, wherein said first plenum is positioned between said second plenum on one side of said first plenum, and said third plenum on the other side of said first plenum in a side-by side arrangement, said second plenum is smaller than both said first plenum and said third plenum, and said third plenum is larger than said second plenum but smaller than said first plenum, one or more inlet/outlet opening(s) in communication with each plenum such that each plenum can be independently inflated or deflated as desired by inserting or removing gas through said one or more inlet/outlet opening(s), and when said first plenum is the only inflated plenum, the mattress is a twin bed size; when only said first and second plenums are inflated, the mattress is a double bed size; when only said first and third plenums are inflated, the mattress is a queen bed size; and when the first, second and third plenums are inflated, the mattress is a king bed size.

17. The air mattress of claim 16, wherein each plenum has one inlet/outlet opening for inflation and deflation.

18. The air mattress of claim 16, wherein each plenum has an inlet opening for inflation and an outlet opening for deflation of each plenum.

19. An air mattress having a first plenum, a second plenum and a third plenum for holding gas, wherein said second plenum is positioned on one side of said first plenum, and said third plenum on positioned on the other side of said first plenum in a side-by side arrangement, said second plenum is smaller than both said first plenum and said third plenum, and said third plenum is larger than said second plenum but smaller than said first plenum, an inlet opening for the air mattress communicating with said first plenum,

a first air control valve communicating with said inlet opening and with said second plenum, and further including a second air control valve communicating with said inlet opening and with said third plenum, to allow inflation for only the first plenum when said inlet opening is open but said first air control valve and said second air control valve are both closed, or when said inlet opening and said first air control valve are open, but said second air control valve is closed and the third plenum is deflated, thus communicating with said first plenum and said second plenum so that when inflated the air mattress is a double bed mattress, or when said inlet opening and said second air control are open, but said first air control valve is closed and the second plenum is deflated, the air mattress is a queen bed mattress, or when the inlet opening is open and the first and second air control valves are open such that said first, second and third plenums are inflated the mattress is a king bed mattress.

20. The air mattress of claim 19, wherein each plenum has an outlet opening.

21. The air mattress of claim 19 wherein said inlet opening is also an outlet opening allowing gas to flow either into or out of one or more plenums.

22. The air mattress of claim 19, wherein when said inlet opening, said first control valve and said second control valve are open the gas pressure in each plenum is equal.

23. An air mattress having a first plenum, a second plenum and a third plenum for holding gas, wherein said second plenum is positioned on one side of said first plenum, and said third plenum on positioned on the other side of said first plenum in a side-by side arrangement, said second plenum is smaller than both said first plenum and said third plenum, and said third plenum is larger than said second plenum but smaller than said first plenum, first, second, and third air control valves communicating with said first, second and third plenums, respectively

an inlet/outlet opening communicating independently with said first, second and third air control valves

to allow inflation of the first plenum when said inlet/outlet opening and said first control valve is open but said second and third air control valves are both closed, or when said inlet/outlet opening and said first and second air control valves are open, but said third air control valve is closed and the third plenum is deflated, thus communicating with said first plenum and said second plenum so that when inflated the air mattress is a double bed mattress, or when said inlet/outlet opening is open and said second air control are closed, but said first air control valve and said third air control valve is open, the air mattress is a queen bed mattress, or when the inlet/outlet opening is open and the first, second, and third air control valves are open such that said first, second and third plenums are inflated the mattress is a king bed mattress.

24. The air mattress of claim 23, wherein once all plenums are inflated, each plenum may be deflated individually to reduce the size of the air mattress from a king bed mattress to a queen, or double, or twin bed mattress or totally deflate all plenums, via the inlet/outlet opening.