Abstract: A control panel for an inflatable structure includes a multi-layer planar fluid flow control panel sealed together at predetermined locations to define at least one fluid flow conduit with at least one layer of the panel having a plurality of apertures located in a predetermined pattern that communicate with the conduits. A plurality of discrete, inflatable chambers are sealed in planar orientation to the upper surface of the control panel to form the structure. The apertures of the panel are sealed in registered relationship with the fluid orifices to thereby permit fluid communication between the chambers and conduits of the control panel for selective inflation and deflation thereof. The interior surface of the control panel and chambers is selectively coated with a release material to prevent closure of the conduits and enable coplanar sealing of the chambers onto the panel about the perimeter of the apertures and orifices when disposed in registered relation.

Abstract: An inflatable multi-layer body support cushion, adapted to buffer or dampen the fluid reaction to forces applied to the upper surface of the cushion, includes a plurality of adjacent cells of generally hourglass configuration defined by vertically stacked upper and lower chamber portions and medial neck portion. The laterally adjacent chambers are interconnected for the intralayer fluid flow therebetween. The vertically adjacent chambers are interconnected in the neck portion of the cells by orifices which control the interlayer fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A check valve provides a one-way fluid passage from without to within a fluid bladder formed by a pair of plastic sheets sealed together about their periphery. The check valve is formed by a pair of superimposed films of thermoplastic material, generally equal in length, thermally bonded together at predetermined areas to define the fluid passage throughout the length of the valve. The inlet end of the valve has a V-shape edge with the apex pointing in a direction opposite the one-way fluid flow. Each of the films, adjacent the V-shape edge of inlet end, is sealed to one of the outer sheets where the valve enters the bladder by a seal line of similar V-shape. Each of the films has a high-gloss, cohesive inner surface and a matted, non-cohesive outer surface.

Abstract: An intake valve for use in a thermoplastic fluid pump for inflatable bladders in which the valve is composed of superposed elastomeric layers and one of which is energy sealed at the center thereof to an inner wall portion of the pump about an inlet opening through said layer. The inlet opening is axially aligned with a hole through said pump wall so that ambient air may upon an expansion stroke of the pump enter the valve through said inlet opening and hole in the pump wall. Thereafter when the pump is compressed, air within the pump chamber will seal the inlet opening and force said air into the bladder through a check valve provided therefor. Thereafter when the pump is released, air will again be drawn into the pump chamber through the intake valve.

Abstract: A check valve provides a one-way fluid passage from without to within a fluid bladder formed by a pair of plastic sheets sealed together about their periphery. The check valve is formed by a pair of superimposed films of thermoplastic material, generally equal in length, thermally bonded together at predetermined areas to define the fluid passage throughout the length of the valve. Each of the films, adjacent one end thereof, is sealed to one of the outer sheets where the valve enters the bladder by a seal line of wedge shape. Each of the films has a high-gloss, cohesive inner surface and a matte, non-cohesive, outer surface. At least one of the films includes, on its inner surface, a release material disposed at a location which corresponds to the area at the inlet end of the fluid passage through the peripheral seal of the bladder to prevent the fusing together of the films at that area of the seal. The seal in that area has a V-shape with apex pointing in a direction opposite the one-way fluid flow.

Abstract: An air pump formed of a resilient elastomeric material bondable about the perimeter of an opening provided in a plastic inflatable bladder, has a self-supporting spherical dome portion and a generally planar base portion. An inlet flapper type valve is integrally formed in a wall of the dome and an outlet check valve extends through an opening in the base for supplying air into the plastic bladder accomplished by alternately compressing and releasing the dome. The underside of the base includes projections disposed about the outlet valve to hold the bladder wall clear of the outlet valve. The base may also include a tail portion which extends laterally of the dome with an exhaust valve affixed thereto for deflating the bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder is defined by two superimposed outer sheets of heat-sealable synthetic plastic fused together about their peripheral edges. An Intermediate layer or baffle is disposed between the two outer sheets and is alternately sealed to one and the other of the outer sheets to form air cells on the opposite sides of the intermediate layer. Each of the air cells is defined by an opposed surfaces on one side of the intermediate layer and of one of the outer sheets and adjacent seals which fuse together the layer and each sheet. The seals which define the cells on one outer surface of the bladder are offset from the seals which define the cells on the other surface of the bladder. Opposite surface portions of the intermediate layer are coated with a barrier layer to prevent heat-sealing on each side of the intermediate layer opposite the seals on the other side which form the cells whereby the bladder and the cells thereof may all be formed simultaneously in one heat-sealing operation.