Inflatable furniture with pop-up valve inflation indicator

Abstract

The present invention describes an inflatable device, illustrated as an inflatable bed, which is designed to minimize damage to the bed as a result of under or over inflation. The inflatable bed comprises an inflatable mattress which includes an inflation indicator. The inflatable mattress includes a pop-up valve indicator assembly comprising an indicator pin, a compressible and extendable member such as a spring, and a barrier member such as diaphragm, all housed within the interior of the inflation indicator. The indicator pin further contains indicia to provide visualization as to the amount of air inflated within the inflatable mattress. The indicia provides for a quick and easy mechanism to determine inflation levels.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/767,600, entitled “INFLATABLE BED WITH POP-UP VALVE INFLATION INDICATOR” filed on Feb. 21, 2013. The contents of the above referenced application are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved inflatable device; to inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator to indicate levels of inflation; and more specifically to an inflatable bed having a pop-up valve inflation indicator to indicate various levels of inflation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflatable objects, such as beds, are well known in the art. Inflatable beds allow users the opportunity to provide extra sleeping options without the need for wasting valuable space. While there exists many such beds on the market, see for example inflatable beds from Coleman or AeroBed, all inflatable beds are designed to be inflated with air upon demand, and deflated to compactly be stored when not in use. In addition to providing extra bedding, inflatable beds are also used for outdoor or camping trips to provide comfortable sleeping options when a traditional mattress is not available.

Inflation of the inflatable bed requires insertion of air into the bed, typically using a pump. One of the problems encountered with inflation of these beds is the inability of the user to determine how much air is inserted. While the user can “feel” the firmness of the bed, it is impossible to determine at what point the bed may become damaged due to too much air being inserted within the bed. Over inflation increases the risk of damage to the bed as a result of forming holes or causing the seams or joints to deteriorate more quickly. Over inflation has also been known to cause damage to the seams around the valves. Even in the case of under inflation, unnecessary strain may result on the seams as well.

Accordingly, an improved inflatable device, preferably inflatable furniture such as an air bed, which provides a user a quick and easy mechanism to determine if the inflatable bed is properly inflated, thereby reducing the likelihood of resultant damage, is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes inflatable furniture, illustrated as an inflatable bed, designed to minimize damage to the bed as a result of improper inflation. The inflatable bed comprises an inflatable mattress which includes an inflation indicator. The inflatable mattress includes a pop-up valve indicator assembly comprising an indicator pin, a compressible and extendable member such as a spring, and a barrier member such as diaphragm, all housed within the interior of an inflation indicator. The indicator pin further contains indicia to provide visualization as to the amount of air inflated within the inflatable mattress.

In an illustrative embodiment, a piece of furniture comprises an inflatable furniture body having a plurality of surfaces or walls interconnected to define an enclosed inflation substance chamber for receiving and holding an inflation substance. The furniture includes at least one of said side surfaces having a valve disposed thereon for introduction of said inflation substance into said enclosed chamber for inflation of said inflatable furniture body. At least one inflation indicator for indicating the various levels of inflation substance within the enclosed inflation substance chamber is secured or coupled to at least one furniture surface or wall.

The inflation indicator preferably comprises an inflation indicator assembly comprising an inflation indicator main body sized to pass through at least one surface of the inflatable furniture body, the inflation indicator main body having a first end and a second opposing end. The inflation indicator assembly further comprises of an inflation indicating member slidably engaged with said main body whereby said inflation indicating member moves or traverses between an indicating position and a non-indicating position, or positions there between; a compressible and extendable member; and a barrier member.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved inflatable object.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable device such as an inflatable furniture, inflatable bed, inflatable boat, inflatable raft, or inflatable boat towable having an inflation indicator.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable device such as an inflatable boat, inflatable raft, or inflatable boat towable having an inflation indicator.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having an inflation indicator.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide other inflatable furniture, such as an inflatable chair or inflatable dresser having an inflation indicator.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having an inflation indicator which prevents damage to the inflatable bed.

It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having an inflation indicator which prevents damage to the bed as a result of over inflation.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having a pop-up valve inflation indicator which utilizes indicia to provide a user with a mechanism to determine over inflation of the bed.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative example of an inflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the inflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an illustrative example of an inflation indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the inflation indicator;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the inflation indicator, illustrating the interior portion thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pop-up valve indicator assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the indicator pin of the pop-up valve indicator assembly;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the indicator pin shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the end cap;

FIG. 10 is a back view of the end cap;

FIG. 11 illustrates the inflation indicator in the initial set point;

FIG. 12 illustrates the inflation indicator having the inflation indicator partially raised;

FIG. 13 illustrates the inflation indicator having the inflation indicator indicating possible over inflation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inflatable device, illustrated as an inflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator, referred to generally as 10, is illustrated. The present invention is described using an inflatable bed as an illustrative example of the inflatable device. Use of an inflatable bed, however, is illustrative only as other inflatable devices, such as but not limited to rafts, boats, boat towables, or inflatable furniture having a pop-up inflation indicator are contemplated. The inflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator 10 comprises an inflatable mattress 12 having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a plurality of side surfaces 18, 20, 22, and 24. The side surfaces form a continuous wall separating the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 to provide an enclosed inflation substance chamber (or mattress inflation chamber) for receiving and holding an inflation substance. The mattress 12 may be sized to any length and width, such as the sizes of a standard mattress, a queen-sized mattress, or king-sized mattress. The mattress 12 is further constructed and arranged to be fully inflatable with an inflation substance, such as air, and deflatable. Accordingly, the inflatable mattress 12 may include an inflate/deflate valve for manual inflation or for attachment of an external air pump. Alternatively, the inflatable mattress 12 may contain an internal pump 28 with a control unit 30 which includes an on/off switch to control the pump. While shown inserted within the side surface 20, the inflate/deflate valve 26 and/or the internal pump 28 with a control unit 30 may be placed anywhere within the mattress 12, including within side surfaces 18, 22, 24, or combinations thereof.

Whichever mechanism is used to inflate the mattress 12, i.e. an external or internal air pump, the proper amount of air inserted within the mattress is vital for several reasons. Most importantly, over inflating the mattress can lead to deterioration of and eventual damage of the mattress 12 through the formation of holes or destruction of the seams. In the case of large holes or seam separation, the mattress 12 is prevented from inflating as air inserted exits out the holes. In the case of small holes or seam separation, the mattress 12 will need continuous filling to maintain the proper inflation. In addition, proper inflation allows the user to enjoy the mattress by inflation to the desired firmness, softness, or combinations therebetween.

The present invention is designed to prevent over inflation by providing a quick, easy and economical mechanism to allow a user the capability to determine when the mattress 12 is inflated to a proper level. Referring back to FIG. 1, inserted within the side surface 18 is an inflation indicator, referred generally as 32. The inflation indicator 32 is preferably designed as a pop-up valve designed to indicate the various levels of air being pumped into the mattress 12. As an inflation substance or material, i.e. air, is pumped or inserted within the mattress 12, the inflation indicator 32 provides visual indication as to the level(s) of mattress 12 inflation. Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrative example of the inflation indicator 32 is shown. The inflation indicator 32 comprises a main body 34 having an upper end 36 having a generally circular outer plate of flanged surface 38 and a lower open end 40 adapted to attach to, or secure with an end cap 42.

An indicator pin 44 slidably engages the main body so as to move in a vertical manner within the interior portion of the main body 34. While the main body 34 assumes a generally cylindrical configuration, such shape is illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The circular outer plate 38 is designed so that its inner surface 39 rests on the outside of the mattress 12, position to be secured to the outer surface of the mattress 12 surfaces. The main body 34 is sized to pass through the mattress surfaces. The circular outer plate 38 is secured within and rests flush with the side wall 18, see FIG. 1. The circular outer plate 38 contains a first outer plate surface 46 and a second outer plate surface 48 (FIG. 4). A continuous, angled side wall 50 separates the second outer plate surface 48 from the first outer plate surface 46 and forms a recessed area 51. Such alignment allows for the indicator pin (not shown) to move in an upward/downward movement through opening 52 positioned within the second outer plate surface 48, thereby preventing the indicator pin 44 from extending past the first outer plate surface 46. Such alignment minimizes the risk of the indicator pin 44 being damaged during use.

The back surface 54 of the angled side wall 50, along with the main body 34 is inserted within the interior of the mattress 12, see FIG. 5. Stored within the interior 56 of the main body 34 is the indicator assembly, described herein as a pop-up valve indicator assembly 58, see FIG. 6. The pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 comprises an indicator pin 44, a compressible and extendable member, illustrated herein as a spring 60, and a barrier member, illustrated herein as a diaphragm 62. The diaphragm 62 may be made of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic material. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the indicator pin 44 comprises a generally cylindrically shaped, elongated body 64 having a generally planar upper surface 66 and generally circular flanged-like base 68. The bottom surface 70 of the base 68 contains an opening 72 which creates a hollow region within the elongated body 64. The shape of the flanged-like base 68 preferably corresponds with the shape of the diaphragm 62, but preferably having a smaller diameter.

As shown in FIG. 6, the diaphragm 62 is positioned to align with and rest against the bottom surface 70 of the base and between the end cap 42. To allow for controlled, slidable movement in an upward and downward motion through the main body 34 of inflation indicator 32, the spring 60 is coaxially aligned with the elongated body 64 of the indicator pin 44, and resting at the base 68. The spring is preferably made of a spring steel, but may be made of any material known to one of skill in the art. The amount of upward and downward movement associated with the indicator pin 44 can be controlled by changing its rate or stiffness, thereby allowing for a predetermined amount of movement per area of pressure applied to the indicator assembly. Alternatively, the pop-up valve indicator assembly may utilize a compressible material, such as a foam or compression plastic, instead of a spring. Along the outer surface 74 of the elongated body 64 is indicating indicia 76. The indicating indicia 76 provides the user with information relating to inflation and may include a colored coating, numbers (not illustrated), wording (not illustrated), symbols (not illustrated) or combinations thereof. The indicating indicia 76 may include a single colored ring or band to indicate a preferred range, or may include multiple colored rings or bands, see FIG. 13, to indicate various range levels. Whatever the indicia is, the user will be able to determine a preferred inflation range, thereby preventing over inflation.

As described above, the pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 is designed to be placed within the interior 56 of the main body 34 of the inflation indicator 32. To maintain the pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 in the proper orientation, the end cap 42 sealing engages the lower end 40 of the main body 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end cap 42 is illustrated as a generally circular ring having a first surface 78 and a second surface 80. A plurality of holes are positioned about the circumference of the end cap 42 and are sized and arranged to correspond with the plurality of openings 84 positioned about the circumference of the bottom end 40 of the inflation indicator 32, see FIG. 5. A ridge 81 within the end cap 42 is designed to fit within a channel 83 located in the bottom end 40 of the main body 34 to provide a secure fit between the two, see FIG. 10. The end cap 42 is secured to the inflation indicator 32 through use of screws inserted within each of the openings 82 and 84. Alternative mechanisms for securing the end cap 42 to the inflation indicator 32 may include the use of male to female connectors, threading, or other mechanisms known to one of skill in the art.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate various stages of the inflation indicator 32 during use. In FIG. 11, the mattress 12 is either not inflated or it is underinflated as the pin 44 rests in its set point. As the mattress 12 fills with air, the pressure resulting from the air pushes against the diaphragm 62. At some pressure point, enough force is applied and the diaphragm 62 pushes the inflation pin 44 upwardly, i.e. away from the base 68, compressing the spring. This action results in the pin 44 moving past its set point, see FIG. 12. As more air is inserted into the mattress 12, the pin continues to rise, see FIG. 13. The movement of the pin 44 from its original position as a result of inflation provides one or more indicating positions. As the mattress continues to inflate and move the pin 44, various levels of inflation are indicated based on how far the pin has moved.

As the pin 44 rises, inflation levels are determined by the visualization of the three colored indicia rings 76A, 76B, and 76C. As an illustrative example, indicia ring 76A, colored blue, could indicate a safe level indicating no risk of over inflation. Indicia ring 76B, a yellow ring, could indicate a cautionary level indicating minimal risk of over inflation. Indicia ring 76C, a red ring, could indicate a dangerous level, indicating that the mattress 12 is reaching its maximum amount of air and is at risk of over inflation and possible damage. Should the user visualize this indicia ring, the mattress 12 would require deflation. If the mattress 12 is deflated so that air is removed, the diaphragm 62 is relaxed allowing the pin 44 to move back to its original, or non-inflated, non-indicating position.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation comprising:

an inflatable furniture body having a plurality of surfaces interconnected to define an enclosed inflation substance chamber for receiving and holding an inflation substance;

at least one of said side surfaces having a valve disposed thereon for introduction of said inflation substance into said enclosed chamber for inflation of said inflatable furniture body; and

at least one inflation indicator for indicating the various levels of inflation substance within said enclosed inflation substance chamber.

2. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 1 wherein said at least one inflation indicator includes a pop-up valve adapted to visually indicate at least two levels of inflation.

3. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 2 wherein said inflation indicator comprises an inflation indicator assembly comprising:

an inflation indicator main body sized to pass through at least one surface of said inflatable furniture body, said inflation indicator main body having a first end and a second opposing end;

an inflation indicating member slidably engaged with said main body whereby said inflation indicating member traverses between an indicating position and a non-indicating position;

a compressible and extendable member; and

a barrier member.

4. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 wherein said compressible and extendable member is a spring.

5. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 wherein said compressible and extendable member is made from a compressible foam or compression plastic.

6. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 wherein said barrier member is a diaphragm.

7. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 6 wherein said diaphragm is made from a flexible or semi-flexible plastic material.

8. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 wherein said inflation indicator main body includes a plate positioned at said first end having an inner surface in contact with an outer surface of said inflatable furniture body, said second opposing end having an aperture which is at least partially closed by a cap.

9. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 8 wherein said plate is flush with said outer surface of said inflatable furniture body.

10. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 8 wherein said plate comprises a first plate surface, a second plate surface, said first plate surface and said second plate surface separated by a continuous wall thereby forming a recess area.

11. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 10 wherein said continuous wall comprises an angled surface.

12. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 wherein said inflation indicating member includes an elongated body having a flanged base.

13. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 12 wherein said diaphragm is positioned between said flanged base of said inflation indicating elongated body and said cap.

14. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 12 wherein said compressible and extendable member is coaxially aligned with said inflation indicating elongated body.

15. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 12 wherein said inflation indicating elongated body contains indicating indicia.

16. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 15 wherein said indicating indicia is numbers, words, symbols, colored markings, or combinations thereof.

17. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 15 wherein said indicating indicia includes a single colored ring.

18. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 15 wherein said indicating indicia includes multiple colored rings (bands.)

19. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 1 further including an internal pumping mechanism.

20. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 1 wherein said inflatable furniture is a mattress having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface and said bottom surface connected by a sidewall to define an enclosed mattress chamber for receiving and holding an inflation substance.