Air Mattresses Having Internal Diagonal Support Structures

• US 20150113736A1
• Filed: 10/29/2014
• Published: 04/30/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LSO, LP
• Original Assignee: LSO, LP
• Inventors: Cox, Brian P., Brooks, Cynthia
• Granted Patent: US 9,585,491 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 5/655.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/081 of pneumatic type
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/087 with means for connecting opposite sides, e.g. internal ties or strips

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to inflatable mattresses in the form of beds, chairs, couches, or other gas-inflatable structures. The mattress has an internal support structure with one or more diagonal structural support elements comprised of rigid or flexible cords or cables that are coupled to the top, bottom, and/or sides of the air mattress. The support elements provide increased top-to-bottom, side and/or corner rigidity when subject to top loading. The mattress may also include an integral handle structure so as to allow a user to readily lift and/or transport the air mattress when inflated.

Claims

1. An air mattress, comprising;

a top element;

a bottom element;

one or more side elements; and

an internal structure comprising one or more diagonal structural support element coupled between at least the top element and the bottom element.

2. The air mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more diagonal structural support elements are rigid cords or cables.

3. The air mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more diagonal structural support elements are flexible cords or cables.

4. The air mattress of claim 1, further comprising an internal structural support element coupled between the top or bottom elements and a corner of the air mattress.

5. The air mattress of claim 1, further comprising an internal structural support element coupled between the top or bottom elements and a side of the air mattress.

6. The air mattress of claim 5, wherein the internal structural support element is coupled to the side of the air mattress in a configuration that is asymmetric with a configuration of the opposite side.

7. The air mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more diagonal structural support members comprises a plurality of structural support elements and wherein a first of the plurality of structural support elements has a different length than a second of the plurality of structural support elements.

8. The air mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more diagonal structural support members comprises a plurality of structural support elements and wherein a first of the plurality of structural support elements has a different flexibility than a second of the plurality of structural support elements.

9. The air mattress of claim 1, wherein the one or more diagonal structural support members comprises a plurality of structural support elements and wherein a first of the plurality of structural support elements has a different width than a second of the plurality of structural support elements.

10. The air mattress of claim 1, further comprising an integral handle.

11. The air mattress of claim 10, wherein the integral handle is disposed on a corner of the air mattress.

12. The air mattress of claim 10, wherein the integral handle is disposed on a side of the air mattress.