Cargo cushioning apparatus
First Claim
1. A new and improved cargo cushioning apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of selectively inflatable and deflatable air bags, each air bag including an air inlet and air outlet,a pressurized air supply assembly for inflating said air bags, wherein each of said air bags is adapted to be folded up when deflated,a storage container for storing a plurality of said air bags when they are deflated and folded up, wherein said storage container is adapted to be installed in a cargo container, wherein said storage container includes a plurality of storage cubicles, each storage cubicle being adapted to receive a respective deflated and folded up air bag, anda manifold assembly connected to said pressurized air supply assembly, said manifold assembly including a plurality of individually controlled bag inflation modules, wherein said respective bag inflation modules include respective independently controllable valves connected to a supply of pressurized air supplied from said pressurized air supply assembly and include respective air hoses connected to said respective valves, wherein there is a one-to-one correspondence between respective inflation modules and respective air bags.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A new and improved cargo cushioning apparatus includes a plurality of selectively inflatable and deflatable air bags. Each air bag includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a pressurized air supply assembly for inflating the air bags. The air inlet and the air outlet are in a combined air inlet/outlet. The pressurized air supply assembly includes a connector assembly for connecting to a source of pressurized air. A supply of a length of air hose is connected to the air supply connector assembly. An air dispensing valve is connected to the air hose. The air dispensing valve is adapted for connection to the respective air inlets on the respective air bags. A storage drum assembly may be employed for selectively storing and paying out a quantity of the air hose. The storage drum assembly is mounted on a truck. A storage container stores a plurality of the air bags when they are deflated. The storage container is installed in a cargo container, e.g. a trailer. A manifold assembly may be connected to the pressurized air supply assembly. The manifold assembly includes a plurality of individually controlled bag inflation modules. The respective bag inflation modules include respective independently controllable valves connected to a supply of pressurized air supplied by the hose from the pressurized air supply assembly. Respective air hoses are selectively connected to the respective valves. There is a one-to-one correspondence between respective inflation modules and respective air bags.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A new and improved cargo cushioning apparatus, comprising:
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a plurality of selectively inflatable and deflatable air bags, each air bag including an air inlet and air outlet, a pressurized air supply assembly for inflating said air bags, wherein each of said air bags is adapted to be folded up when deflated, a storage container for storing a plurality of said air bags when they are deflated and folded up, wherein said storage container is adapted to be installed in a cargo container, wherein said storage container includes a plurality of storage cubicles, each storage cubicle being adapted to receive a respective deflated and folded up air bag, and a manifold assembly connected to said pressurized air supply assembly, said manifold assembly including a plurality of individually controlled bag inflation modules, wherein said respective bag inflation modules include respective independently controllable valves connected to a supply of pressurized air supplied from said pressurized air supply assembly and include respective air hoses connected to said respective valves, wherein there is a one-to-one correspondence between respective inflation modules and respective air bags. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification