Configurable inflatable support devices
First Claim
1. An inflatable device comprising:
- an inflatable bladder comprising a plurality of channels, each having a corresponding length and width; and
at least one shape-defining member in contact with at least two of said channels, the at least one shape-defining member extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to each of said lengths and spanning a distance equal to the width of at least two of said channels such that the overall shape of the inflatable bladder in an inflated condition and in combination with the at least one shape-defining member, is substantially different from an inflated shape of the inflatable bladder alone,wherein the inflatable bladder includes two layers sealed by a perimeter seam and sealed internally at regular intervals by a plurality of internal seams formed at a plurality of regions of the inflatable bladder,wherein the at least one shape-defining member is connected to at least one of the regions,wherein the inflatable bladder has a first width when deflated, the at least one shape-defining member has a second width, andwherein the second width is substantially smaller than the first width.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining membrane that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining membrane, and wherein the overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is substantially different from an inflated shape of inflatable bladders alone. The configurable adjustable inflatable device may include a covering layer that may partially or completely surround the inflatable bladders and may attach to the membrane or the inflatable bladders. The level of inflation of the inflatable bladders may also be controlled, further adding to the adjustability of the inflatable device.
179 Citations
48 Claims
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1. An inflatable device comprising:
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an inflatable bladder comprising a plurality of channels, each having a corresponding length and width; and at least one shape-defining member in contact with at least two of said channels, the at least one shape-defining member extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to each of said lengths and spanning a distance equal to the width of at least two of said channels such that the overall shape of the inflatable bladder in an inflated condition and in combination with the at least one shape-defining member, is substantially different from an inflated shape of the inflatable bladder alone, wherein the inflatable bladder includes two layers sealed by a perimeter seam and sealed internally at regular intervals by a plurality of internal seams formed at a plurality of regions of the inflatable bladder, wherein the at least one shape-defining member is connected to at least one of the regions, wherein the inflatable bladder has a first width when deflated, the at least one shape-defining member has a second width, and wherein the second width is substantially smaller than the first width. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An inflatable bladder structure comprising:
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a plurality of fluidly interconnected inflatable sections that, when disposed on a planar surface, are disposed along an axis, and along the axis the inflatable sections being separated; and at least one shape-defining member coupled to the inflatable sections at a plurality of locations, the locations being disposed substantially along a direction parallel to the axis, and the shape-defining member being adapted to alter a separation of the inflatable sections in the direction of the axis, wherein the plurality of sections are separated by a plurality of seams formed at a plurality of regions of the inflatable bladder, and wherein the at least one shape defining member is connected to at least two of the regions. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. An inflatable device comprising:
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an inflatable bladder including at least three fluidly interconnected inflatable sections that, when disposed on a planar surface, are disposed substantially parallel to one another along an axis between a first location and a second location, and along the axis the inflatable sections being separated; and at least one shape-defining member attached to the inflatable bladder at a plurality of locations including at least one location located between the first location and the second location, the locations being disposed substantially along a direction parallel to the axis, and the shape-defining member being adapted to alter a separation of the inflatable sections in the direction of the axis. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47)
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48. An inflatable device comprising:
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an inflatable bladder including a plurality of fluidly interconnected inflatable sections that, when disposed on a planar surface, are disposed along an axis, and along the axis the inflatable sections being separated; and at least one shape-defining member spanning at least a part of three of the plurality of fluidly interconnected inflatable sections and attached to the inflatable bladder at one or more location, the one or more location being disposed substantially along a direction parallel to the axis, and the shape-defining member being adapted to alter a separation of the inflatable sections in the direction of the axis with the inflatable device substantially disposed in a planar condition.
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Specification