US20020120983A1

US20020120983A1 - Bath air mattress cushion

Info

Publication number: US20020120983A1
Application number: US10/050,349
Authority: US
Inventors: Denise Gonzalez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-14
Filing date: 2001-10-26
Publication date: 2002-09-05

Abstract

The inflatable bath air mattress cushion includes inflatable back cushion and front cushion portions connected to opposing ends of an inflatable mat cushion portion whose opposing sides are connected to a pair of inflatable side cushion portions. An inflatable upper pillow cushion portion may be connected to the back cushion portion at the head end of the bath air mattress cushion. The back cushion portion, front cushion portion, mat cushion portion, side cushion portions and upper pillow cushion portion each have inflation valves and suction cups on the bottom side, and may have a top side covered with fabric. Various sizes and shapes of the back cushion, front cushion, mat cushion and side cushion portions may be provided such that the bath air mattress cushion forms an insulating cushion for the entire inner surface of a bath tub into which it is placed.

Description

This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/736,998, filed on Dec. 14, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to devices to aid a person in bathing, and more particularly concerns a bath air mattress cushion that can be secured in a bathing vessel such as a bath tub.

2. Description of Related Art

The hard and often comparatively cool interior surfaces of bathing vessels, such as bath tubs, can be extremely uncomfortable to persons who are ill or infirm, due to advanced age, medical conditions, or medical treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The interior surfaces of such bathing vessels can also become dangerously slippery when wet and/or soapy. Bath mats can help provide a non-slippery surface to stand on in such bathing vessels, but these commonly are reasonably thin, only typically cover the lower inner surface of a bathing vessel, and do not provide cushioning or insulation against side surfaces of the bathing vessel.

Various types of bathing seats have been devised to provide cushioned neck and back support for a person in a bathing vessel. Typically, these are designed to be inserted in the bathing vessel, but such bathing seats also typically do not provide side cushions or insulation, are commonly heavy, bulky, and difficult to store.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an inflatable bath air mattress cushion that can be easily secured within and removed from a bathing vessel, which is easily transported and stored when not in use, and that provides cushioned leg, back, and head support, as well as side cushioning and insulation from the surface of the bathing vessel for the arms and shoulders of a person using the bathing vessel. The present invention meets these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides for an insulating inflatable bath air mattress cushion for use in a bath tub that can be easily inflated and secured within a bathing vessel, and that can be deflated and removed, for easy transportation and storage when not in use. The bath air mattress cushion provides cushioned leg, back, and head support, as well as side cushions for the arms and shoulders of a person using the bathing vessel.

The present invention accordingly provides for an inflatable bath air mattress cushion that includes an inflatable back cushion portion, and an inflatable mat cushion portion connected to the inflatable back cushion portion. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inflatable air mattress cushion advantageously includes a pair of inflatable side cushion portions connected to opposing sides of the inflatable back cushion portion, and an inflatable upper pillow cushion portion connected to the inflatable back cushion portion at a side of the inflatable back cushion portion opposing the inflatable mat cushion portion. The back cushion portion and mat cushion portion, are each preferably formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes having interconnected interior inflation chambers, while the side cushion portions are each preferably formed from a plurality of generally triangular shaped tubes having interconnected interior inflation chambers radiating from a common location. A plurality of suction cups is provided on the bottom side of the bath air mattress cushion for securing the bath and mattress cushion to the surface of the bath tub. In a presently preferred embodiment, the top side of the bath air mattress cushion is covered with a layer of soft fabric, such as terry cloth.

In an alternate embodiment, the inflatable bath air mattress cushion includes a pair of inflatable side cushion portions connected to opposing sides of an inflatable mat cushion portion and inflatable front and back cushion portions connected to the other opposing sides of the inflatable mat cushion portion. Each of the inflatable side, back, front, and mat cushion portions are characterized by a length and width and are preferably formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes having interconnected interior inflation chambers with a plurality of suction cups on the bottom side for securing them to the surface of the bath tub.

By providing various lengths and widths for the inflatable side, back, front, and mat cushion portions, an inflatable bath air mattress may be provided which conforms to various configurations of bath tubs. For example, a bath air mattress may be provided which forms an inflatable insulating inner lining when placed in bath tubs of standard sizes and shapes. Alternately, a bath air mattress may be provided which provides an insulating inner lining that extends over a wall adjacent the bath tub or over the edge of the bath tub. The various features of other embodiments described herein may also be provided such as an inflatable pillow portion or soft cloth cover, for example.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the features of the invention. [0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view of the bath air mattress cushion of the invention secured in a bath tub; [0013]
FIG. 2 is side sectional view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1 secured in a bath tub; [0014]
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0015]
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0016]
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0017]
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0018]
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0019]
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 1; [0020]
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of bath air mattress cushion of the invention; [0021]
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion of the invention; [0022]
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion of the invention; [0023]
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11; [0024]
FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11; [0025]
FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11 with the side cushion portions, mat cushion portion, back cushion portion and front cushion portion laying flat; [0026]
FIG. 15 is side sectional view of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11; [0027]
FIG. 16A is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11 secured in a shallow bath tub which is anchored to a wall; [0028]
FIG. 16B is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11 secured in a bath tub which is free standing; and [0029]
FIG. 16C is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion of FIG. 11 secured in a deep bath tub.[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Bathing vessels can become dangerously slippery when wet and/or soapy, and the hard, cool interior surfaces of bathing vessels such as bath tubs can also be a source of discomfort to bathers, particularly to those who are aged, ill or otherwise infirm. Bath mats typically do not provide any significant cushioning, and bath seats typically do not any provide side cushions, and are commonly heavy, bulky, and difficult to store. [0031]
As is illustrated in the drawings, the invention is accordingly embodied in an inflatable bath [0032] air mattress cushion 20 for use in a bathing vessel such as a bath tub 22, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, in a presently preferred embodiment, the inflatable bath air mattress cushion includes an inflatable back cushion portion 24, an inflatable mat cushion portion 26 flexibly connected to the inflatable back cushion portion, such as by a length of thermoplastic sheet material 28, for example. A pair of inflatable side cushion portions 30 are flexibly connected to opposing sides of the inflatable back cushion portion and foldable along fold lines 32, and an inflatable upper pillow cushion portion 34 is flexibly connected to the inflatable back cushion portion at a side 38 of the inflatable back cushion portion opposing the inflatable mat cushion portion, such as by a length of thermoplastic sheet material 36, for example.
Referring to FIGS. [0033] 5-8, the inflatable back cushion portion preferably is formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes 40 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown). The fold lines of the side cushion portions are preferably parallel to the longitudinally extending tubes of the inflatable back cushion portion. The inflatable back cushion portion has a top side 42 adapted for contact with a bather, and a bottom side 44, adapted to rest upon the bathing vessel, both of which are best seen in FIGS. 6-8, with at least one suction cup 46 disposed on the bottom side adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub. The inflatable back cushion portion currently preferably has two suction cups. Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the inflatable back cushion portion preferably also includes an inflatable lowerback support portion 48 having at least one interior inflation chamber (not shown) connected with the interior inflation chambers of the inflatable back cushion portion, to provide support for the lower back of a bather, and help the bather to maintain a natural “C” curve posture of the bather's lower back region.
The inflatable back air mattress cushion preferably includes at least one inflation valve. As is best shown in FIG. 5, the inflatable back cushion portion preferably includes at least one [0034] inflation valve 50 for individual inflation and deflation of the inflatable back cushion portion. The one or more inflation valves are currently preferably disposed on the bottom side of the inflatable back cushion portion. In a presently preferred embodiment, as is best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the inflatable back cushion portion is also covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric 52, as will be further explained below.
The inflatable mat cushion portion preferably is formed by a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending [0035] tubes 54 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown), with a top side 56 and a bottom side 58 best seen in FIG. 6. As is best shown in FIG. 5, at least one suction cup 60 is disposed on the bottom side adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub. The inflatable mat cushion portion currently preferably has six suction cups. The inflatable mat cushion portion preferably also includes at least one inflation valve 62 for individual inflation and deflation of the inflatable mat cushion portion, and the inflation valve or valves are preferably disposed on the bottom side of the inflatable mat cushion portion, although location of one or more inflation valves on the top side may also be acceptable. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inflatable mat cushion portion is also covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric 64, best seen in FIG. 6, as is further explained below.
As is best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and [0036] 5, each of the inflatable side cushion portions is preferably formed from a plurality of generally triangular shaped tubes 68 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown), currently preferably radiating from a common location 70 adjacent to the lower mat cushion portion, although the triangular shaped tubes can alternatively radiate from the top corners of the back cushion portion near the upper pillow cushion portion. The inflatable side cushion portions also alternatively may be formed of a plurality of parallel, interconnected tubes, or another configuration of one or more interconnected tubes, flexibly joined to the sides of the inflatable back cushion portion. Each of the inflatable side cushion portions has a top side 72 and a bottom side 74 best seen in FIGS. 6-8, and at least one suction cup 76 disposed on the bottom side adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub. As is best illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the inflatable side cushion portions preferably has at least one inflation valve 78 for individual inflation and deflation of each inflatable side cushion portion, and as is shown best in FIGS. 6-8, each is preferably covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric 80, as is further explained below.
The inflatable upper pillow cushion portion is preferably formed from at least one tube with at least one inflation chamber (not shown), and is typically formed as an annular or oval shaped tube ring. The inflatable upper pillow cushion portion has a [0037] top side 82 and a bottom side 84 best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, preferably with a central depression 86 formed in at least the top side, for cradling the back of a bather's head. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central depression is formed by the annular or oval shaped tube ring by a centrally located heat-bonded region of the thermoplastic sheet material that forms the upper pillow cushion portion of the bath air mattress cushion, as is further explained below. Referring to FIG. 5, the inflatable upper pillow cushion portion also includes at least one suction cup 88 on the bottom side adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub. At least one inflation valve 90 for individual inflation and deflation of the inflatable upper pillow cushion portion is preferably disposed on the bottom side of the inflatable upper pillow cushion portion. As is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the inflatable upper pillow cushion portion is preferably covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric 92, as is further explained below.
The inflatable back cushion portion, inflatable mat cushion portion, inflatable side cushion portions, and the inflatable upper pillow cushion portion, as well as the lengths of thermoplastic sheet material forming the inflatable bath air mattress cushion, are preferably formed from at least two sheets of a flexible, thermoplastic sheet material, with the inflation chambers being formed by heat seal bonding selected regions of the two sheets of thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is currently preferably a vinyl plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although polyvinyl chloride copolymers, polymers containing the vinyl radical or the vinylidene radical, nylon, linear polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene and the like may also be suitable. It is also possible that other types of flexible sheet material could be used, such as various types of rubber, and that other types of seals, such as adhesive seals, may also be feasible. Additional layers of material, such as protective or reflective layers, may also be incorporated in the inflatable bath air mattress cushion. [0038]
The layer of soft fabric described above is preferably formed from terry cloth, although other types of cloth, such as cotton or linen sheet, for example, may also be suitable. The fabric is currently preferably bonded to the top side portions of the inflatable bath air mattress cushion with an adhesive such as rubber cement, although other adhesives such as PVC cement, thermosetting adhesives such as epoxy, and hot melt thermoplastic adhesives such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polypropylene, for example, may also be suitable. [0039]
Referring to FIG. 9, in a first alternate embodiment, the bath [0040] air mattress cushion 20′ can be formed from a transparent or translucent thermoplastic material, without a top covering of soft fabric. The features of the first alternate embodiment are otherwise identical to that of the first embodiment, and the bottom side of the inflatable bath air mattress cushion is as is illustrated in FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 10, in a second alternate embodiment, the bath [0041] air mattress cushion 20″ can be formed from an opaque thermoplastic material, without a top covering of soft fabric. The features of the first alternate embodiment are otherwise identical to that of the first embodiment, and the bottom side of the inflatable bath air mattress cushion is as is illustrated in FIG. 5.
Referring to FIGS. [0042] 11-16, a third alternate embodiment of the bath air mattress cushion 120 is provided for use in a bathing vessel such as a bath tub, for example. In this embodiment, the bath air mattress cushion includes an inflatable back cushion portion 124, inflatable mat cushion portion 126, an inflatable front cushion portion 127 and a pair of opposing inflatable side cushion portions 130. The back cushion portion and front cushion portion are flexibly connected to opposing ends of the mat cushion portion and each of the pair of side cushion portions are flexibly connected to opposing sides of the mat cushion portion, such as by lengths of thermoplastic sheet material 128, for example. The lengths of thermoplastic sheet material serve as foldlines 132 such that the inflatable back cushion portion, inflatable front cushion portion, and inflatable side cushion portions may be raised from a flat position to form an inflatable inner lining for a bath tub into which it is placed. It is contemplated that an inflatable upper pillow cushion portion may be connected to the inflatable back cushion portion as shown in FIG. 3.
The inflatable [0043] back cushion portion 124 is similar to that in other embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the back cushion portion is preferably formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes 140 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown) and has a top side 142 adapted for contact with a bather and a bottom side 144 adapted to rest upon the bath tub. At least one suction cup 146 on the bottom side is adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub.
As is best illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one [0044] inflation valve 150, preferably on the bottom side 144, allows individual inflation and deflation of the back cushion portion 124. It is contemplated that the inflatable back cushion portion may include a separately inflatable and deflatable lower back support portion as shown in FIGS. 4-5. It is further contemplated that the inflatable back cushion portion may be covered on the top side 142 with a layer of soft fabric as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
The inflatable [0045] mat cushion portion 126 is also similar to that in other embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the mat cushion portion preferably is formed by a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes 154 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown), with a top side 156 adapted for contact with a bather and a bottom side 158 adapted to rest upon the bath tub. At least one suction cup 160 disposed on the bottom side is adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub.
As is best illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one [0046] inflation valve 162, preferably on the bottom side 158, allows individual inflation and deflation of the mat cushion portion 126. It is contemplated that the inflatable mat cushion portion may be covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric as shown in FIG. 6.
Unlike other embodiments of the invention, the inflatable [0047] side cushion portions 130 preferably extend the full length of the inflatable mat cushion portion 126 and may extend above the inflatable back cushion portion 124 and inflatable front cushion portion 127 when the inflatable bath air mattress cushion 120 is placed in a bath tub. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, each of the inflatable side cushion portions is preferably formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes 168 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown). Each of the inflatable side cushion portions has a top side 172 adapted for contact with a bather and a bottom side 174 adapted to rest upon the bath tub, and at least one suction cup 176 disposed on the bottom side adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub. Preferably, there are two rows of suction cups on the bottom side of each inflatable side cushion portion, thereby allowing each side portion to be attached to both the inside and outside of the bath tub to provide further insulation and cushioning for the top edges of the bath tub (refer to FIGS. 16A and 16B).
As is best illustrated in FIG. 13, each of the inflatable [0048] side cushion portions 130 has at least one inflation valve 178, preferable on the bottom side 174, for individual inflation and deflation of each inflatable side cushion portion. It is contemplated that the inflatable side cushion portions may be covered on the top side 172 with a layer of soft fabric as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
The inflatable [0049] front cushion portion 127 is similar to the inflatable back cushion portion 124. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the front cushion portion is preferably formed from a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes 182 having interconnected interior inflation chambers (not shown) and has a top side 184 adapted for contact with a bather and a bottom side 186 adapted to rest upon the bath tub. At least one suction cup 188 on the bottom side is adapted to be attached to the surface of the bath tub.
As is best illustrated in FIG. 13, at least one [0050] inflation valve 190, preferably on the bottom side 186, allows individual inflation and deflation of the front cushion portion 127. It is contemplated that the inflatable front cushion portion may be covered on the top side with a layer of soft fabric as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
Similar to other embodiments of the invention, the inflatable [0051] back cushion portion 124, inflatable mat cushion portion 126, inflatable side cushion portions 130, and inflatable front cushion portion 127, as well as the lengths of thermoplastic sheet material forming the inflatable bath air mattress cushion, are preferably formed from at least two sheets of a flexible, thermoplastic sheet material. Inflation chambers are formed by heat seal bonding selected regions of the two sheets of thermoplastic material.
Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and [0052] 16C, installation of the inflatable bath air mattress cushion 120 in various bath tub configurations is illustrated. The illustrated uses are not intended to be limiting as it is contemplated that the size and shape of the the inflatable back cushion portion 124, inflatable mat cushion portion 126, inflatable side cushion portions 130, and inflatable front cushion portion 127 as well as the number of suction cups provided may be varied in order to provide a proper fit for any shape and configuration of bath tub.
FIG. 16A shows the bath [0053] air mattress cushion 120 installed in a shallow bath tub 122 which abuts a wall 200 on one side. The bottom row 202 of suction cups 176 on the bottom side 174 of one of the inflatable side cushion portions 130 are attached to inner surface 204 of the bath tub while the top row 206 of suction cups of the same inflatable side cushion portion are attached to the wall thereby providing an insulating cushion for both the inner surface 204 of the bath tub and the wall. The bottom row 208 of suction cups on the bottom side of the other inflatable side cushion portion are attached to the inner surface of the bath tub while the top row 210 of suction cups of the same inflatable side cushion portion are attached to the outer surface 212 of the bath tub thereby forming an insulating cushion for both the inner surface and top edge 214 of the bath tub.
FIG. 16B shows the bath [0054] air mattress cushion 120 installed in a shallow bath tub 122′ which is free standing. The bottom row 202, 208 of suction cups 176 on the bottom side 174 of both inflatable side cushion portions 130 are attached to inner surface 204′ of the bath tub while the top row 206, 210 of suction cups of both inflatable side cushion portions are attached to the outer surface 212′ of the bath tub thereby forming an insulating cushion for both the inner surface and top edge 214′ of the bath tub.
FIG. 16C shows the bath [0055] air mattress cushion 120 installed in a deep bath tub 122″ which is free standing. The bottom row 202, 208 and top row 206, 210 of suction cups 176 of both inflatable side cushion portions 130 are attached to inner surface 204″ of the bath tub thereby providing an insulating cushion for the inner surface of the bath tub.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention should be limited, except as by the appended claims. [0056]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable mattress cushion for use in a bath tub, comprising:

an inflatable back cushion portion having two opposing lengths and two opposing widths;

an inflatable front cushion portion having two opposing lengths and two opposing widths;

an inflatable mat cushion portion having two opposing lengths and two opposing widths, one width of which is connected to a width of said inflatable back cushion portion and the other width of which is connected to a width of said inflatable front cushion portion; and

a pair of inflatable side cushion portions each having two opposing lengths and two opposing widths, one length of which is connected to one of the opposing lengths of said inflatable mat cushion portion;

wherein, when the inflatable mattress cushion is placed in a bath tub, one width of each said inflatable side cushion portion is adjacent one of the opposing lengths of said inflatable back cushion portion and the opposing width of each said inflatable side cushion portion is adjacent one of the opposing lengths of said inflatable front cushion portion.

2. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein said inflatable back cushion portion, said inflatable front cushion portion, said inflatable mat cushion portion and said inflatable side cushion portions each comprises a plurality of parallel, longitudinally extending tubes having interconnected interior inflation chambers.

3. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein said inflatable back cushion portion further comprises an inflatable back support portion having an interior inflation chamber connected with said interior inflation chamber of said inflatable back cushion portion.

4. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, further comprising at least one suction cup on a bottom side of said inflatable bath air mattress cushion.

5. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, further comprising at least one inflation valve.

6. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein each of said inflatable back cushion portion, said inflatable front cushion portion, said inflatable mat cushion portion, and said side cushion portions has a top side and a bottom side, and wherein said top sides of said inflatable back cushion portion, said inflatable front cushion portion, said inflatable mat cushion portion, and said side cushion portions are covered with a soft fabric.

7. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein each of said inflatable back cushion portion, said inflatable front cushion portion, said inflatable mat cushion portion, and said side cushion portions are formed from at least two sheets of thermoplastic material.

8. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, further comprising an inflatable upper pillow cushion portion connected to the width of said inflatable back cushion portion opposing the width of said inflatable back cushion portion which is connected to said inflatable mat cushion portion.

9. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 8, wherein said inflatable upper pillow cushion portion has a top side and a bottom side, and further comprising at least one suction cup on said bottom side of said inflatable upper pillow cushion portion.

10. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 8, wherein said inflatable upper pillow cushion portion further comprises at least one inflation valve for inflation and deflation of said inflatable upper pillow cushion portion.

11. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 8, wherein said top side of said inflatable upper pillow cushion portion is covered with a soft fabric.

12. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing lengths of each said inflatable side cushion portion and the opposing lengths of said inflatable mat cushion portion are the same.

13. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of each said inflatable side cushion portion, the opposing lengths of said inflatable back cushion portion and the opposing lengths of said inflatable front cushion portion are the same.

14. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of each said inflatable side cushion portion are the same, the width of each said inflatable side cushion portion being greater than the opposing lengths of said inflatable back cushion portion and the opposing lengths of said inflatable front cushion portion which are the same.

15. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of each said inflatable side cushion portion are not the same.

16. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of said inflatable side cushion are not the same.

17. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of said inflatable back cushion are not the same.

18. The inflatable mattress of cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing lengths of said inflatable back cushion are not the same.

19. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of said inflatable front cushion are not the same.

20. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing lengths of said inflatable front cushion are not the same.

21. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing widths of said inflatable mat cushion are not the same.

22. The inflatable mattress cushion of claim 1, wherein the opposing lengths of said inflatable cushion portion are not the same.