US20140130252A1

US20140130252A1 - Pnuematic bed system with table

Info

Publication number: US20140130252A1
Application number: US14/073,573
Authority: US
Inventors: Mitchell Carlin; Arien Hoogerwerf
Original assignee: Global IP Inc
Current assignee: Pure Global Brands Inc
Priority date: 2012-11-08
Filing date: 2013-11-06
Publication date: 2014-05-15
Also published as: CN104013220A

Abstract

A pneumatic bed system with an integral table and headboard is disclosed. The pneumatic bed includes a bottom panel of air barrier material and top panel of air barrier material connected by a side panel of air barrier material which extends around the perimeter of the top and bottom panels; the panels being welded or otherwise fused together to define an air chamber. A valve or valves are secured to the panels in an airtight fashion for the introduction of air into the air chamber for inflation of the pneumatic bed. Additional features such as pockets, perimeter pneumatic support tubes, flocked top surface and the like may also be incorporated onto the panels for additional functionality. In at least one embodiment, a side table is integrated to the sidewall panel. The internal cavity of the side table can be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the bed.

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. 61/723,974, entitled “PNEUMATIC BED SYSTEM WITH TABLE” filed on Nov. 8, 2012. The contents of each of the above referenced applications are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an inflatable mattress or beds, and more particularly to an air mattress having an integrally formed side table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a home bedroom is furnished with a mattress positioned upon a bed frame for elevation. Other decorative as well as convenient furniture, such as headboards, night tables and the like, are also typical bedroom furniture. Furniture, such as the night table, also serves a functional purpose. For example, the night table may used to support items that may be used during the night, such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, or a glass of water. Permanent furniture such as this is typically positioned in some configuration within a given room for various members of the family. Some homes have additional rooms that are considered guest rooms for when someone who normally does not live in the home comes to stay within the home for a few days. Some families provide permanent furniture within the guest room. However, the room filled with furniture prevents the family from utilizing the space in the home when no guests are present. Therefore, many families opt for furniture that is portable or temporary for guest sleepovers, which allows the family to utilize the space more effectively.
In the past, air mattresses were used for camping, where portability and light weight were necessities. Air mattresses are typically rectangular shaped, pneumatic beds which are typically constructed of materials such as vinyl, urethane, or rubber. A deflated air mattress can be rolled up or folded, and carried or stored relatively easily, making the air mattress convenient for camping trips, and more recently, temporary bedding for a home. The air mattress can be rolled out in a desired location and inflated either orally, manually by a foot-powered pump, or more commonly by an electric or battery-powered air pump. Another advantage of an air mattress over a standard mattress includes the ability to adjust the firmness of the air mattress to accommodate the user.
In recent years, larger, more elaborate air mattresses that are intended for temporary guest use or permanent use in the bedroom have come onto the market. The newer features are specific to making an air mattress more similar in appearance and function to a permanent bed. Some air mattresses even offer raised beds, whereby the air mattress is raised off the ground to a similar height as a permanent bed to offer a more traditional sleeping experience. Other air mattresses have padded pillow tops provided as a part thereof to cover the top surface of the air mattress on which the user lies, so as to insulate the user from the vinyl or plastic material of the air mattress, adding a similar comfort level to that of a traditional mattress. Some air mattresses even offer an integral clock on the sidewall of the air mattress. This again, provides a portable bed having similar conveniences to a traditional bedroom.
While these devices have enjoyed success in the art, there is still a need in the art for pneumatic mattress devices and systems that provide conveniences to homeowners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an inflatable bed, preferably a pneumatic bed system with an integral table and headboard. In general, the pneumatic bed includes a bottom panel of air barrier material and top panel of air barrier material connected by a side panel of air barrier material which extends around the perimeter of the top and bottom panels; the panels being welded or otherwise fused together to define an air chamber. A valve or valves are secured to the panels in an airtight fashion for the introduction of air into the air chamber for inflation of the pneumatic bed. Additional features such as pockets, perimeter pneumatic support tubes, flocked top surfaces and the like may also be incorporated onto the panels for additional functionality. In at least one embodiment, a side table is integrated to the sidewall panel. The side table also includes top, bottom and side wall air barrier panels; the internal cavity of the side table being in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the bed. In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the side table includes a lattice structure formed from plastic and/or metal which allows the pneumatic portion of the side table to be formed much thinner in cross section than the pneumatic bed. In another embodiment, the side table is secured to the sidewall panel of the pneumatic bed with Velcro, zippers, stitching, adhesive or the like, and a tubular conduit is utilized to connect the inner cavity of the side table to the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed. In yet another embodiment, the side table is filled with air separate from the pneumatic bed. The headboard is also generally constructed from a front and rear air barrier surrounded by a side air barrier panel to create an airtight inner cavity. The inner cavity of the headboard may be fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed and/or the side table to allow the entire device to be filled from one valve. Alternatively, one or more valves may be provided for each internal cavity. In still other embodiments, the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed may be provided with one or more sub-cavities which may or may not be connected to the main cavity for providing support to specific areas of the pneumatic bed. In addition, flexible support members may be incorporated into the inner cavity for support and/or structure. In still yet another embodiment, the bed portion may be in the form of a couch, whereby the seating portion forms the bed.
Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having an integral side table.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table that can be used to support objects such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, glass of water, or the like.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table that, when deflated, can be rolled up or folded and carried or stored relatively easily.
It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table which includes multiple side pockets on the external surface of the sidewall of the air mattress for storage of remote controls, jewelry, mobile phones, or the like.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a side table for a pneumatic bed including an integrally formed contoured recess disposed of within the top membrane thereof that is constructed and arranged to support a cup or glass, thereby creating a stable receptacle.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed wherein the sidewall membrane of the pneumatic bed includes a support tube extending about the circumference of the top panel to reduce the tendency of the pneumatic bed collapsing when a person sits on the edge of the pneumatic bed.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table whereby the inner chamber of the air mattress includes multiple chambers fluidly connected with each other for greater stability and rigidity.
It is yet also another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a side table that is removably fastened to the pneumatic bed.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a side table with a support structure, whereby the side table is formed thinner in cross section than the pneumatic bed.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a pneumatic headboard.
Other objects 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 top left perspective view of one embodiment of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table;

FIG. 2 is a top right perspective view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating several embodiments or one or more internal components;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table

FIG. 5 illustrates an individual resting upon an inflated pneumatic bed having an integral side table;

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating the side table in an inflated state;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating the side table in a deflated state;

FIG. 8 is a top left perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pneumatic bed, illustrated with a removably attached side table;

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a fastener system for securing the side table to the pneumatic bed.

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 embodiment of an inflatable bed with side table, referred to generally as 10, is illustrated. The inflatable bed is sized and shaped to allow a user, such as a human, to lie thereon, and to accommodate pillows 13 and a blanket 15, see FIG. 5. While the inflatable bed preferably is designed to receive and store air, and accordingly will be described as a pneumatic bed with side table, inflatable substances other than air, such as other gases or liquids, could be used. The pneumatic bed with side table 10 generally includes a mattress portion 12, a headboard 14, and a side table 16. The mattress portion 12 is constructed from a top panel 18 providing a mattress portion top surface 19, a bottom panel 20 providing a pneumatic bed with side table bottom surface (not illustrated), and a sidewall panel 22. The panels are preferably constructed from a flexible polymeric material that is impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to air. The panels are preferably constructed from a single piece of material to reduce the number of seams. However, it should be noted that multiple pieces can be welded together to create the panels without departing from the scope of the invention.
In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the top panel 18 is constructed to include a flock top 24, otherwise known as simulated velour. The top and bottom panels 18, 20 are connected by the sidewall panel 22 to form an enclosed first inner chamber, referred to as an enclosed mattress chamber 26 (see FIG. 3) for receiving and holding an inflation substance. The panels may be connected together by any suitable manner known in the art to create an airtight connection. In at least one embodiment, the mattress portion 12 includes a support 28 (see FIG. 3) extending about the perimeter or edge 30 of the top panel 18 of the mattress portion 12 and extending alongside the sidewall panel 22. The support tube 28 may include a separate inflation chamber from the mattress portion to reduce the tendency of the top panel 18 collapsing when a user sits on the perimeter or edge 30 of the top panel 18. The mattress chamber 26 for receiving and holding an inflation substance may be inflated and deflated, via an inflation device, illustrated herein as a valve 32, so that the pneumatic bed with side table 10 may be used as a sleeping apparatus or stored conveniently. The valve 32 may be constructed and arranged to cooperate with or include a battery or electrically operated pump.
Referring to FIG. 4, the pneumatic bed with side table 10 is designed to contain a self inflating/deflating mechanism. For example, an electric pump unit 31 electrically connected to a electrical cord 33, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,151,390; 8,024,830; or 9,922,461 may be used to control an electric pump (not shown). The electric pump unit is designed to allow the user to rotate a control knob 35 to control inflation, deflation, and/or the hardness or softness of the mattress 12. A recessed area 35 may be included to store the electrical cord 33. Alternatively, or in addition to, the valve 32 may be designed for self inflation. In addition, the valve may be installed to the mattress at any convenient location without departing from the scope of the invention.
In an alternative embodiment, the mattress chamber 26 for receiving and holding an inflation substance includes a multi-chamber construction whereby a plurality of chambers are in fluid communication with each other. In yet another embodiment, the multiple chambers may be provided with independent valves 32 which allow different air pressures to be applied to the various chambers to customize the firmness and support of the mattress portion. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment having multiple individual, vertically arranged chambers 27. One or more bed sheet securing members, illustrated herein as a spring loaded clip 29 may be included for receiving and securing bed sheets to the mattress portion 12, preferably positioned at the corners of the mattress 12.
Positioned at the head rest end 34, is a headboard 14. In a preferred embodiment, the headboard 14 extends upwardly and away from the top panel 18. The headboard is preferably constructed from an air impermeable, or substantially air impermeable, flexible material. The headboard 14 comprises a first end 36, a second end 38, and a main body 40 there between and is orientated in a perpendicular position relative to the top panel 18. The main body may be sized and shaped according to preference, such as semicircular, square, or rectangular, and may extend the entire width or less than the entire width of the pneumatic bed with side table 10. In any size or shape, the main body provides a headboard surface 42 which is perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to the mattress portion top surface 19 when the pneumatic bed with side table 10 is in the inflated state. The headboard 14 comprises a second inflation chamber, illustrated as an enclosed headboard inflation chamber 44. The headboard inflation chamber 44 is in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber 26 and preferably extends along the length of the headboard 14. Alternatively, the headboard 14 may be a separate component which is securable to the mattress portion 12. In this embodiment, the enclosed headboard inflation chamber 44 includes its own valve 32 to provide inflation to the headboard inflation chamber 44.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the pneumatic bed with side table 10 further includes a side table 16. The side table functions as a nightstand to support objects which need to be in close proximity to the bed while in use. The side table 16 includes a top panel 56, a bottom panel 58 and a side panel 60 defining an enclosed side table inflation chamber 62. The side table 16, therefore, provides for a side table surface 64 which is positioned at, above, or below the top panel 18 and/or the mattress portion top surface 19. Accordingly, the surface 64 extends outwardly, away from the top panel 18, the mattress portion top surface 19 and the side wall panel 22. The side table surface 64 may be orientated in a perpendicular manner relative to the headboard 14. The side table surface 64 is preferably sized and shaped to support objects such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, glass of water, or the like, and may include recessed areas to act as cup holders.
The side panel 60 provides one or more vertical surfaces 66 which preferably form a perpendicular orientation relative to the top panel 18 and the mattress portion top surface 19. The side table 16 is preferably constructed from an air impermeable, or substantially air impermeable, flexible material to enclosed side table inflation chamber 62 in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber 26. In an alternative embodiment, the side table inflation chamber 62 is not in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber 26, and the side table is provided with its own valve 32 for the introduction of air to the side table inflation chamber 62. It should also be noted that the side table inflation chamber 62 may include multiple chambers without departing from the scope of the invention. In a most preferred embodiment, the bottom panel 58 of the side table 16 lies on the same plane as the bottom panel 20 of the pneumatic bed with side table 10, whereby the bottom panels are supported by a ground or floor surface. However, it is also contemplated, not shown, that the bottom panel 58 of the side table 16 need not rest on the same plane as the bottom panel of the pneumatic bed with side table 10, and need not rest on the ground; thus the bottom face of the side table 16 may be suspended above a ground or floor surface. It is also contemplated for the bottom panel 58 of the side table 16 to include support structures, such as pneumatic legs or the like which extend downward to the ground or floor surface to provide support to the side table.
The top panel 56 may include a plate 57 (see top cut through section on FIG. 6) therein which provides for a hard surface. The hard surface allows for objects, such as a lamp 61, a computer 63, or a cup 65 to be placed thereon. The cup 65 may rest within a recessed channel 55 formed within the top panel 56. As shown in FIG. 6, the table 16 is in fluid communication with the mattress 12 through a passageway, illustrated herein as a tube 71. In this manner, inflating the mattress 12 will inflate the side table 16. A control unit 73 which opens or closes passageway from the mattress 12 to the table 16 via tube 71, thereby preventing or allowing fluid flow from. The pneumatic bed with side table 10 may include a storage member, illustrated herein as a storage case 75 designed to be secured to the side panel 22 via fastening means, such as zippers, buttons, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, so that in the deflated state, see FIG. 7, the storage case 75 can be secured to the side panel 22, storing the side table 16 therein. Preferably, the base of the side table 16 is weighted, using for example a weighted bar 79, see bottom cut through section, FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 1, 2 or 4, the pneumatic bed with side table 10 may include at least one pocket 68, illustrated as a mesh pocket, secured on the external surface 70 of the sidewall panel 22. The pocket 68 is sized to receive and hold various objects such as, but not limited to, remote controls, jewelry, mobile phones, or the like. The pocket 68 can be placed anywhere along the external surface 70 of the sidewall panel 22. The pocket 68 may be sized to hold one or more objects, such as books 65, magazines 67, or a remote control 69. It is contemplated, but not shown, that the pocket can be constructed on the top surface of the air mattress as well.
Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the side table 16′ is illustrated. In this embodiment, the side table 16′ includes a top panel 72 having a side table upper surface 74, a bottom panel 76 and a side panel 78. The top panel 72, bottom panel 76 and side panel 78 are welded together to define an enclosed air chamber 80. An air valve 82 is provided for the introduction and removal of air to the side table 16′. The bottom panel 76 of the side table 16′ includes an expandable structure 84 secured thereto. The expandable structure 84 is constructed and arranged to expand and contract with the side table 16′ as it is inflated or deflated. The expandable structure 84 includes a plurality of crossed support members 86 having a pin hinge 88 positioned at each crossing. A plurality of wheels 90 are secured to the distal ends of the support members to allow the side table to be moved independently from the pneumatic bed 12. In this embodiment, the side table 16′ is preferably separate from the pneumatic bed 12, and is thus securable thereto by any means known in the art for securing pneumatic components together. Such fasteners may include, but should not be limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, line connectors, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 4, a preferred method of securing the side table 16/16′ to the mattress portion 12 is illustrated herein using a zipper assembly 92. The zipper assembly 92 includes a first portion or component 94 having a first track 95 with protruding teeth 97 and positioned along the side panel 78 of the side table 16/16′, and a second portion or component having a second track 99 with protruding teeth 101 and positioned along the sidewall panel 22 of the pneumatic bed. The first and second tracks 95 and 99 are constructed to interdigitate, linking the rows of protruding teeth 97 and 101. In this manner, the first and second portions of the zipper assembly may be aligned with a slider 98 having a zipper pull 103 utilized to secure the side table 16′ to the mattress 12.
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

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable mattress comprising:

a top surface, 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;

said top surface, bottom surface or sidewall includes a valve disposed thereon for introduction of said inflation substance into said enclosed chamber for inflation of said inflatable mattress; and

a side table extending from said sidewall, said side table including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall, said top and bottom surface and said side surface defining a side table enclosed chamber for receiving and holding an inflation substance.

2. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said side table is formed integral with said sidewall of said enclosed mattress inflation chamber.

3. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said enclosed mattress chamber is in fluid communication with said enclosed side table chamber for introduction of fluid therein.

4. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said enclosed mattress chamber includes multiple chambers in fluid communication with each other for greater stability to said air mattress.

5. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 further including at least one pocket constructed and arranged for receiving and storing an object.

6. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 further including a tube arranged about a circumference of said top surface, wherein said tube is adapted to prevent the collapse of said air mattress.

7. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said valve includes a pump disposed within said enclosed mattress chamber.

8. The inflatable mattress according to claim 7 wherein said pump is an electric powered pump or a battery-powered pump.

9. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said mattress and at least one surface of side table lie on the same plane.

10. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 further including a headboard, said headboard formed of an enclosed headboard chamber adapted to receive and store an inflatable fluid.

11. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said side table is removably secured to at least a portion of said an enclosed mattress chamber.

12. The inflatable mattress according to claim 11 wherein said enclosed mattress chamber includes a first fastener member adapted to secure to a second fastening member, and said side chair includes a second fastening member adapted to engage said first fastening member.

13. The inflatable mattress according to claim 12 wherein said fasteners are zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, or line connectors.

14. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said bottom surface of said side table includes at least one support structure.

15. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said bottom surface of said side table includes at least one wheel for providing mobility.

16. The inflatable mattress according to claim 1 wherein said top surface is a flock top.