US20150282634A1

US20150282634A1 - Inflatable device having integrated bellows

Info

Publication number: US20150282634A1
Application number: US14/674,576
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Klinkel; Frank Kvietok
Original assignee: American Recreation Products LLC
Current assignee: Exxel Outdoors LLC
Priority date: 2014-04-04
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

An inflatable device includes a first portion configured to provide support to a user and a bellows member integrally formed with the bellows member, wherein the bellows member is configured to inflate the first portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/975,100, filed on Apr. 4, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of this disclosure relates generally to inflatable devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to inflatable devices having an integrated bellows member.
Many inflatable devices, such as air mattresses, air pads, and the like, require an influx of air to provide rigidity required for use. One way to inflate such devices is for a user to use their breath to blow-up the inflatable device. However, user-generated air contains a significant amount of moisture that may be difficult to remove from the inside of the inflatable device. As such, the inflatable device may develop mold or mildew, which may reduce the lifetime of the inflatable device. Furthermore, some users may find it difficult and/or time consuming to use only their breath to blow-up the inflatable device.
A user may use an air pump to impart air to the inflatable devices. At least some known air pumps are relatively complicated mechanical devices used to compress air and direct the compressed air into the inflatable devices. These mechanical pumps may be operated manually which may require moving parts which may break or wear down. Other pumps may be operated electrically which may require an electrical outlet. In other cases, such pumps comprise relatively simple flexible bulbs or other collapsible vessels that can be repeatedly squeezed or compressed, often via manipulation by an operator's hand or foot, to force air into the inflatable device to be inflated. Although many known pumps are designed to be relatively small and portable, such existing pumps are nonetheless large and bulky enough to take up significant amounts of space. When such pumps are to be used in remote locations (such as, for example, during camping trips), they are typically carried by the user in a back-pack, duffle bag or similar carrying device. In such circumstances, space and weight are often at a premium. Thus, it is generally advantageous for such pumps to be as compact and lightweight as possible.
At least some known manual pumps are only able to impart a small amount of air per pump stroke, and can therefore be rather tiring to operate. Moreover, manual pumps tend to include more moving parts, which may make the pump more susceptible to failure. Electric pumps tend to be easier and faster than manual pumps, but even if the electric pumps themselves are lightweight, their power sources are often not. In most cases, heavy batteries, which must also be carried by a user, are used to power such electric pumps. Moreover, if such batteries lose their charge for any reason, such pumps are ineffective and essentially worthless. This can be especially problematic when a pump is to be used to inflate items in remote and/or undeveloped locations where replacement batteries or alternative power sources are not readily available. Additionally, if the air pump malfunctions or is left behind by a user, then the inflatable device cannot be used.
As a result, there is a need for an inflatable device that includes a lightweight, manually-operated bellows member that is integrally coupled to the inflatable device and that is able to quickly and easily impart air to the inflatable device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an inflatable device generally includes a pad portion configured to provide support to a user and a bellows member integrally formed with the pad portion. The bellows member is configured to inflate the pad portion.
In another aspect, a bellows member for use in inflating an inflatable device generally includes a first portion integrally formed with the inflatable device and a second portion coupled to and spaced a distance from the first portion. The second portion is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first portion. The bellows member further includes a plurality of wall panels. Each wall panel of the plurality of wall panels extends between the first and the second portions, wherein the plurality of wall panels define a chamber configured to channel a gas into the inflatable device.
In yet another aspect, an inflatable device generally includes a pad portion configured to provide support to a user and a bellows member integrally formed with the pad portion. The bellows member is configured to inflate the pad portion and includes a plurality of wall panels forming a degenerate antiprism configured to be sequentially inflated and compressed to facilitate inflating the pad portion.
Still further, in another aspect, an inflatable device generally includes a pad portion configured to provide support to a user and a bellows member integrally formed with the pad portion. The bellows member is configured to expand to facilitate inflating the pad portion and to compress to facilitate increasing an air pressure within the pad portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable device of the present disclosure illustrating an exemplary bellows member;

FIG. 2 is a perspective end view of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the exemplary bellows member in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective end view of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the exemplary bellows member in a sealed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a valve member and a fastener, in an open position, of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve member and the fastener, in a closed position, of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates an air entrapment step of a method of inflating the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sealing step of a method of inflating the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a compression step of a method of inflating the inflatable device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an inflatable device in a collapsed state having at least one integrated bellows member;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 9 in an expanded state;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 9 in an expanded state; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the inflatable device shown in FIG. 9 in a compressed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an inflatable device, such as an air pad or air mattress, which includes a pad portion and a bellows member configured to inflate the pad portion, wherein the bellows member is integrally coupled to the pad portion. The bellows member enables a user to inflate the pad portion without requiring any additional components, such as air pumps, which may be heavy to carry or expensive. The bellows member also enables the user to inflate the pad portion without using the user's breath to inflate the pad portion, which is often difficult, and could possibly cause mildew or mold to form within the pad portion.
The bellows member described herein has a degenerate antiprism shape, such as a digonal antiprism, that includes opposing perpendicular edges. One edge is integrally coupled to the pad portion and the other edge includes an opening configured to enable air to flow into the bellows member. The user extends the open edge away from the integrated edge to create a volume within the bellows member and capture air for inflation of the pad portion. The open edge of the bellows member is then sealed and the bellows member is compressed by the user to convey air from the bellows member, through a one-way valve, and into the pad portion. Once the pad portion is inflated, the bellows member may be at least partially re-inflated for use as a pillow. The bellows member may also function as a carrying case or stuff sack for the pad portion. Accordingly, the bellows member functions as a breathless inflation device, a pillow, and a carrying case, all while being integrally coupled to the pad portion of the inflatable device.
Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of one suitable embodiment of an inflatable device 100 having a pad portion 102 and a bellows member 104, which is configured to inflate pad portion 102. FIG. 2 is a perspective end view of the inflatable device 100 illustrating the bellows member 104 in an open configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective end view of the inflatable device 100 illustrating the bellows member 104 in a sealed or closed configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the bellows member 104 is integrally formed with the pad portion 102. Alternatively, the bellows member 104 can be removably coupled to the pad portion 102 by a fastener (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a zipper, a snap-lock, an adhesive, and a hook and loop fastener. Accordingly, bellows member 104 can be selectively sized relative to preferred or required air pressure and/or size of the pad portion 102.
In the exemplary implementation, pad portion 102 is a sleeping pad or a mattress pad. Alternatively, inflatable device 100 may be any inflatable device and is not limited to those embodiments and descriptions set forth herein. Pad portion 102 includes a pad end 106 configured to support the shoulders, neck, and head of a user. As illustrated, pad portion 102 also includes a pad end that is positioned opposite the pad end 106. Pad end 106 includes a pad edge 108, at least a portion of which is integrally formed with bellows member 104. Pad portion 102 further includes an internal pad chamber 109 between pad end 107 and pad edge 108. When inflated, internal pad chamber 109 has a volume V1.
Bellows member 104 includes a first end 110 and an opposing second end 112. First end 110 includes a first portion 114 that is integrally coupled to pad edge 108. Alternatively, first portion 114 may removably couple to pad edge 108. In the exemplary embodiment, first portion 114 of bellows member 104 extends an entire length of pad edge 108. Alternatively, first portion 114 can extend only a partial length of pad edge 108.
Second end 112 of bellows member 104 includes a second portion 116 that defines an opening 118, as shown in FIG. 2, through which a gas 117, for example only air, can selectively flow into bellows member 104. In one suitable embodiment, second portion 116 is oriented generally perpendicular to first portion 114 to facilitate simpler inflation of pad portion 102 using bellows member 104, as described in further detail below. Alternatively, second portion 116 may be orientated at any angle with respect to the first portion 114.
In the exemplary implementation, bellows member 104 is a degenerate antiprism 119, such as a digonal antiprism, having a top wall 120, a bottom wall 122, a first side wall 124, and a second side wall 126. Alternatively, bellows member 104 may be any shape having any number of walls that facilitates operation of inflatable device as described herein. Generally, bellows member 104 is any three-dimensional shape formed with a minimal number of sides to facilitate ease of operation for bellows member 104. Degenerate antiprism 119 is sized and shaped to facilitate convenient grouping and operation of bellows member 104. Moreover, degenerate antiprism 119 facilitates enhancing or maximizing intake of air 117 while minimizing at least material, weight and bulkiness of bellows member 104. Each of top wall 120, bottom wall 122, first side wall 124, and second side wall 126 are triangular in shape such that first portion 114 is formed by top wall 120 and bottom wall 122 and perpendicular second portion 116 is formed by side walls 124 and 126. Alternatively, walls 120, 122, 124, and 126 may be any shape that facilitates operation of bellows member 104 as described herein. Top wall 120, bottom wall 122, first side wall 124, and second side wall 126 are made from a flexible, airtight, durable and lightweight material that facilitates repeatedly expanding and compressing bellows member 104.
Furthermore, top wall 120, bottom wall 122, first side wall 124, and second side wall 126 combine to form a chamber 128 having an internal volume V2. In the exemplary embodiment, volume V2 is different than volume V1. More particularly, volume V2 is less than volume V1. Alternatively, volume V2 can be substantially the same or larger than volume V1. The size of walls 120, 122, 124, and 126 of bellows member 104, and therefore chamber 128 may be varied to accommodate different sizes of inflatable devices 100 and, more particularly, the volume of air 117 required to fill volume V1 of inflatable device 100. Chamber 128 is configured to receive air 117 through an opening 118 and facilitate transferring air 117 to pad portion 102, and in particular, into pad chamber 109. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, edges of first and second walls 124 and 126 are separated to form opening 118 and may also be sealed together to form second portion 116 of bellows member 104.
In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, opening 118 extends an entire length of second end 112 such that first and second side walls 124 and 126 are coupled at a top point 130 and a bottom point 132 of second end 112. Alternatively, opening 118 may only extend a partial distance along second end 112 such that second end 112 is at least partially sealed between top and bottom points 130 and 132. To facilitate sealing second end 112, bellows member 104 may also include a sealing member 134 such that second end 112 may be selectively and repeatedly opened and closed in a re-sealable manner. Sealing member 134 is configured to seal second end 112 to enable a maximum amount of air 117 to be transferred from bellows member 104 to pad portion 102 without allowing air 117 to escape back out of chamber 128 through opening 118. Seal member 134 may include configurations such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, and a snap lock. Seal member 134 can include any configuration to enable air 117 to be transferred from bellows member 104 to pad portion 102 without allowing air 117 to escape back out of chamber 128 through opening 118.
Inflatable device 100 also includes a valve 136 positioned along integrated pad edge 108 and first portion 114 of bellows 102. In the exemplary implementation, valve 136 is a one-way valve, such as, but not limited to, a check valve, a bag valve or a duckbill valve, that allows air 117 flow in one direction only such that there is very little resistance to air 117 flow through valve 136 in the forward direction from bellows chamber 128 and into pad chamber 109; but, effectively stops air 117 flow in the reverse direction from pad chamber 109 to bellows chamber 128. More particularly, valve 136 includes an opening 121 coupled in flow communication to the pad chamber 109 and the bellows chamber 128. In an exemplary embodiment, opening 121 includes an inlet 123 coupled in flow communication to the bellows chamber 128 and includes an outlet 125 coupled in flow communication to the pad chamber 109. Valve 136 facilitates the transfer of air 117 from within chamber 128 of bellows member 104 and into pad chamber 109 of pad portion 102, but does not allow air 117 to escape pad portion 102 and flow back into chamber 128.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the valve 136 and a fastener 138, in an open or unfastened position 140. FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve member and the fastener, in a closed position 142. Fastener 138 is coupled to at least one of the top wall 120, the bottom wall 122, the first side wall 124, and the second side wall 126. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastener 138 includes a first fastener 144 coupled to the top wall 120 and a second fastener 146 coupled to the bottom wall 122. In this position, first fastener 144 and second fastener 146 are located between the bellows chamber 128 and the valve 136. The first fastener 144 is configured to removably couple to the second fastener 146 between the open position 140 and the closed position 142. In the open position 140, the first fastener 144 is separated from the second fastener 146 to facilitate access between the bellows chamber 128 and the valve 136. In the closed position 142, the first fastener 144 is removably coupled to the second fastener 146 to cut-off or prevent access between the bellows chamber 128 and the valve 136. In the closed position 142, the fastener 138 is configured to prevent air pressure within the pad chamber 109 from pressuring the valve 136 from prolapsing or inverting toward and/or into bellows chamber 128, which would cause air 117 to escape from the pad chamber 109, through the valve 136, and into the bellows chamber 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastener 138 includes a fastening device such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, and a snap lock. The fastener 136 can include any configuration which prevents the valve 136 from improperly working.
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate operating steps of the inflatable device 100. More specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an air entrapment step of a method of inflating inflatable device 100, FIG. 7 illustrates a sealing step of a method of inflating inflatable device 100, and FIG. 8 illustrates a compression step of a method of inflating inflatable device 100. During an exemplary operation, inflatable device 100 may be inflated using a multi-step process such as, but not limited to: air entrapment, sealing, and compression. Although three steps are described, an exemplary inflation operation may include more than three steps or less than three steps. Moreover, the exemplary operation is not limited to any order or sequence of steps. The air entrapment step facilitates filling bellows member 104 with air 117 before transferring the air 117 into the pad chamber 109 of the pad portion 102. The user decouples first fastener 144 from second fastener 146 and moves fasteners 144, 146 to open position 140. Alternatively, fasteners 144, 146 may be coupled together in closed position 142 during inflation of the pad portion 102.
Beginning with inflatable device 100 in an unfurled position, the user preferably grasps top and bottom points 130 and 132, although air entrapment may be accomplished by grasping only top point 130, and, while confirming that opening 118 is open, lifts up second end 112 of bellows member 104 such that chamber 128 fills with air 117. As second end 112 is pulled away from first end 110 by the user, the volume V2 with chamber 128 is naturally created, which effectively causes bellows member 104 to fill with air 117. More specifically, first portion 114 and pad edge 108 combine to form one edge of the degenerate digonal antiprism bellows member 104, while the user's hands simultaneously grasp second portion 116 and create the volume V2 within chamber 128 as the user pulls second end 112 away from first end 110 and pulls top point 130 away from bottom point 132.
The user may use the weight of pad portion 102 to pull first end 110 of bellows member 104 downward while simultaneously lifting second end 112. Expansion of bellows member 104 creates a differential pressure within chamber 128 that facilitates to fill chamber 128 with air 117. Furthermore, the user may fluff bellows member 104 and/or position opening 118 into the wind to easily fill bellows member 104 with air 117. As such, bellows member 104 is filled with the relatively dry air 117 surrounding inflatable device 100 as opposed to humid air from the user's lungs if the user were to fill inflatable device 100 using the user's breath. Accordingly, moisture does not build up on the inside surfaces of pad portion 102 or walls 120, 122, 124, and 126 that may subsequently form mildew or cause inflatable device 100 to become less insulative.
Another step in inflating inflatable device 100 is sealing second end 112 of bellows member 104 to trap air 117 within chamber 128, as shown in FIG. 7. In the exemplary embodiment, sealing is performed using sealing member 134 that is integrally formed at second end 112 of bellows member 104. Alternatively, the user may seal second end 112 by simply rolling second portion 116 over onto itself or by the user grasping second end 110 in a hand and twisting bellows member 104. A further step in inflating inflatable device 100 is transferring air 117 from bellows member 104 to pad portion 102, as shown in FIG. 8. More specifically, after second end 112 is sealed, bellows member 104 is compressed to convey air 117 from within chamber 128, through valve 136, and into pad portion 102. Compression may be performed by the user in any manner such as rolling second end 112 toward first end 110 or simply by using the user's hands or body to compact bellows member 104. Alternatively, compression may be performed by the user by singly or repeatedly moving top wall 120 toward the bottom wall 122; or, moving the bottom wall 122 toward the top wall 120. Still further, compression may be performed by the user by singly or repeatedly moving the first wall 124 toward the second wall 126; or, the second wall 126 toward the first wall 124. Because bellows member 104 does not contain any rigid structural components to create the volume V2 within chamber 128, bellows member 104 may be substantially fully compressed to transfer substantially all of the air 117 within chamber 128 into pad portion 102. The compression step may be repeated as necessary to inflate inflatable device 100 to a desired firmness or air pressure. The first fastener 144 may be coupled to the second fastener 146 to closed position 142 which is configured to reduce and/or eliminate any prolapsing of the valve 136 under air pressure within the pad chamber 109.
Once pad portion 102 is sufficiently inflated, the user may elect to at least partially re-inflate bellows member 104 for use as a pillow to support the user's head. As described above, pad end 106 is configured to receive a user's shoulders, neck, and head when the user lies down in pad portion 102. Since bellows member 104 is integrally coupled to pad end 106, the user may at least partially re-inflate bellows member 104 for use as a pillow. Sealing member 134 facilitates sealing air 117 in chamber 128 of bellows without requiring additional sealing components, such as a clamp. Inflatable device 100 may also include a pillow case (not shown) for keeping bellows in a pillow shape for increased user comfort.
In the exemplary implementation, bellows member 104 is further serviceable as a carrying case or stuff sack for storage and transport of inflatable device 100 when not in use. More specifically, when not in use, pad portion 102 of inflatable device 100 is configured to be stored within bellows member 104. To facilitate use as a carrying case, bellows member 104 may be turned inside out such that the integrated portion of inflatable device, edges 108 and 114, form the bottom of the carrying case and second end 112 of bellows member 104 functions as the top of the carrying case with opening 118 being the carrying case opening. Alternatively, the end of pad portion 102 that is opposite pad end 106 may be rolled or folded and inserted through opening 118 such that pad portion 102 at least partially wraps bellows member 104. In this embodiment, inflatable device 100 may then be held together with a cord or band.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an inflatable device 200 in a collapsed state. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of inflatable device 200 in an expanded state, and FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of inflatable device 200 in the expanded state. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of inflatable device 200 in a compressed, usage state. In the exemplary embodiment, inflatable device 200 includes a pad portion 202, a first bellows member 204 and a second bellows member 206, wherein bellows members 204 and 206 are integrally coupled to pad portion 202. In an alternative embodiment, bellows members 204 and 206 may be removably coupled to pad portion 202. Moreover, inflatable device 200 may include only a single bellows member, or more than two bellows members. Bellows members 204 and 206 are coupled in fluid communication to pad portion 202 and are configured to inflate pad portion 202.
In the exemplary implementation, pad portion 202 is a sleeping pad or an air mattress. Alternatively, inflatable device 200 may be any inflatable device and is not limited to those embodiments and descriptions set forth herein. Pad 202 includes a first end 208, an opposing second end 210, and a length L1 defined there between. Pad portion 202 also includes a pad top 212, a pad bottom 214, and a pad height H1 defined there between. Pad portion 202 further includes a first top side edge 216, a first bottom side edge 218, a second top side edge 220, and a second bottom side edge 222, each having length L1. Ends 208 and 210, top 212, bottom 214, and edges 216, 218, 220, and 222 combine to form a pad chamber 224 having a volume V1.
In the exemplary implementation, bellows members 204 and 206 are substantially similar to each other. As such, only second bellows member 206 is described herein with the understanding that first bellows member 204 includes substantially similar components and operates in a substantially similar manner. Bellows member 206 includes a top panel 226 having an inner edge 228 and an outer edge 230, a bottom panel 232 having an inner edge 234 and an outer edge 236, and an outer side panel 238 having a top edge 240 and a bottom edge 242. Outer edge 230 may include a stiffener such as, for example only, a rod which facilitates the user grasping the outer edge 230. In the exemplary implementation, inner edge 228 of top panel 226 is integrally coupled to second top side edge 220 of pad portion 202 and inner edge 234 of bottom panel 232 is integrally coupled to second bottom side edge 222 of pad portion 202. Furthermore, top panel 226 extends obliquely away from top 212 such that side panel 238 extends a height H2 between outer edges 230 and 236, wherein height H2 of side panel is greater than height H1 of pad portion 202. Bellows member 206 also includes a first end panel 244 integrally coupled to first end 208 and a second end panel 246 integrally coupled to second end 210.
Panels 226, 232, 238, 244, and 246 are made from a flexible, air tight, durable and lightweight material that facilitates repeatedly expanding and compressing bellows member 206. Furthermore, panels 226, 232, 238, 244, and 246 may be formed from a single sheet of material such that bellows member 206 does not include any seams between panels 226, 232, 238, 244, and 246. Alternatively, bellows member 206 may include any number of sheets of material and seams that facilitate operation of bellows member 206 as described herein.
Panels 226, 232, 238, 244, and 246 combine to form a chamber 248 having a predetermined internal volume V2. The size of panels 226, 232, 238, 244, and 246 of bellows member 206, and therefore chamber 248 may be varied to accommodate different sizes of inflatable devices 200 and, more particularly, the volume of air 117 required to fill inflatable device 200. More specifically, in one suitable embodiment, chamber 248 defines the chamber volume V2 of each bellows member 206 in a range of approximately 30% to approximately 50% the volume V1 of chamber 224 of pad portion 202. As such, bellows members 204 and 206 combine to hold between approximately 60% and approximately 100% the volume V1 of chamber 224. Alternatively, bellows members 204 and 206 may define any suitable percentage of volume of chamber 224 that facilitates operation of inflatable device 200 as described herein. It is contemplated that the volume V2 of bellows members 204 and 206 can be greater than the volume V1 of chamber 224 of pad portion 202. In the exemplary embodiment, chamber 248 of bellows 204, 206 are in flow communication with chamber 224. Alternatively, chambers 248 of bellows 204, 206 can be separated by, for example only, an internal wall (not shown).
Inflatable device 200 also includes a valve 250 positioned along at least one end 208 and/or 210 of pad portion 202 and in fluid communication with at least one of pad chamber 224 and bellows chamber 248. In the exemplary implementation, valve 250 is a one-way valve, such as, but not limited to, a check valve, a bag valve or a duckbill valve, that allows air 117 flow in one direction only such that there is very little resistance to air 117 flow through valve 250 in the forward direction, but effectively stops air 117 flow in the reverse direction. More specifically, valve 250 facilitates the inhalation of air 117 into inflatable device 200, but does not allow air 117 to escape pad portion 202.
As described above, FIG. 9 shows inflatable device 200 in the collapsed state where inflatable device 200 contains little to no air within chamber 224. FIGS. 10 and 11 show inflatable device 200 in the expanded state during an inhalation step, and FIG. 12 shows inflatable device 200 in the compressed state after completion of a compression step. During an exemplary operation, inflatable device 200 may be inflated to a desired pressure or firmness using a multi-step process: an inhalation step and a compression step. Although two steps are described, an exemplary inflation operation may include more than two steps or less than two steps. Moreover, the exemplary operation is not limited to any order or sequence of steps. The inhalation step facilitates filling pad portion 202 and bellows members 204 and 206 with air 117. Beginning with the inflatable device 200 in the collapsed states, as shown in FIG. 5, a user grasps bellows member 206 at integrated outer edge 230 of top panel 226 and top edge 240 of side panel 238. The user then lifts bellows member 206 by the integrated edge to increase the volume of inflatable device 200 to form a vacuum such that expanding bellows member 206 draws air 117 from outside the inflatable device 200, through valve 250, and into chambers 224 and 248. The user may expand bellows member 206 at a predetermined optimal rate to inhale a maximum volume of air through valve 250. Moreover, the user may selectively expand bellows member 206 to inhale a selective amount of air 117 through the valve 250. The user may also lift bellows member 204 to form a vacuum to draw air 117 through valve 250 and into pad portion 202.
In one embodiment, bellows member 206 may include a rigid structure 252 that provides bellows member 206 with a frame to facilitate easier expansion. The rigid structure 256 may extend along integrated edge defined between top panel 226 and side panel 238 such that a single user may grasp rigid structure 252 in both bellows members 204 and 206 to facilitate expanding bellows 204 and 206 simultaneously during the inhalation step. Rigid structure 256 may include configurations such as, but not limited to, wires, frames, and rods. In the exemplary embodiment, a single inhalation of air 117 through valve 250 is sufficient to fill pad portion 202 and bellows 204 and 206 with air 117. Alternatively, at least one of bellows members 204 and/or 206 may be selectively compressed to push air 117 into pad portion 202 and then re-expanded to perform another inhalation to sufficiently fill inflatable device 200. In such an embodiment, one-way valve 250 prevents air 117 from escaping inflatable device 200.
Once the inhalation step is complete, a user may desire additional firmness in pad portion 202. As such, a compression step is performed that compresses bellows members 204 and 206 and cinches them against pad portion 202. The compression step facilitates collapsing bellows members 204 and 206 such that the volume V2 of chambers 248 is decreased to substantially zero. Alternatively, bellows members 204 and 206 may be compressed to a point at with the height H2 of bellows members 204 and 206 is substantially equal to the height H1 of pad portion 202. This effectively decreases the total volume of inflatable device 200 available for which air 117 can occupy to volume V1 of pad portion chamber 224, and, as a result, increases the air pressure, and therefore the firmness, of pad portion 202. Inflatable device 200 may further include a plurality of compression straps 254, as shown in FIG. 12, that are configured to wrap around and compress bellows 204 and 206 to prevent air 117 from flowing back into bellows members 204 and 206 when a user lies on pad portion 202. Compression straps 254 may include at least one small strap positioned across the pad portion 202. The compression straps 254 are configured to couple to at least one of bellows members 204 and 206 that when the bellows member 204 and 206 fill the pad portion 202 with air 117, the compression straps 254 are configured to cinch down into the pad portion 202 to tighten and pressurize the pad portion 202. Compression straps 54 may partially or completely encircle the pad portion 202, the bellows member 204, and/or the bellows member 206. Compression strap 254 may include a single wider strap coupled to at least one of the pad portion 202, bellows member 204, and bellows member 206. Inflatable device 200 may include any compression means that facilitates compression of bellows 204 and 206.
From the foregoing it will be seen that there has been shown and described an inflatable device having an integrated bellows that provides several advantages over known inflatable devices. The inflatable device described herein provides a means of inflating a pad portion, such as an air pad or air mattress, using bellows member that is integrally coupled to the pad portion. As such, the pad portion may be inflated without using separate manual or electrical pump and without introducing air having a significant moisture content into the inside of the pad portion by using one's breath for inflation. The inflatable device described herein is not removably coupled to any separate component that must be carried by a user and/or requires a power source to enable inflation of the inflatable device. Accordingly, the inflatable device described herein includes minimal components for inflation: the pad portion, the bellows member, and the one-way valve, all of which are integrally coupled together such that the inflatable device is inflated without using any independently separate components. As such, the inflatable device is less costly and easier to operate than other known inflatable devices requiring inflation pumps. Furthermore, as described above, the bellows member may be at least partially inflated for use as a pillow and also may be used as a carrying case for the pad portion of the inflatable device. Accordingly, the bellows member functions as a breathless inflation device, a pillow, and a carrying case, all while being integrally coupled to the pad portion of the inflatable device.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable device comprising:

a pad portion configured to provide support to a user; and

a bellows member integrally formed with said pad portion, said bellows member configured to inflate said pad portion.

2. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said bellows member comprises a first portion integrally formed with said pad portion and an opposing second portion spaced a distance from said first portion, said second portion oriented substantially perpendicularly to said first portion.

3. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said bellows member comprises a plurality of wall panels, each wall panel of said plurality of wall panels extending between said first and said second portions, wherein said plurality of wall panels define a chamber configured to channel air into said pad portion.

4. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said second portion includes an opening defined therein, said opening configured to facilitate filling said bellows member with air.

5. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said bellows member further comprises a sealing member positioned proximate said second portion.

6. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a valve member integrally formed between said bellows member and said pad portion, wherein said valve member is configured to channel air from said bellows member to said pad portion.

7. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said bellows member is a degenerate antiprism configured to be sequentially inflated and compressed to facilitate inflating said pad portion with air.

8. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said bellows member is operable as at least one of a carrying case for said pad portion and a pillow for said pad portion.

9. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pad portion comprises a pad chamber having a first volume and said bellows member comprises a bellows chamber having a second volume which is different than the first volume.

10. A bellows member for use with an inflatable device, said bellows member comprising:

a first portion integrally formed with the inflatable device;

an opposing second portion coupled to and spaced a distance from said first portion, said second portion oriented substantially perpendicularly to said first portion; and

a plurality of wall panels coupled to said second portion, each wall panel of said plurality of wall panels extending between said first and said second portions, wherein said plurality of wall panels define a chamber configured to channel air into the inflatable device.

11. The bellows member in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a fastener coupled to a wall panel of said plurality of wall panels.

12. The bellows member in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a first fastener coupled to a first wall panel of said plurality of wall panels and a second fastener coupled to a second wall panel of said plurality of wall panels.

13. The bellows member in accordance with claim 10, wherein said plurality of wall panels form a degenerate antiprism configured to be sequentially inflated and compressed to facilitate inflating the inflatable device.

14. An inflatable device comprising:

a pad portion configured to provide support to a user; and

a bellows member integrally formed with said pad portion, said bellows member configured to inflate said pad portion, wherein said bellows member comprises a plurality of wall panels forming a degenerate antiprism configured to be sequentially inflated and compressed to facilitate inflating the pad portion.

15. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said bellows member further comprises a first portion and an opposing second portion spaced a distance from said first portion, said first portion integrally formed with said pad portion, said second portion oriented substantially perpendicularly to said first portion.

16. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said pad portion comprises a pad chamber having a first volume and said bellows member comprises a bellows chamber having a second volume which is less than the first volume.

17. An inflatable device comprising:

a pad portion configured to provide support to a user; and

at least one bellows member integrally formed with said pad portion, said at least one bellows member configured to be expanded to facilitate inflating said pad portion, and said at least one bellows member configured to be compressed to facilitate increasing an air pressure within said pad portion.

18. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 17 further comprising a one way valve coupled in flow communication to the pad portion.

19. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 17 further comprising a rigid frame coupled to at least one of said pad portion and said at least one bellows member.

20. The inflatable device in accordance with claim 17 further comprising a rigid structure coupled to said bellows member.