US20210227990A1 - Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance - Google Patents
Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210227990A1 US20210227990A1 US17/053,411 US201917053411A US2021227990A1 US 20210227990 A1 US20210227990 A1 US 20210227990A1 US 201917053411 A US201917053411 A US 201917053411A US 2021227990 A1 US2021227990 A1 US 2021227990A1
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- Prior art keywords
- pump
- air mattress
- controller
- pressure
- timer
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- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000004712 air sac Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 210000004128 D cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
- A47C27/082—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with non-manual inflation, e.g. with electric pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/16—Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows
- F04D25/166—Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows using fans
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
- A47C27/083—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with pressure control, e.g. with pressure sensors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
- F04D25/084—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation hand fans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/008—Stop safety or alarm devices, e.g. stop-and-go control; Disposition of check-valves
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to an air pump for inflatable bladders. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air pump for air mattresses that automatically maintains a desired pressure within the air mattress.
- An airbed sometimes called an air mattress, is a large rectangular rubber or plastic (e.g., vinyl) bag that is filled with air so that it may be used as a bed.
- Airbeds are well known in the art, and have proven themselves to be very useful.
- an inflatable airbed may be deflated and folded to store the airbed in a closet or basement.
- the airbed may be inflated and may be used as a comfortable bed.
- airbeds tend to lose some amount of pressure once inflated. Such loss of pressure may be cause by a slow leak, or by a stretching of the bladder material. Loss of pressure is felt by users as a lack of support from the airbed, and is undesirable. Therefore, many attempts have been made in the prior art to maintain a desired pressure within an airbed.
- many airbeds include two pumps: a primary pump and a secondary pump. While the primary pump can inflate or deflate the airbed quickly, it is generally loud and imprecise. Therefore, the primary pump is generally used for initial inflation or deflation of the airbed.
- the secondary pump is generally capable of pumping air in much lower quantities. It is therefore quieter, and can be used for fine adjustments to the airbed's internal pressure, as well as for maintaining a desired internal pressure during use without disturbing a user.
- many prior art airbeds include one or more pressure controlling assemblies that use diaphragms, springs, or other components to mechanically monitor pressure within the airbed's pump.
- the pressure control assemblies may trigger activation of the secondary (or primary) pump.
- the secondary (or primary) pump would then re-inflate the airbed until one or more pressure control assemblies detect that the pressure within the airbed has reached the desired level.
- this type of pressure management generally cannot be programmed.
- this type of pressure management is typically of poor accuracy and performance in maintaining pressure in the airbed.
- an air mattress comprising an inflatable bladder, at least one pump, a controller, and a timer.
- the inflatable bladder includes at least one inner chamber.
- the at least one pump is in fluid communication with atmosphere, as well as the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder.
- the controller is in communication with the at least one pump, as well as a timer. The controller causes activation of the at least one pump upon expiration of the timer.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an airbed incorporating a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system, in accordance with an embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance system for the airbed of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system for an airbed, in accordance with one embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method utilized by the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance systems of FIG. 1 or 3 , according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system for an airbed, in accordance with one embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance system for the airbed of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 1 shows an airbed 20 in accordance with an embodiment.
- the airbed 20 includes a top 22 and a bottom (not shown).
- the top 22 and the bottom are connected by one or more than one sidewall 24 .
- the top 22 , the bottom, and the sidewall 24 form an enclosed space, or air bladder, which may be inflated so that the airbed 20 may be used as a mattress in a manner known in the art.
- the airbed 20 may be formed by a rubber or plastic material (such as vinyl), with a textile material (such as polyester) laminated to the outer surface thereof.
- the airbed 20 may include a built-in pump assembly 30 .
- the built-in pump assembly 30 is mounted on the sidewall 24 at a foot of the airbed 20 .
- the built-in pump assembly 30 may be mounted in other positions, included but not limited to, on the sidewall 24 on the left or right side of the bed, on the top 22 , at a juncture of the top and the sidewall 24 , or at another suitable location.
- Pumps that are formed integrally with, or built into, an airbed are known and are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,469 to Chung, and U.S. Published Application Number 2002/0194678.
- such integral pumps include a plate that is molded, welded, or otherwise attached to a sidewall of an airbed.
- a pump is mounted in the plate and is arranged so that it may blow air into and/or out of the air bladder of the airbed.
- the pump assembly 30 may be external to the airbed 20 .
- an outer faceplate 32 is positioned so that it is viewable from an exterior of the airbed 20 .
- a power source 34 is located in the pump assembly 30 .
- this power source 34 includes a battery receptacle configured to receive four D cell batteries 36 .
- the pump assembly 30 may be utilized with other power sources, including but not limited to: AC power, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like.
- One or more pumps 38 may be integrated into the pump assembly 30 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the one or more pumps 38 may be mounted behind the power source 34 , although other positions for such one or more pumps 38 are envisioned. Only a portion of the one or more pumps 38 is shown in FIG. 2 , but the general structure of such pumps is known.
- the one or more pumps 38 may draw air into or expel air out of the airbed 20 through one or more air vents 39 in the pump assembly 30 .
- a pump control 40 is mounted centrally on the faceplate 32 . This pump control 40 allows a user to control operation of the one or more pumps 38 , for example between “deflate,” “off,” and “inflate” positions. In some embodiments, the user may be able to select between “firm,” “medium,” and “soft” firmness levels via the pump control 40 .
- Other controls may be provided for operation of the one or more pumps 38 , including, but not limited to, a remote control that is external to the pump assembly 30 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an integrated pump assembly 42 , which includes a similar pump control 40 . Similar air vents 39 , although located differently than in FIG. 2 , are also shown in FIG. 3 . Further, the general positioning of two pumps 38 —primary pump 38 A and secondary pump 38 B—are shown in broken lines. Primary pump 38 A may be capable of moving larger amounts of airflow than secondary pump 38 B, but secondary pump 38 B may be quieter than primary pump 38 A. It will be understood that such pumps 38 may be positioned in alternate locations, or that alternate numbers of pumps 38 may be used. Similarly, pump assembly 42 includes a power supply 34 , which again is illustrated as a battery compartment for housing one or more batteries. However, as above, such a power supply 34 may instead or additionally take the form of AC power, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like.
- a power supply 34 may instead or additionally take the form of AC power, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack,
- pump assembly 42 includes a controller 44 as would be understood in the art, which may include a processor or the like.
- the controller 44 may include or may be in communication with an electronic memory (not shown).
- the controller 44 is in communication with the one or more pumps 38 and the pump control 40 to control the operation of such pumps 38 based on input from the pump control 40 .
- the controller 44 may also include a timer function.
- the controller 44 is also in communication with one or more than one sensor 46 . At least one such sensor 46 may be a pressure sensor for determining pressure within the air bladder.
- the one or more sensors 46 may be of any type known in the art, and may be positioned anywhere appropriate for any such sensor 46 to determine pressure within the air bladder.
- FIG. 4 contains a flow chart to illustrate a method 100 of inflating and maintaining a desired pressure within an air mattress 20 .
- a user selects a desired firmness level via the pump control 40 .
- the user may select a “soft,” “medium,” or “firm” level of firmness, although other options are envisioned.
- the controller 44 determines a target internal pressure for the air mattress 20 , given the selection by the user.
- the controller 44 accesses an electronic memory—which may be housed internally to the controller 44 or elsewhere—to determine the target internal pressure.
- the controller 44 communicates with one or more electronic sensors 46 to determine whether the pressure within the air mattress 20 is above the target internal pressure. If it is, at step 108 , the controller 44 initiates deflation of the air mattress 20 according to known methods. However, if the internal pressure within the air mattress 20 is not above the target pressure, at decision point 110 , the controller 44 determines if the internal pressure in the air mattress 20 is below the target pressure. Where the internal pressure is low, at step 112 , the controller 44 engages the primary pump 38 A, and then returns to decision point 106 . In this manner, the primary pump 38 A remains engaged so long as the air mattress 20 is below the target pressure. However, once the internal pressure within the air mattress 20 is neither above the target pressure nor below the target pressure at decision points 106 and 108 , the method 100 advances to step 114 in which the controller 44 deactivates the primary pump 38 A.
- the controller 44 determines whether the user has changed the selected firmness level via the pump control 40 . Where the selected firmness level has been changed, the method reverts back to step 102 . However, where the user has not changed the selected firmness level, the controller starts a timer at step 118 . This timer may exist within the controller 44 , or may be an external timer in communication with the controller 44 . The timer may be set to any desired length of time, such as one minute, five minutes, ten minutes, or the like.
- the controller 44 determines whether the timer has expired. Where the timer has not expired, the method repeats decision point 120 until the timer expires. Once the timer expires, the controller 44 automatically activates the secondary pump 38 B at step 122 . It will be understood that a system with only a primary pump 38 A may be used, in which case the controller 44 would activate the primary pump at step 122 .
- the controller 44 again communicates with the one or more sensors 46 to determine if the internal pressure within the air mattress 20 is below the target pressure. Where the internal pressure is below the target pressure, decision point 124 is repeated with the secondary pump 38 B engaged until the pressure within the air mattress 20 is not below the target internal pressure.
- the controller 44 engages a pump 38 every time the timer expires, regardless of the internal pressure of the air mattress 20 . Pressure within the air mattress 20 is thereby maintained without the need to check inaccurate pressure control assemblies to determine when to initiate supplemental pumping.
- step 126 the controller 44 deactivates the secondary pump 38 B (or primary pump 38 A, depending on the embodiment), and the method reverts to decision point 116 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an integrated pump assembly 50 , which includes a similar pump control 40 as discussed above.
- Air vents 39 A are shown in the form of a grate rather than the slits shown in embodiments discussed above, and are sized and shaped differently as well. As will be understood, the particularly shape and positioning of air vents 39 / 39 A may vary so long as sufficient airflow is permitted.
- One or more pumps 38 are contained within the integrated pump assembly 50 as discussed above.
- pump assembly 50 includes a power supply (not show), and an AC power cord 34 A is shown extending therefrom.
- a power supply may instead or additionally take the form of batteries, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the same pump assembly 50 face-on, such that additional options associated with the pump control 40 are shown.
- the pump control 40 may be set to an off position 40 A, a deflate position 40 B, a firm position 40 C, a medium position 40 D, or a soft position 40 E. More, fewer, or other options are also envisioned.
Abstract
An air mattress comprising an inflatable bladder, at least one pump, a controller, and a timer. The inflatable bladder includes at least one inner chamber. The at least one pump is in fluid communication with atmosphere, as well as the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder. The controller is in communication with the at least one pump, as well as a time. The controller causes activation of the at least one pump upon expiration of the timer.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/669,464, filed May 10, 2018. The entire disclosure of said application referenced above is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to an air pump for inflatable bladders. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air pump for air mattresses that automatically maintains a desired pressure within the air mattress.
- An airbed, sometimes called an air mattress, is a large rectangular rubber or plastic (e.g., vinyl) bag that is filled with air so that it may be used as a bed. Airbeds are well known in the art, and have proven themselves to be very useful. On the one hand, an inflatable airbed may be deflated and folded to store the airbed in a closet or basement. On the other hand, when a guest is in need of a place to sleep, or when the owner of the airbed takes a trip to a place where there is no bed, the airbed may be inflated and may be used as a comfortable bed.
- However, airbeds tend to lose some amount of pressure once inflated. Such loss of pressure may be cause by a slow leak, or by a stretching of the bladder material. Loss of pressure is felt by users as a lack of support from the airbed, and is undesirable. Therefore, many attempts have been made in the prior art to maintain a desired pressure within an airbed. For example, many airbeds include two pumps: a primary pump and a secondary pump. While the primary pump can inflate or deflate the airbed quickly, it is generally loud and imprecise. Therefore, the primary pump is generally used for initial inflation or deflation of the airbed. The secondary pump, however, is generally capable of pumping air in much lower quantities. It is therefore quieter, and can be used for fine adjustments to the airbed's internal pressure, as well as for maintaining a desired internal pressure during use without disturbing a user.
- In order to trigger the secondary pump (or the primary pump with an airbed without a secondary pump), many prior art airbeds include one or more pressure controlling assemblies that use diaphragms, springs, or other components to mechanically monitor pressure within the airbed's pump. Upon detection of a pressure within the bladder that is below a predefined threshold, the pressure control assemblies may trigger activation of the secondary (or primary) pump. The secondary (or primary) pump would then re-inflate the airbed until one or more pressure control assemblies detect that the pressure within the airbed has reached the desired level. However, this type of pressure management generally cannot be programmed. In addition, due to tolerances of the pressure controlling assemblies, this type of pressure management is typically of poor accuracy and performance in maintaining pressure in the airbed.
- The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
- In an example embodiment, an air mattress comprising an inflatable bladder, at least one pump, a controller, and a timer. The inflatable bladder includes at least one inner chamber. The at least one pump is in fluid communication with atmosphere, as well as the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder. The controller is in communication with the at least one pump, as well as a timer. The controller causes activation of the at least one pump upon expiration of the timer.
- For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.
- For a better understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an airbed incorporating a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system, in accordance with an embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance system for the airbed ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system for an airbed, in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method utilized by the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance systems ofFIG. 1 or 3 , according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a built-in pump with an automatic pressure maintenance system for an airbed, in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the built-in pump with the automatic pressure maintenance system for the airbed ofFIG. 5 ; - While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
- In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
- Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 shows anairbed 20 in accordance with an embodiment. Theairbed 20 includes atop 22 and a bottom (not shown). The top 22 and the bottom are connected by one or more than onesidewall 24. Together, thetop 22, the bottom, and thesidewall 24 form an enclosed space, or air bladder, which may be inflated so that theairbed 20 may be used as a mattress in a manner known in the art. Theairbed 20 may be formed by a rubber or plastic material (such as vinyl), with a textile material (such as polyester) laminated to the outer surface thereof. - The
airbed 20 may include a built-inpump assembly 30. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the built-inpump assembly 30 is mounted on thesidewall 24 at a foot of theairbed 20. However, in alternate embodiments, the built-inpump assembly 30 may be mounted in other positions, included but not limited to, on thesidewall 24 on the left or right side of the bed, on thetop 22, at a juncture of the top and thesidewall 24, or at another suitable location. Pumps that are formed integrally with, or built into, an airbed are known and are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,469 to Chung, and U.S. Published Application Number 2002/0194678. In general, such integral pumps include a plate that is molded, welded, or otherwise attached to a sidewall of an airbed. A pump is mounted in the plate and is arranged so that it may blow air into and/or out of the air bladder of the airbed. Similarly, thepump assembly 30 may be external to theairbed 20. - For the
pump assembly 30 shown inFIG. 2 , anouter faceplate 32 is positioned so that it is viewable from an exterior of theairbed 20. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, apower source 34 is located in thepump assembly 30. As shown, thispower source 34 includes a battery receptacle configured to receive fourD cell batteries 36. However, a different number or size of battery may be utilized. In an alternative embodiment, thepump assembly 30 may be utilized with other power sources, including but not limited to: AC power, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like. One ormore pumps 38 may be integrated into thepump assembly 30. As shown inFIG. 2 , the one ormore pumps 38 may be mounted behind thepower source 34, although other positions for such one ormore pumps 38 are envisioned. Only a portion of the one ormore pumps 38 is shown inFIG. 2 , but the general structure of such pumps is known. - The one or
more pumps 38 may draw air into or expel air out of theairbed 20 through one ormore air vents 39 in thepump assembly 30. Apump control 40 is mounted centrally on thefaceplate 32. Thispump control 40 allows a user to control operation of the one ormore pumps 38, for example between “deflate,” “off,” and “inflate” positions. In some embodiments, the user may be able to select between “firm,” “medium,” and “soft” firmness levels via thepump control 40. Other controls may be provided for operation of the one ormore pumps 38, including, but not limited to, a remote control that is external to thepump assembly 30. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of anintegrated pump assembly 42, which includes asimilar pump control 40. Similar air vents 39, although located differently than inFIG. 2 , are also shown inFIG. 3 . Further, the general positioning of twopumps 38—primary pump 38A andsecondary pump 38B—are shown in broken lines.Primary pump 38A may be capable of moving larger amounts of airflow thansecondary pump 38B, butsecondary pump 38B may be quieter thanprimary pump 38A. It will be understood thatsuch pumps 38 may be positioned in alternate locations, or that alternate numbers ofpumps 38 may be used. Similarly, pumpassembly 42 includes apower supply 34, which again is illustrated as a battery compartment for housing one or more batteries. However, as above, such apower supply 34 may instead or additionally take the form of AC power, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , pumpassembly 42 includes acontroller 44 as would be understood in the art, which may include a processor or the like. Thecontroller 44 may include or may be in communication with an electronic memory (not shown). Thecontroller 44 is in communication with the one ormore pumps 38 and thepump control 40 to control the operation ofsuch pumps 38 based on input from thepump control 40. Thecontroller 44 may also include a timer function. Thecontroller 44 is also in communication with one or more than onesensor 46. At least onesuch sensor 46 may be a pressure sensor for determining pressure within the air bladder. The one ormore sensors 46 may be of any type known in the art, and may be positioned anywhere appropriate for anysuch sensor 46 to determine pressure within the air bladder. -
FIG. 4 contains a flow chart to illustrate amethod 100 of inflating and maintaining a desired pressure within anair mattress 20. Atstep 102, a user selects a desired firmness level via thepump control 40. As a non-limiting example, the user may select a “soft,” “medium,” or “firm” level of firmness, although other options are envisioned. Atstep 104, thecontroller 44 determines a target internal pressure for theair mattress 20, given the selection by the user. Preferably, thecontroller 44 accesses an electronic memory—which may be housed internally to thecontroller 44 or elsewhere—to determine the target internal pressure. - At
decision point 106, thecontroller 44 communicates with one or moreelectronic sensors 46 to determine whether the pressure within theair mattress 20 is above the target internal pressure. If it is, atstep 108, thecontroller 44 initiates deflation of theair mattress 20 according to known methods. However, if the internal pressure within theair mattress 20 is not above the target pressure, atdecision point 110, thecontroller 44 determines if the internal pressure in theair mattress 20 is below the target pressure. Where the internal pressure is low, atstep 112, thecontroller 44 engages theprimary pump 38A, and then returns todecision point 106. In this manner, theprimary pump 38A remains engaged so long as theair mattress 20 is below the target pressure. However, once the internal pressure within theair mattress 20 is neither above the target pressure nor below the target pressure at decision points 106 and 108, themethod 100 advances to step 114 in which thecontroller 44 deactivates theprimary pump 38A. - At
decision point 116, thecontroller 44 determines whether the user has changed the selected firmness level via thepump control 40. Where the selected firmness level has been changed, the method reverts back to step 102. However, where the user has not changed the selected firmness level, the controller starts a timer atstep 118. This timer may exist within thecontroller 44, or may be an external timer in communication with thecontroller 44. The timer may be set to any desired length of time, such as one minute, five minutes, ten minutes, or the like. At decision point 120, thecontroller 44 determines whether the timer has expired. Where the timer has not expired, the method repeats decision point 120 until the timer expires. Once the timer expires, thecontroller 44 automatically activates thesecondary pump 38B atstep 122. It will be understood that a system with only aprimary pump 38A may be used, in which case thecontroller 44 would activate the primary pump atstep 122. - At
decision point 124, thecontroller 44 again communicates with the one ormore sensors 46 to determine if the internal pressure within theair mattress 20 is below the target pressure. Where the internal pressure is below the target pressure,decision point 124 is repeated with thesecondary pump 38B engaged until the pressure within theair mattress 20 is not below the target internal pressure. Thus, it will be seen that thecontroller 44 engages apump 38 every time the timer expires, regardless of the internal pressure of theair mattress 20. Pressure within theair mattress 20 is thereby maintained without the need to check inaccurate pressure control assemblies to determine when to initiate supplemental pumping. - Once the pressure within the
air mattress 20 is no longer below the target pressure, themethod 100 then advances to step 126 in which thecontroller 44 deactivates thesecondary pump 38B (orprimary pump 38A, depending on the embodiment), and the method reverts todecision point 116. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of anintegrated pump assembly 50, which includes asimilar pump control 40 as discussed above.Air vents 39A are shown in the form of a grate rather than the slits shown in embodiments discussed above, and are sized and shaped differently as well. As will be understood, the particularly shape and positioning ofair vents 39/39A may vary so long as sufficient airflow is permitted. One ormore pumps 38 are contained within theintegrated pump assembly 50 as discussed above. Similarly, as above,pump assembly 50 includes a power supply (not show), and anAC power cord 34A is shown extending therefrom. However, as above, such a power supply may instead or additionally take the form of batteries, an AC power cord with a DC adapter, or a rechargeable battery pack, or the like.FIG. 6 illustrates thesame pump assembly 50 face-on, such that additional options associated with thepump control 40 are shown. As can be seen, thepump control 40 may be set to anoff position 40A, adeflate position 40B, afirm position 40C, amedium position 40D, or asoft position 40E. More, fewer, or other options are also envisioned. - From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments of the present invention are well adapted to attain all the objectives and advantages hereinabove set forth together with still other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the present structures. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations of the present embodiments are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Since many possible embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is also to be understood that all disclosures herein set forth or illustrated in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. The various constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts, principles and scope of the present invention.
- As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.”
- Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (8)
1. An air mattress comprising:
an inflatable bladder having at least one inner chamber;
at least one pump in fluid communication with atmosphere and the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder;
a controller in communication with the at least one pump;
a timer in communication with the controller, wherein the controller causes activation of the at least one pump upon expiration of the timer.
2. The air mattress of claim 1 wherein the controller includes the timer.
3. The air mattress of claim 1 , further including at least one sensor in communication with the controller, the at least one sensor for detecting a pressure within the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder;
4. The air mattress of claim 3 wherein the controller causes deactivation of the at least one pump upon determining, via the at least one sensor, that the pressure within the at least one inner chamber has reached a predetermined pressure value.
5. The air mattress of claim 4 wherein the controller resets and restarts the timer upon deactivating the at least one pump.
6. The air mattress of claim 1 , further including a pump control in communication with the controller, the pump controller for selecting among one or more than one firmness setting for the air mattress.
7. The air mattress of claim 6 wherein the controller is in communication with an electronic memory, said electronic memory storing a predetermined pressure value within the at least one inner chamber of the inflatable bladder associated with each firmness setting.
8. A method for maintaining a desired firmness in an air mattress, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) accepting an input from a user of a desired firmness level;
(b) determining a target pressure within the air mattress based on the desired firmness level;
(c) engaging at least one pump associated with the air mattress to inflate the air mattress to the target pressure;
(d) upon determining that pressure within the air mattress has reached the target pressure, deactivating the at least one pump;
(e) initiating a timer count down for a predetermined amount of time;
(f) upon expiration of the timer, engaging one of said at least one pump to begin pumping additional air into the air mattress;
(g) disengaging the one of said at least one pump upon determining that pressure within the air mattress has reached the target pressure, and reverting to step (e).
Priority Applications (1)
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US17/053,411 US20210227990A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 | 2019-05-07 | Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance |
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US201862669464P | 2018-05-10 | 2018-05-10 | |
US17/053,411 US20210227990A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 | 2019-05-07 | Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance |
PCT/US2019/031109 WO2019217416A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 | 2019-05-07 | Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance |
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US20210227990A1 true US20210227990A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
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US17/053,411 Pending US20210227990A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 | 2019-05-07 | Air pump with automatic pressure maintenance |
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CN (1) | CN112384108A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019217416A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US11178976B2 (en) * | 2020-02-11 | 2021-11-23 | Craig Adams | Low air loss mattress having a low acoustic signature and interchangeable air pump cartridge |
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US11517121B2 (en) * | 2019-09-09 | 2022-12-06 | Dennis M. Boyd | Air mattress and pump combination |
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CN101785613A (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2010-07-28 | 江苏华创光电科技有限公司 | Automatic pressure-equalizing air cushion and pressure equalizing method thereof |
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CN202389351U (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2012-08-22 | 浙江金刚汽车有限公司 | Intermittent automatic inflating device |
KR20140042400A (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-07 | 주식회사 세라젬셀루피딕 | Method to restore the pressure of the mattress and device thereof |
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2019
- 2019-05-07 US US17/053,411 patent/US20210227990A1/en active Pending
- 2019-05-07 WO PCT/US2019/031109 patent/WO2019217416A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-05-07 CN CN201980045448.6A patent/CN112384108A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
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US11178976B2 (en) * | 2020-02-11 | 2021-11-23 | Craig Adams | Low air loss mattress having a low acoustic signature and interchangeable air pump cartridge |
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CN112384108A (en) | 2021-02-19 |
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