Patent Application
20150320227
The invention generally pertains to expandable structures, and more particularly to an expandable structure that is filled with a fluid and that provides improved supportive as well as therapeutic benefits.
Pillows, cushions and expandable structures have long been used for decorative purposes and to provide body support. When used for decorative purposes, most of these items, if chosen wisely, can accentuate an area or a piece of furniture. Unfortunately, when many of these items are utilized for body support they are not that effective. The reason for this is that most of these items are not able to maintain their structural integrity when a weight, such as a person's body, is placed upon them. The problem results from an item being filled with a material or substance that does not possess any inherent strength. As an item ages this problem is exacerbated, until there is literally no support provided whatsoever.
An additional problem is that many of these items which are typically used for support are shaped as a rectangle or square. While a rectangle or square shape can provide effective support in some cases, there are also many uses when a rectangle or square shape is not is preferable.
Obviously, what is needed is an expandable structure that can be filled with a material or substance based on the particular use of the structure and the needs of the person using the structure. Additionally, a purpose-designed expandable structure that can provide increased supportive and therapeutic benefits would allow a person to better select and utilize an expandable structure for a specific need or purpose. The most optimal design of an expandable structure would provide the above benefits and could also be utilized for multiple purposes.
A search of the prior art disclosed a single U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,084 issued to Meinwieser on 31 Mar. 1970 that is deemed related to the instant application.
The U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,084 patent discloses a wedge shaped inflated cushion proportioned and graduated in size so that the part that carries the greatest body weight will support the weight higher than the part that carries the lesser body weight. The parts are pneumatically interconnected to allow partial inflating and deflating or shifting of the content of the parts in response to a rocking action of the supported weight. The cushion includes a plurality of cylindrical inflated bulges of graduated diameters and/or lengths substantially parallel, normal and symmetrical to the longitudinal centerline of the cushion.
For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention is related reference may be made to the following U.S. patents:
In its most basic design, the expandable structure is comprised of a first chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge. A second chamber also has an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge.
The first chamber and the second chamber are integrally attached, with the first first chamber's lower edge attached to the second chamber's upper edge.
Located on the upper layer or lower layer of the first chamber or second chamber is at least one valve that allows a fluid to be inserted into the first and second chambers, thereby expanding the structure.
In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide an expandable structure that can be filled a fluid, and that as a result of the structure's unique shape, provides a unique feel and superior support capability.
In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to provide an expandable structure that:
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of an expandable structure 10. A fluid is inserted into the expandable structure 10, thereby causing the structure to increase in size and provide resilient support for a person sitting or lying on the structure 120. When filled with a fluid the expandable structure 10 is similar to a mini water bed that is portable and can be utilized for a variety of therapeutic and comfort purposes. The amount of support provided and firmness of the structure expandable 10 can vary, depending on the amount of fluid that is utilized to fill the structure 10.
The various types of support provided by the expandable structure 10, along with the structure's 10 unique shape, create an expandable structure that is significantly superior to conventional feather or polyester filled pillows or cushions, or other inflatable structures. The expandable structure 10 is especially useful for persons who suffer from various physical problems or for when support is needed to enhance an individual's motions while on the expandable structure.
As shown in
The first chamber 12, as shown in
The second chamber 52, as shown in
Both the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 52 are made of a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, neoprene, polyester, polypropylene or polyurethane.
The upper layer 14 and the lower layer 16 of the first chamber 12 are dimensioned the same, and the upper layer 14 is attached to the lower layer 16 by an attachment means 36.
Similarly, the upper layer 54 and the lower layer 56 or the second chamber 52 are dimensioned the same, and the upper layer 54 is attached to the lower layer 56 by the attachment means 36.
The attachment means 36 for attaching the upper layers 14,54 to the respective lower layers 16,56 is selected from the group consisting of a heat seal 38, as shown in
The at least one valve 76, as shown if
As shown in
As shown in
In addition to a fluid, the expandable structure 10 can be filled with air, foam, gel, a multiplicity of solid objects or a multiplicity of hollow objects. The solid or hollow objects can include beads, beans, tube-like objects or any other objects that will fit through the valve and provide the support characteristics required of the expandable structure. To assist filling the two chambers 12,52 with air, an adapter 80 can be placed onto the valve. The adapter 80, as shown in
When foam is utilized to fill the expandable structure 10, the foam can be either a light, soft foam or a heavy, dense foam, depending on the needs and/or requirements of the user of the expandable structure 10. Additionally, to increase the expandability of the expandable structure 10, an expanding foam can be utilized. When expanding foam is utilized, the first chamber 12 and second chamber 52 are made of a resilient material that allows the two chambers to increase in size as the expanding foam expands. Although not required, the two chambers 12, 52 can be made of a resilient material when the chambers are filled with a fluid, air, gel, or solid or hollow objects.
To add to the functionality of the expandable structure 10, and the comfort of a user, a fitted cover 92 can be placed over the structure 10. The cover 92, as shown in
If desired, indicia 100, as shown in
While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.
