Patent Application
20240306824
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable adjustable bed. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable inflatable adjustable bed which is designed to support a user's head and torso, knees, and feet.
The present disclosure relates to an inflatable adjustable bed comprised of at least one inflatable unit. The presently disclosed inflatable adjustable bed is designed to adjustably support a user's head and torso, knees, and feet. Some types of adjustable beds are known in the art. Typically, to date adjustable beds either raises the head and torso of an individual, or their knees and feet. However, raising, to comfort, both head and torso and knees and feet is often necessary for some individuals. These individuals may have physical issues which prevent them from being able to sleep, or simply relax, in a standard flatbed position. This shortcoming often creates irritation, pain, and sleep deprivation. Further, to date adjustable beds have other drawbacks. Very often, they are extremely expensive, making them unaffordable for people who need them. Furthermore, to date adjustable beds are not portable. This practically makes travel impossible for individuals who rely on an adjustable bed for comfort and sleep. The presently disclosed inflatable adjustable bed adjustably supports a user's head, torso, knees, and feet, and is designed to be easily transported by the user.
In accordance with the present invention, various embodiments of the presently disclosed inflatable adjustable bed for supporting a user's head, torso, legs, and feet; the user lying supine upon the inflatable adjustable bed; the inflatable adjustable bed comprising:
In some embodiments, the inflatable adjustable bed comprises two inflatable units, a head support unit, and a leg support unit; the head support unit comprises a generally wedged-form for supporting the user's head and torso; the leg support unit comprises a generally wedged-form in continuity with a substantially rectangular-shaped form for supporting the user's legs and feet; wherein the head support unit and the leg support unit each comprise at least one air valve for inflating, or deflating, the head support unit and the leg support unit.
In some embodiments, the attachment of the secondary pad to the head support unit and the leg support unit is a releasable or a permanent attachment.
In some embodiments, the head support unit's generally wedged-form opposes the leg support unit's generally wedged-form in a manner according to which the lowest parts of the generally wedged-forms are proximal to each other; and wherein the head support unit is tethered to the leg support unit, thus defining a pre-determined distance between the two said units.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises at least one inflatable bladder; and wherein the secondary pad comprises at least one air valve for inflating, or deflating, the at least one bladder.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises padding material/s.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises at least one inflatable bladder and padding material/s; and wherein the secondary pad comprises at least one air valve for inflating, or deflating, the said at least one bladder.
In some embodiments, the user inflates, or deflates, the head support unit and/or the leg support unit to a desired volume and thus adjusts the height of the perimeter wall of the head support unit and/or of the leg support unit.
In some embodiments, the at least one air valve is attachable to a first end of an air hose; and wherein the second end of the air hose is attachable to an air pump.
In some embodiments, the head support unit and the leg support unit each comprise at least one attachment means for securing the said units to a traditional bed.
In some embodiments, the head support unit comprises at least one inflatable bolster positioned at the top side and extending along the perimeter of at least one side of the generally wedged-form; and wherein the leg support unit comprises at least one inflatable bolster positioned at the top side and extending along the perimeter of at least one side of the generally wedged-form and/or of at least one side of the substantially rectangular-shaped form.
In some embodiments, the at least one inflatable bolster comprises at least one air valve.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises a heating and cooling functionality.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad provides a vibration function as needed.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises a at least one sensor for monitoring vitals of the user.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad further comprises a controller; the controller responsive to input from the at least one sensor; wherein the controller initiates, or stops, vibration in response to input from the at least one sensor.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad further comprises a controller; the controller responsive to input from the at least one sensor; wherein the controller initiates inflation or deflation of air to, or out of, the head unit and/or the leg unit in response to input from the at least one sensor.
In some embodiments, the inflatable adjustable bed further comprises securing means; and wherein when deflated, the head support unit, leg support unit, and secondary pad of inflatable adjustable bed can be folded and secured in a folded position via the securing means.
In some embodiments, the leg support unit comprises two sections; a triangular shaped base section and a generally wedged-form foot section; wherein a bottom side of the base section is planar with the bottom side of the head support unit when the inflatable adjustable bed in inflated and positioned on a flat surface, and a side of the base section abuts the long side of the foot section; wherein the foot section comprises at least one air valve; wherein the said at least one air valve is usable for inflating, or deflating, the foot section, thus elevating or lowering the user feet as desired.
Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides an inflatable adjustable bed (also referred to herein as “IAB”). The IAB comprises at least one inflatable unit designed, when inflated, to support a user's body part/s in varying positions. The IAB is designed to be used when laid upon, or secured to, any flat surface, including a standard mattress and/or standard bed and/or the floor. In some embodiments, the IAB comprises two inflatable units. A head support unit designed to support a user's head and torso, and a leg support unit designed to support the user's legs. In some embodiments, the IAB comprises a secondary pad which may be secured to the inflatable units and which provides structure and cushioning to a user being supported by the IAB. In some embodiments, the secondary pad comprises a functionality to provide a user with options for cooling, heating, vibration, or monitoring (for example, for vitals). To use the IAB, a user lays the deflated IAB flat on a surface, for example, a standard bed. A user than inflates the inflatable unit/s to the desired level of air volume. The volume of air inflated will determine the height of the inflatable unit/s and thus the degree of elevation of the supported body part of the user. A user may choose a different level of elevation for different body parts as needed. For example, a user may choose to inflate the head support unit to a higher height than the leg support unit, or vice versa, or only inflate one support and not the other. A user may also choose cooling, heating, or vibration setting. To transport the IAB, a user must deflate the inflatable unit/s. Once deflated and laid flat the inflatable unit/s and secondary pad are foldable, for example, by being rolled in a manner similar to rolling a sleeping bag. Once folded and secured in a folded position, the IAB's components can be easily transported by the user.
Referring now to
For use, the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 are positioned opposite to each other in a manner according to which the lowest parts of the generally wedged-forms are proximal and the highest parts of the generally wedge-shaped forms are distal. The IAB 100 can be arranged in such manner for use upon any flat surface, for example, a floor, a mattress, or a bed 19. In some embodiments, when the IAB 100 is used positioned upon a traditional bed 19, the distance between the highest part of the head support unit's 2 generally wedged-shaped form and the most distal end of the rectangular-shaped form is similar to the length of a traditional bed 19.
In some embodiments, the IAB 100 further comprises a secondary pad 1. The secondary pad 1 is designed to be placed upon, and cover, the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 and provide structure and comfort for the user. The secondary pad 1 may comprise, for example, padding material/s, at least one inflatable bladder, or combinations thereof. Generally, the secondary pad 1 spreads out any pillowing (unevenness) resulting from the inflatable head and leg support units 2, 3 to further improve the user's comfort. Therefore, in some embodiments, the secondary pad 1 is semi-rigid or comprises structural resilience. In some embodiments, the secondary pad 1 is permanently attached to the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 and thus, tethers the said units together and defines a pre-determined distance between them. In some other embodiments (shown), the said attachment is removable or the secondary pad 1 is simply laid on the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3. In the embodiment shown in
In the example illustrated, head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 are tethered to each other via straps 8, thus defining a pre-determined length, for example, the length of a traditional bed 19. In some embodiments, the length of straps 8 can be adjusted by the user, for example, when the straps 8 comprise an adjustable buckle (not shown), or the user can use a buckle (or any other attachment means) on straps 8 to separate the head support unit 2 from the leg support unit 3 and use the inflatable units 2, 3 separately as desired. Generally, the type of tethering 8 may include without limitation permanent tethering, adjustable tethering, releasable tethering, permanent and adjustable tethering, releasable and adjustable tethering, or tethering created when the forms of the head support unit and the leg support unit are interlocking, and combinations thereof.
According to yet other embodiments, head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 form a continues single inflatable unit 2, 3. This embodiment is exemplified in
In some embodiments, head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 comprise bolsters 7 positioned along the perimeter of the two opposite and parallel sides of their top sides 14. The bolsters 7 generally assist with the alignment and placement of the user and prevent a user from rolling of the secondary pad 1. The bolsters 7 may comprise padding material/s, or at least one inflatable bladder, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bolsters' said at least one inflatable bladder is in air flow continuation with the inflatable support unit they are part of (e.g. head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3). According to other embodiments, the bolsters comprise at least one air valve.
In some other embodiments, head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 further comprise an attachment means 9 for releasably securing the said units to a surface, for example to a traditional bed's mattress 20. In the example illustrated, the attachment means is a straps 9. The straps 9 are attached to the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3. A user loops the strap 9 of each of the said inflatable units around the mattress and thus secure them firmly in place. Straps 9 may comprise any securing means. Other possible attachment means are, without limitation, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, studs, fastening buttons and complementary button holes, straps with longitudinally spaced holes and corresponding buckles, snap buttons, and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the head support unit 2 and the leg support unit 3 (“inflatable units”) each comprise at least one air valve 16 usable for inflating or deflating the two said units. In any of the embodiments, disclosed herein, any air valve 16 is attachable to an air pump 11, or to an air hose 10 which in turn is attachable to an air pump 11. The at least one air valve 16 is generally disposed in one of the side walls of the inflatable units 2, 3, for example, in the perimeter wall (shown). However, the at least one air valve 16 may be positioned in any applicable location of any of the inflatable units 2, 3, 1 of this disclosure. The at least one air valve 16 may be any type of air valve traditionally used in the art.
The air pump/s 11 may be any type of pump known in the art, for example, a compressor, a blower, a fan, or a hand/manual pump. The air pump 11 may be battery powered or electrical corded 12. The at least one air valve 16 and the air pump/s 11 may each be controlled, and/or operated, for deflation or inflation of the inflatable units 2, 3 and/or secondary pad 1 manually. Alternatively, the at least one air valve 16 and the air pump/s 11 may each be controlled, and/or operated, for deflation or inflation of the inflatable units 2, 3 and/or secondary pad 1 remotely using wireless communication. For example, via electric control of a remote 13, or via a smart phone application 13. In another embodiments, the at least one air valve 16 and the air pump/s 11 may each be controlled, and/or operated, for deflation or inflation of the inflatable units 2, 3 and/or the secondary pad 1 manually, or remotely, automatically, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, as exemplified in
Padding material/s as referred herein may be used to construct either the inflatable units 2, 3 or specifically the top side 14 of the inflatable units 2, 3, or a specific inflatable unit 2, 3, or a side of a specific inflatable unit 14, or the secondary pad 1, or combinations thereof. The padding material/s may be used to make the inflatable units 2, 3, and/or the secondary pad 1 more comfortable to lie on or to produce a structural or cooling effect. Examples of padding material/s include, without limitation, memory foam, other types of foam, any type of latex, wool, synthetic fibers, cotton, any other fiber fills, down, any other feathers, downlike fill, gel, liquid, and combinations thereof.
Additionally, padding material/s considered herein for the construction of the inflatable units 2, 3, and/or the secondary pad 1, may be used to produce a cooling effect for the benefit of the user. For example, padding material/s include breathable materials, such as open-cell foam, latex, Phase Change Materials (PCMs), moisture-wicking fabrics, gel-infused foams, gel pads, or combinations thereof. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any padding material/s or fabric is within the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, the secondary pad 1 comprises a function element 4 providing the secondary pad 1 with functionality such as heating, cooling, vibration, monitoring (sensor), or combinations thereof. In the example illustrated, the function element 4 provides a ventilated design to provide a cooling effect for a user. The function element 4 comprises multiple air channels 5 or perforations 5. These perforations 5 may be of any applicable diameter and they enhance airflow within the secondary pad 1, allowing heat to escape and preventing it from becoming trapped near the user's body. In some embodiments, the perforations 5 are used for blowing out cold or hot air for air conditioning the user.
Further, in some embodiments the function element 4 provides heating or cooling as necessary and desired. This is achieved using any method known in the art, including but not limited to, heated wires, heated water, cooled water, or combinations thereof to increase or decrease temperature. Furthermore, in some embodiments the function element 4 provides vibration as needed and desired. In some embodiments, any of the functions provided by the function element 4 are initiated or stopped manually by the user. In some other embodiments, some, a combination of, or all the functions provided by the function center 4 are initiated or stopped automatically.
In some embodiments, the function element 4 comprises at least one sensor 15. The at least one sensor 15 generally monitors the vitals of the person using the IAB 100. The vitals monitored may include, but not limited to, indications such as body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, or combination thereof. Input from the at least one sensor 15 is transferred to a controller 13, further comprised within the secondary pad 1 or the function element 4, and the controller starts, enhances, reduces, or stops one or more function of the function element 4 as needed. In other embodiments, the controller functionality is comprised in a remote 13 and/or a smart phone application.
A sectional view is provided depicting an example of the presently disclosed IAB 100 in
It is desirable that when the IAB 100 is partially deflated the perimeter wall will adjust but the top sides 14 will substantially retain their flatness. In some embodiments, any of the side of the inflatable units 2, 3 is fashioned of materials traditionally used in the art for the construction of retail and commercial air mattresses/bladders. In some embodiments, the top sides 14 (sides) of the inflatable units 2, 3 are thicker, or more rigid/resilient, than the perimeter walls. For example, the top sides 14 (sides) may be 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 times thicker than the perimeter walls. In some embodiments, the perimeter walls of the inflatable units 2, 3 comprise a flexible material.
Moving now to
Finally,
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.
Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.
For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, +100% in some embodiments±50%, in some embodiments±20%, in some embodiments±10%, in some embodiments±5%, in some embodiments±1%, in some embodiments±0.5%, and in some embodiments±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.
Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. For example, when using the term “substantially” herein it may be a value of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 99%, or any amount or range therebetween.
Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63491061 | Mar 2023 | US |
