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Inflatable article of furniture and method of using same

a technology of inflatable furniture and furniture, which is applied in the field of inflatable furniture, can solve the problems of inconvenient long periods of time for furniture to inflate, the inability to adjust the inflatability of inflatable furniture for general use, and the difficulty of inflatable mattresses and other inflatable furniture to experience several difficulties

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-05-12
MCCARTHY BRENDAN J +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] Generally, the present invention encompasses an inflatable article of furniture and a method of using same. The inflatable article of furniture includes at least two inflatable mattresses, a hinge, and at least one air passage tube positioned external to the hinge and communicating the interiors of each of the two mattresses. The hinge connects the two mattresses together and is adapted to permit rotation of at least one of the inflatable mattresses relative to the other. The tube(s) permits passage of an inflating substance (e.g., a fluid, such as air or water) between the first inflatable mattress and the second inflatable mattress such that both mattresses may be rapidly inflated in a single step upon introducing the inflating substance into one or the other of the mattresses. The article of furniture may optionally include a backrest and one or more armrests that are fixedly connected to one of the mattresses and integrally connected together to facilitate use of the article of furniture in several different configurations. By configuring an inflatable article of furniture in this manner, the present invention provides an article of furniture that is not only temporary, portable, storable, and transformable, but also easily, conveniently and rapidly inflated and deflated.

Problems solved by technology

However, inflatable furniture for general use has not been well received.
To date, inflatable mattresses and other inflatable furniture have experienced several difficulties.
For example, such furniture often takes inconveniently long periods of time to inflate and, when deflated, the furniture does not store easily.
Additionally, inflatable devices are typically unstable for use by seated adults who are accustomed to conventional furniture.
Further, currently available inflatable furniture also has problems with punctures and a lack of aesthetic appeal.
Such restrictions and / or fluctuations in the sizes of the air passageways can result in excessive or at least undesirable inflation and / or deflation times. Additionally, since the backrest and armrests described in the '186 patent are detachable from the mattresses, they are more prone to being lost.
Further, gaps may form between the detachable items and the mattresses, making the assembled couch, loveseat or chair uncomfortable to use.

Method used

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  • Inflatable article of furniture and method of using same

Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0018] The present invention can be more readily understood with reference to FIGS. 1-9, in which like reference numerals designate like items. FIGS. 1-4 depict various elevational views of an inflatable article of furniture 100 in accordance with the present invention. The article of furniture 100 includes two inflatable mattresses 1, 2, an inflatable backrest 8, and two inflatable armrests 9, 10. A hinge 5 connects the inflatable mattresses 1, 2 allowing the mattresses 1, 2 to be rotated about the hinge 5 and positioned into a stacked arrangement as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 or other arrangements as illustrated in FIGS. 5-9 and described in more detail below. In addition, one or more tubes 3, 4 (two shown) are connected to each mattress 1, 2 to facilitate communication of an inflating substance (not shown), between the two mattresses 1, 2.

[0019] The tubes 3, 4 are preferably made of rubber, polyvinylchloride (PVC), or similar substance, have diameters preferably in the range of app...

second embodiment

[0027] One of the benefits of the instant invention is the ability to easily change the arrangement or embodiment of the inflatable article of furniture. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates an inflatable article of furniture 200 in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the inflatable mattresses 1, 2 are in a substantially flat arrangement and the article of furniture 200 is in a modified seating configuration relative to the sofa configuration of FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, the inflatable mattresses 1, 2 have been rotated about the hinge 5 such that the mattresses 1, 2 are positioned adjacent to each other, the bottom surfaces of which lie on a horizontal support surface (not shown) such as a floor, and the backrest 8, and armrests 9, 10 have been inflated to essentially form a chaise lounge. The connectors 11, 12 are disconnected to facilitate rotation and orientation of the mattresses 1, 2. With the backrest 8 and the armrests 9, 10 inflated, this recline...

third embodiment

[0028]FIG. 6 illustrates an article of furniture 300 in accordance with the present invention. In this reclined lounge embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 5 is inverted such that the backrest 8 and the armrests 9, 10 are inflated and positioned so that they rest upon the floor or ground. The connectors 11, 12 are unfastened. Inflatable mattress 1 forms an inclined surface against which a person can comfortably recline. The hinge 5 ensures that the inflatable mattresses 1, 2 do not separate during use. The external tubes 3, 4 allow for equalization of pressure between the inflatable mattresses 1, 2 because the inflating substance can flow freely between the inflatable mattresses 1, 2. By adjusting the amount of air in the arm rests 9, 10 and back rest 8, the inclined elevation of the recliner can be adjusted to varying degrees of elevation. This makes the recliner aspect of the invention completely adjustable.

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Abstract

An inflatable article of furniture (100) includes at least two inflatable mattresses (1, 2), a hinge (5), and at least one tube (3, 4) positioned external to the hinge. The hinge connects the two mattresses together and is adapted to permit rotation of at least one of the inflatable mattresses relative to the other. The tube(s) permits passage of an inflating substance between the first inflatable mattress and the second inflatable mattress such that both mattresses may be rapidly inflated in a single step upon introducing an inflating substance into one of the mattresses. The article of furniture may optionally include a backrest (8) and one or more armrests (9, 10) that are fixedly connected to one of the mattresses and integrally connected together to facilitate use of the article of furniture in several different configurations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to inflatable furniture, and more particularly, to inflatable furniture that is portable, storable, and transformable into various configurations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The use of an inflatable mattress for sleeping under various circumstances is well known. For example, people use inflatable mattresses under sleeping bags while camping or for extra sleeping space for overnight guests. Inflatable flotation devices are also known for use by swimmers and sunbathers in swimming pools and lakes. However, inflatable furniture for general use has not been well received. [0003] To date, inflatable mattresses and other inflatable furniture have experienced several difficulties. For example, such furniture often takes inconveniently long periods of time to inflate and, when deflated, the furniture does not store easily. Additionally, inflatable devices are typically unstable for use by seated adults who are ac...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47C15/00A47C27/08
CPCA47C15/006A47C27/082A47C17/045
Inventor MCCARTHY, BRENDAN J.NOWELL, RICHARD J.MCCARTHY, ROSS E.
Owner MCCARTHY BRENDAN J
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