Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AIR FRAMES FOR OUTDOOR GOODS
(0001) This application claims priority to U.S.
provisional patent Application Serial No. 60/774,398, filed
April 6, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0002) The use of outdoor goods often augments
popular recreational activities, such as camping, hiking,
fishing, backpacking, sporting events, and other activities.
For example, a person may carry important items in a
backpack, and use a tent and sleeping back while camping.
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SUNlMARY OF THE INVENTION
(0003) 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 of some
embodiments that are presented later.
(0004) In accordance with an embodiment, a backpack
is provided. The backpack includes at least one air
bladder, the inflation of which forms a frame for the
backpack. The backpack may include other items, such as a
pump or valve for inflating the air bladder.
(0005) In accordance with another embodiment, a
shelter is provided. The shelter includes an air frame,
which may be inflated until rigid or semi-rigid so as to
give structural support to the shelter.
(0006) In accordance with another embodiment, a
shelter that may be attached to an automobile or motorhome
is provided. The shelter includes an inflatable frame which
may take the place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or
semi-rigid frame members. The inflation of the frame until
rigid or semi-rigid may provide structural support to the
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shelter.
(0007) In accordance with another embodiment, a tent
is provided. The tent may include an inflatable frame which
may take the place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or
semi-rigid frame members. The inflation of the frame until
rigid or semi-rigid may provide structural support for the
tent.
(0008) In accordance with another embodiment, a
shelter that may be attached to a boat is provided. The
shelter includes an inflatable frame which may take the
place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or semi-rigid
frame members. The inflation of the frame until rigid or
semi-rigid may provide structural support to the shelter.
(0009) In accordance with another embodiment, a love
seat is provided. The love seat includes a lower seating
surface and a seat back, each of which includes an
inflatable bladder. The bladders of the seating surface and
the seat back may be fluidly connected. The love seat may
also include an inflatable lumbar bladder configured to
provide lumbar support. The lumbar bladder may or may not
be in fluid communication with other bladders of the love
seat.
(0010) In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed
is provided. The airbed includes an air bladder, which may
be made of lightweight material, and a puncture resistant
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cover for the air bladder.
(0011) In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed
is provided. The airbed includes a cover that may include a
plurality of chambers, each for receiving an air bladder.
If one of the air bladders breaks, that bladder may be
replaced individually.
(0012) In accordance with an embodiment, a sleeping
bag is provided. The sleeping bag has an airbed received in
a bottom sleeve of the sleeping bag. The airbed for the
sleeping bag may have a built-in pump for inflating the
airbed. The airbed may be sewn into place in the sleeping
bag, or may be mounted into a sleeve of the sleeping bag so
that the airbed may be removed or replaced.
(0013) Other features of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description when taken
in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0014) FIGURE 1 is a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with an embodiment;
(0015) FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0016) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a
pair of inflatable stays that may be utilized for internal
support of an internal backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0017) FIG. 4 shows a rear view of an air frame for
a backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0018) FIG. 5 shows a back perspective view of an
internal frame backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0019) FIG. 6 shows a back perspective view of an
air frame for a backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0020) FIG. 7 is a side view of the air frame of
FIG. 6;
(0021) FIG. 8 shows a back perspective view of an
air frame for a backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0022) FIG. 9 is a side view of the air frame of
FIG. 8;
(0023) FIG. 10 shows a partial side view of an air
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frame for a backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0024) FIG. 11 shows a partial side view of an air
frame for a backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0025) FIG. 12 shows back perspective view of an air
frame for a backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0026) FIG. 13 shows a back perspective view of an
air frame for a backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0027) FIG. 14 shows a side view of the air frame of
FIG. 13;
(0028) FIG. 15 shows a back perspective view of an
air frame for a backpack in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0029) FIG. 16 shows a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0030) FIG. 17 shows a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0031) FIG. 18 shows a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0032) FIG. 19 shows a side perspective view of the
backpack of FIG. 18, as worn by a person;
(0033) FIG. 20 shows a back perspective view of a
backpack in accordance with another embodiment;
(0034) FIG. 21 shows a partial side cutaway view of
an airframe of the backpack of FIG. 20;
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(0035) FIG. 22 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with an embodiment;
(0036) FIG. 23 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0037) FIG. 24 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0038) FIG. 25 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0039) FIG. 26 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0040) FIG. 27 shows a side perspective view of a
tent in accordance with an embodiment;
(0041) FIG. 28 shows a side perspective view of a
tent in accordance with another embodiment;
(0042) FIG. 29 shows a side view of the tent of FIG.
28;
(0043) FIG. 30 shows a rear perspective view of a
shelter attached to an automobile in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0044) FIG. 31 shows a side perspective view of a
shelter attached to an automobile in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0045) FIG. 32 shows a top perspective view of the
shelter of FIG. 31;
(0046) FIG. 33 shows a rear perspective view of a
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shelter attached to an automobile in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0047) FIG. 34 shows a rear perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0048) FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of a
shelter in accordance with another embodiment;
(0049) FIG. 36 shows a side perspective view of a
love seat in accordance with an embodiment;
(0050) FIG. 37 shows a rear perspective view of an
airbed partially inserted into a cover in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0051) FIG. 38 shows a rear perspective view of an
airbed in accordance with an embodiment, with one bladder of
the airbed partially removed from a cover of the airbed;
(0052) FIG. 39 shows a rear perspective view of an
airbed in accordance with an embodiment;
(0053) FIG. 40 shows an side cutaway view of the
airbed of FIG. 39;
(0054) FIG. 41 shows a rear perspective view of a
boat having an inflatable cover in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0055) FIG. 42 shows a side view of a boat having an
inflatable cover in accordance with another embodiment;
(0056) FIG. 43 shows a side view of a boat having an
inflatable cover in accordance with another embodiment;
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(0057) FIG. 44 shows a rear perspective view of a
boat having an inflatable cover in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0058) FIG. 45 shows a rear perspective view of a
boat having an inflatable cover in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0059) FIG. 46 shows a side perspective view of a
boat having an inflatable cover in accordance with another
embodiment;
(0060) FIG. 47 shows a bottom perspective view of a
sleeping bag having a built-in airbed in accordance with an
embodiment;
(0061) FIG. 48 shows a rear perspective view of a
sleeping bag having a built-in airbed in accordance with
another embodiment;
(0062) FIG. 49 shows a bottom view of the sleeping
bag of FIG. 48; and
(0063) FIG. 50 shows a rear perspective view of a
sleeping bag having a sleeve into which an airbed is
inserted in accordance with an embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(0064) 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. However, it will also be apparent to
one skilled in the art 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. In addition, to the
extent that orientations of the embodiments are described,
such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "right," and the
like, the orientations are to aid the reader in
understanding the embodiment being described, and are not
meant to be limiting.
Backpacks
(0065) In accordance with an embodiment, an airframe
is provided for a backpack. As is known, there are
basically two types of backpacks: those that have external
frames, and those that have internal frames. External frame
packs are easily recognizable by a rigid metal or plastic
frame on the outside of the pack. The shoulder and hip
straps usually attach directly to this frame. The main
compartment of the pack is also attached to the frame.
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(0066) Internal frame packs have a stiff, load-
bearing frame incorporated into, and integral to, the main
body of the backpack, with a harness/suspension system
attached to this integral pack body/frame. The stiff and/or
rigid, load-bearing elements of the frame are commonly
comprised of, singly or in combination thereof,
metal/polymeric/composite sheets, metal/polymeric/composite
bars (commonly called stays), and metal/polymeric/composite
rods/tubes. The backpack load carrying compartment can be
of numerous designs with features specific to the intended
end use.
(0067) In accordance with an embodiment, an air
frame is utilized for the frame of a backpack. By "air
frame," we mean an air bladder configured to receive
pressurized air. When turgid, the air frame serves as a
structure for a device (in this embodiment, a backpack).
(0068) For an internal frame pack, the air frame
replaces conventional metal/polymeric/composite components.
Such an air frame may be used singly, or in combination
thereof, with conventional metal/polymeric/composite
components depending upon the requirements of the intended
end use of the backpack.
(0069) FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of a
backpack 20 in accordance with an embodiment. For the
backpack 20, two air chambers 22, 24 are provided at, and
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just above, respectively, of the lumbar region of the
backpack. One or two pumps 26 (only one is shown in FIG. 1)
may be provided for inflating the air chambers 22, 24 to a
desired pressure. Although a hand actuated bulb-style pump
26 is shown in FIG. 1, other types of pumps may be used for
inflating the air chambers 22, 24, including, but not
limited to, a foot pump or an electric pump. In addition,
as an alternative to having an integral pump, a valve may be
provided to which a pump is attached.
(0070) The air chambers 22, 24 may be in fluid
communication with each other, so that they are inflated via
the same pump (or valve), or may be separate so that they
may be inflated to different pressures. If separate, the
two chambers may each have a pump or a valve.
(0071) In accordance with an alternate embodiment,
the air chambers 22, 24 may be air chambers without a valve
or other opening. Such fixed air chambers may be
pressurized during manufacturing and maintain the pressure
for the life of the product. Thus, a pump or a valve is not
needed. However, by providing a pump such as the pump 26,
the amount of lumbar support provided by the air chambers
22, 24 is adjustable.
(0072) The air chambers 22, 24 and other air frames
described herein may be formed of a suitable air-tight
material, such as a polyvinylchloride, or any other suitable
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material. In an embodiment, the air chamber is a strong,
durable, lightweight material such as polyurethane,
polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester films (e.g., MYLAR),
polytetraflouroethylene, or a lightweight multi-laminate
structure. Other examples of suitable materials and
suitable pressures for inflating the air frames described
herein can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,487, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,263,617, and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No.
60/130,549. The air frame can be used alone or as a bladder
surrounded by a protective sleeve.
(0073) For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the air
chambers 22, 24 may be positioned so as to directly contact
the back of a user, or other material may be arranged
between the air chambers 22, 24 and the back of the user.
This other material may be, for example, one or more
flexible plastic panels, fabric, open or closed cell foam,
or another suitable material. In addition, although shown
as chambers with smooth outer surfaces, the chambers 22, 24
may be suitably arranged or patterned so as to promote air
circulation where the chamber contacts a user. As an
example, ribs may be provided on an outer surface of the air
chambers 22, 24 so as to promote an air chimney effect for
promoting air flow along the back of the user. In addition,
the air chambers 22, 24 may be made of sufficient thickness
to provide controllable thermal characteristics. For
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example, thin air chambers (e.g., less than 3/8 inches
thick) are inherently insulative and thick air chambers
(e.g., greater than 3/8 inches thick) are inherently
thermally conductive via internal convective currents.
Thus, air chambers may be strategically placed to increase a
user's comfort.
(0074) FIG. 2 shows an internal frame backpack 30
having an internal air frame 32 that is utilized in place of
metal/polymeric/ceramic frame elements for the backpack. In
the embodiment shown in the drawings, the internal air frame
32 includes an outer ring 34 and internal ribs 36. One or
more of the ribs may extend horizontally, with others
extending diagonally. A lower rib 38 is provided in the
lumbar section of the backpack 30, and provides lumbar
support for a user. The internal air frame 32 is preferably
mounted on an inside of a backpack, but such a frame may
alternatively be mounted on an outside of the frame. In the
embodiment shown in the drawing, the air frame 32 is
inflated as one unit, but parts, such as the lower rib 38,
may be inflated separately.
(0075) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a
pair of inflatable stays 40, 42 that may be utilized for
internal support of an internal backpack. The inflatable
stays 40, 42 are utilized in the position of conventional
metal or plastic stays in an internal frame backpack.
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Valves 44 may be provided for inflation of the inflatable
stays 40, 42. If desired, the inflatable stays 40, 42 may
be inflated to different pressures depending upon the
desired rigidity of the backpack. Variations in pressure
may also be utilized based upon the load supported by the
backpack and/or individual preferences of a user.
(0076) FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an air frame 50
in accordance with another embodiment. Like the air frame
32 in FIG. 2, the air frame 50 may be positioned on the
inside of an internal frame backpack, such as the backpack
30. The air frame 50 includes vertical ribs 52. In
addition, a lower rib 54 is made larger than other ribs to
support the lumbar section of a user. The vertical ribs 52
promote an air chimney effect on the back of the user,
effectively permitting air to flow along the back of the
user and outward above the shoulders of the user.
(0077) FIG. 5 shows an internal frame backpack 60 in
accordance with another embodiment. The internal frame
backpack 60 includes an air frame 62 having a single opening
64. The opening extends vertically most of the length of
the air frame 62, providing an air chimney effect for
providing air circulation for the back, and more
specifically the spine, of a user.
(0078) As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each
of the air frames 38, 50, 60 and the inflatable stays 40, 42
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may be encased in or behind fabric, foam, or other suitable
materials. In addition, if desired, a semi-rigid or rigid
plastic reinforcing frame may be provided for additional
support. In alternate embodiments, the air frames may be
positioned along the back or exterior of the backpack.
(0079) In addition, each of the air frames 32, 50,
62, and the inflatable stays 40, 42 may be provided as
fixed, pre-pressurized, turgid air chambers, or may be
provided with a pump or valve, permitting a user to adjust
the pressure as desired. As such, a user can change
structural support according to load, terrain, and/or
activity level. The air frames may be made flexible by
slightly reducing air pressure. A flexible air frame
enables a user to engage in high-output activities (ski
touring, alpine climbing, adventure racing) without
restricting the body's movements. In addition, allowing the
air frames or stays to be inflatable permits the air
chambers for such components to be deflated for efficient
storage.
(0080) FIG. 6 shows another air frame 70 in
accordance with an embodiment. The air frame 70 is curved
so as to provide proper support for a thoracic region of a
user's spine. A side view of this curved configuration is
shown in FIG. 7.
(0081) In accordance with an embodiment, the air
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frame 70 includes ribs 72 which align with and support
individual vertebrae along the thoracic and lumbar regions
of a user. As such, the air frame 70 provides ergonomic
support for the spine of a user while the user is wearing a
backpack having such an air frame 70. The ribs 72 may
inflate, or may be flexible protrusions (for example, made
from rubber) on the exterior of the air frame 70.
(0082) FIG. 8 shows another air frame 80 for a
backpack in accordance with an embodiment. Like the air
frame 70, the air frame 80 provides ergonomic support for
the back of a user. As is shown in a side view in FIG. 9,
the air frame 80 includes a lumbar support region 82, and is
curved so as to appropriately fit and support the thoracic
and lumbar regions of a user. In addition, as can be seen
in FIG. 8, diagonal ribs 84, 86 are provided on opposite
sides of the spine for helping to align and support the
spine of a user in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the
spine. Again, the rib 84, 86 may inflate or may be flexible
protrusions.
(0083) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the air
frame 80 includes a pump 88 that extends upward along one of
the shoulder straps 89 for the backpack into which the air
frame 80 is placed. This feature allows a user to grasp the
shoulder strap 89 and actuate the pump 88 to increase or
decrease the pressure provided by the air frame 80. In this
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manner, a user may adjust the air frame 80 to appropriately
fit the user's back while the frame is on the user's back.
(0084) Similar to the air frame 80, the air frame 90
shown in FIG. 12 includes a lumbar support 92 and ribs 94.
However, the air frame 90 includes a pump 96 that extends
from a bottom portion and may be, for example, attached to a
belt of a backpack instead of a shoulder strap. In
addition, the ribs 94 for the air frame 90 extend all the
way across the air frame. However, such ribs 94 can also
provide appropriate support for individual vertebrae in a
thoracic and/or lumbar section of a backpack.
(0085) FIG. 13 shows yet another air frame 100,
shaped similar to the air frames 80, 90. However, the air
frame 100 includes separated ribs 102, 104, similar to the
air frame 80. In addition, the air frame 100 includes two
separate pumps 106, 108 for inflating the lumbar region of
the airframe, and the remaining portion of the air frame,
respectively. As an example, the pump 108 may inflate an
air bladder extending the entire length of the air frame
100, and the pump 106 may inflate a second air bladder 109
located just at the lumbar region. Alternatively, the first
air bladder may extend only down to the lumbar region. The
two regions may be arranged in different ways.
(0086) FIG. 15 shows another air frame 110 having a
fixed air chamber (i.e., an air chamber that has a fixed
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pressure and not having a pump). The air frame 110 includes
a lumbar support 112 and ribs 114 for supporting individual
vertebrae.
(0087) In accordance with an embodiment, an air
frame may be provided with a number of smaller, individual
chambers. Such an air chamber may be shaped like any of the
previously-described air frames, or may be designed as
desired to give a particular effect.
(0088) If individual chambers are used, the separate
chambers may be utilized to adjust an air frame to the
contours of the body of a user, and/or to adjust the frame
to handle compression at particular parts of the air frame.
The individual chambers may be of fixed pressure or may have
pressure that is adjustable by a user (e.g., via a pump).
(0089) Individual chambers may also be arranged to
distribute weight of a backpack, or conform to the myriad of
body shapes with minimal compression. For example, air
chambers may be used in a waist belt to evenly distribute
weight around the hips. Such pads will automatically
conform to a user's shape because of the flexible nature of
air chambers. In contrast, foam waist belts require tight
cinching to compress the foams to the body's shape.
(0090) As shown in FIG. 10, an air frame 120 may
include non-inflatable segments 122 between inflatable
segments 124. The inflatable segments 124 may be inflated
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to fit against the contours of a user's body. Each of these
inflatable segments 124 may be individually inflatable or
may be commonly inflatable.
(0091) FIG. 11 shows another air frame 130, or a
section of an air frame, having non-inflatable segments 132
separated by inflatable segments 134. The non-inflatable
segments 132 are positioned to support a load for a
backpack, for example, in an area adjacent to a hip belt for
a user. The air segments 134 are designed to take shock
between the non-inflatable segments 132 and enable hip
rotation that occurs during walking. Again, the inflatable
segments 134 may be individually or collectively inflated.
(0092) FIG. 16 shows an air frame 140 on a backpack
142. The air frame 140 includes a plurality of individually
adjustable chambers 144 positioned up and down the back of
the backpack 142 and even more chambers 146 positioned on a
belt for the backpack. The chambers 144 include large
pouches 148 aligned to rest on opposite sides of a user's
spine, and connecting channels 149. The connecting channels
149 allow the pouches 148 to inflate to equal pressure.
Locating the pouches 148 on opposite sides of a user's spine
removes weight from a user's spine. Each of these chambers
may be individually adjusted or may be adjusted in sets so
as to adjust the contour of the air frame 140 to the back of
a user and to adjust a load in the backpack 142
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appropriately to the back of a user. By adjusting
individual chambers, a user may change the load transfer
efficiency according to a load, terrain, and/or activity
level.
(0093) FIG. 17 shows another backpack 150 having an
air frame 152. The air frame 152 extends over the entire
back of the backpack 150 and includes on the back of the air
frame individually adjustable chambers 154 that are similar
to the chambers 144 in FIG. 16.
(0094) FIG. 18 shows a backpack 160 having an air
frame 162. The air frame 162 includes an inflatable back
portion 164 having ribs 166. In addition, chambers may be
provided in shoulder straps (e.g., 168) and along a hip belt
169. Each of these separate air chambers 164, 166, 168
and/or 169 may be separately inflatable. In accordance with
an embodiment, the backpack 160 may be placed on the user as
shown in FIG. 19, and each of the chambers may be inflated
so as to fit the backpack appropriately to the user. The
backpack 160 may be filled, and thus the load in the
backpack may be appropriately displaced as the chambers are
inflated. A user may, for example, deflate a chamber where
there is too much pressure on the user's body, thus removing
some pressure from that area, and inflate a chamber where it
appears that there is a disproportionately small amount of
load placed on the body.
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(0095) Figs. 20 and 21 show yet another backpack 170
having an air frame 172. The air frame 172 includes a
plurality of air chambers 174, each of which includes a non-
adjustable air pocket. These air chambers provide ergonomic
support for the back of a user.
(0096) The air frames for the backpacks described
above provide a number of benefits. First, the air frames
are lighter than conventional stays, and thus reduce the
overall weight of the backpack. Second, the amount of air
put into an air frame may be adjustable, permitting a user
to adjust the stiffness of the backpack as desired. In
addition, as described above, use of an air frame permits a
load to be evenly distributed or managed by a user. The air
frame may also be utilized for air circulation management by
strategically placing air chambers so as to enhance airflow
between the chambers to increase a user's comfort.
(0097) In addition, the air frame may be properly
adjusted for load support. The air frame also provides
cushioning and shock absorption and vibration dampening.
Air chambers of an appropriate thickness can provide
convection currents or insulation, thus providing
temperature management.
(0098) An air frame may be used to align the spine
in an ergonomic manner. An air frame may include chambers
that permit a waist belt or shoulder belt to be inflatable
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to help fit the contours of a user's body, to distribute
load, and to cushion the body of a user.
(0099) An air frame may also be used to increase the
waterproof features of a backpack. Air chambers are
inherently non-absorptive, enhancing wet-serviceability
because of reduced water absorption from sweat, rain or
snow. An air frame of an appropriate size could aid in
floating of a backpack.
(0100) In accordance with another embodiment,
inflatable air chamber(s) may be incorporated inside of a
compartment of a backpack to replace or minimize the use of
the current compression straps. Compression straps are a
feature of an internal frame backpack and allow a user to
compress the backpack around loaded equipment to provide a
tight and stable load. When there is not enough equipment
in the backpack to fill it to maximum capacity, the
compression straps close up that extra space, preventing
undesirable load sway, or pack float. To replace such
straps, adjustable chambers may be provided on the inside of
a pack to permit a user to inflate the chambers as needed to
fill a volume of a compartment of a backpack. Air chambers
easily conform and fill the voids of a backpack's internal
contents, thereby reducing shifting of the contents and
making the load easier and more efficient to carry.
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(0101) Inflatable air chamber(s) may also be
incorporated inside of a compartment of a backpack or
another case to replace the use of foams to protect the
contents. For example, air chambers may be used to protect
the contents of camera bags, digital music player cases,
sunglasses cases, GPS cases, and other devices.
(0102) Chambers in such cases or backpacks may be
fixed pressure (OEM) or adjustable by a user (e.g., via a
pump). Air chambers easily conform or fill the voids of the
inside of a case or backpack, thereby effectively securing
the items and reducing the likelihood of damage. Air
chambers also protect contents from external shock and
compression. Air chambers are inherently waterproof,
enhancing wet environment protection for a case's contents.
In addition, air chambers are inherently non-absorptive,
enhancing wet-serviceability (e.g., reducing wet absorption
from sweat, rain, and/or snow). Air chambers are also
inherently insulative, thereby protecting the pack/case's
contents from temperature extremes.
Shelters
(0103) Another area in which air frames may be used
is in shelters. An example of a shelter 180 is shown in
FIG. 22. For the shelter shown in FIG. 22, an air frame 182
is provided in the form of four arches 184 connected
together by an X-shaped cross brace 186 at the top. The
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arches 184 and the cross brace 186 are of sufficient
diameter to support the weight of a covering (not shown),
such as a taffeta nylon covering, or another suitable
fabric. The covering may extend over or under the air frame
182. A user may inflate the air frame 182 and the shelter
180 is erected in a short period of time. The shelter 180
stores in a small package when the air frame 182 is
deflated.
(0104) An alternate embodiment of a shelter 190 is
shown in FIG. 23. The shelter 190 includes four rigid legs
192, for example, made of plastic or metal. An inflatable
top 194 is positioned over the legs 192. The inflatable top
194 is formed as an arch, and includes ribs for permitting
structured support. The inflatable top 194 includes metal
or plastic tubes 196 for receiving the top ends of the legs
192. The inflatable top 194 may include reinforcement ribs
or any other suitable structure so as to support the
structure of the top over the legs 192.
(0105) FIG. 24 shows an alternate embodiment of a
shelter 200. The shelter 200 is a fully inflatable air
frame having legs 202 and an upper canopy 204. The upper
canopy may be domed so as to provide arch support, or may
simply extend straight across between the legs 202, and may
be supported structurally (e.g., by a large diameter of the
air frame and/or internal or external reinforcements or
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supports).
(0106) Figs. 25 and 26 show two further embodiments
of shelters 210, 220 in accordance with an embodiment. Each
of these shelters 210, 220 includes an inflatable frame
supporting a fabric canopy. The shelter 210 includes an X-
shaped inflatable air frame 212 having a canopy 214 mounted
at the top under the apex of the X-shaped air frame. The
shelter 220 includes four arches 222 connected together at
their lower ends and having a fabric canopy 224 extended
therebetween.
(0107) If desired, the air frames used in the
shelters may be replaceable bladders and may be received in
the sleeve of a fabric, for example. As an example, for the
shelter 220 in FIG. 26, the canopy 224 may include sleeves
along its outer edges for receiving replaceable bladders
that serve as the air frames 222.
(0108) The air frames for the shelters may be
inflated manually or by use of a pump, such as an electric
pump. If desired, a pressure sensor may be provided that
senses a drop in pressure in the air frame and automatically
starts a pump to inflate more air into the air frame.
Tents
(0109) Air frames may similarly be used to support a
tent. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a tent 230 includes
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a plurality of air channels 232 forming a crossed pattern
for supporting the fabric 234 of the tent. The air channels
232 may support a doorway 236 over which may extend a door
or a screen 238 (shown rolled to the side in FIG. 27).
(0110) An additional tent is shown in FIG. 28. The
tent 240 shown in that drawing includes arched frame ends
242 that extend over the tent and a central upper rib 244
for connecting the two end frames 242. A side view of the
tent is shown in FIG. 29.
(0111) In accordance with an embodiment, a door or
window for a tent or a shelter may include an outer air
frame for supporting a structure of the door or window. In
this manner, the door or window may hinge outward from a
tent so as to provide an opening similar to the opening for
a home.
(0112) Air frames may be used in a similar manner to
provide a tarp structure that can attach to the rear of a
truck or a car. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, a tarp
250 may be provided having an air frame 252 that supports a
canopy 254. In the embodiment shown, the air frame includes
an outer arch 256 and two half arches 258 that extend up to
a rear upper portion of a vehicle V.
(0113) Another shelter 260 is shown in FIG. 31. For
this shelter, an air frame 262 extends upward from the
ground and makes a sharp turn toward the top of a vehicle C.
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The top of the shelter 260 attaches to a roof rack R of the
vehicle C. A crossbar 264, shown in FIG. 32, is also part
of the air frame and helps to support the shelter 260. A
canopy 266 extends over the air frame to provide a shelter
function.
(0114) FIG. 33 shows yet another shelter 270 in
accordance with an embodiment. The shelter 270 includes an
air frame 272 formed of legs 274 attached to top braces 276
and a cross brace 278. A canopy 279 extends over the air
frame 272 to provide the shelter.
(0115) The shelter 280 in FIG. 34 includes a one-
piece back air frame 282 that extends across in an arch
across the back of the shelter 280. Two forward braces 284
extend forward for attachment to a car, and a fabric 286 is
draped in-between these forward braces.
(0116) The shelter 290 in FIG. 35 is similar to the
shelter 280, but instead of being a rounded arch, the air
frame 294 for the shelter includes components having
straight lines. In addition, X-braces 292 extend across a
top of the air frame 294.
(0117) As can be understood, the air frames of the
present invention may be utilized to form a variety of
different shelters or tents. In addition, the air frames
may be positioned in a variety of different configurations,
including honeycomb configurations, cross braces, free
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standing structures, or any other configuration. Air frames
may be configured to replace the conventional poles that are
used on shelters, tents, or canopies. The air frames are
lighter than metal/polymeric/ceramic poles and are faster to
erect. Examples of suitable materials and suitable
pressures for inflating the air frames described herein can
be found above and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,487, U.S. Pat. No.
6,263,617, and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60/130,549.
Furniture
(0118) FIG. 36 shows a love seat 300 in accordance
with an embodiment. The love seat 300 includes a lower
seating surface 302 and a seat back 304, each of which
includes an inflatable bladder. An air channel 306 extends
between the lower seating surface 302 and the seat back 304
so that the two air bladders may be inflated by a single
valve and/or pump. The seat back 304 may include an
inflatable lumbar bladder 306 for providing ergonomic
support. The lumbar bladder may be connected in fluid
communication with the seat back 304, or may be a separate
bladder from the seat back.
Airbeds
(0119) The air frame technology described herein may
be utilized to produce airbeds. Although conventional
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airbeds utilize air bladders, the bulk of those airbeds are
made of a thick material that is puncture resistant and that
can resist leaking. Such material works well for its
intended use, but can be bulky and heavy when the airbed is
deflated. In accordance with an embodiment, a much lighter
weight air bladder is used in an airbed. Such a light-
weight air bladder may be formed, for example, of a
polyurethane material or another suitable lightweight
material, such as the lightweight materials set forth above.
(0120) To protect such an air bladder, in accordance
with an embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the air bladder 310 is
placed into a puncture resistant cover 312. The puncture
resistant cover may be formed, for example, of vinyl,
canvas, or another suitable flexible, puncture-resistant
material.
(0121) By forming the airbed bladder 310 as
described above, the air bladder may be a replaceable
component. Thus, the air bladder 310 would be a light-
weight, replaceable component and when punctured may be
replaced by another air bladder that would fit into the
cover 312. To maintain the shape of the air bladder 310,
coils 314 may be provided that extend between the top and
bottom surfaces of the air bladder 310. However, if the air
bladder is made of a very thin material, such coils 314 may
be difficult to weld to the air bladder. Thus, in
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accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 38, a cover 320
includes a plurality of chambers 322 that extend a length of
the cover. A corresponding plurality of interchangeable air
bladders 324 are inserted into the chambers 322 so that the
cover 320 is supported. These individual bladders do not
require internal supports because the chambers provide such
support. As with the air bladder 310, the interchangeable
air bladders 324 may be replaceable.
(0122) Utilizing the structure shown in FIG. 38, air
coils do not have to be provided in the air bladder. Thus,
the interchangeable air bladders 324 may be formed using a
relatively light-weight material that cannot be easily
welded. In addition, even if a material is used that can be
welded, eliminating coils reduces weight, bulk, and the cost
of producing of the air bladders.
(0123) Figs. 39 and 40 show an alternate embodiment
of an airbed 330 having a cover 332 similar to the cover
320, but having air bladders 334 formed with semi-
rectangular cross sections.
Marine Shelters
(0124) FIG. 41 shows an inflatable cover 340 that
may be attached to the top of a boat B. The cover 340
includes an air frame 342 shaped similar to the air frames
for some of the shelters described above. That is, the air
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frame 342 includes the rear arched air channel 344 and right
and left channels 346, 348 that extend from back bottom
portions of the cover 340 to a windshield for the boat B.
(0125) Other configurations of covers using air
frames may be used for boats. For example, a cover 350
shown in FIG. 42 extends straight back from the windshield
of a boat and a cover 360 shown in FIG. 43 includes a hump
towards the center.
(0126) Details of another cover 351 are shown in
FIG. 44. The cover 350 includes legs 352 extending upward
to cross braces 354. Fabric 356 extends across the cross
braces to provide shelter for the cover 350.
(0127) Another cover 361 is shown in detail in
FIG. 45. The air frame 362 for that cover 361 includes an
upwardly and forwardly extending C-shaped element 364
attached to an 0-shaped element 366. A fabric 368 extends
over the center portion of the 0-shaped element 366 to
provide a top for the cover 361.
(0128) Yet another embodiment of a cover 370 is
shown in FIG. 46. This cover includes four legs 372
extending upward to a top frame 374.
(0129) An advantage of the inflatable air frames for
boat covers is that the boat covers, once deflated, are very
compact and can be stored in a convenient location on the
boat. In addition, a cover may be configured so that it may
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fit onto a number of different boats. In addition, the boat
covers are quickly installed after inflated so that a user
may erect or store the cover in a short period of time.
Thus, a user will not be hesitant to install a cover when
weather is questionable, or to take the cover down once it
is no longer needed.
Sleeping Bags
(0130) Figs. 47-50 show three different embodiments
of sleeping bags, each of which has a built-in airbed. The
sleeping bag 380 in FIG. 47 includes an airbed 382 that is
sewn into the bottom of a mummy sleeping bag 384. The
airbed 382 is formed of a light-weight material such as is
described above.
(0131) Figs. 48 and 49 show a sleeping bag 390
having an airbed 392 that is attached to a mummy-style
sleeping bag 394. A pump 396 is built into the airbed.
Mesh material or stretch mesh material is provided for
attaching the airbed 392 to the bottom of the mummy bag 394.
In alternate embodiments, the airbed may be removably
attached in a suitable manner, such as by hooks, snaps, hook
and loop closures, clasps, or another removable or
detachable connection structure.
(0132) FIG. 50 shows a sleeping bag 400 having a
sleeve 402 extending along the bottom of the sleeping bag.
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An airbed 404 fits into the sleeve. The airbed 404 may be
removed and replaced as necessary.
(0133) In any of the embodiments, a suitable
pressure for inflating the air frames, such as the air
frames described above, includes a range from four to eight
pounds per square inch (P.S.I.). If more rigidity is
desired, a higher pressure may be used. For example, a
suitable pressure for the air frames used with backpacks
includes a range up to fifteen P.S.I. Pressures less than
four P.S.I. and pressures more than fifteen P.S.I. may also
be used.
(0134) Other variations are within the spirit of the
present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible
to various modifications and alternative constructions, a
certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the
drawings and has been described above in detail. It should
be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit
the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but
on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as
defined in the appended claims.
(0135) All references, including publications,
patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
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reference were individually and specifically indicated to be
incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety
herein.
(0136) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the"
and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following
claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and
the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly
contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having,"
"including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-
ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be
construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to,
or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to
each separate value falling within the range, unless
otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were
individually recited herein. All methods described herein
can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended
merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and
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does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention
unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as
essential to the practice of the invention.
(0137) Preferred embodiments of this invention are
described herein, including the best mode known to the
inventor for carrying out the invention. Variations of
those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors
intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject
matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by
applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-
described elements in all possible variations thereof is
encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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