Abstract A lightweight, compact air mattress particularly suitable for use for backpacking is disclosed. The air mattress is comprised of a lightweight, thin walled casing having a plurality of sideby-side elongated pockets and a plurality of small diameter, individual, inflatable tubular members removably mounted in the pockets. Each inflatable tube has its own valve means for inflation thereof, and the tubular members are also formed of a thin, lightweight material such as polyvinyl chloride. The low volume tubes are inflated until fully distended to provide proper cushioning. The casing material is preferably a woven nylon and both the casing and tubes are abrasion and puncture resistant, but not puncture proof. Puncturing of the tubular members is tolerated, since they may be readily removed for repair or replacement.
In a lightweight, compact air mattress for use for backpacking having a casing having opposed sheet portions formed to define a plurality of side-by-side elongated pockets having access openings thereto, said openings and pockets being dimensioned for receipt of a plurality of inflatable tubular members, and a plurality of individual elongated inflatable tubular members each being removably mounted in said pockets through said openings in said casing, the improvement comprising: said casing being formed of a very thin, high strength, lightweight material; and each said tubular member having a relatively small diameter cross-section and each said tubular member having valve means formed for operation from open to closed position while a positive air pressure is maintained on the volume of air inside said tubular member to enable complete inflation of the relatively low volume, small diameter tubular members, and each said tubular member being formed of thin, lightweight material with said valve means accessible to said openings for inflation of said members while in said casing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
In a lightweight, compact air mattress for use for backpacking having a casing having opposed sheet portions formed to define a plurality of side-by-side elongated pockets having access openings thereto, said openings and pockets being dimensioned for receipt of a plurality of inflatable tubular members, and a plurality of individual elongated inflatable tubular members each being removably mounted in said pockets through said openings in said casing, the improvement comprising: said casing being formed of a very thin, high strength, lightweight material; and each said tubular member having a relatively small diameter cross-section and each said tubular member having valve means formed for operation from open to closed position while a positive air pressure is maintained on the volume of air inside said tubular member to enable complete inflation of the relatively low volume, small diameter tubular members, and each said tubular member being formed of thin, lightweight material with said valve means accessible to said openings for inflation of said members while in said casing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A lightweight, compact air mattress as defined in claim 1 wherein, said tubular members have an inflated cross-sectional diameter less than about 2.5 inches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A lightweight, compact air mattress as defined in claim 2 wherein, each of said tubular members is formed with tab means adjacent an end thereof, said tab means being formed for releasable engagement by an elongated rigid member for insertion of said tubular members into said pockets.