Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A multiple cell inflation structure comprising plural inflatable cells with flexible walls, a separate air inlet-outlet passage leading into each cell, a separate valve chamber connected with each of said passages outside the respective cell, each valve chamber including therein a valve seat and a movable valve element for sealing engagement with and disengagement from said seat, an inflation duct having branch ducts leading into the respective valve chambers for inflating the respective cells with air under pressure received from said inflation duct and by movement of the respective valve elements off the respective seats thereby providing communication between the respective branch ducts and air passages, the configuration of each valve element and seat being such that air pressure in the respective cell when inflated urges the valve element into engagement with the seat, and further including air pressure means for disengaging the respective elements from the respective seats when the structure is inflated so as to provide communication between the respective cells through the respective air passages, valve chambers and branch ducts wherein the air pressure means comprises respective air ducts leading into the respective valve chambers, the respective air ducts being connected to a common source of air pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
A multiple cell inflation structure comprising plural inflatable cells with flexible walls, a separate air inlet-outlet passage leading into each cell, a separate valve chamber connected with each of said passages outside the respective cell, each valve chamber including therein a valve seat and a movable valve element for sealing engagement with and disengagement from said seat, an inflation duct having branch ducts leading into the respective valve chambers for inflating the respective cells with air under pressure received from said inflation duct and by movement of the respective valve elements off the respective seats thereby providing communication between the respective branch ducts and air passages, the configuration of each valve element and seat being such that air pressure in the respective cell when inflated urges the valve element into engagement with the seat, and further including air pressure means for disengaging the respective elements from the respective seats when the structure is inflated so as to provide communication between the respective cells through the respective air passages, valve chambers and branch ducts wherein the air pressure means comprises respective air ducts leading into the respective valve chambers, the respective air ducts being connected to a common source of air pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A multiple cell inflation structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the air pressure means further comprises a distensible membrane in each valve chamber configured for engaging a stem portion of the respective valve element and moving the valve element off the respective seat when the membrane is distended, and the air ducts being located for distending the respective membranes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A multiple cell inflation structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each valve chamber further includes a spring means urging the respective valve element into engagement on the respective seat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A multiple cell inflation structure as defined in claim 1 in the form of an air cushion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multiple cell inflation structure as defined in claim 1 the form of an air mattress.