Patent US5412822A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
← Back to Patent Explorer
US5412822A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Adjustable multi-compartment pneumatic support apparatus

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-10-15
•
Granted: 1995-05-09
•
Expires: 2013-10-15
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract This invention is directed to a novel adjustable multi-compartment inflatable form support. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel multi-compartment pneumatic or hydraulic support form which has multiple chambers, each of which can be inflated or hydraulically filled to different pressures to provide different shapes and degrees of support. An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically filled support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or hydraulically filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or filled through a specific resealable valve.

Inventors

  • 👤 Bryan J. Kelly

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-04 20:53
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C20/00; A47C20/04; A47C20/048; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/081; A47C27/10; A47C4/00; A47C4/54

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim 135 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are spaced from one another in parallel configuration, and there is a plurality of parallel third chambers which are positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, and including a pair of fourth chambers which are positioned on either end of the parallel third chambers, extending laterally between the first chamber and the second chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 135 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are spaced from one another in parallel configuration, and there is a plurality of parallel third chambers which are positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, and including a pair of fourth chambers which are positioned on either end of the parallel third chambers, extending laterally between the first chamber and the second chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 33 words
A form as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are joined together in parallel configuration, and each chamber is of the same overall length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 21 words
A form as claimed in claim 1 wherein the form has a base and the chambers are secured to the base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 23 words
A form as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least one of the chambers is secured to another chamber instead of the base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 21 words
A form as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least one of the chambers has a smaller chamber within the chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 21 words
A form as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least one of the chambers is at least partially filled with foam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 29 words
A form as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the chambers has therein a partial baffle which is secured to an exterior wall of the chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 24 words
A form as claimed in claim 7 wherein the baffle is configured to provide a desired contour to the exterior wall of the chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 15 words
A form as claimed in claim 1 wherein the form is enclosed in polymer foam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 16 words
A form as claimed in claim 9 wherein the form is wrapped in an exterior fabric.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 21 words
A form as claimed in claim 1 wherein an external bridge extends between at least two chambers which adjoin one another.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 121 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including a pair of first chambers, each arranged parallel to and spaced from one another, with a plurality of second chambers arranged in parallel between a pair of first chambers, and a plurality of fourth chambers are arranged on either side of the parallel series of first and second chambers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 121 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including a pair of first chambers, each arranged parallel to and spaced from one another, with a plurality of second chambers arranged in parallel between a pair of first chambers, and a plurality of fourth chambers are arranged on either side of the parallel series of first and second chambers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 98 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve wherein the first, second and third chambers are of the same size, and are arranged parallel to one another, the chambers being connected to a flat pad.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 98 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve wherein the first, second and third chambers are of the same size, and are arranged parallel to one another, the chambers being connected to a flat pad.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 135 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including two first chambers which are curved to define an enclosed area, a second chamber positioned between meeting ends of the two curved first chambers, a plurality of parallel third chambers positioned between facing ends of the two curved first chambers, and a second plurality of fourth chambers arranged in parallel, extending laterally between the interior portions of the two curved first inflatable chambers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 135 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including two first chambers which are curved to define an enclosed area, a second chamber positioned between meeting ends of the two curved first chambers, a plurality of parallel third chambers positioned between facing ends of the two curved first chambers, and a second plurality of fourth chambers arranged in parallel, extending laterally between the interior portions of the two curved first inflatable chambers.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 131 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including a pair of second head supporting chambers, a plurality of third shoulder supporting chambers, a plurality of first torso supporting chambers, an interconnecting series of fourth buttocks supporting chambers, a plurality of fifth thigh supporting chambers, a pair of sixth knee supporting chambers, a plurality of parallel seventh leg supporting chambers, and a plurality of eighth feet supporting chambers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 131 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve including a pair of second head supporting chambers, a plurality of third shoulder supporting chambers, a plurality of first torso supporting chambers, an interconnecting series of fourth buttocks supporting chambers, a plurality of fifth thigh supporting chambers, a pair of sixth knee supporting chambers, a plurality of parallel seventh leg supporting chambers, and a plurality of eighth feet supporting chambers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 114 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflated or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve wherein the chambers are inflated or filled to at least two pressures and the chambers are arranged so that chambers with lower pressure adjoin chambers of higher pressure, and the configuration of individual chambers and lines of intersection between the chambers are staggered.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 114 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflated or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve wherein the chambers are inflated or filled to at least two pressures and the chambers are arranged so that chambers with lower pressure adjoin chambers of higher pressure, and the configuration of individual chambers and lines of intersection between the chambers are staggered.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 143 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; wherein the form has a base and the chambers are secured to the base, at least one of the chambers is secured to another chamber instead of the base, and the chambers are inflated or filled to at least two pressures and the chambers are arranged so that chambers with lower pressure adjoin chambers of higher pressure, and the configuration of individual chambers and lines of intersection between the chambers are staggered.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 143 words
An adjustable multi-compartment inflatable or hydraulically fillable support form comprising: (a) at least one first hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; (b) at least one second hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; and (c) at least one third hollow chamber which can be individually inflated or fluid filled through a specific resealable valve; wherein the form has a base and the chambers are secured to the base, at least one of the chambers is secured to another chamber instead of the base, and the chambers are inflated or filled to at least two pressures and the chambers are arranged so that chambers with lower pressure adjoin chambers of higher pressure, and the configuration of individual chambers and lines of intersection between the chambers are staggered.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

FR1019362A Cited
FR1202100A Cited
US3503084A Cited
US3705429A Cited
US3600727A Cited
US4136412A Cited
US4685163A Cited
US4965899A Cited
US4829614A Cited
FR2648999A1 Cited
US5070559A Cited
US5092007A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1998-05-08 1998-11-07 1999-05-09 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2002-05-08 2002-11-07 2003-05-09 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2006-05-08 2006-11-07 2007-05-09 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag