Folding Cushion

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the folding cushion of the invention in an inflated condition;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the bottom portion of the folding cushion of FIG. 1 in an inflated condition;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the back portion of the folding cushion of FIG. 1 in an inflated condition;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the folding cushion of FIG. 1 in a partially deflated condition;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the folding cushion of FIG. 1 in a completely deflated and collapsed condition prior to folding;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the folding cushion of the invention in an inflated condition;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11A illustrates the first folding steps in folding the deflated cushion of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11B illustrates the foldable cushion upon completion of the first folding steps;

FIG. 11C illustrates the second folding step in progress;

FIG. 11D illustrates the final folded cushion;

FIG. 11E illustrates a front view of FIG. 11C;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 illustrates the folding steps in folding the deflated cushion of the invention; and

FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of FIG. 13 after the first folding maneuver according to arrow "F".

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the folding pillow apparatus 10 comprising a first sheet member 16 having an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 20. A first folding means 22 is disposed on the first sheet member 16. The first sheet member 16 further includes a front edge 24, a back edge 28, a first side edge 30 and a second side edge 32. The first folding means 22 extends from the front edge 24 of the first sheet member 16 to the back edge 28 of the first sheet member 16. The first sheet member 16 is divided by the first folding means 22 into a first portion 23 and a second portion 25. Furthermore, the first folding means 22 provides a first hinge line 34 which extends from the front edge 24 to the back edge 28 of the first sheet member 16. A second folding means 42 is disposed on the second sheet member 36 and extends from the front edge 44 to the back edge 46 of the second plastic sheet member 36 as shown at FIG. 2. The second folding means 42 divides the second sheet member 36 into a first portion 43 and a second portion 45. The second sheet member 36 includes an outer surface 38 and an inner surface 40, a first side edge 48 and a second side edge 50 with the front edge 44 and the back edge 46 as described above. The second folding means 42 provides a second hinge line 52 which extends from the front edge 44 to the back edge 46 of the second sheet member 36. A seventh folding means 140 provides a seventh hinge line 142 and further divides the first sheet member 16 and provides a third portion 27. A first transverse folding means 130 extends from the first side edge 30 to the second side edge 32 of the first sheet member 16. The first transverse folding means 130 provides a first transverse hinge line 132 which is positioned on said first plastic sheet member 16 normal to the first hinge line 34. A second transverse folding means 134 extends from the first side edge 48 to the second side edge 50 and provides a second transverse hinge line 136 as shown at FIG. 2. The second transverse hinge 136 is normal to the second hinge line 52 on the second sheet member 36. A first interconnecting member 94 having a first end 102 is sealingly connected to the first side edge 30 of the first sheet member 16. The second end 103 of the first interconnecting member 94 is sealingly connected to the first side edge 48 of the second sheet member 36. The third end 104 of the first interconnecting member 94 is sealingly connected to the third end 62 of the front interconnecting member 54. A fourth folding means 100 extends from the third end 104 to the fourth end 106 of the first interconnecting member 94. The fourth folding means 100 is disposed on the first interconnecting member 94 and provides a fourth hinge line 108.

The first transverse hinge line 132 and second transverse hinge line 136 are positioned in the same plane such that when the pillow is deflated the first 16 and second 36 sheet members collapse enabling hinge line 132 to alignedly contact hinge line 136. This enables the simultaneous folding of transverse hinge lines 132, 136 to enable the front edges 24, 44 of the first 16 and second 36 sheet members, respectively, to be positioned proximate the back edge 28, 46 of the first 16 and second 36 sheet members, respectively. When the cushion has been folded as indicated at FIG. 11C, this maneuver forms the flat completely folded and deflated cushion according to the invention 10.

A valve means 138 is positioned in the front interconnecting member 54. When inflated the first 16 and second 36 plastic sheet members are in a substantially parallel spaced apart relationship and the front interconnecting member and back interconnecting member 54, 66, respectively, are in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship and the first and second interconnecting members 94, 110 respectively, are in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship to define a fluid tight chamber 12 to receive an inflating fluid. The valve means 138 permits fluid communication with an inflating medium such as air into the chamber 12. Once inflated, the valve cap 137 is sealingly positioned into the valve body 139 to prevent the loss of the inflating medium. In order to provide a collapsed, deflated cushion such that the first 16 and second 36 sheet members collapse to define a deflated, flat cushion, the valve cap 137 is removed from the valve body 139 to permit the release of the inflating medium from the chamber 12.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the apparatus of the invention "flipped-over" in order that certain structural appearances not visible in FIG. 1 are made visible. FIG. 2 illustrates the second interconnecting member 110 with the first end 118 connected to the second side edge 32 of the first sheet member 16. The second end 120 of the second interconnecting member 110 is sealingly connected to the second side edge 50 of the second sheet member 36. The third end 122 of the second interconnecting member 110 is sealingly connected to the fourth end 64 of the front interconnecting member 54. The fourth end 124 of the second interconnecting member 110 is sealingly connected to the fourth 80 end of the back interconnecting member 66. A fifth folding means 116 extends from the third end 122 to the fourth end 124 of the second interconnecting member 110. The fifth folding means 116 disposed on the second interconnecting member 110 provides a fifth hinge line 126.

The second folding means 42 divides the second sheet member 36 into a first portion 43 and a second portion 45. An eighth folding means 144 provides an eighth hinge line 148 and further divides the second sheet member 36 and provides a third portion 47.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates the back interconnecting member 66 with the third and fourth ends 78, 80 respectively, being concavely shaped. The concave shape results from concavely shaping the third end 78 and fourth end 80 of the back interconnecting member 66 and the fourth end 106 of the first interconnecting member 94 and the fourth end 124 of the second interconnecting member 110. The concavely shaped corners B and C further enhance an inwardly direction of the back interconnecting member 66, the first interconnecting member 94 and the second interconnecting member 110 during deflation. The outward flow of the inflating medium through valve 138 enhances the outward direction of the front interconnecting member 54 as the cushion is being deflated.

FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus of the invention in a partially collapsed condition. As illustrated, the cushion of the invention is collapsing along the fourth hinge line 108 of the first interconnecting member 94, fifth hinge line 126 of the second interconnecting member 110, the third hinge line 82 of the back interconnecting member 66 and the sixth hinge line 91 of the partition member 84, respectively.

FIG. 5 illustrates the cushion of the invention 10 in a completely collapsed condition with valve cap 137 removed from valve body 139 to enable the inflating medium to exit. In such condition the inner surface 20 of the first sheet member 16 is collapsed upon the inner surface 40 of the second sheet member 36. Hold down means 160 comprises loops 162 and hooks 164 for maintaining the collapsed and folded cushion in such condition as at FIG. 11E. Hold down means 160 are set forth in FIGS. 5, 11C and 11D in order to simplify the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 1. As illustrated the valve means 138 includes a valve cap 137 sealingly engaging valve body 139. The valve body 139 may further include a reasonance means 139A to generate sound. Such sound generating means, for example a whistle, are known in the art. Preferably, partition member 84 divides the fluid tight chamber 12 into a proximate chamber 95 and distal chamber 93.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 illustrates the partition member 84 with an aperture 88 formed therein. The aperture 88 enhances the movement of the inflating fluid between a proximate chamber 95 and a distal chamber 93. Partition member further includes a first end 83, a second end 85, a third end 87 and a fourth end 89. A sixth folding means 90 is formed on partition member 84. Preferably, the sixth folding means 90 includes a sixth hinge line 91 which extends from the third end 87 to the fourth end 89 of the partition member 84. However, the hinge line 91 is not necessary along the length of aperture 88 as illustrated at FIG. 7.

The first folding means 22 and seventh folding means 140 are disposed on the first sheet member 16. The second folding means 42 and eighth folding means 144 are disposed on the second sheet member 36. The first 34 and seventh 142 hinge lines are positioned adjacent to each other and are substantially parallel to each other. The second 52 and eighth 148 hinge lines are likewise positioned. The first hinge line 34 is positioned directly over the second hinge line 52. In a like manner, the seventh hinge line 142 is positioned directly over the eight hinge line 148. This enables the simultaneous folding of the first and second hinge lines when the cushion is in a collapsed condition. Likewise, the overhead positioning of the seventh hinge line 142 relative to the eighth hinge line 148 enhances the simultaneous folding of each of the mentioned hinge lines. Preferably, the eighth folding means 144 which provides a hinge line 148 is formed on the inner surface 40 of the second sheet member 36. In a like manenr, the second folding means 42 of the second sheet member 36 is formed in the inner surface 40 of the second sheet member 36. Whereas, the seventh folding means 140 and first folding means 22 which provide the seventh hinge line 142 and first hinge line 34, respectively, are formed in the outer surface 18 of the first sheet member 16. Partition member 84 further includes a first 97 and a second 99 notch formed at the third end 87 and fourth end 89, respectively, for receiving in use a portion of the first interconnecting member 94 and second interconnecting member 110 proximate the third end 87 and fourth end 89 of the partition 84, respectively, when the cushion is being deflated. The first 97 and second 99 notches enhance the flatness of the cushion 10 when completely collapsed and deflated. The exploded portion of FIG. 6 illustrates the sound generating means with the cap 137 removed from the valve body 139 to permit air indicated by arrows "G" to exit therethrough and to produce a sound.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 5. The deflated cushion of FIG. 8 illustrates the collapsed position of the first sheet member 16 relative to the second sheet member 36 prior to folding the cushion along transverse hinge lines 132, 136. Partition member 84 and back interconnecting member 66 are folded along their respective hinge lines 91, 82.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention 10A. Equivalent parts of the second embodiment are labelled with similar numbers as equivalent parts of the first embodiment but with the addition of the suffix "A" in order to distinguish the embodiments. This alternative embodiment comprises a first plastic sheet member 16A and a second plastic sheet member 36A. The first plastic sheet member 16A and second plastic sheet member 36A are sealed together at the edges thereof to provide an inflatable cushion 10A. More particularly the front edges 24A and 44A, the back edges 28A, 46A, the first side edges 30A and 48A and the second side edges 32A and 50A of the first and second plastic sheet members 16A, 36A, respectively, are sealed together by means known in the art such as sonic welding. The sealing of the edges of the first plastic sheet member 16A and the second plastic sheet members 36A forms a chamber 12A for receiving an inflating fluid. A valve means 138A is positioned in either the first plastic sheet member 16A or the second plastic sheet member 36A to provide fluid communication with the chamber 12A. Preferably, valve means 138A is a valve body 139A which cooperates with valve cap 137A to control the flow of the inflating medium into or out of chamber 12A of the cushion 10A.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the position of the first hinge line 34A, the seventh hinge line 142A and the first transverse hinge line 132A on the first plastic sheet member 16A. A valve means 138A is positioned proximate the front edge 24A of the first plastic sheet members 16A. Positioning hinge lines 34A and 142A on first sheet member 16A divides first sheet member into a first portion 23A, a second portion 25A, and a third portion 27A.

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of FIG. 10 illustrating the second hinge line 52A, the eighth hinge line 144A and the second transverse hinge line 136A on the second plastic sheet member 36A. Positioning hinge lines 52A and 144A divides second sheet member 36A into a first portion 43A, a second portion 45A, and a third portion 47A.

FIG. 11A illustrates the first folding steps in folding the deflated cushion of the first embodiment. The folding steps for the second embodiment are essentially the same as the first embodiment once the cushion is in a deflated and collapsed condition. Prior to folding the cushion, it appears as illustrated at FIG. 5. The first fold step is obtained by simultaneously folding the cushion along the first 34 and second 52 hinge lines such that the first side edges 30, 48 of the first and second plastic sheet members 16, 36 respectively, are proximate and along the seventh hinge line 142 of the first plastic sheet member 16. This maneuver is indicated by arrow "H". The second folding step positions the second side edges 32, 50 of the first and second sheet members 16, 36, respectively, proximate and along the second hinge line 52 of the second sheet member 36. This maneuver is indicated by arrow "I".

FIG. 11B illustrates the foldable cushion with the second interconnecting means 110 proximate the second hinge line 52 of the second sheet member 36 as a result of the folding steps depicted at FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C illustrates the final step, in process, where the first and second transverse hinge lines 132, 136 are simultaneously folded such that the back interconnecting member 66 is positioned proximate the front interconnecting member 54.

FIG. 11D is completely folded cushion 10 which can be repeatably obtained after each inflation and subsequent deflation and folding.

FIG. 11E illustrates the partially folded cushion with the third portion 27 of the first sheet member 16 proximate the first portion 43 of the second sheet member 36 and with the first portion 23 of the first sheet member proximate the second portion 25 of the first sheet member 16.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 9. The partition member 84A further includes a first end 83A, a second end 85A, a third end 87A and a fourth end 89A. The first end 83A and second end 85A are sealingly interconnected to the first plastic sheet member 16A and second plastic sheet member 36A, respectively. The partition 84A maintains the parallel relationship of the first 16A and second 36A plastic sheet members when the chamber 12A of the cushion is inflated by the inflating fluid. Preferably, the partition member 84A further includes an aperture 88A to enhance fluid communication of the inflating fluid between the distal chamber 93A and proximate chamber 95A. The partition member 84A preferably includes a sixth folding means 90A which is formed on the partition member 84A. Preferably, the sixth folding means 90A includes a sixth hinge line 91A which extends from the third end 87A of the partition member to the fourth end 94A of the partition member. Preferably the sixth hinge line 91A is a channel formed in the partition member 84A. Partition member 84A further includes a first 97A and a second 99A notch formed at the third end 87A and fourth end 89A thereof, respectively. The first 97A and second 99A notches enhance fluid communication between the proximal and distal cavities (not shown) thereby enhancing the flatness of the cushion 10A when completely collapsed and deflated.

FIG. 13 illustrates the folding steps of the folding cushion having a first portion 23A, 43A of the first and second plastic sheet members, respectively and a second portion 25A, 46A of the first and second plastic sheet members, respectively. The folding steps would be the same for the folding cushion of the first embodiment of the invention having first 23, 43 and second 25, 46 portions i.e., the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the seventh and eighth folding means, once the cushion was collapsed and deflated. Accordingly, the simultaneous folding of the first folding means 22A and the second folding means 42A along the first hinge line 34A and the second hinge line 52A of the first 16A and second 36A sheet members, respectively, such that the first side edges 30A, 48A of the first 16A and the second 36A plastic sheet members are proximate the second side edges 32A, 50A of the first 16A and the second 36A plastic sheet members results in the formation of a flat, partially folded and deflated inflatable cushion. Arrow "F" indicates this maneuver. The first transverse folding means 130A and the second transverse folding means 134A are then simultaneously folded along the first 132A and the second 136A transverse hinge lines, respectively, such that the back edges 28A, 46A of the first 16A and the second 36A plastic members are proximate the front edges 24A, 44A of the first 16A and the second 36A plastic sheet members to form a flat, completely folded and deflated inflatable cushion. Arrow "E" indicates this maneuver.

The folding sequence is not critical. Thus, the first and second hinge lines may be first folded, the seventh and eighth folded and the first and second transverse hinge lines folded last where the cushion has the first, second and third portions, as see FIG. 11A. The last folded folding means are preferably a plurality of channels such as the first and second transverse hinges lines. Also, the first and second hinge lines may be first folded and the first and second transverse hinge lines folded last where the cushions has only the first and second portions. The result is a consistently repeatable foldable cushion no matter whether folding of the transverse hinge lines is first or whether folding of the hinge lines normal or perpendicular to the transverse hinge lines are first. FIG. 13 also illustrates first transverse folding means 130A including a plurality of channels 113 forming a hinge line 132A. Each channel 115, 117, 119 of the plurality of channels 113 is adjacently spaced apart, parallel and proximate relative to another channel. The plurality of channels enhances the foldability of the first plastic sheet member 16A along the hinge line 132A. Where the fold encompasses a large number of sheet members, such as in the fold sequence illustrated at FIG. 11C, the transverse folding means preferably comprises a plurality of channels to enhance the foldability of the sheet members being folded.

FIG. 13A illustrates the resulting folded cushion of FIG. 13 after folding along the first and second hinge lines and prior to folding along the first and second transverse hinge lines.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well a that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferrd form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.