Patent ID: 6418579
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: A47C,Y10T

Abstract:
A check valve for use in a mattress assembly including an inflatable central support portion and a manifold in fluid communication with the central support portion, the manifold being configured to be coupled to an air supply to supply air to the central support portion, the check valve comprising:a substantially planar top sheet; a substantially planar bottom sheet disposed substantially parallel to the top sheet; at least one seal securing the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and defining an open region between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the open region including at least one air opening located within the central support portion; and a tube positioned intermediate the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the top sheet and the bottom sheet being sealed around the tube and secured to the manifold, the tube having a first end extending within the manifold, a second end extending within the central support portion, and an air inlet defined by the first end, wherein the at least one air opening is configured to permit air flow in a first direction from the manifold into the central support portion, while preventing air flow in a second direction from the central support portion into the manifold.