Abstract:
An inflatable reclining chair which provides therapeutic support while in a seated or lying position is capable of being inflated by an air compressor and a valve assembly. The recliner may be placed upon a floor or ground surface and includes conventional chair features such as armrests, a back rest, and a head rest to allow the user to relax in comfort while in a reclined state. The device further includes an inflatable footrest and an internal recline air bladder which allows a user to select a desired back rest angle. In this manner, the user may select a variety of resting configurations. Finally, the recliner may be deflated completely and stored in a carrying case along with the air compressor, for convenient transportation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current co-pending applications related to the current application. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a portable chair, and in particular, to a portable inflatable chair. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people suffering from sleep apnea and other ailments such as back pain, neck pain, and the like find that sleeping on a conventional mattress is nearly impossible. Many of these sufferers find that the common recliner provides for the most restful night&#39;s sleep. While a recliner is commonly available in residential home areas, they are not so common while traveling. Thus, users who may be visiting in another home, sleeping in a hotel, or even camping, find that getting a good night&#39;s sleep is not possible. 
     A variety of portable chairs exist, from folding style chairs to benches to stools. However, portable chairs generally are constructed to be lightweight, small in volume, and easily collapsible, and thus do not provide the padding and comfort afforded by larger, less portable recliners and similar furniture. 
     Another apparatus for providing readily portable seating but while affording a fully-sized chair at the desired location of use is the inflatable chair. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide inflatable furniture. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,107; U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,836; U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,530; U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,161; U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,438; U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,186; U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,902; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,864. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for an inflatable chair exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 378,169; D 395,556; D 407,230; D 424,314; and D 446,030. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not able to provide adjustable features to a user, unlike conventional recliners or similar furniture which provides a range of adjustable features and positions. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are time consuming or difficult to operate and adjust during use. Also, many such apparatuses are not particularly convenient for users who need the apparatuses for purposes of transportable sleep due to medical conditions. In addition, many such apparatuses can be difficult and bulky to transport. Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable chair providing a range of adjustability and features and without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an inflatable chair particularly adapted for comfortable sleeping in remote locations which accommodates users with regards to medical needs, convenience, and customizability. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hollow inflatable chair assembly comprised of an assembly of vinyl panels providing the ability to transport the apparatus in a compact, collapsed state while enabling inflation for full-sized functionality at a desired location. The apparatus includes a seat, a back rest, a head rest, a foot rest, a first arm rest, and a second arm rest. 
     Another object of the present invention is to enable quick and easy coincidental inflation of the seat, backrest, and arm rests using an air compressor. The air compressor is an electrical air compressor attachable to a valve module of the apparatus via an air supply hose. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a separate air port for the footrest such that the foot rest can be inflated and deflated independently from the seat based upon a user&#39;s preference. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable angle to the back rest via a wedge-shaped recline bladder disposed within the back rest. The bladder can be inflated and deflated independently from the back rest and as such can selectively vary the angle of the back rest between a horizontal and a vertical position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the first arm rest of a shortened length facilitating ingress to and egress from the chair as well as ease of access to a control panel mounted on a side of the chair assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable manual control of the chair assembly, foot rest, and bladder during use via a plurality of buttons located on the control panel. Each of the chair assembly, foot rest, and bladder can be selectively and independently inflated or deflated by a desired amount by activating a corresponding button. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control in wireless communication with the control panel for selectively inflating or deflating the chair assembly, foot rest, and bladder without having to access the control panel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage pouch along a front of the seat for storing the foot rest during periods of non-use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a carrying case for ease of storage and transportation for the entire apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired size and appearance, transporting the apparatus to a desired destination, connecting the air compressor to a power supply, using the control panel to fill the chair assembly, using the control panel to inflate the foot rest, using the control panel to inflate the internal bladder to obtain a desired reclining angle of the back rest, using the control panel as needed to allow a portion of compressed air to be exhausted until obtaining a desired firmness or a desired reclined angle, sitting or laying upon the chair assembly, utilizing the apparatus for rest, sleep, or lounging, in a normal manner, deflating the apparatus, and inserting the rolled-up chair assembly and air compressor into the carrying case for transportation and storage. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an inflatable reclining chair  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a section view of the inflatable reclining chair  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) depicting an inflated state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is another section view of the inflatable reclining chair  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) depicting a partially deflated state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a control panel portion  50  of the reclining chair  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a valve module portion  62  of the inflatable reclining chair  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a carrying case portion  120  of the inflatable reclining chair  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical diagram of the inflatable reclining chair  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 inflatable reclining chair 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 chair assembly 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 seat 
               
               
                   
                 23a 
                 first side panel 
               
               
                   
                 23b 
                 second side panel 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 back rest 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 head rest 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 foot rest 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 first arm rest 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 second arm rest 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 storage pouch 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 recline bladder 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 air distribution hose 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 air port 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 control panel 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 face plate 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 recline switch 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 chair inflate switch 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 foot rest inflate switch 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 vent exhaust 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 vent hose 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 valve module 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 manifold 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 compressor start circuit 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 foot rest valve 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 chair valve 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 recline valve 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 RF receiver 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 air compressor 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 power cord 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 electrical supply cord 
               
               
                   
                 94 
                 air supply hose 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 grommet 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 remote controller 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 RF signal 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 remote control button 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 user 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 carrying case 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 body 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 first strap 
               
               
                   
                 126 
                 second strap 
               
               
                   
                 128 
                 zipper 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 zipper puller 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an inflatable reclining chair (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which is capable of being inflated by a user  110  using an air compressor  80 . The apparatus  10  is intended to sit upon a floor or ground surface and provides selective inflation of chair  22  and foot rest  28  portions as well as providing a selectable reclined angle of a back rest portion  24 . The apparatus  10  is to be rolled up and concealed in a carrying case  120 , thereby being particularly useful while traveling to locations where recliners are typically not present. It would also be useful at sporting events, camping, tailgate parties and other instances where conventional portable chairs are used. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a chair assembly  20  comprising a hollow inflatable structure envisioned to be made of a flexible vinyl material and comprising an assembly of vinyl panels being permanently joined along internal and external seams to form a plurality of inflatable features including a seat  22 , a first side panel  23   a , a second side panel  23   b , a back rest  24 , a head rest  26 , a foot rest  28 , a first arm rest  30 , and a second arm rest  32 . It is envisioned that the chair assembly  20  comprise an exterior high-friction surface using a microfiber or velvet-like process and introduced in a variety of colors and patterns to match existing decors. It is understood that the manufacturing of the chair assembly  20  is to be accomplished using common plastic joining processes such as plastic welding, adhesive bonding, and the like. The chair assembly  20  is depicted here taking on a form of a conventional recliner; however, it is further understood that the apparatus  10  may be introduced in various forms having various proportions, overall sizes, and likenesses to popular chair styles without deviating from the teachings of the invention, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  provides coincidental inflation of the main seat  22 , backrest  24 , and arm rest  30 ,  32  portions of the chair assembly  20  being in pneumatic communication with each other via a plurality of air ports  40  (see  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ). The apparatus  10  further provides isolation of, and independent inflation and deflation of the foot rest portion  28  and an internal recline bladder  36 , thereby allowing the user  110  to configure a sitting, reclined, or laying profile based upon a user&#39;s  110  preference (see  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ). The first arm rest  30  provides a shortened horizontal length when compared to the normal full-length second arm rest  32 . The shorter first arm rest  30  allows a user  110  to easily enter and exit the chair assembly  20  when approaching along the first side panel  23   a.    
     The apparatus  10  further comprises an air compressor  80  which provides a supply of compressed air to inflate said chair assembly  20 . The air compressor  80  is envisioned to comprise a small commercially-available low-pressure vibration or piston-type unit being powered by an available 120-volt outlet via a power cord  90  in a conventional manner. The air compressor  80  is in electrical and pneumatic communication with a valve module  62  located within the chair assembly  20  via a respective electrical supply cord  92  and an air supply hose  94  which enter the chair assembly  20  through the first side panel  23   a  via a sealed rubber or vinyl grommet  96  to prevent air leakage. 
     The apparatus  10  also provides a user  110  with convenient control of the inflation/deflation process via a permanently-mounted control panel  50  located upon a first side panel portion  23   a  of the chair assembly  20 . Additionally, said inflation and deflation of the chair assembly  20  may be accomplished using a hand-held remote controller  100  in like manner. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , section views of the apparatus  10  depicting inflated and partially deflated states, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides internal isolation of three (3) portions of the chair assembly  20  being the foot rest  28 , the recline bladder  36 , and the pneumatically-joined remaining portions of the chair assembly  20 , being the seat  22 , back rest  24 , head rest  26 , and arm  30 ,  32  portions. The chair assembly  20  comprises a pair of air distribution hoses  38  which provide specific internal compressed air conveyance to said foot rest  28  and recline bladder  36  portions. The apparatus  10  allows a user  110  an ability to produce a number of configurations of the chair assembly  20  by directing a desired amount of air into the three (3) aforementioned chambers of the chair assembly  20  to produce a desired firmness. The chair assembly  20  may be configured, for example, from a fully inflated and slightly reclined state as seen in  FIG. 2   a , to a fully reclined and horizontal configuration as seen in  FIG. 2   b , as well as any reclined angle in between. Additionally, the foot rest portion  28  may be selectively inflated from a fully inflated form, or may be incrementally deflated to a desired height and firmness based upon a user&#39;s  110  preference. The chair assembly  20  comprises a storage pouch  34  being integrated into a forward-facing surface of the seat portion  22 , thereby providing a containment means to the foot rest portion  28  when completely deflated as seen in  FIG. 2   b.    
     The apparatus  10  provides an internal means to distribute compressed air including the air distribution hoses  38  which convey a flow of compressed air from an internal valve module  62  to the aforementioned foot rest  28  and recline bladder  36  (see  FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, a plurality of air ports  40  are integrated along an interior wall portion of the chair assembly  20  to enable a flow of air to freely pass between seat  22 , back rest  24 , head rest  26 , and arm  30 ,  32  portions as well as from the aforementioned air distribution hoses  38  and the foot rest  28  and recline bladder  36  portions. Said air ports  40  are envisioned to comprise donut-shaped apertures being sealed along said wall portions of the chair assembly  20  using methods such as plastic welding, adhesive bonding, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , views of control panel  50  and valve module  62  portions of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides convenient means for a user  110  to control the process of selectively inflating and deflating the three (3) separated chambers of the chair assembly  20  via a control panel  50  being conveniently positioned along a first side panel portion  23   a  of the chair assembly  20 . Said control panel  50  works in conjunction with the valve module  62  being mounted along a rear interior surface of said control panel  50 , being located within said chair assembly  20 . The control panel  50  and valve module  62  provide a user  110  a means to individually inflate or deflate the foot rest  28 , the recline bladder  36 , and the remaining pneumatically joined portions of the chair assembly  20 . The control panel  50  comprises an attractive face plate  52  which provides a mounting means to a recline switch  54 , a chair inflate switch  56 , a foot rest inflate switch  58 , and a vent exhaust  60 . Said vent exhaust  60  allows escape of air being exhausted from chambers during deflation. The switches  54 ,  56 ,  58  comprise common three-position toggle switch units which provide a spring-loaded center return function. Each switch  54 ,  56 ,  58  provides inflating and deflating functions via upward “FILL”, center “OFF”, and downward “VENT” positions to initiate the respective functions for a particular selected chamber of the chair assembly  20 . Furthermore, upon pushing any switch  54 ,  56 ,  58  to the “FILL” position, the air compressor  80  automatically starts to supply a flow of compressed air into the selected chamber of the chair assembly  20  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     The valve module  62  is envisioned to comprise a commercially-available integrated pneumatic valve bank assembly being specifically configured for the apparatus  10  further comprising an electrical and pneumatic distribution manifold  64 , a double-solenoid foot rest valve  66 , a double-solenoid chair valve  68 , a double-solenoid recline valve  70 , and a RF receiver module  72 . The RF receiver module  72  provides the user  110  with redundant operable functionality of the valve module  62  via a hand-held remote controller  100  which transmits an RF signal  102  to said RF receiver module  72  within the chair assembly  20 , thereby controlling all previously described inflation and deflation process functions of the apparatus  10 . The remote controller  100  comprises a plurality of integral push button portions  104  along a top surface which provide duplicate functionality as the previously described recline switch  54 , chair inflate switch  56 , and foot rest inflate switch  58 . 
     The valve module  62  is in electrical and pneumatic communication with the air compressor  80  via a respective electrical supply cord  92  and an air supply hose  94 . As previously described, initiating any “FILL” command upon the control panel  50  or the remote controller  100 , will automatically start the air compressor  80  and deliver a supply of compressed air to the valve module  62 , and subsequently into the chair assembly  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a carrying case portion  120  of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a means of convenient transportation to various destinations via containment within a carrying case  120 , thereby allowing a user  110  to compactly store or move the apparatus  10 . The carrying case  120  is envisioned to comprise an elongated body portion  122  resembling a cylindrical duffle bag and being made using a durable water-resistant material such as canvas, vinyl, or the like. The carrying case  120  further comprises features such as, but not limited to: a first strap  124 , a second strap  126 , and a longitudinal zipper  128  having a standard zipper puller portion  130 . It is further envisioned that the chair assembly  20  would be rolled up into a compact form, and along with the compressor, be inserted into said carrying case  120  for transportation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Electrical power is supplied to the apparatus  10  from a conventional 120-volt wall outlet and is subsequently distributed to the valve module  62  and the air compressor  80  portions. A compressor start circuit  65  is integrated into said valve module  62  which provides power to the air compressor  80  upon user  110  selection of a “FILL” command using the toggle switches  54 ,  56 ,  58  or corresponding remote control button portions  104  of the remote controller  100 . The valve module  62  is to be configured with three (3) common double-solenoid valves which provide a spring-return center position to isolate the contained compressed air within the chair assembly  20 , as well as providing powered “FILL” and “VENT” valving functionality as previously described. 
     The “FILL” and “VENT” functions of the apparatus  10  may also be activated in a redundant fashion via the remote controller  100  which is capable of transmitting an RF signal  102  in a wireless manner to the RF receiver  72  portion of the valve module  62 . Said RF receiver  72  is envisioned to comprise integrated circuitry which provides signal modulation as well as solid-state output relays to direct a current to a particular solenoid valve  66 ,  68 ,  70  based upon a user  110  selected “FILL” or “VENT” function. The remote controller  100  is envisioned to comprise a standard battery-operated unit having an elongated plastic enclosure portion which provides digit actuation of a plurality of push buttons  104  in a conventional manner. Said push buttons  104  are to duplicate corresponding “FILL” and “VENT” functions of the aforementioned toggle switches  54 ,  56 ,  58 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a , and  2   b.    
     The method of installing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired style, size, and exterior color/pattern; transporting the apparatus  10  to a desired destination such as a visited home, a hotel, when camping, or the like, using the carrying case  120 ; removing the chair assembly  20  and air compressor  80  from the carrying case  120 ; unrolling and placing a bottom portion of the chair assembly  20  upon a ground or floor surface; and, connecting the power cord  90  to a 120-volt wall outlet. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: using the control panel  50  to fill the chair assembly  20  with compressed air by motioning at least one (1) toggle switch  54 ,  56 ,  58  upon the control panel  50  to a “FILL” position; pushing and holding the chair inflate switch  56  to the “FILL” position for a period of time to start the air compressor  80  and inflate the seat  22 , back rest  24 , head rest  26 , and arm  30 ,  32  portions in a coincidental manner; releasing said chair inflate switch  56  upon obtaining a desired firmness within said portions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  30 ,  32 ; pressing, holding, and releasing the foot rest inflate switch  58  in like manner to inflate the foot rest  28 ; pressing, holding, and releasing the recline switch  54  in like manner to inflate the internal recline bladder  36  until obtaining a desired reclining angle of the back rest  24 ; pushing the switches  54 ,  56 ,  58  individually to respective “VENT” positions as needed to allow a portion of compressed air to be exhausted, if needed, until obtaining a desired firmness or a desired reclined angle; sitting or laying upon the chair assembly  20 ; using said toggle switches  54 ,  56 ,  58  to fine-tune firmness and form characteristics of the apparatus  10  as needed to obtain a desired comfort level; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  for rest, sleep, or lounging, in a normal manner. 
     The method of deflating and transporting the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: bodily exiting the chair assembly  20 ; pushing the switches  54 ,  56 ,  58  to the respective “VENT” positions as needed to enable deflation of all chamber portions of the chair assembly  20 ; gently squeezing the chair assembly  20  during the deflation process to enable complete evacuation of the contained air; releasing the toggle switches  54 ,  56 ,  58 ; unplugging the power cord  90  from the wall outlet; rolling up the chair assembly  20  into a compact form; inserting the rolled-up chair assembly  20  and air compressor  80  into the carrying case  120 ; closing the zipper portion  128  of the carrying case  120  using the zipper puller portion  130 ; and, transporting the apparatus  10  to another location for additional use, or to a suitable storage location. 
     The user  110  may alternately utilize the remote controller  100 , if desired, to perform the previously described inflating and deflating processes by pressing functionally corresponding push button portions  104  of the remote controller  100 . 
     The apparatus  10  is further envisioned as being particularly useful for those users  110  suffering from sleep apnea, neck pain, back pain, and other ailments which prevent sleeping on a conventional air mattress. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.