Air mattress

An air mattress includes a mattress envelope having a compartment and comprising a thermal functional layer and an outer layer overlapped thereon and an air cushion including a plurality of individual air chambers evenly disposed in the compartment of the mattress envelope and an air supplying tube communicatively interconnecting the air chamber with each other. A thermal control arrangement includes a liquid supplying tube spirally extending at the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope for guiding a flow of thermal liquid and a thermal energy generator arranged to regulate a temperature of the thermal liquid such that when the thermal liquid passes through the liquid supplying tube, the thermal liquid thermo-communicating with the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope towards the outer layer so as to regulate a temperature of the mattress envelope.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to air mattress, and more particularly to an air mattress, which uses as a substitution for a conventional spring mattress, providing a temperature adjustable function and/or a massage function.

2. Description of Related Arts

Conventional spring mattress includes a mattress envelope and an air cushion received therein. The conventional spring mattress generally employs steel springs or sponges as supporters for the air cushion. Accordingly, such mattress is cumbersome and is inconvenient to be transported from one place to another place. Additionally, the steel springs and the sponges tend to become fatigue and aging after long time use such that the rigidity of the mattress will not be evenly distributed. Moreover, the rigidity of the conventional mattress is non-adjustable. The conventional mattress is incapable of being suitably adapted to various weights, and contours of human bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A main object of the present invention is to provide an air mattress which has individual air chambers allowing to be inflated to provide an even supporting surface to support a user thereon. In other words, the rigidity of the air mattress can be selectively adjusted by the volume of air inflated into the individual air chambers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air mattress having a temperature adjustable function such that the user is able to selectively adjust the temperature of the supporting surface of the mattress to provide an optimal resting condition.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air mattress having a massage function.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air mattress. The air mattress comprises a mattress envelope and an air cushion received in the mattress envelope. The mattress envelope comprises a liquid supplying tube for guiding a thermo (cold or warm) liquid. The liquid supplying tube is arranged in a predetermined pattern. The air cushion comprises a plurality of separated air chambers and air supplying tubes. The air supplying tubes are communicatively interconnecting the air chambers to each other. The air mattress further comprises a thermo (cold or warm) energy generator and an air charger. The thermo (cold or warm) energy generator comprises an electrical heat generator which comprises a container for containing the liquid therein, an electrical heater and a pump disposed within the container. The container communicates with an outlet of the liquid supplying tube for transportation of thermo (cold or warm) liquid via a pipe. The pump is provided for transferring the liquid in the container to an inlet of the liquid supplying tube via the pipe. The air charger comprises an outlet in communication with the air supplying tube of the air cushion.

In another aspect of the present invention, the air mattress comprises a mattress envelope and an air cushion provided within the mattress envelope. The mattress envelope comprises a liquid supplying tube for guiding a thermo (cold or warm) liquid. The liquid supplying tube is arranged in a predetermined pattern. The air cushion comprises a plurality of separated air chambers and an air supplying tube. The air supplying tube interconnects the air chambers to each other. The air mattress further comprises a semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator, a container for containing the liquid, a pump provided within the container and an air charger. The semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator comprises a semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) generating plate, and a heat exchanger attached to one side of the semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) generating plate which comprises an inlet and an outlet. The pump is provided for transferring the liquid in the container to the inlet of the heat exchanger. The outlet of the heat exchanger communicates with the inlet of the liquid supplying tube. The air charger comprises an outlet in communication with the air supplying tube of the air cushion.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the air mattress comprises a mattress envelope and an air cushion provided within the mattress envelope. The air cushion comprises a plurality of separated air chambers and an air supplying tube for interconnecting the air chambers to each other. At least some of the air chambers are provided therein with massagers, air bags located beneath the massager for supporting the corresponding massagers, and air supplying tubes in communication with the corresponding air bags. The air mattress further comprises an air charger having outlet in communication with the air supplying tube of the air cushion and the air supplying tubes of the air bags.

The above and other features of the invention, including various novel details of construction and combination of parts, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring toFIG. 1of the drawings, an air mattress according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the air mattress comprises an air cushion105, a mattress envelope having a compartment for enclosing the air cushion105therein, and a control center111.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the air cushion105comprises a plurality of partition walls114forming a plurality of separated air chambers113. When the air chamber113is filled with air, a flat surface of the air cushion105is formed accordingly due to restriction of the partition walls114. Accordingly, the air cushion105is made of durable material, such as plastic, having a predetermined strength intensity, air-tightness, and welding capacity. A plurality of suspension bags510, as shown inFIG. 8, is arranged respectively within some of the air chambers113for installation of corresponding massager devices106therein which will be particularly described later. A plurality of air inlets is defined respectively in the corresponding air chambers113for introducing the air into the air chambers113and air bags107of the massager devices106which will be particularly described later. Additionally, a controlling electrical wire109of the massager devices106is securely embedded within the air cushion105.

The mattress envelope, from an exterior to an interior thereof, comprises an outer covering layer100, a far infrared emission functional layer101and a magnetic functional layer102both for serving purposes of health care, a thermo (cold or warm) functional layer103, and a ventilating layer104. Preferably, the outer covering layer100is made of full cotton to enhance the comfortability of the mattress envelope. The far infrared emission functional layer101is provided for improving micro-circulation of blood capillary in a skin of a user. Fabricating techniques of the far infrared emission functional layer101is well known to the ordinary skilled person, and will not be illustrated hereinafter. The magnetic functional layer102comprises a plurality of permanent magnets116arranged at an interval of 20 cm. The ventilating layer104is provided for avoiding occurrence of humidification caused by temperature difference between the thermo (cold or warm) functional layer103and the air cushion105.

Referring toFIG. 4, the thermo (cold or warm) functional layer103comprises a thermo (cold or warm) bedspread201, a cloth cover202, a heat preservation enclosure203, a tube arranging layer204, a positioning layer206, and a thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205. The thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205is embedded in the tube arranging layer204. The thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205is fixed to the positioning layer206and is arranged in a zigzag fashion. The thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205communicates with a water distributor207. A water supplying tube224and a water exhausting tube208are incorporated in the water distributor207, respectively. The tube arranging layer204is enclosed in the heat preservation enclosure203which is covered with the cloth cover202.

The air mattress further comprises a thermal control arrangement for regulating a temperature of the thermo (cold or warm) functional layer103. The thermal control arrangement comprises a thermo (cold or warm) energy generator220comprising a thermal source which is embodied as an electrical heat source generator or a semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222.

With reference toFIG. 5, the electrical heat source generator comprises the water tank213, a heat preservation tube215, an electrical heater214received in the heat preservation tube215, a water pump211, and a water level monitor218. The electrical heater214is disposed in the water tank213. An electrical wire216of the electrical heater214is disposed at an exterior of the water tank213. A water inlet217is defined in the heat preservation tube215. The heat preservation tube215communicates with the water pump211. The water level monitor218is disposed within the water tank213in case of lack of water. Certain amount of water is introduced into the water tank213via a water supplying pipe219. A heat preservation overcoat210is preferably formed on an outer surface of the water tank213. The water pump211is adapted for transferring a liquid in the heat preservation tube215to an inlet401of a heat exchanger402(shown inFIG. 6B) via pipes. A controlling circuit212of the thermo (cold or warm) energy generator220is generally arranged on a cover portion of the water tank213.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222comprises the heat exchanger402, a semiconductor plate405for generating cold or heat energy, a heat pipe heat sink406, a low noise fan408, and a heat preservation coating404. The heat exchanger402is generally a flat plate defining a circulatory channel therethrough. The semiconductor plate405is controlled by a controlling circuit. The heat exchanger402is attached to one side of the semiconductor plate405. An inlet401and an outlet403of the circulatory channel of the heat exchanger402are connected respectively to the water pump211and the water supplying tube224of the water distributor207via tubes221and223. The heat preservation coating404is formed on an outer surface of the heat exchanger402. The heat pipe heat sink406is attached to the other side of the semiconductor plate405. The heat pipe heat sink406is secured to the heat exchanger402by screws407.

The semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222communicates with the electrical heat source generator via the water pump211. The semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222and the electrical heat source generator cooperatively form the thermo (cold or warm) source generator220. Heated water or cooled water generated from the thermo (cold or warm) source generator220is supplied from the water pump211to the thermo (cold or warm) functional layer103via the water supplying tube224. After heat exchange, the water in the thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205flows back to the water tank213through an inlet opening209thereof via a water exhausting tube208.

In other words, the container (water tank213) is communicating with the water supplying tube205in a circulating manner wherein the pump211is arranged to pump the thermal liquid from the container to the water supplying tube205through the heat exchanger402such that the thermal liquid is guided to flow at the thermal functional layer103of the mattress envelope and back to the container.

In the present embodiment, the water as the thermal liquid can be heated by means of the semiconductor plate405or the electrical heater214.

1. Water heated by the semiconductor plate: when the semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222is powered on, the heat exchanger402is heated up accordingly, due to heat exchange between the semiconductor plate405and the heat exchanger402. The water in the water tank213is transferred to the circulatory channel of the heat exchanger402by the water pump211, and is then heated up by the heat exchanger402.

2. Water heated by the electrical heater: in this mode, the water in the water tank213is heated by the electrical heater214.

In the present embodiment, the water is cooled by means of the semiconductor plate405.

When the semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222is powered on, the semiconductor plate is cooled down. The heat exchanger402is also cooled down due to the heat exchange. The water in the water tank213is transferred to the circulatory channel of the heat exchanger402by the water pump211, and is then cooled down by the heat exchanger402, accordingly. The cooled water is then supplied to the thermo (cold or warm) supplying tube205by the water pump211.

In other words, the semiconductor plate is arranged to generate a thermal energy wherein the heat exchanger402is coupled with the semiconductor plate for heat-transferring the thermal energy to the thermal liquid such that the thermal liquid is adapted to be selectively refrigerated and heated up by the semiconductor plate through the liquid supplying tube224for refrigerating and warming the mattress envelope respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, in order to achieve the massage function of the air mattress, the air mattress further comprises a plurality of massagers501, massager bags502containing the massagers501therein, buffer materials507received in the massager bags502, the air bags107for supporting the massagers501, an air inlet tube504for introducing air therethrough, power wires505of the massagers501, the suspension bags510accommodating the massager bags502and the air bags107therein, draught bands506, lower fixing glue patches508affixed to the massager bags502, and upper fixing glue patches509formed on top portions of the air chambers113. In other words, the respective massager501is suspendedly supported in the air chamber113at a position that the massager501is mounted underneath the outer layer100of the mattress envelope so as to transfer the massaging force towards the outer layer100of the mattress envelope as shown inFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B.

As aforementioned, upon effect of the partition walls114, the air chambers113are formed in the air mattress. The suspension bags510are attached in the corresponding air chambers113. The air bags107are disposed in the suspension bags510and connected with each other by the draught bands506, as shown inFIG. 7. The massager bags502are firmly positioned within the suspension bags510by affixing the upper fixing glue patches509to the lower fixing glue patches508.

The air bags107are located beneath the massager bags502. The air bags107are connected with air charging pipes108as shown inFIG. 2. The air charging pipe108is connected with the air inlet tube504and in communication with an air outlet712, as shown inFIG. 10, of the air generator via.

Referring toFIG. 9, the massager501is driven by an eccentric wheel motor. The massager501comprises a top cover601, a bottom cover602, an over-current protector603, an arc preventing protector604, a massager motor605, an anti-vibration protection gasket606for massager motor605, an eccentric wheel607, fixing screws608, an electrical wire609, a fastener610for fastening the electrical wire609, and a wire clamp611. The structure and the operational principle of the massager501are well known to the ordinary skilled person, and will not be illustrated in detail hereinafter.

The massager501is electrically connected to an integrated circuit IC1(shown inFIG. 11) via the power wire505.

An operational principle of the massager501is explained as follows: when the air cushion105is filled with compressed air at a certain pressure, the massagers501are suspended by the suspension bags510. The massagers501are securely attached to the suspension bags510by affixing the upper and lower glue patches509,508to each other. In this state, the air mattress is operated in a normal state, and the user laid on the air mattress cannot feel existence of the massage devices106. When the massage function is activated, the air bags107are further charged by the air generator such that the air pressure of the air bags107reaches a predetermined pressure value. The air bags107are then forced to support the massagers501upwardly. Meanwhile, the massagers501start to operate upon execution of a massage instruction. In other words, when the air bag107is pumped in an inflated manner, the respective massager501is pushed upward while each of the massagers501generates a massaging force towards the outer layer100of the mattress envelope.

During the massage process, the air pressure of the air bags107is kept constantly. When the massagers501are turned off, an air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ4for the air bags107(shown inFIG. 10) is opened to exhaust the air such that the air mattress is resumed to operate in the original normal state.

FIG. 11shows a massage control circuit of the air mattress according to the present embodiment.

Referring back toFIG. 5, the control center111comprises a refrigerator308and an integrated control chamber303. A bracket is generally arranged in the refrigerator308. A water reservoir pan sits at a bottom of the refrigerator308. A plurality of operational buttons304and a display screen are generally arranged on an operation panel of the integrated control chamber303. The integrated control chamber303can be operated manually or by a remote controller112(shown inFIG. 3). An air charging chamber314, a cold source chamber309, and a water tank chamber310are arranged at a rear portion of the control center111.

The air charging chamber314comprises an air charger302. The cold source chamber309includes a semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222and a storage refrigerator307therein. The water tank chamber310includes the water tank213and the water pump211therein. The water tank213further comprises the electrical heater214and the water level monitor218.

A massager wiring interface A, an air charging interface B for the air cushion105, and an air charging tube interface C for the air bags107are arranged at a rear portion of the air charging chamber314. An inlet interface E of the water tank213for communication with the water exhausting tube208, an outlet interface E of the water tank213for communication with the water supplying tube224, and a water inlet F of the water tank213are provided in a rear side wall of the water tank chamber310.

The air charger302, the operational buttons304, the display screen, the water pump211, the semiconductor thermo (cold or warm) energy generator222, the electrical heater214, the massager505, and the water level monitor218are electrically connected to a control circuit in the integrated control chamber303, respectively, and are operated by the operational buttons304or the remote controller112. An exterior surface of the refrigerator308is preferably formed with a heat preservation layer for preventing energy losses.

Referring toFIG. 10, the air mattress comprises the air charger302. The air charger302comprises an air generator and an air distributor. The air distributor comprises an air volume adjusting unit A for the air cushion105, an air volume adjusting unit B for the massagers501, and a controlling circuit board727.

The air generator is generally a hermetic case, which comprises an internal case709, an external case707, a noise absorbing layer708, and an air charging pump. The air charging pump is disposed in the internal case709. The noise absorbing layer708is interposed between the internal case709and the external case707. The noise absorbing layer708is generally made of a noise absorbing material. Alternatively, the noise absorbing layer708is a vacuum insulation layer. The internal case709and the external case707are securely attached to each other with rubber fixing posts701. An air inlet703and an air outlet712are defined in the internal case709and the external case707. The inlet703is composed of a plurality of apertures. The air charging pump comprises a magnetic oscillator702, a magnet704, a cylinder705, a clamp706and a valve member710. The structure of the air charging pump is well known to the ordinary skilled artisan, which will not be explained in detail hereinafter.

One end of an air transfer tube713communicates with the air outlet712of the air generator, and the other end thereof communicates respectively with an air volume adjusting unit A for the air cushion105and an air volume adjusting unit B for the air bags107via a three-way tube714.

The air volume adjusting unit A is composed of an air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1for the air cushion105, an air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0, an air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2for the air cushion105, a six-way tube721having a port725for connection with an air charging linkage tube726, an air exhausting switch722for the air cushion105, a soft-level pressure switch723for the air cushion105, and a rigid-level pressure switch724for the air cushion105. One end of the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1is connected to a linkage tube718. The other end thereof is connected to the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0that is in turn connected to a port of the six-way tube712. The air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2, the air exhausting switch722, the soft-level pressure switch723, the rigid-level pressure switch724, and the air charging linkage tube726are connected to the other ports of the six-way tube721, respectively.

The air volume adjusting unit B is composed of an air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3for the air bags107, an air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ4for the air bags107, a five-way tube728having a port731for connection with an air charging linkage tube732for the air bags107, an air exhausting switch729for the air bags107, and an air charging switch730for the air bags107. One end of the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3is connected to the three-way tube714. The other end thereof is connected to a port of the five-way tube728. The air exhausting pressure switch729for the air bags107, the air charging switch730for the air bags107, and the air charging linkage tube732for the air bags107are connected to the other ports of the five-way tube728, respectively. The air discharging switch722for the air cushion105, the soft-level pressure switch723for the air cushion105, the rigid-level pressure switch724for the air cushion105, the air discharging switch729for the air bags107, and the air charging switch730for the air bags107are electrically connected to a controlling circuit board727. The controlling circuit board727includes an air charging control circuit (shown inFIG. 12), and a massage control circuit (shown inFIG. 11).

The air generator is activated to work upon execution of an instruction for charging the air. Firstly, a magnetic oscillator702generates a high frequent magnetic vibration that correspondingly causes a high frequent relative reciprocating movement between a permanent magnet704and a magnetic oscillator702. A force generated by the movement is exerted on the cylinder705by means of a clamp706that is formed on the permanent magnet704, thereby causing a high frequent repeated movement, i.e., compression, decompression, re-compression, and re-decompression, of the cylinder705. Therefore the air is introduced into the air generator continuously through the air inlet703. The air compressed in the air generator is forced out through an air outlet712and then introduced into the air volume adjusting unit A and the air volume adjusting unit B via an interface tube711, the three-way tube714, and a link tube713interconnected between the interface tube711and the three-way tube714.

Operational principle of the air distributor is set forth below.

The air mattress of the present invention can be selectively operated at different rigid-soft levels by presetting and controlling the air pressure of the air mattress at corresponding different levels. For instance, in the present embodiment, the rigid-soft level of the air mattress is set as two levels, i.e., a rigid level and a soft level.

An operational principle of the air mattress operating at the rigid level is illustrated as follows: when filling air into the air mattress, the air generator and the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0of the air cushion105are opened. The rigid-level pressure switch724for the air cushion105of the air volume adjusting unit A is opened. The air is introduced into the air cushion105via the six-way tube725. Meanwhile, the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2of the air cushion105is closed. When the air pressure of the air cushion105reaches a predetermined pressure value, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0are closed and the air generator is shut down by means of the rigid-level pressure switch724.

An operational principle of the air mattress operating at the soft level is illustrated as follows: when the soft level is selected, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0are opened. The soft-level pressure switch723is opened. The air is introduced into the air cushion105via the six-way tube725. Meanwhile, the air outlet electromagnetic valve DZ2for the air cushion105is closed. When the air pressure of the air cushion105reaches a predetermined pressure value, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0are closed and the air generator is shut down by means of the soft-level pressure switch723.

When the air cushion105is operated in the soft state, in order to operate in the hard state, a rigid level instruction is required to be executed. Upon execution of the rigid level instruction, the air generator, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1, the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0, and the rigid-level pressure switch724are simultaneously opened. When the air pressure of the air cushion105reaches the predetermined rigid level pressure value, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1, the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0, and the rigid-level pressure switch724are shut down by means of the rigid-level pressure switch724. Meanwhile, the air generator is shut down.

When the air cushion105is operated in rigid state, in order to operate in the soft state, a soft level instruction is required to be executed. Upon execution of the soft level instruction, the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2and the air exhausting switch722for the air cushion105are opened to exhaust the air. When the air pressure of the air cushion105reaches the predetermined soft level pressure value, the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2of the air cushion105and the air exhausting switch722are closed by means of the soft-level pressure switch723.

In other words, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1is operatively communicating with the air chambers113to guide a predetermined volume of air thereinto and the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2is arranged to operatively discharge the air from said air chambers113, such that when the air chambers113reached a predetermined air pressure, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2are closed to retain the air pressure in the air chambers113so as to adjust said rigid-soft level of the air cushion105for the air mattress.

An operational principle of an air volume adjusting system for the air bags107is illustrated as follows: the massager501starts to operate upon execution of a massage instruction. The air generator and the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3are opened. The air is introduced into the air bags107via the air transfer tube713, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3, and the five-way tube728. Meanwhile, the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1for the air cushion105and the air volume adjusting unit A are both in a closed state.

When the air pressure of the air bags107reaches a predetermined pressure value, the air generator and the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3are shut down by means of the air charging switch730for the air bags107. When the massage operation is finished, the air outlet electromagnetic valve DZ4is opened automatically to exhaust the air. When the air pressure of air bags107reaches a predetermined value, the air outlet electromagnetic valve DZ4is shut down by means of the air exhausting switch729for the air bags107.

FIG. 12is a circuit diagram of an air charging control circuit of the air mattress according to the present embodiment. The air mattress of the present invention can achieve numerous adjusting functions by various designs of the control circuit such as follows:

1. Rigid-soft Adjustable Function of the Air Mattress

A rigid-soft degree of the air mattress of the present invention can be achieved by means of adjusting the air pressure of air mattresses to a corresponding value/level. For instance, in the present embodiment, the rigid-soft degree of the air mattress is preset as a rigid level and a soft level, i.e., to obtain a rigid mattress, a predetermined air pressure of the mattress is set as 6 Kpa; and to obtain a soft mattress, a predetermined air pressure of the mattress is set as 3 Kpa. The main control circuit is a loop comprised of a push button switch S3, integrated circuits IC2, IC3, IC4, IC10, IC11and the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2for the air cushion105. Rigid-soft indicating lights are indicated with reference numerals V21and V22, respectively. When the push button switch S3is on, the push button switch S3, the resistors R5and R9, the capacitors C7and C8, and the integrated circuit IC2cooperatively form a pulse loop/circuit. Calculation result of the integrated circuit IC3is outputted from a pin2thereof to pins6and13of the integrated circuits IC4. Meanwhile the indicator V21is illuminated showing the mattress is in a rigid state. The integrated circuit IC4is controlled by air pressure switches K1, K2and K3. The integrated circuits IC4, IC5, IC6, IC10, IC11and resistors R1, R3, R7, R10, R13, R14, R23, R27and capacitors C9, C10, C17, C18, C20cooperatively form a comparison trigger loop/circuit.

When the air mattress is changed from a rigid state into a soft state, a pulse is outputted from a pin5of the IC11, and is transmitted via the resistor R35, the triodes V40and V43in that order, to trigger the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2to discharge the air until the air pressure of the air cushion105reaches the soft level. An operation principle for changing the mattress from the soft state to the rigid state is generally the same to that of changing the mattress from the rigid state to the soft state, except that, the air charger is triggered by a comparison trigger signal resulted from the pin3of the IC6, via a resistor R8, a triode V17, an optoelectronic trigger tube U1, a resistor R6and a bi-directional thyristor Q1, to fill air into the air cushion until an air pressure of the air cushion reaches the hard level.

It should be noted that inventive features of the present invention are not limited to the control circuit illustrated in the present embodiment. For instance, the control circuit can be designed to allow the air pressure of the air mattress to be operable at a plurality of different levels.

2. Adjusting Air Pressure of the Mattress During Massage Treatment

During massage treatment, the air mattress is discharged such that the contour of a user's body comes into fitting contact with the surface of the air mattress. In addition, the air bags107in the mattress are charged so as to raise the massager to a position that the massager devices106come into fitting contact with the body.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, during the massage process, the air mattress is discharged by means of opening the air exhausting electromagnetic valve DZ2which is in turn triggered by a pin5of the integrated IC11, the resistor R35and the triodes V40, V43. When discharging, the air pressure of the mattress is controlled by the integrated circuit IC4, the air pressure switches K2and K3. The air bags107are charged by opening the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ3which is in turn triggered by a pin9of the IC11and triodes V48and V51. An air pressure of the air bags107is controlled by a resistor R46and an air pressure switch K5of the integrated circuit IC11. An output pin P1.0of the integrated circuit IC1outputs a pulse to the pins4and6of the integrated circuit IC10and the pin8of the integrated circuit IC5. Thereafter, a calculation result of the integrated circuits IC5, IC10and IC11is outputted from a pin10of the integrated circuit IC5to a pin4of the integrated circuit IC6to lock the integrated circuit IC6thereby making the air mattress become non-chargeable any more. After the massage process, the air bags107are discharged by means of opening the air outlet electromagnetic valve DZ4which is triggered by a pin9of the IC10and triodes V55, V56. Meanwhile, the integrated circuit IC6is unlocked, accordingly. The air mattress is triggered to be charged by opening the air generator and the opens the air generator and the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1which is in turn triggered by a pulse outputted from a pin3of the integrated circuit IC6until the air pressure reaches a desired soft or rigid level.

3. Air Pressure Preservation of the Air Mattress

In the present embodiment, the soft level is preset in the range from 1.5 Kpa to 3 Kpa, and the rigid level is preset in the range from 3 Kpa to 6 Kpa. With the reference toFIG. 12, the integrated circuits IC4, IC5, IC6and pressure signal switches K1, K2, K3cooperatively form a decision circuit for determining whether an air pressure is at the soft or rigid level. If the air pressure is lower than 1.5 Kpa, or the air pressure is higher than 3 Kpa, an output pulse will be outputted from a pin3of the integrated circuit IC6to drive the air charger to fill air into the air mattress. A resistor R51, a triode V17, a resistor R2, an air charging indicator U1, a resistor R6, and the bi-directional thyristor Q1cooperatively form a control circuit for controlling the air generator. A triode V35, a resistor R11, the optoelectronic coupler G1, a resistor R12, triodes V32, V36cooperate to form a switch controlling circuit for the air supplying electromagnetic valve DZ1and the air electromagnetic gate valve DZ0.

4. Delay-to-charge Function of the Air Mattress

The air mattress according to the present embodiment can achieve a delay-to-charge function by means of a corresponding control circuit. For instance, a delay time is preset as 10 hours. Wherein a push button switch S11, a capacitor C13, resistors R47, R34, and R20, capacitors C15and C16, resistors R44and R41, a triode V42, optoelectronic couplers G2and G3, and the integrated circuit IC7cooperatively form a bistable pulse triggered and control circuit. Resistors R21and R38, capacitors C12and C14, and the integrated circuit IC8cooperate to form an unstable oscillator pulse output circuit. A capacitor C11, resistors R45and R22, and a triode V38cooperatively form a binary pulse counting circuit.

When the push button switch S11is on, a pin3of the integrated circuit IC7outputs a high voltage and locks it. The integrated circuits IC8and IC9are actuated and powered by the optoelectronic coupler G3. Meanwhile, a pulse is outputted from a pin7of the integrated circuit IC7so as to make the integrated circuit IC6output a pulse from a pin3thereof regardless of being in any state. After a delay period of 10 hours, the integrated circuit IC7is reset by a pulse outputted from a pin1of the integrated circuit IC9via a resistor R22and a triode V38.

FIGS. 13 to 17illustrate an alternative mode of the massage arrangement of the air mattress. The air mattress comprises an air envelope10′ having s functioning port20′ and a plurality of partition walls12′ transversely extended therein to form a plurality of individual air chambers11′ communicating with the functioning port20. Accordingly, the air chambers11′ are transversely extended along the air mattress. For example, when the air mattress has a length of 1.9 meter, there are twenty-nine partition walls12′ spacedly and transversely extended along the air envelope10′ to define thirty individual air chambers11′, so as to form a flat supporting surface (i.e. the outer layer) on the air envelope10′ for the user supporting thereon. The massage arrangement comprises a plurality of massage units selectively disposed in the air chambers11′ respectively for providing massage function at desired points on the user when the user rests on the air envelope10′. As the above example, there are seven massage units supported within seven of the air chambers11′ for purposely and correspondingly matching with different locations of the user, such as one for shoulder portion, two for back, one for waist, one for butt, one for upper thigh, and one for lower calf as shown inFIG. 16.

As shown inFIG. 13, each of the massage units comprises an air bag13′ having an air passage131′ communicating with the functioning port20′, a massager bag132′ provided on the air bag13′, and a massager14′ received in the massager bag132′. It is worth to mention that each of the massager bags132′ is adapted to hold two massagers14′ therein. Accordingly, the massager bag132′ has an inner cushioning layer encircling the massager14′. Each of the massage units is substantially mounted at a ceiling of the respective air chamber11′ by mounting the massager bag132′ to the ceiling of the air chamber11′ via hook and loop fasteners so as to retain the massager14′ at a position underneath the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′.

Each of the massagers14′ is driven by an eccentric wheel motor as mentioned above for generating a massaging force towards the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′.

The massagers14′ are electrically connected to a power source via electrical wires.

Accordingly, when the air chamber11′ is inflated to retain a predetermined air pressure therein, the air pressure inside the deflated air bag13′ is relatively smaller than the air pressure within the air chamber11′ as shown inFIG. 17A. Therefore, when the user rests on the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′, he or she does not feel the massagers14′ under the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′. When the air bag13′ is inflated through the air passage131′ to retain a predetermined air pressure, the air pressure within the air bag13′ will push the massager14upwardly towards the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′ so as to form a massage point thereon as shown inFIG. 17B. Therefore, when the user rests on the supporting surface of the mattress envelope10′, the massagers14will substantially contact with the user's body at the massage points. At the same time, the air pressure within the air chamber11′ is substantially reduced to maintain the air pressure within the air chamber11′ at a desired level to support the user. It is worth to mention that the air bag13′ is stopped to be inflated when the air bag13′ reaches the optimum air pressure via a control valve. The massager14′ is controllably operated to generate the massaging force according to desired massage mode, massage intensity, and/or massage duration upon execution of massage instruction set by the user.

During the operation of the massager14′, the air bag13′ is controlled by the air generator to retain the air pressure within the air bag13′ at a predetermined level. Once the massager14′ is switched off, the air pressure within the air bag13′ is released by opening an exhausting valve of the air generator such that the air bag13′ is deflated to return to its original condition. It is worth to mention that the air pressure within the air chamber11′ is correspondingly increased to maintain the air pressure at the desired level when the air bag13′ is deflated. It is worth to mention that the air generator is communicatively connected to the functioning port20′ to control the air pressures of the air chambers11′ and the air bags13′.

In other exemplary embodiment, the air mattress can be configured as a twin size bed or even a king size bed. In case the air mattress is applied to a king size bed, two sets of massagers14′ can be provided within the mattress envelope10′. Accordingly, a length of the mattress envelop10′ can be 2.2 meter that thirty-two partition walls12′ are spacedly and transversely extended along the air envelope10′ to define thirty-three individual air chambers11′, so as to form a flat supporting surface on the air envelope10′ for the user supporting thereon. Furthermore, there are seven individual air bags13′ selectively supported the air chambers11′ wherein each air bag13′ holds two massagers14′ therein for generating a massaging force to massage the user's body at different locations such as shoulder portion, back portion, waist portion, butt portion, upper thigh portion, and lower calf portion.

From what has been discussed above, the advantages of the air-filled mattress according to the present embodiment are mainly concluded, as follows:

1. A temperature of the air mattress can be desirably adjusted according to the ambient temperature.

2. The air mattress is capable of performing a massage treatment on a user by means of the massagers.

3. The air mattress is capable of performing health care function on the user by means of the far infrared emission.

4. The rigid-soft level of the air mattress is desirably adjustable according to requirements.

5. The air mattress can be operated in a manual manner or in a remote control manner according to requirements.

6. The air mattress can integrate all the abovementioned functions, or a certain individual function, or some of functions according to requirements.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, it should be noted that the described embodiment is not necessarily exclusive and that various changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.