Abstract:
A pneumatic bed system with an integral table and headboard is disclosed. The pneumatic bed includes a bottom panel of air barrier material and top panel of air barrier material connected by a side panel of air barrier material which extends around the perimeter of the top and bottom panels; the panels being welded or otherwise fused together to define an air chamber. A valve or valves are secured to the panels in an airtight fashion for the introduction of air into the air chamber for inflation of the pneumatic bed. Additional features such as pockets, perimeter pneumatic support tubes, flocked top surface and the like may also be incorporated onto the panels for additional functionality. In at least one embodiment, a side table is integrated to the sidewall panel. The internal cavity of the side table can be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the bed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/723,974, entitled “PNEUMATIC BED SYSTEM WITH TABLE” filed on Nov. 8, 2012. The contents of each of the above referenced applications are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an inflatable mattress or beds, and more particularly to an air mattress having an integrally formed side table. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Typically, a home bedroom is furnished with a mattress positioned upon a bed frame for elevation. Other decorative as well as convenient furniture, such as headboards, night tables and the like, are also typical bedroom furniture. Furniture, such as the night table, also serves a functional purpose. For example, the night table may used to support items that may be used during the night, such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, or a glass of water. Permanent furniture such as this is typically positioned in some configuration within a given room for various members of the family. Some homes have additional rooms that are considered guest rooms for when someone who normally does not live in the home comes to stay within the home for a few days. Some families provide permanent furniture within the guest room. However, the room filled with furniture prevents the family from utilizing the space in the home when no guests are present. Therefore, many families opt for furniture that is portable or temporary for guest sleepovers, which allows the family to utilize the space more effectively. 
         [0004]    In the past, air mattresses were used for camping, where portability and light weight were necessities. Air mattresses are typically rectangular shaped, pneumatic beds which are typically constructed of materials such as vinyl, urethane, or rubber. A deflated air mattress can be rolled up or folded, and carried or stored relatively easily, making the air mattress convenient for camping trips, and more recently, temporary bedding for a home. The air mattress can be rolled out in a desired location and inflated either orally, manually by a foot-powered pump, or more commonly by an electric or battery-powered air pump. Another advantage of an air mattress over a standard mattress includes the ability to adjust the firmness of the air mattress to accommodate the user. 
         [0005]    In recent years, larger, more elaborate air mattresses that are intended for temporary guest use or permanent use in the bedroom have come onto the market. The newer features are specific to making an air mattress more similar in appearance and function to a permanent bed. Some air mattresses even offer raised beds, whereby the air mattress is raised off the ground to a similar height as a permanent bed to offer a more traditional sleeping experience. Other air mattresses have padded pillow tops provided as a part thereof to cover the top surface of the air mattress on which the user lies, so as to insulate the user from the vinyl or plastic material of the air mattress, adding a similar comfort level to that of a traditional mattress. Some air mattresses even offer an integral clock on the sidewall of the air mattress. This again, provides a portable bed having similar conveniences to a traditional bedroom. 
         [0006]    While these devices have enjoyed success in the art, there is still a need in the art for pneumatic mattress devices and systems that provide conveniences to homeowners. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention discloses an inflatable bed, preferably a pneumatic bed system with an integral table and headboard. In general, the pneumatic bed includes a bottom panel of air barrier material and top panel of air barrier material connected by a side panel of air barrier material which extends around the perimeter of the top and bottom panels; the panels being welded or otherwise fused together to define an air chamber. A valve or valves are secured to the panels in an airtight fashion for the introduction of air into the air chamber for inflation of the pneumatic bed. Additional features such as pockets, perimeter pneumatic support tubes, flocked top surfaces and the like may also be incorporated onto the panels for additional functionality. In at least one embodiment, a side table is integrated to the sidewall panel. The side table also includes top, bottom and side wall air barrier panels; the internal cavity of the side table being in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the bed. In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the side table includes a lattice structure formed from plastic and/or metal which allows the pneumatic portion of the side table to be formed much thinner in cross section than the pneumatic bed. In another embodiment, the side table is secured to the sidewall panel of the pneumatic bed with Velcro, zippers, stitching, adhesive or the like, and a tubular conduit is utilized to connect the inner cavity of the side table to the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed. In yet another embodiment, the side table is filled with air separate from the pneumatic bed. The headboard is also generally constructed from a front and rear air barrier surrounded by a side air barrier panel to create an airtight inner cavity. The inner cavity of the headboard may be fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed and/or the side table to allow the entire device to be filled from one valve. Alternatively, one or more valves may be provided for each internal cavity. In still other embodiments, the inner cavity of the pneumatic bed may be provided with one or more sub-cavities which may or may not be connected to the main cavity for providing support to specific areas of the pneumatic bed. In addition, flexible support members may be incorporated into the inner cavity for support and/or structure. In still yet another embodiment, the bed portion may be in the form of a couch, whereby the seating portion forms the bed. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an inflatable bed having an integral side table. 
         [0009]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table that can be used to support objects such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, glass of water, or the like. 
         [0010]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table that, when deflated, can be rolled up or folded and carried or stored relatively easily. 
         [0011]    It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table which includes multiple side pockets on the external surface of the sidewall of the air mattress for storage of remote controls, jewelry, mobile phones, or the like. 
         [0012]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a side table for a pneumatic bed including an integrally formed contoured recess disposed of within the top membrane thereof that is constructed and arranged to support a cup or glass, thereby creating a stable receptacle. 
         [0013]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed wherein the sidewall membrane of the pneumatic bed includes a support tube extending about the circumference of the top panel to reduce the tendency of the pneumatic bed collapsing when a person sits on the edge of the pneumatic bed. 
         [0014]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having an integral side table whereby the inner chamber of the air mattress includes multiple chambers fluidly connected with each other for greater stability and rigidity. 
         [0015]    It is yet also another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a side table that is removably fastened to the pneumatic bed. 
         [0016]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a side table with a support structure, whereby the side table is formed thinner in cross section than the pneumatic bed. 
         [0017]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a pneumatic bed having a pneumatic headboard. 
         [0018]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top left perspective view of one embodiment of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a top right perspective view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating several embodiments or one or more internal components; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a partial side view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates an individual resting upon an inflated pneumatic bed having an integral side table; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a partial view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating the side table in an inflated state; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a partial view of the pneumatic bed having an integral side table illustrating the side table in a deflated state; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top left perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pneumatic bed, illustrated with a removably attached side table; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a partial enlarged view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a fastener system for securing the side table to the pneumatic bed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of an inflatable bed with side table, referred to generally as  10 , is illustrated. The inflatable bed is sized and shaped to allow a user, such as a human, to lie thereon, and to accommodate pillows  13  and a blanket  15 , see  FIG. 5 . While the inflatable bed preferably is designed to receive and store air, and accordingly will be described as a pneumatic bed with side table, inflatable substances other than air, such as other gases or liquids, could be used. The pneumatic bed with side table  10  generally includes a mattress portion  12 , a headboard  14 , and a side table  16 . The mattress portion  12  is constructed from a top panel  18  providing a mattress portion top surface  19 , a bottom panel  20  providing a pneumatic bed with side table bottom surface (not illustrated), and a sidewall panel  22 . The panels are preferably constructed from a flexible polymeric material that is impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to air. The panels are preferably constructed from a single piece of material to reduce the number of seams. However, it should be noted that multiple pieces can be welded together to create the panels without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the top panel  18  is constructed to include a flock top  24 , otherwise known as simulated velour. The top and bottom panels  18 ,  20  are connected by the sidewall panel  22  to form an enclosed first inner chamber, referred to as an enclosed mattress chamber  26  (see  FIG. 3 ) for receiving and holding an inflation substance. The panels may be connected together by any suitable manner known in the art to create an airtight connection. In at least one embodiment, the mattress portion  12  includes a support  28  (see  FIG. 3 ) extending about the perimeter or edge  30  of the top panel  18  of the mattress portion  12  and extending alongside the sidewall panel  22 . The support tube  28  may include a separate inflation chamber from the mattress portion to reduce the tendency of the top panel  18  collapsing when a user sits on the perimeter or edge  30  of the top panel  18 . The mattress chamber  26  for receiving and holding an inflation substance may be inflated and deflated, via an inflation device, illustrated herein as a valve  32 , so that the pneumatic bed with side table  10  may be used as a sleeping apparatus or stored conveniently. The valve  32  may be constructed and arranged to cooperate with or include a battery or electrically operated pump. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the pneumatic bed with side table  10  is designed to contain a self inflating/deflating mechanism. For example, an electric pump unit  31  electrically connected to a electrical cord  33 , such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,151,390; 8,024,830; or 9,922,461 may be used to control an electric pump (not shown). The electric pump unit is designed to allow the user to rotate a control knob  35  to control inflation, deflation, and/or the hardness or softness of the mattress  12 . A recessed area  35  may be included to store the electrical cord  33 . Alternatively, or in addition to, the valve  32  may be designed for self inflation. In addition, the valve may be installed to the mattress at any convenient location without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment, the mattress chamber  26  for receiving and holding an inflation substance includes a multi-chamber construction whereby a plurality of chambers are in fluid communication with each other. In yet another embodiment, the multiple chambers may be provided with independent valves  32  which allow different air pressures to be applied to the various chambers to customize the firmness and support of the mattress portion.  FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment having multiple individual, vertically arranged chambers  27 . One or more bed sheet securing members, illustrated herein as a spring loaded clip  29  may be included for receiving and securing bed sheets to the mattress portion  12 , preferably positioned at the corners of the mattress  12 . 
         [0033]    Positioned at the head rest end  34 , is a headboard  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the headboard  14  extends upwardly and away from the top panel  18 . The headboard is preferably constructed from an air impermeable, or substantially air impermeable, flexible material. The headboard  14  comprises a first end  36 , a second end  38 , and a main body  40  there between and is orientated in a perpendicular position relative to the top panel  18 . The main body may be sized and shaped according to preference, such as semicircular, square, or rectangular, and may extend the entire width or less than the entire width of the pneumatic bed with side table  10 . In any size or shape, the main body provides a headboard surface  42  which is perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to the mattress portion top surface  19  when the pneumatic bed with side table  10  is in the inflated state. The headboard  14  comprises a second inflation chamber, illustrated as an enclosed headboard inflation chamber  44 . The headboard inflation chamber  44  is in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber  26  and preferably extends along the length of the headboard  14 . Alternatively, the headboard  14  may be a separate component which is securable to the mattress portion  12 . In this embodiment, the enclosed headboard inflation chamber  44  includes its own valve  32  to provide inflation to the headboard inflation chamber  44 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6  and  7 , the pneumatic bed with side table  10  further includes a side table  16 . The side table functions as a nightstand to support objects which need to be in close proximity to the bed while in use. The side table  16  includes a top panel  56 , a bottom panel  58  and a side panel  60  defining an enclosed side table inflation chamber  62 . The side table  16 , therefore, provides for a side table surface  64  which is positioned at, above, or below the top panel  18  and/or the mattress portion top surface  19 . Accordingly, the surface  64  extends outwardly, away from the top panel  18 , the mattress portion top surface  19  and the side wall panel  22 . The side table surface  64  may be orientated in a perpendicular manner relative to the headboard  14 . The side table surface  64  is preferably sized and shaped to support objects such as a lamp, alarm clock, phone, medication, reading material, glass of water, or the like, and may include recessed areas to act as cup holders. 
         [0035]    The side panel  60  provides one or more vertical surfaces  66  which preferably form a perpendicular orientation relative to the top panel  18  and the mattress portion top surface  19 . The side table  16  is preferably constructed from an air impermeable, or substantially air impermeable, flexible material to enclosed side table inflation chamber  62  in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber  26 . In an alternative embodiment, the side table inflation chamber  62  is not in fluid communication with the mattress inflation chamber  26 , and the side table is provided with its own valve  32  for the introduction of air to the side table inflation chamber  62 . It should also be noted that the side table inflation chamber  62  may include multiple chambers without departing from the scope of the invention. In a most preferred embodiment, the bottom panel  58  of the side table  16  lies on the same plane as the bottom panel  20  of the pneumatic bed with side table  10 , whereby the bottom panels are supported by a ground or floor surface. However, it is also contemplated, not shown, that the bottom panel  58  of the side table  16  need not rest on the same plane as the bottom panel of the pneumatic bed with side table  10 , and need not rest on the ground; thus the bottom face of the side table  16  may be suspended above a ground or floor surface. It is also contemplated for the bottom panel  58  of the side table  16  to include support structures, such as pneumatic legs or the like which extend downward to the ground or floor surface to provide support to the side table. 
         [0036]    The top panel  56  may include a plate  57  (see top cut through section on  FIG. 6 ) therein which provides for a hard surface. The hard surface allows for objects, such as a lamp  61 , a computer  63 , or a cup  65  to be placed thereon. The cup  65  may rest within a recessed channel  55  formed within the top panel  56 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the table  16  is in fluid communication with the mattress  12  through a passageway, illustrated herein as a tube  71 . In this manner, inflating the mattress  12  will inflate the side table  16 . A control unit  73  which opens or closes passageway from the mattress  12  to the table  16  via tube  71 , thereby preventing or allowing fluid flow from. The pneumatic bed with side table  10  may include a storage member, illustrated herein as a storage case  75  designed to be secured to the side panel  22  via fastening means, such as zippers, buttons, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners, so that in the deflated state, see  FIG. 7 , the storage case  75  can be secured to the side panel  22 , storing the side table  16  therein. Preferably, the base of the side table  16  is weighted, using for example a weighted bar  79 , see bottom cut through section,  FIG. 6 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  4 , the pneumatic bed with side table  10  may include at least one pocket  68 , illustrated as a mesh pocket, secured on the external surface  70  of the sidewall panel  22 . The pocket  68  is sized to receive and hold various objects such as, but not limited to, remote controls, jewelry, mobile phones, or the like. The pocket  68  can be placed anywhere along the external surface  70  of the sidewall panel  22 . The pocket  68  may be sized to hold one or more objects, such as books  65 , magazines  67 , or a remote control  69 . It is contemplated, but not shown, that the pocket can be constructed on the top surface of the air mattress as well. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the side table  16 ′ is illustrated. In this embodiment, the side table  16 ′ includes a top panel  72  having a side table upper surface  74 , a bottom panel  76  and a side panel  78 . The top panel  72 , bottom panel  76  and side panel  78  are welded together to define an enclosed air chamber  80 . An air valve  82  is provided for the introduction and removal of air to the side table  16 ′. The bottom panel  76  of the side table  16 ′ includes an expandable structure  84  secured thereto. The expandable structure  84  is constructed and arranged to expand and contract with the side table  16 ′ as it is inflated or deflated. The expandable structure  84  includes a plurality of crossed support members  86  having a pin hinge  88  positioned at each crossing. A plurality of wheels  90  are secured to the distal ends of the support members to allow the side table to be moved independently from the pneumatic bed  12 . In this embodiment, the side table  16 ′ is preferably separate from the pneumatic bed  12 , and is thus securable thereto by any means known in the art for securing pneumatic components together. Such fasteners may include, but should not be limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, line connectors, or the like. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a preferred method of securing the side table  16 / 16 ′ to the mattress portion  12  is illustrated herein using a zipper assembly  92 . The zipper assembly  92  includes a first portion or component  94  having a first track  95  with protruding teeth  97  and positioned along the side panel  78  of the side table  16 / 16 ′, and a second portion or component having a second track  99  with protruding teeth  101  and positioned along the sidewall panel  22  of the pneumatic bed. The first and second tracks  95  and  99  are constructed to interdigitate, linking the rows of protruding teeth  97  and  101 . In this manner, the first and second portions of the zipper assembly may be aligned with a slider  98  having a zipper pull  103  utilized to secure the side table  16 ′ to the mattress  12 . 
         [0040]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0041]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0042]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.