Patent Description:
Often times, inflatable mattresses have significant utility and are capable of storage, transportation, and use in a variety of settings and environments. Accessories that improve the comfort and satisfaction of the user experience for inflatable mattresses represent an improvement in the art. However, given the current state of the art, inflatable mattresses may benefit from improvements in structural stability. Further, a user may find it difficult to use an inflatable mattress with a number of other amenities to which said user may be accustomed. For example, it may be difficult for a user to read a book while using an inflatable mattress. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose wraparound inflatable headboard apparatuses according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

To solve this challenge, the below disclosure sets forth an inflatable headboard apparatus that supplies additional accessories and/or amenities. Still further, the apparatus contemplated herein imparts additional advantages, including increased stability, to a traditional inflatable mattress.

The present invention provides a wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus as claimed in claim <NUM>. Optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the attached drawings wherein like numerals designate like structures throughout the specification.

In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Still further, modules and components depicted may be combined, in whole or in part, and/or divided, into one or more different parts, as applicable to fit particular implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Referring now to <FIG>, a wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> is illustrated coupled with and around an inflatable mattress <NUM>. The wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> comprises a headboard/support portion <NUM> and first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> partially surrounds a first, head end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> disposed opposite a second, foot end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM>. The headboard/support portion <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> abuts a head end sidewall <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> abut respective first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM>.

The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> and the headboard/support portion <NUM> share an upper surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may have a bracket-shaped or generally U-shaped outline from a plan view thereof, and said upper surface <NUM> may form a continuous upper surface for the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> may be further rounded so as to provide a surface comfortable for resting a head or arm of one or more users thereon. The upper surface <NUM>, and more generally a side elevational profile (from a left and/or a right side) of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, slopes downwardly from the headboard/support portion <NUM> to the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> whereat said first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> meet the headboard/support portion <NUM>.

In this example, the headboard/support portion <NUM> has an elevation above the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. As the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> extend away from the headboard/support portion <NUM>; the upper surface <NUM> thereof flattens to provide an armrest portion of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The headboard/support portion <NUM> may further provide a back rest/support for the one or more users that may assume a seated position on the mattress portion <NUM> with the back of the user(s) resting against the headboard/support portion <NUM>. The headboard/support portion <NUM> may flex/bend under pressure applied by the back of the one or more users thereby facilitating a comfortable incline for the user(s). The head end sidewall <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> may be coupled with the headboard/support portion <NUM> by one or more semi-permanent connections such as high-frequency welds, PVC tapes, and/or sonic welding of PVC. In further examples, the head end sidewall <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> is coupled with the headboard/support portion <NUM> by hooks, buckle straps, hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®), and/or another suitable coupling mechanism. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the headboard/support portion <NUM> may be similarly coupled to the respective first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> may be high-frequency welded to the headboard/support portion <NUM>.

A structural body of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, as described herein above, is disposed at least partially about the head end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM>. Such a configuration may provide additional support to the inflatable mattress <NUM> and increase the stability of the combined bed system <NUM> comprising the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and the inflatable mattress <NUM>. Stability may be increased by the abutment of the headboard/support portion <NUM> adjacent to the head end sidewall <NUM> and/or the attachment thereto. Further, stability may be increased by the abutment and/or attachment (described hereinbelow) of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent to the respective first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the inflatable mattress. Still further, the combination of the portions of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> abutting the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> may also increase stability of the inflatable mattress <NUM> and the combined bed system <NUM>. The wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, by virtue of the construction and molding thereof, provides shape and structural integrity to the combined bed system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a first bottom surface <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and a second bottom surface <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> are illustrated as substantially aligned. The bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be aligned flush with one another, or both surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on a ground/floor surface upon which the combined bed system <NUM> is placed. The bottom surface <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> forms a continuous bottom surface of the headboard/support portion <NUM> and the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. A coupling component <NUM> is disposed along the first and second bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> to couple together the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and the inflatable mattress <NUM>. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, the coupling component <NUM> comprises a strap <NUM> extending between the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may have first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> disposed on the bottom surface <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> beneath first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

As discussed hereinabove, the head end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> is at least partially surrounded by the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The bracket or U-shape of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> forms a space <NUM> bounded by the headboard/support portion <NUM> and the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> into which the head end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> fits, i.e., the inflatable mattress <NUM> is nested within a combination of the headboard/support portion <NUM> and the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the strap <NUM> traverses the space <NUM> formed by the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may contact the bottom surface <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> when same is positioned within the space <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. By abutting an additional surface of the inflatable mattress <NUM>, specifically the bottom surface <NUM> thereof, the coupling component <NUM> increases the stability and supportiveness of a coupling connection between the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and the inflatable mattress <NUM>. Increasing the stability and supportiveness of the connection between the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and the inflatable mattress <NUM> may further increase the stability and cohesiveness of the combined bed system <NUM>. The strap <NUM> and/or the shape/structure of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> may aid in preventing tilt of the inflatable mattress <NUM>, such as tilt during use on only on side thereof or when a user exits the combined bed system while disproportionately shifting weight and pressure to one or more sides of the inflatable mattress <NUM>.

The strap <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, may be comprised of canvas, fabric, PVC, plastic, elastic, and/or another suitable materials for forming the strap and holding the inflatable mattress <NUM> in place relative the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may also aid and maintain alignment of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> relative the head end <NUM> of the inflatable mattress <NUM> during use of the combined bed system <NUM>. Further, the combination of the bracket/U-shape of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and the coupling component <NUM> may aid and maintain alignment of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> during use of the combined bed system <NUM>. In an example embodiment, complementary strips of hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro®) may replace and/or supplement the coupling component <NUM>.

The strap <NUM> may be flexibly attached to the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> on the underside <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The flexible attachment of the strap <NUM> to these first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided by tying the straps to anchoring pieces in the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> or by fabricating the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> in such a manner as to hold and encompass respective ends of the strap <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may be welded (such as with heat and/or PVC tapes) to the bottom side <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the strap <NUM> may be clipped to the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> by one or more plastic clips. Further, in example embodiments, the coupling component <NUM> may instead be formed from first and second straps joined by a clip somewhere along the length of the coupling component <NUM>. Still further, in example embodiments, the strap <NUM> or straps may be retractable at the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM> and/or spring loaded. The strap <NUM> or straps may be stored within the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> at the first and second connecting points <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example embodiment of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> is illustrated with accessories disposed thereon. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> may have positioned through the upper surface <NUM>, and extending into the interior/inflation compartment of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, respective first and second cupholders <NUM>, <NUM>. Considering that the first and second cup holders <NUM>, <NUM> may be of substantially identical construction (although perhaps mirrored for disposition on either a left or right side) only the first cupholder <NUM> is described herein below. The cupholder <NUM> may be manufactured from plastic, fabric, PVC, netting, and/or another suitable material for holding an object, such as a drink container, within the arm <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The cupholder <NUM> may be formed from rigid plastic, still further aiding the structural stability of the arm <NUM>. In example embodiments, the cupholder <NUM> may instead comprise a sleeve formed from the material similar to the arm and/or wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>/<NUM>. Such a sleeve construction may be employed to form additional accessories within the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>.

In example embodiments, one or more slots and/or sleeves <NUM> may be disposed within the wraparound headboard inflatable apparatus <NUM> for storing and/or displaying a smartphone, tablet, another mobile device, and/or any other object of suitable size that the user may desire to place therein. Example embodiments include a shelf disposed within at least one of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> for holding cups, glasses, or the like. Further according to example embodiments, the first and/or second arms <NUM>, <NUM> may be shaped as one or more nightstands. Additional accessories may be included therein such as a garbage receptacle. The accessories may be fixedly attached to the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, integrated into a structure of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> (e.g., the garbage receptacle, cupholder(s) <NUM>, and/or other accessories), and/or removable from the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. Further, the one or more slots and/or sleeves <NUM> may be convertible and/or interchangeable between one or more of the accessory features described herein.

A lantern <NUM> of the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> according to invention is shown on <FIG> Referring once again to <FIG>, the lantern <NUM> may be disposed within a slot <NUM> or another suitable compartment formed on, or in, the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>. The lantern <NUM> may clip, lock, and/or hook within the slot <NUM>, as appropriate and suitable for securement thereto. The lantern <NUM> may further be removable from the slot, for use as a flashlight, such that the user may carry the lantern <NUM> away from the combined bed system <NUM> or focus the light provided by the lantern <NUM> upon a desired subject. In example embodiments, the lantern <NUM> may hang from a flap or hook extendable out and away from the headboard/support portion <NUM> or from the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Still further in example embodiments, the lantern <NUM> may be connectable to a power component <NUM>, such as an outlet, battery, solar panel <NUM>, etc., disposed within the headboard/support portion <NUM>. Additionally, the power component <NUM> may be disposed at another location on the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> apart from the lantern <NUM> so as to provide easily accessible power to the user. According to the invention, the lantern <NUM> is coupled to the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> by one or more magnets disposed within the lantern <NUM>, the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM>, or both.

The above disclosure may represent an improvement in the art because it allows for use of an inflatable wraparound headboard apparatus with inflatable mattresses. Further, this disclosure provides the user with improved stability and increased incorporation of accessories. Still further, the disclosure improves the art by supplying an alternative construction for an inflatable headboard.

It is to be understood that all described elements and features in this disclosure can be formed of any number of materials including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, foams, ceramics, metals, metal alloys or any other material known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the material forming the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus <NUM> and/or the inflatable mattress <NUM> may be plastic, vinyl, coated fabric, and/or another suitable material or combination of materials. Valve(s) disposed on these components may be formed from extruded plastic, machined aluminum, another metal alloy, and/or another materials or combination of materials suitable for manufacturing valve(s) for inflatables.

The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular implementations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative implementations disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

A phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items, with the terms "and" or "or" to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. By way of example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "said" and similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a headboard portion (<NUM>);
first and second arms (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a plurality of accessories (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the headboard portion (<NUM>) and the first and second arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to accommodate the plurality of accessories (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein at least one of the accessories (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is fixedly attached to at least one of the headboard portion (<NUM>), the first arm (<NUM>), and the second arm (<NUM>); and
whereinat least one of the accessories (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is removable from the at least one of the headboard portion (<NUM>), the first arm (<NUM>), and the second arm (<NUM>),
characterized in that
at least one of the accessories (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is a lantern (<NUM>), which is coupled to the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus (<NUM>) by one or more magnets disposed within the lantern (<NUM>), the wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus (<NUM>), or both.