Patent ID: 7299823

Claim:
A connector for connecting inflatable cells to air supply lines, and for cross-connecting the inflatable cells when the inflatable cells are not connected to the air supply lines, the connector comprising: a. a pair of first connector parts, each first connector part including: (1) an air flow passage therein, the air flow passage being in fluid communication with at least one inflatable cell; (2) a female sleeve bounding at least a portion of the air flow passage, b. a pair of second connector parts, each second connector part being: (1) connected to a corresponding air supply line, and (2) defined by a male member configured to closely fit within the female sleeve of a corresponding first connector part, c. a cross-connection passage extending between the air flow passages of the first connector parts, wherein the female sleeve of each first connector part is biased: (1) to obstruct the cross-connection passage when one of the male members of the second connector parts is fit therein, whereby air cannot flow through the cross-connection passage and between the air flow passages of the first connector parts; (2) away from the cross-connection passage when one of the male members of the second connector parts is not fit therein, whereby air may flow between the air flow passages of the first connector parts through the cross-connection passage.