Inflatable cushioning device

Abstract

An inflatable cushioning device is provided that is comprised of three layers of flexible gas-impermeable material. One of such layers of material is formed with spaced protrusions throughout its length and width. This layer, when sealed to a flat layer of similar shape along its periphery and at various locations between the protrusions, forms an inflatable assembly. The ends or tips of the spaced protrusions are connected to another flat layer of similar size and shape for structural support. When inflated the protrusions act as the main structure for supporting a load upon the inflatable device. The protrusions are spaced close enough to provide ample load support but far enough apart to minimize the overall volume of air needed to inflate the device to full size.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An inflatable cushioning device comprising: 
 a layer of flexible gas impermeable material containing a plurality of spaced protrusions,    a flat layer of gas impermeable material of similar size and shape sealed to said layer at its periphery and at various locations between said spaced protrusions to form an inflatable assembly, wherein said spaced protrusions extend away from said flat layer and said spaced protrusions are in fluid communication with each other,    a port for inflation and deflation in said inflatable assembly for the attachment of an inflationary means,    and an additional flat layer of similar size and shape connected to the tips of all said spaced protrusions of said inflatable assembly,    whereby said spaced protrusions are laterally stabilized by their connection to said additional flat layer, are spaced to minimize the volume of air needed to fill said inflatable assembly, and support a load on the structure when inflated.    
     
     
         2 . An inflatable cushioning device comprising: 
 two layers of gas impermeable material each containing a plurality of spaced protrusions,    said two layers sealed to each other at their peripheries and at various locations between said spaced protrusions to form an inflatable assembly, wherein said spaced protrusions extend away from a common central plane and are in fluid communication with each other,    a port for inflation and deflation in said inflatable assembly for the attachment of an inflationary means,    and two flat layers of similar size and shape connected to the tips of all said spaced protrusions on each side of said inflatable assembly,    whereby said spaced protrusions are laterally stabilized by their connection to said two flat layers, are spaced to minimize the volume of air needed to fill said inflatable assembly, and support a load on the structure when inflated.    
     
     
         3 . An inflatable cushioning device comprising: 
 a layer of gas impermeable material containing a plurality of spaced protrusions,    a flat layer of gas impermeable material of similar size and shape sealed to said layer at its periphery and at various locations between said spaced protrusions to form a first inflatable assembly, wherein said spaced protrusions extend away from said flat layer and are in fluid communication with each other,    a similarly formed second inflatable assembly with similar spaced protrusions, wherein the tips of said similar spaced protrusions are connected to the tips of said spaced protrusions of said first inflatable assembly,    and a port for inflation and deflation in said first inflatable assembly and said second inflatable assembly for the attachment of an inflationary means,    whereby said spaced protrusions and said similar spaced protrusions are laterally stabilized by their connection to each other, are spaced to minimize the volume of air needed to fill said first inflatable assembly and said second inflatable assembly, and support a load on the structure when inflated.