Inflatable device with straps connected between an upper layer and lower layer thereof

Abstract

An inflatable device includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and at least one strap alternately connected to the upper layer and the lower layer to form a wavelike pattern between the upper layer and the lower layer so as to limit deformation of both the upper layer and the lower layer. The strap includes a plurality of first contact portions connected to the upper layer, and a plurality of second contact portions connected to the lower layer. The first contact portions are offset from the second contact portions in a horizontal plane respectively defined by the upper layer and the lower layer, such that the first contact portions are not superimposed with the second contact portions from a perspective orthogonal to the upper and lower layers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable device comprising:
 an upper layer;   a lower layer; and   at least one strap alternately connected to the upper layer and the lower layer to form a wavelike pattern between the upper layer and the lower layer so as to limit deformation of both the upper layer and the lower layer.   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a plurality of first contact portions connected to the upper layer, and a plurality of second contact portions connected to the lower layer, wherein the first contact portions are offset from the second contact portions in a horizontal plane respectively defined by the upper layer and the lower layer, such that the first contact portions are not superimposed with the second contact portions from a perspective orthogonal to the upper and lower layers. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of straps, wherein the straps are arranged longitudinally with respect to the upper layer and the lower layer. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of straps, wherein the straps are arranged latitudinally with respect to the upper layer and the lower layer. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the upper layer has an inner surface area, and a total contact area between the strap and the inner surface area as a percentage of the inner surface area is equal to or larger than 6.3%. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the total contact area between the strap and the inner surface area as a percentage of the inner surface area is less than or equal to 63% 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the lower layer has an inner surface area, and a total contact area between the strap and the inner surface area as a percentage of the inner surface area is equal to or larger than 6.3%. 
     
     
         8 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the total contact area between the strap and the inner surface area as a percentage of the inner surface area is less than or equal to 63%. 
     
     
         9 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the lower layer is provided with a protruding peripheral edge formed on an underside of the lower layer arranged to establish a suction force with a surface on which the inflatable device is disposed. 
     
     
         10 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein an auxiliary strap is provided between an exterior surface of the lower layer and an inner sidewall of the protruding peripheral edge. 
     
     
         11 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an auxiliary strap is provided between an inner surface of the sidewall and an inner surface of the lower layer. 
     
     
         12 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a first auxiliary bar is provided at a joint between the upper layer and the sidewall and a second auxiliary bar is provided at a joint between the sidewall and the lower layer to enhance integrity of both the upper layer and the lower layer. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein portions of the strap extending between the upper and lower layer are slanted with respect to a reference line orthogonal to the upper layer and the lower layer. 
     
     
         14 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strap is a single, continuous strip of material. 
     
     
         15 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a plurality of individual strips connected between the upper and lower layers. 
     
     
         16 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an angle measured between a portion of the strap forming a contact portion connected to the upper layer and a segment of the strap extending from the contact portion to the lower layer is between 91 and 167 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The inflatable device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an angle measured between a portion of the strap forming a contact portion connected to the lower layer and a segment of the strap extending from the contact portion to the upper layer is between 91 and 167 degrees.