Expandable Structure

Abstract

An expandable structure ( 10 ) having a first chamber ( 12 ) and a second chamber ( 52 ). Each chamber has an upper layer ( 14,54 ), a lower layer ( 16,56 ), a right edge ( 18,58 ), a left edge ( 22,62 ), an upper edge ( 26,66 ) and a lower edge ( 30,68 ). The first chamber ( 12 ) is integrally attached to the second chamber ( 52 ), with the first chamber's lower edge ( 30 ) attached to the second chamber's upper edge ( 66 ). Separating the first chamber ( 12 ) from the second chamber ( 52 ) is a transverse seal ( 86 ). Located on the upper or lower layer of the first or second chamber ( 12,52 ) is at least one valve ( 76 ) that allows a fluid to be inserted into the chambers. Side conduits ( 88 ) can be added at each end of the transverse seal ( 86 ) to allow the fluid to pass from the first chamber ( 12 ) to the second chamber ( 52 ).

1 . An expandable structure comprising a first chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, and a second chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are integrally attached, with said first chamber's lower edge attached to said second chamber's upper edge, wherein located on the upper layer or lower layer of said first chamber or said second chamber is at least one valve that allows a fluid to be inserted into said first chamber and said second chamber. 
     
     
         2 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 1  wherein the upper layers and lower layers of said first chamber and said second chamber are attached together by an attachment means selected from the group consisting of a heat seal, stitching, and an adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 1  wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are made of a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, neoprene, polyester, polypropylene and polyurethane. 
     
     
         4 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 1  wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are filled with a material selected from the group consisting of air, foam, gel, a multiplicity of solid objects or a multiplicity of hollow objects. 
     
     
         5 . An expandable structure comprising:
 a) a first chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge having an inward curve, a left edge having an inward curve, an upper edge having an inward curve, a lower edge and a perimeter seam, wherein said upper layer is dimensioned the same as and is attached to said lower layer by an attachment means,   b) a second chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge having an inward curve, a left edge having an inward curve, an upper edge, a lower edge, and a perimeter seam, wherein said upper layer is dimensioned the same as and is attached to said lower layer by an attachment means, and wherein said first chamber is integrally attached to said second chamber,   c) at least one valve that is located on the upper layer or the lower layer of said first chamber, or the upper layer or the lower layer of said second chamber, wherein the valve allows fluid to be inserted into said first chamber and said second chamber to fill said structure, and allows the fluid to be released from said first chamber and said second chamber to empty said structure, and   d) a transverse seal that is located between said first chamber and said second chamber wherein said transverse seal extends laterally along and interfaces with the lower edge of said first chamber and the upper edge of said second chamber, and wherein the transverse seal separates said first chamber from said second chamber.   
     
     
         6 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 1  wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are made of a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, neoprene, polyester, polypropylene and polyurethane. 
     
     
         7 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are made of a resilient material that allows said structure to expand to a size that is larger than said structure size prior to having a fluid inserted. 
     
     
         8 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  wherein said at least one valve is designed and dimensioned to allow the fluid to be inserted into said first chamber and said second chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising at least one conduit through the transverse seal, wherein the conduit allows the fluid to pass back and forth from said first chamber to said second chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are filled with a material selected from the group consisting of air, foam, gel, a multiplicity of solid objects or a multiplicity of hollow objects. 
     
     
         11 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  wherein said at least one valve further comprises an adapter that is attached to said valve to facilitate the insertion of air into said first chamber and said second chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  wherein the upper layers and lower layers of said first chamber and said second chamber are attached together by the attachment means that are selected from the group consisting of a heat seal, stitching, and an adhesive. 
     
     
         13 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising a fitted cover having an opening which allows said expandable structure to be inserted into and removed from said cover. 
     
     
         14 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 13  wherein said fitted cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of silk, satin, nylon, cotton, and terry cloth. 
     
     
         15 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 13  wherein said opening on said fitted cover is comprised of a zipper. 
     
     
         16 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 13  wherein said opening on said fitted cover is comprised of a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising indicia that is located on said first chamber. 
     
     
         18 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising indicia that is located on said second chamber. 
     
     
         19 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising indicia that is located on said fitted cover. 
     
     
         20 . The expandable structure as specified in  claim 5  further comprising a cap that is dimensioned to fit onto and seal said at least one valve.