Internal tensioning structure useable with inflatable devices

Abstract

An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inflatable product having a pressurizable inflatable chamber; the product comprising:
 a first sheet;   a second sheet, the first and second sheets configured to become spaced apart to define a gap when the inflatable chamber is pressurized;   a valve in communication with the inflatable chamber to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inflatable chamber;   a plurality of first weld strips welded to the first sheet;   a plurality of second weld strips welded to the second sheet; and   a plurality of strands, each strand defining at least one V-shape having:
 a first end affixed to the first sheet, wherein the first end is captured between the first sheet positioned on one side of the first end and one of the first weld strips positioned on an opposing side of the first end; 
 a second end affixed to the first sheet; and 
 an intermediate corner positioned between the first and second ends and affixed to the second sheet, wherein the intermediate corner is captured between the second sheet positioned on one side of the intermediate corner and one of the second weld strips positioned on an opposing side of the intermediate corner. 
   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein each strand is contained within a single plane. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable product of  claim 2 , wherein the single plane is perpendicular to the first and second sheets. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein each strand is contained within a plane, and the respective planes of the plurality of strands are parallel to one another. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein both the first and second ends are captured between the first sheet positioned on one side of the first and second ends and one of the first weld strips positioned on an opposing side of the first and second ends. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein the first weld strips are vertically aligned with the second weld strips. 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of third weld strips positioned between the first sheet and the first weld strips; and   a plurality of fourth weld strips positioned between the second sheet and the second weld strips.   
     
     
         8 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein each strand defines a plurality of interconnected V-shapes, such that the second end of one V-shape corresponds to the first end of an immediately adjacent V-shape to form a corner. 
     
     
         9 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein the entire axial extent of each of the plurality of strands is spaced apart from the entire axial extent of each neighboring strand, such that the plurality of strands are evenly spaced apart. 
     
     
         10 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first end interrupts full surface-area contact between one of the plurality of first weld strips and the first sheet; and   the intermediate corner interrupts full surface-area contact between one of the plurality of second weld strips and the second sheet.   
     
     
         11 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable product is a rectangular mattress having a first side and a second side, and wherein each of the plurality of strands extends between the first and second sides of the mattress. 
     
     
         12 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable product is a mattress, the first sheet includes a sleeping surface, and the second sheet includes a ground-contacting surface. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable product of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the plurality of first weld strips are spaced apart from one another across the first sheet; and   the plurality of second weld strips are spaced apart from one another across the second sheet.   
     
     
         14 . An inflatable product having a pressurizable inflatable chamber, the product comprising:
 a first sheet;   a second sheet, the first and second sheets configured to become spaced apart to define a gap when the inflatable chamber is pressurized;   a valve in communication with the inflatable chamber to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inflatable chamber;   a plurality of strands, each strand defining a plurality of interconnected V-shapes, and each V-shape having:
 a first corner affixed to the first sheet; 
 a second corner affixed to the first sheet; and 
 an intermediate corner positioned between the first and second corners and affixed to the second sheet; 
   a first weld strip welded directly to the first sheet with the first corner positioned therebetween such that the first corner interrupts full surface-area contact between the first weld strip and the first sheet; and   a second weld strip welded directly to the second sheet with the intermediate corner positioned therebetween such that the intermediate corner interrupts full surface-area contact between the second weld strip and the second sheet.   
     
     
         15 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one reinforcement strand arranged perpendicular to the plurality of strands. 
     
     
         16 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , wherein the first sheet, second sheet, first weld strip, and second weld strip are all made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
     
     
         17 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second weld strips have thicknesses ranging from 0.15 to 1.0 millimeters. 
     
     
         18 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second weld strips have widths ranging from 1 to 100 millimeters. 
     
     
         19 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , wherein:
 at least a portion of the first weld strip lays flat on the first sheet; and   at least a portion of the second weld strip lays flat on the second sheet.   
     
     
         20 . The inflatable product of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a third weld strip welded directly to the first sheet; and   a fourth weld strip welded directly to the second sheet;   wherein a first of the plurality of strands staggers back and forth between the first and second weld strips and a second of the plurality of strands staggers back and forth between the third and fourth weld strips.