Abstract
The device comprises a combination of an inflatable air cushion member of a flexible but non-stretchable air tight sheet material and a support block. The inflatable air cushion member is formed as a bag unit comprising opposite layers of said sheet material provided face to face and joined along an edge area to form a double layer edge.
Claims
1-36. (canceled)
37. A device for positioning an object relatively to a support, the device comprising at least one inflatable air cushion member of a flexible but non-stretchable air tight sheet material in hose-connection with an inflation tool; wherein the cushion member is formed as a bag unit comprising a first sheet material and a second sheet material provided face to face and joined along an edge region to form a double layer edge; wherein the bag unit is flat in deflated condition and attains a rounded shape in inflated condition, wherein the device further comprises a support block that has an upper hollow in the form of a cavity, the cavity partly accommodating the cushion member, so that a part of a lower half of the cushion member is contained in the hollow and supported when the cushion member is inflated.
38. A device according to claim 37, wherein the cushion member in deflated condition is rectangular with en edge length of 12-19 cm; and wherein the double-foil has a thickness of less than 2 mm, wherein the sheet material of the cushion is a polymer foil reinforced by fibers.
39. A device according to claim 38, wherein the air cushion member comprises a folded rectangular piece of a sheet material such that a fold constitutes one edge of the rectangle and the remaining edge region constitutes three other edges of the rectangle that are welded or glued together, wherein at the fold, there is provided a foot piece of an outwardly protruding bendable connector piece connected to the inflation tool, which is a balloon configured for manual operation by squeezing of the balloon by hand and comprising an intake check valve, wherein a deflation valve is provided at the balloon with an actuator button for deflation of the cushion member.
40. A device according to claim 37, wherein the first sheet material comprises a first outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on a first side of the cushion member and the second sheet material comprises a second outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on an opposite side of the cushion member, wherein the first outer sheet layer has a higher friction when measured against glass than the second outer sheet layer.
41. A device according to claim 38, wherein the first sheet material comprises a first outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on a first side of the cushion member and the second sheet material comprises a second outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on an opposite side of the cushion member, wherein the first outer sheet layer has a higher friction when measured against glass than the second outer sheet layer.
42. A device according to claim 39, wherein the first sheet material comprises a first outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on a first side of the cushion member and the second sheet material comprises a second outer sheet layer, which is outwards directed, on an opposite side of the cushion member, wherein the first outer sheet layer has a higher friction when measured against glass than the second outer sheet layer.
43. A device according to claim 40, wherein the first outer sheet layer is a polymer film layer and the second outer sheet layer is a smooth fabric layer.
44. A device according to claim 40, wherein the first outer sheet layer is a polymer film layer with a knobbed or corrugated surface.
45. A device according to claim 40, wherein the second sheet material comprises a smooth fabric that is covered with an air tight polymer film layer on only one side of the fabric, and the polymer film layer is facing inwards towards an air volume inside the air cushion member, whereas the smooth fabric layer is facing outwards in order to yield a low friction surface on the second outer sheet layer on one side of the cushion member.
46. A device according to claim 37, the device comprising a support block in combination with a rigid plate and the cushion member between the support black and the rigid plate, the rigid plate comprising perpendicularly extending pins, and the support block being provided with guiding holes for accommodating the guiding pins for securing the rigid plate from sliding off the support block.
47. A device according to claim 46, wherein the guiding pins extend through holes in edge regions of the cushion member for securing the cushion member from sliding off the support block.
48. A device according to claim 37, wherein the support block comprises a fabric or Velcro™ surface on its underside for easy sliding on a smooth support or a polished polymer surface on its underside for easy sliding on a carpet.
49. A device according to claim 37, wherein the support block comprises continuous tracks, rollers, or wheels, for example swivel wheels, for easy maneuvering.
50. A device according to claim 37, further comprising a plurality of support plates, and the support block being provided on top of the plurality of support plates in stacked condition; wherein the support plates are provided with high—friction surfaces, selected among rubber surfaces and surfaces with cooperating protrusions and indentations, for preventing sliding relatively to each other.
51. A device according to claim 50, wherein the plurality of stacked support plates comprises a lowest plate that has a lower friction on an underside than on an upper side when measured against glass.
Description
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0086] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where
[0087] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art air cushion member to be employed is a system according to the invention, where FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing, and FIG. 1B illustrates three situations, non-inflated, normal inflated, high pressure inflated;
[0088] FIG. 2 illustrates different component of a device with an air cushion member;
[0089] FIG. 3A illustrates various components for an air cushion member system, and FIG. 3B illustrates a stack of the cushion members;
[0090] FIG. 4A illustrates a stack of cushion members bound together with wires or binder strips in a moderately inflated condition; FIG. 4B illustrates a stack of cushion members bound together with wires or binder strips in a fully inflated condition;
[0091] FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of cushion members with holes along the edge region for binding a stack together; FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of cushion members bound together with wires or binder strips;
[0092] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of cushion members with Velcro™ tabs for safe stacking; FIG. 6B illustrates a stack of such cushion members in end view; FIG. 6C illustrates a stack of such cushion members in side view moderately inflated; FIG. 6D illustrates a stack of such cushion members in side view fully inflated;
[0093] FIG. 7A illustrates a cushion member with a high friction surface on one side; FIG. 7B illustrates a cushion member with a low friction surface on one side; FIG. 7C is a cross sectional principle sketch;
[0094] FIG. 8A illustrates an air cushion member on a support block; FIG. 8B illustrates an air cushion member with height adjusting support plates; FIG. 8C illustrates an air cushion member with wheels, FIG. 8D illustrates an air cushion member with cylindrical rollers in side view; FIG. 8E illustrates an air cushion member with cylindrical rollers in perspective bottom view; FIG. 8F illustrates an air cushion member with ball rollers in side view; FIG. 8G illustrates an air cushion member with ball rollers in bottom view; FIG. 8H illustrates an air cushion member with a continuous track on rollers; FIG. 8I illustrates an air cushion member with a continuous track on rollers, the track having soft lamella, FIG. 8J illustrates an air cushion member a support block with rollers and a flat hollow for the air cushion member;
[0095] FIG. 9A illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown a) with a cut-out;
[0096] FIG. 9B illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a smooth surface; FIG. 9C illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a corrugated surface; FIG. 9D illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown in enlarged view with a corrugated surface (not to scale); FIG. 9E illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a fabric or Velcro® surface for easy sliding on a smooth support; FIG. 9F illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a functional surface that is heat resistant and/or fire retardant; FIG. 9G illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with diagonal elongate, protruding profiles; FIG. 9H illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with elongate, protruding profiles in longitudinal direction; FIG. 9I illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a surface comprising a magnet or with a functional magnetic surface; FIG. 9J illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a suction cup; FIG. 9K illustrates a cushion member with a sleeve, where the sleeve is shown with a functional surface comprising a synthetic dry adhesive;
[0097] FIG. 10A illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises a resiliently elastic belt; FIG. 10B illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises elastic bellows; FIG. 10C illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises a plate comprising a fabric or Velcro™ surface for easy sliding on a smooth support; FIG. 10D illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises diagonal elongate, protruding profiles; FIG. 10E illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises elongate, protruding profiles in longitudinal direction; FIG. 10F illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises a surface comprising magnets or with a functional magnetic surface; FIG. 10G illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises suction cups; FIG. 10H illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises a functional surface comprising a synthetic dry adhesive; FIG. 10I illustrates a cushion member inside a pouch with two rigid plates connected by an elastic belt along the periphery, where the pouch along its circumference comprises indentations for ease of stacking when used in combination with cooperating pins;
[0098] FIG. 11A illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, where the rigid plate has a functional surface; FIG. 11B illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, where the functional surface comprises a fabric or Velcro™ layer for easy sliding on a smooth support; FIG. 11C illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, with diagonal elongate, protruding profiles; FIG. 11D illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, with elongate, protruding profiles in longitudinal direction; FIG. 11E illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, with a surface comprising magnets or with a functional magnetic surface; FIG. 11F illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, with suction cups; FIG. 11G illustrates a pouch with only one rigid plate and an opposite flexible sleeve side, with a with indentations for ease of stacking;
[0099] FIG. 12A shows a support block with a rigid plate guided by cooperating guiding pins and holes, illustrating the collapsed state; FIG. 12B shows a support block with a rigid plate guided by cooperating guiding pins and holes, illustrating the state where an air cushion is inserted; FIG. 12C shows a support block with a rigid plate guided by cooperating guiding pins and holes, illustrating an alternative embodiment with a hollow for securing the sleeve; FIG. 12D shows a support block with a rigid plate guided by cooperating guiding pins and holes, illustrating an embodiment comprising wheels; FIG. 12E shows a support block with a rigid plate guided by cooperating guiding pins and holes, illustrating a flat version with a hollow;
[0100] FIG. 13 illustrates a cushion member with a small battery driven pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION/PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0101] In the following, identical elements or corresponding elements are carrying the same signs of reference, and no repeated descriptive explanation is given below for each single element within the different figures which belong to the drawing.
[0102] FIG. 1a illustrates a prior art inflatable air cushion member 6 that is also useful as part of the system as described herein, especially when modified as compared to the prior art cushion members. As illustrates in FIG. 1a, the cushion member 6 is a flat bag unit with two layers of a tough and flexible but not readily stretchable material placed face to face and joined along an edge region 4, for example by a welding 22, optionally ultrasonic welding. In the shown embodiment, the air cushion member 6 comprises a folded rectangular piece of a sheet material 1 such that a fold 24 constitutes one edge of the rectangle and the remaining edge region 4 constitutes three other edges of the rectangle. At the fold 24, there is provided a foot piece of an outwardly protruding bendable connector piece 10 for connection to an inflation balloon 12 comprising an intake valve 14. The balloon 12 is manually operated by squeezing of the balloon 12 by hand, which causes the intake valve to close. At the balloon 12, a deflation valve 16 is provided with an actuator button 18 for deflation of the cushion member. At a corner portion of the edge region 4 a hole 20 is provided. The connector piece 10 may, optionally, protrude while forming an acute angle with the folding edge at 24, so that the balloon 12 is inclined relatively to the air cushion member 6.
[0103] FIG. 1B shows three inflation situations of a corresponding product, non-inflated, normally inflated and high pressure inflate.
[0104] FIG. 2 illustrates components for a system with an air cushion member 6. The cushion member 6 comprises a connector piece 10 with a quick-lock coupling element 26. A balloon 12 is provided for manual pumping and comprises a valve 16 in connection with a long hose 11. The long hose 11 may be shortened as needed. Optionally, with the valve 16, a hose quick lock coupling element 28 is provided for connection with the long hose 11. Optionally, between the hose 11 and the hose quick lock coupling element 26, a check valve 30 is provided which may be connected to the hose quick lock coupling element 26.
[0105] In FIG. 3a, multiple air cushion members 6 are illustrated as part of a system with various other optional components for connection to various types of pumps, including a manual operated balloon 12, a foot pump with a bellows 38, or an electrical air pump 40. The components are illustrative for mutual connection, however, a selection of the components can also be taken as needed for a cushion member system. In addition, the number of cushion members 6 can be varied, as the number of three cushion members 6 is only an example. If multiple cushion members 6 are connected to a single one of these pumps 12, 38, 40, instead of having one pump for each cushion member 6, a manifold 32 is advantageously used with a single connector 36 to a pump 12, 38, 40 and multiple exits connectors 34, one for each connected cushion member 6. The manifold 32 may be embodied as a 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or 6:1 manifold or may even connect more cushion members to a single pump. In the drawing, without limitation to the number of connectable cushion members, manifolds for 3:1 and 2:1 connections are illustrated. The manifold 32 is provided with output connector pieces 34 which may be provided with hose quick lock coupling elements. The manifold comprises furthermore a hose connector piece 36 for the connection to hoses 11, which either can be connected to a balloon 12, or to a foot pump 38 or to an electric driven air pump 40.
[0106] It is also possible to use a T-piece instead of the two-channel manifold. A further alternative comprises a regulator instead of the manifold where the regulator is connected to a single pump, typically electrical pump 40, and configured for sequential filling of the connected cushion members 6, for example one after the other. The regulator optionally also comprises a valve system to empty the cushion members simultaneously or according to a predetermined deflation sequence, for example one after the other.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the cushion members 6 are provided with holes 2 in the edge region in order to bind multiple cushion members 6 together when stacked, for example with wires, clamps, or plastic strips, such as self-locking plastic strips. As the holes 2 are provided in the corners as well as on the edges, the cushion members can be bound together in various ways.
[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 3a, only three edges are provided with holes 2, because the cushion member 6 is provided as a bag unit by folding a sheet, as described above. However, it is also possible to weld or glue the sheets along all four edges, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7a. Holes are potentially provided at the corners, as shown in FIG. 7a; or only remotely from the corners; or at the corners as well as on the edges remotely from the corners, as illustrated in FIG. 3a.
[0109] FIG. 3b illustrates a stack 3 with three cushion members 6, for example of the type as illustrated in FIG. 3a. In order for the cushion members 6 not to slide relatively to each other when stacked, various methods can be employed, as will be explained in further detail in the following. For example, the cushion members 6 are, provided with a high-friction surface 7, optionally a rubber surface, which makes them easily stackable with reduced risk for skidding.
[0110] FIG. 4a illustrates a stack of cushion members 6 that are bound together by coupling elements 9, for example wires, clamps, or strips, such as self-locking strips, extending through holes 2 in the edge region or in the corners for assembly and fixation of the stack. They are bound together at that edge or fold where also the connector piece 10 is provided or at the corresponding corner or corners of this edge or fold. They are also bound together at the opposite edge or corners. FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the stack with different degrees of inflation of the cushion members 6. For example, the cushion members are of the type as illustrated in FIG. 3a or of the type as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively, as an option, the cushion members 6 in the stack are connected by telescopic rods extending through the holes 2.
[0111] An alternative cushion member is illustrated in FIG. 5a with elongate holes 2′ in the edge region other than the fold where the connector piece is provided. Such type of cushion member 6 would be bound with coupling elements through the holes 2′ at those edges that are to the right and left of the connector piece 10. A stack of such cushion members is shown in FIG. 5b in an end view, which is from a side opposite to that edge or fold from which the connector piece 10 extends.
[0112] FIG. 6a illustrates a Velcro™ pad 8 on the flat sheet that constitutes one side of the cushion member 6. For example, the Velcro™ pad 8 is glued onto the sheet surface. In case that two cushion members 6 are provided with cooperating Velcro™ pads, one being provided with tiny loops and glued onto one cushion member 6 and the other Velcro™ pad with tiny hooks and glued onto another cushion member, the two pads can be brought in contact and cooperation between the hooks and loops, by which the two cushion members 6 are securely fastened to each other in a stack. Correspondingly, plural cushion members 6 can be provided in such stack, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, which is an end view, which means that the stack is seen from that side that is opposite to that edge or fold from which the connector piece 10 extends. FIGS. 6c and 6d illustrate a cushion member 6 stack in side view with different degrees of inflation.
[0113] FIG. 7a illustrates a cushion member with a high-friction surface. For example, polymer film sheet surface on one side, optionally a natural rubber surface or a synthetic rubber surface.
[0114] Some types of rubber exhibit an almost sticky surface towards glass and other smooth surfaces, thus having a high friction. Optionally, the polymer film sheet surface is rough or textured, for example with a corrugated surface. In some embodiments the surface comprises ridges and grooves across the sheet material. Such high friction surface is especially useful for smooth objects that are lifted, for example glass elements, such as doors, windows or mirrors.
[0115] However, they are also useful in connection with lifting of furniture, household appliances, or cabinets, especially kitchen elements.
[0116] FIG. 7b illustrates the cushion member with a low-friction surface. An example is a smooth fabric, for example nylon fabric, optionally made of ballistic nylon yarn. Such smooth low friction surface for the cushion member is useful in situations where it is inserted into tight slits, where a sticky or rough surface of the cushion member would prevent insertion or at least make it difficult for the user. A smooth low friction sheet material is also useful for sliding of the cushion member over a surface, for example when lifted objects are dragged over a floor to a different location while being supported by one or more cushion members.
[0117] FIG. 7c illustrates two sheets 1, 1′ which are to be joined along the edge region 4 in order to seal an inner volume 46 in between the sheets and form a cushion member of the type as in FIG. 7a or 7b. The first sheet material 1 is a laminate of a reinforcing fabric 45, for example nylon or polyethylene, and two layers of polymer film 44 sandwiching the reinforcing fabric 45 and providing air tightness. The second sheet material 1′ is a laminate of a smooth reinforcing fabric 45 and a single layer of polymer film on only one side of the fabric. In the shown example in FIG. 7c, the upper layer of sheet material 1 comprises a polymer film 44 outwards. The other layer of sheet material 1′ is oriented with the smooth fabric 45 outwards and the polymer film 44 inwards. Such a cushion member has one outer side with a smooth fabric 45 and one outer side with a polymer film 44 outwards. Whereas the smooth fabric 45 has a low friction, the polymer film 44 can be made of a high friction material, for example rubber. The user may then select the most appropriate side upwards and downwards, for example the polymer film 44 upwards and the smooth low-friction reinforcing fabrics 45 downwards in order to safeguard that the object for lifting is not sliding relatively to the cushion member and that the cushion member can easily slide across the floor. In this example, the drawings in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7c illustrate the two sides of the cushion member of FIG. 7c. Alternatively, the upper layer can also be provided as a two-layer laminate with only one layer of polymer film, which is then on the outer side of the upper sheet material. The polymer film can be provided with surface textures, such as knobs or corrugations as well. These principles of sheets can be used for sleeves, likewise.
[0118] The term low-friction versus high-friction is used herein as a friction of the surface of the sheet material against a smooth, hard surface, for example glass or ceramic tiles. The high-friction describes a friction with is higher than the low-friction. For example, if the cushion member is placed on a glass plate with the low friction surface against the glass surface and without additional weight on the cushion member, the cushion member is easily sliding over a glass plate, for example when giving the cushion member a short push onto its side. Even at a moderate manual push, the cushion can slide after the push for some time and some distance for example more than 50 cm from the position where the push was applied. In contrast thereto, if a cushion member is provided with a high-friction surface and is placed on such glass plate, a lateral push would not make the cushion slide correspondingly over the glass plate. Typically, the cushion member would stop and rest immediately after the push ends.
[0119] For the cushion member, various possibilities exist with respect to its surface in relation to smooth or rough, low-friction or high-friction. For example, both sides can be smooth, both sides rough, knobbed or corrugated or one side is smooth and one side rough, knobbed or corrugated in order to provide correspondingly low-friction or high-friction sides.
[0120] For example, a cushion member made with one rough or knobbed or corrugated, and one low-friction smooth side is very useful when lifting objects and dragging them on a surface. The high-friction side against an object assist in secure lifting of the object, for example furniture, glass elements, household appliances, or cabinets, with reduced risk for the object sliding down from the cushion member. The low friction side allows easy sliding of the cushion member on the support surface, such as a floor, while supporting the object that is pushed or dragged. The smooth sheet material allows sliding not only on smooth support surfaces, such as tile floors or wooden floors, but also on carpets.
[0121] FIG. 8a illustrates a further principle for lifting cushion members 6 in order to adjust the lifting level. In this embodiment, a support block 13 is provided underneath the cushion member 6. The support block 13 is provided with a hollow 15 inside which a cushion member 6 is accommodated when inflated or partially inflated. The hollow 15 provides a secure positioning of the cushion member 6 and prevents the cushion member 6 to slide sideways away from the block 13, especially when inflated and under pressure from a lifted object. A high friction surface towards the hollow 15 even decreases the risk for sliding out of the hollow 15. On the other hand, a high friction surface towards the object to lift safeguards that the cushion member 6 is not accidentally sliding away from the object. For example, the cushion member 6 comprises an outer sheet layer with a knobbed or corrugated surface, and this layer is oriented upwards in order to abut the object when lifting.
[0122] Optionally and as illustrated in FIG. 8b, in order to adjust the height, a plurality of extension plates 17 are provided along with the support block 13, the number of which is freely selectable in order to adjust the total height to a suitable level. Advantageously, the support plates 17, and optionally also the support black 13, are provided with a high-friction surface or alternatively with cooperating protrusions and indentations such that a mutual skidding among the plurality of support plates 17 is prevented. When such combination of cushion member 6 and support block 13 is used for lifting an object, for example a kitchen element, wardrobe, or other type of furniture, easy repositioning or moving is accomplished if the support block 13 is provided with an underside having a very low friction or with wheels 19, as illustrated in FIG. 8c. Alternatively, the lowest one of the support plates 17 is provided with wheels.
[0123] Typically, the extension plates 17 would be rigid, for example solid. However, elastic rubber slabs or even height-adjustable extension plates, for example by inflation, are also possible.
[0124] It is common for movers to use sleds with wheels when moving heavy furniture over shorter or longer distances. The supports block 13 with wheels 19 allows movers to lift objects to a higher point assisting quick and easy lifting and subsequent moving of the objects with lowered injury risk for the lifting person.
[0125] As alternatives to wheels, a variety of options exist for modification of the support block 13. For example, it comprises a plurality of cylindrical rollers 19′ with parallel axes, as shown in FIG. 8d in side view and in FIG. 8e in perspective bottom view. Another example is ball rollers as illustrated in FIG. 8f in side view and in FIG. 8g in bottom view, where solid balls 19″ are provided in corresponding ball bearings 43 such that less than half of the ball is 19″ extending out of the bearing for rolling onto a ground support, while the remaining part of the ball 19″ is maintained in the bearing 43. As the bearing 43 embraces more than half of the ball 19′, it fixes the ball 19″ inside the bearing 43 but lets it rotate freely. One of two continuous tracks 41 on rollers is illustrated in FIG. 8h, by which the support block 13 can move on the grounds like a tank, being less dependent on smoothness of the ground. Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8i, the continuous tracks 41 on the rollers 19′″ are provided with soft lamella 42, for example rubber lamella. FIG. 8j discloses a support block with rollers 19 and a flat hollow 15 for the air cushion member 6.
[0126] In an advanced embodiment, the rollers or continuous track are electrically driven, for example by a wired or wireless remote controlled motor 55.
[0127] Instead of providing the cushion member 6 with a high-friction or low-friction surface, as explained in connection with FIG. 7, a different solution is found in the following.
[0128] FIG. 9a illustrates a cushion member 6 and a sleeve 21 with an opening 27 for insertion of a cushion member 6 into a cavity inside the sleeve 21. Optionally, the sleeve 21 has a cut-out 23 for accommodating the connector piece 10. For example, such sleeve 21 is provided with a surface material that deviates from the surface material of the cushion member 6, which allows for adaptation to the desired surface characteristics of such cushion member 6.
[0129] For example, a plurality of sleeves 21 with mutually different surfaces and different surface friction combinations are provided in order to select the most useful sleeve 21 for a given purpose, while using a single type of cushion member 6. This has the advantage of supplemental sale and improvement of versatility of already existing cushion members 6, especially for a user who already has purchased air cushion members 6 and has a need for extending the versatility thereof without the need of exchanging the air cushion member 6 itself. Especially, it is pointed out that the production costs and sale price for the sleeves 21 are, typically, lower than for an air cushion member in that no pump 12 and valve arrangement 16 is needed.
[0130] FIG. 9b illustrates an embodiment of such sleeve 21 comprising a first flexible sheet 21a forming a first sleeve side with a smooth outer surface 29a, for example with a low-friction, easy-to-slide surface material. FIG. 9c illustrates an embodiment of such sleeve 21 with a second flexible sheet 21b forming a second sleeve side having a high-friction anti-skid material, for example a corrugated outer surface 29b of a flexible material, optionally natural or synthetic rubber material. FIG. 9d illustrates the corrugated surface 29b in greater detail.
[0131] As for the cushion member 6, various possibilities exist with respect to the surface of the sleeve 21 in relation to smooth or rough, low-friction or high-friction. For example, both sides can be smooth, both sides rough or knobbed or corrugated or one side is smooth and one side rough or knobbed or corrugated in order to provide correspondingly low-friction or high-friction sides. The examples and arguments for insertion into narrow slits, for lifting objects and for dragging and sliding apply in this case equally well as explained in connection with the various surfaces of the cushion member itself.
[0132] For example, using a cushion member 6 or a sleeve 21 with a knobbed or corrugated surface on both sides, such as continuous grooves across the element, is useful for lifting, positioning and leveling thin elements such as glass elements, glass panes, on top of it without risking these thin elements from sliding off the cushion member or this cushion member to move unintentionally over the support surface and cause damage.
[0133] It should also be mentioned that the combination of a smooth side and a rough or knobbed or corrugated high-friction side is useful when stacking several cushion members, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3b. This is not only valid when the cushion member 6 itself is provided with a low-friction and a high-friction side but also when sleeves 21 are used. In this case, the coupling elements 9 or the Velcro™ pads 8 are not strictly necessary.
[0134] Various examples of sleeves are illustrated in FIG. 9e through 9k. FIG. 9e illustrates a sleeve with a functional surface 29c that comprises a fabric or Velcro™ surface on at least one side 21c of the sleeve for easy sliding on a smooth support. FIG. 9f illustrates a functional surface that 29c that is heat resistant and/or fire retardant on at least one side 21c of the sleeve for use in environments where heat, open fire or welding is present. FIGS. 9g and 9h illustrate a sleeve with at least one side 21c comprising elongate, protruding profiles 48 in diagonal or longitudinal direction, respectively. Such elongate protruding profiles also optionally function as stiffeners. For example, the elongate, protruding profiles 48 are made of stiff but flexible rubber, plastic or metal. These elongate, protruding profiles also provide a frictional corrugated surface against skidding. Especially, such elongate, protruding profiles function as locking profiles so that edges of lifted elements, for example furniture, doors or windows during mounting or transport do not slide off the surface. FIG. 9i illustrates a surface 21c comprising a magnet 49 or being provided with a functional magnetic surface 49′ for fastening to metal surfaces, especially surfaces containing iron, or on magnetic surfaces. FIG. 9j illustrates a surface 21c with a suction cup 50.
[0135] Alternatively, especially for high friction against glass, at least one of the surfaces is provided with a synthetic dry adhesive polymer 51, as illustrated in FIG. 9k. Such adhesives are known from nature to mimic the feet of geckos, seeing that geckoes can crawl along vertical walls as well as upside down on ceilings. Examples of dry adhesives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,362 and German patent application DE201510101290. Micro-structured dry adhesives are generally described and discussed in US2008/169003, US2014272272, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,882,996, referring to electrostatic and Van der Waals forces. In US2014272272, it is explained with reference to gecko feet that dry adhesives commonly use asymmetric micro-structured hairs that create a high area of contact when loaded in a preferred direction. When the load is reversed, the adhesives release from the surface with near zero force. Correspondingly, such functional surface, when flat against a support is solidly secured to the support against sliding but can easily be removed from the support by lifting the sleeve off the surface, starting with one corner or edge and dragging the remaining part of the sleeve 21 along.
[0136] In order to improve the height adjustment or width adjustment when using a cushion member or a stack of cushion members, a practical solution has been found, as illustrated in FIG. 10a, in providing a pouch 5 with two flat, rigid plates 47a, 47b connected by an elastic belt 31 along the circumference. The elastic belt 31 can be smooth and resilient, as illustrated in FIG. 10a, or alternatively, an elastic zig-zag belt 31′, like a bellows, as illustrated in FIG. 10b. When one or more cushion members 6 are inserted into a cavity of such pouch 5, inflation of the cushion member 6 or members will cause the two rigid plates 47a, 47b being pressed apart, which increases the distance between the two rigid plates 47a, 47b. The expansion by the two rigid 47a, 47b plates being pressed apart is indicated by arrow 33. Such a system is especially useful for lifting and generally pressing apart objects with irregular surface. Whereas a cushion member 6 would potentially adjust to the irregular surface or even get punctured and not perform the necessary lifting or pushing action, the rigid plates 47a, 47b result in a stiff interface with well-defined distance over a relatively large surface, why such pouch 5 improves the action of increased height adjustment as compared to a flexible cushion member 6 in case of irregular surfaces.
[0137] Similarly as explained in relation to FIG. 9, the surface of at least one of the rigid plates 47a, 47b of the pouch 5 can be provided with various functional surfaces 29c and with special characteristic features, such as [0156] a fabric or Velcro™ surface for easy sliding on a smooth support, see FIG. 10c; [0157] elongate, protruding profiles 48 in diagonal or longitudinal direction, see FIG. 10d and FIG. 10e; [0158] magnets 49 or a functional magnetic surface 49′, see FIG. 10f; [0159] suction cups 50, see FIG. 10g; [0160] a synthetic dry adhesive polymer 51′, see FIG. 10h; [0161] indentations or holes 53 for securely stacking to another pouch 5 or distance plate which has cooperating pins fitting into the indentations or holes 53; see FIG. 10i; the pouch optionally comprising wheels 19.
[0138] In order to improve the height adjustment or width adjustment when using a cushion member or a stack of cushion members 6, an alternative practical solution has been found, as illustrated in FIG. 11a, in providing a pouch 5 formed by one rigid plate 47a with an edge region to which a flexible sheet material 21b is fastened. The flexible sheet 21b is extending from edge to edge of the rigid plate 47a across the width of the rigid plate 47a so to form a cavity between the rigid plate 47a and the flexible sheet material 21b for insertion of a cushion member 6. The cushion member 6 is provided inside the cavity of the pouch 5 for by inflation of the cushion member 65 causing the rigid plate 47a and the flexible sheet 21b to be pressed away from each other for increasing the distance between the rigid plate 47a and the flexible sheet 21b.
[0139] Also, such a system is especially useful for lifting and generally pressing apart objects with irregular surface. Whereas a cushion member 6 would potentially adjust to the irregular surface or even get punctured and not perform the necessary lifting or pushing action, the rigid plate 47a results in a stiff interface with well-defined distance over a relatively large surface, why such pouch 5 improves the action of increased height adjustment as compared to a flexible cushion member 6 in case of irregular surfaces.
[0140] Similarly as explained in relation to FIG. 9, the surface of the rigid plate 47a or the flexible sheet 21b can be provided with various functional surfaces 29c, see FIG. 11a, for example with a synthetic dry adhesive polymer 51, as explained above. Other potential special characteristic surface features are [0165] a fabric or Velcro™ surface for easy sliding on a smooth support, see FIG. 11b; [0166] elongate, protruding profiles 48 in diagonal or longitudinal direction, see FIG. 11c and FIG. 11d; [0167] magnets 49 or a functional magnetic surface 49′, see FIG. 11e; [0168] suction cups 50, see FIG. 111; [0169] indentations or holes 53 for securely stacking to another pouch 5 or distance plate which has cooperating pins fitting into the indentations or holes 53;
[0141] see FIG. 11g the pouch optionally comprising wheels 19.
[0142] FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b illustrate a support block 13 with a rigid plate 47a guided by cooperating guiding pins 53 and guiding holes 54. Optionally, the guiding pins are telescopic. FIG. 12a shows the support block in a collapsed state, and FIG. 12b illustrates a state where an air cushion is inserted between the support block 13 and the rigid plate 47a. The pins 53 are optionally used to keep the air cushion member from sliding out of the support block 13. For example, the pins 53 are extending through openings 2 in the air cushion member, for example openings 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 7. This is an embodiment, in which a cushion member is secured against sliding by using the holes 2 in the edge regions or corners of the cushion member.
[0143] Alternatively, or in addition to the pins 53 extending through holes 2 of the cushion member, a hollow 15 can be provided in the support block 13. FIG. 12c illustrates an embodiment where the support block 13 comprises a hollow 15 for securing the air cushion member 6 against sliding off the support block 13. In FIG. 12d, the support block is shown with wheels 19, similarly to the embodiment in FIG. 8c. FIG. 12d illustrates an alternative with a flat support block 14 comprising wheels 19. Alternatively, ball rollers or continuous tracks, similarly to the ones illustrated in the drawings of FIG. 8d through 8i are used. The support block 13 has a flat shallow hollow for supporting and securing the air cushion member 6. Also, in this case, the pins are optionally used for extending through holes 2 in the cushion member.
[0144] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative air pump 39 connected via a hose 11 to the cushion member 6. The air pump 39 is provided with an inflation button and a deflation button, illustrated by a plus sign and a minus sign. The pump 39 is small and battery-powered. The pump can provide a pressure of up to 2 bars, optionally 3 bars, which is far above the power that a typically human can press into the cushion member 6 with a simple balloon 12 as illustrated above, where the typical pressure is rather between 0.8 bar and 1.2 bar, and only up to 1.6 bar for strong users. Also, it eases operation for a user if multiple inflation-deflation sequences are necessary, especially for windows installer or furniture movers. Also, such pump 39 eases precise adjustment/levelling. As seen, the dimensions of the pump 39 are smaller than the width of the cushion member, which is typically 10-20 cm, and within a circumscribed circle of 30 cm.
NUMBER LIST
[0145] 1 first sheet material of cushion member 6 [0146] 1′ second sheet material [0147] 2 holes in edge region 4 [0148] 2′ elongate holes [0149] 3 stack of air cushion members [0150] 4 edge region of cushion member 6 [0151] 5 pouch [0152] 6 inflatable air cushion member [0153] 7 friction rubber surface [0154] 8 Velcro™ pad [0155] 9 coupling element through 2 holes in edge region [0156] 10 connector piece [0157] 11 long hose [0158] 12 balloon [0159] 13 support block [0160] 14 intake valve of balloon 12 [0161] 15 hollow in support block 13 [0162] 16 deflation valve [0163] 17 height extension plates [0164] 18 actuator button for deflation [0165] 19 wheels for support block 13 [0166] 19′ cylindrical rollers in support block 13 [0167] 19″ ball rollers in support block 13 [0168] 19′″ rollers for a continuous track [0169] 20 corner hole [0170] 21 sleeve [0171] 21a first flexible sheet material [0172] 21b second flexible sheet material [0173] 21c sleeve side with functional surface 29c [0174] 22 welding [0175] 23 cutout of sleeve 21 [0176] 24 fold of air cushion [0177] 26 quick lock coupling element at cushion member [0178] 27 sleeve insert opening [0179] 28 coupling element as balloon [0180] 29a smooth surface on first flexible sheet material 21a of sleeve 21 [0181] 29b corrugated surface on second flexible sheet material 21b of sleeve 21 [0182] 29c functional surface [0183] 30 check valve [0184] 31 flexible belt [0185] 31′ flexible bellows belt [0186] 32 manifold [0187] 33 arrow indicating expansion of belt 31 [0188] 34 output connector piece of manifold 32 [0189] 36 hose connecting connector piece [0190] 38 foot pump [0191] 39 hand-held air pump [0192] 40 air pump [0193] 41 continuous track on rollers 19′″ [0194] 42 soft lamella on track 41 [0195] 43 ball bearings for ball rollers 19′ [0196] 44 air tight layer of sheet material 1 [0197] 45 smooth reinforcing fabric of sheet material 1 [0198] 46 inner volume of cushion member [0199] 47a upper rigid plates of pouch 5 or block 13 [0200] 47b lower rigid plate of pouch 5 [0201] 48 elongate, protruding profiles on surface [0202] 49 magnet [0203] 49′ magnetic surface [0204] 50 suction cup [0205] 51′ dry adhesive polymer [0206] 52 indentations [0207] 53 guiding holes for pins 54 [0208] 54 pins cooperating with guiding holes 53 [0209] 55 electrical motor
