Patent attributes
A connector (1) connects an air-inflatable mattress (4) which alternately inflatable cells (11, 12) to a pump. Air-supply lines (13, 14) from the pump are attached to male parts (2) of connector (1). Air-supply lines (15, 16) from mattress (4) connect to passages (17, 18) of female parts (3) of the connector (1). When the male parts (2) and the female parts (3) are engaged, supply lines (13, 14) are in fluid communication with fluid lines (15, 16) via passages (17, 18) in the female part (3). When the male parts (2) are removed from the connector (1) to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves (7) seal the air-supply lines (13, 14) and expose a cross-connect port (8) in interconnecting the female part passages (17, 18). Thus cells (11, 12) are interconnected and the pressure is equalized throughout the mattress (4). The invention provides a self-sealing automatic transport mode connection system upon disengagement of the male parts (2) from the mattress (4), thus eliminating user error.
