How US7353555B2 And 4 Other Patents That Aim To Make Air Beds More Comfortable

Inflatable mattresses were once seen as stopgaps – fine for camping trips or the occasional guest, but rarely associated with comfort or real support. The problem was simple: they sagged, shifted, and looked temporary.

Patent US7353555B2 set out to change that. Instead of delivering a flimsy air bed, it introduces an inflatable mattress designed to mimic the structure of a pillow-top. With raised edges, internal beams, and a smoother finish, it offers a product that feels sturdier, more comfortable, and closer to a permanent bed.

It has even caught the attention of big players. This patent is currently at the center of a legal dispute between Dongguan Hongyu Plastic Co., Ltd. and Sun Pleasure Co., Ltd. But we are not diving into the litigation. We are focusing on what the technology brings to the table.

To do that, we used the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool. It helped us uncover four patents that explore similar goals: better support, firmer edges, and smarter inflatable structures.

Understanding Patent US7353555B2

US7353555B2 describes an inflatable mattress designed to go beyond basic portability. Its goal is to deliver a bed that feels closer to a traditional two-layer pillow-top.

The invention achieves this through a reinforced outer frame and built-in internal supports, which keep the mattress stable and reduce the sagging or bulging common in older designs. By combining these elements with a more polished, layered appearance, the patent outlines a mattress that looks and performs more like permanent bedding.

Source: Google Patents

Its Key Features Are

1. Secure outer frame – The top edge of the mattress has a raised border fixed by two seams.

2. Pillow-top appearance – A groove along the sides gives the mattress a layered, premium look.

3. Internal Y-shaped beams – These support structures keep the mattress from bulging when inflated.

4. Connected air chambers – All parts of the mattress are linked, so it inflates through a single valve.

The mattress includes special corner construction for added comfort and seamless edges. It also uses curved surfaces and tensioned internal walls to keep its shape. A felt-like coating may cover the top for a softer feel. These added touches aim to improve comfort, stability, and visual appeal.

This design focuses on both appearance and function. And solves common issues like sagging and wrinkling.

Similar Patents To US7353555B2

To explore the technology landscape surrounding US7353555B2, we used the Global Patent Search tool to uncover related patents. These references showcase different ways to structure air chambers, reinforce mattress edges, and simulate traditional bed designs.

1. US2003101516A1

This U.S. patent, US2003101516A1, published in 2003, introduces an inflatable bed that combines a mattress, an air box spring, and stabilizing tubes. It focuses on delivering a raised, secure, and comfortable sleeping surface that minimizes tipping and edge collapse.

Below, we have added snapshots from the GPS tool highlighting the relevant snippets from the specification for the similar patents.

What This Patent Introduces to the Landscape

1. Two-layer inflatable design: Combines a top mattress with a separate inflatable box spring underneath.
   
2. Stabilizing tubes at the base: Airtight tubes wrap around the bottom frame to prevent tipping and shifting.
   
3. Optional dual stabilizing tubes: One above and one below the base for enhanced stability and support.
   
4. Detachable mattress: Fastened with straps and hook-and-loop closures for easy assembly or removal.
   
5. I-beam retention structures: Internal beams limit expansion and absorb body weight differences.
   
6. RF-sealed construction: Uses radio frequency sealing to create strong, airtight bonds across components.
   
7. Material flexibility: Made from PVC or other flexible materials to maintain shape and durability.

How It Connects to US7353555B2

• Both designs aim to replicate the look and feel of traditional mattresses.
  
• Each patent focuses on structural stability, especially around the mattress edges.
  
• Both include internal support systems to reduce bulging and maintain surface shape.
  
• Each product uses layered components to improve user comfort and sleeping height.

Why This Matters

This patent offers a modular inflatable bed system with features focused on stability and ease of use. Like US7353555B2, it works to solve problems found in basic air mattresses, such as edge collapse and uncomfortable surfaces. The result is a more refined sleeping solution that bridges the gap between portable and permanent bedding.

2. US4991244A

This U.S. patent, US4991244A, published in 1991, introduces an inflatable bed system that combines air mattresses with a foam-based outer border. The design aims to confine the air mattresses within a firm but comfortable frame, using layered foam and secure fasteners.

What This Patent Introduces to the Landscape

1. Framed air mattress system: Two side-by-side air mattresses are enclosed in a supportive rectangular foam border.
   
2. Dual-layer foam border: Each wall of the border includes a soft upper layer and a firm lower layer.
   
3. Pressure-limiting system: Relief valves prevent over-inflation and reduce the risk of seam rupture.
   
4. Hook-and-loop fasteners: VELCRO joins the border walls, allowing quick assembly and disassembly.
   
5. Removable outer cover: A zippered and drawstring cover encloses the mattress and frame for a secure fit.
   
6. Foundation support: The structure sits on a base to raise the bed off the ground.
   
7. Flexible configurations: Designed to support one or two air mattresses within the same framed setup.
   

How It Connects to US7353555B2

• Both patents focus on border reinforcement to reduce bulging and edge collapse.
  
• Each system improves the stability and appearance of inflatable beds.
  
• Both aim to mimic the look and function of traditional mattress structures.
  
• Each design uses layered components to combine firmness with surface comfort.

Why This Matters

This patent highlights a mechanical approach to an inflatable bed structure using foam framing and fasteners. Like US7353555B2, it improves both support and aesthetics.

3. FR2542589A1

This French patent, FR2542589A1, published in 1984, introduces an inflatable structure made of flexible materials for creating mattresses and other furniture. It divides the inflatable body into sections with different air pressures to balance support and comfort.

What This Patent Introduces to the Landscape

1. Multi-pressure zones: Separate areas are inflated at low and high pressures for comfort and support.
   
2. Flexible internal spacers: Maintain the mattress shape and limit deformation under weight.
   
3. Waterproof internal fabric: Divides the inflatable zones and keeps them airtight.
   
4. Perimeter reinforcement: Uses glued strips and folded fabric for stronger edge construction.
   
5. Optional third pressure layer: Adds mid-pressure volume to enhance stability without sacrificing softness.
   
6. Rigid base option: A hard bottom layer or frame improves mattress firmness and portability.
   
7. Foldable frame panels: Panels hinge together to create a foldable, rigid base for easier transport.

How It Connects to US7353555B2

• Both patents aim to enhance structure and stability in inflatable mattresses.
  
• Each uses internal separation and support to keep the mattress evenly shaped when inflated.
  
• Both strengthen the perimeter to avoid bulging or collapse, especially under pressure.
  
• Each design simulates the layered feel of traditional mattresses using inflatable materials.

Why This Matters

This French patent explores pressure zoning and reinforced design in inflatable bedding. Like US7353555B2, it balances comfort and structure by using controlled inflation and layered construction. It also shows how inflatable products can deliver a bed-like experience without rigid materials.

4. US2004123393A1

This U.S. patent, US2004123393A1, published in 2004, introduces an inflatable bed that combines a primary mattress with a connected supporting rim. The design aims to maintain the bed’s shape and appearance under load by integrating both parts into a stable structure.

What This Patent Introduces to the Landscape

1. Two-part construction: A central primary bed is surrounded by a connected supporting rim.
   
2. Peripheral extension design: Extensions from the main bed engage tightly with the rim for support.
   
3. Stable edge structure: The rim is made of joined foil layers that limit movement and deformation.
   
4. Hollow central rim section: Maintains air volume without compromising edge firmness.
   
5. Load-distribution approach: Designed to preserve appearance and structure even when weight is applied.
   
6. Seam-secured contour: The secure outer seam reinforces the connection between the bed and the rim.

How It Connects to US7353555B2

• Both patents aim to keep inflatable beds from deforming under pressure.
  
• Each uses a reinforced border structure to enhance stability around the edges.
  
• Both focus on integrating structural elements, seams, or rims that improve comfort and appearance.
  
• Each design works to mimic a stable, uniform mattress shape even during use.

Why This Matters

This patent offers a clean solution to a common inflatable bed issue: visible sag or edge collapse. Like US7353555B2, it secures the bed’s outer structure to maintain a uniform look and feel under weight. It also adds another variation to how inflatable beds can combine form and function effectively.

Related Read: Looking at how structural design can improve support in portable furniture? Check out US9867466B2 and similar patents for a foldable chair design that uses strategic joint placement and locking mechanisms to maintain form and stability.

How to Find Similar Patents Using Global Patent Search

Understanding the inflatable mattress market means looking at more than one design. The Global Patent Search tool makes this easy. It helps uncover inventions with similar structure, function, and purpose.

1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by typing US7353555B2 into the GPS tool. You can refine your search with terms like “peripheral frame,” “inflatable support,” or “pillow-top air bed.”

Source: GPS

2. Explore technology snippets: GPS doesn’t just show legal claims. It gives short, readable excerpts that highlight design elements like edge seams, internal supports, and multi-layer builds.

3. Identify related mattress systems: The tool surfaces patents that use dual chambers, stabilizing frames, and rigid bases. Many aim to improve height, firmness, and bed-like comfort.

4. Compare design solutions, not legal terms: Instead of complex claim language, GPS focuses on how different products solve similar problems, like bulging edges, instability, or poor support.

5. Trace how mattress designs evolve: Whether you are designing new beds or studying existing ones, GPS shows how the ideas develop. You will see common features like reinforced corners, integrated seams, and smooth sleeping surfaces.

Related Read: Explore the Best AI Patent Search Tools of 2025 to see how smart search platforms like GPS help uncover similar inventions, analyze structural designs, and speed up innovation research.

With Global Patent Search, exploring similar inventions is quicker, simpler, and more insightful. Whether you are building new products or evaluating existing ones, GPS helps connect the dots. It reveals design patterns, highlights product trends, and supports more confident innovation and IP strategy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.