Connector

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.