Multiple chamber fluid pressurizable mattress

• US 20060174417A1
• Filed: 02/08/2005
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American National Manufacturing, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SC Plastics LLC (Mauser Packaging Solutions)
• Inventors: Feingold, Richard Alan, Elrod, Gary Michael Elrod
• Granted Patent: US 7,234,183 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 5/712
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/081 of pneumatic type
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/087 with means for connecting opposite sides, e.g. internal ties or strips
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/10 with two or more independently-fillable chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/12 with fibrous inlays, e.g. made of wool, of cotton

Abstract

The present invention comprises a fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein each chamber is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising a first covering sheet, at least two fabric layers positioned upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, a second covering sheet, a first dielectric weld forming a first and a second fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets, a second dielectric weld, forming a third fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and at least one fluid valve carried by at least one covering sheet for permitting the pressurization and depressurization of at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

Claims

1. A fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein each chamber is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising:

a first fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

at least two fabric layers positioned upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet, the fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying an fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon coating, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet;

a second fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second covering sheet positioned onto the first covering sheet and the fabric layers, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets contact;

a first dielectric weld, welding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets to the outer surfaces of the fabric layers forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

a second dielectric weld, welding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

at least one fluid valve carried by at least one covering sheet for permitting the pressurization and depressurization of at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

2. A fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein at least one chamber is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising:

a first fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

at least two fabric layers positioned upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet, the fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying a fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable coating, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet;

a second fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second covering sheet positioned onto the first covering sheet and the fabric layers, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets contact;

a first dielectric weld, welding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets to the outer surfaces of the fabric layers forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

a second dielectric weld, welding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

at least one fluid valve carried by at least one covering sheet for permitting the pressurization and depressurization of at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

3. A fluid pressurizable mattress capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising:

a first fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

at least two fabric layers positioned upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet, the fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying an fluid impermeable coating, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet;

a second fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second covering sheet positioned onto the first covering sheet and the fabric layers, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets contact;

a first bond, bonding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets to the outer surfaces of the fabric layers forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

a second bond, bonding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

at least one fluid valve carried by at least one covering sheet for permitting the pressurization and depressurization of at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

4. A fluid pressurizable chamber, comprising:

a first fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

at least two fabric layers positioned upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet, the fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, wherein at least one outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet;

a second fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second covering sheet positioned onto the first covering sheet and the fabric layers, wherein at least one outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets contact;

a first bond, bonding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets to the outer surfaces of the fabric layers forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

a second bond, bonding the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

at least one fluid valve carried by at least one covering sheet for permitting the pressurization and depressurization of at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

5. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet is dielectrically weldable.

6. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 5, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.

7. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

8. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carry a fluid impermeable coating.

9. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 8, wherein the fluid impermeable coating is dielectrically weldable.

10. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 9, wherein the fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable coating comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.

11. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 8, wherein the fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable coating is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

12. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 8, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet.

13. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 8, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet.

14. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the threads comprise a length from 1 to 12 inches.

15. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the threads comprise a density from 1 to 50 threads per square inch.

16. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet is dielectrically weldable.

17. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 16, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.

18. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

19. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the first bond comprises a dielectric weld.

20. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the first bond comprises an adhesive.

21. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the second bond comprises a dielectric weld.

22. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 4, wherein the second bond comprises an adhesive.

23. A method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein each chamber is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising the steps of:

providing a first fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet at least two fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying an fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon coating;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the first covering sheet inner surface;

providing a second fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable non-crystallizing hydrocarbon covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning, the second covering sheet onto the first covering sheet and fabric layers;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the second covering sheet inner surface;

placing the first and second covering sheet inner surfaces in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers;

forming a first dielectric weld, wherein the first and second covering sheets are welded to the fabric layers;

forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

forming a second dielectric weld, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers are welded;

forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

placing at least one fluid valve in at least one covering sheet for operably pressurizing and depressurizing at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

24. A method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein at least one chamber is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising the steps of:

providing a first fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet at least two fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying an fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable coating;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the first covering sheet inner surface;

providing a second fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning, the second covering sheet onto the first covering sheet and fabric layers;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the second covering sheet inner surface;

placing the first and second covering sheet inner surfaces in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers;

forming a first dielectric weld, wherein the first and second covering sheets are welded to the fabric layers;

forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

forming a second dielectric weld, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers are welded;

forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

placing at least one fluid valve in at least one covering sheet for operably pressurizing and depressurizing at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

25. A method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable mattress capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid, comprising the steps of:

providing a first fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet at least two fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads, the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carrying an fluid impermeable coating;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the first covering sheet inner surface;

providing a second fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning, the second covering sheet onto the first covering sheet and fabric layers;

placing at least one coated outer fabric surface in contact with the second covering sheet inner surface;

placing the first and second covering sheet inner surfaces in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers;

forming a first bond, wherein the first and second covering sheets are bonded to the fabric layers;

forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

forming a second bond, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers are bonded;

forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

placing at least one fluid valve in at least one covering sheet for operably pressurizing and depressurizing at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

26. A method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber, comprising the steps of:

providing a first fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning upon the inner surface of the first covering sheet at least two fabric layers having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the fabric layers being linked via a plurality of threads;

placing at least one outer fabric surface in contact with the first covering sheet inner surface;

providing a second fluid impermeable covering sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface;

positioning, the second covering sheet onto the first covering sheet and fabric layers;

placing at least one outer fabric surface in contact with the second covering sheet inner surface;

placing the first and second covering sheet inner surfaces in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers;

forming a first bond, wherein the first and second covering sheets are bonded to the fabric layers;

forming a first and a second fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers and the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets;

forming a second bond, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets in contact beyond a perimeter of the fabric layers are bonded;

forming a third fluid impermeable fluid pressurizable chamber defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second covering sheets and the inner surfaces of the fabric layers; and

placing at least one fluid valve in at least one covering sheet for operably pressurizing and depressurizing at least one fluid pressurizable chamber.

27. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet is dielectrically weldable.

28. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 27, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.

29. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the first fluid impermeable covering sheet is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

30. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the outer surfaces of the fabric layers carry an fluid impermeable coating.

33. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 30, wherein the fluid impermeable coating is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

34. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 30, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the first covering sheet.

35. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 30, wherein at least one coated outer fabric surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second covering sheet.

36. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the threads comprise a length from 1 to 60 inches.

37. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the threads comprise a density from 1 to 50,000 threads per square inch.

38. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet is dielectrically weldable.

39. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 38, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.

40. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the second fluid impermeable covering sheet is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

41. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the first bond comprises a dielectric weld.

42. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the first bond comprises an adhesive.

43. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the second bond comprises a dielectric weld.

44. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 26, wherein the second bond comprises an adhesive.

31. The method for manufacturing a fluid pressurizable chamber of 30, wherein the fluid impermeable coating is dielectrically weldable.

32. The fluid pressurizable chamber of claim 31, wherein the fluid impermeable dielectrically weldable coating comprises non-crystallizing hydrocarbons.