US3608961A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable contour cushion
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-09-04
•
Granted: 1971-09-28
•
Expires: 1989-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A cushion comprising a plurality of plastic beadlike material sealed within a pliant covering and including means whereby a user may selectively alter ambient air pressure differential and cushion contour and neutralize body pressure fatigue points for maximum comfort.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Von Heck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:09
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C31/00; A47C31/12; A47C31/126; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/086; A47C4/00; A47C4/54; A47C7/00; A47C7/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S297/00; Y10S297/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A cushion comprising: a resilient cover forming a cavity; a plurality of deformable beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A cushion comprising: a resilient cover forming a cavity; a plurality of deformable beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises a switch having an inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a first outlet in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a source of reduced pressure, and selection means having a first position prOviding fluid communication between said inlet and said first outlet and having a second position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said second outlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Cushion according to claim 2 wherein said switch further includes bias means for biasing said selection means into its second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
Cushion according to claim 2 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said beads are coated with a lubricant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
A seat comprising: a plurality of cushions, each cushion having a cover forming a cavity, a plurality of foam plastic beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
A seat comprising: a plurality of cushions, each cushion having a cover forming a cavity, a plurality of foam plastic beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
75 words
Seat according to claim 7 wherein said last-named means comprises a switch having an inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a first outlet in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a source of reduced pressure, and selection means having a first position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said first outlet and having a second position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said second outlet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
Seat according to claim 8 wherein said switch further includes a bias means for biasing said selection means into its second position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
Seat according to claim 8 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
Seat according to claim 7 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
Seat according to claim 7 wherein said beads are coated with a lubricant.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3192541A
Cited
US3459179A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |