US3787908A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Incompressible, conformable structure containing cellular particles
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1971-07-01
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Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1991-07-01
Abstract
Abstract The disclosed cushioning means comprises a flexible-walled container filled with a flowable liquid and, suspended in the liquid, tiny cellular particles having a low density. The cellular particles reduce the density of the liquid fill and also improve its thermal insulative properties. A viscosity modifier is preferably added to the flowable liquid fill to provide better dimensional stability characteristics, as compared to a conventional water bed.
Inventors
- 👤 W Beck
- 👤 N Sweeny
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:14
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/085; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S5/00; Y10S5/909
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
8 words
a frame means for supporting said cushioning means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A structure according to claim 1 wherein said continuous liquid phase comprises water and said filler particles have a true particle density less than 0.6 gram per cubic centimeter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A structure according to claim 1 wherein said continuous liquid phase contains a viscosity modifying agent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A structure according to claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises a support means for providing dimensional stability for said liquid-impermeable flexible-walled container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
5 words
An article of furniture comprising
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
Article according to claim 5 wherein said frame means is a bed frame, and said cushioning means is a mattress provided with an aperture means for introducing or removing a liquid material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A structure according to claim 1 in which said wall of the filler particles comprises glass.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure according to claim 1 in which the filler particles are spherical unicellular particles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A structure according to claim 8 in which said wall of the filler particles comprises glass.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
137 words
An incompressible, conformable structure comprising: a liquid-impermeable flexible-walled container containing therewithin a room-temperature-incompressible and conformable mixture, said mixture being capable of being pumped and having a density less than 1.0 gram per cubic centimeter, said mixture comprising a continuous liquid phase that contains a viscosity modifying agent and, suspended therein in an amount accounting for at least 30 volume percent of the mixture, hollow, rounded liquid-impervious filler particles comprising a solid glass wall completely enclosing a fluid-containing core, said filler particles being less than about 5 mm. in diameter and having an average true particle density less than 0.6 gram per cubic centimeter and less than the density of said continuous liquid phase, the amount of said filler particles contained in said mixture being insufficient to prevent the pumpability and conformability of said mixture at room temperature.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A structure of claim 10 in which the particles are spherical unicellular particles.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A structure of claim 10 in which the particles account for between 40 and 60 volume-percent of said mixture.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A structure of claim 10 in which the particles account for at least 50 volume-percent of said mixture.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |