Padded Patents (Class 5/420)
  • Patent number: 6397417
    Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley Switlik
  • Patent number: 6381787
    Abstract: An infant positioning device which provides the ability to move an infant, a preterm infant, and/or a newborn between and including a supine, prone, or side-lying position, with little or no tactile stimulation of the infant caused by human touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Small Beginnings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary S. Rogone, Philip N. Rogone
  • Patent number: 6343391
    Abstract: A towel-mat includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane has a perimeter portion to which a frame member is attached. The second membrane has a perimeter portion. The second membrane is removably attachable to the first membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Le Gette, James Ashley Waring
  • Patent number: 6340514
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned dust control mat article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the side of the mat in which at least one integrated rubber protrusion is present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the integrated protrusion or protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the integrated protrusion(s), after standard use for pedestrian traffic. A method of producing such an inventive cushioned floor mat article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Kerr, William O. Burke, lll
  • Patent number: 6321401
    Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: T. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fleming, Joseph A. Kittner
  • Patent number: 6314596
    Abstract: A system for inexpensively placing an active fall-protection system in a floor is described. The floor is tessellated with large octagonal tiles and smaller square tiles. Each large octagonal tile contains a sodium azide-loaded airbag that expands, upon detonation, to 18 cm tall. Each square tile contains an infrared proximity detector and a differentiation. Upon accelerating approach of a large enough infrared-emitting object (such as a falling human body) the square tile detonates the four adjacent octagonal tiles. In this manner, the airbag tiles are deployed over the area of the floor destined to be impacted. Since the detectors respond to accelerating, large infrared-emitting objects, the floor tiles will not deploy during normal activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Samuel R. Neff
  • Patent number: 6272704
    Abstract: A portable diaper changing board for changing a child's diaper on a comfortable and safe surface. The portable diaper changing board includes four support members two of which are end members and two of which are intermediate member which are hingedly attached end-to-end to one another and to the end members with each of the support members having a concave to side and a flat bottom side; and also includes a plurality of fastening members for securing the support members in a folded position; and further includes a restraining member being removeably attachable to the top side of one of the intermediate members for restraining a child thereon; and also includes a handle member securely attached to one of the ends of one of the intermediate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Lori A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 6260222
    Abstract: An air mattress structure includes a mattress body including a sponge layer having a first face and a second face, a first line low density polyethylene layer laminated on the first surface of the sponge layer, a first nylon layer laminated on the first line low density polyethylene layer, a second line low density polyethylene layer laminated on the second surface of the sponge layer, and a second nylon layer laminated on the second line low density polyethylene layer. Thus, the air mattress structure consisting of the above-mentioned elements has a simple construction, and is transparent so that a user can see the inflation and squeeze of the sponge layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Feng Yi Outdoor Leisure Equipment Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 6243892
    Abstract: A sleeping apparatus includes a sleeping bag and a pad. The sleeping bag has front and back sides and is selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad is operatively attached to the back side of the sleeping bag and is also selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad serves as padding for the sleeping bag when both are in the sleeping configuration. The pad also serves as a backpack shell for holding the sleeping bag and any other contents within when both are in the backpack configuration. Thus, the pad provides structural strength to the backpack. To convert the sleeping apparatus from the sleeping configuration to the backpack configuration, the sleeping bag is folded into the backpack configuration. Next, the pad is folded into the backpack configuration around the folded sleeping bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce G. Kelling
  • Patent number: 6233761
    Abstract: A system for inexpensively placing an active fall-protection system in a floor is described. The floor is tessellated with large octagonal tiles and smaller square tiles. Each large octagonal tile contains a sodium azide-loaded airbag that expands, upon detonation, to 18 cm tall. Each square tile contains an infrared proximity detector and a differentiation. Upon accelerating approach of a large enough infrared-emitting object (such as a falling human body) the square tile detonates the four adjacent octagonal tiles. In this manner, the airbag tiles are deployed over the area of the floor destined to be impacted. Since the detectors respond to accelerating, large infrared-emitting objects, the floor tiles will not deploy during normal activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Samuel R. Neff
  • Patent number: 6219868
    Abstract: A self-inflating mattress which comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, a foam and a check valve, wherein, the foam is disposed inside the first chamber. The check valve is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber, and air is allowed to flow only from the first chamber to the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Team Worldwide Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth Wang
  • Patent number: 6212711
    Abstract: The mat for transport of clothing articles and for use in changing into and out of clothing articles in association with water sport activities has top and bottom surfaces which are water and soil resistant. The mat may include one, two or three layers of resistant material to allow enclosure of clothing articles, wet or dry, when folded and secured. Carry handles are provided for ease of transport. The securing means allows egress of moisture in the case of wet clothing articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Gilmour
  • Patent number: 6199230
    Abstract: The Infant/toddler indoor—outdoor play/mat corral with locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18 has a top quilt base 10 and foam block walls 40 which follow the perimeter of the base. Fabric 14 is sewn together creating two “U” shape receiving channels which overlay foam block walls 40 and are sewn to top quilt base 10 and bottom water resistant base 28 from interior to exterior. A locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18 including a handle piece sewn into one exterior wall that is fitted into a clasp sewn into the opposite exterior wall forming a handle for securing and carrying purposes. When the corral is folded along its diameter 30 creating a single “U” shape, the foam block walls 40 collapse and meet by connecting VELCRO strips 32 sewn along the bottom water resistant base 28 thus keeping the wall portions secure with the locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18. A pocket 22 is sewn to exterior wall portion to store items when folded and unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Christina M. Parikh
  • Patent number: 6199232
    Abstract: An emergency care blanket may be assembled into a plurality of desired arrangements to protect an individual from prevailing environmental conditions while providing access to the patients. Broadly the blanket includes a first flexible covering, a second flexible covering and a plurality of fasteners associated with the first and second coverings. Each of the fasteners includes two fastening structures, preferably male and female snaps, which project from opposite respective ones of the upper and lower surfaces of their associated first and second coverings. Thus, cooperative fastening structures can matably engage so that the first and second coverings may be releasably secured thereby to assemble the emergency care blanket into a fastened state characterized by one of the plurality of desired arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Kocivar
  • Patent number: 6190486
    Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Switlik Parchute Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Switlik
  • Patent number: 6186380
    Abstract: A combination sleeping pad and backpack which may be used as a sleeping pad that when assembled and fastened together, portions of the pad function as a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip S. Grounds
  • Patent number: 6170100
    Abstract: A self-opening towel comprises a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material and being removably attached to a covering membrane. The self-opening towel has a first shape being substantially planar when in an extended configuration, and a second shape being substantially planar and having an area less than an area of the first shape when the towel is in a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gray Matter Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward Le Gette, James Ashley Waring
  • Patent number: 6141805
    Abstract: A resting mat for use by children which can be rolled up for storage and has a quilted blanket and a pillow pocket attached thereto. In addition, a foam pad, sheathed by a nylon slip cover, is inserted into a body of a casing, and a pillow is inserted into the pillow pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Pamela Fisher-Cohen, Rita Montoya
  • Patent number: 6108835
    Abstract: A camping mat in which the upper surface has a plurality of air insulating chambers to provide a reduction in body heat loss of the user. The mat may be configured as either a sleeping mat or a camping chair, or combination thereof, and may be of the self-inflating type with open-cell foam inside a waterproof and airtight envelope. Two pads of flexible foam are in the envelope and the upper pad has a plurality of pad cavities or pad apertures which, upon the assembly of the mat, cause the formation of the air insulating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Goodway Corporation
    Inventor: Mike Hwang
  • Patent number: 6094759
    Abstract: An improved blanket is formed from two pieces of 100% polyester fleece material. The two pieces of polyester fleece material are secured together by an outer overlock stitched edge and loosely sewn-in fold lines, so as to be easily folded into predetermined shapes, having approximately equal dimensions. The secured-together pieces of 100% polyester fleece material include soft velour outer surfaces, which are always on the exterior of the blanket whether it is folded or rolled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sleepmakers Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6076211
    Abstract: A combined seat cushion for use by fans at sporting events, includes a seat cushion having a resilient cushion member, a pliable cover enclosing the cushion member including a handle formed therein at an edge of the cushion, a sign container disposed at the edge of the cushion, a marker detachably connected to the cushion, an eraser pad for the marker retained in the pliable cover, and a panel container overlying a side of the cushion. The panel container holds a folded panel having an unfolded dimension greater than the area of the side of the seat cushion, and the sign container holds preprinted signs or blank signs on which desired messages may be imprinted with the marker, or erased with the eraser pad as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Dean A. Chatman
  • Patent number: 6065164
    Abstract: A removable nap mat cover is made of two fabric panels and has one end closed with an end fastener. The nap mat slips between the fabric panels. The end fastener secures the fabric panels together for about 2/3 of their width defining openings large enough for a person's hand to fit through. The end fastener prevents the nap mat cover from coming off the mat. The end fastener may be hook and loop fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Christyne M. Swanger, Carole A. Yashus
  • Patent number: 6058535
    Abstract: The present invention provides an insulating, heat-reflective pad made from several thin slats of insulating material which are held between a breathable top sheet of material and a water resistant bottom sheet of material. The sheets of material are joined so as to create pockets which hold insulating slats made from a polyisocyanurate foam composite. The pad can be folded along the stitched seams into a small easily portable bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Lester D. Firkins, Jr., Jerry B. Hazelip
  • Patent number: 6003745
    Abstract: This invention encompasses a dual-purpose surfboard bag. The first function of the bag is to carry a surfboard in a manner that is convenient and protective. The second function of the bag is to provide a cushion for sleeping. In its preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes self-inflating air mattresses within a durable bag to perform both functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Jonah Mechanic
  • Patent number: 5987668
    Abstract: A washable fabric covered mattress pad involves the combination of a layer of resilient foam with a layer of fabric, both of which layers are machine washable and dryable. The fabric, either manmade or natural fiber material, is flame laminated to one side of the layer of foam. The non-covered side of the foam layer frictionally engages a mattress for non-slip self-positioning of the mattress pad without requiring straps or other specific holding mechanisms. A second or additional layers of foam of varying physical characteristics and/or thicknesses may be added through heat bonding thereof in a predetermined pattern to the non-covered side of the first layer of foam. Such arrangement results in a fabric covered, completely washable self-positioning mattress pad, such as having a preferred thickness generally in a range of from about one to about four inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Ackley
  • Patent number: 5974608
    Abstract: Self-inflating mattress for outdoor and camping use having a body chamber which contains open cell foam for supporting the body and legs of a person resting thereon, and air chambers positioned to the sides of the body chamber for cradling the person and preventing him from rolling off the mattress. The body chamber is reduced in width in the lower back region, and the air chambers extend into that region to provide additional lower back support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Stearns, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Forbes Haller, Charles Prior Hall
  • Patent number: 5970541
    Abstract: A modular play mat includes a plurality of modules that have cooperating fastening means to permit the modules to be removably connected together in different configurations. The cooperating fastening means preferably are hook and loop type fasteners located on the edges of the various modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: John H. Chiang
  • Patent number: 5966761
    Abstract: A new pneumatic mattress for providing a lightweight inflatable resting surface. The inventive device includes a tubular perimeter member having a pair of end portions and a pair of side portions extending between the end portions of the tubular perimeter member. A number of tubular cross members are extended between the side portions of the tubular perimeter member. The lumens of the tubular cross members are in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular perimeter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Richard D Williams
  • Patent number: 5950260
    Abstract: A cardboard work mat has a pleated configuration, wherein the mat is folded in pleats for storage, and an unfolded configuration, wherein the mat defines a surface area sufficiently large for supporting a mechanic beneath a vehicle. A headrest is formed on one end of the mat by folding over the two or three end-most pleats together and then bonding them together. In an alternate embodiment, the mat is a flexible plastic sheet which has a rolled configuration for storage and an unrolled configuration for supporting a mechanic on the sheet. A headrest is molded or attached to one end of the sheet. Yet again, the pad can be a pleated corrugated plastic pad having a head rest removably attached thereto by hook and eye fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kent L. Dees
  • Patent number: 5941264
    Abstract: A portable bivouac shelter (10) is provided having an end pole (48) retaining on the top sheet (12) through a tunnel (46) for holding the top sheet (12) in a taught and semi-circular configuration. This permits the top sheet (12) to be held away from the bottom sheet (14) in an open configuration for enhanced ventilation. A top pole (54) is also provided across the top sheet 12 near the head end (20). The top pole (54) cooperates with the flexible end pole (48) to form a sloped roof over a user's head and to hold the top and bottom sheets (12) and (14) in a selected degree of an open configuration. Optional mounting snaps (62) in the interior (24) of the enclosure (18) enable a user to reconfigure the opening (26) without leaving the interior (24) of the shelter (10). The shelter (10) thus provides enhanced ventilation while the sloped roof formed by the top pole (54) prevents the entry of precipitation into the enclosure (18). Optional mosquito netting (32) is zippered on the interior of the opening (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Ron Gregg
  • Patent number: 5894616
    Abstract: A foldable pad assembly is provided for use along at least one side of a low height bed or bed frame. The pad assembly includes a pair of elongated edge-to-edge aligned pad sections with the adjacent edges of the pad sections loosely joined together for relative angular displacement between a stored generally coplanar position along the side of the bed and a deployed generally parallel position on the floor adjacent the side of the bed to which the pad assembly is attached. An integral flexible panel has one marginal edge secured relative to the free edge of the inner panel section, and the opposite marginal edge is secured to and extends along the associated one side of the low height bed. The pad assembly further includes straps for encircling the pad sections when in the folded stored position in order to retain the pad sections in the folded position. In the stored position along the bed side, the flexible panel supports the pad sections in a raised position off the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: Charles L. Graham, Fred C. Plumer, Michael W. Megown
  • Patent number: 5887301
    Abstract: A convertible blanket and carrier having a rectangular main section and a pocket applied to one side of the main section along one end. A pair of handles are attached to one side of the main section and a blanket fastener is attached to the end opposite the pocket end for securing the carrier formed by double folding the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Brenda Anderson
  • Patent number: 5887300
    Abstract: A mat cover is constructed of an upper and lower panel having a mat therebetween, and a pillow containing pouch overlaying the upper panel, with the pillow containing pouch defined by a folded flap attached to the top edge and side portions of the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Emma Pond
  • Patent number: 5870785
    Abstract: A mat for a person to lie on has an air-permeable top layer (1), a bottom layer (2), and a middle layer (3) which includes an open three-dimensional knitted structure with mesh openings (5) in the top layer, which is of an open-mesh, air-permeable fabric. The structure is formed of evenly-spaced, substantially rigid monofilaments (4, 4') between the top and bottom layers. The middle layer is substantially incompressible a person's weight. In the middle layer air occupies at least five times the volume of the monofilaments and because of the open knitted structure air can flow through the middle layer and the top layer. The filaments preferably include both perpendicular monofilaments (4) and cross-over monofilaments (4') which can brace diagonally across the mesh openings (5). The monofilaments are preferably woven into the top and/or bottom layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jan Hoorens
  • Patent number: 5864908
    Abstract: A portable mat system for receiving and retaining a mattress thereby reducing movement of the mattress and thereby protecting the mattress. The inventive device includes a first sheet, a second sheet having three sides attached to the first sheet forming a pocket with an open end, a lip attached to the second sheet adjacent the open end, a flap attached to the first sheet, a length of Velcro attached to the flap and a back side of the first sheet, an aperture is within the second sheet for receiving an air valve of an air mattress, and a handle attached to the back side of the first sheet. The lip is sewn to the inside portion of the second sheet for retaining the mattress within the pocket. When the user is finished using the present invention, the user simply rolls the invention, with or without the mattress within, into a cylindrical shape and then engages the Velcro. The user then may transport the invention in the storage position by grasping the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Todd Kielman
  • Patent number: 5843556
    Abstract: A combination beach towel, tote bag, deck chair cover and automobile seat cover, which will easily convert from a beach towel to one of its other forms. Sectional side opening pockets which are concealed yet easily accessible while is in use as either a tote bag, deck chair cover, auto seat cover or beach towel. An optional locking device can removably secure the combination towel tote bag invention to a chair or other fixed object by attahment to a carrying strap. Additionally, the side opening pockets can be secured using an optional removable locking device to secure the pockets closed. Indicia optionally placed upon the invention allows for advertisements or notation of the geographical location wherein the invention is to be used. An optional proximaty metering device allows for an alarm should a certain geographic area be left by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy J. Levas
  • Patent number: 5833309
    Abstract: A temperature control device for cooling a hot car seat surface is disclosed. The device comprises covering means for covering substantially all of the surface area of the car seat, a pocket or space for receiving a buckling apparatus, and cooling means for cooling both the car seat surface and buckling apparatus. The temperature control device may also be rolled up, readily stored, and reused. The temperature control device may also be used to warm a cold car seat surface and buckling apparatus, by substituting warming material for cooling material in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5802642
    Abstract: Applicant's invention defines a lounging cushion designed to be useful primarily around a swimming pool. Key features of this invention are it's utilitarian design allowing easy storage, floatation properties so that the cushion may be used for buoyancy, simple floatation or as a kick board, and the ribbed underside allowing for drainage of water underneath so as to eliminate any suction force between the pool decking and the cushion. The cushion's main purpose is to provide a seat area at poolside which will protect a bather from catching the fabric of his or her swimsuit on the rough or abrasive decking surrounding the pool, and therefore preventing excessive wear and potential ruining of the bather's swimsuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Cheryl Slaughter
  • Patent number: 5761784
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pocketed coil spring assembly comprising vertically spacing two sheets of fabric apart so that the sheets are generally parallel to one another. The sheets are then attached together along one end edge and rows of coil springs are inserted between the sheets. After each row of coil springs is inserted between the sheets, the sheets are attached together along transversely extending lines of attachment in alternative planes of the pocketed coil spring assembly. These steps of inserting rows of coil springs and attaching the sheets together in alternative planes occurs sequentially until an appropriate length of the assembly is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Co.
    Inventors: Steven E. Ogle, Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 5740566
    Abstract: A combination tarpaulin-blanket construction comprises a first, tarpaulin layer of a material such as a cotton canvas, a cotton duck or a cellulose acetate synthetic yarn, and a protective covering of a waterproof and windproof laminated plastic, and a second, blanket layer of a material such as synthetic fleece or wool. The second layer is sewn to a major surface of the first layer to form a tarpaulin-blanket unit of a rectangular shape. Grommets are provided at each corner of the tarpaulin-blanket unit for enabling the unit to be secured in place. Securing straps, affixed to one edge of the tarpaulin-blanket unit, encircle the unit, when the unit is in a rolled-up state, so as to retain the unit in that state. A carrying handle, secured to the one edge between the straps, enables carrying of the unit in the rolled-up state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Murray Stacy
  • Patent number: 5740567
    Abstract: A blanket with waterproof frictional backing comprising an upper layer attached to a lower layer, and frictional strips attached to the lower layer. The upper layer is a non-abrasive textile such as canvas or terrycloth, and is intended to provide a comfortable seating surface for an occupant. The lower layer is a waterproof material such as plastic or nylon, and serves to protect an occupant from a wet surface upon which the blanket with waterproof frictional backing rests. The frictional strips are fabricated of a material such as rubber or other suitable material, and are intended to prevent the blanket with waterproof frictional backing from slipping on a wet surface, thus enhancing the comfort of an occupant as well as decreasing safety risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Kimberly E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5735003
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an adaptor which removably fastens together with ordinary sleeping bags to make them larger and less susceptible to use-related wear. In the preferred embodiment, the adaptor resembles a sleeve which may encase a sleeping pad (or lightweight camping mattress) incorporating one half of a normal sleeping bag zipper along each side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Judge
    Inventor: Rob A. Judge
  • Patent number: 5724917
    Abstract: A cattle mattress made from a woven fabric which is double-woven in areas across the fabric into which crumb rubber is inserted and which are closed off after insertion of the crumb rubber to make a self-contained structure for the comfort of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Dodson, Jules A. Haneburger
  • Patent number: 5720057
    Abstract: A portable mattress assembly adapted for use in disaster relief situations having mattress support material engineered to provide a suitable balance between portability and comfort. The mattress assembly includes a fabric envelope adapted to provide a rugged, waterproofed, posterior surface, with a pocket defined therein, in combination with a more supple, water resistant, anterior surface. The fabric envelope further includes fasteners disposed to temporarily attach the mattress assembly to a cot, stretcher staffs, or additional mattress assemblies. The mattress assembly may be folded and retained in accordion fashion and provides handles thereon for portage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: James B. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5701846
    Abstract: A cattle mattress made from a double needle bar knit fabric in which the top and bottom layers tire joined at intervals across the fabric, forming tubes into which crumb rubber is inserted and which are closed off after insertion of the crumb rubber to make a self-contained structure for the comfort of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Norman Marion Parker, IV
  • Patent number: 5675855
    Abstract: A self-inflating air mattress includes an air chamber and a foam panel therein. The air chamber is defined by top and bottom sheet panels and a valve allowing air passage into and out of the air chamber. The foam panel includes apertures therethrough, and the top and bottom sheet panels are mechanically coupled directly together via the apertures in the foam panel. As a result, the foam panel need not be mechanically connected to the top and bottom sheet panels and improved air flow within the chamber results. Furthermore, by virtue of the direct mechanical coupling between top and bottom sheet panels distributed throughout the air mattress, the top and bottom sheet panels are limited in their relative spacing and the air mattress tends to better support any weight placed thereon, there being no pillowing of the air mattress in response to weight placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Bill B. Culp
  • Patent number: 5671491
    Abstract: A combined blanket, sun screen and weather shield is formed having a comfort material on one side and a waterproof material on an opposite side thereof. The printed indicia is arranged on both sides for displaying advertising logos and the like. The blanket finds application at the beach as well as a sun screen and weather shield on the windshields of automobiles, vans and trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff Ladd
  • Patent number: 5669092
    Abstract: A water-tight and heat-insulating air mattress structure having an air valve and a body made up of upper and lower layers, first and second LLDPE layers, first and second aluminum foil layers, and a nylon layer sandwiched there-between. The upper layer is applied on the first LLDPE layer which can retard the encroachment of water, while the first aluminum foil layer which can prevent the heat from dissipation is laminated between the first LLDPE layer and the nylon layer. The opposite layers, the lower layer and the second LLDPE and second aluminum layers, are applied in the same order as the above layers, and thus laminating and sandwiching the nylon layer there-between to form an air mattress structure with the advantages of both water-tight and heat-insulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Feng Yi Outdoor Leisure Equipment Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 5645914
    Abstract: A mat adapted to relieve fatigue in a person standing on it without shoes or boots, and formed from fine cell foam having a density of between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, with thickness between 0.75 and 1.5 inches, and a compression strength at 25% compression of between 10 and 17 p.s.i. The mat has sloping edges and is covered by carpet. When a person in bare or stocking feet stands on the mat, the mat partially compresses but has remaining resiliency such as to produce a swaying motion in the person. This results in increased muscle action and blood circulation in the feet, legs and hips and some spinal movement, reducing fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Allan J. Horowitz
  • Patent number: 5632291
    Abstract: An air mattress for supporting an individual within a circular tent. The inventive device includes a circular upper web coupled to a circular lower web by a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An air valve is directed through the sidewall for permitting pneumatic inflation of the mattress. A plurality of spacing projections extend from the lower circular web and cooperate to support the mattress above a floor web of an associated tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: Marinus Botbyl, Nelly Botbyl