Expandable multicelled cushioning structure
US4005236A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24661
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multicelled structure which may be used as a body support or other cushioning device has inflatable cells against which a supported or cushioned body bears. The structure is formed from a flexible material on mandrels which have a fluted or other shaped configuration and spaced apart. This prevents the material which is in a soft or uncured condition from bridging adjacent cells during the forming operation. The fluting or shape on the resulting cells is configured to enable the side walls of adjacent cells to closely approach or contact each other when the cells are expanded by internal fluid pressure so that the end walls of the cells form a generally continuous surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.