Inventors:
Emil D. Kowal - Temple City CA
International Classification:
A47C 2708
B32B 3100
Abstract:
A fluid-damping and shape-defining insert is provided for fluid-type mattresses such as water bed mattresses and air mattresses. The insert comprises a first flexible flange secured at its periphery to the upper boundary sheet of the mattress, a second flexible flange secured at its periphery to the lower boundary sheet of the mattress, and flexible damping means extending between the first and second flanges and secured thereto. In a particular embodiment, the damping means comprise first and second, perimetrically joined, flexible discs further defined by substantially opposing first and second central regions contiguous with an intermittently apertured, common peripheral region. The first and second central regions of the discs are centrally secured to the first and second flanges, respectively. This construction permits failure of the insert, if any, to occur at the interface of the discs and the flange rather than at the interface of the flange and the mattress boundary sheet, as a result of which, failure of the insert does not impair the fluid integrity of the mattress.