Patent ID: 6120862
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A47L,Y10T

Abstract:
A mechanically expandable pad residing substantially in the x-y plane and expandable in the z-direction having multiple layers and a center, comprising:a first layer having a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed longitudinal edges to make up a periphery;a second layer attached to the first layer, having a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed longitudinal edges to make up a periphery, the first layer and the second layer sharing the same periphery;an expandable member having a first end and a second end positioned between the first layer and the second layer;at least a pair of cinch members, one said cinch member being attached at the first end of the expandable member, the other said cinch member being attached to the second end of the expandable member; anda confining channel housing the expandable member and the cinch members, said channel confining the relative motion of the expandable member and the cinch members in a prescribed direction,each said cinch member extending out through the first layer and the second layer such that when the cinch members are pulled oppositely to one-another, the ends of the expandable member are pulled toward the center of the mechanically expandable pad to form a raised and puffed mechanically expandable pad center which substantially breaks the x-y plane of the mechanically expandable pad orientation, said raised and puffed mechanically expandable pad center protruding into the z-direction.