Air massager cushioning device

An air massager cushioning device that not only supports a weight of an individual who sits or rests on the air massager cushioning device with minimal surface tension but also creates a massaging effect on the body part of the individual positioned on the cushioning device. The cushioning device has first and second air support structures, where each support structure has alternating offset air glands. One of the two support structures has alternating apertures, wherein the alternating air glands of one of the two support structures are respectively inserted into the alternating offset apertures to form a matrix surface arrangement of the cushioning device. The air cushioning device creates a massaging effect by rapidly inflating the air glands of one of the two support structures while rapidly deflating the air glands of the other one of the two support structures, thereby creating a massaging effect. The air cushioning device further has a magnetic vibratory member for generating vibrations to and through a transmitting member which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the cushioning device and the body part positioned on the cushioning device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention generally relates to the field of bed systems. More
 particularly, the present invention relates to the field of adjustable air
 mattresses for beds. In particular, the present invention relates to the
 field of automatic and passively pressurized air massager cushioning
 devices or the like.
 2. Description of the Prior Art
 Air bed systems are well known in the art. Many of the prior art air bed
 systems include an air mattress and a box spring. The prior art air
 mattress construction have problems which can cause discomfort and
 disruption to the sleeping process. One of the prior art mattresses is a
 conventional air mattress which comprises simply a flexible enclosure
 filled with air. When depressed, the enclosure depresses slightly in the
 vicinity of the loading and also increases pressure in the remaining
 volume of the enclosure. The response is both resistive and bouncy, which
 are undesirable characteristics as far as the comfort of the user is
 concerned.
 The following ten (10) prior art patents are found to be pertinent to the
 field of the present invention:
 1. U.S. Pat. No. 3,879,776 issued to Solen on Apr. 29, 1996 for "Variable
 Tension Fluid Mattress" (hereafter the "Solen Patent");
 2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,236 issued to Graebe on Jan. 25, 1977 for
 "Expandable Multicelled Cushioning Structure" (hereafter the "Graebe
 Patent");
 3. U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,061 issued to Clark on Oct. 17, 1978 for "Pneumatic
 Mattress With Valved Cylinders Of Variable Diameter" (hereafter the "Clark
 Patent");
 4. U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,615 issued to Whitney on Jun. 19, 1984 for "Air Pad
 With Integral Securement Straps" (hereafter the "Whitney Patent");
 5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,253 issued to Williams on Dec. 16, 1986 for "Seat
 Occupant-Activated Underseat Support Air-Cushion" (hereafter the "Williams
 Patent");
 6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,767 issued to Carr et al. on Dec. 30, 1986 for "Air
 Flotation Mattress" (hereafter the "Carr Patent");
 7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,546 issued to Cvetkovic on May 9, 1989 for "Fluid
 Mattress" (hereafter the "Cvetkovic Patent");
 8. U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,352 issued to Stumpf on Jan. 23, 1990 for "Mattress
 Or Cushion Spring Array" (hereafter the "Stumpf Patent");
 9. U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,431 issued to Hargest et al. on Nov. 6, 1990 for
 "Fluidized Bed With Modular Fluidizable Portion" (hereafter the "Hargest
 Patent"); and
 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,552 issued to Viesturs on Mar. 24, 1992 for
 "Inflatable Air Mattress With Straps To Attach It To A Conventional
 Mattress" (hereafter the "Viesturs Patent").
 The Solen Patent discloses a variable tension fluid mattress. It comprises
 a fluid chamber defined by an upper wall and a bottom wall which form a
 base. The fluid chamber can be compartmentalized by a longitudinal divider
 and cross dividers to provide individual zones of the fluid chamber. A
 plurality of pressure expandable pads are clamped to the upper wall by a
 disc which is secured to a hollow stem which communicates with the fluid
 chamber. A restraining chain is mounted within each pad and merely serves
 to limit the upward expansion of the pad regardless of the internal
 pressure.
 The Graebe Patent discloses an expandable multicelled cushioning structure.
 It comprises a common base and a plurality of cells which are attached to
 the base, and are initially in a configuration so that the cells when
 formed are spaced apart but when later expanded by a pressurized fluid,
 will contact or be closely spaced to one another at their sidewalls.
 The Clark Patent discloses a pneumatic mattress with valved cylinders of
 variable diameter. It comprises a plurality of valved cylinder cells held
 by a cover in a side-by-side relationship. Each cell comprises upper and
 lower cylindrical sections of equal diameter interconnected by a
 corrugated cylindrical section which has a smaller diameter. Each lower
 cylindrical section has an orifice which connects the interior of the cell
 with an air plenum that extends along the entire underside of the
 mattress. Each orifice registers with a valve that projects from the inner
 surface of the plenum opposite the cell orifice and is supported by a
 small, collapsible section of the cell in a normally open position, so
 that when a load is applied to the top of the cell it automatically closes
 the orifice against the registering valve.
 The Whitney Patent discloses an air pad with integral securement straps. It
 comprises an upper layer and a lower layer which are joined together at a
 heat seal extending around the entire periphery of the pad. The pad is
 filled with air, water, a gel or the like. Securement straps are provided
 on the pad and fitted around and under the corners of a standard bed
 mattress to hold the pad in position on the mattress.
 The Williams Patent discloses a seat occupant-activated underseat support
 air-cushion. It comprises a support base and an airtight expandable air
 cushion which rests on the support base. The top of the air-cushion is
 pressed upward against the bottom side of the vehicle seat cushion. A
 bellows type air pump is disposed within the air cushion and provides an
 outside air-intake.
 The Carr Patent discloses an air flotation mattress. It comprises a lower
 inflatable chamber with a series of side-by-side air supply channels and
 an air-pervious upper wall. An inflatable compartment is overlaid on the
 chamber and forms a secondary air-pervious wall. A fan assembly is
 operatively coupled with the lower inflatable chamber to supply
 pressurized air.
 The Cvetkovic Patent discloses a fluid mattress. It comprises side frames,
 a bottom support, and flexible and contractible bellows distributed over
 the bottom support. Connecting tubings are connected from the bellows to
 adjacent bellows to permit fluid flow therebetween. A top cover is
 extended over the bellows. Coil springs are mounted on top of the bellows
 to support the top cover.
 The Stumpf Patent discloses a mattress or cushion spring array. It
 comprises a plurality of spring units. Each spring unit has a body, a top
 deformable end, and a bottom deformable end, where the ends are free for
 axial compression. The spring units are interconnected together by
 connecting fins which extend from the body of each spring unit.
 The Hargest Patent discloses a fluidized bed with a modular fluidizable
 portion. A plurality of fluidizable cells are disposed and attached atop
 of an air permeable support. Each cell contains a discrete mass of
 fluidizable material which can be manually detachable and removable from
 the support for ease of cleaning and replacement.
 The Viesturs Patent discloses an inflatable air mattress with straps to
 attach it to a conventional mattress. It comprises an upper air impervious
 flexible layer and a lower air impervious flexible layer. The peripheries
 of the first and second layers are joined together in an air impervious
 sealed relationship.
 None of these prior art patents teach an air spring bedding system, resting
 or therapeutic structure to provide a matrix surface that is both
 supportive and pliable with minimal surface tension. It is desirable to
 have a very efficient and also very effective design and construction of
 an air spring bedding system for providing comfort and tranquillity to a
 user during his or her sleep by two different air support structures to
 create a matrix surface that is both supportive and pliable with minimal
 surface tension.
 The following two (2) prior art patents were further found to be pertinent
 to the field of the present invention:
 1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,195 issued to Schulman on Aug. 1, 1989 for "Fluid
 Pressurized Cushion" (hereafter the "Schulman Patent"); and
 2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,236 issued to Purdy et al. on Oct. 28, 1997 for
 "Cushioning Mattress For Reducing Shear And Friction" (hereafter the
 "Purdy Patent").
 The Schulman Patent discloses a fluid pressurized cushion. It comprises a
 hollow air filled body support cushion which is formed from three
 interfitting matrices. Each matrix has a set of hollow cells, wherein the
 cells of each matrix are spaced apart to accommodate between them cells of
 each of the other matrices to defined a body support surface made up of
 the tops of all of the cells. Each matrix has separate fluid ducts between
 its cells. A fluid pressurizing and control means such as air pumps is
 used to inflate and deflate the matrices in sequence to shift body support
 from one set of cells to another for promoting blood circulation and
 enhancing comfort.
 The Purdy Patent discloses a cushioning mattress for reducing shear and
 friction. It comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a series of
 alternating tunnel billow compartments and loop billow compartments. Each
 of the tunnel billows comprises a separate piece of material affixed to
 the top or bottom surface along two parallel seams to define a wide-based
 closed billow or cell. Each of the loop billows comprises a separate piece
 of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along a single seam to
 define a narrow-based closed billow or cell.
 It is further desirable to provide an air massager cushioning device or the
 like, which provides a matrix surface that is both supportive and pliable
 with minimal surface tension. It is also further desirable to provide an
 air massager cushioning device or the like that not only support a weight
 of an individual who sits or rests on the cushioning device but also
 provides a massaging effect on the body part of the individual positioned
 on the air massager cushioning device.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention is a novel and unique air spring bedding system. It
 comprises a mattress matrix assembly and a box spring assembly. The
 mattress matrix assembly comprises first and second air support
 structures. The first air support structure comprises a base, a plurality
 of spaced apart alternating offset compressible and expandable members
 extending upwardly from the base, a plurality of alternating offset
 apertures respectively located adjacent to the plurality of alternating
 offset compressible and expandable members, and a plurality of connecting
 members formed with the base and interconnected to a pair of adjacent
 alternating offset compressible and expandable members for distributing
 air between the other compressible and expandable members.
 The second air support structure comprises a base, a plurality of
 alternating offset compressible and expandable members, and a plurality of
 connecting members formed with the base and interconnected to a pair of
 adjacent alternating offset compressible and expandable members for
 distributing air between the other compressible and expandable members.
 The compressible and expandable members are respectively aligned with the
 plurality of apertures of the first air support structure. The second air
 support structure is assembled below the first air support structure such
 that the compressible and expandable members of the second air support
 structure are respectively inserted into the apertures of the first air
 support structure, where the base of the first air support structure abuts
 against the base of the second air support structure, and the compressible
 and expandable members of the first and second air support structures are
 arranged in a matrix arrangement (rows and columns).
 In addition, the air spring bedding system further comprises means for
 supplying air under pressure to inflate the compressible and expandable
 members of the first and second support structures to a desired stiffness,
 such that the compressible and expandable members of the first and second
 air support structures are relatively close together and air is
 respectively transferrable from the compressible and expandable members by
 the respective connecting members of the first and second air support
 structures.
 The box spring assembly includes upper and lower airtight support
 structures. The upper support structure has an upper plenum and a
 plurality of spaced apart vertical hollow cylinders which extend
 downwardly from and communicate with the upper plenum. These hollow
 cylinders are arranged in a matrix arrangement (rows and columns). The
 lower support structure has a lower plenum and a plurality of spaced apart
 vertical hollow cylinders which extend upwardly from and communicate with
 the lower plenum. These hollow cylinders of the lower support structure
 are also arranged in a matrix arrangement (rows and column) which are
 offset from the cylinders of the upper support structure.
 The hollow cylinders of the upper support structure are respectively
 inserted inbetween the hollow cylinders of the lower support structure
 such that the hollow cylinders of the upper and lower support structures
 are respectively located adjacent to one another. In addition, the upper
 and lower support structures further include means for supplying air under
 pressure to the interiors of the upper and lower support structures.
 It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved type of air spring bedding system wherein the construction of a
 bedding provides a resting or therapeutic structure formed by mushroom
 shaped air springs to create a matrix surface that is both supportive and
 pliable with minimal surface tension. Pressure exerted upwardly against
 the weight of a resting body by the first air support structure can be
 adjusted to be less than or greater than the pressure exerted upwardly by
 the second air support structure. The difference in pressure between the
 first and second air support structures creates portions of the mattress
 matrix assembly that are pliable with minimal surface tension between
 supportive portions. The stress produced is reduced because the pliable
 portions can conform to the complex curves of the human form and thus
 increase the area supported. Stress concentrations are reduced due to the
 increase in area supported, overall reduction in supportive pressures and
 minimized surface tension.
 It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved type of air spring bedding system so additional comfort is
 created by the mattress matrix assembly's ability to adjust the relative
 pressure over a large range to suit the various shapes and masses of
 resting bodies. The mushroom shaped air springs can be further customized
 to suit individuals by utilizing zoned construction fostered by both its
 fluid system and matrix design. Also inherent in the basic design is the
 ability to dynamically adapt to a variety of changing resting positions by
 the proper sizing of the same interconnection of the mushroom shaped air
 springs required for pressurization of a zone or the entire structure.
 Alternatively, the present invention is an air massager cushioning device
 or the like that not only support a weight of an individual who sits or
 rests on the air massager cushioning device with minimal surface tension
 but also provides a massaging effect on the body part of the individual
 positioned on the cushioning device. One of the unique features of the
 present invention is that it can be applied to many applications, such as
 a seat topper apparatus having at least a head support section, a thoracic
 support section, a lumbar support section, and a buttock and thigh support
 section. Another example of an application for the present invention
 massager cushioning device is a lounge chair having at least a head
 support section, a thoracic support section, a lumbar support section, a
 buttock and thigh support section, a calf support section, and a foot
 support section. A further example of an application for the present
 invention massager cushioning device is a cuff apparatus for wrapping
 around a body part of an individual.
 It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved type
 of air massager cushioning device wherein the construction of the
 cushioning device provides a resting or massaging effect structure formed
 by a plurality of air glands to create a matrix surface that is both
 supportive and pliable with minimal surface tension. Pressure exerted
 upwardly against the weight of a resting body by a first air support
 structure can be adjusted to be less than or greater than the pressure
 exerted upwardly by a second air support structure. The difference in
 pressure between the first and second air support structures creates
 portions of the cushioning matrix arrangement that are pliable with
 minimal surface tension between supportive portions. The stress produced
 is reduced because the pliable portions can conform to the complex curves
 of the human body and thus increase the area supported. Stress
 concentrations are reduced due to the increase in area supported, overall
 reduction in supportive pressures and minimized surface tension.
 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
 type of air massager cushioning device so additional comfort is created by
 the cushion matrix arrangement ability to adjust the relative pressure
 over a large range to suit the various shapes and masses of resting
 bodies. A plurality of air glands can be further customized to suit
 individuals by utilizing zoned construction fostered by both its fluid
 system and matrix design. Also inherent in the basic design is the ability
 to dynamically adapt to a variety of changing resting positions by the
 proper sizing of the same interconnection of the air glands required for
 pressurization of a zone or the entire structure.
 It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved type of air massager cushioning device that not only support a
 body part of an individual who sits or rests on the cushioning device but
 also provides a massaging effect on the body part of the individual
 positioned on the cushioning device. The air cushioning device includes a
 first air structure with a plurality of air glands and a second air
 structure with a plurality of air glands, where the plurality of air
 glands of the first air structure is relative rapidly inflated while the
 plurality of air glands of the second structure is relative rapidly
 deflated and so forth, thereby creating a massaging effect to the body
 part of the individual.
 It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved type of air massager cushioning device which includes a magnetic
 vibratory means for generating vibrations to and through a transmitting
 means which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the cushioning device
 and the body part positioned on the cushioning device.
 Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will
 become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and
 the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
 Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be
 described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that
 such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but
 a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can
 represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various
 changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the
 present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and
 contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended
 claims.
 Described briefly, the present invention is an air spring bedding system.
 The concept of the present invention is the construction of a bedding
 resting or therapeutic structure by two different air support structures
 to create a matrix surface that is both supportive and pliable with
 minimal surface tension.
 Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown at 10 a preferred embodiment of the
 present invention air spring bedding system. The bedding system 10
 comprises a mattress matrix assembly 12 and a box spring assembly 14. It
 may also include a cushion layer (not shown). The mattress matrix assembly
 12 may be manufactured with a mattress cover 16 for covering the entire
 surface of the mattress matrix assembly 12. The box spring assembly 14 may
 also be manufactured with a box spring cover 18 for covering the entire
 surface of the box spring assembly 14.
 Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the mattress matrix assembly 12 includes a
 first air support structure 20 and a second air support structure 22, and
 both structures are airtight and fluid-tight and are generally rectangular
 shaped. By way of example, the overall length "L" and width "W" of both of
 the air support structures 20 and 22 are approximately 72.25 inches by
 29.25 inches respectively. It will be appreciated that the dimensions
 described above are merely one illustrative embodiment, and it is within
 the spirit and scope of the present invention to include many other
 comparable sets of dimensions.
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the first air support structure 20 is
 constructed by a flexible top layer 24 and a flexible bottom layer 26
 permanently affixed to the top layer 24 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart vertical adjustable hollow mushroom shaped air
 springs or compressible and expandable members 28. The top and bottom
 layers 24 and 26 form a base portion, where the adjustable hollow mushroom
 shaped air springs 28 extend upwardly therefrom. By way of example, the
 thickness "T.sub.1 " of the two layers 24 and 26 when combined is
 approximately 0.25 inch. The hollow air springs 28 are arranged in an
 alternating offset arrangement from one another (see FIG. 2). A plurality
 of circular shaped apertures 30 are provided with the first air support
 structure 20. These apertures 30 are also arranged in an alternating
 offset arrangement from one another. The apertures 30 may be stamped out
 from the two layers 24 and 26, cut out or may be removed by any suitable
 means known to one skilled in the art. These apertures 30 are
 substantially identical in size.
 Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of hollow air springs 28 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air spring 28 has a wide closed
 distal end 32, a narrow middle 34, and a wide open proximal end 36. The
 wide proximal end 36 is integrally formed with the top layer 24 of the
 first air support structure 20 such that the hollow air spring 28 is
 compressible and expandable when a downward pressure is applied. By way of
 example, the overall height "H.sub.1 " of the hollow air spring 28 is
 approximately 1.66 inches, while the height "h.sub.1 " which is the
 distance between the top of the wide closed distal end 32 to the narrow
 middle 34 is approximately 1.10 inches. The hollow air spring 28 has two
 different diameters, the outer diameter "OD.sub.1 " which is the wide
 distal and proximal ends 32 and 36, and the inner diameter "ID.sub.1 "
 which is the narrow middle part 34. By way of example, the "OD.sub.1 " is
 approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches, while the "ID.sub.1 " is
 approximately 2.00 inches. In addition, the hollow air spring 28 is made
 with several curved surfaces R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3. By way of
 example, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are approximately 0.25 inch, while R.sub.3 is
 approximately 0.13 inch. By way of example, the hollow air spring 28 has
 an angle "A.sub.1 ", where "A.sub.1 " is approximately a 45.degree. angle.
 By way of example, two adjacent hollow air springs 28 which are in the
 same row or column are spaced apart from one another approximately 6.00
 inches from center to center (see FIG. 2). By way of example, two adjacent
 hollow air springs 28 which are not in the same row or column are spaced
 apart from one another approximately 3.00 inches from center to center
 (see FIG. 2).
 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, there is shown a first group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or members 38 which are substantially identical, and to
 the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each connecting
 tube 38 is integrally formed with the top layer 24 of the first air
 support structure 20, where each connecting tube 38 is respectively
 interconnected to two adjacent air springs 28 for allowing air to flow
 between the plurality of spaced apart vertical hollow mushroom shaped air
 springs 28.
 The first air support structure 20 is also provided with a main inlet port
 40 which is connected to an air supply line 42 which in turn connects to
 specified air springs 28 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 vertical hollow mushroom shaped air springs 28. The first air support
 structure 20 may be further customized to suit individuals by utilizing
 zoned distribution, where the first air support structure 20 may include
 at least three different zones therein. To fill the first air support
 structure 20, air, or the like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality
 of mushroom shaped air springs 28 by the main inlet port 40 which in turn
 supplies it to the air supply line 42, which in turn supplies it to the
 plurality of air springs 28. The main inlet port 40 may have a
 conventional valve (not shown), which operates in a known manner to
 control the flow of gas into or out of the plurality of air springs 28 of
 the first air support structure 20. In the preparation of the first air
 spring support structure 20 for use, the valve is open, so that any air
 under pressure is supplied through the main inlet port 40 to the air
 supply line 42 which in turn supplies the specified air springs 28. The
 connecting tubes 38 are then supplying the air under pressure to all of
 the other air springs 28. The mushroom shaped air springs 28 are inflated
 to a desired stiffness. When the first air support structure 20 has been
 filled with the desired amount of air, the main inlet port 40 is closed
 off by a suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the second air support structure 22 is
 constructed by a flexible top layer 44 and a flexible bottom layer 46
 permanently affixed to the top layer 44 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart vertical adjustable hollow mushroom shaped air
 springs or compressible and expandable members 48. The two layers 44 and
 46 form a base portion, where the vertical adjustable hollow mushroom
 shaped air springs 48 extend upwardly therefrom. By way of example, the
 thickness "T.sub.2 " of the two layers 44 and 46 when combined is
 approximately 0.25 inch. The plurality of hollow air springs 48 are
 arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another (see FIG.
 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of hollow air springs 48 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air spring 48 has a wide closed
 distal end 52, a narrow middle 54, and a wide open proximal end 56. The
 wide open proximal end 56 is integrally formed with the top layer 44 of
 the air support structure 22 such that the hollow air spring 48 is
 compressible and expandable when a downward pressure is applied. By way of
 example, the overall height "H.sub.2 " of the hollow air spring 48 is
 approximately 2.03 inches, while the height "h.sub.2 " which is the
 distance from the top of the wide closed distal end 52 to the narrow
 middle 44 is approximately 1.23 inches. The hollow air spring 48 has two
 different diameters, the outer diameter "OD.sub.2 " which is the wide
 distal and proximal ends 52 and 56, and the inner diameter "ID.sub.2 "
 which is the narrow middle part 54. By way of example, the "OD.sub.2 " is
 approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches, while the inner diameter
 "ID.sub.2 " is approximately 2.00 inches. In addition, the hollow air
 spring 48 is made with several curved surfaces R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6,
 and R.sub.7. By way example, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are approximately 0.25
 inch, R.sub.6, is approximately 0.13 inch and R.sub.7 is approximately
 0.06 inch. By way of example, the hollow air spring 48 has an angle
 A.sub.2 which is a 45.degree. angle. By way of example, two adjacent
 hollow air springs 48 which are in the same row or column are spaced apart
 from one another approximately 6.00 inches from center to center (see FIG.
 6). By way of example, two adjacent hollow air springs 48 which are not in
 the same row or column are spaced apart from one another approximately
 3.00 inches from center to center (see FIG. 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, there is shown a second group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or members 58 which are substantially identical, and to
 the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each connecting
 tube 58 is integrally formed with the top layer 44 of the second air
 support structure 22, where each connecting tube 58 is respectively
 interconnected to two adjacent air springs 48 for allowing air to flow
 between the plurality of spaced apart vertical hollow mushroom shaped air
 springs 48.
 The second air support structure 22 is also provided with a main inlet port
 60 which is connected to an air supply line 62 which in turn connects to
 specified air springs 48 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 vertical hollow mushroom shaped air springs 48. The second air support
 structure 22 may be further customized to suit individuals by utilizing
 zoned distribution, where the second air support structure 22 may include
 at least three different zones therein. To fill the second air support
 structure 22, air, or the like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality
 of mushroom shaped air springs 48 by the main inlet port 60 which in turn
 supplies it to the air supply line 62, which in turn supplies it to the
 plurality of air springs 48. The main inlet port 60 may have a
 conventional valve (not shown), which operates in a known manner to
 control the flow of gas into or out of the plurality of air springs 48 of
 the second air support structure 22. In the preparation of the second air
 spring structure 22 for use, the valve is open, so that any air under
 pressure is supplied through the main inlet port 60 to the air supply line
 62 which in turn supplies the specified air springs 48. The connecting
 tubes 58 are then supplying the air under pressure to all of the other air
 springs 48 of the second air support structure 22. The mushroom shaped air
 springs 48 are inflated to a desired stiffness. When the second air
 support structure 40 has been filled with the desired amount of air, the
 main inlet port 60 is closed off by a suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 9, the plurality of apertures 30 are sized to
 fit a respective one of the plurality of mushroom shaped air springs 48 of
 the second air support structure 22. The second air support structure 22
 is assembled below the first air support structure 20 such that a
 respective one of the plurality of mushroom shaped air springs 48 of the
 second air support structure 22 are aligned with and correspond to a
 respective one of the plurality of apertures 30 of the first air support
 structure 20. The mushroom shaped air springs 48 of the second air support
 structure 22 are respectively inserted upwardly into the plurality of
 apertures 30 of the first air support structure 20, such that the top
 layer 44 of the second air support structure 22 abuts against the bottom
 layer 26 of the first air support structure 20, and thereby forms a matrix
 arrangement of plurality of mushroom shaped air springs (rows and
 columns). The mushroom shaped air springs 28 of the first air support
 structure 20 and the mushroom shaped air springs 48 of the second air
 support structure 22 are relatively close together to prevent lateral
 movements of the air springs of the first and second air support
 structures 20 and 22 (see FIG. 9).
 When a human body rests on top of the mattress matrix assembly 12, pressure
 is exerted on compressed mushroom shaped air springs 28 and 48 of the
 first and second air support structures 20 and 22. Where the force is
 heaviest, such as the buttock of the human body, air under pressure is
 transferred from the compressed air springs to lesser compressed air
 springs. The difference in pressure between the air springs of the first
 and second air support structures 20 and 22 creates portions of the
 mattress matrix assembly 12 that are pliable with minimal surface tension
 between supportive portions. The stress (pressure over area, P/A) produced
 is reduced because the pliable portions can conform to the complex curves
 of the human form and thus increase the area (A) supported. Stress
 concentrations are reduced due to the increase in area supported, overall
 reduction in supportive pressures and minimized surface tension.
 Comfort is created by the ability of the mattress matrix assembly 12 to
 adjust the relative pressure over a large range to suit the various shapes
 and masses of resting bodies. Also inherent in the mattress matrix
 assembly's basic design is the ability to dynamically adapt to a variety
 of changing resting positions by the proper sizing of the same
 interconnection of air springs required for pressurization a zone or the
 entire structure.
 Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13, there is shown the box spring
 assembly 14 which includes an upper airtight and fluid-tight support
 structure 62 and a lower airtight and fluid-tight support structure 64.
 The upper and lower airtight support structures 62 and 64 are generally
 rectangular shaped and have the same dimensions as the first and second
 air support structures of the mattress matrix assembly of the present
 invention air spring bedding system.
 Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper airtight and fluid-tight support
 structure 62 includes a horizontal upper plenum or chamber 66 and a
 plurality of spaced apart vertical hollow cylinders 68 which extend
 downwardly from and communicate with the upper plenum 66. These hollow
 cylinders 68 are arranged in a matrix arrangement (rows and columns).
 Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, the lower airtight and fluid-tight support
 structure 64 includes a horizontal lower plenum or chamber 70 and a
 plurality of spaced apart vertical hollow cylinders 72 which extend
 upwardly from and communicate with the lower plenum 70. These hollow
 cylinders 72 are also arranged in a matrix arrangement (rows and columns)
 but are offset from the hollow cylinders 68 of the upper support structure
 62.
 Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13, the plurality of hollow cylinders 68
 of the upper support structure 62 are respectively inserted in-between the
 plurality of hollow cylinders 72 of the lower support structure 64 such
 that the plurality of hollow cylinders 68 and 72 of the upper and lower
 support structures 62 and 64 located adjacent to one another (see FIG.
 11).
 To fill the upper and lower airtight and fluid-tight support structures 62
 and 64 of box spring assembly 14, air, or the like, is adapted to be
 supplied to the upper and lower support structures 62 and 64 by tubes (not
 shown), which are secured at one end in communication with the interior of
 the upper and lower support structures 62 and 64, and which has a
 conventional valve, which operates in known manner to control the flow of
 gas into or out of the upper and lower support structures 62 and 64. When
 the upper plenum 66 of the upper support structure 62 is compressed, the
 air flows from the upper plenum 66 to the plurality of hollow cylinders
 68, while air flows from the plurality of hollow cylinders 72 to the lower
 plenum 70 of the lower support structure 64.
 Referring to FIG. 1, the mattress matrix assembly 12 is positioned on top
 of the box spring assembly 14, thereby forming the present invention
 present air spring bedding system 10. The air spring bedding system 10
 conforms to conventional forms of manufacture, or any other conventional
 way known to one skilled in the art. The elements of the present invention
 air spring bedding system 10 can be made from several materials. The
 manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction of the
 present invention bedding system may be injection, thermoform, etc. or
 other molding process. By way of example, the first and second air support
 structures 20 and 22 of the mattress matrix assembly 12, and the upper and
 lower support structures 62 and 64 of the box spring assembly 14 can be
 made from urethane material, vinyl material or any other suitable
 material.
 It will be appreciated that the mattress matrix assembly 12 may be
 manufactured as a topper which is known in the bed industry. Using the
 teachings of the present invention, the topper may be manufactured
 according to the present invention.
 Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, alternatively the present invention is an air
 massager cushioning device 12 used in conjunction with a seat topper
 apparatus 100, where the seat topper apparatus 100 includes at least a
 head support section 102, a thoracic support section 103, a lumbar support
 section 104, and a buttock and thigh support section 105. Each support
 section has the present invention air massager cushioning device 12
 embedded thereto.
 The present invention air massager cushioning device 12 not only support a
 weight of an individual who sits or rests on the air massager cushioning
 device 12 with minimal surface tension but also provides a massaging
 effect on the body part of the individual positioned on the air massager
 cushioning device. In this embodiment, the air massager cushioning device
 12 assembles and functions similarly to the previously described
 embodiment above except that the device 12 is smaller in size to
 accommodate the support sections of the seat topper apparatus 100. FIGS. 2
 though 9 will be used to describe the alternative embodiment of the
 present invention massager cushioning device 12. In addition, all of the
 parts of this embodiment which are the same as the previous embodiment has
 the same reference numbers as shown in FIGS. 2 through 9. The new parts
 are numbered with new reference numbers starting with hundredths.
 The seat topper apparatus 100 may be manufactured with a cover (not shown)
 for covering the entire surface thereto. Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, 14, and
 15, the massager cushioning device 12 includes a first air or fluid
 support structure 20 and a second air or fluid support structure 22,
 wherein both structures are airtight and fluid-tight to prevent leakage.
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, and 15, the first air support structure
 20 is constructed by a flexible top layer 24 and a flexible bottom layer
 26 permanently affixed to the top layer 24 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart hollow vertical adjustable air glands or
 expandable and contractible members 28. The top and bottom layers 24 and
 26 form a base portion, where the hollow air glands 28 extend upwardly
 therefrom. By way of example, the thickness "T.sub.1 " of the two layers
 24 and 26 when combined is approximately 0.25 inch. The hollow air glands
 28 are arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another (see
 FIG. 2). A plurality of circular shaped apertures 30 are provided with the
 first air support structure 20 and are substantially identical in size and
 shape. These apertures 30 are also arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another and respectively located between the
 plurality of hollow air glands 28. The apertures 30 may be stamped out
 from the two layers 24 and 26, cut out or may be removed by any suitable
 means known to one skilled in the art.
 Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of hollow air glands 28 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air gland 28 has a wide closed
 distal end 32, a narrow middle 34, and a wide open proximal end 36. Each
 hollow air gland 28 may also have a configuration of a cylindrical shaped
 container as shown in FIG. 14. The wide proximal end 36 is integrally
 formed with the top layer 24 of the first air support structure 20 such
 that the hollow air gland 28 is expandable and contractible when a
 downward pressure is applied. By way of example, the overall height
 "H.sub.1 " of the hollow air gland 28 is approximately 1.66 inches, while
 the height "h.sub.1 " which is the distance between the top of the wide
 closed distal end 32 to the narrow middle 34 is approximately 1.10 inches.
 The hollow air gland 28 has two different diameters, the outer diameter
 "OD.sub.1 " which is the wide distal and proximal ends 32 and 36, and the
 inner diameter "ID.sub.1 " which is the narrow middle part 34. By way of
 example, the "OD.sub.1 " is approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches,
 while the "ID.sub.1 " is approximately 2.00 inches. In addition, the
 hollow air gland 28 is made with several curved surfaces R.sub.1, R.sub.2
 and R.sub.3. By way of example, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are approximately 0.25
 inch, while R.sub.3 is approximately 0.13 inch. By way of example, the
 hollow air gland 28 has an angle "A.sub.1 ", where the angle "A.sub.1 " is
 approximately a 45.degree. angle. By way of example, two adjacent hollow
 air glands 28 which are in the same row or column are spaced apart from
 one another approximately 6.00 inches from center to center (see FIG. 2).
 By way of example, two adjacent hollow air glands 28 which are not in the
 same row or column are spaced apart from one another approximately 3.00
 inches from center to center (see FIG. 2).
 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, there is shown a first group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or fluid ducts 38 which are substantially identical, and
 to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each
 connecting tube 38 is integrally formed with the top layer 24 of the first
 air support structure 20, where the connecting tubes 38 are respectively
 interconnected to the plurality of air glands 28 for transferring air or
 fluid to flow between the plurality of spaced apart hollow air glands 28.
 The first air support structure 20 is also provided with a main inlet port
 40 which is connected to an air supply line 42 which in turn connects to
 specified air glands 28 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 hollow air glands 28. The first air support structure 20 may be further
 customized to suit individuals by utilizing zoned distribution, where the
 first air support structure 20 may include at least two different zone
 sections therein, wherein each zone section can be pressurized at
 different times. To fill the first air support structure 20, air, or the
 like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality of hollow air glands 28
 by the main inlet port 40 which in turn supplies it to the air supply line
 42, which in turn supplies it to the plurality of air glands 28. The main
 inlet port 40 may have a conventional valve (not shown), which operates in
 a known manner to control the flow of gas into or out of the plurality of
 air glands 28 of the first air support structure 20. In the preparation of
 the first air support structure 20 for use, the valve is open, so that any
 air under pressure is supplied through the main inlet port 40 to the air
 supply line 42 which in turn supplies the specified air glands 28. The
 connecting tubes 38 are then supplying the air under pressure to all of
 the other air glands 28. The hollow air glands 28 are inflated to a
 desired stiffness. When the first air support structure 20 has been filled
 with the desired amount of air, the main inlet port 40 is closed off by a
 suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15, the second air support structure 22
 is constructed by a flexible top layer 44 and a flexible bottom layer 46
 permanently affixed to the top layer 44 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart hollow vertical adjustable air glands or
 expandable and contractible members 48. The two layers 44 and 46 form a
 base portion, where the hollow air glands 48 extend upwardly therefrom. By
 way of example, the thickness "T.sub.2 " of the two layers 44 and 46 when
 combined is approximately 0.25 inch. The plurality of hollow air glands 48
 are arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another (see
 FIG. 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of hollow air glands 48 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air gland 48 has a wide closed
 distal end 52, a narrow middle 54, and a wide open proximal end 56. Each
 hollow air gland 48 may also have a configuration of a cylindrical shaped
 container as shown in FIG. 14. The wide open proximal end 56 is integrally
 formed with the top layer 44 of the air support structure 22 such that the
 hollow air gland 48 is compressible and expandable when a downward
 pressure is applied. By way of example, the overall height "H.sub.2 " of
 the hollow air gland 48 is approximately 2.03 inches, while the height
 "h.sub.2 " which is the distance from the top of the wide closed distal
 end 52 to the narrow middle 44 is approximately 1.23 inches. The hollow
 air gland 48 has two different diameters, the outer diameter "OD.sub.2 "
 which is the wide distal and proximal ends 52 and 56, and the inner
 diameter "ID.sub.2 " which is the narrow middle part 54. By way of
 example, the "OD.sub.2 " is approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches,
 while the inner diameter "ID.sub.2 " is approximately 2.00 inches. In
 addition, the hollow air gland 48 is made with several curved surfaces
 R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7. By way example, R.sub.4 and
 R.sub.5 are approximately 0.25 inch, R.sub.6, is approximately 0.13 inch
 and R.sub.7 is approximately 0.06 inch. By way of example, the hollow air
 spring 48 has an angle A.sub.2 which is a 45.degree. angle. By way of
 example, two adjacent hollow air glands 48 which are in the same row or
 column are spaced apart from one another approximately 6.00 inches from
 center to center (see FIG. 6). By way of example, two adjacent hollow air
 glands 48 which are not in the same row or column are spaced apart from
 one another approximately 3.00 inches from center to center (see FIG. 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, there is shown a second group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or fluid ducts 58 which are substantially identical, and
 to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each
 connecting tube 58 is integrally formed with the top layer 44 of the
 second air support structure 22, where the connecting tubes 58 are
 respectively interconnected to the hollow air glands 48 for transferring
 air to flow between the plurality of hollow air glands 48.
 The second air support structure 22 is also provided with a main inlet port
 60 which is connected to an air supply line 62 which in turn connects to
 specified air glands 48 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 hollow air glands 48. The second air support structure 22 may be further
 customized to suit individuals by utilizing zoned distribution, where the
 second air support structure 22 may include at least two different zone
 sections therein, wherein each zone section can be pressurized at
 different times. To fill the second air support structure 22, air, or the
 like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality of air glands 48 by the
 main inlet port 60 which in turn supplies it to the air supply line 62,
 which in turn supplies it to the plurality of air glands 48. The main
 inlet port 60 may have a conventional valve (not shown), which operates in
 a known manner to control the flow of gas into or out of the plurality of
 air glands 48 of the second air support structure 22. In the preparation
 of the second air support structure 22 for use, the valve is open, so that
 any air under pressure is supplied through the main inlet port 60 to the
 air supply line 62 which in turn supplies the specified air glands 48. The
 connecting tubes 58 are then supplying the air under pressure to all of
 the other air glands 48 of the second air support structure 22. The air
 glands 48 are inflated to a desired stiffness. When the second air support
 structure 40 has been filled with the desired amount of air, the main
 inlet port 60 is closed off by a suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 9, 14, and 15, the plurality of apertures 30 are
 sized to fit a respective one of the plurality of air glands 48 of the
 second air support structure 22. The second air support structure 22 is
 assembled below the first air support structure 20 such that a respective
 one of the plurality of air glands 48 of the second air support structure
 22 are aligned with and correspond to a respective one of the plurality of
 apertures 30 of the first air support structure 20. The air glands 48 of
 the second air support structure 22 are respectively inserted upwardly
 into the plurality of apertures 30 of the first air support structure 20,
 such that the top layer 44 of the second air support structure 22 abuts
 against the bottom layer 26 of the first air support structure 20, and
 thereby forms a matrix surface arrangement of plurality of air glands
 (rows and columns). The air glands 28 and 48 of the first and second air
 support structures 20 and 22 are relatively in close proximity of one
 another to prevent lateral movements of the air glands of the first and
 second air support structures 20 and 22 (see FIG. 9).
 When an individual is positioned on the massager cushioning device 12,
 pressure is exerted on compressed air glands 28 and 48 of the first and
 second air support structures 20 and 22. Where the force is heaviest, such
 as the buttock of the individual, air under pressure is transferred from
 the compressed air glands to lesser compressed air glands. The difference
 in pressure between the air glands of the first and second air support
 structures 20 and 22 creates portions of the massager cushioning device 12
 that are pliable with minimal surface tension between supportive portions.
 The stress (pressure over area, P/A) produced is reduced because the
 pliable portions can conform to the complex curves of the human form and
 thus increase the area (A) supported. Stress concentrations are reduced
 due to the increase in area supported, overall reduction in supportive
 pressures and minimized surface tension.
 Comfort is created by the ability of the massager cushioning device 12 to
 adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and
 masses of resting bodies. Also inherent in the massager cushioning
 device's basic design is the ability to dynamically adapt to a variety of
 changing resting positions by the proper sizing of the same
 interconnection of air glands required for pressurization a zone or the
 entire structure.
 The massager cushioning device 12 ether has the capability of rapidly
 inflating and deflating the plurality of hollow air glands 28 and 48 of
 the first and second air support structures 20 and 22 at different times
 to create a massaging effect for massaging the body part of the individual
 positioned on the plurality of hollow air glands 28 and 48 of the first
 and second air support structures 20 and 22. The pressurizing means may
 LED 17 include inflation means 130, such as a pump for each of the first
 and second air support structure, motor means 132 for operating each of
 the inflation means and control means 134 for selectively operating the
 motor means.
 Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a magnetic vibratory means 136 such as
 a sonic transducer or other vibratory means. The magnetic vibratory means
 136 are conventional in the art, and the description thereof will not be
 described in general terms. A semi-rigid transmission plate 138 is
 positioned underneath on the first and second air support structures 20
 and 22. The magnetic vibratory means 136 is then attached to the
 transmission plate 138 for generating vibrations to and through the
 transmission plate 138 which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the
 first and second air support structures 20 and 22 and the body part of the
 individual for creating a massaging effect. A support means 140 is also
 provided with the magnetic vibratory means 136 for providing support
 Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown at 200 in alternative application of
 a lounge chair which includes at least a head support section 202, a
 thoracic support section 203, a lumbar support section 204, a buttock and
 thigh support section 205, a calf support section 206, and a foot support
 section 207. The present invention massager cushioning device 12 is
 embedded within each support section of the lounge chair 200.
 Since the present invention massager cushioning device 12 assembles and
 functions the same in the preceding embodiment described above except that
 the seat topper apparatus 100 is substituted for the lounge chair 200, and
 the description thereof will not be repeated.
 Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is shown at 300 a cuff apparatus for
 wrapping around body parts 301 of an individual and providing a massaging
 effect on the body part 301 of the individual. In this embodiment, the
 cuff apparatus 300 includes an air massager cushioning device 12 which
 assembles and functions similarly to the previously described embodiment
 above except that the device 12 is smaller in size to accommodate the cuff
 apparatus 300. FIGS. 2 though 9 will be used to describe the cuff
 apparatus 300. In addition, all of the parts of this embodiment are the
 same as the previous embodiment and have the same reference numbers as
 shown in FIGS. 2 through 9. The new parts are numbered with new reference
 numbers starting with three-hundred.
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, 17, and 19, the cuff apparatus 300 may be
 manufactured with a front cover (not shown) for covering the front surface
 thereto. The massager cushioning device 12 includes a first air or fluid
 support structure 20 and a second air or fluid support structure 22,
 wherein both structures are airtight and fluid-tight to prevent leakage.
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, and 19, the first air support structure
 20 is constructed by a flexible top layer 24 and a flexible bottom layer
 26 permanently affixed to the top layer 24 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart hollow vertical adjustable air glands or
 expandable and contractible members 28. The top and bottom layers 24 and
 26 form a base portion, where the hollow air glands 28 extend upwardly
 therefrom. By way of example, the thickness "T.sub.1 " of the two layers
 24 and 26 when combined is approximately 0.25 inch. The hollow air glands
 28 are arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another (see
 FIG. 2). A plurality of circular shaped apertures 30 are provided with the
 first air support structure 20 and are substantially identical in size and
 shape. These apertures 30 are also arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another and respectively located between the
 plurality of hollow air glands 28. The apertures 30 may be stamped out
 from the two layers 24 and 26, cut out or may be removed by any suitable
 means known to one skilled in the art.
 Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of hollow air glands 28 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air gland 28 has a wide closed
 distal end 32, a narrow middle 34, and a wide open proximal end 36. Each
 hollow air gland 28 may also have a configuration of a cylindrical shaped
 container as shown in FIG. 17. The wide proximal end 36 is integrally
 formed with the top layer 24 of the first air support structure 20 such
 that the hollow air gland 28 is expandable and contractible when a
 downward pressure is applied. By way of example, the overall height
 "H.sub.1 " of the hollow air gland 28 is approximately 1.66 inches, while
 the height "h.sub.1 " which is the distance between the top of the wide
 closed distal end 32 to the narrow middle 34 is approximately 1.10 inches.
 The hollow air gland 28 has two different diameters, the outer diameter
 "OD.sub.1 " which is the wide distal and proximal ends 32 and 36, and the
 inner diameter "ID.sub.1 " which is the narrow middle part 34. By way of
 example, the "OD.sub.1 " is approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches,
 while the "ID.sub.1 " is approximately 2.00 inches. In addition, the
 hollow air gland 28 is made with several curved surfaces R.sub.1, R.sub.2
 and R.sub.3. By way of example, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are approximately 0.25
 inch, while R.sub.3 is approximately 0.13 inch. By way of example, the
 hollow air gland 28 has an angle "A.sub.1 ", where the angle "A.sub.1 " is
 approximately a 45.degree. angle. By way of example, two adjacent hollow
 air glands 28 which are in the same row or column are spaced apart from
 one another approximately 6.00 inches from center to center (see FIG. 2).
 By way of example, two adjacent hollow air glands 28 which are not in the
 same row or column are spaced apart from one another approximately 3.00
 inches from center to center (see FIG. 2).
 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, there is shown a first group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or fluid ducts 38 which are substantially identical, and
 to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each
 connecting tube 38 is integrally formed with the top layer 24 of the first
 air support structure 20, where the connecting tubes 38 are respectively
 interconnected to the plurality of air glands 28 for transferring air or
 fluid to flow between the plurality of spaced apart hollow air glands 28.
 The first air support structure 20 is also provided with a main inlet port
 40 which is connected to an air supply line 42 which in turn connects to
 specified air glands 28 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 hollow air glands 28. The first air support structure 20 may be further
 customized to suit individuals by utilizing zoned distribution, where the
 first air support structure 20 may include at least two different zone
 sections therein, wherein each zone section can be pressurized at
 different times. To fill the first 7 air support structure 20, air, or the
 like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality of hollow air glands 28
 by the main inlet port 40 which in turn supplies it to the air supply 10
 line 42, which in turn supplies it to the plurality of air glands 28. The
 main inlet port 40 may have a conventional valve (not shown), which
 operates in a known manner to control the flow of gas into or out of the
 plurality of air glands 28 of the first air support structure 20. In the
 preparation of the first air support structure 20 for use, the valve is
 open, so that any air under pressure is supplied through the main inlet
 port 40 to the air supply line 42 which in turn supplies the specified air
 glands 28. The connecting tubes 38 are then supplying the air under
 pressure to all of the other air glands 28. The hollow air glands 28 are
 inflated to a desired stiffness. When the first air support structure 20
 has been filled with the desired amount of air, the main inlet port 40 is
 closed off by a suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 17, and 19, the second air support structure 22
 is constructed by a flexible top layer 44 and a flexible bottom layer 46
 permanently affixed to the top layer 44 by ultrasonic welding, radio
 frequency (RF) and heat welding or other suitable means to form a
 plurality of spaced apart hollow vertical adjustable air glands or
 expandable and contractible members 48. The two layers 44 and 46 form a
 base portion, where the hollow air glands 48 extend upwardly therefrom. By
 way of example, the thickness "T.sub.2 " of the two layers 44 and 46 when
 combined is approximately 0.25 inch. The plurality of hollow air glands 48
 are arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another (see
 FIG. 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of hollow air glands 48 are
 substantially identical, and to the extent they are, only one will be
 described in detail below. Each hollow air gland 48 has a wide closed
 distal end 52, a narrow middle 54, and a wide open proximal end 56. Each
 hollow air gland 48 may also have a configuration of a cylindrical shaped
 container as shown in FIG. 14. The wide open proximal end 56 is integrally
 formed with the top layer 44 of the air support structure 22 such that the
 hollow air gland 48 is compressible and expandable when a downward
 pressure is applied. By way of example, the overall height "H.sub.2 " of
 the hollow air gland 48 is approximately 2.03 inches, while the height
 "h.sub.2 " which is the distance from the top of the wide closed distal
 end 52 to the narrow middle 44 is approximately 1.23 inches. The hollow
 air gland 48 has two different diameters, the outer diameter "OD.sub.2 "
 which is the wide distal and proximal ends 52 and 56, and the inner
 diameter "ID.sub.2 " which is the narrow middle part 54. By way of
 example, the "OD.sub.2 " is approximately in a range of 3.50-3.70 inches,
 while the inner diameter "ID.sub.2 " is approximately 2.00 inches. In
 addition, the hollow air gland 48 is made with several curved surfaces
 R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7. By way example, R.sub.4 and
 R.sub.5 are approximately 0.25 inch, R.sub.6 &, is approximately 0.13 inch
 and R.sub.7 is approximately 0.06 inch. By way of example, the hollow air
 spring 48 has an angle A.sub.2 which is a 45.degree. angle. By way of
 example, two adjacent hollow air glands 48 which are in the same row or
 column are spaced apart from one another approximately 6.00 inches from
 center to center (see FIG. 6). By way of example, two adjacent hollow air
 glands 48 which are not in the same row or column are spaced apart from
 one another approximately 3.00 inches from center to center (see FIG. 6).
 Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, there is shown a second group of a plurality of
 connecting tubes or fluid ducts 58 which are substantially identical, and
 to the extent they are, only one will be described in detail. Each
 connecting tube 58 is integrally formed with the top layer 44 of the
 second air support structure 22, where the connecting tubes 58 are
 respectively interconnected to the hollow air glands 48 for transferring
 air to flow between the plurality of hollow air glands 48.
 The second air support structure 22 is also provided with a main inlet port
 60 which is connected to an air supply line 62 which in turn connects to
 specified air glands 48 for supplying air under pressure to the other
 hollow air glands 48. The second air support structure 22 may be further
 customized to suit individuals by utilizing zoned distribution, where the
 second air support structure 22 may include at least two different zone
 sections therein, wherein each zone section can be pressurized at
 different times. To fill the second air support structure 22, air, or the
 like, is adapted to be supplied to the plurality of air glands 48 by the
 main inlet port 60 which in turn supplies it to the air supply line 62,
 which in turn supplies it to the plurality of air glands 48. The main
 inlet port 60 may have a conventional valve (not shown), which operates in
 a known manner to control the flow of gas into or out of the plurality of
 air glands 48 of the second air support structure 22. In the preparation
 of the second air support structure 22 for use, the valve is open, so that
 any air under pressure is supplied through the main inlet port 60 to the
 air supply line 62 which in turn supplies the specified air glands 48. The
 connecting tubes 58 are then supplying the air under pressure to all of
 the other air glands 48 of the second air support structure 22. The air
 glands 48 are inflated to a desired stiffness. When the second air support
 structure 40 has been filled with the desired amount of air, the main
 inlet port 60 is closed off by a suitable cap (not shown).
 Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 9, 17, and 19, the plurality of apertures 30 are
 sized to fit a respective one of the plurality of air glands 48 of the
 second air support structure 22. The second air support structure 22 is
 assembled below the first air support structure 20 such that a respective
 one of the plurality of air glands 48 of the second air support structure
 22 are aligned with and correspond to a respective one of the plurality of
 apertures 30 of the first air support structure 20. The air glands 48 of
 the second air support structure 22 are respectively inserted upwardly
 into the plurality of apertures 30 of the first air support structure 20,
 such that the top layer 44 of the second air support structure 22 abuts
 against the bottom layer 26 of the first air support structure 20, and
 thereby forms a matrix surface arrangement of plurality of air glands
 (rows and columns). The air glands 28 and 48 of the first and second air
 support structures 20 and 22 are relatively in close proximity of one
 another to prevent lateral movements of the air glands of the first and
 second air support structures 20 and 22 (see FIG. 9).
 Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the massager cushioning device 12 has the
 capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of hollow air
 glands 28 and 48 of the first and second air support structures 20 and 22
 at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging the body
 part of the individual positioned on the plurality of hollow air glands 28
 and 48 of the first and second air support structures 20 and 22. Fastener
 means 340 is provided with the cuff apparatus for securing the cuff
 apparatus to the body part 301 of the individual. The pressurizing means
 may include inflation means 330, such as a pump for each of the first and
 second air support structure, motor means 332 for operating each of the
 inflation means and control means 334 for selectively operating the motor
 means.
 Referring to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, there is shown a magnetic vibratory means
 336 such as a sonic transducer or other vibratory means. The magnetic
 vibratory means 336 is conventional in the art, and the description
 thereof will only be described in general terms. A flexible transmission
 plate 338 is positioned underneath on the first and second air support
 structures 20 and 22, and has the capability of bending to conform with
 and wrap around the body part of the individual. The magnetic vibratory
 means 336 is then attached to the transmission plate 338 for generating
 vibrations to and through the transmission plate 338 which in turn creates
 resonance vibrations to the first and second air support structures 20 and
 22 and the body part 301 of the individual for creating a massaging
 effect. A rear cover 342 is provided with the cuff apparatus 300 for
 covering the magnetic vibratory means 336 and the transmission plate 338.
 The manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction of the
 massager cushioning device may be pressure forming, vacuum forming,
 injection, thermoform, etc. or other molding process. By way of example,
 the first and second air support structures can be made of urethane
 material, vinyl material or any other suitable material.
 Defined in detail, the present invention is a seat topper apparatus having
 at least a head support section, a thoracic support section, a lumbar
 support section, and a buttock and thigh support section, each support
 section having a massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning
 device comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having a base portion, a
 plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion and a
 plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow glands and the plurality of apertures arranged in an
 alternating offset arrangement from one another; (b) a plurality of first
 fluid ducts formed with the base portion of the first fluid structure and
 respectively connected between the plurality of glands for transferring
 fluid therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure having a base portion and
 a plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow spring members arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of second fluid ducts formed
 with the base portion of the second fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands of the second fluid structure
 for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the first fluid structure
 overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the
 plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid structure respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement, such that the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures are
 relatively in close proximity of one another for supporting a body part of
 an individual; and (f) means for supplying fluid under pressure to inflate
 the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second structures to a
 desired stiffness, where fluid is respectively transferrable from the
 plurality of hollow glands by the plurality of first and second fluid
 ducts, and the means further having the capability of rapidly inflating
 and deflating the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid
 structures at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging
 the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality of hollow
 glands of the first and second fluid structures; (g) whereby the first and
 second fluid structures have the ability to adjust the relative pressure
 over a range to suit the various shapes and masses of resting bodies and
 also provide the massaging effect against the body part of the individual.
 Defined broadly, the present invention is a seat topper apparatus having at
 least a head support section, a thoracic support section, a lumbar support
 section, and a buttock and thigh support section, each support section
 having a massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning device
 comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having a base, a plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members extending upwardly
 from the base and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the
 base and respectively located adjacent to and between the plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members; (b) a second fluid
 structure having a base and a plurality of 6 alternating offset expandable
 and contractible members extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first
 fluid structure positioned on the second fluid structure such that a
 respective one of the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members of the second fluid structure is respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement for supporting a body
 part of an individual; and (d) means for pressurizing the plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the first and
 second fluid structures to a desired stiffness, and the means further
 having the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the first and
 second fluid structures at different times to create a massaging effect
 for massaging the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality
 of alternating offset expandable and contractible members the first and
 second fluid structures; (e) whereby the first and second fluid structures
 have the ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the
 various shapes and masses of resting bodies and also provide the massaging
 effect against the body part of the individual.
 Alternatively defined in detail, the present invention is a seat topper
 apparatus having at least a head support section, a thoracic support
 section, a lumbar support section, and a buttock and thigh support
 section, each support section having a massager cushioning device, the
 massager cushioning device comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having
 a base portion, a plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the
 base portion and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the
 base portion, the plurality of hollow glands and the plurality of
 apertures arranged in an alternating offset arrangement from one another;
 (b) a plurality of first fluid ducts formed with the base portion of the
 first fluid structure and respectively connected between the plurality of
 glands for transferring fluid therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure
 having a base portion and a plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly
 from the base portion, the plurality of hollow spring members arranged in
 an alternating offset arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of
 second fluid ducts formed with the base portion of the second fluid
 structure and respectively connected between the plurality of glands of
 the second fluid structure for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the
 first fluid structure overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a
 respective one of the plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid
 structure respectively inserted into a respective one of the plurality of
 apertures of the first fluid structure to form a matrix surface
 arrangement, such that the plurality of hollow glands of the first and
 second fluid structures are relatively in close proximity of one another
 for supporting a body part of an individual; (f) means for supplying fluid
 under pressure to inflate the plurality of hollow glands of the first and
 second structures to a desired stiffness, where fluid is respectively
 transferrable from the plurality of hollow glands by the plurality of
 first and second fluid ducts, and the means further having the capability
 of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of hollow glands of the
 first and second fluid structures at different times to create a massaging
 effect for massaging the body part of the individual positioned on the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures; (g) a
 semi-rigid plate positioned underneath the first and second fluid
 structures; and (h) a sonic transducer attached to the plate for
 generating vibrations to and through the plate which in turn creates
 resonance vibrations to the first and second fluid structures and the body
 part positioned on the first and second fluid structures; (i) whereby the
 first and second fluid structures have the ability to adjust the relative
 pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and masses of resting
 bodies and also provide the massaging effect against the body part of the
 individual.
 Alternatively defined broadly, the present invention is a seat topper
 apparatus having at least a head support section, a thoracic support
 section, a lumbar support section, and a buttock and thigh support
 section, each support section having a massager cushioning device, the
 massager cushioning device comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having
 a base, a plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of apertures
 extending therethrough from the base and respectively located adjacent to
 and between the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members; (a) a second fluid structure having a base and a
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members
 extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first fluid structure positioned
 on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the plurality
 of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the second
 fluid structure is respectively inserted into a respective one of the
 plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure to form a matrix
 surface arrangement for supporting a body part of an individual; (d) means
 for pressurizing the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members of the first and second fluid structures to a desired
 stiffness, and the means further having the capability of rapidly
 inflating and deflating the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members of the first and second fluid structures at different
 times to create a massaging effect for massaging the body part of the
 individual positioned on the plurality of alternating offset expandable
 and contractible members the first and second fluid structures; (e)
 transmitting means positioned on the first and second fluid structures;
 and (i) magnetic vibratory means attached to the transmitting means for
 generating vibrations to and through the transmitting means which in turn
 creates resonance vibrations to the first and second fluid structures and
 the body part positioned on the first and second fluid structures; (g)
 whereby the first and second fluid structures have the ability to adjust
 the relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and masses
 of resting bodies and also provide the massaging effect against the body
 part of the individual.
 Defined also alternatively in detail, the present invention is a lounge
 chair having at least a head support section, a thoracic support section,
 a lumbar support section, a buttock and thigh support section, a calf
 support section, and a foot support section, each support section having a
 massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning device comprising: (a)
 a first fluid structure having a base portion, a plurality of hollow
 glands extending upwardly from the base portion and a plurality of
 apertures extending therethrough from the base portion, the plurality of
 hollow glands and the plurality of apertures arranged in an alternating
 offset arrangement from one another; (b) a plurality of first fluid ducts
 formed with the base portion of the first fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands for transferring fluid
 therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure having a base portion and a
 plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow spring members arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of second fluid ducts formed
 with the base portion of the second fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands of the second fluid structure
 for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the first fluid structure
 overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the
 plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid structure respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement, such that the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures are
 relatively in close proximity of one another for supporting a body part of
 an individual; and (f) means for supplying fluid under pressure to inflate
 the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second structures to a
 desired stiffness, where fluid is respectively transferrable from the
 plurality of hollow glands by the plurality of first and second fluid
 ducts, and the means further having the capability of rapidly inflating
 and deflating the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid
 structures at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging
 the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality of hollow
 glands of the first and second fluid structures; (g) whereby the first and
 second fluid structures have the ability to adjust the relative pressure
 over a range to suit the various shapes and masses of resting bodies and
 also provide the massaging effect against the body part of the individual.
 Defined also alternatively broadly, the present invention is a lounge chair
 having at least a head support, a thoracic support section, a lumbar
 support section, a buttock and thigh support section, a calf support
 section, and a foot support section, each support section having a
 massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning device comprising: (a)
 a first fluid structure having a base, a plurality of alternating offset
 expandable and contractible members extending upwardly from the base and a
 plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the base and
 respectively located adjacent to and between the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members; (b) a second fluid structure
 having a base and a plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first fluid
 structure positioned on the second fluid structure such that a respective
 one of the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members of the second fluid structure is respectively inserted into a
 respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure
 to form a matrix surface arrangement for supporting a body part of an
 individual; and (d) means for pressurizing the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures to a desired stiffness, and the means further having the
 capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging
 the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members the first and second fluid
 structures; (e) whereby the first and second fluid structures have the
 ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the various
 shapes and masses of resting bodies and also provide the massaging effect
 against the body part of the individual.
 Also alternatively defined in detail, the present invention is a lounge
 chair having at least a head support, a thoracic support section, a lumbar
 support section, a buttock and thigh support section, a calf support
 section, and a foot support section, each support section having a
 massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning device comprising: (a)
 a first fluid structure having a base portion, a plurality of hollow
 glands extending upwardly from the base portion and a plurality of
 apertures extending therethrough from the base portion, the plurality of
 hollow glands and the plurality of apertures arranged in an alternating
 offset arrangement from one another, (b) a plurality of first fluid ducts
 formed with the base portion of the first fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands for transferring fluid
 therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure having a base portion and a
 plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow spring members arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of second fluid ducts formed
 with the base portion of the second fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands of the second fluid structure
 for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the first fluid structure
 overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the
 plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid structure respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement, such that the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures are
 relatively in close proximity of one another for supporting a body part of
 an individual; (f) means for supplying fluid under pressure to inflate the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second structures to a desired
 stiffness, where fluid is respectively transferrable from the plurality of
 hollow glands by the plurality of first and second fluid ducts, and the
 means further having the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures at
 different times to create a massaging effect for massaging the body part
 of the individual positioned on the plurality of hollow glands of the
 first and second fluid structures; (g) a semi-rigid plate positioned
 underneath the first and second fluid structures; and (h) a sonic
 transducer attached to the plate for generating vibrations to and through
 the plate which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the first and
 second fluid structures and the body part positioned on the first and
 second fluid structures; (i) whereby the first and second fluid structures
 have the ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the
 various shapes and masses of resting bodies and also provide the massaging
 effect against the body part of the individual.
 Also alternatively defined broadly, the present invention is a lounge chair
 having at least a head support section, a thoracic support section, a
 lumbar support section, a buttock and thigh support section, a calf
 support section, and a foot support section, each support section having a
 massager cushioning device, the massager cushioning device comprising: (a)
 a first fluid structure having a base, a plurality of alternating offset
 expandable and contractible members extending upwardly from the base and a
 plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the base and
 respectively located adjacent to and between the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members; (b) a second fluid structure
 having a base and a plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first fluid
 structure positioned on the second fluid structure such that a respective
 one of the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members of the second fluid structure is respectively inserted into a
 respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure
 to form a matrix surface arrangement for supporting a body part of an
 individual; (d) means for pressurizing the plurality of alternating offset
 expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures to a desired stiffness, and the means further having the
 capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging
 the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members the first and second fluid
 structures; (e) transmitting means positioned on the first and second
 fluid structures; and (f) magnetic vibratory means attached to the
 transmitting means for generating vibrations to and through the
 transmitting means which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the first
 and second fluid structures and the body part positioned on the first and
 second fluid structures; (g) whereby the first and second fluid structures
 have the ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the
 various shapes and masses of resting bodies and also provide the massaging
 effect against the body part of the individual.
 Defined again alternatively in detail, the present invention is a cuff
 apparatus for wrapping around a body part of an individual, comprising:
 (a) a first fluid structure having a base portion, a plurality of hollow
 glands extending upwardly from the base portion and a plurality of
 apertures extending therethrough from the base portion, the plurality of
 hollow glands and the plurality of apertures arranged in an alternating
 offset arrangement from one another; (b) a plurality of first fluid ducts
 formed with the base portion of the first fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands for transferring fluid
 therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure having a base portion and a
 plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow spring members arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of second fluid ducts formed
 with the base portion of the second fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands of the second fluid structure
 for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the first fluid structure
 overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the
 plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid structure respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement, such that the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures are
 relatively in close proximity of one another, (f) means for supplying
 fluid under pressure to inflate the plurality of hollow glands of the
 first and second structures to a desired stiffness, where fluid is
 respectively transferrable from the plurality of hollow glands by the
 plurality of first and second fluid ducts, and the means further having
 the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of hollow
 glands of the first and second fluid structures at different times to
 create a massaging effect for massaging the body part of the individual
 positioned on the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid
 structures; and (g) means for maintaining the plurality of hollow glands
 of the first and second fluid structures around the body part of the
 individual; (h) whereby the first and second fluid structures have the
 ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the various
 shapes and masses of body parts and also provide the massaging effect
 against the body part of the individual.
 Defined again alternatively broadly, the present invention is a cuff
 apparatus for wrapping around a body part of an individual, comprising:
 (a) a first fluid structure having a base, a plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members extending upwardly from the
 base and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the base and
 respectively located adjacent to and between the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members; (b) a second fluid structure
 having a base and a plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first fluid
 structure positioned on the second fluid structure such that a respective
 one of the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members of the second fluid structure is respectively inserted into a
 respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure
 to form a matrix surface arrangement; (d) means for pressurizing the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the
 first and second fluid structures to a desired stiffness, and the means
 further having the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the
 first and second fluid structures at different times to create a massaging
 effect for massaging the body part of the individual positioned on the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members the
 first and second fluid structures; and (e) means for maintaining the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the
 first and second fluid structures around the body part of the individual;
 (f) whereby the first and second fluid structures have the ability to
 adjust the relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and
 masses of body parts and also provide the massaging effect against the
 body part of the individual.
 Again alternatively defined in detail, the present invention is a cuff
 apparatus for wrapping around a body part of an individual, comprising:
 (a) a first fluid structure having a base portion, a plurality of hollow
 glands extending upwardly from the base portion and a plurality of
 apertures extending therethrough from the base portion, the plurality of
 hollow glands and the plurality of apertures arranged in an alternating
 offset arrangement from one another; (b) a plurality of first fluid ducts
 formed with the base portion of the first fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands for transferring fluid
 therebetween; (c) a second fluid structure having a base portion and a
 plurality of hollow glands extending upwardly from the base portion, the
 plurality of hollow spring members arranged in an alternating offset
 arrangement from one another; (d) a plurality of second fluid ducts formed
 with the base portion of the second fluid structure and respectively
 connected between the plurality of glands of the second fluid structure
 for transferring fluid therebetween; (e) the first fluid structure
 overlaid on the second fluid structure such that a respective one of the
 plurality of hollow glands of the second fluid structure respectively
 inserted into a respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first
 fluid structure to form a matrix surface arrangement, such that the
 plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid structures are
 relatively in close proximity of one another, (f) means for supplying
 fluid under pressure to inflate the plurality of hollow glands of the
 first and second structures to a desired stiffness, where fluid is
 respectively transferrable from the plurality of hollow glands by the
 plurality of first and second fluid ducts, and the means further having
 the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of hollow
 glands of the first and second fluid structures at different times to
 create a massaging effect for massaging the body part of the individual
 positioned on the plurality of hollow glands of the first and second fluid
 structures; (g) a flexible plate positioned underneath the first and
 second fluid structures; (h) a sonic transducer attached to the plate for
 generating vibrations to and through the flexible plate which in turn
 creates resonance vibrations to the first and second fluid structures and
 the body part positioned on the first and second fluid structures; and (i)
 means for maintaining the plurality of hollow glands of the first and
 second fluid structures around the body part of the individual; j) whereby
 the first and second fluid structures have the ability to adjust the
 relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and masses of
 resting bodies and also provide the massaging effect against the body part
 of the individual.
 Again alternatively defined broadly, the present invention is a cuff
 apparatus for wrapping around a body part of an individual, comprising:
 (a) a first fluid structure having a base, a plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members extending upwardly from the
 base and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough from the base and
 respectively located adjacent to and between the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members; (b) a second fluid structure
 having a base and a plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members extending upwardly from the base; (c) the first fluid
 structure positioned on the second fluid structure such that a respective
 one of the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members of the second fluid structure is respectively inserted into a
 respective one of the plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure
 to form a matrix surface arrangement for supporting a body part of an
 individual; (d) means for pressurizing the plurality of alternating offset
 expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures to a desired stiffness, and the means further having the
 capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the first and second fluid
 structures at different times to create a massaging effect for massaging
 the body part of the individual positioned on the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members the first and second fluid
 structures; (e) transmitting means positioned on the first and second
 fluid structures; (f) magnetic vibratory means attached to the
 transmitting means for generating vibrations to and through the
 transmitting means which in turn creates resonance vibrations to the first
 and second fluid structures and the body part positioned on the first and
 second fluid structures; and (g) means for maintaining the plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the first and
 second fluid structures around the body part of the individual; (h)
 whereby the first and second fluid structures have the ability to adjust
 the relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and masses
 of resting bodies and also provide the massaging effect against the body
 part of the individual.
 Defined further alternatively in detail, the present invention is a topper
 apparatus, comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having a base, a
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members
 extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of apertures extending
 therethrough from the base and respectively located adjacent to and
 between the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members; (b) a second fluid structure having a base and a plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members extending upwardly
 from the base; (c) the first fluid structure positioned on the second
 fluid structure such that a respective one of the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the second fluid structure
 is respectively inserted into a respective one of the plurality of
 apertures of the first fluid structure to form a matrix surface
 arrangement for supporting a body part of an individual; and (d) means for
 pressurizing the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members of the first and second fluid structures to a desired
 stiffness, and the means further having the capability of rapidly
 inflating and deflating the plurality of alternating offset expandable and
 contractible members of the first and second fluid structures at different
 times to create a massaging effect for massaging the body part of the
 individual positioned on the plurality of alternating offset expandable
 and contractible members the first and second fluid structures; (e)
 whereby the first and second fluid structures have the ability to adjust
 the relative pressure over a range to suit the various shapes and masses
 of resting bodies and also provide the massaging effect against the body
 part of the individual.
 Further defined more broadly, the present invention is a massager
 cushioning device, comprising: (a) a first fluid structure having a base,
 a plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members
 extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of apertures extending
 therethrough from the base and respectively located adjacent to and
 between the plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible
 members; (b) a second fluid structure having a base and a plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members extending upwardly
 from the base; (c) the first fluid structure positioned on the second
 fluid structure such that a respective one of the plurality of alternating
 offset expandable and contractible members of the at least one second
 fluid structure is respectively inserted into a respective one of the
 plurality of apertures of the first fluid structure to form a matrix
 surface arrangement; and (d) means for pressurizing the plurality of
 alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the at least one
 first and second fluid structures to a desired stiffness, and the means
 further having the capability of rapidly inflating and deflating the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the
 first and second fluid structures at different times to create a massaging
 effect for massaging a body part of an individual positioned on the
 plurality of alternating offset expandable and contractible members of the
 first and second fluid structures; (e) whereby the first and second fluid
 structures have the ability to adjust the relative pressure over a range
 to suit the various shapes and masses of resting bodies and also provide
 the massaging effect against the body part of the individual.
 Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any
 particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment disclosed
 herein, or any specific use, since the same may be modified in various
 particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the
 claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus
 shown is intended only for illustration and for disclosure of an operative
 embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in
 which the present invention might be embodied or operated.
 The present invention has been described in considerable detail in order to
 comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at
 least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended
 in any way to limit the broad features or principles of the present
 invention, or the scope of patent monopoly to be granted.