Importance

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Abstract

The exterior of a fluid flotation sleep system such as a waterbed mattress is defined by a pair of registering frame or panel members having resilient borders of substantial height, the upper one of which includes a top pad and a resilient border of rectangular cross-section, fitting around an inclined resilient border attached to a base pad on the lower panel member. A cavity or enclosed volume defined between the two panel members is filled with separate pliant water containers, which may be elongated tubes or have other configurations, and which have only limited stretchability in response to pressures normally exerted by a user. The separate water containers yield locally to user pressure and conform to the user's shape, but do not transmit significant side forces or wave motion to other tubes, thus improving the sleeping characteristics of the surface. A quilted cover surface and side margin are attached to the top cover member, the quilted sleeping surface including foam of a substantial thickness, nominally of the order of 11/2' before quilting, to provide a luxurious feel and appearance while supplying added thermal insulation relative to the waterbed. A water barrier or collector sheet may be disposed under the water containers and across the open cavity defined by the upper side of the lower panel. With this construction, the individual tubes may be filled, moved, and emptied very readily. Should leaking occur in a tube it would not damage the floor or furniture.

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First Claim