Appeal No. 1998-1610
Application No. 08/551,319
like. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures
1-3, Spann describes the pad as having a plurality of
upstanding projections or promontorys A each having a planar
apex surface B. The projections are disposed in patterns such
as aligned rows and are integrally carried by a base portion C
of foam material formed in a flat synthetic foam blank. Base
portion C includes connecting portions D which taper toward
the medial portion of the pad forming a tapering ridge 12.
The ridge 12 tapers outwardly such that the connecting portion
D terminates to form a V-shaped notch 13. According to Spann,
such a construction provides limited independent movement for
each of the projections A. In addition, Spann teaches that
each of the projections A may be depressed (see Fig. 3)
substantially independently of the neighboring projections.
Individual movement and depression of the projections A cause
air to move between the voids formed between
the projections A as a person reclining on the pad moves or
turns and produces an air pumping action promoting increased
air flow with better transfer of heat and moisture. See, col.
4, lines
7
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