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inflating air mattress (mattress) for use by backpacking and
mountain climbing enthusiasts.
The Patents
In January 1972, Lea and Anderson applied for a patent on
the design of the mattress, and U.S. Patent No. 3,872,525 (the
525 Patent) was issued on March 25, 1975. Later, on February 3,
1976, Lea and Burroughs were issued U.S. patent No. 3,935,690
(the 690 patent) for their method of packaging the mattresses.
On May 31, 1977, Lea and Anderson were issued U.S. patent No.
4,025,974 (the 974 patent) for their method of making the
mattresses.
The Incorporation
On April 24, 1972, Cascade was incorporated in the State of
Washington for the purpose of manufacturing and selling the
mattresses under the name "Therm-A-Rest". Cascade was
capitalized with $1,000, and its stock was owned as follows:
Ownership
Shareholder Percentage
Lea 60
Burroughs 20
John Lea1 20
Total 100
1.John Lea is Lea's brother.
Lea returned to work for Boeing in November 1972, where he
continued to work until June 1978. During these years, Lea and
Burroughs were full-time employees of Boeing, and worked for
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