US 5,416,935 · Granted 1995-05-23
The Cushion That Cools You On Demand With Air Valves
Imagine a chair or bed cushion with tiny holes that blow cool or warm air on your body—but only when you sit on it. This patent covers a surface full of pressure-activated valves that automatically open when you press down, letting conditioned air flow out exactly where you need it.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a surface air conditioning apparatus with multiple passages running through a support surface that sits above a sealed chamber of temperature-controlled air. Each passage has a pressure-actuated flow control valve that stays closed normally; when pressure is applied (like sitting down), the valve opens and allows the conditioned air to flow through that specific passage to the surface. What's protected is both the valve mechanism itself and the overall system of combining multiple pressure-sensitive passages into one coordinated cooling or heating surface.
Why it matters
This patent creates a way to integrate climate control directly into furniture without requiring ducts, fans, or visible machinery. Instead of a whole room air conditioner or blanket-style heating pad, you get targeted comfort wherever your body makes contact with the cushion. The pressure-valve design means the system only operates when needed, potentially saving energy compared to continuous-operation alternatives.
Real-world use
A high-end office chair or car seat that cools your back and thighs when you sit down, or a luxury mattress that warms specific zones as you lie on it.
Original USPTO abstract
A surface air conditioning device includes a plurality of passages through a support surface which overlies a closed volume in which temperature conditioned air is supplied; each passage is provided with a pressure actuated flow control valve which is normally closed to prevent loss of conditioned air through the associated passage; pressure contact with the valve effects opening thereof to allow conditioned air to flow through the passage.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,416,935
- Filing date
- 1993-11-29
- Grant date
- 1995-05-23
- Assignee
- Nieh; Rosa L.
- Inventor(s)
- NIEH; ROSA L.
- CPC class
- A47C21/044
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