Self-inflating mat

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-inflating mat or pillow consisting of open-cell foamed material which is hermetically covered on both sides by outer layers of cloth, the outer layers being sealed on the edges and at least one valve providing a connection between the foamed material and the surrounding atmosphere. At least one layer of cloth or a mesh fabric is provided on at least one side and the cloth or mesh fabric consists of a hot-pressed yarn coated with a thermoplastic material.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . A self-inflating mat, comprising: 
 a first foamed material hermetically covered by means of outer layers of cloth;    said outer layers of cloth being sealed on edges thereof;    valve means for adjustably connecting said foamed material to an external atmosphere; and    at least one layer of said cloth including a hot-pressed yarn coated with a thermoplastic material.    
   
   
       16 . A self-inflating mat comprising: 
 a core layer of an open foam material;    outer layers of a fabric covering each of opposite sides of said core layer, edges of said outer layers being airtightly sealed together, at least one of said outer layers comprising a hot-pressed yarn coated with a thermoplastic material; and    a valve connecting said core layer with an ambient environment.    
   
   
       17 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 at least a portion of said fabric covering has been subjected to a calendering.    
   
   
       18 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 said at least one outer layer is one of a woven and a knitted fabric, the yarn of which is coated with said thermoplastic material before any weaving and knitting of said yarn.    
   
   
       19 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the fabric of said at least one outer layer is coated with a foil; and    said foil having a lower melting point than the thermoplastic material, and a lower melting point than the fabric of said one outer layer.    
   
   
       20 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a second foil coating on said one outer layer overlaying the first-mentioned foil coating, said second foil coating and the first-mentioned foil coating having different melting points.    
   
   
       21 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein: 
 the second foil coating has a lower melting point than the first-mentioned foil coating.    
   
   
       22 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 19 , wherein: 
 the foil coating of said one outer layer fabric is applied by one of a thermal laminating and a wide slit nozzle application.    
   
   
       23 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein: 
 the first foil coating and the second foil coating of said one outer layer fabric is applied by one of a thermal laminating and a wide slit nozzle application.    
   
   
       24 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the thermoplastic material and the yarn are flame resistant.    
   
   
       25 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 additional element applications are applied to a mat outside surface by one of adhesion and welding.    
   
   
       26 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 said fabric covering comprises quartz yarn.    
   
   
       27 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 said fabric covering comprises an Aramid fiber.    
   
   
       28 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 said fabric covering comprises a modified polyester.    
   
   
       29 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 28 , wherein: 
 said modified polyester is VEKTRAN.    
   
   
       30 . A self-inflating mat in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein: 
 said fabric comprises high strength yarns having an inherently poor adhesion property.    
   
   
       31 . A Kit, comprising: 
 at least a first and a second self inflating mat;    each said mat connected by a welded on profile element;    each said mat further comprising: 
 a core layer of an open foam material;  
 outer layers of a fabric covering each of opposite sides of said core layer, edges of said outer layers being airtightly sealed together, at least one of said outer layers comprising a hot-pressed yarn coated with a thermoplastic material; and  
 a valve connecting said core layer with an ambient environment.