Cushion System and Method

Abstract

A closed cushion system including a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers is set forth. The connection selectively facilitates flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A closed cushion system comprising:
 a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers to selectively facilitate flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.   
     
     
         2 . A closed cushion system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fill material includes micro beads. 
     
     
         3 . A closed cushion system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional pre-filled chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers. 
     
     
         4 . A closed cushion system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional chamber connected to the pre-filled chambers for offloading the fill material from the pre-filled chambers. 
     
     
         5 . An adjustable fill system for transferring fill material in a closed system comprising:
 adjacent chambers pre-filled with the fill material; and   an expandable connecting mechanism disposed between the adjacent chambers, the expandable connecting mechanism selectively expanded via a control provided on the system.   
     
     
         6 . An adjustable fill system as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein at least part of the expandable connecting mechanism is disposed on an exterior of the system. 
     
     
         7 . An adjustable fill system as claimed in  claim 6 , the expandable connecting mechanism further comprising an elastic assembly including a lockable member. 
     
     
         8 . An adjustable fill system as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the lockable member is further defined by a lockable bungee cord. 
     
     
         9 . An adjustable fill system as claimed in  claim 8 , the expandable connecting mechanism further comprising an inlet and an outlet for adjusting the lockable bungee cord of the expandable connecting mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . A method of adjusting fill material volume between chambers in a fixed, closed system comprising the steps of:
 prefilling a first chamber with a fill material;   prefilling a second chamber with the fill material;   sealing the first and second chambers to form the closed system; and   inserting a selectively operable system between the first and second chambers, the fill material selectively movable by selective operation of the selectively operable system to adjust the firmness of the chambers of the system.