초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a cushioning device for supporting a large animal such as a cow or a horse. The cushioning device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface forming a chamber, and an amount of a gelatinous filling material disposed within the cham

The present invention relates to a cushioning device for supporting a large animal such as a cow or a horse. The cushioning device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, said top surface and bottom surface forming a chamber, and an amount of a gelatinous filling material disposed within the chamber. The present invention relates also to methods of transporting and installing a cushioning device for supporting a large animal. The method comprises transporting the cushioning device and a compound capable of creating a gel upon contact with a liquid may be delivered separately to the site. At the remote site the compound may be disposed within the chamber and the chamber may then be filled with an amount of liquid to create the gel within the cushioning device. The compound may also be delivered to the site already disposed within the chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A dairy cattle cushioning device, wherein said dairy cattle cushioning device comprises a top exterior surface defining a supporting area for the dairy cattle, the supporting area of the top exterior surface is a generally flat shape, a bottom exterior surface, said top exterior surface and botto

1. A dairy cattle cushioning device, wherein said dairy cattle cushioning device comprises a top exterior surface defining a supporting area for the dairy cattle, the supporting area of the top exterior surface is a generally flat shape, a bottom exterior surface, said top exterior surface and bottom exterior surface forming a chamber, and an amount of gelatinous filling material disposed within the chamber, wherein the gelatinous filling material exerts a pressure against the top and bottom exterior surfaces such that before use by a dairy cattle said top exterior surface stretches up to about 10% of its original size, the cushioning device having an installation pressure within the chamber, said installation pressure being from about 2 psi to about 8 psi such that after use by a dairy cattle the supporting area of the top exterior surface returns to its generally flat shape. 2. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said chamber is sealed. 3. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said gelatinous filling material is obtained by mixing a compound capable of creating a gel when in contact with a liquid. 4. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 3, wherein the compound capable of creating the gel is a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). 5. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 4, wherein said cushioning device is a mattress. 6. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 4, wherein said dairy cattle is a cow, a horse, a sheep, a buffalo or a goat. 7. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 3, wherein said cushioning device further comprises a nozzle, said nozzle having one port in communication with the chamber, said port for disposing the compound within the chamber and for filling the chamber with the liquid. 8. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 3, wherein said cushioning device further comprises a nozzle, said nozzle having a compound and liquid filling port and an air removing port. 9. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 3, wherein said cushioning device further comprises a compound and liquid filling nozzle and an air removing nozzle, each of said two nozzles having at least one port in communication with the chamber, wherein at least one port is a compound and liquid filling port, and at least one port is an air removing port. 10. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said top surface includes a pattern, wherein said cushioning device further comprises a flexible pad positioned atop of the top exterior surface of the cushioning device, said flexible pad comprising a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface conforms to the pattern of the top exterior surface of the cushioning device. 11. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said cushioning device further comprises a cover that covers the top and bottom exterior surfaces of the cushioning device. 12. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said cushioning device is a mattress. 13. The dairy cattle cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said dairy cattle is a cow, a horse, a sheep, a buffalo or a goat.