Arthur A Townsend

US Patent:

48608050, Aug 29, 1989

Filed:

Jul 7, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/216124

Inventors:

Arthur M. Townsend - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B65B 304
A47C 1786

US Classification:

141382

Abstract:

A filtered waterbed filling system is provided which prevents or substantially reduces bacteria and algae growth in stagnant, heated water contained in a waterbed. The filling system may be a one-piece filling probe, or a universal hose coupling assembly may be provided which is mateable with either a separate filtered filling probe for filling the waterbed, or a separate drain probe for emptying water from the waterbed. The filtered filling probe employs a filter material formed in a cylinder shape and which extends a length of the probe and which is embedded in an outer supporting matrix. A pore size of the filter material prevents passage of at least some bacteria or other contaminants so as to aid in the prevention of bacteria and algae growth within the water mattress and/or to aid in reducing deterioration of the water mattress and/or inserts associated with the mattress. With the system disclosed, the use of a chemical solution to control bacteria growth is substantially reduced or eliminated.