Patent ID: 6938290
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
1. A cushioning device adapted to support a load and to reduce damage to the load as the result of externally applied impact forces and comprising: a first impact energy absorbing layer adapted to be placed beneath the load and to spread the impact energy substantially in the plane of the impact energy absorbing layer, and wherein said impact energy absorbing layer comprises a plurality of cells of pliable material, the cells being in fluid communication with each other to provide a valved fluid transfer between cells, said first impact energy absorbing layer being hermetically closed at its periphery and being maintained at a pressure above the surrounding atmosphere; and a second impact energy absorbing layer positioned beneath the first impact energy absorbing layer and being adapted to spread the impact energy substantially in the plane of the second impact energy absorbing layer, and wherein said second impact energy absorbing layer comprises a plurality of cells of pliable material, said cells being in fluid communication with each other to provide a valved fluid transfer between cells, said second impact energy absorbing layer being hermetically closed at its periphery and being maintained at a pressure above the surrounding atmosphere and wherein said second impact energy absorbing layer differs structurally from said first impact energy absorbing layer, said structural difference being one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of durometer, fluid communication, impact energy absorbing layer thickness, cell shape, and cell size; whereby the cushioning device absorbs impact energy force thereby reducing or eliminating damage to the supported load.