Patent ID: 7004655
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: B25G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cushioning element operable to contact a secondary object for cushioning, said cushioning element comprising: a bladder body having inner and outer walls sealingly closed at opposite ends of the bladder body, or one end selectively, and defining at least one chamber between the inner and outer walls, particulate material comprising micro-spheres in air filling the at least one chamber, the outer wall being flexible and capable of being deformed into a deformed shape as particulate material in the at least one chamber is moved by a pressing operation which is applied to the outer wall, and the inner wall being operable to receive a mounting member for mounting the bladder body to an article; wherein the particulate material in the at least one chamber that is moved by the pressing operation remains in the same position upon completion of the pressing operation for eliminating back-pressure exerted by the particulate material against the flexible outer wall, thereby maintaining the flexible outer wall in substantially the deformed shape which the flexible outer wall assumed during the pressing operation, and the particulate material in air and the sealingly closed opposite ends of the bladder body cooperating to resist leakage of the at least one chamber and configuring the particulate material within a specific space allowing the particulate material to pack and hold the deformed shape assumed during the pressing operation.