Patent Publication Number: US-11383118-B1

Title: Inflatable impact attenuation device with discrete elements

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present general inventive concept is directed to a structure for receiving a user and cushioning an impact. The structure is useful in training and athletics where a user practices repeated maneuvers that normally involve falling to the ground. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Impact cushions are known in the field of gymnastics and stunt performances. Inflatable devices are known such as bounce houses. Both of these kinds of devices are both bulky and heavy and are not suitable for transport or easy set up. One particular sport where impact cushions are needed but are generally not available is soccer. In particular, a goalie will practice a save directed towards the edge of the goal or the top corner of the goal. In order to practice this technique, the goalie must jump, dive, and extend their arms to the maximum extent possible. This falling or diving usually ends with impacting the ground, often in an outstretched or exposed configuration. Injury to the shoulders or hips can occur, and even if injury is avoided, bruising and irritation can be encountered through repeated iterations of the technique. Injury and soreness can cut the practice short. Additionally, the fear of injury or soreness can discourage the athlete from full extension or full height. 
     Another technique in soccer is the bicycle kick. This kick involves the athlete falling backwards while extending at least one leg upward to kick a ball at a high point relative to other players. The success of the move requires height and extension, and practicing the move involves the risk of falling on one&#39;s head, neck, or shoulders. Again the risk of injury is present, but also the more routine effect of bruising or irritation from repeated practice of the technique and impacts with the ground. Soccer can be played on natural or artificial turf, and neither is cushioned or forgiving. Often practice involves a single or small number of people at an indoor or outdoor field or pitch and the ability to bring a large cushion or matt is limited by a person&#39;s carrying capacity or what will fit in a vehicle. Conventional mats or cushions are not suitable. 
     What is needed is an impact cushion that can be transported and deployed by a single person to facilitate an athletic practice. What is further needed is an inflatable impact cushion that can be stored in a small volume to fit in a car or storage container and easily moved to a desired location and then set up through inflation to achieve a larger more useful size for use. Additionally, what is needed is a portable power supply and an efficient structure design to utilize an efficient amount of power to inflate the impact cushion and maintain the inflation over a useful period of time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an inflatable impact attenuation device comprising a plurality of air displacement units wherein each air displacement unit comprises a base cell, a pillar connected to said base cell, said pillar extending upward from said base cell, a membrane connected to said base cell and positioned between said base cell and said pillar and at least partially interfering with air flow between said base cell and said pillar, and an air transport opening configured to provide fluid communication with an adjacent base cell. 
     A further aspect of the invention provides an inflatable impact attenuation device comprising a first row of air displacement units comprising a first air displacement unit, a second air displacement unit, and a third air displacement unit, a second row of air displacement units comprising a fourth air displacement unit, a fifth air displacement unit, and a sixth air displacement unit, a third row of air displacement units comprising a seventh air displacement unit, an eighth air displacement unit, and a ninth air displacement unit, where said first air displacement unit comprises a first base cell and a first pillar positioned above said first base cell and a first membrane positioned between said first base cell and said first pillar; said second air displacement unit comprises a second base cell and a second pillar positioned above said second base cell and a second membrane positioned between said second base cell and said second pillar; said third air displacement unit comprises a third base cell and a third pillar positioned above said third base cell and a third membrane positioned between said third base cell and said third pillar; said first base cell is connected to said second base cell to form a first transverse air transport; and said second base cell is connect to a said third base cell to form a second transverse air transport. 
     These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an inflatable impact attenuation device in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an inflatable impact attenuation device in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of an outboard column of air displacement units an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of an inboard column of air displacement units an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of an inboard column of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of an outboard column of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front sectional view of a row of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top sectional view of base cells in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an air displacement unit in an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a cover in an embodiment of the invention 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     The present inventive concept relates to an inflatable impact device suited to receive a user and cushion the impact to allow for repeated iterations of impact while mitigating strain or injury to the user. The device of the invention utilizes a plurality of air displacement units configured to operate independently at absorbing an impact and to work collectively to channel airflow upon impact. The device is efficient in absorbing impact by providing a two tier impact system as well as distributing air throughout the device rather than venting air as in conventional devices. The device is suited for operation in a portable embodiment that uses battery power. Whereas many inflatables retain effectiveness by being connected to a high powered blower to maintain air pressure and bounciness, the present invention is configured to give or yield to receive a user into the device to provide cushion rather than bounce. The configuration of the various air displacement units presents a low vertical threshold at the perimeter of the device while presenting a higher vertical height to receive a user at a higher point during extended leaps or maneuvers. 
       FIG. 1  presents a side view of an inflatable impact attenuation device in an embodiment of the invention. An air displacement unit is shown comprising a base cell  110  and pillar  112 . A second displacement unit is shown comprising a base cell  210  and a pillar  212 . A third air displacement unit is shown comprising base cell  310  and pillar  312 . Pillar  312  is shown at a height higher than pillar  212  which is in turn higher than pillar  112 . The pillars combine to present a working surface that is inclined and suited to receive a falling user. Additional base cells are shown numbered  410 ,  510 , and  610 . The base cells can be constructed with a flat bottom, not numbered, and side walls, not numbered that are tapered towards the top so that each base cell is spaced apart from adjacent base cells where it is connected to a pillar. Base cells can be constructed similarly to each other of known materials for inflatables and sewn together as is known in the art. The base cells of the invention are shown in the various figures and comprise a tapered configuration so that when placed adjacent other base cells, the lower portions may be connected to adjacent base cells to assist with inflation and air transport. In an embodiment of the invention, each base cell is connected in fluid communication with at least one other base cell so that the entire device can be inflated by a blower inserted into the device at a single location or base cell. Base cells can be connected to at least one adjacent base cell by way of an air transport opening. An air transport opening can be constructed by stitching a base cell to an adjacent base cell (e.g. round, square, or oval path), and then cutting the fabric interior to the stitching. An air transport opening can also be created by creating an opening in a pair of adjacent base cells, and then sewing or connecting the circumference of the opening to join the base cells around the circumference of the air transport opening. Additional methods can be employed as known in the art including glue, melt adhesive, etc. Air transport openings can be used to allow distribution of air during inflation to reach all regions of the device, but the air transport openings also allow for muted or dampened air flow out of an air displacement unit upon impact. A suitable range for the cross sectional area of an air transport opening about 10 to 30 square inches. In an embodiment of the invention where the base cell can have a volume of 1 cubic foot to 12 cubic feet, an air transport opening can be sized at approximately 18 square inches. A pillar can have a volume of 0.1 cubic feet in a shorter pillar with each dimension less than a foot in length, up to a lager embodiment with a taller pillar having length, width, and height all more than one foot in length and having a volume of up to five cubic feet. The smaller opening compared to the volume of a base cell and volume of a pillar creates a flow restriction. The combination of air flow into adjacent air displacement units allows the air to move, but movement through successive air transport openings dampens the flow rate through successive flow restrictions. Show in  FIG. 1 , air transport opening  11  connects base cell  110  with base cell  210 ; air transport opening  21  connects base cell  210  with base cell  310 ; air transport opening  31  connects base cell  310  with base cell  410 ; air transport opening  41  connects base cell  410  with base cell  510 ; and air transport opening  51  connects base cell  510  with base cell  610 . 
     Each pillar can be attached to a base cell. The base cells are configured to be adjoining or close to each other. As the top of the base cell is smaller than the bottom the base cell tops will be spaced apart. Each pillar is configured to match the base cell top and has a cross sectional area and shape to match the base cell top. In an embodiment, the base cell tops are approximately 18 inches by 9 inches to provide a cross sectional area of 162 square inches. The pillars of the device are constructed with a corresponding size and shape where connected to the base cells. It will be understood that the device of the invention can be scaled up or down to provide a larger or smaller working surface or height for various activities. Youth sports would require a lower height, for example. 
     Each pillar is preferably constructed of a relatively lightweight material such as nylon or other synthetic materials. In an embodiment  210  Denier urethane coated nylon fabric can be used to construct a lightweight pillar structure that is suited to give or yield upon impact. In order to prevent the pillar fabric traveling into a base cell, a membrane such as membrane  114  can traverse a portion of the boundary between pillar  112  and base cell  110 . In similar fashion membrane  214  can be stitched across the top of base cell  210  and membrane  314  can be connected across the top of base cell  310 . Membrane  414 ,  514 , and  614  are also shown in  FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, each air displacement unit comprises a membrane connected across a top of a base cell and a pillar attached to the top each base cell. Each pillar comprises a pillar front wall such as pillar front wall  113 . Each pillar also comprises a pillar rear wall such as pillar rear wall  115 . Where the front wall and rear wall comprise different heights, pillar top surface  119  will be angled relative the ground. The pillars can be constructed with different front and rear wall heights to create different angles. Different pillars can be constructed with different wall heights relative to other pillars to create a set of pillars aligned with increasing heights to create a smooth incline, or reduced heights to create a decline as seen from left to right in  FIG. 1 . In particular, pillar front wall  213  is lower than pillar rear wall  215  in pillar  212  to create a slope of pillar top surface  219 . Pillar front wall  313  is shorter than pillar rear wall  315  to create the angle of pillar top surface  319 . Pillar front wall  413  is shorter than pillar rear wall  415  to create angled pillar top surface  419 . Pillar  512  is constructed to create a declining angle where pillar front wall  513  is higher than pillar rear wall  515  to create surface  519  angled towards the rear of the device. Pillar  612  is shown with pillar front wall  613  taller than pillar rear wall  615  and enabling the rearward incline of pillar top surface  619 . Shown in this view pillar  112  comprises pillar first side wall  116 , and other pillars are similar constructed with a pillar side wall numbered elements  216 ,  316 ,  416 ,  516 , and  616  configured to extend from each corresponding base cell of the air displacement unit to a pillar top surface and angled to extend from a pillar front wall to a pillar rear wall. As shown in  FIG. 2 , each pillar comprises a first side wall in addition to a second side wall, however not all side walls are numbered for clarity. Where each pillar is configured with a light deformable fabric to cushion a user, each membrane is preferably constructed of a material that is heavier and stronger than the pillar fabric, and can be chosen from a group of woven materials such as polyester and nylon athletic mesh. One suitable membrane fabric is polyester athletic mesh with stretch ratio range from 10% to 80%. Each membrane is configured to prevent significant penetration of a user, or part of a user such as a hand or foot, past the membrane and into a base cell. In this way, the pillars of the device are configured to significantly yield while each membrane and base unit is designed to resist and prevent further movement downward and prevent the user from impacting the ground or surface under the device. A blower can be placed inside a base cell to inflate the device of the invention. Blower intake cover  805  can be removed to allow placement of a pump or blower interior to the device. In an embodiment of the invention, removal of the intake cover exposes an opening of approximately 15 inches by 15 inches to allow for placement of the blower into a base cell, for example base cell  110 . Blower intake cover  915  can be positioned at a different corner of the device, for example in base cell  140 . A removable blower intake cover can be provided in each corner of the device, for example via blower intake cover  825 , so that the blower can be placed away from the most likely impact of the user, and avoiding contact between the user and the blower. An alternative cover piece, not shown, can be used to seal the device configured the same as blower intake cover  805 , but without intake opening  61 . Additionally, placement of the blower interior to the device prevents tripping over or contacting the blower while performing activities near the device. The blower can be battery powered to provide portability of the device where it can be deployed without access to electrical power. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view side sectional view of an inflatable impact attenuation device in an embodiment of the invention. Shown here is an embodiment of the invention that has six rows as shown in  FIG. 1 , and 4 columns. Pillars of the device extend upward and are discrete elements providing a cushioning function relatively independent of neighboring pillars. This provides a superior function compared to devices with one continuous impact surface. Pillar  112  and  212  are in an outboard column, on the exterior boundary of the device, and pillars  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422 ,  522 , and  622 , are in a second column or inboard column interior to the outboard column. Each air displacement unit is shown comprising a pillar, a membrane, and a base cell. In this embodiment, each pillar in the first row, pillars  112 ,  122 ,  132 , and  142 , is constructed equivalently to present a uniform height and top surface angle across the row. For clarity, not all elements are numbered. Second row comprises four air displacement units with pillars  212 ,  222 ,  232 , and  242 , and each has a height and top angle to transition from the first row to the third row. Third row comprises four air displacement units with pillars  312 ,  322 ,  332 , and  342 , and each has a height and top angle to transition from the second row to the fourth row. Fourth row comprises four air displacement units with pillars  412 ,  422 ,  432 , and  442 , and each has a height and top angle to transition from the third row to the fifth row. Fifth row comprises four air displacement units with pillars  512 ,  522 ,  532 , and  542 , and each has a height and top angle to transition from the fourth row to the sixth row. The apex of this embodiment is created by the front wall  513  of pillar  512  where it meets pillar top surface  519 . This embodiment present a lower angle of impact in rows one through four and presents a higher angle of impact in rows  5  and  6 . This particular embodiment can be used from both sides to accommodate an angle of a falling user in a particular technique or exercise. 
     Sixth row again comprises four air displacement units with pillars  612 ,  622 ,  632 , and  642 , and each has a height and top angle to transition from the fifth row to a lower boundary at the rear of the device that is easy for a user to clear when falling on the device. In an embodiment of the invention where the first four rows are ascending in height and rows four and five descend towards the rear of the device, base cell can be constructed with a volume of approximately three cubic feet. In a particular embodiment, base cells with a volume of about 3.3 cubic feet can be paired with pillars in the first row having a volume of about 0.44 cubic feet, pillars in the second row of about 0.9 cubic feet, pillars in the third row of about 1.3 cubic feet, pillars in the fourth row of about 1.6 cubic feet, pillars in the fifth row of about 1.3 cubic feet, and pillars in the sixth row comprising about 0.46 cubic feet. Although the pillars in row five have the highest apex, they are also configured with a more sharply sloping top surface, e.g. pillar top surface  519 , and therefore contain less air volume than the pillars in row four. 
       FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of an outboard column of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. Not all elements are numbered for clarity. Base cell  110  is shown with transverse air transport  80 . Transverse air transport  80  connects base cell  110  with base cell  120  to allow for fluid communication of air interior to the device. Upon impact, a user will contact one or more pillars and pushing air into the interior of the device. The particular profile of the deceleration of the user is determined by the ability of air to escape the impacted pillar. In a conventional device comprising one continuous matt, the surface will bounce and provide rebound where the air cannot escape upon impact. In another conventional device, a matt is vented to provide more cushion and deformation upon impact and avoiding rebound or bounciness. In order to provide cushion and maintain efficiency of inflated air, the device of the current invention provides directional air transport to cushion a user. Upon impact, a pillar will deform and air will be forced from the pillar into the attached base cell, for example base cell  310 . Base cell  310  is connected to base cell  210  via air transport opening  21  and is connected to base cell  410  via air transport opening  31 . Base cell  510  is connected to base cell  410  by air transport opening  41  and is connected to base cell  610  by air transport opening  51 . In the embodiment shown, each base cell is connected to the other base cells in a particular column through air transport openings. In the first row, transverse air transport  80  connects base cell  110  in the first column and first row to base cell  120  positioned in the second column and first row. In this way, air displaced upon impact into pillar  212  in the first column can travel to the air displacement units of other columns only by first traveling to the base cell in the first row where it can pass into base cell  120  of the second column and thereafter to other pillars in other rows or columns. Base cell  130  can be connected to base cell  120  with a transverse air transport  81  and base cell  140  can be connected to base cell  130  with transverse air transport  82 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of an inboard column of air displacement units an embodiment of the invention. This particular embodiment comprises four columns and six rows of air displacement units.  FIG. 4  presents a sectional view of what can be considered the second column. Air transport opening  12  is shown connecting base cell  120  with base cell  220 . Air transport opening  22  is shown connecting base cell  220  to base cell  320 . Air transport opening  32  connects base cell  320  to base cell  420 . Air transport opening  42  is shown connecting base cell  420  to base cell  520 . Air transport opening  52  is shown connecting base cell  520  to base cell  620 . Membrane  124  spans the top of base cell  120  and provides structural support as well as preventing intrusion of a user into base cell  120 . Similar to the air transport openings, membrane  124  partially covers the opening between pillar  122  and base cell  120 . This allows air to travel between pillar  122  and base cell  120 , but is significantly restricted to provide some resistance to air flow. In this way the membrane partially interferes with air flow between a pillar and a base cell. The cross sectional area that is open and not covered by membrane  124  influences the amount of give or cushion provided by pillar  122  upon impact. Membrane  224  is shown at the interface of pillar  222  and base cell  220 . Membrane  324  is shown at the interface of pillar  322  and base cell  320 . Membrane  424  is shown at the interface of pillar  422  and base cell  420 . Membrane  524  is shown at the interface of pillar  522  and base cell  520 . Membrane  624  is shown at the interface of pillar  622  and base cell  620 . 
     Pillar  122  further comprises pillar front wall  123  and pillar rear wall  125 , pillar top surface  129  and pillar second side wall  127 . Pillar  222  further comprises pillar front wall  223  and pillar rear wall  225 , pillar top surface  229  and pillar second side wall  227 . Pillar  322  further comprises pillar front wall  323  and pillar rear wall  325 , pillar top surface  329  and pillar second side wall  327 . Pillar  422  further comprises pillar front wall  423  and pillar rear wall  425 , pillar top surface  429  and pillar second side wall  427 . Pillar  522  further comprises pillar front wall  523  and pillar rear wall  525 , pillar top surface  529  and pillar second side wall  527 . Pillar  622  further comprises pillar front wall  623  and pillar rear wall  625 , pillar top surface  629  and pillar second side wall  627 . Each pillar also comprises a first side wall, not shown in the sectional views. Transverse air transport  81  is shown connecting base cell  120  to base cell  130 . Transverse air transport  86  is shown connecting base cell  620  to base cell  630 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of an inboard column of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. A third column of air displacement units can be constructed in similar manner to the second column with similar dimensions to provide the symmetry and smooth surface shown in  FIG. 2 . Air transport opening  13  is shown connecting base cell  130  with base cell  230 . Air transport opening  23  is shown connecting base cell  230  to base cell  330 . Air transport opening  33  connects base cell  330  to base cell  430 . Air transport opening  43  is shown connecting base cell  430  to base cell  530 . Air transport opening  53  is shown connecting base cell  530  to base cell  630 . Membrane  134  spans the top of base cell  130  and provides structural support as well as preventing intrusion of a user into base cell  130 . Membrane  134  partially covers the opening between pillar  132  and base cell  130  allowing air to travel between pillar  132  and base cell  130 . The cross sectional area that is open and not covered by membrane  134  can be selected to be consistent with other pillars or increased or decreased to provide increased or decreased give of cushion in the pillar upon impact. Membrane  234  is shown at the interface of pillar  232  and base cell  230 . Membrane  334  is shown at the interface of pillar  332  and base cell  330 . Membrane  434  is shown at the interface of pillar  432  and base cell  430 . Membrane  534  is shown at the interface of pillar  532  and base cell  530 . Membrane  634  is shown at the interface of pillar  632  and base cell  630 . 
     Pillar  132  further comprises pillar front wall  133  and pillar rear wall  135 , pillar top surface  139  and pillar second side wall  137 . Pillar  232  further comprises pillar front wall  233  and pillar rear wall  235 , pillar top surface  239  and pillar second side wall  237 . Pillar  332  further comprises pillar front wall  333  and pillar rear wall  335 , pillar top surface  339  and pillar second side wall  337 . Pillar  432  further comprises pillar front wall  433  and pillar rear wall  435 , pillar top surface  439  and pillar second side wall  437 . Pillar  532  further comprises pillar front wall  533  and pillar rear wall  535 , pillar top surface  539  and pillar second side wall  537 . Pillar  632  further comprises pillar front wall  633  and pillar rear wall  635 , pillar top surface  639  and pillar second side wall  637 . Each pillar also comprises a first side wall not shown in the sectional view. Transverse air transport  82  is shown connecting base cell  130  to base cell  140 . Transverse air transport  86  is shown connecting base cell  630  to base cell  640 . 
       FIG. 6  presents a sectional view of an outboard column of air displacement units in an embodiment of the invention. A fourth column of air displacement units can be constructed in similar manner to the first column with similar dimension to provide the symmetry and smooth surface shown in  FIG. 2 . Air transport opening  14  is shown connecting base cell  140  with base cell  240 . Air transport opening  24  is shown connecting base cell  240  to base cell  340 . Air transport opening  34  connects base cell  340  to base cell  440 . Air transport opening  44  is shown connecting base cell  440  to base cell  540 . Air transport opening  54  is shown connecting base cell  540  to base cell  640 . Membrane  144  spans the top of base cell  140  and provides structural support as well as preventing intrusion of a user into base cell  140 . Membrane  144  partially covers the opening between pillar  142  and base cell  140  allowing air to travel between pillar  142  and base cell  140 . The cross sectional area that is open and not covered by membrane  144  can be selected to be consistent with other pillars or increased or decreased to provide increased or decreased give of cushion in the pillar upon impact. The membrane for each pillar can be sized up to reduce air flow out of the pillar, or can be reduced in size to increase air flow out of the connected pillar upon impact. Additionally, membrane  144  and the other membranes in the device can be constructed from a mesh fabric, for example polyester or nylon athletic mesh having a void space of 0.045 inch or up to 0.5 inch. At least one particular suitable material is polyester or nylon athletic mesh allowing a stretch ratio of 10% to 80%. Membrane  244  is shown at the interface of pillar  242  and base cell  240 . Membrane  344  is shown at the interface of pillar  342  and base cell  340 . Membrane  444  is shown at the interface of pillar  442  and base cell  440 . Membrane  544  is shown at the interface of pillar  542  and base cell  540 . Membrane  644  is shown at the interface of pillar  642  and base cell  640 . 
     Pillar  142  further comprises pillar front wall  143  and pillar rear wall  145 , pillar top surface  149  and pillar second side wall  147 . Pillar  242  further comprises pillar front wall  243  and pillar rear wall  245 , pillar top surface  249  and pillar second side wall  247 . Pillar  342  further comprises pillar front wall  343  and pillar rear wall  345 , pillar top surface  349  and pillar second side wall  347 . Pillar  442  further comprises pillar front wall  443  and pillar rear wall  445 , pillar top surface  449  and pillar second side wall  447 . Pillar  542  further comprises pillar front wall  543  and pillar rear wall  545 , pillar top surface  549  and pillar second side wall  547 . Pillar  642  further comprises pillar front wall  643  and pillar rear wall  645 , pillar top surface  649  and pillar second side wall  647 . Each pillar also comprises a first side wall not shown in the sectional view. 
       FIG. 7  presents a sectional view of a front row of air displacement units in isolation an embodiment of the invention. The other rows of the embodiment are not shown in the figure for clarity. Pillar  112  is shown with a first side wall  116  and a second side wall  117 . Each of the pillars of the device can be constructed with a first and second side wall with a consistent manner of construction. Shown here is first side wall  126  of pillar  122  and first side wall  136  of pillar  132  and first side wall  146  of pillar  142 . For each pillar, the difference in height between the pillar front wall and the pillar rear wall will determine the angle of the pillar top surface, for example pillar top surface  119 . The pillars in the front row are shown with corresponding geometries to provide a consistent angle of the impact surface. Membrane  124  can be sewn to top of base cell  120  as well as to the bottom of first side wall  126  and second side wall  127 . The other pillars can be similarly constructed. For added stability, and to limit torsion or sway upon impact, the membranes of the individual air displacement units can be attached or sewn to an adjacent membrane in the same row. For example, membrane  134  can be sewn to membrane  144  and to membrane  124 . Membrane  124  can be additionally connected or sewn to membrane  114 . Each of the membranes of the air displacement units can be connected to a neighboring membrane to reduce sway or movement of the discrete elements of the device or to provide a maximum limit to such movement. 
     The device of the invention can comprise tether loops such as tether loop  72 , tether loop  73 , tether loop  74 , and tether loop  75 . Tether loops can be used in connection with stakes or alternate affixing devices, such as an elasticated strap, to limit unintended movement of the device during use. Tether loops can be positioned at the corners of the device or alternately along the sides of the device in various embodiments. 
       FIG. 8  presents a top sectional view of the base cells in an embodiment of the invention. This section shows the construction of the base cells just below the position of the membranes. This view shows the air transport connections. Each column of base cells is connected to the other base cells in the column via air transport openings. The first row base cells are also connected via transverse air transports  80 ,  81 , and  82 . The last row base cells are also connected via transverse air transports  86 ,  86 , and  87 . Increasing the size of the air transports in the device increases the deformation ability of the pillars. Decreasing the size of the air transports increases the resistance of the pillars to impact. In an embodiment of the invention, base tarp  700  can be sewn to the bottom of each base cell. This can be done in numerous alternative shapes and methods, but here, a square seam is shown where the base tarp  700  has been sewn to the bottom of the base cell. For example base-tarp connection seam  111  is shown in the bottom of base cell  110 . Base cell  210  comprises base tarp connection seam  211 . In similar fashion, each base cell of each air displacement can be sewn to base tarp  700 , and the connection seams are all presented in  FIG. 8  in the first column as  111 ,  211 ,  311 ,  411 ,  511 ,  611 , and in the second column as  121 ,  221 ,  321 ,  421 ,  521 ,  621 , and in the third column as  131 ,  231 ,  331 ,  431 ,  531 ,  631 , and in the fourth column as  141 ,  241 ,  341 ,  441 ,  541 , and  641 . The base tarp connection seams are also presented in the sectional views of the air displacement units. In an alternate embodiment, can comprise base tarp tiles. Each tile can be sewn to a base cell individually, and then sewn together for form a single base tarp  700 . These base tiles are shown in the various figures and numbered similarly. Base tiles in first column are numbered  118 ,  218 ,  318 ,  418 ,  518 , and  618 . Base tiles in the second column are numbered as  128 ,  228 ,  328 ,  428 ,  528 ,  628 , and in the third column as  138 ,  238 ,  338 ,  438 ,  538 ,  638 , and in the fourth column as  148 ,  248 ,  348 ,  448 ,  548 , and  648 . Base tiles can be square in shape for consistent connection to each other. 
       FIG. 9  presents a perspective view of a base cell configured to receive a blower. The air displacement unit is shown with additional features and the features are shown as placed during insertion or removal of the blower into the base cell. In order to increase the portability and flexibility of the device, a portable electric blower such as blower  901  can be positioned within the device. Blower intake cover  805  can be used with intake opening  61  to make a snug connection with blower connection flange  904  while allowing blower inlet  62  to access ambient air. Battery  902  can be rechargeable, for example a 40 volt lithium ion rechargeable battery pack used in tools and leaf blowers. Air is discharged through blower outlet  903 . Blower intake cover  805  can be configured with cover attachment material  806  configured to attach to cover attachment receiver material  807 , for example hook and loop fastener, and provide a tight connection. Blower access flap  801  can be sewn to base cell  110  to provide a fabric hinge or other connection known in the art and can swing open to provide access to blower  901 . In this way, blower  901  can be positioned or turned on or off after a tight connection has been made with blower intake cover  805 . Flap attachment material  802  can be attached to the perimeter of blower access flap  801  as shown to connect to flap attachment receiver material  803  and provide a seal against air loss. 
       FIG. 10  presents a perspective view of a cover in an embodiment of the invention. Cover  950  can be used to provide a smooth and flexible surface for a user. Top surface  990  is configured to fit over the discrete pillars of the device. In an embodiment, cover  950  comprises an outer layer  952  and an inner layer  954  sized to cover the pillars of the device outer layer  952  can be made of spandex and inner layer  954  can be made of spandex and the layers combine to provide stretch and slide against each other, the user, and the pillars of the device. Cover  950  is also significantly permeable to air flow so that the device works as a cushion to absorb impact a reduce rebound or stress on impact. Side panel  956  connects to attachment flap  958  that can comprise hook and loop fastener for connection to the underside of the device of the invention, for example base tarp  700 . Opposite side attachment flap  964 , front attachment flap  962  and rear attachment flap  966  can also comprise connective material to connect to the underside of the device and maintain the position of cover  950  relative to the air displacement units through repeated use. A second side panel similar to side panel  956  can be connected to attachment flap  964  and top surface  990 . A front kick panel  960  can be provided with cover blower opening  982  and cover blower opening  984  each configured to be positioned over intake opening  61  and intake opening  63  to allow a blower to operate. 
     Any description of a component or embodiment herein also includes construction methods and materials including fabrics, connection methods, and sewing techniques which already exist in the prior art and may be necessary to the construction of such component(s) or embodiment(s). 
     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.