Patent ID: 7931257

Claim:
A load bearing body-support structure comprising: a first layer comprising an elastomeric member, said elastomeric member elongatable between at least a first and second condition in response to a load being applied perpendicular to said first layer, wherein said elastomeric member has a first spring rate in a direction perpendicular to said first layer, and wherein said elastomeric member is in tension when in said second condition; a second layer comprising a plurality of pixelated load bearing elements each having a body-facing surface, wherein at least some adjacent pairs of pixelated load bearing elements are spaced apart in a first direction, said pixelated load bearing elements of each pair are spaced apart and interconnected with connector elements that are arranged in parallel relationship in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction; and at least one spring disposed between said first and second layers, said at least one spring having a second spring rate, wherein said second spring rate is less than said first spring rate.