Energy dissipative cushioning elements

An apparatus comprising:

• a cushioning element including at least one tension-bearing member configured to deform in response to a collision or impact, the at least one tension-bearing member being further configured to substantially inelastically deform after reaching an elastic limit during a deformation;
• and
• a heat capacity material associated with at least one tension-bearing member, the heat capacity material being stored out of contact with the at least one tension-bearing member associated therewith, the heat capacity material being applied to the at least one tension-bearing member associated therewith responsive to a predetermined condition, the heat capacity material being configured to at least one of:
• absorb at least a portion of thermal energy associated with a collision or impact, increase a capacity of the at least one tension-bearing member with heat capacity material associated therewith to perform work, and increase a capacity to have work done on the tension-bearing member with heat capacity material associated therewith.

A method comprising:

• providing a cushioning element including at least one tension-bearing member configured to deform in response to a collision or impact, the at least one tension-bearing member being further configured to substantially inelastically deform after reaching an elastic limit during a deformation;
• and
• associating a heat capacity material with at least one tension-bearing member, the heat capacity material being configured to at least one of:
• absorb at least a portion of thermal energy associated with a collision or impact, increase a capacity of the at least one tension-bearing member with heat capacity material associated therewith to perform work, and increase a capacity to have work done on the tension-bearing member with heat capacity material associated therewith.