Cushioning device and method of cushioning a body

A cushioning device comprising:

• a plurality of fluid cells, each of the fluid cells including a reforming element;
• a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells;
• a first exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of fluid cells with a first pressure relief valve and a first check valve;
• and
• a second exhaust reservoir directly connected in series to the first exhaust reservoir with a second pressure relief valve and a second check valve;
• wherein when the pressure in the plurality of fluid in the plurality of fluid cells reaches a first predetermined level, the first pressure relief valve opens and exhausts fluid into the first exhaust reservoir, and wherein when the pressure in the first exhaust reservoir reaches a second predetermined level, the second pressure relief valve opens and exhausts fluid into the second exhaust reservoir.

A method of cushioning a body comprising:

• providing a cushion including a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load, a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first exhaust reservoir and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to each other;
• automatically exhausting fluid from the plurality of fluid cells to the first exhaust reservoir when a load is applied on the plurality of fluid cells;
• automatically exhausting fluid from the first exhaust reservoir to the second exhaust reservoir when pressure in the first exhaust reservoir reaches a predetermined pressure with a pressure relief valve that directly connects the first exhaust reservoir and the second exhaust reservoir;
• and
• automatically returning fluid from the second exhaust reservoir to the first exhaust reservoir when a load is removed from the plurality of fluid cells with a check valve that directly connects the first exhaust reservoir and the second exhaust reservoir.