Shear cushion with interconnected columns of cushioning elements
AssigneeSkydex Technologies, Inc.
InventorEric DiFelice
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In accordance with one implementation, a cushion includes at least two columns of axially aligned cushioning elements and one or more binding layers elastically connecting the at least two columns together. The binding layer may be oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial alignment at an intersection of two or more cushioning elements. In one implementation, the shear reduction may be directionally tuned so as to provide for different shear force mitigation in different directions.
Claims25
A shear cushion comprising:
- a first column of two or more interconnected cushioning elements;
- a second column of two or more additional interconnected cushioning elements, wherein the first column is oriented substantially parallel and adjacent to the second column;
- and
- a first binding layer elastically connecting the first column to the second column, wherein the first column and the second column are both extend in a direction substantially normal to the first binding layer.
A method of using a shear cushion to reduce peak shear force on an occupant of the shear cushion comprising:
- tilting a first column of two or more interconnected cushioning elements and a second column of two or more additional interconnected cushioning elements in a direction of a shear force applied to the shear cushion, wherein the first column is elastically connected to the second column with a first binding layer, and wherein the first column is oriented substantially parallel to the second column.
A shear cushion comprising:
- a first column of two or more interconnected cushioning elements;
- a second column of two or more additional interconnected cushioning elements;
- a third column of two or more additional interconnected cushioning elements;
- a fourth column of two or more additional interconnected cushioning elements;
- wherein each of the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column are oriented substantially parallel;
- a first binding layer elastically connecting the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column at first interfaces between adjacent cushioning elements in each of the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column;
- and
- a second binding layer elastically connecting the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column at second interfaces between adjacent cushioning elements in each of the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column, wherein the second binding layer is offset from and oriented substantially parallel to the first binding layer, and wherein the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column are all oriented substantially normal to the first binding layer and the second binding layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.