U.S. patent application number 12/044144 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for dynamic cushioning assembly.
Invention is credited to Emil Jacob.
Application Number | 20090038180 12/044144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345153 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacob; Emil |
February 12, 2009 |
Dynamic Cushioning Assembly
Abstract
A dynamic cushioning assembly to be used on beds, seats,
backrests, shoes or any other surfaces where a portion of a body is
subjected to prolonged contact and pressure with a support surface.
The arrangement is comprised of a pattern of spherical elastic lugs
cooperating with an upper, elastomeric layer. When a force is
applied to the upper layer, the cooperation of the lugs with the
upper layer create an uneven but soft surface having undulating
zone of higher and lower resistance which serve to enhance blood
circulation.
Inventors: |
Jacob; Emil; (Cambridge,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN J. BROOKS, III
20 WYSTERIA WAY
WRENTHAM
MA
02093
US
|
Family ID: |
40345153 |
Appl. No.: |
12/044144 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60963426 |
Aug 6, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/44 ;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/146 20130101;
A43B 17/02 20130101; A43B 1/0054 20130101; A43B 17/026
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/44 ;
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. A dynamic cushioning assembly to support a portion of a body,
the apparatus comprising: an elastomeric layer having a top surface
and a bottom surface; a plurality of lugs flexibly connected to the
bottom surface of the elastomeric layer; the lugs arranged against
the bottom surface of the elastomeric layer; and each lug
cooperating with the elastomeric layer to create a plurality of
zones of higher resistance and a plurality of zones of lower
resistance when a force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein each lug cooperates with the
elastomeric layer whereby a variation of the force creates a
variation in location of the plurality of zones of higher
resistance and the plurality of zones of lower resistance.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the lugs are flexibly
connected to the elastomeric layer with a resilient stem permitting
a degree of lug movement when the force is applied to the top
surface of the elastomeric layer.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the lugs are convex at a point
of contact with the resilient stem.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric layer contains a
plurality of voids allowing air to pass through the elastomeric
layer.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is utilized
against a portion of the human body.
7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least two lugs have a
magnetized portion magnetized with a polarity whereby the polarity
assists the displacement of the lugs when the force is applied to
the top surface of the elastomeric layer.
8. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a support layer
positioned opposite of the elastomeric layer whereby the lugs are
between the elastomeric layer and the support layer; and the
support layer having an elasticity measure sufficient to reduce
deformation of the support layer at a point of contact with the
lugs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer.
9. The assembly of claim 8 further comprising: a convex rigid
bottom portion of the plurality of lugs; a plurality of convex
knobs attached to the support layer and arranged opposite the rigid
bottom portion of the lugs; and a retaining means maintaining the
opposite arrangement of the lugs and the knobs whereby the bottom
portion of the lugs are displaced by the knobs when the force is
applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein each lug cooperates with the
elastomeric layer and the knobs whereby a variation of the force
creates a variation in location of the plurality of zones of higher
resistance and the plurality of zones of lower resistance.
11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the lugs are flexibly
connected to the elastomeric layer with a resilient stem permitting
a degree of lug movement when the force is applied to the top
surface of the elastomeric layer.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the lugs are convex at a point
of contact with the resilient stem.
13. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the elastomeric layer contains
a plurality of voids allowing air to pass through the elastomeric
layer.
14. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the apparatus is utilized
against a portion of the human body.
15. The assembly of claim 9 further wherein: the rigid bottom
portion of each lug is magnetized with a polarity; and each knob is
magnetized with the polarity whereby the polarity assists the
displacement of the lugs when the force is applied to the top
surface of the elastomeric layer.
16. The assembly of claim 8 further comprising: a convex rigid
bottom portion of the plurality of lugs; the rigid bottom portion
being magnetized with a polarity; a plurality of magnetized
portions of the support layer magnetized with the polarity; the
magnetized portions are arranged opposite the rigid bottom portion
of the lugs; and a retaining means maintaining the opposite
arrangement of the lugs and the magnetized portions polarity
assists the displacement of the bottom portion of the lugs when the
force is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein each lug cooperates with the
elastomeric layer and the support layer whereby a variation of the
force creates a variation in location of the plurality of zones of
higher resistance and the plurality of zones of lower
resistance.
18. The assembly of claim 16 wherein each of the lugs are flexibly
connected to the elastomeric layer with a resilient stem permitting
a degree of lug movement when the force is applied to the top
surface of the elastomeric layer.
19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein the lugs are convex at a point
of contact with the resilient stem.
20. The assembly of claim 16 further wherein the elastomeric layer
contains a plurality of voids allowing air to pass through the
elastomeric layer.
21. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the apparatus is utilized
under a portion of a human body.
22. A dynamic cushioning assembly to support a portion of a body,
the apparatus comprising: an elastomeric layer having a top surface
and a bottom surface; a plurality of lugs flexibly connected to the
bottom surface of the elastomeric layer; the lugs arranged against
the bottom surface of the elastomeric layer and cooperating with
the elastomeric layer to create a plurality of zones of higher
resistance and a plurality of zones of lower resistance when a
force is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer; the
lugs are flexibly connected to the elastomeric layer with a
resilient stem permitting a degree of lug movement when the force
is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer; the lugs
are convex at a point of contact with the resilient stem; a support
layer positioned opposite of the elastomeric layer whereby the lugs
are between the elastomeric layer and the support layer; the
support layer having an elasticity measure sufficient to reduce
deformation of the support layer at a point of contact with the
lugs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer; a convex rigid bottom portion of the plurality
of lugs; a plurality of convex knobs attached to the support layer
and arranged opposite the rigid bottom portion of the lugs; a
retaining means maintaining the opposite arrangement of the lugs
and the knobs whereby the bottom portion of the lugs are displaced
by the knobs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer; and each lug further cooperating with the
elastomeric layer and the knobs whereby a variation of the force
creates a variation in location of the plurality of zones of higher
resistance and the plurality of zones of lower resistance.
23. A dynamic cushioning assembly to support a portion of a body,
the apparatus comprising: an elastomeric layer having a top surface
and a bottom surface; a plurality of lugs flexibly connected to the
bottom surface of the elastomeric layer; the lugs arranged against
the bottom surface of the elastomeric layer and cooperating with
the elastomeric layer to create a plurality of zones of higher
resistance and a plurality of zones of lower resistance when a
force is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer; the
lugs are flexibly connected to the elastomeric layer with a
resilient stem permitting a degree of lug movement when the force
is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer; the lugs
are convex at a point of contact with the resilient stem; a support
layer positioned opposite of the elastomeric layer whereby the lugs
are between the elastomeric layer and the support layer; the
support layer having an elasticity measure sufficient to reduce
deformation of the support layer at a point of contact with the
lugs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer; a convex rigid bottom portion of the plurality
of lugs; the rigid bottom portion being magnetized with a polarity;
a plurality of magnetized portions of the support layer magnetized
with the polarity; the magnetized portions are arranged opposite
the rigid bottom portion of the lugs; and a retaining means
maintaining the opposite arrangement of the lugs and the magnetized
portions polarity assists the displacement of the bottom portion of
the lugs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer; and each lug cooperates with the elastomeric
layer and the support layer whereby a variation of the force
creates a variation in location of the plurality of zones of higher
resistance and the plurality of zones of lower resistance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/963,426, Blood Circulation Enhancer,
filed on 6 Aug. 2007.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0004] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] This invention relates to support arrangements and
assemblies for the human body that provide enhanced blood
circulation and dynamic cushioning support in footwear, beds,
seats, backrests and other equipment which serve to support
different areas of the human body for prolonged periods.
[0007] 2. Background of the Invention
[0008] Busch et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,490 discloses a method of
manufacturing footwear with the purpose to create a shape that
adapts individually and exactly to the respective shape of the
corresponding part of the foot. The dynamic cushioning assembly of
the current invention does not take the exact shape of the
corresponding part of the foot, but instead creates concave and
convex areas in order to distribute the pressure and weight in
alternate areas of the foot. Though the use of spherical shapes are
shown as being used with this patent, the result does not create
uneven surfaces when pressure is applied, but rather creates a
relatively consistent and smooth surface that takes the
corresponding shape of the foot of the wearer.
[0009] Legatzke in U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,662 discloses a surface for
a sole of a shoe having an array of adjacent polygonal lugs with
flat surfaces and edges, the edges forming grooves with adjacent
lugs. Legatzke describes a pad having an upper surface with a
plurality of lugs that provide a supporting surface for the foot
whereas the arrangement of the invention provides spherical lugs
beneath the pad that do not come into direct contact with the foot.
When under full weight the lugs in Legatzke are approximately equal
in size and closely spaced to one another to provide a
substantially continuous and uniform foot-supporting surface when
pressure is applied by the foot. The use of adjacent polygonal lugs
with parallel vertical surfaces is intended to create a relatively
continuous and smooth surface when under pressure.
[0010] Sasaki in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,221 makes use of a plurality
of ventilation holes with stimulating projecting elements supported
by a shaft with an intermediate part. These projecting elements
project directly out of the surface of the insole. These projecting
elements also have a fixed location and therefore a fixed
resistance point against the bottom of a foot when pressure is
applied to the insole
[0011] The sole liner in Baron U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,370 discloses an
insert or inner sole for a shoe having as its purpose support of
the metatarsal and arch portions of the foot to thereby reduce
pressure on those areas and associated foot pain. The insert or
inner sole has three layers that interface with one another to
create and displace a metatarsal hump. As a foot strides, the flex
plate layer rocks forward and back on its centrally located,
relatively thicker hump portion. The flex plate may engage the
bottom layer by way of serration or friction. This solution is
complicated and requires separate parts to fit and interlock and
with male and female forms. The present invention does not rely on
interlocking between parts when under pressure but on the movement
of flexibly connected lugs when pressed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of one embodiment of this invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly to support a portion of a
body, the apparatus comprising an elastomeric layer having a top
surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of lugs flexibly
connected to the bottom surface of the elastomeric layer, the lugs
arranged against the bottom surface of the elastomeric layer and
each lug cooperating with the elastomeric layer to create a
plurality of zones of higher resistance and a plurality of zones of
lower resistance when a force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer.
[0013] It is another object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly further comprising a support
layer positioned opposite of the elastomeric layer whereby the lugs
are between the elastomeric layer and the support layer and the
support layer having an elasticity measure sufficient to reduce
deformation of the support layer at a point of contact with the
lugs when the force is applied to the top surface of the
elastomeric layer.
[0014] It is another object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly further comprising a convex
rigid bottom portion of the plurality of lugs, a plurality of
convex knobs attached to the support layer and arranged opposite
the rigid bottom portion of the lugs and a retaining means
maintaining the opposite arrangement of the lugs and the knobs
whereby the bottom portion of the lugs are displaced by the knobs
when the force is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric
layer.
[0015] It is another object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly further comprising a convex
rigid bottom portion of the plurality of lugs, the rigid bottom
portion being magnetized with a polarity, a plurality of magnetized
portions of the support layer magnetized with the polarity, the
magnetized portions are arranged opposite the rigid bottom portion
of the lugs and a retaining means maintaining the opposite
arrangement of the lugs and the magnetized portions polarity
assists the displacement of the bottom portion of the lugs when the
force is applied to the top surface of the elastomeric layer.
[0016] It is a further object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly wherein each lug cooperates
with the elastomeric layer whereby a variation of the force creates
a variation in location of the plurality of zones of higher
resistance and the plurality of zones of lower resistance.
[0017] It is another object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly wherein the lugs are flexibly
connected to the elastomeric layer with a resilient stem permitting
a degree of lug movement when the force is applied to the top
surface of the elastomeric layer.
[0018] It is a further object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly wherein the elastomeric layer
contains a plurality of voids allowing air to pass through the
elastomeric layer.
[0019] It is an additional object of one embodiment of the
invention to provide a dynamic cushioning assembly to improve blood
circulation in areas of a living body adversely affected by
prolonged contact and pressure with surfaces whose shape of contact
remains constant under pressure such as on seats, shoes, beds and
the like.
[0020] It is a another object of one embodiment of the invention to
provide a dynamic cushioning assembly to improve blood circulation
in areas of the body adversely affected by prolonged contact and
pressure with surfaces whose shape of contact remains constant
under pressure such as on seats, shoes, beds and the like.
[0021] It is an additional object of one embodiment of the
invention to provide a dynamic cushioning assembly to improve shock
absorption, enhance blood circulation and improve ventilation when
applied to seats, shoes, beds and the like, but in particular when
applied to shoe inserts and insoles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] For a further understanding of the objects and advantage of
embodiments of the present invention, reference should be had to
the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference
numbers and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
dynamic cushioning assembly;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of
the dynamic cushioning assembly illustrating the zones on higher
resistance and zones of lower resistance when a force is
applied;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of
the dynamic cushioning assembly;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of one embodiment
of the dynamic cushioning assembly;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a partial side perspective view of one
embodiment of the dynamic cushioning assembly;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a partial side perspective view of one embodiment
of the dynamic cushioning assembly illustrating one means to retain
the upper elastomeric layer and the support layer; and
[0029] FIG. 7 is a partial side perspective view of one embodiment
of the dynamic cushioning assembly illustrating the displacement of
the lugs when a force is applied to the upper elastomeric
layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention will first be described according to
an embodiment adapted for use as an insole for or an insert into an
article of footwear in a well known manner. This embodiment is
being utilized for illustrative purposes and is in no way intended
to be limiting. As will be readily understood by those in the art,
this invention can be similarly applied to other types of surfaces
that may be used for prolonged pressure against the body such as
on, but not limited to hospital beds, airline seats and other
seats. Similarly embodiments of the invention can be used directly
in sole components of newly built shoes.
[0031] Throughout this description, the term "body" is intended to
encompass either human or animal bodies as well as, but not limited
to material bodies and elements such as a mechanical device or a
manufactured product.
Assembly Structure:
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the dynamic cushioning
assembly 100 comprises an upper elastomeric layer 200 supported by
a plurality of lugs 300 positioned against the upper layer 200.
[0033] The upper layer 200 is generally soft and made of an
elastomeric material such as, but not limited to polyurethane,
plastic, rubber, silicon or other elastic material with similar
qualities such as is used with common shoe sole inserts. The upper
layer 200 is shaped to provide covering under the body portion
being supported. The upper layer 200 has elastic properties such
that it flexes with the foot as it flexes. The upper layer's
elastic properties are also such that it is flexible about a small
area, such as around lugs as will be described later in this
description. The upper layer 200 comprises a top surface 210 and a
bottom surface 250 (shown in FIG. 5). The top surface 210 generally
comprises a fabric, or fabric like surface that is capable of
flexibly withstanding constant frictional forces. The material for
the top surface 210 can include, but not be limited to cloth,
leather, plastic or other fabrics or fabric like materials. The
bottom surface 250 is simply the opposing side of the upper layer
200 and can be the opposing side of the top surface 210 or it can
be a separate layer of material such as a foam, polyurethane,
plastic, rubber, silicon or other elastic material.
[0034] Throughout this description, the term "elastomeric" is
defined as an elastic substance occurring naturally, as natural
rubber, or produced synthetically, as butyl rubber, neoprene or
polyurethane. The term "elasticity measure" shall mean a ratio of
the applied stress to the change in the shape of an elastomeric
body
[0035] In a preferred embodiment for use in a shoe insert, the
upper layer 200 is soft polyurethane gel pad whose thickness is
contingent upon the weight of a person as well as the density and
cushioning qualities of the pad. In this embodiment, the upper
layer 200 is shaped to fit the profile of the bottom of a foot.
[0036] The lugs 300 are arranged against the bottom surface 250.
The arrangement against the surface can be a pattern or random
positioning that generally allows a single layer of lugs to rest
against the bottom surface 250. The arrangement can include a
direct connection to the surface. The lugs 300 are made of an
elastomeric material that can generally maintain its shape when
submitted to the force being applied to the cushioning assembly
100. The elasticity measure of the lugs 300 is such that if a
pressure is applied to the upper layer 200, the lugs 300 provide a
zone of higher resistance against the pressure where the lugs are
against the bottom surface 250 as compared to the resistance
provided against for the force at points of the upper layer 200
that is in between the points where the lugs are against the bottom
surface 250. Suitable materials for the lug construction include,
but are not limited to plastics, polyesters, rubbers and other
similar materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PEN
(polyethylene naphthalate).
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the lugs 300 are formed by
injection molding or lamination from and shaped spherically like a
ball bearing and are attached in a single layer to the bottom
surface 250. In this embodiment, materials for the lugs 300
comprise plastics such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN
(polyethylene naphthalate).
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, when a force 500 is applied to the top
surface 210 of the upper layer 200, the elasticity measure of the
lugs 300 cooperate with the elasticity measure of the upper layer
to transform the otherwise generally flat top surface 210 into an
undulating contour of dynamic zones of higher resistance 230 and
zones of lower resistance 220 in response to the applied force 500.
The zones of higher and lower resistance are created by the
relative resistance of the lugs against upper layer 200.
Specifically, in areas where the weight of the body is supported by
a lug, a zone of higher resistance is formed. Where the weight is
opposite an area between the lugs, a zone of lower resistance is
formed. In other words having a given area surrounded by lower
resistance causes that area to become a zone of higher resistance.
The desired proportion of higher to lower resistance zones is be a
function of the size of the lugs, the distance between them, and
the thickness as well as the elasticity measure of the upper
elastomeric layer 200 as well as the force to be applied to the
assembly.
[0039] The locations of these zones of higher and lower resistance
are both dynamic and irregular. They are dynamic in that the zones
change when pressure is applied and released. They are irregular in
that the zones will shift irregularly as a result of lateral
mobility and the reaction of the lugs to differing forces that are
applied to the assembly. This irregularity occurs by the
cooperation of the lugs against the bottom surface 250 of the upper
layer and is enhanced in embodiments that include elements such as
the resilient stems and the knobs as described below.
[0040] Although not necessary, one embodiment of this invention
further comprises a means to reduce the sinking of the lugs into
the surface below them. As shown in FIG. 1, one means to serve this
purpose is to provide a support layer 400 positioned against the
lugs 300 and opposite the upper layer 200. This support layer 400
has an elasticity measure that is flexible enough to take the
general shape of the surface on which it is placed and is rigid
enough to reduce the support layer deformation by withholding the
lugs 300 from sinking into that surface when a force is applied.
The support layer 400 is particularly helpful when the surface
against which the assembly 100 presses against is soft, such as
into the surface of a bed or a soft insole of a shoe. The support
layer 400 provides a layer of elastomeric material under the lugs
to stop the lugs from being pressed into the existing soft area
below. The support layer 400 also provides resistance against the
lugs 300 and forces them to compact and expand laterally as well as
move under the force 500 rather than sink into the soft surface
beneath. The support layer 400 under the spherical lugs ensures
proper functioning of the assembly in creating optimal dynamic
convex and concave shapes enabling improved blood circulation as
compared to a uniform or a uniformly deforming surface. Instead of
sinking into the existing soft surface of a bed, shoe or chair, the
support layer 400 will block the lugs 300 downward movement which
will force the lugs 300 to contract in vertically and expand
laterally, further adding to the dynamic nature of the assembly 100
supporting the body part. Suitable materials for the support layer
400 include but are not limited to various types foam,
polyurethane, plastic, rubber, silicon or other elastic materials
or combinations thereof.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the support layer 400 is made
from a material slightly more rigid than the upper layer 200. In
this embodiment, the support layer 400 comprises a thin plastic
sheet and is shaped similarly to the upper layer 200.
[0042] In other embodiment, other means to prevent the lugs 300
from being easily pressed into the underlying surface include, but
are not limited to making the bottom part of the lugs wider and
flatter or incorporating the support layer, or characteristics of
the support layer, into shoes with stiffer cushioning in the
soles.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one embodiment of the invention
further comprises the lugs 300 being connected to the bottom
surface 250 of the upper layer 200 by resilient stems 320. Suitable
materials for the resilient stems 320 include but are not limited
to fiber, rubber or textile sufficiently flexible to allow slight
mobility of the lugs but resilient enough to keep them from
breaking off of the bottom surface 250.
[0044] Other means to connect the lugs 300 to the bottom surface
250 include but are not limited to having more than one stem per
lug or having the lugs 300 laminated to surface 250.
[0045] FIGS. 4 and 5 also show a plurality of knobs 410. The knobs
410 are of material sufficiently rigid to resist significant
deformation when subjected to the force applied to the cushioning
assembly 100. The knobs 410 can be elastic or non-elastic and can
be made from materials such as a foam, polyurethane, plastic,
rubber, silicon, metal, fibers or other elastic material or
combination thereof. The knobs 410 are generally arranged on the
support layer 400 opposite and under the center of each lug 300,
and are generally convex shaped such as the top half of a sphere.
The purpose of the knobs 410 is to cause lateral movement of lugs
300 when pressed against the knobs 410.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the knobs 410 are made from
resilient plastic shaped as the top half of a sphere. In this
embodiment, the knobs 410 are made of a rigid plastic.
[0047] In one embodiment, the lugs 300 have bottom portion 340 that
is convex and made of a less elastic material similar to knobs 410.
With this more rigid configuration, when the force is applied to
the cushioning assembly 100, the lugs 300 will more easily move
away from knobs 410 thus creating an irregular surface shape to the
upper layer top surface 210.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a retaining means to
keep the upper layer 200 and the support layer 400 connected. This
retaining means helps to ensure that the lugs 300 and the knobs 410
remain in positions opposite one another when there is little or no
pressure applied to upper layer 200. The retaining means shown is a
circumferential strip 611 that connects at least a portion of the
upper layer 200 with the support layer 400. The circumferential
strip can have openings 610 to provide additional ventilation for
the assembly. Other means of retaining the relative position of the
upper layer 200 and the support layer 400 include but are not
limited to additional connectors 600 added between at least some of
the lugs 300, attaching some of the lugs 300 to both the upper
layer 200 and the support layer 400 or any other method of
attaching the two layers.
[0049] The above noted embodiments create a ventilation effect
which comes about by the movement of air from the circumference
area between the upper surface and the support surface, or the
openings 610 in the circumferential strip 611 of the assembly 100.
However, additional ventilation may be provided by small shafts or
holes 240 built into the upper layer 200 between the lugs 300, as
shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the ventilation can be further enhanced
by placing the holes 240 between the lugs 300. Having the holes 240
in the depressed, lower resistance zones 220 ensures better air
circulation, rather than in the convex, higher resistance zones
230.
[0050] In other embodiments of the assembly 100, the use of
opposing, identical polarity, small magnets built into the lugs 300
and the knobs 410 can further help the lugs 300 to move laterally
and away from the knobs 410. Lugs 300 which are laterally mobile
(limited by the length of their stem 320) will have to land to the
side of the fixed knobs 410. Thus the force, such as body pressure,
will cause irregular lateral spacing of the lugs 300. These
irregular dynamic zones alternating in slightly different positions
when under a force help stimulate blood flow and enhance perfusion
by creating different levels of local tissue compression.
[0051] In another embodiment of the assembly 100, it is possible to
use magnets to eliminate the need of the knobs 410 as protrusions
against which the lugs 300 are forced to move laterally when
subjected to a force. Magnets can be installed in the support layer
400 in small protrusions, or no protrusions at all with the same
charge as the magnets built inside the lugs 300.
[0052] In another embodiment of the assembly 100, it is possible to
use magnets built in the lugs 300 causing them move away from one
another or even a slight vibration as the assembly 100 being
pressed on.
OPERATION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates the cooperation of the upper layer 200,
lugs 300, support layer 400, resilient stems (not shown), and the
knobs 410 to enhance the dynamic and irregular location of the high
resistance zones 230 and the low resistance zones 220. The
resilient stems 320 are not seen in FIG. 7 as they are obstructed
under layer 200.
[0054] Using the illustration of applying one embodiment of the
invention to shoe soles, when foot pressure is applied on the top
surface 210, the lugs 300 contract vertically and expand laterally
while creating zones of higher resistance 230 and zones of lower
resistance 220 throughout the upper layer 200. The resulting convex
and concave shape of the upper layer top surface 210 at the high
resistance zones 230 and the low resistance zones 220 combine to
create the dynamic surface where foot or body pressure is applied
and allows for enhanced blood circulation. In other words some
portion of the body will take less pressure in some areas than in
others, in an alternating manner, allowing for better blood
circulation in these areas of less pressure. Beneath the lugs 300,
support layer 400 serves as a buffer that stops the lugs 300 from
sinking into the exiting surface below the assembly 100 such as the
soft inner sole area of the shoe. The knobs 410 on the support
layer 400 cause the lugs 300 to be displaced laterally (as shown by
the dashed arrows) when under foot pressure adding lateral mobility
to the lugs 300. Both the knobs 410 and the bottom portion 340 of
the lugs are spherically shaped and made of hard material so that
when pressed against one another they will be forced to move
laterally. This lateral mobility further enhances blood circulation
by applying pressure on the tissue at a changeable position rather
than a fixed point.
[0055] The dynamic nature of the zones of higher resistance 230 and
zones of lower resistance 220 is created by the dynamic and varied
force that is applied to the upper layer top surface 210. In
embodiments of the assembly such as those used under a person's
foot, the force created by the foot when walking is varied based on
the person's change in walking stride or the orientation of the
walking surface. This variation in force creates a varied
displacement of the lugs which in turn varies the zones of higher
and lower resistance in the assembly 100.
[0056] As the force is reduced against the upper layer 200, as when
a foot is raised off of the ground, the lugs 300, and the upper
layer 200 return from the compressed position in FIG. 7 to a more
released position such as that shown in FIG. 5. In the released
position, the lugs 300 are repositioned and ready to react to a
different force such as the force of a foot being placed back on
the sole as it is placed back on the ground.
[0057] Additionally, as the force is reduced or increased against
the upper layer 200, ventilation occurs. This ventilation can come
through openings 610 in the circumference area of the device as
shown in FIG. 6 and through the small holes 240 as shown in FIGS. 2
and 6. The placement of the holes 240 creates a natural way to
enhance ventilation.
[0058] One of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention
will also appreciate that there can be many other embodiments of
the described invention. Other embodiments include but are not
limited to hospital beds, seats, arm pads, spa beds, spa equipment,
exercise pads, facial pads or other surface that contacts a human
or animal body.
[0059] One of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention
will also appreciate that there can be many other uses of the
described invention. These other uses include but are not limited
to use in equipment support pads, conveyor belts or other material
support surfaces that benefit from a dynamically cushioned
surface.
[0060] Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in
view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is
to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of
teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out
the present invention. Details of the structure may vary
substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention,
and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope
of the appended claims is reserved.
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