U.S. patent application number 13/047545 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for air cushion with multistage shock-absorbing assembly and fabricating method.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAH LIH PUH CO., LTD. Invention is credited to JUI FEN SHIAO.
Application Number | 20110162233 13/047545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44223853 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110162233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHIAO; JUI FEN |
July 7, 2011 |
AIR CUSHION WITH MULTISTAGE SHOCK-ABSORBING ASSEMBLY AND
FABRICATING METHOD
Abstract
An air cushion connected at least a cushioning element in a
vertical stack configuration for absorbing both lighter and heaver
heel impacts sequentially in a shoe mid-sole. The air cushion
includes a first air bladder and a cushioning element forming a
vertical stack configuration such that when the impact lighter than
a predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack
configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the first air bladder
only, and when the impact heavier than the predetermined value is
applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by
deforming both the first air bladder and the cushioning
element.
Inventors: |
SHIAO; JUI FEN; (Taichung
County, TW) |
Assignee: |
DAH LIH PUH CO., LTD
Taichung County
TW
|
Family ID: |
44223853 |
Appl. No.: |
13/047545 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11823291 |
Jun 27, 2007 |
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13047545 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20130101;
A43B 13/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/29 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 27, 2006 |
TW |
095123163 |
Claims
1. An air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly, comprising: a first air bladder, having
an inner wall which contains a first inner pressure, the inner wall
having an upper surface and a lower surface; a tying element,
having an upper side which is connected to the upper surface of the
inner wall of the first air bladder, and a lower side; and a
cushioning element, having an upper side connected to the lower
side of the tying element and a lower side connected to the lower
surface of the inner wall of the first air bladder, thereby forming
a vertical stack configuration for absorbing heel impact in a
mid-sole sequentially, such that when the impact lighter than a
predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack configuration,
it is absorbed by deforming the first air bladder only, and when
the impact heavier than the predetermined value is applied to the
vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by deforming both the
first air bladder and the cushioning element.
2. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 1, wherein the cushioning element
comprises a resilient pad.
3. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 2, wherein the tying element
comprises a plurality of inward protruding walls disposed between
the upper surface of the inner wall of the first air bladder and
the upper side of the cushioning element for keeping the first air
bladder in a predetermined shape.
4. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 1, wherein the tying element
comprises a pile of yarns, fabric or fibers which is glued between
the first air bladder and the cushioning element, for keeping the
first air bladder in a predetermined shape.
5. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 1, further comprising an upper
frame and a base frame for fixing the first air bladder
therebetween.
6. The air cushion with multistage shock-absorbing assembly of
claim 1, wherein the cushioning element comprises a second air
bladder which contains a second inner pressure.
7. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 6, wherein the second air bladder
contains a tying element formed with a plurality of inward
protruding walls for keeping the second air bladder in a
predetermined shape thereof.
8. An air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly, comprising: a first air bladder, having
an inner wall which contains a first inner pressure, the inner wall
having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a cushioning
element, disposed in relation to the first air bladder to form a
vertical stack configuration therewith such that when the impact
lighter than a predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack
configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the first air bladder
only, and when the impact heavier than the predetermined value is
applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by
deforming both the first air bladder and the cushioning
element.
9. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushioning element
is a second air bladder which contains a second air pressure.
10. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 9, further including a resilient
pad disposed on the upper side of the first air bladder.
11. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushioning element
comprises a second air bladder and a resilient pad.
12. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushioning element
is a resilient pad.
13. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushioning element
is a bladder containing a gel.
14. The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly of claim 8, wherein the cushioning element
is a bladder containing a granules cushioning material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/823,291, filed Jun. 27, 2007, entitled "AIR
CUSHION WITH MULTISTAGE SHOCK-ABSORBING ASSEMBLY AND FABRICATING
METHOD" by Jui Fen Shiao, which itself claims priority to and the
benefit of Taiwan Patent Applications No. 095123163, filed Jun. 27,
2006, entitled "AIR CUSHION WITH MULTISTAGE SHOCK-ABSORBING
ASSEMBLY AND FABRICATING METHOD" by Jul Fen Shiao, the contents of
which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
[0002] Some references, if any, which may include patents, patent
applications and various publications, are cited and discussed in
the description of this invention. The citation and/or discussion
of such references is provided merely to clarify the description of
the present invention and is not an admission that any such
reference is "prior art" to the invention described herein. All
references cited and discussed in this specification are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the
same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an air cushion assembly
adapted for absorbing heel impacts in a shoe mid-sole, and more
particularly, to an air cushion assembly having an air bladder
associated with a cushioning element in a vertical stack
configuration capable of absorbing more than one range of heel
impacts against the ground.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] For most runners, initial foot impact occurs in the heel
region. Therefore, the heel strike cushioning material, which is
contained principally in the mid-sole of a running shoe, must have
a firmness which provides for proper impact cushioning for a person
of about average weight.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 297,980 to Sugiyama describes a cushioning for
a shoe mid-sole comprised essentially of one cell having partition
walls therein.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,342,157 and 4,472,890 to Gilbert describes
the use of liquid-filled shock absorbing cushions in the heel
portion and forefoot portion of a shoe. Typical liquids include
water, glycerin, and mineral oil.
[0007] When the runner is heavy, the heel cushioning material may
"bottom out" before heel impact is completely absorbed, which can
results in shock-related injuries. On the other hand, if the
cushioning material is too soft, poor lateral foot stability may
result in injuries.
[0008] A considerable force generated during athletic activities
requires the sole of an athletic shoe provide enhanced protection
and shock absorption for the feet, ankles and legs of the wearer.
For example, impacts which occur during walking have been known to
generate forces of up to 11/2 times the body weight at a normal
walking speed, running activities up to 2-3 times the body weight
of an individual.
[0009] For providing an air cushion with wider range of impact
absorption, an easier conventional fabrication method of air
cushion is shown in FIG. 1, including the steps of preparing a
larger bladder 1, putting the larger bladder 1 in a hot pressing
mold 13 for forming a plurality of ribs 11 which divides the larger
bladder into smaller bladders 14, 15, and 16 in a substantially
horizontal configuration for providing a plurality of cushioning
areas.
[0010] However, the total cushioning area of the smaller bladders
14, 15, and 16 is less than the original of the larger bladder 1,
and the ribs 11 form a plurality of vertical walls 110 around each
of the small bladders 14, 15, and 16 that may cause the wearer feel
pain when some smaller bladders 14 in the central portion become
bottom out under some heavy heel impact.
[0011] The smaller bladder 14 in the central area can be made
softer to comfort the heel of the wearer during taking a normal
walking exercise; however this would cause the smaller bladder 14
tends to bottom out in normal running activity. If the smaller
bladder 14 contains a higher inner pressure to provide adequate
shock absorption for running, it would cause the wearer to feel it
is too hard and suffer a pain from the bladder 14 in a normal
walking.
[0012] In order to perfect the heel cushion in different athletic
activities, such as walking and running, there is a need to improve
the cushioning function at shoe mid-sole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In order to perfect the heel cushioning design for athletic
activities, the present invention provides an air cushion assembly
and a fabrication method for producing such a cushion assembly. The
air cushion assembly according to the present invention contains an
air bladder associated with a cushioning element in a vertical
stack configuration, so as to absorb a lighter heel impact and
heavier heel impact sequentially.
[0014] The air bladder of the air cushion assembly may contain a
lower inner pressure for providing a softer shock absorption during
a wearer taking walking exercise, and the cushioning element may be
an air bladder with higher inner pressure or a cushion which made
from a resilient element for absorbing some other heavier heel
impacts, such as running or playing ball, or the likes.
[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, an air cushion for
cushioning in a shoe with multistage shock-absorbing assembly
includes a first air bladder, having an inner wall which contains a
first inner pressure, the inner wall having an upper surface and a
lower surface, a tying element, having an upper side which is
connected to the upper surface of the inner wall of the first air
bladder, and a lower side; and a cushioning element, having an
upper side connected to the lower side of the tying element and a
lower side connected to the lower surface of the inner wall of the
first air bladder, thereby forming a vertical stack configuration
for absorbing heel impact in a mid-sole sequentially, such that
when the impact lighter than a predetermined value is applied to
the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the
first air bladder only, and when the impact heavier than the
predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack configuration,
it is absorbed by deforming both the first air bladder and the
cushioning element.
[0016] The air cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly may further include an upper frame and a
base frame for fixing the first air bladder therebetween.
[0017] In one embodiment, the cushioning element is a resilient
pad. The tying element is a plurality of inward protruding walls
formed on the upper surface of the inner wall of the first air
bladder, connected to the upper side of the cushioning element for
keeping the first air bladder in a predetermined shape.
[0018] In one embodiment, the tying element has a pile of yarns,
fabric or fibers which is glued between the first air bladder and
the cushioning element, for keeping the first air bladder in a
predetermined shape.
[0019] In one embodiment, the cushioning element includes a second
air bladder which contains a second inner pressure.
[0020] In one embodiment, the second air bladder contains a tying
element formed with a plurality of inward protruding walls for
keeping the second air bladder in a predetermined shape
thereof.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an air
cushion for cushioning in a shoe with multistage shock-absorbing
assembly. In one embodiment, the air cushion has a first air
bladder, having an inner wall which contains a first inner
pressure, the inner wall having an upper surface and a lower
surface, and a cushioning element, disposed in relation to the
first air bladder to form a vertical stack configuration therewith
such that when the impact lighter than a predetermined value is
applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by
deforming the first air bladder only, and when the impact heavier
than the predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack
configuration, it is absorbed by deforming both the first air
bladder and the cushioning element.
[0022] In one embodiment, the cushioning element is a second air
bladder which contains a second air pressure. The air cushion may
further have a resilient pad disposed on the upper side of the
first air bladder.
[0023] In another embodiment, the cushioning element has a second
air bladder and a resilient pad.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, the cushioning element is a
resilient pad.
[0025] In a further embodiment, the cushioning element is a bladder
containing a gel.
[0026] In yet a further embodiment, the cushioning element is a
bladder containing a granules cushioning material.
[0027] In yet another aspect, the fabrication method of the air
cushion assembly according to the present invention includes the
steps of blowing a melting inflatable bladder or tube together with
a cushioning element in a blowing mold, inflating the melting
inflatable bladder with air in high pressure, so as to form a
bladder with a passage way that confirming the inner shape of the
blowing mold, and blowing air into the bladder in a preset inner
pressure; and thereafter sealing the passage way for forming an air
cushion with multistage shock-absorbing assembly.
[0028] Further scope of the applicability of the present invention
will become apparent from the detailed description given
hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed
description and specific examples, while indicating preferred
embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration
only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the steps of a
conventional method for producing an air cushion;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the steps of a
fabrication method of an air cushion according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the steps of a
fabrication method of an air cushion according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the variety of
deformation of an air cushion in different impact loading,
explaining the reason to associate an air bladder to a cushioning
element in a vertical stack configuration, according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to a further embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 9 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to yet a further embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an air
cushion according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a fabrication method of an air
cushion assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention includes the steps of inserting a melting inflatable
bladder 40 or tube (not shown) together with a cushioning element
22 in a blowing mold 3 having an upper side, and an opposite, lower
side, an exterior surface and an interior surface, inflating the
melting inflatable bladder 40 with air in high pressure, so as to
form a bladder 41 with a passage way 42 conforming to the inner
shape of the blowing mold 3, and blowing air into the bladder 41 in
a first inner pressure; and thereafter sealing the passage way 42
for forming a first air cushion 4 which connects the cushioning
element 22 on one side. The resulting air cushion with multistage
shock-absorbing assembly includes a stacked structure of the upper
side of the blowing mold 3, the melting inflatable bladder 40, the
cushioning element 22, and the lower side of the blowing mold 3 as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0043] Preferably, in one embodiment, the cushioning element 22 may
have glue or adhesive layer for bonding itself onto the lower side
of the melting inflatable bladder 40 such that the resulting air
cushion with multistage shock-absorbing assembly includes a stacked
structure of the upper side of the blowing mold 3, the melting
inflatable bladder 40, the cushioning element 22, and the lower
side of the blowing mold 3 as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative
embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the cushioning element 22 is
connected to the interior surface of the melting inflatable tube 50
or bladder (not shown) and disposed into the blowing mold 30
together. The melting inflatable tube 50 comprises a first inner
wall 501 and a second inner side 502.
[0044] The inner surface of the blowing mold 30 may comprise a
plurality of inward protruding portions 31 for forming a bladder 51
with a plurality of indents or holes 52 and a passage way 53. While
blowing air into the bladder 51 in a preset pressure; and
thereafter sealing the passage way 53, it is forming an air cushion
5 with multistage shock-absorbing assembly. The walls of the
indents or holes 52 have one end connected with the cushioning
element 22, so as to inhibit bulging effect and keep the air
cushion 5 in a predetermined shape.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, an air cushion 6 of an embodiment of
the present invention for absorbing heel impacts in different
athletic activities. The air cushion 6 has a cushioning element 22
disposed within an air bladder 60 at the bottom side 222 thereof,
to form a vertical stack configuration for providing cushioning
force against the heel impacts sequentially. The cushioning element
22 can be a resilient pad which contains a second cushioning
material 221, such as liquid, gel cushioning material, air in high
pressure, granules cushioning material, polyester elastomer or the
like.
[0046] The air bladder 60 has an upper surface 61 for absorbing
some lighter impacts 66 and 67 in walking exercise. When a wearer
is walking, the heel strike yielding a plurality of impacts ranging
from 0 to 1.5 times the body weight, therefore the heel imposes the
impacts 66 or 67 onto the upper surface 61. In other words, a
slighter impact 66 or 67 is absorbed by the deformation of the
(first) air bladder 60 only. As the upper surface 61 provides
cushioning effect on the heel with no rib, therefore the wearer
would feel comfortable without paining caused by the ribs and the
vertical walls of the conventional air cushion as being depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0047] When the wearer is running or taking some other strenuous
activities, the impact 68 may increase up to 2-3 times the body
weight, this causes the air bladder 60 to be bottom out and deforms
the upper portion of the cushioning element 22. By this way, while
the air bladder 60 is bottom out, the cushioning element 22
provides a cushioning force to protect the heel from injury. In
other words, a higher impact 68 is absorbed by the deformations of
both the air bladder 60 and the cushioning element 22 together.
[0048] According to the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
4, the air bladder 60 and the cushioning element 22 form a vertical
stack configuration for absorbing heel impact in a mid-sole
sequentially. For this arrangement, when the impact lighter 66 or
67 than a predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack
configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the first air bladder 60
only, and when the impact 68 heavier than the predetermined value
is applied to the vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by
deforming both the first air bladder 60 and the cushioning element
22. The predetermined value can be determined by the design
specification of an air cushion, such as materials and the first
and/or second air pressures in the first air bladder 60 and the
cushioning element 22, respectively. For example, in one
embodiment, the predetermined value is 1.5 times of the averaged
human weight.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, an air cushion 4' comprises a first air
bladder 41' and a resilient pad 43. The air bladder 41' provides a
softer cushioning force for cushioning lighter impacts from a
wearer's walking exercise until being bottom out, and provides
cushioning force together with the resilient pad 43 to absorb some
stronger impacts from running or some other strenuous athletic
activities.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of air
cushion 4'' comprises a first air bladder 41'' and a cushioning
element 22 in a vertical stack configuration. The cushioning
element 22 comprises a resilient pad 225 combined or attached with
a second air bladder 226 which contains a second inner pressure.
The first air bladder 41'' contains a first inner pressure
relatively lower than the second inner pressure thereby to absorb
the impact on wear's heel from walking until being bottom out; and
thereafter to absorb even much stronger impact together with the
second air bladder 226. Once the first air bladder 41'' and the
second air bladder 226 are sequentially becoming bottom out, the
resilient pad 225 provides a resilient force to buffer the impact,
thereby to protect the wearer from possible lower extremity
injuries.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of air
cushion 71 with multistage shock-absorbing assembly, comprises an
air bladder 710 with a cushioning element 711 disposed therein, and
a resilient pad 712 attached thereon. The cushioning element 711
may be a bladder filled with gel, foam, a particulate material, a
liquid, or the like. The resilient pad 712 may be an air bladder, a
polyester elastomer, fabric, a bladder filled with gel, foam, a
particulate material, a liquid, or the like.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, a further alternative embodiment of air
cushion 72 with a multistage shock-absorbing assembly, comprises a
first air bladder 721 having an inner wall which contains a first
inner pressure, the inner wall having an upper surface and a lower
surface, a second air bladder 722, and a plurality of tying
elements 723, that connected therebetween in a vertical stack
configuration. The second air bladder 722 has one side attached to
the lower surface of the inner wall of the first air bladder 721,
and other side coupled to the upper surface of the inner wall of
the first air bladder 721 via the plurality of tying elements 723,
so as to keep the outer surface in flatten or in a predetermined
shape without bulging out accidentally. The plurality of tying
elements 723 can be a pile of yarns or fabric which is glued
between the inner wall of the and the first air bladder 721 and the
outside of the second air bladder 722 for eliminating possible
bulging effect on outside of the air cushion 72. The first air
bladder 721, the second air bladder 722 and the plurality of tying
elements 723 are disposed in a vertical stack configuration for
absorbing heel impact in a mid-sole sequentially. Accordingly, when
the impact lighter than a predetermined value is applied to the
vertical stack configuration, it is absorbed by deforming the first
air bladder 721 only, and when the impact heavier than the
predetermined value is applied to the vertical stack configuration,
it is absorbed by deforming both the first air bladder 721 and the
second air bladder 722.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, a simplified alternative
embodiment of air cushion 73 with a multistage shock-absorbing
assembly, comprises a first air bladder 731 encapsulated in a
second air bladder 732 in a vertical stack configuration.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, a refined alternative embodiment of
air cushion 74 with a multistage shock-absorbing assembly,
comprises a first air bladder 741, a cushioning element 742, a
upper frame 743, and a base frame 744 in a vertical stack
configuration.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 11, the cushioning element 742 may be
resilient pad attached on the lower inner side of the first air
bladder 741. The first air bladder 741 is contained the cushioning
element 742 and can be fixed between the upper frame 743 and the
base frame 744. The first air bladder 741 is formed with a
plurality inward protruded walls 7410 connected with the outer
surface of the cushioning element 742 for acting as tying element
to eliminate bulging of the upper surface of the air cushion
74.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, the cushioning element 80 with a
multistage shock-absorbing assembly, comprises a first air bladder
81, a tying element 811, and a second air bladder 82. The tying
element 811 is connected between the inner side of the first air
bladder 81 which has a first passage way for fill into a first
inner pressure P1, and the outside of the second air bladder 82.
The second air bladder 82 has a plurality of tying elements 821
formed therein, and a second passage way for fill compressible
fluid into a second inner pressure P2. Preferably, the second inner
pressure P2 of the second air bladder 82 is relative higher than
the first inner pressure P1, thereby to absorb lighter impacts in
normal walking exercise by the first air bladder 81, and absorb
even more heaver impacts in running or strenuous athletic activity
together with the second air bladder 82.
[0057] The tying elements 821 may be a plurality of inward
protruding walls which connect the upper and lower inner walls of
the second air bladder 82 and keep the outer surface of the second
air bladder 82 in a predetermined shape.
[0058] The inward protruding walls functioning as tying elements
821 may be formed by a blowing mold with small pins that forming a
plurality of indent or small holes on the second air bladder
82.
[0059] Accordingly to embodiments of the present invention, as
shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, when a small impact is loaded, only the
first air blade 721, 73, 741 and 81 shall be deformed to absorb
such a small impact. However, when a bigger impact is loaded, the
first air blade 721, 73, 741 and 81 and the cushioning element 722,
732, 742, and 82 shall be deformed to absorb the bigger impact
together.
[0060] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, it is intended
to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and
procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should
be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and similar arrangements and procedures.
* * * * *