Puff-quilted bladders for containing flowable cushioning medium

• US 5,881,409 A
• Filed: 10/03/1996
• Issued: 03/16/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Edizone LC (Edizone)
• Original Assignee: Ll Teksource
• Inventors: Pearce, Tony M.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRETTEL, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US08/724,764
• Time in Patent Office: 894 Days
• Field of Search: 5/702, 5/654, 5/655.4, 5/655.5, 5/909, 5/911, 5/668, 5/691, 5/710, 5/712, 5/420, 5/502, 5/709
• US Class Current: 5/702
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 5/0405 Linings, paddings or insertions; Inner boots
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/086 with fluid-like particles, e.g. filled with beads
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/12 with fibrous inlays, e.g. made of wool, of cotton
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 3/16 of legless type, e.g. with seat directly resting on the floor A47C3/14 takes precedence; detachably mounted on stadium benches A47C1/16; children's chairs mounted on back-rest of chair A47D1/10 , legless beach chairs A47C1/146; inflatable chairs A47C4/54; Hassocks; Pouffes
• CPC Class Codes: B68G 1/00 Loose filling materials for upholstery
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 3/124 Treatment for improving the free-flowing characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 169/041 the additives being macromolecular compounds only
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 177/00 Special methods of preparation of lubricating compositions; Chemical modification by after-treatment of components or of the whole of a lubricating composition, not covered by other classes
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2203/1006 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2203/1025 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2203/1045 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2203/1065 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2203/1085 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2205/04 containing aromatic monomers, e.g. styrene
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2205/06 containing conjugated dienes
• CPC Class Codes: C10M 2207/0225 used as base material
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 15/00 Lubrication with substances other than oil or grease; Lubrication characterised by the use of particular lubricants in particular apparatus or conditions F16N17/00 takes precedence; lubricating compositions, selection of particular substances as lubricants in general C10M

Abstract

A bladder for containing a cushioning medium. The bladder includes open compartments which are created by welding or otherwise fastening a first bladder wall against a second bladder wall. The periphery of the bladder walls are welded or otherwise sealed together so that the bladder will contain a cushioning medium without leaking. The bladder is partially filled with cushioning medium so that it will be able to conform to the shape of a cushioned object and create a desired hammocking effect. The bladder is otherwise permanently attached to a base that is smaller than the bladder in at least one direction, resulting in a bladder which has loose skin and which has numerous random folds and creases on its skin. The base is a substantially non-stretchable fabric or other attachable non-stretch material. The cushioning medium is preferred to be lightly lubricated microspheres.

Claims

1. A cushioning device comprising:

a) a bladder which is flat prior to filling, said bladder comprising;

i) a first film;

ii) a second film welded to said first film with an edge weld to form a sealed compartment, and welded with spot welds to said first film at selected interior locations of said sealed compartment; and

iii) a quantity of flowable cushioning medium which is contained in and partially fills said sealed compartment; and

b) a non-stretchable base which is smaller in size than said bladder in at least one dimension;

wherein said selected interior locations are permanently attached to corresponding interior locations in said smaller base.

2. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the edge of said bladder is permanently attached to the edge of said base.

3. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1

wherein a plurality of said spot welds at said selected interior locations are circular;

wherein said bladder has spot welds along said edge weld;

wherein said spot welds which are located on approximately linear portions of said edge weld are half-circles and said spot welds which are located on corners of said edge weld are quarter-circles.

4. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a plurality of said spot welds at said selected interior locations are spaced uniformly in the interior of said sealed compartment.

5. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said base is between about 5% and about 95% smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension.

6. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said base is between about 30% and about 70% smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension.

7. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said bladder is filled to between about 25% and about 50% of its capacity.

8. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flowable cushioning medium is able to flow freely through a portion of said bladder between said spot welds.

9. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first film and said second film are each made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane/stretch-knit polyamide laminates, polyurethane, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, latex, rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers and EVAs.

10. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first film and said second film are made of a laminate of polyurethane and stretch-knit polyamide.

11. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of nylon cordura fabric, vinyl film and polyurethane film.

12. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching through a plurality of said spot welds.

13. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching a portion of said edge weld to said base.

14. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching to said base a portion of bladder film located, with respect to said sealed compartment, distal to said edge weld.

15. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises placing rivets through said spot welds.

16. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of inert gas, air, liquids, gels, oils, microspheres coated with lubricant, and elastic particles in a thermoplastic bonding agent.

17. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

(a) a plurality of spherical objects and

(b) a quantity of lubricant on the exterior surface of substantially all of said spherical objects, said lubricant comprising a principle molecule and an elastomeric polymer, said lubricant being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said lubricant sufficient such that said spherical objects would be significantly separated from each other by said lubricant;

wherein said spherical objects and said lubricant are mixed together to form the composite mixture;

wherein said lubricant is lubricious and serves to reduce the coefficient of friction between contacting spherical objects;

wherein said spherical objects within said mixture are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions;

wherein the composite mixture flows and shears in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it, said flow and shear being accomplished by said spherical objects moving in rolling and sliding contact with each other; and

wherein the composite mixture ceases to flow and shear when the deforming pressure is terminated.

18. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 17, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

19. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 17, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

20. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

a) a plurality of microspheres, and

b) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said microspheres, said visco-elastic fluid comprising a principle molecule and an elastomeric polymer, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said microspheres in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said microspheres objects would be significantly separated from each other by said visco-elastic fluid; and

wherein said microspheres are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions.

21. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 20, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

22. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 20, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

23. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

a) a plurality of spherical objects and

b) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said spherical objects, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said spherical objects would be separated from each other by more than a thin film of said visco-elastic fluid, and said visco-elastic comprising a principle molecule and an elastomeric polymer;

wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises a mixture of molecules which are reversibly cross-linked, such that the linkages are easily sheared by a slow mechanical force, and such that new linkages may be reestablished among the molecules of the mixture following cessation of the mechanical force.

24. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 23, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

25. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 23, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

26. A cushioning device comprising:

a) a flat bladder, said bladder comprising;

i) a first film of laminated polyurethane and stretch-knit polyamide;

ii) a second film of laminated polyurethane and stretch-knit polyamide welded to said first film with an edge weld to form a sealed compartment and welded with spot welds to said first film at selected interior locations of said sealed compartment; and

iii) a quantity of flowable cushioning medium which is contained in and fills said sealed compartment to between about 25 and about 50 percent of its capacity; and

b) a non-stretch fabric base which is between about 20 percent and about 70 percent smaller in size than said bladder in at least one dimension;

wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises a mixture of hollow microspheres coated with a lubricant;

wherein at least a portion of the edge of said flat bladder is stitched to said base; and

wherein said selected interior locations are stitched to corresponding interior locations in said base through said spot welds.

27. A cushioning device comprising:

a) a flat bladder, said bladder comprising;

i) a first film;

ii) a second film, wherein said second film is welded to said first film along its edge with an edge weld thereby forming a sealed compartment, said second film also being welded to said first film along one or more strips passing through the interior of said sealed compartment thereby subdividing said sealed compartment into a plurality of sealed compartments, and wherein said second film is spot welded to said first film at selected interior locations of at least one of said sealed compartments; and

iii) within each of said several sealed compartments, a quantity of flowable cushioning medium which is contained in and at least partially fills a plurality of said several sealed compartments; and

b) a non-stretchable base which is smaller in size than said bladder in at least one dimension;

wherein said selected interior locations are permanently attached to corresponding interior locations in said base.

28. A cushioning device as recited in claim 27 wherein at least a portion of the edge of said bladder is permanently attached to the edge of said base.

29. A method for manufacturing a cushioning device, comprising the steps of:

a) welding a first film and a second film together at their edges with an edge weld to form a flat bladder;

b) welding said first film and said second film together at selected locations in the interior of said bladder with spot welds;

c) filling said bladder to at least a portion of its capacity with a flowable cushioning medium;

d) permanently attaching a plurality of said spot welds to a flexible, non-stretchable fabric base;

wherein the boundary of said base is smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension; and

wherein attaching said spot welds to said base causes said bladder to wrinkle.

30. A method in accordance with claim 29, wherein step d) comprises sewing said spot welds to said base.

31. A method in accordance with claim 29, wherein step d) comprises welding said spot welds to said base.

32. A method in accordance with claim 29, wherein step d) comprises riveting said spot welds to said base.

33. A method in accordance with claim 29, wherein the energy source used for producing said edge weld and said spot welds is selected from the group consisting of radio frequency energy, ultrasonic waves, and heat.

34. A cushion comprising:

a) a first bladder wall, said first bladder wall having a perimeter and an inner portion,

b) a second bladder wall, said second bladder wall having a perimeter and an inner portion, said second bladder wall perimeter being attached to said first bladder wall perimeter to form a bladder that is capable of containing a flowable cushioning medium,

c) a plurality of attachments attaching selected locations of said inner portion of said first bladder wall to said inner portions of said second bladder wall in order to create open compartments within said bladder,

d) a quantity of flowable cushioning medium located within said bladder, the quantity of said flowable cushioning medium being insufficient to completely fill the interior volumetric capacity of said bladder, and

e) a base permanently attached to said second bladder wall, said base being of a size that is less than the size of said bladder and said base being attached to said second bladder wall at a plurality of said attachments;

wherein said flowable cushioning medium is flowable under pressure among said open compartments.

35. A cushion as recited in claim 34

wherein said base and said bladder are of the same general shape;

wherein said base has a perimeter and an outer portion; and

wherein said base perimeter is attached to said second bladder wall.

36. A cushion as recited in claim 34

wherein said bladder has numerous random folds and creases on its surface resulting from a loose first bladder wall.

37. A cushion as recited in claim 34

wherein said cushion is capable of conforming to the shape of an object placed on the cushion so that as the object to be cushioned rests on the first bladder wall, the first bladder wall forms a hammock in which the cushioned object rests.

38. A cushion as recited in claim 34

wherein said base comprises a substantially non-stretchable fabric.

39. A cushion as recited in claim 34 wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

i) a plurality of spherical objects and

ii) a quantity of lubricant on the exterior surface of substantially all of said spherical objects, said lubricant being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said lubricant sufficient such that said spherical objects are significantly separated from each other by said lubricant;

wherein said spherical objects and said lubricant are mixed together to form the composite mixture;

wherein said lubricant is lubricious, serves to reduce the coefficient of friction between contacting spherical objects, and does not prevent sliding and rolling of said spherical objects with respect to each other;

wherein said spherical objects within said mixture are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions;

wherein the composite mixture flows and shears in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it, said flow and shear being accomplished by said spherical objects moving in rolling and sliding contact with each other; and

wherein the composite mixture ceases to flow and shear when the deforming pressure is terminated.

40. A cushion as recited in claim 34 wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises a quantity of microspheres that have a light coating of lubricant on their exterior surfaces.

41. A cushion as recited in claim 34 wherein said flowable cushioning medium is a composite mixture that comprises:

i) a plurality of microspheres and

ii) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said microspheres, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said microspheres in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said microspheres objects would be significantly separated from each other by said visco-elastic fluid;

wherein said microspheres are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions;

wherein the composite mixture flows and shears in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it, said flow and shear being accomplished by said spherical objects moving in rolling and sliding contact with each other; and

wherein the composite mixture ceases to flow and shear when the deforming pressure is terminated.

42. A cushion as recited in claim 41 wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent.

43. A cushion as recited in claim 42 wherein said principle molecule is white mineral oil.

44. A cushion as recited in claim 42 wherein said cross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

45. A cushion as recited in claim 42 wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises about 99.3 weight percent white mineral oil and about 0.07 weight percent poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) cross-linking agent, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the visco-elastic fluid.

46. A cushion as recited in claim 34 wherein said flowable cushioning medium is a composite mixture comprising:

spherical objects comprising an outer shell and an inert atmosphere sealed within the outer shell, said spherical objects being less than 2000 microns in diameter, and

lubricant comprising a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent;

wherein said lubricant is lubricious, serves to reduce the coefficient of friction between contacting spherical objects, and does not prevent sliding and rolling of said spherical with respect to each other;

wherein said lubricant is present on the exterior surface of essentially all of said spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said lubricant sufficient to significantly physically separate said spherical objects from each other such that more than a thin film of lubricant is interposed between spherical objects and preventing the sliding and rolling contact of said spherical objects with each other;

wherein said spherical objects and said lubricating means are mixed together to form the composite mixture;

wherein said spherical objects within said mixture are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions;

wherein said composite mixture exhibits little memory for shape;

wherein said spherical objects are made from material selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, metal, carbon, mineral, and quartz;

wherein said lubricant maintains lubriciousness with changes in temperature;

wherein said composite mixture has a low thermal mass and a low coefficient of heat transfer;

wherein the composite mixture flows and shears in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it, said flow and shear being accomplished by said spherical objects moving in rolling and sliding contact with each other;

wherein said composite mixture has a low shearing force threshold when rapidly sheared; and

wherein said composite mixture resists separating into its constituent components over time.

47. A cushion as recited in claim 34 wherein said flowable cushioning medium is a composite mixture comprising:

a) a plurality of spherical objects and

b) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said spherical objects, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said spherical objects would be separated from each other by more than a thin film of said visco-elastic fluid, and said visco-elastic comprising a principle molecule and a gelling agent;

wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises a mixture of molecules which are reversibly cross-linked, such that the linkages are easily sheared by a slow mechanical force, and such that new linkages may be reestablished among the molecules of the mixture following cessation of the mechanical force.

48. A cushioning device comprising:

a) a first bladder wall, said first bladder wall having a perimeter and an inner portion,

b) a second bladder wall, said second bladder wall having a perimeter and an inner portion, said second bladder wall perimeter being attached to said first bladder wall perimeter to form a bladder that is capable of containing a flowable cushioning medium,

c) a plurality of attachments attaching selected locations of said inner portion of said first bladder wall to said inner portions of said second bladder wall in order to create open compartments within said bladder,

d) a quantity of flowable cushioning medium located within said bladder, the quantity of said flowable cushioning medium being insufficient to completely fill the interior volumetric capacity of said bladder, said flowable cushioning medium comprising lubricated spherical objects, and

e) a base permanently attached to said second bladder wall, said base being of a size that is less than the size of said bladder in at least one dimension and said base being attached to said second bladder wall at a plurality of said attachments;

wherein said flowable cushioning medium is flowable under pressure among said open compartments.

49. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein a plurality of attachments are spaced uniformly in the interior of said sealed compartment.

50. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 49, wherein said sealing membrane is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane/stretch-knit polyamide laminates, polyurethane, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, latex, rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers and EVAs.

51. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said base is smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension.

52. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 51, wherein said bladder is filled to between about 25% and 50% of its capacity.

53. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 51, wherein said cushioning medium is flowable.

54. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 53, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

55. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 53, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

66. A cushion as recited in claim 51 wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent.

67. A cushion as recited in claim 66 wherein said principle molecule is white mineral oil.

68. A cushion as recited in claim 66 wherein said cross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

69. A cushion as recited in claim 66 wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises about 99.7 weight percent white mineral oil and about 0.007 weight percent poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) cross-linking agent, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the visco-elastic fluid.

75. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 51, wherein said cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of inert gas, air, liquids, gels, oils, microspheres coated with lubricant, and elastic particles in a thermoplastic bonding agent.

56. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said base is between 5% and 95% smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension.

57. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said base is between 30% and 70% smaller than said bladder in at least one dimension.

58. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said cushioning medium is flowable; and

wherein said cushioning medium is able to flow freely through a portion of said bladder between said attachments.

59. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 58, wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

a) a plurality of microspheres, and

b) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said microspheres, said visco-elastic fluid comprising a principle molecule and an elastomeric polymer, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said microspheres in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said microspheres objects would be significantly separated from each other by said visco-elastic fluid; and

wherein said microspheres are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions.

60. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 59, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

61. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 59, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

62. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 58 wherein said flowable cushioning medium comprises:

a) a plurality of spherical objects and

b) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said spherical objects, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said spherical objects in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said spherical objects would be separated from each other by more than a thin film of said visco-elastic fluid, and said visco-elastic comprising a principle molecule and an elastomeric polymer;

wherein said visco-elastic fluid comprises a mixture of molecules which are reversibly cross-linked, such that the linkages are easily sheared by a slow mechanical force, and such that new linkages may be reestablished among the molecules of the mixture following cessation of the mechanical force.

63. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 62, wherein said elastomeric polymer of said flowable cushioning medium is selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene) and poly(styrene-hydrogenated(isoprene+butadiene)-styrene).

64. A cushioning device in accordance with claim 62, wherein said principle molecule of said flowable cushioning medium is white mineral oil.

76. A cushion as recited in claim 58 wherein said flowable cushioning medium is a composite mixture that comprises:

i) a plurality of microspheres and

ii) a quantity of visco-elastic fluid on the exterior surface of substantially all of said microspheres, said visco-elastic fluid being present in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of said microspheres in said visco-elastic fluid sufficient such that said microspheres objects would be significantly separated from each other by said visco-elastic fluid;

wherein said microspheres are movable in low-friction sliding and rolling contact with each other in all three dimensions;

wherein the composite mixture flows and shears in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it, said flow and shear being accomplished by said spherical objects moving in rolling and sliding contact with each other; and

wherein the composite mixture ceases to flow and shear when the deforming pressure is terminated.

65. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching through a plurality of said sealing membrane attachments.

70. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said sealing membrane is made of a laminate of polyurethane and stretch-knit polyamide.

71. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein said base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of nylon cordura fabric, vinyl film and polyurethane film.

72. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching a portion of the edge of said bladder to said base.

73. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises stitching to said base a portion of sealing membrane located, with respect to said sealed compartment, distal to the edge of said bladder.

74. A cushioning device comprising:

(a) a bladder having;

(i) a sealing membrane formed into a sealed compartment, the sealed compartment having a top and a bottom, the top being attached to the bottom at a plurality of locations; and

(ii) a quantity of cushioning medium which is contained in said sealed compartment, the quantity of cushioning medium being less than that which would completely fill said compartment; and

(b) a base attached to said bladder;

wherein attachment of said bladder to said base comprises placing rivets through said sealing membrane attachments.