Cushioned apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to cushioning apparatus having a plurality of intersecting columns, the columns being formed from a thermoplastic, silicone, two-part, or other gel material. The cushioning apparatus are extremely strong and durable yet provide an improved cushioning apparatus. The intersecting columnar configuration of the cushioning apparatus allow for weight to be shared with neighboring column walls. When force is exerted on the columns, the column walls are designed to buckle in the areas of greatest pressure. The column buckling diffuses energy from the areas of highest pressure effectively eliminating pressure points. As the polymer gel collapses within the column walls, the column walls essentially collapse at least partially in a lateral direction allowing pressure to flow away from the areas of greatest pressure to areas of lesser pressure. This provides an improved cushioning surface on which a user can sit, sleep, or other types of cushioning can be provided.

1 . A cushioning apparatus, comprising: 
 a first zone including a plurality of intersecting columns providing a first resiliency; and    a second zone including a plurality of intersecting columns providing a second resiliency.    
     
     
         2 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of voids defined by the intersecting columns.  
     
     
         3 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of voids comprise a configuration selected from the group consisting of circular, pentagonal, hexagonal, triangular, and diamond shaped.  
     
     
         4 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first side wall having a thickness sufficient for supporting the first zone and a second side wall having a thickness sufficient for supporting the second zone.  
     
     
         5 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second side walls are continuous and uniform.  
     
     
         6 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a third zone including a plurality of intersecting columns and providing a third resiliency.  
     
     
         7 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first zone is integrally disposed parallel to the second zone.  
     
     
         8 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a continuous layer.  
     
     
         9 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a securement apparatus for removably securing the first zone in relation to a mattress.  
     
     
         10 . The cushioning member of  claim 7 , wherein the securement apparatus comprises a circumferential member and a plurality of engagement members.  
     
     
         11 . A cushioning apparatus configured for disposition relative to a mattress, the cushioning apparatus comprising: 
 a continuous layer;    a cushioning layer configured having a plurality of intersecting columns having sufficient stiffness to prevent a user from contacting the continuous layer; and    the continuous layer configured to prevent a fluid from contacting the mattress.    
     
     
         12 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a securement apparatus for removably securing the continuous layer in relation to the cushioning layer.  
     
     
         13 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the continuous layer is formed of a material that provides a hypoallergenic and moisture barrier against fluids.  
     
     
         14 . A cushioning apparatus, comprising: 
 a first cushioning layer having a plurality of intersecting columns; and    a second cushioning layer having a plurality of intersecting columns, wherein the second cushioning layer is positioned beneath the first cushioning layer.    
     
     
         15 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of intersecting columns of the first cushioning layer is disposed in a different angular configuration that the plurality of intersecting columns of the second cushioning layer.  
     
     
         16 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a third cushioning layer having a plurality of intersecting columns.  
     
     
         17 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the first cushioning member comprises a firmness different from the second cushioning member.  
     
     
         18 . A cushioning apparatus, comprising: 
 a core member having a first thickness and an outer surface; and.    a gel cushioning member having a plurality of intersecting columns having a second thickness, wherein the cushioning member comprises a size sufficient to engage at least a portion of the outer surface of the core member.    
     
     
         19 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the core member is formed of a resilient member  
     
     
         20 . The cushioning apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the resilient member comprises a seat cushion.