Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Cushioned load bearing surface and method for making same

Abstract:

A cushioned load bearing seating surface includes a suspension layer, a membrane and a load distribution layer. The membrane is positioned between the suspension layer and the load distribution layer. The membrane includes a base and a plurality of molded, oriented, piston-like projections extending from the base. The membrane defines intermediate portions between each projection and the base that extend in a direction opposite the projections. The projections are compressible from a first state to a compressed state under load and return to the first state upon removing the load. The intermediate portions flex to accommodate at least a portion of the projections as the projections are compressed. A molded, piston pixelated membrane and a method for making the membrane are disclosed.