Cushioning pad

Abstract

A cushioning pad comprising a base, a plurality of air pockets supported by the base, an air pocket comprising a plurality of segments and a support, the segments having an internal space and the support having an air reservoir such that the internal space and the air reservoir are in communication, and wherein each air pocket is a self-contained unit.

Description

Title"CUSHIONING PAD"

[0001] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises", "comprising" and "comprised" are to be understood to imply the presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0002] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" and variations such as "includes", "including" and "included" are to be understood to imply the presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0003] Headings and subheadings in this specification are provided for convenience to assist the reader, and they are not to be interpreted so as to narrow or limit the scope of the disclosure in the description, claims, abstract or drawings.Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a cushioning pad and any article that incorporates such a cushioning pad, such as, for example, a bed, massage table, sofa, chaise lounge style recliner, seat or chair.

[0005] In the context of the present invention, the term "cushioning pad" is to be understood to encompass any pad that provides cushioning to a user and includes, but is not limited to a mattress, seat, seat back, arm rest, back rest, cushion, pillow, and any purpose- specific pad used in medical or other professions or trades.Background

[0006] Any discussion of background information, any reference to a document and any reference to information that is known or is well known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background to the present invention, and is not itself an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application in relation to which this specification has been filed.

[0007] Prolonged lying on a bed or sitting on a seat, for example, can result in pressure aches or sores. Such pressure aches or sores can be particularly serious for people who are bedridden. Pressure sores, in particular, can result in wounds that require medicalattention. Whilst less serious, sitting for prolonged periods can have adverse effects resulting in pressure aches which many people find uncomfortable.

[0008] Various solutions have been proposed, including cushioning materials, such as foams, stretch fabrics, air mattresses and water mattresses. Some solutions propose a plurality of cells that allow for pressure distribution across the base to vary, these solutions tend to either not support the centre of pressure and allow for air to be displaced too far, to the side of the load, or only offer complex and costly solutions.

[0009] Whilst these can be of some benefit in some situations, many people still suffer from pressure aches or sores or simply discomfort from sitting or lying for prolonged periods, and an alternative solution is desirable.Summary

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cushioning pad comprising a base, a plurality of air pockets supported by the base, an air pocket comprising a plurality of segments and a support, the segments having an internal space and the support having an air reservoir such that the internal space and the air reservoir are in communication, and wherein each air pocket is a self-contained unit.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the cushioning pad is configured such that air is redistributable between the segments of the air pocket but is prevented from passing between adjacent air pockets.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of segments having an edge and the support having a groove, wherein the edge is retained in the groove of the support.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cushioning pad comprising a base,a plurality of air pockets supported by the base, an air pocket comprising a plurality of segments and a support, the one or more of the segments having an internal space and the support having an air reservoir such that the internal space and the air reservoir are in communication, and one or more of the segments having an edge and the support having a groove, wherein the edge is retained in the groove of the support.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a segment comprises an end wall, provided at a first end of the segment, and side walls extending from the end wall to an opening of the segment, wherein the internal space is bounded by the end wall and the side walls.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the side walls of a segment comprise an outermost side wall and the air pocket comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the end wall of a segment is provided at the first end of the air pocket, and wherein the support is provided at the second end of the air pocket.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the end wall of a segment is curved.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of segments are a single unit.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are made of a resiliently deformable material that is air-tight.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are made of a material containing silicone.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are sealed.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets have a hexagonal profile.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets comprise at least six segments.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets comprise seven segments.

[0024] Preferably, an inner segment has six side walls and six other segments have four side walls, including an outermost side wall.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the groove of a support is formed in the side wall of the support.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the support comprises a side wall and an end wall, the side wall extending from the end wall, wherein the side wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and the groove is formed by a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the reservoir of an air pocket is bounded by the end wall of the support of the air pocket and the side wall of the support of the air pocket.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the end walls of the segments are of substantially equal distance from the end wall of the support.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the distances from the end wall of each segment to the end wall of the support are within 10mm of one another.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the combined surface area of the end walls of the segments is at least 80% of the surface are of the end wall of the support.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are attached to the base.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are attached to the base by attaching the support of each air pocket to the base.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the base comprises side walls and a bottom wall, and wherein the end wall of a segment protrudes beyond the edges of the side walls of the base that are spaced from the bottom wall of the base.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the one or more segments of an air pocket are able to move independently of each other segment of the air pocket in response to pressure being exerted on the air pocket.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the air pockets are contiguous.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the outermost walls of adjacent air pockets are contiguous.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, adjacent air pockets are not attached to one another.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the segments of an air pocket are not attached to one another.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, an air pocket is provided with a fitting to allow air to be injected into or withdrawn from the air pocket.

[0040] In an embodiment, the base is provided with ports and the fitting of an air pocket is aligned with one of the ports in the base.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the base is configured to receive at least two air pockets in each of the x and y dimensions.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the cushioning pad further comprises a cover to cover the air pockets and the base.Brief Description of Drawings

[0043] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is perspective view of an embodiment of a cushioning pad in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base of the cushioning pad shown in Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cushioning pad shown in Figure 1, with the cover removed to show the plurality of air pockets in position in the base (shown in Figure 2);

[0047] Figure 4 is a first (top) perspective view of one of the air pockets of the cushioning pad shown in Figure 1;

[0048] Figure 5 is a second (underside) perspective view of the air pocket shown in Figure 4;

[0049] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the air pocket shown in Figure 4;

[0050] Figure 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the air pocket shown in Figure 4;

[0051] Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the segments of the air pocket shown in Figure 4;

[0052] Figure 9 is cutaway perspective view of the segments shown in Figure 8;

[0053] Figure 10 is a first (top) perspective view of the support of the air pocket shown in Figure 4;

[0054] Figure 11 is a second (underside) perspective view of the support shown in Figure 10.Description of Embodiments

[0055] In Figures 1 and 3, there is shown an embodiment of a cushioning pad 1. Figure 1 shows the cushioning pad 1 covered by a cover 10. Figure 5 shows the cushioning pad 1 with the cover 10 omitted.

[0056] The cushioning pad 1 comprises a base 12 and a plurality of air pockets, or air cells, 14. The air pockets 14 are supported by the base 12. An individual air pocket 14 comprises one or more segments 20 and a support 21. The one or more segments 20 have an internal space 38 and the support 21 has an air reservoir 22 such that the internal space 38 and the air reservoir 22 are in communication. The one or more segments 20 have an edge 23. The support 21 has a groove 25. The edge 23 is retained in the groove 25 of the support 21.

[0057] The base 12 has a bottom wall 16 and side walls 18.

[0058] Figure 3 shows the arrangement of air pockets 14 in the base 12. The air pockets 14 are arranged in the base 12 in an array. The base 12 is shown separately in Figure 2.

[0059] Adjacent air pockets 14 supported by the base 12 are contiguous. Adjacent air pockets 14 are separate. The air pockets 14 are provided such that adjacent air pockets 14 are not attached to each other.

[0060] The air pockets 14 of the cushioning pad 1 shown in the drawings have a hexagonal profile. Whilst other shaped profiles may be used for the air pockets 14, the hexagonal profiled air pockets 14 provide a desirable level of performance for a cushioning pad of the present invention.

[0061] The description and drawings herein of an embodiment of the cushioning pad of the present invention is with reference to the air pockets having a hexagonal profile. However, the cushioning pad of the present invention is not limited to embodiments in which the air pockets have a hexagonal profile. In other embodiments (not shown), other suitable profiles, that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, may be used for the air pockets.

[0062] In the embodiment of the air pocket shown in Figure 4, the air pocket 14 is provided with seven segments 20. Six of these segments are outer segments 20 and one is an inner segment. The inner segment is identified by reference numeral 20a in the drawings. The inner segment 20a is surrounded by the outer segments 20.

[0063] However, the cushioning pad of the present invention is not limited to embodiments in which the air pockets have seven segments. In other embodiments (not shown), othersuitable numbers of segments, that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, may be used.

[0064] Each segment 20 of the air pocket 14 has a first end 26. Each segment 20 is closed at its first end 26. Each segment 20 comprises an end wall 30. The end wall 30 is provided at the first end 26. Each segment 20 further comprises side walls 34. Side walls 34 extend from the end wall 30 and terminate at ends 28. Each segment 20 has an opening 32 at the ends 28 of side walls 34. The side walls 34 extend from the end wall 30 to the opening 32. The opening 32 is spaced from the end wall 30. The side walls 34 of a segment 20 extend longitudinally between the end wall 30 (at the first end 26) and the ends 28 of the side walls 34.

[0065] The end walls 30 of the segments 20 are curved, or rounded. This provides the end walls 30 with a concave or dome-like shape. This is best seen in Figure 4.

[0066] The end walls 30 of the segments 20 are of substantially equal distance from the end wall 43 of the support 21.

[0067] The distance from the end wall 30 of each segment 20 to the end wall 43 of the support 21 are within 10mm of one another, preferably within 8mm, more preferably, within 5mm.

[0068] The substantially equal distance of the end walls 30 of the segments 20 causes the overall end profile of the air pocket 14 to be relatively flat, resulting in a greater surface area of the air pocket 14 being in contact with a user of the cushioning pad 1.

[0069] The combined surface area of the end walls 30 of the segments is at least 60% of the surface are of the end wall 43 of the support 21, preferably at least 70%, more preferably a least 80%, more preferably at least 90%.

[0070] Furthermore, the increased overall effective contact area across the cushioning pad 1, resulting from the substantially equal distance of the end walls 30 of the segments 20 of the air pockets 14, allows for a thinner cover 10, which in turn offers improved performance of the cushioning pad 1.

[0071] The greater surface provides greater support to a user, when the plurality of air pockets 14 of the cushioning pad 1 are considered, the greater surface area of the plurality of pockets 14, the redistribution of air between the segments of each pocket, combined with the retention of air within each pocket, allow the elimination of a centre of pressure, while retaining overall support for a user.

[0072] The outermost side walls of the outer segments 20, identified by reference numeral 34a in the drawings, have extended portions (also referred to herein as an extended wall) 35. The ends of extended walls 35 terminate to form the edge 23 of the segments 20.

[0073] The segments 20 and extended walls 35 of an air pocket 14 are formed as a single unit, also referred to herein as a segment cell and identified by reference numeral 36 in the drawings.

[0074] The segments 20 of an air pocket 14 are not attached to one another along their side walls 34 (i.e. along their longitudinal lengths). This is represented in Figures 4 and 6 by gaps between adjacent segments 20 of an air pocket 14.

[0075] In embodiment of the air pockets 14 of the cushioning pad 1 having a hexagonal profile, as shown in the drawings, the inner segment 20a has six side walls 34 and the other six segments 20 have four side walls 34, including the outermost side wall 34a.

[0076] The internal space 38 of a segment 20 is bounded by the end wall 30 (at the first end 26 of the segment 20) and the side walls 34. The internal space 38 of a segment 20 is bounded by the end wall 30 and the side walls 34. The internal space 38 of a segment extends from the end wall 30 to the ends 28 of the side walls 34.

[0077] Each air pocket 14 further comprises a first end 39 and a second end 41. The end walls 30 of the segments 20 of each air pocket 14 are provided at the first end 39 of each air pocket 14.

[0078] The support 21 comprises a side wall 42 and an end wall 43. The side wall 42 extends from the end wall 43. The side wall 42 terminates at an opening 44 of the support 12. The end wall 43 is provided at the second end 41 of the air pocket 14. The end wall 43 forms an end wall of the air pocket 14.

[0079] The side wall 42 is formed as a double wall. The side wall 42 comprises an inner wall 42a and an outer wall 42b. A gap is provided between the inner wall 42a and the outer wall 42b. This gap forms a space or groove 25. The space or groove 25 is able to receive the extended walls 35.

[0080] The groove 25 of the side wall 42 has the same shape profile as the edge 23 of the one or more segments 20.

[0081] The extended walls 35 are received in the groove 25.

[0082] The edge 23 of the one or more segments 20 is retained in the groove 25 of the support 21. Adhesive may be used to retain the edge 23 in the groove 25. In this way, the support 21 and the segment cell 36 are securely connected together.

[0083] The air reservoir 22 of an air pocket 14 is formed by the space bounded by the side wall 42 and the end wall 43 of the support 21.

[0084] The air reservoir 22 is in communication with the respective internal spaces 38 of the one or more segments 20. The air reservoir 22 is in communication with the respective internal spaces 38 of the one or more segments 20 via the openings 32 of the segments 20 and the opening 44 of the support 21.

[0085] The end wall 43 of each support 21 is provided with a fitting 45, e.g. a valve fitting. The bottom wall 16 of the base 12 is provided with ports 47. The fittings 45 are aligned with respective ports 47. By inserting a suitable device though a port 47 and attaching it to, or engaging it with, the aligned fitting 45, the fitting 45 may be used to inject air into, or remove air from, the air reservoir 22 of the air pocket 14, i.e. the fitting 45 allows a user to inflate or deflate the air pocket 14.

[0086] The outermost side walls 34a of the outer segments 20 are part of the peripheral walls of the air pocket 14. Thus, conversely, a portion of the walls of the air pocket 14 form the outermost side walls 34a of the outer segments 20. The peripheral walls of the air pocket 14 comprise the end walls 30 and outermost side walls 34a of the segments 20 and the side wall 42 and end wall 43 of the support 21.

[0087] The air pockets 14 may be dimensioned such that the end walls 30 of the segments 20 are above the edges of the side walls 18 (of the base 12) that are spaced from the bottom wall 16 (of the base 12). Alternatively, the air pockets may be dimensioned such that the end walls 30 of the segments 20 may be level with the edges of the side walls 18 (of the base 12) that are spaced from the bottom wall 16 (of the base 12). The selection between these two alternatives is determined by the purpose of the particular cushioning pad and the alternative that would provide the appropriate support and comfort for the user.

[0088] As herein before described, adjacent air pockets 14 supported by the base 12 are contiguous. Accordingly, the outermost walls 34a of adjacent air pockets 14 are contiguous.

[0089] The air pockets 14 may be made of a resiliently deformable material that is airtight, e.g. a rubber compound, plastics material, and / or silicone. The cover 10 may be made of any suitable material and largely depends upon the end use of the cushioning pad1. For example: for chairs, seats and seat backs, the cover 10 may be fabric, vinyl, leather, etc.; for mattresses, the cover 10 may be fabric. The base 12 may be made of a material similar to the material of the air pockets 14, or alternatively, of a material having a greater degree of rigidity, e.g. plastics material.

[0090] The bases 12, supports 21 and segment cells 36 may be made by one or more suitable manufacturing processes, e.g. injection moulding. The supports 21 are then provided with the fittings 45.

[0091] In assembly of an air pocket 14, adhesive is applied into the groove 45 of a support 21 and / or to the extended walls 35 of the outermost side walls 34a of the outer segments20 of a segment cell 36. The extended walls 35 are inserted into the groove 25 of the support 21. The extended walls 35 are thereby received in the groove 25 of the support 21. Upon the adhesive curing, the edge 23 of the segments 20 is thereby retained in the groove 25 of the support 21. In this way, the support 21 and the segments 20 are securely connected together via the groove 25 of the support 21 and the extended walls 35 of the segments. This forms an air pocket 14.

[0092] In assembly of a cushioning pad 1, the air pockets 14 are attached to a base 12 by attaching the supports 21 of the air pockets 14 to the bottom wall 16 of the base 12. In particular, the end walls 43 of the supports 21 are attached to the base 12. The air pockets 14 are supported by the base 12. The end walls 43 of the air pockets 14 may be attached to the bottom wall 16 of the base 12 using adhesive. In particular, adhesive is applied to the bottom wall 16 of a base 12 and / or the undersides of the end walls 43 of the supports21 of a plurality of air pockets 14. The air pockets 14 are inserted into the base 12 such that the undersides of the end walls 43 of the supports 21 contact the bottom wall 16 of the base 12. The air pockets 14 are inserted into the base 12 such that the fittings 45 in the end walls 43 of the of the supports 21 are aligned with respective ports 47 in the bottom wall 16 of the base 12. A sufficient number of air pockets 14 are inserted into the base 12 to fill the base 12 such that the outermost walls 34a of outermost segments 20 are in contact with the inside surfaces of the side walls 18 of the base 12. This is best seen in Figure 3. The end walls 30 of the segments may protrude beyond the edges of the side walls 18, of the base 12, that are spaced from the bottom wall 16 of the base 12. Upon the adhesive curing, the air pockets 14 are connected to the base 12. The cover 10 may then be provided to complete the cushioning pad 1.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the base 12 supports five air pockets 14 in a x dimension, and either four or five in a y dimension, resulting in a total of twenty three air pockets 14 being inserted into the base 12.

[0094] The base 12 comprises at least two air pockets 14 in each of the x and y dimensions.

[0095] In use of a cushioning pad 1, air may be injected into, or withdrawn from, one or more of the air pockets 14 via the fitting 45. Usually, the air pockets 14 are inflated with air to the required pressure at the time of manufacture or assembly of the cushioning pad 1. However, it is also possible for the air pockets 14 to be inflated or deflated by the user. This permits the air pressure in the air pockets 14 to be adjusted by the user to the comfort and preference of the user. It is also possible for different air pockets 14 to be inflated to different pressures.

[0096] Each segment 20 of an air pocket 14 is able to move independently of each other segment 20 of the air pocket 14 in response to pressure being exerted on the air pocket 14.

[0097] In use of a cushioning pad 1, or article having a cushioning pad 1, the cushioning pad 1 is arranged such that the end walls 30, of the segments 20 of the air pockets 14, face the load that is to be applied to the cushioning pad 1. Thus, the ends walls 30 are directly beneath the load (under the cover 10, if provided). Typically, the load is the body of a person. In use of a cushioning pad 1, or article having a cushioning pad 1, pressure, or force, is exerted on one or more air pockets 14 when a load is placed on the cushioning pad 1, e.g. when a user lies on, sits on or rests on the cushioning pad 1. Providing the end walls 43 with a curved, or rounded, shape provides improved comfort to the user. Usually, this results in the pressure being exerted on multiple air pockets 14 of the cushioning pad 1. When a load is placed on the cushioning pad 1, air pockets 14 respond independently. This is because the air pockets 14 are independent of each other. Each air pocket 14 is a self- contained unit. In addition, each segment 20 in an air pocket 14 is able to move independently of each other segment 20 of the air pocket 14 (since they are not connected to each other) in response to pressure being exerted on the air pocket 14. Consequently, if one segment 20 of an air pocket 14 is subjected to a greater pressure from the load than another segment 20 in the air pocket 14, the pressure will be redistributed to the other segments 20 in that air pocket 14. This is because all the segments 20 in an air pocket 14 are in communication via the air reservoir 22 of that air pocket 14. This response to pressure being exerted on an air pocket 14 occurs in all air pockets 14 in the cushioning pad 1 that have pressure exerted on them due to the load placed on the cushioning pad 1. As a result, the cushioning pad 1 provides support to the load in proportion to the pressure exerted on the individual air pockets 14 (and the segments 20 of the air pockets 14) of the cushioning pad 1. This provides a relatively more even distribution of support to counter the load exerting pressure on the cushioning pad 1. In the case of the load being a person, the cushioning pad 1 provides a relatively more even distribution of support comfort for theperson and reduces or avoids instances of localised pressure aches or sores for the person resulting from sitting, resting or lying on the cushioning pad 1.FEATURES

[0098] Various features and combinations of features disclosed herein are set out in the following paragraphs. Any one or more of the various features and combinations of features in any one of these paragraphs may be combined with any one or more of the various features and combinations of features in any one or more of the other of these paragraphs.1. A cushioning pad comprising a base, a plurality of air pockets supported by the base, an air pocket comprising a plurality of segments and a support, the segments having an internal space and the support having an air reservoir such that the internal space and the air reservoir are in communication, and wherein each air pocket is a self-contained unit.2. The cushioning pad is configured such that air is redistributable between the segments of the air pocket but is prevented from passing between adjacent air pockets.3 At least one segment comprises an end wall, provided at a first end of the segment, and side walls extending from the end wall to an opening of the segment, wherein the internal space is bounded by the end wall and the side walls.4. The side walls of at least one segment comprise an outermost side wall and the air pocket comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the end wall of the at least one segment is provided at the first end of the air pocket, and wherein the support is provided at the second end of the air pocket.5. The support comprises a side wall and an end wall, the side wall extending from the end wall, wherein the side wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and the groove is formed by a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall.6. A groove is formed by a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall of the side wall of the support, the side wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall.7. The distances from the end wall of each segment to the end wall of the support are within 10mm of one another.8. The combined surface area of the end walls of the segments is at least 80% of the surface are of the end wall of the support.9. The air pockets have a hexagonal profile.10. The air pockets comprise at least six segments11. The plurality of segments are a single unit.12. The air pockets are attached to the base by attaching the support of each air pocket to the base.13. The base comprises side walls and a bottom wall, and wherein the end wall of a segment protrudes beyond the edges of the side walls of the base that are spaced from the bottom wall of the base.14. The one or more segments of an air pocket are able to move independently of each other segment of the air pocket in response to pressure being exerted on the air pocket.15. The air pockets are contiguous.16. The air pockets are made of a resiliently deformable material that is air-tight.17. Adjacent air pockets are not attached to one another.18. The base is configured to receive at least two air pockets in each of the x and y dimensions.19. An air pocket is provided with a fitting to allow air to be injected into or withdrawn from the air pocket.20. The base is provided with ports and the fitting of an air pocket is aligned with one of the ports in the base.21. The cushioning pad further comprises a cover to cover the air pockets and the base

[0099] Whilst one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention have been herein before described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments, and may be embodied in other ways, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0100] The individual features of each aspect or embodiment disclosed herein may each be combined with any or all features of the other embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0101] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cushioning pad comprising a base, a plurality of air pockets supported by the base, an air pocket comprising a plurality of segments and a support, the segments having an internal space and the support having an air reservoir such that the internal space and the air reservoir are in communication, and wherein each air pocket is a self-contained unit.

2. The cushioning pad according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning pad is configured such that air is redistributable between the segments of the air pocket but is prevented from passing between adjacent air pockets.3 The cushioning pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one segment comprises an end wall, provided at a first end of the segment, and side walls extending from the end wall to an edge at an opening of the segment, wherein the internal space is bounded by the end wall and the side walls.

4. The cushioning pad according to claim 3, wherein the side walls of at least one segment comprise an outermost side wall and the air pocket comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the end wall of the at least one segment is provided at the first end of the air pocket, and wherein the support is provided at the second end of the air pocket.

5. The cushioning pad according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support comprises a side wall and an end wall, the side wall extending from the end wall, wherein the side wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall.

6. The cushioning pad according to claim 5, wherein a groove is formed by a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall of the side wall of the support, and wherein the edge of the side wall of the segment is retained in the groove of the support.

7. The cushioning pad according to claim 5, wherein the distances from the end wall of each segment to the end wall of the support are within 10mm of one another.

8. The cushioning pad according to claim 5, wherein the combined surface area of the end walls of the segments is at least 80% of the surface are of the end wall of the support.

9. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets have a hexagonal profile.

10. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets comprise at least six segments11. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of segments are a single unit.

12. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets are attached to the base by attaching the support of each air pocket to the base.

13. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises side walls and a bottom wall, and wherein the end wall of a segment protrudes beyond the edges of the side walls of the base that are spaced from the bottom wall of the base.

14. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more segments of an air pocket are able to move independently of each other segment of the air pocket in response to pressure being exerted on the air pocket.

15. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets are contiguous.

16. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets are made of a resiliently deformable material that is air-tight.

17. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent air pockets are not attached to one another.

18. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is configured to receive at least two air pockets in each of the x and y dimensions.

19. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air pockets are provided with a fitting to allow air to be injected into or withdrawn from the air pocket.

20. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is provided with ports and the fitting of an air pocket is aligned with one of the ports in the base.

21. The cushioning pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning pad further comprises a cover to cover the air pockets and the base

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