Inflatable fall protection cushion with rollers

Abstract

An inflatable fall protection cushion (100) includes a deformable body (110) defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume (112). The deformable body (110) has a bottom wall (120), an upper wall (122), and side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) spanning the bottom wall (120) and the upper wall (122). The inflatable fall protection cushion (100) additionally includes a set of roller units (210) mounted to the bottom wall (120) along the outwardly facing surface (220) of the bottom wall (120). The set of roller units (210) is arranged in a multi-dimensional array (230). The two or more roller units (212) of the set are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension (232) of the multi-dimensional array (230). The two or more roller units (214) of the set are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension (234) of the multi-dimensional array (230) that is orthogonal to the first dimension (232).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 63 / 508,980 filed on June 19, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to fall protection mats for preventing a person or object from falling, and more particularly to a mobile, inflatable fall protection mat having rollers to assist in moving the mat above the ground. Background Art

[0004] Manufacturing and maintenance environments involve personnel working on structures that may be in a partially assembled or disassembled state. As an example, mobile structures such as aircraft frames or other large machinery, as well as fixed structures such as buildings, may involve personnel working at heights from which a fall could cause injury. When such structures are in a partially assembled or disassembled state, floors, walls, and railings may not be present, thereby providing locations where personnel may fall while performing manufacturing or maintenance tasks. Summary of the invention

[0005] The inflatable fall protection pad includes a deformable body defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume. The deformable body has a bottom wall, an upper wall, and a side wall spanning the bottom wall and the upper wall. The inflatable fall protection pad further includes a group of roller units mounted to the bottom wall along an outwardly facing surface of the bottom wall. The group of roller units is arranged in a multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension of the multidimensional array. The two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension of the multidimensional array that is orthogonal to the first dimension. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An example inflatable fall protection mat is schematically depicted in an inflated state.

[0007] Figure 2 Schematic depiction of the inflated state Figure 1 Another view of the inflatable fall protection mat.

[0008] Figure 3 Depicts an inflated state used within an example aircraft fuselage. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Inflatable fall protection mat.

[0009] Figure 4A Schematic depiction of the inflated state before a load is applied to the upper wall of the pad. Figure 1 and Figure 2Example behavior of a portion of an inflatable fall protection cushion.

[0010] Figure 4B Schematic depiction of the inflated state Figure 4A Example behavior of a portion of an inflatable fall protection mat in response to a load applied to an upper wall of the mat.

[0011] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Depiction Figure 1 and Figure 2 Example roller unit for an inflatable fall protection mat.

[0012] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A schematic diagram showing a method for mounting a roller unit to a Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example roller unit of an example fastening technique for a bottom wall of an inflatable fall protection mat.

[0013] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C An additional example of a set of roller units mounted to a bottom wall of an inflatable fall protection mat according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted.

[0014] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Fig.8D Schematic depiction of the fold in its deflated state Figure 1 and Figure 2 Example of an inflatable fall protection mat.

[0015] Fig. 9 For depiction use Figure 1 and Figure 2 A flow chart of an example method for providing an inflatable fall protection mat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] As described in further detail herein, the inflatable fall protection pad comprises a deformable body defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume. The deformable body has a bottom wall, an upper wall, and a side wall spanning the bottom wall and the upper wall. The inflatable fall protection pad further comprises a group of roller units mounted to the bottom wall along an outwardly facing surface of the bottom wall. The group of roller units is arranged in a multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension of the multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension of the multidimensional array orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0017] A set of roller units of the inflatable fall protection mat enables the mat to roll above the ground. As an example, the mass, area or volume of the mat may otherwise make it difficult for a person or group of people to move due to the friction between the bottom wall and the ground without the roller unit.

[0018] Since a set of roller units are spaced apart from each other above the area defined by the bottom wall, the deformable body of the mat can be folded in both the first dimension and the second dimension along one or more folding paths between the roller units when deflated for storage. Additionally or alternatively, the deformable body of the mat can be rolled up for storage.

[0019] In addition, the load applied to the upper wall (such as when preventing a fall or otherwise supporting the weight of a person) can affect the mobility of the inflatable fall protection mat. Since a group of roller units are spaced apart from each other above the area defined by the bottom wall, the deformation of the bottom wall when the load is applied to the upper wall can cause the bottom wall to deform toward the ground. Such deformation can cause the bottom wall to induce or increase contact with the ground. For example, one or more areas of the bottom wall between a group of rollers can deform to contact the ground under the load applied to the upper wall, thereby increasing the lateral resistance of the pad to move along the ground due to friction. Such deformation and increased contact between the bottom wall and the ground can provide a braking function, which has a braking force in response to the load applied to the upper wall. The braking function can help stabilize the pad. As the load size increases, the contact of the bottom wall with the ground can increase, thereby increasing the lateral resistance of the pad to move along the ground.

[0020] In some examples, a set of roller units may be sized and arranged on the bottom wall of the mat such that the bottom wall initiates contact with the ground in response to a load applied to the upper wall that reaches or exceeds a predetermined size. In this example, when no load or a load less than a predetermined size is applied to the upper wall of the mat, the bottom wall does not contact the ground. This approach may support the mobility of the mat under the condition that no object that reaches or exceeds a predetermined size is supported by the upper wall of the mat. This approach also enables the braking function discussed above to be provided under the selected condition that the load applied to the upper wall reaches or exceeds the predetermined size.

[0021] As an example, the predetermined magnitude of the load may be selected to correspond to the static weight of an adult specimen applied to the upper wall. In this example or other examples, a conservative weight estimate of an adult, such as 100 pounds or other suitable value, may be used as an illustrative example. As another example, the predetermined magnitude may be selected to correspond to the dynamic force of an adult falling from a given distance. As yet another example, the predetermined magnitude of the load may be selected to correspond to the static weight or dynamic force of a child.

[0022] Figure 1An example inflatable fall protection pad 100 is schematically depicted in an inflated state. The pad 100 includes a deformable body 110 defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume 112. The body 110 has a bottom wall 120, an upper wall 122, and side walls 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D spanning the bottom and upper walls.

[0023] In at least some examples, body 110 can be formed of a flexible textile material or a flexible continuous sheet. As examples, such materials can include polymers such as nylon, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and / or natural fibers. In at least some examples, the textile material can be treated with a polymer coating to reduce air permeability and / or provide waterproofing.

[0024] As reference Figure 2 As further described in detail, the mat 100 further includes a set of roller units mounted to the bottom wall 120. The set of roller units enables the mat 100 to roll along the ground surface 130. In at least some examples, the size, weight, or volume of the body 110 of the mat 100 would otherwise make it difficult for a person or group of people to move due to friction between the bottom wall 120 and the ground surface 130 without the set of roller units. Figure 1 A person 132 is schematically depicted in relation to the body 110 of the pad 100 to provide example proportions of the body 110. It should be appreciated that the body 110 may have other suitable sizes and / or shapes.

[0025] In at least some examples, upper wall 122 and bottom wall 120 have different areas, and side walls 124B and 124D taper between the bottom wall and upper wall on opposite sides of body 110. Figure 1 In the depicted example, the area of ​​the upper wall 122 is greater than the area of ​​the bottom wall 120, and the side wall tapers 124B and 124D taper inwardly from the upper wall to the bottom wall on opposite sides of the body 110. The side walls 124B and 124D have respective profiles 144B and 144D that are shaped to accommodate a physical structure within or between which the pad 100 may be used. As an example, the physical structure may include the interior of the fuselage of an aircraft, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 It should be understood that the body 110 may have other suitable shapes.

[0026] Figure 1An example fan assembly 150 is schematically depicted that can be used to inflate the body 110 and maintain the body 110 in an inflated state. In this example, the body 110 includes an opening 152 through which air is provided to inflate the three-dimensional volume 112 defined by the body 110. As an example, the side wall 124A defines the opening 152. The flow outlet of the fan assembly 150 can be fluidly connected to the opening 152 via a flexible or rigid conduit 154. In at least some examples, the conduit 154 can form a part of the body 110. As another example, the flow outlet of the fan assembly 150 can be directly mounted to the opening 152. In at least some examples, the fan assembly 150 can be mounted on a set of rollers that enable the fan assembly to follow the pad 110 when the pad is moved between positions. In this example, the conduit 154 also serves as a tether by which the fan assembly 150 is mounted to the body 110.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic depiction of the inflated state Figure 1 FIG. 1 is another view of an inflatable fall protection mat 100 of FIG. 1, wherein the bottom wall 120 is visible. In this example, the bottom wall 120 has a rectangular shape. In other examples, the bottom wall 120 may have a polygonal shape with three, four, five or more sides. In other examples, the bottom wall may have a circular, oval or irregular shape.

[0028] The pad 100 includes a group of roller units 210 mounted to the bottom wall 120 along an exterior-facing surface 220 of the bottom wall. The group of roller units 210 is arranged in a multi-dimensional array 230. Two or more roller units 212 of the group 210 are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension 232 of the multi-dimensional array 230, and two or more roller units 214 of the group 210 are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension 234 of the multi-dimensional array 230 that is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0029] Because the set of roller units 210 are spaced apart from one another above the area defined by the bottom wall 120, deformation of the bottom wall when a load is applied to the upper wall 122 can induce or increase contact of the bottom wall with the ground. For example, under a load applied to the upper wall 122, one or more regions of the bottom wall 120 (such as the example region 260) surrounding and between the set of roller units 210 can deform to contact the ground or increase contact with the ground, thereby increasing the lateral resistance of the pad to movement along the ground due to friction. Such deformation and increased contact between the bottom wall 120 and the ground can provide a braking function with a braking force responsive to the load applied to the upper wall.

[0030] In at least some examples, the exterior-facing surface 220 of the bottom wall 120 comprises a different material than the exterior-facing surfaces of the upper wall 122 and / or the side walls. As an example, the exterior-facing surface 220 of the bottom wall 120 may comprise a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the exterior-facing surfaces of the upper wall 122 and / or the side walls to facilitate the braking function described herein, e.g., due to the material's composition, texture, etc. In various non-limiting examples of this, the surface 220 may be made of such a material, or incorporate such a material, or be at least partially covered with such a material.

[0031] In at least some examples, the set of roller units 210 are arranged in two, three, four, or more rows 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D, etc. of the multidimensional array 230, where each row includes two or more roller units. Figure 2 In the depicted example, each row includes four roller units, such as roller units 250A, 250B, 250C, and 250D of row 240A. In one example, each row of a group of roller units 210 can be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals (e.g., equal spacing). As another example, the spacing between rows can vary along the first dimension 232 on the bottom wall 120. In other examples, the group of roller units 210 are not arranged in rows.

[0032] In at least some examples, the set of roller units 210 are arranged in two, three, four, or more columns 242A, 242B, 242C, 242D, etc. of the multi-dimensional array 230, where each column includes roller units for each row. Figure 2 In the depicted example, each column includes four roller units, such as roller units 250A, 250E, 250F, and 250G of column 242A. As an example, each column of a group of roller units 210 can be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals (e.g., equal spacing). As another example, the spacing between columns can vary along the second dimension 234 on the bottom wall 120. In other examples, the group of roller units 210 are not arranged in columns.

[0033] In addition, as referenced Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7CAs further described in detail, in at least some examples, a set of roller units 210 can be symmetrically arranged about a midplane of the deformable body 110 that bisects the bottom wall 120 along an axis parallel to the first dimension 232. Additionally or alternatively, a set of roller units 210 can be symmetrically arranged about a midplane of the deformable body 110 that bisects the bottom wall 120 along an axis parallel to the second dimension 234. The symmetry of the roller unit arrangement about one or both midplanes of the deformable body 110 can provide consistent performance and / or responsiveness of the pad 100 in terms of mobility and braking functionality.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , a set of roller units 210 includes sixteen roller units arranged in a four-by-four array distributed above the bottom wall 120. It should be understood that other suitable numbers and / or arrangements of roller units may be distributed on the bottom wall 120 to enable the pad 100 to roll on the ground with a given lateral force applied to the pad. For a given application, the number and arrangement of roller units mounted to the bottom wall 100 may be selected to provide a suitable level of mobility when the upper wall 122 is unloaded, and to provide a suitable level of braking force when a load is applied to the upper wall 122.

[0035] As an example, to support the mobility of the mat 100, the number of roller units per unit area of ​​the bottom wall 120 may be selected to provide a desired level of lateral resistance to movement of the mat 100 along the ground when a load is not applied to the upper wall 122. For example, when the upper wall 122 is unloaded, the lateral resistance to movement of the mat 100 along the ground may be reduced by increasing the number of roller units per unit area of ​​the bottom wall 120.

[0036] To support the braking function, the number of roller units per unit area of ​​the bottom wall 120 may be selected to provide a desired level of lateral resistance to movement of the mat 100 along the ground when a load is applied to the upper wall 122. For example, the braking force provided in response to a load applied to the upper wall 122 may be increased by reducing the number of roller units per unit area of ​​the bottom wall 120.

[0037] In at least some examples, the deformable body 110 includes a plurality of internal baffle walls that interface with the interior-facing surface of the bottom wall 120 within the inflatable three-dimensional volume. In such examples, each roller unit of a set of roller units 210 can be mounted to the bottom wall 120 at a respective location within an area that is defined on at least two opposing sides by baffle walls of the plurality of internal baffle walls that interface with the interior-facing surface of the bottom wall. As an example, Figure 2Reference numeral 290 in the figure depicts an example area defined by the apron wall on the opposite side, in which the roller units of a set of roller units 210 are mounted. This mounting method can facilitate the braking function by positioning the roller units in an area of ​​the bottom wall 120 that exhibits greater deformation than the area fixed to the apron wall.

[0038] Figure 3 Depicts an inflated state usable within an aircraft fuselage 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Inflatable fall protection mat 100 of the embodiment of the present invention. In this example, lower deck 330 of fuselage 300 refers to an example ground surface on which a set of rollers 210 at least partially supports mat 100. In addition, in this example, side walls 124C and 124D of mat 100 generally conform to structural features of fuselage 300, so that mat 100 can be moved along lower deck 330 (e.g., along an axis oriented into and out of the page) via the set of rollers 210.

[0039] exist Figure 3 100, the pad 100 may be located within the fuselage 300. For example, during manufacturing or maintenance of the fuselage 300, the portion of the upper deck 310 schematically indicated at 312 may not be present, indicating a gap through which the person 132 may fall. As an example, temporary floor panels installed to facilitate assembly of a portion of the fuselage may then need to be removed in order to install permanent floor panels. After the temporary floor panels are removed and before the permanent floor panels are installed, open gaps between beams and other support structures may present a fall hazard to personnel working in the area. Because the pad 100 occupies a certain volume of space below the upper deck 310, the pad may prevent the person 132 from falling or otherwise support the person's weight. Figure 3 Schematically depicted in FIG. 3 is an example load 320 applied to the upper surface 122, which may represent the static weight or dynamic force of a person 132 on the mat 100. As schematically depicted at 332, the area of ​​the bottom wall 120 surrounding the roller unit 210 deforms to induce or increase contact with the ground 330. As previously described, the deformation of the bottom wall 120 in response to the load applied to the upper surface 122 (which induces or increases contact with the ground) can provide a braking function that increases the lateral resistance of the mat to movement relative to the ground. For example, in some embodiments, the contact with the ground under such a load can effectively prevent any lateral movement of the mat, thereby stabilizing the mat in place until the load is removed.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pad can be configured to deform in response to loads at locations other than bottom wall 120. For example, referring to Figure 3In the pad 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, one or more portions of the side walls 124B, 124D may be configured to deform outwardly in response to the load 320 on the upper surface 122, such as due to the arrangement of internal baffle walls or other internal structures. Such outward deformation of the side walls may be in addition to deformation of the bottom wall 120. In a pad such as Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, where the pad is shaped and sized to occupy an interior volume of the fuselage 300 that is bounded by the floor and other structural features (such as vertical walls or beams), and depending on the amount of clearance between the outer surface of the pad and these structural features, the pad can be configured such that such deformation can be to the extent that at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall is urged against these structural features, such as to enhance the lateral resistance of the pad to movement when under load. In such embodiments, the outer surface of the sidewall can incorporate a material having a desired coefficient of friction, for example to facilitate braking functionality.

[0041] Figure 4A Schematically depicts an example behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection mat 100 in an inflated state before a load is applied to the upper wall 122. Figure 4A In the embodiment of the present invention, example roller units 410 and 412 of a set of roller units 210 are schematically depicted as being in contact with the ground surface 130. Figure 4A In the embodiment of the present invention, the roller units 410 and 412 at least partially support the bottom wall 120 above the ground 130. The roller units 410 and 412 may refer to any two adjacent roller units of the group 210. Figure 4A Schematically depicted at 420 in the deformation of the bottom wall 120 between the roller units 410 and 412 due to the weight of the mat 100. It should be understood that in some examples, the deformation of the bottom wall 120 schematically depicted at 420 can contact the ground 130 under the weight of the mat 100.

[0042] Figure 4B Schematic depiction Figure 4A Example behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection mat 100 in an inflated state in response to the application of a load to the upper wall 122 is shown. Figure 4B In the embodiment, as a load is applied to the upper wall 122, the deformation of the bottom wall 120 between the roller units 410 and 412 schematically depicted at 430 increases, causing the bottom wall to contact the ground 130. In response to the load being applied to the upper wall 122, the surface area of ​​the bottom wall 120 contacting the ground 130 is increased relative to Figure 4A As schematically depicted at 432. As an example, the surface area of ​​the bottom wall 120 that contacts the ground 130 may be located at Figure 2 within the area 260.

[0043] In this example, when a load is applied to the upper wall 122, deformation of the bottom wall 120 initiates and increases the contact of the bottom wall with the ground. Additionally, due to the load applied to the upper wall 122, the contact force between the bottom wall 120 and the ground 130 increases, thereby increasing the lateral resistance of the pad to movement along the ground due to friction. Such deformation and increased contact between the bottom wall 120 and the ground 130 provides a braking function in response to the load applied to the upper wall 122.

[0044] In at least some examples, bottom wall 120 does not contact the ground until the load applied to upper wall 122 reaches or exceeds a predetermined magnitude. Figure 4A An example may be depicted in which there is no load or the load applied to the upper wall 122 is less than a predetermined size, and Figure 4B An example may be depicted in which a load applied to the upper wall reaches or exceeds a predetermined magnitude. This method may be used to induce a braking function in response to a load applied to the upper wall reaching or exceeding a predetermined magnitude. This method also supports the mobility of the mat by not resisting the movement of the mat above the ground by the bottom wall when the load does not reach or exceed the predetermined magnitude. In some examples, a "load of a predetermined magnitude" may describe a load that is confined to a given area of ​​the upper wall. In other words, in some embodiments, the mat may be configured (e.g., by the configuration of an internal baffle wall or other internal structure) such that a portion of the bottom surface is sufficiently deformed to contact the ground only when a load of a predetermined magnitude is applied within a given (e.g., localized) area of ​​the top surface. Such embodiments may be useful in situations where, for example, it may not be desirable for the bottom surface of the mat to "bottom out" against the ground due to the presence of tools or other objects on different areas of the top surface of the mat, even though the total weight of such items may meet or exceed the predetermined magnitude, while still having the desired effect of the presence of such a load (such as the weight of a person on the top surface) within a given area of ​​the top surface, such that enough of the bottom surface of the mat contacts the ground to limit lateral movement of the mat until the load is removed. In other embodiments, the pad may be configured so that the bottom surface will "bottom out" against the ground regardless of the location (or locations) of the predetermined load on the top surface.

[0045] As previously referenced Figure 2 As described, the set of roller units 210 includes a plurality of roller units distributed over the outwardly facing surface 220 of the bottom wall 120 . Figure 5A-5D Examples of roller units 500A, 500B, 500C, and 500D that may be mounted to the bottom wall 120 of the inflatable fall protection pad 100 are schematically depicted. Figure 5A-5D An example roller unit is schematically depicted as a bottom view facing upward from the ground.

[0046] Each roller unit of a set of roller units 210 includes one or more rollers. Examples of rollers include wheels, wheel casters, and ball casters. The one or more rollers of each roller unit of a set of roller units 210 may have a fixed rolling orientation along a single axis (such as a fixed axis wheel), or an omnidirectional rolling orientation in a plane, such as a wheel caster or a ball caster.

[0047] As previously referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the side walls 124B and 124D of the pad 100 taper between the bottom wall 120 and the upper wall 122 on opposite sides of the deformable body 110. In this example, the opposite sides of the deformable body can be parallel to the fixed rolling orientation of a set of rollers. Therefore, in this example, the profiles of the side walls 124B and 124D configured to be accommodated by a particular structure can be oriented parallel to the fixed rolling orientation to enable the pad 100 to move within or between features of the structure.

[0048] Each roller unit may include one, two, three or more wheels, wheel casters or ball rollers. Two or more fixed-axis wheels of each roller unit with fixed rolling orientation may be aligned with each other along a common axis. In some examples, three, four or more rollers of each roller unit may be arranged to form a polygonal shape for local stability of the bottom wall 120, such as a three-sided triangle configuration, a four-sided rectangle configuration, etc. In other examples, two or more rollers of each roller unit may be arranged in a linear configuration along the axis.

[0049] Each roller unit includes a rigid body that interfaces with the exterior-facing surface 220 of the bottom wall 120, and one or more rollers of the roller unit are rotatably mounted to the rigid body. The rigid body of each roller unit can provide a non-deformed area of ​​the bottom wall 120 to which the rigid body is mounted. The rigid body of each roller unit can be mounted to the bottom wall 120 via one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets, screws, clamps, etc.), hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, and / or stitching.

[0050] Figure 5A The roller unit 500A includes four fixed-axis wheels 510-1, 510-2, 510-3 and 510-4 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 512 in a rectangular configuration. Figure 5A Schematically depicted are example mechanical fasteners 514 by which the rigid body 512 may be mounted to the bottom wall 120. In this example, the roller unit 500A has a fixed rolling orientation along an axis 516.

[0051] Figure 5BThe roller unit 500B includes four wheel casters 520-1, 520-2, 520-3, 520-4 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 522 in a rectangular configuration. Figure 5B Schematically depicted are example mechanical fasteners 524 by which rigid body 522 may be mounted to bottom wall 120. Roller unit 500B has an omnidirectional rolling orientation within a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 526 and 528. Roller unit 500B may alternatively include four ball casters.

[0052] Figure 5C The roller unit 500C includes three ball casters 530-1, 530-2 and 530-3 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 532 in a triangular configuration. Figure 5C Schematically depicted are example mechanical fasteners 534 by which rigid body 532 may be mounted to bottom wall 120. Roller unit 500C has an omnidirectional rolling orientation within a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 536 and 538. Roller unit 500C may alternatively include three wheeled casters or three fixed axle wheels.

[0053] Figure 5D The roller unit 500D includes a single ball caster 540-1 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 542. Figure 5D Schematically depicted are example mechanical fasteners 544-1, 544-2, 544-3, and 544-4 by which rigid body 542 may be mounted to bottom wall 120. Roller unit 500D has an omnidirectional rolling orientation in a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 546 and 548. Roller unit 500D may alternatively include a wheeled caster or a fixed axle wheel.

[0054] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Example roller unit 600 is schematically depicted from a side view showing example fastening techniques for mounting the roller unit to bottom wall 120 of mat 100 along exterior facing surface 220. In this example, roller unit 600 includes example rollers 610-1 and 610-2 rotatably mounted to rigid body 612.

[0055] exist Fig. 6A 6, the rigid body 612 is mounted to the bottom wall 120 along the exterior-facing surface 220 via mechanical fasteners 614-1 and 614-2. In addition, in this example, a back plate 620 is located on the opposite side of the bottom wall 120 from the roller unit 600. In this example, the mechanical fasteners 614-1 and 614-2 pass through the bottom wall 120 and engage with the back plate 620.

[0056] exist Figure 6BInternally, the rigid body 612 is mounted to the bottom wall 120 along the exterior-facing surface 220 via hook and loop fasteners or adhesives schematically represented by reference numeral 630 .

[0057] The hook and loop fasteners may provide the advantage of enabling the roller unit 600 to be removed from the bottom wall 120 and / or repositioned in a different position or orientation relative to the bottom wall. As an example, the bottom wall 120 may include a hook side or a loop side of the hook and loop fastener along some or all of the exterior-facing surface 220 to enable the number, orientation, arrangement, and type of roller units of a set of roller units mounted to the bottom wall to be reconfigured for different applications.

[0058] exist Figure 5A-5D and Figure 6A-6B In the depicted example, each roller unit includes a rigid body on which one or more rollers are rotatably mounted. In another example, a row (e.g., Figure 2 240A-240D) or a column (e.g., Figure 2 Multiple roller units (242A-242D) may share a rigid body that spans across the multiple roller units. This configuration will not allow the deformable body 110 to fold or roll up about a dimension orthogonal to the row or column having the shared rigid body (which spans across the multiple roller units), but will allow the deformable body to fold or roll up about a dimension parallel to such row or column. Figure 2 , for example, rows 240A-240D may each have a plurality of roller units that share a rigid body of a plurality of roller units across the row. In this example, the deformable body 110 may be folded and / or rolled up about a dimension parallel to rows 240A-240D. In addition, in this example, in response to a load applied to the upper wall 122, a deformation of the bottom wall 120 may occur at one or more regions between rows 240A-240D. As another example, columns 242A-242D may each have a plurality of roller units that share a rigid body of a plurality of roller units across the column. In this example, the deformable body 110 may be folded and / or rolled up about a dimension parallel to columns 242A-242D. In addition, in this example, in response to a load applied to the upper wall 122, a deformation of the bottom wall 120 may occur at one or more regions between columns 242A-242D.

[0059] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C An additional example of a set of roller units mounted to the bottom wall 120 of an inflatable fall protection pad is schematically depicted.

[0060] exist Fig. 7AIn the inflatable fall protection pad 100-7A, a plurality of roller units 700 are distributed above the bottom wall 120 in rows and columns having a staggered configuration.

[0061] exist Figure 7B In the example, the inflatable fall protection mat 100-7B includes a plurality of roller units 700 distributed in rows and columns above the bottom wall 120, wherein the spacing between the columns oriented parallel to the first midplane 710 decreases in each direction moving outward from the first midplane. Alternatively, the spacing between the columns may increase or otherwise vary in each direction moving outward from the first midplane 710. In this example, Figure 7B The arrangement of the roller units 700 in the embodiment is symmetrical about the first midplane 710. In this example, the spacing between the rows oriented parallel to the second midplane 712 orthogonal to the first midplane 710 is regular or uniform between the rows. Figure 7B The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7 is symmetrical about the second mid-plane 712 .

[0062] exist Figure 7C In the example, the inflatable fall protection mat 100-7C includes a plurality of roller units 700 distributed in rows and columns above the bottom wall 120, wherein the spacing between the columns oriented parallel to the first midplane 710 decreases in each direction moving outward from the first midplane. Alternatively, the spacing between the columns may increase or otherwise vary in each direction moving outward from the first midplane 710. In this example, Figure 7C The arrangement of the roller units 700 in is symmetrical about the midplane 710. Additionally, the spacing between the rows oriented parallel to the second midplane 712 decreases in each direction moving outward from the second midplane. Alternatively, the spacing between the rows may increase or otherwise vary in each direction moving outward from the second midplane 712. In this example, Figure 7C The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7 is symmetrical about the second mid-plane 712 .

[0063] Although not shown in the figures, the roller unit in some embodiments may be configured to provide a self-braking feature, such as a braking feature that may be independent of the self-braking feature provided by the deformation of the bottom wall of the pad under load discussed above. In addition, such a braking feature may be "self-braking" in that it is responsive to the load applied to the pad. For example, Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThe roller 610 of the example roller unit 600 depicted in the drawings may be rotatably mounted to the rigid body 612 by one or more shafts that are spring-biased relative to the rigid body 612, such that each of such shafts is biased to provide a sufficient amount of vertical clearance between the top of the roller 610 and the outwardly facing surface 220 of the bottom wall 120 so that the roller can roll when the pad is not subjected to a load (such as a load of a predetermined magnitude). However, the biasing of such shafts may be calibrated (e.g., by the configuration of the springs, the weight of the pad, the number of rollers, etc.) so that this vertical clearance is reduced when a load is applied to the pad, such as so that the roller is caused to contact the bottom wall 120 in response to a load (e.g., a load of a predetermined magnitude applied to the top surface of the pad) in a manner that effectively prevents the roller from rolling due to friction and thereby prevents lateral movement of the pad. Other roller unit configurations may provide similar self-braking features. In some embodiments, one or more of the roller units may provide such self-braking features as a supplement or alternative to the braking features provided by deformation of the side walls and / or bottom walls of the pad as discussed herein.

[0064] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Fig.8D An example of an inflatable fall protection mat 100 in a deflated state being folded from an expanded state to a folded state for storage is schematically depicted. Additionally or alternatively, the mat 100 may be rolled from an expanded state to a rolled state for storage.

[0065] exist Fig. 8A In the figure, the bottom wall 120 and a set of roller units 210 are visible. Multiple available folding paths across the pad 100 are shown in FIG. Fig. 8A Schematically depicted along the first dimension 232 at 810, 812 and 814 and along the second dimension 234 orthogonal to the first dimension at 820, 822 and 824. As an example, the pad 100 can be folded along the folding path 822 as indicated by the reference numeral 830 to obtain Figure 8B The folded configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an upper wall 122, wherein the upper wall 122 is now visible. Figure 8B As another example shown in FIG. 8 , the pad 100 may be folded again along the folding path 812 as indicated by reference numeral 832 to obtain Figure 8C As a folded configuration Figure 8C As another example shown in FIG. 8 , the pad 100 may be folded again along the folding path 810 / 814 as indicated by reference numeral 834 to obtain Fig.8D It should be understood that the pad 100 can be folded in various ways along one or more folding paths that are located along one or more areas of the deformable body 110 that do not have one or more roller units mounted to the bottom wall 120.

[0066] Fig. 9 Flowchart depicting an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a method 900 for using an inflatable fall protection mat including a plurality of rollers. As will be apparent from the following description, some steps may be optional, or may correspond to optional versions of methods according to the present disclosure. That is, not all methods according to the present disclosure need to include the steps described. Fig. 9 The methods and steps described are not limiting, and other methods and steps are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods having more or less than the number of steps described, and / or may include steps in a different order, as understood from the discussion herein. As an example, as described herein, the method 900 may be performed using an inflatable fall protection mat 100 having a plurality of roller units 210 mounted to a bottom wall 120.

[0067] At 910 , the method includes obtaining an inflatable fall protection mat (eg, 100 ) including a plurality of rollers.

[0068] At 912 , the method includes unfolding and / or rolling out the mat from a folded and / or rolled state to obtain an unfolded and rolled out state of the mat.

[0069] At 914, the method includes inflating the cushion from a deflated state to obtain an inflated state of the cushion. As an example, Figure 1 The fan assembly 150 is operable to supply air to the cushion 100 via the duct 154 and the opening 152 .

[0070] At 916, the method includes positioning the mat at a target location, which may include a target position and / or orientation. As an example, at 918, the mat may be moved by rolling the mat over the ground on rollers of a plurality of roller units mounted to the bottom wall.

[0071] At 920 , if the target location (eg, position and / or orientation) of the pad is to be changed, the method may return to 916 , where the pad may be repositioned at the target location.

[0072] At 922, if the cushion is to be stored, the method may proceed to 932. At 932, the method includes deflating the cushion from an inflated state to obtain a deflated state of the cushion. As an example, Figure 1 The fan assembly 150 may be closed and / or disconnected from the opening 152 and / or duct 154 of the mat 100. At 934, the method includes folding and / or rolling the mat from the unfolded and unrolled state to obtain a folded and / or rolled state of the mat suitable for storage.

[0073] At 924, the method includes applying a load to an upper wall of the pad. As an example, the load applied to the upper wall of the pad may reach or exceed a predetermined magnitude at which a braking function is induced, at least in part due to deformation of the bottom wall of the pad to induce contact with the ground. Additionally or alternatively, a braking function may be induced due to deformation of a side wall of the pad to induce contact with a surrounding structure.

[0074] At 926, the method includes deforming the bottom wall of the pad in response to the load applied to the upper wall to induce or increase contact of the bottom wall with the ground. Additionally, the side walls of the pad may be deformed at 926 in response to the load applied at 924 to induce or increase contact of the side walls with the surrounding structure. As previously described, the increased contact of the bottom wall with the ground may provide a braking function. Additionally or alternatively, the deformation of the side walls may induce and / or increase contact between the side walls and the surrounding structure, thereby providing a braking function. Again referring to Figure 3 For example, side walls 124B and 124D may deform under an applied load to induce or increase contact with surrounding structure of aircraft fuselage 300 .

[0075] At 928, the method includes removing the load applied to the upper wall of the pad. At 930, in response to the removal of the load, the contact of the bottom wall with the ground is reduced or interrupted. Additionally or alternatively, in response to the removal of the load, the contact of the side wall with the surrounding structure is reduced or interrupted.

[0076] As mentioned above, the method according to the present disclosure does not need to include Fig. 9 , or in the order described, and / or may include multiple iterations of certain steps. As an example, the method may include positioning the cushion at a target positioning position (at 916 and / or 918) before inflating the cushion (at 914), etc. In a related example, the method may include positioning the cushion (at 916 and / or 918), inflating the cushion (at 914), and then orienting the cushion (at 916).

[0077] Additionally, the present disclosure encompasses configurations according to the following clauses.

[0078] Clause 1. An inflatable fall protection pad comprising: a deformable body defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume, the deformable body having a bottom wall, an upper wall, and a side wall spanning the bottom wall and the upper wall; and

[0079] A group of roller units are mounted to the bottom wall along an outwardly facing surface of the bottom wall, the group of roller units being arranged in a multi-dimensional array, wherein two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension of the multi-dimensional array, and wherein two or more roller units of the group are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension of the multi-dimensional array that is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0080] Clause 2. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 1, wherein the set of roller units are arranged in three or more rows of the multi-dimensional array, wherein each of the three or more rows includes two or more roller units.

[0081] Clause 3. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 2, wherein each of the three or more rows are spaced apart from one another at regular intervals.

[0082] Clause 4. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 2, wherein each of the three or more rows are spaced apart from one another at varying intervals.

[0083] Clause 5. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 2, wherein the group of roller units are arranged in three or more columns of the multi-dimensional array, wherein each of the three or more columns includes roller units in each of the three or more rows.

[0084] Clause 6. An inflatable fall protection pad according to any one of clauses 1-5, wherein one or more areas of the bottom wall surrounding each roller unit of the group of roller units are deformable; and wherein a load applied to the upper wall of the deformable body causes one or more of the areas of the bottom wall to deform toward the ground, and the group of roller units supports the deformable body on the ground.

[0085] Clause 7. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 6, wherein one or more of the regions of the bottom wall are configured to deform toward the ground to an extent that at least a portion of the bottom wall contacts the ground when the load has a predetermined magnitude.

[0086] Clause 8. The inflatable fall protection mat of Clause 7, wherein contact of a portion of the bottom wall with the ground surface increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection mat along the ground surface.

[0087] Clause 9. An inflatable fall protection pad according to any one of clauses 1-8, wherein at least a portion of the bottom wall is configured to contact the ground when a load of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper wall of the deformable body, and the set of roller units supports the deformable body on the ground.

[0088] Clause 10. The inflatable fall protection mat of Clause 9, wherein the surface area of ​​the bottom wall contacting the ground increases as the magnitude of the load increases.

[0089] Clause 11. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 10, wherein contact of a portion of the bottom wall with the ground increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection mat along the ground, and wherein the lateral resistance increases as the surface area of ​​the bottom wall in contact with the ground increases.

[0090] Clause 12. An inflatable fall protection mat according to any one of clauses 1-11, wherein each roller unit of the set of roller units comprises: a rigid body docked with the outward-facing surface of the bottom wall, and one or more rollers rotatably mounted to the rigid body.

[0091] Clause 13. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 12, wherein the one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units comprises one or more wheels having a fixed rolling orientation.

[0092] Clause 14. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 13, wherein the one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units comprises four wheels arranged in a rectangular configuration.

[0093] Clause 15. An inflatable fall protection mat according to Clause 13, wherein the side walls taper between the bottom wall and the upper wall on opposite sides of the deformable body; and wherein the opposite sides of the deformable body are parallel to the fixed rolling orientation.

[0094] Clause 16. The inflatable fall protection mat of Clause 12, wherein the one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units comprises one or more casters having an omnidirectional rolling orientation.

[0095] Clause 17. The inflatable fall protection mat of any one of Clauses 1-16, wherein the upper wall and the bottom wall have different areas.

[0096] Clause 18. An inflatable fall protection pad according to Clause 17, wherein the area of ​​the upper wall is greater than the area of ​​the bottom wall; and wherein the side walls taper inwardly from the upper wall to the bottom wall on opposite sides of the deformable body.

[0097] Clause 19. An inflatable fall protection pad according to any one of clauses 1-18, wherein the deformable body includes a plurality of internal baffle walls that are docked with the inward-facing surface of the bottom wall within the inflatable three-dimensional volume; and wherein each roller unit of a group of roller units is mounted to the bottom wall at a corresponding position within an area, and the area is defined on at least two opposite sides by baffle walls of the plurality of internal baffle walls that are docked with the inward-facing surface of the bottom wall.

[0098] Clause 20. An inflatable fall protection mat according to any one of clauses 1-19, wherein a side wall of the side wall spanning the bottom wall and the upper wall defines an opening through which air is provided to the inflatable three-dimensional volume defined by the deformable body.

[0099] Clause 21. An inflatable fall protection mat according to clause 20, further comprising a fan assembly interfaced with the opening to inflate the inflatable three-dimensional volume defined by the deformable body; wherein the fan assembly includes another set of rollers.

[0100] Clause 22. The inflatable fall protection mat of any one of Clauses 1-21, wherein each roller unit in the set of roller units is mounted to the bottom wall via one or more fasteners.

[0101] Clause 23. An inflatable fall protection mat according to any of Clauses 1-22, wherein the outwardly facing surface of the bottom wall comprises a different material than the outwardly facing surface of the upper wall.

[0102] Clause 24. An inflatable fall protection pad according to any one of clauses 1-23, wherein the deformable body is foldable along one or more folding paths, and the one or more folding paths are positioned along one or more areas of the deformable body that do not have one or more roller units mounted to the bottom wall.

[0103] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific examples should not be considered in a limiting sense, as there can be many variations. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various examples, configurations, features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed herein, and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0104] Parts List:

[0105] Inflatable Fall Protection Mat 100

[0106] Deformable body 110

[0107] Inflatable three-dimensional volume 112

[0108] Bottom wall 120

[0109] Upper wall 122

[0110] Side walls 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D

[0111] Ground 130

[0112] 132 people

[0113] Profiles 144B, 144D

[0114] Fan assembly 150

[0115] Opening 152

[0116] Rigid conduit 154

[0117] A set of roller units 156

[0118] A set of roller units 210

[0119] Roller unit 212

[0120] Roller unit 214

[0121] Outward facing surface 220

[0122] Multidimensional Array 230

[0123] First Dimension 232

[0124] Second Dimension 234

[0125] Rows 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D

[0126] Columns 242A, 242B, 242C, 242D

[0127] Roller unit 250A, 250B, 250C, 250D, 250E, 250F, 250G

[0128] Area 260

[0129] Area 290

[0130] Aircraft fuselage 300

[0131] Upper deck 310

[0132] Section 312

[0133] Load 320

[0134] Lower Deck 330

[0135] Area 332

[0136] Roller unit 410

[0137] Roller unit 412

[0138] Transformation 420

[0139] Deformation 430

[0140] Surface area 432

[0141] Roller units 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D

[0142] Fixed axle wheel 510

[0143] Rigid body 512

[0144] Mechanical Fasteners 514

[0145] Axis 516

[0146] Four wheel casters 520

[0147] Rigid body 522

[0148] Mechanical Fasteners 524

[0149] Orthogonal axes 526, 528

[0150] Ball caster 530

[0151] Rigid body 532

[0152] Mechanical Fasteners 534

[0153] Orthogonal axes 536, 538

[0154] Ball caster 540

[0155] Rigid body 542

[0156] Mechanical Fasteners 544

[0157] Orthogonal axes 546, 548

[0158] Roller unit 600

[0159] Roller 610

[0160] Rigid body 612

[0161] Mechanical Fasteners 614

[0162] Back Panel 620

[0163] Fasteners or adhesives 630

[0164] Multiple roller units 700

[0165] First midplane 710

[0166] Second midplane 712

[0167] Folding paths 810, 812, 814

[0168] Folding paths 820, 822, 824

[0169] Fold 830

[0170] Fold 832

[0171] Fold 834

[0172] Method 900

Claims

1. An inflatable fall protection mat (100), comprising: a deformable body (110) defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume (112), the deformable body (110) having a bottom wall (120), an upper wall (122), and side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) spanning the bottom wall (120) and the upper wall (122); and a set of roller units (210) mounted to the bottom wall (120) along an outwardly facing surface (220) of the bottom wall (120), the set of roller units (210) being arranged in a multi-dimensional array (230), wherein the group of two or more roller units (212) are spaced apart from each other in a first dimension (232) of the multi-dimensional array (230), and The two or more roller units (214) of the group are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension (234) of the multi-dimensional array (230) that is orthogonal to the first dimension (232).

2. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 1, wherein the group of roller units (210) are arranged in three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) of the multidimensional array (230), wherein each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) includes two or more roller units (214).

3. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 2, wherein each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

4. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) of claim 2, wherein each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) are spaced apart from each other at varying intervals.

5. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 2, wherein the group of roller units (210) are arranged in three or more columns (242A, 242B, 242C, 242D) of the multidimensional array (230), wherein each column of the three or more columns (242A, 242B, 242C, 242D) includes the roller units (250A, 250E, 250F, 250G) of each row of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D).

6. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 1, wherein one or more regions (260) of the bottom wall (120) surrounding each roller unit of the set of roller units (210) are deformable; and A load (320) is applied to the upper wall (122) of the deformable body (110) to deform one or more of the regions (260) of the bottom wall (120) toward the ground (130), and the set of roller units (210) supports the deformable body (110) on the ground.

7. An inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the regions (260) of the bottom wall (120) are configured to deform toward the ground (130) to an extent that at least a portion of the bottom wall (120) contacts the ground (130) when the load (320) has a predetermined magnitude.

8. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 7, wherein the contact of a portion of the bottom wall (120) with the ground (130) increases lateral resistance of the inflatable fall protection mat (100) to movement along the ground (130).

9. An inflatable fall protection pad (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom wall (120) is configured to contact the ground (130) when a load (320) of a predetermined size is applied to the upper wall (122) of the deformable body (110), and the set of roller units (210) supports the deformable body (110) on the ground.

10. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) of claim 9, wherein a surface area (432) of the bottom wall (120) contacting the ground (130) increases as the magnitude of the load (320) increases.

11. An inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 10, wherein the contact between a portion of the bottom wall (120) and the ground (130) increases the lateral resistance of the inflatable fall protection mat (100) to movement along the ground (130), and wherein the lateral resistance increases as the surface area (432) of the bottom wall (120) in contact with the ground (130) increases.

12. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) according to claim 1, wherein each roller unit of the set of roller units (210) comprises: a rigid body (512) that interfaces with the outwardly facing surface (220) of the bottom wall (120), and One or more rollers (510) are rotatably mounted to the rigid body (512).

13. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) of claim 12, wherein the one or more rollers (510) of each roller unit of the set of roller units (210) comprise one or more wheels (510) having a fixed rolling orientation.

14. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) of claim 13, wherein the one or more rollers (510) of each roller unit of the set of roller units (210) comprises four wheels arranged in a rectangular configuration.

15. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 13, wherein the side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) taper between the bottom wall (120) and the upper wall (122) on opposite sides of the deformable body (110); and Wherein the opposite sides of the deformable body (110) are parallel to the fixed rolling orientation.

16. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 1, wherein the upper wall (122) and the bottom wall (120) have different areas.

17. The inflatable fall protection mat (100) of claim 1, wherein the deformable body (110) includes a plurality of interior baffle walls that interface with an interior-facing surface of the bottom wall (120) within the inflatable three-dimensional volume (112); and Each roller unit of the group of roller units (210) is mounted to the bottom wall (120) at a corresponding position within an area (290), and the area is defined on at least two opposite sides by baffle walls of the plurality of internal baffle walls that abut the inward-facing surface of the bottom wall (120).

18. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 1, wherein a side wall of the side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) spanning the bottom wall (120) and the upper wall (122) defines an opening (152) through which air is provided to the inflatable three-dimensional volume (112) defined by the deformable body (110); and wherein the inflatable fall protection pad (100) further comprises a fan assembly (150) interfaced with the opening (152) to inflate the inflatable three-dimensional volume (112) defined by the deformable body (110); The fan assembly (150) includes another set of rollers (156).

19. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 1, wherein the exterior facing surface (220) of the bottom wall (120) comprises a different material than the exterior facing surface (220) of the upper wall (122).

20. An inflatable fall protection pad (100) according to claim 1, wherein the deformable body (110) is capable of being folded along one or more folding paths (810, 812, 814, 820, 822, 824), and the one or more folding paths are positioned along one or more areas of the deformable body (110) that do not have one or more roller units mounted to the bottom wall (120).

Images