Multi-layered body support structure

Abstract

A body support structure includes a plurality of layers arranged in a stacked configuration. Each of the plurality of layers includes an elastomeric material with a modulus of elasticity, wherein the moduli of elasticity of at least two of the plurality of layers are different. Each of the layers is coupled to a frame and is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. In one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of layers are spaced apart when the layers are in a non-loaded configuration, and each of the plurality of layers are in contact with an adjacent one of the layers when the layers are in a loaded configuration. Methods of making and using the body support structures are also provided.

Description

MULTI-LAYERED BODY SUPPORT STRUCTURE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 669,837, filed July 11, 2024 and entitled “Multi-Layered Body Support Structure,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present application relates generally to a body support structure such as a chair, and more specifically to a multi-layered body support structure.BACKGROUND

[0003] Body supporting structures, including for example and without limitation, office chairs, lounge chairs, vehicular and aircraft seating, sofas, beds and other pieces of furniture, may be configured with a cushioning material to provide a soft seating and / or sleeping experience. Often, such cushioning materials include, or are made of, foam (e.g., polyurethane foam). Raw materials used for polyurethane foam production are fossil-based, non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. Moreover, when recyclable materials are integrated into seating structures incorporating polyurethane foam, the construction and interface between the materials may often make recovery of the recyclable materials difficult, time consuming and expensive. As such, the need remains for a body support structure that provides a soft, cushioning body supporting experience using recyclable materials, which may be easily and quickly segregable.SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.

[0005] In one aspect, one embodiment of a body support structure has a first layer including a first elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity. The first layer is coupled to a frame and is suspended across an opening. The firstlayer is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. A second layer includes a second elastomeric material having a second modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity. The second layer is coupled to the frame and is positioned above the first layer. The second layer also may be suspended across the opening. The second layer is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. In one embodiment, the first and second layers may be spaced apart in the unloaded configuration.

[0006] In another aspect, one embodiment of a body support structure includes a plurality of layers arranged in a stacked configuration. Each of the plurality of layers includes an elastomeric material with a modulus of elasticity, wherein the moduli of elasticity of at least two of the plurality of layers are different. Each of the layers is coupled to a frame and is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. In one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of layers are spaced apart when the layers are in a non-loaded configuration, and each of the plurality of layers are in contact with an adjacent one of the layers when the layers are in a loaded configuration.

[0007] In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a method of supporting a body includes applying a load to a third layer including a third elastomeric material having a third modulus of elasticity, wherein the third layer is coupled to a frame, deforming the third layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration, and engaging a second layer with the third layer as the third layer is deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the second layer is positioned below the third layer. The second layer includes a second elastomeric material having a second modulus of elasticity different than the third modulus of elasticity. The second layer is coupled to the frame. The method further includes deforming the second layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration, and engaging a first layer with the second layer as the second layer is deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the first layer is positioned below the second layer. The first layer includes a first elastomeric material having a first modulus ofelasticity different than the second and third moduli of elasticities, wherein the first layer is coupled to the frame. The method further includes deforming the first layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

[0008] The various embodiments of body support structures and methods provide significant advantages over other body support structures, and methods for the use thereof. For example, and without limitation, the body support structures provide an overall compliant structure without incorporating a foam material. The multi-layered structure, which layers may be progressively engaged during loading, provides a soft, cushioned feel. The layers may be made of knitted material, which further enhances the cushioning effect. The layers, which may be made of different materials, may be separately manufactured and assembled, and conversely separated during disassembly, thereby providing for ease of recycling at product end-of-life.

[0009] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a body support structure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the body support structure shown in Figure 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the body support structure shown in Figure 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the body support structure shown inFigure 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of the body support structure shown in Figure 1 .

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body support structure taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing exemplary layered body support structure.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows the body support structure in Figure 7 in a loaded configuration.

[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views showing different exemplary layered body support structures.

[0019] FIG. 10 shows the body support structure in Figure 9B in a loaded configuration.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view an exemplary interface layer with differential zones of elasticity.

[0021] FIG. 12 is as bottom plan view of the interface layer shown in Figure 11.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a rear view of a body support structure in a partially disassembled state.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a front view front view of the body support structure shown in Figure 13.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] It should be understood that the term "plurality," as used herein, means two or more. As shown in FIG. 1, the term "longitudinal," as used herein, means of or relating to a length or lengthwise direction 2, for example a direction running from a top to bottom of a backrest 8, or a front to back of a seat 6, and vice versa (bottom to top and back to front). The term "lateral," as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running in a side-to-side direction 4 of the backrest or seat. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein, are not meant to be assigned to a particular component or feature so designated, but rather are simply referring tosuch components and features in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component or feature designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component or feature, depending on the order in which it is referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components, features or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first direction may be the same as a second direction, with each simply being applicable to different components or features. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “rear,” “front,” “fore,” “aft,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and variations or derivatives thereof, refer to the orientations of the exemplary body support structure as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The phrase “body support structure” refers to a structure that supports a body, including without limitation office furniture, home furniture, outdoor furniture and vehicular seating, including automotive, airline, marine and passenger train seating, and may include without limitation beds, chairs, sofas, stools, and other pieces of furniture or types of seating structures. The directions X, Y and Z are defined as follows: the Z direction is normal to the seat and backrest, the X direction coincides with the lateral direction 4 of the seat and backrest and the Y direction coincides with the longitudinal direction 2 of the seat and backrest.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the body support structure 10 includes a frame 11, which may include a sub frame 12 and a body support frame 14. The sub frame 12 may have floor engaging members, such as support legs 16, 18, shown for example as a pair of front legs 16 and a pair of rear legs 18. In other embodiments, the floor engaging members may be configured as (1) rails, for example as the bottom of a sled base, (2) a pedestal, or (3) any other suitable support structure. The various floor engaging members may include glides or casters. The sub frame 12 may include a first rear cross member 20 extending between and coupled to the rear support legs, for example by welding or with fasteners, and a second rear cross member 22 spaced apart from the first rear cross member, for example space above the first rear cross member. The second rear cross member 22 may also extend between and be coupled to the rear support legs 18, for example by welding or with fasteners. The sub frame 12 may include apair of spaced apart side members 24, which extend between and are coupled to corresponding pairs of front and rear legs 16, 18, and a front cross member 26 extending between and coupled to the front legs 16.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, 13 and 14, the body support frame 14 is configured as a peripheral frame forming a continuous loop, and having a back frame 30 and a seat frame 32, both with U-shaped configurations joined at a pair of transitions 34, or corners. A cross member may optionally extend between the laterally spaced transitions 34. The back frame 30 has an upper cross member 36 extending between and connected to a pair of laterally spaced uprights 38. The seat frame 32 has a front cross member 40 extending between and connected to a pair of laterally spaced apart side members 42. The side members 42 and uprights 38 both define openings 44, 46 therebetween. The openings 44, 46 in combination define an opening between the upper cross member 36 and the front cross member 40, with the cross members 36, 40 bounding the openings 44, 46. The side members 42 are joined to the uprights 38 at the transitions 34. The seat and back frame 32, 30 may be integrally formed as a single loop member, and may be formed from a bent tube. The rear support legs 18 extend upwardly and may be joined to the uprights 38, for example with mating and overlapping flanges 48, 50, for example with a plurality of fasteners 52 or by welding. Likewise, the front support legs 16 may be joined to the side members 42 with mating and overlapping flanges 54, 56, for example with a plurality of fasteners or by welding.

[0027] The body support structure 10 further includes a first, support layer 60 including a first elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity. The “modulus of elasticity” is defined as Young’s Modulus of Elasticity, or the ratio of the stress (force per unit area) applied to the material and the resulting axial strain (displacement or deformation) in the liner elastic region of the material. The first, support layer 60 is coupled to the frame 11 and is suspended across at least the opening 44 between the side members 42 of the seat frame 32. Because the layer 60 is suspended across the opening 44, the layer may deflect downwardly in response to a normal load (Fn) applied by a user 28, as shown for example inFIGS. 8 and 10. In other embodiments, the first layer may 60 also be suspended across the opening 46 in the back frame. In one embodiment, the first, support layer 60 has a front edge 62 coupled to the front cross member 40 and portions of side edges 64 coupled to the side members 42 of the body support frame 14. A rear edge 66 is coupled to the first cross member 20 of the sub frame 12. The first layer 60 is put in tension, with a downwardly curved shape as shown in FIG. 5. The first layer 60 is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. The phrase “elastic,” or “elastically deformable,” and variations or derivatives thereof, refers to the ability of a body, e.g., layer, to resist a distorting influence or stress and to return to its original size and shape when the stress is removed. The term “elastomeric” refers to a material being able to regain its original shape when a load is removed from the material, and may include without limitation, materials having long chainlike molecules, or polymers, that are capable of recovering their original shape after being elongated or stretecy. In this way, the layer preferably does not experience any plastic (e.g., permanent) deformation.

[0028] A second, performance layer 70 includes a second elastomeric material having a second modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity. In other embodiments, the second layer 70 may be made of the same material, and have the same properties, as the first layer 60. The second layer 70 is coupled to the frame 11 and is positioned above the first layer. The second layer may also be suspended across the opening 44 of the seat frame 32. In other embodiments, the second layer is suspended across the opening of the back frame. In one embodiment, the second, performance layer 70 has a front edge 72 coupled to the front cross member 40 and a rear edge 76 coupled to the second cross member 22 of the sub frame 12. The second layer 70 is put in tension, with a downwardly curved shape as shown in FIG. 5. The second layer 70 is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

[0029] A third, body interface layer 80 includes a third elastomeric material having a third modulus of elasticity different than the first and second moduli of elasticity. The third layer 80 is coupled to the frame 11 and is positioned abovethe second layer 70. The third layer 80 may also be suspended across the opening 44 of the seat frame and / or the opening 46 of the back frame. In other embodiments, the third layer may be made of the same material, and have the same properties as the first and / or second layers. The third layer 80 has a peripheral edge 82 that overlaps, or overlies, and is coupled to the body support frame 14, including the uprights 38 and upper cross member 36 of the back frame and the front cross member 40 and side members 42 of the seat frame. In this way, the third, body interface layer 80 has a seat portion 86 and a back portion 88. The third layer 80 may include a tether 90, or tensioning member, that extends rearward from a junction of the seat and back portions 86, 88 and pulls the seat and back portions rearwardly and downwardly respectively. The tether 90 be coupled to the second cross member 22. The third layer 80 is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4, 13 and 14, flexible upper and lower auxiliary support members 102, 100, shown as straps, may be coupled to and extend between the back frame uprights 38. A flexible front auxiliary support member 106 may be coupled to and extend between the side members 42 of the seat frame. A pair of flexible, side auxiliary members 104 may be coupled to the front cross 40 member of the seat frame and the upper cross member 36 of the back frame. The flexible auxiliary members 100, 102, 104, 106 are each made of an elastomeric material, which may deflect and provide auxiliary support to the third layer 80. The auxiliary members may have the same, lesser or greater stiffness (i.e., modulus of elasticity), than the third layer. As shown in FIG. 4, additional straps may be provided to support one or more of the layers.

[0031] The second layer 70, or portions thereof, may be spaced apart from one or both of the first and third layers 60, 80, or portions thereof, when the first, second and third layers are in respective non-loaded configurations, as shown for example in FIG. 5. The reference to the layers being “spaced apart” means at least portions of the layers are not in contact with each other when the layers are in the unloaded configuration, although other portions of the layers may be in contact in the unloaded configuration. In addition, the portions of the “spaced apart” layersnot in contact in the unloaded configuration are subsequently brought into contact in the loaded configuration. In one embodiment, the second layer 70, or at least portions thereof, is configured to contact one or both of the first and third layers 60, 80, or portions thereof, when the second and third layers 70, 80 are in their respective loaded configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the layers 60, 70, 80 progressively stretch, or elastically deform, to progressively engage a next lower layer (e.g., in a middle suspended region), with successive support supplied by each adjacent layer. As the layers 60, 70, 80, or portions thereof, are progressively engaged, the overall elastic support, or stiffness, is increased. As such, during user, the user experiences a soft, cushioned feel provided by the layers, and their progressive support. In one embodiment, the first, second and third layers 60, 70, 80, or at least portions thereof, are spaced apart, and the third layer 80 is configured to contact the second layer 70 and the second layer 70 is configured to contact the first layer 60 as the third, second and first layers 80, 70, 60 are successively deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the overall support structure may have more than three layers, for example six layers, or even more than six layers.

[0032] In this way, one embodiment of a body support structure 10 includes a plurality of layers 60, 70, 80 arranged in a stacked configuration. Each of the plurality of layers 60, 70, 80 includes an elastomeric material with a modulus of elasticity, wherein the moduli of elasticity of at least two of the plurality of layers are different. As noted, each of the layers 60, 70, 80 is coupled to and supported by the frame 11 and is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. Preferably, at least two of the plurality of layers are spaced apart when the layers are in a non-loaded configuration, and wherein each of the plurality of layers (e.g., portions thereof) are in contact with an adjacent one of the layers when the layers are in a loaded configuration. It should be understood that in other embodiments, some of the adjacent layers, or portions thereof, are not spaced apart in the unloaded configuration, but rather are in contact even in the unloaded configuration.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, each layer 60, 70, 80 may also be configured with different zones 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 of elastomeric materials having different moduli of elasticities. For example, Ex> Ey, and Eh > Ef. In exemplary embodiment, a middle strip 122, 126, 128, or region, may be configured with one modulus of elasticity, while outer edge portions 120, 124, 130 are configured with a different modulus of elasticity. The layers 60, 70, 80 may also be arranged with the strips oriented in different directions, for example with one layer having longitudinally extending and laterally spaced zones, and another layer having laterally extending and longitudinally spaced zones, as shown for example in FIG. 9B. As shown in FIG. 10, the differential zones may be tuned so as to provide a predetermined deflection and support, for example with a middle region of the second and third layers 70, 80 sinking or deflecting more easily, or deflecting towards the first layer 60, which may be made stiffer in the middle region. In some embodiments, the zones may be relatively stiff, and may not elastically deform during the body supporting operation, but rather merely support more elastic zones, which elastically deform. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the zones 140, 142, 144, 146 may take the form of various shapes, for example with a seating portion having a first seating region 140, and a second seating region 142 disposed in the first seating region, and a backrest portion with a pair of side lumbar regions 146. The different regions may have a polygonal shape, for example the side lumbar regions may have a triangular or trapezoidal shape. The shaped regions may be bounded, meaning they do not necessarily extend to an edge of the layer.

[0034] In the various embodiments, one or more of the first, second and third layers may be made of elastomeric materials, e g. elastomeric monofilaments, yarns and other known and suitable materials, to form an elastomeric knitted material, or 3D knit material. In other embodiments, one or more of the layers may be a woven material, or a non-woven material, having elastic properties. It should be understood that each of the layers 60, 70, 80 may be formed of, or configured with, multiple sublayers, or substrates, which are joined to form the layer. The substrates may be integrally formed, for example by knitting orweaving, or joined mechanically, including for example with sewing and / or adhesives.

[0035] In operation, the third layer 80 may initially absorb the weight of the user and carry it across the opening 44 both to the side frames 42 and to the front and rear / upper frame members 40, 36, including by way of the tether 90. As the third layer 80 deflects, the third layer engages and contacts the second layer 70, which helps absorb the weight of the user. The second layer 70 may then deflect and engage the first layer 60. Specifically, in one embodiment, a method of supporting a body includes applying a load to the third layer 80 including a third elastomeric material having a third modulus of elasticity, deforming the third layer from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, engaging the second layer 70 with the third layer as the third layer is deformed from the nonloaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the second layer is positioned below the third layer, deforming the second layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration, engaging the first layer 60 with the second layer as the second layer is deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the first layer is positioned below the second layer, and deforming the first layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration. As noted, in some embodiments, the second layer 70 is spaced apart from one or both of the first and third layers 60, 80 when the first, second and third layers are in their respective non-loaded configurations, and wherein the second layer is configured to contact one or both of the first and third layers when the second and third layers are in their respective loaded configurations.

[0036] A method of assembling the body support structure includes coupling a first layer 60, including an elastomeric material, to a frame 11, coupling a second layer 70, including an elastomeric material, to the frame 11 above the first layer, and coupling a third layer 80, including an elastomeric material, to the frame 11 above the second layer. The second layer 70 may be spaced apart from one or both of the first and third layers 60, 80. The layers may have different elasticities, and may individually be configured with different zones of elasticities. A methodof disassembling the body support structure includes removing one or more of the first, second and third layers, and recycling one or more of the layers.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A body support structure comprising: a first layer comprising a first elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity, wherein the first layer is coupled to a frame and suspended across an opening, wherein the first layer is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration; and a second layer comprising a second elastomeric material having a second modulus of elasticity different than the first modulus of elasticity, wherein the second layer is coupled to the frame and is positioned above the first layer, wherein the second layer is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

2. The body support structure of claim 1 further comprising a third layer comprising a third elastomeric material having a third modulus of elasticity different than the first and second moduli of elasticity, wherein the third layer is coupled to the frame and is positioned above the second layer, wherein the third layer is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

3. The body support structure of claim 2 wherein the second layer is spaced apart from one or both of the first and third layers when the first, second and third layers are in their respective non-loaded configurations, and wherein the second layer is configured to contact one or both of the first and third layers when the second and third layers are in their respective loaded configurations.

4. The body support structure of claim 3 wherein the first, second and third layers are spaced apart, and wherein the third layer is configured to contact the second layer and the second layer is configured to contact the first layer as the third, second and first layers are successively deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration.

5. The body support structure of claim 2 wherein the frame comprises a front cross member and a rear cross member, wherein at least the first layer is coupled to the front and rear cross members.

6. The body support structure of claim 5 wherein the rear cross member comprises a first rear cross member, and wherein the frame further comprises a second rear cross member spaced apart from the first rear cross member, wherein at least the second layer is coupled to the second rear cross member.

7. The body support structure of claim 6 wherein the second layer is coupled to the front cross member.

8. The body support structure of claim 6 wherein the second layer comprises a seat portion overlying the first layer, and a backrest portion extending upwardly from the seat portion, wherein the frame comprises a back frame having an upper cross member, wherein the backrest portion is coupled to the upper cross member.

9. The body support structure of claim 5 wherein the frame further comprises a pair of spaced apart side members, wherein the first layer is coupled to the side members.

10. The body support structure of claim 9 wherein the second layer is coupled to the side members.

11. The body support structure of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first, second and / or third layers comprises an elastomeric knitted material.

12. The body support structure of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first, second and / or third layers comprises different zones of elastomeric materials having different moduli of elasticities.

13. The body support structure of claim 2 wherein the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

14. A method of supporting a body comprising: applying a load to a third layer comprising a third elastomeric material having a third modulus of elasticity, wherein the third layer is coupled to a frame; deforming the third layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration; engaging a second layer with the third layer as the third layer is deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the second layer is positioned below the third layer, and wherein the second layer comprises a second elastomeric material having a second modulus of elasticity different than the third modulus of elasticity, wherein the second layer is coupled to the frame; deforming the second layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration; engaging a first layer with the second layer as the second layer is deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration, wherein the first layer is positioned below the second layer, and wherein the first layer comprises a first elastomeric material having a first modulus of elasticity different than the second and third moduli of elasticities, wherein the first layer is coupled to the frame; and deforming the first layer from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the second layer is spaced apart from one or both of the first and third layers when the first, second and third layers are in their respective non-loaded configurations, and wherein the second layer is configured to contact one or both of the first and third layers when the second and third layers are in their respective loaded configurations.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first, second and third layers are spaced apart, and wherein the third layer is configured to contact the second layer and the second layer is configured to contact the first layer as the third, second and first layers are successively deformed from the non-loaded configuration to the loaded configuration.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the frame comprises a front cross member and a rear cross member, wherein at least the first layer is coupled to the front and rear cross members.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the rear cross member comprises a first rear cross member, and wherein the frame further comprises a second rear cross member spaced apart from the first rear cross member, wherein at least the second layer is coupled to the second rear cross member.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the second layer is coupled to the front cross member.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the second layer comprises a seat portion overlying the first layer, and a backrest portion extending upwardly from the seat portion, wherein the frame comprises a back frame having an upper cross member, wherein the backrest portion is coupled to the upper cross member.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the frame further comprises a pair of spaced apart side members, wherein the first layer is coupled to the side members.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the second layer is coupled to the side members.

23. The method of claim 14 wherein at least one of the first, second and / or third layers comprises an elastomeric knitted material.

24. The method of claim 14 wherein at least one of the first, second and / or third layers comprises different zones of elastomeric materials having different moduli of elasticities.

25. The method of claim 14 wherein the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity.

26. A body support structure comprising: a plurality of layers arranged in a stacked configuration, each of the plurality of layers comprising an elastomeric material with a modulus of elasticity, wherein the moduli of elasticity of at least two of the plurality of layers are different, wherein each of the layers is coupled to a frame and is elastically deformable from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration.

27. The body support structure of claim 26 wherein at least two of the plurality of layers are spaced apart when the layers are in a non-loaded configuration, and wherein each of the plurality of layers are in contact with an adjacent one of the layers when the layers are in a loaded configuration.

28. The body support structure of claim 26 wherein at least two of the plurality of layers each comprise a knitted material.

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