Cushioning element

The present invention relates to a cushioning element adapted to be mounted on an article to provide cushioning therefor. The cushioning clement of the present invention has a bladder body at least partially defining a filling chamber. The filling chamber is filled with a flowable particulate matter. The present invention further includes a mounting member adapted to mount the bladder body onto the article. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the bladder body is deformable and the particulate matter within the filling chamber is capable of flowing inside the filling chamber upon the application of a deforming force to the deformable portion of the bladder body.

 

What is claimed is:

1. A cushioning element operable to contact a secondary object for cushioning, said cushioning element comprising:

a bladder body having inner and outer walls sealingly closed at opposite ends of the bladder body, or one end selectively, and defining at least one chamber between the inner and outer walls,

particulate material comprising micro-spheres in air filling the at least one chamber,

the outer wall being flexible and capable of being deformed into a deformed shape as particulate material in the at least one chamber is moved by a pressing operation which is applied to the outer wall, and

the inner wall being operable to receive a mounting member for mounting the bladder body to an article;

wherein the particulate material in the at least one chamber that is moved by the pressing operation remains in the same position upon completion of the pressing operation for eliminating back-pressure exerted by the particulate material against the flexible outer wall, thereby maintaining the flexible outer wall in substantially the deformed shape which the flexible outer wall assumed during the pressing operation, and

the particulate material in air and the sealingly closed opposite ends of the bladder body cooperating to resist leakage of the at least one chamber and configuring the particulate material within a specific space allowing the particulate material to pack and hold the deformed shape assumed during the pressing operation.

2. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a single molded part or a multi-chambered enclosure, and

wherein the at least one chamber is disposed in a linear, sequential, or random manner.

3. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary object is a part of a human body.

4. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mounting member, wherein said mounting member comprises a mounting surface integrated with at least a portion of said inner wall, said mounting surface being contoured to at least partially correspond to a shape of the secondary object.

5. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mounting member, wherein said mounting member is provided on said inner wall.

6. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein an opening is provided between said outer wall and the inner wall, said opening for allowing particulate matter to be filled into said at least one chamber; and

wherein a closure element is provided in said opening to close said at least one chamber.

7. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 6, wherein said closure element is coupled removably to said inner wall to permit selective access to said at least one chamber.

8. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 6, wherein said closure element is sealed to said inner wall to seal said opening.

9. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer wall is made of a material selected from a group consisting of synthetic and natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic resins, polyester, elastomer and plastic reinforced textiles, polyurethane, nylon, textiles, and leather.

10. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner wall is rigid; and

wherein said inner wall is integral with a portion of the article on which said cushioning element is mounted and forms a structural portion of the article.

11. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mounting member, wherein said mounting member has a mounting surface operable to be coupled to the article.

12. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said particulate matter substantially fills the entire volume of said at least one chamber.

13. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said particulate matter comprises individual particles sized and dimensioned to be capable of freely flowing within said at least one chamber to allow said cushioning element to deform.

14. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said particulate matter is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, synthetic and natural rubber, quartz, mineral, ceramics, silicon, glass, metals, phenol, wood, silica, sand, salt, seeds, grain, organic materials, microbeads, microspheres, granules, crystallized and powder particles.

15. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner wall is rigid.

16. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein partitions or ribs extend from the inner wall toward the outer wall.

17. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein spoke-shaped walls or partitions extend between the inner wall and the outer wall.

18. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first end of the cushioning element is molded closed and a second end of the cushioning element is sealingly closed.

19. A cushioning element operable to contact a secondary object for cushioning, said cushioning element comprising:

a bladder body having inner and outer walls sealingly closed at opposite ends of the bladder body, or one end selectively, and defining at least one chamber between the inner and outer walls,

particulate material comprising micro-spheres in air filling each of the chambers,

the outer wall being flexible and capable of being deformed into a deformed shape as particulate material in the chambers is moved by a deforming force applied to the outer wall by the secondary object, the deformed shape corresponding to a shape of the secondary object, and

the inner wall being operable to receive a mounting member for mounting the bladder body to an article;

wherein the particulate material in the chambers that is moved by the deforming force remains in the same position upon completion of the deforming force for eliminating back-pressure exerted by the particulate material against the flexible outer wall, thereby maintaining the flexible outer wall in substantially the deformed shape which corresponds to the shape of the secondary object which the flexible outer wall assumed during the application of the deforming force, and

the particulate material in air and the sealingly closed opposite ends of the bladder body cooperating to resist leakage of the chambers and configuring the particulate material within a specific space allowing the particulate material to pack and hold the deformed shape assumed during the application of the deforming force.

20. The cushioning element as claimed in claim 1 wherein the amount of air in at least one chamber affects properties of the said chamber, including at least one of insulation, compressibility and cushioning effect.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cushioning element that is adapted to be mounted onto an article to provide cushioning therefor. More particularly, the cushioning element of the present invention contains a flowable particulate filling material. The present invention further relates to a cushioning article that includes such a cushioning element to provide cushioning such as for a comfortable grip and/or shock absorption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Grip and shock absorption elements are commonly used on various articles to provide a cushioning effect. More particularly, grip elements have been designed for placement on the gripping portion of hand-held articles to increase comfort during gripping of the hand-held article. Because grip and shock absorption elements are provided to address different problems or user needs, a variety of different grip and shock absorption elements with different properties are available.

For instance, for purposes of increased comfort to users who grip a handheld article very tightly, grip elements of soft foam have been provided to permit ready deformation of the grip element and resulting in enhanced comfort during gripping thereof. In recent years, grip elements filled with fluid or gel materials have become popular as well. However, due to the nature of such grip elements, they tend to rebound to their initial shapes once the compressing force is released. Therefore, when using hand-held articles with any of these deformable grip elements, the user has to hold the grip element continuously and tightly in order to retain the desired deformed shape, which is the user's comfortable grip configuration. The continuous and tight holding of the grip element can easily fatigue the user's hand and fingers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,581 to Chadwick et al. discloses a customizable gripping device. The gripping device employs a controllable fluid that is capable of changing its state from fluid to solid upon the application of an appropriate energy field. When the controllable fluid is in its fluid state and thus is deformable, the user is free to imprint a customized grip in the gripping device. When the controllable fluid changes to its solid state thereafter, the customized grip is "frozen" and the user's grip is "memorized." As a result, the user need not keep gripping the article tightly to retain the customized grip. However, the Chadwick et al. patent involves an additional activating assembly for applying a field to the controllable fluid to change its Theological behavior.

It would be desirable to provide a grip element that not only can readily deform to provide a comfortable grip for the user but also can retain the desired deformed shape, which is the user's comfortable grip configuration, without the need of applying a continuous compressing force thereunto. It would also be desirable for such grip element to maintain the desired deformed shape without application of an energy field thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cushioning element which is adapted to be mounted onto an article to provide cushioning therefor. The cushioning clement of the present invention comprises an encasing member at least partially defining a filling chamber filled with flowable particulate matter. The present invention further comprises a mounting member adapted to mount the encasing member onto an article to be gripped. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the encasing member is deformable and the particulate matter within the filling chamber is thereby capable of flowing inside the filling chamber upon the application of a deforming force on the deformable portion of the encasing member.

The particulate matter can be any non-fluid, and/or "non-gel material that is capable of freely flowing within the filling chamber upon the application of a compressing force on the deformable portion of the encasing member. The type and quantity of the particulate matter, as well as the size and shape of the individual particles thereof, can be determined according to the specific application of the cushioning element.

The deformable portion of the encasing member can be made of a material capable of deforming in response to a deforming force applied thereto. Preferably, the deformable portion is made of a pliable material so that it can yield to the deforming force along with the flowable particulate matter. As a result, the deformable portion may, along with the flowable particulate matter, provide a cushioning effect, such as a comfortable grip or shock absorption. The area, size, and thickness of the deformable portion can be determined according to the specific application of the cushioning element.

The cushioning element of the present invention is intended to be used (among other things) with an article to provide a cushioning effect upon gripping the cushioning element on the article, or to provide a cushioning effect upon contact with another article, or to provide a cushioning effect upon contact with a part of a human body. One application of the cushioning element is to provide a comfortable grip for hand-held articles, such as writing instruments, razors, toothbrushes, utensils, and tools. The cushioning element can also provide a comfortable cushioning for such articles as splints or seatings. In addition, the cushioning element can provide shock absorption for articles which transmit impact to the user, such as impact tools (e.g., hammers), various sports equipments (e.g., helmets, knee pads, and rackets), and motor-driven devices (e.g., power drills or motorcycles). For each application, the cushioning element is constructed accordingly to fit onto a given article to provide an appropriate cushioning effect during use of the article.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, the scope of the invention being set out in the appended claims.

The above and other features of the invention including various and novel details of construction and process steps will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular optical fiber cable embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

The above and other features of the invention including various and novel details of construction and process steps will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular cushioning element embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the present invention will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cushioning element adapted for mounting on a hand-held article in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the encasing member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the encasing member of FIG. 2, taken from a position away from both end portions of the encasing member;

FIG. 4 is an alternate transverse cross-sectional view of the encasing member of FIG. 2, taken from a position away from both end portions of the encasing member;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cushioning article in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate cushioning article in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another alternate cushioning article in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in which cushioning article is in a retracted position;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 7, in which cushioning article is in an extended position;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a further cushioning article in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in which cushioning article is in a retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cushioning article of FIG. 9, in which cushioning article is in an extended position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cushioning element in the form of a pad in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cushioning clement of FIG. 11, taken from a position away from both end portions of the encasing member; and

FIG. 13 is an alternate cross-sectional view of the cushioning element of FIG. 11, taken from a position away from both end portions of the encasing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary cushioning elements embodying the principles of the present invention are shown throughout the drawings. In the following description of various embodiments of cushioning elements, similar elements or components thereof are designated with reference numbers that have the same last two digits and redundant description is omitted.

The cushioning elements of the present invention utilize flowable particulate matter to provide a cushioning effect upon application of a deforming force thereto. The particulate matter is capable of flowing within a filling chamber after being subjected to a deforming force. Additionally or alternatively, the particulate matter is capable of retaining the deformed shape even after the deforming force has been released.

The encasing member includes a deformable portion. Deformation of the deformable portion transmits the deforming force to the particulate matter and causes the same to flow and to conform to the-desired configuration determined by the deforming force. Because the cushioning elements of the present invention are constructed to provide a cushioning effect, such as a comfortable grip and/or shock absorption, to an article, the cushioning elements are adapted to be mounted onto the article. Accordingly, the cushioning elements of the present invention typically include a mounting member that is formed to mount the cushioning element on an article.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an exemplary cushioning element 20 formed according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary cushioning element 20 comprises an encasing member 30 which at least partially defines a filling chamber 50 filled with flowable particulate matter 60. At least a portion 32 of encasing member 30 is deformable in response to the application of a deforming force thereto. Thus, deformation of deformable portion 32 typically causes particulate matter 60 to flow inside filling chamber 50 to conform to the deforming force. Consequently, cushioning element 20 assumes a deformed configuration in response to a deforming force applied thereto and thereby provides a comfortable grip. In addition, the deformation of flowable particulate matter 60 and deformable portion 32 can also provide a shock absorption effect.

Deformable portion 32 of encasing member 30 can be made of any pliable material that is capable of deforming and yielding to a deforming force applied thereto. According to the present invention, when a deforming force is applied to deformable portion 32 and, in turn, particulate matter 60, deformable portion 32 deforms accordingly to yield to the deforming force. At the same time, particulate matter 60 encased in filling chamber 50 is forced to flow within filling chamber 50 to conform to the deformed configuration of deformable portion 32 and to yield to the deforming force. It will be appreciated that deformable portion 32 is sufficiently sized to receive a deforming force as well as to allow particulate matter 60 to flow inside filling chamber 50. For example, deformable portion 32 may be a flexible wall member 34 that forms at least -a part of encasing member 30. It will be appreciated that the larger deformable portion 32 is, the more accessible particulate matter 60 is for deformation. If desired, all of encasing member 30 may be deformable. For the sake of simplicity, reference is made to a deformable portion 32 of encasing member 30, such portion 32 optionally being either a portion of or the entirety of encasing member 30.

Particulate matter 60 can be formed of any non-fluid, and/or non-gel material and may be filled and sealed in filling chamber 50. If desired, particulate matter 60 may be selected to be non-toxic. After being subjected to a deforming force, the individual particles of particulate matter 60 are capable of freely flowing within filling chamber 50 and away from the deforming force. Consequently, the encased particulate matter 60 as well as deformable portion 32 can be displaced and therefore can assume a deformed configuration in response to the deforming force and hence provide a cushioning effect.

Additionally or alternatively, particulate matter 60 can be formed so that it is capable of remaining displaced and retaining the deformed shape even after the deforming force has been released. For instance, particulate matter 60 can be made of a material that has limited tendency to resume its initial shape after being subjected to deformation. More typically, the nature of particulate matter 60 and/or the manner in which it is filled in filling chamber 50 permits particulate matter 60 to be displaced by a deforming force without returning to its original location or configuration once the deforming force is removed. As a result, once a deformed configuration is shaped based on a user's comfortable grip, the user need not continuously and tightly hold cushioning element 20 to retain the comfortable grip. It will be appreciated that other arrangements, such as the quantity of particulate matter 60 within filling chamber 50 and/or properties of deformable portion 32 as discussed in greater detail below, may also achieve the same or similar results and therefore are within the scope of the present invention.

If desired, particulate matter 60 can be made or formed so that it not only can flow within filling chamber 50 into a deformed configuration but also can provide a desired cushioning effect in response to a deforming force applied thereto. For instance, particulate matter 60 can be capable of flowing within filling chamber 50 and at the same time providing a desired resistance to the deforming force. Accordingly, particulate matter 60 can provide a comfortable grip to the user. It will be appreciated that other alterations to particulate matter 60, such as changes to its shape and size, can also achieve the same or similar results and therefore are within the scope of the present invention.

The individual particles of particulate matter 60 may be made from a solid or incompressible material. Exemplary materials for particulate matter 60 include, but are not limited to, thermoplastics (e.g., phenolics, epoxies, acrylics, polyesters, and the like), thermoset plastics (e.g., phenolics, epoxies, acrylics, polyesters, and the like), synthetic and natural rubber (e.g., cured to a high hardness), ceramics, silicon, quartz, mineral, carbon, glass, metals, microbeads, phenol, wood, silica, sand, salt, seeds, grain (e.g., flour or corn starch), organic materials (e.g., cherry pits), or other microspheres, granules, or crystallized or powder particles. If desired, the particles may be selected to not absorb water. Because such individual particles of particulate matter 60 may be undeformable after being subjected to a deforming force, they are readily flowable in response to repeated deforming forces. Thereby, cushioning element 20 is capable of continued use after initial deformation.

If desired, the individual particles of particulate matter 60 may be formed of a resilient material which is capable of deforming when subjected to a deforming force yet which is capable of resuming its initial shape upon release of the deforming force. In this embodiment, individual particles in particulate matter 60 may undergo at least partial deformation after being subjected to a deforming force. Nevertheless, such particulate matter 60 is still capable of flowing within filling chamber 50 in response to a deforming force. Once the deforming force is released, the deformed individual particles are capable of resuming their initial shapes and are ready to move relative to one another when another deforming force is applied thereto. Preferably, the individual particles of particulate matter 60 may be formed from a material that would not be permanently deformed or crushed after being subjected to deformation. This characteristic is advantageous because such particulate matter 60 can be subjected to repeated deforming forces yet the individual particles thereof preferably should still be capable of moving relative to one another to provide a cushioning effect.

Additionally or alternatively, particulate matter 60 can be made of a material that is capable of providing a variable cushioning effect. For instance, individual particles of particulate matter 60 can be at least partially formed by a metallic material. Such metallic particles in particulate matter 60 can be magnetized as desired, such as by applying a magnetic field thereto, to alter the behavior of the metallic particles. Consequently, the cushioning effect can be adjusted. In addition. metallic particulate matter 60 or another type of heavier flowable material may also add weight to cushioning element 20, which may be particularly desirable for certain applications, such as to impact tools.

Additional or alternative properties and characteristics of individual particles of particulate matter 60 can be determined pursuant to specific applications of the cushioning element. For instance, when the cushioning elements are used mainly to provide a comfortable cushioning effect, particulate matter 60 can be formed of a material that is capable of providing a comfortable grip. Alternatively, when the cushioning elements are applied to impact articles which transmit forces to the user, particulate matter 60 can be formed of a material that is capable of providing shock absorption. Such impact articles can include, but are not limited to, handles of impact tools (e.g., hammers), handles of motor-driven devices (e.g., power drills or motorcycles), and various sports equipments (e.g., tennis rackets, golf clubs, or body protecting pads).

The shape of the individual particles of particulate matter 60 also may be selected based on the desired application of the cushioning element. Individual particles of particulate matter 60 may be formed in any desired shape, such as spherical, oval, or irregular shapes. For instance, particulate matter 60 can be formed from microspheres that may either be solid or have a hollow interior, such as to reduce the overall weight thereof. It will be appreciated that particulate matter 60 having individual particles of different shapes can be simultaneously used in cushioning element 20.

Optionally, particulate matter 60 can be formed from microspheres that may have an interior chamber filled with a gel or a liquid, such as to provide a comfortable temperature for a user or modified cushioning properties. If desired, particulate matter 60 can be formed of a material that is capable of assuming a comfortable temperature range for the user. For instance, particulate matter 60 can be made of a material that has low coefficient of heat transfer and low thermal mass. Unlike liquid or gel materials, such particulate matter 60 is capable of quickly conforming to the body temperature of he user so that cushioning element 20 does not feel cold or warm to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the air among the individual particles of particulate matter 60 may contribute to insulation. Accordingly, cushioning element 20 using comfortable temperature particulate matter 60 can function as an insulator against cold or warm temperatures and further enhance comfort.

In addition, the size of the particles forming particulate matter 60 may vary 35 depending on the specific application of cushioning element 20. Generally, the individual particles of particulate matter 60 can have any dimension so long as they may freely flow inside filling chamber 50 upon the application of a deforming force thereto and, at the same time, provide a sufficient cushioning effect. It is also desirable that the particles may have such a dimension that a sufficient number of particles may fit within filling chamber 50 and so that the particles can provide a comfortable feel when the user grips cushioning element 20. For instance, the average diameter of particulate matter 60 can be as low as, for example, approximately 1 gm. In a typical embodiment, however, in which the individual particles of particulate matter 60 are discernible, the minimum average diameter may be approximately 250 gm. However, in larger applications of cushioning element 20, the average diameter of each particle may be as large as 8 cm. A series of exemplary embodiments show that the following particle size ranges of particulate matter 60 can be effective for the cushioning purposes: 1 μm to 5 mm, 10 μm to 1 mm, 50 μm to 500 μm, and 100 μm to 400 μm respectively. It will be appreciated that one or more particle sizes of particulate matter 60 can be simultaneously used in cushioning element 20.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of particulate matter 60, among other factors as will be discussed hereinafter, may determine the cushioning effect of cushioning element 20. For instance, the quantity of particulate matter 60 filled in filling chamber 50 may affect the cushioning effect of cushioning element 20. When particulate matter 60 partially fills filling chamber 50, vacant space or air pockets (not shown) may exist in filling chamber 60. When being subjected to a deforming force, particulate matter 60 within filling chamber 50 is more likely to flow into the vacant space or air pockets, rather than flowing into a desired deformed configuration. Consequently, such vacant space or air pockets may alter the deformation and hence cushioning effect of the encased particulate matter 60. It is preferable that particulate matter 60 substantially fills the entire filling chamber 50 so the desired cushioning effect is imparted by particulate matter 60 and 25 not also by air pockets.

In an alternate embodiment, particulate matter 60 may even overfill filling chamber so that deformable portion 32 of encasing member 30 is stretched or expanded. Pre-stressing of deformable portion 32 may be advantageous in retaining the desired displacement of particulate matter 60, and thereby the deformed shape of cushioning 30 element 20 resulting from a deforming force, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that particulate matter 60 preferably is not filled in filling chamber 50 to the extent that particulate matter 60 cannot freely flow within filling chamber 50 in response to a deforming force. Furthermore, even though vacant space or air pockets are not desired, a certain amount of air can facilitate the flow of particulate matter 60 within filling chamber 50, since particles in a vacuum packed container do not readily flow.

The relative movement between the individual particles of particulate matter 60 may also affect the desired cushioning effect of cushioning element 20. It is desirable that the individual particles be capable of freely moving within encasing member 30. However, it is theorized that the friction generated between the individual particles of particulate matter 60 during their relative movement may resist the deforming force and, as a result, provide a firmer cushioning effect. Thus, particles of particulate matter 60 with a rougher surface finish may have a firmer cushioning effect because a larger amount of friction may be generated during relative movement between such particles if other characteristics remain the same. It will be appreciated that one or more types of particulate matter 60 can be simultaneously used in cushioning element 20.

The cushioning effect of cushioning element 20 may instead or in addition depend on the various characteristics of not only particulate matter 60, but also of encasing member 30 and, more particularly, deformable portion 32. Generally, but not necessarily, deformable portion 32 is made of a pliable material so that it can yield to a deforming force applied thereto. Exemplary materials which may be used to form deformable portion 32 may include, but are not limited to, synthetic or natural rubber, elastomers (including thermoplastic elastomers), resins (including thermoplastic resins), polyester, elastomer or plastic reinforced textiles (woven or non-woven), polyurethane, nylon, textiles of all sorts, leather, or the like. As deformable portion 32 yields to the deforming force, particulate matter 60 is forced to flow inside filling chamber 50. Consequently, both deformable portion 32 and particulate matter 60 deform and, at the same time, provide a cushioning effect. It is also preferred that deformable portion 32 is made of a material that is capable of repeated deforming in response to repeated application and removal of deforming forces. Thereby, cushioning element 20 may receive repeated deforming forces and still be able to provide a continuing cushioning effect.

In an alternate embodiment, deformable portion 32 may have a desired resilience so that it may closely conform to and retain the configuration of particulate matter 60. Such effect is more apparent when deformable portion 32 is at least somewhat stretched or pre-stressed. Exemplarily, but not exclusively, such pre-deformation may be formed by overfilling particulate matter 60 in filling chamber 50 as described above. As a result, deformable portion 32 is stretched beyond its initial shape and thus tends to compress particulate matter 60 into a given configuration resulting from deformations such as caused by gripping. Consequently, the stretched deformable portion 32 may contribute to the retention of the deformed configuration of particulate matter 60 even after the deforming force is released. Thereby, the user need not apply a constant deforming force on cushioning element 20 to retain the desired deformed shape of cushioning element 20.

The thickness, shape, and other characteristics of deformable portion 32 may be influenced by the specific application of cushioning element 20. It will be appreciated that the thickness of a deformable portion 32 used in cushioning element 20 for providing a comfortable grip can be smaller than the thickness of a deformable portion used in a cushioning element providing shock absorption, such as to withstand impact. Various characteristics of deformable portion 32 may vary along the length or circumference of cushioning element 20. Such characteristics may vary along a single deformable portion or a plurality of deformable portions, some or all of the deformable portions having differing characteristics. The shape and/or extent of deformable portion 32 can be determined by various factors, such as a typical grip of a user, so as to provide a sufficient cushioning effect and a comfortable grip to the user.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of cushioning element 20 configured to be mounted on an article 90 to provide a cushioning effect thereto. Accordingly, a mounting member 70 is provided on cushioning element 20 and adapted to mount cushioning element 20 on an article 90. Depending on the specific application of cushioning element 20, encasing member 30 as well as mounting member 70 may be formed in various manners to adapt cushioning element 20 for mounting on an article 90. Moreover, article 90 may be specifically adapted for receiving cushioning element 20. For example, a receiving recess may be formed in article 90 for receiving cushioning element 20 such that the exterior of cushioning element 20 does not extend beyond the exterior of the article. Alternatively, cushioning element 20 may be provided over a uniform-level exterior of an article such that cushioning element 20 extends beyond the exterior of the article. The discussion of mounting member 70 herein is carried out in connection with a specific embodiment of encasing member 30 configured for a specific application of cushioning element 20 of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated that various alternate embodiments of mounting member 70 are within the scope of the present invention.

The exemplary embodiment of cushioning element 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is configured to be mounted on hand-held articles 90, such as writing instruments, razors, toothbrushes, utensils (e.g., cooking or eating utensils), tools, rackets, sports equipment, and the like, to provide a comfortable grip therefor. Alternatively, cushioning element 20 may be mounted on various types of hand-held articles which transmit forces to the user, such as handles of impact tools (e.g., hammers), handles of motor-driven devices (e.g., power drills or motorcycles), and various sports equipments (e.g., tennis rackets, or golf clubs), to provide shock absorption therefor. In such applications, particulate matter 60 and deformable portion 32 of encasing member 30 can be selected to provide the desired comfortable grip or shock absorption as indicated above. Exemplarily, but not restrictively, the individual particles of particulate matter 60 can be larger to provide sufficient shock absorption for impact articles 90. Additionally or alternatively, encasing member 30 may be made of a stronger material to withstand the impact or vibrations associated with use of force-transmitting articles 90.

In the above applications, cushioning element 20 may be formed for insertion over an article 90. Accordingly, encasing member 30 of cushioning element 20 may be configured to mate with an article 90 to permit mounting of cushioning element 20 on article 90. In such an embodiment, mounting member 70 may be a portion of encasing member 30 configured to receive or to mate with an article 90 to mount cushioning element 20 on article 90. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, encasing member 30 is formed with coaxial tubular outer and inner wall members 36 and 38 shaped for insertion over an elongated article. However, other configurations of encasing member 30 are within the scope of the present invention.

Outer and inner wall members 36 and 38 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 are joined together to form an enclosed filling chamber 50 for containing particulate matter 60 therein. Optionally, outer and inner wall members 36 and 38 may be monolithic and coextensive (i.e., a single, unitary piece). An opening 35 is left in such embodiment to permit filling of particulate matter 60 therethrough. Opening 35 may be closed by either a closure element such as a plug 40 (described in further detail below) or by sealing wall members 36 and 38 together. In the latter embodiment, outer wall member 36 may extend continuously so that its end portions 37 and 42 merge with inner wall member 38 at its respective end portions 39 and 44. Thus, outer and inner wall members 36, 38 would, in effect, be coextensive and interchangeable. Upon insertion of cushioning element 20 over article 90, instead of sliding with respect to the article, inner wall member 38 may shift outwardly and outer wall member 36 may shift inwardly along a longitudinal axis, so that a monolithic wall member of encasing member 30 may be rolled over article 90 until positioned in the desired location. Alternatively, wall members 36 and 38 may be separately formed and then joined together, or otherwise formed, as discussed in greater detail below. It is nevertheless appreciated that encasing member 30 can be constructed and configured otherwise to adapt to other applications of cushioning element 20.

It will be appreciated that one of outer and inner wall members 36 and 38 may be specifically constructed to be contacted by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, outer wall member 36 is positioned for gripping at least a portion thereof. If desired, the entire outer wall member 36 may be made of a flexible material to provide maximum deformability and resulting cushioning effect to the user. As intended to be used as a gripping surface, outer wall member 36, including deformable portion 32, can desirably include additional features typical of a grip element. For instance, outer wall member 36 may be formed of a material that can provide the user with both a desirable tactile sensation as well as a useful function, such as anti-slipperiness or softness, during gripping. Exemplary materials that can provide such properties as anti-slipperiness or softness include, without limitation, natural or synthetic elastomers (such as urethane, silicone, polyamide, polyester, and the like), leather, thermoplastic elastomers, natural or synthetic rubber, impregnated woven or non-woven materials (the impregnant can be any elastomer or soft polymer), or soft thermoplastic polymers (such as polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, and the like).

Additionally or alternatively, outer wall member 36 may be physically configured or shaped to enhance tactile comfort beyond properties or characteristics imparted to such gripping portions by the nature of the material itself. For instance, the surface of outer wall member 36 may be textured, roughened, or otherwise not smooth to affect the overall tactile sensation imparted by outer wall member 36 and/or to reduce 15 possible slipperiness during the gripping action. In an exemplary embodiment, outer wall member 36, instead of having a smooth surface, may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern thereon. Preferably, the pattern may comprise a plurality of slightly elevated sections 41. Elevated sections 41 can be in any desired shape and arranged in any desired pattern. For instance, elevated sections 41 may be interconnected so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern provided over a portion of or over the entire smooth surface of outer wall member 36 The elevated sections 41, which preferably occupy less surfac