2) United States Patent (10) Patent No: US 9,215,933 B2 Coffield et al. 4s) Date of Patent: Dec. 22, 2015 (34) LOAD BEARING SURFACE (68) Field of Classification Search (95) Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Grand Rapids, Ml (US); Daniel S. Sommerfeld, ‘Kalamazoo, MI (US); Andrew B. Hartmann, Muskegon, MI(US) (73) Assignee: linols Too! Works Ine, Glenview, IL (ws) (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 USC. 1S4(b) by B17 days. (21) Appl. Nos 11423,540 (22) Filed: Jun. 12,2006 6s) Prior Publication Data US 200610267258 AI Nov. 30, 2006 Related US. Application Data (63) Coatinuation-n-part of application No, 11/423,220, filed on un. 9, 2006, now abandoned, and a ‘continuation-in-part of application No. 11/112,345, Sled on Ape. 22.2006, now Pat, No. 7.441,758, (G0) Provisional application No. 60/580,648, fled on Jun 17,2008. (1) Ince FIO 100 (2006.01), AMICI (2006.01), AATC TAA (2005.01), (Continued) (2) US.CL CPC. AS7C S/12 2013.01); AATEC 714 (2013.01) AATC 7/282 (2013.01), A47C 7/287 (2013.01: AS7C 7/746 2013.01); FIOF 1/36 (2013.01), (Continued) CPC... FIGE 136: FI6F 2226100; A47C 7/282: ‘AWC 7/287: AATC 5/12; ASTC TIA, ANIC “77146; YIOT 42824978, YIOT 42824719 USPC srnonnin 267/142-146, 151, 152; 297/452.12, "2071452.13, 452.18; 428/212, 221: 1653: 6500, $96 ‘ce application ile for complete search history. 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS BATTAL At x1965 Wourr aon SDSS A + 21966 Prpst dona (Convinved) POREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS. © 82003 ow L614 A 12008 (Coutinved) (OTHER PUBLICATIONS ‘Summary of Remarks fom Japanese Pont Office: Ofice Action Thom lagsnese Pant Office, mailed Feb 5, 2009, (Continved) Primary Examiner — Melody Burch (74) Auornes, Agent, oF Firm — Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC on ABSTRACT AAn elastomeric load hearing surface with different load sup- port characteristics in different ditsetions. In one embod ‘ren, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is sion oF stretching ‘includes mechanicelstractures, such as connectors and varia- ‘ions in thickness that vary the load suppor characteristics dierent directions. In another embodiment, surfaces bth ‘oriented and includes mechanical stractures 3 Claims, 14 Drawing SheetsUS 9,215,933 B2 Page 2 (1) Ince D4s6027 § 22004 Baxteret a 3 4001 Canis al ane re Ca {890117 B26 2005 Sprouse, etal ANIC TA (2006.01) 7,096,549 812006, Cofeld 291s PIGE 136 (2006.01) 20020017347 AL 22002 Nanni eal 2ou20r7si68 2002. Jones (2) USCL , + 20040041319 82004. ‘Szuki tal. CPC .. FIGF 2226/00 (2013.01); 1042824719 ypacnssous Al 82UB1. Munpy (201501); Y10T 428/24975 (201801) DHNSLIG86 AL 62008 VanDelit ea 2o0son68a86 AL 122008 Hann 56 References Cite annw0103229 AL '92006 Carseat >) a aonwure2se AL 11/2006 Cond ta : Invoorsossy AL 122006 Coffe Sn aovnop2sa6 AL | 007 Laporte dou7iesse7s AL 102007 Vane st a. 3.66308 4° 81972 Omlie 20714402 ea eee Roe i cere) so1n002s90 22010, Hotinann et Shoei A+ 31974 Steet 297880.23 AU286% A” $1977 Realich FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS. S043 91977 Loore ta A 11979 Joyes ep \s7o8 A2 122005 AUSS127 A * $1979 Seldcman ama earns 122008 425827 A 111980 Bislobreeki P commas a2 122008 4300874 81983. Shuman ce 2oxw005 “61982 Soar M987 Chrsophersen ce. 2088206 A 6/1982 Goosso2 A 101087 Bakesmans » ORR? Y 19RD A784 A 121987 Grete 3 218581986 4820299 4 |S 1989 Bindu w Hn2iss207 A 71990 ADULTS A 41990 Kime w HHoapoosto A 71992 44980936 AV 1991 Friekand etal. » 3006470 11/1904 000897 A * 41901 Abus etal 269156 snos470 UV ‘L1995 Sassi A GUD0L Spanner al » a0020sis7s A 32002 Sngrm A 121991 Gotahe Wo e4o3sis AL 9/1984 E2S8136 A * 21904 Weber eta armor WO WoRmsts 9 1984 Slss0806 A 101905 Raburn eal wo OLIss72 AL 32001 Sami A 121005 Quer wo nosis AL 72003 D3e8399 §_4'1996 Baton wo 2008015287 AL 22008 S822886 A * 101008 Luh cet 628 JBLICATIONS E8608 A L1/1008 Davignon a a aaa Sxsns28 A 121998 Varona Prods Brochure; wbesandmore de omponets components Es7o0ss A * 13/1900 HP 2306802 ae ae GUISTe A 12000, MeConnasiet ‘mt viewed on Oct. 26,2006 ienioeen aa teanont aces rode Disclosure www accupunto com; viewed on Ot. 26, 2006, Cetin emotes d zovios emational Search Repo and Writen Opinion for PCT'US2010 Suge? A 92000 Fans 048867 6360/82 Bie 33002 Wallon sro 61540950 BI 42003 Cofheld * cited by examinerUS. Patent Dec. 22,2015 Sheet 1 of 14 Fig. 1U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2US 9,215,933 B2 Sheet 4 of 14 Dee. 22, 2015, US. Patent Fig.6BU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 5 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2US 9,215,933 B2 Sheet 6 of 14 Dee. 22, 2015, US. Patent Fig.9 xX XXU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 7 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2 204 200 240°U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 8 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 9 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2US 9,215,933 B2 Dee. 22, 2015, Sheet 10 of 14 US. Patent Fig. 16U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 11 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 12 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 13 of 14 US 9,215,933 B2US 9,215,933 B2 Sheet 14 of 14 Dee. 22, 2015, US. Patent 008 coe oo 009 vot oz 001 00 [wie ee wonsiazo— ae Daisies dea UROUY | Sdigo 1 VoNRIUEHQIS04 — oe _Sdigo" IF oinje.s perUsUO-LON— ‘Arakooas ued pepo Y (39) ogk~) peiunow se wed perwanorisog ‘7K Burzunbo puens anon. {Uva eu16u0 40 059) (sa) 0¢81~) vonewaud xs-z (sai osze~) ‘aunue} 3 pound ved papjow sy o. ee eo (sar 0082~) aunt} oF palind Yed paar sod vone}UeHO [eveey ssaUsUS 9,215,933 B2 1 LOAD BEARING SURFACE, This application is a continuation-in-part of U'S. patent pplication Ser. No. 11/428,220. filed lun-9, 2006, now aban- domed, which isa continuation-in-pat of U.S. patent appl ‘ation Ser. No. 11/1 12,348, No. 7.441.758, which claims the benefit of US. Provisional Patent Application No, 60/580,648, fled Jun. 17, 2004, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Te present invention relates to load bearing surfaces, and more particularly to elastomeric load bearing surfaces, sich fs the seat or hack ofa chat or hench, or the support surface ‘of abed, cot or other similar product ‘There are confining efforts to develop new and improved load beating surface. In the context of general load bearing surfaces, the primary objectives ofthese elfrts ae to obtain ‘durable and inexpensive load bearing surface Inthe context ‘of seating and other body-support applications, it is also Jmportant address eomior issues. For example, wth seat ii can be important to provide a surface that ix comfort- ableand doesnot createbody fatigue over periods ofextended use, Given that the load eharaeteristics (ea. siless resil- ‘ency force/deflecton profile) desired in.a particular surface “will vary from application applieation,itisalsodesirableto havea foad bearing surface that is easly tunable for dierent applications during design and manufacture Tis known to provide molded load bearing surfaces for 3 wide variety of applications. For example, molded plastic chairs (eg. law chairs) are available from a variety of well, Known suppliers. Although these molded chairs provide an inexpensive seating option, they do not provide the level of support and comfor available in more expensive load bearing surfaces, such as conventional cushion ses. Rather, they pro= vide an éssentially inca forcedelection profile, which gives the typical molded seating surfaces the feel of a drum or & trampoline. In seating and other body support applications, this may result in an uncomfortable and sometimes engo- omically unaeceplable load bearing surface. Further, the ability to tune the characteristics of a conveational molded seat is relatively limited. Different materials and diferent ‘material thicknesses ean be used provide a limited degree ‘of contol over the characteristics ofthe seat, but this level of ‘contol isnot scent in many applieations ‘Theres also an increasing use of elastomeric fabrics inthe seating industry. Flstomense fabrics ean provide a comsfor- able, ventilated seating structure. Elastomerie fabrics are typically manufactured from a complex weave of high tech ‘elastomeric mosoflaments nd moltiilameat yar, The pro= ‘ess results in a relatively expensive surface. Although elas ‘omerie fabric surfaces can be quite comfortable in. many applications, they typically deflect likea sling when a load is applied. Some ergonomie specialists reler to this type of flection as “hammocking” and consider it undesirable bbcase it can cause the hips to rotate upward. To minimize hhammocking, many suspension seats are stretched quite tightly to reduce the amount of deflection that aceurs under load. This can reduce the cusionlike fel ofthe seat making it feel more like a tightly stretched drum. Asa result, easto- ‘meric fabrics may not be ideal in all applications. “Accordingly, there remains need for an elastomeric load bearing surface that is capable of providing non-linear force! ‘deflection profil in response to different loads SUMMARY OP THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides an clasto- meric load bearing surface having different support char 0 o 2 teristics in different directions In one embodiment, the sup- port characteristics are varied (or decoupled) in dreetions {hat are perpendicular to one another. Tnoneembodiment ofthis aspect, the load bearing surface includes a molded elastomeric membrane that is decoupled byralfecting the orientation ofthe structure of the membrane ‘a molecular level. In this embodiment, the molded elasto- ‘meric membrane may he oriented by compressing or steteh- ‘ng the membrane in one diection to the extent necessary 10 increase the alignment of the crystalline structure ofthe eas tomer. The orientation process varies the suppen character istics of the membrune resulting in a membrane with signi cant elasticity inthe direetionof orientation anda low level ot creep. The orientation process leaves the membrane with ‘minimal elasticity in the direction perpendicular tothe ori- ented direction, The reduced erp enables the use of thinner, And therefore less sf, mokled materials as Toad bearing surface, thus redicing material costs and increasing comfort. In another embodiment, the molded elastomeric mem- brane includes mechanical stecture that allel the support And foal bearing characteristics of the membrane. In this embodiment, the membrane may inelude without limitation slits, channels, undulations or ather integral elements that provide “slack” in one direction. If desired, the membrane ‘may be oriented and inchnde mechanical decoupling ste- tore ‘In yet another embodiment, the membrane is segregated into a plurality of nodes that provide a degree of indepen- {dence fom one locaton on the membrane to another. In one ‘embodiment, the membeane defines pluality of intercon- fected geometric shapes. Far example, the membrane may include a plurality of square or tiangular nodes that are interoonnccted by integral connector segments. The charae- teristics ofthe connector segments may be varied to contol the support characteristics ofthe membrane. Por example, the ‘membrane may inelude nonplanar connector segments that can flexor otherwise deform under lod to provide the mem- brane with “slack” Tina second aspect, the present invention provides a mu Jaye load bearing surface. Inn embodiment of thisaspect of the present invention, the load bearing surface includes inter acting upper and ler layers. The upper layer may’inchade a plurality of loosely connected nodes. lnone embodiment, the ‘Upper layer is @ molded sheet having a plurality of nodes interconnected by integral connector segments. The upper Jayer may inelude an integral protmision extending fom each nde toward the lower layer. The protrusions may be inteci ted wth corresponding structure in the lower layer. The mult layer load bearing surface may also include springs elements isposed between the upper and lower layers. The spring clements may be integral with the upper layer or the lower layer For example, the lower ayer may include a plurality of integrally molded flexible ums adapted to receive the prota sions of the upper layer In one embodiment, the knver layer may be a decoupled molded elastomeric membrane “The present invention also provides a method of mane turing a load bearing surfice from an elastomeric material The method generally includes the step of (a) molding an elastomeric membrane and (b) orienting the elastomeric ‘membrane in one direction by stretching the elastomeric ‘membrane in that direction ory compressing ihe elastomeric ‘membrane in cha way astocauseitto low in that direction. ‘Theclastomeric membrane s stretch of compressedtoa point ‘where there isan increase in the alignment of the erstalline structure ofthe elastomeric material in th oriented direction. In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of molding the elastomeric membrane with 9 structure thatUS 9,215,933 B2 3 mechanically decouples the membrane in a direction differ ‘ent from that in which the membrane is oriented. This ‘decoupled direction may be perpendicular to the oriented direction, Tn one embodiment, Uke membrane is compressed by the steps of (a) constraining the membrane on all sides except those sides corresponding with the desired direction of ori ‘entation and (b) applying a compression fore tothe mem- brane such tha the material of the membrane flows in the “unconstrained direction to increase the alignment of theceys- talline structure of the membrane inthe direction of fo. ‘The present invention further provides a method of manu facturiag «multi-layer load bearing surface. The method enerlly includes the steps of (8) producing an upper surface having a plurality of nades interconnected by connector seg- rents, (6) proocing a lower layer adapted to interface with the upper layerat the nodes and (e} combining the upper layer and the lower layer with spring elements disposed at the interface locations, In one embodiment, the upper layer ‘includes an inteyel axel extending from each node and the lower layer includes integral spring arms that receive the axel “The present invention provides a strong. yet exible load bearing surface. The elastomeric load bearing surlaces are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and provide a Tight ‘swojght surface that ean be ventilate to inhibit heat retention, The decoupled elastomeric material exhibits support charae- teristics that are particularly well suited for use in seating ications boca it provides different degrees of elasticity and support in different directions. For example, the ‘decouple clastomerie material can provide # seating strc ture with elasticity in the lott right diretion, but notin the fot to back direction. Further, by increasing the alignment ‘of the crystalline structure of the elastomeric material, the Jevel of creep inthe membrane canbe dramatically reduced. In the two layer embodiments, the second layer provides ditional contol over upidown (or Z-axis) displacement of the load bearing surface. This permits more contol over the support and comlort characteristics ofthe seat ‘These and other objets, advantages, and features of the ‘invention will be readily understood and appreciated by re ‘erence to the detailed description ofthe prefered embod ‘ment and the drawings, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. FIG, 1 isa perspective view ofa food bearing surface in ‘seconlance with one embodiment ofthe present invention, FIG. 2A a perspective view of an altemative load bearing surface having a plurality of nodes. FIG. 2B isan enlarged perspective view ofa portion ofthe load bearing surface of FIG. 2A, TIG.3 is top plan view a molded elastomeriemembrane prior 10 orientation. TG. 3B is atop plan view the molded elastomeric mem= brane during orientation FIG. 3C is atop plan view the molded elastomeric mem= brane afer orienta FIG. 4 isa sectional view of the molded elastomeric mem- brane taken along line IVAV of FIG. 3C. TIG. SA is © perspective view of first alternative load bearing surface TIG. SB is a sectional view of the first alternative load bearing surfice taken along line VB-VB, TIG. 6 is perspective view of a second alternative load bearing surfece 0 o 4 FIG, 6B isa sectional view of the second alternative load bearing surface taken along line VIB-VIB, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a thd altemative load bearing surface FIG, 7B is a sectional view ofthe thint alternative load bearing surface taken along line VIIB-VIB. FIG. 8A isan enlarge cross-sectional enlarged view of a portion of an elastomeric membrane having an integral edge. FIG. 8B isa cross-setional enlarged view of a portion of fn elastomeric membrane having a first altemative integral dee. FIG, 8C isan enlanged cross-sectional view of a portion of anelastomerie membrane havinga seoondalterativeintegral dee. FIG, 9 is a perspective view of a two layer load beating surface in cordance with one embodiment ofthe prosent invention FIG. 10 isan enlarged perspective view ofa portion ofthe oad beating surface Of FIG. 9 FIG. 11 san exploded ofthe load bearing surface showing single spring and single node anda portion ofthe lower layer FIG. 12 is atop plan view of an slteratve lower layer, FIG. 13 isa top plan view of a second altemative lower layer. FIG, 14 isa perspective view of an altemative lower layer with an integral spring clement FIG. 1S isa perspective view ofa second alternative lower layer with an integral spring element. FIG. 16 isa perspective view of an alternative top layer with tiagular nodes, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a single node of the sltemative top layer FIG. 16, FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view ofa load beating surface having plurality of nodes, and suppoet frame FIG, 19 sa perspective view ofthe load bearing surface of PIG, 18 attached to the support frame. FIG. 20s close-up view ofa snap for attaching the load bearing surface of FIG. 18 to a support frame. FIG. 21 isa plot of various stress-strain curves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS, A load bearing surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown ia FIG. 1. The load hearing surface 1 shown in FG. 1isamolded membrane that may be suspended froma suppor structure, such as achairsea frame 100 (shown in FIGS, 18 and 19). The load bearing surface 10 includes support characteristics that difer in different dree- ‘ions. For example, the load bearing surface may provide significant elastic suppor in the x direction while providing relatively litle support in they direction. This “decoupling” fof the suppor ehtracterisics of the load bearing surf provides a high degree of comfort. By way of diselosure, the present invention is described in connection with various fltemative embodiments intended primarily for tse in seating applications. The present invention isnot, however, limited 10 ‘sein seating applications, but may also be incorporated into bother load bearing applications. The support characersties of the molded membrane are highly adjustable, thereby permi ting the load bearing sufice 10 to be tailored (0 support a variety of loads ina variety of different applications. ‘Tn the embodiment of FIG. 1, the load bearing surface 10 ‘includes 1 molded elastomeric membrane 12. In the il trated embodiment, the membrane 12 is molded from a ther ‘moplastic polyether ester elastomer block copolymer. Sti able materials ofthis type inelude that available from DuPosUS 9,215,933 B2 5 under the Hytrel® tcademark, snd that available from DSM under the Amitel® trademaek, A vasiety of alternative elas- tomers may be suitable for use in the present iventon, The thickness of the molded membrane 12 will vary foi appli ‘ati to application depending primarily on the anticipated load and the desired stifines ofthe surface, but the support Portion ofthe membrane may have an average thickness prior to any desired orienting of approximately 20-40 mil in stan- ‘dard seating applications. In one embecliment, the molded membrane 12 is oriented Jin one direction (ie the x direction) to provide ereep resis: tance and elasticity in the direction of orientation. The mem- brane 12 is oriented by increasing the alignment ofthe erys- talline structure ofthe elastomeric membrane ona molecular level so that its support and ther load besrng characteristics ae altered, More particulary, a molded, un-oriented easto- mere membrane is typically comprised of a plurality of spherulites, which are created during the gowih ofthe poly- mer by the formation of erystalline lamellae in elical strands ‘radiating from a nucleation point. In an oriented membrane, atleast some ofthe spherulites are destroyed andthe crystal line lamellae are aligned inonediretion. Typically, tbe mem- brane will be oriented 10 such degree that the oriented ‘membrane 12has materially different oad bearing character- istics inthe oriented direction that ia other directions ‘One method for orienting the membrane 12 is through strecching, The amount of stretch required (0 obtain the desired alignment wil vary from application to application, but in most applications the desired degree of alignment will ‘occur lien the membrane is stretch! to roughly two times it original dimension. In one embodiment, the membrane is stretched beyond its clastic limit to a distance between approximately’ 3 to 8 times its original dimeasion, using approximately 1830 Ibs. of fore. Because the membrane is sireched beyond its elastic Himit, it recovers to an intermedi- dimension that is deformed from is original length, This ‘deformation is non-rocoverabl, permanent deformation, AS ‘result of this orientation and nof-recoverable deformation, a degree of permanent deformation is removed from the ori ‘ented membre sich that when subsequent stress on the ‘oriented membrane within the desired normal operating load fare applied (For example ia the range of approximately 100- 300 Ibs, fora seating application), the membrane resists per- ‘maneat deformation ver Ge (i. creep) ‘Although the membrane may be oriented by steteing using variety of methods and under a variety of conditions, ‘2 number of parameters may’ be eontolled to provide the membrane witha desired amount of orientation, Forinstance, ‘none embodiment, the molded membrane is stretched within short time, such as 10-15 minutes, after tis removed rom the mold, so that the membrane is still warm when itis sreiched, This reduces the Force that is novessary to strech and therefore orient the membrane. In another embodiment, themembraneisstretched toa rate oF about | inch pe second, tun it has reached the desired deformation. slow, con- trolled strch aids in maintaining a uniform orientation across the membrane. In another embodiment, a cyclic ori- ‘entation may be peeformed, wherein the membrane is oft ‘ented by stretching it to a frst distance, then relaxed to 3 second, intermediate distance, and then stretched to second distance greater than the ist. The sequence may be repeated as many timesas necessary o achieve the desired orientation, Inone specific embodiment, the membrane is stretched to 2 times is original length, relaxed t0 1.5 times the orginal length then stretched to 3 times the original length A eyelic ‘orientation process helps compensate for any imeyularites 0 o 6 \ithin the membrane material to provide a uniform stretch because areas of preter or lesser strech will even out afer multiple eyeles Tn alton to reducing erp, the stretching of a molded membrane may be utilized to contr the stifinessof the load bearing surface, and, ultimately, the comfort level of the surface. First, as noted above, orienting @ membrane in one Girection provides an increase in elasticity in the material in ‘that direction, and therefore aifects the comfort of the mate- ‘ial in locations of orientation Second, as noted above, in use, the moked membrane may be suspended fom a chair seat ‘ame. Typically the membranes supported in tension onthe frame with a desired amount of pre-load. Variations in the pre-load change te stiffness ofthe membrane, and therefore affect the comfort level ofthe load bearing surface. In one embodiment, where the size of the frame and the original ‘membrane size are held constant, the stifiness characteristics of the material can be altered by changing the amount of permanent deformation given to the membrane before it is ‘attached to the frame, A greater amouat of stretch during ‘orientation provides a looser, les stiff load bearing surface ‘when the membrane is mounted to the support Fame, “Although the clastomerie membrane 12 may be oriented by stretching the membrane, it may be possible in some appl cation to orient the membrane [2 using other processes. For example, it may be possible to orient certain materials by Fhammering. oF other forms of compression, rather than strviching the membrane 12. It should be noted that many elastomeric materials, inclading molded Hytel®, have ‘essentially n elasticity and are susceptible to ahigh degeeeot ‘creep when ina molded form. Asnoted above, the orientation process ofthe present invention causesa significant change in the properties ofthe elastomeric material Por example, or entation of the membrane 12 increases the elasticity of the ‘material and decreases its inherent susceptibility to creep. ‘The elasiomeric membrane 12 of FIG. 1 also includes a plurality of undulations 14 that provide “slack inthe diee- ‘ion perpendicular to the direction of orientation (i. the ¥ rection), Whea a load is applied tothe membrane 12, the ‘undulations 14 can undergo a “fattening” tht permits the ‘membrane 1240 expand inthe direction, The undalations 14 and other mechanical decoupling structures are desribed in sore detail below. “The membrane 12 of FIG. 1 also includes an integral edge 16 hat may be mounted dreely tothe desired support struc- ture (not showin, such as the seat frame of a chair. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 16 extends around the periphery ofthe membrane 12 nds significantly thickerthan the remainder ofthe membrane 12, The edge 16 may include {integral snap oF other attachment Features for example as illustated in FIG. 18, that foclitate attachment of the mem- brane 12 to the support structure. Aliematively, the edge 16 say be altached using fasteners (not shown), seh a screws or hols, The edge 16 does not necessarily extend entirely ‘round the membrane 12, but may instead include one or ‘more segments located at different locations around. the periphery. Altematively, an edge segment may be located in ‘each comer of a rectangular membrane (not shown). The edie 16 is also not necessarily located on the periphery of the ‘membrane 12. In some applications, it may be desirable to hhaveone or more edge segments located within the interior the membrane 12. For example, in an elongated surface, an ‘edge segment may be included in the eeatral interior of the ‘membrane t0 provide a central mounting location (not shown). Three altemative edge constrictions are shown in TIGS. 8A-C. FIG. A shows an edge 16 having holes 17 to {acilitate attachment ofthe edge 16 toa suppor struture (notUS 9,215,933 B2 1 “orexample fasteners (not shown) may pas through the holes 17. Altemtively the holes 17 may be fited over attachment structure on the support stricture (not shown), such as post, FIO. 8B shows an elge 16° that is substantially lar in eross section. FIG. 8C shows an edge 16" that is ly square in cross section ‘A ariationon the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A is shown in FIGS. 18-20. In this embodiment, the edge 160 of the rmemibeane 320 includes a series of receptacle holes 170. As shovn, the receptacle holes 170 are evealy spaced in sows along the integral peripheral edge 160, The receptacte holes, 170 re shaped and spaced to align with coresponding soaps 104 extending from the seat frame 100 la this embodiment, the membranes easily attached tothe frame 100 by inserting cach ofthe snaps 104 into a corresponding roceptale hole 102. Asshown in FIG. 20, he snaps 104 include an outer edge 106 that may be tapered The tapered shape helps to locate the membrane on the frame, and to pull any slack out of the membrane in the x and y directions as tbe membrane is attached (0 the frame. The side edges 108 and 114 may be Tapered more than the remaining edges in order to pull the ‘membrane tight in the y direction. In one embodiment, the ‘edge 160 is not oriented and i at leat thee times as thick as the oriented section in onder fo prevent ereep in the integral ‘edge, The integral ee 160 may’ be used Tor auliple ur poses in the manufacturing process. For instance, the edge 160 or 16 shown inthe previous embostiments) maybe used 8a grip surface fora st of clamps (not shown) wsed to orient the membrane by stretching. The added thickness ofthe edge 160 makes ths possible, because it provides a rigid surlace {or contacting the clamps that will not stretch with the rest of the membrane. After the membrane is ariented, the same cge may thenbe used to mous themiembrae tothe support ame using one ofthe multiple techniques noted above S noted above, the elastomeric membrane 12 is molded using conventional techniques and apparatus. Por example, the elastomeric membrane 12 may be injection molded using ‘conventional injection molding apparsts (act shown) fay= ing a die that is configured to provide a membrane with the desired shape and fetures. In this embodiment, the clasto= meric membrane 12 is manufactured by injecting the desired ‘material ino the die cavity. The die is designed to provide & molded blank (See FIG. 3A) that will ake on the desired shape once any desired orientation have taken place. Por ‘example, the dies are configured to form a part that will have the desired shape and dimensions after the orientation step is ‘complete. After molded, the molded membrane may be Srschd or otherwise oriented in one direction (See FIG. 3B). Iforintaton is achieved through stretching, the precise ‘amount of stretch to be applicd to 2 given membrane will ‘depend on the configuration ofthe membrane andthe desired support characteristics. In many applications, twill be ne: ‘essry 10 stretch the membrane to atleast twice, and prefer ‘bly thrve times, is original length to achieve the desired jgnment. The membrane may be stretched sing conven= tional techniques and apparatus. In one embodiment, a set of ‘lamps (not shown) may be configured to elamp onto the ‘integral edge of the membrane drag sretching, As a result ‘ofthe plastic deformation, and the increase in alignment of the exystaline structure, the membrane 12 will not fully return to its original length after being released from the stretching equipment, Rather, the oriented membrane 12 will be elongated a certain portion ofthe stretched distance, with the precise amount of elongation being dependent in lane parton the material characterises ofthe membrane material (See FIG. 30), Once any desired orientation has taken place, 0 o 8 the membrane 12 can be mounted directly to the support structure using essentially any mounting technique. ‘An plot showing an example of the changes in material properties ofa particular molded membrane is shown in FIG. 21, which inclodes three different stess-strain curves. The ccuives show engineering stress-strain (je. no accommoda- ‘ion fr changes in surface area during deformation). Line A shows the stretching ofan original, un-oriented, membrane to failure at 005 inches of stretch per second, The failure ‘occurred at spproximtely 2250 Ibs. al which point the mate- rial was stretched to about 825% of ts original length, Line B shows the orientation ofthe same type of material by steich- ‘ng the material to about 650% of is orginal length, This orientation includes one eyele, where the material was relaxed after stretching the membrane to 100% ofits original Jength, before continuing the orientation process. In thisease the material recovers oa final length that is over 35 times its original length. This shows the plastic deformation of the ‘material after orientation. Line C shows the sietching to ‘hilure ofthe oriented material, The material fails at appeoxi- ‘mately 2400 Ths. of foree. As enn be seen by comparing the clastic regions of lines A and C respectively, the oriented ‘membrane shown in line Chas a lower modula of elasticity, stich tha it is more elastic than the original material and ‘capable of completely recovering to its oriented Jeng ater receiving normal operating loads (Tor example, about 180 Ibs.) Tnone embodiment, a membrane tat has been oriented by stretching ean be attached to @ support frame manually without the use of stretching equipment—before the strctched material has completely recovered to its final size This attachment must take place witina relatively shor time after the membrane hasheea sretcbedso that litle or no load js required to atach the membrane, for example, by inserting the attachment means, for example, soaps 104 into Une recep- ‘aeleholes 102, Themembeanethen continves to recover ater js it attached othe fame, such that after its reaches its final ‘ize the membrane i stretched i tension on the frame. Inone embodiment, the final recovered size of a membrane after ‘orientation may be predetermined, such as by experimenta- tion or calculation, such that the membrane can be placed on the frame with zero of no load, andl then recover ta final size ‘with a desired amount of preJoad. In one embodiment the ‘desired amount of pre-load is between 75 and 250 Ths the siembrane is alacaed before full ecover itis desirable to allow ito recover fora period of time prior to its final use. As an altemative to stretching, the membrane 12 may be ‘oriented by compression, Inone embodiment for orienting by compression, the membrane 12 is placed in a die or other structure (noi showén) that constrains the membrane 12 on ll ides other than at least one side that comresponds with the esired direction oF orientation. Opposed sides may be ‘uncoastraned to permit the material oT the membrane 12 to flow from both sides along the direction of orientation. Aker natively, only a single side may be unconstrained, thereby Jiming material flow to asingle side. compressive force is then appiedto the membrane 12 For example, a press can be sed to compress the membrane 12 within the die. Sufficient compressive fore is applied so that the material begins 10 ‘low in the unconstrained direction. his in effet eauses the ‘membrane 12 to extendand its crystalline structure to become ‘increasingly aligned in the direction of orientation. The mount of force applied to the membrane 12 may vary from pplication depending on the desired degre of alignment or ‘orientation. Although deseribed in connection with orient tion ofthe entire elastomeric membrane 12, in some aplica- tion itis not necessary (0 orient the entire membrane 12.US 9,215,933 B2 9 Rather, i some applications, it may be desirable w orient ‘only selet portions of the membrane. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to orient only select periph ‘eral portions ofthe membrane. When desirable, this may be achieved by applying localized stretching or localized com- pression of the membrane. In other applications, selected Portions ofthe membrane may havea reduced thickness, seh that primarily these selected portions wil stretch and become ‘oriented during the orientation proces, The use of a molded membrane in the present invento provides the ability to easily crete textures on the membrane, provide the membrane with essentially say desied contour fn vary the thickness of the membrane in different locations. Although not shown, the upper surfaceo the membrane may bbe smooth or may he textured to provide the appearance of leather, fabri or other desited textures. Similarly the upper surface ofthe membrane may be provided with essentially ‘any conceivable design elements (not shawn), soch as tiny bumps, comugations, perforations or a spider web pater. ‘The use of contours and varying thicknesses aeross the mem brane 12 permits localized contol over the support char: teristics ofthe membrane 12. For example, the membrane 12 may he thicker ia regions where inereased support is desired. ‘vious altemative embodiments of the present invention > willbe described in the fallowing paragraphs. Ineach ofthese alternative embodiments, the elastomeric membrane may be ‘oriented in one digcction to reduce ereep and provide the ‘membrane with desired level of elasticity inthe direction of ‘orientation It is not, however, necessary to orient the mem= brane in all applications. Rather. in applications where the ‘elasticity and ereep resistance provided by orientation ate not rocessary (oF not desirable), variation in the support charac- teristics of the membrane in differen directions may be achieved solely by variations in the structure of the mem- brane “Analternative embodiment is shown in FIG. SA-B. In this ‘embovdiment, the membrane 12 defines a plurality of slits oF spertures that decouple the stiffness ofthe membrane in the x ‘andy directions. More specifically, the membrane 12'defines 1 plurality of spertares 26° that permit a specific amount of ‘extension ofthe membrane inthe desired direction (ie. the y sirccton) withou significant stretching ofthe membrane 12. ‘The aperture 26 may be elongated as shown in FIG. 8A. AS show, the apertures 26 my be staggered across the surface ‘ofthe membrane 12 with the precise shape, number, location ‘and size ofthe apertures 26' being dictated primarily by the desired suppor characteristics, As shown in FIG. SB, the ‘membrane 12' may be molded with a bead 27 around each aperture 26° to reduce the possibility of tearing. As noted above, the membrane 12'may be oriented inthe x direction as ‘described above in connection with membrane 12 ‘A second alternative embodiment is shown ia FIGS, 68-B, In this embodiment, the membrane 12” includes undulating ‘variations 26" that decouplethe sffiaess ofthe membrane 12" by providing “slack” in one direction (e.g. they direction). As shown in FIG. 6B, the undulating variations 26" may be sinusoidal when viewed in eross-section. Altemnatvely, the undulating variations 26" may resemble an accordion or pleated configuration when view in cross-section. The undu- Jations may follow essentially any contour thst varies in he z direction. In this embodiment, the undolations 26" are arranged parallel to one anather, Asa result, the undulations 26" cooperate to provide slack in essentially one direction. The undulations 26" may, however, be in a non-parallel srrangement when appropriate to provide the desired support ‘characteristics, The amber, size, shape and location ofthe o 10 ‘undulations 26" can be tuned (© provide control over the support characteristics ofthe membrane 12" ‘A third slteative embodiment is shown in FIG. 7A-B, Ia this embodiment, the membrane 10" includes a plurality of ribs 26" extending at least partially across the membrane 12° In one embodiment, the membrane 12" inchides a p= salty of parallel ribs 26". The ribs 26” provide the membrane 12 with additional material that reduces the force required stretch the membrane 12" in the direction perpendicular to the ribs 26" (i, the y direction), while at the same time Dhavng litle effect on the force required to stretch the mem- brane 12” ia the direction parallel to the ribs Ge. the x ireetion), The mmber, size, shape and location ofthe eibs 26” can be tuned to provide Control over the suppor charue- teristics of the membrane 12” The load benring surface may optionally be divided into a plurality of nodes. The molded elastomeric membrane 112 Showa in FIGS, 2-2 includes a plurlity nodes 118 inter ‘connected by a plurality of connector sepments 120, 122. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2B, the nodes 118 and connector Segments 120, 122 are integrally formed asa single molded part. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2B, the membrane 112 Jncludesa plarlity of substantially square, equal -sized, ro larly-spaced aedes 118, The nodes 118 nocd no, however be of eaval-sige or be rogulrly spoced. Rather, the nodes 118 nay vary in size, shape, spacing or other eharactersties dierent regions of the membrane 112 to provide localiza’ control over the suppor luarseeristes of the membrane 112 in the different regions. Although the nodes 118 of this «embodiment are substantially sqvar, they may vary in shape {rom application to application. For example, irc, triah- gular, rectangular or regular shaped nodes may be desired in ‘certain applications, The illstated andes I1¥ havea gener ally planar upper sive 124, but the upper surface 124 may be contoured. Forexample, the odes 118 may have a convex ‘upper surface (not shown). It should also be recognized that the spaces 126 defined between the nodes 118 and the con- rector segments 120, 122 provide a ventilated membrane 112. The size, shape and configuration af the spaces 126 can be ailored to provide the desired balance between ventilation And support characteristics. "As noted above, the nodes 118 are interconnected by 2 plurality of comector segments 120, 122 See FIG. 2B). The support charavieristis ofthe membrane 112 are aifected by the number, siz, shape and other charaeteristies ofthe eon- ‘nector segments 120, 122 Inthis embodiment, the membrane 110 is configured to provide elastic support along one direc- ‘ion, Accordingly, the connector seaments 120 joining the odes 118 in the oriented diretion x are substantially plane, ‘As a result, the elastomeric membrane 112 undergoes. @ stretching action in the direction of orientation when a load is Applied. in thisembodiment, the membrane 112 isconfigured to have minimal elastic response in the y direction Ge. the Girection perpendicular to the oriented direction). Accor ingly, the connector sepments 122 joining the noes 118 inthe y direction are generally non-planar following @ somewhat ‘Usshapesl are. Asa result, the connector segments 122 pro- vide the membrane with “slack” in the direction poependicn- Jarto the oriented direction, Under load, the nonplanar con- nectors 122 undergo a bending action that essentially ts the jsonnectors taking the “slack” out of de membrane 112. This permits the membrane 112 to undergo a certain amount of ‘expansion in the direction ofthe slack without stretching of the membrane 112. The amount of load required to achieve ‘his expansion can be built into the membrane 112 by tuaing the design and configuration ofthe connector segments 120 122. Although the previse fore neuired to aehieve the bend-US 9,215,933 B2 ul Jing action will vary, the bending action generally provides Sanificanlly less resistance the expansion othe membrane Zand les elastic retuen than would normally result from & stretching action. As a result, the membrane 112 provides ‘elastic support primarily in the direction of orientation. In addition, in an embodiment where a membrane is both oriented and includes mechanical decoupling structure, the ‘mechanical decoupling structure, sch asthe nodes 118, can also he used to affect and control the locations of orientation ‘of the membrane. For instance, ia the membrane shown ia FIGS. 24 and 2B, the comector segments 120 extending in the direction of orientation havea exluced thickness than the nodes 118 and the remsinder of the membrane, AS a result when the membrane 110 is oriented by stretching the mem brane in the x-irection the stretching and orientation occurs primarily within the connecting segments 120. Inthe ilus- teated embodiment, these sections of reduced eross section ‘extend in uniform rows inthe y-direction, such that they ean Streich uniformly wen pulled in the x-direction. The nodes {18 remain substantially un-orieated. This allows substantial ‘contol aver the locations of orientation, and the stiffness of the load bearing surface. In another aspect, the present invention provides a mul layer lod bearing surface 200. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. ‘9-11, the load hearing surface 200 includes an upper layer 204 having a plurality of loosely connected nodes 208, 2 lower Jayer 206 that interfaces with nd supports the upper layer 204 ‘and aplurality of spring elements 230 interposed between the ‘upper layer 204 and the lower layer 206 In one embodiment, the upper layer 204 includes a plurality of interconnected odes 208. The upper layer 204 may bea single molded shoot ormed with integral connector sezments 212 that interoon- rect adjacent nodes 208. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 the nodes 208 are square. But, the nodes 208 may be of other shapes. For example. in te ltemative embodiment of FIGS. 16-17, the nodes 208 ar triangular. The eharacteristes of the ‘connector segments 212 are selected to provide the desired Jevel of interdependonce berween adjacent nodes 208. For ‘example, relatively shor, thick connector segments 212 may be incl when ahigh degree of interdependence is desired between the nodes 208 and longer or thinner connector seg- ments 212 may be included when a high degree of indepen- dence is desired I desired, the connector segments 212 can, be curved to the provide “slack” between the nodes 208, similar to the connector segments 122 designed above ia ‘connection with membrane 10. Intheithstated embodiment, the upper layer 204 firher inches a axel 216 (or ther protrusion) extending from each node 208 towand the lower layer 206, As described in more detail low, the axels 216 are efit with corresponding openings 218 inthe lower layer 206, The inert relationship permits the lower layer 20610 shepherd movement of the upper layer 204, The axels 216 may hve various shapes. But, in the embodiment of FIGS. ‘9-11 ,cach axel 216 includes an elongated eylindrcal shal In the alternative embodimeat, shown ia FIGS, 16 and 17, each axel 216 generally includes shaft 220 terminating head 222. The head 222'isan inverted cone having a tapered lesser ‘end 224 that facilitates insertion of the axel 216" into the ‘corresponding opening in the lower ayer and a substatilly| fat upper end 226 tat resists removal ofthe axel 216" from the opening in the lower layer. The axel head 222' permits the upper layer 204° and the lower layer to be easily snap-fitted Jo an intertocking relationship, The head 222" may alterna- tively inchude other interlocking shapes. “The lower layer 206 provides a support stricture forthe upper layer 204, The lower layer 206 is optionally elastic and js optionally sepreyated into nodes 240 corresponding with 0 o 12 the upper layer nodes 208. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the lower layer 206 isa decoupled, molded elastic membrane similar w membrane 112 described above, The lower layer 206 inchides plurality of square nodes 240 that are inter connected by connector segments 242, 244, As with mem- brane 112, the lower layer 206 is arent in the x direction and includes non-planar connector segments 224 that provide slackin they direction. Unlike membrane 112, hvwever each ‘node 240 defines an opening 218 adapted 1 receive the axel 216 of the corresponding upper layer node 208. The configuration of the nodes 240 and connector sex ments 242, 244 may vary from application to application. A fist allemative lower layer 2064s shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the lower layer 206’ is oriented in the x drwe- tion. The lower layer 206’ includes square nodes 240 that are werconnected by connector segments 242', 244. The con- ector seyments 24?’ link the nodes 240 inthe x direction and are essentially planar to provide no slack in the oriented rection. The connector seyments 244’ Tink the nodes 240 in the y direction and are arcuate to provide slack ia the y direction. second altemative lower layer 206" is shown in IG, 13. This embodiment is essentially identical to lower layer 206, except that the nodes 240" are generally circular As with lower layer 206. the connector segments 242". 244" ‘of lower layer 206" may provide slack in the y direction, if Sesired. Although the lower layer is deseribed in connection ‘with various oriented constructions, itis not novessary forthe lower layer to be oriented or otherwise decoupled, Similarly, the lower layer 206 need not he segregated into distinct nodes. "As noted above, spring elements are interposed between, the upper layer 204 and the lower layer 206, Preferably (but ot necessarily), spring clement 250 is disposed between ‘ach upper layer node 208 and the corresponding lower layer node 240. As showa in FIGS. 9-11, spring elements, such as 4 coil spring, may be filed over each axel 216 disposed between the upper layer 204 and lower layer 206. The ehar- acteristics ofthe separate springs may vary from location to locaton o provide different suppor characteristics in differ cnt portions of the lod bearing surface The spring elements may altematvely be integrated into the lower layers show in FIG. 14, the lower layer 306 may ‘include a plurality of integral spring arms 350 tha ae ine- rally molded with the lower layer 306. The spring. sems 380 fare arranged so that a single spring arm 380 is uniquely ‘aligned with each of the upper layer nodes 208. The spring ‘amis 380 are cantilevered and are generally arcuate extending Tom the lower layer 306 toward the upper layer 204. The ‘upper end 382 ofeach spring arm 350 incantiguzed ioengage the undersurface of the eomesponding upper layer node 208. Each spring arm 350 defines an axel opening 318 configured toreceive theaxel 216 of the corresponding upper layer node 208. In thisembodiment, theaxel opening 318 is smaller than the head ofthe axel so that the axel snap-fit into the spring fam 350, The arcuate spring ams 380 can be replaced by ‘other cantilevered or othervise resilient structures, sch as arches or domes. Analtemative intepral spring constriction is shown in FIG, 15. Inthis embodiment, the spring elements 450 each include tegral gimbal 460 that feciltaes movement ofthe axel 216 in essentially any direction, thereby giving the upper Jayer 204 more flexibility. The spring element 480 includes a cantilevered arm 482 extending from the lower layer 406 ‘owand the upper layer 204, The spring arm 450 terminates in fn integral gimbal 460. The gimbal 460 generally includes a pivot ring 462 and a mounting ring 464. The pivot ring 462 is onnected othe reminder ofthe spring arm 450 by a pair exible bridges 466. The bridges 466 are diamettcallyUS 9,215,933 B2 13 ‘oppose fo one another on opposite sides ofthe pivot ring 1462, The pivot ring 462 isin tum connected to the mounting ring 464 by apairof exible bridges 468, The mounting head bridges 468 are diametrically opposed to one anther on ‘opposite sides of the mounting ring 464 and are offsets approximately ninety degrees fom the pivot ring bridges 466. Inuse, the pivot rng bridges 466 anc mounting ring brides 468 are sulicienly flexible to permit the mounting ring 464 to pivot in essentially any direction as may be dictated by the load transferred by the axel 216. The characteristics of the imal 460 can be tuned to provide the desired support char- Inyet another aitemative embodiment, the spring elements ‘may be incorporated into the upper layer rater than the lower Jayer. In this embodiment, the spring element may be essen- tally identical to the spring elements described above. The lower layer can be realy configured to provide local~ ized control over the support characteristics of the load bear- ing surface. If desired, the characteristics of the spring ele- ‘ments may be varie in diferent regions ofthe lower layer to. 20 provide corresponding variations inthe support charateris- tics in the different regions. For example, the stiffness of sclct spring clements may he increased or decreased to pro- vide greater or lesser support, as desired. The shape, thick- ness, length or other characteristics ofthe spring elements may be varied to provide the desired localized contro. ‘The above description is that of various embadiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes ean be mae ithout departing from the spirit and roader aspects ofthe wention as defined in the appended claims, which are to Jnterpeeted in accordance withthe principles of patent law Including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim ‘lesions in the singular, for example, using the articles “a.” “au,” “the” of “Said” isnot to be consteed ali ‘element to the singular. ‘The embodiments ofthe invention ia which an exclusive property o privieye is claimed are defined as follows: 1A load beuringsurlace comprising: 4 support stroctire having a plurality of protrusions, each protnssion having an otter eg, at least portion of said ‘outer edge being tapered and including first and second ‘idewalls facing in fist dincction, sa outer edge fre ther including third and fourth sidewalls in a second direction, aid first and second sidewalls having greater degree of taper than said third and fourth sidewalls: 14 ‘4 molded elastomeric membrane, at least a portion of said membrane being oriented, in tension, to have a erystal- Hine stricture with a preter alignment in the second cliecton than in the fist direction, said membrane ‘old to include mechanical strcture decoupling said membrane between Said fist direction and said second slrection: and ‘anattachment region configured to suppor ssid membrane in tension on said support stricture, said attachment ‘region including an integral edge molded into said mem- Iran, sid integral edge defining a plurality of rep- tacles, wherein sad protrusions are inserted into a cor responding one of said receptacles, and ‘wherein the mechanical stature i one or more of one or ‘more apertures, undulations, nodes, slack regions and ribs in the membrane, and ‘wherein portions of said membrane have a greater depree ‘of orientation than other portions of said membrane, sid portions of greater orientation having a greater degree of ‘lastiity than said other portions. 2. A Toad bearing surface comprising: A support structure; ‘4 molded elastomeric membrane, atleast a portion of said membrane being oriented, in tension, to have a erystal- Tine statctre with grater alignaent in a fist direction than in @ second direction, said membrane molded t0 include mechanical structure decoupling said-mem- brane hetween said first direction and said second direc tion: and scans for attaching seid support stractre and said miem= brane, said membrane being supported in tension on said suppor stractre, ‘wherein the mechanical steucure is one or more of one or ‘more apertures, undulations, nodes, slack regions and ribs inthe membrane, ‘whersin portions of said membrane have a greater degree ‘of orientation than other portions of sa membrane, said portions of greater orientation having a greater degree of ‘lasticity than said other portions, and ‘wherein ssid nodes are interconnected by connector seg ments, said connector segments having a prester dewree ‘of orientation than said nodes. 3. The lead bearing surfiee of claim 2 wherein said nodes are arranged in a mali.