Abstract: A bladder for containing a cushioning medium. The bladder includes open compartments which are created by welding or otherwise fastening a first bladder wall against a second bladder wall. The periphery of the bladder walls are welded or otherwise sealed together so that the bladder will contain a cushioning medium without leaking. The bladder is partially filled with cushioning medium so that it will be able to conform to the shape of a cushioned object and create a desired hammocking effect. The bladder is otherwise permanently attached to a base that is smaller than the bladder in at least one direction, resulting in a bladder which has loose skin and which has numerous random folds and creases on its skin. The base is a substantially non-stretchable fabric or other attachable non-stretch material. The cushioning medium is preferred to be lightly lubricated microspheres.

Abstract: An angle sensor for measuring an angle .theta. between two rigid bodies rotatably joined at a joint. The angle sensor includes an indicator disk, an anchor strap and a reading means for reading the indicator disk. Our invention also includes forward and backward motion steering control systems which can employ the angle sensor as a hitch angle sensor to measure the hitch angle between a tow vehicle and a trailer.