U.S. patent application number 10/316715 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-11 for body protective device.
Invention is credited to Foreman, Louis J., LaShoto, Henry G..
Application Number | 20030167548 10/316715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281697 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030167548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaShoto, Henry G. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2003 |
Body protective device
Abstract
A body protective device for protection of the shin, calf and
Achilles regions from impact injuries, especially relating to
sports activities, is provided by a composite protector having a
fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft
elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively
provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for
protecting the shin, calf and other proximal body parts from
injuries related to impact during sports or athletic
activities.
Inventors: |
LaShoto, Henry G.; (Waltham,
MA) ; Foreman, Louis J.; (Huntersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JINAN GLASGOW
P O BOX 28539
RALEIGH
NC
276118539
|
Family ID: |
46281697 |
Appl. No.: |
10/316715 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10316715 |
Dec 11, 2002 |
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10095234 |
Mar 11, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0537 20130101;
A63B 71/1225 20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101; A41D 13/015 20130101;
A41D 13/0556 20130101; A41D 13/0575 20130101; A63B 2071/1266
20130101; A41D 13/0562 20130101; A41D 31/28 20190201; A63B 2209/10
20130101; A63B 2071/1283 20130101; A63B 2071/1258 20130101; A41D
13/0581 20130101; A41D 13/0506 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/22 |
International
Class: |
A41D 013/06; A41D
013/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A protective device for providing protection from injuries to
the shin, calf and Achilles regions of a user comprising: a
substantially flexible outer garment further including protective
elements that are provided in predetermined locations within the
outer garment to provide impact-resistance from objects, thereby
providing protection of the shin, calf and Achilles regions and
other body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or
athletic activities.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the protective elements
are soft elements and rigid elements.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
selectively removable.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
fixedly attached to the outer garment.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
secured in pockets in the outer garment.
6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the rigid elements are
formed of three-dimensional engineered materials.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the three-dimensional
engineered materials are 3D woven fabrics.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the 3D woven fabrics
are further treated with a resinous substance to create rigid
composite elements.
10. The device according to claim 2, wherein the soft elements are
formed of foam-like material.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the foam-like
material is a foam, selected from the group consisting of molded
dual density foam, polyurethane, neoprene, and EVA foams.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
preformed to a similar shape as the body parts for which they
provide protection.
13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
substantially matching to the body parts for which they provide
protection.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
custom-fit to the individual who will be wearing the device.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elements are
custom-molded to the user's anatomy.
16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the substantially
flexible outer garment is attachable to/covering the shin, calf and
Achilles regions of the user.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the outer garment is
attachable to equipment proximal to the shin, calf and Achilles
regions.
18. The device according to claim above, wherein the device is
attachable to the shin guard.
19. The device according to claim 1, further including at least one
protective element in the foot instep region for providing
protection to the instep region.
20. The device according to claim 1, further including at least one
protective element in the toe region for providing protection to
the toes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This nonprovisional utility patent application claims the
benefit of one or more prior filed copending nonprovisional
applications; a reference to each such prior application is
identified as the relationship of the applications and application
number (series code/serial number): The present application is a
Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 10/095,234, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to protective body
wear and, more particularly, to a body protective device for
protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to
sports and playground activities.
[0004] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Typically, it is known to provide protective equipment for
players in sports activities, especially where the sport involved
high impact or the risk of injury from projectiles or bodily
contact. However, prior art protective devices to prevent injury to
the calf region are not known.
[0006] Prior art protective equipment commonly employs a hard shell
that is strapped to the body, e.g., soccer shin guards, helmets,
and the like, or a soft, padded covering that is worn as a garment
over clothing, e.g., baseball catcher's padded vests, knee and
elbow pads for volleyball and basketball, and the like. However,
the protective equipment of prior art does not provide adequate
protection to the calf and Achilles region from strikes by cleated
shoes or skates.
[0007] Data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the
National Injury Information Clearinghouse from 1998 reported that
injuries requiring hospital emergency room visits from baseball
included estimated totals of more than 4,200 upper trunk injuries,
4,600 lower trunk injuries, 1,300 neck injuries, 8,200 mouth
injuries, 8,200 shoulder injuries, 17,900 head injuries, 42,000
face injuries, and 2,600 eye injuries; similarly, from the same
report for 2000, there were reported more than a total of 182,000
injuries, including 5,100 upper trunk injuries, 5,200 lower trunk
injuries, 8,800 shoulder injuries, 18,100 head injuries, 39,000
face injuries, and 3,400 eye injuries. Furthermore, in 2000,
basketball injuries totaled more than 600,000; boxing, more than
13,000; football, nearly 400,000, hockey, ice hockey, street hockey
and field hockey, more than 69,400; soccer, more than 185,000;
lacrosse, more than 7,400; sledding, more than 38,000; and gas, air
or spring-operated guns, as in paint ball, more than 17,000.
Overall, sporting-related injuries that required hospital emergency
room visits were estimated to be more than 3.4 million in 2000,
according to these statistics. These figures do not include visits
to private physicians or other medical care providers.
[0008] By way of example, applicant's son, James Patrick LaShoto,
was struck by a foul ball in the on-deck circle during a little
league baseball game for 8-10 year olds in Waltham, Mass. in May
2001, which resulted in a 5-inch diameter bruise on his stomach for
more than one month. He had little time, if any, to react in order
to move out of the way or protect himself from being hit. Also, he
was playing second base in baseball in June 2001 when he was struck
by a baseball in the face, in particular the eye region.
Fortunately, he was wearing virtually shatterproof polycarbonate
sunglasses for protection, which likely prevented a permanent
injury or blindness in his right eye. Thus, by way of real-life
case-in-point, the use of protective devices for sports
participants, especially for children, is valuable.
[0009] The shin, calf and Achilles regions of hockey, football,
soccer players and other contact field sports are exposed.
Frequently during play, players receive accidental foot strikes to
the calf region from other players. If the striking player is
wearing cleated shoes, roller skates, ice skates, or similar foot
apparel, the force of the strike may be focused onto a small area,
as opposed to flat-soled shoes, where the force of the strike is
spread over a larger area. Alternatively, the player may be struck
with the edge of the shoe. Such strikes can cause a variety of
problems, including soft tissue, bone, ligament, and tendon
injuries.
[0010] Soft tissue injuries are likely to result in hematomas,
which are painful and can cause a player to be sidelined. Moreover,
blood clots formed in the hematoma can break off and travel to
other parts of the body, eventually coming to the lungs and causing
pulmonary infarcts. In this manner, the clot blocks the flow of
blood in that area.
[0011] Soft tissue injuries may also progress to ossification,
resulting in impaired function. Ossification of muscle tissue,
known as posttraumatic myositis ossificans, is a condition
characterized by heterotopic bone formation in the soft tissues
following trauma. The process occurs most often in muscle, but may
also occur in ligaments, tendons, fascia, and joint capsules.
[0012] Bone trauma can result in a variety of
sequelae--osteomyelitis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome,
osteonecrosis, osteoarthritis, intraosseous fracture (bone bruise),
fracture and cancer.
[0013] Fractures are breaks in the bone or cartilage. Fracture
complications can be immediate, intermediate, and delayed.
Immediate complications include arterial injury, compartment
syndrome, gas gangrene, fat embolism syndrome, and thromboembolism.
Intermediate complications include osteomyelitis, reflex
sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, posttraumatic osteolysis, myositis
ossificans, and synostosis. Delayed complications include
osteonecrosis, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, aneurysmal
bone cyst, nonunion, and malunion.
[0014] Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis is a focal
bone infarction, which may be secondary to trauma. The most common
sites of posttraumatic avascular necrosis are the femoral and
humeral heads and the body of the talus.
[0015] Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is
an arthropathy with altered hyaline cartilage and characterized by
loss of articular cartilage and hypertrophy of bone, producing
osteophytes. It is a form of arthritis that results in the
destruction of the articular cartilage that line the joints and
often is cause by trauma.
[0016] Aneurysmal bone cyst, a type of malignant cancer, has been
documented to follow a traumatic event. It is believed to occur via
the conversion of a sub-periosteal hematoma into an expansile
tumor.
[0017] Several types of joint injuries due to trauma are observed.
Joint subluxation is the abnormal movement of one of the bones that
comprise a joint. This is not a true dislocation, but a partial
dislocation. Diastasis is the traumatic separation of bones at a
suture line or at a slightly movable joint, a syndesmosis. Common
locations for this to occur are the pubic symphysis and the distal
tibiofibular syndesmosis. The chondral and osteochondral fractures
are fractures through a joint surface, and are observed at the
convex surfaces of the femoral condyles, talar dome, and capitulum.
Epiphyseal fractures are fracture through a growth plate.
[0018] Tendon and ligament trauma can also result from impact
injuries. Common injuries of these types include lateral collateral
ligament injury, achilles tendonitis and rupture, and tibialis
posterior tendon injuries. Injuries can occur from a direct strike
to the tendon or ligament, or can result from a blow to the tendon
or muscle that causes a reflex contraction that ruptures or strains
the tendon.
[0019] Regional osteoporosis as a sequel to trauma can be
manifested as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and disuse and
immobilization osteoporosis, e.g. from being in a cast or
wheelchair.
[0020] Impact-resistant protective devices that could be used to
protect the calf region are cumbersome, heavy, or hot and may
restrict movement, which may discourage sports players or
participants from wearing adequate protection to prevent injury in
the event of foot strikes to the calf region. Most likely, the
added restrictions these shields would confer are a reason for the
lack of use of calf guards by contact field sports players. Thus,
there remains a need for a protective device that permits freedom
of movement and breathability during athletic activity while
offering protection from injurious foot strikes to the shin, calf
and Achilles regions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is directed to a body protective
device for providing protection to the shin, calf and Achilles
regions from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports
activities.
[0022] The present invention is directed to a protective device
having a substantially flexible outer garment enclosing soft and
rigid composite elements or shields that are premolded or
custom-fit to conform to the shape of the user's shin, calf and
Achilles regions.
[0023] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a
protective device for the shin, calf and Achilles regions for
players of sports including a fabric-based covering encasing
composite elements and that is premolded or custom-fit to the user,
is lightweight, and that presents a low profile so as not to
inhibit freedom of movement of the user during athletic
activities.
[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
protective device for the shin, calf and Achilles regions for
players of sports including a fabric-based covering that includes
selectively removable composite elements and that is premolded or
custom-fit to the user, is lightweight, and that presents a low
profile so as not to inhibit freedom of movement of the user during
athletic activities.
[0025] Basically, one advantage of the invention is that by having
a pad in close intimate contact with the shin, calf and Achilles
regions, in particular, from the compression of the garment,
wherein the better fit provides improved impact dispersion of blunt
trauma forces. This occurs because more of the protective pad is in
contact with the body reducing point loading and allowing superior
impact dispersion. When compared to traditional pad systems that
are not adequately contoured to the body shape, the calf
compression garment provides a superior "fit" of the pads that
equals superior protection.
[0026] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the
following description of the preferred embodiment when considered
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view of a calf and Achilles regions
protective device constructed according to the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In the following description, like reference characters
designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such
terms as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back," "right," "left,"
"upwardly," "downwardly," and the like are words of convenience and
are not to be construed as limiting terms.
[0030] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations
are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the
invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. The
present invention provides for a protective device that is formed
by a substantially flexible outer garment and protective elements,
in particular soft elements and rigid elements, that are provided
within the outer garment for protecting the calf from injury
related to impact during sports or athletic activities. The
elements combine to form an overall composite shield, which is
collectively provided by the either rigid elements or soft
elements, depending upon the level of impact resistant and/or
energy absorption desired. The elements are insertable into the
garment either during manufacturing, or by the user prior to use of
the protective device. In a preferred embodiment, the elements are
selectively removable, and may be inserted into pockets within the
garment or attached by fasteners, e.g., hook and loop type
fasteners, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, and the like. In another
embodiment, the elements are fixed, in particular to ensure that
the best and most complete protection possible from all elements is
provided and cannot be tampered with.
[0031] The outer garment may be variably sized to cover the calf
and more or less of the region of the body proximal to the calf of
the user, including the back of the knee and Achilles tendon.
[0032] One embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1,
includes a protective device for the shin, calf and Achilles
regions, generally referenced 10, including a fabric outer garment
12 and protective elements for the calf 14, shin 16, and Achilles
tendon 18, in particular a composite element with soft elements and
rigid elements, that is selectively provided in a predetermined
location within the outer garment and housed within a pocket 15 in
the garment for protecting the calf area and proximal body parts
from injury related to impact during sports or athletic activities.
Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the protective
elements extend over a larger area of the shin, calf and Achilles
regions than in FIG. 1 and further includes protection in the foot
instep region 24. The protection can also be extended to the top
and sides of the toes. Connective webbing 20 is provided between
the pads to provide for increased freedom of movement and
breathability, while still providing protection over the critical
shin, calf and Achilles regions.
[0033] The semi-rigid and rigid elements are composite elements
formed of fabric elements, in particular woven, knitted, or braided
fabrics, either in single or multiple layers are used; preferably,
3D engineered fiber preforms or fabrics are used, which are formed
by a 3D fabric-forming method selected from the group consisting of
3D weaving, 3D braiding, 3D circular weaving, and multiaxial
weaving. Alternatively, plastic, injection-molded pieces are used
for the semi-rigid and rigid elements in another embodiment
according to the present invention. In particular, true 3D weaving
involving three orthogonal, non-interlacing yarn systems are
preferred; such true 3D woven constructions are formed by the
methods set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,252 issued Feb. 4, 1992 to
Mohamed, et al. for METHOD OF FORMING VARIABLE CROSS-SECTIONAL
SHAPED THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRICS which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,760 issued
Nov. 14, 1995 to Mohamed, et al. for MULTILAYER THREE-DIMENSIONAL
FABRIC AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING is also incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Elements to protect different organs or
regions may be formed from different fabric-forming methods, such
that the overall protective device may include a variety of element
types or homogeneous elements. These composite elements are
preferably formed of pre-shaped components including shells or
sheaths of 3D engineered materials that are infused with resin,
e.g., vinylester, for providing additional stiffness, strength,
and/or impact-resistance.
[0034] The outer garment may be fabricated using a close-fitting
material, preferably one with at least some memory so that the
user's general body shape is maintained during use and is retained
during subsequent uses. Also, breathable material is preferred so
that the user is not uncomfortable due to extra heat induced by the
garment during wear and activity. It is preferred that the material
be cleanable, more preferably washable, since use during athletic
activity would likely soil the garment. Additionally, a protective,
soil-resistant coating may be applied. The outer garment preferably
includes materials having breathability, such as COOLMAX fabric,
which is commercially available by DuPont. Another commercially
available breathable polypropylene fabric that is tight fitting is
commercially available by Under Armor at www.underarmor.com. Other
similar or equivalent materials are considered to be applicable and
within the scope of the present invention.
[0035] In one embodiment according to the present invention, the
garment is made of a knitted spacer material for providing a
predetermined bulk while maintaining a lightweight, stretchable
fabric. Additional stretch may be provided, as needed, by the
introduction of SPANDEX material into the spacer material.
[0036] The elements may be pre-shaped or pre-molded. The elements
include both premolded foam padded elements and rigid, composite
elements. The premolded foam padded elements offer soft protection
for the shin, calf and Achilles regions in low-impact sport
activities. Whereas during high-impact activities, rigid, composite
elements that are molded into the garment can be used in order to
offer close and comfortable fitting of the protective device.
[0037] Also, these composite elements may be custom-fitted and
molded into the garment; alternatively, these may be removable,
e.g., for washing or cleaning the garment. Additionally, these
elements may be removable in order to provide the user with
selective protection, depending upon the level of protection and
risk associated with the particular sports activity. A
custom-fitted version is considered to be the best mode of the
invention, in order to provide the optimal level of protection and
freedom of movement or overall performance of the protective device
according to the present invention. In one embodiment, where a
custom-fitted garment includes 3D engineered fiber structures that
are preformed to a near net shape element or formed, cut, and
approximately shaped to a predetermined sized element, depending
upon the size of the shin, calf and Achilles regions to be
protected, the element is treated with a resin that is either
moisture- or temperature-curable, such that exposure to either
moisture or higher than body temperature, respectively, provides
for activation and setting of the resin in order to form a rigid
composite element. In an alternative embodiment, the outer garment
can be purchased to fit an approximate shin, calf and Achilles
regions size and shape, e.g., extra-small, small, medium, large,
extra-large, etc. and may be provided for either male or female
body types or for unisex shaping, depending upon height and size of
the user. The padded elements and rigid composite elements are
provided separately such that they may be selectively inserted and
removable from the outer garment. In a preferred embodiment,
pockets are provided for maintaining the elements in an approximate
position to protect the body parts and organs; in another
embodiment, attachment means or fasteners such as hook and loop
type fasteners, e.g., VELCRO, are provided to ensure releasable
attachment with the garment during use.
[0038] The preforms used for the composite elements are
manufactured from engineered fibers, in particular synthetic
fibers, and including but not limited to KEVLAR, fiberglass,
carbon, nylon, and combinations thereof. The padded elements are
preferably manufactured from a resilient material, such as foams,
including molded dual density foam, polyurethane, neoprene, and EVA
foams. Preferably, the foam is selected from EVA or polyurethane
foams, or foam alternatives, or other comfort liner materials.
[0039] Foam alternatives may include materials such as SKYDEX
padding, which is commercially provided by Skydex; as set forth in
the website www.skydex.com, and which provides for improved
durability for washing and cleaning when compared with many foams,
as well as improved performance and impact resistance, and it
maintains its energy absorbing and/or energy dispersing qualities,
while not absorbing moisture. Perforations in such foams are
desirable in order to ensure some breathability of the overall
protective wear when using soft padded elements. Another breathable
foam or foam alternative material that may be used with the present
invention is SPACENET, which is commercially provided by Spacenet,
as listed in the website www.spacenetmaterials.com.
[0040] The overall protective device, including the outer garment
and the protective elements, both soft padded and rigid composite
elements, are preferably custom-fitted to the user, are
lightweight, and present a low profile so as not to inhibit freedom
of movement of the user during athletic activities. As set forth
hereinabove, the elements may be initially flexible with later
hardening after conforming substantially to the user's body shape
and size, or the elements may be partially flexible and partially
rigid, thereby forming an articulated protective device when
connected with the outer garment. These elements may be joined by
the outer garment itself, or they may alternatively or additionally
be joined by webbing or other connective means, including jointing,
stretch webbing, hook and loop type fasteners such as VELCRO
fasteners, or they may be overlapped or hinged, preferably by
synthetic or plastic connectors. The joined or jointed elements act
as discrete protective components and can move relative to each
other, thereby providing freedom of movement required for sports
activities while providing protection for the shin, calf and
Achilles regions covered with the device and its elements.
Furthermore, the elements may be disc-shaped components or
substantially body part-shaped components in order to provide the
optimal coverage and moveability for the user.
[0041] Overall, one advantage of the invention is that by having a
pad in close intimate contact with the body, in particular, from
the compression of the garment, wherein the better fit provides
improved impact dispersion of blunt trauma forces. This occurs
because more of the protective pad is in contact with the body
reducing point loading and allowing impact dispersion. When
compared to traditional pad systems that simply "hang" from the
body, the compression garment provides a superior "fit" of the pads
equals superior protection.
[0042] A significant advantage is provided by the use of
three-dimensional (3D) materials such as those supplied
commercially by 3TEX, Inc. of Cary, N.C., in that the materials
provide a decrease of about 20% in the force transferred to the
body, with approximately a 20% lighter weight compared to
traditional materials, e.g., ABS plastic listed in Table 1 below.
Test results as measured by an independent drop test device, which
simulates impacts and records energy dispersing properties of the
materials tested, show the following data for the present invention
when compared with the prior art. The following test results of
Table 1 illustrate the advantages of the use of the 3D materials
when compared with traditional materials used in other protective
device applications:
1TABLE 1 ABS plastic v. 3TEX Composite Impact Research Study Anvil
Carbon/ FG/Poly E-Glass Material ABS Keviar Red/Blue Red Hybrid 28
Hybrid 29 Location Impact Date Aug. 7, 2001 Aug. 7, 2001 Aug. 7,
2001 Aug. 7, 2001 Sept. 18, 2001 Sept. 18, 2001 Flat 0 Front 256.4
242.8 251.9 249.6 235.0 247.3 45 Front Right 90 Right 135 Rear
Right 180 Rear 234.6 255.5 238.2 240.0 222.7 217.7 225 Rear Left
270 Left 315 Front Left Flat 0 Front 242.8 238.7 45 Front Right 90
Right 135 Rear Right 180 Rear 213.2 206.8 225 Rear Left Hemi 0
Front 45 Front Right 90 Right 161.2 160.8 168.5 157.6 143.5 150.3
135 Rear Right 180 Rear 225 Rear Left 270 Left 315 Front Left Hemi
0 Front 45 Front Right 90 Right 146.2 144.4 135 Rear Right 180 Rear
225 Rear Left 270 Left 315 Front Left Edge 0 Front 45 Front Right
90 Right 135 Rear Right 180 Rear 225 Rear Left 270 Left 139.4 130.3
136.6 134.4 136.6 125.7 315 Front Left Edge 0 Front 45 Front Right
90 Right 135 Rear Right 180 Rear 225 Rear Left 270 Left 130.3 114.3
315 Front Left
[0043] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description and
research results. By way of example, substitute three-dimensional
(3D) materials, including other resin-infused materials may be
used; other energy dispersing foams in combination with the 3D
resin infused materials may be used; and other breathable and/or
tight fitting garments may be used without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Furthermore, different artwork, such as
the name of a sponsor or a team may be silk-screened and then heat
transferred onto the device for marketing and advertising
attractiveness.
[0044] All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein
for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *
References