U.S. patent application number 11/244895 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-06 for shock absorbing and cooling structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to PARADOX DESIGN SERVICES INC.. Invention is credited to Steve Copeland, Robert G. Dickie.
Application Number | 20060070170 11/244895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36124066 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060070170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Copeland; Steve ; et
al. |
April 6, 2006 |
Shock absorbing and cooling structure
Abstract
A shock absorbing structure comprising a foam base defining a
plurality of recesses, each of the recesses receiving shock
absorbing inserts therein. Each insert includes a generally planar
surface made of a foam layer and a flexible plastic layer and
including a plurality of upstanding, hollow support members
extending therefrom. The support members are made of flexible
plastic material and have a plurality of openings therein which
define air passages within the shock absorbing structure to allow
air to flow therethrough. The shock absorbing structure may be used
in helmets, shin pads, kneepads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, chest
protectors, gloves, pants and footwear.
Inventors: |
Copeland; Steve; (Barrie,
CA) ; Dickie; Robert G.; (Newmarket, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100
4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
PARADOX DESIGN SERVICES
INC.
Barrie
CA
L4N 6N7
|
Family ID: |
36124066 |
Appl. No.: |
11/244895 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60616386 |
Oct 6, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 ;
2/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20130101;
F16F 9/0481 20130101; A63B 2225/66 20130101; A41D 31/28 20190201;
A42B 3/285 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101; A42B 3/124 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/411 ;
002/412 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00 |
Claims
1. A shock absorbing structure comprising: a base; at least one
recess formed in the base; at least one insert received in the
recess, the insert being complementary sized and shaped to the
recess; and wherein the insert comprises: a support surface made of
a flexible material; a plurality of upstanding, hollow support
members extending from the support surface, the support members
made of flexible material; with each support member having a
sidewall, the sidewall defining at least one opening therein and
thereby forming an air passage within the insert to allow air to
flow therethrough.
2. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1 wherein the base
includes a peripheral wall having an interior and exterior surface;
and the recess extends to the exterior surface of the peripheral
wall.
3. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, in which the base is
manufactured from one of an expanded polystyrene foam and an
expanded polypropylene foam.
4. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, wherein the support
surface and the support members of the insert are integrally molded
from a flexible plastic material.
5. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, wherein the insert is
retained in the base by one of a friction fit, an adhesive or an
overlapping portion from the base.
6. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, wherein the base is
molded to conform to a shape of a helmet.
7. The shock absorbing structure of claim 6, wherein the base is
adapted to be received within a helmet and the base substantially
extends across the entire interior surface of the helmet.
8. The shock absorbing structure of claim 7, wherein the base
includes a plurality of recesses formed therein, and wherein the
recesses extend to an outer rim of the base; and the shock
absorbing structure includes a plurality of inserts, each of which
is complementary sized and shaped to be received into one of said
recesses; whereby the inserts extend to the rim of the base.
9. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, in which the support
surface of the insert is generally planar.
10. The shock absorbing structure of claim 9, in which the support
surface comprises a layer of foam and a planar surface.
11. The shock absorbing structure of claim 1, wherein the support
members have a shape that is a generally one of frustoconical with
straight sidewalls; frustoconical with concave sidewalls;
frustoconical with convex sidewalls and frustoconical with tiered
sidewalls.
12. The shock absorbing structure of claim 11, wherein the support
surface includes surface openings that allow air to flow into the
hollow support members.
13. The shock absorbing structure of claim 12, wherein each support
member includes an opening in at least one of an end distal from
the support surface, and the sidewalls of the support member.
14. The shock absorbing structure of claim 13, wherein the support
members flex when a force is applied to the support members.
15. The shock absorbing structure of claim 4, wherein the flexible
plastic material is a thermoplastic polymer.
16. The shock absorbing structure of claim 15, wherein the
thermoplastic polymer is polyethylene.
17. An accessory for providing protection to a part of the human
body, the accessory comprising: a rigid outer protective shell
defining an interior surface; a base molded to conform to the
interior surface of the shell; at least one recess formed in the
base; at least one shock absorbing insert received in the recess;
and wherein the insert comprises: a support surface made of a foam
layer and a flexible layer; a plurality of upstanding, hollow
support members extending from the flexible layer of the support
surface, the support members being made of flexible material; and
the support members each having a sidewall and defining at least
one opening therein, thereby providing an air passage within the
insert to allow air to flow therethrough.
18. The accessory as defined in claim 17, in which the base is
manufactured from one of an expanded polystyrene foam and an
expanded polypropylene foam.
19. The accessory of claim 18, wherein the flexible layer and the
support members of the insert are integrally molded from a flexible
plastic material.
20. The accessory of claim 19, wherein each support member has a
shape that is generally frustoconical and defines a plurality of
openings therein and the support surface includes a plurality of
openings that allow air to flow into the hollow support members
21. The accessory of claim 20, wherein the accessory is selected
from the group consisting of helmets, shin pads, knee pads, elbow
pads, shoulder pads, chest protectors, gloves, pants and
footwear.
22. The accessory of claim 21, wherein the accessory is a helmet
and the recess in the base extends from a first part of a rim of
the helmet through to a second part of the rim of the helmet; and
the insert is retained within the recess and extends from the first
part of the rim through to the second part of the rim.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a standard utility application claiming priority
from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/616,386, filed Oct.
6, 2004, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a shock absorbing
structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
shock absorber having a plurality of upstanding, hollow support
members made of flexible plastic material. Specifically, the
invention relates to a shock absorber that is formed into an insert
and is then received within a recess formed in a base
structure.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Helmets and other protective equipment typically use foam
for impact absorption, specifically, expanded polystyrene (EPS),
polyethylene (EPP) or thermoplastic blown foam. These foams do not
allow heat to dissipate from the head or body. Heat stress has
become a major detriment to exercise performance in athletes,
industrial workers and military personnel, often leading to severe
heat stroke causing death. Some work has been done with plastic
structures for impact absorption with limited success because of
increased weight, increased thickness or high manufacturing
costs.
[0006] The prior art discloses various structures used to absorb
impacts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,962 discloses an impact
absorber that has pairs of semi-hemispherical indentations used as
the impact absorber. U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,200 discloses a protective
helmet that has inflatable air pockets, while U.S. Pat. No.
6,536,052 shows various shapes for an impact-absorbing layer that
is made of textile.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,549 discloses a structure with air cells
and passages between the air cells to allow air to flow between the
liner and the head of the wearer. This patent contemplates having
air flow within the protective layer.
[0008] There, therefore, remains a need to provide a shock
absorbing structure that is lighter in weight than shock absorbing
foam and that allows for air circulation within the structure for
cooling purposes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a shock absorbing structure
comprising: a base manufactured from one of an expanded polystyrene
or polypropylene foam, with the base having at least one recess
formed therein and including an insert that is received within the
recess. The insert includes a planar surface made of a flexible
plastic material; a plurality of upstanding, hollow support members
extending from the planar surface, the support members made of
flexible plastic material; and at least one opening in each of the
support members defining an air passage within the shock absorbing
structure to allow air to flow through the support members. The
insert allows heat to dissipate through the base while still
providing impact absorption.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided an accessory for providing protection to a part of the
human body, the accessory comprising: a rigid outer protective
shell defining an interior surface; a foam base formed in the shape
of the interior surface of the accessory and defining at least one
recess therein; and at least one insert made from a shock absorbing
material received within the recess of the base, which in turn is
received proximate an interior surface of the protective shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the
best modes in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
are set forth in the following description and are shown in the
drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a user wearing a helmet
which incorporates the shock absorbing structure of the present
invention, with the helmet being shown in cross-section;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shock absorbing
structure of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insert that is received
within a recess of the shock absorbing structure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
shock absorber material used in the insert of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
shock absorber material used in the insert of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
shock absorber material used in the insert of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shock absorbing
structure of the present invention molded to the shape of a helmet
and being inserted therein; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view through the
shock absorbing structure when placed inside a helmet and showing
the airflow therethrough.
[0020] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 there is showing a person 2 wearing a
helmet 4 which has a hard, impact-resistant outer shell 6 and
mounted to the interior surface 8 of shell 6 is a shock absorbing
structure in accordance with the present invention, and generally
indicated at 10. Helmet 4 typically is retained on the person's
head by way of a chin strap (not shown).
[0022] FIG. 2 shows shock absorbing structure 10 of the present
invention in greater detail. Shock absorbing structure 10 comprises
a base 12 molded from one of an expanded polystyrene foam and an
expanded polypropylene foam. Base 12 is shaped and sized to be
complementary to the interior surface 8 of helmet 4. Base 12
includes peripheral outer wall 14 having an interior surface 14a
and an exterior surface 14b. One or more recesses 16 are formed in
peripheral wall 14 and may extend from the interior surface 14a
through to the exterior surface 14b. A shock absorber insert 18 is
received in each of the recesses 16. Insert 18 is complementary
sized and shaped to be tightly received within recess 16. Insert 18
can be retained in recess 16 by friction, by an adhesive or by an
overlapping portion (not shown) of base 12.
[0023] In accordance with one of the main features of the present
invention, insert 18 includes a foam member 19 onto which generally
flat or planar surface 20 is adhesively connected. Foam member 19
is manufactured from a softer foam material than base 12 for
additional comfort. Disposed on the planar surface 20 is a
plurality of upstanding, hollow support members 22 extending from
the planar surface 20. A suitable material for planar surface 20
and sidewalls 24 is a thermoplastic polymer like polyethylene. As
such, the planar surface 20 and support members 22 are able to flex
when a force is applied to them. Support members 22 include
sidewalls 24 that are preferably made of the same flexible plastic
material as the planar surface 20, and are integral with the planar
surface 20.
[0024] Each of the support members 22 includes at least one opening
26, formed in sidewall 24, and that defines an air passage within
the insert 18 to allow air to flow through the support member
22.
[0025] Preferably, the support members 22 have a shape that is
generally frustoconical with the base 28 of the cone disposed on
the planar surface 20, and the smaller end 30 of the cone being
away from the planar surface 20. A second opening 32 is preferably
located in the smaller end 30
[0026] At the base 28 of each support member 22 is a surface
opening 34 in the planar surface 20 that allows air to flow into
the hollow support members 22 from the underside 36 of the planar
surface 20. Surface opening 34 is generally positioned within
support members 22. Foam member 19 includes openings 38 which align
with surface openings 34 in planar surface 20.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the insert in
accordance with the present invention, and being generally
indicated at 118. Insert 118 comprises a foam member 119 and
generally planar surface 120 adhesively connected together.
Disposed on the planar surface 120 is a plurality of upstanding,
hollow support members 122 extending outwardly from the planar
surface 120. Foam member 119 is manufactured from the same material
as the base 12. The planar surface 120 and convex sidewalls 124 are
made of a suitable flexible plastic material such as a
thermoplastic polymer like polyethylene. As such, the planar
surface 120 and support members 122 are able to flex when a force
is applied to them.
[0028] Support members 122 include sidewalls 124 that are
preferably made of the same flexible plastic material as the planar
surface 120, and are integral with the planar surface 120. Each of
the support members 122 includes at least one opening 126 that
define air passages within the insert 118 to allow air to flow
through the support members 122.
[0029] Preferably, the support members 122 have a shape that is
generally frustoconical with the sidewalls 124 being of a convex
shape. The base 128 of the cone is disposed on the planar surface
120, and the smaller end 130 of the cone being away from the planar
surface 120. A second opening 132 is preferably located in the
smaller end 130. However, support member 122 may have a convex
shape without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0030] At the base 128 of the support members 122 is a surface
opening 134 in the planar surface 120 that allows air to flow into
the hollow support members 122 from the underside 136 of the planar
surface 120. Foam member 119 also includes openings (not shown)
which align with surface openings 134 to allow air to flow
therethrough.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the insert in
accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at
218. Insert 218 comprises a foam member 219 and a generally planar
surface 220 that are adhesively connected together. As before, foam
member 219 is manufactured from a softer foam material than base
12. Disposed on the planar surface 220 is a plurality of
upstanding, hollow support members 222 extending outwardly from the
planar surface 220. The planar surface 220 are made of a suitable
flexible plastic material such as a thermoplastic polymer like
polyethylene. As such, the planar surface 220 and support members
222 are able to flex when a force is applied to them.
[0032] Support members 222 include sidewalls 224 that are
preferably made of the same flexible plastic material as the planar
surface 220, and are integral with the planar surface 220. Each of
the support members 222 includes at least one opening 226 that
define air passages within the insert 218 to allow air to flow
through the support members 222.
[0033] Preferably, the support members 222 have a shape that is
generally frustoconical. Sidewalls 224 of insert 218 preferably are
made of one or more tiers 225a, 225b and 225c that are of
progressively smaller diameter. The base 228 of the cone is
disposed on the planar surface 220, and the smaller end 230 of the
cone being away from the planar surface 220. A second opening 232
is preferably located in the smaller end 230. However, support
member 222 may have a convex shape without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0034] At the base 228 of the support members 222 is a surface
opening 234 in the planar surface 220 that allows air to flow into
the hollow support members 222 from the underside 236 of the planar
surface 220. Foam member 219 also includes openings (not shown)
that align with surface openings 234 to allow air to flow through
insert 218.
[0035] The use of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention is described in relation to helmet 4 is illustrated in
FIGS. 7&8. Helmet 4 is a typical accessory used for providing
protection to a part of the human body, namely the head. Helmet 4
comprises a rigid outer protective shell 6 defining an interior
surface 8. Shock absorbing structure 10 is secured to the interior
surface 8 of the protective shell 6. Preferably, there is a
removable porous second layer (not shown in FIG. 7) fitted on the
interior surface 14a of the structure 10.
[0036] Shock absorbing structure 10 preferably includes one of the
inserts 18, 118 and 218 illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 &6 and
described above. The following description will be made with
reference to insert 18 only, but applies equally to inserts 118 and
218. An insert 18 is fitted into each recess 16 in base 12. The
thickness of insert 18 preferably is substantially the same as the
thickness of peripheral wall 14 of base 12, so that the smaller
ends 30 of support members 22 lie substantially coplanar with the
exterior surface 14b of base 12 (FIG. 8). Base 12 is positioned
within a cavity 50 of helmet 4 in a manner that preferably brings
exterior surface 14b into contact with interior surface 8 of
helmet. An adhesive may be applied to secure base 12 to interior
surface 8 or base 12 may simply be friction fit within helmet 4.
Spacers (not shown) may be positioned between exterior surface 14b
of base 12 and interior surface 8 of helmet 4 so as to allow for
air flow therebetween. While recess 16 and insert 18 are shown as
lying inwardly from the rim 14c of outer wall 14, it will be
understood that the recess 16 can extend to the rim 14c.
[0037] As seen in FIG. 8, air may flow, as indicated by arrow "A",
flow into opening 38 in foam member 19, through surface opening
(not shown) in planar member 20 and into the interior of support
member 22. Air then flows out of the interior of support member 22
through opening 26 in the side wall 24 thereof. Holes (not shown)
may also be provided in shell 6 of helmet to allow air to escape
therefrom
[0038] As should be apparent from the above description, the
present invention may be utilized in other protective equipment
such as shin pads, knee pads, elbow pad, shoulder pads and chest
protectors for example. In these other devices, the foam base 12 is
molded to be complementary to the shape of the area of the
protective device that needs to absorb shocks. The base is then
formed with one or more recesses therein and the shock absorbing
and cooling inserts are then fitted into the recesses
[0039] In summary, the present invention is a product used to
replace foams or other impact absorption devices currently used in
various applications such as helmets (sports or otherwise),
protective padding, etc. The shock absorbing structure of the
present invention allows air to flow freely through it, thus
assisting in keeping the wearer of the protective device cool. With
its open structure, warm air can be dissipated through the
structure and directed away from the body. The shock absorbing
structure of the present invention can be manufactured at or less
than the same weight, thickness and cost of existing shock
absorbing structures made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded
polypropylene (EPP).
[0040] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0041] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
* * * * *