U.S. patent application number 12/043093 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for protective wear having discrete reinforcing elements for improved mobility.
Invention is credited to Zine-Eddine Boutaghou.
Application Number | 20080282438 12/043093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026017 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080282438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boutaghou; Zine-Eddine |
November 20, 2008 |
PROTECTIVE WEAR HAVING DISCRETE REINFORCING ELEMENTS FOR IMPROVED
MOBILITY
Abstract
A pad is disclosed including discrete reinforcing members
secured to a base layer. The discrete reinforcing elements may
include spherical members rotatably embedded in the base layer,
plates pivotally mounted to the base layer by means of a flexible
post or revolute joint, or plates threaded on a chord secured to
the base layer. The base layer may include a plurality of discrete
projections each having a reinforcing element secured proximate a
distal end thereof. A pad may include a receiver for securing to a
wearer and a base. The base may be secured to the receiver by a
suspension allowing pitch and roll movements. The receiver may
secure to the base at one end while the opposite end is slidably
secured to the base or coupled to the base by means of a biasing
member.
Inventors: |
Boutaghou; Zine-Eddine;
(North Oaks, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE, 1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
40026017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/043093 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60911351 |
Apr 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 ; 2/162;
2/167; 2/227; 2/24; 2/268; 2/85; 2/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/102 20130101;
A41D 19/01523 20130101; A41D 13/0156 20130101; A41D 31/285
20190201; A41D 13/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/16 ; 2/24;
2/162; 2/85; 2/93; 2/227; 2/268; 2/167 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20060101
A41D013/08; A41D 13/06 20060101 A41D013/06; A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A41D 3/02 20060101 A41D003/02; A41D 1/06 20060101
A41D001/06; A41D 27/26 20060101 A41D027/26 |
Claims
1. A wearable item, comprising: a flexible backing layer adapted to
secure to a portion of a wearer's body; and a plurality of discrete
reinforcing elements flexibly secured to the base and having a
low-friction upper surface comprising a material substantially
harder than the backing layer.
2. The wearable item of claim 1, further comprising a carrier layer
securing the plurality of discrete reinforcing elements to the
flexible backing layer; and wherein the carrier layer comprises a
plurality of discrete projections each having a proximal end
adjacent the flexible backing layer and a distal end distanced from
the flexible backing layer, each of the plurality of discrete
reinforcing elements securing proximate the distal end of one of
the plurality of discrete projections.
3. The wearable item of claim 2, further comprising a web extending
among the plurality of discrete projections proximate the distal
ends thereof and hindering movement of the plurality of discrete
projections relative to one another.
4. The wearable item of claim 1, wherein the discrete reinforcing
elements have a rounded upper surface.
5. The wearable item of claim 4, wherein the discrete reinforcing
elements are spherical.
6. The wearable item of claim 5, further comprising a carrier layer
securing the plurality of discrete reinforcing elements to the
flexible backing layer; and wherein the discrete reinforcing
elements are rotatably embedded in the carrier layer.
7. The wearable item of claim 1, wherein the discrete reinforcing
elements comprise plates pivotally mounted to the flexible backing
layer.
8. The wearable item of claim 7, wherein each of the plates is
pivotally mounted to the flexible backing layer by means of a post
formed of a resilient material and secured to both the plate and
base.
9. The wearable item of claim 7, wherein each of the plates is
pivotally mounted to the flexible backing layer by means of a ball
joint.
10. The wearable item of claim 7, wherein each of the plates has a
rounded upper surface.
11. The wearable item of claim 1, further comprising a carrier
layer securing the plurality of discrete reinforcing elements to
the flexible backing layer; and wherein the carrier layer comprises
a plurality of discrete areas, each bearing multiple of the
plurality of discrete reinforcing elements.
12. The wearable item of claim 11, wherein the discrete areas have
perimeters shaped to conform to one another.
13. The wearable item of claim 11, wherein the discrete areas are
shaped to interlock with one another.
14. The wearable item of claim 11, wherein the discrete areas are
hexagonal.
15. The wearable item of claim 1, further comprising a carrier
layer securing the plurality of discrete reinforcing elements to
the flexible backing layer; and wherein the carrier layer comprises
a gel material.
16. The wearable item of claim 1, further comprising a chord
secured to the flexible backing layer at least two points distanced
from one another, at least a portion of the discrete reinforcing
elements being secured to the chord.
17. The wearable item of claim 16, wherein the chord includes an
elastic material.
18. The wearable item of claim 16, wherein each discrete
reinforcing element secures to an adjacent discrete reinforcing
element by means of a revolute joint.
19. The wearable item of claim 1, wherein the flexible backing
layer is incorporated into a jacket.
20. The wearable item of claim 1, wherein the flexible backing
layer is incorporated into at least one of a knee pad, elbow pad,
shoulder pad, wrist pad, glove, jacket, and pants.
21. A protective pad comprising: a receiving member shaped to
receive a portion of a wearer's body; a base adapted to selectively
rest on a support surface, the base being substantially more rigid
than the receiving member; and a suspension resiliently coupling
the receiving member to the base.
22. The protective pad of claim 21, further comprising a rocker
interposed between the receiving member and base.
23. The protective pad of claim 22, further comprising a contact
pad secured to the base, the suspension and rocker being secured to
the contact pad.
24. The protective pad of claim 21, wherein the suspension permits
pitch and roll motion of the receiving member relative to the
base.
25. The protective pad of claim 24, wherein the suspension
comprises two arms each having one end secured to the receiving
member and another end secured to the base.
26. The protective pad of claim 25, wherein the arms are parallel
to one another.
27. The protective pad of claim 26, wherein the arms secure to a
contact pad secured to one of the receiving member and base.
28. The protective pad of claim 26, wherein the arms extend along
opposite sides of the contact pad.
29. The protective pad of claim 26, wherein the arms secure to a
first side of the contact pad and secure to one of the receiving
member and base proximate a second side of the contact pad opposite
the first side.
30. The protective pad of claim 21, wherein the receiving member is
adapted to secure to the wearer's knee.
31. A protective pad of claim 21, wherein the receiving member has
a first end and a second end, the receiving member being secured to
the base proximate the first end and the suspension securing the
second end to the base such that the second end is free to move
relative to the base subject to a biasing force of the
suspension.
32. The protective pad of claim 31, wherein the receiving member
pivotally secures to the base proximate the first end.
33. The protective pad of claim 32, wherein the suspension
comprises a biasing member extending between the receiver and the
base proximate the second end.
34. The protective pad of claim 31, wherein the receiving member
slidably secures to the receiver proximate the second end.
35. The protective pad of claim 34, wherein a middle portion of the
receiver between the first and second ends is distanced from the
base when undeformed by the wearer's weight.
36. The protective pad of claim 35, wherein the first end is
mounted to the base by means of a key secured to one of the base
and receiver and a keyway secured to the other of the base and
receiver.
37. The protective pad of claim 36, further comprising a leaf
spring coupling the second end to the base.
38. The protective pad of claim 31, further comprising rollers
rotatably mounted to a lower surface of the base.
39. The protective pad of claim 21, wherein the suspension is
integral to one of one of the receiver and the base.
40. The protective pad of claim 39, wherein the suspension is
monolithically formed with one of the receiver and the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/911,351, filed Apr. 12, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to protective clothing and,
more particularly, to reinforcing members for use in protective
clothing.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] Injuries in low speed bicycle and motorcycle accidents tend
to result from tumbling and bouncing of the operator after an
initial impact. Tumbling and bouncing tend to occur due to high
frictional forces between the ground and the operator. These high
frictional forces generate a rotational moment acting on the body
of the operator, resulting in tumbling of the operator. Tumbling is
typically responsible for multiple injuries from impact with the
ground and other objects.
[0006] Some protective wear reduce friction between the operator
and the ground through the use of hard, low-wear materials.
However, such materials produce very stiff protective gear which
has not been readily accepted by users. In view of the foregoing it
would be an advancement in the art to provide protective clothing
that reduces friction between the ground and an operator during an
accident while maintaining adequate mobility.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a wearable item includes a
flexible backing layer adapted to secure to a portion of a wearer's
body. A base is secured to the backing layer. Discrete reinforcing
elements are secured to the base and have a low-friction upper
surface comprising a material substantially harder than the
base.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the base includes
discrete projections having the discrete reinforcing elements
secured to distal ends of the projections. A web extends among the
plurality of discrete projections.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the discrete reinforcing
elements pivotally secure to the base, such as by means of a
flexible post or a revolute joint.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the discrete reinforcing
elements are spherical and are embedded within spherical apertures
within the base.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the discrete reinforcing
elements secure to a chord anchored to the base. The chord may be
formed of flexible material and the discrete reinforcing elements
may secure to one another, such as by means of a revolute
joint.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention a protective pad includes
a receiving member shaped to receive a portion of a wearer's body
and a base adapted to selectively rest on a support surface. A
suspension resiliently couples the receiving member to the base. A
rocker is interposed between the receiving member and base. The
suspension permits pitch and roll motion of the receiving member
relative to the base.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention a receiver formed of a
compliant material is secured to a rigid base. One end of the
receiver is secured to the base and the other is free to move
relative to the base. In some embodiments the free end is slidably
mounted to the base. In other embodiments, a biasing member extends
between the free end and the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a protective pad in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a protective pad having embedded
rotatable elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the
functionality of the protective pad having embedded rotatable
elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a protective pad having
discrete portions for covering contoured surfaces in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a curved discrete portion for
covering a contoured surface in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a discrete reinforcing
element suitable for interlocking with other discrete reinforcing
elements;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of discrete reinforcing elements
in an interlocking arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a protective pad bearing
pivoting discrete reinforcing elements in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a pivoting discrete
reinforcing element having a ball joint in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a pivoting discrete
reinforcing element having a flexible mounting post in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a protective pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 is top plan view of a protective pad bearing
different types of discrete reinforcing elements in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a protective pad having
a carrier layer divided into discrete islands in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the protective pad of FIG.
13;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the protective pad of
FIG. 13 having a web for restraining the free ends of the discrete
islands in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the protective pad of
FIG. 13 having a film for restraining the free ends of the discrete
islands in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a gimbaled knee pad in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of the knee pad of FIG.
17;
[0033] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a knee pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the knee pad of FIG.
19.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a knee pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the knee pad of FIG. 21;
[0037] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a discrete reinforcing element in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 24 is an isometric view illustrating a system for
mounting the discrete reinforcing element of FIG. 23;
[0039] FIG. 25 is an isometric view illustrating discrete
reinforcing elements according to FIG. 23 secured to a base;
and
[0040] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a glove bearing a protective
pad in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a protective pad 10 may include a base
layer 12, carrier layer 14, and a plurality of discrete reinforcing
elements 16. The base layer 12 is preferably formed of a thin
flexible material such as a fabric made of natural or synthetic
fibers. The base layer 12 may form part of an item of protective
gear such as a jacket, pants, gloves, knee, shoulder or elbow pad,
or the like. In other embodiments, the base layer 12 is glued,
sown, or otherwise adhered, to the protective gear. The carrier
layer 14 is preferably formed of a compressible material such as a
gel, rubber, or other compressible polymer. The carrier layer 14 is
preferably substantially thicker than the base layer 12.
[0042] Discrete reinforcing elements 16 secure to the carrier layer
14 and are preferably substantially harder than the carrier layer
14 and the base layer 12. For example, the carrier layer 14 or base
layer 12 may have a hardness of less than 45 Shore D, preferably
less than 65 Shore A, whereas the discrete reinforcing elements 16
have a hardness of greater than 85 Shore D or 100 Rockwell R. In
some embodiments, the discrete reinforcing elements 16 have a
hardness of greater than 130 Rockwell R, such as embodiments formed
of acrylic or other polymer with a like hardness. In other
embodiments, the discrete reinforcing elements 16 are made of
ceramic or metal.
[0043] The discrete reinforcing elements 16 may occupy less than
the entire outer surface area of the carrier layer 14. In some
embodiments, the discrete reinforcing elements occupy less than 95
percent of the outer surface area of the carrier layer 14. In other
embodiments, the discrete reinforcing elements 16 occupy less than
50 percent of the outer surface area of the carrier layer. In still
other embodiments, the discrete reinforcing elements occupy between
five and twenty-five percent of the outer surface area of the
carrier layer 14.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
discrete reinforcing elements 16 are embodied as spheres 18
embedded within the carrier layer 14, such as within partial
spherical cavities 20, leaving a portion of the spheres 18 exposed.
A lubricant or low friction material may be interposed between the
cavities 20 and the spheres 18 to facilitate rotation within the
cavities 20. Alternatively, the materials chosen for the carrier
layer 14 and spheres 18 may result in a sufficiently low friction
interface.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, upon impact with the ground 22, the
spheres 18 are placed in rolling contact with the ground, which
produces less frictional forces than sliding contact. Rolling
contact therefore reduces tumbling due to the reduced rotational
moment on the wearer. The spheres 18 further reduce friction due to
their increased hardness, which enables the spheres 18 to slide
more readily than softer materials.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, one or both of the base layer 12 and
carrier layer 14 may be divided into discrete portions 24 having
perimeters shaped such that the discrete portions 24 may be
positioned adjacent one another to substantially cover a portion of
an item of protective gear. In some embodiments, the discrete
portions 24 include a continuous piece of hard material providing
protection and a low friction outer surface rather than including
discrete reinforcing elements 16 embedded within a carrier layer
14.
[0047] In some embodiments, the discrete portions 24 are secured to
one another by a filament web prior to adherence to protective gear
in order to facilitate handling of the discrete portions 24. The
discrete portions 24 may be secured to an item of protective gear
or a base layer 12 by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive,
threads, or other fastening means.
[0048] The discrete portions 24 may be shaped to enable a plurality
of the discrete portions 24 to cover a contoured surface. In the
illustrated embodiments, the discrete portions 24 are hexagonal.
However triangular, square, and other polygonal shapes may be used.
A plurality of portions 24 having differing shapes may be used to
cover an area.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the discrete portions 24 may also be
curved in order to conform to contoured surfaces and to promote
line contact between the discrete portion 24 and the ground on
impact. The illustrated discrete portion 24 has a cylindrical
shape. However, spherical and other contours may also be used. The
discrete portions 24 may have rounded or beveled edges 26, as shown
in FIG. 5, to hinder debris from entering the interface between the
discrete portions 24.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, discrete
reinforcing elements 16 may be shaped to interlock with one another
to prevent debris and sharp objects from accessing the relatively
soft carrier layer 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the reinforcing
elements 16 are embodied as offset stacked rectangles 26a, 26b that
may be interlocked as shown in FIG. 7. Stacked offset shapes such
as triangles, hexagons, and other polygons may also be used.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the discrete
reinforcing elements 16 pivotally mount to the carrier layer 14.
The discrete reinforcing elements 16 may have a perimeter shape
such that they may be positioned adjacent one another to
substantially cover the carrier layer 14. In the illustrated
embodiment, the discrete reinforcing elements 16 have a hexagonal
perimeter. However, other perimeter shapes such as triangles,
rectangles, and other polygons may also be used. The reinforcing
elements 16 may have a curved upper surface to facilitate sliding
and to hinder the edges of the elements 16 from catching on the
ground upon impact. Pivotal securement may advantageously provide
improved mobility by allowing the discrete reinforcing elements 16
to pivot in response to a wearer's movements, rather than
constraining the wearer's movements due to the rigidity of the
elements 16.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, while still referring to FIG. 8, in one
embodiment, the discrete reinforcing elements 16 include a
spherical projection 28 sized to rotatably engage spherical
apertures 30 in the carrier layer 14. The spherical projection 28
may be secured to the discrete reinforcing element 16 by means of a
post 32.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the discrete
reinforcing elements 16 are secured to the carrier layer 14 by
means of a flexible post 32 such that the resistance of the post 32
to movement of the discrete reinforcing element 16 is relatively
low. The post 32 may secure to a widened base portion 34 that is
adhered to the carrier layer 14 by means of adhesive, threads, or
other fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the post 32, base
portion 34 and reinforcing element 16 are monolithically formed of
the same material.
[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment providing for
increased mobility and reduced friction. In the illustrated
example, the reinforcing elements 16 have a small radius of
curvature and an elongate shape. The discrete reinforcing elements
16 of FIG. 11 may be formed of a semi rigid material. They may be
adhered to the carrier layer 14 by means of an adhesive or injected
molded onto the carrier layer 14.
[0055] The radius of curvature of the reinforcing elements 16 may
be between 60 and 140 percent of the width of the reinforcing
element may be elongate such that the length of the elements 16
along the direction of elongation is between 1.5 and four times the
width of the elements 16 perpendicular to the direction of
elongation.
[0056] Portions of the carrier layer 14 remain exposed between the
reinforcing elements 16 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 providing for
improved mobility. The smaller radius of curvature of the
reinforcing elements 16 causes them to project outwardly from the
carrier layer 14 a larger distance, reducing the likelihood of
objects contacting the carrier layer 14 notwithstanding its
exposure. The separate placement of each discrete reinforcing
element 16 enables each element 16 to move independently in
response to contact with the ground, resulting in a more even
distribution of force across multiple reinforcing elements 16. The
illustrated arrangement of the reinforcing elements 16 in regular
rows and columns further enhances mobility by providing for
multiple lines of reduced stiffness between pairs of rows and
columns.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, different types
and distributions of reinforcing elements 16 are used in different
areas to accommodate different mobility and protection
requirements. For example, in the illustrated pad, the discrete
reinforcing elements 16 located in the middle portion 36 of the pad
have an elongate shape, are arranged in rows and columns, have a
small radius of curvature, and leave areas of the carrier layer 14
exposed between adjacent elements 16. In contrast, the reinforcing
elements 16 located on the end portions 38 are hexagonal in shape,
are spaced close together, and have a much larger radius of
curvature. The illustrated pad therefore may advantageously provide
for improved mobility in the middle portion 36 and increased
protection but increased stiffness at the end portions 38. One
application of the pad of FIG. 12 is as an elbow or knee pad,
wherein the middle portion 36 is positioned on the posterior side
of the elbow or anterior side of the knee having the end portions
38 above and below the knee. The pad of FIG. 12 may be incorporated
into a jacket or pants or secured thereto by means of straps
40.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the carrier layer
14 is segmented into a plurality of discrete islands 42 secured to
a continuous portion 44. The islands 42 facilitate formation of a
pad that has adequate cushioning while still allowing adequate
mobility. The continuous portion 44 may be shaped to conform to a
portion of the wearer's body, such as the knee, elbow, or shoulder.
The heights of the islands 42 may be chosen such that the free ends
of the islands 42 conform to a flat surface, or other shape. The
discrete reinforcing elements 16 secure to the free ends of the
islands 42 and may be embodied as any of the above described
reinforcing elements 16.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 14 and 15, while still referring to FIG.
13, in some embodiments, a web 44 secures near the free ends of the
islands 42 to hinder movement of the islands 42 and the collection
of debris between the islands 42. The web 46 may be embodied as a
mesh of filaments or may be formed of the same material as the
islands 42, such as a gel, rubber, or other polymer. In an
alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the web 44 is a film
secured between the free ends of the islands 40 and the discrete
reinforcing elements 16.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in another embodiment, a knee
pad 48 includes a receiver 50 shaped to receive a portion of the
wearer's body and secured to a base 52 by means of a suspension 54.
The base 52 may include a pad 10 according to any of the above
embodiments or any other pad known in the art. The receiver 50 may
be mounted to a user's knee, shoulder, elbow, or the like. The
receiver 50 preferably includes a padded upper surface to enhance
the wearer's comfort. A rocker 56 is located between the base 52
and receiver 50 and facilitates rotation of the receiver 50
relative to the base 52. The base 52 is preferably flat in
embodiments used as knee pads worn by workers performing tasks
involving kneeling on the ground.
[0061] The suspension 54 may be embodied as arms 58 extending
between the base 52 and the receiver 50. The arms 58 are formed of
a resilient material such that the arms flex in response to forces
applied to the receiver 50 and base 52. The arms 58 may be disposed
parallel to one another such that flexing of both arms in the same
direction results in a rolling motion 60 whereas flexing of the
arms in opposite direction changes the pitch 62 of the receiver 50
relative to the base 52.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 58 secure to a
contact pad 64 mounted to the base 52. One end of each of the arms
58 is secured at the same side of the contact pad 64. The arms 58
extend along opposite sides of the contact pad 64 and secure to the
receiver 50.
[0063] The rocker 56 secures to the receiver above the contact pad
64 and contacts the contact pad 64 when the suspension 54 is
compressed by a wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker
56 has a cylindrical lower surface, promoting line contact between
the rocker 56 and the contact pad 64; however, the rocker 56 may
have a spherical lower surface in other embodiments such that a
substantial point contact occurs. The rocker 56 in the illustrated
embodiment is oriented such that it is parallel to a wearer's leg
positioned within the receiver. The rocker therefore facilitates
rolling of the wearer's leg in direction 60 relative to the base
when the rocker is pressed against the contact pad under the
wearer's weight.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, in another embodiment, a knee
pad 68 includes a receiver 70 mounted to a base 72. As with the
embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, the base 72 may include a pad 10
according to any of the above embodiments or any other pad known in
the art. The receiver 70 may be mounted to a user's knee, shoulder,
elbow, or the like, by means of straps, or other fastening
means.
[0065] The receiver 70 is fixedly mounted at a rearward end 74 to
the base 72 and is slidably mounted to the base 72 at forward end
76, such as by means of a key 78 mounted to either the base 72 or
the receiver 70 and a keyway 80 mounted to the other of the base 72
and receiver 70. Other sliding fastening systems may also be
used.
[0066] Slidable securement of the receiver 70 to the base 72
facilitates deformation of the receiver in response to the wearer's
movements. The receiver 70 is preferably formed of a flexible
material that changes shape in response to the wearer's movements.
As shown in FIG. 20, the forward end 76 is curved to conform to a
wearer's knee. Straightening of the receiver 70, such as may be
caused by the wearer leaning forward, causes the forward end 76 to
move relative to the base 72 facilitated by the sliding engagement
therebetween. A leaf spring 82 may be formed at the forward end 76
of the receiver 70, as shown in FIG. 19, to further facilitate
flexing of the receiver 70. The leaf spring 82 preferably permits
both pitch and roll motion of the forward end 76 relative to the
base 72 subject to a biasing force of the leaf spring 82 and the
receiver 70. The leaf spring 82 includes a web 84 of material to
which the key 78 secures. Supports 86 extending from the receiver
70 toward the base 72 may advantageously distribute the wearer's
weight across the base 72 when the wearer's weight presses the
receiver 70 against the base 72 in order to reduce force
concentration on the wearer's knee.
[0067] The base 72 may include rollers 88 rotatably secured to a
lower surface thereof to enable the wearer to move readily across a
support surface. In an alternative embodiment, the lower surface of
the base 72 bears a low friction material to facilitate
sliding.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, in an alternative embodiment
the receiver 70 secures to the base 72 at the rearward end 74 by
means of a pivot 88, or hinge 88. The receiver 70 in such
embodiments may secure to the base 72 at the forward end 76 by
means of a biasing member 89, such as a spring or a strip of rubber
or elastic plastic. Referring specifically to FIG. 21, when the
wearer is kneeling, the receiver 70 is pressed against the base 72.
Referring specifically to FIG. 22, when the wearer is standing, the
base 72 is permitted to fall away from the receiver 70 to the
extent permitted by the biasing member 89. The biasing member 89
will also stretch for large bending angles of the wearer's knee in
which the base 72 may be drawn toward the receiver 70 by the
biasing member 89. Thus, interference of the rigid base 72 with the
wearer's movements is reduced.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 23 through 25, in an alternative
embodiment a pad 92 includes discrete reinforcing elements 16
embodied as plates 94 having a channel 96 extending thereacross,
preferably on the undersurface of the plates 94 facing the carrier
layer 14. Referring specifically to FIGS. 24 and 25, the channel 96
receives a chord 98 secured to the carrier layer 14, such as
directly securing to the carrier layer or by two or more anchors
100 secured to the carrier layer 14. In the illustrated
embodiments, the anchors 100 projection outwardly from the carrier
layer 14. In some embodiments, the chord 98 includes an elastic
material, allowing it to stretch in response to a wearer's
movements. FIG. 25 illustrates a single chord 98 secured to the
carrier layer 14. However, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality
of chords 98 each bearing a plurality of plates 94 will secure to
the carrier layer 14 in order to provide protection for an
area.
[0070] The plates 94 may include a spherical projection 102
insertable within a corresponding cavity 104 in an adjacent plate
94. Spherical projection 102 and cavity 104 form a revolute joint
enabling the plates 94 to pivot with respect to one another,
facilitating movement of the wearer. The chord 98 also retains the
plates with respect to the carrier layer 14, while still permitting
movement due to its elasticity.
[0071] In some embodiments, the plates 94 interlock with one
another, such as by means of projections 106 extending from one or
more of the edges of the plates 94. As is apparent in FIGS. 24 and
25, the projections 106 of adjacent edges are offset from one
another such that they overlap.
[0072] The various embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated
into various types of protective wear. The discrete reinforcing
elements 16 and carrier layer 14 may form part of glove 108, as
shown in FIG. 26, or any other wearable apparel such as shoes, knee
pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, wrist pads, jackets, pants, and
the like.
[0073] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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