U.S. patent application number 12/436678 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for impact dispersion systems and methods.
Invention is credited to SHABIR SHIRAZ BALOLIA.
Application Number | 20090276943 12/436678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41265643 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090276943 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BALOLIA; SHABIR SHIRAZ |
November 12, 2009 |
IMPACT DISPERSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
An impact assembly for protecting a wearer comprises a plurality
of impact parts. Each impact part defines a main portion, a first
connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The main
portion defines a first surface and a second surface. The first and
second connecting portions of a plurality of the impact parts are
connected to define a plurality of strings of impact parts. The
plurality of strings of impact parts are arranged such that the
second surface of the main portion of the some of the impact parts
partly overlay the first surface of the main portion of others of
the impact parts.
Inventors: |
BALOLIA; SHABIR SHIRAZ;
(BELLINGHAM, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHACHT LAW OFFICE, INC.
SUITE 202, 2801 MERIDIAN STREET
BELLINGHAM
WA
98225-2412
US
|
Family ID: |
41265643 |
Appl. No.: |
12/436678 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61126753 |
May 6, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/455 ;
2/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/1241 20130101;
A63B 2071/1258 20130101; A41D 13/05 20130101; A63B 2243/0025
20130101; A63B 2225/66 20130101; A63B 71/1225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/455 ;
2/267 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/015 20060101
A41D013/015; A41D 27/26 20060101 A41D027/26 |
Claims
1. An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising: first,
second, and third impact parts each defining a main portion, a
first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion; whereby
the main portion defines a first surface and a second surface; the
first connecting portion of the first impact part engages the
second connecting portion of the second impact part; the second
surface of the main portion of the first impact part partly
overlays the first surface of the main portion of the third impact
part; and the second surface of the main portion of the third
impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion
of the second impact part.
2. An impact assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
fourth impact part, wherein: the first connecting portion of the
third part engages the second connecting portion of the fourth
part; and the second surface of the main portion of the second
impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion
of the fourth impact part.
3. An impact assembly as recited in claim 1, in which: the first
connecting portions define a connecting opening; and the second
connecting portions define a tab; and the tab extend through the
connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.
4. An impact assembly as recited in claim 1, in which: at least one
lateral projection extends from the second surface of the main
portion of each impact part; and the at least one lateral
projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the
first connecting portion.
5. An impact assembly as recited in claim 4, in which: a latch
portion extends from each lateral projection; and the latch portion
engages the first connecting portion.
6. An impact assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
foam pad.
7. An impact dispersion system for protecting a wearer, comprising:
an impact assembly comprising first, second, and third impact
parts, wherein each impact part defines a main portion, a first
connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, and the main
portion defines a first surface and a second surface; and a support
structure for supporting the impact assembly over a desired area on
the wearer; wherein the first connecting portion of the first
impact part engages the second connecting portion of the second
impact part; the second surface of the main portion of the first
impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion
of the third impact part; and the second surface of the main
portion of the third impact part partly overlays the first surface
of the main portion of the second impact part.
8. An impact dispersion system as recited in claim 7, further
comprising a fourth impact part, wherein: the first connecting
portion of the third part engages the second connecting portion of
the fourth part; and the second surface of the main portion of the
second impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main
portion of the fourth impact part.
9. An impact dispersion system as recited in claim 7, in which: the
first connecting portions define a connecting opening; and the
second connecting portions define a tab; and the tab extend through
the connecting opening and engages the first connecting
portion.
10. An impact dispersion system as recited in claim 7, in which: at
least one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the
main portion of each impact part; and the at least one lateral
projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the
first connecting portion.
11. An impact dispersion system as recited in claim 10, in which: a
latch portion extends from each lateral projection; and the latch
portion engages the first connecting portion.
12. An impact dispersion system as recited in claim 7, further
comprising a foam pad, where the support system further supports
the foam pad.
13. An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising: a
plurality of impact parts each defining a main portion, a first
connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, where the main
portion defines a first surface and a second surface; whereby the
first and second connecting portions of a plurality of the impact
parts are connected to define a plurality of strings of impact
parts; the plurality of strings of impact parts are arranged such
that the second surface of the main portion of the some of the
impact parts partly overlay the first surface of the main portion
of others of the impact parts.
14. An impact assembly as recited in claim 13, in which: the first
connecting portions define a connecting opening; and the second
connecting portions define a tab; and the tab extend through the
connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.
15. An impact assembly as recited in claim 13, in which: at least
one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the main
portion of each impact part; and the at least one lateral
projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the
first connecting portion.
16. An impact assembly as recited in claim 15, in which: a latch
portion extends from each lateral projection; and the latch portion
engages the first connecting portion.
17. An impact assembly as recited in claim 13, further comprising a
foam pad.
18. An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising: a
plurality of impact parts each defining a main portion, a
connecting opening, and a connecting tab, where each main portion
defines a first surface and a second surface, and at least one
lateral projection extends from the second surface of the each main
portion; whereby the connecting openings engage the connecting tabs
to define a plurality of strings of impact parts; the plurality of
strings of impact parts are arranged such that the second surface
of the main portion of the some of the impact parts partly overlay
the first surface of the main portion of others of the impact
parts; and at least one lateral projection extends through at least
one connecting opening and engages the first connecting
portion.
19. An impact assembly as recited in claim 19, in which: a latch
portion extends from each lateral projection; and the latch portion
engages the first connecting portion.
20. An impact assembly as recited in claim 19, further comprising a
foam pad.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/126,753 filed May 5, 2008.
[0002] The subject matter of the foregoing related application is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
dispersing impacts and, more specifically, to impact dispersion
systems and methods that allow improved freedom of movement.
BACKGROUND
[0004] In many common activities, individuals are subjected to
impacts from objects and/or other individuals. For example, in
martial arts, participants strike each other with hands, feet,
elbows, knees, weapons, and the like while sparring. As another
example, soccer players are often kicked in the shins during normal
play. As yet another example, workers performing many jobs may be
struck by tools, workpieces, or the like.
[0005] To protect the human body from such impacts, devices have
been developed to protect vulnerable parts of the body. Protective
devices typically comprise a pad or pad assembly and a support
structure. The pad or pad assembly absorbs impacts, while the
support structure holds the pad or pad assembly in place over the
vulnerable body part.
[0006] For less sensitive parts of the body or situations in which
expected impacts are less severe, the protective device may use a
simple foam pad that compresses to absorb the expected impacts. The
amount of impact that can be absorbed by a pad alone is dependent
upon the thickness of the pad. For severe impacts, a pad capable of
absorbing such impacts may be too bulky for practical used.
[0007] Accordingly, for more sensitive parts of the body or
situations in which the expected impacts are more severe, the
protective device typically comprises a pad assembly comprising an
inner, compressible foam pad and an outer, relative rigid shell
member. As an example, a shin guard for use by a soccer player
typically comprises a pad assembly comprising a foam pad and molded
plastic shell. An impact on the pad assembly first encounters the
plastic shell; the plastic shell distributes the force of the
impact over a wider area to prevent the impact from being narrowly
transmitted to the shin. Once the impact has been distributed over
the wider area, a relatively thin foam pad is capable of absorbing
the impact before the impact is transmitted to the shin.
[0008] Protective devices comprising a pad assembly employing a
foam pad and molded plastic shell can restrict movement of the
individual wearing the protective device. The plastic shell, being
relatively rigid, does not easily accommodate parts of the body,
such as knees, elbows, and the like, that require movement. Even
relatively inflexible parts of the body, such as the shin or back,
may move or be connected to moving parts of the body such that
overall movement of the individual is restricted.
[0009] The need thus exists for protective devices for the human
body capable of optimizing the absorption of impacts while
minimizing the restriction of movement of the body.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention may be embodied as an impact assembly
for protecting a wearer comprising first, second, and third impact
parts. Each impact part defines a main portion, a first connecting
portion, and a second connecting portion. The main portion defines
a first surface and a second surface. The first connecting portion
of the first impact part engages the second connecting portion of
the second impact part. The second surface of the main portion of
the first impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main
portion of the third impact part. The second surface of the main
portion of the third impact part partly overlays the first surface
of the main portion of the second impact part.
[0011] The present invention may also be embodied as an impact
dispersion system for protecting a wearer comprising an impact
assembly and a support structure. The impact assembly comprises
first, second, and third impact parts. Each impact part defines a
main portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting
portion. The main portion defines a first surface and a second
surface. The support structure supports the impact assembly over a
desired area on the wearer. The first connecting portion of the
first impact part engages the second connecting portion of the
second impact part. The second surface of the main portion of the
first impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main
portion of the third impact part. The second surface of the main
portion of the third impact part partly overlays the first surface
of the main portion of the second impact part.
[0012] The present invention may also be embodied as an impact
assembly for protecting a wearer comprising a plurality of impact
parts each defining a main portion, a first connecting portion, and
a second connecting portion. The main portion defines a first
surface and a second surface. The first and second connecting
portions of a plurality of the impact parts are connected to define
a plurality of strings of impact parts. The plurality of strings of
impact parts are arranged such that the second surface of the main
portion of the some of the impact parts partly overlay the first
surface of the main portion of others of the impact parts.
[0013] The present invention may also be embodied as an impact
assembly for protecting a wearer comprising a plurality of impact
parts each defining a main portion, a connecting opening, and a
connecting tab. Each main portion defines a first surface and a
second surface, and at least one lateral projection extends from
the second surface of the each main portion. The connecting
openings engage the connecting tabs to define a plurality of
strings of impact parts. The plurality of strings of impact parts
are arranged such that the second surface of the main portion of
the some of the impact parts partly overlay the first surface of
the main portion of others of the impact parts. At least one
lateral projection extends through at least one connecting opening
and engages the first connecting portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic, exploded, perspective view
of an example impact dispersion system of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic, exploded, perspective view
of a first example impact assembly that may be used by an impact
dispersion system of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded, front, perspective view illustrating
the engagement of a plurality of first example impact parts that
are combined to form a first example impact assembly that may be
used by the an impact dispersion system of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear, perspective view illustrating the
engagement of a plurality of first example impact parts as depicted
in FIG. 3 to form at least a portion of the first example impact
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear, perspective view illustrating the
combination of the first example impact assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4
and an example backing layer;
[0019] FIG. 6 is perspective view illustrating the engagement of a
plurality of second example impact parts that are combined to form
a second example impact assembly that may be used by an impact
dispersion system of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective, top plan, end elevation, and
side elevation views, respectively, illustrating one of the second
example impact parts forming the second example impact assembly of
FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic, perspective front view of a
border portion of a third example impact assembly that may be used
by an impact dispersion system of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic, perspective rear view of the
third example impact assembly depicted in FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view depicting the
interconnection of a field impact part that may be used by the
third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0024] FIGS. 11A and 11B are rear and front perspective views of
the of field impact part depicted in FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a first border impact part
of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0026] FIG. 12B is a top plan view of the first border impact part
depicted in FIG. 12A;
[0027] FIG. 12C is a bottom plan view of the first border impact
part depicted in FIG. 12A;
[0028] FIG. 12D is a side elevation view of the first border impact
part depicted in FIG. 12A;
[0029] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a second border impact
part of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0030] FIG. 13B is a top plan view of the second border impact part
depicted in FIG. 13A;
[0031] FIG. 13C is a bottom plan view of the second border impact
part depicted in FIG. 13A;
[0032] FIG. 13D is a side elevation view of the second border
impact part depicted in FIG. 13A;
[0033] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a third border impact part
of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0034] FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the third border impact part
depicted in FIG. 14A;
[0035] FIG. 14C is a bottom plan view of the third border impact
part depicted in FIG. 14A;
[0036] FIG. 14D is a side elevation view of the third border impact
part depicted in FIG. 14A;
[0037] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a fourth border impact
part of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0038] FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the fourth border impact part
depicted in FIG. 15A;
[0039] FIG. 15C is a bottom plan view of the fourth border impact
part depicted in FIG. 15A;
[0040] FIG. 15D is a side elevation view of the fourth border
impact part depicted in FIG. 15A;
[0041] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a fifth border impact part
of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0042] FIG. 16B is a top plan view of the fifth border impact part
depicted in FIG. 16A;
[0043] FIG. 16C is a bottom plan view of the fifth border impact
part depicted in FIG. 16A;
[0044] FIG. 16D is a side elevation view of the fifth border impact
part depicted in FIG. 16A;
[0045] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a sixth border impact part
of the third example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0046] FIG. 17B is a top plan view of the sixth border impact part
depicted in FIG. 17A;
[0047] FIG. 17C is a bottom plan view of the sixth border impact
part depicted in FIG. 17A;
[0048] FIG. 17D is a side elevation view of the sixth border impact
part depicted in FIG. 17A;
[0049] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a seventh border impact
part of the seventh example impact assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0050] FIG. 18B is a top plan view of the seventh border impact
part depicted in FIG. 18A;
[0051] FIG. 18C is a bottom plan view of the seventh border impact
part depicted in FIG. 18A; and
[0052] FIG. 18D is a side elevation view of the seventh border
impact part depicted in FIG. 18A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted
therein is a first example impact system 20 comprising an impact
assembly 22 and a support assembly 24. The impact system 20 is
adapted to protect a predetermined area of a wearer. The first
example impact system 20 is a shin guard designed to be worn over
and protect the wearer's shin, but the impact system 20 may take
many different shapes and sized depending upon the particular
predetermined area to be protected.
[0054] The example pad assembly 22 comprises an impact layer 30 and
a resilient pad 32. The example support assembly 24 comprises a
first panel 40 and a second panel 42. The first panel 40 is a
substantially conical or cylindrical form that defines a passageway
44. The second panel 42 is secured to the first panel 40 to define
a pocket 46. The pad assembly 22 defines a form factor adapted to
overlay the predetermined area of the wearer, and the pocket 46 is
sized and dimensioned to receive the pad assembly 22.
[0055] With the pad assembly 22 received by the pocket 46, the
passageway 44 receives a portion of the wearer such that the pad
assembly 22 is held in place over the predetermined area of the
wearer. The first example impact system 20 is a shin guard, so the
wearer's foot is passed through the passageway 44, and the support
assembly 24 is pulled up so that first panel 40 surrounds the
wearer's leg below the knee. The pocket 46 is arranged towards the
front so that the pad assembly 22 overlays and protects the
wearer's shinbone. At least the first panel 40 is made of a
stretchable memory material or fabric that snugly holds the pad
assembly 22 in place over the wearer's shinbone.
[0056] The impact layer 30 may be made in many different sizes and
shapes and of many different materials. For example, the impact
dispersion system 20 may be designed to cover different
predetermined areas of the wearer, such as the knees, elbows, hips,
back, head, legs, chest, and/or other extremities of the body. For
each different protected area, the size and shape of the impact
layer 30 will be different. The impact layer 30 may further be
customized for different sizes of individuals. Depending upon the
nature of the impact system 20, a single support system may
comprise one or more impact assemblies, with or without a pad.
[0057] In addition, the impact layer may be made at least in part
of plastic for contact sports such as soccer or hand-to-hand
sparring. However, the impact layer may be made at least in part of
more durable materials such as metals and composites if the impact
layer is used to protect the wearer from weapons.
[0058] Several example impact assemblies that may be used as part
of an impact dispersion system of the present invention will be
described in further detail below.
[0059] Referring initially to FIGS. 2-5, a first example impact
assembly 220 is depicted therein. The first example impact assembly
220 comprises an impact layer 222 and a backing layer 224
comprising a structural sheet 226 and a foam sheet 228. The example
structural sheet 226 is made of a sheet of Kevlar, while the
example foam sheet 228 is made of sheet of neoprene. The example
sheets 226 and 228 are laminated or otherwise joined together to
form the backing layer 224; these sheets 226 and 228 may further be
processed as will be described in further detail below to
facilitate connection of the impact layer 222 to the backing layer
224.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the impact layer 222 comprises a
plurality of interconnected impact parts 230. The example impact
parts 230 are identical and each comprises a main portion 232, a
first connecting portion 234, and a second connecting portion 236.
The main portion 232 defines a front surface 240, a rear surface
242, and a perimeter edge 244.
[0061] The first connecting portion 234 defines a connecting
opening 250 defining a bridge portion 252. The second connecting
portion 236 defines a connecting tab 254 and a neck portion 256.
The connecting tab 254 is adapted to extend through the connecting
opening 250. The example impact parts 230 further define first and
second lateral projections 260 and 262 that extend from the rear
surface 242. The lateral projections 260 and 262 each define an
inward facing curved surface portion 264 and an outward facing flat
surface portion 266.
[0062] When the impact parts 230 are connected as shown in FIG. 5,
a proximal portion 256a of the neck portion 256 of a first impact
part 230a lies under the bridge portion 252 and a distal portion
256b of the neck portion 256 lies within the connecting opening 250
of a second impact part 230b. Additionally, the lateral projections
260 of laterally adjacent impact parts 230c and 230d also extend
into the connecting opening 250 of the second impact part 230b. The
curved surface portions 264 of the laterally adjacent parts 230c
and 230d engage the first connection portion 234 of the second part
230b. The flat surface portions 266 of the lateral adjacent parts
230a and 230d engage the distal portions 254a of the neck portion
256 of the first part 230a.
[0063] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second
connecting portions 234 and 236 of the impact parts 230a and 230b,
the first lateral projection 260 of the first laterally adjacent
impact part 230c, and the second lateral projection 262 of the
second laterally adjacent impact part 230d form a connecting system
270. The connecting system 270 joins the impact parts 230a, 230b,
230c, and 230d together into a unit 272 as shown in FIG. 5.
Additionally, it should be apparent that multiple additional impact
parts 230 may be added to the unit 272 to form an even larger
impact layer 222.
[0064] Additionally, the perimeter edges 244 of the first example
impact parts 230 forming the impact layer 222 of the first example
impact assembly 220 are formed such that the rear surface 242 of
one part 230 overlaps the front surface 240 of at least one
adjacent part 230. Accordingly, the force arising from an impact
applied to the front surface 240 of a target impact part 230 is
transmitted to adjacent impact parts 230 and from these adjacent
impact parts 230 to impact parts that are not adjacent to the
target impact part. This transfer of forces distributes the force
of the impact over a relatively wide surface area. However, the
edges 244 are contoured such that impact layer 222 has a
significant greater degree of flexibility than a single piece of
relatively rigid plastic.
[0065] Accordingly, both the size of the main portions 232 of the
parts 230 and the number of the parts 230 may be adjusted to obtain
an impact layer 222 having a desired size, shape, and degree of
flexibility.
[0066] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawing,
perforations 280 may be formed in the backing layer 224 at
locations aligned with the locations of the connecting systems 270
defined by the impact layer 222. To assemble the impact layer 222
with the backing layer 224, each second connecting portion 236 is
arranged such that the connecting openings 250 are aligned with one
of the perforations 280 in the backing layer 224. The first
connecting portion 234 is then arranged such that the connecting
tabs 256 extend through both the connecting opening 250 and the
perforation 280 aligned therewith. The lateral projections 260 and
262 are also inserted through the connecting opening 250 and the
perforation 280 such that the connecting system 270 is formed.
[0067] The connecting system 270 thus not only holds the impact
parts 230 together to form the impact layer 222, but also holds the
impact layer and the backing layer 224 together. As an alternative
or in addition, an adhesive may be used to secure the backing layer
224 to the impact layer 222.
[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawing, depicted
therein is a second example impact layer 320 of the present
invention. The impact layer 320 comprises a plurality of
interconnected impact parts 330. The example impact parts 330 are
identical and each comprises a main portion 332, a first connecting
portion 334, and a second connecting portion 336. The main portion
332 defines a front surface 340, a rear surface 342, and a
perimeter edge 344.
[0069] The first connecting portion 334 defines a connecting
opening 350. The second connecting portion 336 defines a neck
portion 352 and a connecting tab 354. The connecting tab 354 is
adapted to extend through the connecting opening 350.
[0070] When the impact parts 330 are connected as shown in FIG. 6,
the neck portion 352 of a first impact part 330a lies within the
connecting opening 350 of a second impact part 330b. Accordingly,
the first and second connecting portions 334 and 336 of the impact
parts 330a and 330b form a connecting system 360. The connecting
system 360 joins the impact parts 330 together into a unit 362 as
shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, it should be apparent that multiple
additional impact parts 330 may be added to the unit 362 to form an
even larger impact layer 320.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates that the first and second connecting
portions 334 and 336 form strings 370a-h of longitudinally
connected impact parts 330. These strings 370a-h are combined such
that the parts 330 in one string are offset from the parts of each
adjacent string. The parts 330 thus engage each other like a woven
fabric to create the larger impact layer 330. Again, a backing
layer or boundary layer may be mused to maintain the strings 370 of
parts together as part of the overall impact layer 320.
[0072] Additionally, the perimeter edges 344 of the first example
impact parts 330 forming the impact layer 320 of the second example
impact assembly 320 are formed such that the rear surface 342 of
one part 330 overlaps the front surface 340 of at least one
adjacent part 330. Accordingly, the force arising from an impact
applied to the front surface 340 of a target impact part 330 is
transmitted to adjacent impact parts 330 and from these adjacent
impact parts 330 to impact parts that are not adjacent to the
target impact part. This transfer of forces distributes the force
of the impact over a relatively wide surface area. However, the
edges 344 are contoured such that impact layer 320 has a
significant greater degree of flexibility than a single piece of
relatively rigid plastic.
[0073] One advantage arising from the use of the impact parts 330
is that the impact layer 320 facilitates transmission of heat away
from the wearer through the impact layer 320. Initially, as perhaps
best shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the impact parts 330 are cupped such
that the rear surfaces 342 are slightly concave. When the impact
layer 320 moves, such as to accommodate movement of the wearer or
upon external impacts, the cup-shaped impact parts 330 slightly
deflect or deform to form a slight suction that pulls heat and
moist air away from the wearer. In addition, the shapes of the
impact parts 330 (e.g., pointed oval with slight inward curves
towards the pointed ends) creates spacing between each adjacent
part 330. Once the air has been forced out by the deflection or
deformation of the parts 330, the air travels through the spacings
between the interconnected parts 330.
[0074] Additionally, the example impact layer 320 may be used with
a backing sheet such as the backing sheet 224 described above. The
perforations in such a backing sheet may be aligned with the impact
layer 320 such that air can be drawn from the inside of the backing
sheet to the exterior, which ventilates the protected portion of
the wearer under the impact layer 320.
[0075] Again, both the size of the main portions 332 of the parts
330 and the number of the parts 330 may be adjusted to obtain an
impact layer 320 having a desired size, shape, and degree of
flexibility. The individual impact parts 330 can easily be
injection molded of plastic; other manufacturing techniques and
materials can be used, however, depending upon the expected use of
the impact layer.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 8-18, depicted therein is a third
example impact layer 420 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. The third example impact layer
420 comprises a field portion 422 (e.g., FIG. 10) and a border
portion 424.
[0077] The field portion 422 of the third example impact layer 420
comprises a plurality of interconnected field impact parts 430. The
example field impact parts 430 are identical and each comprises a
main portion 432, a first connecting portion 434, and a second
connecting portion 436. The main portion 432 defines a front
surface 440, a rear surface 442, and a perimeter edge 444.
[0078] The first connecting portion 434 defines a connecting
opening 450 defining a bridge portion 452. The second connecting
portion 436 defines a neck portion 454 and a connecting tab 456.
The connecting tab 456 is adapted to extend through the connecting
opening 450. The example impact parts 430 further define first and
second lateral projections 460 and 462 that extend from the rear
surface 442. The lateral projections 460 and 462 each define an
inward facing curved surface portion 464 and an outward facing flat
surface portion 466. Additionally, first and second latch portions
470 and 472 extend from the first and second lateral projections
460 and 462, respectively.
[0079] When the impact parts 430 are connected as shown in FIG. 10,
a proximal portion 454a of the neck portion 454 of a first impact
part 430a lies under the bridge portion 452 and a distal portion
454b of the neck portion 454 lies within the connecting opening 450
of a second impact part 430b. Additionally, the lateral projections
460 of laterally adjacent impact parts 430c and 430d also extend
into the connecting opening 450 of the second impact part 430b. The
curved surface portions 464 of the laterally adjacent parts 430c
and 430d engage the first connection portion 434 of the second part
430b. The flat surface portions 466 of the lateral adjacent parts
430c and 430d engage the distal portions 454a of the neck portion
454 of the first part 430a. The first and second latch portions 470
and 472 extend over the first connecting portions 434 to inhibit
inadvertent removal of the first portion 434 from the second
portion 436 associated therewith.
[0080] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, the first and second
connecting portions 434 and 436 of the impact parts 430a and 430b,
the first lateral projection 460 of the first laterally adjacent
impact part 430c, and the second lateral projection 462 of the
second laterally adjacent impact part 430d form a connecting system
474. The connecting system 474 joins the impact parts 430a, 430b,
430c, and 430d together into a unit 476 as shown in FIG. 10.
Additionally, it should be apparent that multiple additional impact
parts 430 may be added to the unit 476 to form an even larger
impact layer 420.
[0081] Additionally, the perimeter edges 444 of the first example
impact parts 430 forming the impact layer 420 of the third example
impact assembly 420 are formed such that the rear surface 442 of
one part 430 overlaps the front surface 440 of at least one
adjacent part 430. Additionally, when the impact parts 430 are
assembled, the front surfaces 440 substantially cover the
connection points formed where each of the connecting systems 474
are formed.
[0082] Accordingly, the force arising from an impact applied to the
front surface 440 of a target impact part 430 is transmitted to
adjacent impact parts 430 and from these adjacent impact parts 430
to impact parts that are not adjacent to the target impact part.
This transfer of forces distributes the force of the impact over a
relatively wide surface area. However, the edges 444 are contoured
such that impact layer 420 has a significant greater degree of
flexibility than a single piece of relatively rigid plastic.
[0083] Accordingly, both the size of the main portions 432 of the
parts 430 and the number of the parts 430 may be adjusted to obtain
an impact layer 420 having a desired size, shape, and degree of
flexibility. Also, the individual field impact parts 430 can easily
be injection molded of plastic; other manufacturing techniques and
materials can be used, however, depending upon the expected use of
the impact layer.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 8 of the drawing, the border portion 424
comprises a plurality of specialized border impact parts. The
border impact parts can be used to form a more finished looking
border than can be accomplished simply by using the field impact
parts 430 alone.
[0085] In particular, the example border portion 424 comprises an
upper end border part 480, a first upper side border part 482, a
corner side border part 484, a first lower side border part 486, a
lower end border part 490, a second lower side border part 492, and
a second upper side border part 494.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 12A-D, the upper end border part 480
comprises a main portion 520 and a connection portion 522. The main
portion defines a front surface 520a, a rear surface 520b, and a
perimeter edge 520c. Like the second connection portion 436, the
connection portion 522 defines a neck portion 522a and a connecting
tab 522b. A loop structure 524 defining a loop opening 524b extends
from the rear surface 520b. The perimeter edge 520c is dimensioned
to complement the perimeter edges of the first and second upper
side border parts 482 and 494.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 13A-D, the first upper side border part
482 comprises a main portion 530 and a connection portion 532. The
main portion defines a front surface 530a, a rear surface 530b, and
a perimeter edge 530c. Like the second connection portion 436, the
connection portion 532 defines a neck portion 532a and a connecting
tab 532b. Loop structures 534 defining loop openings 534b extend
from the rear surface 530b. A lateral projection 536 that is
substantially the same as the lateral projections 460 and 462
described above also extends from the rear surface 530b. The
perimeter edge 530c is dimensioned to complement the perimeter
edges of the upper end border part 480 and the corner side border
part 484.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 14A-D, the corner side border parts 484
comprises a main portion 540. The main portion defines a front
surface 5 540a, a rear surface 540b, and a perimeter edge 540c.
Loop structures 542 defining loop openings 542b extend from the
rear surface 540b. A lateral projection 544 that is substantially
the same as the lateral projections 460 and 462 described above
also extends from the rear surface 540b. The perimeter edge 540c is
dimensioned to complement the perimeter edges of the first upper
side border part 482 and the first lower side border part 486.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 15A-D, the first lower side border part
486 comprises a main portion 550 and a connection portion 552. The
main portion defines a front surface 550a, a rear surface 550b, and
a perimeter is edge 550c. Like the first connecting portion 434,
the connecting portion 552 defines a connecting opening 552a
defining a bridge portion 552b. Loop structures 554 defining loop
openings 554b extend from the rear surface 550b. A lateral
projection 556 that is substantially the same as the lateral
projections 460 and 462 described above also extends from the rear
surface 550b. The perimeter edge 550c is dimensioned to complement
the perimeter edges of the corner side border parts 484 and the
lower end border part 490.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 16A-D, the lower end border part 490
comprises a main portion 560 and a connection portion 562. The main
portion 25 defines a front surface 560a, a rear surface 560b, and a
perimeter edge 560c. Like the first connecting portion 434, the
connecting portion 562 defines a connecting opening 562a defining a
bridge portion 562b. A loop structure 564 defining a loop opening
564b extends from the rear surface 560b. The perimeter edge 560c is
dimensioned to complement the 30 perimeter edges of the first lower
side border part 486 and the second lower side border part 492.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 17A-D, the second lower side border part
492 comprises a main portion 570 and a connection portion 572. The
main portion defines a front surface 570a, a rear surface 570b, and
a perimeter edge 570c. Like the first connecting portion 434, the
connecting portion 572 defines a connecting opening 572a defining a
bridge portion 572b. Loop structures 574 defining loop openings
574b extend from the rear surface 570b. A lateral projection 576
that is substantially the same as the lateral projections 460 and
462 described above also extends from the rear surface 570b. The
perimeter edge 570c is dimensioned to complement the perimeter
edges of the lower end border part 490 and the corner side border
parts 484.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 18A-D, the second upper side border part
494 comprises a main portion 580 and a connection portion 582. The
main portion defines a front surface 580a, a rear surface 580b, and
a perimeter edge 580c. Like the second connection portion 436, the
connection portion 582 defines a neck portion 582a and a connecting
tab 582b. Loop structures 584 defining loop openings 584b extend
from the rear surface 580b. A lateral projection 586 that is
substantially the same as the lateral projections 460 and 462
described above also extends from the rear surface 580b. The
perimeter edge 580c is dimensioned to complement the perimeter
edges of the upper end border part 480 and the corner side border
part 484.
[0093] Turning again to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the border
portion 424 can be held in place by a cord 590 inserted in sequence
through the various loop openings 524b, 534b, 542b, 554b, 564b,
574b, and 584b defined by the border parts 480, 482, 484, 486, 490,
492, and 494. The cord can be elastic to allow movement of adjacent
border parts relative to each other but still maintain the
integrity of the border portion 424.
[0094] Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for purposes of clarity,
the border parts 480, 482, 484, 486, 490, 492, and 494 engage each
other and the field parts 430 such that connection systems are
formed that mechanically interlock the various parts 430, 480, 482,
484, 486, 490, 492, and 494 to form the impact layer 420. The
example impact layer 420 is a diamond shape, but other shapes can
be formed by altering the shapes of the perimeter edges of the
various border parts.
[0095] Again, the individual impact parts 430, 480, 482, 484, 486,
490, 492, and 494 can easily be injection molded of plastic; other
manufacturing techniques and materials can be used, however,
depending upon the expected use of the impact layer.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention may be embodied as
an example impact dispersion system comprising an impact layer
comprising interlocking impact parts, a first fabric layer
comprising Kevlar, and a second fabric layer comprising neoprene. A
border is formed around the perimeter of the example impact
dispersion system. The interlocking impact parts mechanically
engage each other to define the impact layer. An impact applied to
any one or more of the individual impact parts is distributed to
adjacent impact parts to distribute the forces of the impact over a
relatively large surface area of the impact dispersion system.
[0097] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate that the example impact parts
engage adjacent impact parts end to end and side to side to
mechanically engage adjacent impact parts, with edges of the
adjacent impact parts overlapping. FIG. 6 further illustrates that
portions of the example impact parts extend through openings in one
or both of the fabric layers to mechanically engage the impact
parts with the fabric layers.
[0098] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrates that the impact parts can be easily
and inexpensively manufactured using conventional injection molding
techniques.
[0099] Like the impact parts 230 and 330 described above, the
impact layer 420 formed by the impact parts 430 facilitates
transmission of heat away from the wearer through the impact layer
420. The impact parts 430 are cupped, and the cup-shaped impact
parts 430 slightly deflect or deform to form a slight suction that
pulls heat and moist air away from the wearer. In addition, the
shapes of the impact parts 430 (e.g., pointed oval with slight
inward curves towards the pointed ends) creates spacing between
each adjacent part 430. Once the air has been forced out by the
deflection or deformation of the parts 430, the air travels through
the spacings between the interconnected parts 430.
[0100] Again, like the example impact layers 222 and 320, the
example impact layer 420 may be used with a backing sheet such as
the backing sheet 224 described above. The perforations in such a
backing sheet may be aligned with the impact layer 420 such that
air can be drawn from the inside of the backing sheet to the
exterior, which ventilates the protected portion of the wearer
under the impact layer 420.
* * * * *