U.S. patent application number 13/155522 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for vibration dampening material.
Invention is credited to CARMEN N. DIMARIO, THOMAS FALONE, ROBERT A. VITO.
Application Number | 20110302700 13/155522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45094979 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110302700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VITO; ROBERT A. ; et
al. |
December 15, 2011 |
VIBRATION DAMPENING MATERIAL
Abstract
A vibration reducing headgear assembly including a
circumferential band and a plurality of straps extending from the
band to define a dome structure, each strap including vibration
reducing material including at least a first elastomer layer and a
reinforcement layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous
material.
Inventors: |
VITO; ROBERT A.; (Kennett
Square, PA) ; DIMARIO; CARMEN N.; (West Chester,
PA) ; FALONE; THOMAS; (Mickleton, NJ) |
Family ID: |
45094979 |
Appl. No.: |
13/155522 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13084866 |
Apr 12, 2011 |
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13155522 |
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12570499 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
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13084866 |
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11873825 |
Oct 17, 2007 |
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12570499 |
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11635939 |
Dec 8, 2006 |
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11873825 |
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11304995 |
Dec 15, 2005 |
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11635939 |
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11019568 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
7171697 |
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11304995 |
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11304079 |
Dec 15, 2005 |
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11635939 |
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11019568 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
7171697 |
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11304079 |
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10999246 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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11019568 |
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10958745 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
6942586 |
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10958745 |
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10958952 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
6942586 |
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10958952 |
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10958767 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
6942586 |
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10958767 |
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10958941 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
6942586 |
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10958941 |
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10958611 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
7150113 |
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10999246 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
6942586 |
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10958611 |
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10659560 |
Sep 10, 2003 |
6935973 |
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10856215 |
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09939319 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
6652398 |
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10659560 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/412 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. A vibration reducing headgear assembly comprising: a
circumferential band; and a plurality of straps extending from the
band to define a dome structure, each strap including vibration
reducing material including at least a first elastomer layer and a
reinforcement layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous
material.
2. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1
wherein the circumferential band includes vibration reducing
material including at least a first elastomer layer and a
reinforcement layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous
material.
3. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1
wherein the diameter of the circumferential band is adjustable.
4. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 3
wherein the circumferential band has opposed ends which are
adjustable relative to one another.
5. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4
wherein the opposed ends are connected via an elastic member.
6. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4
wherein a first attachment member is connected to one end of the
band and a second attachment member is connected to the other end
of the band and configured to be attached to the first attachment
member.
7. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 6
wherein the first and second attachment members include
complementary attachment structures.
8. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1
wherein the complementary attachment structures include hook and
loop fasteners.
9. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1
wherein each strap has opposed first and second ends with each
first end attached to the circumferential band or an attachment
member extending from the circumferential band.
10. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9
wherein each strap second end is attached to the circumferential
band or an attachment member extending from the circumferential
band.
11. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 10
wherein each strap extends across an apex of the dome
structure.
12. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9
wherein each strap second end is attached to a connector pad
adjacent to an apex of the dome structure.
13. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12
wherein the strap second ends are adjustably attached to the
connector pad.
14. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 13
wherein the strap second ends are attached to the connector pad via
hook and loop fasteners.
15. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12
wherein the connector pad includes vibration reducing material
including at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcement
layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/084,866 filed Apr. 12, 2011 which is a
Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/570,499
filed Sep. 30, 2009 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/873,825 filed Oct. 17, 2007 and a
Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/635,939
filed Dec. 8, 2006 (Abandoned) which is a Continuation-in-Part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/304,079 filed Dec. 15, 2005
(Abandoned) and a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/304,995 filed Dec. 15, 2005 (Abandoned), both of which
are a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/019,568 filed Dec. 22, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,697, which
is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/999,246 filed Nov. 30, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,611 filed Oct. 5, 2004, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,113, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/958,941 filed Oct. 5, 2004 (Abandoned), U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/958,767 filed Oct. 5, 2004 (Abandoned), U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/958,952 filed Oct. 5, 2004 (Abandoned) and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,745 filed Oct. 5, 2004, all
of which are a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/856,215 filed May 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,586,
which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/659,560 filed Sep. 10, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,973, which
is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/939,319
filed Aug. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,398. Each of these
applications is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a material adapted to
reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a multi-layer material
adapted to dissipate and distribute vibrations.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Handles of sporting equipment, bicycles, hand tools, etc.
are often made of wood, metal or polymer that transmit vibrations
that can make the items uncomfortable for prolonged gripping.
Sporting equipment, such as bats, balls, shoe insoles and
sidewalls, also transmit vibrations during the impact that commonly
occurs during athletic contests. These vibrations can be
problematic in that they can potentially distract the player's
attention, adversely effect performance, and/or injure a portion of
a player's body.
[0004] Rigid polymer materials are typically used to provide grips
for tools and sports equipment. The use of rigid polymers allows
users to maintain control of the equipment but is not very
effective at reducing vibrations. While it is known that softer
materials provide better vibration regulation characteristics, such
materials do not have the necessary rigidity for incorporation into
sporting equipment, hand tools, shoes or the like. This lack of
rigidity allows unintended movement of the equipment encased by the
soft material relative to a user's hand or body.
[0005] Prolonged or repetitive contact with excessive vibrations
can injure a person. The desire to avoid such injury can result in
reduced athletic performance and decreased efficiency when working
with tools.
[0006] In another aspect, noise control solutions are becoming
increasing critical in a vast array of fields including commercial
and industrial equipment, consumer electronics, transportation, as
well as countless other specialty areas. These applications require
an efficient and economical sound insulating material with the
ability to be adapted to fill a wide variety of damping
requirements.
[0007] Viscoelastic materials are typically used in sound damping
applications to provide hysteretic energy dissipation, meaning
damping provided by the yielding or straining of the molecules of
the material. These materials offer somewhat limited damping
efficiency as a result of providing very few avenues for energy
dissipation and absorption. Viscoelastic materials that do possess
acceptable levels of energy dissipation do so at the expense of
increased material thickness and further, fail to provide the
structural stiffness required in many of today's applications. In
contrast, conventional composite materials have high
stiffness-to-weight ratios however they generally exhibit very poor
damping characteristics.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention provides a material that in at least
one embodiment comprises a composite vibration dissipating and
isolating material including first and second elastomer layers. A
reinforcement layer is disposed between and generally separates the
first and second elastomer layers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,
there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently
preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentality shown. In
the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the material of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the material of FIG. 1
configured to form a grip;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the material of FIG. 1
configured to form an alternative grip;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a baseball bat having a
cover in the form of a sleeve on the handle area in accordance with
this invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmental cross-sectional view of the
bat and sleeve shown in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the results in the
application of shock forces on a cover in accordance with this
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative
sleeve mounted on a different implement;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 6 showing still yet
another form of sleeve in accordance with this invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an
alternative cover in accordance with this invention mounted on a
further type of implement
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of yet another cover in
accordance with this invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a hammer incorporating a
vibration dampening handle in accordance with this invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a portion of a
handlebar incorporating a vibration dampening cover in accordance
with this invention; the handlebar grip can include an attached
insert (that is also formed of the material of the present
invention) that is located inside of a hollow in the handlebar to
effectively cause the handlebar structure to become another layer
of the material of the present invention (for example, if the
handlebar is formed of a composite, then the composite material
would just form another layer of the material of the present
invention);
[0022] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of yet another practice
of this invention;
[0023] FIGS. 13-16 are plan views of various forms of the
intermediate force dissipating layer which is used in certain
practices of this invention; FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the stiffening layer as an impervious sheet applied to
the elastomeric layer;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable electronic
device case having a panel formed from the material of the present
invention; the panel can form the entire case, or just portions of
the case, without departing from the scope of the present
invention; the illustrated case can be used with laptops, cell
phones, GPS devices, portable music playing devices, such as MP3
players, walkie talkies, hand held video games, or the like without
departing from the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shoe insert formed from the
material of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shoe having a panel
formed from the material of the present invention; while the panel
is shown proximate to the heel of the shoe, the panel's size and
placement can vary without departing from the scope of the present
invention; for example, the panel can be positioned along a
sidewall of the shoe, in the sole or mid-sole of the shoe, on the
toe of the shoe, in the tongue of the shoe, or the panel can form
the entire upper portion of the shoe, or the like;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firearm with a grip
having at least a panel formed by the material of the present
invention; the grip can be entirely formed by the material of the
present invention; while the grip is shown on a handgun, those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the grip can be used
on any rifle, shotgun, paint ball gun, or projectile launching
device without departing from the present invention; the firearm
grip can be a separate wrap around grip or can be a grip attached
and/or molded to the firearm;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sock having panels formed
by the material of the present invention; the panels can be of any
size and configuration; the panels can form the sock itself or be
attached to an underlying fabric, such as a cotton weave;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a kneepad having a panel
formed by the material of the present invention; the panel can be
of any size and configuration; the panels that are formed by the
material of the present invention can be integrated in any type of
kneepad or other article of clothing;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one
embodiment of the material of the present invention that may be
used to form a panel, covering, casing, or container as taken along
the line 23-23 of FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30;
[0031] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a panel formed by
the material of the present invention used to cover a dashboard,
and/or a floorboard of an automobile; the panel can be used in a
boat, plane, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, train, racing
vehicle, or the like and can be used in any part of a vehicle, such
as a seat, roll bar, floor panel, speaker insulation, engine
mounts, or the like without departing from the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll bar for use with a
vehicle that incorporates the material of the present invention as
padding thereover; the roll bar padding may include a panel of the
material of the present invention or may be formed entirely of the
material of the present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 26-30 are perspective views of tape or other wrapping
material that may include a panel of or that may be entirely made
of the material of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a headband formed, at least
in part, by the material of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
headband of FIG. 31 as taken along the line 32-32 in FIG. 31;
[0036] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a helmet including
panels formed by the material of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 33A-33C are side elevational views of a flexible
headgear including panels formed by the material of the present
invention with FIG. 33A illustrating a "durag" or "skull cap", FIG.
33B illustrating a ski cap and FIG. 33C illustrating a ski
mask;
[0038] FIG. 34 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a
cycling helmet incorporating the material of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a glove suitable for use
with at least one of a baseball and a softball; the glove
incorporates the material of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a weightlifting glove that
incorporates the material of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 37 is a front elevation view of a jersey incorporating
the material of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 38 is an elevational view of athletic shorts
incorporating the material of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 39 is a elevational view of a golf glove incorporating
the material of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 40 is a elevational view of a rope handling glove or a
rescue services glove incorporating the material of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 41 is a elevational view of a batting glove
incorporating the material of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 42 is a elevational view of a lady's dress glove
incorporating the material of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 43 is a elevational view of a ski mitten incorporating
the material of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 44 is a elevational view of a lacrosse glove
incorporating the material of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 45 is a elevational view of boxing glove incorporating
the material of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention illustrating a single layer
vibration dissipating material with a support structure embedded
therein, the material extends along a longitudinal portion of an
implement and covers a proximal end thereof;
[0051] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 46
separate from any implement, padding, equipment or the like;
[0052] FIG. 47A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention with the support structure
embedded thereon and the vibration dissipating material penetrating
the support structure;
[0053] FIG. 47B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention with the support structure
embedded within the vibration dissipating material and the
vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure,
the support structure is positioned off center within the vibration
dissipating material;
[0054] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
support structure as taken along the lines 48-48 of FIG. 47, the
support structure is formed of polymer and/or elastomer and/or
fibers, either of which may contain fibers, passageways extend
through the support structure allowing the vibration dissipating
material to penetrate the support structure;
[0055] FIG. 49 is cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the support structure as viewed in a manner similar to that of
FIG. 48 illustrating a support structure formed by woven fibers,
passageways through the woven fibers allow the support structure to
be penetrated by the vibration dissipating material;
[0056] FIG. 50 is cross-sectional view of another alternate support
structure as viewed in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48, the
support structure formed by plurality of fibers, passageways past
the fibers allow the vibration dissipating material to penetrate
the support structure;
[0057] FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the support structure
of FIG. 48;
[0058] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention illustrating a single layer
vibration dissipating material with a support structure embedded
therein, the material extends along a longitudinal portion of an
implement and covers a proximal end thereof;
[0059] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 52
separate from any implement, padding, equipment or the like;
[0060] FIG. 53A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention with the support structure
embedded thereon and the vibration dissipating material penetrating
the support structure;
[0061] FIG. 53B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention with the support structure
embedded within the vibration dissipating material and the
vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure,
the support structure is positioned off center within the vibration
dissipating material;
[0062] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment
of the material of the present invention illustrating a single
layer of vibration dissipating material with a support structure
embedded therein; the support structure is disposed within the
vibration dissipating material generally along a longitudinal axis
in an at least partially non linear fashion so that a length of the
support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater
than the length of the vibration dissipating material as measured
along the longitudinal axis, of the material body;
[0063] FIG. 55 is an enlarged broken away view of the area enclosed
by the dashed lines labeled "FIG. 55" in FIG. 54 and illustrates
that the "overall support structure" can actually be formed by a
plurality of individual stacked support structures (which can be
the same or different from each other) or a successive plurality of
stacked fibers and/or a successive plurality of stacked cloth
layers;
[0064] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 54
stretched along the longitudinal axis into a second position, in
which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount
relative to the first position; the straightening of the support
structure causes energy to be dissipated and preferably generally
prevents further elongation of the material along the longitudinal
axis past the second position;
[0065] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention illustrating a more linear
support structure within the material while the material is in the
first position; the more linear arrangement of the support
structure in the material, relative to that shown in FIG. 54,
reduces the amount of elongation that is possible before the
material stops stretching and effectively forms a brake on further
movement;
[0066] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 57
stretched along the longitudinal axis into the second position, in
which the material is elongated along the longitudinal axis by a
predetermined amount; because the support structure was more linear
while the material was in the first position, relative to the
material shown in FIG. 56, it is preferred that the amount of
elongation of the material when the material is in the second
position is reduced relative to the material shown in FIGS. 54 and
56;
[0067] FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention illustrating the support
structure with an adhesive layer generally over its major surfaces
to allow the elastomer material to be secured thereto rather than
molded and/or extruded thereover;
[0068] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention illustrating the support
structure, or ribbon material, positioned between two spaced
elastomer layers with the support structure's peaks molded,
fastened, and/or otherwise affixed to the elastomer layer at a
plurality of locations; air gaps are preferably present about the
support structure to facilitate longitudinal stretching of the
material; alternatively, the support structure can be secured only
at its lateral ends (i.e., the left and right ends of the support
structure viewed in FIG. 60) to the elastomer layers so that the
remainder of the support structure moves freely within an outer
sheath of elastomer material and functions as a spring/elastic
member to limit the elongation of the material;
[0069] FIG. 61 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating
material of the present invention and is similar to the material
shown in FIG. 60, except that the support structure's peaks are
secured to the elastomer layers via an adhesive layer;
[0070] FIG. 62 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating
material of the present invention and illustrates the vibration
dissipating material and any accompanying adhesive actually
physically breaking when the support structure is elongated into
the second position; the breaking of the vibration dissipating
material results in further energy dissipation and vibration
absorption in addition to that dissipated by the support
structure;
[0071] FIG. 63 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating
material of the present invention and illustrates that the support
structure, or ribbon material, can be disposed in any geometry
within the vibration dissipating material; additionally,
individually rigid squares, buttons, or plates (not shown) can be
positioned on one side of the material to further spread impact
force along the surface of the material prior to the dissipation of
vibration by the material in general; additionally, such buttons,
plates, or other rigid surfaces can be attached directly to a mesh
or other flexible layer that is disposed over the material shown in
FIG. 63 so that impact force on one of the rigid members causes
deflection of the entire mesh or other layer for energy absorption
prior to vibration absorption by the material; the section line
labeled 53-53 in this Figure signifies that it is possible that the
support structure shown in FIG. 63 is generally the same as that
illustrated in FIG. 53;
[0072] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the present invention and illustrates that the
support structure can be positioned generally along an outer
surface of the vibration dissipating material without departing
from the scope of the present invention; FIG. 64 also illustrates
that a breakable layer (i.e., a paper layer) or a self fusing
adhesive layer can be located on one surface of the material; when
a self fusing layer is located on one surface of the material, the
material can be wrapped so as to allow multiple adjacent wrappings
of the material to fuse together to form an integral piece; if
desired, the integral piece may be waterproof for use with swimming
or the like;
[0073] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the vibration dissipating material with a shrinkable layer of
material disposed on a major surface thereof; the shrinkable
material can be a heat shrinkable material or any other type of
shrinking material suitable for use with the present invention;
once the material is properly positioned, the shrinkable layer can
be used to fix the material in position and, preferably, can also
be used as a separate breakable layer to further dissipate
vibration in a fashion similar to the breakable layer described in
connection with FIG. 62;
[0074] FIG. 66 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating
material of the present invention and illustrates the shrinkable
layer disposed within the vibration dissipating material; the
shrinkable layer can be a solid layer, a perforated layer, a mesh
or netting, or shrinkable fibers;
[0075] FIG. 67 is another embodiment of the vibration absorbing
material of the present invention and illustrates the shrinkable
layer being disposed over peaks of the support structure with an
optional vibration absorbing layer thereover;
[0076] FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 67
when the shrinkable layer has been shrunk down over the support
structure after the material is placed in a desired configuration;
although the optional additional vibration absorbing material is
not shown in FIG. 68, it can be left in position above the
shrinkable layer to form a protective sheath or also pulled down
into the gaps between the peaks of the support structure;
[0077] FIG. 69 illustrates the material of the present invention
configured as athletic tape with an optional adhesive layer;
[0078] FIG. 70 illustrates the material of the present invention as
a roll of material/padding/wide wrap material or the like with an
optional adhesive layer thereon;
[0079] FIG. 71 illustrates the material of the present invention
configured as a knee bandage;
[0080] FIG. 72 illustrates the material of the present invention
with an optional adhesive layer configured as a finger and/or joint
bandage; while various bandages, wraps, padding, materials, tapes,
or the like are shown, the material of the present invention can be
used for any purpose or application without departing from the
scope of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 73 illustrates the material of the present invention
used to form a foot brace;
[0082] FIG. 74 illustrates the material of the present invention
wrapped to form a knee supporting brace;
[0083] FIG. 75 illustrates additional layers of material used to
brace the ligaments in a person's leg;
[0084] FIG. 76 illustrates the material of the present invention
used to form a hip support;
[0085] FIG. 77 illustrates the material of the present invention
used to form a shoulder brace;
[0086] FIG. 78 illustrates the material of the present invention
wrapped to form a hand and wrist brace; while the material of the
present invention has been shown in conjunction with various
portions of the person's body, those of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate from this disclosure that the material of the
present invention can be used as an athletic brace, a medical
support, or a padding for any portion of a person's body without
the departing from the scope of the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the invention;
[0088] FIG. 79a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the material of the invention;
[0089] FIG. 80 shows the material of FIG. 80 closed upon itself in
a tube;
[0090] FIG. 81 is a cross section through the lines 81-81 in FIG.
80;
[0091] FIG. 81a is an alternate material cross section through the
lines 81-81 in FIG. 80;
[0092] FIG. 82 is a toroidal shaped embodiment of the
invention;
[0093] FIG. 83 is an open cylinder-shaped embodiment using the
material of the invention;
[0094] FIG. 84 shows the open cylinder embodiment as applied in an
engine mount;
[0095] FIG. 85 shows an open cylinder embodiment as applied as a
shock absorber;
[0096] FIGS. 86 and 87 show variant embodiments of the material of
FIG. 79 as used in a flooring surface;
[0097] FIG. 88 shows a cross section of another material embodiment
of the invention;
[0098] FIG. 89 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with
grooves formed therein;
[0099] FIG. 90 is a cross section of FIG. 89 along the lines
90-90;
[0100] FIG. 91 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with
grooves formed therein;
[0101] FIG. 92 is a cross section of FIG. 91 along the lines
92-92;
[0102] FIG. 93 shows the material of FIG. 88 as used with a
protective vest;
[0103] FIG. 94 is a cross section view of an alternative material
in accordance with the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 95 is a cross section view of yet another an
alternative material in accordance with the present invention;
[0105] FIG. 96 is a top plan view of an alternative material in
accordance with the present invention;
[0106] FIG. 97 is a cross section along the line 97-97 in FIG.
96;
[0107] FIG. 98 is a top plan view of another alternative material
in accordance with the present invention;
[0108] FIGS. 99-103 illustrate various embodiments of material
incorporating the present embodiment and useful for facilitating
retro-fitting of existing products with vibration regulating
material of the present invention;
[0109] FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of a material used as a
padding between a wall and a mounting stud;
[0110] FIG. 105 is a partial side elevation view of a baseball bat
handle;
[0111] FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the bat of FIG. 105
through the line 106-106;
[0112] FIG. 107 is a partial side elevation of a tennis racquet
handle;
[0113] FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the bat of FIG. 107
through the line 108-108;
[0114] FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a shock-absorbing cap
utilizing material in accordance with the present invention;
[0115] FIGS. 110 and 111 are bottom and top plan views of the
shock-absorbing cap of FIG. 109 with an adjustable band thereof in
a disconnected arrangement;
[0116] FIGS. 112 and 113 are bottom and top plan views similar to
FIGS. 110 and 111 with the adjustable band in a connected
arrangement; and
[0117] FIG. 114 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a shock-absorbing cap utilizing material in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0118] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The term "implement," as used
in the specification and in the claims, means "any one of a
baseball bat, racket, hockey stick, softball bat, sporting
equipment, firearm, or the like." The above terminology includes
the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and
words of similar import. Additionally, the words "a" and "one" are
defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless
specifically stated otherwise.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like numerals indicate
like elements throughout, there is shown a first embodiment of a
material adapted to regulate vibration according to the present
invention, generally designated 10. Briefly stated, the material 10
of the present invention is formed by at least a first elastomer
layer 12A and a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material 14.
The material 10 can be incorporated into athletic gear, grips for
sports equipment, grips for tools, and protective athletic gear.
The panels 305 (see FIGS. 17-45) of the material 10 can be
incorporated into the various items disclosed in this application.
The panel defines an outer perimeter 314 and may extend throughout
the entire item, that is, the panel 305 may actually form the
entire shoe insert, case, or other item. Alternatively, multiple
panels can be separately located on an item. More specifically, the
material 10 can be used: to form grips (or to form part of a grip
or to form a panel 305 included in a grip) for a tennis racquet,
hockey sticks, golf clubs, baseball bats or the like; to form
protective athletic gear for mitts, headbands, helmets, knee pads
323 (shown in FIG. 22), umpire padding, shoulder pads, gloves,
mouth guards, pads, or the like; to form seats or handle bar covers
for bicycles, motorcycles, or the like; to form boots for skiing,
roller blading or the like; to form clothing (such as shirts,
gloves, pants, etc.) or padded liners or footwear 311 (shown in
FIG. 19), such as shoe soles 313, shoe uppers 315, shoe lowers,
shoe pads, ankle pads, toe pads 317, shoe inserts, and to provide
padding 319 to socks 321 (shown in FIG. 21), such as sock bottoms;
to form padding 307 (shown in FIG. 17) for portable electronics,
such as cell phone cases, PDA cases, laptop cases, gun cases, radio
cases, cassette cases, MP3 player cases, calculator cases; to form
padding for speakers; to provide padding 325 (see FIG. 24) and
soundproofing for automobiles 327, such as providing pole and/or
roll bar padding 329 (shown in FIG. 25) in vehicles, such as
automobiles, boats, trucks, all terrain vehicles, etc., providing
insulation panels 329 for cars, for use in engine mounts; to form
grips 309 (shown in FIG. 20) for firearms, hand guns, rifles,
shotguns, or the like; to form grips for tools such as hammers,
drills, screw drivers, circular saws, chisels or the like; and to
form part or all of bandages and/or wraps 331 (shown in FIGS.
26-30). The material of the present invention 10 can also be used
for soundproofing rooms, homes, airplanes, music studios, or the
like.
[0120] The material 10 is preferably generally non elastic in a
direction generally perpendicular "X" to a major material surface
316A (shown in FIG. 23) and thus, does not provide a spring like
effect when experiencing impact force. It is preferred that the
material 10 is generally compliant in the direction "X" which is
perpendicular to the major material surface 316A, 316B so as to be
generally non energy storing in the direction "X". It is preferred
that the reinforcement layer generally distribute impact energy
parallel to the major surfaces 316A, 316B and into the first and
second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The material 10 is preferably
designed to reduce sensible vibration (and thus generally dampen
and divert energy away from the object or person covered by the
material).
[0121] The first elastomer layer 12A acts a shock absorber by
converting mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy. The high
tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 redirects vibrational
energy and provides increased stiffness to the material 10 to
facilitate a user's ability to control an implement 20 encased, or
partially encased, by the material 10. It is preferred, but not
necessary, that the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14
be formed of aramid material.
[0122] In one embodiment, the composite material 10 may have three
generally independent and separate layers including the first
elastomer layer 12A and a second elastomer layer 12B. Elastomer
material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational
energy. Suitable elastomer materials include, but are not limited
urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers,
acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and
the like. In general, any suitable elastomer material can be used
to form the first and second elastomer layers without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example the elastomer
layers may be thermoset elastomer layers. Alternatively, the
elastomer layers 12A, 12B can be thermoplastic or any material
suitable for thermoforming. As another example, the elastomer
layers 12A, 12B can be manufactured as either on open cell foam or
a closed cell foam having a foamed structure. In another aspect,
when manufacturing some shaped articles, such as a golf club grip,
it may be more efficient to first form the material 10 as a
generally flat piece or sheet of material 10 which could then be
reformed or thermoformed into the desired shaped article.
Additionally, the material 10 may include a shrink wrap or
shrinkable layer therein and/or thereon. The shrinkable layer can
be heat and/or water activated.
[0123] The material 10 can include additional layers thereover,
such as a generally rigid material or the like. For example, one or
more generally rigid plates of rigid material can be positioned
over the material 10 to distribute impact force over an increased
amount of the material. This can be useful when using the material
in umpire vests, bulletproof vests, shoulder pads, shoes, or in any
other application where a generally rigid outer layer is
desired.
[0124] The softness of elastomer materials can be quantified using
Shore A durometer ratings. Generally speaking, the lower the
durometer rating, the softer the material and the more effective an
elastomer layer is at absorbing and dissipating vibration because
less force is channeled through the elastomer. When a soft
elastomer material is squeezed, an individual's fingers are
imbedded in the elastomer which increases the surface area of
contact between the user's hand and creates irregularities in the
outer material surface to allow a user to firmly grasp any
implement 20 covered, or partially covered, by the material.
However, the softer the elastomer layers 12A, 12B, the less control
a user has when manipulating an implement 20 covered by the
elastomer. If the elastomer layer is too soft (i.e., if the
elastomer layer has too low of a Shore A durometer rating), then
the implement 20 may rotate unintentionally relative to a user's
hand or foot. The material 10 of the present invention is
preferably designed to use first and second elastomer layers 12A,
12B having Shore A durometer ratings that provide an optimum
balance between allowing a user to precisely manipulate and control
the implement 20 and effectively damping vibration during use of
the implement 20.
[0125] It is preferable, but not necessary, that the elastomer used
with the material 10 have a Shore A durometer of between
approximately ten (10) and approximately eighty (80). It is
preferred that the first elastomer layer have a Shore A durometer
of between approximately ten (10) and approximately twenty-five
(25) and that the second elastomer layer has a Shore A durometer of
between approximately twenty-five (25) and approximately forty-five
(45).
[0126] The first elastomer layer 12A is preferably used to slow
down impact energy and to absorb vibrational energy and to convert
vibrational energy into heat energy. This preferably, but not
necessarily, allows the first elastomer layer to act as a pad as
well as dissipate vibration. The second elastomer layer 12B is also
used to absorb vibrational energy, but also provides a compliant
and comfortable grip for a user to grasp (or provides a surface for
a portion of a user's body, such as the under sole of a user's foot
when the material 10 is formed as a shoe insert).
[0127] In one embodiment, the first elastomer layer 12A preferably
has Shore A durometer of approximately fifteen (15) and the second
elastomer layer has a Shore A durometer of approximately forty-two
(42). If the first and second elastomer has generally the same
Shore A durometer ratings, then it is preferable, but not
necessary, that the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B have
a Shore A durometer of fifteen (15), thirty-two (32), or forty-two
(42).
[0128] The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is
preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. The
fibers can be woven to form a cloth layer 16 that is disposed
between and generally separates the first and second elastomer
layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 can be formed of aramid fibers,
high tensile strength fibers, fiberglass, or other types of fiber.
It is preferred that the cloth layer 16 does not have suitable
rigidity for use as an open gridwork having any significant energy
storage capability. It is preferred that the material which forms
the reinforcement layer 14 is generally bonded to the elastomer
layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 preferably generally separates
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B causing the material
10 to have three generally distinct and separate layers 12A, 12B,
14. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 blocks and
redirects vibrational energy that passes through one of the
elastomer layers 12A or 12B to facilitate the dissipation of
vibrations. The high tensile strength fibers 18 redirect
vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 18. Thus, when
the plurality of high tensile strength fibers 18 are woven to form
the cloth layer 16, vibrational energy emanating from the implement
20 that is not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomer layer
12A is redistributed evenly along the material 10 by the cloth
layer 16 and then further dissipated by the second elastomer layer
12B.
[0129] The cloth layer 16 is preferably generally interlocked in,
generally affixed to, or generally fixed in position by the
elastomer layers 12A, 12B in order for the cloth layer 16 to block
and redirect vibrational energy to facilitate dissipation of
vibrations.
[0130] It is preferable that the high tensile strength fibers 18 be
formed of a suitable polyamide fiber of high tensile strength with
a high resistance to elongation. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any aramid
fiber suitable to channel vibration can be used to form the high
tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from
scope of the present invention. Additionally, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that loose
fibers or chopped fibers can be used to form the high tensile
strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from the scope
of the present invention. The high tensile strength fibrous
material may also be formed of fiberglass. The high tensile
strength fibrous material preferably prevents the material 10 from
substantially elongating in a direction parallel to the major
material surfaces 316A, 316B during use. It is preferred that the
amount of elongation is less than ten (10%) percent. It is more
preferred that the amount of elongation is less than four (4%)
percent. It is most preferred that the amount of elongation is less
than one (1%) percent.
[0131] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this
disclosure that the material 10 can be formed of two independent
layers without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the material 10 can be formed of a first elastomer
layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14
(which may be woven into a cloth layer 16) that is disposed on the
first elastomer 12A.
[0132] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 23, the material 10 may be
configured and adapted to form an insert 310 for a shoe. When the
material 10 is configured to form a shoe insert 310, the material
10 is preferably adapted to extend along an inner surface of the
shoe from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to the toe of
the shoe. In addition to forming a shoe insert 310, the material 10
can be located along the sides of a shoe to protect the wearer's
foot from lateral, frontal, and/or rear impact.
[0133] When the material of the present invention forms an insert
310 for a shoe, the insert 310 includes a shoe insert body 312
having a generally elongated shape with an outer perimeter 314
configured to substantially conform to a sole of the shoe so that
the shoe insert body 312 extends along an inner surface of the shoe
from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to a toe of the
shoe. The shoe insert body 312 is preferably generally planar and
formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10 that regulates and
dissipates vibration. The shoe insert body 312 has first and second
major surfaces 316A, 316B. The reinforced elastomer material 10
preferably includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In
one embodiment it is preferred that the first and second elastomer
layers are generally free of voids therein and/or that the
elastomer layers are formed by thermoset elastomer.
[0134] A reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally
separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The
reinforcement layer 14 may include a layer formed of a plurality of
high tensile strength fibrous material. Alternatively, the
reinforcement layer may be formed of aramid, fiberglass, regular
cloth, or the like. The reinforcement layer may be formed by woven
fibers. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the reinforcement
layer consist of only a single cloth layer of material.
[0135] The woven high tensile strength fibrous material is
preferably connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A,
12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially
complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers
12A, 12B. The cloth layer is generally compliant only in a
direction "X" generally perpendicular to the first major surface
316A so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction "X".
Wherein the high tensile strength fibrous material 14 generally
distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface 316A
and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The
reinforcement layer 14 preferably prevents the shoe insert 310 from
substantially elongating during use. The reinforced elastomer 10
can also be used as a sole for footwear or as part of a sole or
insole for footwear. The reinforced elastomer can also be used to
provide padding within or along a side or upper portion of a shoe
or boot.
[0136] Referring to FIGS. 4, 9, 10, and 20, the material 10 may be
configured and adapted to form a grip 22 for an implement such as a
bat, having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26 (i.e., the end
proximal to where the bat is normally gripped). The material 10 is
preferably adapted to enclose a portion of the handle 24 and to
enclose the proximal end 26 of the bat or implement 20. When grip
is used with a firearm the grip can be a wrap around grip or can be
attached and/or molded to the firearm. As best shown in FIG. 2, in
one embodiment the grip 22 can be formed as a single body that
completely encloses the proximal end of the implement 20. The
material 10 may be also be configured and adapted to form a grip 22
for a tennis racket or similar implement 20 having a handle 24 and
a proximal end 26.
[0137] In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, a
proximal portion 21 of the grip 22' is formed with a preformed
shape to receive the proximal end 26 of the bat or implement 20 and
a tape portion 23 of the grip 22' extends from the proximal portion
21 for wrapping about a portion of the handle 24. The proximal
portion 21 and tape portion 23 may be formed integral with one
another or may be formed separately and used together, either
connected before assembly on to the implement 20 or positioned
separately on the implement 20. The proximal portion 21 and tape
portion 23 may be manufactured from any of the materials described
herein and may be of the same material or different materials.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 4, in some of the embodiments when the
material of the present invention is directed to one of the types
of grips described in this application (e.g., a gun grip, tool
grip, golf club grip, etc.), the grip 22 may include a grip body
318 having a generally tubular shape configured to cover a portion
of the associated device. As such, the grip body 318 can have a
generally circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal
cross-section or the like. The grip body 318 is formed by a
reinforced elastomer material 10 that regulates and dissipates
vibration. The grip body 318 defines a first direction "Y",
tangential to an outer surface 320 of the grip body 318, and a
second direction "Z", generally perpendicular to the outer surface
320 of the grip body 318.
[0139] The reinforced elastomer material 10 includes first and
second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. A reinforcement layer 14 is
disposed between and generally separates the first and second
elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In some embodiments, the elastomer layer
is generally free of voids and/or is a thermoset elastomer. As
explained above, however, the elastomer layers are not limited to
such and may have various forms, including thermoplastic forms as
well as open or closed cell foam structure in one or both layers.
The reinforcement layer 14 preferably includes a layer of high
tensile strength fibrous material. The high tensile strength
fibrous material can be woven into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise
distributed. The reinforcement layer 14 may be formed by various
high tensile strength fibrous material including a layer of
fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material.
[0140] The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is
connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B
generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete
coverage between the first and second elastomer layers. This
preferably prevents sliding movement between the reinforcement
layer 14 and the elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer is
preferably generally compliant only in the second direction "Z" so
as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction "Z".
The high tensile fibrous material generally distributes impact
energy parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and
second elastomer layers. This causes vibrational energy to be
reduced and dampened rather than bounced back against the hand
grasping the grip.
[0141] While the grip 22 will be described below in connection with
a baseball or softball bat, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the grip 22 can be used with any of the equipment,
tools, or devices mentioned above without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0142] When the grip 22 is used with a baseball or softball bat,
the grip 22 preferably covers approximately seventeen (17) inches
of the handle of the bat as well as covers the knob (i.e., the
proximal end 26 of the implement 20) of the bat. The configuration
of the grip 22 to extend over a significant portion of the bat
length contributes to increase vibrational damping. It is
preferred, but not necessary, that the grip 22 be formed as a
single, contiguous, one-piece member.
[0143] The baseball bat (or implement 20) has a handle 24 including
a handle body 28 having a longitudinal portion 30 and a proximal
end 26. The material 10 preferably encases at least some of the
longitudinal portion 30 and the proximal end 26 of the handle 24.
The material 10 can be produced as a composite having two generally
separate and distinct layers including a first elastomer layer 12A
and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which may be
a woven cloth layer 16) disposed on the elastomer layer 12A. The
high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably
formed of woven fibers 18. The second elastomer layer 12B may be
disposed on a major surface of the high tensile strength fibrous
material layer 14 opposite from the first elastomer layer 12A.
[0144] As best shown in FIG. 2, a preferred grip 22 is adapted for
use with an implement 20 having a handle and a proximal handle end.
The grip 22 includes a tubular shell 32 having a distal open end 34
adapted to surround a portion of the handle and a closed proximal
end 36 adapted to enclose the proximal end of the handle. The
tubular shell 32 is preferably formed of the material 10 which
dissipates vibration. The material 10 preferably has at least two
generally separate layers including a first elastomer layer 12A and
a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which fibers 18
may be woven to form a cloth layer 16) disposed on the first
elastomer layer 12A.
[0145] Referring to FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30, when the material of the
present invention is directed to one of the types of padding
described above (e.g., speaker padding and/or insulation, shoe
padding, electronic device cases, mouth guards, umpire protective
gear, car interior padding, rollover bar padding, or the like, tool
grip, golf club grip, etc.), the padding or item may include a
panel 305 formed by a panel body 324 preferably having a generally
planar shape. The panel body is preferably configured for placement
in a particular location or for covering a portion of an associated
device or object. It is preferable that the panel body is flexible
so that shaped objects can be wrapped therein. As such, the panel
body 324 may be bent around a generally circular, oval,
rectangular, octagonal, or polygonal shaped object.
[0146] The panel body 324 is formed by a reinforced elastomer
material that regulates and dissipates vibration. As shown in FIGS.
4 and 20, the panel body 324 defines a first direction "Y",
tangential, or parallel, to an outer surface of the padding body
324, and a second direction "Z", generally perpendicular to the
outer surface of the panel body. The reinforced elastomer material
includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. A
reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In one embodiment
the elastomer layers 12A, 12B are preferably free of voids and/or
formed by a thermoset elastomer. As explained above, however, the
elastomer layers are not limited to such and may have various
forms, including thermoplastic forms as well as open or closed cell
foam structure in one or both layers. The reinforcement layer 14
preferably includes a layer of high tensile strength fibrous
material. The high tensile strength fibrous material can be woven
into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise distributed. Instead of the
reinforcement layer 14 being formed by high tensile strength
fibrous material, the reinforcement layer 14 can be formed by a
layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material. The
high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the
first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformly
throughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the
first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The reinforcement layer
14 is preferably generally compliant only in the second direction
so as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction
"Z". The reinforcement layer 14 generally distributes impact energy
parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and second
elastomer layers 12A, 12B. This causes vibrational energy to be
reduced and dampened rather than bounced back. It is preferable
that the reinforcement layer 14 prevents the padding from
elongating during impact. The panel body 324 can form part or all
of a cell phone case, a laptop case, a shoe sidewall, protective
umpire gear, a mouth guard, knee pads, interior panels for
automobiles or the like.
[0147] Multiple methods can be used to produce the composite or
vibration dissipating material 10 of the present invention. One
method is to extrude the material by pulling a high tensile
strength fibrous cloth layer 16 from a supply roll while placing
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B on both sides of the
woven high tensile strength fibrous cloth 16. A second method of
producing the material 10 of the present invention is to mold the
first elastomer layer 12A onto the implement 20, then to weave an
aramid fiber layer thereover, and then to mold the second elastomer
layer 12B thereover.
[0148] Alternatively, a cloth layer 16 can be pressured fit to an
elastomer layer to form the material 10. Accordingly, the cloth
layer 16 can be generally embedded in or held in place by the
elastomer layer. The pressured fitting of the reinforcement layer,
or fabric layer, 14 to an elastomer preferably results in the
reinforcement layer, or fabric layer, 14 being generally
interlocked in and/or bonded in position by the elastomer. Thus,
the cloth layer can be generally interlocked with the elastomer
layer. It is preferable that the high tensile strength cloth
generally not be able to slide laterally between the first and
second elastomer layers. The cloth layer in the resulting material
would be generally fixed in position. One of ordinary skill in the
art would realize that the cloth layer 14 in the resulting material
would be generally interlocked and/or bonded in position by the
elastomer 12A, 12B. Alternatively, the material 10 can be assembled
by using adhesive or welding to secure the elastomer layer(s) to
the reinforced layer.
[0149] It is preferred that the woven high tensile strength fibers
are connected to the first and second elastomer layers generally
uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete coverage
between the first and second thermoset elastomer layers. The cloth
layer is generally non energy storing in a direction generally
perpendicular to a major material surface. This results in the
vibrational energy being generally evenly redistributed throughout
the material by the cloth layer. This is due to the high tensile
strength fibers transmitting/storing energy unidirectionally along
the length of the fiber and generally not storing energy in a
direction generally perpendicular to the length of the fiber or
perpendicular to a cloth layer formed by the fibers.
[0150] In other words, the cloth layer 16 is preferably compliant
generally only in a direction generally perpendicular to a major
material surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the
direction perpendicular to the major material surface and to
generally distribute energy parallel to the major material surface
and into the first and second elastomer layers. The present
invention preferably generally dissipates vibration throughout the
material to prevent "bounce back" (e.g., to avoid having a runner's
feet absorb too much vibration during athletics).
[0151] In some cases the high tensile fibrous material can be
pulped to form an imperforate sheet that may be secured in position
between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that
any known method of making composite or vibration dissipating
materials can be used to form the material 10.
[0152] The covering of the proximal end of an implement 20 by the
grip 22 results in reduced vibration transmission and in improved
counter balancing of the distal end of the implement 20 by moving
the center of mass of the implement 20 closer to the hand of a user
(i.e., closer to the proximal end 26). This facilitates the
swinging of the implement 20 and can improve sports performance
while reducing the fatigue associated with repetitive motion.
[0153] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein a cover in the form of a sleeve 210 is
mounted on the handle or lower portion 218 of a baseball bat 210.
Sleeve 210 is premolded so that it can be fit onto the handle
portion of the bat 212 in a quick and convenient manner. This can
be accomplished by having the sleeve 210 made of a stretchable or
resilient material so that its upper end 214 would be pulled open
and could be stretched to fit over the knob 217 of the bat 212.
Alternatively, or in addition, sleeve 210 may be provided with a
longitudinal slit 16 to permit the sleeve to be pulled at least
partially open and thereby facilitate snapping the sleeve 210 over
the handle 218 of the bat 212. The sleeve would remain mounted in
place due to the tacky nature of the sleeve material and/or by the
application of a suitable adhesive on the inner surface of the
sleeve and/or on the outer surface of handle 218.
[0154] A characterizing feature of sleeve 210, as illustrated in
FIGS. 3-4, is that the lower end of the sleeve includes an
outwardly extending peripheral knob 220. Knob 220 could be a
separate cap snapped onto or secured in any other manner to the
main portion of sleeve 210. Alternatively, knob 220 could be
integral with and molded as part of the sleeve 210.
[0155] In a broad practice of this invention, sleeve 210 can be a
single layer. The material would have the appropriate hardness and
vibration dampening characteristics. The outer surface of the
material would be tacky having high friction characteristics.
[0156] Alternatively, the sleeve 210 could be formed from a two
layer laminate where the vibration absorbing material forms the
inner layer disposed against the handle, with a separate tacky
outer layer made from any suitable high friction material such as a
thermoplastic material with polyurethane being one example. Thus,
the two layer laminate would have an inner elastomer layer which is
characterized by its vibration dampening ability, while the main
characteristic of the outer elastomer layer is its tackiness to
provide a suitable gripping surface that would resist the tendency
for the user's hand to slide off the handle. The provision of the
knob 220 also functions both as a stop member to minimize the
tendency for the handle to slip from the user's hand and to
cooperate in the vibration dampening affect.
[0157] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred form of multilayer laminate
which includes the inner vibration absorbing layer 222 and the
outer tacky gripping layer 224 with an intermediate layer 226 made
of a stiffening material which dissipates force. If desired, layer
226 could be innermost and layer 224 could be the intermediate
layer. A preferred stiffening material would be aramid fibers which
could be incorporated in the material in any suitable manner as
later described with respect to FIGS. 13-16. However, fiberglass or
any high tensile strength fibrous material can be used as the
stiffening material forming the layer. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the stiffening layer is substantially embedded in or
held in place by the elastomer layer(s).
[0158] FIG. 5 schematically shows what is believed to be the affect
of the shock forces from vibration when the implement makes contact
such as from the bat 212 striking a ball. FIG. 5 shows the force
vectors in accordance with a three layer laminate, such as
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein elastomeric layers 222,224 are made
of a silicone material. The intermediate layer 226 is an aramid
layer made of aramid fibers. The initial shock or vibration is
shown by the lateral or transverse arrows 228 on each side of the
sleeve laminate 210. This causes the elastomeric layers 222,224 to
be compressed along the arc 230. The inclusion of the intermediate
layer 226 made from a force dissipating material spreads the
vibration longitudinally as shown by the arrows 232. The linear
spread of the vibration causes a rebound effect which totally
dampens the vibration.
[0159] Laboratory tests were carried out at a prominent university
to evaluate various grips mounted on baseball bats. In the testing,
baseball bats with various grips were suspended from the ceiling by
a thin thread; this achieves almost a free boundary condition that
is needed to determine the true characteristics of the bats. Two
standard industrial accelerometers were mounted on a specially
fabricated sleeve roughly in positions where the left hand and the
right hand would grip the bat. A known force was delivered to the
bat with a standard calibrated impact hammer at three positions,
one corresponding to the sweet spot, the other two simulating "miss
hits" located on the mid-point and shaft of the bat. The time
history of the force as well as the accelerations were routed
through a signal conditioning device and were connected to a data
acquisition device. This was connected to a computer which was used
to log the data.
[0160] Two series of tests were conducted. In the first test, a
control bat (with a standard rubber grip, WORTH Bat-model #C405)
was compared to identical bats with several "Sting-Free" grips
representing practices of the invention. These "Sting-Free" grips
were comprised of two layers of pure silicone with various types of
high tensile fibrous material inserted between the two layers of
silicone. The types of KEVLAR, a type of aramid fiber that has high
tensile strength, used in this test were referenced as follows:
"005", "645", "120", "909". Also, a bat with just a thick layer of
silicone but no KEVLAR was tested. With the exception of the thick
silicone (which was deemed impractical because of the excessive
thickness), the "645" bat showed the best reduction in vibration
magnitudes.
[0161] The second series of tests were conducted using EASTON Bats
(model #BK8) with the "645" KEVLAR in different combinations with
silicone layers: The first bat tested was comprised of one bottom
layer of silicone with a middle layer of the "645" KEVLAR and one
top layer of silicone referred to as "111". The second bat test was
comprised of two bottom layers of silicone with a middle layer of
KEVLAR and one top layer of silicone referred to as "211". The
third bat tested was comprised of one bottom layer of silicone with
a middle layer of KEVLAR and two top layers of silicone referred to
as "112". The "645" bat with the "111" configuration showed the
best reduction in vibration magnitudes.
[0162] In order to quantify the effect of this vibration reduction,
two criteria were defined: (I) the time it takes for the vibration
to dissipate to an imperceptible value; and, (2) the magnitude of
vibration in the range of frequencies at which the human hand is
most sensitive.
[0163] The sting-free grips reduced the vibration in the baseball
bats by both quantitative measures. In particular, the "645" KEVLAR
in a "111" configuration was the best in vibration reduction. In
the case of a baseball bat, the "645" reduced the bat's vibration
in about 1/5 the time it took the control rubber grip to do so. The
reduction in peak magnitude of vibration ranged from 60% to 80%,
depending on the impact location and magnitude.
[0164] It was concluded that the "645" KEVLAR grip in a "111"
combination reduces the magnitude of sensible vibration by 80% that
is induced in a baseball bat when a player hits a ball with it.
This was found to be true for a variety of impacts at different
locations along the length of the bat. Hence, a person using the
"Sting-Free" grips of the invention would clearly experience a
considerable reduction in the sting effect (pain) when using the
"Sting-free" grip than one would with a standard grip.
[0165] In view of the above tests a particularly preferred practice
of the invention involves a multilayer laminate having an aramid
such as KEVLAR, sandwiched between layers of pure silicone. The
above indicated tests show dramatic results with this embodiment of
the invention. As also indicated above, however, the laminate could
comprise other combinations of layers such as a plurality of bottom
layers of silicone or a plurality of top layers of silicone. Other
variations include a repetitive laminate assembly wherein a
vibration dampening layer is innermost with a force dissipating
layer against the lower vibration dampening layer and then with a
second vibration dampening layer over the force dissipating layer
followed by a second force dissipating layer, etc. with the final
laminate layer being a gripping layer which could also be made of
vibration dampening material. Among the considerations in
determining which laminate should be used would be the thickness
limitations and the desired vibration dampening properties.
[0166] The various layers could have different relative
thicknesses. Preferably, the vibration dampening layer, such as
layer 222, would be the thickest of the layers. The outermost
gripping layer, however, could be of the same thickness as the
vibration dampening layer, such as layer 224 shown in FIG. 4 or
could be a thinner layer since the main function of the outer layer
is to provide sufficient friction to assure a firm gripping action.
A particularly advantageous feature of the invention where a force
dissipating stiffening layer is used is that the force dissipating
layer could be very thin and still achieve its intended results.
Thus, the force dissipating layer would preferably be the thinnest
of the layers, although it might be of generally the same thickness
as the outer gripping layer. If desired the laminate could also
include a plurality of vibration dampening layers (such as thin
layers of gel material) and/or a plurality of stiffening force
dissipating layers. Where such plural layers are used, the various
layers could differ in the thickness from each other.
[0167] FIGS. 3-4 show the use of the invention where the sleeve 210
is mounted over a baseball bat 212 having a knob 217. The same
general type structure could also be used where the implement does
not have a knob similar to a baseball bat knob. FIG. 6, for
example, illustrates a variation of the invention wherein the
sleeve 210A would be mounted on the handle 218A of an implement
that does not terminate in any knob. Such implement could be
various types of athletic equipment, tools, etc. The sleeve 210A,
however, would still have a knob 220A which would include an outer
gripping layer 224A, an intermediate force dissipating layer 226A
and an inner vibration dampening layer 222A. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6, the handle 218A extends into the knob 220A. Thus,
the inner layer 222A would have an accommodating recess 34 for
receiving the handle 218A. The inner layer 222A would also be of
greater thickness in the knob area as illustrated.
[0168] FIG. 7 shows a variation where the sleeve 210B fits over
handle 2186 without the handle 218B penetrating the knob 220B. As
illustrated, the outer gripping layer 224B would be of uniform
thickness both in the gripping area and in the knob. Similarly, the
intermediate force dissipating layer 2266 would also be of uniform
thickness. The inner shock absorbing layer 222B, however, would
completely occupy the portion of the knob inwardly of the force
dissipating layer 226B since the handle 218B terminates short of
the knob 2220B.
[0169] FIG. 8 shows a variation of the invention where the gripping
cover 236 does not include a knob. As shown therein, the gripping
cover would be mounted over the gripping area of a handle 238 in
any suitable manner and would be held in place either by a
previously applied adhesive or due to the tacky nature of the
innermost vibration dampening layer 240 or due to resilient
characteristics of the cover 236. Additionally, the cover might be
formed directly on the handle 238. FIG. 10, for example, shows a
cover 236B which is applied in the form of tape.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 236 includes one of the
laminate variations where a force dissipating layer 242 is provided
over the inner vibration dampening layer 240 with a second
vibration dampening layer 244 applied over force dissipating layer
242 and with a final thin gripping layer 246 as the outermost
layer. As illustrated, the two vibration dampening layers 240 and
244 are the thickest layers and may be of the same or differing
thickness from each other. The force dissipating layer 242 and
outer gripping layer 244 are significantly thinner.
[0171] FIG. 9 shows a cover 236A mounted over a hollow handle 238A
which is of non-circular cross-section. Handle 238A may, for
example, have the octagonal shape of a tennis racquet.
[0172] FIG. 10 shows a further cover 2366 mounted over the handle
portion of tool such as hammer 248. As illustrated, the cover 236B
is applied in tape form and would conform to the shape of the
handle portion of hammer 248. Other forms of covers could also be
applied rather than using a tape. Similarly, the tape could be used
as a means for applying a cover to other types of implements.
[0173] FIG. 11 illustrates a cover 236C mounted over the end of a
handlebar, such as the handlebar of various types of cycles or any
other device having a handlebar including steering wheels for
vehicles and the like. FIG. 11 also illustrates a variation where
the cover 236C has an outer contour with finger receiving recesses
252. Such recesses could also be utilized for covers of other types
of implements.
[0174] FIG. 12 illustrates a variation of the invention where the
cover 236D is mounted to the handle portion of an implement 254
with the extreme end 256 of the implement being bare. This
illustration is to show that the invention is intended to provide a
vibration dampening gripping cover for the handle of an implement
and that the cover need not extend beyond the gripping area. Thus,
there could be portions of the implement on both ends of the handle
without having the cover applied to those portions.
[0175] In a preferred practice of the invention, as previously
discussed, a force dissipating stiffening layer is provided as an
intermediate layer of a multilayer laminate where there is at least
one inner layer of vibration dampening material and an outer layer
of gripping material with the possibility of additional layers of
vibration dampening material and force dissipating layers of
various thickness. As noted the force dissipating layer could be
innermost. The invention may also be practiced where the laminate
includes one or more layers in addition to the gripping layer and
the stiffening layer and the vibration dampening layer. Such
additional layer(s) could be incorporated at any location in the
laminate, depending on its intended function (e.g., an adhesive
layer, a cushioning layer, etc.).
[0176] The force dissipating layer could be incorporated in the
laminate in various manners. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates a
force dissipating stiffening layer 258 in the form of a generally
imperforate sheet. FIG. 13A illustrates the stiffening layer 258
applied to an illustrative elastomer layer 12. The generally
imperforate sheet may be manufactured from various high tensile
strength materials, for example, a thin sheet of polypropylene,
preferably having a thickness of 0.025 mm to 2.5 mm. The stiffening
layer 258 has an outer major surface 257 and an inner major surface
259 secured to the elastomer layer 12. The layers 12 and 258 may be
formed integrally or may be adhered to one another.
[0177] FIG. 14 illustrates a force dissipating layer 260 in the
form of an open mesh sheet. This is a particularly advantageous
manner of forming the force dissipating layer where it is made of
KEVLAR fibers. FIG. 15 illustrates a variation where the force
dissipating layer 262 is formed from a plurality of individual
strips of material 264 which are parallel to each other and
generally identical to each other in length and thickness as well
as spacing. FIG. 16 shows a variation where the force dissipating
layer 266 is made of individual strips 268 of different sizes and
which could be disposed in a more random fashion regarding their
orientation. Although all of the strips 268 are illustrated in FIG.
16 as being parallel, non-parallel arrangements could also be
used.
[0178] The vibration dampening grip cover of this invention could
be used for a wide number of implements. Examples of such
implements include athletic equipment, hand tools handlebars. For
example, such athletic equipment includes bats, racquets, sticks,
javelins, etc. Examples of tools include hammers, screwdrivers,
shovels, rakes, brooms, wrenches, pliers, knives, handguns, air
hammers, etc. Examples of handlebars include motorcycles, bicycles
and various types of steering wheels.
[0179] A preferred practice of this invention is to incorporate a
force dissipating layer, particularly an aramid, such as KEVLAR
fiber, into a composite with at least two elastomers. One elastomer
layer would function as a vibration dampening material and the
other outer elastomer layer which would function as a gripping
layer. The outer elastomer layer could also be a vibration
dampening material. Preferably, the outer layer completely covers
the composite.
[0180] There are an almost infinite number of possible uses for the
composite of laminate of this invention. In accordance with the
various uses the elastomer layers may have different degrees of
hardness, coefficient of friction and dampening of vibration.
Similarly, the thicknesses of the various layers could also vary in
accordance with the intended use. Examples of ranges of hardness
for the inner vibration dampening layer and the outer gripping
layer (which may also be a vibration absorbing layer) are 5-70
Durometer Shore A. One of the layers may have a range of 5-20
Durometer Shore A and the other a range of 30-70 Durometer Shore A
for either of these layers. The vibration dampening layer could
have a hardness of less than 5, and could even be a 000 Durometer
reading. The vibration dampening material could be a gel, such as a
silicone gel or a gel of any other suitable material. The
coefficient of friction as determined by conventional measuring
techniques for the tacky and non-porous gripping layer is
preferably at least 0.5 and may be in the range of 0.6-1.5. A more
preferred range is 0.7-1.2 with a still more preferred range being
about 0.8-1. The outer gripping layer, when also used as a
vibration dampening layer, could have the same thickness as the
inner layer. When used solely as a gripping layer the thickness
could be generally the same as the intermediate layer, which might
be about 1/20 to 1/4 of the thickness of the vibration dampening
layer.
[0181] The grip cover of this invention could be used with various
implements as discussed above. Thus, the handle portion of the
implement could be of cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter and
smooth outer surface such as the golf club handle 238 shown in FIG.
6. Alternatively, the handle could taper such as the bat handle
shown in FIGS. 3-4. Other illustrated geometric shapes include the
octagonal tennis racquet handle 238A shown in FIG. 9 or a generally
oval type handle such as the hammer 248 shown in FIG. 10. The
invention is not limited to any particular geometric shape. In
addition, the implement could have an irregular shape such as a
handle bar with finger receiving depressions as shown in FIG. 11.
Where the outer surface of the implement handle is of non-smooth
configuration the inner layer of the cover could press against and
generally conform to the outer surface of the handle and the
outermost gripping layer of the cover could include its own finger
receiving depressions. Alternatively, the cover may be of uniform
thickness of a shape conforming to the irregularities in the outer
surface of the handle.
[0182] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the material 10 of the present
invention can be used to form part of a headband 410. The headband
preferably has a peripheral outer fabric layer 412 that forms a
hollow tubular shape in which the material 10 is located. Space 420
represents schematically room for one or more layers of the
material 10. A particular advantage of the headband 410 is that it
lends itself more readily to acceptance by users, such as children,
who prefer not to wear large and cumbersome head protective gear.
Although FIG. 31 shows the headband 410 to be a continuous endless
flexible loop, it is to be understood that the invention could be
incorporated in a headband or visor where the headband or visor
does not extend completely around the head three hundred and sixty
degrees. Instead, the headband or visor could be made of a stiff
springy material having a pair of free ends 428 separated by a gap
426.
[0183] FIG. 33 shows panels 305 of material 10 incorporated into a
helmet 430. The panels include temple and ear covering panels 305A;
forehead covering panels 305B; neck panels 305C; and top panels
305D. FIG. 34 shows a cyclist helmet 432 with air vents 434
therein. A broken away portion of the top of the cyclist helmet
shows the integration of at least one panel 305 with the helmet
432. Although two particular types of helmets are specifically
discussed, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from
this disclosure that the material 10 can be incorporated into any
type of hat (such as a hard hat or a baseball cap), helmet (such as
a paintball helmet, a batting helmet, a motorcycle helmet, or an
army helmet) or the like without departing from the present
invention. The panel 305 can be a lining for hard shell headgear,
for a shell, or for a soft cap.
[0184] For example, FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C illustrate various soft
caps or flexible headgear 430', 430'', 430''' incorporating panels
305 of material 10. The material 10 may be any of the materials
adapted to regulate vibration described herein. The flexible
headgear 430' of FIG. 33A is a "durag" or "skull cap" typically
formed from a lightweight, stretchable material, for example,
cotton, nylon, polyesters, spandex, combinations thereof and other
natural or synthetic materials. The flexible headgear 430' may be
worn independent of any other headgear, for example, worn by a
soccer player, or may be worn under an existing helmet, for
example, a football helmet or batting helmet. In this regard, the
flexible headgear 430' allows the user to "retro-fit" an existing
helmet for improved vibration regulation without the need to buy a
new helmet. Similarly, flexible headgear 430'' is a ski cap with a
plurality of panels 305 and flexible headgear 430''' is a ski mask
with a plurality of panels 305. The ski cap and ski mask may be
manufactured from various flexible cloth materials including, for
example, cotton, wool, polyesters, combinations thereof and other
natural or synthetic materials. Again, the flexible headgear 430'',
430''' may be worn independent of any other headgear or may be worn
under an existing helmet, for example, a ski helmet. Again, the
flexible headgear 430'', 430''' allows the user to "retro-fit" an
existing helmet for improved vibration regulation without the need
to buy a new helmet. The invention is not limited to the soft caps
(flexible headgear) described herein, but may have other
configurations with a flexible material configured to be worn a
users head.
[0185] In each of these embodiments, the panels include temple and
ear covering panels 305A; forehead covering panels 305B; neck
panels 305C; and top panels 305D, however, the panels 305 may
otherwise be positioned. The panels 305 may be positioned within
pockets formed in the flexible headgear 430', 430'', 430''' or may
otherwise be attached thereto, for example, via an adhesive,
stitching or hook and loop fastener. The hook and loop fastener may
allow the user to position the panels 305 as desired. Similarly,
multiple pockets may be provided to allow the user to position the
panels 305 as desired. The pockets may include openings which allow
the panels 305 to be removed, for example, for cleaning of the
headgear or repositioning of the panels 305. The openings are
preferably sealable, for example, by hook and loop fastener or the
like.
[0186] FIGS. 99-103 illustrate another embodiment of a material
1300 for retro-fitting existing products, for example, helmets of
any kind. FIGS. 99 and 100 illustrate the material 1300 including a
single panel 1305 of material 1310 adapted to regulate vibration.
While the material 1310 is illustrated as including first and
second elastomer layers 1312 and an intermediate reinforcement
layer 1314, the material 1310 may be any of the materials described
herein. The panel 1305 is attached to a flexible base fabric 1320
having an adhesive surface 1352 opposite the material 1310. This is
similar to the adhesive material described herein with respect to
FIG. 70. The panel 1305 may be attached to the base fabric 1320 in
any desired manner, for example, the materials may be formed
intergrally or an adhesive or the like may be applied between the
panel 1305 and the base fabric 1320. In one exemplary embodiment,
the base fabric 1320 is formed from double-sided adhesive.
[0187] The external adhesive surface 1352 allows the material 1300
to be secured in a desired location, for example, inside a batting
helmet or football helmet. Again this allows the user to
"retro-fit" an existing helmet or other product for improved
vibration regulation without the need to buy a new product. The
material 1300 may be cut to a desired configuration. As illustrated
in FIGS. 101-103, the panels 1305 may have various sizes and
configurations to address different applications. For example, in
the material 1300 of FIG. 101, the panels 1305 have horizontal gaps
1307 therebetween which allows the material 1300 to be applied
inside a curved surface. The material 1300 of FIG. 102 includes
horizontal and vertical gaps 1307, 1308 to allow greater
flexibility. The material 1300 of FIG. 103 has a semi-circular
configuration which may be utilized, for example, about an ear
hole. Other combinations of sizes and shapes may be utilized.
[0188] FIGS. 109-114 illustrate additional embodiments of soft caps
or flexible headgear 1700, 1700' in the form of a shock-absorbing
cap incorporating material 10 of the present invention. The
material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to regulate
vibration described herein. Referring to FIG. 109-111, the
shock-absorbing cap 1700 includes a circumferential band 1702
manufactured from the material 10 described herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, the band 1702 terminates at opposed ends
1701 and 1703 such that the band 1702 is adjustable in diameter,
however, it is contemplated that the band may be continuous and
manufactured in different sizes to fit different users. It is also
contemplated that the band 1702 may be manufactured from an elastic
material without a high tensile strength fabric layer such that the
band is expandable.
[0189] In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment member
1704 is attached to one end 1701 of the band 1702 and a second
attachment member 1706 is attached to the other end 1703 of the
band 1702. The first attachment member 1704 is provided with an
attachment structure 1705 along a surface thereof while the second
attachment member 1706 is provided with a complementary attachment
structure 1707 along a surface thereof. The attachment structures
1705, 1707 may have various configurations, for example but not
limited to, hook and loops, post and holes, snaps, or buttons.
FIGS. 110 and 111 show the attachment members 1704 and 1706 in a
disconnected arrangement such that the diameter of the band 1702
may be adjusted and then secured at a desired diameter as shown in
FIGS. 112 and 113. In an alternative embodiment, a single elastic
attachment member is provided and is attached at both ends 1701,
1703 of the band 1702.
[0190] A plurality of straps 1710 extend from the band 1702 to
define a dome structure 1718 configured to receive a user's head.
While four straps 1710a-1710d are illustrated, more or fewer straps
may be utilized. Each strap incorporates material 10 of the present
invention. The material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to
regulate vibration described herein. In the current embodiment,
each strap 1710a-1710d has opposed ends 1711 and 1713 and extends
across the apex 1720 of the dome structure 1718 with the ends 1711,
1713 attached to opposed portions of the band 1702. The straps
1710a-1710d may be attached to one another adjacent to the apex
1720. The end 1713 of one or more of the straps 1710c may be
attached to one of the attachment members 1704, 1706 depending on
the configuration and sizing of the straps 1710, band 1702 and
attachment members 1704, 1706. The end 1713 may be permanently
fixed to the attachment member 1706 or may be adjustably attached
to the attachment member 1706, for example via hook and loop
fasteners, to allow the position to be adjusted in relation to the
adjusted position of the attachment members 1704, 1706.
[0191] The shock-absorbing cap 1700' illustrated in FIGS. 109-113
except that the straps 1710 are not connected at each end to the
band 1702. Instead, one end 1713 of each strap 1710a-1710h is
attached to the band 1702 or attachment member 1706 while the
opposite end 1711 of the strap 1710a-1710h is attached to a
connector pad 1730 adjacent the apex 1720 of the dome structure
1718. The ends 1711 may be permanently fixed to the connector pad
1730 or may be adjustably attached to the connector member 1730,
for example via hook and loop fasteners, to allow the size of the
dome structure 1718 to be adjusted. The connector pad 1730 may
incorporates material 10 of the present invention. The material 10
may be any of the materials adapted to regulate vibration described
herein. In all other respects, the shock-absorbing cap 1700' is the
same as in the previous embodiment.
[0192] Again, the shock-absorbing cap 1700, 1700' may be worn
independent of any other headgear or may be worn under an existing
helmet, for example, a football helmet or a baseball helmet. Again,
the shock-absorbing cap 1700, 1700' allows the user to "retro-fit"
an existing helmet for improved vibration regulation without the
need to buy a new helmet.
[0193] As an additional benefit of the retro-fit padding, it has
been found that the panels 305, 1305 or straps 1710 positioned over
original padding attached to the inside of the helmet provided
enhanced vibration reduction compared to applications wherein the
inventive material was applied to the shell of the helmet and then
had standard padding applied to the material of the present
invention. In each of these applications, whether in a retro-fit
application or a new product application, it is preferable that the
material of the present invention be positioned as the layer
closest to the users body.
[0194] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a shirt 440 and pants 444
incorporating panels 305 formed of the material 10 of the present
invention. A preferred cross-section of the panels 305 is shown in
FIG. 23. The shirt panels 305 can vary in number and position as
desired. The pants 444 preferably include multiple panels 305,
including a thigh protection panel 305F; a hip protection panel
305E; and a rear protection panel 305G.
[0195] As detailed above, the material 10 of the present invention
can be used to form gloves or to form panels 305 incorporated into
gloves. The preferred cross-section of the glove panels 305 is also
shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 35 illustrates a glove 436 suitable for both
baseball and softball that uses panels 305 to provide protection to
a palm area 437. FIG. 36 illustrates a weightlifting glove 438
having panels 305 of the material 10 thereon. 9 illustrates a golf
glove 446 having at least one panel 305 thereon. FIG. 40
illustrates the type of glove 448 used for rope work or by rescue
services personnel with panels 305 of the material 10 of the
present invention. FIG. 41 shows a batting glove 450 with panels
305 thereon. The material 10 can also be used to form panels 305
for women's dress gloves 452 or ski mittens 454, as shown in FIGS.
42 and 43. Lacrosse gloves 456 and boxing gloves 458 can also be
formed entirely of the material 10 of the present invention or can
incorporate panels 305 of the material 10. Although specific types
of gloves have been mentioned above, those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the material 10 of the present invention
can be incorporated into any type of gloves, athletic gloves, dress
gloves, or mittens without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0196] With reference to FIGS. 46-51 in particular, another
embodiment of the material 810 having a single contiguous elastomer
body 812 will be described. Referring to FIG. 46, the support
structure has first and second major surfaces 823,825. In one
embodiment, the elastomer 812 extends through the support structure
817 so that the portion of the elastomer 812A contacting the first
major support structure surface 823 (i.e., the top of the support
structure 817) and the portion of the elastomer 812B contacting the
second major support structure surface 825 (i.e., the bottom of the
support structure) form the single contiguous elastomer body 812.
Elastomer material provides vibration damping by dissipating
vibrational energy. Suitable elastomer materials include, but are
not limited, urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers,
butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene
rubbers, and the like. In general, any suitable elastomer or
polymer material can be used to form the vibration dissipating
layer 812 and can take desired forms including thermoset,
thermoplastic, open cell foam, or closed cell foam, as non-limiting
examples.
[0197] Referring to FIGS. 47-51, the support structure 817 can be
any one (or combination of) of a polymer, an elastomer, a plurality
of fibers, a plurality of woven fibers, and a cloth. If the support
structure 817 and the layer 812 are both polymers or both
elastomers, then they can be the same or different from each other
without departing from the scope of the present invention. If
vibration dissipating material is 812 if formed of the same
material as the support structure 817, then the support structure
817 can be made more rigid than the main layer 812 by embedding
fibers 814 therein. It is preferable that the support structure 817
is generally more rigid than the vibration dissipating material
812.
[0198] Referring specifically to FIG. 48, the support structure 817
may be formed of an elastomer that may but does not necessarily,
also have fibers 814 embedded therein (exemplary woven fibers are
shown throughout portions of FIG. 48). Referring to FIG. 49, the
support structure 817 may be formed by a plurality of woven fibers
818. Referring to FIG. 50, the support structure 817 may be formed
by a plurality of fibers 814. Regardless of the material forming
the support structure 817, it is preferable that passageways 819
extend into the support structure 817 to allow the elastomer 812 to
penetrate and embed the support structure 817. The term "embed," as
used in the claim and in the corresponding portions of the
specification, means "contact sufficiently to secure thereon and/or
therein."
[0199] Accordingly, the support structure 817 shown in FIG. 47A is
embedded by the elastomer 812 even though the elastomer 812 does
not fully enclose the support structure 817. Additionally, as shown
in FIG. 47B, the support structure 817 can be located at any level
or height within the elastomer 812 without departing from the scope
of the present invention. While the passageways 819 are shown as
extending completely through the support structure 817, the
invention includes passageways 819 that extend partially through
the support structure 817.
[0200] Referring again to FIG. 47A, in one embodiment, it is
preferred that the support structure 817 be embedded on the
elastomer 812, with the elastomer penetrating the support structure
817. The support structure 817 being generally along a major
material surface 838 (i.e., the support structure 817 is generally
along the top of the material).
[0201] The fibers 814 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed
of aramid fibers. Referring to FIG. 49, the fibers 814 can be woven
to form a cloth 816 that is disposed on and/or within the elastomer
812. The cloth layer 816 can be formed of woven aramid fibers or
other types of fiber. The aramid fibers 814 block and redirect
vibrational energy that passes through the elastomer 812 to
facilitate the dissipation of vibrations. The aramid fibers 818
redirect vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 818.
Thus, when the plurality of aramid fibers 818 are woven to form the
cloth 816, vibrational energy emanating from the implement 820 that
is not absorbed or dissipated by the elastomer layer 812 is
redistributed evenly along the material 810 by the cloth 816 and
preferably also further dissipated by the cloth 816.
[0202] It is preferable that the aramid fibers 818 are formed of a
suitable polyamide fiber of high tensile strength with a high
resistance to elongation. However, those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate from this disclosure that any high tensile
strength material suitable to channel vibration can be used to form
the support structure 817 without departing from scope of the
present invention. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate from this disclosure that loose high tensile
strength fibers or chopped high tensile strength fibers can be used
to form the support structure 817 without departing from the scope
of the present invention. The high tensile strength fibers may be
formed of aramid fibers, fiberglass or the like.
[0203] When the aramid fibers 818 are woven to form the cloth 816,
it is preferable that the cloth 816 include at least some floating
aramid fibers 818. That is, it is preferable that at least some of
the plurality of aramid fibers 818 are able to move relative to the
remaining aramid fibers 818 of the cloth 816. This movement of some
of the aramid fibers 818 relative to the remaining fibers of the
cloth converts vibrational energy to heat energy.
[0204] With reference to FIGS. 52-53, the elastomer layer 912 acts
as a shock absorber by converting mechanical vibrational energy
into heat energy. The embedded support structure 917 redirects
vibrational energy and provides increased stiffness to the material
910 to facilitate a user's ability to control an implement 920
encased, or partially encased, by the material 910. The elastomer
layer 912, 912A, or 912B may include a plurality of fibers 914
(further described below) or a plurality of particles 915 (further
described below). The incorporation of the support structure 917 on
and/or within the material 910 allows the material 910 to be formed
by a single elastomer layer without the material 910 being
unsuitable for at least some of the above-mentioned uses. The
support structure 917 may also include a plurality of fibers 914 or
a plurality of particles 915. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate from this disclosure that additional layers
of material can be added to any of the embodiments of the present
invention disclosed below without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0205] In the situation where the support structure 917 is formed
by a second elastomer layer, the two elastomer layers can be
secured together via an adhesive layer, discreet adhesive
locations, or using any other suitable method to secure the layers
together. Regardless of the material used to form the support
structure 917, the support structure is preferably located and
configured to support the first elastomer layer (see FIGS.
53-53B).
[0206] It is preferred that the material 910 have a single
contiguous elastomer body 912. Referring to FIG. 52, the support
structure has first and second major surfaces 923, 925. In one
embodiment, the elastomer 912 extends through the support structure
917 so that the portion of the elastomer 912A contacting the first
major support structure surface 923 (i.e., the top of the support
structure 917) and the portion of the elastomer 912B contacting the
second major support structure surface 925 (i.e., the bottom of the
support structure) form the single contiguous elastomer body 912.
Elastomer material provides vibration damping by dissipating
vibrational energy. Suitable elastomer materials include, but are
not limited, urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers,
butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene
rubbers, and the like. In general, any suitable elastomer or
polymer material can be used to form the vibration dissipating
layer 912 and can have various forms including thermoplastic,
thermoset, open cell foam and closed cell foam, as unlimiting
examples.
[0207] Referring to FIG. 53A, in one embodiment, it is preferred
that the support structure 917 be embedded on the elastomer 912,
with the elastomer penetrating the support structure 917. The
support structure 917 being generally along a major material
surface 938 (i.e., the support structure 917 is generally along the
top of the material).
[0208] The fibers 914 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed
of aramid fibers. However, the fibers can be formed from any one or
combination of the following: bamboo, glass, metal, elastomer,
polymer, ceramics, corn husks, and/or any other renewable resource.
By using fibers from renewable resources, production costs can be
reduced and the environmental friendliness of the present invention
can be increased.
[0209] Particles 915 can be located in either an elastomer layer
912, 912A, and/or 912B and/or in the support structure 915. The
particles 915 increase the vibration absorption of the material of
the present invention. The particles 915 can be formed of pieces of
glass, polymer, elastomer, chopped aramid, ceramic, chopped fibers,
sand, gel, foam, metal, mineral, glass beads, or the like. Gel
particles 915 provide excellent vibration dampening due to their
low durometer rating. One exemplary gel that is suitable for use
the present invention is silicone gel. However, any suitable gel
can be used without departing from the present invention.
[0210] In addition to use with implements, sleeves, covers, and the
like described above, the material can be used as an athletic tape,
padding, bracing material, or the like (as shown in FIGS. 54-78)
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 69-78; an athletic tape for wrapping a portion
of a person's body; a material having a stretch axis and being
adapted to regulate energy by disputing and partially dissipating
energy exerted thereon; a padding for covering a portion of a
person's body or an object; and/or a brace for wrapping a portion
of a person's body is shown
[0211] When the material of the present invention is used to form
athletic tape, that athletic tape provides a controlled support for
a portion of the person's body. The athletic tape includes a tape
body 764 that is preferably stretchable along a longitudinal axis
748 (or stretch axis 750) from a first position to a second
position, in which the tape body 764 is elongated by a
predetermined amount relative to the first position.
[0212] FIGS. 54 and 56 illustrate another embodiment of the
material of the present invention in the first and second
positions, respectively. FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate an alternative
embodiment of the material of the present invention in the first
and second positions, respectively.
[0213] As described below, the configuration of the support
structure 717 within the vibration absorbing layer 712 allows the
predetermined amount of elongation to be generally fixed so that
the athletic tape provides a controlled support that allows limited
movement before applying a brake on further movement of the wrapped
portion of a person's body. This facilitates movement of a wrapped
joint while simultaneously dissipating and absorbing vibration to
allow superior comfort and performance as compared to that
experienced with conventional athletic tape. While the
predetermined amount of elongation can be set to any value, it is
preferably less than twenty (20%) percent. The predetermined amount
of elongation is more preferably less than two (2%) percent.
However, depending on the application any amount of elongation can
be used with the material 10 of the present invention.
[0214] The tape body 64 preferably includes a first elastomer layer
712 that defines a tape length 766, as measured along the
longitudinal axis 748, of the tape body 764. The support structure
717 is preferably disposed within the elastomer layer 712 generally
along the longitudinal axis 748 in an at least partially non linear
fashion while the tape body is in the first position so that a
length of the support structure 717, as measured along a surface
thereof, is greater than the tape length 766 of the first elastomer
layer 712. It is preferred, by not necessary, that the support
structure 717 (or ribbon material) is positioned in a generally
sinusoidal fashion within the elastomer layer 712 while the tape
body 764 is in the first position. However, the support structure
717 can be positioned in an irregular fashion without departing
from the scope of the present invention. As described above, the
support structure 717 and/or the elastomer layer 712 can include
particles, fibers, or the like (as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53).
[0215] Referring to FIGS. 56 and 58, when the tape body 764 is
stretched into the second position, the support structure 717 is
preferably at least partially straightened so that the support
structure 717 is more linear (or in the case of other materials,
the support structure 717 would likely be thinner), relative to
when the tape body 764 is in the first position. The straightening
of the support structure causes energy to be dissipated and
preferably generally prevents further elongation of the elastomer
layer 712 along the longitudinal axis 748 past the second position.
Energy dissipation occurs due to the stretching of the material of
the support structure 717 and can occur due to the separation or
partial pulling away of the support structure 717 from the attached
elastomer layer 712.
[0216] Referring to FIG. 55, the "overall support structure" 717
may comprise a plurality of stacked support structures, fibers 718,
and/or cloth layers 716. It is preferred that the plurality of
fibers include aramid fibers or other high tensile strength fibrous
material, for example, the plurality of fibers may be formed of
fiberglass material or be woven into a ribbon or cloth. The support
structure can include any one (or combination) of a polymer, an
elastomer, particles; fibers; woven fibers; a cloth; a plurality of
cloth layers; loose fibers, chopped fibers, gel particles,
particles, sand, or the like without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0217] As detailed above, the support structure 717 and/or the
elastomer layer 712 may include a plurality of particles therein.
Such particles may include any one or combination of gel particles,
sand particles, glass beads, chopped fibers, metal particles, foam
particles, sand, or any other particle in parting desirable
vibration dissipation characteristics to the material 710.
[0218] Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, it is preferred that the tape
body 764 have top and bottom surfaces 768A, 768B, respectively. The
bottom surface 768B faces the portion of the person's body when the
athletic tape 710 is wrapped thereover. When the support structure
717 is formed by a plurality of fibers 718, it is preferable that
the plurality of fibers 718 define multiple stacked fiber layers
between the top and bottom surfaces 768A, 768B. It is preferable
that the plurality of fibers 718 are stacked between four (4) and
sixteen (16) times between the top and bottom surfaces 768A, 768B.
It is more preferable still that the plurality of fibers are
stacked ten (10) times. As described above, the plurality of fibers
718 may include metal fibers, high tensile strength fibrous
material, ceramic fibers, polymer fibers, elastomer fibers, or the
like without departing from the scope of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 64, the support structure 717 may be disposed only
partially within or on the elastomer layer generally along the
longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0219] Referring again to FIGS. 54-58, the material of the present
invention can be an all purpose material for use as desired by a
person to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating
energy exerted thereon. When the material 710 of the present is
used as an all purpose material, the all purpose material 710
includes a material body 770 that is elongateable along the stretch
axis 750 from a first position (shown in FIGS. 54 and 57) to a
second position (shown in FIGS. 55 and 58), in which the material
body 770 is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the
first position. The stretch axis 750 is preferably determined
during manufacturing by the orientation and geometry of the support
structure 717 which preferably limits the directions in which the
material body 770 can elongate. If multiple separate material
bodies 770 are stacked together, it may be desirable to have the
stretch axis 750 of the individual material bodies 770 oriented
askew from each other.
[0220] The first elastomer layer 712 defines a material length 772,
as measured along the stretch axis 750 of the material body 770.
The support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the
elastomer layer 712 generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at
least partially non linear fashion while the material body 770 is
in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as
measured along the surface thereof, is greater than the material
length 772 of the first elastomer layer. When the material body 770
is elongated into the second position, the support structure 717 is
at least partially straightened so that the support structure is
more linear, relative to when the material body 770 is in the first
position.
[0221] The support structure 717 is preferably positioned in a
sinusoidal fashion within any of the materials 710 of the present
invention. The support structure 717 or ribbon may also be
positioned in the form of a triangular wave, square wave, or an
irregular fashion without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0222] Any of the materials of the present invention may be formed
with an elastomer layer 712 formed by silicone or any other
suitable material. Depending upon the application, the vibration
absorbing material 712 may be a thermoset and/or may be free of
voids therein.
[0223] Any of the embodiments of the material 710 can be used as an
implement cover, grip, athletic tape, an all purpose material, a
brace, and/or padding. When the material 710 of the present
invention is used as part of a padding, the padding includes a
padding body 774 that is elongateable along the stretch axis from a
first position to a second position, in which the padding body 774
is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first
position. The padding includes a first elastomer layer 712 which
defines a padding length 776, as measured along the stretch axis
750 of the padding body 774.
[0224] The support structure 717 is disposed within the elastomer
layer 712 generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least
partially non linear fashion while the padding body 774 is in the
first position so that a length of the support structure 717, is
measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the padding
length 776 of the first elastomer layer 712. When the padding body
774 is elongated into the second position, the support structure
717 is at least partially straightened so that the support
structure is more linear, relative to when the padding body 774 is
in the first position. The straightening of the support structure
717 causes energy to be dissipated and generally prevents further
elongation of the elastomer layer along the stretch axis 750 past
the second position.
[0225] When the materials 710 of the present invention are
incorporated as part of a brace, the brace provides a controlled
support for a wrapped portion of a person's body. The brace
includes a brace body 778 that is elongateable along the stretch
axis 750 from a first position to a second position, in which the
brace body 778 is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to
the first position. The brace body includes a first elastomer layer
712 that defines a brace length 780, as measured along the stretch
axis 750, of the brace body 778.
[0226] The support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the
elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least
partially non linear fashion while the brace body 778 is in the
first position so that a length of the support structure 717, as
measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the brace length
780 of the first elastomer layer 712. When the brace body 778 is
stretched into the second position, the support structure 717 is at
least partially straightened so that the support structure 717 is
more linear, relative to when the brace body 778 is in the first
position. The straightening of the support structure 717 causes
energy to be dissipated and preferably generally prevents further
elongation of the elastomer layer 712 along the stretch axis past
the second position. Those ordinarily skilled in the art will
appreciate that any of the materials 710 of the present invention
may be formed into a one piece brace that provides a controlled
support as described above without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0227] Referring to FIGS. 54 and 57, depending upon the geometry of
the support structure 717 when the material 710 is in the first
position, the amount of stretch of the material 710 can be
selected. It is preferred that the percentage increase in the
material length when the body 764, 770, 774, 778 moves from the
first position to the second position is selected based on a
desired range of motion. When the material 710 is configured as an
athletic tape, the athletic tape may be wrapped about a portion of
a person's body multiple times, if necessary, to form a brace.
Alternatively, a single layer of material 710 can be wrapped on a
person and secured in place using conventional athletic tape or the
like. It is preferable that the successive wrappings of athletic
tape are affixed to each other to form a generally one piece brace.
This can be accomplished by using tape that is self fusing to allow
multiple adjacent wrappings of the athletic tape to fuse together
to form an integral piece. One method of fusing wrappings of the
athletic tape is for the elastomer layer of each of the multiple
adjacent wrappings to contact the elastomer layer of the adjacent
wrappings to fuse together to form a single elastomer layer. Self
fusing technology can be used with any of the materials 710 of the
present invention and can be used in any of the applications for
which those materials are suitable. By way of non limiting example,
self fusing material 710 can be used with baseball bats, lacrosse
sticks, tennis rackets, gun covers and wraps, implements, sports
implements, tape, padding, braces, or the like.
[0228] Referring to FIGS. 59, 60, and 62, adhesive 752 may be used
to connect the support structure 717 to the vibration absorbing
material 712. Referring to FIGS. 60-62, air gaps 760 can be present
proximate to the support structure 717 without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 60, the material
can be secured at its peak 762 to the vibrating absorbing material
712 or can be secured only at its ends with the vibration absorbing
material 712 forming a protective sheath for the support structure
717 which would act as an elastic member in this instance.
[0229] FIGS. 65-68 illustrate the material 710 of the present
invention incorporating a shrink layer 758 which can be used to
secure the material 710 in position. Additionally, the shrinkable
layer 758 may be configured to break when a certain stress
threshold is reached to provide further energy dissipation.
Referring to FIG. 67, a shrinkable layer 758 is in its pre-shrink
configuration. Referring to FIG. 68, once the shrinkable layer 758
has been activated, the shrinkable layer 758 preferably deforms
about one side of the support structure 717 to hold the material
710 in position. The shrinkable layer 758 can be heat or water
activated. Alternative known activation methods are also suitable
for use with the present invention.
[0230] FIG. 62 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention in which the vibration absorbing layer 712 is configured
to break apart during the elongation of the support structure 717
to allow for greater energy dissipation.
[0231] Any of the materials 710 of the present invention can be
used in conjunction with additional layers of rigid or flexible
materials without departing from the scope of the present
invention. For example, the materials 710 of the present invention
may be used with a hard shell outer layer which is designed to
dissipate impact energy over the entire material 710 prior to the
material 710 deforming to dissipate energy. One type of rigid
material that can be used in combination with the materials 710 of
the present invention is molded foam. Molded foam layers preferably
include multiple flex seams that allow portions of the foam layer
to at least partially move relative to each other even though the
overall foam layer is a single body of material. This is ideal for
turning an impact force into a more general blunt force that is
spread over a larger area of the material 710. Alternatively,
individual foam pieces, buttons, rigid squares, or the like can be
directly attached to an outer surface of any of the materials 710
of the present invention. Alternatively, such foam pieces, buttons,
rigid squares, or the like can be attached to a flexible layer or
fabric that will dissipate received impact energy over the length
of the fabric fibers prior to the dissipation of energy by the
material 710.
[0232] FIGS. 79, 79a, and 82-86 show yet another embodiment of the
inventive material of the invention, in which the material
comprises two aramid layers 1010, 1012 with an elastomeric layer
1020 therebetween shown in the simpleset configuration in FIG.
79a). The applicant has found that this configuration is an
effective padding for high weight or impact resistant
configurations because the aramid material layers 1010, 1012,
resist impact and discourage displacement of the elastomeric layer
1020. This allows for the use of very low durometer elastomers,
rubbers, and gels, with durometers in the hundred to thousand
ranges while still providing excellent stability.
[0233] Alternately, rather than using aramid layers, other fibers
could be used, including high tensile strength fibers.
[0234] While other high tensile strength materials could be used,
aramids with a tensile modulus of between 70 and 140 GPa are
preferred, and nylons such as those with a tensile strength of
between 6,000 and 24,000 psi are also preferred. Other material
layers fibers could substitute for the aramid layers 1010, 1012; in
particular, low tensile strength fibers could be combined with
higher tensile strength fibers to yield layers 1010, 1012 that
would be suitable to stabilize and contain the elastomeric layer
1020. For example, cotton, kenaf, hemp, flax, jute, and sisal could
be combined with certain combinations of high tensile strength
fibers to form the supportive layers 1010, 1012.
[0235] In use, the first and second aramid material layers 1010,
1012 are preferably coated with a bonding layer 1010a, 1010b,
1012a, 1012b, preferably of the same material as the elastomeric
material that facilitates bonding between the aramid layers 1010,
1012 and the elastomeric layer 1020, although these bonding layers
are not required. Further, although equal amounts of the bonding
layers 1010a, 1010b, 1012a, 1012b are shown on either side of the
aramid layers 1010, 1012, the bonding layers 1010a, 1010b, 1012a,
1012b need not be evenly distributed over the aramid layers 1010,
1012.
[0236] The applicant has observed that the aramid layers 1010, 1012
distribute impact and vibration over a larger surface area of the
elastomeric layer 1020. This finding has suggested using the
material in heavier impact applications, such as using it as a
motor mount 1030 or flooring 1035, 1037, since the aramid layers
1010, 1012 will discourage displacement of the elastomeric layer
1020, while still absorbing much of the vibration in those
applications. This property could be useful in many of the
above-noted applications, and in particular in impact absorbing
padding, packaging, electronics padding, noise reducing panels,
tape, carpet padding, and floor padding.
[0237] Exemplary padding materials 1400 and 1500, for example, but
not limited to, body padding for athletic and military
applications, are illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 94, the padding material 1400 includes a first
vibration regulating material 1410 with a second vibration
regulating material 1410' secured thereto. The materials 1410 and
1410' may be formed as integral materials or maybe formed
separately and secured to one another, for example, using a
suitable adhesive. The vibration regulating material 1410 is
illustrated as including elastomeric layers 1412 and an
intermediate reinforcement layer 1414 and the material 1410' is
also illustrated with elastomeric layers 1412' and an intermediate
reinforcement layer 1414', however, either or both materials 1410,
1410' may have different configurations as illustrated herein. If
the intermediate layers 1414 and 1414' each include woven fabrics,
the materials may be rotated relative to each other such that the
weaves are offset, for example, by forty-five degrees.
[0238] Laboratory tests were carried out at a prominent university
to evaluate body padding in accordance with the material 1400. The
material 1400 used in the testing comprised two layers of
reinforcement material, each manufactured from woven Kevlar K-49,
embedded within a respective elatomer layer manufactured from cured
polyurethane. Each layer of woven Kevlar was approximately 3 mils
thick and the polyurethane was applied to a total material
thickness of 6 mm. Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 94 the inner
most elastomeric layer 1412, which would be against the wearer's
body, was the thickest layer. This material was compared against a
paintball control vest of high density padding 6 mm thick.
[0239] In the testing, identical flat Aluminium plates were used
with the different padding material pasted onto them. Nine impact
locations were marked on the top. One end of the plate was firmly
fixed to a work table with an overhang of about 75%. Accelerometer
mounts were fabricated from Aluminum and mounted on the bottom of
the plate near the middle. Uniaxial accelerometers from Bruel &
Kjaer were used in the experiment. They are high precision sensors
capable of measuring high level accelerations. These were connected
to a Charged amplifier type 2635 which was in turn connected to a
data acquisition front end (Module type 3109) which has a 25 KHz
LAN interface module (type 7533) that was connected to the LAN port
of a PC. The software used for data acquisition was Pulse Labshop
version 10.2. There were three test runs for each case. The tests
were run for impacts at nine locations.
[0240] After the raw data was collected computer programs were used
to perform analysis on the effectiveness of the paddings. The top
peak magnitude in the frequency spectrum was used as the
performance criterion. Analyzing the results, the amplitude of
vibration as measured by the accelerations were reduced in the
inventive material versus the control material. It was also found
that the peak frequency amplitudes, especially at resonant peaks,
were reduced by the use of the inventive padding. Reductions in
peak amplitudes were as much as 75% at the resonant
frequencies.
[0241] In view of the results, it was determined that the inclusion
of the second material 1410', including a reinforcement layer 1414'
even without thick elastomer layers 1412', provided an initial
vibration dissipation layer which absorbed and dissipated a
significant portion of the impact force, which thereby did not
reach the first material 1410.
[0242] A padding material 1500 with an alternative initial
vibration dissipation layer is illustrated in FIG. 95. The padding
material 15400 includes a first vibration regulating material 1510
with a flexible sheet layer 1558 of high tensile material secured
thereto. The materials 1510 and 1558 may be formed as integral
materials or maybe formed separately and secured to one another,
for example, using a suitable adhesive. The vibration regulating
material 1510 is illustrated as including elastomeric layers 1512
and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1514. The sheet layer 1558
may be manufactured from various high tensile strength materials,
for example, a thin sheet of polypropylene, preferably having a
thickness of 0.025 mm to 2.5 mm. Either or both materials 1510,
1558 may have different configurations as illustrated herein.
[0243] FIGS. 80, 81, 81a, and 87 show a variant of the material
shown in FIG. 79, without the second layer of aramid 1012. The
aramid layer 1010 could be coated with the bonding layer 1010a,
1010b or not.
[0244] In use, this material can be used as a flooring 1037, as
shown in FIG. 87, as a spring in FIG. 81a, or also as a motor mount
1050. As a spring, shown in FIGS. 81 and 81a, the aramid layer 1010
contains and stabilizes the elastomeric layer 1020 when the
generally shaped cylinder 1040 is in tension or compression. Such a
spring could be used in any spring application.
[0245] In use as a motor mount, the material is formed as a
cylinder 1040, in which the aramid layer 1010 forms an outer
cylinder with an elastomer 1020 located therebetween. This cylinder
1040 is closed on itself (by gluing or welding) to form the
toroidal shaped shock absorber 1050, which could be used as a motor
mount.
[0246] FIGS. 89-93 show another material for use with the
invention. The cross-section of FIG. 90 shows the layers of the
material, which comprise a foam layer 1110, aramid layer 1112, and
elastomeric layer 1114. The foam layer 1110 of the present
embodiment is a generally rigid layer of foam that the applicant
has found is particular good at dissipating a point impact, and
thus has been found particular suited for impact resistance, such
as for example, as armor and protection in the sports of football,
baseball, soccer, or paintball. It should be understood that the
elastomeric layer 1114 is generally adjacent to, or substantially
adjacent to the body being protected from impact.
[0247] The foam layer 1110 of the present embodiment is preferably
rigid and inflexible, although softer foam layers may be used.
Additionally, as explained herein, the elastomer layers may be
formed with a foamed structure. The rigid foam layers 1110 present
a problem in that many impact-resistant applications require
flexible material, i.e., paintball padding and armor that can flex
around a person's body. The applicant solved this problem by
forming narrow areas of weakness 1111 in the foam layer. These
areas can be formed by cutting, stamping, or forming the area of
predetermined weakness, but in any event, they allow for the foam
layer 1110 to bend at these areas 1111. Various shapes of the areas
of predetermined weakness could be used depending on the needed
flexibility. As shown, parallel, hexagonal, and herringbone
(diamond) areas are presently preferred. FIG. 93 shows an
embodiment in which the paintball armor 1140 has the herringbone
pattern.
[0248] Similar patterns may be utilized in embodiments wherein one
of the elastomer layers is a foamed or other structure to provide
greater flexibility to the product and/or provide air flow. FIGS.
96-98 show illustrative materials 1610 wherein at least one
elastomer layer includes a plurality of channels 1630. In each
embodiment, the material 1610 includes an elastomer layer 1612,
shown as distinct layers 1612a and 1612b, and an intermediate
reinforcement layer 1614. The material 1610 may have other
configurations as described herein. Channels 1630 are formed in the
elastomer layer 1612b facing the user during use. In the embodiment
of FIGS. 96-97, the channels 1630 extend parallel to one another.
The material 1610 has a perimeter 1640 and each of the channels
1630 has end portions 1632 which extend to the perimeter 1640 and
therefore provide inlets/outlets for the channels 1630, thereby
promoting air flow. In the embodiment of FIG. 98, channels 1630 are
provided horizontally and vertically, as illustrated in the
drawing, and intersect one another. While each of the channels 1630
are illustrated with end portions 1632 along the perimeter 1640,
some of the channels 1630 may terminate prior to the perimeter,
with air flow still possible through the interconnected channels
1630. The applicant has also found that a fourth rigid layer
comprising plastic, foam, or metal, could be added over the
foam/aramid/elastomer to further dissipate impact energy.
[0249] Any of the above-mentioned layers could be soaked in,
embedded in, encapsulated by, or otherwise distributed with a
resistive fluid. Preferably, the resistive fluid layer is separated
from the wearer/holder by at least one of the elastomer layers to
minimize the direct transmission of impact to the
wearer/holder.
[0250] Body armor is a frequently cited use of resistive
fluids--such an application would work well with all of the
vibration-reducing materials described herein because the
vibration-reducing material would further protect the wearer from
damaging vibration from an impact and puncture.
[0251] Illustrative resistive fluids include shear thickening
fluids (STFs), or dilatants, and magnetorheological fluid
(MRF).
[0252] Use as Soundproofing
[0253] The materials described herein can be used as soundproofing
in many applications, for example, but not limited to: Industrial
and Commercial Equipment; Heavy-Duty Machinery; Compressors,
Generators, Pumps, Fans; Commercial Appliances and Equipment; HVAC
Equipment; Precision Equipment/Electronics; Business Machines,
Computers, Peripherals; Medical and Lab Equipment/Instruments;
Telecommunications; Consumer Electronics And Appliances; Specialty
Applications; Seating, Positioning, Pillows, Mattresses; Footwear;
Athletic Equipment; Vehicle; Automotive and Truck; Marine and
Aircraft; Bus, Coach, and RV; Personal Leisure Vehicles; Farm and
Construction, Off-Highway.
[0254] The following description applies generally to many of the
materials described above, but is specifically with reference to
FIG. 1. The first elastomer layer 12A converts sound and
vibrational energy waves into heat energy through hysteric damping,
as most traditional damping materials do. As the energy waves
travel through the elastomer 12A, they reach the end of the medium
and interface with the high tensile strength fibrous material layer
14. The area of interface is commonly referred to as a boundary.
The high tensile strength material 14 has the unique ability to
radiate or carry the vibrational energy waves away from the point
of entry, in addition to providing increased stiffness to the
composite. Thus, when the plurality of high tensile strength fibers
18 are woven to form the cloth layer 16, vibrational energy that is
not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomer layer 12A is
redistributed evenly along the material 10 by the cloth layer 16
and then further dissipated by the second elastomer layer 12B. This
spreading of the energy waves over a large area by the high tensile
strength fibrous layer 14, normally referred to as mechanical
radiation damping, is what makes the composite so efficient at
energy dissipation.
[0255] In addition to the mechanical radiation damping provided by
the high tensile strength fibrous layer 14, the boundaries between
the elastomer layers 12A and 12B and the high tensile strength
fibrous layer 14 create several additional operative mechanisms for
energy dissipation. These beneficial boundary effects include, but
are not limited to reflection, transformation, dispersion,
refraction, diffraction, transformation, friction, wave
interference, and hysteric damping. The combination of these
dissipation mechanisms working simultaneously results in a material
with extremely efficient damping characteristics compared to
traditional materials of the same or greater thickness.
[0256] The material 10 can include different numbers of layers, as
well as varying orders of the layers compared to the base composite
shown. Materials can be added to the composite such as sheet metal
to aid in the absorption of specific frequencies and wave lengths
of vibration energy or to add strength. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the material 10
can be formed of two independent layers without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the material 10 can be
formed of a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strength
fibrous material layer 14, which may be woven into a cloth layer
16, that is disposed on the first elastomer 12A.
[0257] FIG. 104 shows a cross section of the use of one embodiment
of the material 10 (understanding that any of the embodiments
herein could be used) between a wall 20 of for example a room, and
a stud 20A that the wall is mounted upon. (It should be understood
that FIG. 104 is not necessarily drawn to scale). In FIG. 104, the
material 10 acts to absorb, dissipate, and/or isolate vibrations
through the wall 20 and thus minimize sound passage from one side
of the wall 20 to the other.
[0258] FIG. 105 is a partial side elevation of a baseball bat
handle 1120. Any one of the appropriate combinations of the
material embodiments described above can be inserted into the
baseball bat handle 1120. Once inserted into the handle 1120 (as
shown) or other sections of the bat, the material acts to both
reduce vibration and sound travel through the bat. In the cross
sectional view through the bat handle 1120 in FIG. 106, the
material has the same cross section as that discussed with respect
to FIG. 1, located within the handle's cross section 1122 that
defines a cavity to contain the material 10.
[0259] FIGS. 107 and 108 show a similar elevation and cross section
of a tennis racquet 1120 and its section 1222.
[0260] It should be understood that what is shown in FIGS. 105-108
are two possible configurations using the material within the
handles of sporting apparatuses. Similar uses would be within golf
club handles and heads, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and the
like. Outside of the sporting arena, the material could be used in
hand or power tools or similar hand-gripped items.
[0261] It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes
may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention
without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For
example, the material 10 may include additional layers (e.g., five
or more layers) without departing from the scope of the claimed
present invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is
intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or
shown in the attached drawings.
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