U.S. patent application number 13/374134 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-13 for system and cincture to protect the upper torso of an individual.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gary R. Fratesi. Invention is credited to Gary R. Fratesi.
Application Number | 20130145531 13/374134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48570674 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130145531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fratesi; Gary R. |
June 13, 2013 |
System and cincture to protect the upper torso of an individual
Abstract
A cincture is worn on and protects the upper torso of an
individual. The cincture is spaced apart from the neck of the
individual and contacts the individual's shoulder at points
intermediate the individual's neck and distal end of the collarbone
to protect the individual's neck from injury and to facilitate
transmitting strike forces over the posterior of the shoulder and
upper back of the individual.
Inventors: |
Fratesi; Gary R.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fratesi; Gary R. |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48570674 |
Appl. No.: |
13/374134 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/462 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0512
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/462 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A cincture to be worn on and protect the upper torso of an
individual, the upper torso including a sternum, a pair of
clavicles each having a distal end, a pair of shoulder girdles, a
pair of shoulders, an upper back, and a medial line, the torso
interconnecting the arms and neck of the individual, said cincture
including (a) a frame including (i) a back portion, (ii) a sternum
protector; (iii) pair of spaced apart wing units each
interconnecting said back portion and said sternum protector,
including an upper wing and a lower wing spaced apart from said
upper wing, said upper and lower wings co-terminating at an inner
arcuate connector, (Iv) an elastic shock absorbing structure
connected to and extending outwardly from said upper wing, (b) a
pair of primary epaulets each pivotally mounted on a different one
of said wing units and shaped and dimensioned to conform to and
seat on said elastic shock absorbing structure; said cincture
shaped and dimensioned such that when mounted on the upper torso of
the individual, (c) the neck of the individual extends upwardly
between said inner arcuate connectors, (d) each of said inner
arcuate connectors is spaced apart from the neck; (e) each of said
lower wings at the midline of the shoulder contacted by said lower
wing (i) is spaced apart from the neck, (ii) extends at least
partially above the distal end of the clavicle that is in the
should contacted by said lower wing, and (iii) does not extend
outwardly past the distal end of the clavicle that is in the
shoulder contacted by said lower wing, said lower wing being shaped
and dimensioned freely to permit, when the individual is standing
upright, abduction of the arm connected to the shoulder contacted
by said lower wing and hanging downwardly vertically at the side of
the individual through an angle of at least one hundred and sixty
degrees.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to methods and apparatus to protect
the body of an individual and to minimize the risk of injury when
the body is hit.
[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a cincture to
protect the upper torso including the upper sternum, upper ribs,
shoulder girdle, upper spine, brachial plexus and associated
musculature.
[0003] Those of skill in the art have for many years pursued
systems to protect an individual engaged in football and other
sports or endeavors.
[0004] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an
improved system to protect an individual when the individual is
struck by an exterior force.
[0005] Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide an improved system to protect the upper torso of an
individual's body.
[0006] This, other and further objects and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a
substantially rigid, pliable, elastic polymer frame comprising part
of a cincture constructed in accordance with the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an edge view illustrating a portion of the frame
of FIG. 1 and taken along section line 2-2 thereof;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an edge view illustrating a portion of the frame
of FIG. 1 and taken along section line 3-3 thereof;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 1
illustrating additional construction details thereof;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a right hand side view of the frame of FIG. 1
illustrating additional construction details thereof;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 1 illustrating
additional construction details thereof;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of the cincture frame of FIG. 1
illustrating additional construction details thereof;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a primary epaulet
comprising part of the cincture of the invention and utilized in
conjunction with the frame of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a right hand side view of the epaulet of FIG. 8
illustrating further construction details thereof;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a front view of the epaulet of FIG. 8 further
illustrating the construction thereof;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a left hand side view of the epaulet of FIG. 8
further illustrating the same;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a partial front view illustrating the brachial
plexus and clavicle in the neck and right shoulder of an
individual;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the neck of an individual
illustrating the lessor occipital nerve, the great auricular nerve,
and the supraclavicular nerves; and,
[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating the sternocleidomastoid
muscle.
[0021] Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide an
improved cincture to be worn on and protect the upper torso of an
individual. The upper torso includes a sternum, a pair of clavicles
each having a distal end, a pair of shoulder girdles, a pair of
shoulders, an upper back, and a medial line. The torso
interconnects the arms and neck of the individual. The improved
cincture includes a frame and a primary epaulet. The frame includes
a back portion. a sternum protector; and, a pair of spaced apart
wing units. Each wing unit interconnects the back portion and the
sternum protector; and, includes an upper wing and a lower wing
spaced apart from the upper wing. The upper and lower wings
co-terminate at an inner arcuate connector. The frame also includes
an elastic shock absorbing structure connected to and extending
outwardly from the upper wing. The cincture also includes a pair of
primary epaulets each pivotally mounted on a different one of the
wing units and shaped and dimensioned to conform to and seat on the
elastic shock absorbing structure of the wing unit. The cincture is
shaped and dimensioned such that when it is mounted on the upper
torso of the individual, the neck of the individual extends
upwardly between the inner arcuate connectors; each of said inner
arcuate connectors is spaced apart from the neck; and, each of the
lower wings at the midline of the shoulder contacted by the lower
wing is spaced apart from the neck, extends at least partially
above the distal end of the clavicle that is in the shoulder
contacted by the lower wing, and does not extend outwardly past the
distal end of the clavicle that is in the shoulder contacted by the
lower wing. The lower wing is shaped and dimensioned freely to
permit, when the individual is standing upright, abduction of the
arm connected to the shoulder contacted by said lower wing and
hanging downwardly vertically at the side of the individual through
an angle of at least one hundred and sixty degrees.
[0022] Turning now to the drawings, which illustrate the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention by way of illustration and
not limitation, and in which like reference characters refer to
corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1
illustrates a substantially rigid, pliable, elastic skeletal frame
generally indicated by reference character 10. The frame 10 is a
key component of a cincture constructed in accordance with the
invention. Another key component is the primary epaulet 40
illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11. The inner edge of epaulet 40 is
pivotally attached to frame 10 such that when an individual abducts
his arm up over his should, his arm upwardly displaces epaulet 40
through an arc such that the outer edge of epaulet 40 moves
upwardly through the arc, first initially moving away from the
individual's neck and then--after the outer edge moves upwardly
past lateral alignment with the top of the cincutre--moving through
an arc generally toward the neck of the individual.
[0023] While the material(s) utilized to construct frame 10 can
vary as desired, a polymer is presently utilized. The polymer
produces a frame 10 which is hard and relatively stiff. As will be
described below, however, although the frame is relatively rigid,
it also is preferably somewhat pliable and elastic and can flex to
help absorb a blow that is directed toward the frame (and the
individual on which frame 10 is mounted) and that contacts the
frame 10.
[0024] In further describing the structure and function of frame
10, it is important to first note structure and functions in US
Patent Application 2006/0010590, filed Jan. 19, 2006, that were,
during development of the invention described herein, found to be
contrary to the invention.
[0025] First, the system described in Application 2006/0010590 is
described as extending over the base and sides of the neck: [0026]
"The collar and the protective padding beneath it are anatomically
specifically contoured so that this collar and padding assembly
rests at the base of the neck posteriorly and arcs anteriorly on
the sides of the neck anteriorly across the superior aspect of the
sternum." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 2. [0027] "The collar . . . is
rounded on the sides of the neck in an outward facing "U" shape."
Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 5. Second, the system described in
Application 2006/0010590, further suggests (immediately after the
language above) that the system directly contacts the shoulder
adjacent the neck: [0028] "The collar and padding supports the
entire protection system and is the only point of direct contact
across the shoulder." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 2.
[0029] Third, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
suggests that the collar creates a protective space at a point
higher up the neck where Erb's point is located: [0030] " . . . the
position and shape of the inside aspect of the sides of the collar
create a protective space for the neck and the brachial plexus of
nerves existing the neck at Erb's point. This collar configuration
is intended to reduce neck abrasions and blunt trauma to Erb's
Point that may result in the "stinger syndrome". Page 1,
.sctn.[0002], item 8. Erb's point is the point on the side of the
neck above the base of the neck. Erb's point is two to three
centimeters above the clavicle and in front of the transverse
process of the sixth cervical vertebra. It is located on the
posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle midway between
its attachments to the mastoid process, and the sternum and
clavicle. At Erb's point, cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
emerge from behind the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid
muscle. The four cutaneous nerves of the cervical plexus are the
lessor occipital nerve, great auricular nerve, transverse cervical
nerve, and supraclavicular nerve. FIG. 13 illustrates the
Sternocleidomastoid muscle 55 and also illustrates the great
auricular nerve 56, the cervical cutaneous nerve 57, and
supraclavicular nerves 58 emerging from behind the posterior border
of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck 50 of an individual.
FIG. 14 further illustrates the Sternocleidomastoid muscle 55
attached to the bottom of the skull and the collarbone 52. FIG. 12
illustrates the brachial plexus 53 as it exits the lower portion of
neck 50 and extends into the shoulder 51 and behind the clavicle 52
of an individual.
[0031] Fourth, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
facilitates adduction: [0032] "The epaulets . . . provide for
unrestricted movement of the shoulder in the adduction (flexion)
and rotational planes." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 12.
[0033] Fifth, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
states that the upper portion of the collar provides a shock
absorbing platform for "epaulet 1": [0034] " . . . [the] upper
portion of the "U" on the lateral aspect provides a spring shock
absorbing platform that Epaulet 1 is rigidly affixed to." Page 1,
.sctn.[0002], item 6.
[0035] Sixth, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
describes the collar as having an outward facing "U" shape: [0036]
"The collar . . . is rounded on the sides of the neck in an outward
facing "U" shape." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 5.
[0037] Seventh, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
attributes the absorption of impact to the flexing of three
"epaulets": [0038] "This 3 epaulet system . . . creates a supported
channel of space between the epaulets and the superior shoulder
from the outside (or lateral?) aspect of the collar allowing the
epaulets to flex and absorb the impact before the shoulder is
contacted." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 13.
[0039] Eighth, the system described in Application 2006/0010590
describes the contour of "epaulet 2" as responsible for
unrestricted superior adduction: [0040] "The contour of epaulet 2 .
. . allows for unrestricted superior adduction (medial flexion) of
the shoulder." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 17.
[0041] Ninth, the system described in Application 2006/001590 forms
a complete protective channel for the entire length of each
shoulder and collar bone: [0042] "This configuration in combination
with the collar configuration of claim 3 forms a complete
protective channel for the entire length of each shoulder and
collar bone (clavicle)." Page 1, .sctn.[0002], item 13.
[0043] Tenth, the system described in Application 2006/001590 only
incorporates a channel over the spine in the back plate: [0044]
"The Back Plate contains a space (channel) over the spine." Page 2,
[0002], item 28.
[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the collar in Application
2006/001590 does not incorporate a channel over the cervical
vertebra, and, Application 2006/001590 does not specifically
address the structure of the collar with respect to the upper
back.
[0046] Eleventh, the system described in Application 2006/001590
describes "epaulet 1" as forming a channel over the superior aspect
of the shoulder: [0047] "These corresponding ridges allow epaulet 2
to sit firmly on epaulet 1 strengthening the channel that these two
epaulets form over the superior aspect of each shoulder." Page 1,
[0002], item 15.
[0048] Twelfth, the system described in Application 2006/00590 does
not describe where "ridges" on "epaulet 1" correspond to "ridges"
on "epaulet 2": [0049] "Epaulet 1 . . . is formed with ridges that
correspond directly to the ridges of epaulet 2." Page 1, [0002],
item 15. The location of such "ridges" (although that terminology
is misleading) is critical in the functioning of the cincture of
the invention described herein.
[0050] In contrast to the foregoing comments in Application
2006/00159, the cincture of the invention: [0051] 1. Does not
contact the base or sides of the neck. The cincture of the
invention is spaced apart from the neck. [0052] 2. Does not
directly contact the shoulder adjacent the neck. The cincture of
the invention is spaced apart from the portion of the shoulder
adjacent the neck. [0053] 3. Does not create a protective space at
a point higher up the neck where Erb's point is located. [0054] 4.
Does not facilitate adduction. The cincture of the invention does
the direct opposite, it facilitates abduction. [0055] 5. Does not
focus on utilizing the inner "collar" part of the cincture as a
spring shock absorbing platform to which an operatively associated
shock absorbing structure somewhat similar to "epaulet 1" is
rigidly affixed. It is the operatively associated shock absorbing
structure which functions as the spring shock absorbing platform.
The operatively associated shock absorbing structure is not rigidly
affixed in the apparatus of the invention. Instead, it flexes.
[0056] 6. Is, as noted, not on the sides of the neck and does not
have a simple "U" shape. The cincture has an irregular wing shape
critical to the functioning of the cincture. [0057] 7. Absorbs
force largely due to the flexing of only the operatively associated
shock absorbing structure. [0058] 8. Does not permit abduction due
to the contour of a primary "epaulet" which is somewhat similar to
"epaulet 2" in Application 2006/001590. In the cincture of the
invention, the contour of the primary "epaulet" has nothing to do
with abduction. [0059] 9. Does not form a protective channel over
the complete length of the collar bone and shoulder. In the
cincture of the invention, a protective channel of limited length
is formed only over a portion of the shoulder and collar bone. This
limited scope of the protective channel in the apparatus of the
invention is critical in permitting largely unrestricted abduction.
[0060] 10. Does incorporate a ridge that arches over and protects
cervical vertebra. [0061] 11. Does not include a structure which is
similar to "epaulet 1" in Application 2006/001590 and which extends
over the superior aspect of the shoulder. The portion of the
cincture of the invention that in some respect is similar to
"epaulet 1" extends from the midline of a portion of the shoulder
over a portion of the posterior of the shoulder. As used herein,
the midline comprises an imaginary line drawn from the end of the
collarbone in the right shoulder, through the center of the neck,
and through the end of the collarbone in the left shoulder. [0062]
12. Includes an operatively associated shock absorbing structure
and a primary epaulet which in some respects are similar to
"epaulets 1 and 2" in Application 2006/001590 but which have
arcuate portions contoured such that the primary epaulet seats on
and interlocks with the operatively associated shock absorbing
structure at locations above the posterior of the shoulder.
[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates a unitary frame 10 which, as noted,
comprises one of the principal components of the cincture of the
invention. Frame 10 can be produced in segments which are riveted
or otherwise fastened together to produce frame 10, or, frame 10
can, if possible, be molded or otherwise produced as a single
piece. For purposes of clarity, the cincture of the invention is
generally illustrated herein without illustrating foam padding
which normally would line at least a portion of the inner surfaces
of the cincture. The inner surfaces of the cincture are the
surfaces which would generally, when the cincture is warn by an
individual, be closest to the individual's body and which would
contact the individual's body if not lined with foam. The thickness
of the foam lining can vary as desired, but typically is in the
range of one-quarter of an inch to one inch. Closed or open celled
foam can be utilized, but closed cell foam is presently preferred
to minimize the amount of sweat or other liquids which can be
absorbed by the foam.
[0064] Frame 10 includes a sternum protector 11, a back portion 12,
a first wing unit 13 spanning between and interconnecting protector
11 and portion 12, and a second wing unit 14 spanning between and
interconnecting sternum protector 11 and back portion 12.
[0065] Wing units 13 and 14 presently are mirror images of one
another, although that need not necessarily be the case depending
on the physiology of an individual being fitted with a frame
10.
[0066] Wing unit 13 includes upper wing 15 and lower wing 16 spaced
apart from upper wing 15. Upper and lower wings 15 and 16,
respectively, co-terminate along inner arcuate connector 17. Wing
16 includes arcuate foot 16A which is connected to upper panel 35
of sternum protector 11. Upper panel 35 is connected to lower panel
26 of protector 11.
[0067] Wing unit 14 includes upper wing 18 and lower wing 19 spaced
apart from upper wing 18. Upper and lower wings 18 and 19,
respectively, co-terminate along inner arcuate connector 20.
Connector 20 is opposed to and spaced apart from connector 17. Wing
19 includes arcuate foot 19A which is connected to upper panel 24A
of sternum protector 11. Upper panel 24A is connected to lower
panel 25 of protector 11.
[0068] Wing unit 13 also includes an upper operatively associated
substantially rigid, flexible, elastic shock absorbing structure 21
that extends outwardly from upper wing 15. Wing unit 13 also
includes a lower operatively associated structure 24 (FIG. 6) that
extends outwardly from lower wing 16 and that is spaced apart from
shock absorbing structure 21.
[0069] Wing unit 14 also include an upper operatively associated
shock absorbing structure 22 that extends outwardly from upper wing
18. Wing unit 14 also includes a lower operatively associated
structure 23 that extends outwardly from lower wing 19 and that is
spaced apart from shock absorbing structure 22.
[0070] When frame 10 is worn by an individual and rests on the
upper torso of the individual, shock absorbing structures 21 and
22, in addition to extending outwardly from wings 15 and 18,
respectively, each extend substantially from the midline rearwardly
over the posterior of a shoulder of the individual. Further, when
frame 10 is worn by an individual, narrower portions of structures
16 and 19 cross the midline at points spaced away from the neck to
avoid producing pressure in the directions indicated by arrows L,
K, J in FIG. 12 against the side of the neck, the base of neck, and
the portion of the shoulder adjacent the neck. This "crossing" of
the midline by portions of structures 16 and 19 functions, when a
striking force is applied to the cincture in the direction of arrow
M in FIG. 12, to absorb and distribute the striking force over the
middle shoulder and shoulder girdle to direct the force away from
the side and base of the neck and from the brachial plexus in the
neck. More particularly, due to the functioning of the flexible
elastic shock absorbing structures 21 and 22, such a striking force
is distributed over the posterior of the shoulder girdle and over
the upper back.
[0071] As can be seen in FIG. 12, as the brachial plexus 53 exits
the neck, it extends downwardly into the shoulder behind clavicle
52. Clavicle 52 shields and protects the brachial plexus from force
acting downwardly in the direction of arrow M. Lower wing 19 is
preferably, although not necessarily, positioned in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein any downward pressure exerted by
lower wing 19, and the padding 19B beneath wing 19, is generally
received by the clavicle. Although muscle and tissue above and to
the sides of clavicle 52 may be compressed, and, tend to be
compressed against the portion of the brachial plexus extending
away from the neck 50 and through the shoulder of an individual,
the clavicle 52 acts as a stop which restricts such compression and
which, therefore, minimizes any compression of the brachial plexus
53.
[0072] A lower supplemental sternum guard, indicated by dashed
lines 27 in FIG. 1, can, if desired, be pivotally or otherwise
attached to sternum protector 11. The inner surfaces of such a
lower sternum guard 27 would normally also be lined with a layer of
foam which would be intermediate guard 27 and an individual's body
when the cincture of the invention was worn by the individual.
Ventilation openings can, if desired, be formed through protector
11, guard 27 and any other portion (including through any foam
lining if desired) of the cincture of the invention. Sternum guard
27 can, if desired, include clips 28, 29 which each detachably
receive one end of an adjustable strap which extends around the
sides and back of an individual's torso to help hold guard 27 in
position against the front of the individual's torso.
[0073] In FIG. 1, sternum protector 11 is fixedly secured to feet
16A, 19A. In order to facilitate mounting frame 10 and the cincture
of the invention on the upper torso of an individual, one side of
protector 11 can be pivotally secured by a pin 30 to frame 10 such
that protector 11 can be pivoted in the manner and direction
indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1 to an open operative position
indicated by dashed lines 11A. After the cincture is mounted on the
upper torso of the individual, the protector is pivoted in a
direction opposite that of arrow A back to the position of
protector 11 shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7.
[0074] In FIG. 1, upper wing 15 includes leading edge 32. Edge 32
is spaced apart from foot 16A. When a strike force acts against
wing 15 in a direction that tends to force wing 15 toward the
shoulder located directly beneath wing 15, wing 15 has a limited
flexibility in the area adjacent edge 32, and, as a result, wing 15
can flex and permit edge 32 to be displaced toward and even against
foot 16A. When a similar strike force is directed against wing 18,
wing 18 can, in a fashion similar to wing 15, flex and permit edge
32A to be displaced toward and even against foot 19A. As will be
seen, however, the primary flexing and force distribution members
of the cincture of the invention are the shock absorbing structures
21 and 22.
[0075] FIGS. 2 and 3 are section views of the frame of FIG. 1 taken
to illustrate how the width of each wing unit 13, 14 generally
increases as one moves along a wing unit 13, 14 from front (i.e.
from adjacent sternum protector 11) to back (i.e., to the back
portion 12). The edge section view of FIG. 2 is taken closer to
sternum protector 11. The edge section view of FIG. 3 is taken at a
location which is further from protector 11 and from the section
view of FIG. 2. As a result, the width, indicated by arrows B, of
the lower portion of wing unit 14 in FIG. 2 is significantly less
than the width, indicated by arrows C, of the wing unit 14 in FIG.
3. The lesser width of wing unit 14 in FIG. 2 is critical in the
practice of the invention for at least two reasons. First, the
lesser width facilitates contacting the shoulder of an individual
in the manner illustrated in FIG. 12 so that wing unit 14 is spaced
apart from the side and base of an individual's neck and from the
portion of the individual's shoulder that is immediately adjacent
the base of the individual's neck 50. Second, the reduced width of
unit 14 at the point where unit 14 crosses the midline of an
individual's shoulder permits a much increased range of abduction,
where abduction comprises moving the individual's arm upwardly away
from his side and up past his shoulder. This increased abduction
range enables to extend each of his arms vertically over his head,
or at least to within fifteen to twenty degrees of vertical, to
catch a football. Accordingly, if an individual is standing with
his arms hanging vertically downwardly at his sides, the individual
can, when wearing the cincture of the invention, freely abduct each
of his arms upwardly through an arc of at least one hundred and
thirty-five degrees, preferably at least one hundred and fifty
degrees, more preferably at least one hundred and sixty degrees,
and most preferably at least one hundred and seventy degrees. In
one embodiment of the invention, the cincture permits abduction of
each arm from an individual's side upwardly through an arc of one
hundred and eighty degrees. In order to facilitate this abduction
range, the width, indicated by arrows B in FIG. 2, of the lower
wing 19 at the midline (when the cincture of the invention is being
worn) is currently two inches, and, the width, indicated by arrow W
in FIG. 1, of the upper wing 18 is presently three and one-half
inches. Further, the lower wing 19 preferably does not extend out
past the distal end 52A of clavicle 52. In FIG. 12, wing 19 (1)
partially extends over the end 52A of clavicle 52, (2) does not
extend completely over end 52A, and (3) does not extend outwardly
past end 52A. The width B of lower wing 19 (or 16) at the midline
is in the range of one to seven inches, preferably one and one-half
to six inches, and more preferably one and three-quarters to five
inches. Wing 19 (or 16) typically maintains this width for at least
one to two inches of travel forwardly toward protector 11 or
rearwardly toward back portion 12. The width W of upper wing 18 (or
15) at the midline is in the range of two to ten inches, preferably
two and one-half to eight inches, and more preferably three to
seven inches. Wing 18 (or 15) typically maintains this width for at
least one to two inches of travel forwardly, as indicated by arrow
X, toward protector 11 or rearwardly, as indicated by arrow Y (FIG.
1), toward back portion 12.
[0076] The minimum distance, indicated by arrows P in FIG. 12, of
connector 20 (or 17) from the neck 50 of an individual is at least
one inch, preferably one and one-half inch, and more preferably at
least two inches.
[0077] The primary epaulet 40 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11 includes
a rear, or proximate, edge 44 and a front, or distal, edge 45.
Epaulet 40 seats on the top of wing 18 in the manner illustrated by
dashed lines 40 in FIG. 3, and rear edge 44 is hingedly secured to
the top of wing 18 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7. A piece of
pliable tape 41 attached both to epaulet 40 and to wing 18 can
serve as the hinge, or any other desired structure can be utilized
which permits epaulet 40 to pivot from the generally horizontal
orientation illustrated by dashed lines 40 in FIG. 3 and dashed
lines 40 in FIG. 7 upwardly in the direction of arrow D (FIG. 3)
through a desired angle. If the desired angle is ninety degrees,
then epaulet 40 would pivot from the horizontal orientation of FIG.
3 to a vertical orientation. The desired angle typically is
something less than ninety degrees, usually at least forty-five
degrees, preferably at least sixty degrees, more preferably at
least seventy degrees, and most preferably at least eighty degrees.
The ability of epaulet 40 to pivot upwardly through such an angle
facilitates abduction of the arms of the individual wearing the
cincture of the invention.
[0078] Epaulet 40 is shaped and dimensioned such that when epaulet
40 is seated on wing unit 14 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3,
portions of epaulet 40 that are positioned directly above an
opposing portion of wing unit 14 (i.e., above upper wing 18 or
flexible elastic shock absorbing structure 22) are shaped and
dimensioned to conform to and seat on the opposing portions of wing
unit 14. In particular, a portion of epaulet 40 is shaped and
dimensioned to seat on elastic shock absorbing structure 22 so that
when a force is generated against epaulet 40 that presses epaulet
downwardly against structure 22, structure 22 resiliently flexes to
absorb at least a portion of the force. In addition, since
structure 22 and structure 23 extend over the posterior of an
individual's shoulder and over the individual's upper back, when
the cincture of the invention is worn by the individual, force
generated downwardly against structure 22 (and toward the shoulder
girdle) is distributed over at least a portion of the posterior of
the individual's shoulder and of the individual's upper back.
Accordingly, the combination of frame 10 and primary epaulet 40
function to distribute contact forces away from an individual's
neck, away from the portion of an individual's shoulder immediately
adjacent the base of the neck, and over portions of the
individual's posterior shoulder and upper back.
[0079] Raised portion 36 (FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 7) is, when the cincture
of the invention is worn by an individual, spaced away from
cervical vertebra to minimize the likelihood that pressure will be
produced against such vertebra. A space 37 (FIG. 4) is created
between portion 36 and the cervical vertebra. This is an important
feature of the invention because it helps minimize the risk of an
injury to the upper spinal column.
[0080] A supplemental member(s) 60 (FIG. 4) can be, and typically
is, fixedly or hingedly attached to back portion 12 to provide
additional protection for the back of an individual. One example of
such members comprises the back plate and side wings illustrated in
FIG. 5 of Application Serial No. 2006/0010590.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a right hand side view of the frame of FIG. 1
taken from the perspective indicated by arrow N.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 1.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame of FIG. 1.
[0084] In FIGS. 8 to 11, epaulet 40 comprises a contoured plate
including a rear or proximate edge 44, a front or distal edge 45, a
first end 42 and a second end 43. End 43 is not visible in FIG. 9
because it is obscured from view by the curvature of epaulet 40.
Similarly, end 42 is not visible in FIG. 11 because it is obscured
from view by the curvature of epaulet 40.
[0085] As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, an
epaulet comparable to epaulet 40 is used in conjunction with upper
wing 15 and support structure 21 in the same manner that epaulet 40
is used in conjunction with upper wing 18 and support structure
22.
[0086] In one embodiment of the invention, portions of the cincture
are made to be removed and replaced by portions better adapted for
a particular individual or for a particular condition. For example,
during a football practice it may be desirable to reduce the risk
of injury by providing a cincture with more padding. The padding on
the inside (or outside) of the cincture is detachable so it can be
readily removed and replaced with thicker padding. Or, supplemental
member 60 is detachable and can be replaced by a comparable member
60 which is more flexible and reduces the risk of injury during
practice. In another embodiment of the invention, a detachable
supplemental member 60 is provided in a large size, a medium size,
and a small size so that the cincture can be customized to better
fit an individual. In another embodiment, the entire cincture is
made in large, medium and small sizes so the best size can be
selected for a particular individual. In a further embodiment of
the invention, measurements are made of an individual's body so
that a custom fit cincture can be manufactured based on the
measurement.
[0087] As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art a
secondary epaulet can be pivotally attached at or near outer edge
45 of a primary epaulet 40 to extend outwardly and downwardly away
from epaulet 40 and provide additional protection for an
individual's arm. An example of such a secondary epaulet is
"epaulet 3" in Application 2006/0010590.
[0088] Having described my invention in such terms as to enable
those of skill in the art to make and use the invention, I
Claim:
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