U.S. patent application number 14/630354 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for assembly for a movable protective shield.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fox Head, Inc.. Invention is credited to Luis Cosio.
Application Number | 20150237924 14/630354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881008 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150237924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cosio; Luis |
August 27, 2015 |
ASSEMBLY FOR A MOVABLE PROTECTIVE SHIELD
Abstract
An item of protective gear, comprising: a first shield element
and a separate base portion of the item, each adapted to overlie
the a same or different area of anatomy of an intended user; and a
pivot system movably intercoupling the shield element and the base
portion so that relative to the base portion, the shield element is
capable of rotating laterally around a fixed pivot axis for a
predetermined degree. While not limited to use over any particular
anatomical areas, the assembly of the shield element and base
portion is particularly suited for use as a shoulder pad assembly
for protecting at least a portion of an intended user's
shoulder-joint area.
Inventors: |
Cosio; Luis; (Anaheim,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fox Head, Inc. |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53881008 |
Appl. No.: |
14/630354 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61944331 |
Feb 25, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/459 ; 2/455;
2/463 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0005 20130101;
A41D 13/0153 20130101; A63B 71/12 20130101; A63B 2071/1208
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00; A63B 71/12 20060101
A63B071/12 |
Claims
1. An item of protective gear, comprising: a first shield element
and a separate base portion of the item, each adapted to overlie
the a same or different area of anatomy of an intended user; and a
pivot system movably intercoupling the shield element and the base
portion so that relative to the base portion, the shield element is
capable of rotating laterally around a fixed pivot axis.
2. The item of claim 1 wherein the shield element is adjacent the
base portion.
3. The item of claim 1 wherein the shield element and base portion
are arranged adjacent to each other in a fully or partially
overlying and/or side-by-side relationship.
4. The item of claim 1 wherein the pivot system comprises a post
and a receiver that are rotatably engagable with one another, the
post being disposed on or coupled to one of the first shield and
the base portion, and the receiver being disposed on or in the
other of the first shield and the base portion, and wherein the
post's longitudinal axis defines the pivot axis.
5. The item of 1 claim wherein the base portion comprises a second
shield element.
6. The item of claim 1 wherein the item comprises a shoulder pad
assembly for protecting at least a portion of a user's shoulder
joint area.
7. The item of claim 6 wherein in the shoulder pad assembly the
base portion base is configured to overlie at least a portion of an
intended user's clavicle area and the shield element extends away
from the base shield and is configured to overlie the joint of the
clavicle and humerus of the intended user.
8. The item of claim 7 wherein the shield is configured to extend
from the base portion and to at least cover a portion of an
intended user's upper humerus.
9. An item of protective gear, comprising: a first shield element
and a separate base portion of the item, each adapted to overlie
the a same or different area of anatomy of an intended user; and a
pivot system movably intercoupling the shield element and the base
portion so that relative to the base portion, the shield element is
capable of rotating laterally around a fixed pivot axis, and
wherein the pivot system allows multiple degrees of freedom,
including the lateral rotation and an up and down movement of the
shield element relative to the base portion.
10. An item of protective gear, comprising: a first shield element
and a separate base portion of the item, each adapted to overlie
the a same or different area of anatomy of an intended user; and a
pivot system movably intercoupling the shield element and the base
portion so that relative to the base portion, the shield element is
capable of rotating laterally around a fixed pivot axis, the pivot
system allowing for the first shield element to conform to an
intended user's shoulder and upper arm movements; wherein the item
comprises a shoulder pad assembly for protecting at least a portion
of a user's shoulder joint area; wherein in the shoulder pad
assembly the base portion base is configured to overlie at least a
portion of an intended user's clavicle area and the shield element
extends away from the base shield and is configured to overlie the
joint of the clavicle and humerus of the intended user; and wherein
the pivot system allows multiple degrees of freedom, including the
lateral rotation and an up and down movement of the shield element
relative to the base portion.
11. The item of claim 10 wherein the pivot system comprises a post
and a receiver that rotatably engage one another, the post being
disposed on or coupled to one of the base portion and the shield
element, and the receiver being disposed on or in the other of the
base portion and side element, and wherein the post's longitudinal
axis defines the pivot axis.
12. The item of claim 1 wherein the pivot system is configured to
allow for lateral rotation around the pivot axis of at least
45.degree..
13. The item of claim 1 wherein the pivot system comprises a post
and a receiver that have generally complementary shapes that
together and in combination with predetermined amount of freeplay
define a predetermined range of motion for the pivot axis that is
less than 270.degree. or thereabout such value.
14. The item of claim 1 wherein the pivot system comprises a post
comprising a ball-type element and a receiver comprising a
complementary socket element, the ball-type element is disposed on
or in one of the shield element and the base portion and the socket
is disposed on or in the other of the shield element and the base
portion.
15. The item of claim 1 wherein the shield element or elements
comprise a molded plastic.
16. The item of claim 15 wherein the shield comprises a material
having a durometer of at least 75.
17. The item of claim 1 wherein the shield includes a first
abutment surface; and the base portion includes a second abutment
surface, and the shield portion and base portion are arranged so
that on relative lateral movement the abutment surfaces are
engagable to limit the relative range of lateral rotation of the
shield element and the base portion.
18. The item of claim 15 wherein the shield element and/or base
portion further include an associated layer of a padding that is
adjacent and coextensive with a portion of the shield element
and/or base portion.
19. The item of claim 19 wherein the padding has a durometer of 60
or less.
20. The item of claim 1 further comprising a chest shield, coupled
to the item, the overall item comprising a chest protector (roost
deflector).
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/944,331, filed Feb. 25, 2014,
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if
recited in full herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The inventive subject matter described herein generally
relates to gear that protects a human body from impact forces. It
is particularly suitable for use in action sports, such as motor
sports, including street and off-road motorcycling (including
motocross), snowmobiling, and human powered or gravity sports, such
as BMX bicycling, downhill mountain biking, etc. It may also be
suitable for other sports and activities such as football,
lacrosse, hockey, baseball, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking,
mountain climbing, and other sports or activities where there is a
need to protect predetermined portions of anatomy from impacts.
[0003] Protective gear is commonly used in sports where a
participant risks injury from accidental collisions with the
ground, obstacles, or other participants. Additionally, protective
gear can be worn to guard against occupational or injuries, such as
hazards faced by workers in the forestry, construction, mining, and
manufacturing industries.
[0004] In certain respects, the inventive subject matter is
directed to shoulder pad assemblies. The inventive subject matter
is particularly directed to shoulder pad assemblies that are
integrated into chest protectors or roost deflectors used in
motocross and other moto-sports or other motion sports.
Accordingly, while not limited to such applications, the discussion
of the inventive subject matter herein will use a roost deflector
to illustrate the inventive subject matter.
[0005] Protective gear is a critical component for amateur and
professional motorcycle enthusiasts, and manufacturers often tailor
such equipment for specific uses. Off-road motorcycle riding and
racing uniquely challenge protective riding gear. Not only must the
equipment protect riders in the case of falls and crashes, but it
must accommodate the athletic movements of a rider while
maneuvering in challenging and treacherous riding terrain features,
such as dirt, rock, sand, water, mud, snow, trees, stumps,
boulders, brush, etc.
[0006] In the prior art, chest protectors and roost deflectors
consist of shield structures having a shell-like form of thin walls
and relatively broad surface areas. The shields may be formed to
follow the contours on an anatomical area of intended use. The
shield structures are typically made of a hard molded plastic or
composite material formed of, for example, molded polycarbonate,
polyethylene, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The hard shell material
may include an inner liner of a cushioning or comfort foam
material. Because these materials are relatively hard so that they
are able to attenuate impact forces, they also tend to be
relatively inflexible and block or impede movement of a user's
joints and body parts. Consequently, to accommodate such movement,
a roost deflector may have a shoulder pad assembly of multiple
components of hard material joined together using mechanical
hinges, straps, leather or textile joints, which are typically
joined to components using fasteners or adhesives. FIG. 1 shows
example of prior art roost deflectors or chest protectors 1A-1C,
each with a shoulder pad assembly 2A-2C that includes an upper
shoulder pad shield 3 that covers a clavicle area of the shoulder,
and in two cases, a lower shield 4A or 4C that downwardly extends
from the upper shoulder shield and which adjustably covers the
upper humerus of a user. In all the examples, the upper shield is
hingeably coupled to the main body of the chest protector with
fasteners 5, 6 on front and back corner areas of the shield so that
the shield can hinge upwardly and downwardly relative to the body
of the protector 10 and the user's shoulder. Because the shield 3
attaches to the body of the chest protector at opposite corners 5,
6 no lateral rotation of the shield 3 relative to the body of the
chest protector 10 or user's shoulder is possible. While the up and
down movement of the shield may accommodate up and down motions of
the user's anatomy, the range of movement is very restricted.
Running counter to this limitation is the fact that the shoulder
joints have among the highest range of movement in the human body,
allowing for lateral rotation of the associated bones, as well as
up and down movement. In action sports, there is a great need for
participants to have a full range of motion. Unfortunately, prior
art devices may restrict the range of motion, impeding
participants' from the full range of motion needed for performance
or safety. Alternatively, if the prior art does not restrict range
of movement, the shields may not follow the user's anatomy, causing
the areas that need to be protected to become exposed and
vulnerable to injury.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a significant need for improved
protective gear where shield elements or portions do not impede a
user's range of movement and afford protection through a range of
user movements.
[0008] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, the human shoulder is made up of
three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder
blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone) as well as associated
muscles, ligaments and tendons. The articulations between the bones
of the shoulder make up the shoulder joints. "Shoulder joint"
typically refers to the glenohumeral joint, which is the major
joint of the "shoulder," but can more broadly include the
acromioclavicular joint. In human anatomy, the shoulder joint
comprises the part of the body where the humerus attaches to the
scapula, the head sitting in the glenoid fossa. The shoulder is the
group of structures in the region of the joint. The shoulder must
be mobile enough for the wide range actions of the arms and hands,
but also stable enough to allow for actions such as lifting,
pushing and pulling. The compromise between mobility and stability
results in a large number of shoulder problems not faced by other
joints such as the hip.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, there is a substantial need for
improved items of protective gear that are: (1) strong but which
allow desired movement through a range of movements; (2)
conformable to the anatomy; (3) lightweight; (4) cooler; (5) more
comfortable to use; (6) made of unitary components or sections;
and/or (6) aesthetically designable.
SUMMARY
[0010] The inventive subject matter overcomes the disadvantages and
problems in the prior art by providing items of protective gear
that better conform to anatomical movements of the intended user
and which may address any one or more of the other foregoing
needs.
[0011] The following is a short description of some of the various
inventive lines under the inventive subject matter. The appended
claims, as originally filed in this document, or as subsequently
amended, are hereby incorporated into this Summary section as if
written directly in. The following is not intended to be an
exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the inventive
subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of
appreciating other embodiments and features from the following
detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.
[0012] The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an
item of protective gear, comprising: a first shield element and a
separate base portion of the item, each adapted to overlie the same
or different area of anatomy of an intended user; and a pivot
system movably intercoupling the shield element and the base
portion so that relative to the base portion, the shield element is
capable of rotating laterally around a fixed pivot axis. The pivot
system may be configured to provide for a range of degrees or
rotation and multiple degrees of freedom.
[0013] While not limited to use over any particular anatomical
areas, the assembly of the shield element and base portion is
particularly suited for use as a shoulder pad assembly for
protecting at least a portion of an intended user's shoulder-joint
area.
[0014] As used herein, terms such as "protective", "shield", or
"shell" are not intended to mean that the wearer is completely
protected from all potential injuries. Instead, such terms mean
that the gear provides some measure of deflection or attenuation
against outside forces imparted upon the wearer during use. For
example, the protective gear can be used in motocross racing, which
involves numerous risks of injury from hazards such as collisions
with other racers, collisions with retaining walls and other
obstacles on the track, dirt and rocks kicked up by motorcycle
tires, and riders falling or spilling from their motorcycles. The
items of protective gear described or contemplated herein do not
necessarily eliminate all risk of injury to a rider wearing the
gear. Instead, the gear may deflect or attenuate at least part of
the injurious force that a rider would otherwise suffer had the
rider not been wearing the protective gear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The appended Figures show embodiments according to the
inventive subject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows examples of chest protectors (roost deflectors)
according to the prior art.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2B show anatomical features of the human shoulder
joint.
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3B-1 show a representative item of protective gear
in the nature of a shoulder pad assembly, with FIG. 3 showing a
bottom view with elements in a first position, FIG. 3A-1 showing
the elements in a second position, FIG. 3B showing the assembly on
a left shoulder of a wearer with the elements in a first position,
and FIG. 3B-1 showing the assembly on the wearer with the elements
in a second position that follows the shoulder movement of the
wearer.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of details of a pivot system for
the assembly shown in FIG. 3, the pivot system intercoupling a
first element (left) and a second element (right).
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of isolated, fragmentary details
of the first element and part of the pivot system from the assembly
shown in FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a top, side perspective view of isolated
details of the second element and a part of the pivot system from
the assembly shown in FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the element and part from FIG.
6.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the element and part from FIG.
6.
[0024] FIG. 9. shows the element and part from FIG. 6 prior to
placement of the part into a padding layer associated with a chest
protector (partial view).
[0025] FIG. 10. shows the element from FIG. 6 with the associated
part placed into the padding layer.
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the element and part from FIG.
9 prior to insertion of a fastener receiver into a padding layer
associated with a chest protector (roost deflector), the chest
protector being a partial view of a rear shoulder and upper back
area.
[0027] FIG. 12 shows the part and element of FIG. 11 after
placement of the fastener receiver into the padding layer.
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the assembly of part/element
and padding layer, with the element on top of the padding layer and
the part extending through the bottom side of the padding
layer.
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 15 shows a second receiver on the element in the
assembly of FIG. 13 and a second fastener prior to placement of the
fastener in the second receiver.
[0031] FIG. 16 shows the assembly of FIG. 15 after placement of the
second fastener in the second receiver.
[0032] FIG. 17 shows a top view of the assembly of FIG. 11 from a
different angle.
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 16 with
all fasteners extending through the padding layer into their
receivers on the opposite side of the padding layer.
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a top, side perspective view of the assembly
of FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a bottom view of an assembly of the first
element to the assembly of FIG. 19, via a pivot system.
[0036] FIG. 21 shows the assembly of FIG. 20 from a different
angle.
[0037] FIG. 22 shows a top, side perspective view of the assembly
of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Representative embodiments according to the inventive
subject matter are shown in FIGS. 3A-22, wherein the same or
generally similar features share common reference numerals.
[0039] The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an
item of protective gear 10 that allows for controlled movement of
selected assembled elements in conformance with a user's anatomy.
In the representative embodiment shown in the Figures, the item of
protective gear is a shoulder pad assembly 12, which may be
incorporated in a chest protector 1 or other item for protection of
the upper body. The shoulder pad assembly 12 is configured to
conform generally to shoulder and upper arm anatomy and movements.
Such movements may include lateral rotational movement, as well as
up and down movement.
[0040] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-22, movement may
be achieved using a pivot system 14 that intercouples at least a
first shield element 16 of the assembly and a second element or
portion 18 of the item of protective gear 10. The pivot system is
configured to allow for a range of lateral movement of the
intercoupled elements or portions relative to one another. The
relative movement is indicated by the curving arrows in some of the
Figures, including FIGS. 3A to 3B-1. The pivot system 14 components
may be formed separately from, or unitary with, other elements or
portions within an item of protective gear. And they may be
arranged on surfaces or recessed or embedded into the surfaces or
bodies of the elements or portions of the protective gear with
which they are associated.
[0041] The pivot system 14 may be based on a system of a post 20
that rotatably engages a receiver 22. The post 20 has a
longitudinal axis disposed in a shaft portion that projects
perpendicularly or otherwise outwardly from the surface of a shield
element in the assembly. The post may also include a threaded
recess for receiving a screw (not shown) so that the post is
retained in place. The shaft portion 20A defines an axis of lateral
rotation for the shield element relative to another portion of the
shoulder pad assembly. (In the Figures, the axis is labeled as
"Axis" and indicated by dashed lines.) A receiver 22 disposed on or
in a second portion 18 of the assembly may define a range of
rotational travel for the shield element around the axis of
rotation. The range of movement may be set to conform to a range of
movement of a user during intended activities of use for the
assembly.
[0042] As used herein, "base" portion or element 18 refers to a
portion or element in an item of protective gear that serves as an
anchoring portion for intercoupling with the movable shield element
16 via the pivot system 14. The base portion 18 may also be a
shield element that is or is not movable. In FIGS. 3A-22, the
shield element 16 is coupled via the pivot system 14 to another
portion of the shoulder pad assembly 12, the base portion 18, which
also may be and serve as a shield element or portion.
[0043] The shield material may be the same for both the base and
the movably shield portion 16. The base portion 18 is shown sitting
over and coupled to a pliable layer 24 of padding material that
faces a user's body. The padding layer may serve as a comfort layer
and/or additional protective material. The padding layer may be
attached to the base portion 18 or another portion using any known
or discovered means. The layer may be bonded using adhesives,
fusion bonding, or mechanical fasteners. In the example shown, the
padding layer 24 is attached using one or more pairs of a pin
fastener 25 and a receiver 27 that intercouple the base portion and
the padding layer.
[0044] The padding layer may be made of foamed or cellular
materials, such as polyurethane (PU), ethylvinyl acetate (EVA). Gel
materials, such as silicone based gel materials may also serve as
the padding layer, as well as leathers and woven and non-woven
textile synthetic or natural materials, such as mats made of wool
or cotton fibers. Any such materials may also serve as lining or
padding between other elements or portions of the protective gear.
As a non-limiting example of a suitable construction for protective
for motocross, the type C durometer on the EVA or other padding
material may be equal to 40+/-20 or thereabout. And the durometer
on the shield material may be equal to 90+/-10 or thereabout.
[0045] As seen in the Figures, a receiver 22, which may have a
keyhole form, is disposed in a base portion 18 or first shoulder
pad shield or protective element 16. The receiver consists of an
overall opening 22 having a central open portion 22A and opposing
laterally extending open portions 22B, 22C. All or some of the
overall opening may be in the nature of a through opening or a
blind hole. The Figures show the receiver disposed in a tab or
flange structure 21, extending from the base portion 18. The tab or
flange may be molded into an element or portion of the protective
gear, or it may be a separately attached structure, such as
structure of a metal, that is fastened to another element or
portion of the protective gear. However, the receiver can also be
disposed on the body of the protective element. The extending tab
or flange 21 may be used to allow for a greater spacing of the
movable protective shield element from a base portion so there's
more standoff room for relative rotation.
[0046] The post element 20 is configured and received in the
receiver in such a way that it has a predetermined degree of
rotation within the receiver, with limits determined by the
boundaries of the receiver's open space. In this example, the
lateral open portions 22B, 22C of the receiver define a range of
rotation for the post. This is based on the elongate shaft portion
20A of the post being rotatably disposed in the central open
portion 22A of the receiver 22, which has closely adjacent circular
or curved sidewalls to facilitate rotation of the post. The post 20
will normally have a sufficiently rigid and durable structural form
so that it hold its form through stress and repeated cycles of use
and maintains an axis of rotation for the coupled shield 16 or
other protective element, to allow the element to laterally rotate
relative to an underlying or overlying surface. In this regard, the
post may be made of suitable metals or plastics, for example.
[0047] Referring again to the Figures, the post element 20 includes
opposing lateral extensions 20B, 20C on its shaft portion 20A. The
extensions are arranged to fit within the corresponding, opposing
lateral open portions 22B, 22C of the receiver 22. The sidewalls
defining the opposing, lateral open portions align sufficiently
with the generally complementary structure of the lateral
extensions so as to serve as stops to limit the range of rotation
of the post 20 around its central, longitudinal axis. This results
in the shield or protective element 16 being capable of a
predetermined degree of relative to the base portion 18 in
generally parallel planes, as indicated by the curved arrows in the
Figures. The predetermined range of motion for the pivot axis may
be from zero to a value that is less than 360.degree., 315.degree.,
270.degree., 225.degree., 180.degree., 135.degree., 90.degree.,
60.degree., 45.degree., 30.degree., 15.degree., 10.degree., or
5.degree., or thereabout any such value.
[0048] While the receiver 22 shown in the Figures has opposing
lateral extensions, such as 22B and/or 22C, that define a range of
movement for complementary lateral post component, the receiver is
not limited to that specific configuration. Similar results could
be achieved by a receiver with a single lateral extension, e.g.,
just extension 22B or 22C, or more than two lateral extensions, and
a post with one or more complementary lateral extensions, such as
20B or 20C. For example, the receiver could be configured in a
tri-spoke, star, hex or other pattern, to provide a plurality of
lateral extensions. The range of movement is defined by the
relative space between the receiver's open lateral extensions and
the complementary lateral extensions on the post.
[0049] In addition to movement in generally parallel planes, the
protective elements or portions may also have additional degrees of
freedom. For example, they may move perpendicularly in and out of
the parallel planes. The receiver and post assembly may be provided
with some freeplay to allow for a protective element to hinge or
lift off the receiver/post assembly. Alternatively, the post could
be a semi-rigid, elastic structure that resiliently stretches under
force. Similarly, it can be a mechanical spring structure that has
sufficient rigidity to define a general axis of lateral rotation
for a coupled element.
[0050] The shoulder pad assembly 12 may be incorporated on a chest
protector, such as one of those in FIG. 1 or as otherwise
contemplated herein.
[0051] Although the Figures show a base portion 18 with the
receiver 22 and a shield element 16 with the post 20, those
engagable parts may be interchanged in any assembly of protective
elements or portions. It is generally immaterial which part holds
which engagable element so long as the parts are rotationally
engagable. The parts may also be arranged and coupled not only in
side-by-side relationships but also in fully or partially
coextensive overlying relationships. Any such arrangement of
overlying and/or side-by-side parts or portions in an item of
protective gear may be referred to as an "adjacent" arrangement.
Items may be in adjacent arrangement even if there may be
intervening parts between the items. For example, a movable shield
element may be separated from a base portion by a layer 24 for
comfort, aesthetics, and/or force attenuation.
[0052] In other possible embodiments, a shield element and another
portion of protective gear may be coupled using a pivot system
based on a ball-and-socket type arrangement. The post extends
outwardly from a surface on a spherical ball or cylinder or other
such circularly shaped object that is circular or partially
circular in at least one plane of cross section. The receiver is a
complementarily shaped socket that is a bearing surface to closely,
rotatably receive the round object on the post.
[0053] The circular object does not need to be fully circular. For
example, a hemisphere with a post extending off the middle of the
flat side could also function as a rotatable object in an
appropriately sized and shaped receiver. The circular object may be
rotatably retained in the receiver by making the opening of the
receiver smaller than the diameter of the circle defining the
circular object. A range of motion of the shaft may be controlled
by making the opening size between the size of that diameter and
dimension of the shaft portion extending from the opening. A true
ball-and-socket arrangement can allow for a wide range of lateral
and up and down motion. A cylindrical circular object can allow for
controlled motion in the lateral or open down direction, depending
on the orientation of the cylinder as it is coupled between (1) a
shield or other protective element and (2) another portion of the
protective gear. However, any degree of freedom could be provided
by making the cavity for the receiver longer than the cylindrical
object so that object has freeplay in directions along its
longitudinal axis. As with other embodiments, the range of movement
for a cylindrical object may be controlled by varying the size
and/or shape of the opening through which a shaft portion coupled
to the cylindrical or other circular object extends.
[0054] While the foregoing discussion has been largely in terms of
a shoulder pad assembly, the inventive subject matter contemplates
other assemblies of protective elements that have multiple degrees
of freedom based on the inventive receiver and post assemblies
described herein. Other protective assemblies may include, wrist,
knee, ankle, neck, and hip protective gear systems based on two or
more protective elements or portions that are coupled and have
multiple degrees of freedom using the inventive pivot system.
[0055] The protective shield element and base portion may include
surfaces 26, 28 that are apart from the pivot system and which can
abuttingly engage each other to limit the range of pivot for a
movable element. For example, the pivot system may be provided with
no limits on rotation and instead the separate abuttable surfaces
define range of motion and limits. Alternatively, the separate,
abuttable surface system could provide limits in case limits built
into the pivot system become inoperative.
[0056] A representative roost deflector 1 into, which the inventive
subject matter may be embodied is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,987,526, which is co-owned by the present applicant and hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0057] The roost deflector 1 typically includes a rear section 120
for covering some portion of the back of a wearer, a front portion
140 for covering some portion of the front chest or other frontal
area of the wearer, and shoulder pad sections for covering some
portion of the shoulders. The sections are interconnected to form a
single unit of protective equipment, such as items 1A, 1B or 1C in
FIG. 1. The roost deflector's sections include sections of shell
materials that are relatively hard for attenuating impact forces,
and are not necessarily comfortable against body parts because of
their inability to conform with the movement of the body or because
of hard edges. Accordingly, a roost deflector also typically may
include relative soft cushiony materials 24 associated with
body-facing surfaces of the shells and edges of the shells. Such
materials may be referred to as "biofoam". They may include a liner
layer, such as Lycra.TM.. These softer materials may also serve to
attenuate forces and/or to provide a comfort layer between the
relatively hard shell materials and the wearer's body.
[0058] The roost deflector may also include straps or other
interconnects for joining components around the body of a
wearer.
[0059] The roost deflector may also include a portion for covering
anatomy above the shoulders, such as the neck, or anatomy below the
waistline, such as the groin, tailbone, or buttocks.
[0060] In some embodiments, the roost deflector shell sections
comprise two or more molded materials that are molded together
along a junction line that allows for movement. As used herein,
unless otherwise indicated, "portion" or "section" generally means
any designated area of an item of protective gear, for example, it
can be an area spanning components of a roost deflector, an
individual component, or a subsection within another designated
section or component.
[0061] The contemplated shell materials for shell or shield
protective elements generally are polymers or polymer-based
composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, using
polymer resins. Particularly suitable polymer materials may be
plastics and elastomers, particularly thermoplastics and
thermoplastic elastomers, as well as blends or alloys of such
materials.
[0062] A first material used in the inventive protective gear
comprises a relatively hard and inflexible material intended as a
shell or shield for attenuating impacts in an intended application,
such as motocross. Such materials are often characterized as having
a higher Shore A durometer or higher flexural modulus. Typical
materials have a Shore A Durometer of from about 60 to about 90.
Some suitable plastic or other polymer shell materials are, for
example, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, such as LEXAN.RTM.
polycarbonate; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS); PC/ABS Alloys; Styrene, Nylon, HIPS+Nylon 6 and 6,6;
polyethylene; copolyester; propionate; and acetal. In addition to
polymer-based materials, the shell could also include or be based
on, in whole or part, metals. Exemplary metals include aluminum,
stainless steel, and titanium. Alloys of metals may also be used.
The metals may be provided, for example, as stamped, molded, or
thin-walled forms.
[0063] In some embodiments, a second material optionally may be
used in combination with a first material shell or shield material
to join adjacent sections of such materially along a flexural line
or joint consisting of a relatively soft material having a low
modulus, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The flexural
material allows for flexibility and relative movement of the
section of the first shell or shield section to another section
intercoupled by the flexural material. The flexural material may be
molded, welded, bonded, or otherwise connected to an intercoupled
section.
[0064] The flexural materials may be characterized as having
relative to another section of material, a lower Shore A Durometer
or lower flexural modulus. Typically, such materials have a Shore A
Durometer of from about 30 to about 80. Typically, the first, shell
material will have a Shore A durometer that is at least about 10 to
about 40 Shore A Durometer points higher than that of the second,
flexural material. One suitable flexural material for use with a
shell material, for example, LEXAN.RTM. polycarbonate, is a TPU
(thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) or a TPU alloy. These TPE
materials are available from GLS Corporation, McHenry, Il, USA, and
other commercial sources. GLS Corporation sells a variety of TPE
materials under the VERSALLON and VERSAFLEX families for bonding to
plastics such as PC; ABS; PC/ABS; and copolyester.
[0065] It is noted that the shell and flexural materials are
classes of materials, one being relatively harder and more suited
for the primary force attenuation function of a protector, and the
other being more suitable for providing a joint or zone of
flexibility or softness. Accordingly, the shell material may be of
a homogeneous or heterogeneous nature. For example, the shell may
be composed of adjacent sections of different materials, or it may
be composed of lamination of different materials or composite
materials, with the overall structure being a shell material. The
flexural sections may be similarly composed of heterogeneous
flexural materials. Further, any section of material may be a
composite material, such as a carbon fiber or fiberglass material.
Accordingly, the term "material", unless context indicates
otherwise, is used in a broad sense, not limited to homogeneous
materials.
[0066] The specific materials mentioned above are good examples of
low modulus materials and rigid materials that provide a good
balance of the desired material properties for a roost deflector.
The materials are representative of a much larger array of options
with respect to materials. Other thermoplastics choices and
combinations of rigid and low modulus materials are also capable of
providing similar structure. They should be selected to provide the
desired combinations of processability, modulus, strength,
rigidity, and compatibility. Preferably, in one possibly process
according to the inventive subject matter, the shell and flexural
materials can be over-molded or injection molded in the same
injection molding machine, such as in a two shot molding process or
an overmolding process. Non-thermoplastics, such as composites, or
even metals, could also be used as a shell material in connection
with overmolding or other known processes for molding or bonding to
dissimilar materials.
[0067] An example of another application of the inventive subject
matter is shin and knee guard protector, with movable shield
sections, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,679,
which is co-owned by the present applicant and hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0068] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many
modifications and variations are possible in the details,
materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have
been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of
the inventive subject matter, and that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings
and claims contained therein.
[0069] All patent and non-patent literature cited herein is hereby
incorporated by references in its entirety for all purposes.
[0070] As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or", as well as
"and" and "or." Moreover, any and all patent and non-patent
literature cited herein is hereby incorporated by references in its
entirety for all purposes.
[0071] The principles described above in connection with any
particular example can be combined with the principles described in
connection with any one or more of the other examples. Accordingly,
this detailed description shall not be construed in a limiting
sense, and following a review of this disclosure, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate the wide variety of systems that
can be devised using the various concepts described herein.
Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted to
various configurations without departing from the disclosed
principles.
[0072] The previous description of embodiments is provided to
enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed
innovations. Various modifications to those embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings
herein, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to
other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of
this disclosure. Thus, the claimed inventions are not intended to
be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded
the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. In the
claims reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of
the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one"
unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more".
[0073] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that
are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in
the art are intended to be encompassed by the features described
and claimed herein. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended
to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure
is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be
construed as "a means plus function" claim under US patent law,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for" or "step for".
[0074] The inventor reserves all rights to the subject matter
disclosed herein, including the right to claim all that comes
within the scope and spirit of the following claims:
* * * * *