U.S. patent application number 14/692738 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for limb protectors, methods of making and methods of using.
The applicant listed for this patent is G-Form, LLC. Invention is credited to Meghan A. CLOUGH, Nicholas H. DUPREE, Stephanie L. THORN, Daniel M. WYNER.
Application Number | 20150296899 14/692738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54320824 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150296899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WYNER; Daniel M. ; et
al. |
October 22, 2015 |
LIMB PROTECTORS, METHODS OF MAKING AND METHODS OF USING
Abstract
Disclosed herein are limb protectors with one or more conformal,
articulating pads disposed on a compression sleeve. The pads
comprising circumferential coverage of greater than 90 degrees and
improved impact resistance.
Inventors: |
WYNER; Daniel M.; (North
Scituate, RI) ; CLOUGH; Meghan A.; (Westport, MA)
; DUPREE; Nicholas H.; (Providence, RI) ; THORN;
Stephanie L.; (Chepachet, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
G-Form, LLC |
Providence |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54320824 |
Appl. No.: |
14/692738 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61982317 |
Apr 21, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/16 ; 2/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0543 20130101;
A41D 13/0153 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05; A41D 13/08 20060101 A41D013/08 |
Claims
1. A limb protector, comprising: a compression sleeve; one or more
conformal, articulating pads disposed on the sleeve, the one or
more pads comprising circumferential coverage of greater than 90
degrees; wherein the pads are adapted to prevent the transmission
of force of no greater than 50 kiloNewtons (kN).
2. The limb protector of claim 1, the one or more pads comprise a
circumferential coverage of greater than 135 degrees.
3. The limb protector of claim 1, the one or more pads comprise a
circumferential coverage of greater than 180 degrees.
4. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise a circumferential coverage of greater than 225
degrees.
5. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise a circumferential coverage of greater than 270
degrees.
6. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise a circumferential coverage of greater than 315
degrees.
7. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise greater than 315 degree circumferential coverage.
8. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads each
comprise a side edge, and wherein in use, the side edges are spaced
apart by less than 1/2 inch.
9. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads each
comprise a side edge, and wherein in use, the side edges are spaced
apart by less than 1 inch.
10. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
each comprise a side edge, and wherein in use, the side edges are
spaced apart by less than 11/2 inches.
11. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam in a density range of about 8 pcf to
about 30 pcf.
12. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam in a density range of about 18 pcf to
about 25 pcf.
13. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam at a thickness of about 0.2 inches.
14. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam at a thickness of about 0.3 inches.
15. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam at a thickness of about 0.4 inches.
16. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam at a thickness of about 0.5 inches.
17. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads
comprise polyurethane foam at thickness of about 0.6 inches.
18. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the circumferential
coverage is continuous.
19. The limb protector of claim 1, wherein the one or more pads are
unitary.
20. A limb protector, comprising: a compression sleeve; one or more
conformal, articulating pads disposed on the sleeve, the one or
more pads comprising circumferential coverage greater than 90
degrees; wherein the pads comprise polyurethane foam with a density
ranging from about 8 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) to about 30 pcf
and a thickness ranging from about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 of commonly-owned and co-pending U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/208,229, filed on Aug. 11, 2011, and also claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to commonly-owned and co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/982,317, which was filed on Apr. 21,
2014. The subject matter of each of the foregoing applications is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to improved limb protectors
and, in particular, to limb protectors with improved
circumferential coverage and improved impact resistance.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of protective limb guards in athletics and extreme
sports is well known. For example, shin guards have been used to
protect the front surface of a user's lower leg in athletics for
some time. Football (American soccer) shin guards are a single
piece of hard plastic that is curved to fit over a user's shin
bone, and is worn underneath and secured in place over the shin by
a long sock. Variations and modifications of the traditional shin
guard include attaching a stirrup to the shin guard, to prevent the
shin guard from moving up the shin during use.
[0004] The specifications for the guards that may be used by
players is often determined by various associations and/or
regulatory bodies. However, professional players may have
discretion regarding the selection of protective gear, and may
prefer to minimize the size of hard plastic shin guards, because
they can be uncomfortable and interfere with their performance.
Therefore, many professional players select smaller sized hard
plastic guards, to minimize the surface area of the guard, and
improve comfort and ease of play. However, doing so leaves the
player exposed to more injuries.
[0005] There is a need for improved limb protection in athletics
and other areas.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to, in one embodiment, a
limb protector that comprises a compression sleeve and one or more
conformal, articulating pads disposed on the sleeve. The one or
more pads can comprise circumferential coverage of greater than 90
degrees. The pads comprise polyurethane foam with a density ranging
from about 8 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) to about 30 pcf and a
thickness ranging from about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch.
[0007] The present disclosure is directed to, in another
embodiment, a limb protector, comprising a compression sleeve and
one or more conformal, articulating pads disposed on the sleeve,
the one or more pads comprising circumferential coverage of greater
than 90 degrees. The pads are constructed to prevent the
transmission of force of no greater than 50 kiloNewtons (kN).
[0008] The above described and other features are exemplified by
the following figures and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be
apparent from the following more particular description of
exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to
the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Referring now to the
figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and wherein like elements
are numbered alike:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a limb protector according to the present
disclosure, in an extended position;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows the limb protector of FIG. 1, in a retracted
position;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows the inside surface of the limb protector of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a limb protector
according to the present disclosure, in an extended position;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the limb protector of FIG. 4, in a retracted
position;
[0015] FIG. 6 show another embodiment of a limb protector according
to the present disclosure, which is similar in construction to the
limb protector shown in FIG. 4, and additionally includes a foot
stirrup, in an extended position;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a limb protector
according to the present disclosure, in which the pads have angled
edges, in an extended position;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows the limb protector of FIG. 7, in a retracted
position;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a shin guard according to
the present disclosure, in an extended position;
[0019] FIG. 10 shows the limb protector of FIG. 9, in a retracted
position;
[0020] FIG. 11 show another embodiment of a limb protector
according to the present disclosure; and
[0021] FIG. 12 shows a cut-away view of another embodiment of a
lower limb protector, with a cover over the padding, and a sock
attached to the lower end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present disclosure is directed to improved impact
absorbing and cushioning limb protectors (hereinafter "protectors")
to be worn during any activity in which individuals are susceptible
to limb injuries, such as in athletics, construction, military, and
the like. The construction of the present protectors is rugged,
durable, and able to withstand the temperatures, detergents and
mechanical action used in industrial and/or commercial laundering,
unlike other protectors, which may degrade under such harsh
conditions.
[0023] The present protectors are lightweight, flexible and
articulating, and provide improved impact-resistance and reduced
force transmission to a user, in addition to being aesthetically
pleasing and durable. As used herein, the term "flexible," means
the ability of the pad to move by bending, twisting, flexing and/or
stretching, and the like. "Articulating," as used herein, means a
structure that comprises one or more joined segments, i.e., not a
sheet of uniform thickness without any segments. The segments may
be joined by a variety of techniques, provided that the segments
are fixed in relation to one another. "Conformal," as used herein,
means matches the shape of the limb. "Impact resistant," or "impact
resistance," as used herein, means that the surface of the padding
is resistant to being torn or perforated. "Transmitted force," as
used herein, means the force transmitted to the pad during a
spherical impactor test.
[0024] For ease of illustration, the limb protection protectors of
the present disclosure will be illustrated with reference to a
lower leg protector, or shin guard. Although described herein with
reference to a lower leg protector, it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that the protector may be adapted to any
limb or body part that requires protection.
[0025] In some embodiments, the limb protectors according to the
present disclosure can include a tubular compression sock, sleeve
or stirrup, constructed to receive and fit closely against a user's
limb. For ease of illustration, unless otherwise noted, the sock,
sleeve or stirrup protectors will be referred to interchangeably
hereinafter as a "sleeve." As shown in the figures, the sleeve has
opposing front and back regions and opposing inner and outer side
regions.
[0026] Shin guards are often subjected to impact tests to assess
the energy absorbing and penetration resistance properties of shin
guards, such as blunt impact and a stud impact tests. Blunt impact
tests assess the impact absorbing properties of the guard. Tests
typically involve dropping a striker onto the outer shell of the
guard and measuring the amount of force transmitted through the
guard. In Europe, two stud impact tests are used to assess the
penetration resistance properties and the rigidity of the shin
guards against football (soccer) boot studs. Guards are assessed
visually to determine if penetration through the inner surface has
occurred. In the case of the vertical stud test, the distance that
the stud has travelled over the surface of the outer shell is also
recorded.
[0027] Limb protectors used for more extreme conditions, such as
for use by motorcyclists, have more aggressive testing. In Europe,
the protective qualities of armor worn on the limb joints while
riding a motorcycle are tested using CE EN 1621-1, which involves
placing a sample over a rigid metal hemispherical anvil with a 50
mm radius, which is in turn connected to a rigid and massive base
via a high speed force sensor. A 5 kg impactor with a flat strike
face 80 mm.times.40 mm is then dropped onto the sample from a
height necessary to generate an impact speed of 4.47 m/s, which
equates to an impact energy of 50 joules. During the impact, the
force transmitted through the sample to the anvil is measured by
the high speed force transducer. The lower the force, the more
protective a product is considered to be. To pass the standard the
mean maximum transmitted force must be below 35 kN, and no single
value should be over 50 kN. The present pads meet the foregoing
test criteria, depending on the thickness and density of the pad
materials.
[0028] FIGS. 1-3, when taken together, show a lower limb protector
100 according to the present disclosure, with greater than
90.degree. circumferential coverage, which can be worn over or
under clothing. "Circumferential coverage," as used herein, means
the percentage of the limb circumference that is covered by the
padding, measured at the widest circumference of the limb for which
the protector is intended. The present limb protectors can provide
circumferential coverage of greater than 90.degree. and up to about
360.degree., depending on the construction of the protector, as
will be discussed below.
[0029] As shown, limb protector 100 includes a front pad 10 and a
back pad 12. Each of the front and back pads 10,12 includes an
upper edge 16, a lower edge 18 and opposing first and second side
edges 20, 22. In the present embodiment, and throughout this
description, the reference character "f" will be used with
reference to the front pad 10 and the reference character "b" will
be used with reference to the back pad 12. Each of the first and
second side edges 20f of the front pad 10 includes a plurality of
opposing, alternating projecting regions 22f and opposing recessed
regions 24f.
[0030] Each of the front and back pads 10,12 includes opposing
inner surfaces 10i,12i and outer surfaces 10o,12o. A plurality of
guide channels 14 is disposed on the inner surfaces 10i, 12i of
each of the front and back pads 10,12. The guide channels may be,
for example, fabric attached to a liner on the pads.
[0031] A connector 26f is attached at both ends to the opposing
projecting regions 24f of the front pad 10. Similarly, a connector
26b is attached at both ends to the opposing projecting regions 24b
of the back pad 12. In the present embodiment, the connectors 28f,b
are elastic straps attached by, for example, stitching, although a
variety of other materials could be used for the straps, and a
variety of other attachment techniques could be used to attached
the connector to the pads, as would be know to those of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0032] When assembled, the straps 28f are disposed in the guide
channels 14b on the inside surface 12i of back pad 12, to which
they are not attached; and straps 28b are disposed in the guide
channels 14f on the inside surface 10i of front pad 10, to which
they are not attached.
[0033] In use, the projecting regions 24f of the first side edge 20
correspond to the recessed regions 26b of the second edge 22, and
the recessed regions 26 of the first side edge 20 correspond to the
projecting regions 24 of the second edge 22, to define a space "S"
between the edges. In use, the spacing S increases or decreases in
response to the stretching or contracting of the limb protector. In
use, a user can expand the limb protector to slide the protector
onto their lower limb, and when positioned properly on the lower
limb, the user can release the limb protector, such that the straps
retract and the protector conforms to the user's lower limb. FIG. 1
shows the limb protector 100 in an expanded position, with a first
spacing S.sub.1, and FIG. 2 shows the limb protector 100 in a
retracted position, with a second spacing S.sub.2.
[0034] The at least one back pad 30 is positioned on the sleeve to
cover the back side of a user's calf, which minimizes or prevents
injury to the fibula as a result of a lower leg impact,
particularly from behind the user. Limb protector 100 also may
include an optional front pad 40 disposed on the front region of
the sleeve, in order to provide protection for the tibia bone.
[0035] In the present embodiment, the edges of the front and back
pads are constructed to have corresponding saw tooth
configurations, such that the spacing S increases or decreases in
response to the stretching or contracting of the sleeve.
[0036] FIGS. 4-5 shows another embodiment of a limb protector 200
according to the present embodiment. Limb protector 200 includes a
compression sleeve 30 to which pads are attached; the pads have a
sleeve 30 a similar construction to protector 100. In the present
embodiment, one or both of the pads are attached to the compression
sleeve 30 at a distance from the edges of the pads, such that all
or a portion of the pad edges remain free of attachment to the
sleeve 30. In the present embodiment, the spacing S increases or
decreases in response to the stretching or contracting of the
sleeve, and of the straps.
[0037] In the present embodiment, the front and back pads 10,12 are
attached to the sleeve by, for example, stitching at the upper and
lower edges of the pads. The stitching is depicted by zig-zag
lines. The upper strap is are attached to the upper side edge of
the front pad by stitching, and the strap extends underneath the
back pad. Similarly, the lower strap is attached to the lower side
edge of the back pad by stitching, and the strap extends underneath
the front pad. Optionally, both straps can be disposed in a guide
channel, as shown in the previous embodiment, formed on the back of
the pads or on the compression sleeve, if desired.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a limb protector 300
according to the present embodiment. Limb protector 200 has a
similar construction to that of limb protector 200, and
additionally includes a stirrup 40, and opposing left and right
ankle pads 50 disposed on the stirrup, adjacent to the ankle.
[0039] FIGS. 7-8, when taken together, show another embodiment of a
limb protector 400 according to the present disclosure, without a
saw-tooth side edge. In the present embodiment, the limb protector
includes a tubular compression sleeve 30 having the same
construction as the previous embodiment, and front and back pads
10,12. The side edges of pads 10,12 are angled with respect to axis
"A," and the edges of the pads are adjacent to and spaced apart
from each other by spacing "S," which varies, as previously
described.
[0040] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a lower limb protector
500 according to the present disclosure 100. As in previous
embodiments, limb protector 500 includes a compression sleeve 30
and front and back pads 10,12 disposed on the sleeve 30.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows another limb protector 600, similar in
construction to limb protector 500, but also including a stirrup
40, and opposing ankle pads 50.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a limb protector 700
according to the present disclosure, which includes a tubular
compression sleeve 30 having the same construction as protector 200
(see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, limb protector 700
includes a foot portion 60 extending from the sleeve 30, and a sock
overlay 70 connected to the sleeve by a variety of means e.g., by
stitching, hook and loop tape, zipper, and the like. In the present
example, the sock overlay 70 is attached to the sleeve at the ankle
region, by stitching, and can be removably attached to the sleeve
at the ankle region and at the upper edge of the sleeve using, for
example, hook and loop tape. In use, the sock overlay 70 can be
disposed such that the pads are covered by the overlay, and when
not in use, it can be removed from the limb protector completely,
or pulled down to the ankle region.
[0043] The sock overlay may have any aesthetic design intended to
appeal to a consumer. For aesthetic purposes, the sleeve, pads and
overlay may be the same or different, and also may include text
and/or graphics.
[0044] Suitable materials for the sleeves can comprise any material
capable of providing sufficient elasticity to prevent tearing
and/or stretching when a force is applied thereto, and that is
capable of withstanding the environment in which it is intended to
be used (e.g., repetitive deformations such as twisting, bending,
flexing, stretching, and the like), without substantial
degradation. The sleeves may be constructed with one or more
materials with varying elasticity in order to allow increased
expansion of the spacer region "S" when a user is putting on the
protectors, or during use, without interference from the fixed
pads.
[0045] It may be desirable for the pads to be lightweight, and in
such instances, the pads may comprise a foam material, such as a
low-density foam material. Examples of suitable low-density foams
include polyester and polyether polyurethane foams. In some
instances, it may be desirable for the pads to be capable of
providing impact resistance. In such instances, various types of
impact absorbing materials have been found suitable for the pads,
particularly energy absorbing or rate dependent materials,
including foams.
[0046] Optionally, such materials can be made water resistant or
waterproof by coating the material with a water resistant or
waterproof coating. This can be desirable for open cell foams in
particular, to minimize or prevent moisture absorption by the foam.
A variety of materials can be used to coat such materials, and the
coating can be done using a variety of techniques such as, but not
limited to, spray coating, spin coating, dipping, and the like.
[0047] One example of a suitable rate dependent foams is available
from Rogers Corporation under the brand names PORON.RTM. and PORON
XRD.RTM., which are open cell, microcellular polyurethane foams. It
can be desirable for such foams to have a density ranging from
about 5 to about 35 pounds per cubic foot (pcf), more particularly
from about 10 to about 30 pcf, and more particularly still from
about 15 to about 25 pcf.
[0048] Materials for and methods of making the some materials that
are useful for the present protectors are disclosed in commonly
owned and co-pending U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2012/0084896,
filed on Aug. 11, 2011; each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. In addition to the foregoing, suitable
materials for the foregoing layers and the adhesive (if used) are
disclosed in the afore-mentioned patent applications, and in U.S.
Publication Nos. US 2008/0034614 and US 2009/0255625, which also
disclose techniques for manufacturing the present cushion inserts;
each of the foregoing publications is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0049] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the pads and/or straps
may be attached to the sleeve by a variety of techniques, such as
stitching, welding, gluing, heat-sealing, and the like.
Alternatively, the sleeves can comprise pockets for receiving the
pads and having a size, shape and thickness corresponding to the
size, shape and thickness of the pads. In use, the pads may be
interchangeably disposed in the pockets. After use, the pads can be
removed, such that they can be removed and interchanged with pads
having different functional characteristics, depending on the
user's needs.
[0050] The size, shape, thickness and material composition of the
pads may be varied, depending on a number of factors including, but
not limited to, desired amount of flexibility, articulation, impact
resistance, transmitted force, circumferential coverage, and the
like.
[0051] All of the foregoing thicknesses, widths, distances and
spacings may vary, as desired or necessary to provide a protective
or comfortable effect. The thickness of pads may be varied as
desired, but it is desirable for the thickness to be minimized
while still being sufficient to protect the limb from impact.
[0052] The pads may have any shape or configuration as is desired
to achieve the desired functional advantages of improved impact
protection, reduced force transmission and the aesthetic design
intended to appeal to a consumer. The size, shape, quantity,
configuration and location of the pads on the sleeves may be varied
as desired in order to achieve the foregoing objectives. For
aesthetic purposes, the sleeve, pad and/or overlay may be the same
or different, may be clear, opaque and/or colored, and also may
include text and/or graphics.
[0053] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one
of skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0054] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the
like herein do not denote any order or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and
"an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather
denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
Similarly, it is noted that the terms "bottom" and "top" and
"inner" and "outer" are used herein, unless otherwise noted, merely
for convenience of description, and are not limited to any one
position or spatial orientation. In addition, the modifier "about"
used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value
and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the
degree of error associated with measurement of the particular
quantity).
[0055] Unless defined otherwise herein, all ranges disclosed herein
are inclusive and combinable (e.g., ranges of "up to about 25
weight percent (wt. %), with about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %
desired, and about 10 wt. % to about 15 wt. % more desired," are
inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the
ranges, e.g., "about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to
about 15 wt. %", etc.). The notation "+/-10% means that the
indicated measurement may be from an amount that is minus 10% to an
amount that is plus 10% of the stated value.
[0056] Finally, unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly
understood
[0057] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *