Patent Grant
10159295
Protective pads are traditionally used to limit an impact force experienced by a person or an object. Some examples of protective padding rely on foam-like materials that are placed between a protected surface and a point of impact. Traditional foam may have limitations with respect to repeated cleaning, such as high-temperature washing, bulkiness, and manufacturing limitations.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective pad that is comprised of an impact shell and a damping component. The damping component may be formed by a plurality of connecting members that are separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between a damping lattice and the impact shell. The damping component may additionally or alternatively be formed by a sheet-like form that is separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the solid sheet and the impact shell. The damping component absorbs a portion of an impact force that is distributed across the damping component by the impact shell. The geometry of the damping component may be configured to provide a desired level of impact attenuation at specific locations of the protective pad.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
The present invention relates to a protective pad that is comprised of an impact shell and a damping component. The damping component may be formed by a plurality of connecting members that are separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members. The damping component may additionally or alternatively be formed by a sheet-like form that is separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the solid sheet and the impact shell. The damping component absorbs a portion of an impact force that is distributed across the damping component by the impact shell. The geometry of the damping component may be configured to provide a desired level of impact attenuation at specific locations of the protective pad.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a protective pad. The protective pad is comprised of an impact shell having an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. Further, the protective pad is comprised of a damping component positioned proximate the interior surface of the impact shell. The damping component is formed of an elastomeric material. The damping component is comprised of a plurality of interconnected joining members having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface and a plurality of extension members extending beyond the inner surface towards the interior surface of the impact shell.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a protective pad comprising an impact shell having an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface and a medial edge, an opposite lateral edge, a top edge, and an opposite bottom edge. The interior surface of the impact shell forms a curved profile extending outwardly in a direction of the outer surface from the medial edge to the lateral edge. The impact shell is formed from a material that is different from a damping component. However, it is contemplated that the impact shell and the damping component may be formed from a common material. The protective pad is also comprised of the damping component that is positioned proximate the interior surface of the impact shell. The damping component is comprised of a plurality of interconnected joining members having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface; a plurality of voids extending between the outer surface and the inner surface formed by the plurality of joining members; and a plurality of extension members extending between the inner surface of the damping lattice and the interior surface of the impact shell.
A third aspect of the present invention also provides a protective pad comprising a rigid impact shell having an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface curved between a medial edge and an opposite lateral edge. The protective pad is further comprised of a damping component coupled to the interior surface of the impact shell. The damping component may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. The damping component is comprised of a plurality of interconnected joining members having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface; a plurality of voids extending between the outer surface and the inner surface formed by the plurality of joining members; and a plurality of cylindrically-shaped extension members. Each of the plurality of cylindrically-shaped extension members extends from the inner surface of the interconnected joining members to a distal end. The distal end of one or more of the cylindrically-shaped extension members is coupled to the rigid impact shell. However, it is contemplated that the extension members may be of any shape and have any cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, square, rectangular, organic, triangular, and star). Further, it is contemplated that the damping component is coupled with the impact shell in a variety of manners, such as by compression, gasket-like structures, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, mechanical connections, and the like. Similarly, it is contemplated that any portion of the damping component may be coupled with any portion of the impact shell.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a protective pad comprising an impact shell having an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. The protective pad is further comprised of a damping component positioned proximate the interior surface of the impact shell. The damping component is formed of an elastomeric material. The damping component is comprised of a sheet-like form having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface; and, a plurality of extension members extending beyond the inner surface towards the interior surface of the impact shell.
Having briefly described an overview of embodiments of the present invention, a more detailed description follows.
The protective pad is contemplated as providing protection to one or more portions of a body or object. For example, it is contemplated that a protective pad implementing one or more aspects provided herein may be utilized to provide protection and/or force damping functions to a variety of body parts. Examples include, but are not limited to, shin guards, knee pads, hip pads, abdominal pads, chest pads, shoulder pads, arm pads, elbow pads, and implementation in the protection of the head (e.g., helmets). Additionally, it is contemplated that this concept is utilized on inanimate objects (e.g., posts, walls, vehicles). Therefore, it is contemplated that aspects provided herein may be useful in a variety of situations at a variety of locations.
A protective pad, as provided herein, is an article for reducing an effect of an impact force on an associated portion of a wearer. For example, a shin guard utilizing features discussed herein may reduce the perception of energy imparted on the shin region of a user through the use of the protective pad. This change in perception may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, the energy applied at a point of impact may be distributed over a greater surface area, such as through a rigid impact shell. Further, it is contemplated that a dissipating/absorbing material may provide a compressive function for absorbing and/or dissipating a portion of the impact force. Traditionally, a foam material may be used to provide this absorption-type functionality. However, foam-like material may have several disadvantages, such as poor response to washing (e.g., tendency to break down or otherwise lose protective qualities with repeated washes), the inability to transfer moisture and air from an inner surface to an outer surface, and weight issues.
Therefore, aspects of the present invention look to provide at least some of the advantages of a protective pad (e.g., energy distribution and energy absorption) while reducing some of the disadvantages associated with a traditional protective pad.
The protective pad illustrated in
While the protective pad 100 of
The impact shell 101 is depicted in this example as having a curved exterior surface 102 that curves from the medial edge 106 to a lateral edge. In an exemplary aspect, the interior surface (not depicted) curves in a near parallel manner as the exterior surface 102 (outer surface). However, it is contemplated that based on a varied thickness of the impact shell 101 along the length of the curve, the interior and the exterior surface 102 may not be parallel (e.g., have a common radius). Further, in an exemplary aspect, a consistent curved profile is not achieved across the length extending between the medial edge 106 and a lateral edge based on the organic shape of the underlying body part when in an as-worn position. Therefore, when discussed herein, the curved nature of the impact shell (and the damping component to be discussed hereinafter) is not limited to a continuously constant curve, but instead to the general curve-like aspect implemented to protect an underlying portion of a wearer.
While not depicted, it is contemplated that the impact shell (and/or other portions of the protective pad) may be formed from two or more portions. For example, it is contemplated that a first portion forms a lateral portion and a second portion forms a medial portion of the impact shell. The two portions may be flexibly coupled using one or more materials and/or mechanisms. In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that an underlying damping component may form at least a portion of a coupling mechanism to maintain the first portion and the second portion in a desired relative orientation. Further, it is contemplated that a first portion may be formed from a first material and a second portion may be formed from a second material. For example, a location on a protective pad that demands a greater reliance to impact forces may be formed from a first material that is more reliant, but more dense than a second material forming a second portion in a less prone to impact location. It is contemplated that materials, sizes, and locations may be adjusted to achieve a variety of benefits, such as durability, weight savings, ventilation, and the like.
An exemplary damping component 201 provides a damping effect for an impact force experienced by the impact shell 101. For example, the damping component 201 may absorb and/or dissipate some of the impact energy prior to its being transferred to the wearer of the protective pad 100. This damping, dissipation, and/or absorption effect may be accomplished through a variety of characteristics. For example, it is contemplated that an elastomeric material forms the damping component 201 in an exemplary aspect. An elastomeric material may include a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset elastomer, rubber, synthetic rubber, and other materials that demonstrate a low Young's modulus and a high yield strain. Examples of elastomer material include, but are not limited to, a GLS 311-147 thermoplastic elastomer available from the PolyOne Corporation of Avon Lake, Ohio. An exemplary elastomer may exhibit a tensile strength (yield, 23° C.) ranging from 0.8-8.7 MPa, a Shore Hardness (A) of 16-56, and an elongation at break (@23° C.) of up to 1200% (e.g., about 1000%, 800%,). However, while exemplary ranges are provided, it is contemplated that additional materials exhibiting characteristics greater than or less than one or more of the provided ranges in one or more of the provided characteristics may also/alternatively be utilized. Further, alternative materials are contemplated.
In addition to dissipating, damping, and/or absorbing impact energy through a material selection, a geometric organization of the joining members may also facilitate reducing a perceived impact force. As will be discussed hereinafter with respect to
The damping component 201 of
At an intersection of two or more joining members an extension member 208 may be located (but not in all aspects), as will be discussed in greater detail with respect to
The outer surface 204 forms a user-contacting surface, in an exemplary aspect. For example, when in an as-worn position, the outer surface 204 may be user contacting (e.g., positioned adjacent to the user's body). However, it is contemplated that one or more additional articles (e.g., sock, pant leg, sleeve, lining, water absorbing materials, adhesives, tacky materials, and the like) may be disposed between the outer surface 204 and the wearer's body when in an in-use position. Therefore, the term “user-contacting surface” is generally descriptive of a direction of orientation when in an as-used state, but not limiting to requiring direct user contact.
As depicted in
An extension member 208 may extend from the inner surface (206 in
An extension member void may provide enhanced impact attenuation characteristics through the introduction of crumple zone-type functionality. For example, the inclusion of a void-like space provides an area in which a portion of the damping component 201 (extension member and/or connecting member) may deform to absorb an impact force. Further, it is contemplated that the inclusion of the extension member voids may provide a mass reduction option that enhances the usability and desirability of the resulting protective pad. Further yet, it is contemplated that an extension member void may provide a channel through which a bonding agent is introduced to the impact shell for maintaining the impact shell and damping component in a coupled state.
In an exemplary aspect, the damping component may be coupled with the impact shell at one or more coupling points (or areas) by way of an overmold process. For example, it is contemplated that a material (e.g., TPE) different from the impact shell may be overmolded to the impact shell in an area at which the damping component is to be coupled. For example, it is contemplated that an inner surface of the impact shell may be overmolded with a TPE film (or any material suitable for coupling with the damping component). The damping component, which may be formed from a TPE material, may then be ultrasonically welded to the TPE film of the impact shell. The TPE film may provide a material to which the damping component may be coupled when the underlying impact shell material is less capable.
The extension member 208 is depicted as extending from the inner surface 104 of the impact shell 101 to the inner surface 206 formed by the joining members 202 of the damping component 201. Also depicted are the extension member voids 214 extending through the entire thickness of the damping lattice 201. Further, it is contemplated that a void may also extend through the impact shell such that a ventilation channel is formed. A void (not depicted) extending through the impact shell 101 may correspond to an extension member void and/or it may not correspond (e.g., not align) with an extension member void and instead provide a mass reduction and/or ventilation option from the exterior surface 102 to the inner surface 104.
The offset 210 is depicted as remaining consistent among the illustrated extension members. However, it is contemplated that an offset distance may vary with particular extension members, as will be discussed with respect to
While a thickness between the exterior surface 102 and the inner surface 104 is depicted as remaining constant for the impact shell 101, it is contemplated that thickness may vary. Further, while a contiguous material is depicted as forming the impact shell 101, it is contemplated that multiple materials may also be used. Similarly, the thickness extending between the outer surface 204 and the inner surface 206 of the damping component 201 is depicted as remaining constant. However, it is contemplated that the thickness may vary with location. Further, the extension members 208 are depicted having substantially parallel profile sides; however, it is contemplated that any relative orientation may be used (e.g., tapered profile allowing for an increasing resistance to compression with distance of deflection).
While two connecting members 920 and 922 are illustrated, it is contemplated that a single connecting member may span the distance between the extension members 904 and 908. Similarly, it is contemplated that an extension member may be located at any position along one or more connecting members. Further, while connecting members are discussed as discrete elements, it is contemplated that connecting members of a damping lattice are a contiguously formed element without discrete portions.
The third extension member 1006 is sized similar to the first extension member 1002. However, an extension member void 1012 of the third extension member 1006 is larger in size relative to the extension member voids 1008 and 1010. A larger extension member void may provide a greater volume of space for deformation of the extension member, which may result in a greater degree of impact force absorption.
It is understood that the size, shape, and combination of elements (i.e., connecting members, extension members, and extension member voids) may be in any order, fashion, and/or relationship. Therefore, while specific examples have been illustrated, it is contemplated that any combination of those elements may be used in connection with one another to form one or more portions of a damping component.
While not depicted in the figures explicitly, it is contemplated that an extension member may be represented as an increase in the thickness of the connecting members relative to a thickness at a different location along the connecting member. For example, it is contemplated that along the connecting member 1204 the depth increases at a portion, such as the middle of the upwardly curved center portion to effectively form an offset as previously discussed with respect to the offset 210 of
The damping component 201 may be formed such that it is comprised of extension members giving different offset distances. For example, a first offset 1202 may be greater than a second offset 1204. Depending on the impact shell shape, this variation in offset may be introduced to provide a consistent curved outer surface 204 of the damping component (e.g., compensating for an irregular curved impact shell). Alternatively, the variations in offset distances may be used to introduce an irregular curved profile on the outer surface 204 of the damping component 201 to better form to an organic shape of a wearer. Further, it is contemplated that the offset distance may be altered to achieve desired impact attenuation characteristics at strategic locations (e.g., along soft tissue contact areas, along bone regions).
Further, as depicted in
Consequently, variations in connecting members, extension members, extension member voids, voids, offsets, curved profiles, materials, and the like may all contribute to a variety of contemplated aspects of a protective pad comprised of an impact shell and a damping component. Although the protective pad construction is described above by referring to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the modifications and variations could be made to the protective pad construction described without departing from the intended scope of protection provided by the following claims.
Examples of different channels are depicted in
Examples of different protrusions are depicted as extending from the damping component. For example, a rectangular cross-section protrusion 1502, a ‘T’-shaped protrusion 1506, a barbed protrusion 1510 and a rounded protrusion 1514 are provided.
Different combinations of protrusions and channels may provide different functional advantages. For example, the rectangular protrusion 1502 and rectangular channel 1504 may be adapted to prevent lateral movement between the damping component and the impact shell while still allowing for a decoupling aspect. The ‘T’-shaped protrusion 1506 and the ‘T’-shaped channel 1508 may provide a high resistance to decoupling by forces non-parallel to the channel. However, this arrangement may still allow for the decoupling of the damping component from the impact shell by a sliding action that guides the protrusion through the channel. The rounded protrusion 1514 may be adapted for expanding/compressing to fill a portion of the receiving channel, such as the barbed cross-section channel 1512 or the ‘T’-shaped cross-section channel 1516. In this example, the rounded protrusion may compress in portions to expand into the barb-like extensions of the receiving channel 1512. Similarly, the rounded protrusion 1514 may ultimately take on a ‘T’-like shape as it is compressed into the receiving channel form 1516. This compressive type fit may provide resistance to decoupling between the damping component and the impact shell.
While the discussion is focused on the protrusions extending from the damping component and the channels formed in the impact shell, it is contemplated that one or more protrusion may extend from the impact shell and one or more channels may be formed in the damping component. Further, it is contemplated that protrusions are integrally formed with the base material from which they extend (e.g., damping component material). Additionally, it is contemplated that the protrusions are formed from a different material or during a different process.
The protrusion 1612 depicts a different cross-section shape at a head portion than the protrusion 1608. A stem portion 1604 extends through a receiving chamber insertion hole to the recessed portion of the receiving portion 1610. While the recessed portion is depicted as extending to an outer surface, it is contemplated that the receiving chamber may instead be a void within the impact shell that does not extend all of the way to the outer surface, which then may provide the appearance of a uniform outer surface to the impact shell.
As previously discussed with respect to
In an additional exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that a protrusion portion 1704 may extend through the impact shell 101 and mate with a lip portion 1708. For example, it is contemplated that a distal end portion of the protrusion portion may be bonded (e.g., welded, tacked, chemically secured) to an inner portion 1706 of the lip 1708. It is also contemplated that the protrusion 1704 may extend through the lip portion 1708 and form a mechanical fastener. Further, it is contemplated that the protrusion 1704 is coupled, either permanently or temporarily, to the impact shell where it extends through the impact shell.
It is contemplated that the protrusion 1704 may be located at any location relative to the impact shell (or the damping component). For example, it is contemplated that the protrusion 1704 (and any number of similar protrusions) may be positioned along a perimeter to pass through the receiving channel 1714 at any location. Additionally, it is contemplated that the protrusion, which may be any shape, size, length, material (similar to and/or different from the damping component), is located at any location.
The first strap includes a closure protrusion 1806. The closure protrusion 1806 is depicted as a portion of the strap 1802 extending beyond a surface, such as the inner surface. The impact shell may have a receiving cavity 1808 for receiving the closure protrusion. Similar concepts discussed with respect to
Similarly, the second strap 1804 is illustrated with an alternative arrangement having a first closure protrusion 1812 and a second closure protrusion 1814. Respective receiving cavities 1816 and 1818 are formed on the opposite side of the protective pad (e.g., formed in the impact shell, the damping component, and/or a combination) for receiving the closure protrusions. It is contemplated that any combination of closure protrusions and receiving cavities may be used in any combination. Further, it is contemplated that additional components (e.g., hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, clips, lacing, and the like) may also or alternatively be used to couple a strap to the protective pad.
Returning to the straps 1802 and 1804, it is contemplated that the straps are formed as part of the damping component. For example, in a common forming (e.g., molding) operation each of the straps are formed from the same material as is used to form the damping component. Further, it is contemplated that the straps may be considered a connecting member that extends from an edge portion of the protective pad. Further, while medial and lateral sides are called out for purposes of explaining
Further, it is contemplated that rather than have the protrusions extending from the damping component they may alternatively or in addition extend from the impact shell (either the inner or outer surfaces). Further, it is contemplated that sizing of the strap may be accomplished by a series of receiving cavities or protrusions extending along a portion of the strap and/or the impact shell. For example, it is contemplated that a series of receiving cavities extends along the outer surface of the impact shell in a pattern that may be matched by two or more protrusions extending along the length of a strap.
In this example, an outer surface 1904 is opposite the inner surface 1906. A thickness of material extending between the inner surface 1906 and the outer surface 1904 may vary with location to achieve varied physical properties, such as elasticity, impact force attenuation, and the like. In this example, the sheet-like form 1901 may not include a void extending between the inner surface 1906 and the outer surface 1904. However, it is contemplated that one or more of the extension member voids 1914 may extend from a distal end of one or more of the extension members 1908, through the extension members, and through the sheet-like form 1901. In this example, an extension member void extending through the outer surface 1904 may form an aperture at the outer surface 1904. This aperture may be effective for facilitating the movement of air and/or moisture. Further, it is contemplated that the aperture may be effective for facilitating a better contact surface between the user and the damping component.
While not depicted, it is contemplated that a combination of a lattice and a sheet-like form may be implemented to form at least a portion of a damping component. For example, a first portion may be a sheet-like form and a second portion of the damping component may be a lattice formed from a plurality of connecting members. The first portion and the second portion may be positioned in particular zones of the protective pad to realize listed advantages of each form.
While the concepts provided herein discuss the concept of a pad and depict a shin-guard pad in particular, it is contemplated that this concept extends to all types of force attenuation applications. For example, as previously discussed, features provided herein may be utilized in connection with helmets, clothing, barriers, armor, and other applications.
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