Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of sporting equipment. More specifically, one embodiment of the disclosure relates to a wearable, protective sporting gear.
There are a number of sports in which protective equipment may be worn by players to protect them from injury. Currently, ice hockey players wear shoulder pads to protect his/her upper torso along with one-piece shin guards and thigh pads. However, these conventional pads are bulky and may hamper movement by the player. Due to adverse effects on overall movement, many persons playing related crossover recreation sports, such as roller hockey for example, forego wearing protective equipment. As a result, during competitive games, injuries may occur that could have been avoided if protective gear was worn.
Additionally, some protective equipment is bulky and, for certain individuals, hampers mobility. As a result, some athletes may not “wear the pads” better than others, and thus, these athletes may experience greater success on the field of play if they had other protective equipment options.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to wearable, protective sporting gear that allows for improved player mobility over conventional protective sporting gear. Herein, according to one embodiment, the protective sporting gear features an array of protective components interposed between a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. The top layer and/or bottom layer of the material may include a fabric that is stretchable in multiple directions, including compression fabric and/or a type of fabric (e.g., a high-performance, microfiber, polyester fabric) that wicks moisture on an athlete's skin from an inner side of the fabric to an outer side of the fabric for evaporation (collectively referred to as “compression/wicking fabric”). It is contemplated that the top layer of material may be equivalent to the type of material used as the bottom layer. Of course, it is contemplated that the top layer of material may differ from the type of material used as the bottom layer. Herein, for ease of description, the top layer and the bottom layer correspond to the same material (sometimes referred to as the “base material”).
Herein, each protective component is attached at least to an upper surface of the bottom layer of the base material. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a protective component features one or more layers of rigid material (hereinafter, “rigid material layer(s)”) positioned on one or more layers of non-rigid material (hereinafter, “non-rigid material layer(s)”). The rigid material layer(s) may include light-weight composite material, such as a hardened plastic for example. The non-rigid material layer may include a more flexible material than the composite material, such as a foam for example. Each protective component may be coupled to a plurality of neighboring protective components, although it is contemplated that each protective component may be independent of (and no coupling with) any neighboring protective components.
In one embodiment, the rigid material layer(s) may be positioned on and patterned to vertically align with the non-rigid material layer(s). As a result, each vertically oriented side of the layered protective component, which includes an edge along a perimeter of the rigid material layer(s), is also planar with a corresponding vertically oriented side of the non-rigid material layer(s). The depth of the rigid material layer(s) is normally less than a depth of the non-rigid material layer(s). In another embodiment, however, the rigid material layer(s) of the protective component may be positioned on the non-rigid material layer(s), but the perimeter of the rigid material layer is lesser in size than the perimeter of the non-rigid material layer. As a result, the rigid material layer resides within a boundary formed by the perimeter of the non-rigid material layer.
More specifically, the array of protective components may include a plurality of protective components arranged in a prescribed pattern. Herein, each protective component has a polygon shape (e.g., hexagon) and features one or more rigid material layers and one or more non-rigid material layers. The one or more rigid material layers (e.g., hardened plastic) are similarly patterned as the one or more non-rigid material layers positioned in a stacked formation during manufacturing. It is contemplated that an optional layer of adhesive material may be disposed on a bottom surface of a layer of non-rigid material to assist in adhesion of the protective component to a specific area of the base material that is part of an item of sporting gear (e.g., shin protector, sport girdle, tights, etc.).
Herein, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.
I. General Architecture—Protective Components (Protective Hexagons)
Referring to
Herein, each protective components 1251-125N of the array of protective components 120 may be configured as a hexagonal shaped component, where the array of protective components 120 is arranged so that some or all of the sides of the hexagonal shaped protective component (e.g., protective component 1251) are aligned with (and flush against) sides of at least two neighboring protective components (e.g., protective components 1252 and 1253). Each of the protective components 1251-125N includes one or more layers of rigid material 130 (hereinafter “rigid material layer(s)”) and one or more layers of non-rigid material 140 (hereinafter “non-rigid material layer(s)”).
For example, with respect to protective component 1255 for example, although most or all of the protective components 1251-125N have the same construction, the rigid material layer(s) 130 may include a light-weight, hardened composite, which may include a high, medium or low density plastic (e.g., a type of Polyethylene). The non-rigid material layer(s) 140 may include a more flexible material such as a foam (e.g., an Ethylene-vinyl acetate) with a prescribed amount of density to provide sufficient compression and resiliency in response to an impact (e.g., a force applied to the rigid material layer(s) 130 and further applied to the non-rigid material layer(s) 140). For instance, in response to the degree of force applied, the flexible material may be compressed by at least 10% of its thickness (depth) and perhaps in a maximum range between 40%-80% of its thickness.
As shown, the rigid material layer(s) 130 and the non-rigid material layer(s) 140 are similarly patterned, aligned and positioned one atop of another during manufacturing. It is contemplated that an optional layer of adhesive material 150 may be disposed on a bottom surface 144 of the non-rigid material layer 140 (or the lowest surface of a non-rigid material layer if more than one non-rigid material layer is present) and/or on a top surface 112 of the first layer of material 110 in order to assist in adhesion of this particular protective components 1255 to the first layer of material 110.
As further shown in
This combination and order of materials absorbs the impact from other equipment, falls or collisions with other players. For instance, each of the protective components 1251-125N may include a single layer of rigid material 130 positioned on a single layer of non-rigid material 140 (see
As shown in
The array of protective components 120, referred to as “protective hexagons,” includes a plurality of protective component 1251-125N that are coupled together, each protective component 120 having a polygon shape (e.g., hexagon) with horizontal-oriented top and bottom surfaces, along with vertically oriented edges equal in number to the polygon shape (e.g., six for a hexagon shaped protective component). The protective hexagons 120 are placed on and attached to the first layer of material 110 (e.g., compression/wicking fabric). The protective hexagons 120 are arranged and aligned (e.g., at least two slides flush with) to conform to the athlete's body for a better anatomic fit compared to the other traditional protective padding shapes.
Furthermore, for each protective component 125i, the rigid material layer 130 may be attached (e.g. by use of an adhesive, heat welding, etc.) to the non-rigid material layer 140. Each protective component 125i can stack one on top of another, making columns, which then can interlock, side by side, in a brick-like pattern with other columns, leaving each piece to flex upward or downward on the each of the six sides. The shape and patterned ordering of the protective hexagons 120 cause no hindrance in natural or athletic movements during physical activity. If needed the regular hexagon shape can be made (cut—shaped—molded) to fill void spots to create a smooth edge of protection. A neighboring protective hexagon 1201 may be aligned with two or more (up to six) neighboring protective hexagons 12022-7 in accordance with a pattern as shown.
The sizes, thickness and densities of the non-rigid material layer 140 and the rigid material layer 130 that form a protective component (e.g., protective component 1255) can be made larger or smaller, softer or harder, depending on the degree of protection needed or area of the body that needs protection. The size of the protective components 1251-125N can be manufactured to properly fit child, youth, junior and adult users, male or female.
In summary,
Referring now to
Referring now to
When placed on the first layer of material 110 (e.g., tubular shaped fabric lining for fitting on a leg, arm, neck, or head; fabric in the form of a shirt, sporting girdle, tights, etc.) and activation of the adhesive material 150, the protective hexagons 120 become attached to the first layer of material 110. It is contemplated that the rigid material layer 130 and the top surface 144 of the non-rigid material layer 1451 are attached together, perhaps with the same or different than adhesive material 150. Of course, one non-rigid material layers 145i may be attached to its neighboring non-rigid material layer 145i+1, and the non-rigid material layers 1451-145M of a particular protection component (e.g., protection component 1251) may be attached to corresponding non-rigid material layers 1451-145M of any neighboring (bordering) protection components (e.g., protection component 1252-1257).
Referring now to
II. Protective Knee/Shin Protector
Referring now to
For example, where the knee/shin protector 200 is for use in ice or roller hockey, the protective hexagons 120 may be attached to the first layer of material 110 forming the sleeve 210. The protective hexagons 120 may extend from a front side 220 of the sleeve 210 to cover portions of a leg above the ankle up to and a knee as shown in
Herein, the second layer of material 115 (e.g., outer compression/wicking fabric) may be attached to the first layer of material 110 with the protective hexagons 120 encased between these layers 110 and 115. The second layer of material 115 ensures that the protective hexagons 120 stay together, thereby controlling gaps and providing compression. An elastic band 250 is attached as part of a top opening 215 and/or a bottom opening 217 of the sleeve 210 to retain positioning of the knee/shin protector 200 during use. Also, flat stitching 260 would be used where sewing is needed to minimize or eliminate skin discomfort.
As shown in
It is contemplated that slight modifications may be made to the knee/shin protector 200 based on the sport targeted for such use. For example, in soccer or field hockey, the protective hexagons 120 could just cover and protect the shin area 230, but not the knee area 240. This may be accomplished by attaching the protective hexagons 120 to the first layer of material 110 so as to reside on a middle portion of the sleeve 210. For activities such as broomball, roller hockey, ice hockey or even floor hockey, the protective hexagons 120 could just cover and protect the shin area 230 and the knee area 240. For mixed martial arts, however, the protective hexagons 120 would cover the knee area 240, the shin area 230 and even extend over a top portion of the user's foot. The shape of the protective hexagons 120 can also be larger or smaller in dimension, and the non-rigid material of the protective hexagons 120 may have a prescribed density that provides more or less cushion, depending on the sport and user preference.
III. Protective Sport Girdle
Referring now to
As shown in
The protective hexagons 120 can be attached completely or at least partially covering the first layer of material 110, depending on what degree of protection and area is needed. As an example, for an athlete playing cricket, the protective hexagons 120 may be oriented to cover a portion of the batsman's thigh that is facing the bowler. A similar construction may be conducted when the sports girdle 300 is directed to baseball, along with additional padding that is located to reduce an impact caused by sliding. In contrast, for ice or roller hockey, the protective hexagons 120 may be positioned over a greater amount of surface area of the first layer of material 110 than for a girdle directed to another sport such as cricket or baseball for example.
Besides the protective hexagons 120, the first layer of material 110 forming the sports girdle 300 may include a pouch 340 to hold and secure an athletic cup. Velcro® (not shown) may be used to keep the pouch 340 closed. Also, the protective hexagons 120 can also be taller or shorter, or, harder or softer depending on the sport and users preference. As further shown, an elastic waist band 350 is sewn into a top opening of the sports girdle 300 to help keep the sports girdle 300 in place. Similar elastic bands may be located at the end of the first leg portion 310 and the second leg portion 320. As stated above, flat stitching 360 would be used where sewing is needed to minimize or eliminate skin discomfort.
As shown in
IV. Protective Tights
Referring now to
As shown in
Besides the protective hexagons 120, the first layer of material 110 forming the tights 400 may include a pouch 450 to hold and secure an athletic cup. Velcro® (not shown) may be used to keep the pouch 450 closed. Also, the protective hexagons 120 can also be taller or shorter, or, harder or softer depending on the sport and users preference. As further shown, an elastic waist band 460 is sewn into a top opening of the tights 400 to help keep the tights 400 in place. Similar elastic bands may be located at the end of the first leg portion 410 and the second leg portion 430. Again, flat stitching 470 would be used where sewing is needed to minimize or eliminate skin discomfort proximate to the elastic bands.
As shown in
V. Protective Arm Sleeve
Referring now to
As shown, the protective hexagons 120 may be attached (e.g., sewn, glued, welded, or any other adhesion scheme) completely or partially covering the first layer of the material 110 (first sheet of fabric), depending on what degree of protection and area is needed. As shown in
Although not shown, the second layer of material (second sheet of fabric) may be provided. Herein, the second layer may be attached to the first layer of material 110 that is forming the arm sleeve 500. As a result, the protective hexagons 120 would reside between the first and second layers that collectively form the arm sleeve 500. The second layer, when provided, ensures that the protective hexagons 120 stay together, thereby controlling gaps and reinforcing compression. As described above, elastic bands 540 may be sewn into the first opening 510 and/or the second opening 515 of the arm sleeve 500 to help keep the arm sleeve 500 in place. Flat stitching 550 would be used where sewing is needed to minimize or eliminate skin discomfort.
VI. Protective Shirt
Referring now to
More generally stated, the protective shirt 600 includes the first layer of material 110 (e.g., compression/wicking fabric) shaped in a sleeveless shirt, a short-sleeved shirt, or a long-sleeved shirt as shown. The protective hexagons 120 may be attached completely or partially covering the first layer of material 110, depending on what degree of protection is needed for the particular sport. As shown, the protective hexagons 120 can be concentrated near the wrists 620, elbows 630 (if long-sleeved shirt), clavicle 640, sternum/chest 650, ribs 660, spine 670 and/or small of back 680. The protective hexagons 620-680 can also be larger or smaller, the rigid and/or non-rigid material may be harder or softer depending on the sport associated with the shirt, their location, and users preference.
Although not shown, it is contemplated that the second layer of material may be attached (e.g., sewn, glued, welded, etc.) to the first layer of the material 110. The second layer of material ensures that the protective hexagons 120 stay together, thereby controlling gaps and reinforcing compression. In contrast with traditional protective shirts, the protective shirt 600 is easily washable.
This application claims the benefit of priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/261,236, filed Nov. 30, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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9839251 | Pannikottu | Dec 2017 | B2 |
20080113143 | Taylor | May 2008 | A1 |
20080172779 | Ferguson | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20160353825 | Bottlang | Dec 2016 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20170151486 A1 | Jun 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62261236 | Nov 2015 | US |