Apparel – Guard or protector – For wearer's head
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-01-23
Mohanty, Bibhu (Department: 3741)
Apparel
Guard or protector
For wearer's head
C002S044000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175967
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The subject invention is generally related to impact absorbing equipment and is specifically directed to an improved impact absorbing system for protective gear including a fitting pad attached to an impact absorbing layer worn under a protective shell for providing protective equipment contoured to custom fit each individual.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The primary goal of the protective equipment is to protect the wearer, usually a person but possibly an animal or an inanimate object, against injury or against aggravation of a previous injury. Protective athletic equipment, such as shoulder pads, rib protectors and hip or thigh pads, are commonly worn by participants in many types of sports for protection from shock resulting from forceful contact with the ground or another participant.
Typically, protective “pads” include both an impact absorbing cushion layer and an overlying shell or shield constructed of a lightweight material such as molded plastic to provide means for dispersing the impact of an external force so that it may be more uniformly absorbed by the underlying cushion over a broad ares.
A common problem with protective gear is that it is bulky and often uncomfortable. An uncomfortable protective pad may interfere with a wearer's performance. Although it is possible to modify and mold protective pads to provide a better fit, this may significantly increase the cost of the pads, may significantly increase the overall weight, thickness or flexibility of the pads, and may sacrifice impact absorbing capability.
While pads commonly available are designed to optimally protect against impacts, they are not designed to fit the individual shape of each wearer. It is an object of the present invention to provide protective gear that is comfortable and avoids the disadvantages of a protective pad that does not fit well. There is need for an improved impact absorbing system which includes means for shaping the gear to more properly fit individual wearers for maximum comfort and protection, without significantly increasing the overall weight, thickness, flexibility or cost of the pads, and without sacrificing protection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed to an improved impact absorbing system including protective gear comprising a shell overlaying an impact absorbing layer and a fitting pad including a substantially air tight enclosure, attached or attachable to the protective layer, for providing an impact absorbing system contoured to form a comfortable fit against an individual body. The fitting pad enclosure is formed of a generally air impermeable stretch material enclosing a foam core and includes means for adjusting the internal pressure of the enclosure. The adjusting means may include a release valve which permits air to enter or leave when depressed and/or may include a combination of a release valve and pump valve for adjusting the internal pressure of the enclosure.
In use, the fitting pad enclosure is preferably releasably attached to the protective pad layer, such as by a hook and loop-type attachment, and is worn against the body. After the impact absorbing gear is in place, air is added or released from the fitting enclosure through the release and inflate valve or valves so that the enclosure may be adjustably shaped against a body to form a comfortable fit. The fitting enclosure may include a dual valve and a self-inflating foam for reinflating the enclosure to its original form. Alternatively, the fitting enclosure may include a pump, housed either separately or in combination with a release valve, for re-inflating the enclosure, as desired.
Therefore, it is an object and feature of the subject invention to provide an impact absorbing system contoured to form a comfortable fit against an individual body.
It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide an impact absorbing system including a shell overlaying an impact absorbing protective pad layer and a substantially air tight fitting enclosure attached to the protective pad layer.
It is an additional object and feature of the subject invention to provide a fitting enclosure formed of a generally air impermeable stretch material enclosing a foam core and including a means for adjusting the internal pressure of the enclosure.
It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a fitting enclosure which is releasably attached to the protective pad layer.
It is yet another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a fitting enclosure including an adjusting means including a release valve for permitting air to enter or leave the enclosure so that the enclosure may be adjustably shaped against the body to form a comfortable fit.
Other objects and features will be readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3849801 (1974-11-01), Holt et al.
patent: 3855631 (1974-12-01), Ettinger
patent: 3866243 (1975-02-01), Morgan
patent: 3999220 (1976-12-01), Keltner
patent: 4370754 (1983-02-01), Donzis
patent: 4685151 (1987-08-01), Kincheloe
patent: 5263203 (1993-11-01), Kraemer
patent: 5390367 (1995-02-01), Rush, III
patent: 5458516 (1995-10-01), Uglene et al.
patent: 5546602 (1996-08-01), Hale
Felsman Bradley Vaden Gunter & Dillon, LLP
Mohanty Bibhu
Shaper Sue Z.
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