Abstract:
A comfort guard apparatus and method of use comprises a compartmentalized chamber positioned adjacent to protective equipment such as shin guards, chest protectors, and helmets. In one embodiment, the apparatus is interchangeable and removably positioned between the user and the protective equipment. In another embodiment, the apparatus is built in to the protective equipment including clothing such as shirts and pants. The apparatus can be replaced with a freshly cooled or warmed version during use. The apparatus conforms to the body of the user, keep the chamber in contact with a greater surface area, and prevent the contents of the compartments from gravitating towards edges. Adjacent compartments can be separated by a breakable membrane or contain breakable packets. The apparatus cushions the user from abrupt edges of the protective equipment. The apparatus, positioned against the body of the wearer, regulates the wearer&#39;s body temperature which contributes to enhanced athletic performance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/771,392 filed on Mar. 1, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to sporting equipment, and more particularly to a comfort guard positioned between a user and protective sport equipment, which regulates body temperature. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Stabilizing body temperature of an athlete can lead to better performance and comfort during athletic competition. For example, an athlete in warm weather wearing protective padding gear is prone to overheating. Similarly, a cold weather athlete is more likely to require heat to warm and maintain muscle strength. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,274 to Karpati discloses a chest protector. The device utilizes a pliable gel attached to a chest protector to enhance absorption and dissipation of impact forces. The gel is that commonly used for heat or freezer pads and is configured in separate panels to keep the gel from flowing across the entire device. The gel may be frozen or refrigerated prior to use in order to cool the user. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0307998 to Turner discloses an article of apparel including a base component and an attachment component. The base component is formed from a plurality of joined material elements. An attachment component includes a cover layer, a plurality of pad elements, and a plurality of securing elements. Each of the pad elements are joined to the cover layer. The securing elements include a second part of a fastening system. The shape of the pad elements varies. A variety of materials may be utilized for the pad elements including various polymer foam, gas or liquid. 
         [0006]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0038368 to Richter, et al. discloses a padding layer fitted to objects such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, and bicycle helmets. The comfort layer includes a temperature sensitive gel that conforms to the shape of the user. The comfort layer can be chambered. 
         [0007]    International Patent Publication No. WO 2012086676 to Hasegawa discloses a body temperature regulation pad that uses a melting material to prevent a change in body temperature. The pad is worn under the clothing and is capable of bending along the shape of the body. The pad has an external shape that does not deform and is provided with a plurality of tube shaped compartments. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for an insertable and interchangeable pad that controls body temperature and contours to the body of the athlete. Further, there is a need for a protective guard that applies cooling immediately after impact without removing the athlete from the sporting activity. There is also a need for an impact indicator that aids in rapid field side medical diagnosis. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    A compartmentalized pad and guard are provided, which are fitted between an athlete and certain protective sports equipment, which can prevent heating and cooling during an athletic event. The compartments are filled with a gel, liquid, or solid of varying composition. The pad reacts to impact forces by immediately cooling or warming the affected area of the athlete and changing color to show the intensity of the impact. The level of cooling and heating and of temperature change can be affected by the level of impact absorbed by the pad during use. The pad also conforms to the shape of the wearer and can be easily interchanged during competition. 
         [0010]    The pad is designed to be used with protective equipment such as shin guards, thigh guards, shoulder pads, chest protectors, helmets, etc. The pad also can accommodate use in medical sports braces such as knee braces, elbow braces, and sweat bands. 
         [0011]    The apparatus can accommodate different sizes and shapes of protective equipment. The apparatus is sectioned into individual compartments with flexible seams. The seams allow the individual compartments to conform to the shape of the body and aid in maintaining contact with a greater surface area. 
         [0012]    In a first embodiment, the apparatus is removably fitted with Velcro or a suitable adhesive or in pockets or other fitted clothing. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is permanently fitted into protective equipment. 
         [0013]    In another alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes paired compartments separated by rupturable membranes. The compartments contain substances which demonstrate exothermic or endothermic reactions when mixed. 
         [0014]    The apparatus forms a barrier between the athlete and the protective equipment to cushion the athlete from sharp edges. Additionally, the heating or cooling contributes to enhanced athletic performance. Further, in one embodiment, the apparatus supplies immediate cooling to an area of the body after a forceful impact, thereby immediately aiding in recovery of the athlete. 
         [0015]    In another alternate embodiment, the substance in the chamber acts as an inert heat capacitor and therefore can be either reusable or disposable. 
         [0016]    In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes pockets of silicone pellets that are potentially heavy to provide a weighted workout in addition to the cushioning and body temperature affecting characteristics. 
         [0017]    In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes temperature sensitive dye to indicate the need for replacement or to indicate severity of an impact to the athlete. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of protective equipment of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure attached to the protective equipment of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure inserted within athletic pants. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure inserted within an athletic shirt. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure in conjunction with a knee brace. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of this disclosure in conjunction with a sweat band. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , comfort guard  100  is a flexible, generally planar chamber manufactured of a tear and puncture resistant vinyl plastic or similar material. Comfort guard  100  is comprised of a plurality of compartments  120  containing gel. Other shapes, conforming to protective equipment such as thigh pads, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, arm pads, chest protectors, and medical braces are also envisioned. 
         [0033]    Outer edge  102  confines the gel within comfort guard  100 . Horizontal seam  104  and vertical seams  106 ,  108 , and  110  further divide comfort guard  100  into the plurality of compartments  120 . Horizontal seam  104  and vertical seams  106 ,  108 , and  110  also provide natural bending axes to allow comfort guard  100  to conform to the shape of the protective equipment. Compartments  120  are generally tubular shaped. The seams could be other than generally horizontally and vertically aligned. In alternate embodiments, compartments  120  could form concentric circles or other concentric shapes particularly suited to a certain type of equipment or body part. The seams forming compartments  120  prevent the gel from being forced away from pressure points or gravitating downward during use. The total number of compartments  120  may vary with the size of comfort guard  100  and also with the axes required to conform to the shape of any particular body part. The thickness of each compartment  120  can range from approximately 1/8 inch to an inch or more. Additionally, the thickness and shape of each compartment  120  can vary throughout the apparatus depending on desired use. 
         [0034]    In an alternate embodiment, comfort guard  100  includes layer  112 . Layer  112  is an insulating fabric. Layer  112  may also include an absorbent, wicking, and anti-bacterial material. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the gel comprises a silicone based suspension including water. The gel can be repeatedly chilled and reused. The gel also resists freezing at normal refrigeration temperatures to avoid becoming stiff. In other embodiments, the gel confined in compartments  120  is a polymer or glycerin capable of retaining heat or cold. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , in an alternate embodiment, the compartments are paired and separated by breakable membranes. Horizontal seams  214  and  215  and vertical seams  216 ,  217 ,  218 ,  219 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  223 , and  224  divide comfort guard  100  into the paired compartments  120 A and  120 B,  120 C and  120 D,  120 E and  120 F, and  120 G and  120 H. Membrane  202  separates compartment  120 A from compartment  120 B. Membrane  204  separates compartment  120 C from compartment  120 D. Membrane  206  separates compartment  120 E from compartment  120 F. Membrane  208  separates compartment  120 G from compartment  120 H. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, compartment  120 A contains a first endothermic reaction substance, such as water, and compartment  120 B contains a second endothermic reaction substance, such as calcium ammonium nitrate or urea. In another embodiment, compartment  120 A contains a first exothermic reaction substance, such as water, and compartment  120 B contains a second exothermic reaction substance, such as supersaturated sodium acetate. In each case, membrane  202  keeps the substances contained in compartments  120 A and  120 B are separated until the membranes are broken allowing the substrates to mix. 
         [0038]    A breakable membrane such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,379,069, 6,641,319, and 6,869,242 will suffice 
         [0039]    Once membrane  202  is broken, the two substances combine and produce an endothermic or exothermic reaction, thereby causing compartments  120 A and  120 B to become cool or warm. In one embodiment, all the compartments in the pad are either endothermic or exothermic. In another embodiment, the pairs of compartments alternately contain substances which produce endothermic or exothermic reactions. In this embodiment, the compartments are separated by their respective membranes, thereby providing both cool and warm regions in the same apparatus. Membranes in the alternating compartments may be of differing rupture strengths to control when each reaction occurs. 
         [0040]    Membrane  202  can be ruptured manually by squeezing either compartment  120 A or  120 B such that the pressure on membrane  202  causes membrane  202  to break thereby allowing the substances contained within compartments  120 A and  120 B to mix and start the reaction. Alternatively, membrane  202  can be ruptured automatically during use as the user receives an impact blow to the protective gear. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, membranes  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208  are purposefully varied in size, ranging from a relatively small weak membrane to a relatively strong membrane. For example, the pressure or impact required to rupture membrane  204  is greater than that required to rupture membrane  202 . The pressure required to rupture membrane  206  is greater than that required to rupture membrane  204 . Finally, the pressure required to rupture membrane  208  is greater than that required to rupture membrane  206 . The positioning of membranes  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208  relative to each other are ordered sequentially as to the amount of pressure required to rupture each. As a result, select pairs of compartments can be activated separately while other pairs of compartments can remain inactive until needed. Furthermore, selection of which membranes are ruptured provides for local control of what portion of comfort guard  100  is cooled or heated. Furthermore, more than one membrane may be provided between any given pair of compartments. The pressures required to rupture the membranes can range from approximately 1 to 20 lbs/in 2 . 
         [0042]    Additionally, the duration of the useful life of the apparatus can be extended by selectively breaking some membranes while purposefully keeping other membranes intact for later use. 
         [0043]    The variable level of rupture pressures for the particular membranes also allows the timing of the temperature change to be triggered by the level of impact absorbed by the apparatus during use. Accordingly, the apparatus can begin applying a cooling effect immediately after receiving a small impact and continue to provide additional cooling after different larger impact. The distinct advantage provided is that the athlete would not have to be removed from a game to be treated for any injury due to the impact, because the apparatus would begin cooling the affected area immediately afterward. 
         [0044]    In an alternate embodiment, all the membranes are the same size and require an equivalent amount of pressure to rupture. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , in an alternate embodiment, the positioning of the membranes between their respective compartment pairs relative to pressure required to rupture them is staggered. Compartments  120 A and  120 B are separated by membrane  232 . Compartments  120 C and  120 D are separated by membrane  234 . Compartments  120 E and  120 F are separated by membrane  236 . Compartments  120 G and  12011  are separated by membrane  238 . The pressure required to rupture membrane  232  is approximately 1 to 3 lbs/in 2 . The pressure required to rupture membrane  234  is approximately 18 to 20 lbs/in 2 . The pressure required to rupture membrane  236  is approximately 6 to 8 lbs/in 2 . The pressure required to rupture membrane  238  is approximately 12 to 14 lbs/in 2 . The advantage of this arrangement is to evenly distribute the cooling or heating effect of the apparatus when an impact occurs. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 2C , in an alternate embodiment, the apparatus comprises alternating compartment pairs including endothermic reaction substances directly adjacent but separate from exothermic reaction substances. For example, section  240  may be comprised of compartment pairs like  120 A and  120 B containing exothermic reaction substances. When membrane  232  is ruptured compartments  120 A and  120 B warm. Section  244  may be comprised of compartment pairs like  120 E and  120 F and also contain exothermic reaction substances. When membrane  236  is ruptured compartments  120 E and  120 F warm. Compartments  120 C and  120 D include endothermic reaction substances. Section  242  is comprised of a plurality of compartment pairs like  120 C and  120 D containing endothermic reaction substances. When membrane  234  is ruptured compartments  120 C and  120 D cool. Section  246  is comprised of a plurality of compartment pairs like  120 G and  120 H and also contains endothermic reaction substances. When membrane  238  is ruptured compartments  120 G and  120 H cool. The advantage of this arrangement is that heating can be selectively applied by the athlete during warm-up and then cooling can be applied after impact from the same apparatus without replacement or recharge. 
         [0047]    In this configuration, the membranes of the heat production sections  240  and  244  are manually ruptured and inserted in place in the protective equipment. The warmth produced by the apparatus helps wan the muscles. During activity, if the user absorbs a particularly severe force, the membranes of the cold production sections  242  and  246  are ruptured by the severe force and the apparatus begins cooling. The athlete would not have to be removed from activity to be tended to by an athletic trainer to apply an ice pad because the apparatus would begin cooling the affected area immediately. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 2D , in an alternate embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of compartments including a first exothermic or a first endothermic reaction substance. Horizontal seams  233  and  235  and vertical seams  250 ,  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258 , and  260  divide the apparatus into compartments  262 . Each compartment  262  contains a single or a plurality of packets  270 . Packet  270  is hollow and contains either a second exothermic or a second endothermic reaction substance. Packet  270  is preferably comprised of a mechanically breakable rigid plastic window of a material such as polyethylene. However, any plastic with characteristics which allow ripping and tearing without shattering and splintering will suffice. Packet  270  is scored with frangible seam  272  such that when pressure is applied to compartment  262  and packet  270 , packet  270  will fracture along frangible seam  272  and allow its contents to mix with the contents of compartment  262 . The size, volume, and durability of each packet  270  can vary as well as the number of packets in each compartment  262 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3A  shows protective equipment  300  which in this case is a shin guard. Extending from the lateral edges of protective equipment  300  are straps  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308 . Straps  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  are common in the art attachment straps and incorporate common attachment features such as buttons, snaps, or Velcro™. Straps  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  are used to attach protective equipment  300  to the body of a user. In many applications such as shin guards and thigh pads, attachment straps may not be required as tight fitting clothing such as socks and shorts may secure the protective equipment in place. Fabric  310  is attached to protective equipment  300  with stitching  311  and forms pocket  312 . Fabric  310  is attached to protective equipment  300  with stitching  313  to form pocket  314 . Stitching  311  and  313  could be replaced with adhesive common in the art. Pockets  312  and  314  are separated from each other and open to each other by flap  316 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3B  shows comfort guard  100  attached to protective equipment  300 . Comfort guard  100  is adjacent protective equipment  300  within pockets  312  and  314 . Comfort guard  100  is shaped to follow the interior shape of a shin guard. In use, flap  316  is separated to expose pockets  312  and  314 . Comfort guard  100  is inserted into and rests in both pockets  312  and  314 . Flap  316  is closed. In alternate embodiments, comfort guard  100  is attached to the protective equipment with adhesives, clips, Velcro®, or straps. Straps  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  attach protective equipment  300  with the attached comfort guard  100  to the body of a user. Alternatively, protective equipment  300  is secured to the user with socks without the use of straps. 
         [0051]    During use, the desired effect of the apparatus stops as it reaches ambient temperature. Hence, it is desirable to replace it when exhausted. To do so, straps  302 ,  304 ,  306 , and  308  are undone to remove protective equipment  300  from the body of the user or the protective equipment is removed from the user&#39;s sock. Flap  316  is opened and comfort guard  100  is removed from pockets  312  and  314 . A replacement apparatus is inserted into pockets  312  and  314 . Additional replacements may be stored, to be reused. 
         [0052]    In an alternate embodiment, comfort guard  100  is permanently attached to protective equipment  300 . Therefore, in this alternate embodiment, the entire combination, which would be heated or cooled in its entirety, could be replaced once the apparatus reached ambient temperature. 
         [0053]    It is envisioned that differently shaped comfort guards can be used with protective equipment such as thigh pads, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, arm pads, and chest protectors. Where the protective equipment includes thigh pads, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, arm pads, and chest protectors, the protective equipment and the apparatus are secured to the user with fitted shirts or pants. It is further envisioned that a comfort guard can be fitted to protective equipment such as braces and sleeves used by athletes for support and reinforcement of knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, and wrists. 
         [0054]    In an alternate embodiment, the compartments  120  include silicone pellets. In one embodiment, all compartments  120  include the silicone pellets. In another embodiment, compartments  120  alternate including gel and silicone pellets. The silicone pellets are potentially heavy to provide a weighted workout in addition to the cushioning and body temperature affecting characteristics. 
         [0055]    In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is treated with a temperature sensitive thermochromic dye. In this embodiment, the temperature sensitive dye indicates to the user when the pad is exhausted. 
         [0056]    In an alternate embodiment, the temperature sensitive dye indicates the severity of impact received during an athletic endeavor. The severity of the impact controls the number of membranes that rupture and so controls the temperature of the pad. The temperature of the pad controls the color of the dye. Hence, the color of the apparatus indicates the impact that was required to rupture the membranes, and, hence, the severity of the impact received by the athlete. For example, if multiple chambers are activated, the color change will be different or greater than if only a few chambers are activated. Knowing the severity of the impact is valuable information to the athletic trainer in providing treatment. Also, advantageously, the severity of an impact indicated by the color remains hidden under the protective gear. This is important to avoid competitors from identifying and targeting an injured player. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a partial cross-section of the apparatus with thermochromic dye is shown. Comfort guard  100  is comprised of temperature altering substance  402  confined in a tear resistant chamber having sides  404  and  405 . Side  405  is treated with thermochromic dye  406 . Side  405  is positioned inside protective equipment  408 . Protective equipment includes a pocket for insertion of comfort guard  100  made from fabric layer  410 . Finally, pocket  411  holds the combination of protective equipment  408  and comfort guard  100  securely adjacent the user&#39;s body  412 . In an alternate embodiment, the protective equipment does not include a pocket for insertion of the apparatus and therefore fabric layer  410  is not present and side  404  is directly adjacent user&#39;s body  412 . In an alternate embodiment, side  405  may also be treated with a reflective metallic coating to effect a radiant barrier to increase the heating or cooling effect of the device. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment comfort guard  500  is shown in combination with athletic pants. Comfort guard  500  is sized to be positioned adjacent a user and protective equipment such as common in the art thigh pad or hip pad. Comfort guard  500  is attached to the protective equipment in any manner previously disclosed or in a pocket built into the athletic pants. Alternatively, no pockets are used and the tight fitting nature of the pants securely positions the apparatus adjacent both the user and the protective equipment. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment comfort guards  600  and  602  are shown in combination with an athletic shirt. Comfort guard  600  is sized to be positioned adjacent a user and protective equipment such as common in the art shoulder pads. Comfort guard  602  is sized to be positioned adjacent a user and protective equipment such as common in the art chest protector. Comfort guards  600  and  602  are attached to the protective equipment by the means previously disclosed or in a pocket built into the athletic shirt. Alternatively, no pockets are used and the tight fitting nature of the shirt positions the apparatus adjacent both the user and the protective equipment. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment comfort guard  700  is shown in combination with a knee brace. Comfort guard  700  is sized to mimic the shape of and fit under the sleeve of a knee brace. Knee brace  702  is comprised of sleeve  720 , collars  722  and  724 , straps  726  and  728 , struts  730  and  732 , and hinge  734 . Sleeve  720  is adjacent the user&#39;s skin and includes cutout  721  for the knee cap of the user. Collar  722  is secured to user&#39;s upper leg around sleeve  720  by strap  726 . Collar  724  is secured to user&#39;s lower leg around sleeve  720  by strap  728 . Strut  730  extends from collar  722  and connects to hinge  734 . Strut  732  extends from collar  724  and connects to hinge  734 . Sleeve  720  secures comfort guard  700  under knee brace  702 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternate embodiment comfort guard  800  is shown in combination with a sweat band around a wrist. Comfort guard  800  is sized to mimic the shape of and fit under sweat band  802 . Comfort guard  800  is attached to sweat band  802  in any manner previously disclosed or in a pocket built into the sweat band. Advantageously, the temperature altering effect of comfort guard  800  is positioned at the wrist to directly affect the bloodstream that passes close to the wrist. It is envisioned that comfort guard  800  could be fitted to a head band. 
         [0062]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.