Patent Number: 044410255
Section: description

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Radiation protective aprons, per se, are known. In this connection, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,404,225 (Green); 2,451,282 (Feibel); 2,494,664 (Lubow); 2,642,542 (Weinberg); 3,052,799 (Hollands); 3,093,829 (Maines); 3,233,248 (Bushnell); and German Pat. No. 1078279 and French Pat. No. 1145614. Referring first to FIG. 1, there is depicted, laid out flat, in a plan view, an x-ray protective apron 10 which embodies the present invention. Although this particular embodiment will be discussed at length here, it is to understood that this invention is not restricted to this particular embodiment or use, but instead is applicable to any apparel. Thus, for example, it is not restricted to use on x-ray protective equipment, but is applicable as well to equipment for use in protecting against other forms of radiation, as well as for such things as bullet-proof vests and the like, particularly where the weight of the equipment is a significant factor. The apron apparel shown in FIG. 1 may be made from a wide variety of known per se protective materials, such as lead filled vinyl, laminated fabrics, etc. As shown, it includes a main body portion 11, a neck portion 12, and flap members 14, 16. The insides of the flaps 14, 16, (i.e., the portions which ultimately face juxtaposed to the outer surface of the apron) include Velcro surfaces 15, 17 (respectively), for interengagement with the Velcro surfaces 18, 20 (respectively) affixed to the front of the main body 11 of the apron 10. Although other forms of length (and therefore tautness) adjustable fasteners, such as hooks and eyes (not shown) may also and/or alternatively be used, Velcro fasteners have been found to be particularly advantageous for use with embodiments of this invention because of the ease with which they may be attached and removed, and because of the small and variable increments of length adjustment which they afford, as contrasted with the more limited and fixed positioning afforded by other fastening means. In this connection, reference is made to Maines U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,355. It should be noted particularly that in preferred embodiments of this invention, the flaps are so that, and the corresponding fastener means 18, 20 on the main body 11, are so oriented that when the flaps 14, 16 are fastened in position as hereinafter described, their outermost ends, and therefore their axial orientation, will be at least slightly downward. By this means, the weight transfer hereinafter described, may be achieved easier and more effectively as this tends to transfer the apron's weight downward onto the pelvis, rather than straight across the small of the back. Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that when the user puts the apron on, the flaps 14, 16 are crossed approximately in the region of the lower back; i.e., near the top of the pelvis structure, where the size of the body normally increases above the buttocks. The user has virtually unlimited choice as to the degree of length of the flaps as they are brought around the sides and, as shown in FIG. 3, secured to the front of the apron by means of the associated fastening means. It will be apparent, therefore, from FIG. 4 in particular, that by means of so regulating the length of the flaps, and therefore their degree of tautness, part or even substantially all of the weight of the apron may be taken off of the wearer's shoulders and concentrated on the wearer's lower body region. The looser the flaps, the greater the share of the weight that will be borne by the shoulders. The tighter the flaps are drawn, the greater the share of the weight that will be borne by the lower body region; i.e., the hips and pelvis. The latter, structurally as well as by virtue of being at a lower center of gravity, is more well suited for weight bearing, particularly over extended periods of time. Another feature of this, in terms of user comfort, is the ready ability which it affords to change the weight distribution of the apron at any time and from time to time; such change, per se, being well known as a means to make weight bearing more tolerable and comfortable, particularly over extended periods of time. Thus, it will be apparent that through practice of this invention, it is possible to produce a wide variety of apparel which is as fully protective as desired, of "full" cut and adaptably contoured, roomy, non-binding, and yet, even when made from heavy materials, adjustable so as to redistribute its weight and to minimize fatigue. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments herein disclosed and described are by way of illustration and not of limitation, and that a wide variety of embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.