Patent Publication Number: US-2009218185-A1

Title: Resilient shock-absorbing device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a shock-absorbing device that can be applied to various fields. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a conventional safety helmet  1  includes an outer protective layer  11 , an inner protective layer  12 , a hollow intermediate layer  13  formed between the inner and outer protective layers  12 ,  11 , and a plurality of buffering strips  14  filled in the intermediate layer  13 . The buffering strips  14  are generally made of foam or Styrofoam, and are fixed within the intermediate layer  13  through an adhesive. Air is then introduced into the intermediate layer  13 , so that through the buffering strips  14  and the air in the intermediate layer  13 , the safety helmet  1  can absorb shocks generated upon impact with external forces. However, when the safety helmet  1  is subjected to an excessive external impact, the buffering strips  14  offer minimal protection due to the fact that they are made of foam or Styrofoam. In addition, the air introduced into the intermediate layer  13  may leak therefrom. Thus, after the outer protective layer  11  receives an external impact, the impact force is easily transmitted to the inner protective layer  12  of the safety helmet  1 , so that the user&#39;s head, particularly portions thereof that are in contact with the inner protective layer  12 , is likely to be jarred or injured. Further, since the inner protective layer  12  is usually made of fabric material, when the user perspires, e.g., as a result of intense exercise, the user&#39;s sweat easily permeates into the buffering strips  14  through the inner protective layer  12 , so that the safety helmet  1  produces a peculiar odor that is difficult to remove. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a resilient shock-absorbing device that is made from thermoplastic polyurethane and that can effectively buffer an external force so as to provide enhanced comfort and a good shock-absorbing effect. 
     According to this invention, a resilient shock-absorbing device comprises an absorber body having top and bottom faces and including first and second absorber layers. The first absorber layer includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other, and a plurality of first foam members filled respectively in the first outer tube halves and each having a surface exposed from a respective one of the first outer tube halves. The first absorber layer forms the top face. The second absorber layer includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other, and a plurality of second foam members filled respectively in the second outer tube halves and each having a surface exposed from a respective one of the second outer tube halves. The second absorber layer forms the bottom face. Each of the first and second outer tube halves is made of a thermoplastic elastic material. Each of the first and second foam members has a segment-shaped cross section. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a conventional safety helmet, with a portion thereof removed for clarity&#39;s sake; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a safety helmet incorporating a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the safety helmet removed for clarity&#39;s sake; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a protective suit incorporating the resilient shock-absorbing device of the first preferred embodiment, with a portion of the protective suit removed for clarity&#39;s sake; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative form of the first preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that the same reference numerals have been used to denote like elements throughout the specification. 
     A resilient shock-absorbing device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is adapted to be incorporated in a shell body of a safety helmet  15 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , or in a protective suit  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to provide the safety helmet  15  or the protective suit  16  with good buffering and shock-absorbing effects. Hence, the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention may be applied to various fields, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed application. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the first preferred embodiment of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention is shown to comprise an absorber body  100  having top and bottom faces and including first and second absorber layers  2 ,  3 . The first absorber layer  2  includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient first outer tube halves  21  heat-sealed to each other and each defining a receiving space  22 , and a plurality of first foam members  23  filled respectively in the receiving spaces  22  of the first outer tube halves  21  and each having a surface exposed from a respective first outer tube half  21 . The surfaces of the first foam members  23  form the top face of the absorber body  100 . 
     The second absorber layer  3  is similar in construction to the first absorber layer  2 . Particularly, the second absorber layer  3  includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient second outer tube halves  31  heat-sealed to each other and each defining a receiving space  32 , and a plurality of second foam members  33  disposed respectively in the receiving spaces  32  of the second outer tube halves  31  and each having a surface exposed from a respective second outer tube half  31 . The surfaces of the second foam members  33  form the bottom face of the absorber body  100 . 
     In this embodiment, each of the first outer tube halves  21  is heat-sealed to and is aligned with an adjacent one of the second outer tube halves  31  in a top-to-bottom direction. Alternatively, each of the first outer tube halves  21  may be heat-sealed to and may be staggered with respect to an adjacent one of the second outer tube halves  31  in a top-to-bottom direction, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Each of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  is made of a thermoplastic elastic material, and has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD. The thermoplastic elastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     The term “tube half” used herein refers to a section of a tube which is formed by sectioning the tube along a plane extending axially of the tube and whose cross section has the shape of a segment of a circle or a semi-circle. In this embodiment, the cross section of each of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  is semi-circular. Each of the first foam members  23  does not project out of the semi-circular outline of the respective first outer tube half  21 . However, in actual practice, each first foam member  23  may project out of the semi-circular outline of the respective first outer tube half  21 . 
     Each of the first and second foam members  23 ,  33  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a density ranging from 0.2 g/cm 3  to 0.6 g/cm 3 . However, in actual practice, each of the first and second foam members  23  may be made of a soft material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PU), natural rubber, silicone rubber, and a combination thereof. 
     Since the first outer tube halves  21  of the first absorber layer  2  and the second outer tube halves  31  of the second absorber layer  3  are made of the same material, they can be tightly bonded to each other dispensing with the need of an adhesive, and are therefore not easily separated. Further, because the first and second absorber layers  2 ,  3  are parallel and are connected to each other through the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31 , when the absorber body  100  is subjected to an external pressing force, the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  will bend and deform according to the strength and direction of the applied pressure so as to provide good buffering and shock-absorbing effects. Moreover, through the presence of the first and second foam members  23 ,  33  in the respective first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31 , when an external force is greater than the supporting forces of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31 , the first and second foam members  23 ,  33  can provide an additional supporting force against the external force, thereby enhancing the shock-absorbing and buffering effects of the absorber body  100  of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the first preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the surface of each of the first foam members  23 ′ is formed with a first indentation  24  of semi-circular cross section that extends along the length thereof, and the surface of each of the second foam members  33 ′ is formed with a second indentation  34  of semi-circular cross section that extends along the length thereof. The first absorber layer  2 ′ further includes a plurality of first inner tube halves  25  disposed in the first indentations  24  of the respective first foam members  23 ′ and each having a semi-circular cross section. The second absorber layer  3 ′ further includes a plurality of second inner tube halves  35  disposed in the second indentations  34  of the respective second foam members  33 ′ and each having a semi-circular cross section. Each of the first and second inner tube halves  25 ,  35  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD. 
     Through the presence of the relatively tough first and second inner tube halves  25 ,  35  in the respective first and second indentations  24 ,  34  of the first and second foam members  23 ′,  33 ′, the supporting effect of the entire absorber body  100 ′ of the shock-absorbing device of the present invention is strengthened. When an external force is greater than the limiting supporting forces of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  and the first and second foam members  23 ′,  33 ′, the first and second inner tube halves  25 ,  35  can provide an additional supporting force against the external force, thereby enhancing the supporting effect of the absorber body  100 ′ of the shock-absorbing device of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the second preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the shock-absorbing device of the present invention further comprises a cover layer  4  that envelops the superimposed first and second absorber layers  2 ′,  3 ′ of the absorber body  100 ′. The cover layer  4  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD. 
     Through the presence of the cover layer  4 , the entire structure of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention is strengthened, so that not only can each of the first and second absorber layers  2 ′,  3 ′ be prevented from being excessively pressed, but also the stability and durability of the same can be enhanced. Further, the cover layer  4  is a waterproof breathable (water-liquid impermeable and liquid-vapor permeable) film, so that when the user perspires after intense exercise, sweat is prevented from seeping easily into the absorber body  100 ′ of the shock-absorbing device of the present invention. Moreover, the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention can be easily cleaned through its waterproof feature. Hence, the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention is suitable for use in the protective suit  16  of an athlete, and is very suitable for use in products that require higher supporting and shock-absorbing effects. Referring to  FIG. 8 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the first preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the absorber body ( 100   a ) further includes a third absorber layer  5  connected between the first and second absorber layers  2 ,  3 . The third absorber layer  5  includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient third outer tubes  51  heat-sealed to each other and each defining a receiving space  52 , and a plurality of third foam members  53  received respectively in the receiving spaces  52  of the third outer tubes  51 . Each of the third outer tubes  51  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD. Each of the third foam members  53  is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a density ranging from 0.2 g/cm 3  to 0.6 g/cm 3 . However, in actual practice, each of the third foam members  53  may be made of a soft material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PU), natural rubber, silicone rubber, and a combination thereof. 
     Each of the third outer tubes  51  is heat-sealed to and aligned with an adjacent one of the first outer tube halves  21  and an adjacent one of the second outer tube halves  31  in a top-to-bottom direction. However, the arrangement of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  and the third outer tubes  51  may be altered as desired. 
     Since the third outer tubes  51  are made of thermoplastic polyurethane and are connected between the respective first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31 , when an external force is greater than the limiting supporting forces of the first and second outer tube halves  21 ,  31  and the first and second foam members  23 ,  33 , the third outer tubes  51  can provide an additional supporting force against the external force, thereby enhancing the buffering and shock-absorbing effects of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the fourth preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the third absorber layer  5 ′ of the absorber body ( 100   b ) includes a plurality of juxtaposed resilient third outer tube halves  51 ′ heat-sealed to each other and each defining a semi-circular receiving space  52 ′, and a plurality of fourth foam members  53 ′ disposed respectively in the receiving spaces  52 ′ of the third outer tube halves  51 ′. Outer curved surfaces of the first outer tube halves  21  form the top face of the absorber body ( 100   b ) in this embodiment. Each of the third outer tube halves  51 ′ is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and is heat-sealed to and is staggered with respect to an adjacent one of the first outer tube halves  21  and an adjacent one of the second outer tube halves  31  in a top-to-bottom direction. Through such an arrangement, gaps among the first to third outer tube halves  21 ,  31 ,  51 ′ can be minimized to thereby result in a denser structure of the entire shock-absorbing device of the present invention. As such, the supporting force and the buffering and shock-absorbing effects of the shock-absorbing device of the present invention can be enhanced. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the fourth preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, each of the third foam members ( 53   c ) has a central hole  54  that extends along the length thereof. The third absorber layer ( 5   c ) of the absorber body ( 100   c ) further includes a plurality of third inner tubes  54  disposed respectively in the central holes  54  of the third foam members ( 53   c ). Each of the third inner tubes  54  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD. Each of the first and second absorber layers ( 2   c,    3   c ) is similar in construction to the first and second absorber layers  2 ′,  3 ′ (see  FIG. 6 ) described in the second preferred embodiment of the shock-absorbing device of the present invention. The supporting effect of the entire shock-absorbing device of the present invention is strengthened through the presence of the relatively tough third inner tubes  55 , such that when an external force is greater than the supporting forces of the first and second outer tube halves ( 21   c,    31   c ) and the third tubes ( 51   c ), the first and second inner tube halves ( 25   c,    35   c ) and the third inner tubes  55  can provide an additional supporting force against the external force, thereby enhancing the shock-absorbing and buffering effects of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a resilient shock-absorbing device according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown to be similar to the sixth preferred embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the resilient shock-absorbing device further comprises a cover layer  6  that envelops the first to third absorber layers ( 2   c,    3   c ,  5   c ) of the absorber body ( 100   c ). The cover layer  6  is similar in construction to the cover layer  4  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the third preferred embodiment. Particularly, the cover layer  6  is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, has a hardness ranging from 55 ShoreA to 85 ShoreD, and can enhance stability and durability of the first to third absorber layers ( 2   c ,  3   c,    5   c ). Further, the cover layer  6  is also a waterproof breathable (water-liquid impermeable and liquid-vapor permeable) film that can prevent the sweat of the user from seeping into the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention, and that can permit easy cleaning of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention. 
     Other advantages of the present invention may be summarized as follows: 
     1. Since the thermoplastic polyurethane used in the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention is a recyclable material that may be reused and that can be decomposed, protection of the environment is achieved by using this material. 
     2. Since the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, it can be easily bonded to other component parts by heating and pressing. 
     3. Under a definite temperature, the shape of the resilient shock-absorbing device of the present invention can be altered as desired, including the ability to be bent to form any curve. 
     4. The present invention does not rely on an inflatable body for buffering, so that there is no problem of damage or leakage. 
     5. The present invention is provided with the cover layer  4 ,  6  to facilitate effects of cleaning, waterproofing, and breathability. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretations and equivalent arrangements.