Abstract:
The present invention provides an impact structure for the absorption of impact forces to the body. The impact structure is worn about a joint and/or muscle group of the body to protect that particular area from forceful blows in such common activities as football, basketball, construction work, etc. The impact structure generally comprises a sheath that fits snugly about the body part of a wearer, one or more impact zones which absorb the impact of a blow, and/or a protective cover which positions the impact zones to be in their correct-anatomical position on a wearer&#39;s body member. The protective cover is also used to provide a further defense about the a wearer&#39;s body member.

Description:
The above-named patent application in the name of Keith F. Whittle, Jr. hereby claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60-073502 entitled “AN IMPACT STRUCTURE FOR THE ABSORPTION OF IMPACT FORCES TO THE BODY” and filed on Feb. 3, 1998 according to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an impact structure for the absorption of impact forces to the body. The impact structure is worn about a joint and/or muscle group of the body to protect that particular area from forceful blows in such common activities as football, basketball, construction work, etc. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Since man&#39;s earliest emergence on the earth, he has searched for protective covering. As man sought to survive in harsh climates and conditions, he made thick skins for himself to brave the elements. When man became more sophisticated and sought to war against his fellow man, he took to battle with him spear and shield, sword and armor. From his beginning, man has known that his skin is not filly impermeable and must be protected. 
     When man developed games which simulated war and battle, he likewise saw a need to defend his body against puncture and breaking. Also, as man, though injured, has continued to participate in physically challenging activities, a need to protect an injured body part has arisen as man continued in his activity. 
     One example of such a protective device is the Forearm Shield Pad disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,861, issued on Nov. 24, 1987. The device comprises a rigid, elongated plate surrounded by a sheath having shock-dampening material. Straps extend about the device to secure it to a wearer. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,858 entitled Attenuating Pad issued on Aug. 29, 1995 discloses a gel-encapsulated, load-supporting pad with an outer sheath provided with extended flanges for attachment to a wearer. The attenuating device further discloses an elastomeric foam casing positioned between the outer sheath and the encapsulated shock-absorbing member. 
     Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,272 entitled Protective Device For Use By Football Athletes issued on Dec. 9, 1975 describes a device for protecting against injuries to the hand, wrist, and arm of an athlete during athletic contests. The device comprises a resilient material having a tough outer coating generally shaped to cover and protect parts of the hand, wrist, arm and elbow. 
     Although these embodiments have worked adequately for their uses, they have been limited in their scope and application. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the invention herein to provide an embodiment that is flexible and resilient. 
     It is a further object herein to provide an embodiment that anatomically fits about the joint and/or muscle group of a wearer. 
     It is a further object herein to provide protection to an injured part of the body. 
     It is another object herein to provide an embodiment that will receive and absorb a substantial amount of impact forces striking the embodiment. 
     These and other objectives will be shown more fully in the specification. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the invention provides a flexible and resilient impact structure for the absorption of impact forces directed toward a wearer and positioned onto a wearer&#39;s body. The impact structure generally comprises a sheath having two ends, an opening positioned at each end, a perimeter positioned about each end and at least one impact zone positioned on the impact structure. Preferably, there is a plurality, i.e., more than one, impact structure positioned to face outwardly from the surface of the sheath. The impact structure is flexible and resilient because it fits anatomically to a wearer&#39;s joint and/or muscle group with little or substantially no gapping. Further, such resilience means that the impact structure will bend and stretch within the range of motion and according to the movement of a joint and/or muscle group. 
     The impact zones may be positioned externally onto the sheath. But also, they may be positioned either beneath or within the sheath itself so as not to be readily discernible. In one embodiment herein, the plurality of impact zones comprise separate, unattached elements from one-another. More specifically, the impact zones are not attached or joined to each other in a network. However, in another embodiment, the plurality of impact zones may be at least partially interconnected. And further still, the impact zones may form an interconnected network. 
     In one embodiment herein, the impact zones, as wholly separate elements, may be attached to the sheath. In another embodiment, the impact zones are integrated into the sheath of the impact structure, i.e., made part and parcel of the sheath. Where the impact zones and the sheath form two separate types of elements, they may be attached, in one embodiment, the impact zone and the sheath are attached to one-another about lines of joinder, generally, but not always, being about their mutual perimeters. 
     A protective cover may be positioned about the sheath of the impact structure or the sheath may serve as the protective cover of the entire impact structure. Where the protective cover is a separate element, it will be formed to the geometry of the impact structure. More specifically, the protective cover will have two ends, an opening positioned about each end, and a perimeter positioned about each end. The protective cover will serve as the top or upper layer of the impact structure or that layer that faces most outwardly away from the skin of a wearer. 
     Where the protective cover is at least partially a separate element from the rest of the impact structure, it may be at least partially attached to the sheath. Preferably, the protective cover comprises at least one opening on the surface thereof to allow the impact zone to protrude therethrough from the surface of the sheath. The protective sheath is made from one or more of the materials from the group consisting of leather, nonwovens, cotton, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, foam, sponges, rayon, or any combination of the foregoing. 
     The impact zones preferably comprise at least one material from the group consisting of inert gases, air, water, sand, foam, sponges, liquids, semi-solids, solids or combinations of the foregoing. 
     Alternatively, the impact structure may deliver heat to a wearer. This impact structure preferably comprises activatable heating zones. In one embodiment of the foregoing, the activatable heating zones face inwardly toward the skin of a wearer. The activatable heating zones are preferably activated upon impact to one or more of the impact zones. The activatable heating zones may be separate from the impact zones. Alternatively, the activatable heating zones may be integrated elements with the impact zones, i.e., the impact zones and the activatable heating zones may be one and the same serving at least one function. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of the side of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 2 is a side-perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure shown being worn about an arm; 
     FIG. 5A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the impact structure shown being worn about the wrist; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view of the front of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of the back of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of the top of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of bottom of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the impact structure in its orientation of wear; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the impact structure; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the impact structure shown being worn about an arm; 
     FIG. 12A is a side view of the impact structure being worn about an arm showing the prominent, underlying muscle tissue; 
     FIG. 12B is a side view of the impact structure being worn about an arm showing the prominent, underlying bone structure; and 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of a portion of the impact zone network. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention herein comprises an impact structure that is fitted about a body part of a wearer. By the term“fitted” it is meant herein that the impact structure may provide a snug fit by the use of inherent tensile and compressive forces exerted by the structure onto the body of a wearer. Typical body parts which may have the impact structure positioned thereon include joints (e.g., the elbow, ankle, knee, wrist, etc.) or other flesh and bone areas which a wearer desires to protect (e.g., thigh, forearm, bicep, shoulder, calf, etc.). The sports impact structure is designed to receive and absorb blows to particular parts of the body wearing the impact structure to substantially prevent or lessen possible injury. Also, the impact structure can be so adorned as to provide an aesthetic appeal to wearers. Typically the impact structure has a length of between about 0.1 to about 40 inches. The circumference is not set but may be customized to fit the an area of the body meant to be worn by the impacted structure. 
     As is shown in FIGS. 6-12, the invention herein comprises an impact structure  10 , preferably being fitted, that is positioned about a body part of a wearer. Suitable body parts may include joints such as those at the elbow, ankle, knee, wrist, etc. or other flesh and bone areas which a wearer desires to protect, for example, the thigh, fdrearm, bicep, shoulder, calf, etc. The fitted impact structure  10  is designed to receive and absorb blows to particular parts of the body wearing the impact structure  10  to substantially prevent or lessen possible injury. Also, the impact structure  10  can be so adorned as to provide an aesthetic appeal to wearers. Typically, the impact structure  10  h as a length of between about 0.1 to about 40 inches. The circumference may be set to fit an area of the body meant to be worn by the fitted pad. 
     FIG. 6 shows a front view the impact structure  10 . Also, two impact zones  30  are shown protruding outwardly from the sheath  25  of the structure  10 . Preferably, the sheath  25  would be permeable to air, absorbent to liquid (like sweat) and move and bend easily with the movements of a wearer without losing its form, shape or comfort. The structure  10  comprises two openings  20 , each opening  20  being positioned at either end of the structure  10 . In practice, a wearer will slip a body part, e.g., an arm, through the openings  20  and then position the impact structure  10  into position about a joint and/or muscle group to protect a wearer&#39;s covered body area from impact. 
     The impact structures described herein are preferably fitted to a part of a wearer&#39;s body such that when the impact structure  10  is applied to a body part; e.g., a joint of a wearer, the undersurface  28  (not shown) of the sheath  25  and thus the impact structure  10  conforms to that body part. Such impact structure conformation occurs due to the fitted characteristics of the sheath  25 . Preferably the undersurface  28  comprises elastic material that enables the undersurface  28  to conform to a part of a wearer&#39;s body. 
     FIG. 7 shows the back of the impact structure  10 . In addition to the impact zones  30  shown protruding from the sides of the structure  10 , another impact zone  30  is shown positioned on the back of the structure specifically intended to absorb impacts arriving from the back of a wearer. 
     The impact zones  30  may be separate structures attached to the sheath  25  or integrated with the sheath  25 . By the term “integrated” it is meant herein that one element may be at least part of the structure of another element. In another embodiment herein, at least two impact zones  30  may be connected to form a network  50  (FIG. 13) of impact absorption. This network  50  operates such that when one or more impact zones  30  compressed, pressure from that compressed zone  30  is moved through the network arms  33  to other non-compressed zones  30  such that impact forces are equally or nearly equally distributed throughout the network  50 . This is a great benefit because it results in more than one impact zone receiving the brunt of, for example, an un-tempered force by a falling object or rushing linebacker. 
     FIG. 13 provides an upper image of an interconnected network of impact zones  30 . The zones  30  are shown to be connected through network arms  33  that extend between the impact zones  30 . The network arms  33  serve as conduits through which the inner substance  34  flows when one or more of the impact zones  30  is forcefully impacted. FIG. 13 shows one particular type of configuration of the network  50  and network arms  33 , however, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the network  50  may be so constructed as to maximize or minimize the amount of transferred force from an impact as is desired. Thus, the network  50  represents just one type of many possible configurations herein. 
     The impact zones  30  generally comprise an outer cover  32  and an inner substance  34  (not shown). The outer cover  32  may be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, leather, nonwovens, polyester, cotton fabric, vinyl, any type of wearable material, and any combination of the foregoing. The inner substance  34  may comprise inert gases, air, water, sand, foam, sponges, liquids, semi-solids, solids and any combination of the foregoing. In fact, any substance suitable for the absorption of impact forces common to the use of the impact structure  10  and is correspondingly non-toxic to the skin of a wearer is acceptable and within the purview of this disclosure. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 show the top and bottom of the impact structure  10 , respectively. Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sheath  25  may have a protective cover  40  positioned thereon. Alternatively, the sheath  25  may serve as its own protective cover  40 . Where the sheath  25  and the protective cover  40  are distinct and separate elements, they will preferably be at least partially attached to one-another. Also, the protective cover  40  may be attached to one or more of any present impact zones  30  which could be attached to the sheath. 
     In an alternative embodiment herein, neither the protective cover  40 , or the impact zones  30  or the sheath  25  are attached to one-another. Instead, the impact zones  30  and the sheath  25  may be so positioned as to provide a taut or fitted grip to the sheath  25  such that no adhesive, stitching or attachment means are necessary to fit the sheath  25 , impact zones  30  and protective cover  40  together. 
     The impact zones  30  may be attached to the sheath  30  by hooks and loops. That is, the outer surface of the sheath  25  may comprise hooks or loops and the inner or attachment surface of a impact zone  30  may correspondingly comprise loops or hooks for attachment to the sheath  25 . This is an advantageous embodiment because impact zones  30  of varying length, width and protuberance from the outer surface of a sheath  25  could be applied and repositioned on the sheath  25  as is fitting a wearer&#39;s needs. 
     FIG. 5 shows a side view of the impact structure  10 . The protective cover  40  is shown as covering only a portion of the sheath  25 . This partial covering is configured to anatomically provide the proper protection to an impact area, e.g., an elbow joint, that is necessary. It should be noted, however, that depending upon the part of wearer&#39;s body that is meant to be protected, a protective cover  40 , as well as the entire impact structure  10 , can be so designed so as to provide anatomical protection to an impact structure adorned area. By the term “anatomical protection” it is meant herein that the structure  10  will provide an anatomical fit to a given area, e.g., elbow, knee, bicep, quadriceps, etc., and protect an impacted area on a wearer&#39;s body maximally in accordance with the design of the impact structure  10 . 
     FIG. 12 shows such a specially designed impact structure  10  for the fit about a wearer&#39;s arm. As is shown, the impact structure  10  is anatomically designed to not only fit the geometric proportions of the arm but also to provide maximum protection from impact forces which might impact the wearer&#39;s arm in, for example, a sporting match. More specifically, the impact structure  10  shown in FIG. 12 is designed to provide protection from impact about the wearer&#39;s elbow and forearm muscles. The sheath  25  also may provide a measure of protection dependent upon the compressive forces exerted by the sheath  25  to the arm. A manufacturer may design the sheath  25  to be as tight or as loose as a wearer may desire. However, while not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, it is my belief that the combination of a tightly fitted sheath  25  and protective cover  40  (where present) helps to secure a greater range of protection from impact forces to a wearer. 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B provide a view of the impact structure  10  positioned about the arm of a wearer. In particular, FIG. 12A shows the underlying major muscle groupings. FIG. 12B shows the underlying major bone structure of the wearer&#39;s arm. Both figures provide an anatomical perspective of the fit of the impact structure  10  as against a wearer&#39;s arm and those points or areas of desired protection. 
     FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the impact structure  10  having a sheath  25 , impact zones  30 , and a protective cover  40 . It should be noted herein that a manufacturer may place any amount of impact zones  30  on and/or within the impact structure  10  as is practicable. Also, the impact zones  30  may  1 ) range in height from about 0.01 inches to about 40 inches, 2) range in width from about 0.01 inches to about 80 inches, and 3) range in depth, i.e., the height of its protuberance from the surface of the sheath  25 , from about 0.01 inches to about  15  inches. 
     Preferably, the impact structure  10  is multi-dimensional, i.e., not planar or flat, and may comprise between about 1 to about 100 impact zones. The impact zones  30  are generally raised structures from the surface of the impact structure  10  or sheath  25 . The zones  30  may be ornamental but are preferably chiefly designed to receive and absorb substantially all of the force of an impact thereon. Note that for the purposes herein the terms “shock”, “force” and “stress” are interchangeable and all refer to the phenomenon occurring when a force is applied to the impact structure  10 . When one or more of the impact zones  30  is struck, it will offer a counter force in the direction of the impact, will absorb the force without substantially transferring the impact force to the body part of a wearer and dissipate that absorbed force through heat energy, and/or disperse the force throughout the impact zone  30  such that a substantial portion of the impact force is not translated to a wearer&#39;s body positioned underneath the impact structure  30 . 
     The impact structure  30  may be used to fit about various joints (e.g., elbow, knee, etc.) or it may cover flesh portions of a wearer&#39;s body or it may cover both. For example, in one embodiment herein, the impact structure  30  may be fitted against a portion of a wearer&#39;s forearm just below, but possibly including, the elbow (FIG.  12 ). 
     In day to day use, the impact structure  10  may protect and provide support to a forearm which has been injured or is susceptible to injury. For example, for one who plays a sport such as tennis or basketball, the fitted impact structure  10  may be placed about the forearm where minor stress ailments in the muscles or tendons thereof or fractures in the bones therein may occur. Many people who play sports and especially sports professionals may incur minor but painful injuries such as tendonitis, i.e., “tennis elbow”. 
     Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon, is caused by repeated pressure on the tendons in the writs and forearm from any activity that involves moving a joint while exerting pressure. “Tennis elbow” is one of the more commonly known forms of tendonitis and is treated by putting the arm into a sling to immobilize the elbow. Since the arms are the conduits for the reflexology points on the hands, it should be immediately apparent how important the health of the arms and shoulders can be to the general health of the body. Therefore, when the impact structure  10  is worn, for example, about the forearm of a wearer engaged in a contact sport like basketball, football, or soccer, the forearm will receive protection from impacts that can normally occur in such fast-paced sports. Such protection would relieve the forearm of much if not all of the impact stresses applied to a wearer. 
     As mentioned previously herein, the pads would preferably be fitted to the joint of a wearer such that when the impact structure is applied to a body part and specifically a joint of a wearer, the undersurface of the impact structure conforms to that body pad. Such impact structure conformation occurs due to the fitted characteristics of the impact structure undersurface. Preferably the impact structure undersurface comprises elastic material that enables the impact structure undersurface to fit to a wearer. In one embodiment herein, the impact structure undersurface is either attached to the regular surface of the impact structure or comprises at least a portion of the regular surface of the impact structure or substantially comprises the regular surface of the pad. 
     The impact structure may be used to fit about various joints (e.g., elbow, knee, etc.) or it may cover flesh portions of a wearer&#39;s body or it may cover both. For example, in one embodiment herein, the impact structure may be fitted against a portion of a wearer&#39;s forearm just below, but possibly including, the elbow. In day to day use, the impact structure may protect and provide support to a forearm which has been injured or is susceptible to injury. For example, for one who plays a sport such as tennis or basketball, the fitted impact structure may be placed about the forearm where minor stress ailments in the muscles thereof or fractures in the bones therein may exist. Many people who play sports and especially sports professionals may incur minor but painful injuries such as tendonitis, i.e., “tennis elbow”. 
     In an alternative embodiment herein, FIGS. 1-5A shows an alternative embodiment of the impact structure  110  herein. The impact structure  110  shown in FIGS. 1-5A has all of the same features as the impact structure  10  previously discussed and shown in FIGS. 6-12B except for the feature of anatomical fit about a wearer&#39;s body. More specifically, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5A is not specifically designed to be anatomically placed for protection on various parts of a wearer. Rather, the impact structure  110  may also fit snugly to a wearer, e.g., a wearer&#39;s arm or wrist (FIGS.  5  and  5 A), and will protect and preferably adapt to and move with the movements of a wearer without concern for specific anatomical alignment of the impact zones  130  to a wearer&#39;s body. 
     Beyond the above-mentioned difference, the impact structures  10  and  110  are substantially the same in materials, structure, function and purpose. For example, the impact structure  110  comprises impact zones  130  having an outer cover  132  and inner substance  134  (not shown). The impact structure  110  may also comprise a sheath  125  which preferably, but not necessarily, provides a snug fit a wearer. Preferably, also, the sheath  125  would be permeable to air, absorbent to liquid (like sweat) and move and bend easily with the movements of a wearer without losing its form, shape or comfort. Like the impact structure  10 , the structure  110  comprises a pair of openings  120  through which a wearer inserts a body part (e.g., an arm, thigh, wrist, ankle, neck, etc.). Alternatively, the impact structures  10  and  110  may be secured along a line of joinder that allows the structures  10  and  110  to be opened and closed about a wearer&#39;s body part; such opening and closing structure being similar to that employed by neck braces or removable casts. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.