Abstract:
A flexible padding layer for use during competitive sports is provided. The flexible padding layer is comprised of a plurality of individual padding elements each joined on multiple sides with an adjacent padding element via a thin, connecting section. Each padding element further comprises openings and a three-dimensional surface configuration to allow for consistent mechanical properties throughout the padding layer as a whole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/002,230 filed 23 May 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to wearable protective sports padding and, more particularly, to a layer of flexible and lightweight padding that, regardless of orientation, exhibits consistent material properties in all directions while improving impact protection, comfort and fit. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background 
         [0005]    Protecting players from injury is a primary concern for any sport. Sports such as hockey, football and lacrosse feature player-to-player contact as well as player-to-ground and player-to-equipment (i.e., ball, stick, puck, etc.) contact that has the potential to injure participants. Consequently, players participating in such contact sports wear protective gear such as helmets, elbow/knee pads, shin pads, rib/kidney protectors and shoulder pads. To be effective, padding must absorb and distribute the force of blows or contact, yet it cannot impede the player&#39;s range of motion, agility and speed. Toward this latter goal the padding is ideally very light-weight and flexible. Player comfort also requires that pads have adequate ventilation so that players are not overheated or overly fatigued when using their equipment during intense physical exertion. 
         [0006]    To accomplish these opposing requirements of protection and flexibility with minimum restriction, protective gear is typically constructed of an assembly of soft padding in combination with molded, semi-rigid or hard shells or plates. These hard plates configured to be worn by the participant over those areas of the body most likely to be impacted during play of the particular game. The extent and placement of soft pads versus hard plates varies depending on where high-impact zones might occur, and these zones in turn depend on a variety of factors. For example, a lacrosse defenseman performs more stick and body checking than he absorbs and so his pads can be lighter-weight. Conversely, lacrosse attackmen require much more robust protection because their job is to avoid defensemen and score on goal, which makes them the target of much checking and physical contact. In soccer, players wear hard shell protective gear primarily on their shins, while football players wear hard shell protective gear on their shoulders and heads owing to the areas of hardest contact. A football quarterback&#39;s padding however emphasizes freedom of motion while a lineman&#39;s pads traditionally offer much more protection. 
         [0007]    Hard shell protective gear typically comprises one or more plates of rigid plastic. While the plates can be manufactured in different sizes, they are not custom fit and are inevitably non-breathable, hard, motion-limiting and less comfortable to wear. It is more desirable that protective gear be flexible to allow maximum range of motion but also provide adequate protection to a wide range of players. 
         [0008]    Prior art protective gear has made some strides towards pad flexibility, player comfort and range of motion. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,661,564 and 8,627,512 to Dodd describe a protective shin guard comprised of a plurality of rigid, triangular or round plates joined together by living hinges. The collective plates form a hard “core” that is disposed inside or on top of an elastomeric or conformable substrate. The plates are free to flex triaxially, each plate pivoting along an axis relative to an adjacent plate and the axes being one of three orientations. This gives the collective core some added flexibility without compromising its impact resistance. However, the three-axis flexural design of Dodd is limited by the location and direction of its hinges relative to rigid plates, thereby preventing the hard core padding from conforming maximally to the player&#39;s body and accommodating its entire range of motion. The Dodd design also is oriented toward localized impact absorption rather than widespread impact dispersion, the latter being a benefit of the material described herein. 
         [0009]    What is needed then is a more flexible and breathable layer of hard shell padding that is sufficiently conformable to any portion of the body of a player so as to impose the least possible restriction on the player&#39;s movement. Further, what is needed is a layer of padding with these properties to also effectively disperse impact from severe blows of the type and force anticipated during high-level sports game m which a ball/puck and stick/bat are necessary implements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a flexible padding layer having material properties and design characteristics to better conform to the player&#39;s body, impose the least possible restriction on the player&#39;s movement, withstand blows of significant force from directions and forces anticipated during particular sports games, and increase breathability and comfort of wear. 
         [0011]    In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention is a padding layer of resilient sheet material defined by a plurality of uniformly-spaced geometric perforations. Each perforation is surrounded by a marginal surface pattern of varying thickness in the sheet material to provide relatively equal multiaxial dynamic flexibility in all directions. In an embodiment, the padding layer comprises a resilient plastic sheet material defined by a plurality of hexagonal perforations through the plastic sheet material. Each hexagonal perforation may be surrounded by a marginal surface pattern of relatively thick triangular for similarly shaped) sections angularly-spaced around the perforations and having apices directed toward the perforation. Each triangular section is joined to both flanking triangular sections by a curved section of reduced thickness that facilitates flexion along its vertical axis. The resulting crown-like structure formed in the sheet material around each hexagonal perforation provides comparable flexibility in multiple directions, as well as substantially uniform tensile strength. Moreover, the hexagonal perforations provide enhanced breathability and reduced weight for the overall padding layer. These advantages are gained without compromising impact-protection, which further distinguishes Applicant&#39;s material over the prior art. 
         [0012]    For a more complete understanding of the invention, its objects and advantages refer to the remaining specification and to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the flexible padding layer according to the present invention from above. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the flexible padding layer according to the present invention along direction A as indicated in  FIG. 1  wherein an individual unit of the flexible padding layer is depicted. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the flexible padding layer according to the present invention alone direction B as indicated in  FIG. 1  wherein an individual unit of the flexible padding layer is depicted. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the flexible padding layer according to the present invention along direction B as indicated in  FIG. 1  wherein multiple individual units of the flexible padding layer are depicted. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the flexible padding layer according to the present invention from above. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a flexible padding layer  1  according to the present invention is shown from above. As shown therein, flexible padding layer  1  is generally comprised of a resilient sheet material defined by a plurality of hexagonal perforations through the plastic sheet material. 
         [0020]    For purposes of description, “resilient sheet material” is herein defined as any integrally-formed layer or plurality of laminate layers of flexible or semi-flexible material ranging from hard plastics (e.g., Shore D 100) to flexible or rigid foams (e.g., 10 Asker C), in all cases having a shape memory characteristic, and thickness of the crown components of the resilient sheet material (described below) varying inversely with hardness to provide a desired degree of flexibility. 
         [0021]    In the illustrated embodiment, the padding layer  1  is patterned with a plurality of overlapping elements  2 , a single one of which is outlined in bold in  FIG. 1 . Generally, each element  2  comprises a geometric perforation (triangular, octagonal, hexagonal, etc.) surrounded by a “crown” defined by a marginal surface pattern of varying thickness in the sheet material. This configuration offers consistent flexibility in multiple directions. 
         [0022]    The dimensions of the flexible padding layer  1  may be varied by any number of overlapping elements  2  of uniform size, scaled as desired, and arranged in any number of columns and/or rows without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the flexible padding layer comprises a resilient sheet of plastic such as polyethylene defined by a plurality of uniformly-spaced hexagonal perforations  20  through the plastic sheet material. Each hexagonal perforation  20  is surrounded by a marginal surface pattern or “crown” of relatively thick angular sections  5  radially-spaced around the perforations and having apices directed toward the perforation. The angular sections  5  are preferably triangular and most preferably equilateral triangles. Each hexagonal perforation  20  and its surrounding crown of angular sections  5  define one element  2 . Any number of elements  2  may be conjoined by overlapping said elements  2 , sharing some common features of the crown. 
         [0024]    When viewed from above, the crown of a single element  2  comprises a plurality of thick, flat triangular sections  5  (six being shown) uniformly spaced around the hexagonal perforation  20  with apices directed radially inward. Each triangular section  5  is joined to both flanking triangular sections  5  by a rounded shoulder  6  of decreased thickness. Shoulders  6  preferably have a hemispherical cross-section running along an axis, the axes of which are likewise radially arrayed. The thick triangular sections  5  between shoulders  6  extend from adjacent one hexagonal perforation  20  to adjacent each of its adjoining two neighbors, facilitating flexion along the vertical axes of shoulder  6 . 
         [0025]    The resulting crown formed in the sheet material around each hexagonal perforation  20  provides comparable and consistent flexibility in multiple axes. Moreover, the hexagonal perforations  20  provide enhanced breathability and reduced weight for the overall padding layer  2 . These advantages are gained without compromising impact-protection. 
         [0026]    As seen in  FIG. 1  each shoulder  6  is radiused lengthwise for improved tear strength while tapering to a pair of flanking edges  10 . Each element  2  shares a shoulder  6  with each adjacent element  2 . Thus, within each element  2 , each pair of adjacent shoulders  6  diverge along their respective axes angularly from a common point proximate the center of hexagonal perforation  20 , and are connected in a triangular configuration by a third shoulder  6  belonging to the next adjacent element  2 , the third shoulder  6  straddling the first two and forming the base of the triangle. The entire plastic area bounded by these triangular shoulders  6  constitutes a triangular section  5 . 
         [0027]    Shoulders  6  extend axially end-to-end between adjoining hexagonal perforations  20  and terminate at opposing edges  11 . When perforations  20  are hexagonal-shaped, edges  11  form an approximate 45′ angle with the extended plane of edges  10 . Where the flexible padding layer  1  is cut lengthwise along shoulders  6 , the shoulders  6  will be  sectioned leaving a plurality of protruding necks  12 , one at each distal end of each element  2 . 
         [0028]    Further as shown in  FIG. 1 , the hexagonal perforation  20  of each element  2  is centered on the center point C and is bordered by an unbroken hexagonal ring defined by the six endmost-edges  11  of radially-converging shoulders  6 . One skilled in the art will understand that the overall area of opening  20  may be dictated by design or player preference, wherein an opening having a larger surface area may provide greater breathability and lighter overall weight of flexible padding layer  1 , while a more narrow opening may provide greater protection from impacts from small elements that a player may contact during game play. In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , however, the width of the hexagonal perforation  20  is approximately ⅗ the overall width of element  2 , while the overall length of the hexagonal perforation  20  is approximately ⅖ of the overall length of element  2 . 
         [0029]    The contour profile of the crown of elements  2  when viewed from the side are shown in  FIG. 2-4 , where  FIG. 2  shows an end view of an element  2  in direction A as indicated in  FIG. 1  and where  FIG. 3  shows an end view of an element  2  in direction B as indicated in  FIG. 1 . With collective reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , it can be seen that each element  2  has a maximum thickness T. In addition, those portions of element  2  between the outer edge of element  2  and the outer edge of the hexagonal perforation  20  which abut each of the six sides  21 ,  22  of opening  20  and extend radially therefrom to the mirroring portion of the outer edges  10 ,  11  of element  2  are tapered to a reduced thickness relative to the maximum thickness T of element  2 , thereby facilitating flexion along the vertical axes of the radially configured portions. Thus, when viewed, from the side along direction B, as shown in  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that approximately the middle third of edge  10  is depressed relative to maximum thickness T. Further as seen in  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the entire triangular section  5  between shoulders  6  including the sides  22  of hexagonal aperture  20  are also depressed relative to maximum thickness T. These areas of reduced thickness decrease towards each distal end to a minimum thickness T 2 , where T 2  is within a range of from approximately ⅕-½ the maximum thickness T of elements  2 , and most preferably ⅓. By way of example, in one embodiment T can measure 2.5 mm and T 2  can measure 0.7 mm. 
         [0030]    Between areas of minimum thickness T 2  and areas of maximum thickness T, the surface area of the crown of elements  2  is contoured, forming roughly an hourglass shape when viewed from the side as shown in  FIG. 2 . Also as can be seen, each face of element  2 , upper and lower when viewed from the side as in  FIGS. 2-3 , forms a mirror image with the opposing face 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  shows a plurality of elements  2  in perspective view, where the varying thickness of each element  2  can be seen relative to its lateral shape. Also as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , a plurality of elements  2  are joined together along their lateral  10  and distal  13  edges to form flexible padding layer  1 . Each element  2  shares two thick triangular sections  5  and one shoulder  6  with each adjoining element  2 , and the thick triangular sections  5  between adjoining elements  2  facilitate flexion along the vertical axes of shoulder  6 , such that each element  2  is permitted a lateral degree of freedom to shift and flex upon impact with a ball or with another player or other piece of sports equipment. In direction A, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , flexible padding layer  1  is permitted to articulate due to the joint operation of the flex region formed between adjoining elements  2  and the space between adjoining elements  2  left due to opening  20 . Flexibility in direction B, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , is permitted through the dual operation of the flex region between lateral edges  10  and the space between adjoining elements  2  left due to opening  20 . Additionally, flexibility in directions C and D as denoted in  FIG. 5  is enhanced through the slimmed profile formed diagonally along a grouping of elements  2  perpendicular to shoulders  11 . 
         [0032]    In addition, the spacing, multi-axis orientation, and shape of flexible padding layer  1  combine to ensure uniform material properties such as strength, density, elasticity, etc. in any direction. Unlike prior art padding, which has similar properties in only a few directions, flexible padding layer  1  is isotropic in that all of its physical properties are essentially uniform in all directions. Unlike the prior art, this allows flexible padding layer  1  to evenly distribute the forces associated with an impact from a ball or other element, while flexibly conforming to the shape and movement of a player&#39;s body and resisting tearing or cracking. 
         [0033]    The entire flexible padding layer  1  may be formed as a unitary piece by injection or compression molding. The total number of elements  2  included within flexible padding layer  1  may be determined based on the overall surface area of the desired pad, and/or on the shape and size of the portion of a player&#39;s body needed to be covered by flexible padding layer  1 . As can be seen, flexible padding layer  1  is flexible enough to conform to nearly any area of a player&#39;s body and to flex with the natural movement of the player&#39;s body. In addition, elements  2  may be cut, or partially formed, at edges not corresponding to the natural edges of same in order to allow flexible padding layer  1  to achieve any desired lateral shape, such as a trapezoidal shape to cover all or part of a player&#39;s chest. In addition, opposite edges of flexible padding layer  1  may be joined to form a sleeve or other tubular article capable of being worn around a player&#39;s arm or leg, and/or various edges of flexible padding layer  1  may be provided with fastening means and/or openings, such as for arm or neck holes, to permit flexible padding layer  1  to be placed on a player&#39;s body. 
         [0034]    To adapt flexible padding layer  1  into an article capable of being worn by a player during game play, flexible padding layer  1  may be provided with fastening means along its outer edges or on one or both of its faces to allow it to be securely fastened around a player&#39;s body and/or to other padding or garments being worn by the player during the game. In addition, flexible padding layer  1  may be attached at its exterior edges to an elastic fabric material to permit flexible padding layer  1  to be incorporated into a larger element of padding or clothing to be worn by a player. Alternatively, flexible padding layer  1  may be sandwiched between two layers of elastic, fabric, or other conformable material to strengthen a garment being worn by a player. 
         [0035]    Having, now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.