Patent ID: 8327462

Claim:
A device for dispersing and dampening impact forces comprising: a first composite sheet structure including an innermost thermoplastic layer and at least one fibrous layer; and a second composite sheet structure including an innermost thermoplastic layer and at least one fibrous layer; wherein the innermost thermoplastic layer of the first composite sheet structure is joined in direct contact with the innermost thermoplastic layer of the second composite sheet structure at a boundary zone such that an area bounded by the boundary zone defines a substantially gas-tight chamber having a first side corresponding to the first composite sheet structure and a second side corresponding to the second composite sheet structure, wherein the innermost thermoplastic layer of the first composite sheet structure is also joined in direct contact with the innermost thermoplastic layer of the second composite sheet structure around a perimeter of a plurality of ventilation holes provided through the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure within the area bounded by the boundary zone, wherein gaps between adjacent joints between the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure within the area bounded by the boundary zone subdivide the gas-tight chamber into fluid-connected pockets, wherein the volume of the substantially gas-tight chamber is at least about 5 in 3 but not greater than 500 in 3 when inflated to a pressure of 3 to 4 psi, wherein the substantially gas-tight chamber is inflated with a gas at a pressure within a predetermined range of acceptable pressures from about 1.5 to about 6 pounds per square inch, wherein the device has a predetermined maximum thickness when the gas-tight chamber is inflated within the predetermined range of acceptable pressures of from about 0.25″ to about 0.5″, and wherein outer surface contours of both the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure are non-planar within the area bounded by the boundary zone when the gas-tight chamber is inflated substantially; wherein the plurality of ventilation holes provided through the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure within the area bounded by the boundary zone define an opening having a diameter of from about 0.125″ to about 0.25″ and are bounded by a perimeter joint between the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure having a width of from about 3/32″ to about 3/16″; wherein the gaps between adjacent joints between the first composite sheet structure and the second composite sheet structure within the area bounded by the boundary zone are a maximum of from about 0.4″ to about 0.5″.