Patent US4453271A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4453271A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Protective garment
Assignee: American Pneumatics Co
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Filing: 1982-09-29
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Granted: 1984-06-12
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Expires: 2002-09-29
Abstract
Abstract The protective garment of the present invention primarily for use as protective athletic equipment includes protective gear for the shoulders, ribs, biceps, forearms, thighs, knees and shins. The protective garment is generally composed of variable pressure pads, air cushions, and/or shields. The variable pressure pad includes two superimposed plies of a light-weight, non-elastic fluid-impervious fabric material having the adjacent surfaces of the material sealed around the periphery to form a pressure tight inflatable garment which does not distend and other adjacent surfaces sealed at regions internally of the periphery to define a plurality of fluid chambers and fluid passageways. The internal fluid chambers are fluidly communicable with adjacent fluid chambers by means of the fluid passageways. The material crinkles and folds over at preselected regions to constrict fluid communication between the fluid chambers as an external force is applied to the variable pressure pads. Air cushions in the form of a plurality of tubular air chambers are mounted on the variable pressure pads at certain critical locations to provide additional cushioning and dispersion of an external force over an area wider than the impact area. Shields are mounted over the variable pressure pads and/or air cushions to provide additional means for apportioning the external force. Vent holes are provided in the variable pressure pads and shields to permit the garment to breathe by permitting air to pass from the surface of the body and through the pads creating a chimney effect beneath the variable pressure pads.
Inventors
- 👤 Byron A. Donzis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:42
CPC Classifications
A; A41; A41D; A41D13/00; A41D13/015; A41D13/0153; A41D13/0158; A41D13/05; A41D13/055; A41D13/0556; A41D13/0568; A43; A43B; A43B13/00; A43B13/14; A43B13/18; A43B13/20; A43B13/203; A43B13/38; A41D2400/00; A41D2400/10; A41D2400/14; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S2/00; Y10S2/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 83
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed plies of a lightweight, non-elastic fluid-impervious material having the adjacent surfaces of said material sealed around the periphery thereof to form a garment which does not distend; said adjacent surfaces are also sealed at regions internally of said periphery to define a plurality of fluid chambers and internal and peripheral fluid passageways; said fluid passages having a cross-sectional area smaller than said fluid chambers; at least some of said internal fluid chambers being fluidly communicable with adjacent fluid chambers by means of said fluid passageways; folds of said material being located at said fluid passages to baffle flow between said adjacent fluid chambers, the folds at said peripheral fluid passages substantially blocking flow therethrough until an external force is applied to said garment flexing said peripheral folds apart to permit flow through said peripheral fluid passages; said folds providing valving means at said fluid pasageways restricting fluid flow from one fluid chamber to another to cause pressure equalization between said adjacent fluid chambers and to provide a valving effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid flow from one fluid chamber to another upon the impact of sudden forces placed on said chambers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed plies of a lightweight, non-elastic fluid-impervious material having the adjacent surfaces of said material sealed around the periphery thereof to form a garment which does not distend; said adjacent surfaces are also sealed at regions internally of said periphery to define a plurality of fluid chambers and internal and peripheral fluid passageways; said fluid passages having a cross-sectional area smaller than said fluid chambers; at least some of said internal fluid chambers being fluidly communicable with adjacent fluid chambers by means of said fluid passageways; folds of said material being located at said fluid passages to baffle flow between said adjacent fluid chambers, the folds at said peripheral fluid passages substantially blocking flow therethrough until an external force is applied to said garment flexing said peripheral folds apart to permit flow through said peripheral fluid passages; said folds providing valving means at said fluid pasageways restricting fluid flow from one fluid chamber to another to cause pressure equalization between said adjacent fluid chambers and to provide a valving effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid flow from one fluid chamber to another upon the impact of sudden forces placed on said chambers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The garment of claim 1 further including one or more perforations in said regions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The garment of claim 2 further including internal fluid passageways providing restricted fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers other than at said peripheral fluid passageways.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The garment of claim 1 further including means disposed at a predetermined location on said pad for introducing pressurized fluid therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The garment of claim 4 wherein said means for introducing pressurized fluid in said pad are positioned within a plastic tube, which tube is then sealed into the periphery of said pad.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the fabric material is made from woven aramid fiber and coated on at least one side with a fluid-impervious thickness of heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as polyurethene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The garment of claim 6 wherein the adjacent coated surfaces of the fabric are heat-sealed to each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The garment of claim 1 wherein said preselected regions defining said internal chambers further define void areas which contribute to the total cushioning effect of said pad.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The garment of claim 1 wherein said preselected regions defining said internal chambers define at least 20 percent of the total surface of said pad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The garment of claim 1 wherein said preselected regions include at least one or more large isolated preselected regions where a certain portion of the body is isolated from pressure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The garment of claim 1 wherein the flexibility of said pad is sufficient to cause said preselected regions to act as joints, folding over and restricting fluid communication from one internal chamber to another as pressure is applied to preselected areas of said pad.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
63 words
A garment according to claim 1 including shoulder pads, rib pads, bicep pads, forearm pads, hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and shin pads, said pads including a variable pressure pad having said fluid chambers and fluid passageways which, when pressurized with a fluid under sufficient pressure to adequately cushion forces applied to the body, does not distend, weaken or lose its shape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A garment according to claim 2 wherein said valving means prevents said variable pressure pads from bottoming out upon application of an external force.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A garment according to claim 1 further including force dispersal means for dispersing the external force over the variable pressure pad.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A garment according to claim 14 wherein said force dispersal means includes one or more fluid pressurized cushions attached to said variable pressure pad.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 14 wherein said force dispersal means includes one or more rigid plates attached to said variable pressure pad.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 15 wherein said force dispersal means includes a rigid plate mounted over one of said fluid pressurized cushions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
A garment according to claim 1 further including means for passing air through said variable pressure pad.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
A garment according to claim 1 including shoulder pads for protecting the upper torso of the body said shoulder pads having means for dispersing an external force over a pad area greater than the impact area.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A garment according to claim 19 wherein said folds of said shoulder pad cause crinkling of said material at certain locations around said fluid chambers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A garment according to claim 19 further including air passage means for permitting the flow of air through said internal regions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
A garment according to claim 21 wherein said air passage means and fluid chambers form air pocket means creating a chimney effect when said pad receives external forces.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
A garment according to claim 20 wherein said fluid chambers form a quilted configuration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A garment according to claim 23 wherein said folds are located on a straight line connecting the centers of said internal regions and in said fluid chambers located around the periphery.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
A garment according to claim 20 wherein said fluid chambers form a tubular configuration.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A garment according to claim 25 wherein said folds cause crinkling being formed in said material forming said fluid passageways.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
A garment according to claim 19 further including fluid pressure means mounted on said pad for cushioning external forces.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A garment according to claim 27 further including fluid pressure means mounted on said pad for cushioning external forces and rigid means mounted on said pad for dispersing external forces.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 28 further including means for attaching said fluid pressure means and said rigid means to said undergarment.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
A garment according to claim 27 wherein said fluid pressure means includes one or more fluid pressurized tubes of a shape conforming to the contour of the body.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
A garment according to claim 30 wherein said tube is comprised of one ply of a lightweight, non-elastic fluid-impervious material cut to the shape of the body contour, folded to form a tubular shape and sealed at its adjacent peripheral edges.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
A garment according to claim 30 wherein each tube includes means for pressurizing said tube.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 19 further including rigid means mounted on said pad for dispersing an external force over said pads.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 33 wherein said rigid means includes a polycarbonate shield molded to conform to the contour of the body.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 34 wherein said shield has vent holes permitting the passage of air therethrough.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
A garment according to claim 34 wherein said shield has a protective covering on its periphery.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A garment according to claim 19 wherein said undergarment includes a fabric border around its periphery.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
A garment according to claim 19 wherein said undergarment includes means for attaching said shoulder pads to the body.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
A garment according to claim 38 further including means for insulating the body from said attachment means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
A garment according to claim 19 further including means for pressurizing said pad.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
A garment according to claim 19 further including a fluid pressurized wing pad attached to said undergarment for protecting the ends of the shoulders.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A garment according to claim 41 further including force dispersal means attached to said wing pad for dispersing external forces.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 including bicep pads for protecting the biceps, said bicep pads having means for dispersing an external force applied to said pad.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 43 wherein said folds in said material at preselected locations provide a valving effect causing a back-pressure build-up.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 44 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 wherein forearm pads for protecting the forearm, said forearm pads include means for dispersing an external force applied to said pad.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
A garment according to claim 46 further including means for providing air flow through said pad to cause a chimney effect beneath said fluid pressurized pad.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 46 wherein said folds cause crinkling in said material at preselected locations to provide a valving effect.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 48 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 46 wherein said dispersing means include a rigid plate for spreading the external force over a wide area.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
A garment according to claim 50 wherein said rigid plate includes a resilient cover.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 46 wherein said pad extends over the backside of the hand and fingers.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 including hip pads for protecting the hips, said hip pads including means for apportioning an external force applied to said pad.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 52 wherein said folds cause crinkling in said material at preselected locations to provide a valving effect.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 54 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 53 wherein said apportioning means includes a rigid shield for spreading the external force over a wide area.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 including thigh pads for protecting the thighs, said thigh pads including means for apportioning an external force supply to said pad.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
26 words
A garment according to claim 57 further including means for providing air flow through said pad to cause a chimney effect beneath said fluid pressurized pad.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A garment according to claim 57 wherein said folds cause crinkling in said material have preselected regions to provide a valving effect causing a back-pressure build-up.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
A garment according to claim 59 further including air passage means for permitting the flow of air through said internal regions.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 59 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 57 wherein said apportioning means includes a rigid shield spreading the external force over a wide area.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
A garment according to claim 62 wherein said shield has vent holes for air passage.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 including knee pads for protecting the knees, said knee pads including means for apportioning an external force applied to said pad.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
A garment according to claim 63 wherein said folds cause crinkling in said material at preselected locations to provide a valving effect.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 65 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
A garment according to claim 64 further including an enlarged sealed area of the plies of said material creating a void at the knee cap; and a rigid cup conforming to the contour of the knee covering said void.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
A garment according to claim 1 including shin pads for protecting the shins said shin pads including means for apportioning an external force applied to said pad.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
A garment according to claim 68 further including means for providing air flow through said pad to cause a chimney effect beneath said fluid pressurized pad.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
A garment according to claim 68 wherein said folds cause crinkling in said material at preselected locations to provide a valving effect causing a back-pressure build-up.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
A garment according to claim 69 wherein said folds and crinkles constrict fluid flow between adjacent fluid chambers.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
A garment according to claim 68 wherein said apportioning means includes a rigid shield for spreading the external force over a wide area.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
227 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed piles of a lightweight, flexible, non-elastic, fluid-impervious woven fabric material of a shape generally suited to cushion external forces to a selected portion of the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are sealed around the periphery thereof to form a pressure-tight pad which, when pressurized with a pressurizable fluid under sufficient pressure to adequately cushion the forces applied to the body, does not weaken or lose its shape; the adjacent surfaces of which are also sealed within the periphery at preselected regions disposed generally perpendicular to the transverse axis of said pad to define a plurality of internal chambers within said pad at least some of which are fluidly communicable with each other; restricted fluid passageways communicating between adjacent chambers, defined at the periphery of the pad during the sealing process by leaving unsealed a portion of the surfaces between the peripheral seal and the inner seal regions of the bladder, and sized appropriately to permit a restricted fluid flow from one chamber to another whereby pressure equalization between chambers may take place when the pad is pressurized but with a back-pressure build-up effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid from one chamber to another and to provide additional pressure to resist and cushion the impact of sudden external forces on the outside of the chamber.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
227 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed piles of a lightweight, flexible, non-elastic, fluid-impervious woven fabric material of a shape generally suited to cushion external forces to a selected portion of the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are sealed around the periphery thereof to form a pressure-tight pad which, when pressurized with a pressurizable fluid under sufficient pressure to adequately cushion the forces applied to the body, does not weaken or lose its shape; the adjacent surfaces of which are also sealed within the periphery at preselected regions disposed generally perpendicular to the transverse axis of said pad to define a plurality of internal chambers within said pad at least some of which are fluidly communicable with each other; restricted fluid passageways communicating between adjacent chambers, defined at the periphery of the pad during the sealing process by leaving unsealed a portion of the surfaces between the peripheral seal and the inner seal regions of the bladder, and sized appropriately to permit a restricted fluid flow from one chamber to another whereby pressure equalization between chambers may take place when the pad is pressurized but with a back-pressure build-up effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid from one chamber to another and to provide additional pressure to resist and cushion the impact of sudden external forces on the outside of the chamber.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
221 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed plies of a lightweight, non-elastic, fluid-impervious woven fabric material of a shape generally suited to cushion external forces to a selected portion of the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are sealed around the periphery thereof to form a pressure-tight inflatable pad which will not distend or lose its shape when inflated and subjected to the external forces exerted on the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are also sealed at preselected regions within the periphery thereof to define a plurality of internal chambers within said pad; the flexibility of which is sufficient to cause said preselected regions to act as joints, folding over and restricting fluid communication from one internal chamber to another as pressure is applied to preselected areas of said pad; at least some of which internal chambers are fluidly communicable with adjacent chambers by means of restricted fluid passageways, defined at the periphery of said pad and sized appropriately to permit a restricted fluid flow from one chamber to another whereby pressure equalization between chambers may take place but with a back-pressure build-up effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid from one chamber to another and to provide additional pressure to resist and cushion the impact of sudden external forces on the outside of the chamber.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
221 words
A protective garment for protecting the body comprising: two superimposed plies of a lightweight, non-elastic, fluid-impervious woven fabric material of a shape generally suited to cushion external forces to a selected portion of the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are sealed around the periphery thereof to form a pressure-tight inflatable pad which will not distend or lose its shape when inflated and subjected to the external forces exerted on the body; the adjacent surfaces of which are also sealed at preselected regions within the periphery thereof to define a plurality of internal chambers within said pad; the flexibility of which is sufficient to cause said preselected regions to act as joints, folding over and restricting fluid communication from one internal chamber to another as pressure is applied to preselected areas of said pad; at least some of which internal chambers are fluidly communicable with adjacent chambers by means of restricted fluid passageways, defined at the periphery of said pad and sized appropriately to permit a restricted fluid flow from one chamber to another whereby pressure equalization between chambers may take place but with a back-pressure build-up effect sufficient to prevent sudden surges of fluid from one chamber to another and to provide additional pressure to resist and cushion the impact of sudden external forces on the outside of the chamber.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The garment according to claim 74 further including vent holes in said preselected regions permitting the passage of air.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
The garment according to claim 74 further including perforations in said preselected regions for mounting protective devices.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
The garment according to claim 74 further including means for dispersing an external force on said pad.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
225 words
A garment for protecting the shoulders of the body during sports activities comprising: an undergarment including a pressure tight pad adapted to contain a pressurized fluid without distending or otherwise loosing its shape when pressurized and subjected to external forces; said pad being further characterized in that the walls thereof are thin, non-elastic and flexible, and at least the inner surfaces thereof are coated with a fluid-impervious thickness of heat-sealable material; a plurality of void, non-pressurizable regions within said pad defined sealing together the upper and lower walls of said pad and a predetermined pattern disposed generally perpendicular to the transverse axis of the pad, and comprising at least 20 percent of the total surface of the pad which is exposed to the body; a plurality of internal pressurizable-chambers within said pad, defined by the pattern of said void regions, at least some of which chambers are fluidly communicable with adjacent chambers; fluid passageways located around the periphery of said pad to permit pressurized fluid flow between at least some chambers and defined between the outer walls of the pad and the internal sealed-off regions of the pad, said passageways being sized appropriately such that the fluid flow from one chamber is restricted, when the pad is pressurized, as a result of the flexible walls of the pad folding over themselves at the fluid passageways.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
225 words
A garment for protecting the shoulders of the body during sports activities comprising: an undergarment including a pressure tight pad adapted to contain a pressurized fluid without distending or otherwise loosing its shape when pressurized and subjected to external forces; said pad being further characterized in that the walls thereof are thin, non-elastic and flexible, and at least the inner surfaces thereof are coated with a fluid-impervious thickness of heat-sealable material; a plurality of void, non-pressurizable regions within said pad defined sealing together the upper and lower walls of said pad and a predetermined pattern disposed generally perpendicular to the transverse axis of the pad, and comprising at least 20 percent of the total surface of the pad which is exposed to the body; a plurality of internal pressurizable-chambers within said pad, defined by the pattern of said void regions, at least some of which chambers are fluidly communicable with adjacent chambers; fluid passageways located around the periphery of said pad to permit pressurized fluid flow between at least some chambers and defined between the outer walls of the pad and the internal sealed-off regions of the pad, said passageways being sized appropriately such that the fluid flow from one chamber is restricted, when the pad is pressurized, as a result of the flexible walls of the pad folding over themselves at the fluid passageways.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
53 words
A garment according to claim 74 further including: a shield having a plurality of disc-shaped members; and said disc members being aligned in rows on said pad with said rows overlapping each other such that a disc member of one row overlaps the joint formed by adjacent disc members in an overlapping row.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-06-12 | 1987-12-12 | 1988-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-12 | 1991-12-12 | 1992-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-12 | 1995-12-12 | 1996-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |