Body Protecting Device
A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising: an impact surface; and an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
The present invention relates to body protecting devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to the energy absorbing materials used in devices having a relatively large curvature such as safety helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, shoulder pads and the like.
Safety helmets conventionally comprise a substantially spheroidal outer skin of tough plastics material and an inner skin of resilient material such as a hard foam. The rigid outer skin acts as an impact surface to transmit an impact load more evenly to the inner skin which absorbs the energy imparted by the impact load.
The purpose of any body protecting device is firstly to reduce the initial impact load transmitted to the user and secondly to absorb all of the impact energy in a controlled and steady manner. It is often highly desirable that the stiffness or energy absorbing response of the device varies throughout the device. Typically, the liner of a crash helmet can have between two and ten portions of varying density. It is desirable to provide a device, or material for the device, in which the stiffness or energy absorbing response can be easily varied. It is not known to provide a liner which uses different materials or different geometrical arrangements at different locations.
It is known that body protecting devices, in particular motorcycle safety helmets, are often subject to impacts more frequently at particular areas or locations of the device. Also, some parts of the body of a user are more prone to injury, or the effects of injury are more severe, than others. It is therefore desirable to provide a device which has the highest level of protection at these respective areas. However, a device which provides this high level of protection at all locations is more difficult or costly to produce.
A body protecting device which includes an array of energy absorbing tubes is disclosed in WO 2005/060778. The tubes are arranged such that in use they are axially loaded. The device outperforms conventional devices using a hard foam material to absorb impact energy.
Axially loaded columns have been used for some time to improve the structural crashworthiness of vehicles, roadside furniture and the like. The columns of each of these known systems are typically unconnected and function independently.
It is desirable that metal columns exhibit a multiple local buckling and folding failure mode which is effective in absorbing impact energy. Plastic and composite columns have a number of failure modes which are efficient for absorbing impact energy but all of the modes typically involve progressive crushing of one end of the column.
The performance and failure mode of plastic and composite columns depends on a complex interaction of a number of different parameters including the material used, the geometry (shape and thickness), fibre alignment in composites, the use of triggers, and the loading conditions. However, a careful selection of these parameters can result in a safety device which outperforms the metal equivalent.
Regardless of the material used, arrays of independent columns arranged parallel or coaxial to the load have generally been found to provide efficient energy absorbing performance and improve the stability of the safety device. Columns tend to produce a relatively constant level of energy absorption as the column is progressively buckled or crushed.
It is also known to use one or more cylindrical structural members which are laterally loaded. In other words, the axis of the cylindrical structural member is normal to the loading. Impact energy is absorbed as the circular cross section is progressively crushed flat.
It is known to use composite materials having directional fibres reinforced within a matrix material. The direction of the fibres relative to the loading can be varied to provide the desired loading response. However, since the matrix material is solid, the composite material is relatively dense. Also, the loading response of a composite material having fibres oriented at an angle is typically dominated by the properties of the matrix material. These properties are often an order of magnitude lower than those of the fibre material. Also, although the material may have fibres arranged at an oblique angle to the load, the structure as a whole is still arranged parallel or normal to the loading.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
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- an impact surface;
- an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
The term “tube” is used to denote a hollow structure having any regular or irregular geometry.
Preferably the tube has a cylindrical or conical structure, most preferably a circular cylindrical or circular conical structure.
Preferably the longitudinal axis of the tubes is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface, most preferably at an angle of between 5° and 30° to a line normal to the impact surface.
Preferably the oblique arrangement of tubes is adapted to provide deflecting means for causing lateral deflection of the impact of an impacting object at the impacting surface.
Preferably the impact surface is convex. Alternatively, the impact surface is planar or concave.
Preferably the body protecting device has an outer layer providing the impact surface. Preferably the body protecting device has an inner surface and the axis of the one or more tubes extend from the impact surface towards the inner surface. Preferably the body protecting device includes an inner layer providing the inner surface. Preferably the body protecting device includes an intermediate layer providing the array of energy absorbing cells.
Preferably the array is localised at a particular area in the plane of the body protecting device. Preferably a plurality of arrays are provided at discrete locations of the body protecting device. Preferably the intermediate layer comprises a plurality of arrays provided at discrete locations below the impact surface.
Preferably one or more of the plurality of arrays include tubes which are orientated at a different oblique angle to the tubes of the other of the plurality of arrays. Preferably the device also includes one or more arrays of tubes in which the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle which is normal to the impact surface.
Preferably each of the plurality of arrays comprises an insert provided at a spacing member. Preferably the spacing member is formed from at least a foam material.
Preferably the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet. Alternatively, the body protecting device comprises a safety pad or a liner for a garment. The term “body protecting device” is also intended to include a liner for a safety helmet, safety pad or the like.
Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which abuts the side wall of at least another tube. Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube.
Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube by an adhesive. Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube substantially along the length of the tube.
Alternatively, substantially each tube has a side wall which is welded or fused to the side wall of at least another tube.
One or more tubes may be formed from an inner core comprising a first material and an outer core comprising a second material. Preferably each of the first and second material is a polymer. Preferably the second material has a lower melting temperature than the first material.
Preferably substantially each tube is near or adjacent to at least three other tubes. Preferably substantially each tube is near or adjacent to six other tubes.
Preferably each tube has a diameter of between 2 and 25 mm. Preferably each tube has a diameter of about 8 mm.
Preferably the thickness of the side wall of each tube is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably the thickness of the side wall of each tube is between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.
Preferably the length of each tube is between 10 and 50 mm.
Preferably the array of energy absorbing cells is provided as an integral material. Preferably the density of the material is between 60 and 100 kg/m3, most preferably around 80 kg/m3.
Preferably the integral material comprises polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyphenylsulphone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Preferably the material comprises Tubus Honeycombs™.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
-
- an impact surface;
- an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube; and deflecting means adapted to cause lateral deflection of the impact of an impacting object at the impacting surface.
Preferably the deflecting means is provided by arrangement of the axis of one or more tubes at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
Preferably the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface, most preferably at an angle of between 5° and 30° to a line normal to the impact surface.
Preferably the array is localised at a particular area in the plane of the device. Preferably a plurality of arrays are provided at different locations of the device. Preferably one or more of the plurality of arrays include tubes which are orientated at a different oblique angle to the tubes of the other of the plurality of arrays. Preferably the liner also includes one or more arrays of tubes in which the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle which is normal to the impact surface.
It is to be appreciated that the deflecting means may be adapted to cause lateral deflection of the impact of an impacting object in more than one direction depending on the location where the object impacts the device.
Preferably the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet. Alternatively, the body protecting device comprises a safety pad or a liner for a garment. The term “body protecting device” is also intended to include a liner for a safety helmet, safety pad or the like.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of absorbing energy imparted by an impact load applied in a first direction comprising:
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- providing an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube;
- orientating the array such that the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is at an oblique angle to the first direction.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
-
- a spacing member formed from a first material and defining one or more receptacles in the plane of the spacing member; and
- one or more inserts formed from a second material, the or each insert located at a receptacle of the spacing member.
It is to be appreciated that the plane of the spacing member may be flat or arcuate.
The or each receptacle may be an aperture, recess or cavity.
Preferably the spacing member defines a plurality of receptacles at selected locations in the plane of the spacing member.
Preferably the first material comprises a foam. Preferably the first material comprises expanded polystyrene.
Preferably the or each insert comprises an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube. Preferably the body protecting device has an impact surface and the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface. Alternatively or in addition, the axis of one or more tubes may be arranged at an angle which is normal to the impact surface.
Preferably the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface, most preferably at an angle of between 5° and 30° to a line normal to the impact surface.
Preferably the oblique arrangement of tubes is adapted to provide deflecting means for causing lateral deflection of an impacting object.
Preferably the impact surface is convex. Alternatively, the impact surface is planar or concave.
Preferably the body protecting device has an inner surface and the axis of the one or more tubes extend from the impact surface towards the inner surface.
Preferably the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet. Alternatively, the body protecting device comprises a safety pad or a liner for a garment. The term “body protecting device” is also intended to include a liner for a safety helmet, safety pad or the like.
Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which abuts the side wall of at least another tube. Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube.
Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube by an adhesive. Preferably substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube substantially along the length of the tube.
Alternatively, substantially each tube has a side wall which is welded or fused to the side wall of at least another tube.
Preferably substantially each tube is near or adjacent to at least three other tubes. Preferably substantially each tube is near or adjacent to six other tubes.
Preferably each tube has a diameter of between 2 and 25 mm. Preferably each tube has a diameter of about 8 mm.
Preferably the thickness of the side wall of each tube is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably the thickness of the side wall of each tube is between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.
Preferably the length of each tube is between 10 and 50 mm.
Preferably the array of energy absorbing cells is provided as an integral material. Preferably the density of the material is between 60 and 100 kg/m3, most preferably around 80 kg/m3.
Preferably the second material comprises polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyphenylsulphone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Preferably the second material comprises Tubus Honeycombs™.
Preferably the array defines a first and second discontinuous surface. Preferably a sealing material is provided at one or both of the first and second discontinuous surfaces.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a body protecting device for wearing by a user, the method comprising:
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- forming a spacing member from a first material, the spacing member defining one or more receptacles in the plane of the spacing member;
- forming one or more inserts from a second material; and
- locating the or each insert at a receptacle of the spacing member.
It is to be appreciated that the plane of the spacing member may be flat or arcuate.
Preferably the spacing member defines a plurality of receptacles at selected locations in the plane of the spacing member.
Preferably the method includes locating the or each insert at the receptacle before or during forming the spacing member.
Preferably the method includes encapsulating the or each insert within the spacing member.
Preferably the first material comprises a foam. Preferably the first material comprises expanded polystyrene.
Preferably the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet. Alternatively, the body protecting device comprises a safety pad or a liner for a garment. The term “body protecting device” is also intended to include a liner for a safety helmet, safety pad or the like.
Preferably the or each insert comprises an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube.
Preferably the array of energy absorbing cells is provided as an integral material. Preferably the density of the material is between 60 and 100 kg/m3, most preferably around 80 kg/m3.
Preferably the second material comprises polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyphenylsulphone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Preferably the second material comprises Tubus Honeycombs™.
Preferably the array defines a first and second discontinuous surface. Preferably the method includes providing a sealing material at one or both of the first and second discontinuous surfaces.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The core has a tubular structure which may be a cylindrical arrangement as shown in
Although
Each tube has a diameter of 8 mm, a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, and a length of around 35 mm. This results in a slenderness ratio (the ratio of the length to the diameter) of around 4, and an aspect ratio (the ratio of the diameter to the thickness) of between 25 and 80.
The use of these geometric values, particularly the low thickness used, results in a stable failure mode of progressive buckling being achieved, even though the tubes are at an angle to the loading. Instability, which could lead to a global buckling failure mode, is avoided since the tubes are connected to, and supported by, adjacent tubes. Being connected to six other tubes which are circumferentially spaced around the tube provides such support in any direction normal to the axis of the tube.
The tubes may be bonded together using an adhesive. Another suitable method is to form the tubes from an inner core of a first material and an outer core of a second material, the cores being co-extruded. The second material can be selected to have a lower melting temperature than the first material. Typically, a difference of between 15° and 20° Celsius can be used. During forming, the tubes can be heated to a temperature between the melting temperature of the first and second material. This causes the side walls of the tubes to become welded or fused together. This method allows easier forming of shapes and gives better consistency during forming.
It is to be appreciated that the tubes need not be connected to provide support to each other, or even be abutting, as long as the tubes are in close proximity such that they come into contact following a small amount of deformation.
It has been found that the present invention can outperform arrangements in which the tubes are parallel or normal to the loading. It is believed that the main reason for this is that the angled arrangement of tubes produces a reaction load which has both a parallel and a normal component relative to the loading. The normal component causes lateral deflection of the impacting object relative to the body protecting device during deformation of the tubes. The overall angled displacement of the head form results in a longer total time period for the impact event. Also, deflection of the impacting object reduces the magnitude of the loading in the parallel direction. Thus, the total impact energy is absorbed at a lower magnitude over a longer time period.
Another reason for the superior performance of the invention may be the contribution of bending of the tubes without buckling. There is therefore another mode of absorbing energy in addition to the mode of progressive buckling exhibited by both a conventional arrangement and the invention.
The test results of
Various test results are summarised in
High speed video playback of an impact event shows the impacting object being deflected laterally as the tubes are deformed.
In a body protecting device, it is possible to vary the angle of the tubes relative to the impact surface such that the stiffness or energy absorbing response of the material varies throughout the device. Using an integral core material allows moulding of a material which has an array of tubes at any angle up to 45°. This eliminates the need to cut the material at a particular angle which would result in substantial wastage.
The helmet 100 comprises a spacing member 110 formed from a first material, which is an expanded polystyrene foam. The spacing member 110 defines a number of receptacles or cavities 112 at selected locations in the (arcuate) major plane of the spacing member 110.
An insert 120, 122, 124 formed from a second material, is encapsulated within each cavity. Alternatively, apertures or recesses can be formed in the spacing member 110. Methods of providing such formations in foam materials are well known.
The inserts 120, 122, 124 may be positioned during forming of the spacing member 110 or inserted afterwards, such as by forming pockets in the spacing member 110.
Each insert 120, 122, 124 comprises an array of energy absorbing tubes as described for the first embodiment of the invention. For some of the inserts 122, 124, the axis of the tubes are arranged at an oblique angle to an impact surface 102 of the helmet 100. Also, the specific oblique angle may differ for these inserts 122, 124. For the remainder of the inserts 120, the axis of the tubes are arranged at an angle which is normal to the impact surface 102.
At the front and rear of the helmet 100, which have a smaller radius section, the helmet 100 is more stiff and using an insert 120 with an angle of 90° to the impact surface 102 is beneficial. At the two side portions of the helmet 100, which have a higher radius section, the helmet 100 is more flexible and using an insert 124 with an angle of 30°, and even up to 45°, to the impact surface 102 is beneficial. The top of the helmet 100 has a section of intermediate radius and using an insert 120 with an angle of 15° to the impact surface 102 is beneficial.
Helmet stiffness at any particular location can vary depending on the stiffness or thickness of the materials used, as well as the radius of curvature. The tube angle can be varied to meet these requirements and optimise the overall energy absorbing performance of the helmet 100.
As previously described, the arrays of the inserts are provided as an integral material. The inserts may be of any geometric shape. Typical dimensions of the inserts are 75 mm2 for a square insert and a diameter of 90 mm for a circular insert.
Each array defines a first 130 and second 132 discontinuous surface. A sealing material (not shown) is provided at both of these discontinuous surfaces. This prevents the foam material from entering the open ends of the tubes.
The inserts 120, 122 provide a high level of protection from impact loads. The arrays are located at particular predetermined areas where impacts occur more frequently or which are adjacent to parts of the body of a user which are more prone to injury, or the effects of injury are more severe. Moreover, the orientation of the tubes can be arranged to provide the optimum protection for a particular location.
Helmets tend to be tested at these vulnerable locations to ensure that they meet acceptable levels of safety. Two safety standards are the European standard EC R22-05 and the US standard SNELL 2005, both of which specify similar testing locations.
The distance to the testing locations 151-155 is taken from a reference point 160 located at the top and centre of the visor aperture 162. These distances are given in the standard. Inserts can be provided at each of these locations 151-155.
In other areas of the helmet 100, an acceptable level of protection is still provided by the foam spacing member 110. Indeed, the level of protection is at least equal to that of conventional helmets which use only a foam core.
Various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
- an impact surface;
- an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
2. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis of each tube is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface.
3. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis of each tube is arranged at an angle of between 15° and 30° to a line normal to the impact surface.
4. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the oblique arrangement of tubes is adapted to provide deflecting means for causing lateral deflection of the impact of an impacting object at the impacting surface.
5. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the impact surface is convex.
6. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim including an inner surface, and wherein the axis of the one or more tubes extends from the impact surface towards the inner surface.
7. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the array is localised at a particular area in the plane of the body protecting device.
8. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of arrays are provided at different locations of the body protecting device.
9. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 8, wherein one or more of the plurality of arrays include tubes which are orientated at a different oblique angle to the tubes of the other of the plurality of arrays.
10. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the device also includes one or more arrays of tubes in which the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle which is normal to the impact surface.
11. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein each of the plurality of arrays comprises an insert provided at a spacing member.
12. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spacing member is formed from at least a foam material.
13. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet.
14. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which abuts the side wall of at least another tube.
15. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube.
16. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 15, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube by an adhesive.
17. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube substantially along the length of the tube.
18. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more tubes may be formed from an inner core comprising a first material and an outer core comprising a second material.
19. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of the first and second material is a polymer, and wherein the second material has a lower melting temperature than the first material.
20. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein substantially each tube is near or adjacent to at least three other tubes.
21. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein substantially each tube is near or adjacent to six other tubes.
22. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each tube has a diameter of between 2 and 25 mm.
23. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the side wall of each tube is less than 0.5 mm.
24. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the length of each tube is between 10 and 50 mm.
25. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the array of energy absorbing cells is provided as an integral material.
26. A body protecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the density of the material is between 60 and 100 kg/m3.
27. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the integral material comprises one of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyphenylsulphone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
28. A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
- an impact surface;
- an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube; and
- deflecting means adapted to cause lateral deflection of the impact of an impacting object at the impacting surface.
29. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the deflecting means is provided by arrangement of the axis of each tube at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
30. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the axis of each tube is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface.
31. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the array is localised at a particular area in the plane of the device.
32. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30, wherein a plurality of arrays are provided at different locations of the device.
33. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 32, wherein one or more of the plurality of arrays include tubes which are orientated at a different oblique angle to the tubes of the other of the plurality of arrays.
34. A method of absorbing energy imparted by an impact load applied in a first direction comprising:
- providing an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube;
- orientating the array such that the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is at an oblique angle to the first direction.
35. A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising:
- a spacing member formed from at least a first material and defining one or more receptacles in the plane of the spacing member; and
- one or more inserts formed from a second material, the or each insert located at a receptacle of the spacing member.
36. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the or each receptacle is an aperture, recess or cavity.
37. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein the spacing member defines a plurality of receptacles at selected locations in the plane of the spacing member.
38. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the first material comprises a foam.
39. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38, wherein the or each insert comprises an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube.
40. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 39, including an impact surface, and wherein the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.
41. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the axis of one or more tubes is arranged at an angle of between 5° and 45° to a line normal to the impact surface.
42. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 40 or 41, wherein the oblique arrangement of tubes is adapted to provide deflecting means for causing lateral deflection of an impacting object.
43. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 35 to 42, including an inner surface, and wherein the axis of the one or more tubes extend from the impact surface towards the inner surface.
44. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 35 to 43, wherein the body protecting device comprises a safety helmet.
45. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 39 to 43, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which abuts the side wall of at least another tube.
46. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 45, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube.
47. A body protecting device as claimed in claim 46, wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is connected to the side wall of at least another tube substantially along the length of the tube.
48. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 39 to 43 or any of claims 45 to 47, wherein the array of energy absorbing cells is provided as an integral material.
49. A body protecting device as claimed in any of claims 39 to 43 or any of claims 45 to 48, wherein the array defines a first and second discontinuous surface, and wherein a sealing material is provided at one or both of the first and second discontinuous surfaces.
50. A method of forming a body protecting device for wearing by a user, the method comprising:
- forming a spacing member from a first material, the spacing member defining one or more receptacles in the plane of the spacing member;
- forming one or more inserts from a second material; and
- locating the or each insert at a receptacle of the spacing member.
51. A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the spacing member defines a plurality of receptacles at selected locations in the plane of the spacing member.
52. A method as claimed in claim 50 or 51, including locating the or each insert at the receptacle before or during forming the spacing member.
53. A method as claimed in any of claims 50 to 52, including encapsulating the or each insert within the spacing member.
54. A method as claimed in any of claims 50 to 53, wherein the first material comprises a foam.
55. A method as claimed in any of claims 50 to 54, wherein the or each insert comprises an array of energy absorbing cells, and wherein each cell comprises a tube.
56. A method as claimed in claim 55, wherein the array defines a first and second discontinuous surface, and the method includes providing a sealing material at one or both of the first and second discontinuous surfaces.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 31, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 18, 2008
Inventor: Peter Sajic (Dorset)
Application Number: 12/091,979
International Classification: A41D 13/015 (20060101);