Side Impact Torso Protector Patents (Class 2/465)
  • Patent number: 11344787
    Abstract: An athletic protector is provided having a pad formed from a plurality of layers and configured to be impact-resistant. The pad has a central portion which is delineated along a perimeter thereof by an edge portion. The edge portion extends from the perimeter of the central portion to an outer perimeter and has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the central portion of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Matscitechno Licensing Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 11311062
    Abstract: A torso load distribution assembly. The torso load distribution assembly includes one or more plate portions and a plate engaging member. The one or more plate portions includes a body having a front surface, a rear surface and a side surface. The side surface joins the front surface to the rear surface. The body includes a plurality of body portions that are spaced apart from a substantially central body portion. The plate engaging member includes a body having central body portion, a first body portion connected to the central body portion and a second body portion connected to the central body portion. Each of the first body portion and the second body portion that attach to the plurality of body portions of the one or more plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leomar Roque, Matthew Asher, Randall Jered LeMarbe
  • Patent number: 9974345
    Abstract: A hip protector system includes an inflatable airbag, a proximity sensor to measure a distance to a point on the ground surface, a gyro to provide spatial orientation of the waist plane of the user, an accelerometer to determine the vertical acceleration of the waist plane of the user and a micro-controller unit. The micro-controller unit calculates a height based on proximity measurement and spatial orientation, computes values of downward velocity based on a change of the height in time and based on the vertical acceleration integrated over time and correlates the downward velocities to validate a true height in time to the ground surface. The airbag is inflated to protect the user responsive to the true height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Hip Hope Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Amatsia Raanan
  • Patent number: 9773397
    Abstract: There is provided a fall detection system comprising a user device configured to be worn or carried by a user, the user device comprising a proximity sensor for measuring the proximity of the user device to the ground or a floor; and a movement sensor for measuring the movements of the user; the fall detection system further comprising a processing unit configured to process the measurements from the movement sensor to detect a potential fall; activate the proximity sensor if a potential fall is detected; and process the measurements from the proximity sensor to determine if the user has fallen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Warner Rudolph Theophile Ten Kate, Patrick Kechichian
  • Patent number: 9675505
    Abstract: A system for preventing fall-related injuries is described. The system comprises a re-useable airbag which can be mounted on a wheelchair, power chair, stroller or scooter or can be design as a hip protector to be put on a waist of a wearer. The system further comprises a fall detection unit that can automatically trigger inflation of the airbag system in case of a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: MOBISAFE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Siamak Arzanpour, Maryam Soleimani, Arina Aboonabi
  • Patent number: 9546664
    Abstract: A fan system suitable for an electronic device is provided. The fan system includes a fan module and a fan protecting module. The fan module includes a base and a fan blade assembly. The base is disposed at the electronic device and has a chamber. The fan blade assembly includes a fan blade and a shaft portion. The fan blade is fixed on the shaft portion. The shaft portion is rotatably contained in the chamber. The fan protecting module includes an electromagnetic component and an accelerometer. The electromagnetic component is disposed at a position adjacent to the shaft portion. The accelerometer is disposed in the electronic device and coupled to the electromagnetic component. When an acceleration of the electronic device detected by the accelerometer is greater than a threshold value, the electromagnetic component applies magnetic force to the shaft portion to prevent the shaft portion from overly shifting or deflecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Lung Hsu, Po-Cheng Chen, Ming-Chi Kao, Ming-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 9532613
    Abstract: A garment having a piece of clothing with a plurality of pad segments located proximate a backside of a wearer's body, including at least one joint region, for protecting the wearer by dissipating energy resulting from a sudden impact. The pad segments arranged with respect to the interior radius of the joint region such that an interstitial space located between each adjacent pad segment becomes narrower moving a protruding portion of each adjacent pad segment closer together, and in some instances such that the adjacent protruding portions touch one another, when the joint region moves from an extended position to a flexed position. The garment with energy dissipating pad segments may be used alone or in conjunction with pads that shield energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Foley, Vincent Foley
  • Patent number: 9314363
    Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treating complications of the hip and has means for trochanter compression, pelvis support, lumbar compression, variously directed straps, and thigh support. The trochanter compression and an internal/external rotation strap provide pain relief through compression and skin protection, unloading of joints through compression and sealing, and unloading by load transfer. Means for adjustably dosing of straps enables pain management and ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Thorvaldur Ingvarsson, Nina Bakken, Valgeir Petursson, Helga Run Palsdottir, Thorleifur Stefansson
  • Patent number: 9307801
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, methods, products, and implementations, including a head gear device that includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, at least one sensor to measure one or more of, for example, force and/or motion, and one or more moveable members, the one or more moveable members configured to be displaced to apply a counterforce to a head of the user based, at least in part, on detection of one or more of, for example, a force component applied to the user and/or motion undergone by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Noam Rabinovitch
  • Patent number: 9226533
    Abstract: An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David Turner, Daniela Grogro
  • Patent number: 9192806
    Abstract: An exercise system is presented utilizing a plurality of adjustable resistance members. Specifically, an athletic garment is presented, such as athletic shorts, having a plurality of padded elements therein which cover a user's muscles and provide resistance when exercising. In addition, the garment has a plurality of opposing attachment sites and a plurality of resistance bands connected between opposing attachment sites. When a user wears the athletic garment while exercising, the padded elements and the resistance bands stretch and resist movement thereby providing an improved workout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Scott M. Mial
  • Patent number: 9126065
    Abstract: An airbag device for the body instantaneously activates an airbag without malfunctions. When an absolute value of an angular velocity detected by an angular velocity sensor exceeds a predetermined angular velocity value, angular velocity values are integrated from a most recent detected value to an oldest value within a predetermined time period, and if an absolute value of a resultant value of integral exceeds a predetermined value and an acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor is smaller than a predetermined acceleration, the airbag is inflated. Based on the value of the integral of the angular velocities, a case in which an angular velocity gradually increases is distinguished from a case in which an angular velocity momentarily increases, so the airbag device effectively prevents malfunctions caused by an action other than falling over. Additionally, because it is unnecessary to intentionally delay determination to prevent malfunctions, the airbag can instantaneously be inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: PROP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuya Uchida, Osamu Tanaka, Kiyoshi Fukaya, Takumi Yoshimura, Toshiyo Tamura, Yukitoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9107753
    Abstract: A method to relieve menstrual cramping which includes the step of placing one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is affixed to one or more straps having a first and corresponding second end. A fastener is connected so to attach the first end of each strap to a corresponding second fastener at the second end of each strap as an additional step. The apparatus also includes a constricting device (such as a ratchet) located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ZIIVAA IP, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen D. Lee
  • Patent number: 9101815
    Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a pair of sleeves tailored with pockets under each thigh that allow for supporting pads to be inserted in various combinations. The pads are ergonomically designed and can be designed with internal fibreglass battens, or moulded plastic, and optionally in shapes that help apply torque to the boat dynamics. The sleeves are designed with one way stretch to optimise grip to the leg, and constructed in a choice of composite materials to aid durability and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: ZHIK PTY LTD
    Inventors: Brian Conolly, Bartoz Milczarczyk
  • Publication number: 20150128334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standalone wearable protector 1, comprising: a thin layer supporting fabric 2, at least one inflatable bag 13 housed in a seat 19 provided in said supporting fabric 2, at least one gas generator 12 acting as inflating means connected to said inflatable bag 13 and fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2, a control unit 10 also fastened directly or indirectly to said supporting fabric 2 and suitable for activating said inflating means 12 and sensing means 5 connected to said control unit 10 and provided on said supporting fabric 2. The present invention also relates to a protective clothing assembly comprising a protective garment 30, 50 made of material resistant to abrasion and friction stresses and said standalone wearable protector 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Giovanni Mazzarolo, Marco Signorelli
  • Patent number: 9027169
    Abstract: An article of apparel may include a base layer and a cover layer. The cover layer may be stitchlessly-secured to an exterior surface of the base layer and positioned to extend along a side area and from a pelvic region to a leg region of the base layer. A width of the cover layer may be greater in the pelvic region than the first leg region. In some configurations, a frictional resistance of the exterior surface of the base layer may be greater than a frictional resistance of a surface of the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: David Turner
  • Publication number: 20150113717
    Abstract: A protective athletic garment that provides cushioning effect to areas of wearer's body and shock absorbing capability, while keeping resistance to impact and collision during activities. The garment comprises an article of clothing which covers a portion of a wearer's body and a protective element attached into areas susceptible to injury. The protective element is preferably formed of a base layer of polyurethane shock absorbent foam and a top layer of thermoplastic polyurethane foil including flex zones and raised elements to provide high abrasion resistance and low friction sliding ability during falls. The protective element comprises ventilation holes and a plurality of grooves to stitch the protective element to the garment to create any style of garment. The protective element can be used for different portions of the wearer's body by varying the shape and/or size of the protective element to accommodate a variety of human body portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Miguel Giron
  • Publication number: 20150101112
    Abstract: Falling causes serious injury to the body and is a leading cause of death in the elderly. An external belt placed over the waist comprises an inertia system and expandable modules. These modules contain packed air bags and can be expanded in size by orders of magnitude using an air tank. The modules are selected by the inertia system that senses the direction of the fall. The selected module is filled with air from the air tank generating a protective mattress which can be used to cushion their fall. Serious injury to the body can be reduced or even prevented. The module instead can contain an expandable support structure to reach the floor and act as a “third leg”. This support structure may be used by the individual to gain control of the individual's balance and stabilize the individual allowing a re-capture of balance and preventing the fall from occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Joel Abe Balbien, Thaddeus John Gabara
  • Patent number: 8914917
    Abstract: Protective hip pads and tailbone pads formed of resilient padding material have a combination belt slot and snap faster attachment arrangement and can selectively attached to athletic pants having either snap fasteners in the waistband, or to athletic pants having a waistband with a number of exposed slots through which a belt extends. Thin stiff flexible support plates are affixed to the front and back side of the pads and laterally spaced slotted apertures extending through the pad and support plates have a vertical slot and an intersecting horizontal slot. Snap fasteners slidably mounted in respective horizontal slots can be moved to be aligned and pressed onto mating snap members in the waistband to secure the pads to the waistband or, alternatively, moved to expose the vertical slots to receive a pants belt laced through the waistband and vertical slots to secure the pads to the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Douglas Pads Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Huntsman, Kevin Bull, Jeff Douglas
  • Publication number: 20140259335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a securing device configured to be worn by a person, characterised in that the securing device includes a locking mechanism that is configured to selectively secure a guard to the securing device at a plurality of positions relative to the securing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DELLOCH LIMITED
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Allan, Jonathan Martin Jones, Blythe Guy Rees-Jones, Christopher Raymond Brown
  • Patent number: 8819984
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a firearm stabilization apparatus having (1) a main body further having a stopped dado which forms a depression on a front surface of the main body; a first magnet positioned within the depression; a slot along a edge of the main body; and a second magnet positioned within the slot; and (2) a firearm further with a third magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Asymmetric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Borkowski, Michael Cress-Holton Clanton
  • Publication number: 20140208492
    Abstract: A garment having a piece of clothing with a plurality of pad segments located proximate a backside of a wearer's body, including at least one joint region, for protecting the wearer by dissipating energy resulting from a sudden impact. The pad segments arranged with respect to the interior radius of the joint region such that an interstitial space located between each adjacent pad segment becomes narrower moving a protruding portion of each adjacent pad segment closer together, and in some instances such that the adjacent protruding portions touch one another, when the joint region moves from an extended position to a flexed position. The garment with energy dissipating pad segments may be used alone or in conjunction with pads that shield energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent Foley, Andrew Foley
  • Patent number: 8732869
    Abstract: A hip protector pad absorbs impact energy at a vulnerable area of a greater trochanter of an adult human hip. The pad has a continuous sheet of flexible honeycomb material having faces covered with an optional cover material and a layer of compliant and resilient foam on an inner side and an outer side of the honeycomb material. The pad is flexible to conform to a shape of the hip area. The pad is effective to reduce an impact of a fall of an adult human on the vulnerable area and minimizes the chance of a hip fracture resulting from the fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Comfihips, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Paul Onrot, Iris Grant Onrot
  • Publication number: 20140111339
    Abstract: This invention relates to hip protector devices. We describe a hip protector for protecting a user in the event of a fall, the hip protector comprising: one or more hip protection elements; and an electronic fall detection sys tem, wherein the hip protection element is arranged to reduce the impact of a fall by a user; wherein the fall detection system is configured to detect the occurrence of said fall by said user and to store fall data defining one or more characteristics of said detected fall in a data store, for later retrieval; wherein said hip protection element comprises a cushion or pad, and wherein said electronic fall detection system is located within said cushion or pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Fall-Safe Assist Ltd
    Inventor: William E. Beckett
  • Publication number: 20130312168
    Abstract: An active hip protector system and method for hip fracture prevention are introduced in order to overcome the short-comings of existing methods of preventing hip fractures; namely: to provide effective impact protection and eliminate false fall alarms. The hip protector system comprises a belt-like pouch, worn over the user's waist, containing airbags which are inflated to a large size ensuring that the user's thighs will not hit the ground upon impact, once the system detects a fall. The pouch contains all of the necessary elements for fall detection and activating inflation of the airbags. Incorporation of distance measurement sensors and cross reference with acceleration and spatial orientation sensors enable reliable detection of impending collision with the ground. The pneumatic system, including the airbags, is carried within the pouch or, alternatively, can be placed in a location that is prone to falling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Amatsia Raanan
  • Patent number: 8572762
    Abstract: A load bearing weight distribution device is provided. The device comprises a flexible, yet rigid, back brace, a waist belt, wherein the waist belt is connected through a housing to back brace, and a vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism. The back brace comprises flexible body with arms. The vertical and circumferential tensioning mechanism comprises a first securement strap and a second securement strap. The load bearing weight distribution device is designed for use with armor vests and other similar devices. First and second securement straps connect upper front portion of the armor vest through first and second channels and first and second rings, respectively, of the back portion and through first and second passages of the armor vest, respectively, for attachment to a securement device positioned on a lower front portion of the armor vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: KDH Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Herbener, Andrew G. Wall, Joseph D. Massam, Kailyn N. Lynch, John F. Ficker, Kaniyanthra Arjun Joseph
  • Patent number: 8381320
    Abstract: An improved an impact force-dissipating device which can be used as part of a hip protection system is provided. The impact force-dissipating devices may be incorporated into a garment, worn comfortably, and significantly reduce the risk of hip or other bone fracture in the event of a fall or other trauma to the hip or trochanteric region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fallgard, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley L. Wiener
  • Patent number: 8327462
    Abstract: A device for dispersing and dampening impact forces that includes a first sheet structure and a second sheet structure that are joined together at a boundary zone. The boundary zone joins the first sheet structure and the second sheet structure together to define at least one gas-tight chamber having two sides. A gas is contained within the gas-tight chamber at a pressure within a predetermined range of acceptable pressures for dispersing impact forces translated against one side of the device such that a blunt force trauma producing impact force is not transferred through the device to a wearer's body disposed proximal to the other side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Panoply Industries LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Feldman, Leonid Miroshnik, Eli Gunzburg
  • Publication number: 20120291188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element for a portion of the human body, comprising a tub-shaped molded piece that has an internal side (IS) facing the body and a compensation layer. The shape of the molded piece is adapted to the human anatomy, in particular the hip or pelvis region. At least some sections of the compensation layer are arranged on the internal side (IS). The molded piece is monolithically formed from a cured composite material, while the compensation layer is made of an elastically deformable foam material and includes a duct system of groove-like depressions on the side facing the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Herbert Grosstesner
  • Publication number: 20120284908
    Abstract: An article of clothing wear for softening the impact resulting from a wearer's fall to the ground includes an article of protective clothing constructed in whole or in part with bubble-wrap composition at selected elbow, hip, knee, ankle or shoulder denominated areas thereof, with the article of protective clothing being sized to be worn under or over the wearer's own fabric clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas McCredy
  • Patent number: 8281418
    Abstract: A one-piece protective device includes a shirt member and a pants member. The shirt member includes a proximal end comprising a neck area and a distal end comprising a waist area. The pants member includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the pants member is integrally joined with the distal end of the shirt member to form the waist area. The one-piece device is compressed around the body of the user to conform about the contour and shape of the user. The one-piece protective device also includes a plurality of pockets formed within the shirt member and pants member, wherein a plurality of pads disposed within the plurality of pockets. The device also includes a plurality of fasteners, such as zippers and fasteners, for securing the pads within the pockets. An elastic band is disposed at the waist to hold the device around the waist area of the user. The one-piece protective device is fabricated from stretchy material to provide increased elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jeriah Darrel Cohen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120233752
    Abstract: Sports wear 1 having a pelvis supporting section 2 and an anchor section 6, wherein the pelvis supporting section 2 comprises a material with 3-6 times the tensile strength of the material of the clothing other than the pelvis supporting section 2, and holds and supports the pelvis of the wearer, the anchor section 6 is situated on the back side of the sports wear 1 and connects the pelvis supporting section 2 to a fixed part 3 on the back rise line or front rise line, and the pelvis supporting section 2 and anchor section 6 together function to prevent forward tilting of the pelvis of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: Goldwin Technical Center Inc., GOLDWIN INC.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kemma, Kazumi Nakada, Yuki Tsukio
  • Publication number: 20120174301
    Abstract: A hip protector pad absorbs impact energy at a vulnerable area of a greater trochanter of an adult human hip. The pad has a continuous sheet of flexible honeycomb material having faces covered with an optional cover material and a layer of compliant and resilient foam on an inner side and an outer side of the honeycomb material. The pad is flexible to conform to a shape of the hip area. The pad is effective to reduce an impact of a fall of an adult human on the vulnerable area and minimizes the chance of a hip fracture resulting from the fall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: COMFIHIPS, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Paul ONROT, Iris Grant Onrot
  • Patent number: 8205273
    Abstract: To enable a front portion of a chest protector to be easily undone to allow cooling down while maintaining the protection performance for the chest protector fitted to a garment. A chest protector detachably fitted to an interior surface of a body garment includes left and right protective shell members, with the left and right protective shell members engaging in a separable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsurou Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8171573
    Abstract: A functional clothing article may include a body for receiving and supporting a hip region, and a waist region of a user. An abdominal support unit may be provided at a front portion of the body to support the abdominal region. The abdominal support unit may have at least a first abdominal support plate positioned between at least two second abdominal support plates. The elasticity of the at least two second abdominal support plates may be less than the at least one first abdominal support plate. A waist support may be attachable the functional clothing article. The waist support may surround a portion of the user's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: A-C Medical Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy Dokyong Chun, Stepano Youngil Chun
  • Patent number: 8151376
    Abstract: A hip protector pad absorbs impact energy at a vulnerable area of a greater trochanter of an adult human hip. The pad has a continuous sheet of flexible honeycomb material having faces covered with a cover material and a layer of compliant and resilient foam on an inner side and an outer side of the honeycomb material. The pad is flexible to conform to a shape of the hip area. The cover material reduces a penetration of the foam into cells of the honeycomb material when subjected to impact. The pad is effective to reduce an impact of a fall of an adult human on the vulnerable area to be below an average adult human hip fracture impact level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ConfiHips, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Paul Onrot, Iris Grant Onrot
  • Publication number: 20110289663
    Abstract: An energy absorbing and displacing structure for athletic protective equipment, such as an athletic shin-guard, is provided using a flexible web-shaped body to hold a rigid band-shaped member in place. The inner rigid band-shaped member follows the contour of the desired area to protect. The outer flexible web-shaped body is made of a softer rubber like material and works as a locator and supporter keeping the inner, rigid band-shaped member, in proper location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Brian E. Kamradt
  • Patent number: 8065753
    Abstract: Here is disclosed a garment a device and a method for reducing the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part, e.g. the greater trochanter near the skin surface, there being a soft tissue region proximate to the vulnerable region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment comprises at least one protective device shaped in accordance with anatomical features of the vulnerable region and the soft tissue region so that the impact energy is shunted for the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely dissipated and mounting means for removable mounting the at least one protective device on the subject in a manner permitting the shunting of impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tytex A/S
    Inventors: Bettina Balslev Sørensen, Steve Robinovitch, Anna Marie Houe Kjærsgaard
  • Patent number: 8059000
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular state of a body is sensed. In response to the sensing, at least one action is taken to modulate a projected adverse interaction between the body or a portion thereof and at least one object in the environment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Cameron A. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110154562
    Abstract: An improved an impact force-dissipating device which can be used as part of a hip protection system is provided. The impact force-dissipating devices may be incorporated into a garment, worn comfortably, and significantly reduce the risk of hip or other bone fracture in the event of a fall or other trauma to the hip or trochanteric region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Stanley L. Wiener
  • Patent number: 7941876
    Abstract: A method and device for protecting a hip bone or limiting a severity of a hip bone injury, which includes at least one pad arranged to protect the hip bone, and a wearable garment to hold the at least one pad with respect to the hip bone, the garment configured to be worn over clothing, the pad configured to wrap around an area of the hip bone in a circumferential manner, the garment including two fastening panels, each configured to face and overlap with the other fastening panel, and fastenable together in a rotatable manner around an axis perpendicular to a fastening plane, a length of the two fastening panels configured to provide a one size fits essentially all wearers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Robert C Ferber
  • Patent number: 7937780
    Abstract: Body armor for ballistic protection of a user's extremities preferably comprising right and left arm protection units and/or right and left leg protection units. The units include a ballistic protection material which preferably covers most of the user's upper arm, elbow region, lower arm, shoulder, upper leg, knee region, and lower leg except for ventilation zones preferably located on the inner portion of the upper arm and the inner part of the upper leg. The back of the knee is preferably covered by a protective flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Peter Matic, Graham K Hubler, James A Sprague, Nevin Rupert, Kirth E Simmonds, Richard Steven Bruno
  • Patent number: 7891026
    Abstract: Athletic apparel containing protective underlayer comprising molded foam padding that are shaped and curved to match the anatomical regions to reduce the bulk of the underlayers. The molded foam pads a perforated structure to allow for increased flexibility and ventilation. Protective underlayers that surround regions of motion, such as the hip joint, are notched to provide articulation of the protective underlayer that will improve mobility of the athletic apparel wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Smith
  • Patent number: 7841344
    Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Sara E. Schlosser
  • Publication number: 20100281607
    Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads (2) for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads (2) with release mechanism (1) that allows the protective rib and lower back pads (2) to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads (4) while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads (2) as the protective rib and lower back pads (2) and associated protective shoulder pads (4) are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michael E. Kordecki
  • Publication number: 20100192289
    Abstract: To provide a foam-molded product which is light-weight and superior in formability, flexibility and shock absorbing capacity, and which exhibits favorable tactile impression and excellent safety, as well as a shock absorber using the same that provides favorable feel in wearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miaki Shibaya, Masaoki Gotou, Mitsunaga Noda
  • Publication number: 20100186154
    Abstract: An impact reduction device including a pad having a first layer and a second layer. At least one of the first and second layers defines at least one impression. The impact reduction device is arranged and configured to at least partially collapse upon application of a force and to regain its shape after removal of the force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Wesley W. O. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20100170029
    Abstract: This invention concerns improved protective rib and lower back pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads against impact to the ribs and/or lower back region of the human body. The improvement comprises protective rib and lower back pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective rib and lower back pads to be safely and easily detached from its corresponding pair of protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of a secondary injury to the individual wearing the protective rib and lower back pads as the protective rib and lower back pads and associated protective shoulder pads are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Michael E. Kordecki
  • Patent number: 7743433
    Abstract: A neck dam collar is formed of a substantially vapor-proof material. Resiliently compressible portions of the collar either act as a cushion, a spacer, or both between a neck dam and the wearer's neck. In one embodiment, the collar is a discrete, cylindrical tube of flexible, elastic material. In another embodiment, a protective garment includes the neck dam collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Corey M. Grove, Stephen E. Chase, Mary P. McCully, Janelle E. Keberle, Leroy H. Stitz, Adam D. Seiple
  • Publication number: 20090307829
    Abstract: A hip protector pad absorbs impact energy at a vulnerable area of a greater trochanter of an adult human hip. The pad has a continuous sheet of flexible honeycomb material having faces covered with a cover material and a layer of compliant and resilient foam on an inner side and an outer side of the honeycomb material. The pad is flexible to conform to a shape of the hip area. The cover material reduces a penetration of the foam into cells of the honeycomb material when subjected to impact. The pad is effective to reduce an impact of a fall of an adult human on the vulnerable area to be below an average adult human hip fracture impact level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ComfiHips, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Paul ONROT, Iris GRANT ONROT