Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: Latches, latch arrangements and related methods for temporarily associating two objects, each having one part of a magnetic catch retention arrangement. Latches according to various embodiments of the invention have matable first and second housings wherein the first housing defines a primary recess and the second includes a primary protrusion that is receivable by the primary recess. A biased, displaceable catch of one housing selectively retains the other housing when the two housings are in a mated condition. The magnetic catch retention arrangement becomes functional after sufficient user displacement of the catch; upon sufficient differential movement of the housings, the magnetic catch retention arrangement no longer has sufficient effect to overcome the catch bias.

Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: An inflatable body including first and second fluid impervious major panels, each having an outer surface, an inner surface and a perimeter, and further including a fluid impervious intermediate panel having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter. A first perimeter portion of the intermediate panel is joined to the inner surface of the first major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof, and a second perimeter portion of the intermediate panel, which is generally opposed to the first perimeter portion, is joined to the inner surface of the second major panel from one perimeter portion thereof to a generally opposed perimeter portion thereof. The first and second major panel perimeters are joined to each other, defining a primary enclosure having first and second chambers separated by the intermediate panel, and at least one sealable orifice in fluid communication with the environment and at least one chamber.

Abstract: A porous, breathable pad for use as protective padding by a person to absorb the force of an impact and to protect the user from injury while allowing liquids and air to freely pass through the pad. The pad includes a plurality of discrete, solid beads of inelastic and waterproof, closed-cell foam wherein some outer portions of adjacent beads abut one another and other outer portions of the adjacent beads are spaced from each other to create interstitial spaces. In the preferred embodiments, substantially all of the adjacent beads are fused together at their abutting, outer portions and the interstitial spaces are substantially uniformly distributed throughout the pad.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. In a first set of preferred embodiments, the pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In an alternate embodiment, the outer casing is made of an elastic material that is overfilled preferably to its elastic limit to act in the manner of the preferred embodiments. In a second set of preferred embodiments, the outer casings of the pads are actually filled no more than a simple gravity fill (i.e., 100%) and preferably are underfilled (e.g.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. In a first set of preferred embodiments, the pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In an alternate embodiment, the outer casing is made of an elastic material that is overfilled preferably to its elastic limit to act in the manner of the preferred embodiments. In a second set of preferred embodiments, the outer casings of the pads are actually filled no more than a simple gravity fill (i.e., 100%) and preferably are underfilled (e.g.

Abstract: Flexible pads primarily intended for use as protective padding for athletes and other users. In one preferred embodiment, the pads include two, outer layers of substantially inelastic material spaced apart by a middle section of discrete beads of substantially elastic, resilient material. Adjacent beads of the middle section preferably abut one another and are integrally joined to each other. Similarly, the outer layers of the pad contact adjacent beads of the middle section sandwiched therebetween and are joined to them to form an integral, strong pad. The outer layers of the pads are preferably porous and breathable and made of waterproof (non-absorbent) material. The resilient beads are preferably also made of waterproof material wherein moisture and air will readily pass through the assembled pads but will not be absorbed by any of the component layers or beads. The pads help to keep the athlete cool and dry in use and can be washed and dried for re-use.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The outer casing is made of an elastic material that is overfilled to its elastic limit to act in the manner of the preferred embodiments. In a second set of preferred embodiments, the outer casing of the pads are actually filled no more than a simple gravity fill (i.e., 100%) and preferably are under filled (e.g., 90%) to less than a gravity fill. This second set of pads is preferably used in combination with a hard, outer shell. Variations of the basic feature of the first and second sets of pads are also disclosed. The pads of the present invention are lightweight and washable and can be adapted and integrated into a wide variety of items.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. In a first set of preferred embodiments, the pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.

Abstract: Protective padding primarily intended for use in sports gear. The pads include flexible, outer casings of porous, breathable, inelastic material overfilled with resilient, discrete beads of elastic material. The beads are initially in compressed states within the casing and place the outer, inelastic casing in tension. When a blow or force is applied, the beads are further compressed to absorb and dissipate the impact. Additionally, the applied blow or force will increase the tension in the outer casing to even further compress the elastic beads for better absorption and dissipation of the impact. In use, the porous pads are compressed and rebound to create a pumping effect that circulates air into and out of the pads drawing heat and perspiration from the athlete's body and keeping the athlete cool and dry. If desired, the pad can be secured directly to the athlete's jersey to enhance this pumping effect as well as the dissipation of the force of any impact.