Skin protector

Abstract

A skin protector for a user such as a motorcycle rider, includes a flexible, resilient protective portion having first and second ends, wherein the protective portion exhibits both heat resistance and insulation to protect the user's skin from heat. The protective portion is dimensioned for shielding a portion of the user's body that may come into contact with a hot surface. The skin protector further includes a fastening portion connecting the first end to the second end of the protective portion for securing the protective portion to the user's body.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/002,004, filed on Nov. 6, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to safety devices or accessories, and more particularly to a skin protector for users such as motorcycle riders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled, and less commonly three-wheeled, motor vehicle powered by an engine. The motorcycle encompasses many variations including motorbikes, motor scooters, mopeds, sidecar motorcycles, motortricycles and the like. The style of motorcycles will vary depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.

In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorized transport especially in larger cities such as, for example, Madrid, Rome and Athens. In some places, motorcycles are the primary means of motorized transport. In Taiwan, for example, the number of automobiles per ten thousands population is around 2,500, and the number of motorcycles is about 5,000.

A motorcycle is typically constructed with a chassis consisting of a frame, suspension, wheels and brakes, for transporting one or two riders in a front to back arrangement. The riders position themselves by straddling the top of the motorcycle during riding. The engine and the exhaust system including the muffler are located within the frame below the riders.

Typically, all or most of the exhaust system is visible, and exposed at the lower side of the motorcycle between the riders' legs. After a long ride or extended idling of the engine, the exterior surface of the muffler can be extremely hot. The rearward position of the exposed muffler makes the rear passenger rider particularly vulnerable to burn injuries on the inner part of the lower leg, especially during mounting, riding and dismounting of the motorcycle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a skin protector for motorcycle riders that would protect the rider from contact with a hot object such as the exhaust system of a motorcycle, thus preventing painful burn injuries or damage to clothing that may otherwise occur from such contact. There is a further need for a skin protector that can protect the user from injury from contact with hot surfaces in general.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a skin protector for users adapted to protect the skin against burns due to contact with hot objects or surfaces such as, for example, the exhaust pipe or muffler of a motorcycle. The skin protector of the present invention is adapted to protect any part of the body including limbs, however it may be preferably configured to protect the leg including the mid- to lower portion of the leg calf area, for situations where a motorcycle rider or occupant may be more prone to inadvertently contacting the muffler when mounting, riding or dismounting the motorcycle. Preferably, the skin protector of the present invention comprises a protective portion that provides excellent heat resistance and insulation against passage of heat to the motorcycle rider's skin, and a fastening portion for accommodating the body part and securing the protective portion to the rider's leg. In a similar manner, the skin protector of the present invention also protects garments or clothing against damage from contact with the hot muffler.

The skin protector of the present invention is simple and inexpensive to fabricate and implement, and is designed for a “one size fits all” configuration. Furthermore, the skin protector of the present invention is designed to be comfortable, lightweight, durable, breathable and easy to slip-on or remove from the body of the user. The flexible design of the skin protector makes it very convenient for storage or carry in a travel bag or the like. The present system is especially desirable for use by motorcycle riders including beginners and enthusiasts alike.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin protector for a user, comprising:

a flexible, resilient protective portion having first and second ends, the protective portion exhibiting both heat resistance and insulation to protect the user's skin from burns through contact with a hot surface;

the protective portion being dimensioned for shielding a portion of the user's body that may come into contact with the hot surface; and

a fastening portion connecting the first end to the second end of the protective portion for securing the protective portion to the user's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skin protector for a motorcycle rider for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of a skin protector showing a proximal side to be positioned on the user's body in proximity to the hot surface, heat source or hot exhaust system of the motorcycle during use for a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the skin protector of FIG. 2A showing a distal side to be positioned on the user's body distally from the hot surface, heat source or hot exhaust system of the motorcycle during use in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the skin protector of FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a skin protector having an outer and an inner covering for a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a skin protector having a fastener mechanism for a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a skin protector for users adapted to protect the skin against burns due to contact with hot objects or surfaces such as, for example, the exhaust pipe or muffler of a motorcycle. The skin protector of the present invention is adapted to protect any part of the body including limbs, however it may be preferably configured to protect the leg including the mid- to lower portion of the leg calf area, for situations where a motorcycle rider or occupant may be more prone to inadvertently contacting the muffler or exhaust pipe when mounting, riding or dismounting the motorcycle.

Preferably, the skin protector of the present invention comprises a protective portion that provides excellent heat resistance and insulation against passage of heat to the motorcycle rider's skin, and a fastening portion for accommodating the body part and securing the protective portion to the rider's leg. In a similar manner, the skin protector of the present invention also protects garments or clothing against damage from contact with the hot muffler.

The skin protector of the present invention is simple and inexpensive to fabricate and implement, and is designed for a “one size fits all” configuration. Furthermore, the skin protector of the present invention is designed to be comfortable, lightweight, durable, breathable and easy to slip-on or remove from the body of the user. The flexible design of the skin protector makes it very convenient for storage or carry in a travel bag or the like. The present system is especially desirable for use by motorcycle riders including beginners and enthusiasts alike.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a skin protector including a flexible, resilient protective portion having first and second ends, wherein the protective portion exhibits both heat resistance and insulation to protect the user's skin from burns through contact with a hot surface, heat source or exhaust system of a motorcycle. The protective portion is dimensioned for shielding a portion of the user's body that may come into contact with the hot surface. The skin protector further includes a fastening portion connecting the first end to the second end of the protective portion for securing the protective portion to the user's body.

As used herein, the term “protective portion” refers to a flexible, resilient substrate adapted for placement over the skin of a user's body and capable of withstanding contact with a hot surface while preventing elevated levels of heat from passing therethrough to protect the skin from painful burns and scalding. The protective portion is designed to withstand and protect the skin at temperatures of at least 150° F., preferably from about 250° F. to 500° F., and more preferably from about 350° F. to 500° F.

Examples of suitable materials for use in constructing the protective portion include polychloroprene, silicone, aramid, para-aramid, meta-aramid, polyacrylonitrile and oxidized forms thereof, melamine, formaldehyde, modacrylic, polynosic rayon, copolyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polybenzimidazole, chemically treated flame resistant textiles, fiberglass, cotton, LENZING FR™, AMATEX™, VINEX™, PROBAN™, INDURA™, TOUGHTEK™, KEPROTECH™, GLENGUARD™, VELPROOF™, NORFAB™, BREATH-O-PRENE™, and composites thereof. The protective portion may preferably be in the form of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a knitted fabric, a laminate or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, a skin protector for a user such as a motorcycle rider, identified generally by reference numeral 10 is shown for one embodiment of the present invention. The skin protector 10 is designed as a slip-on leg guard or protective sheath that can be slipped onto and around the motorcycle rider's leg as will be further described hereinafter. The skin protector 10 comprises a tubular body 12 having a top opening 14 and a bottom opening 16 for snugly receiving therethrough the leg of the motorcycle rider. The tubular body 12 is preferably flexible, breathable, lightweight and machine washable. The tubular body 12 is designed for quick donning or removal. The tubular body 12 is suitably contoured to minimize slipping and bunching. Optionally, the tubular body 12 can be fabricated to include a variety of visually pleasing colors and patterns, and thus can be used as a fashion accessory in addition to its use as a safety device.

The tubular body 12 of the skin protector further comprises a fastening portion 18 extending between the top opening 14 and the bottom opening 16 to provide a snug fit, and a protective portion 20 operatively connected to the elastic portion 18 for protecting the motorcycle rider's leg from heat emanating from the exhaust system such as the muffler of a motorcycle. The protective portion 20 is composed of a flexible and resilient material exhibiting both heat resistance and insulating properties. The protective portion 20 effectively serves as a heat or thermal barrier to protect the rider's skin against painful burns and scalding from contact with the hot surface of the exhaust system. The fastening portion 18 and the protective portion 20 are securely and operatively attached to one another at joined areas 21 through suitable attachment means including stitches 22 which may be applied by conventional sewing machines.

The fastening portion 18 enables the tubular body 12 to radially expand or contract, and accommodate the circumference of the rider's leg in a “one size fits all” configuration. In this manner, the fastening portion 18 allows the skin protector 10 to be pulled over the rider's foot and secure a snug fit over the lower leg. The fastening portion 18 is fabricated to be machine washable and sufficiently durable to maintain secure attachment to the protective portion 20. The fastening portion 18 is available in any color or print. Preferably the fastening portion 18 comprises a stretchable or elastic-type fabric. The stretchable or elastic-type fabric may preferably be composed of about 75% polyester and 23% rubber. Suitable examples of stretchable fabrics further include spandex, darlex, and the like.

The protective portion 20 includes an outer surface 24 and an inner surface 26 in contact with the motorcycle rider's skin. The protective portion 20 is composed of any heat or thermal insulating material that prevents passage of dangerous levels of heat from the outer surface 24 of the protective portion 20 to the inner surface 26 thereof. The protective portion 20 may be substantially non-elastic. A substantially elastic heat or thermal insulating material that is heat resistant may be used, if desired. The protective portion 20 is preferably fabricated to be breathable, machine washable and sufficiently durable for repeated use. The protective portion 20 is available in any desired color or print.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the protective portion 20 comprises about 75% of the surface area of the tubular body 12, with the fastening portion 18 making up the remaining surface area. The protective portion 20 is suitably dimensioned to cover any part of the user's body that may come into contact with a hot surface. Preferably, the protective portion 20 is dimensioned to cover a limb of the user's body, and more preferably the lower section of the leg including at least the medial and posterior portions that is most likely to come into contact with the motorcycle muffler or exhaust pipe. The protective portion 20 is positioned to cover the area at the medial and posterior portions of the motorcycle rider's leg at the same height and side proximal to the muffler on the motorcycle measured from the ground, and the fastening portion 18 is positioned on the anterior side of the lower leg.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a skin protector 30 is shown for a second embodiment of the present invention. The skin protector 30 includes a substantially tubular body 32 having a flexible, resilient protective portion 34 with a first and second ends 38 and 40, respectively, and a fastening portion 36 for securing the protective portion 34 to the user's body via attachment to the first and second ends 38 and 40 of the protective portion 34. The skin protector 30 may further include a pocket or compartment 42 with an opening 54, attached to an exterior portion thereof for holding the user's belongings such as keys, currency and coinage, cards such as, for example, driver's license, identification card, and debit/credit card, and the like.

The tubular body 32 further includes top and bottom openings 44 and 46, respectively, and proximal and distal sides, 48 and 50, respectively. The proximal side 48 of the tubular body 32 having the protective portion 34 is intended to be positioned on the user's body proximally or in proximity to the hot surface, heat source or hot exhaust pipe of the motorcycle. The protective portion 34 exhibits both heat resistance and insulation to protect the skin of the user as described above. The distal side 50 of the tubular body 32 having the fastening portion 36 is intended to be positioned on the user's body distally from the hot surface, heat source or hot exhaust system of the motorcycle.

The tubular body 32 of the skin protector 30 is constructed with a shape that provides improved contour with the lower section of the user's leg, thus enhancing fit and grip on the leg. In particular, the tubular body 32 tapers from a larger diameter at the top opening 44 to a smaller diameter at the bottom opening 46. Furthermore, the protective portion 34 along the proximal side 48 of the tubular body 32 is lengthened or elongated, as compared to the distal side 50, to maximize protection coverage area over the skin proximal to the hot surface or heat source. In this embodiment of the invention, the user puts on the skin protector 30 by slipping the leg through the top opening 44 and passing it through the bottom opening 46, and positioning the protective portion 34 over the area of the skin proximate the hot surface or heat source.

Optionally, the skin protector 30 may further include a light reflective material, for example, in the form of a patch 52, disposed on an exterior portion thereof to enhance visibility and safety of the user. Such light reflective materials may be selected, for example, from mylar, fluorescent materials, retroreflective materials, prismatic reflectors, micro glass reflectors, and the like. A retroreflective material that is commercially available is 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material marketed by 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn.

Referring to FIG. 3, a partially cutaway view of the skin protector 30 shows a flexible heat resistant outer covering 58 overlaying the exterior surface of the protective portion 34. The outer covering 58 provides enhanced abrasion resistance against wear and tear to the protective portion 34, and functions as an effective surface or shell for receiving and supporting decorative designs, dyes, patterns, light reflective material, and the like. The outer covering 58 is composed of any suitable flexible, durable material including, but not limited to, cotton, wool, denim, linen, flax, canvas, burlap, manilla, sisal, jute, nylon, polyester, and combinations thereof. The pocket 42 further includes a closure 56 preferably in the form of a hook and loop fastener (i.e., VELCRO™) at the opening 54. It is understood that the closure 56 may include other mechanisms for sealing the pocket 42 from the exterior.

Referring to FIG. 4, a partially cutaway view of a skin protector 60 is shown for a third embodiment of the present invention. The skin protector 60 is similar in most features to the previous skin protector 30. The skin protector 60 comprises a flexible, inner covering 62 overlaying the interior surface of the protective portion 34. The inner covering 62 may be composed of the same material or a different material from the outer covering 58. The inner covering 62 functions primarily to minimize abrasion wear on the protective portion 34 during donning and removal, and enhance wear comfort to the user.

The inner covering 62 may be further adapted for enhanced breathability for wicking moisture from the user's skin and facilitating passage of moisture therethrough. The inner covering 62 may be composed of any suitable moisture wicking material including, but not limited to, closely woven cotton, polymer membrane laminates, microporous textiles and membranes, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, GORE-TEX™, SYMPATEX™, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 5, a skin protector 70 is shown for a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The skin protector 70 is similar in most features to the previous skin protector 30. The skin protector 70 includes a fastening portion 72 having a buckle fastener 74 attached to the second end 40 of the protective portion, each in cooperation with a hook and loop fastener strap 76. It will be understood that the fastening portion 72 is not limited to this form, and may include any fastening mechanism as known to those skilled in the art.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A skin protector for a user, comprising:

a flexible, resilient protective portion having first and second ends, said protective portion exhibiting both heat resistance and insulation to protect the user's skin from heat;

said protective portion being dimensioned for shielding a portion of the user's body that may come into contact with the hot surface; and

a fastening portion connecting the first end to the second end of the protective portion for securing the protective portion to the user's body.

2. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein said protective portion and said fastening portion, in combination, form a substantially tubular member defining a first opening and a second opening, said tubular member comprising a shape tapering from a larger diameter at the first opening to a smaller diameter at the second opening.

3. The skin protector of claim 2 wherein the tubular member further comprises a proximal side and an opposed distal side including the fastening portion, wherein the proximal side extends further in length than the distal side thereof.

4. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the protective portion is composed of a heat resistant and insulating material selected from a group consisting of woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, laminates, and combinations thereof.

5. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the protective portion is composed of a heat resistant and insulating material selected from the group consisting of polychloroprene, silicone, aramid, para-aramid, meta-aramid, polyacrylonitrile and oxidized forms thereof, melamine, formaldehyde, modacrylic, polynosic rayon, copolyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polybenzimidazole, chemically treated flame resistant textiles, fiberglass, cotton, LENZING FR™, AMATEX™, VINEX™, PROBAN™, INDURA™, TOUGHTEK™, KEPROTECH™, GLENGUARD™, VELPROOF™, NORFAB™, BREATH-O-PRENE™, and composites thereof.

6. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the protective portion includes a flexible, heat resistant outer covering.

7. The skin protector of claim 6 wherein the outer covering is composed of a durable, abrasion-resistant material.

8. The skin protector of claim 7 wherein the durable, abrasion-resistant material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, denim, linen, flax, canvas, burlap, manilla, sisal, jute, nylon, polyester, and combinations thereof.

9. The skin protector of claim 1 further comprises a pocket attached to an exterior portion thereof.

10. The skin protector of claim 9 wherein the pocket further comprises a closure.

11. The skin protector of claim 1 further comprising a light reflective material disposed on the exterior portion thereof.

12. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the protective portion includes a flexible, breathable inner covering for wicking moisture from the user's skin and facilitating passage of the moisture therethrough.

13. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the protective portion is configured to withstand and protect the skin at temperatures of at least 150° F.

14. The skin protector of claim 13 wherein the protective portion is configured to withstand and protect the skin at temperatures of from about 250° F. to 500° F.

15. The skin protector of claim 14 wherein the protective portion is configured to withstand and protect the skin at temperatures of from about 350° F. to 500° F.

16. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the fastening portion comprises at least one hook and loop fastening strap.

17. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein the fastening portion comprises a stretchable fabric.

18. The skin protector of claim 17 wherein the stretchable fabric is selected from spandex and darlex.

19. The skin protector of claim 1 wherein protective portion is dimensioned for shielding the user's limb.

20. The skin protector of claim 19 wherein protective portion is dimensioned for shielding the user's lower section of a leg.