Protective Body Covering

A head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of the user, a groin protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a groin of a user to a torso of the user, and a protective body covering comprising a head protection assembly and a groin protection assembly.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/034,032, filed Aug. 6, 2014, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. BACKGROUND

Conventional defensive gear may not function to dissipate impact forces delivered to a wearer, particularly to the head or groin of the wearer. Accordingly, a need exists for a protective body covering which can transfer impact forces directed toward the head or groin of a user to a torso of the user, thereby lessening the potential for injuries that may result from the direct transfer of the impact forces to the head or groin.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of the user, and methods of making and using such head protection assemblies, whereby the head protection assembly comprises: a head shell configured to at least partially surround the head of the user; a first support member configured to couple to a first shoulder of the torso; and a second support member configured to couple to a second shoulder of the torso; the first and second support members pivotally coupled one each to head shell first and second sides; wherein the first and second support members support the head shell about the head in spaced apart relation to the head to define a first interior space between a head shell internal surface and the head.

Another a broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a groin protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a groin of a user to a torso of the user, and methods of making and using such groin protection assemblies, whereby the groin protection assembly comprises: a groin shell configured to at least partially surround the groin of the user; a resiliently compressible material coupled to a groin shell internal surface upper portion; and a groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element coupled to the groin shell proximate a groin shell upper portion; wherein the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element supports the groin shell about the torso such that a groin shell internal surface lower portion disposes in spaced apart relation to the groin to define a second interior space between the groin shell internal surface lower portion and the groin.

Another a broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a protective body covering comprising a head protection assembly, as above described, and a groin protection assembly, as above described.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the protective body covering, including a head protection assembly and a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a method of using the particular embodiment of the protective body covering shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a head protection assembly.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of a head protection assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 6 is a back view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 8B is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly, whereby the head shell includes resiliently compressible material.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a head shell of the head protection assembly, whereby a protective covering overlays aperture element openings disposed within the head shell and pass-through disposed within an ellipsoid dome coupled to the head shell.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of first and second support members of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10B is a front view of a particular embodiment of a first or second support member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10C is a back view of a particular embodiment of a first or second support member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10D is a side view of a particular embodiment of a first or second support member of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 10E is a front view of a particular embodiment of a head protection assembly including a head shell and first and second support members, whereby the head protection assembly is removably coupled to a head of a user.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a front plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a front plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a front plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a front plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a back plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a back plate of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a connector element of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a connector element of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of coupled front and back plates of the head protection assembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 22 is a back view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 23 is a first side view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 24 is a second side view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a groin protection assembly.

 IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, which illustrate a method of using a particular embodiment of a protective body covering (1) including a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) and a groin protection assembly (7) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5). A particular method of use can include removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) and removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5). As such, impact forces (3) directed toward the head (4) of the user (5) can be transferred to the torso (6) of the user (5) by the head protection assembly (2) and impact forces (3) directed toward the groin (8) of the user (5) can be transferred to the torso (6) of the user (5) by the groin protection assembly (7), thereby correspondingly protecting the head (4) and the groin (8) of the user (5) from impact forces (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8B, a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) can include a head shell (9) configured to at least partially surround the head (4) of the user (5). As to particular embodiments, the head shell (9) can be configured as a substantially hollow elliptical cylinder (10); however, the invention need not be so limited, as the head shell (9) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of at least partially surrounding a head (4) of a user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4 through FIG. 8B, the elliptical cylinder (10) can include an elliptical cylinder upper portion (11) opposite an elliptical cylinder lower portion (12), which can bound a head shell opening (13) capable of insertingly receiving a head (4) of a user (5). As to particular embodiments, the elliptical cylinder lower portion (12) can be configured to at least partially surround a neck (14) of the user (5) such that the head shell (9) can protect the head (4) and neck (14) of the user (5) from impact forces (3).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the elliptical cylinder (10) can include an aperture element (15) which defines an aperture element opening (16) communicating between elliptical cylinder internal and external surfaces (17)(18). The aperture element (15) can be disposed within an elliptical cylinder front portion (19) such that a user (5) wearing the head shell (9) about the head (4) can view through the aperture element opening (16). As to particular embodiments, the elliptical cylinder (10) can include a plurality of aperture elements (15), each defining an aperture element opening (16) through which the user (5) can view.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4 through FIG. 8B, the head shell (9) can further include an ellipsoid dome (20) coupled to the elliptical cylinder upper portion (11), whereby the ellipsoid dome (20) can be configured to surround a head upper portion (21). As to particular embodiments, the ellipsoid dome (20) can include one or more pass-throughs (22) communicating between an ellipsoid dome internal and external surfaces (23)(24).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 9, as to particular embodiments, a protective covering (25) can overlay the one or more aperture element openings (16). As an illustrative example, the protective covering (25) can include a transparent material, a translucent material, a networked material, such as interlaced fabric (26), or the like, or combinations thereof, which can provide a mechanical barrier (27) between an interior cavity (28) defined by a head shell internal surface (29) (as shown in the example of FIG. 8B) and an external space (30) while allowing viewing through the aperture element opening (16). Additionally, as to particular embodiments, a protective cover (25) can overlay the one or more pass-throughs (22) disposed in the ellipsoid dome (20).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 10A through FIG. 10E, the head protection assembly (2) further includes a first support member (31) configured to couple to a first shoulder (32) of a torso (6) and a second support member (33) configured to couple to a second should (34) of the torso (6). As to particular embodiments, the first and second support members (31)(33) can be configured as arcuate first and second support members (31)(33), contoured to couple proximate the corresponding first and second shoulders (32)(34). When a user (5) wears the head protection assembly (2), arcuate first and second support member first ends (35)(36) can dispose proximate a torso front portion (37) and arcuate first and second support member second ends (37)(38) can dispose proximate a torso back portion (39), disposing corresponding arcuate first and second support member medial portions (40)(41) proximate corresponding first and second shoulder top portions (42)(43).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 10E, the first support member (31) is pivotally coupled to the head shell (9) proximate a head shell first side (44) and the second support member (33) is pivotally coupled to the head shell (9) proximate a head shell second side (45) which disposes opposite the head shell first side (44). As to particular embodiments, the first and second support members (31)(33) can be fixedly coupled one each to corresponding first and second coupler elements (46)(47), which can be pivotally coupled to the corresponding head shell first and second sides (44)(45), for example by corresponding first and second pin elements (48)(49), allowing the head shell (9) to pivot about a pivot axis (50) disposed through the first and second pin elements (48)(49) (as shown in the example of FIG. 10A). As such, when a user (5) wears the head protection assembly (2), a head shell front portion (51) and a head shell back portion (52) can pivot about the pivot axis (50), moving upward or downward upon forcible urging, for example forcible urging provided by impact forces (3).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 10E, the first and second support members (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about the head (4) in spaced apart relation to the head (4) when a user (5) wears the head shell (9). Accordingly, a head shell internal surface (29) does not contact the head (4) of the user (5) when wearing the head protection assembly (2). As such, a first interior space (54) is defined between the head shell internal surface (29) and the head (4), allowing the user (5) to freely move the user's head (4) within the head shell (9). Additionally, the first interior space (54) can function as a spatial barrier (55) to preclude impact forces (3) which impact the head shell (9) from transferring directly to the user's head (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 8B, the head protection assembly (2) can further include a resiliently compressible material (56) coupled to the head shell (9) proximate the head shell internal surface (29). As to particular embodiments, the resiliently compressible material (56) can include foam or foam-like padding (57), which can provide a cushioning barrier (58) between the head shell internal surface (29) and the head (4) of a user (5) wearing the head shell (9).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 11 through FIG. 14, the head protection assembly (2) can further include a front plate (59) coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) proximate the first and second support member first ends (35)(36). The front plate (59) can have any of numerous and wide variety of configurations which can dispose about a chest portion (60) of a user (5), the front plate (59) capable of protecting the chest portion (60) from impact forces (3) directed toward a user (5) wearing the front plate (59).

As an illustrative example, the front plate (59) can be configured as a generally planar front plate (59) having dimensions sufficient to dispose about a chest portion (60) of a user (5). The front plate (59) can further include a pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) laterally coupled one each to opposing front plate lower portion side portions (63)(64). The pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) can be configured to dispose about torso opposing side portions (65)(66) of a user (5) wearing the front plate (59), thereby protecting the torso side portions (65)(66) from impact forces (3) directed toward a user (5) wearing the front plate (59).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11 through FIG. 14, the front plate (59) can further include a panel (67) having opposing panel upper and lower portions (68)(69). The panel lower portion (69) can be coupled to the front plate (59) such that the panel upper portion (68) outwardly extends from a front plate external surface (70) proximate a front plate upper portion (71). Accordingly, the panel (67) can provide a mechanical barrier (72) between the interior cavity (28) defined by the head shell internal surface (29) and the external space (30), thereby protecting a user (5) wearing the head protection assembly (2) from impact forces (3) directed upward toward the interior cavity (28) between the front plate (59) and the head shell (9).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, the head protection assembly (2) can further include a back plate (73) coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) proximate the first and second support member second ends (37)(38). The back plate (73) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations which can dispose about a back portion (74) of a user (5), the back plate (73) capable of protecting the back portion (74) from impact forces (3) directed toward a user (5) wearing the back plate (73).

As an illustrative example, the back plate (73) can be configured as a generally planar back plate (73) having dimensions sufficient to dispose about a back portion (74) of a user (5). As to particular embodiments, the planar back plate (73) can have dimensions sufficient to dispose about an upper back portion (75) of a user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, as to particular embodiments, the front and back plates (59)(73) can be coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33) by corresponding first and second connector elements (76)(77). As an illustrative example, the first and second connector elements (76)(77) can be configured as arcuate first and second connector elements (76)(77), which can be configured to dispose corresponding arcuate first and second connector element medial portions (78)(79) proximate corresponding first and second shoulder top portions (42)(43).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 19, the head protection assembly (2) can further include a pair of head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80), each coupled between the front and back plates (59)(73), whereby the head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of adjustably coupling the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, as to particular embodiments, each of the head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80) can have head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first and second portions (81)(82), which can be coupled one each to extend laterally from the front and back plates (59)(73) when the front and back plates (59)(73) are worn about a torso (6) of a user (5). The head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first and second portions (81)(82) can be capable of matingly engaging with one another to couple the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5). Additionally, the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, can have an adjustable length, whereby a greater length of the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, couples the front and back plates (59)(73) a greater distance apart relative to a lesser length of the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, which couples the front and back plates (59)(73) a lesser distance apart. Accordingly, the greater length of the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having greater torso dimensional relations while a lesser length of the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (81), the head protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (82), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having lesser torso dimensional relations.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, the head protection assembly (2) can further include a pair of head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83), each coupled between a pair of front and back plates (59)(73), whereby the head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of adjustably coupling the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 19, as to particular embodiments, each of the head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83) can have head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first and second portions (84)(85), which can be coupled one each to extend upwardly from the pair of front and back plates (59)(73) when the front and back plates (59)(73) are worn about a torso (6) of a user (5). The head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first and second portions (84)(85) can be capable of matingly engaging with one another to couple the front and back plates (59)(73) about a torso (6) of a user (5). Additionally, the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both, can have an adjustable length, whereby a greater length of the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both, couples the front and back plates (59)(73) toward a torso lower portion (86) of a user (5) wearing the front and back plates (59)(73) relative to a lesser length of the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both, which couples the front and back plates (59)(73) toward a torso upper portion (87) of a user (5) wearing the front and back plates (59)(73). Accordingly, the greater length of the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having greater torso dimensional relations while a lesser length of the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (84), the head protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (85), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having lesser torso dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, the protective body covering (1) can further include a groin protection assembly (7) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (8), whereby the groin protection assembly (7) includes a groin shell (88) configured to surround the groin (8) of the user (5).

As to particular embodiments, the groin shell (88) can be configured as a wider groin shell upper portion (90) having a pair of opposing groin shell sides (91)(92) which taper inwardly to form a relatively narrower groin shell lower portion (93).

As to particular embodiments, the groin shell (88) can be configured to outwardly bulge to contour to the groin (8) of the user (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 and FIG. 22 through FIG. 27, the groin shell (88) further includes a resiliently compressible material (94) coupled to a groin shell internal surface (95) proximate a groin shell internal surface upper portion (96). As to particular embodiments, the resiliently compressible material (94) can include foam or foam-like padding (57), which can provide a cushioning barrier (58) between the groin shell internal surface (95) and the torso (6) of a user (5) wearing the groin shell (88).

Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (94) can function to maintain a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) in spaced apart relation to the groin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell (88). Accordingly, the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) does not contact the groin (8) of the user (5) when wearing the groin protection assembly (7). As such, a second interior space (98) is defined between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8), whereby the second interior space (98) can function as a spatial barrier (55) to preclude impact forces (3) which impact the groin shell (88) from transferring directly to the user's groin (8).

As an illustrative example, the resiliently compressible material (94) can inwardly extend from the groin shell internal surface upper portion (96) by about four millimeters. However, the invention need not be so limited and the resiliently compressible material (94) can inwardly extend from the groin shell internal surface upper portion (96) by any of a numerous and wide variety of distances capable of maintaining a correspondingly numerous and wide variety of spaced apart relations between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell (88).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, the groin shell (88) further includes a groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate the groin shell upper portion (90), whereby the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of adjustably coupling the groin shell (88) about a torso (6) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 26, as to particular embodiments, the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) can have groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first and second portions (100)(101), which can be coupled one each to extend laterally from the groin shell upper portion (90) when the groin protection assembly (7) is worn by a user (5). The groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first and second portions (100)(101) can be capable of matingly engaging with one another to couple the groin shell (88) about a torso (6) of a user (5). Additionally, the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, can have an adjustable length, whereby a greater length of the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, provides a greater distance about the torso (6) relative to a lesser length of the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, which provides a lesser distance about the torso (6). Accordingly, the greater length of the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having greater torso dimensional relations while a lesser length of the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element first portion (100), the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element second portion (101), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having lesser torso dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 and FIG. 23 through FIG. 27, the groin protection assembly (7) can further include a rearwardly extending element (102) coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate the groin shell lower portion (93), whereby the rearwardly extending element (102) can be configured to extend between a pair of legs (103)(104) of a user (5) wearing the groin shell (88).

As to particular embodiments, the rearwardly extending element (102) can be configured to further extend upwards towards the user's lower torso back portion (105). As such, the rearwardly extending element (102) can have an arcuate configuration contoured to extend rewardly and upwardly from the groin shell lower portion (93).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 20 through FIG. 27, the groin protection assembly (7) can further include a resiliently compressible material (106) coupled to the rearwardly extending element (102) proximate a rearwardly extending element internal surface upper portion (107). As to particular embodiments, the resiliently compressible material (106) can include foam or foam-like padding (57), which can provide a cushioning barrier (58) between the rearwardly extending element internal surface upper portion (107) and the lower torso back portion (105) of a user (5) wearing the groin shell (88).

Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (106) can function to maintain a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) in spaced apart relation to the groin (8) when a user (5) wears the groin shell (88). Accordingly, the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) does not contact the groin (8) of the user (5) when wearing the groin shell (88). As such, a second interior space (98) is defined between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8), whereby the second interior space (98) can function as a spatial barrier (55) to preclude impact forces (3) which impact the groin shell (88) from transferring directly to the user's groin (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 27, the groin protection assembly (7) can further include a pair of groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108), each coupled between the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102), whereby the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108) can have any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations capable of adjustably coupling the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102) about an upper leg portion (109) of a user (5).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 27, as to particular embodiments, each of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108) can have groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first and second portions (110)(111), which can be coupled one each to the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102). The groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first and second portions (110)(111) can be capable of matingly engaging with one another to couple the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102) about an upper leg portion (109) of a user (5). Additionally, the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, can have an adjustable length, whereby a greater length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, provides a greater distance about the upper leg portion (109) relative to a lesser length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, which provides a lesser distance about the upper leg portion (109). Accordingly, the greater length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having greater upper leg portion dimensional relations while a lesser length of the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element first portion (110), the groin protection assembly second adjustable strap element second portion (111), or both, may be useful for a user (5) having lesser upper leg portion dimensional relations.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1B, as to particular embodiments, the protective body covering (1) can further include a pair of protective body covering adjustable strap elements (113) coupled between the head protection assembly (2) and the groin protection assembly (7). As to particular embodiments, each of the protective body covering adjustable strap elements (113) can have protective body covering adjustable strap element first and second portions (114)(115), which can be coupled one each to a front plate lower portion (116) and the groin shell upper portion (90). The protective body covering adjustable strap element first and second portions (114)(115) can be capable of matingly engaging with one another to couple the front plate (59) to the groin shell (88), thereby coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the groin protection assembly (7).

As to particular embodiments, the head shell (9) or the groin shell (88) can further include a resiliently compressible material (117) coupled proximate a corresponding head shell external surface (118) or groin shell external surface (119). As such, the resiliently compressible material (117) can act as a cushioning barrier (58) between the head (4) of a user (5) wearing the head shell (9) or the groin (8) of a user (5) wearing the groin shell (88) and impact forces (3) directed toward the user (5). Additionally, the resiliently compressible material (117) can act as a cushioning barrier (58) between the head shell (9) or the groin shell (88) and a provider of impact forces (3).

A method of making a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) includes: providing a head shell (9) configured to at least partially surround the head (4) of the user (5); providing a first support member (31) configured to couple to a first shoulder (32) of the torso (6); providing a second support member (33) configured to couple to a second shoulder (34) of the torso (6); and pivotally coupling the first and second support members (31)(33) one each to head shell first and second sides (44)(45); whereby the first and second support members (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about the head (4) in spaced apart relation to the head (4) to define a first interior space (54) between a head shell internal surface (29) and the head (4).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include configuring the head shell (9) as a substantially hollow elliptical cylinder (10). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include configuring an elliptical cylinder lower portion (12) to at least partially surround a neck (14) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include disposing an aperture element (15) within an elliptical cylinder front portion (19), the aperture element (15) defining an aperture element opening (16) communicating between elliptical cylinder internal and external surfaces (17)(18). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include overlaying the aperture element opening (16) with a protective covering (25).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include coupling an ellipsoid dome (20) to an elliptical cylinder upper portion (11). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include disposing a pass-through (22) within the ellipsoid dome (20), the pass-through (22) communicating between ellipsoid dome internal and external surfaces (23)(24). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include overlaying the pass-through (22) with a protective covering (25).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include configuring the first and second support members (31)(33) as arcuate first and second support members (31)(33).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include fixedly coupling the first and second support members (31)(33) one each to corresponding first and second coupler elements (46)(47), and further including pivotally coupling the first and second coupler elements (46)(47) to corresponding the head shell first and second sides (44)(45).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include coupling a resiliently compressible material (56) to the head shell (9) proximate the head shell internal surface (29).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include coupling a front plate (59) to the first and second support members (31)(33), the front plate (59) configured to dispose about a chest portion (60) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include laterally coupling a pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) one each to opposing front plate lower portion side portions (63)(64), the pair of arcuate elements (61)(62) configured to dispose about torso opposing side portions (65)(66) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include providing a panel (67) having opposing panel upper and lower portions (68)(69), and further including coupling the panel lower portion (69) to the front plate (59) such that the panel upper portion (68) outwardly extends from a front plate external surface (70) proximate a front plate upper portion (71).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include coupling a back plate (73) to the first and second support members (31)(33), the back plate (73) configured to dispose about a back portion (74) of the user (5).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include coupling first and second connector elements (76)(77) between the front and back plates (59)(73) and corresponding the first and second support members (31)(33).

The method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include laterally extending a pair of head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80) between the front and back plates (59)(73). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the head protection assembly (2) can, but need not necessarily, further include upwardly extending a pair of head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83) between the front and back plates (59)(73).

A method of making a groin protection assembly (7) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) can include providing a groin shell (88) configured to at least partially surround the groin (8) of the user (5); coupling a resiliently compressible material (94) to a groin shell internal surface upper portion (96); and coupling a groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) to the groin shell (88) proximate a groin shell upper portion (90); whereby the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) supports the groin shell (88) about the torso (6) such that a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) disposes in spaced apart relation to the groin (8) to define a second interior space (98) between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include configuring the groin shell (88) as a wider groin shell upper portion (90) having a pair of opposing groin shell sides (91)(92) which taper inwardly to form a relatively narrower groin shell lower portion (93). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include configuring the groin shell (88) to outwardly bulge to contour to the groin (8) of the user (5).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include laterally extending the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) from the groin shell upper portion (90).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include coupling a rearwardly extending element (102) to the groin shell (88) proximate a groin shell lower portion (93). As to particular embodiments, the method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include configuring the rearwardly extending element (102) to have an arcuate configuration contoured to extend rearwardly and upwardly from the groin shell lower portion (93).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include coupling the resiliently compressible material (106) to a rearwardly extending element internal surface upper portion (107).

The method of making the groin protection assembly (7) can further include coupling a pair of groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108) between the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102).

Components of the protective body covering (1), including components of the head and groin protection assemblies (2)(7), can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, including substantially inflexible materials, resiliently flexible materials, or the like, or combinations thereof. By way of non-limiting examples, the material can include or consist of: elastomer, elastomer-like material, rubber, rubber-like material, plastic, plastic-like material, acrylic, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride-based materials, silicone-based materials, or the like, or combinations thereof.

Components of the protective body covering (1), including components of the head and groin protection assemblies (2)(7), can be formed from any of a numerous and wide variety of processes, such as press molding, injection molding, fabrication, machining, printing, additive printing, or the like, or combinations thereof, as one piece or assembled from a plurality of pieces into an embodiment of a component of the protective body covering (1), depending upon the application.

A method of using a head protection assembly (2) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a head (4) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) includes obtaining the head protection assembly (2) comprising: a head shell (9) configured to at least partially surround the head (4) of the user (5); a first support member (31) configured to couple to a first shoulder (32) of the torso (6); and a second support member (33) configured to couple to a second shoulder (34) of the torso (6); the first and second support members (31)(33) pivotally coupled one each to head shell first and second sides (44)(45); whereby the first and second support members (31)(33) support the head shell (9) about the head (4) in spaced apart relation to the head (4) to define a first interior space (54) between a head shell internal surface (29) and the head (4); and removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5); whereby the impact forces (3) directed toward the head (4) of the user (5) are transferred to the torso (6) of the user (5) by the head protection assembly (2).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes at least partially surrounding the head (4) of the user (5) with the head shell (9).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the first support member (31) to the first shoulder (32) of the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the second support member (33) to the second shoulder (34) of the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a front plate (59), which is coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33), about a chest portion (60) of the user (5). As to particular embodiments, the method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a pair of arcuate elements (61)(62), which are laterally coupled one each to opposing front plate lower portion side portions (63)(64), about torso opposing side portions (65)(66) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes disposing a back plate (73), which is coupled to the first and second support members (31)(33), about a back portion (74) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements (80), each of which laterally extends between the front and back plates (59)(73), about the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the head protection assembly (2), whereby removably coupling the head protection assembly (2) to the head (4) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (83), each of which upwardly extends between the front and back plates (59)(73), about the torso (6) of the user (5).

A method of using a groin protection assembly (7) for transferring impact forces (3) directed toward a groin (8) of a user (5) to a torso (6) of the user (5) includes obtaining the groin protection assembly (7) comprising: a groin shell (88) configured to at least partially surround the groin (8) of the user (5); a resiliently compressible material (94) coupled to a groin shell internal surface upper portion (96); and a groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate a groin shell upper portion (90); whereby the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) supports the groin shell (88) about the torso (6) such that a groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) disposes in spaced apart relation to the groin (8) to define a second interior space (98) between the groin shell internal surface lower portion (97) and the groin (8); and removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5); whereby the impact forces (3) directed toward the groin (8) of the user (5) are transferred to the torso (6) of the user (5) by the groin protection assembly (7).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes at least partially surrounding the groin (8) of the user (5) with the groin shell (88).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling the groin protection assembly first adjustable strap element (99) about the torso (6) of the user (5).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes extending a rearwardly extending element (102), which is coupled to the groin shell (88) proximate a groin shell lower portion (93), between a pair of legs (103)(104) of the user (5).

The method of using the groin protection assembly (7), whereby removably coupling the groin protection assembly (7) to the groin (8) and the torso (6) of the user (5) further includes coupling a pair of groin protection assembly second adjustable strap elements (108), each of which is coupled between the groin shell (88) and the rearwardly extending element (102), about a pair of upper leg portions (109) of the user (5).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a protective body covering and methods for making and using such protective body coverings, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “support” and even a “means for supporting”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the protective body coverings herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. A head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of said user, said head protection assembly comprising:

a head shell configured to at least partially surround said head of said user;
a first support member configured to couple to a first shoulder of said torso; and
a second support member configured to couple to a second shoulder of said torso;
said first and second support members pivotally coupled one each to head shell first and second sides;
wherein said first and second support members support said head shell about said head in spaced apart relation to said head to define a first interior space between a head shell internal surface and said head.

2. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said head shell is configured as a substantially hollow elliptical cylinder.

3. The head protection assembly of claim 2, wherein said elliptical cylinder comprises an elliptical cylinder lower portion which is configured to at least partially surround a neck of said user.

4. The head protection assembly of claim 2, wherein said elliptical cylinder comprises an aperture element disposed within an elliptical cylinder front portion, said aperture element defining an aperture element opening communicating between elliptical cylinder internal and external surfaces.

5. The head protection assembly of claim 4, wherein said elliptical cylinder further comprises a protective covering overlaying said aperture element opening.

6. The head protection assembly of claim 2, wherein said head shell further comprises an ellipsoid dome coupled to an elliptical cylinder upper portion.

7. The head protection assembly of claim 6, wherein said ellipsoid dome comprises a pass-through communicating between ellipsoid dome internal and external surfaces.

8. The head protection assembly of claim 7, wherein said ellipsoid dome further comprises a protective covering overlaying said pass-through.

9. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second support members are configured as arcuate first and second support members.

10. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second support members are fixedly coupled one each to corresponding first and second coupler elements which are pivotally coupled to corresponding said head shell first and second sides.

11. The head protection assembly of claim 1, wherein said head shell further comprises a resiliently compressible material coupled to said head shell proximate said head shell internal surface.

12. The head protection assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front plate coupled to said first and second support members, said front plate configured to dispose about a chest portion of said user.

13. The head protection assembly of claim 12, wherein said front plate further comprises a pair of arcuate elements laterally coupled one each to opposing front plate lower portion side portions, said pair of arcuate elements configured to dispose about torso opposing side portions of said user.

14. The head protection assembly of claim 12, wherein said front plate further comprises a panel having opposing panel upper and lower portions, said panel lower portion coupled to said front plate such that said panel upper portion outwardly extends from a front plate external surface proximate a front plate upper portion.

15. The head protection assembly of claim 12, further comprising a back plate coupled to said first and second support members, said back plate configured to dispose about a back portion of said user.

16. The head protection assembly of claim 15, wherein said front and back plates are coupled to said first and second support members by corresponding first and second connector elements.

17. The head protection assembly of claim 15, further comprising a pair of head protection assembly first adjustable strap elements, each said head protection assembly first adjustable strap element laterally extending between said front and back plates.

18. The head protection assembly of claim 17, further comprising a pair of head protection assembly second adjustable strap elements, each said head protection assembly second adjustable strap element upwardly extending between said front and back plates.

19. A method of making a head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of said user, said method comprising:

providing a head shell configured to at least partially surround said head of said user;
providing a first support member configured to couple to a first shoulder of said torso;
providing a second support member configured to couple to a second shoulder of said torso; and
pivotally coupling said first and second support members one each to head shell first and second sides;
wherein said first and second support members support said head shell about said head in spaced apart relation to said head to define a first interior space between a head shell internal surface and said head.

20-36. (canceled)

37. A method of using a head protection assembly for transferring impact forces directed toward a head of a user to a torso of said user, said method comprising:

obtaining said head protection assembly comprising: a head shell configured to at least partially surround said head of said user; a first support member configured to couple to a first shoulder of said torso; and a second support member configured to couple to a second shoulder of said torso; said first and second support members pivotally coupled one each to head shell first and second sides; wherein said first and second support members support said head shell about said head in spaced apart relation to said head to define a first interior space between a head shell internal surface and said head; and
removably coupling said head protection assembly to said head and said torso of said user;
wherein said impact forces directed toward said head of said user are transferred to said torso of said user by said head protection assembly.

38-69. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20160037850
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2015
Publication Date: Feb 11, 2016
Inventor: Thomas Lyle Benson (Littleton, CO)
Application Number: 14/819,942
Classifications
International Classification: A42B 3/04 (20060101);