Abstract
A support element including a padding structure constructed of a plurality of interconnected spherical shaped structures together defining a pliable support element. The spherical shaped structures are interconnected to one another with a connection defining flexible interconnectors for enabling the padding structure to be flexibly bent.
Claims
1. A support element comprising: a padding structure constructed of a plurality of interconnected spherical shaped structures together defining a pliable support element; said spherical shaped structures being formed of a material and being interconnected to one another with a connection defining flexible interconnectors for enabling said padding structure to be flexibly bent, said connection being a living hinge formed with said material of said spherical shaped structures; and a walled containment, said padding structure being disposed within said walled containment.
2. The support element according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said spherical shaped elements are hemispherical.
3. The support element according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said interconnected spherical shaped structures are hemispherical projections substantially disposed in a matrix pattern.
4. The support element according to claim 3, wherein said spherical shaped elements each have a respective center and diameter, directly adjacent ones of said spherical shaped elements are disposed with said centers spaced apart by a distance greater than twice said diameter.
5. A support element comprising: a padding structure constructed of a plurality of interconnected spherical shaped structures together defining a pliable support element; said spherical shaped structures being interconnected to one another with a connection defining flexible interconnectors for enabling said padding structure to be flexibly bent; said spherical shaped elements each having a respective center and diameter, directly adjacent ones of said spherical shaped elements being disposed with said centers spaced apart by a distance less than twice said diameter; and a walled containment, said padding structure being disposed within said walled containment.
6. A support element comprising: a padding structure having a pliable support element with a first side and a second side, said first side having a plurality of hemispherical shaped structures formed thereon, said second side having a plurality of hemispherical shaped structures formed thereon, said hemispherical shaped structures formed of a material; said pliable support element defining flexible interconnectors connecting said hemispherical shaped structures to one another and enabling said padding structure to be flexibly bent, said flexible interconnectors being a living hinge formed with said material of said hemispherical shaped structures; and a walled containment, said padding structure being disposed within said walled containment.
7. A support element comprising: a padding structure constructed of a plurality of interconnected ball shaped structures together defining a pliable support element, said padding structure having vent openings formed therein; said ball shaped structures being formed of a material and being interconnected to one another with a connection defining flexible interconnectors for enabling said padding structure to be flexibly bent, said connection being a living hinge formed with said material of said ball shaped structures.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the glove with a portion of the outward facing layer omitted;
(2) FIG. 2A is a plan view of another embodiment of the glove with a portion of the outward facing layer omitted;
(3) FIG. 2B is a plan view of the glove with the outward facing layer shown;
(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the glove as it conforms to a handlebar;
(5) FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the glove;
(6) FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the glove;
(7) FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a yet another embodiment of the glove;
(8) FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of support elements;
(9) FIG. 8 is an end view of a support element of FIG. 7;
(10) FIG. 9 is a plan view of an assembly of support elements using the support element shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;
(11) FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of support elements;
(12) FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of a still yet another embodiment of support elements;
(13) FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of support elements inserted into tubes;
(14) FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;
(15) FIG. 13 is a plan view of the glove having the support elements of FIGS. 11 and 12 and the outward facing layer omitted;
(16) FIG. 14 is a plan view of a bicycle seat;
(17) FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
(18) FIG. 16 is a plan view of a shoe insole;
(19) FIG. 17 is a plan view with cutaway views of the shoe insole of FIG. 16;
(20) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sock;
(21) FIG. 19 is a plan view with a cutaway views of FIG. 18;
(22) FIG. 20 is a rearview of a pair of pants;
(23) FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;
(24) FIG. 22 is a side view of a leg having a knee pad;
(25) FIG. 23 is a plan view of the knee pad of FIG. 22;
(26) FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 23 along line 24-24;
(27) FIG. 25 is a plan view of a chamois insert;
(28) FIG. 26 is a cross section from FIG. 25 taken along the lines 26-26;
(29) FIG. 27 shows a plan view of a pad cut to a specification;
(30) FIG. 28 is a cross section view along lines 28-28 taken from FIG. 27;
(31) FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the pad of FIG. 27 with a cutaway view;
(32) FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of specification pad with an adhesive and liner;
(33) FIG. 31 shows a plan view of a matrix pattern of interconnected neighboring balls;
(34) FIG. 32 shows a plan view of balls disposed in a matrix pattern shaped to a specification;
(35) FIG. 33 is a plan view of the specification pad with a cutaway view;
(36) FIG. 34 is a plan view of a matrix pattern of balls where neighboring balls are connected with a web or living hinge; and
(37) FIG. 35 (similar to FIG. 10A) is a cross section taken from FIG. 34 along lines 35-35.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(38) Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is seen a glove/glove body 1 according to the invention. The glove 1 includes support regions 2 which are defined by a plurality of rigid plate elements 3 that are interconnected by a hinge 4 such as a living hinge. The support region(s) 2 are disposed at a palm area/portion 1p of the glove 1, which corresponds to a palm of a user's hands. The palm area 1p may have a circumferential border 2b. The glove 1 includes a cavity 1c for receiving a user's hand H. The cavity is at least partially defined by a palm wall 1w. The rigid plate elements 3 may be formed of plastic having a durometer of between 50 and 150 on the Rockwell R scale, which includes materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and polystyrenes etc. The use of the hinge 4 permits the support region 2 to flex, which prevents the support region 2 from pulling on other parts or areas of the glove 1 such as the area along the wrist 5 of a user when the glove 1 is placed against a handlebar 20. The hinge 4 further permits the support region 2 to contact the handlebar 20 with a larger surface area than a support region without hinges 4.
(39) As discussed above, the hinge 4 may be provided as a living hinge (a hinge which results from a thinned portion of the material of the plate elements 3 as a result of injection molding). Alternatively, the hinge 4 may be provided by securely affixing the plate elements 3 to a fabric substrate. It is necessary that the hinge 4 is flexible enough to allow the plate elements 3 to conform or adjust to the handle bar 20 and a hand of a user wearing the glove 1. The conforming of the plate elements 3 allows the support region 2 to distribute the small area of pressure created at the handlebar 20 over a greater surface area without causing the glove 1 to be pulled uncomfortably in other areas or causing a Velcro closure of the glove 1 to have extra stresses. Although the hinges 4 are shown aligned at right angles, it is possible to adjust the layout or orientation of the hinges 4 for different types of handlebars 20 (handlebars with different orientations with respect to the user, road bike handlebar, mountain bike handlebar, etc.) so that the flex of the support region 2 is as comfortable as possible. It is also possible for the plate elements 3 to have a more than four sides with hinges (polygonal or round/hemispherical) so as to provide flexibility in more directions and allow the glove to better conform in more directions.
(40) The support regions 2 are sandwiched between an outer layer 7 such as leather or synthetic leather, which faces the handlebar 20 and a padding layer 8 (gel, foam, etc.) facing the hand of the user (between the support regions 2 and the cavity 1c. The padding layer 8 has an inner layer 9 such as leather or a synthetic layer, which defines the cavity 1c of the glove which directly contacts the hand of the user. The support region 2 allows the pressure of the handlebar 20 against the hand to be distributed to a larger surface area, which in turn allows the padding layer 8 to conform to the hand and not the handlebar 20. This prevents the padding layer 8 from wearing too quickly, as the padding actually pads the hands and not the handlebar. It is also possible to eliminate the padding layer 8 and to have the backside of the plate elements 3 directly contact the inner layer.
(41) When the hinge 4 is a living hinge, gaps 14 are provided between the individual plate elements 3 of the support region 2. The gaps 14 as shown in FIG. 3 have a rectangular shape. However, it is possible for the gaps 14 to have a triangular cross section with a radius at the top, in other words at the end of the gap 14 abutting the hinge, as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, a radius may be provided at the top of the rectangular shape to define that end of the gap, as shown in FIG. 4. Otherwise, corner radii can be provided in the corners of the rectangular shape.
(42) In the case when a living hinge is provided as the hinge 4 it is possible to fill the gaps 14 of the support region 2 with an elastic material 13 such as a thermoplastic elastomer, gel, or rubber, as is shown in FIG. 6. Filling the gaps in this way reduces the flexibility of the support region 2, as the material 13 in the gaps 14 must be compressed to allow the hinge to flex. The filling of the gaps 14 also limits the travel of the individual plate elements 3, which results in increasing the durability of the support region 2. Also, in order to fill the gaps 14 it is possible for the elastic material 13 to be a continuous layer over the side of the support region 2 which faces the handlebar 20, in other words the areas of the support region 2 between the hinges 4.
(43) FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 11 to 13 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the support regions 2 are provided with a plurality of discrete ball, round, or spherical shaped elements 2a disposed in a palm area 1p of the glove 1. The spherical shaped elements 2a can be considerably harder than conventional gel or foam cushion elements. A hardness value over 20 Shore A for the spherical shape elements 2a provides acceptable comfort and durability for the support regions. Preferably the hardness range for the spherical shape elements 2a is between 30 Shore A and 80 Shore D. A rubber ball shaped element 2a having a diameter of 4 to 6 mm and a hardness of 70 Shore A yielded favorable results in testing. Similarly a neoprene shaped element 2a having a diameter of 4 to 6 mm and a hardness of 87 Shore A yielded favorable results in testing. Surprisingly, it has been found in preliminary testing that the ball-shape of the support regions dramatically reduces numbness/tingling in the fingers of a user. The ball shaped elements 2a are illustrated as being substantially round, however it is also possible that they have an elliptical shape or have a flat side, such as a hemispherical. It is also possible that the ball shaped elements 2a can be pyramid shaped, triangular shaped, cube shaped, cylinder shaped, trapezoid shaped, parallelepiped shaped, tube shaped, bean shaped, capsule shaped or box shaped. The ball shaped elements may be disposed in other areas of the glove 1, such as areas corresponding to fingers of the glove 1.
(44) The ball shaped elements 2a can be connected by a line or string 22 and disposed in a matrix pattern 22A within the support regions. The fact that the balls 2a are connected by the line 22 along with the shape of the ball shaped elements 2a allows exceptional movement between the ball shaped elements 2a which results in excellent flexibility of the glove thereby permitting the glove to conform to a handlebar without causing pulling of the glove in areas between the fingers. FIG. 8 shows that the balls 2a have a hole 23 allowing the line 22 to pass through and interconnect the ball shaped elements 2a. It is also possible for the ball shaped elements 2a to be molded directly onto the line 22 or onto a mesh pattern of lines 22. FIG. 9 shows an assembly of the ball shaped elements 2a constructed for being placed into the palm area 1p of the glove 1, wherein the support area 2 would be U-shaped. Additional lines or strings 24 are connected to and cross the lines 22 to prevent the ball shaped elements 2a from shifting and causing the lines 22 to cross one another. FIG. 9 also illustrates that the ball shaped elements 2a connected by the line 22 provides exceptional flexibility for constructing various shapes to accommodate specific support areas 2 of the glove 1. Other shapes can be recognized in the preceding figures of the instant application.
(45) FIG. 10A shows that the ball shaped elements 2a are provided as hemispheres which can be molded as projections of a flexible substrate 32 in matrix pattern 22a, wherein the flexible substrate 32 is a living hinge between the hemispheres 2a. It is also possible for the hemispheres to only be provided on one side of the substrate 32 so that the opposite side of the substrate is smooth as shown in FIG. 10B. It is preferable that the hemispheres 2a be directed towards the cavity 1c which accommodates the user's hand H.
(46) FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of disposing ball shaped elements 2a in flexible tunnels or tubes 50. The tunnel 50 has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of spheres 2a. The tunnels 50 may be constructed by a first substrate 51 affixed to a second substrate 52 along longitudinal lines 53. This may be achieved by using stitching 53a to attach the first substrate 51 to the second substrate 52. In this embodiment, ball shaped elements 2a are inserted into tunnels 50 and the substrate 51 or 52 is attached to the glove 1 in desired areas or support areas 2, as is shown in FIG. 13. The attachment of the substrates 51 or 52 may be by an adhesive backing on the substrate 51 or 52, which affixes the matrix pattern 22a to retrofit a glove 1. Although not explicitly shown, the ball shaped elements 2a can also be disposed along with a padding layer 8 between an inner layer 9, and an outer layer 7, as described above with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5.
(47) In the matrix 22a, at least some of the ball shaped elements 2a are disposed such that ball shaped elements 2a directly adjacent to one another are disposed such that the adjacent surfaces thereof are within a distance a of less than a diameter of the ball shaped elements 2a at the nearest point thereof. Preferably, the ball shaped elements 2a are disposed such that at least some of the ball shaped elements 2a, which are disposed directly adjacent to one another contact one another at a contact point/surface between the ball shaped elements 2a.
(48) It is preferable for the ball shaped elements 2a to be a rubber, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer or other elastomeric material. However, the ball shaped elements 2a may also be made of compressed roller, plastic or other compatible materials which meet the hardness and durability requirements for the glove. It is also preferable that the ball shaped elements 2a of the diameter in the range of 2 mm-12 mm. Particularly, a range of 4 mm-8 mm has been found to be very effective.
(49) An alternative embodiment of the present invention relates to a pad for contact at pressure locations where there is pressure applied between a body part and a surface.
(50) The pad contacts pressure locations. Such pressure locations include a seat such as a bicycle seat, shoe insoles or socks at the ball of the foot and at the heel, clothing such as pants in the buttock area, and knee pads. The pressure pad is for incorporation into the above items or can be added afterwards to any pressure location by use of an adhesive or by insertion within a closable pocket.
(51) A pad containing balls arranged in a matrix pattern is provided. Now referring to FIG. 14 showing a plan view of a bicycle seat 50 having support areas 2 generally located in a position which contacts the sit bones of a rider or user.
(52) FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 where the seat 50 is shown and balls 2a can be seen within a walled containment 51 for retaining balls 2a. Balls 2a have freedom to move within walled containment 51. The walled containment 51 may include a medium such as a liquid or a gel to suspend the balls 2a therein.
(53) FIG. 16 is a plan view of a shoe insole 60a.
(54) FIG. 17 is a plan view with cutaway openings showing the balls 2a in the respective heel and ball areas of the foot of the shoe insole with a pad 5 containing balls 2a, arranged in a matrix within tunnels 50 with stitching 53a as previously disclosed or in the walled containment 51.
(55) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sock 61.
(56) FIG. 19 is a plan view with a cutaway view showing the balls 2a in the respective heel and ball areas of the foot of the sock with a pad 5 containing balls 2a, arranged in a matrix within tunnels 50 with stitching 53a as previously disclosed or in the walled containment 51.
(57) FIG. 20 is a rearview of a pair of pants 62 having support areas 2.
(58) FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view along lines 21-21 through support areas 2 of FIG. 20, showing the balls 2a within the walled containment 51.
(59) FIG. 22 is a side view of a leg 63a having a knee pad 63 with straps and connectors 63b.
(60) FIG. 23 is a plan view of the knee pad showing the location of support area 2.
(61) FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 23 along line 24-24 showing pad 5 with balls 2a within the walled containment 51.
(62) FIG. 25 is a plan view of a chamois insert 64 for bicycle shorts having support areas 2;
(63) FIG. 26 is a cross section of the chamois insert 64 of FIG. 25 taken along the lines 26-26, where pad 5 has balls 2a within the walled containment 51.
(64) FIG. 27 shows a plan view of a pad 60 with balls cut to specifications for the required application within a pad 5 that is disposed into gloves or into the support area 2 of any of the above heretofore described items.
(65) FIG. 28 is a cross section along lines 28-28 taken from FIG. 27 showing the walled containment 51 and balls 2a disposed therein.
(66) FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the pad 5 of FIG. 27 showing a portion of the inside of the pad 5, having balls 2a arranged in a matrix disposed within the walled containment 51.
(67) FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of pad 60 made to the specification of the required application with pad 5 having balls 2a arranged in a matrix within a walled containment 51, further including on at least one side an adhesive 65 and a removable liner 66. The pad 60 is for application at a desired pressure location using the adhesive to hold the pad 5 in place at a desired location. Alternatively the pad 5 can include areas (openings) for allowing stitching to affix the pad 60.
(68) FIG. 31 shows a plan view of an 1111 matrix pattern 22a of balls 2a where neighboring balls are connected.
(69) FIG. 32 shows a plan view of balls 2a disposed in a matrix pattern 22a that is shaped to the specification of the required application for a pad 60 and placement in a padding area as shown in FIG. 33.
(70) FIG. 33 is a plan view of the pad 60 showing a portion of the inside of the padding area, having balls 2a arranged in a matrix 22a disposed within the walled containment 51.
(71) FIG. 34 shows a plan view of a 46 matrix pattern 22a of balls 2a where neighboring balls are connected with living hinges 32.
(72) FIG. 35 (similar to FIG. 10A) is a cross section of FIG. 34 of matrix pattern 22a, where the distance between balls 2a is less than a diameter of the ball 2a and vent openings 67 are disposed in the web or hinged area 32.
(73) In pad 60, the shape of the matrix pattern 22a would be shaped to a third party's specifications.
