CA1321855C - Form fitting protective pad for the spine - Google Patents
Form fitting protective pad for the spineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1321855C CA1321855C CA000585670A CA585670A CA1321855C CA 1321855 C CA1321855 C CA 1321855C CA 000585670 A CA000585670 A CA 000585670A CA 585670 A CA585670 A CA 585670A CA 1321855 C CA1321855 C CA 1321855C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- user
- protective device
- pad
- spine
- protective
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 210000003734 kidney Anatomy 0.000 claims description 7
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000004705 lumbosacral region Anatomy 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 210000000038 chest Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000008733 trauma Effects 0.000 description 4
- 206010023509 Kyphosis Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000007623 Lordosis Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 210000000115 thoracic cavity Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000000472 traumatic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000034656 Contusions Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001217 buttock Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000009514 concussion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009519 contusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000497 foam cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002832 shoulder Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/0525—Loin or waist area
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/015—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with shock-absorbing means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/0512—Neck or shoulders area
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/0531—Spine
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/0406—Accessories for helmets
- A42B3/0473—Neck restraints
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
There is described a protective device to reduce the effect of impact to a user's spine, comprising a unitary flexible pad comprising at least two layers of energy absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of an impact, a flexible sheath to receive the pad therein and strap means connected to the sheath to secure the protective device to the user substantially over the midline of the user's spine.
There is described a protective device to reduce the effect of impact to a user's spine, comprising a unitary flexible pad comprising at least two layers of energy absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of an impact, a flexible sheath to receive the pad therein and strap means connected to the sheath to secure the protective device to the user substantially over the midline of the user's spine.
Description
8 ~ ~
The present invention relates to a protective device and ~ore specifically to a orotective device to reduce the effect of impact ancl resulting trauma to a userls spine and other parts of t:he lower back and upper shoulder areas.
Protective e~uip~ent such as braces and shoulder pads that are known in the art do not cover the Eull length of the spine oE a user of such equipment. Nor do such pieces of equipment conform to the innate curvatures of the thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sacral kyphosis. As well, ~rior art protective equipment does not allow a full range of motion without impedance from such equipment.
The above-described disadvantages oE prior art spinal protective devices may be overcome in part by the use of padding curved or curvable at its top and bottom to conform or to be conformable to the curvature oE the thoracic and sacral kyphosis respectively, and by attaching strapping not only near the bot-tom and top of the padding to respectively enqage the legs, chest and shoulders of the user but also attaching strapping to the padding in the region between the straps that are to engage the user's legs and the straps that are to engage the user's shoulders and chest. By attaching such additional strapping to that region, known as the lu~bar lordosis, when the straps of the present invention tautly but not restrictively engage one another and the user, the pad and flexible sheath of the present invention conform to the natural curvatures oE the user's spine and afford the user an e-Efective level of spinal protection. ~s well, the use in the present invention oE lightweight close cell cross-linked foam for an inner and outer layer of such pads together with a core layer of polyethylene plastic permits a full range oE user Inotion while also providing an effective means oE delocalizing the forces due to impact throug~out substantially the entire area of the padding.
' 8 ~ ~
According to the present invention then, there is provided a protective device to reduce the effect of impact to a user's spine, comprising unitary flexible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of the impact, flexible sheath means to receive the pad means therein, and strap means connected to the sheath means to secure the protective device to the user substantially over the midline of the user's spine.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided protective means for the human spine, comprising flexible compressible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible closed cell cross-linked foam shaped and sized and adhered together only at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible substantially planar non-compressible core member for delocalizing the focus of impactive forces to the pad means, and strap means for centering the pad means along substantially the midline of the spine.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction ~ith the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the front of one embodiment; :
Figure 2 is a plan view of the back of the embodiment shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of the present protector;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the back of the embodiment shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the pad of the present invention;
~. ~..
1~21855 2a Figure 6 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the pad shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 as worn;
Figure 8 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising shoulder pads;
Figure 9 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising kidney pads;
Figure 10 is a back perspective view of the ,~...
13218~5 embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising "body armour";
Figure 11 is a back perspective view of the present device including a shortened spine protecting pad;
and Figure 12 is a back perspective view of the device shown in Figure 11 including kidney pads.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the protective device 1 comprises a pad 10 re~ovably inserted into a 1exible sheath 3 through a pocket-like opening 40. The flexible sheath 3 preferably is constructed of material which allows for absorption of perspiration from the user, facilitates a-ttachment of the leg straps 5, waist and lumbar straps 7, chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 and makes washing of the flexible sheath 3 possible. An example of such material is surgical polycotton. ~ach oE the straps 5, 7, 9 and 11, ~hich are preferably made of washable elastic, has fastening means 15, such as, for example, VELC~O , near its ends. Straps 20 5, 7, 9 and 11 are attached to the sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
The leg straps 5 are loops, each of which is capable of engaging a corresponding le~ of the user, to anchor the pad 10 in the sheath 3 over the user's spine, restrict lateral movement of the pad 10 and ~lexible sheath 3 and to protect the user's coccyx. The waist and lu~bar straps 7 cause the pad 2 to conform to the curvature of the user's lumbar lordosis. The chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 further secure and conform the flexible sheath 3, and hence the pad 10, on the user's body over the midline of the upper spine.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, respective chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 ar~ replaced by upper torso harness straps 13.
Trade Mark ~321~
~ eferring to Figures 5 and 6, pad 10 has an inner layer 2, a core layer 4, and an outer layer 6, which are joined to one another by means~ for example, of glue.
Preferably, inner layer 2 and outer layer 6 are of closed cell cross-linked foam that will not remain compressed after impact and will dampen the traumatic forces which would otherwise be applied directly to the user. Pad width, foam cell size and density allow the pad 10 to fit into the spinal groove between the user's paraspinal musculature. In one embodiment constructed by the applicant, layer 2 and outer layer 6 are each a 3/8 inch thickness of closed cell polyethylene foam. As depicted in Figure 6, the edges of layers 2 and 6 overlapping core 4 are not glued together and are therefore spaced apart.
In use however, these edges typically are glued together so that layers 2 and 6 totally envelop and enclose the core.
As is known to those skilled in the art, polyethylene plas-tic is resiliently flexible and retains its shape with use. Constructing core layer 4 of polyethylene plastic thereEore results in pad 10 being flexible to accommodate the user's motion and also spreads the focus of the traumatic forces, which would otherwise be localized at the point of impact, outwards fro~ the point of impact over the re~aining area of pad 10. Core 4 may suitably be 0.085 inches thick.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, upper and lower ends 20 and 21 of pad 10 are inwardly curved by forming core 4 at its respective ends to have the required degree of curvature, the purpose of the curvature being to better conform the shape of pad 10 to the shape of the user just beneath the neck and below the base of the buttocks. Such additional preformed curvature is not required or in some cases even desired, depending upon the sport, and in another embodiment contemplated and constructed by the applicant, the cross-sectional profile of pad 10 is substantially straight, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6.
13~
Referrinq to Figures 7 through 11, the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures l through 4 mav be attached, for exam~le by means oE
stitching, respectively, to shoulder pads 17 (Figure ~) or kidney ~ads 19 (Figures 9 and 1~) or a combination of shoulder and kidney pads 25 to form "body armour" as shown in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 8, shoulder straps 11 and shoulder pads 17 are attached to one another and to the flexible sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
Referring to Figure 9, kidneY pads 19 are attached to waist and lumbar straps 7 (not shown) and to flexible sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
As will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention reduces the incidence of contusion and concussion to the thoracic, lumbar and sacro coccygeal areas of the spine by absorbing initial trauma, and spreading the force of blows through the core layer 4 and over a greater area than the focal point of the trauma and thus reducing the incidence of injury or fracture of the transverse processes of the spine.
` As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, the pad 10 and flexible sheath 3 may be constructed in a shorter length, and without leg straps 5, as shown most clearly in Figures 11 and 12, to accommodate, for example, football running backs.
As will also be appreciated, pad 10 may consist entirely of compressible foam material without core layer 4, particularly for sports and activities where the risk of relatively high impact traumas is lower.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art tha-t the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the embodiments disclosed above, but may instead be varied within the scope of the following claims without dep~rting from the spirit and scope of -the invention.
The present invention relates to a protective device and ~ore specifically to a orotective device to reduce the effect of impact ancl resulting trauma to a userls spine and other parts of t:he lower back and upper shoulder areas.
Protective e~uip~ent such as braces and shoulder pads that are known in the art do not cover the Eull length of the spine oE a user of such equipment. Nor do such pieces of equipment conform to the innate curvatures of the thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sacral kyphosis. As well, ~rior art protective equipment does not allow a full range of motion without impedance from such equipment.
The above-described disadvantages oE prior art spinal protective devices may be overcome in part by the use of padding curved or curvable at its top and bottom to conform or to be conformable to the curvature oE the thoracic and sacral kyphosis respectively, and by attaching strapping not only near the bot-tom and top of the padding to respectively enqage the legs, chest and shoulders of the user but also attaching strapping to the padding in the region between the straps that are to engage the user's legs and the straps that are to engage the user's shoulders and chest. By attaching such additional strapping to that region, known as the lu~bar lordosis, when the straps of the present invention tautly but not restrictively engage one another and the user, the pad and flexible sheath of the present invention conform to the natural curvatures oE the user's spine and afford the user an e-Efective level of spinal protection. ~s well, the use in the present invention oE lightweight close cell cross-linked foam for an inner and outer layer of such pads together with a core layer of polyethylene plastic permits a full range oE user Inotion while also providing an effective means oE delocalizing the forces due to impact throug~out substantially the entire area of the padding.
' 8 ~ ~
According to the present invention then, there is provided a protective device to reduce the effect of impact to a user's spine, comprising unitary flexible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of the impact, flexible sheath means to receive the pad means therein, and strap means connected to the sheath means to secure the protective device to the user substantially over the midline of the user's spine.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided protective means for the human spine, comprising flexible compressible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible closed cell cross-linked foam shaped and sized and adhered together only at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible substantially planar non-compressible core member for delocalizing the focus of impactive forces to the pad means, and strap means for centering the pad means along substantially the midline of the spine.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction ~ith the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the front of one embodiment; :
Figure 2 is a plan view of the back of the embodiment shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of the present protector;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the back of the embodiment shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the pad of the present invention;
~. ~..
1~21855 2a Figure 6 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the pad shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 as worn;
Figure 8 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising shoulder pads;
Figure 9 is a back perspective view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising kidney pads;
Figure 10 is a back perspective view of the ,~...
13218~5 embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 4 further comprising "body armour";
Figure 11 is a back perspective view of the present device including a shortened spine protecting pad;
and Figure 12 is a back perspective view of the device shown in Figure 11 including kidney pads.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the protective device 1 comprises a pad 10 re~ovably inserted into a 1exible sheath 3 through a pocket-like opening 40. The flexible sheath 3 preferably is constructed of material which allows for absorption of perspiration from the user, facilitates a-ttachment of the leg straps 5, waist and lumbar straps 7, chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 and makes washing of the flexible sheath 3 possible. An example of such material is surgical polycotton. ~ach oE the straps 5, 7, 9 and 11, ~hich are preferably made of washable elastic, has fastening means 15, such as, for example, VELC~O , near its ends. Straps 20 5, 7, 9 and 11 are attached to the sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
The leg straps 5 are loops, each of which is capable of engaging a corresponding le~ of the user, to anchor the pad 10 in the sheath 3 over the user's spine, restrict lateral movement of the pad 10 and ~lexible sheath 3 and to protect the user's coccyx. The waist and lu~bar straps 7 cause the pad 2 to conform to the curvature of the user's lumbar lordosis. The chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 further secure and conform the flexible sheath 3, and hence the pad 10, on the user's body over the midline of the upper spine.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, respective chest and back straps 9 and shoulder straps 11 ar~ replaced by upper torso harness straps 13.
Trade Mark ~321~
~ eferring to Figures 5 and 6, pad 10 has an inner layer 2, a core layer 4, and an outer layer 6, which are joined to one another by means~ for example, of glue.
Preferably, inner layer 2 and outer layer 6 are of closed cell cross-linked foam that will not remain compressed after impact and will dampen the traumatic forces which would otherwise be applied directly to the user. Pad width, foam cell size and density allow the pad 10 to fit into the spinal groove between the user's paraspinal musculature. In one embodiment constructed by the applicant, layer 2 and outer layer 6 are each a 3/8 inch thickness of closed cell polyethylene foam. As depicted in Figure 6, the edges of layers 2 and 6 overlapping core 4 are not glued together and are therefore spaced apart.
In use however, these edges typically are glued together so that layers 2 and 6 totally envelop and enclose the core.
As is known to those skilled in the art, polyethylene plas-tic is resiliently flexible and retains its shape with use. Constructing core layer 4 of polyethylene plastic thereEore results in pad 10 being flexible to accommodate the user's motion and also spreads the focus of the traumatic forces, which would otherwise be localized at the point of impact, outwards fro~ the point of impact over the re~aining area of pad 10. Core 4 may suitably be 0.085 inches thick.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, upper and lower ends 20 and 21 of pad 10 are inwardly curved by forming core 4 at its respective ends to have the required degree of curvature, the purpose of the curvature being to better conform the shape of pad 10 to the shape of the user just beneath the neck and below the base of the buttocks. Such additional preformed curvature is not required or in some cases even desired, depending upon the sport, and in another embodiment contemplated and constructed by the applicant, the cross-sectional profile of pad 10 is substantially straight, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6.
13~
Referrinq to Figures 7 through 11, the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures l through 4 mav be attached, for exam~le by means oE
stitching, respectively, to shoulder pads 17 (Figure ~) or kidney ~ads 19 (Figures 9 and 1~) or a combination of shoulder and kidney pads 25 to form "body armour" as shown in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 8, shoulder straps 11 and shoulder pads 17 are attached to one another and to the flexible sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
Referring to Figure 9, kidneY pads 19 are attached to waist and lumbar straps 7 (not shown) and to flexible sheath 3 by means, for example, of stitching.
As will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention reduces the incidence of contusion and concussion to the thoracic, lumbar and sacro coccygeal areas of the spine by absorbing initial trauma, and spreading the force of blows through the core layer 4 and over a greater area than the focal point of the trauma and thus reducing the incidence of injury or fracture of the transverse processes of the spine.
` As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, the pad 10 and flexible sheath 3 may be constructed in a shorter length, and without leg straps 5, as shown most clearly in Figures 11 and 12, to accommodate, for example, football running backs.
As will also be appreciated, pad 10 may consist entirely of compressible foam material without core layer 4, particularly for sports and activities where the risk of relatively high impact traumas is lower.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art tha-t the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the embodiments disclosed above, but may instead be varied within the scope of the following claims without dep~rting from the spirit and scope of -the invention.
Claims (28)
1. A protective device to reduce the effect of impact to a user's spine, comprising:
unitary flexible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of said impact;
flexible sheath means to receive said pad means therein; and strap means connected to said sheath means to secure said protective device to said user substantially over the midline of said user's spine.
unitary flexible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible material shaped and sized and adhered together at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible non-compressible core member provided for spreading the force of said impact;
flexible sheath means to receive said pad means therein; and strap means connected to said sheath means to secure said protective device to said user substantially over the midline of said user's spine.
2. The protective device of claim 1 wherein said strap means comprise lower torso straps to engage the waist and lumbar regions of said user and upper torso straps to engage the back, chest and shoulders of said user.
3. The protective device of claim 2 additionally comprising a pair of looped straps each of which is capable of engaging a corresponding leg of said user.
4. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said straps means are adapted, when in use about the user's body, to conform the shape of said pad means substantially to the curvature of said user's spine.
5. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein one of an upper end and a lower end of said pad means is permanently curved in a direction towards said user.
6. The protective device of claim 3 wherein said at least two layers of compressible material comprise closed cell cross-linked foam.
7. The protective device of claim 6 wherein said flexible core comprises a substantially planar sheet of polyethylene plastic.
8. The protective device of claim 7 wherein said closed cell cross-linked foam is polyethylene.
9. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said pad means extend substantially from the top of the spine to the top of the user's legs.
10. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said pad means extend from the upper end of said spine to proximally said user's coccyx.
11. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising shoulder pads.
12. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising kidney pads.
13. Protective means for the human spine, comprising:
flexible compressible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible closed cell cross-linked foam shaped and sized and adhered together only at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible substantially planar non-compressible core member for delocalizing the focus of impactive forces to said pad means; and strap means for centering said pad means along substantially the midline of said spine.
flexible compressible pad means comprising at least two layers of energy-absorbing compressible closed cell cross-linked foam shaped and sized and adhered together only at their outer edges so as to envelop and enclose therebetween a resiliently flexible substantially planar non-compressible core member for delocalizing the focus of impactive forces to said pad means; and strap means for centering said pad means along substantially the midline of said spine.
14. The protective means of claim 13 further comprising flexible sheath means to removably receive said pad means therein.
15. The protective means of claim 14 wherein said strap means comprise elastically resilient torso straps to engage the waist and lumbar regions of the user and elastically resilient upper torso straps to engage the back, chest and shoulders of said user.
16. The protective means of claim 15 wherein said strap means further comprise a pair of looped straps each of which is capable of engaging a corresponding leg of said user.
17. The protective means of claim 16 wherein said strap means are connected to said sheath means and when engaged about said user, substantially conform said pad means to the curvature of said user's spine.
18. The protective means of claim 17 wherein either or both of an upper end and a lower end of said pad means is permanently curved in a direction towards said user.
19. The protective device of claim 17 wherein said sheath means is constructed of flexible fabric material and includes a pocket-like opening therein permitting insertion and removal of said pad means.
20. The protective device of claims 18 or 19 wherein said core layer is polyethylene plastic.
21. The protective device of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said at least two layers of compressible material are glued together to enclose said core member therebetween.
22. The protective means of claim 17 wherein said two layers of compressible material are glued together to enclose said core member therebetween.
23. The protective device of claim 1 wherein each of an upper and a lower end of said pad means is permanently curved in a direction towards said user.
24. The protective means of claim 13 wherein each of an upper and a lower end of said pad means is permanently curved in a direction towards said user.
25. The protective device of claim 13, wherein said strap means are adapted, when in use about the user's body, to conform the shape of said pad means substantially to the curvature of said user's spine.
26. The protective device of claim 13, wherein one end of said pad means is permanently curved in a direction towards said user.
27. The protective device of claim 13, further comprising shoulder pads.
28. The protective device of claim 13, further comprising kidney pads.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000585670A CA1321855C (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1988-12-12 | Form fitting protective pad for the spine |
| AU44649/89A AU4464989A (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1989-11-13 | Protective device |
| SE8904058A SE8904058L (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1989-12-01 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE |
| GB8927944A GB2225708A (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1989-12-11 | Spine protecting device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000585670A CA1321855C (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1988-12-12 | Form fitting protective pad for the spine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1321855C true CA1321855C (en) | 1993-09-07 |
Family
ID=4139272
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000585670A Expired - Fee Related CA1321855C (en) | 1988-12-12 | 1988-12-12 | Form fitting protective pad for the spine |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU4464989A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1321855C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2225708A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8904058L (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL126643U1 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2019-04-08 | Dydoń Janusz Dydon Spółka Cywilna | Impact-absorbing and protective unit of the human body parts protector |
Families Citing this family (19)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8926862D0 (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1990-01-17 | Santillo Ltd | Body part impact guard |
| US5249306A (en) * | 1990-08-27 | 1993-10-05 | Al Potash | Self-defense practice assembly |
| GB2249942B (en) * | 1990-11-23 | 1994-09-28 | Ava | Protective articles for personal wear |
| CA2139257C (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1999-09-21 | Anne Catherine Battley | Clothing insert |
| US5465424A (en) * | 1993-09-21 | 1995-11-14 | Tipperary Sport Products, Inc. | Body protector |
| FI105647B (en) * | 1996-05-09 | 2000-09-29 | Fashion Group Oy L | Backrest for motorcyclists |
| US6719640B1 (en) * | 2000-06-16 | 2004-04-13 | Balanced Health, Inc. | Posture training device and methods for using same |
| US8375472B2 (en) | 2001-04-19 | 2013-02-19 | Simpson Performance Products, Inc. | Multi-point tethering system for head and neck restraint devices |
| US6931669B2 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2005-08-23 | Safety Dynamics, Llc | Head restraint device with rigid member for use with a high-performance vehicle |
| GB2415909B (en) * | 2004-07-07 | 2009-09-02 | Ahmed Yahya | Medical Aid |
| WO2006041352A1 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2006-04-20 | Poc Sweden Ab | Adjustable back protection shield system |
| DE202005012504U1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2006-12-21 | Bodo Moden Vertriebs-Gmbh | back protector |
| HRPK20060125B3 (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2009-05-31 | Juroš Ante | Spinal cover |
| IT1393474B1 (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2012-04-20 | Dainese Spa | WEARABLE PROTECTIVE DEVICE. |
| CH701920A1 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2011-03-31 | Thomas Ruepp | Jacket for riding. |
| US10039337B2 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2018-08-07 | Necksgen, Inc. | Head and neck restraining system |
| US11013285B1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2021-05-25 | NecksGen Inc. | Head and neck restraining system with an adjustable tether |
| CN104013484A (en) * | 2014-05-29 | 2014-09-03 | 任宪锋 | Spine stabilizing system |
| USD940961S1 (en) | 2019-10-03 | 2022-01-11 | Kevin Brian Heath | Neck collar |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3360813A (en) * | 1965-05-03 | 1968-01-02 | Gentex Corp | Utility buoyant vest |
| US3921222A (en) * | 1975-03-18 | 1975-11-25 | George A Hollman | Rib cage protector pad |
| US4422183A (en) * | 1979-06-11 | 1983-12-27 | Landi Curtis L | Protective body shield |
| CH637547A5 (en) * | 1980-07-15 | 1983-08-15 | Michel Steiner | PROTECTION DEVICE FOR A USER, PARTICULARLY A MOTORCYCLIST. |
| US4397046A (en) * | 1981-06-29 | 1983-08-09 | Lacoray S.A. | Protecting device especially for motor-cyclists |
| CH652005A5 (en) * | 1981-12-31 | 1985-10-31 | Dierk Filmer | PROTECTIVE DEVICE. |
| CA1201552A (en) * | 1983-01-19 | 1986-03-11 | Pierre Verreault | Body protection garments |
-
1988
- 1988-12-12 CA CA000585670A patent/CA1321855C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1989
- 1989-11-13 AU AU44649/89A patent/AU4464989A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1989-12-01 SE SE8904058A patent/SE8904058L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1989-12-11 GB GB8927944A patent/GB2225708A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL126643U1 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2019-04-08 | Dydoń Janusz Dydon Spółka Cywilna | Impact-absorbing and protective unit of the human body parts protector |
| PL71301Y1 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2020-03-31 | Dydon Janusz Dydon Spolka Cywilna | Impact-absorbing and protective unit of the human body parts protector |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU4464989A (en) | 1990-06-14 |
| GB8927944D0 (en) | 1990-02-14 |
| SE8904058L (en) | 1990-06-13 |
| SE8904058D0 (en) | 1989-12-01 |
| GB2225708A (en) | 1990-06-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |