CA2424239C - Fluid filled body padding for fall protection - Google Patents
Fluid filled body padding for fall protection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2424239C CA2424239C CA 2424239 CA2424239A CA2424239C CA 2424239 C CA2424239 C CA 2424239C CA 2424239 CA2424239 CA 2424239 CA 2424239 A CA2424239 A CA 2424239A CA 2424239 C CA2424239 C CA 2424239C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pouch
- liquid
- fluid
- inner pouch
- outer pouch
- 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
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
- A63B71/081—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions fluid-filled, e.g. air-filled
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A41D13/0506—Hip
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F2005/0181—Protectors for articulations
- A61F2005/0183—Hip protectors, e.g. for elderly people
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
- Supply Devices, Intensifiers, Converters, And Telemotors (AREA)
Abstract
A fluid filled body padding for fall protection includes a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid. A flexible outer pouch encapsulates the inner pouch. A fluid interface is provided between the inner pouch and the outer pouch. The fluid interface serves to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch. This body padding is suitable for a variety of fall protection applications, such as hip protectors for senior citizens.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Fluid Filled Body Padding For Fall Protection FIEhD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluid filled body padding used for fall protection BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Injuries from falls are a common and serious problem for the elderly. Many such injuries could be prevented if thick body padding were worn. However, most elderly persons are too proud to wear body padding, if the fact that they are wearing such body padding is readily apparent to a casual observer.
Whether the fluid medium used is a liquid or a gas, in order to function as fall protection a fluid filled body pad must be fully inflated, like a balloon. If the fluid filled body pad is not fully inflated, they are still suitable for preventing bed sores, but are no longer suitable as fall protection. The reason for this is that in order for a fluid filled body pad to function when it is not fully inflated, pressure must be exerted evenly upon the pad. When a person falls, against a sharp object such as a stone, or the edge of a curb, localized pressure is applied. In response to such localized pressure, the fluid in the fluid filled body pad will be displaced.
SUN~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is fluid filled body padding which can provide effective fall protection.
According to the present invention there is provided a fluid filled body padding for fall protection which includes a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid. A
Fluid Filled Body Padding For Fall Protection FIEhD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluid filled body padding used for fall protection BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Injuries from falls are a common and serious problem for the elderly. Many such injuries could be prevented if thick body padding were worn. However, most elderly persons are too proud to wear body padding, if the fact that they are wearing such body padding is readily apparent to a casual observer.
Whether the fluid medium used is a liquid or a gas, in order to function as fall protection a fluid filled body pad must be fully inflated, like a balloon. If the fluid filled body pad is not fully inflated, they are still suitable for preventing bed sores, but are no longer suitable as fall protection. The reason for this is that in order for a fluid filled body pad to function when it is not fully inflated, pressure must be exerted evenly upon the pad. When a person falls, against a sharp object such as a stone, or the edge of a curb, localized pressure is applied. In response to such localized pressure, the fluid in the fluid filled body pad will be displaced.
SUN~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is fluid filled body padding which can provide effective fall protection.
According to the present invention there is provided a fluid filled body padding for fall protection which includes a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid. A
flexible outer pouch encapsulates the inner pouch. A fluid interface is provided between the inner pouch and the outer pouch. The fluid interface serves to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch.
With the body padding, as described above, a localized force exerted upon the outer pouch is converted by the liquid interface into an even force which acts uniformly upon the inner pouch. The inner pouch becomes rigid in response to the pressure applied via the liquid interface and is better able to withstanding the localized force resulting from the fall.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the body padding, as described above, when air is used as a fluid the volume of air required in order to be effective tends to be bulky and when a liquid is used as a fluid the liquid tends to flow to the bottom of the pouch causing the pouch to sag. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the shock absorbing fluid is a viscous gel-like liquid. The viscous gel-like liquid tends to hold its position and reduce sagging. For the same reason, it is preferred that the fluid interface be a viscous gel-like liquid.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the body padding, as described above, even more beneficial results may be obtained when polymer beads are mixed with the viscous gel-like liquid in the inner pouch.
The polymer beads serve to reduce the weight of the fall protection without any significant adverse affect upon its performance.
With the body padding, as described above, a localized force exerted upon the outer pouch is converted by the liquid interface into an even force which acts uniformly upon the inner pouch. The inner pouch becomes rigid in response to the pressure applied via the liquid interface and is better able to withstanding the localized force resulting from the fall.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the body padding, as described above, when air is used as a fluid the volume of air required in order to be effective tends to be bulky and when a liquid is used as a fluid the liquid tends to flow to the bottom of the pouch causing the pouch to sag. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the shock absorbing fluid is a viscous gel-like liquid. The viscous gel-like liquid tends to hold its position and reduce sagging. For the same reason, it is preferred that the fluid interface be a viscous gel-like liquid.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the body padding, as described above, even more beneficial results may be obtained when polymer beads are mixed with the viscous gel-like liquid in the inner pouch.
The polymer beads serve to reduce the weight of the fall protection without any significant adverse affect upon its performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
THE FIGURE is a side elevation view, in section, of body padding for fall protection constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
The preferred embodiment, fluid filled body padding generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to T~ FIGURE~
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Fluid filled body padding 10 has a flexible inner pouch 12 that holds a viscous gel-like shock absorbing liquid 14.
In the illustrated embodiment, polymer beads 16 are mixed with gel-like liquid 14. Body padding 10 is further adapted with a flexible outer pouch 18 that encapsulates inner pouch 12. A viscous gel-like liquid interface 20, also shown mixed with polymer beads 16, is interposed between inner pouch 12 and outer pouch 18 such that inner pouch 12 is pressurized and rigidified when a localized force 22 is exerted upon outer pouch 18.
Operation:
The use and operation of fluid filled body padding 10 will now be described with reference to T~ FIGURE. Where a user desires protection from a possible fall, fluid filled body padding 10 is positioned along the desired body form 24.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
THE FIGURE is a side elevation view, in section, of body padding for fall protection constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
The preferred embodiment, fluid filled body padding generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to T~ FIGURE~
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Fluid filled body padding 10 has a flexible inner pouch 12 that holds a viscous gel-like shock absorbing liquid 14.
In the illustrated embodiment, polymer beads 16 are mixed with gel-like liquid 14. Body padding 10 is further adapted with a flexible outer pouch 18 that encapsulates inner pouch 12. A viscous gel-like liquid interface 20, also shown mixed with polymer beads 16, is interposed between inner pouch 12 and outer pouch 18 such that inner pouch 12 is pressurized and rigidified when a localized force 22 is exerted upon outer pouch 18.
Operation:
The use and operation of fluid filled body padding 10 will now be described with reference to T~ FIGURE. Where a user desires protection from a possible fall, fluid filled body padding 10 is positioned along the desired body form 24.
Due to the flexibility of both inner pouch 12 and outer pouch 18, body padding 10 substantially conforms to the shape.
Should the user fall and be struck by a sharp, localized force 22, the force is received by outer pouch 18 arid dissipated and converted by viscous gel~like liquid interface 20 and polymer beads 16 into an even force 26 that is applied uniformly to inner pouch 12. Inner pouch 12 is, in turn, rigidified over its area. The effect on the user is a neutralization of damaging, localized force and the avoidance of serious injury.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Should the user fall and be struck by a sharp, localized force 22, the force is received by outer pouch 18 arid dissipated and converted by viscous gel~like liquid interface 20 and polymer beads 16 into an even force 26 that is applied uniformly to inner pouch 12. Inner pouch 12 is, in turn, rigidified over its area. The effect on the user is a neutralization of damaging, localized force and the avoidance of serious injury.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (8)
1. A fluid filled body padding for fall protection, comprising:
a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid adapted to diffuse applied force;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
a liquid fluid interface between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently filled by liquid that the liquid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the fluid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch.
a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid adapted to diffuse applied force;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
a liquid fluid interface between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently filled by liquid that the liquid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the fluid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch.
2. The body padding as defined in claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing fluid is a viscous gel-like liquid.
3. The body padding as defined in claim 2, wherein polymer beads are mixed with the viscous gel-like liquid in the inner pouch.
4. The body padding as defined in claim 1, wherein the interface liquid is a viscous gel-like liquid.
5. The body padding as defined in claim 1, wherein foam padding surrounds the outer pouch.
6. The body padding as defined in claim 1, wherein the inner and outer pouch rupture when excessive force is applied.
7. A fluid filled body padding for fall protection, comprising:
a flexible inner pouch holding a viscous gel-like shock absorbing liquid adapting to diffuse applied force, the shock absorbing liquid being mixed with polymer beads;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
a viscous gel-like liquid interface mixed with polymer beads interposed between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently filled by liquid that the liquid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the liquid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing liquid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch; and the flexible inner pouch and flexible outer pouch adapted to rupture when excessive force is applied.
a flexible inner pouch holding a viscous gel-like shock absorbing liquid adapting to diffuse applied force, the shock absorbing liquid being mixed with polymer beads;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
a viscous gel-like liquid interface mixed with polymer beads interposed between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently filled by liquid that the liquid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the liquid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing liquid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch; and the flexible inner pouch and flexible outer pouch adapted to rupture when excessive force is applied.
8. A fluid filled body padding for fall protection, comprising:
a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid adapted to diffuse applied force;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
and a gaseous fluid interface between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently inflated by the gaseous fluid that the gaseous fluid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the gaseous fluid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch.
a flexible inner pouch holding a shock absorbing fluid adapted to diffuse applied force;
a flexible outer pouch encapsulating the inner pouch;
and a gaseous fluid interface between the inner pouch and the outer pouch, the outer pouch being sufficiently inflated by the gaseous fluid that the gaseous fluid serves to transmit pressure exerted upon the outer pouch to the inner pouch without the outer pouch physically contacting the inner pouch, the gaseous fluid interface serving to pressurize and rigidify the inner pouch containing the shock absorbing fluid when a localized force is exerted upon the outer pouch.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2424239 CA2424239C (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-03-31 | Fluid filled body padding for fall protection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2424239 CA2424239C (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-03-31 | Fluid filled body padding for fall protection |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2424239A1 CA2424239A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
| CA2424239C true CA2424239C (en) | 2008-11-25 |
Family
ID=33034982
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2424239 Expired - Fee Related CA2424239C (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2003-03-31 | Fluid filled body padding for fall protection |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2424239C (en) |
-
2003
- 2003-03-31 CA CA 2424239 patent/CA2424239C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2424239A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20190401 |