US20190166947A1 - Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components - Google Patents

Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190166947A1
US20190166947A1 US16/206,112 US201816206112A US2019166947A1 US 20190166947 A1 US20190166947 A1 US 20190166947A1 US 201816206112 A US201816206112 A US 201816206112A US 2019166947 A1 US2019166947 A1 US 2019166947A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
core
zone
cushioning component
zones
different materials
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US16/206,112
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English (en)
Inventor
Jean-François Laperrière
Charles-Antoine DESROCHERS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bauer Hockey LLC
Original Assignee
Bauer Hockey Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bauer Hockey Corp filed Critical Bauer Hockey Corp
Priority to US16/206,112 priority Critical patent/US20190166947A1/en
Assigned to BAUER HOCKEY LTD. reassignment BAUER HOCKEY LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DESROCHERS, CHARLES-ANTOINE, LAPERRIÈRE, Jean-François
Publication of US20190166947A1 publication Critical patent/US20190166947A1/en
Assigned to BAUER HOCKEY LLC reassignment BAUER HOCKEY LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BAUER HOCKEY LTD
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A42B3/125—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam
    • A42B3/128—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam with zones of different density
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Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to devices (e.g., athletic gear, personal protective equipment, etc.) comprising pads or other cushioning (e.g., shock-absorbing) components.
  • devices e.g., athletic gear, personal protective equipment, etc.
  • pads or other cushioning e.g., shock-absorbing
  • pads or other cushioning e.g., shock-absorbing
  • athletic gear such as helmets, shoulder pads, sporting implements (e.g., hockey sticks, ball bats, lacrosse sticks, etc.), footwear, etc.
  • personal protective equipment typically comprise pads or other cushioning components, which may be provided for protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption.
  • Pads and other cushioning components may sometimes face conflicting requirements, such as providing adequate protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption while being lightweight.
  • a device e.g., an article of athletic gear
  • a cushioning component for absorbing energy when the device is contacted (i.e., impacted or otherwise contacted)
  • the cushioning component comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials (e.g., which may differ in one or more materials properties such as density, stiffness, resilience, etc.) and a covering disposed on the core.
  • a given one of the zones of different materials may be a zone of expanded microspheres.
  • the cushioning component may provide enhanced protection, comfort, and/or vibration or other shock absorption while being relatively lightweight.
  • a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core.
  • a given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres.
  • a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a zone of expanded microspheres and a zone materially different from the zone of expanded microspheres.
  • the cushioning component also comprises a covering disposed on the core.
  • an article of athletic gear for a user.
  • the article of athletic gear comprises a cushioning component that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core.
  • a given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres.
  • an article of personal protective gear wearable by a user comprises a pad that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core.
  • a given one of the zones of different materials is a zone of expanded microspheres.
  • a helmet for protecting a head of a user.
  • the helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner disposed within the outer shell.
  • the inner liner comprises a pad that comprises a core comprising a plurality of zones of different materials and a covering disposed on the core.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of a device comprising cushioning components for absorbing energy when the device is impacted or otherwise contacted, in accordance with an embodiment, in which the device is a helmet for protecting a user's head and respective ones of the cushioning components constitute a plurality of pads of an inner liner of the helmet;
  • FIG. 2 shows a front view of the helmet
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show rear perspective views of the helmet
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 show operation of an example of an adjustment mechanism of the helmet
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B show the head of the user
  • FIG. 9C shows a cavity of the helmet
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example of shell members of an outer shell of the helmet
  • FIGS. 12 to 16 show respective ones of the pads
  • FIG. 17 shows a front view of an example of a given one of the pads
  • FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 18A shows an example of part of a zone of expanded microspheres of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 19 shows a schematic side view of an example of parts of molding equipment to mold the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 21A shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 21B shows parts of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 23 shows a front view of the given one of the pads shown in FIG. 22 ;
  • FIG. 24 shows parts of the given one of the pads shown in FIG. 22 ;
  • FIG. 25 shows a front view of an example of another embodiment of the given one of the pads
  • FIG. 26 shows an embodiment in which the device is an arm guard
  • FIG. 27 shows an embodiment in which the device is shoulder pads
  • FIG. 28 shows an embodiment in which the device is a leg guard
  • FIG. 29 shows an embodiment in which the device is a chest protector
  • FIG. 30 shows an embodiment in which the device is a glove
  • FIGS. 31A and 31B show an embodiment in which the device is a hockey stick
  • FIG. 32 shows an embodiment in which the device is a lacrosse stick
  • FIG. 33 shows an embodiment in which the device is a ball bat
  • FIG. 34 shows an embodiment in which the device is an article of footwear, in this example a skate.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a device 10 comprising a plurality of cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C for absorbing energy when the device 10 is impacted or otherwise contacted.
  • the device 10 is an article of athletic gear for a user engaging in a sport or other athletic activity. More particularly, in this embodiment, the article of athletic gear 10 is an article of protective athletic gear wearable by the user to protect him/her. Specifically, in this example, the article of protective athletic gear 10 is a helmet for protecting a head of the user against impacts.
  • the helmet 10 is a hockey helmet for protecting the head of the user, who is a hockey player, against impacts (e.g., from a puck or ball, a hockey stick, a board, ice or another playing surface, etc., with another player, etc.).
  • impacts e.g., from a puck or ball, a hockey stick, a board, ice or another playing surface, etc., with another player, etc.
  • Each of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C of the helmet 10 is configured to protect the player's head by absorbing energy when the helmet 10 is impacted, and may also be provided for comfort of the helmet 10 on the player's head. As further discussed later, in this embodiment, each of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C of the helmet 10 may provide enhanced protection and/or comfort for the player's head while being relatively lightweight, notably by including different materials (e.g., which may differ in density, stiffness, resilience, etc.).
  • the helmet 10 comprises an outer shell 11 and an inner liner 15 that includes the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C .
  • the helmet 10 also comprises a chinstrap 16 for securing the helmet 10 to the player's head.
  • the helmet 10 may also comprise a faceguard (not shown) to protect at least part of the player's face (e.g., a grid (sometimes referred to as a “cage”) or a visor (sometimes referred to as a “shield”)).
  • the helmet 10 defines a cavity 13 for receiving the player's head. In response to an impact, the helmet 10 absorbs energy from the impact to protect the player's head.
  • the helmet 10 protects various regions of the player's head.
  • the player's head comprises a front region FR, a top region TR, left and right side regions LS, RS, a back region BR, and an occipital region OR.
  • the front region FR includes a forehead and a front top part of the player's head and generally corresponds to a frontal bone region of the player's head.
  • the left and right side regions LS, RS are approximately located above the player's ears.
  • the back region BR is opposite the front region FR and includes a rear upper part of the player's head.
  • the occipital region OR substantially corresponds to a region around and under the head's occipital protuberance.
  • the helmet 10 comprises an external surface 18 and an internal surface 20 that contacts the player's head when the helmet 10 is worn.
  • the helmet 10 has a front-back axis FBA, a left-right axis LRA, and a vertical axis VA which are respectively generally parallel to a dorsoventral axis, a dextrosinistral axis, and a cephalocaudal axis of the player when the helmet 10 is worn and which respectively define a front-back direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction of the helmet 10 .
  • the front-back axis FBA and the left-right axis LRA can also be referred to as a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis, respectively, while the front-back direction and the lateral direction can also be referred to a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction, respectively.
  • the outer shell 11 provides strength and rigidity to the helmet 10 .
  • the outer shell 11 comprises rigid material 27 .
  • the rigid material 27 of the outer shell 11 may be a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (nylon), or polycarbonate, a thermosetting resin, or any other suitable material.
  • the outer shell 11 includes an inner surface 17 facing the inner liner 15 and an outer surface 19 opposite the inner surface 17 .
  • the outer surface 19 of the outer shell 11 constitutes at least part of the external surface 18 of the helmet 10 .
  • the outer shell 11 comprises a plurality of shell members 22 , 24 that are connected to one another. More particularly, in this embodiment, the shell member 22 is a front shell member and the shell member 24 is a rear shell member.
  • the front shell member 22 comprises a front portion 23 for facing at least part of the front region FR of the player's head, a top portion 21 for facing at least part of the top region TR of the player's head, and left and right lateral side portions 25 L, 25 R extending rearwardly from the front portion 23 and downwardly from the top portion 21 for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the player's head, respectively.
  • the rear shell member 24 comprises a back portion 31 for facing at least part of the back region BR of the player's head, a top portion 29 for facing at least part of the top region TR of the player's head, an occipital portion 33 for facing at least part of the occipital region OR of the player's head, and left and right lateral side portions 35 L, 35 R extending forwardly from the back portion 31 and downwardly from the top portion 29 for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the player's head, respectively.
  • the helmet 10 is adjustable to adjust how it fits on the player's head.
  • the helmet 10 comprises an adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting a fit of the helmet 10 on the player's head.
  • the adjustment mechanism 40 may allow the fit of the helmet 10 to be adjusted by adjusting one or more internal dimensions of the cavity 13 of the helmet 10 , such as a front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity 13 in the front-back direction of the helmet 10 and/or a left-right internal dimension LRD of the cavity 13 in the left-right direction of the helmet 10 , as shown in FIG. 9C .
  • the adjustment mechanism 40 is configured such that the outer shell 11 and the inner liner 15 are adjustable to adjust the fit of the helmet 10 on the player's head.
  • the shell members 22 , 24 are movable relative to one another to adjust the fit of the helmet 10 on the player's head.
  • relative movement of the shell members 22 , 24 for adjustment purposes is in the front-back direction of the helmet 10 such that the front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity 13 of the helmet 10 is adjusted. This is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 in which the rear shell member 24 is moved relative to the front shell member 22 from a first position, which is shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 corresponds to a minimum size of the helmet 10
  • FIG. 6 corresponds to an intermediate size of the helmet 10
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 corresponds to a maximum size of the helmet 10 .
  • the adjustment mechanism 40 comprises an actuator 41 that can be moved (e.g., in this case pivoted) by the player between a locked position, in which the actuator 41 engages a locking part 45 (as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the front shell member 22 and thereby locks the shell members 22 , 24 relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which the actuator 41 is disengaged from the locking part 45 of the front shell member 22 and thereby permits the shell members 22 , 24 to move relative to one another so as to adjust the size of the helmet 10 .
  • the adjustment mechanism 40 may be implemented in any other suitably way in other embodiments.
  • the inner liner 15 is disposed within the outer shell 11 , i.e., between the outer shell 11 and the player's head when the helmet 10 is worn. More particularly, the inner liner 15 comprises a shock-absorbing structure 32 that includes an outer surface 38 facing towards the outer shell 11 and an inner surface 34 facing towards the player's head.
  • the shock-absorbing structure 32 of the inner liner 15 may comprise a shock-absorbing material.
  • the shock-absorbing material may include a polymeric cellular material, such as a polymeric foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam, or any other suitable polymeric foam material), or expanded microspheres (e.g., ExpancelTM microspheres commercialized by Akzo Nobel). Any other material with suitable impact energy absorption may be used in other embodiments.
  • the shock-absorbing structure 32 of the inner liner 15 may comprise an array of shock absorbers that are configured to deform when the helmet 10 is impacted.
  • the array of shock absorbers may include an array of compressible cells that can compress when the helmet 10 is impacted. Examples of this are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,538 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0258988, which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • the inner liner 15 may be mounted to the outer shell 11 in any suitable way.
  • the inner liner 15 may be mounted to the outer shell 11 by one or more fasteners such as mechanical fasteners (e.g., tacks, staples, rivets, screws, stitches, etc.), an adhesive, or any other suitable fastener.
  • the inner liner 15 comprises a plurality of pads 36 1 - 36 C , 37 1 - 37 B .
  • respective ones of the pads 36 1 - 36 C , 37 1 - 37 B are movable relative to one another and with the shell members 22 , 24 to allow adjustment of the fit of the helmet 10 using the adjustment mechanism 40 .
  • the pads 36 1 - 36 C are responsible for absorbing at least a bulk of the energy transmitted to the inner liner 15 when the helmet 10 is impacted and can therefore be referred to as “absorption” pads.
  • the pad 36 1 is for facing at least part of the front region FR and left side region LS of the player's head
  • the pad 36 2 is for facing at least part of the front region FR and right side region RS of the player's head
  • the pad 36 3 is for facing at least part of the back region BR and left side region LS of the player's head
  • the pad 36 4 is for facing at least part of the back region BR and right side region RS of the player's head
  • the pad 36 5 is for facing at least part of the top region TR and back region BR of the player's head.
  • the front shell member 22 overlays the pads 36 1 , 36 2
  • the rear shell member 24 overlays the pads 36 3 , 36 4 .
  • the pads 37 1 - 37 B are responsible to provide comfort to the player's head and can therefore be referred to as “comfort” pads.
  • the comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may comprise any suitable soft material providing comfort to the player.
  • the comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may comprise polymeric foam such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation), vinyl nitrile foam or any other suitable polymeric foam material.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • polyurethane foam e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation
  • vinyl nitrile foam or any other suitable polymeric foam material.
  • given ones of the comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may be secured (e.g., adhered, fastened, etc.) to respective ones of the absorption pads 36 1 - 36 C .
  • comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may be mounted such that they are movable relative to the absorption pads 36 1 - 36 C .
  • one or more of the comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may be part of a floating liner as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013/0025032.
  • the comfort pads 37 1 - 37 B may assist in absorption of energy from impacts, in particular, low-energy impacts.
  • the inner liner 15 comprises the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C of the helmet 10 . More particularly, in this embodiment, respective ones of the pads 36 1 - 36 C comprise respective ones of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C of the helmet 10 . Specifically, in this example, each cushioning component 12 x of the helmet 10 constitutes a pad 36 x .
  • the pad 36 x comprises a periphery 39 that includes an outer side 42 facing towards the outer shell 11 and an inner side 43 opposite to the outer side 42 for facing towards the player's head.
  • the periphery 39 of the pad 36 x has a three-dimensional shape to accommodate the outer shell 11 and the player's head. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer side 42 and the inner side 43 of the pad 36 x is uneven (i.e., nonplanar in that it comprises one or more angular parts and/or one or more curved parts) to accommodate the outer shell 11 and the player's head.
  • the outer side 42 of the pad 36 x is convex to accommodate the outer shell 11 and the inner side 43 of the pad 36 x is concave to accommodate the player's head.
  • the pad 36 x comprises a core 44 and a covering 46 disposed on the core 44 .
  • the core 44 of the pad 36 x comprises a periphery 67 that includes an outer side 47 facing towards the outer shell 11 and an inner side 49 opposite to the outer side 47 for facing towards the player's head.
  • the periphery 67 of the core 44 defines the three-dimensional shape of the periphery 39 of the pad 36 x .
  • each of the outer side 47 and the inner side 49 of the core 44 is uneven (i.e., nonplanar in that it comprises one or more angular parts and/or one or more curved parts) to accommodate the outer shell 11 and the player's head.
  • the outer side 47 of the core 44 is convex to accommodate the outer shell 11 and the inner side 49 of the core 44 is concave to accommodate the player's head.
  • the core 44 of the pad 36 x comprises a plurality of zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z .
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 are zones differing in at least one material property (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, resilience, etc.).
  • respective ones of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z may differ in two or more material properties.
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z are thus parts of the core 44 that are materially different from one another.
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x include two zones of different materials, namely an outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and an inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 that is configured to be located closer to the player's head than the outer zone 48 1 .
  • a given one of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 can be designated as “outer” or “inner” in that it is located outwardly or inwardly relative to another one of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 .
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 constitutes at least part of the outer side 47 of the core 44 while the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 constitutes at least part of the inner side 49 of the core 44 .
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may comprise three, four, five or more zones of different materials in other examples.
  • respective ones of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x differ in density.
  • a density of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is less than a density of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 . This may help to provide shock absorption and comfort for the player's head.
  • the density of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 50%, in some cases no more than 20%, and in some cases an even lesser fraction of the density of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • each of the density of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and the density of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may have any suitable value.
  • the density of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may be no more than 15 lb/ft 3 (0.240 g/cm 3 ), in some cases no more than 4 lb/ft 3 (0.064 g/cm 3 ), and in some cases no more than 2 lb/ft 3 (0.032 g/cm 3 ), and/or the density of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 15 lb/ft 3 (0.240 g/cm 3 ), in some cases no more than 8 lb/ft 3 (0.128 g/cm 3 ), and in some cases no more than 2 lb/ft 3 (0.032 g/cm 3 ).
  • Respective ones of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 may differ in one or more other properties in addition to or instead of density.
  • a modulus of elasticity (i.e., Young's modulus) of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be less than a modulus of elasticity of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the modulus of elasticity of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 90%, in some cases no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 70%, and in some cases an even lesser fraction of the modulus of elasticity of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the modulus of elasticity may be evaluated according to ASTM D-638 or ASTM D-412.
  • the modulus of elasticity of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be greater than the modulus of elasticity of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • a resilience of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be less than a resilience of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the resilience of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 60%, in some cases no more than 40%, and in some cases an even less fraction of the resilience of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 according to ASTM D2632-01 which measures resilience by vertical rebound.
  • the resilience of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be greater than the resilience of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • Each of the resilience of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 and the resilience of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may have any suitable value.
  • an elongation at break of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be greater than an elongation at break of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the elongation at break of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be at least 110%, in some cases at least 130%, and in some cases at least 150% of the elongation at break of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 according to ASTM D-638 or ASTM D-412, and in some cases even more.
  • each of the elongation at break of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 and the elongation at break of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may have any suitable value.
  • the elongation at break of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%, in some cases at least 60%, and in some cases even more
  • the elongation at break of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may be at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%, in some cases at least 60%, and in some cases even more.
  • a hardness (e.g., Shore OO hardness) of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be less than a hardness of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • a ratio of the hardness of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 over the hardness of the outer zone 48 1 may be no more than 0.9, in some cases no more than 0.5, in some cases no more than 0.3, and in some cases an even lesser ratio.
  • the hardness may be evaluated according to ASTM D2240.
  • the hardness of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be greater than the hardness of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • an indentation force deflection (IFD) of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be less than an IFD of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the IFD of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 95%, in some cases no more than 80%, in some cases no more than 60%, and in some cases an even less fraction of the IFD of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 according to ASTM D3574 which measures the force required to compress a foam material 25% of its thickness.
  • ASTM D3574 ASTM D3574 which measures the force required to compress a foam material 25% of its thickness.
  • the IFD of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be greater than the IFD of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • each of the IFD of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 and the IFD of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may have any suitable value.
  • the IFD of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be no more than 15 pound-force per square inch (psi), in some cases no more than 10 psi, and in some cases no more than 6 psi according to ASTM D3574, and/or the IFD of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may be no more than 20 psi, in some cases no more than 16 psi, and in some cases no more than 12 psi according to ASTM D3574.
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may include any suitable materials.
  • each of the outer zone 48 1 and the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is a zone of expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M . That is, each of the outer zone 48 1 and the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is at least mainly (i.e., mainly or entirely) made of expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M .
  • Each expanded microsphere 60 x comprises a polymeric shell 62 expanded by a fluid encapsulated in an interior of the polymeric shell.
  • the polymeric shell 62 of the expanded microsphere 60 x is a thermoplastic shell.
  • the fluid encapsulated in the polymeric shell 62 is a liquid or gas (in this case a gas) able to expand the expanded microsphere 60 x when heated during manufacturing of the pad 36 x .
  • the expandable microspheres 60 1 - 60 M may be ExpancelTM microspheres commercialized by Akzo Nobel.
  • the expandable microspheres 60 1 - 60 M may be Dualite microspheres commercialized by Henkel; Advancell microspheres commercialized by Sekisui; Matsumoto Microsphere microspheres commercialized by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co; or KUREHA Microsphere microspheres commercialized by Kureha.
  • Various other types of expanded microspheres may be used in other embodiments.
  • the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M may be provided in any suitable form during manufacturing of the pad 36 x .
  • the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M may include dry unexpanded, dry expanded, wet unexpanded, wet expanded, and/or partially-expanded dry and/or wet microspheres.
  • the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 is less dense than the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 .
  • each of the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 and the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 constitutes at least a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core 44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 and the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 constitutes at least one-quarter of the core 44 by weight, in some cases at least one-third of the core 44 by weight, and in some cases at least half of the core 44 by weight.
  • the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 is larger than the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 , with the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 constituting about 70% of the core 44 by weight and the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 constituting about 30% of the core 44 by weight.
  • the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner and outer zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 constitute a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core 44 by weight. More particularly, in this embodiment, the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner and outer zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 constitute at least one-quarter of the core 44 by weight, in some cases at least one-third of the core 44 by weight, and in some cases at least a majority of the core by weight. Specifically, in this example, the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner and outer zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 constitute at least 80%, in this case, substantially the entirety of the core 44 .
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may be arranged in any suitable way and have any suitable size and configuration.
  • each of a thickness T 1 of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and a thickness T 2 of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 corresponds to a significant part of a thickness T C of the core 44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the thickness T 1 of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and the thickness T 2 of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 corresponds to at least one-quarter, in some cases at least one-third, and in some cases at least a majority of the thickness T C of the core 44 . Specifically, in this example, each of the thickness T 1 of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and the thickness T 2 of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 corresponds to more than half of the thickness T C of the core 44 .
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 and the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be interlocked.
  • a given one of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 and an adjacent one of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 are interlocked by an interlocking part 61 of the given one of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 extending into an interlocking void 63 of the adjacent one of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 .
  • This may be done to facilitate manufacturing (e.g., molding) of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 ) and/or to help secure them.
  • the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 comprises projections 64 1 - 64 6 projecting from an adjacent part 65 of the inner side 49 of the core 44 and spaced from one another.
  • the projections 64 1 - 64 6 may provide areas of increased cushioning and may facilitate air circulations thereabout.
  • the covering 46 of the pad 36 x covers at least a substantial part (i.e., a substantial part or an entirety) of the core 44 of the of the pad 36 x . This may help to retain integrity of the core 44 . For example, in this embodiment, this may help to retain the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 together. Also, in this embodiment in which the core 44 includes expanded microspheres, the covering 46 may help to protect the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of expanded microspheres against chipping, crumbling or cracking in use, as their expanded microspheres may otherwise be friable.
  • the covering 46 covers at least part of the inner side 49 of the core 44 and at least part of the outer side 47 of the core 44 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the covering 46 covers at least a majority of the periphery 67 of the core 44 . In this example, the covering 46 covers at least a majority, in this case all, of the inner side 49 of the core 44 and at least a majority, in this case all, of the outer side 47 of the core 44 . Specifically, in this example, the covering 46 envelopes the core 44 (i.e., completely encloses the core 44 ). This may help to maximize an effect of the covering 46 in retaining integrity of the core 44 .
  • the covering 46 is molded to conform to the core 44 . That is, the covering 46 is shaped by molding equipment including one or more molds in order to conform to the core 44 during a molding process for making the pad 36 x , as further discussed later. This allows the covering 46 to closely follow and match the periphery 67 of the core 44 . Also, the covering 46 is affixed to the core 44 . In this case, the covering 46 is bonded to the core 44 during the molding process.
  • the covering 46 comprises a layer of polymeric material 70 molded to conform to the core 44 .
  • the layer of polymeric material 70 is a layer of polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane).
  • the layer of polymeric material 70 may include any other suitable polymeric material in other embodiments (e.g. polyester, nylon fabric, etc.).
  • the covering 46 comprises an outer covering member 51 that covers the outer side 47 of the core 44 and an inner covering member 53 that covers the inner side 49 of the core 44 .
  • the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 comprise respective parts of the layer of polymeric material 70 and meet at a junction 55 .
  • the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 may be formed separately during manufacturing of the pad 36 x , as discussed later.
  • the covering 46 is significantly thinner than the core 44 .
  • a thickness T E of the covering 46 corresponds to no more than 10%, in some cases no more than 5%, and in some cases no more than 2% of the thickness T C of the core 44 .
  • the thickness T E of the covering 46 may be no more than 2 mm, in some cases no more than 0.5 mm, in some cases no more than 0.2 mm, and in some cases even less.
  • the covering 46 may be used to enhance an appearance of the pad 36 x .
  • the covering 46 displays a decoration 72 that includes an arrangement of a plurality of different colors. This may be useful as the 36 1 - 36 C occupy a significant area within the helmet 10 .
  • the decoration 72 is defined by the layer of polymeric material 70 and includes four different colors.
  • the decoration 72 includes areas of contrasting colors and lines in one color which are spaced apart by gaps having another color and which cross other lines.
  • the decoration 72 of the covering 46 may take on any other suitable configuration in other embodiments.
  • the decoration 72 may include a graphical representation of: one or more alphanumeric characters that may form text (e.g., a word, a message, etc.); one or more symbols (e.g., a logo, a sign, an emblem, etc.); one or more shapes or patterns; and/or one or more real or imaginary objects (e.g., a person, an animal, a vehicle, an imaginary or fictional character, or any other real or imaginary thing).
  • the arrangement of colors of the decoration 72 may represent colors and/or a logo of a sports team for which the player plays.
  • the decoration 72 may be provided in any suitable way.
  • the decoration 72 may be provided by silk-screening.
  • the decoration 72 may be provided by sublimation, roller printing, pad printing, or any other suitable technique.
  • the covering 46 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • the covering 46 may comprise a fabric layer, such as a non-woven fabric layer or a woven fabric layer (e.g., of spandex, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or any other suitable fabric material).
  • the covering 46 may comprise a plurality of layers of different materials.
  • the inner covering member 53 that covers the inner side 49 of the core 44 may include the layer of polymeric material 70 (e.g., polyurethane), while the outer covering member 51 that covers the outer side 47 of the core 44 may include a fabric layer.
  • the covering 46 may comprise a plurality of layers that are stacked.
  • the pad 36 x comprises a plurality of ventilation holes 80 1 , 80 2 .
  • the ventilation holes 80 1 , 80 2 are aligned with ventilation holes 82 1 , 80 2 of the outer shell 11 .
  • Each ventilation hole 80 x of the pad 36 x extends through the core 44 and is defined by an interior surface 90 of the core 44 , and the covering 46 covers at least part, in this case all, of the internal surface 90 of the core 44 .
  • the pad 36 x may be manufactured in various ways.
  • the pad 36 x is made by a molding process in which its core 44 is molded into shape and its covering 46 is molded to conform to the core 44 .
  • the molding process uses molding equipment including one or more molds to shape the core 44 and the covering 46 .
  • each of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 is provided separately. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 is molded into shape by the molding equipment. For instance, as the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 have different shapes, a mold having a cavity corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may be used to form the outer 48 1 of the core 44 , whereas another mold having a cavity corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be used to form the inner zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • each of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 is formed by placing an amount of microspheres in the cavity of the mold in which it is to be formed.
  • the microspheres placed into the mold may include unexpanded microspheres (e.g., dry unexpanded microspheres in a loose powder, wet unexpanded microspheres in a paste-like form).
  • the microspheres placed into the mold may include pre-expanded microspheres that have been previously heated to pre-expand them (e.g., either partially or fully expand them).
  • any other minor constituent of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 e.g., a color pigment substance
  • Each of the outer and inner zones 48 1 , 48 2 of the core 44 is separately molded in the mold in which is to be formed by applying heat.
  • microspheres provided in the mold expand.
  • the molding process may then include a cold molding phase in which the temperature is lowered. Temperature and pressure of the molding process cause bonding of adjacent ones of the expanded microspheres.
  • the covering 46 is molded to conform to the core 44 .
  • each of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 of the covering 46 is provided separately. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 is molded into shape by the molding equipment to respectively conform to the outer and inner sides 47 , 49 of the core 44 .
  • a mold comprising a cavity that includes a surface corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the outer covering member 51 and that of the outer side 47 of the core 44 may be used to form the outer covering member 51
  • another mold comprising a cavity that includes a surface corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the inner covering member 53 and that of the inner side 49 of the core 44 may be used to form the inner covering member 53 .
  • a precursor of each of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 is prepared for placement into the mold in which it is to be formed in order to conform to the core 44 .
  • the precursor of each of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 includes a sheet (e.g., which may have been previously cut from a larger sheet).
  • the sheet comprises part of the layer of polymeric material 70 .
  • the sheet may include the decoration 72 .
  • Molding of the sheet of each of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 into the mold in which it is to be formed in order to conform to the core 44 may be achieved in any suitable way.
  • at least part of the covering 46 is vacuum-formed to conform to the core 44 .
  • the sheet to form the inner covering member 53 is vacuum-formed in the mold for shaping the inner covering member 53 .
  • the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is then placed on the inner covering member 53 , which has been vacuum-formed.
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 is then placed on the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 .
  • the sheet to form the outer covering member 51 is then placed on the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 in the mold in which it is to be formed to conform to the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the sheet to form the outer covering member 51 may be vacuum-formed in the mold, which is then closed.
  • the sheet to form the inner covering member 53 may be shaped to conform to the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 when the mold is closed and it is pressed against the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the covering 46 is bonded to the core 44 during the molding process. More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 are respectively bonded to the outer and inner sides 47 , 49 of the core 44 .
  • a hot-melt adhesive film or another adhesive may be associated with one or both of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 to enhance bonding to the core 44 .
  • the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 meet at their junction 55 where they are joined, thereby enveloping the core 44 .
  • the molding process may then include a cold molding phase in which the temperature is lowered.
  • the pad 36 x is removed from the molding equipment and may be finished by one or more post-molding operations. For example, in some embodiments, a trimming operation may be performed to remove excess material from the covering 46 that extends beyond the core 44 (e.g., at the junction 55 of the outer and inner covering members 51 , 53 ).
  • the pad 36 x including its core 44 and its covering 46 , may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
  • a state of the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 may be different from a state of the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 . That is, the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be in a different state from those of the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 .
  • the outer zone 48 1 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 is consolidated, i.e., its expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M are consolidated such that the outer zone 48 1 is substantially solid, while the inner zone 48 2 of expanded microspheres of the core 44 is unconsolidated, i.e., its expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M are unconsolidated such that the inner zone 48 2 is softer and more malleable than the outer zone 48 1 .
  • the unconsolidated expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be in a paste-like form.
  • the unconsolidated state (e.g., paste-like form) of the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M of the inner zone 48 2 may be achieved by encapsulating the inner zone 48 2 with the inner covering member 53 while it is vacuum-formed, wherein the vacuum molding process is performed at a temperature lower than the consolidation temperature of the expanded microspheres 60 1 - 60 M This may help to enhance a cushioning effect of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 .
  • one or more of the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may not be a zone of expanded microspheres (i.e., not be mainly or entirely made of expanded microspheres, but may rather be a zone at least mainly made of material other than expanded microspheres).
  • the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is a zone of foam 85 , i.e., a zone at least mainly (i.e., mainly or entirely) made of foam 85
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 is a zone of expanded microspheres as discussed above.
  • the foam 85 may help to enhance comfort for the player's head. This may also be useful to provide better impact absorption or other protection against linear and rotational impacts.
  • the foam 85 includes polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation, or any other suitable polyurethane foam).
  • the foam 85 may include any other suitable foam in other embodiments (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, vinyl nitrile foam, etc.).
  • the foam 85 of the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 of the pad 36 x includes: a foam layer 86 (e.g., which may include one or more foam plies) that forms a “base” which extends over at least a majority, in this case all, of the inner side 49 of the core 44 to be molded; a foam layer of foam 87 that is smaller than and overlies the foam layer 86 in a specific region of the inner zone 48 2 (e.g., in this case a region located underneath the projection 64 1 ); and respective portions of a foam layer 89 for forming each of the projections 64 1 - 64 6 projecting from the adjacent part 65 of the inner side 49 of the core 44 and spaced from one another.
  • a foam layer 86 e.g., which may include one or more foam plies
  • base which extends over at least a majority, in this case all, of the inner side 49 of the core 44 to be molded
  • a foam layer of foam 87 that is smaller than and overlies the foam layer 86 in
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 may be formed by placing an amount of microspheres in the cavity of the mold in which it is to be formed by applying heat as described earlier, and the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 may be formed by placing the foam layers 86 , 87 , 89 of the foam 85 into the cavity in which it is to be formed (e.g., on the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 ) so that after molding the foam layers 86 , 87 , 89 of the foam 85 amalgamate into the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 .
  • the zones of different materials 48 1 - 48 Z of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may be more than two in number, such as three, four or more zones.
  • the outer zone 48 1 of the core 44 is a zone of expanded microspheres and the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 is a zone of foam as discussed above, while there is another inner zone 48 3 of foam 88 different from the foam 85 of the inner zone 48 2 .
  • the inner zone 48 3 of the core 44 comprises the projections 64 1 - 64 6 projecting from the adjacent part 65 of the inner side 49 of the core 44 and spaced from one another.
  • the foam 88 includes polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation, or any other suitable polyurethane foam).
  • the foam 85 may include any other suitable foam in other embodiments (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, vinyl nitrile foam, etc.).
  • the density of the foam 85 is different from the density of the foam 88 .
  • the density of the foam 88 is less than the density of the foam 85 .
  • the density of the foam 88 may be no more than 90%, in some cases no more than 80% and in some cases no more than 70% of the density of the foam 85 .
  • the foam 88 may be denser than the foam 85 .
  • the inner zone 48 2 of the core 44 of the pad 36 x may be perforated such that it comprises a plurality of apertures 91 1 - 91 A . This may be useful to enhance ventilation and provide sweat management to the player.
  • the covering 46 of the pad 36 x may cover less than the entirety of the core 44 of the pad 36 x .
  • certain regions of the inner side 49 and/or certain regions of the outer side 47 of the core 44 may not be covered by the covering 46 but may rather be exposed.
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 is the helmet 10
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be any other article of protective athletic gear comprising one or more cushioning components constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C .
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be an arm guard (e.g., an elbow pad) for protecting an arm (e.g., an elbow) of a user, in which the arm guard 10 comprises a cushioning component 212 constructed using principles described herein in respect of cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C and constituting a pad 236 of the arm guard 10 .
  • an arm guard e.g., an elbow pad
  • the arm guard 10 comprises a cushioning component 212 constructed using principles described herein in respect of cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C and constituting a pad 236 of the arm guard 10 .
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be shoulder pads for protecting an upper torso (e.g., shoulders and a chest) of a user, in which the shoulder pads 10 comprise a cushioning component 312 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C and constituting a pad 336 of the shoulder pads 10 .
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be a leg guard for protecting a leg of a user, in which the leg guard 10 comprises a cushioning component 412 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C and constituting a pad 436 of the leg guard 10 .
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be a chest protector for a goalie or baseball catcher for protecting his/her chest, in which the chest protector 10 comprises a cushioning component 712 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C and constituting any portion of the chest protector 10 (e.g., a chest portion, an abdominal portion, an arm portion if present, etc.).
  • the article of protective athletic gear 10 may be a glove for protecting a user's hand, in which the glove 10 comprises a cushioning component 812 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C .
  • the glove 10 is a blocker glove for a goalie and the cushioning component 812 constitutes a board portion of the blocker glove 10 to deflect pucks or balls.
  • the article of athletic gear 10 may be used for purposes other than protection.
  • the article of athletic gear 10 may be a sports implement for handling by a user, in which the sports implement 10 comprises a cushioning component 612 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C .
  • a core 644 of the cushioning component 612 may be constructed using principles described herein in respect of the core 44 of each of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C in order to provide shock absorbance, while a covering 646 of the cushioning component 612 may be constructed using principles described herein in respect of the covering 46 of each of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C but comprise rigid material 670 that imparts strength and rigidity (e.g., that forms a wall of the sports implement 10 ).
  • the rigid material 670 may comprise fiber-reinforced polymeric material (e.g., carbon-fiber-reinforced polymeric material or glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric material) or any other composite material that is provided (e.g., wrapped as pre-impregnated fiber tape) about the core 644 .
  • fiber-reinforced polymeric material e.g., carbon-fiber-reinforced polymeric material or glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric material
  • any other composite material e.g., wrapped as pre-impregnated fiber tape
  • the sports implement 10 may be a hockey stick.
  • the hockey stick 10 comprises a shaft 620 , a handle 622 disposed at a proximal end portion of the shaft 620 , and a blade 624 disposed adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft 620 .
  • the blade 624 of the hockey stick 10 comprises the cushioning component 612 .
  • the handle 622 of the hockey stick 10 may comprise the cushioning component 612 or another cushioning component similar to the cushioning component 612 .
  • the blade 624 of the hockey stick 10 may comprise the cushioning component 612
  • the handle 622 of the hockey stick 10 may comprise another cushioning component similar to the cushioning component 612 .
  • the sports implement 10 may be a lacrosse stick.
  • the lacrosse stick 10 comprises a shaft 650 , a handle 652 disposed at a proximal end portion of the shaft 650 , and a lacrosse head 654 disposed adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft 650 .
  • the handle 652 of the lacrosse stick 10 comprises the cushioning component 612 .
  • the sports implement 10 may be a ball bat, such as a baseball bat or a softball bat.
  • the ball bat 10 comprises a handle 752 , a barrel 754 , and a tapered transition 755 between the handle 752 and the barrel 754 .
  • the barrel 754 comprises the cushioning component 612 .
  • the article of athletic gear 10 may be an article of footwear comprising a cushioning component 512 constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C .
  • the article of footwear 10 is a skate.
  • the skate 10 is a hockey skate for a hockey player.
  • the skate 10 comprises a boot 525 , a blade holder 547 and a blade 549 .
  • the cushioning component 512 constitutes a portion of the boot 525 . More particularly, in this example, the cushioning component 512 constitutes a sole portion of the boot 525 ).
  • the article of footwear 10 may be any other type of footwear (e.g., shoes) in other embodiments.
  • the article of athletic gear 10 may be any other article of athletic gear usable by a player playing another type of contact sport (e.g., a “full-contact” sport) in which there are significant impact forces on the player due to player-to-player and/or player-to-object contact or any other type of sports, including athletic activities other than contact sports.
  • the article of athletic gear 10 may be an article of football gear for a football player, an article of soccer gear for a soccer player, etc.
  • a device comprising one or more cushioning components constructed using principles described herein in respect of the cushioning components 12 1 - 12 C may be anything other than an article of athletic gear and may thus be designed for any suitable purpose.
  • this may include blunt trauma personal protective equipment (PPE), automotive interior components, chair cushioning components, bed cushioning/mattresses, etc.

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  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
US16/206,112 2017-11-30 2018-11-30 Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components Abandoned US20190166947A1 (en)

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US16/206,112 US20190166947A1 (en) 2017-11-30 2018-11-30 Athletic gear or other devices comprising pads or other cushioning components

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200337408A1 (en) * 2017-11-21 2020-10-29 Bauer Hockey Ltd. Adjustable helmet
US20220225719A1 (en) * 2019-06-14 2022-07-21 Kaiola Design Unipessoal Lda. Hat having chin strap members
JP7482278B1 (ja) 2023-01-31 2024-05-13 マクセル株式会社 樹脂成形体

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5718968A (en) * 1996-01-10 1998-02-17 Motherlode, L.L.C. Memory molded, high strength polystyrene
US20120084896A1 (en) * 2010-08-11 2012-04-12 G-Form, LLC Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using
US20130025031A1 (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-01-31 Laperriere Jean-Francois Sport helmet
WO2016042377A1 (fr) * 2014-09-19 2016-03-24 Strategic Sports Limited Doublure compressible a trois couches pour protection contre les chocs
US20170050408A1 (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-23 Yune Seo Park Thermoplastic sheets and articles with variable lofting capacity
WO2017059073A1 (fr) * 2015-09-30 2017-04-06 Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Rubans adhésifs
US20180311931A1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-11-01 Todd Richard Wodzinski Multi-layer assemblies comprising a reinforced thermoplastic surface layer and a core layer

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5718968A (en) * 1996-01-10 1998-02-17 Motherlode, L.L.C. Memory molded, high strength polystyrene
US20120084896A1 (en) * 2010-08-11 2012-04-12 G-Form, LLC Flexible cushioning pads, items incorporating such pads, and methods of making and using
US20130025031A1 (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-01-31 Laperriere Jean-Francois Sport helmet
WO2016042377A1 (fr) * 2014-09-19 2016-03-24 Strategic Sports Limited Doublure compressible a trois couches pour protection contre les chocs
US20170303612A1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2017-10-26 Donald Edward Morgan A Triple Layered Compressible Liner for Impact Protection
US20170050408A1 (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-02-23 Yune Seo Park Thermoplastic sheets and articles with variable lofting capacity
WO2017059073A1 (fr) * 2015-09-30 2017-04-06 Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Rubans adhésifs
US20180311931A1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-11-01 Todd Richard Wodzinski Multi-layer assemblies comprising a reinforced thermoplastic surface layer and a core layer

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200337408A1 (en) * 2017-11-21 2020-10-29 Bauer Hockey Ltd. Adjustable helmet
US11730227B2 (en) * 2017-11-21 2023-08-22 Bauer Hockey Llc Adjustable helmet
US20220225719A1 (en) * 2019-06-14 2022-07-21 Kaiola Design Unipessoal Lda. Hat having chin strap members
JP7482278B1 (ja) 2023-01-31 2024-05-13 マクセル株式会社 樹脂成形体

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