WO2012170268A1 - Matériau d'amortissement des vibrations - Google Patents

Matériau d'amortissement des vibrations Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012170268A1
WO2012170268A1 PCT/US2012/040104 US2012040104W WO2012170268A1 WO 2012170268 A1 WO2012170268 A1 WO 2012170268A1 US 2012040104 W US2012040104 W US 2012040104W WO 2012170268 A1 WO2012170268 A1 WO 2012170268A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
elastomer
vibration
support structure
layers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/040104
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert A. Vito
Carmen N. Dimario
Thomas Falone
Original Assignee
Matscitechno Licensing Company
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
Priority claimed from US13/155,522 external-priority patent/US20110302700A1/en
Application filed by Matscitechno Licensing Company filed Critical Matscitechno Licensing Company
Priority to CN201280034004.0A priority Critical patent/CN103763959A/zh
Priority to CA 2838341 priority patent/CA2838341A1/fr
Priority to MX2013014329A priority patent/MX2013014329A/es
Priority to KR20147000412A priority patent/KR20140053085A/ko
Priority to JP2014514503A priority patent/JP2014516125A/ja
Priority to EP12726549.4A priority patent/EP2717730A1/fr
Priority to AU2012268603A priority patent/AU2012268603A1/en
Publication of WO2012170268A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012170268A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a material adapted to reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a multi-layer material adapted to dissipate and distribute vibrations.
  • Handles of sporting equipment, bicycles, hand tools, etc. are often made of wood, metal or polymer that transmit vibrations that can make the items uncomfortable for prolonged gripping.
  • Sporting equipment such as bats, balls, shoe insoles and sidewalls, also transmit vibrations during the impact that commonly occurs during athletic contests. These vibrations can be problematic in that they can potentially distract the player's attention, adversely effect performance, and/or injure a portion of a player's body.
  • Rigid polymer materials are typically used to provide grips for tools and sports equipment.
  • the use of rigid polymers allows users to maintain control of the equipment but is not very effective at reducing vibrations. While it is known that softer materials provide better vibration regulation characteristics, such materials do not have the necessary rigidity for incorporation into sporting equipment, hand tools, shoes or the like. This lack of rigidity allows unintended movement of the equipment encased by the soft material relative to a user's hand or body.
  • noise control solutions are becoming increasing critical in a vast array of fields including commercial and industrial equipment, consumer electronics, transportation, as well as countless other specialty areas. These applications require an efficient and economical sound insulating material with the ability to be adapted to fill a wide variety of damping requirements.
  • Viscoelastic materials are typical ly used in sound damping applications to provide hysteretic energy dissipation, meaning damping provided by the yielding or straining of the molecules of the material. These materials offer somewhat limited damping efficiency as a result of providing very few avenues for energy dissipation and absorption. Viscoelastic materials that do possess acceptable levels of energy dissipation do so at the expense of increased material thickness and further, fail to provide the structural stiffness required in many of today's applications. In contrast, conventional composite materials have high stiffness-to-weight ratios however they generally exhibit very poor damping characteristics.
  • the present invention provides a material that in at least one embodiment comprises a composite vibration dissipating and isolating material including first and second elastomer layers.
  • a reinforcement layer is disposed between and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the material of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is perspective view of the material of FIG. 1 configured to form a grip
  • FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the material of FIG. 1 configured to form an alternative grip
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a baseball bat having a cover in the form of a sleeve on the handle area in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmental cross-sectional view of the bat and sleeve shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the results in the application of shock forces on a cover in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative sleeve mounted on a different implement
  • FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 6 showing still yet another form of sleeve in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an alternative cover in accordance with this invention mounted on a further type of implement
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of yet another cover in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a hammer incorporating a vibration dampening handle in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a portion of a handlebar
  • the handlebar grip can include an attached insert (that is also formed of the material of the present invention) that is located inside of a hollow in the handlebar to effectively cause the handlebar structure to become another layer of the material of the present invention (for example, if the handlebar is formed of a composite, then the composite material would just form another layer of the material of the present invention);
  • FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of yet another practice of this invention.
  • FIGS. 13-16 are plan views of various forms of the intermediate force dissipating layer which is used in certain practices of this invention.
  • FIG.13A is a cross- sectional view illustrating the stiffening layer as an impervious sheet applied to the elastomeric layer;
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device case having a panel formed from the material of the present invention; the panel can form the entire case, or just portions of the case, without departing from the scope of the present invention; the illustrated case can be used with laptops, cell phones, GPS devices, portable music playing devices, such as MP3 players, walkie talkies, hand held video games, or the like without departing from the present invention;
  • FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shoe insert formed from the material of the present invention
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shoe having a panel formed from the material of the present invention; while the panel is shown proximate to the heel of the shoe, the panel's size and placement can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention; for example, the panel can be positioned along a sidewall of the shoe, in the sole or mid-sole of the shoe, on the toe of the shoe, in the tongue of the shoe, or the panel can form the entire upper portion of the shoe, or the like;
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firearm with a grip having at least a panel formed by the material of the present invention ; the grip can be entirely formed by the material of the present invention; while the grip is shown on a handgun, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the grip can be used on any rifle, shotgun, paint ball gun, or projectile launching device without departing from the present invention ; the firearm grip can be a separate wrap around grip or can be a grip attached and/or molded to the firearm ;
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sock having panels formed by the material of the present invention; the panels ca n be of any size and configuration; the panels can form the sock itself or be attached to an underlying fabric, such as a cotton weave;
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a kneepad having a panel formed by the material of the present invention ; the panel can be of any size and configuration ; the panels that are formed by the material of the present invention can be integrated in any type of kneepad or other article of clothing ;
  • FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the material of the present invention that may be used to form a panel, covering, casing, or container as taken along the line 23-23 of FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30;
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a panel formed by the material of the present invention used to cover a dashboard, and/or a floorboard of an automobile; the panel can be used in a boat, plane, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, train, racing vehicle, or the like and can be used in any part of a vehicle, such as a seat, roll bar, floor panel, speaker insulation, engine mounts, or the like without departing from the present invention ;
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll bar for use with a vehicle that incorporates the material of the present invention as padding thereover; the roll bar padding may include a panel of the material of the present invention or may be formed entirely of the material of the present invention;
  • FIGS. 26-30 are perspective views of tape or other wrapping material that may include a panel of or that may be entirely made of the material of the present invention ;
  • FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a headband formed, at least in part, by the material of the present invention;
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the headband of FIG. 31 as taken along the line 32-32 in FIG. 31 ;
  • FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a helmet including panels formed by the material of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 33A-33C are side elevational views of a flexible headgear includ ing panels formed by the material of the present invention with FIG. 33A illustrating a "durag” or “skull cap”, FIG. 33B illustrating a ski cap and FIG. 33C illustrating a ski mask;
  • FIG. 34 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a cycling helmet incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a glove suitable for use with at least one of a baseball and a Softball ; the glove incorporates the material of the present invention
  • FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a weightlifting glove that incorporates the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 37 is a front elevation view of a jersey incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38 is an elevational view of athletic shorts incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 39 is a elevational view of a golf glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 40 is a elevational view of a rope handling glove or a rescue services glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 is a elevational view of a batting glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 42 is a elevational view of a lady's dress glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 43 is a elevational view of a ski mitten incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 44 is a elevational view of a lacrosse glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 45 is a elevational view of boxing glove incorporating the material of the present invention.
  • FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating a single layer vibration dissipating material with a support structure embedded therein, the material extends along a longitudinal portion of an implement and covers a proximal end thereof;
  • FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 46 separate from any implement, padding, equipment or the like;
  • FIG. 47A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with the support structure embedded thereon and the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure;
  • FIG. 47B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with the support structure embedded within the vibration dissipating material and the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure, the support structure is positioned off center within the vibration dissipating material;
  • FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the support structure as taken along the lines 48-48 of FIG. 47, the support structure is formed of polymer and/or elastomer and/or fibers, either of which may contain fibers, passageways extend through the support structure allowing the vibration dissipating material to penetrate the support structure;
  • FIG. 49 is cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the support structure as viewed in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48 illustrating a support structure formed by woven fibers, passageways through the woven fibers allow the support structure to be penetrated by the vibration dissipating material;
  • FIG. 50 is cross-sectional view of another alternate support structure as viewed in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48, the support structure formed by plurality of fibers, passageways past the fibers allow the vibration dissipating material to penetrate the support structure;
  • FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the support structure of FIG. 48;
  • FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating a single layer vibration dissipating material with a support structure embedded therein, the material extends along a longitudinal portion of an implement and covers a proximal end thereof;
  • FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 52 separate from any implement, padding, equipment or the like;
  • FIG. 53A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with the support structure embedded thereon and the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure;
  • FIG. 53B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with the support structure embedded within the vibration dissipating material and the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure, the support structure is positioned off center within the vibration dissipating material;
  • FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating a single layer of vibration dissipating material with a support structure embedded therein; the support structure is disposed within the vibration dissipating material generally along a longitudinal axis in an at least partially non linear fashion so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the length of the vibration dissipating material as measured along the longitudinal axis, of the material body;
  • FIG. 55 is an enlarged broken away view of the area enclosed by the dashed lines labeled "FIG. 55" in FIG. 54 and illustrates that the "overall support structure" can actually be formed by a plurality of individual stacked support structures (which can be the same or different from each other) or a successive plurality of stacked fibers and/or a successive plurality of stacked cloth layers;
  • FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 54 stretched along the longitudinal axis into a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position; the straightening of the support structure causes energy to be dissipated and preferably generally prevents further elongation of the material along the longitudinal axis past the second position;
  • FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating a more linear support structure within the material while the material is in the first position; the more linear arrangement of the support structure in the material, relative to that shown in FIG. 54, reduces the amount of elongation that is possible before the material stops stretching and effectively forms a brake on further movement;
  • FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 57 stretched along the longitudinal axis into the second position, in which the material is elongated along the longitudinal axis by a predetermined amount; because the support structure was more linear while the material was in the first position, relative to the material shown in FIG. 56, it is preferred that the amount of elongation of the material when the material is in the second position is reduced relative to the material shown in FIGS. 54 and 56;
  • FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating the support structure with an adhesive layer generally over its major surfaces to allow the elastomer material to be secured thereto rather than molded and/or extruded thereover;
  • FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention illustrating the support structure, or ribbon material, positioned between two spaced elastomer layers with the support structure's peaks molded, fastened, and/or otherwise affixed to the elastomer layer at a plurality of locations; air gaps are preferably present about the support structure to facilitate longitudinal stretching of the material; alternatively, the support structure can be secured only at its lateral ends (i.e., the left and right ends of the support structure viewed in FIG. 60) to the elastomer layers so that the remainder of the support structure moves freely within an outer sheath of elastomer material and functions as a spring/elastic member to limit the elongation of the material;
  • FIG. 61 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and is similar to the material shown in FIG. 60, except that the support structure's peaks are secured to the elastomer layers via an adhesive layer;
  • FIG. 62 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and illustrates the vibration dissipating material and any accompanying adhesive actually physically breaking when the support structure is elongated into the second position; the breaking of the vibration dissipating material results in further energy dissipation and vibration absorption in addition to that dissipated by the support structure;
  • FIG. 63 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and illustrates that the support structure, or ribbon material, can be disposed in any geometry within the vibration dissipating material; additionally, individually rigid squares, buttons, or plates (not shown) can be positioned on one side of the material to further spread impact force along the surface of the material prior to the dissipation of vibration by the material in general; additionally, such buttons, plates, or other rigid surfaces can be attached directly to a mesh or other flexible layer that is disposed over the material shown in FIG.
  • the section line labeled 53-53 in this Figure signifies that it is possible that the support structure shown in FIG. 63 is generally the same as that illustrated in FIG. 53;
  • FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention and illustrates that the support structure can be positioned generally along an outer surface of the vibration dissipating material without departing from the scope of the present invention;
  • FIG. 64 also illustrates that a breakable layer (i.e., a paper layer) or a self fusing adhesive layer can be located on one surface of the material; when a self fusing layer is located on one surface of the material, the material can be wrapped so as to allow multiple adjacent wrappings of the material to fuse together to form an integral piece; if desired , the integral piece may be waterproof for use with swimming or the like;
  • FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material with a shrinkable layer of material disposed on a major surface thereof;
  • the shrinkable material can be a heat shrinkable material or any other type of shrinking material suitable for use with the present invention; once the material is properly positioned, the shrinkable layer can be used to fix the material in position and, preferably, can also be used as a separate breakable layer to further dissipate vibration in a fashion similar to the breakable layer described in connection with FIG. 62;
  • FIG. 66 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and illustrates the shrinkable layer disposed within the vibration dissipating material;
  • the shrinkable layer can be a solid layer, a perforated layer, a mesh or netting, or shrinkable fibers;
  • FIG. 67 is another embodiment of the vibration absorbing material of the present invention and illustrates the shrinkable layer being disposed over peaks of the support structure with an optional vibration absorbing layer thereover;
  • FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 67 when the shrinkable layer has been shrunk down over the support structure after the material is placed in a desired configuration; although the optional additional vibration absorbing material is not shown in FIG. 68, it can be left in position above the shrinkable layer to form a protective sheath or also pulled down into the gaps between the peaks of the support structure;
  • FIG. 69 illustrates the material of the present invention configured as athletic tape with an optional adhesive layer
  • FIG. 70 illustrates the material of the present invention as a roll of material/padding/wide wrap material or the like with an optional adhesive layer thereon;
  • FIG. 71 illustrates the material of the present invention configured as a knee bandage
  • FIG. 72 illustrates the material of the present invention with an optional adhesive layer configured as a finger and/or joint bandage; while various bandages, wraps, padding, materials, tapes, or the like are shown, the material of the present invention can be used for any purpose or application without departing from the scope of the present invention;
  • FIG. 73 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form a foot brace
  • FIG. 74 illustrates the material of the present invention wrapped to form a knee supporting brace
  • FIG. 75 illustrates additional layers of material used to brace the ligaments in a person's leg
  • FIG. 76 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form a hip support
  • FIG. 77 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form a shoulder brace
  • FIG. 78 illustrates the material of the present invention wrapped to form a hand and wrist brace; while the material of the present invention has been shown in conjunction with various portions of the person's body, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the material of the present invention can be used as an athletic brace, a medical support, or a padding for any portion of a person's body without the departing from the scope of the present invention;
  • FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the invention.
  • FIG. 79a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the invention.
  • FIG. 80 shows the material of FIG. 80 closed upon itself in a tube
  • FIG. 81 is a cross section through the lines 81-81 in FIG. 80;
  • FIG. 81a is an alternate material cross section through the lines 81-81 in FIG. 80;
  • FIG. 82 is a toroidal shaped embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 83 is an open cylinder-shaped embodiment using the material of the invention.
  • FIG. 84 shows the open cylinder embodiment as applied in an engine mount
  • FIG. 85 shows an open cylinder embodiment as applied as a shock absorber
  • FIGS. 86 and 87 show variant embodiments of the material of FIG. 79 as used in a flooring surface
  • FIG. 88 shows a cross section of another material embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 89 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formed therein;
  • FIG. 90 is a cross section of FIG. 89 along the lines 90-90;
  • FIG. 91 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formed therein;
  • FIG. 92 is a cross section of FIG. 91 along the lines 92-92;
  • FIG. 93 shows the material of FIG. 88 as used with a protective vest
  • FIG. 94 is a cross section view of an alternative material in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 95 is a cross section view of yet another an alternative material in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 96 is a top plan view of an alternative material in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 97 is a cross section along the line 97-97 in FIG. 96;
  • FIG. 98 is a top plan view of another alternative material in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 99- 103 illustrate various embodiments of material incorporating the present embodiment and useful for facilitating retro-fitting of existing products with vibration regulating material of the present invention
  • FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of a material used as a padding between a wall and a mounting stud ;
  • FIG. 105 is a partial side elevation view of a baseball bat handle
  • FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the bat of FIG. 105 through the line
  • FIG. 107 is a partial side elevation of a tennis racquet handle
  • FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the bat of FIG. 107 through the line
  • FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a shock-absorbing cap utilizing material in accordance with the present invention .
  • FIGS. 110 and 111 are bottom and top plan views of the shock-absorbing cap of FIG. 109 with an adjustable band thereof in a disconnected arrangement;
  • FIGS. 112 and 113 are bottom and top plan views similar to FIGS. 110 and
  • FIG. 114 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shock- absorbing cap utilizing material in accordance with the present invention.
  • the material 10 of the present invention is formed by at least a first elastomer layer 12A and a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material 14.
  • the material 10 can be incorporated into athletic gear, grips for sports equipment, grips for tools, and protective athletic gear.
  • the panels 305 (see Figs. 17-45) of the material 10 can be incorporated into the various items disclosed in this application .
  • the panel defines a n outer perimeter 314 and may extend throughout the entire item, that is, the panel 305 may actually form the entire shoe insert, case, or other item.
  • the material 10 can be used : to form grips (or to form part of a grip or to form a panel 305 included in a grip) for a tennis racquet, hockey sticks, golf clubs, baseball bats or the like; to form protective athletic gear for mitts, headbands, helmets, knee pads 323 (shown in FIG. 22), umpire padding, shoulder pads, gloves, mouth guards, pads, or the like; to form seats or handle bar covers for bicycles, motorcycles, or the like; to form boots for skiing, roller blading or the like; to form clothing (such as shirts, gloves, pants, etc.) or padded liners or footwear 311 (shown in FIG.
  • the material of the present invention 10 can also be used for soundproofing rooms, homes, airplanes, music studios, or the like.
  • the material 10 is preferably generally non elastic in a direction generally perpendicular "X" to a major material surface 316A (shown in FIG. 23) and thus, does not provide a spring like effect when experiencing impact force. It is preferred that the material 10 is generally compliant in the direction "X" which is perpendicular to the major material surface 316A, 316B so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction "X". It is preferred that the reinforcement layer generally distribute impact energy parallel to the major surfaces 316A, 316B and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The material 10 is preferably designed to reduce sensible vibration (and thus generally dampen and divert energy away from the object or person covered by the material).
  • the first elastomer layer 12A acts a shock absorber by converting mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 redirects vibrational energy and provides increased stiffness to the material 10 to facilitate a user's ability to control an implement 20 encased, or partially encased, by the material 10. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 be formed of aramid material.
  • the composite material 10 may have three generally independent and sepa rate layers includ ing the first elastomer layer 12A and a second elastomer layer 12B. Elastomer material provides vibration dam ping by dissipating vibrational energy.
  • Su itable elastomer materials include, but are not li mited u rethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene- butad iene ru bbers, a nd the like.
  • any su itable elastomer material can be used to form the first and second elastomer layers without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • the elastomer layers may be thermoset elastomer layers.
  • the elastomer layers 12A, 12B can be thermoplastic or any material suitable for thermoforming .
  • the elastomer layers 12A, 12B can be manufactu red as either on open cell foam or a closed cell foam having a foamed structu re.
  • the material 10 may include a shrink wrap or shrinkable layer therein and/or thereon .
  • the shrinkable layer can be heat and/or water activated .
  • the material 10 can include additional layers thereover, such as a generally rigid materia l or the like.
  • a generally rigid materia l or the like For example, one or more generally rig id plates of rig id materia l can be positioned over the material 10 to distribute impact force over a n increased amount of the material. This can be useful when using the material in umpire vests, bulletproof vests, shoulder pads, shoes, or in any other application where a generally rig id outer layer is desired .
  • the softness of elastomer materials can be quantified usi ng Shore A du rometer ratings. Generally speaking, the lower the durometer rating, the softer the material and the more effective an elastomer layer is at absorbing and dissipating vibration because less force is channeled throug h the elastomer.
  • a soft elastomer material is squeezed, an individual's fingers a re imbedded in the elastome r which increases the surface area of contact between the user's hand and creates irregularities in the outer material surface to allow a user to firmly g rasp any implement 20 covered, or partially covered, by the material.
  • the material 10 of the present invention is prefe rably desig ned to use first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B having Shore A durometer ratings that provide an optimu m balance between al lowing a user to precisely manipu late and control the implement 20 and effectively damping vibration during use of the implement 20. [0130] It is preferable, but not necessary, that the elastomer used with the material 10 have a Shore A durometer of between approximately ten ( 10) and
  • first elastomer layer have a Shore A durometer of between a pproximately ten ( 10) a nd approximately twenty-five ( 25) and that the second elastomer layer has a Shore A d urometer of between approximately twenty-five (25) and approximately forty-five (45) .
  • the fi rst elastomer layer 12A is preferably used to slow down impact energy and to absorb vibrationa l energy and to convert vibrationa l energy into heat energy. This preferably, but not necessarily, a l lows the first elastomer layer to act as a pad as well as dissi pate vibration .
  • the second elastomer layer 12B is also used to absorb vibrational energy, but also provides a compliant and comfortable grip for a user to g rasp (or provides a su rface for a portion of a user's body, such as the under sole of a user's foot when the material 10 is formed as a shoe insert) .
  • the first elastomer layer 12A preferably has Shore A durometer of approximately fifteen ( 15) and the second elastomer layer has a Shore A du rometer of approximately forty-two (42) . If the first and second elastomer has generally the same Shore A du rometer ratings, then it is preferable, but not necessa ry, that the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B have a Shore A du rometer of fifteen ( 15), thirty-two (32), or forty-two (42) .
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably, but not necessa rily, formed of a ramid fibers.
  • the fibers can be woven to form a cloth layer 16 that is disposed between and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the cloth layer 16 can be formed of a ramid fibers, high tensile strength fibers, fiberglass, or other types of fiber. It is preferred that the cloth layer 16 does not have suitable rigidity for use as an open gridwork having any significant energy storage capability. It is preferred that the material which forms the reinfocement layer 14 is generally bonded to the elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the cloth layer 16 preferably generally sepa rates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B causing the material 10 to have three generally distinct a nd separate layers 12A, 12B, 14.
  • the high tensi le strength fibrous material layer 14 blocks and redirects vibrational energy that passes throug h one of the elastomer layers 12A or 12B to facilitate the d issipation of vibrations.
  • the high tensile strength fibers 18 redirect vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 18.
  • vibrational energy emanating from the implement 20 that is not absorbed or d issipated by the first elastomer layer 12A is red istributed evenly along the mate rial 10 by the cloth layer 16 and then fu rther d issipated by the second elastomer layer 12B.
  • the cloth layer 16 is preferably generally interlocked in, generally affixed to, or generally fixed i n position by the elastomer layers 12A, 12B in order for the cloth layer 16 to block and redirect vibrational energy to facilitate dissipation of vibrations.
  • the high tensile strength fibers 18 be formed of a suitable polyamide fiber of hig h tensi le strength with a high resistance to elongation .
  • any aramid fiber suitable to channel vibration can be used to form the hig h tensi le strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from scope of the present invention .
  • the high tensi le strength fibrous material may also be formed of fiberglass.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material preferably prevents the material 10 from su bstantially elongating in a direction paral lel to the major material surfaces 316A, 316B during use. It is preferred that the amou nt of elongation is less than ten ( 10%) percent. It is more preferred that the amount of elongation is less than four (4%) percent. It is most preferred that the amount of elongation is less than one ( 1 %) percent.
  • the material 10 can be formed of two independent layers without depa rting from the scope of the present invention . Accordingly, the material 10 can be formed of a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensi le strength fibrous material layer 14 (which may be woven into a cloth layer 16) that is d isposed on the first elastomer 12A.
  • the material 10 may be configured and adapted to form an insert 310 for a shoe.
  • the material 10 is preferably adapted to extend along an inner su rface of the shoe from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to the toe of the shoe.
  • the material 10 can be located along the sides of a shoe to protect the wearer's foot from lateral, frontal, and/or rear impact.
  • the insert 310 includes a shoe insert body 312 having a generally elongated shape with an outer perimeter 314 configu red to substantially conform to a sole of the shoe so that the shoe i nsert body 312 extends along an inner surface of the shoe from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to a toe of the shoe.
  • the shoe insert body 312 is preferably generally planar and formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10 that regulates and dissipates vibration .
  • the shoe insert body 312 has first and second major surfaces 316A, 316B.
  • the reinforced elastomer material 10 preferably includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • first and second elastomer layers are generally free of voids therein and/or that the elastomer layers are formed by thermoset elastomer.
  • a reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 may include a layer formed of a plurality of high tensile strength fibrous material.
  • the reinforcement layer may be formed of aramid, fiberglass, regular cloth, or the like.
  • the reinforcement layer may be formed by woven fibers. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the reinforcement layer consist of only a single cloth layer of material.
  • the woven high tensile strength fibrous material is preferably connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the cloth layer is generally compliant only in a direction "X" generally perpendicular to the first major surface 316A so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction "X".
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material 14 generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface 316A and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 preferably prevents the shoe insert 310 from
  • the reinforced elastomer 10 can also be used as a sole for footwear or as part of a sole or insole for footwear.
  • the reinforced elastomer can also be used to provide padding within or along a side or upper portion of a shoe or boot.
  • the material 10 may be configured and adapted to form a grip 22 for an implement such as a bat, having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26 (i.e., the end proximal to where the bat is normally gripped).
  • the material 10 is preferably adapted to enclose a portion of the handle 24 and to enclose the proximal end 26 of the bat or implement 20.
  • the grip can be a wrap around grip or can be attached and/or molded to the firearm.
  • the grip 22 can be formed as a single body that completely encloses the proximal end of the implement 20.
  • the material 10 may be also be configured and adapted to form a grip 22 for a tennis racket or similar implement 20 having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26.
  • a proximal portion 21 of the grip 22' is formed with a preformed shape to receive the proximal end 26 of the bat or implement 20 and a tape portion 23 of the grip 22' extends from the proximal portion 21 for wrapping about a portion of the handle 24.
  • the proximal portion 21 and tape portion 23 may be formed integral with one another or may be formed separately and used together, either connected before assembly on to the implement 20 or positioned separately on the implement 20.
  • the proximal portion 21 and tape portion 23 may be manufactured from any of the materials described herein and may be of the same material or different materials.
  • the grip 22 may include a grip body 318 having a generally tubular shape configured to cover a portion of the associated device.
  • the grip body 318 can have a generally circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal cross-section or the like.
  • the grip body 318 is formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10 that regulates and dissipates vibration.
  • the grip body 318 defines a first direction "Y", tangential to an outer surface 320 of the grip body 318, and a second direction "Z", generally perpendicular to the outer surface 320 of the grip body 318.
  • the reinforced elastomer material 10 includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • a reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the elastomer layer is generally free of voids and/or is a thermoset elastomer.
  • the elastomer layers are not limited to such and may have various forms, including thermoplastic forms as well as open or closed cell foam structure in one or both layers.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 preferably includes a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material can be woven into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise distributed.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 may be formed by various high tensile strength fibrous material including a layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers. This preferably prevents sliding movement between the reinforcement layer 14 and the elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the cloth layer is preferably generally compliant only in the second direction "Z" so as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction "Z”.
  • the high tensile fibrous material generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and second elastomer layers. This causes vibrational energy to be reduced and dampened rather than bounced back against the hand grasping the grip.
  • the grip 22 When the grip 22 is used with a baseball or Softball bat, the grip 22 preferably covers approximately seventeen ( 17) inches of the handle of the bat as well as covers the knob (i.e., the proximal end 26 of the implement 20) of the bat.
  • the grip 22 to extend over a significant portion of the bat length contributes to increase vibrational damping. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the grip 22 be formed as a single, contiguous, one-piece member.
  • the baseball bat (or implement 20) has a handle 24 including a handle body
  • the material 10 preferably encases at least some of the longitudinal portion 30 and the proximal end 26 of the handle 24.
  • the material 10 can be produced as a composite having two generally separate and distinct layers including a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which may be a woven cloth layer 16) disposed on the elastomer layer 12A.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably formed of woven fibers 18.
  • the second elastomer layer 12B may be disposed on a major surface of the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 opposite from the first elastomer layer 12A.
  • a preferred grip 22 is adapted for use with an implement 20 having a handle and a proximal handle end.
  • the grip 22 includes a tubular shell 32 having a distal open end 34 adapted to surround a portion of the handle and a closed proximal end 36 adapted to enclose the proximal end of the handle.
  • the tubular shell 32 is preferably formed of the material 10 which dissipates vibration.
  • the material 10 preferably has at least two generally separate layers including a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which fibers 18 may be woven to form a cloth layer 16) disposed on the first elastomer layer 12A.
  • the padding or item may include a panel 305 formed by a panel body 324 preferably having a generally planar shape.
  • the panel body is preferably configured for placement in a particular location or for covering a portion of an associated device or object. It is preferable that the panel body is flexible so that shaped objects can be wrapped therein. As such, the panel body 324 may be bent around a generally circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, or polygonal shaped object.
  • the panel body 324 is formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and dissipates vibration. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 20, the panel body 324 defines a first direction "Y", tangential, or parallel, to an outer surface of the padding body 324, and a second direction "Z", generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the panel body.
  • the reinforced elastomer material includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • a reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the elastomer layers 12A, 12B are preferably free of voids and/or formed by a thermoset elastomer.
  • the elastomer layers are not limited to such and may have various forms, including thermoplastic forms as well as open or closed cell foam structure in one or both layers.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 preferably includes a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material can be woven into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise distributed.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 can be formed by a layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material.
  • the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • the reinforcement layer 14 is preferably generally compliant only in the second direction so as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction "Z".
  • the reinforcement layer 14 generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. This causes vibrational energy to be reduced and dampened rather than bounced back. It is preferable that the reinforcement layer 14 prevents the padding from elongating during impact.
  • the panel body 324 can form part or all of a cell phone case, a laptop case, a shoe sidewall, protective umpire gear, a mouth guard, knee pads, interior panels for automobiles or the like.
  • One method is to extrude the material by pulling a high tensile strength fibrous cloth layer 16 from a supply roll while placing the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B on both sides of the woven high tensile strength fibrous cloth 16.
  • a second method of producing the material 10 of the present invention is to mold the first elastomer layer 12A onto the implement 20, then to weave an aramid fiber layer thereover, and then to mold the second elastomer layer 12B thereover.
  • a cloth layer 16 can be pressured fit to an elastomer layer to form the material 10. Accordingly, the cloth layer 16 can be generally embedded in or held in place by the elastomer layer.
  • the pressured fitting of the reinforcement layer, or fabric layer, 14 to an elastomer preferably results in the reinforcement layer, or fabric layer, 14 being generally interlocked in and/or bonded in position by the elastomer.
  • the cloth layer can be generally interlocked with the elastomer layer. It is preferable that the high tensile strength cloth generally not be able to slide laterally between the first and second elastomer layers. The cloth layer in the resulting material would be generally fixed in position.
  • the cloth layer 14 in the resulting material would be generally interlocked and/or bonded in position by the elastomer 12A, 12B.
  • the material 10 can be assembled by using adhesive or welding to secure the elastomer layer(s) to the reinforced layer.
  • the woven high tensile strength fibers are connected to the first and second elastomer layers generally uniformly throug hout to provide
  • the cloth layer is generally non energy storing i n a direction genera lly perpend icular to a major material surface. This resu lts in the vibrational energy being generally evenly redistributed throughout the material by the cloth layer. This is due to the high tensile strength fibers transmitting/storing energy u nidirectiona lly along the length of the fiber and generally not storing energy in a direction generally perpend icular to the length of the fiber or perpendicular to a cloth layer formed by the fibers.
  • the cloth layer 16 is preferably compliant generally only in a direction generally perpendicu lar to a major material surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction perpend icular to the major material surface and to generally d istribute energy pa rallel to the major material su rface and into the first and second elastomer layers.
  • the present invention preferably generally dissipates vibration throughout the material to prevent "bounce back" (e.g . , to avoid having a ru nner's feet absorb too much vibration during athletics) .
  • the high tensile fibrous material can be pu lped to form a n imperforate sheet that may be secured in position between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B.
  • any known method of making composite or vibration d issipating materials can be used to form the material 10.
  • the covering of the proximal end of an i mplement 20 by the grip 22 results in reduced vibration tra nsmission and in improved counter balanci ng of the distal end of the implement 20 by moving the center of mass of the implement 20 closer to the hand of a user ( i .e., closer to the proximal end 26) .
  • This facilitates the swing i ng of the implement 20 and can improve sports performance while reducing the fatigue associated with repetitive motion .
  • FIGS. 3-4 il lustrate another embodiment of the present invention .
  • a cover in the form of a sleeve 210 is mounted on the hand le or lower portion 218 of a baseball bat 210.
  • Sleeve 210 is premolded so that it can be fit onto the handle portion of the bat 212 in a quick and convenient manner. This can be accomplished by having the sleeve 210 made of a stretchable or resilient material so that its upper end 214 wou ld be pu l led open a nd cou ld be stretched to fit over the knob 217 of the bat 212.
  • sleeve 210 may be provided with a long itudinal slit 16 to permit the sleeve to be pulled at least partial ly open and thereby facil itate snapping the sleeve 210 over the hand le 218 of the bat 212.
  • the sleeve wou ld remain mounted in place due to the tacky nature of the sleeve material a nd/or by the application of a suitable ad hesive on the inner surface of the sleeve and/or on the outer surface of hand le 218.
  • knob 220 could be a separate cap snapped onto or secured in any other manner to the main portion of sleeve 210.
  • knob 220 could be integral with and molded as part of the sleeve 210.
  • sleeve 210 can be a single layer.
  • the material would have the appropriate hardness and vibration dampening characteristics.
  • the outer surface of the material would be tacky having high friction characteristics.
  • the sleeve 210 could be formed from a two layer laminate where the vibration absorbing material forms the inner layer disposed against the handle, with a separate tacky outer layer made from any suitable high friction material such as a thermoplastic material with polyurethane being one example.
  • the two layer laminate would have an inner elastomer layer which is characterized by its vibration dampening ability, while the main characteristic of the outer elastomer layer is its tackiness to provide a suitable gripping surface that would resist the tendency for the user's hand to slide off the handle.
  • the provision of the knob 220 also functions both as a stop member to minimize the tendency for the handle to slip from the user's hand and to cooperate in the vibration dampening affect.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred form of multilayer laminate which includes the inner vibration absorbing layer 222 and the outer tacky gripping layer 224 with an intermediate layer 226 made of a stiffening material which dissipates force.
  • layer 226 could be innermost and layer 224 could be the intermediate layer.
  • a preferred stiffening material would be aramid fibers which could be incorpo rated in the material in any suitable manner as later described with respect to FIGS. 13- 16. However, fiberglass or any high tensile strength fibrous material can be used as the stiffening material forming the layer. Additionally, in one embodiment, the stiffening layer is substantially embedded in or held in place by the elastomer layer(s) .
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows what is believed to be the affect of the shock forces from vibration when the implement makes contact such as from the bat 212 striking a ball .
  • FIG. 5 shows the force vectors in accordance with a three layer laminate, such as illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein elastomeric layers 222,224 are made of a silicone material.
  • the intermediate layer 226 is an aramid layer made of aramid fibers.
  • the initial shock or vibration is shown by the lateral or transverse arrows 228 on each side of the sleeve laminate 210. This causes the elastomeric layers 222,224 to be compressed along the arc 230.
  • the inclusion of the intermediate layer 226 made from a force dissipating material spreads the vibration long itudinally as shown by the arrows 232.
  • the linear spread of the vibration causes a rebound effect which totally dampens the vibration.
  • Laboratory tests were carried out at a prominent university to evaluate various grips mounted on baseball bats. In the testing, baseball bats with various grips were suspended from the ceiling by a thin thread; this achieves almost a free boundary condition that is needed to determine the true characteristics of the bats.
  • Two standard industrial accelerometers were mounted on a specially fabricated sleeve roughly in positions where the left hand and the right hand would grip the bat.
  • a known force was delivered to the bat with a standard calibrated impact hammer at three positions, one corresponding to the sweet spot, the other two simulating "miss hits" located on the midpoint and shaft of the bat.
  • the time history of the force as well as the accelerations were routed through a signal conditioning device and were connected to a data acquisition device. This was connected to a computer which was used to log the data.
  • the first bat tested was comprised of one bottom layer of silicone with a middle layer of the "645" KEVLAR and one top layer of silicone referred to as "111".
  • the second bat test was comprised of two bottom layers of silicone with a middle layer of KEVLAR and one top layer of silicone referred to as "211".
  • the third bat tested was comprised of one bottom layer of silicone with a middle layer of KEVLAR and two top layers of silicone referred to as "112".
  • the "645" bat with the "111" configuration showed the best reduction in vibration magnitudes.
  • the sting-free grips reduced the vibration in the baseball bats by both quantitative measures.
  • the "645" KEVLAR in a "111" configuration was the best in vibration reduction.
  • the "645" reduced the bat's vibration in about 1/5 the time it took the control rubber grip to do so.
  • the reduction in peak magnitude of vibration ranged from 60% to 80%, depending on the impact location and magnitude.
  • a particularly preferred practice of the invention involves a multilayer laminate having an aramid such as KEVLAR, sandwiched between layers of pure silicone.
  • the above indicated tests show dramatic results with this embodiment of the invention.
  • the laminate could comprise other combinations of layers such as a plurality of bottom layers of silicone or a plurality of top layers of silicone.
  • Other variations include a repetitive laminate assembly wherein a vibration dampening layer is innermost with a force dissipating layer against the lower vibration dampeni ng layer and then with a second vibration dampening layer over the force dissipating layer followed by a second force dissipating layer, etc. with the final laminate layer being a gripping layer which could also be made of vibration dampening material.
  • the thickness limitations and the desired vibration dampening properties.
  • the various layers could have different relative thicknesses.
  • the vibration dampening layer such as layer 222
  • the outermost gripping layer could be of the same thickness as the vibration dampening layer, such as layer 224 shown in FIG. 4 or could be a thinner layer since the main function of the outer layer is to provide sufficient friction to assure a firm gripping action.
  • a particularly advantageous feature of the invention where a force dissipating stiffening layer is used is that the force dissipating layer could be very thin and still achieve its intended results.
  • the force dissipating layer would preferably be the thinnest of the layers, although it might be of generally the same thickness as the outer gripping layer.
  • the laminate could also include a plurality of vibration dampening layers (such as thin layers of gel material) and/or a plurality of stiffening force dissipating layers. Where such plural layers are used, the various layers could differ in the thickness from each other.
  • FIGS. 3-4 show the use of the invention where the sleeve 210 is mounted over a baseball bat 212 having a knob 217.
  • the same general type structure could also be used where the implement does not have a knob similar to a baseball bat knob.
  • Such implement could be va rious types of athletic equipment, tools, etc .
  • the sleeve 210A wou ld sti ll have a knob 220A which would include an outer gripping layer 224A, an intermediate force dissipating layer 226A and an inner vibration da mpening layer 222A.
  • the handle 218A extends into the knob 220A.
  • the inner layer 222A would have an accommodating recess 34 for receiving the handle 218A.
  • the inner layer 222A wou ld also be of g reater thickness in the knob area as illustrated .
  • FIG . 7 shows a variation where the sleeve 210B fits over handle 218B without the handle 218B penetrati ng the knob 220B.
  • the outer g ripping layer 224B wou ld be of uniform thickness both in the grippi ng area and in the knob.
  • the intermediate force dissipating layer 226B wou ld also be of u niform
  • the inner shock absorbing layer 222B would completely occu py the portion of the knob inwardly of the force dissipating layer 226B since the handle 218B terminates short of the knob 2220B.
  • FIG . 8 shows a variation of the invention where the g rippi ng cover 236 does not include a knob.
  • the g rippi ng cover would be mou nted over the gripping area of a handle 238 in any suitable manner and would be held i n place either by a previously applied adhesive or due to the tacky natu re of the innermost vibration dampeni ng layer 240 or due to resil ient characteristics of the cover 236.
  • the cover mig ht be formed directly on the handle 238.
  • FIG . 10 shows a cover 236B which is applied i n the form of tape.
  • the cover 236 includes one of the laminate variations where a force d issipating layer 242 is provided over the inner vibration dampening layer 240 with a second vibration dampening layer 244 applied over force dissipating layer 242 and with a final thin gripping layer 246 as the outermost layer.
  • the two vibration dampening layers 240 and 244 are the thickest layers and may be of the same or d iffering thickness from each other.
  • the force d issipating layer 242 and outer g ripping layer 244 a re significantly thinner.
  • FIG . 9 shows a cover 236A mou nted over a hollow hand le 238A which is of non-circular cross-section.
  • Handle 238A may, for example, have the octagonal shape of a tennis racquet.
  • FIG. 10 shows a further cover 236B mounted over the handle portion of tool such as hammer 248.
  • the cover 236B is applied in tape form and would conform to the shape of the hand le portion of hammer 248.
  • Other forms of covers could also be applied rather than using a tape.
  • the tape could be used as a means for applying a cover to other types of implements.
  • FIG . 11 il lustrates a cover 236C mou nted over the end of a hand lebar, such as the hand lebar of various types of cycles or a ny other device having a handlebar including steering wheels for vehicles and the like.
  • FIG. 11 also illustrates a variation where the cover 236C has an outer contour with finger receiving recesses 252. Such recesses could also be utilized for covers of other types of implements.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a variation of the invention where the cover 236D is mounted to the handle portion of an implement 254 with the extreme end 256 of the implement being bare.
  • This illustration is to show that the invention is intended to provide a vibration dampening gripping cover for the handle of an implement and that the cover need not extend beyond the gripping area.
  • a force dissipating stiffening layer is provided as an intermediate layer of a multilayer laminate where there is at least one inner layer of vibration dampening material and an outer layer of gripping material with the possibility of additional layers of vibration dampening material and force dissipating layers of various thickness.
  • the force dissipating layer could be innermost.
  • the invention may also be practiced where the laminate includes one or more layers in addition to the gripping layer and the stiffening layer and the vibration dampening layer. Such additional layer(s) could be incorporated at any location in the laminate, depending on its intended function (e.g . , an adhesive layer, a cushioning layer, etc.) .
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a force dissipating stiffening layer 258 in the form of a generally imperforate sheet.
  • FIG. 13A illustrates the stiffening layer 258 applied to an illustrative elastomer layer 12.
  • the generally imperforate sheet may be
  • the stiffening layer 258 has an outer major surface 257 and an inner major surface 259 secured to the elastomer layer 12.
  • the layers 12 and 258 may be formed integrally or may be adhered to one another.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a force dissipating layer 260 in the form of an open mesh sheet. This is a particularly advantageous manner of forming the force dissipating layer where it is made of KEVLAR fibers.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a variation where the force dissipating layer 262 is formed from a plurality of individual strips of material 264 which are parallel to each other and generally identical to each other in length and thickness as well as spacing .
  • FIG . 16 shows a variation where the force dissipating layer 266 is made of individual strips 268 of different sizes and which could be disposed in a more random fashion regarding their orientation . Although all of the strips 268 are illustrated in FIG. 16 as being parallel, non-parallel arrangements could also be used .
  • the vibration dampening grip cover of this invention could be used for a wide number of implements.
  • implements include athletic equipment, hand tools and handlebars.
  • athletic equipment includes bats, racquets, sticks, javelins, etc.
  • tools include hammers, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, brooms, wrenches, pliers, knives, handguns, air hammers, etc.
  • handlebars include motorcycles, bicycles and various types of steering wheels.
  • a preferred practice of this invention is to incorporate a force dissipating layer, particularly an aramid, such as KEVLAR fiber, into a composite with at least two elastomers.
  • a force dissipating layer particularly an aramid, such as KEVLAR fiber
  • One elastomer layer would function as a vibration dampening material and the other outer elastomer layer which would function as a grippi ng layer.
  • the outer elastomer layer could also be a vibration dampening material.
  • the outer layer completely covers the composite.
  • the elastomer layers may have different degrees of hardness, coefficient of friction and dampening of vibration.
  • the thicknesses of the various layers could also vary in accordance with the intended use. Examples of ranges of hardness for the inner vibration dampening layer and the outer gripping layer (which may also be a vibration absorbing layer) are 5-70
  • Durometer Shore A One of the layers may have a range of 5-20 Durometer Shore A and the other a range of 30-70 Durometer Shore A for either of these layers.
  • the vibration dampening layer could have a hardness of less than 5, and could even be a 000
  • the vibration dampening material could be a gel, such as a silicone gel or a gel of any other suitable material.
  • the coefficient of friction as determined by conventional measuring techniques for the tacky and non-porous gripping layer is preferably at least 0.5 and may be in the range of 0.6-1.5. A more preferred range is 0.7- 1.2 with a still more preferred range being about 0.8-1.
  • the outer gripping layer when also used as a vibration dampening layer, could have the same thickness as the inner layer. When used solely as a gripping layer the thickness could be generally the same as the intermediate layer, which might be about 1/20 to 1/4 of the thickness of the vibration dampening layer.
  • the grip cover of this invention could be used with various implements as discussed above.
  • the handle portion of the implement could be of cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter and smooth outer surface such as the golf club handle 238 shown in FIG. 6.
  • the handle could taper such as the bat handle shown in FIGS. 3-4.
  • Other illustrated geometric shapes include the octagonal tennis racquet handle 238A shown in FIG. 9 or a generally oval type handle such as the hammer 248 shown in FIG. 10.
  • the invention is not limited to any particular geometric shape.
  • the implement could have an irregular shape such as a handle bar with finger receiving depressions as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the inner layer of the cover could press against and generally conform to the outer surface of the handle and the outermost gripping layer of the cover could include its own finger receiving depressions.
  • the cover may be of uniform thickness of a shape conforming to the irregularities in the outer surface of the handle.
  • the material 10 of the present invention can be used to form part of a headband 410.
  • the headband preferably has a peripheral outer fabric layer 412 that forms a hollow tubular shape in which the material 10 is located.
  • Space 420 represents schematically room for one or more layers of the material 10.
  • FIG. 31 shows the headband 410 to be a continuous endless flexible loop, it is to be understood that the invention could be incorporated in a headband or visor where the headband or visor does not extend completely around the head three hundred and sixty degrees. Instead, the headband or visor could be made of a stiff springy material having a pair of free ends 428 separated by a gap 426.
  • FIG. 33 shows panels 305 of material 10 incorporated into a helmet 430.
  • the panels include temple and ear covering panels 305A; forehead covering panels 305B; neck panels 305C; and top panels 305D.
  • FIG. 34 shows a cyclist helmet 432 with air vents 434 therein. A broken away portion of the top of the cyclist helmet shows the integration of at least one panel 305 with the helmet 432.
  • the material 10 can be incorporated into any type of hat (such as a hard hat or a baseball cap), helmet (such as a paintball helmet, a batting helmet, a motorcycle helmet, or an army helmet) or the like without departing from the present invention.
  • the panel 305 can be a lining for hard shell headgear, for a shell, or for a soft cap.
  • FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C illustrate various soft caps or flexible headgear 430', 430", 430"' incorporating panels 305 of material 10.
  • the material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to regulate vibration described herein.
  • the flexible headgear 430' of FIG. 33A is a "durag" or "skull cap” typically formed from a lightweight, stretchable material, for example, cotton, nylon, polyesters, spandex, combinations thereof and other natural or synthetic materials.
  • the flexible headgear 430' may be worn independent of any other headgear, for example, worn by a soccer player, or may be worn under an existing helmet, for example, a football helmet or batting helmet.
  • the flexible headgear 430' allows the user to "retro-fit" an existing helmet for improved vibration regulation without the need to buy a new helmet.
  • flexible headgear 430" is a ski cap with a plurality of panels 305
  • flexible headgear 430"' is a ski mask with a plurality of panels 305.
  • the ski cap and ski mask may be manufactured from various flexible cloth materials including, for example, cotton, wool, polyesters, combinations thereof and other natural or synthetic materials.
  • the flexible headgear 430", 430"' may be worn independent of any other headgear or may be worn under an existing helmet, for example, a ski helmet.
  • the flexible headgea r 430", 430"' allows the user to "retro-fit” an existing helmet for improved vibration regulation without the need to buy a new helmet.
  • the invention is not limited to the soft caps (flexible headgear) described herein, but may have other configurations with a flexible material configured to be worn a users head.
  • the panels include temple and ear covering panels 305A; forehead covering panels 305B; neck panels 305C; and top panels 305D, however, the panels 305 may otherwise be positioned.
  • the panels 305 may be positioned within pockets formed in the flexible headgear 430', 430", 430"' or may otherwise be attached thereto, for example, via an adhesive, stitching or hook and loop fastener.
  • the hook and loop fastener may allow the user to position the panels 305 as desired.
  • the pockets may include openings which allow the panels 305 to be removed, for example, for cleaning of the headgear or repositioning of the panels 305.
  • the openings are preferably sealable, for example, by hook and loop fastener or the like.
  • FIGS. 99-103 illustrate another embodiment of a material 1300 for retrofitting existing products, for example, helmets of any kind.
  • FIGS. 99 and 100 illustrate the material 1300 including a single panel 1305 of material 1310 adapted to regulate vibration. While the material 1310 is illustrated as including first and second elastomer layers 1312 and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1314, the material 1310 may be any of the materials described herein.
  • the panel 1305 is attached to a flexible base fabric 1320 having an adhesive surface 1352 opposite the material 1310. This is similar to the adhesive material described herein with respect to FIG. 70.
  • the panel 1305 may be attached to the base fabric 1320 in any desired manner, for example, the materials may be formed intergrally or an adhesive or the like may be applied between the panel 1305 and the base fabric 1320.
  • the base fabric 1320 is formed from double-sided adhesive.
  • the external adhesive surface 1352 allows the material 1300 to be secured in a desired location, for example, inside a batting helmet or football helmet. Again this allows the user to "retro-fit" an existing helmet or other product for improved vibration regulation without the need to buy a new product.
  • the material 1300 may be cut to a desired configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 101-103, the panels 1305 may have various sizes and configurations to address different applications. For example, in the material the material 1300 to be applied i nside a curved surface.
  • the material 1300 of FIG . 102 includes horizontal and vertical gaps 1307, 1308 to allow g reater flexibility.
  • the material 1300 of FIG. 103 has a semi-circular configuration which may be util ized, for example, about an ear hole. Other combinations of sizes and shapes may be utilized .
  • FIGS. 109- 114 illustrate additional embod iments of soft caps or flexible headgear 1700, 1700' in the form of a shock-absorbing cap incorporating material 10 of the present invention .
  • the material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to regulate vibration described herein .
  • the shock-absorbing cap 1700 includes a circumferential band 1702 manufactured from the material 10 described herein .
  • the band 1702 terminates at opposed ends 1701 and 1703 such that the band 1702 is adjustable in d iameter, however, it is conte mplated that the band may be continuous and manufactured in d ifferent sizes to fit d ifferent users.
  • the band 1702 may be manufactured from an elastic material without a high tensi le strength fabric layer su ch that the band is expandable.
  • a first attachment member 1704 is attached to one end 1701 of the band 1702 a nd a second attachment member 1706 is attached to the other end 1703 of the band 1702.
  • the first attachment member 1704 is provided with an attachment structure 1705 along a su rface thereof while the second attachment member 1706 is provided with a complementa ry attachment structure 1707 along a surface thereof.
  • the attachment structures 1705, 1707 may have va rious configurations, for example but not lim ited to, hook and loops, post and holes, snaps, or buttons.
  • FIGS . 110 and 111 show the attachment members 1704 and 1706 in a disconnected
  • a single elastic attachment member is provided a nd is attached at both ends 1701 , 1703 of the band 1702.
  • a plurality of straps 1710 extend from the band 1702 to define a dome structure 1718 configured to receive a user's head . While fou r straps 1710a- 1710d are illustrated, more or fewer straps may be utilized .
  • Each strap incorporates material 10 of the present invention .
  • the material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to regu late vibration described herein .
  • each strap 1710a- 1710d has opposed ends 1711 and 1713 and extends across the apex 1720 of the dome structure 1718 with the ends 1711, 1713 attached to opposed portions of the band 1702.
  • the straps 1710a- 1710d may be attached to one another adjacent to the apex 1720.
  • the end 1713 of one or more of the straps 1710c may be attached to one of the attachment members 1704, 1706 depending on the configuration and sizing of the straps 1710, band 1702 and attachment members 1704, 1706.
  • the end 1713 may be permanently fixed to the attachment member 1706 or may be adjusta bly attached to the attachment member 1706, for example via hook and loop fasteners, to allow the position to be adjusted in relation to the adjusted position of the attachment members 1704, 1706.
  • the ends 1711 may be permanently fixed to the connector pad 1730 or may be adjustably attached to the connector member 1730, for example via hook and loop fasteners, to allow the size of the dome structure 1718 to be adjusted.
  • the connector pad 1730 may incorporates material 10 of the present invention.
  • the material 10 may be any of the materials adapted to regulate vibration described herein. In all other respects, the shock-absorbing cap 1700' is the same as in the previous embodiment.
  • the shock-absorbing cap 1700, 1700' may be worn independent of any other headgear or may be worn under an existing helmet, for example, a football helmet or a baseball helmet. Again, the shock-absorbing cap 1700, 1700' allows the user to "retro-fit" an existing helmet for improved vibration regulation without the need to buy a new helmet.
  • the panels 305, 1305 or straps 1710 positioned over original padding attached to the inside of the helmet provided enhanced vibration reduction compared to applications wherein the inventive material was applied to the shell of the helmet and then had standard padding applied to the material of the present invention.
  • the material of the present invention be positioned as the layer closest to the users body.
  • FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a shirt 440 and pants 444 incorporating panels
  • the shirt panels 305 can vary in number and position as desired.
  • the pants 444 preferably include multiple panels 305, including a thigh protection panel 305F; a hip protection panel 305E; and a rear protection panel 305G.
  • the material 10 of the present invention can be used to form gloves or to form panels 305 incorporated into gloves.
  • the preferred cross-section of the glove panels 305 is also shown in FIG. 23.
  • FIG. 35 illustrates a glove 436 suitable for both baseball and softball that uses panels 305 to provide protection to a palm area 437.
  • FIG. 36 illustrates a weightlifting glove 438 having panels 305 of the material 10 thereon .
  • 9 illustrates a golf glove 446 having at least one panel 305 thereon.
  • FIG. 40 illustrates the type of glove 448 used for rope work or by rescue services personnel with panels 305 of the material 10 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 41 shows a batting glove 450 with panels 305 thereon.
  • the material 10 can also be used to form panels 305 for women's dress gloves 452 or ski mittens 454, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.
  • Lacrosse gloves 456 and boxing gloves 458 can also be formed entirely of the material 10 of the present invention or can incorporate panels 305 of the material 10.
  • specific types of gloves have been mentioned above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the material 10 of the present invention can be incorporated into any type of gloves, athletic gloves, dress gloves, or mittens without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • the support structure has first and second major surfaces 823,825.
  • the elastomer 812 extends through the support structure 817 so that the portion of the elastomer 812A contacting the first major support structure surface 823 (i .e., the top of the support structure 817) and the portion of the elastomer 812B contacting the second major support structure surface 825 (i.e., the bottom of the support structure) form the single contiguous elastomer body 812.
  • Elastomer material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational energy.
  • Suitable elastomer materials include, but are not limited, urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and the like.
  • any suitable elastomer or polymer material can be used to form the vibration dissipating layer 812 and can take desired forms including thermoset, thermoplastic, open cell foam, or closed cell foam, as non-limiting examples.
  • the support structure 817 can be any one (or combination of) of a polymer, an elastomer, a plurality of fibers, a plurality of woven fibers, and a cloth. If the support structure 817 and the layer 812 are both polymers or both elastomers, then they can be the same or different from each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. If vibration dissipating material is 812 if formed of the same material as the support structure 817, then the support structure 817 can be made more rigid than the main layer 812 by embedding fibers 814 therein. It is preferable that the support structure 817 is generally more rigid than the vibration dissipating material 812.
  • the support structure 817 may be formed of an elastomer that may but does not necessarily, also have fibers 814 embedded therein (exemplary woven fibers are shown throughout portions of FIG. 48) .
  • the support structure 817 may be formed by a plurality of woven fibers 818.
  • the support structure 817 may be formed by a plurality of fibers 814. Regardless of the material forming the support structure 817, it is preferable that passageways 819 extend into the support structure 817 to allow the elastomer 812 to penetrate and embed the support structure 817.
  • the term "embed,” as used in the claim and in the corresponding portions of the specification, means "contact sufficiently to secure thereon and/or therein.”
  • the support structure 817 shown in FIG. 47A is embedded by the elastomer 812 even though the elastomer 812 does not fully enclose the support structure 817.
  • the support structure 817 can be located at any level or height within the elastomer 812 without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the passageways 819 are shown as extending completely through the support structure 817, the invention includes passageways 819 that extend partially through the support structure 817.
  • the support structure 817 be embedded on the elastomer 812, with the elastomer penetrating the support structure 817.
  • the support structure 817 being generally along a major material surface 838 (i.e., the support structure 817 is generally along the top of the material).
  • the fibers 814 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers.
  • the fibers 814 can be woven to form a cloth 816 that is disposed on and/or within the elastomer 812.
  • the cloth layer 816 can be formed of woven aramid fibers or other types of fiber.
  • the aramid fibers 814 block and redirect vibrational energy that passes through the elastomer 812 to facilitate the dissipation of vibrations.
  • the aramid fibers 818 redirect vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 818.
  • vibrational energy emanating from the implement 820 that is not absorbed or dissipated by the elastomer layer 812 is redistributed evenly along the material 810 by the cloth 816 and preferably also further dissipated by the cloth 816.
  • the aramid fibers 818 are formed of a suitable polyamide fiber of high tensile strength with a high resistance to elongation.
  • any high tensile strength material suitable to channel vibration can be used to form the support structure 817 without departing from scope of the present invention.
  • loose high tensile strength fibers or chopped high tensile strength fibers can be used to form the support structure 817 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the high tensile strength fibers may be formed of aramid fibers, fiberglass or the like.
  • the cloth 816 include at least some floating aramid fibers 818. That is, it is preferable that at least some of the plurality of aramid fibers 818 are able to move relative to the remaining aramid fibers 818 of the cloth 816. This movement of some of the aramid fibers 818 relative to the remaining fibers of the cloth converts vibrational energy to heat energy.
  • the elastomer layer 912 acts as a shock absorber by converting mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy.
  • the embedded support structure 917 redirects vibrational energy and provides increased stiffness to the material 910 to facilitate a user's ability to control an implement 920 encased, or partially encased, by the material 910.
  • the elastomer layer 912, 912A, or 912B may include a plurality of fibers 914 (further described below) or a plurality of particles 915 (further described below).
  • the incorporation of the support structure 917 on and/or within the material 910 allows the material 910 to be formed by a single elastomer layer without the material 910 being unsuitable for at least some of the above-mentioned uses.
  • the support structure 917 may also include a plurality of fibers 914 or a plurality of particles 915.
  • additional layers of material can be added to any of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed below without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the two elastomer layers can be secured together via an adhesive layer, discreet adhesive locations, or using any other suitable method to secure the layers together.
  • the support structure is preferably located and configured to support the first elastomer layer (see FIGS. 53-53B).
  • the material 910 have a single contiguous elastome r body 912.
  • the support structure has first and second major surfaces 923, 925.
  • the elastomer 912 extends through the support structure 917 so that the portion of the elastomer 912A contacting the first major support structure surface 923 (i.e., the top of the support structure 917) and the portion of the elastomer 912B contacting the second major support structure surface 925 (i.e., the bottom of the support structure) form the single contiguous elastomer body 912.
  • Elastomer material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational energy.
  • Suitable elastomer materials include, but are not limited, urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and the like.
  • any suitable elastomer or polymer material can be used to form the vibration dissipating layer 912 and can have various forms including thermoplastic, thermoset, open cell foam and closed cell foam, as unlimiting examples.
  • the support structure 917 be embedded on the elastomer 912, with the elastomer penetrating the support structure 917.
  • the support structure 917 being generally along a major material surface 938 (i.e., the support structure 917 is generally along the top of the material).
  • the fibers 914 a re preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers.
  • the fibers can be formed from any one or combination of the following : bamboo, g lass, metal, elastomer, polymer, ceramics, corn husks, and/or any other renewable resource.
  • Particles 915 can be located in either an elastomer layer 912, 912A, and/or
  • the particles 915 increase the vibration absorption of the material of the present invention .
  • the pa rticles 915 ca n be formed of pieces of glass, polymer, elastomer, chopped aramid, ceramic, chopped fibers, sand, gel, foam, meta l, mineral, g lass beads, or the like. Gel particles 915 provide excellent vibration dampening due to their low du rometer rating .
  • One exemplary gel that is su itable for use the present invention is si licone gel . However, any su itable gel can be used without departing from the present invention .
  • the material can be used as an athletic tape, padding, bracing material, or the like (as shown in FIGS . 54-78) without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • an athletic tape for wrapping a portion of a person 's body a material having a stretch axis and being adapted to regulate energy by disputing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon ; a padding for covering a portion of a person's body or an object; and/or a brace for wrapping a portion of a person's body is shown
  • the athletic tape provides a controlled support for a portion of the person's body.
  • the athletic tape includes a tape body 764 that is preferably stretchable along a long itudinal axis 748 (or stretch axis 750) from a first position to a second position, in which the tape body 764 is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position.
  • FIGS. 54 and 56 illustrate another embodiment of the material of the present i nvention in the first and second positions, respectively.
  • FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the material of the present invention in the first and second positions, respectively.
  • the configuration of the support structure 717 within the vibration absorbing layer 712 allows the predetermined amount of elongation to be generally fixed so that the athletic tape provides a controlled su pport that allows l imited movement before applying a brake on fu rther movement of the wrapped portion of a person's body. This facil itates movement of a wrapped joint while simultaneously dissipating and absorbing vibration to allow superior comfort and performance as compared to that experienced with conventional athletic tape.
  • the pred etermined amou nt of elongation can be set to any value, it is prefera bly less than twenty (20%) percent.
  • the predetermined amount of elongation is more preferably less than two ( 2%) percent. However, depending on the application any amount of elongation can be used with the material 10 of the present invention.
  • the tape body 64 preferably includes a first elastomer layer 712 that defines a tape length 766, as measured along the longitudinal axis 748, of the tape body 764.
  • the support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the elastomer layer 712 generally along the longitudinal axis 748 in an at least partially non linear fashion while the tape body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure 717, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the tape length 766 of the first elastomer layer 712. It is preferred, by not necessary, that the support structure 717 (or ribbon material) is positioned in a generally sinusoidal fashion within the elastomer layer 712 while the tape body 764 is in the first position.
  • the support structure 717 can be positioned in an irregular fashion without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the support structure 717 and/or the elastomer layer 712 can include particles, fibers, or the like (as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53).
  • the support structure 717 when the tape body 764 is stretched into the second position, the support structure 717 is preferably at least partially straightened so that the support structure 717 is more linear (or in the case of other materials, the support structure 717 would likely be thinner), relative to when the tape body 764 is in the first position.
  • the straightening of the support structure causes energy to be dissipated and preferably generally prevents further elongation of the elastomer layer 712 along the longitudinal axis 748 past the second position. Energy dissipation occurs due to the stretching of the material of the support structure 717 and can occur due to the separation or partial pulling away of the support structure 717 from the attached elastomer layer 712.
  • the "overall support structure" 717 may comprise a plurality of stacked support structures, fibers 718, and/or cloth layers 716. It is preferred that the plurality of fibers include aramid fibers or other high tensile strength fibrous material, for example, the plurality of fibers may be formed of fiberglass material or be woven into a ribbon or cloth.
  • the support structure can include any one (or combination) of a polymer, an elastomer, particles; fibers; woven fibers; a cloth; a plurality of cloth layers; loose fibers, chopped fibers, gel particles, particles, sand, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the tape body 764 may have top and bottom su rfaces 768A, 768B, respectively.
  • the bottom surface 768B faces the portion of the person's body when the ath letic tape 710 is wrapped thereover.
  • the plurality of fibers 718 define multiple stacked fiber layers between the top and bottom surfaces 768A, 768B. It is preferable that the plu rality of fibers 718 a re stacked between four (4) and sixteen ( 16) times between the top and bottom su rfaces 768A, 768B. It is more preferable stil l that the plu rality of fibers a re stacked ten ( 10) times.
  • the plurality of fibers 718 may include metal fibers, high tensi le strength fibrous material, ceramic fibers, polymer fibers, elastomer fibers, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • the su pport structu re 717 may be disposed only partially within or on the elastomer layer generally along the longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • the material of the present invention can be an all pu rpose material for use as desired by a person to regulate energy by distributing and pa rtially dissipating energy exerted thereon .
  • the all purpose material 710 includes a material body 770 that is elongateable a long the stretch axis 750 from a first position (shown in FIGS . 54 and 57) to a second position (shown in FIGS. 55 and 58) , in which the material body 770 is elongated by a predetermined amou nt relative to the first position .
  • the stretch axis 750 is preferably determined du ring manufacturing by the orientation and geometry of the support structure 717 which preferably limits the directions in which the material body 770 can elongate. If multiple separate material bodies 770 a re stacked together, it may be desirable to have the stretch axis 750 of the individual material bodies 770 oriented askew from each other.
  • the first elastomer layer 712 defines a material length 772, as measured along the stretch axis 750 of the material body 770.
  • the support structure 717 is preferably d isposed withi n the elastomer layer 712 generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body 770 is in the first position so that a length of the su pport structure, as measured along the su rface thereof, is g reater than the material length 772 of the first elastomer layer.
  • the support structure 717 is at least partia lly straightened so that the support structu re is more linear, relative to when the material body 770 is in the first position .
  • the support structu re 717 is preferably positioned in a sinusoida l fashion within any of the materials 710 of the present invention.
  • the support structure 717 or ribbon may also be positioned in the form of a triangular wave, square wave, or an irregu lar fashion without departing from the scope of the present invention .
  • Any of the materials of the present invention may be formed with an elastomer layer 712 formed by silicone or any other suitable material. Depending upon the application, the vibration absorbing material 712 may be a thermoset and/or may be free of voids therein .
  • the padding includes a padding body 774 that is elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the padding body 774 is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position.
  • the padding includes a first elastomer layer 712 which defines a padding length 776, as measured along the stretch axis 750 of the padding body 774.
  • the support structure 717 is disposed within the elastomer layer 712 generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially non linear fashion while the padding body 774 is in the first position so that a length of the support structure 717, is measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the padding length 776 of the first elastomer layer 712.
  • the support structure 717 is at least partially straightened so that the support structure is more linear, relative to when the padding body 774 is in the first position.
  • straightening of the support structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and generally prevents further elongation of the elastomer layer along the stretch axis 750 past the second position.
  • the brace provides a controlled support for a wrapped portion of a person's body.
  • the brace includes a brace body 778 that is elongateable along the stretch axis 750 from a first position to a second position, in which the brace body 778 is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position .
  • the brace body includes a first elastomer layer 712 that defines a brace length 780, as measured along the stretch axis 750, of the brace body 778.
  • the support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially non linear fashion while the brace body 778 is in the first position so that a length of the support structure 717, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the brace length 780 of the first elastomer layer 712.
  • the support structure 717 is at least partially straightened so that the support structure 717 is more linear, relative to when the brace body 778 is in the first position.
  • the straightening of the support structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and preferably generally prevents further elongation of the elastomer layer 712 along the stretch axis past the second position.
  • any of the materials 710 of the present invention may be formed into a one piece brace that provides a controlled support as described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the amount of stretch of the material 710 can be selected. It is preferred that the percentage increase in the material length when the body 764, 770, 774, 778 moves from the first position to the second position is selected based on a desired range of motion.
  • the athletic tape may be wrapped about a portion of a person's body multiple times, if necessary, to form a brace.
  • a single layer of material 710 can be wrapped on a person and secured in place using conventiona l athletic tape or the like.
  • the successive wrappings of athletic tape are affixed to each other to form a generally one piece brace.
  • This can be accomplished by using tape that is self fusing to allow multiple adjacent wrappings of the athletic tape to fuse together to form an integral piece.
  • One method of fusing wrappings of the athletic tape is for the elastomer layer of each of the multiple adjacent wrappings to contact the elastomer layer of the adjacent wrappings to fuse together to form a single elastomer layer.
  • Self fusing technology can be used with any of the materials 710 of the present invention and can be used in any of the applications for which those materials are suitable.
  • self fusing material 710 can be used with baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets, gun covers and wraps, implements, sports implements, tape, padding, braces, or the like.
  • adhesive 752 may be used to connect the support structure 717 to the vibration absorbing material 712.
  • air gaps 760 can be present proximate to the support structure 717 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the material can be secured at its peak 762 to the vibrating absorbing material 712 or can be secured only at its ends with the vibration absorbing material 712 forming a protective sheath for the support structure 717 which would act as an elastic member in this instance.
  • FIGS. 65-68 illustrate the material 710 of the present invention
  • a shrink layer 758 which can be used to secure the material 710 in position .
  • the shrinkable layer 758 may be configured to break when a certain stress threshold is reached to provide further energy dissipation. Referring to FIG. 67, a shrinkable layer 758 is in its pre-shrink configuration. Referring to FIG. 68, once the shrinkable layer 758 has been activated, the shrinkable layer 758 preferably deforms about one side of the support structure 717 to hold the material 710 in position .
  • the shrinkable layer 758 can be heat or water activated. Alternative known activation methods are also suitable for use with the present invention .
  • FIG. 62 illustrates another embod iment of the present invention i n which the vibration absorbing layer 712 is configured to break apart du ring the elongation of the support structure 717 to allow for greater energy dissipation .
  • the materials 710 of the present invention may be used with a hard shel l outer layer which is designed to d issipate impact energy over the entire material 710 prior to the material 710 deforming to dissipate energy .
  • a hard shel l outer layer which is designed to d issipate impact energy over the entire material 710 prior to the material 710 deforming to dissipate energy .
  • One type of rigid material that can be used in com bi nation with the materials 710 of the present invention is molded foam . Molded foam layers preferably include multiple flex seams that allow portions of the foam layer to at least partially move relative to each other even thoug h the overall foam layer is a single body of material .
  • buttons, rig id squares, or the like can be directly attached to an outer su rface of a ny of the materials 710 of the present invention .
  • foam pieces, buttons, rigid squares, or the like can be attached to a flexible layer or fabric that wi ll d issipate received impact energy over the length of the fabric fibers prior to the d issipation of energy by the material 710.
  • FIGS. 79, 79a, and 82-86 show yet another embodiment of the inventive material of the invention, in wh ich the material comprises two aram id layers 1010, 1012 with an elastomeric layer 1020 therebetween shown in the simpleset configuration in FIG. 79a) .
  • the applicant has fou nd that this configuration is an effective padding for high weight or impact resistant configu rations becau se the aramid material layers 1010, 1012, resist impact and discou rage displacement of the elastomeric layer 1020.
  • This allows for the use of very low du rometer elastomers, rubbers, and gels, with durometers in the hundred to thousand ranges while still providing excellent stability.
  • aramids with a tensile modulus of between 70 and 140 GPa are preferred, and nylons such as those with a tensile strength of between 6, 000 and 24,000 psi are also preferred .
  • Other material layers and fibers could substitute for the aramid layers 1010, 1012; in particu lar, low tensile strength fibers could be combined with h ig her tensile strength fibers to yield layers 1010, 1012 that would be su itable to stabi lize and contain the elastome ric layer 1020.
  • the first and second aramid material layers 1010, 1012 are preferably coated with a bonding layer 1010a, 1010b, 1012a, 1012b, preferably of the same material as the elastomeric material that facilitates bonding between the aramid layers 1010, 1012 and the elastomeric layer 1020, although these bonding layers are not required.
  • the bonding layers 1010a, 1010b, 1012a, 1012b need not be evenly distributed over the aramid layers 1010, 1012.
  • the aramid layers 1010, 1012 distribute impact and vibration over a larger surface area of the elastomeric layer 1020. This finding has suggested using the material in heavier impact applications, such as using it as a motor mount 1030 or flooring 1035, 1037, since the aramid layers 1010, 1012 will discourage displacement of the elastomeric layer 1020, while still absorbing much of the vibration in those applications. This property could be useful in many of the above-noted applications, and in particular in impact absorbing padding, packaging, electronics padding, noise reducing panels, tape, carpet padding, and floor padding.
  • Exemplary padding materials 1400 and 1500 are illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95.
  • the padding material 1400 includes a first vibration regulating material 1410 with a second vibration regulating material 1410' secured thereto.
  • the materials 1410 and 1410' may be formed as integral materials or maybe formed separately and secured to one another, for example, using a suitable adhesive.
  • the vibration regulating material 1410 is illustrated as including elastomeric layers 1412 and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1414 and the material 1410' is also illustrated with elastomeric layers 1412' and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1414', however, either or both materials 1410, 1410' may have different configurations as illustrated herein. If the intermediate layers 1414 and 1414' each include woven fabrics, the materials may be rotated relative to each other such that the weaves are offset, for example, by forty-five degrees.
  • the material 1400 used in the testing comprised two layers of reinforcement material, each manufactured from woven Kevlar K-49, embedded within a respective elatomer layer manufactured from cured polyurethane. Each layer of woven Kevlar was approximately 3 mils thick and the polyurethane was applied to a total material thickness of 6mm. Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 94 the inner most elastomeric layer 1412, which would be against the wearer's body, was the thickest layer. This material was compared against a paintball control vest of high density padding 6mm thick. [0244] In the testing, identical flat Aluminium plates were used with the different padding material pasted onto them. Nine impact locations were marked on the top. One end of the plate was firmly fixed to a work table with an overhang of about 75%.
  • Accelerometer mounts were fabricated from Aluminum and mounted on the bottom of the plate near the middle. Uniaxial accelerometers from Bruel & Kjaer were used in the experiment. They are high precision sensors capable of measuring high level
  • a padding material 1500 with an alternative initial vibration dissipation layer is illustrated in FIG. 95.
  • the padding material 15400 includes a first vibration regulating material 1510 with a flexible sheet layer 1558 of high tensile material secured thereto.
  • the materials 1510 and 1558 may be formed as integral materials or maybe formed separately and secured to one another, for example, using a suitable adhesive.
  • the vibration regulating material 1510 is illustrated as including elastomeric layers 1512 and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1514.
  • the sheet layer 1558 may be manufactured from various high tensile strength materials, for example, a thin sheet of polypropylene, preferably having a thickness of .025 mm to 2.5 mm. Either or both materials 1510, 1558 may have different configurations as illustrated herein.
  • FIGS. 80, 81, 81a, and 87 show a variant of the material shown in FIG. 79, without the second layer of aramid 1012.
  • the aramid layer 1010 could be coated with the bonding layer 1010a, 1010b or not.
  • this material can be used as a flooring 1037, as shown in FIG. 87, as a spring in FIG. 81a, or also as a motor mount 1050.
  • the aramid layer 1010 contains and stabilizes the elastomeric layer 1020 when the generally shaped cylinder 1040 is in tension or compression.
  • Such a spring could be used in any spring application.
  • the material is formed as a cylinder 1040, in which the aramid layer 1010 forms an outer cylinder with an elastomer 1020 located therebetween.
  • This cylinder 1040 is closed on itself (by gluing or welding) to form the toroidal shaped shock absorber 1050, which could be used as a motor mount.
  • FIGS. 89-93 show another material for use with the invention.
  • the cross- section of FIG. 90 shows the layers of the material, which comprise a foam layer 1110, aramid layer 1112, and elastomeric layer 1114.
  • the foam layer 1110 of the present embodiment is a generally rigid layer of foam that the applicant has found is particular good at dissipating a point impact, and thus has been found particular suited for impact resistance, such as for example, as armor and protection in the sports of football, baseball, soccer, or paintball.
  • the elastomeric layer 1114 is generally adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to the body being protected from impact.
  • the foam layer 1110 of the present embodiment is preferably rigid and inflexible, although softer foam layers may be used. Additionally, as explained herein, the elastomer layers may be formed with a foamed structure.
  • the rigid foam layers 1110 present a problem in that many impact-resistant applications require flexible material, i.e., paintball padding and armor that can flex around a person's body. The applicant solved this problem by forming narrow areas of weakness 1111 in the foam layer. These areas can be formed by cutting, stamping, or forming the area of predetermined weakness, but in any event, they allow for the foam layer 1110 to bend at these areas 1111.
  • Various shapes of the areas of predetermined weakness could be used depending on the needed flexibility. As shown, parallel, hexagonal, and herringbone (diamond) areas are presently preferred.
  • FIG. 93 shows an embodiment in which the paintball armor 1140 has the herringbone pattern.
  • FIGS. 96-98 show illustrative materials 1610 wherein at least one elastomer layer includes a plurality of channels 1630.
  • the material 1610 includes an elastomer layer 1612, shown as distinct layers 1612a and 1612b, and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1614.
  • the material 1610 may have other configurations as described herein.
  • Channels 1630 are formed in the elastomer layer 1612b facing the user during use. In the embodiment of FIGS. 96-97, the channels 1630 extend parallel to one another.
  • the material 1610 has a perimeter 1640 and each of the channels 1630 has end portions 1632 which extend to the perimeter 1640 and therefore provide
  • channels 1630 are provided horizontally and vertically, as illustrated in the drawing, and intersect one another. While each of the channels 1630 are illustrated with end portions 1632 along the perimeter 1640, some of the channels 1630 may terminate prior to the perimeter, with air flow still possible through the interconnected channels 1630.
  • a fourth rigid layer comprising plastic, foam, or metal, could be added over the foam/aramid/elastomer to further dissipate impact energy.
  • any of the above-mentioned layers could be soaked in, embedded in, encapsulated by, or otherwise distributed with a resistive flu id .
  • the resistive fluid layer is separated from the wearer/holder by at least one of the elastomer layers to minimize the direct transmission of impact to the wearer/holder.
  • Body armor is a frequently cited use of resistive fluids—such an application would work well with all of the vibration-reducing materials described herein because the vibration-reducing material would further protect the wearer from damaging vibration from an impact and puncture.
  • Illustrative resistive fluids include shear thickening fluids (STFs), or dilatants, and magnetorheological fluid (MRF) .
  • STFs shear thickening fluids
  • MRF magnetorheological fluid
  • Heavy-Duty Machinery Compressors, Generators, Pumps, Fans; Commercial Appliances and Equipment; HVAC Equipment; Precision Equipment/Electronics; Business Machines, Computers, Peripherals; Medical and Lab Equipment/Instruments; Telecommunications; Consumer Electronics And Appliances; Specialty Applications; Seating, Positioning, Pillows, Mattresses; Footwear; Athletic Equipment; Vehicle; Automotive and Truck; Marine and Aircraft; Bus, Coach, and RV; Personal Leisure Vehicles; Farm and Construction, Off- Highway.
  • the first elastomer layer 12A converts sound and vibrational energy waves into heat energy through hysteric damping, as most traditional damping materials do. As the energy waves travel through the elastomer 12A, they reach the end of the medium and interface with the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14. The area of interface is commonly referred to as a boundary.
  • the high tensile strength material 14 has the unique ability to radiate or carry the vibrational energy waves away from the point of entry, in addition to providing increased stiffness to the composite.
  • vibrational energy that is not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomer layer 12A is redistributed evenly along the material 10 by the cloth layer 16 and then further dissipated by the second elastomer layer 12B.
  • This spreading of the energy waves over a large area by the high tensile strength fibrous layer 14, normally referred to as mechanical radiation damping, is what makes the composite so efficient at energy dissipation.
  • the boundaries between the elastomer layers 12A and 12B and the high tensile strength fibrous layer 14 create several additional operative mechanisms for energy dissipation. These beneficial boundary effects include, but are not limited to reflection, transformation, dispersion, refraction, diffraction, transformation, friction, wave interference, and hysteric damping. The combination of these dissipation mechanisms working simultaneously results in a material with extremely efficient damping
  • the material 10 can include different numbers of layers, as well as varying orders of the layers compared to the base composite shown. Materials can be added to the composite such as sheet metal to aid in the absorption of specific frequencies and wave lengths of vibration energy or to add strength. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the material 10 can be formed of two independent layers without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the material 10 can be formed of a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14, which may be woven into a cloth layer 16, that is disposed on the first elastomer 12A.
  • FIG. 104 shows a cross section of the use of one embodiment of the material 10 (understanding that any of the embodiments herein could be used) between a wall 20 of for example a room, and a stud 20A that the wall is mounted upon. (It should be understood that FIG. 104 is not necessarily drawn to scale).
  • the material 10 acts to absorb, dissipate, and/or isolate vibrations through the wall 20 and thus minimize sound passage from one side of the wall 20 to the other.
  • FIG. 105 is a partial side elevation of a baseball bat handle 1120. Any one of the appropriate combinations of the material embodiments described above can be inserted into the baseball bat handle 1120. Once inserted into the handle 1120 (as shown) or other sections of the bat, the material acts to both reduce vibration and sound travel through the bat. In the cross sectional view through the bat handle 1120 in FIG. 106, the material has the same cross section as that discussed with respect to FIG. 1, located within the handle's cross section 1122 that defines a cavity to contain the material 10.
  • FIGS. 107 and 108 show a similar elevation and cross section of a tennis racquet 1120 and its section 1222.
  • FIGS. 105-108 are two possible configurations using the materia l within the handles of sporting apparatuses. Similar uses would be within golf club handles and heads, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and the like. Outside of the sporting arena, the material could be used in hand or power tools or similar hand-gripped items.
  • the material 10 may include additional layers (e.g., five or more layers) without departing from the scope of the claimed present invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

Landscapes

  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble casque réduisant les vibrations (1700) comprenant une bande circonférentielle (1702) et une pluralité de brides (1710) s'étendant depuis la bande pour définir une structure en dôme (1718), chaque bride comprenant un matériau réduisant les vibrations (10) constitué au moins d'une première couche élastomère (12) et d'une couche de renfort (14) comprenant un matériau fibreux présentant une résistance élevée à la traction.
PCT/US2012/040104 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 Matériau d'amortissement des vibrations WO2012170268A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201280034004.0A CN103763959A (zh) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 振动阻尼材料
CA 2838341 CA2838341A1 (fr) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 Materiau d'amortissement des vibrations
MX2013014329A MX2013014329A (es) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 Material de amortiguacion de vibracion.
KR20147000412A KR20140053085A (ko) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 진동 완화 재료
JP2014514503A JP2014516125A (ja) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 振動減衰材料
EP12726549.4A EP2717730A1 (fr) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 Matériau d'amortissement des vibrations
AU2012268603A AU2012268603A1 (en) 2011-06-08 2012-05-31 Vibration dampening material

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/155,522 2011-06-08
US13/155,522 US20110302700A1 (en) 2001-08-27 2011-06-08 Vibration dampening material

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012170268A1 true WO2012170268A1 (fr) 2012-12-13

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EP (1) EP2717730A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2014516125A (fr)
KR (1) KR20140053085A (fr)
CN (1) CN103763959A (fr)
AU (1) AU2012268603A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2838341A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2013014329A (fr)
TW (1) TW201302276A (fr)
WO (1) WO2012170268A1 (fr)

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WO2020213001A1 (fr) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-22 Ashish Kansal Casque de protection pare-balles
WO2020213000A1 (fr) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-22 Ashish Kansal Bande de protection pour casques balistiques
US20220054325A1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2022-02-24 Alik YASINOV A scalp protector for use following a hair transplant procedure
WO2022054070A1 (fr) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-17 Ashish Kansal Coque semi-sphérique protectrice en forme de casque balistique à base de céramique

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CN104397903A (zh) * 2014-12-02 2015-03-11 四川大学 一种灵活舒适型防割手套
CN104784917B (zh) * 2015-03-18 2017-01-18 桐乡波力科技复材用品有限公司 曲棍球运动员头盔的制作方法
CN105476151B (zh) * 2015-12-31 2018-11-06 深圳优普泰服装科技有限公司 一种使用内置柔性支架的电弧防护面罩
JP6811978B2 (ja) * 2016-06-14 2021-01-13 国立大学法人信州大学 ダイラタント流体を用いた複合材料
GB201621272D0 (en) * 2016-12-14 2017-01-25 Mips Ab Helmet
IT201800007484A1 (it) * 2018-07-25 2020-01-25 Nolangroup Spa Casco di protezione con imbottitura di conforto regolabile
US11849793B2 (en) * 2019-03-29 2023-12-26 Bell Sports, Inc. Flexible slip plane for helmet energy management liner
CN110145967B (zh) * 2019-04-19 2021-10-26 济南英维新材料科技合伙企业(有限合伙) 一种防弹头盔用镂空式内衬及其应用

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GB350142A (en) * 1931-01-17 1931-06-11 John Peate Improvements in protective head-coverings for babies
US4035847A (en) * 1976-07-02 1977-07-19 The Fibre-Metal Products Co. Suspension for a hard hat
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US20220054325A1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2022-02-24 Alik YASINOV A scalp protector for use following a hair transplant procedure
EP3914117A4 (fr) * 2019-01-23 2022-03-16 Yasinov, Alik Dispositif de protection du cuir chevelu destiné à être utilisé à la suite d'un acte de greffe capillaire
WO2020213001A1 (fr) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-22 Ashish Kansal Casque de protection pare-balles
WO2020213000A1 (fr) * 2019-04-18 2020-10-22 Ashish Kansal Bande de protection pour casques balistiques
WO2022054070A1 (fr) * 2020-09-10 2022-03-17 Ashish Kansal Coque semi-sphérique protectrice en forme de casque balistique à base de céramique

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KR20140053085A (ko) 2014-05-07
CA2838341A1 (fr) 2012-12-13
JP2014516125A (ja) 2014-07-07
CN103763959A (zh) 2014-04-30
AU2012268603A1 (en) 2014-01-09
MX2013014329A (es) 2014-03-21
TW201302276A (zh) 2013-01-16
EP2717730A1 (fr) 2014-04-16

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