[54] BODY PROTECTIVE DEVICE
[76] Inventors: Edward D. Krent, 207 Hampton Rd., Sharon, Mass. 02067; Nicholas B. Paffett, 806 Tucker La., Hingham, Mass. 02043
[ * ] Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Dec. 8, 2009 has been disclaimed.
[21] Appl. No.: 39,108
[22] PCT Filed: Oct. 2, 1991
[86] PCT No.: PCT/US91/07374
§ 371 Date: Apr. 1,1993
§ 102(e) Date: Apr. 1, 1993
[87] PCT Pub. No.: WO92/05717
PCT Pub. Date: Apr. 16, 1992
[51] Int. CI.6 A41D 13/00
[52] U.S. CJ 2/2; 2/267
[58] Field of Search 2/2, 16, 22, 24, 267,
2/268, 243 R, 243 A, DIG. 1, 44, 45; 128/89 R, 156, 157; 264/108, 239, 241
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Primary Examiner—Clifford D. Crowder
Assistant Examiner—Amy B. Vanatta
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks
[57] ABSTRACT
Protective body padding comprising a plurality of foam modules interconnected by a membrane. The foam modules and/or membrane have a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough and a matrix of interconnecting air channels designed to provide breathability and cooling capacity to allow venting of heat and moisture from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the foam in the modules is of a variable flexibility, wherein the flexibility of foam closest to the skin is greater than the flexibility of foam immediately above. For sports use, the modules can be positioned between the upper and lower resilient layers in a variety of positions to articulate with vulnerable body parts. Moreover, the foam can be colored or provided with an array of tradenames, trademarks and/or logos to enhance the aesthetic and fashion qualities thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the modules may be formed of an insert captured between two layers of flexible material, the insert having fins formed thereon to allow proper centering of the insert during assembly. For high impact sports, a hardened shell is provided on each module, and reinforcing means are provided surrounding the openings of the air passages on the upper surface of the shell.
18 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
