A DEVICE FOR IMPACT PROTECTION

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a § 371 national stage of PCT application no. PCT/IE2024/050001 filed on Feb. 27, 2024, which claims priority to United Kingdom application no. GB 202304974 filed on Apr. 4, 2023. These applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetic protective device, in particular to a magnetic protective device which can be integrated into existing clothing items, which integrally forms part of a specific clothing items for protection of shoulders, upper arms, chest, feet and knees or which can be strapped on to a body part.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the current sports/leisure industry, there are certain categories of activities which are known as contact sports. Whilst the idea of these contact sports is that a certain amount of interaction between players and sports equipment is allowable, the reality for sports such as hurling, ice hockey, rugby etc. is that players often experience a strong level of contact and forceful impacts which can cause bodily harm and in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Similarly in bicycle, motorbike, rally, buggy and various off road sports, it is typical for the person involved in the sport to experience “spills”, falls, collisions etc. These events, which often result in direct impacts, may cause harm to the body of the person performing the activity.

It is thus very well known that people involved in a range of sporting activities may require protective clothing when they are carrying out their chosen activity and that there is a need to protect the body parts of sports people from impact, particularly in specific vulnerable parts of the body and parts of the body which are most likely to suffer harm from impact forces in the event of a collision, such as shoulders, upper arms, chest, feet and knees. There are many products on the market which deal with various types of impact protection from helmets to kneepads to chest plates etc. Many of these products serve to dampen the impact force exerted on them, however, as they are typically attached directly to the body of the user (albeit through clothing, straps or other fastening mechanisms), the reduction of impact may not be sufficient to ensure that the impact force which is conducted through the product does not results in an injury on the body part on the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a magnetic protective device suitable for reducing and displacing an impact force when the device is subject to an impact.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable item, such as for example a jacket, helmet, shoe or neck brace in which the protective device is integrally positioned.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to the invention, there is provided a device for impact protection in sports activities comprising; a first part having a cavity housing a magnet;

A second part comprising a through hole;

an intermediate part comprising an elongate section on one end and a cavity housing a magnet on an obverse end,

wherein, in use, the edges of the first part are fixed to the edges of the second part such the intermediate part is slideably fixed between the first part and the second part due to the position of the elongate section in the through hole, and the two magnets face each other and are of the same polarity, such that application of an impact force to the exterior of the device causes the intermediate part to slide towards the first part until the repellent magnetic force of the magnets overcomes the impact force exerted on the intermediate part.

Preferably, at least one of the first part, the intermediate part or the second part comprises sidewalls which are inclined at an angle to the major surface of said part.

Preferably, the second part comprises flaps.

Preferably, the device is curved in order to conform to the contours of a body part.

Preferably, the device comprises a padding layer which is attached to the first part.

Preferably, at least one of the first part, the intermediate part or the second part comprises an interior honeycomb structure.

Preferably, the device comprises a fixing means.

Preferably, the fixing means is an additional part.

Preferably, the magnets are attached to the respective first part or intermediate part, or outer part through means of an adhesive, a screw, an interference fit or a brace.

Preferably, the magnets comprise a plurality of magnets which are arranged in a pattern.

Preferably, the device comprising a means of attachment to a body part.

Preferably, an item of clothing comprising at least one device is provided.

Preferably, an item of footwear comprising at least one device is provided.

Preferably, a helmet comprising at least one device is provided.

Preferably, a neck brace comprising at least one device is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the details thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a second part of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a sectional view of the second part of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of a first part of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 1d is a perspective view an intermediate part of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 1e is a sectional side view of the assembled device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a variety of means by which magnetic components can be adhered to the first or intermediate parts in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the shapes of several different magnets which can be employed in the device of the present invention and the direction of their magnetic force;

FIG. 4 illustrates various different configurations of magnets which are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a plan view of the second part of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5b is a side elevation of the second part of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 5c is a front elevation of the second part of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second part of a limb protector comprising a device according to the present invention along with a side view of the same part;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a cap according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a limb protector comprising at least one device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9a is front elevation of an intermediate part of a kneecap protector comprising at least one device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9b is a plan view of the intermediate part of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a is a plan view of a second part of a limb protector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10b is a sectional view of front elevation of an intermediate part of the limb protector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10c is a front elevation of an intermediate part of the limb protector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11a is a side view of an upper body clothing item comprising multiple devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 11b is a front view of the clothing item of FIG. 11a;

FIG. 11c is a rear view of the clothing item of FIG. 11a;

FIG. 12a is a front view of a lower body clothing item comprising multiple devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 12b is a side elevation of a section of the clothing item of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a clip-on item comprising at least one device according to the present invention;

FIG. 13b is a perspective view of a strap mechanism of the clip-on item onto which the device of FIG. 13a may be fixed;

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a first part and a second part of a neck brace comprising at least one device of the present invention;

FIG. 14b is a side elevation of the neck brace of FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of a user wearing a neck brace comprising at least one device of the present invention;

FIG. 16a is a plan view of the neck brace of the invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16b is a side elevation of a section of the neck brace of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16c is a plan view of an alternative arrangement of magnets in the neck brace of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16d is a side elevation of a section of the neck brace of FIG. 16c;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of a sectional view of the neck brace of FIG. 15 comprising an alternative shape of intermediate part and second part;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the intermediate part and second part of the neck brace of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19a is a side elevation of a user who has been subject to a frontal impact and thus the neck brace is compressed towards the rear of the helmet;

FIG. 19b is a side elevation of a user who has been subject to a rear impact and thus the neck brace is compressed towards the front of the helmet;

FIG. 20a is a rear elevation of the neck brace of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20b is a front elevation of the neck brace of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21a is a side elevation of a sectional view of the neck brace of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21b is a side view of the neck brace of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22a is a plan view of an alternative arrangement of devices within the neck brace of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 22b is an enlarged view of a portion of a side view of the neck brace of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-22 of the accompanying drawings there is illustrated a device for impact protection, generally indicated as 100, which is designed to absorb and dampen impact, such that the force of the impact which moves through the device 100 is significantly reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 1d, and 1e the device (100) comprises a first part (2), a second part (6) and an intermediate part (4), respectively. Each of these parts (2, 4, 6) comprises two major surfaces (known as a first end and a second end) and a variety of minor surfaces (known as sidewalls). The sidewalls may be vertical or inclined with respect to the major surfaces.

Both the first part (2) and the intermediate part (4) comprise at least one magnet (12, 14) each. The cumulative effect of the at least one magnet (12) of the first part (2) will be equal in magnetic force and of opposite direction, to the cumulative effect of the at least one magnet (14) of the intermediate part (4). In this context, cumulative effect will be understood to be the magnitude of the magnetic force and direction of the exerted force in the case of a single magnet or the combined magnitude and overall direction of the exerted force of a plurality of magnets (12), when more than one magnet is employed in the first part (2). In order to create a repellent force between the at least one magnet (14) of the intermediate part (4) and the at least one magnet (12) of the first part (2), it is necessary that the poles of these two magnets (12,14) which face towards each other in use, are of the same polarity. For example, the magnet (12) of the first part (2) which, in use, faces the intermediate part (4) has a north polarity and the side of the magnet (14) of the intermediate part (4) which, in use, faces the first part (2) has a north polarity or conversely, the side of the magnet (12) of the first part (2) which, in use, faces the intermediate part (4) has a south polarity and the side of the magnet (12) of the intermediate part (2) which, in use, faces the first (2) part has a south polarity.

It is not possible to use a combination of a south polarity facing a north polarity, as this would result in an attractive force between the two magnets (12, 14) rather than a repellent force, which is not the object of the invention.

The first part (2) comprises on a first end, a cavity (22) into which, in use, the magnet (12) is placed. In use, the (obverse) second end of the first part (2) rests on the clothing of a user or on a body part of the user. The intermediate part (4) comprises on a first end, a cavity (24) into which, in use, the magnet (14) is placed. The intermediate part (4) also comprises an elongate section (18) which extends from the obverse end of the intermediate part (4) on which the cavity (24) is located. The second part (6) comprises a through hole (16), through which the elongate section (18) can pass. Both the first part (2) and the second part (6) comprise portions of perforated edges such that both parts (2, 6) can be sewn together along the perforated edges to form the exterior of the device (100). The intermediate part (4) is placed between the first part (2) and the second part (6) prior to positioning or fixing the first part (2) and the second part (6) together. Once the first part (2) and the second part (6) are positioned or sewn together, the intermediate part (4) is free to slideably move away from and towards the first part (2). This movement is possible due to the elongate section (18) of the intermediate part (4) being restricted on all sides due to its position within the through hole (16) of the second part (6). The movement can be likened to a carriage on a rail wherein the elongate section (18) is the carriage and the through hole (16) of the part (6) is the rail. The intermediate section (4) is restrained from movement on the first end by the first part (2). Once the elongate part (18) has travelled through the though hole (16), the geometry of the intermediate part (4) which rests against the second part (6) prevents further movement of the intermediate part (4). It will be appreciated that certain geometries of devices do not need to be sewn together as their relative positions are fixed once the user is wearing the device. One such example is that of a neck brace comprising multiple devices. The neck brace comprises a first part (2), a second part (6), an intermediate part (4) and a fixing means. The fixing means is an additional part (3) in the form of a base plate. As the additional part (3) is generally constrained by the shoulder geometry of the user and the first part (2) is constrained by the head geometry of the user, these two parts (and the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6) which are positioned therebetween) are positionally fixed between the head and the shoulders of the user and the parts cannot move outside this zone unless the neck brace is dissembled. The second part (6) may be attached to the first part (2) through means of plastic welding or epoxy bonding. The intermediate part (4) may be attached to the additional part (3) through means of plastic welding or epoxy bonding. The slidable movement of the intermediate part (4) within the second part (6) defines the full length of movement which is possible within the device (100). Sewing of the second part (6) with the first part (2) is thus not required in the neck brace design. Flaps may be provided on the second part (6) in order to prevent dirt and foreign bodies from entering the space between the elongate section (18) and the second part (6). Each of first part (2), the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6) may be made from a semi rigid material such as plastic or carbon fibre. Any thick section of these parts (2, 46) may be strengthened through use of a honeycomb interior structure (rather than a hollow structure). These parts may alternatively be solid pieces. The strength of the parts (2, 4, 6) will be determined by the anticipated use case for the protective item. Weight and cost of material may also be considerations which are taken into account in choosing a material and geometric structure.

In use, an impact force which is directed at the exterior of the device (100) will result in the elongate section (18) being pushed towards the first part (2). Due to the presence of the magnets (12, 14) on the intermediate part (4) and the first part (2), as the intermediate part (4) approaches the first part (2) the repellent magnetic force becomes stronger. The magnets (12,14) are selected such that it is unlikely that the force of an impact experienced by a user, in normal use, will be sufficient to overcome the repellent force of the magnets (12, 14). It is possible that consideration in terms of cost and/or weight reduction may also be taken into account when selecting the magnet (12, 14) and that the selection of magnets (12, 14) may be made with the intention of only reducing the force of impact as opposed to completely overcoming the force of impact. The magnetic repellent force experienced by the intermediate part (4) is such that it will prevent or deter the intermediate part (4) from coming in contact with the first part (2), thus essentially dissipating the impact force before it reaches the user's body part.

As shown in FIG. 2, the magnets (12, 14) can be fixed to the first part (2) and the intermediate part (4) in a variety of ways, such as for example with an adhesive, with a screw, with an interference fit or with a brace. The magnets (12, 14) can be removed from the device (100) and replaced. The magnets (12, 14) may be removed if they become damaged or if different properties of magnets (12, 14) are required for a certain situation.

FIG. 3 illustrates the polarity of the sets of magnets (12,14), wherein a set is understood to comprise a magnet (12) which is located in the first part (2) and a magnet (14) which is located on the intermediate part (4). It will be noted that due to the similar polarity of the magnets (12,14) of each set, each magnet (12,14) within the set is repelling the other magnet (12,14) in the set. As illustrated, the magnets (12,14) may vary significantly in shape, depending on the required area of use, however, each magnet (12,14) within the set of magnets must have the same shape and size. Traditional magnets can be nickel plated or epoxy coated to prevent water/damp damage. Electrified solenoids could also be used instead of traditional magnets.

The following examples are for illustrative purposes, and it will be appreciated that the examples do not serve to limit the scope of protection of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

• • Use Case: Repellent Force of 56 kg required.
  • Magnet 1—Neodymium N40; 60 mm×30 mm×15 mm
  • Magnet 2—Must be identical to Magnet 1, otherwise the repellent force will deteriorate over time.

EXAMPLE 2

• • Use Case: Repellent Force of 47 kg required.
  • Magnet 1—Neodymium N35; 50 mm×50 mm×12.5 mm
  • Magnet 2—Must be identical to Magnet 1, otherwise the repellent force will deteriorate over time.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a variety of different configurations of magnets (12,14) may be employed depending on the intended area of use of the device (100). If more than 2 opposing magnets (12,14) are employed, the magnets (12,14) can be arranged such that they increase repellent magnetic field.

It will be appreciated that the distribution, shape, size, pattern etc. of the magnets (12,14) is not limited to the scenarios shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and further variations are possible without departing from the inventive scope of the invention.

The device (100) can be strapped directly onto the body part of the user which requires protection, the device may adjoin to existing equipment of the user or the device (100) may be incorporated as an integral part of an item of protective clothing of the user.

It is envisaged that the device (100) will be used as a means of impact protection in one or more of the following scenarios:

• • a) Helmet
  • b) Shoulder Pad
  • c) Upper Arm Pad
  • d) Elbow Pad
  • e) Lower Arm/Wrist Protection
  • f) Chest Guard/Protector
  • g) Back Plate
  • h) Kidney Belt
  • i) Hip Plate/Protector
  • j) Upper Leg/Thigh Protector
  • k) Knee Pad
  • l) Shin Guard
  • m) Shoes/Boots
  • n) Gloves
  • o) Neck Brace
  • p) Vest (Life Jacket Type Vest)

One device (100) may be used for one product (for example as a chest plate) or multiple devices (100) may be incorporated into one item of clothing, such as for example, a jacket featuring devices (100) for upper arm protection, devices (100) for lower arm protection, devices (100) for chest protection, devices (100) for back protection etc.

As shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b, if the device does not form an integral part of an item of clothing, the device (100) will typically incorporate a fixing means such as for example straps, Velcro (hook and eye) strips etc. The device (100) will typically also comprise a protective padding layer (5), which may be attached directly to the first end of the first part (2) such that it rests between the device (100) and the body part of the user. The padding layer (5) can be flexible so that it can be manoeuvred onto the body part, with a rigid housing for the device (100) to slot into. This will allow the user to use a different device (100) but the same padding, depending on the use case of each situation.

The perforations on the edges of the first part (2) and the second part (6) may also be used to attach the padding to the rest of the device (100) or to attach the device (100) to an item of clothing.

The first part (2) may be shaped to take account of the body part to be protected for example the first part (2) may be curved such that it replicates the curvature of an arm of the user if the device (100) is intended to be used as arm protection. Typically, if the first part (2) is curved, the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6) will also be curved in order to ensure a comfortable fit for the user and maximum efficiency in impact resistance. As shown in FIG. 1, the sidewalls of the first part (2), the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6) may be inclined to the major surface of the first part (2) such that the device (100) is substantially domed shape. This shape will help to ensure that the force of any impact is directed through the elongate section (18) and that there is no concentration of force on other areas of the device (100) on impact.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cavity (22), which houses the magnet (12) on the first part (2), can be formed within a raised section (20) of the first part (2). This may be particularly useful in situations where the first part (2) is curved as it allows the cavity (22) to remain rectangular despite the rest of the first part (2) being curved. Maintaining a rectangular cavity (22) will allow the user to employ standard rectangular magnets rather than specifically tailored curved magnets. It is however important that the top of the cavity (22,24) walls do not extend beyond the sidewalls of the magnet (12,14), so the magnet must be at least flush with the cavity walls, if not upstanding from the cavity walls. Typically, the thickness of the first part (2) is governed by the size of the magnet (12,14) to be used.

The device (100) may additionally comprise a cap (26) as shown in FIG. 7. The cap (26) comprises tabs which include perforations along their edges. These perforations align with the perforations on the first part (2) and the second part (6) such that the cap (26) can be sewn onto these parts (2, 6). The cap (26) serves to block the ingress of dirt or foreign bodies into the area between the first part (2) and the intermediate part (4) and also the area between the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6). The cap also serves to retain the components of the device (such as the second part and intermediate part) in position. Some items such as the neck brace may require a fixing means in the form of an additional part (3) which retains the first part (2), the second part (6) and the intermediate part (4) in position. The fixing means could be formed as an integral part of the intermediate part. The fixing means replies on the users geometry (such as shoulders and head) in order to limit the movement between the first part (4) and the fixing means.

As shown in FIG. 6, the device (100) may be used as a shoulder pad, in this case the device (100) would preferably be dome shaped to follow the contours of the shoulder, with the first end of the first part (2) taking on a general dome shape and potentially the cavity (22) being provided on a raised section of the first part (2), both the intermediate part (4) and the second part (6) would also adapt with this design contour such that the shoulder would protrude into the dome shape for optimal wearability and comfort.

FIG. 10a illustrates a plan view of an arm support item comprising at least one device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10b the intermediate part (4) of the device (100) may be substantially flat on the end which interfaces with the first part (2) or as shown in FIG. 10c, the intermediate part (2) may be curved (and thus the first part (2) is curved) such that it fits more naturally around the form of the body part.

FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c illustrates a clothing item in the form of a jacket which comprises a plurality of devices (100) of the present invention. A back plate or chest plate may be formed from one large device (100) as shown in FIG. 11c or it may be formed from two or more devices (100) as shown in FIG. 11b. The number of devices (100) chosen for use in a given area will depend on the contours of the body parts which are being protected and the presence of ancillary features such as zips or pockets on clothing items.

Similarly for clothing items which protect the upper legs such as that of FIG. 12a, typically separate devices (100) will be used to protect each of the shins, knees etc although one piece of padding can extend between all of these devices (100) which makes attaching the devices (100) to the body faster and easier.

As shown in FIG. 13a the device (100) can be provided as a stand-alone unit. When the device (100) is provided as a stand-alone unit, it may be necessary to also provide a means of attaching the device (100) to the body. An example of a product which could attach the device (100) to the body is illustrated in FIG. 13b. This attachment unit is flexible such that it can be maneuvered into the desired location on the body part and thereafter the device (100) can be fitted to the attachment unit. This type of attachment system has the added advantage of being easily detachable, should the user desire a different device (100) or should the device (100) need replacement in the middle of an activity.

A shoe may comprise a least one device (100). The device (100) may be incorporated into one particular part of the shoe (for example the toe area of the shoe) or multiple devices (100) could be used throughout the sole of the shoe to give a more comprehensive level of protection. The device (100) may be attached to the bottom of a standard shoe to create a floating sensation for the user.

A helmet may comprise at least one device (100). The helmet could consist of an inner shell and outer shell with a plurality of devices (100) provided therebetween.

As shown in FIGS. 14-22, a neck brace may comprise at least one device (100). The neck brace could be compatible with a standard helmet or with a helmet comprising a device (100). In the event of an impact on the helmet, the helmet will make contact with the neck brace comprising the device (100). As shown in FIG. 15, the first part (2) of the device (100) is in the form of a rigid top layer which sits below the helmet. A plurality of devices (100) are incorporated between the first part (2) and an additional part (3) in order to provide a neck brace. Both the first part (2) and the additional part (3) are rigid. Sections of the first part (2) and the additional part (3) are inclined in order to account for the user's range of activity and the user's upper body contours. The front of the first part (2) is inclined downwards in order to allow the user to incline their head forward and tuck their head into their chest. The rear of the first part (2) is inclined upwards in order to prevent the user's head from tilting backwards. The additional part (3) is inclined downwards on both the front area and the rear area in order to distribute any contact force across the chest, shoulders and back. The plurality of devices which are located at an intermediate position between the first part (2) and the additional part (3) are compressed in use in order to ensure that the elongate section (18) remains within the through hole (16).

As shown in FIGS. 16a and 16c the plurality of devices (100) are evenly distributed throughout the neck brace in order to ensure a consolidated reaction to an impact force. An example of a neck brace comprising fours devices (100) is shown in FIG. 16a, while an example of a neck brace comprising two devices (100), which are positioned on the sides of the neck brace, is shown in FIG. 16c. It will be appreciated that other configurations of devices (100) are included within the inventive scope of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates another alternative configuration of the devices (100) of the neck brace of the invention. In this example, two devices (100) are arranged within the neck brace. The first device (100) is positioned along the front and a portion of either side of the neck brace and the second device (100) is arranged along the back and a portion of either side of the neck brace. The shape of the individual devices (100) can be seen clearly in FIG. 18. Padding (5) is also clearly visible on the additional part (3) in order to cushion the body of the user.

FIGS. 19a and 19b illustrate the devices (100) in use wherein in FIG. 19a the user experiences a frontal impact force which results in a concentration of compressive force towards the back of the neck area. In this figure, the compression of the devices (100) which are located towards the back of the neck area is evident through the diminished distance between the two parts (2, 3) of the devices (100), in comparison to the expanded space between the two parts (2, 3) of the devices (100) which are located towards the front of the neck. FIG. 19b illustrates a user which has been subject to a rear impact which results in a concentration of compressive forces towards the front of the neck area. Again, the relative distance between the two parts (202, 203) of the devices (100), located at the front of the neck and at the rear of the neck, illustrates the reactions of the devices (100) to various impact loads which the user experiences.

The neck brace may be formed from two pieces such that it can be opened in order to install it around the user's neck. When the neck brace is in a two-piece split form, it is necessary to provide a means of connecting the two pieces together in order to form a complete and rigid neck brace. As shown in FIG. 22b, the pieces can be joined together through use of a buckle (7), or a plurality of buckles (7). It is preferable that the two pieces are front and back pieces, rather than side pieces, as a user may prefer to detach the front piece of the neck brace whilst leaving the back piece of the neck brace in place, if the intention is to continue wearing the helmet.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.