Protective Equipment Including Bladder Components

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to protective equipment (e.g., for sports) that include bladder components. These bladder components and protective equipment may be used, for example, for attenuating impact forces incident on the bladder and/or equipment (e.g., from a game projectile, from contact with the ground and/or another player, etc.) and/or dampening return energy (e.g., energy returned to a game projectile, ground, and/or another player after contact with the bladder and/or protective equipment). In some aspects of this technology, these features may better enable projectile control (e.g., by limiting the projectile's rebound force/distance off the bladder/protective equipment) and/or improve wearer's comfort. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects of this technology, the bladder's re-expansion rate will be tuned and controlled to delay or slow re-expansion. Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and using such bladder components and/or protective equipment.

At least some aspects of this technology may relate to and/or be used in conjunction with the technology disclosed in: (a) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/844,957 filed Jun. 21, 2022 and entitled “Gloves and/or Other Hand-Receiving Devices with Inflatable Components; ” (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/212,946 filed Jun. 21, 2022 and entitled “Gloves and/or Other Hand-Receiving Devices with Inflatable Components; ” (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/611,972 filed Dec. 19, 2023 and entitled “Impact Force Attenuating Bladder Components Having Controlled Re-Expansion Rates and Methods of Making and using Such Components; ” and/or (d) a concurrently filed U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application entitled “Gloves Including Bladder Components” identified as Attorney Docket No. 005127.02737/240019US01. Each of U.S. Patent Appln. No. Ser. No. 17/844,957, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/212,946, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/611,972, and the concurrently filed Non-Provisional Patent Application identified above is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Several sports include use of game balls or other projectiles (e.g., hockey pucks) that may come into contact with the players during play of the game. In many sports, one or more players will be tasked with catching or deflecting the game ball or other projectile during play (e.g., goalies for soccer, hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, etc. ; baseball and softball players; football players; etc.). Additionally, players in many sports will forcibly contact other players, the ground, and/or other surfaces. Many players wear protective equipment to protect various body parts during interactions with the game ball, other projectiles, other players, and/or during play.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of this technology relate to protective equipment that includes: (a) a base member (e.g., formed from one or more component parts); (b) a bladder engaged with the base member; and (c) a securing system (e.g., including one or more straps, one or more elastic bands (or sleeves), etc.) engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, the securing system being configured to releasably secure the protective equipment to a wearer's body (e.g., by one or more of a snap connector, a button connector, a buckle connector, a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, a magnetic connector, an elastic band, etc.). In at least some examples of this technology, the bladder will include: (i) a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber, (ii) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening, (iii) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (iv) a resilient component (e.g., one or more foam members, one or more elastomeric members, etc.) located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration.

In use, an incident force is attenuated by releasably engaging a piece of protective equipment with a wearer's body, wherein the piece of protective equipment includes: (A) a base member (including one or more component parts); (B) a bladder engaged with the base member, and (C) a securing system engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, the securing system releasably engaging the piece of protective equipment with the wearer's body. In some examples of this technology, the bladder will include: (i) a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber, (ii) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening, (iii) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and (iv) a resilient component located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration. During use, an incident force is applied to the piece of protective equipment at a location to apply force to a surface of the bladder included with the protective equipment, wherein the applying the force causes: (i) the resilient component to change from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve. After this initial force subsides, fluid is admitted into the interior chamber through the first through hole opening, and the first through hole opening is sized to delay expansion of the resilient component to the expanded configuration. The incident force may be due to contact with the protective equipment by a game projectile, by another person, and/or by the ground or other surface or component.

Still additional aspects of this technology relate to protective equipment (e.g., sports protective equipment, such as: a shin guard, a knee pad, a thigh pad, an elbow pad, an arm pad, a chest protector, shoulder pads, a helmet, a rib protector, an abdomen protector, sliding shorts, and a sports flak jacket) including such bladders and/or to methods of making and/or using the bladders and/or protective equipment, e.g., of the types described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate bladders, protective equipment, and their use in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate other examples of bladders, protective equipment, and potential features thereof in accordance with some examples of this technology;

FIG. 4 shows a view similar to FIG. 1E but illustrating additional or alternative features of bladders and protective equipment in accordance with some examples of this technology; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show views similar to FIGS. 1E and 1F, respectively, but illustrating additional or alternative features of bladders and protective equipment in accordance with some examples of this technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of protective equipment structures and components according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

“Protective equipment,” as that term is used herein, means a device carried by a human body (e.g., worn by a user) for covering at least a portion of the wearer's body (e.g., a shin, a knee, a leg, an arm, an elbow, a chest, ribs, abdomen, kidneys, etc.). “Protective equipment” may include separate sections, e.g., one section for protecting a shin with another section for protecting a knee, separate sections separated by a gap or bend line, etc. In some examples of this technology, “protective equipment” may include “non-footwear” type protective equipment and/or “non-glove” type protective equipment (e.g., protective equipment for other than a wearer's foot (feet) and/or hand(s)). “Protective equipment” may include all types of shin guards, knee pads, thigh pads, elbow pads, arm pads, chest protectors, shoulder pads, helmets, rib protectors, abdomen protectors, sliding shorts, and sports flak jackets. “Protective equipment” may include sports equipment as well as non-sports equipment (e.g., equipment worn on the job and/or used in non-sports related activities).

This application and/or its claims may use the terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These terms are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific terms in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same term be used in the claims to refer to the same structure (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “third” in the specification may correspond to any numerical adjective used for that component or feature in the claims).

The term “resilient” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, refers to a property of a component (e.g., a material or a structure) that enables the component to recoil, spring, or return back to its original size and/or shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. “Resilient” components may include materials, such as open cell foams, closed cell foams, rubbers, elastomers, resilient plastics, and the like and/or may include structures or components, such as blocks of material including resilient materials, springs, mechanical shock absorbing elements, etc.

Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example bladders, protective equipment, and methods in accordance with this technology follows. Where the same reference number appears in multiple figures, the same or similar part is being referenced (including any applicable options or alternatives for that part), and at least some of the overlapping description of that part may be omitted.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate bladders 200, protective equipment 100 including such bladders 200, and their use in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. More specifically: FIG. 1A shows a bladder 200 structure in accordance with some aspects of this technology (e.g., for a shin guard); FIG. 1B provides a larger view of a portion of the bladder 200 of FIG. 1A to show the example fluid line and valve components; FIG. 1C shows a sectional view of a piece of protective equipment 100 (e.g., a shin guard) taken at line 1C-1C in FIG. 1D; FIG. 1D shows a front view of a piece of protective equipment 100 (e.g., a shin guard); FIG. 1E shows a cross sectional view of a bladder 200 and protective equipment 100 in an expanded configuration; FIG. 1F shows a cross sectional view of bladder 200 and protective equipment 100 in a compressed configuration; and FIG. 1G illustrates use of bladder 200 in some examples of this technology.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, this example bladder 200 includes a thermoplastic envelope (e.g., formed from one or more thermoplastic sheets 200A and 200B fixed together at a seam 208) defining an interior chamber 200I that is movable between an expanded configuration (see FIG. 1E) and a compressed configuration (see FIG. 1F). The seam 208 may comprise a continuous outer perimeter seam that extends around an entire exterior perimeter of the bladder 200 except at a single location where fluid line 220 interrupts the seam 208. The bladder 200 may include other seams 208 as well, e.g., interior seams where the interior surfaces of thermoplastic sheets 200A, 200B are fixed to one another (e.g., by welding or adhesives), e.g., to control the overall shape of the bladder 200 when inflated. At least one through hole opening 206 (and in some examples, plural through hole openings 206) is (are) defined through the thermoplastic envelope (e.g., through one or more of thermoplastic sheet 200A and/or 200B). The through hole opening(s) 206 permit fluid from an external environmental area 150 to enter the interior chamber 200I.

A fluid line 220 in fluid communication with the interior chamber 200I and with the external environmental area 150, and this fluid line 220 is separate from the through hole opening(s) 206. At least one valve 230 is located and configured with respect to the fluid line 220 (e.g., within the fluid line 220) to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber 200I via the fluid line 220 but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area 150 from entering the interior chamber 200I via the fluid line 220.

The interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 further includes a resilient component 210 (e.g., one or more foam and/or elastomeric components). The resilient component 210 applies a force to the thermoplastic envelope (e.g., to one or both thermoplastic sheets 200A, 200B) in a direction toward the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 1E.

Bladders 200 of the types shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be incorporated into a piece of protective equipment 100. See FIGS. 1C-1F (the broken lines in FIG. 1D show potential locations of the outer perimeter edge of the bladder 200's interior chamber 200I formed by seam 208 and the resilient component(s) 210)). In such protective equipment 100 structures, the piece of protective equipment 200 further may include a protective component base member 102. The base member 102 may be made from one or more component parts, such as one or more rigid shell 102S parts (e.g., formed from one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, and a plastic material); one or more foam and/or fabric component 102F parts (e.g., for direct contact with a wearer's body to provide a comfortable feel); and/or the like. The bladder 200 may be engaged with (fixed to and/or with respect to) the base member 102 (e.g., engaged with one or more of the rigid shell 102S parts and/or one or more foam and/or fabric component 102F parts), e.g., by one or more mechanical connectors, by adhesives, etc. The base member 102 (e.g., one or more of the rigid shell 102S parts and/or one or more foam and/or fabric component 102F parts) may include one or more openings 106 (e.g., vent holes). In at least some examples of this technology, one or more of the openings 106 in the base member 102 may at least partially align (e.g., axially align) with a corresponding through hole opening 206 of the bladder 200, e.g., to enable air from the external environmental area 150 to enter the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 through openings 106 and 206.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, in this illustrated example, the base member 102 includes a body-facing surface 102B and an opposite surface 102X configured to face away from the wearer's body. In some examples of this technology, the bladder 200 may be located adjacent the body-facing surface 102B. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1C, the body-facing surface 102B may define a concave receptacle that is configured to receive the bladder 200 and/or shaped to partially surround a portion of a wearer's body. The bladder 200 may be fixed to the body-facing surface 102B, e.g., via adhesive, via one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., that extend through the seam 208), via a sewn seam (e.g., that extends through the seam 208), etc.

Protective equipment 100 of these illustrated examples further include a securing system 120, e.g., configured to extend around at least a portion of a wearer's body and/or releasably secure the protective equipment 100 to a wearer's body. In these illustrated examples, the securing system 120 includes one or more straps (which may or may not have elasticity or stretchability) and/or one or more elastic bands. The securing system 120 is engaged with at least one of the base member 102 (e.g., with one or more rigid shell 102S parts and/or with one or more foam or fabric component 102F parts) or the bladder 200.

In some examples of this technology, the securing system 120 may include a single strap or band 120B that extends continuously from one side edge 102E of the base member 102 to the other side edge 102E of the base member 102. This single strap or band 120B may be permanently fixed at each side edge 102E to thereby form—with the base member 102—an enclosed region 122 (e.g., optionally a sleeve or receptacle) for receiving a portion of the wearer's body (e.g., arm, leg, shin, thigh, abdomen, ribs, etc.). Alternatively, the single strap or band 120B may be equipped with a portion 130A of a releasable connector 130 at least at one end thereof, e.g., that releasably engages another portion 130B of the releasable connector 130, e.g., provided on the base member 102 and/or the bladder 200. Such releasable connectors 130 may include one or more of: a snap connector, a button connector, a buckle connector, a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, and a magnetic connector. As another option or alternative, if desired, the securing system 120 may include two or more strap portions (e.g., 124A and 124B shown in FIG. 1C) that may be releasably secured together, e.g., by one or more of a snap connector, a button connector, a buckle connector, a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, a magnetic connector, a tied knot, etc. Because FIG. 1C shows various options for strap system 120, the releasable connectors 130 and 134 are shown in broken lines. Straps 120B, 124A, and 124B and/or the releasable connectors 130, 134 for straps 120B, 124A, 124B (when present) may be of types conventionally known and used in the protective equipment arts.

FIG. 1D shows a piece of protective equipment 100 as a shin guard that includes two separate sets of securing straps 120—one to secure the shin guard below the knee and another to secure the shin guard lower on the leg, closer to the ankle. The two sets of securing straps 120 may be of the same type or style or of different types or styles. The securing straps 120 of FIG. 1D may have any of the structural features and/or options described for straps 120B, 124A, and/or 124B, including fixed/permanent connections to the base member 102 and/or releasable connectors (e.g., of any of the types described above for connectors 130, 134). Securing straps 120 in the example of FIG. 1D may be of types conventionally known and used in the shin guard art.

This example bladder 200 structure and potential functions thereof will be described in more detail additionally in conjunction with FIGS. 1E-1G. This example bladder 200 includes a thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., formed from a first thermoplastic layer 200A fixed to a second thermoplastic layer 200B at a seam 208). Exterior surface 200AX of bladder 200 may be at least partially exposed in the final protective equipment 100 structure, and/or exterior surface 200BX may face and/or contact a base member 102 component part (and may be engaged with a base member 102 component part). An interior chamber 200I is defined by the thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., between the first thermoplastic layer 200A and the second thermoplastic layer 200B and inside the seam 208). The first thermoplastic layer 200A and the second thermoplastic layer 200B may be formed from one or more sheets of thermoplastic elastomer material, including materials of the types that are conventionally known and used in the footwear bladder arts. The seam 208 can be formed in any suitable manner, including through the use of adhesives, welding techniques (e.g., RF welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.), including in manners as are conventionally known and used in the footwear bladder art. In some examples of this technology, the seam 208 may form a continuous perimeter seam that extends around an entire exterior perimeter of the bladder 200 except at a single location where fluid line 220 interrupts the seam 208. The seam 208 may form a base through which the bladder 200 may be engaged with a component part of the base member 102, e.g., by an adhesive, by stitching through the seam 208, by a mechanical connector extending through the seam 208, etc. Exterior surfaces 200AX and/or 200BX and/or the seam 208 of the bladder 200 may be attached to one or more component parts of the base member 102.

The interior chamber 200I of this example bladder 200 includes a foam material 210 located therein (e.g., formed from one or more foam component parts). The foam material 210 is shown in FIG. 1A-1C by diagonal hatching. The foam material 210 may be fixed to one or both interior surfaces 200AI, 200BI of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B, respectively, e.g., by adhesives. Alternatively, the foam material 210 may be unfixed within interior chamber 200I. The foam material 210 may be placed in the interior chamber 200I prior to formation of the seam 208 that fixes the first thermoplastic layer 200A with the second thermoplastic layer 200B (and thus fixes the foam material 210 within the interior chamber 200I). While FIGS. 1A-1F show the interior chamber 200I having multiple separate foam material 210 pieces (e.g., arranged in a plurality of rows and/or a plurality of columns and/or in a lattice or matrix arrangement), the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 may have any desired number of pieces of foam material 210 arranged in any desired manner, without departing from this technology.

This example bladder 200 further includes at least one fluid line (e.g., fluid line 220) in fluid communication with the interior chamber 200I and with (e.g., opening into) an external environmental area 150 (e.g. the open air). At least one valve (e.g., valve 230) is located within (or otherwise associated with) the fluid line 220 (shown simplified in FIG. 1A). The valve(s) 230 may comprise a one-way valve located and configured with respect to the fluid line 220 to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 via the fluid line 220 but to inhibit fluid from the external environmental area 150 from entering the interior chamber 200I via the fluid line 220. While other valve 230 constructions are possible, FIG. 1B shows valve 230 including: (a) a fixed valve component 230F (e.g., a valve seat component), (b) a movable valve component 230B (e.g., a ball) to open and close an opening 230O through the fixed valve component 230F, and (c) a biasing member 230S (e.g., spring, resilient member (such as a foam block), etc.) to bias the movable valve component 230B toward the fixed valve component 230F (so that the valve 230 typically is biased to a closed configuration). FIG. 1B shows the valve 230 in an open configuration or condition in which fluid pressure within interior chamber 200I applies a force to the movable valve component 230B (through opening 230O) that exceeds the biasing force applied to the movable valve component 230B by biasing member 230S (e.g., when a game projectile contacts and/or another force is applied to the bladder 200). This configuration unseats the movable valve component 230B from the fixed valve component 230F and opens fluid line 220 to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber 200I and move to the external environmental area 150. This valve 230 “crack pressure,” in some examples of this technology, may be approximately 0.5 psi (i.e., so that the valve 230 opens when pressure within the interior chamber 200I is at least 0.5 psi greater than the surrounding pressure in the external environmental area 150), and in some examples, within a range of 0.1 psi to 2 psi, or 0.25 psi to 1.25 psi.

When fluid pressure in the interior chamber 200I is not sufficient to move and/or hold the movable valve component 230B against the biasing force of biasing member 230S, the biasing member 230S will push the movable valve component 230B against the fixed valve component 230F, thereby placing fluid line 220 in a closed configuration or condition (with movable valve component 230B pushed tightly against fixed valve component 230F).

This example bladder 200 further includes one or more through hole openings 206 defined through the thermoplastic envelope or chamber wall (e.g., through at least one of the first thermoplastic layer 200A or the second thermoplastic layer 200B). The through hole opening(s) 206 open into the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 and permit fluid from the external environmental area 150 to enter the interior chamber 200I. The through hole opening(s) 206, however, is/are sized shaped, and arranged so that fluid enters the interior chamber 200I through the through hole opening(s) 206 at a rate that slows or delays re-expansion of the foam material 210 in the interior chamber 200I to its full expanded configuration. As a more specific example, if foam material 210 was compressed or flattened in the open external environment area 150, it would re-expand at its natural rate (e.g., depending on porosity, type of foam material, atmospheric pressure, etc.). But, within interior chamber 200I, because through hole opening(s) 206 are small sized, fluid (e.g., air) from the external environmental area 150 will re-fill interior chamber 200I at a slowed rate. Thus, foam material 210 will re-expand at a slowed rate. In at least some examples of this technology, the through hole opening(s) 206 will be sized, spaced, and/or relatively positioned such that foam material 210 may take from 2 to 10 seconds to re-expand to its expanded size within the interior chamber 200I. Foam material 210 may apply a force against the interior surfaces 200AI, 200BI of the interior chamber 200I at least during some period of its re-expansion.

Thus, the through hole opening(s) 206 typically will be small sized to delay and control (e.g., tune) the refilling rate of the interior chamber 200I and re-expansion of the foam material 210. As some more specific examples, the through hole opening(s) 206 may define a length direction (an “axial” direction) extending through one of the first thermoplastic layer 200A or the second thermoplastic layer 200B and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening 206. At least one (and optionally some or even all) of the through hole openings 206 may have a width dimension across the width direction (e.g., a diameter or a longest diagonal dimension) of less than 2 mm, and in some examples, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.75 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. One, some, or all of the through hole openings 206 may have a “pinpoint” size (e.g., less than 0.3 mm in diameter or longest diagonal dimension in the width direction). The through hole openings 206 shown in FIGS. 1A-1G may be somewhat exaggerated in size to assure they are clearly discernible in these drawings.

FIGS. 1E-1G further illustrate some example uses of aspects of this technology when interacting with a game projectile 240 or otherwise exposed to an incident force (e.g., due to contact with the ground or another surface, due to contact with another person, etc.). While the discussion below specifically uses the term “game ball,” another type of projectile (e.g., a hockey puck) and/or another type of incident force may interact with the bladder 200 in the same general manner as the game ball 240. Prior to the interaction, the foam material 210 in the bladder 200 may be in an expanded configuration, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1E and at the top left of FIG. 1G. When the game ball 240 or other incident force is applied to the bladder 200 (directly if the bladder 200 is exposed at the exterior of the protective equipment 100 or through a layer of the protective equipment 100, such as base member 102), the impact force F1 (if sufficient) will compress the foam material 210 and force fluid (e.g., air) out of the interior chamber 200I through the first fluid line 220 (assuming the fluid force generated inside interior chamber 200I is sufficient to move the movable valve component 230B away from the fixed valve component 230F against the biasing force of biasing member 230S). See impact force arrow F1 and fluid flow arrow 270 in the top middle of FIG. 1G. This action changes: (a) bladder 200 thickness from T1 to T2, and (b) changes foam material 210 and bladder 200 from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration, as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 1E and 1F and a comparison of the top-middle and top-right portions of FIG. 1G. In some examples of this technology, the expanded thickness T1 of the bladder 200 may be at least 2 mm, and in some examples, at least 2.5 mm, at least 3 mm, or even at least 4 mm. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the expanded thickness T1 may be less than 25 mm, and in some examples, less than 20 mm, less than 16 mm, or even less than 12 mm.

Once the impact force F1 is sufficiently relaxed or removed (e.g., as the game ball 240 begins to move away from the bladder 200 and/or its motion is stopped), the movable valve component 230B will re-seat on the fixed valve component 230F (due to force from biasing member 230S) thereby sealing fluid line 220. Because through hole opening(s) 206 are small, fluid from the external environmental area 150 will begin to be admitted to the interior chamber 200I through the through hole opening(s) 206, but at an overall fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material 210 back to its expanded configuration. See fluid arrows F2 at the bottom left of FIG. 1G. Thus, expansion of the foam material 210 may continue even after the game ball 240 is away from the bladder 200. While foam material 210 may push outward on the interior surfaces 200AI and 200BI of the bladder 200, the slow entry of air into the interior chamber 200I via through hole opening(s) 206 delays transfer of the foam material 210 to its expanded state. Over time, fluid from the external environmental area 150 will re-expand the bladder 200 and the foam material 210 to their expanded configurations. See FIG. 1E and the bottom right of FIG. 1G.

As noted above, the number and/or overall size of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be controlled to control or tune the rate of re-expansion of the foam material 210. As some more specific examples, the number, overall size(s), and/or arrangements of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected so that the foam material 210 re-expansion rate within the interior chamber 200I may take up to 12 seconds, up to 10 seconds, from 1 to 10 seconds, from 2 to 10 seconds, from 2 to 8 seconds, or even from 2 to 6 seconds. Additionally, the thicknesses (e.g., note thickness dimension T3 in FIG. 1E) of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B or chamber wall(s) may be controlled to provide desired properties, such as desired mass properties (e.g., sufficiently lightweight), desired stiffness properties, sufficient durability, etc. The thicknesses of the thermoplastic layer(s) 200A, 200B may be varied over the surface area of the bladder 200. As some more specific examples, the thickness (e.g., T3) of the thermoplastic layers 200A, 200B or chamber wall(s) may be constant or varied and/or within a range of 20 to 1000 microns, and in some examples, from 25 to 500 microns, or from 30 to 300 microns.

Because of the presence of the foam material 210, the change of the foam material 210 from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration in response to contact with the game ball 240 or other applied force, and the slowed re-expansion rate of the foam material 210, at least some impact force of the game ball 240 or other force with the bladder 200 will be absorbed. This may assist the wearer in catching the game ball 240 or it may cause the game ball 240 to bound away from the bladder 200 with less force than would be the case if the foam material 210 and bladder 200 were not present and/or if the foam material 210 was permitted to quickly re-expand to its expanded state. If the wearer does not catch the ball, the absorption of some game ball 240 rebound force will tend to cause the game ball 240 to bounce away less aggressively than otherwise would be the case, thereby keeping the game ball 240 closer to the player that contacted it. These features can help the player maintain control and possession of the game ball 240.

The foam material 210 may comprise a resilient polymer foam (e.g., an open cell foam material), such as a polyurethane foam, an ethylvinylacetate foam, or other foam material (e.g., foam rubbers, closed cell foams, etc.). Any desired size and/or volume of foam material 210 may be provided in the interior chamber 200I in various specific examples of this technology. As some more specific examples, the interior chamber 200I may define a first volume V1 (e.g., the volume defined by the first thermoplastic layer 200A, the second thermoplastic layer 200B, and inside the seam 208). In the fully expanded configuration within the interior chamber 200I, the foam material 210 (e.g., the combined volume of all foam material 210 pieces within the interior chamber 200I) may define a volume of V2. In some examples of this technology: (a) V2 may be at least 50% of V1, at least 60% of V1, or even at least 75% of V1, and/or (b) V2 may be less than 98% of V1, and in some examples, less than 95% of V1, less than 90% of V1, or even less than 85% of V1.

Various properties of the foam material 210 (or other resilient components described below) may be controlled to provide the desired properties and response (e.g., ball interaction properties). As some more specific examples, the foam material 210's resilience properties may be varied, e.g., to provide the desired ball rebound effects. For example, the foam material 210 may have a resiliency of 0 to 80% (e.g., measured in a ball drop test (e.g., according to ASTM Standard D2632) in which the resiliency percentage corresponds to the ball's rebound height (RH) as a percentage of the ball drop height (DH), i.e., (Resiliency=RH/DH×100)). In some examples, the resiliency will be within a range of 2% to 70%, or 2.5% to 50%. Additionally or alternatively, the foam material 210 may have various stiffness properties. As some more specific examples, the foam material 210's secant stiffness (measuring using a load of 2000N) may be within a range of 15-1000 N/mm, and in some examples, within a range of 20-800 N/mm or even 25-600 N/mm.

Many variations in the size, shape, and/or location of the bladder 200 and/or the number and/or arrangement of the foam material 210 components may be provided in other specific examples of this technology. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates another example piece of protective equipment 100A in accordance with some aspects of this technology in the form of a chest protector (e.g., for baseball, softball, etc.). In this illustrated example, the bladder 200 (whose outer perimeter edge of the interior chamber 200I is shown in broken lines in FIG. 2) extends to cover all or substantially all of chest and front core of a wearer's body. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 2 as are used in FIGS. 1A-1G discussed above, the same or similar parts and/or features are being referenced (including any of the features, options, or alternatives described above for those parts and/or features), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. The protective equipment 100A of FIG. 2 may function in the same manner as the protective equipment 100 of FIGS. 1C-1G and/or have any one or more of the properties of that protective equipment 100, including but not limited to: the thickness properties; the foam re-expansion properties; the volume and relative volume properties (e.g., V1 and V2 described above); the resiliency properties; and/or the stiffness properties.

The example protective equipment 100A shown in FIG. 2 includes a base member 102. This base member 102 may comprise one or more component parts, e.g., such as a rigid shell type base member (e.g., akin to component 102S described above) and/or a more comfortable foam or fabric type base member (e.g., akin to component 102F described above). The base member 102 may include component parts for a chest protector as are conventionally known and used in the art.

The bladder 200 may be engaged with the base member 102 of the protective equipment 100A in any desired manner, e.g., by adhesives or cements, by stitching (at least one sewn seam), by mechanical fasteners, etc. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the bladder(s) 200 may be releasably engaged one or more base member 102 components. An exterior surface of the bladder 200 may be engaged to a surface of one or more base member 102 components. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the bladder 200 may be fixed between layers of the base member 102 and/or located within a pocket provided in the base member 102 and/or located at least partially inside an outermost layer of the base member 102. Optionally, in at least some examples of this technology, the bladder 200 may be at least partially exposed in the final protective equipment 100A structure (e.g., through one or more openings provided in the base member 102). An exterior surface of the bladder 200 may be fixed to the base member 102, e.g., in any of the manners described above for the example of FIGS. 1C-1F.

The protective equipment 100A of this example further includes a securing system 120 configured to releasably secure the protective equipment 100A to a wearer's body. In this illustrated example, the securing system 120 includes one or more straps 120B (which may have elasticity or stretchability). The straps 120B may be releasably connected to one another and/or to the base member 102 and/or to the bladder 200. The straps 120B may be configured to extend over the wearer's shoulders, around the wearer's back, and around the wearer's sides to define a receptacle for the core of the wearer's body (with the bladder 200 portion of the chest protector 100A positioned in front of the wearer's chest to absorb forces incident on the wearer's chest).

Similar to the examples of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D, the example protective equipment 100A of FIG. 2 includes a fluid line 220 and valve 230 configuration of the types described above. While other options are possible, the fluid line 220 of this example opens into the bottom central portion of the bladder 200. As other alternatives, if desired, the fluid line 220 and valve 230 structure could be provided to open at a side of the bladder 200 of the protective equipment 100A, at the top of the bladder 200, or at another desired location.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example piece of protective equipment 100B structure in accordance with some aspects of this technology. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 3 as are used in FIGS. 1A-2 discussed above, the same or similar parts and/or features are being referenced (including any of the features, options, or alternatives described above for those parts and/or features), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. The protective equipment 100B of FIG. 3 may function in the same general manner as the protective equipment 100, 100A of FIGS. 1A-2 and/or have any one or more of the properties of that protective equipment 100, 100A described above, including but not limited to: the thickness properties; the foam re-expansion properties; the volume and relative volume properties (e.g., V1 and V2 described above); the resiliency properties; and/or the stiffness properties.

The example protective equipment 100B of FIG. 3 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but the seam 208 of bladder 200 in FIG. 3 (e.g., where interior surfaces 200AI, 200BI of the two thermoplastic elastomer sheets 200A, 200B are fixed together to form the interior chamber 200I) includes one or more inwardly extending seam segments 208S that form one or more bend lines for the protective equipment 100B. As shown in the specific example of FIG. 3, these example seam segments 208S extend inward from an outer perimeter bladder edge (e.g., inward from the outermost perimeter edge of the interior chamber 200I). Thus, in this example, the seam 208 forming the outer perimeter edge of the bladder 200 interior chamber 200I additionally extends inward at one or more locations toward an interior location within the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, seam segment 200S1 extends inward from an outer perimeter of the bladder 200 interior chamber 200I toward point X. Similarly, seam segment 200S2 extends inward from an outer perimeter of the bladder 200 interior chamber 200I at the opposite side of the bladder 200 toward point X. In at least some examples of this technology, at least one of seam segments 208S1 and/or 208S2 will stop short of point X so that a portion of the interior chamber 200I is located and remains open between the first seam segment 208S1 and the second seam segment 208S2. In this manner, the entire interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 may remain in fluid communication (so that the bladder 200 includes a single open interior chamber 200I). The bend lines, when present, may help the bladder 200 and protective equipment 100B more comfortably conform to the shape of a wearer's body and provide better freedom of movement. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, one or more bend lines may be formed by one or more interior seams (fixing the interior surfaces 200AI and 200BI of the sheets 200A, 200B of thermoplastic elastomer material forming the bladder 200) that are spaced inward from the outer perimeter seam 208 and/or inward from an outer perimeter edge of the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200. Note, for example, seam 200S3 shown in FIG. 3. Such interior seams 208S3 may provide bend lines and/or help control the shape of the bladder 200 when inflated.

Similar to the examples of FIGS. 1A and 2, the example protective equipment 100B of FIG. 3 includes a fluid line 220 and valve 230 configuration of the types described above. While other options are possible, the fluid line 220 of this example opens into the bottom central area of the bladder 200's interior chamber 200I. As other examples, if desired, the fluid line 220 and valve 230 structure could be provided to open at a side of the bladder 200 of the protective equipment 100B, at the top of the bladder 200, or at another desired location.

As evident from FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1D, 2, and 3, bladders 200, bladder interior chambers 200I, base members 102, resilient components, protective equipment 100, 100A, 100B, and the arrangements of these parts may take on a wide variety of sizes, shapes, looks, feels, and/or ornamental appearances without affecting the ability of the bladder(s) 200 to perform their desired impact force attenuation and/or delayed foam re-expansion functionalities. The specific sizes, shapes, arrangements, and/or ornamental appearances of the bladders 200, resilient component(s) (e.g., foam member(s) 210), base member(s) 102, and/or protective equipment 100, 100A, 100B components can vary widely and still perform the desired functions. Thus, the specifically illustrated ornamental appearances of the bladders 200, resilient component(s) (e.g., foam member(s) 210), base member(s) 102, and/or protective equipment 100, 100A, 100B components shown in this application are not critical to performance of the desired functions.

In all of the bladder 200 structures described herein, the size(s) of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected to control (tune) the rate at which fluid (e.g., air) from the external environmental area 150 enters the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 and re-expands the foam material 210 (or other resilient member). As some more specific examples of this technology, the size(s) of the through hole opening(s) 206 may be selected so that it takes from 2 seconds to 12 seconds for the foam material 210 and/or bladder chamber or lobes to change from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration.

The protective equipment 100, 100A, 100B structures of FIGS. 1C-1F, 2, and 3 may include additional features that enable a user to further control or tune this re-expansion rate. In any of these example bladders 200, one or more cover members may be provided, e.g., positioned and configured to selectively change one or more of the plurality of through hole openings 206 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. As a more specific example, a cover member 306 may be provided as a separate component that is engageable with the bladder 200 to cover one or more through hole openings 206 and place the through hole opening(s) 206 in a closed configuration. See FIG. 3. The cover member 306 may constitute a plastic sheet, such as a strip of adhesive tape or a sticker. One or more cover members 306 may be provided, e.g., covering any desired number of through hole openings 206. By covering and/or uncovering one or more through hole openings 206 using cover member(s) 306, an overall fluid entry rate into the interior chamber 200I of the bladder 200 can be altered, and thus the foam material 210 (or other resilient component) re-expansion rate can be controlled and tuned.

While the example bladders 200 shown in FIGS. 1A-3 include a single fluid line 220 and valve 230 combination, if desired, a bladder 200 may include two or more fluid lines 220, two or more valves 230, and/or two or more fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations in fluid communication with the interior chamber 200I. In other words, two (or more) valves 230, two or more fluid lines 220, and/or two or more fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations of the types described above (e.g., in conjunction with FIG. 1B) may be in fluid communication with a single interior chamber 200I of bladder 200. Any of the bladders 200 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3 may include two or more fluid lines 220, two or more valves 230, and/or two or more fluid line 220 and valve 230 combinations. Additionally or alternatively, while the example bladders 200 shown in FIGS. 1A-3 have a single open interior chamber 200I (i.e., the entire interior chamber 200I is in open fluid communication in these examples), other example bladders in accordance with aspects of this technology may have separated and independent interior chambers that are not in fluid communication with one another. In such bladder structures, a separate fluid line 220 and/or a separate valve 230 may be provided for each independent interior chamber (at least for each independent chamber where the above described deflation and/or controlled re-inflation features are desired).

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the valve(s) 230 and/or fluid line(s) 220 may be equipped with a switch 280. Switch 280, shown schematically in FIG. 1B, may be used to selectively enable or disable fluid flow through the valve(s) 230 and/or fluid line(s) 220. The switch(es) 280, when present, may function in any desired manner in different examples of this technology. For example, switch(es) 280 may selectively place a switch part in a position to physically prevent movement of the movable valve component 230B (e.g., to hold the movable valve component 230B either in the open position or the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, as another example, switch(es) 280 may include components that will move to physically bend or kink fluid line 220 and/or physically crush or pinch fluid line 220 to place the fluid line 220 in a closed configuration (e.g., if the fluid line 220 includes a flexible and/or resilient portion). Thus, the switch(es) 280 may have the structure and/or function of a clamp to clamp fluid line 220 closed. In these manners, users can determine whether or not they wish to activate the functions of the bladders 200 (e.g., as described above). With at least some switch 280 structures, the bladders 200 may be held in either an expanded configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1E) or a compressed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1F), e.g., depending on the configuration when the fluid line 220 is closed. To maintain the bladder 200 in the compressed configuration, one or more cover members 306 may be applied to block the through hole opening(s) 206. Switch(es) 280 of these types may be provided with any one or more of the fluid lines 220 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3.

FIG. 4 shows a view of an example bladder 400 similar to the view of FIG. 1E, but with additional and/or different potential features. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 4 as used in FIG. 1E and/or the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (with any of the features, options, or variations for those parts as described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, in some examples of this technology, one or more of the first thermoplastic layer 200A and/or the second thermoplastic layer 200B (e.g., interior surface(s) 200AI, 200BI), the interior chamber 200I, and/or the foam material 210 may include or be treated with (e.g., coated, sprayed, etc.) a biocide material, desiccant, or other growth inhibiting material 402, e.g., to prevent development of mold and/or mildew within the interior chamber 200I.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, some examples of this technology may include an air permeable membrane 404 over one or more of the through hole openings 206. Such air permeable membranes 404 may allow air to pass through but prevent water from passing into the interior chamber 200I (e.g., a waterproof/breathable membrane, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene film). Air transmission rates through the air permeable membrane(s) 404 also may be controlled (e.g., based on the density and/or thickness of the membrane(s) 404) to provide control, tuning, and/or setting of a desired foam re-expansion rate.

FIG. 4 further shows that this example bladder 400 includes a multi-layer foam (e.g., with a first foam material 210 layer and a second foam material 210C layer shown in the example of FIG. 4). Any number of foam layers may be provided, and the individual foam layers may have foam materials 210, 210C with different properties (e.g., different thicknesses, different densities, different porosities, different resiliencies, different stiffnesses (e.g., secant stiffnesses), etc.). As one more specific example, the innermost foam material (e.g., foam material 210C in this illustrated example) may have a lower density or stiffness while the outermost foam material (e.g., foam material 210 in this illustrated example) may have a greater density or stiffness. In this manner, the foam materials 210, 210C may provide a softer feel against the wearer's body. Additionally or alternatively, different foam layers and foam materials may be provided at targeted locations on the overall protective equipment 100, 100A, 100B structure.

Any one or more of the additional or alternative features described above in conjunction with FIG. 4 also may be incorporated into any of the other examples of this technology described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the specific features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-3 also may be used along with the example structures and features of FIG. 4.

While the discussion above relates to structures that include foam materials 210, 210A, 210C in the interior chamber 200I of a bladder 200, other resilient materials may be used. As some more specific examples, resilient materials and/or resilient components other than foams may be provided within the interior chamber 200I in place of foam material 210, 210A, 210C, such as a resilient plastic block, an elastomeric material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers), a rubber material, etc.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views similar to the views of FIGS. 1E and 1F, respectively, but with some other potential features. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 5A and 5B as used in FIGS. 1E and 1F and/or the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (with any of the features, options, or variations for those parts as described above), and much of the overlapping description may be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some examples of this technology, a bladder 500 may be equipped with one or more resilient components 502 (two non-foam resilient components 502 are shown in the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The resilient component(s) 502 may be a block of rubber, elastomer, or other resilient plastic material. In this illustrated example, the resilient components 502 comprise mechanical resilient components in the form of a spring, such as a helical spring, conical spring, coil spring, leaf spring, compression spring, Belleville spring, or other types of springs. Other types of mechanical shock absorbing structures also may be provided as one or more resilient components 502 in other specific examples of this technology. FIG. 5A shows this example bladder 500 in an expanded condition (with resilient component(s) 502 in an expanded state), and FIG. 5B shows this example bladder 500 in a compressed configuration (with resilient component(s) 502 in a compressed state).

The additional or alternative features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 5A and 5B also may be incorporated into any of the other examples of this technology described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-4. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the specific features described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-4 also may be used along with the example structures and features of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Different types of resilient components may be used in a single bladder 200, 400, 500 and/or protective component 100, 100A, 100B structure. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples of this technology, a single bladder 200, 400, 500 or protective component 100, 100A, 100B structure may include one or more foam type resilient components (e.g., foam material 210, 210A, 210C) in combination with one or more non-foam resilient components of the types described above.

Additionally, if desired, a single protective component 100, 100A, 100B may include two or more separate bladders of the types described above. As some more specific examples, protective component 100A and/or 100B of the types shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may include two or more separate bladders (e.g., a right side bladder and a left side bladder; right side, middle, and left side bladders; a top bladder and a bottom bladder; top, bottom, and middle bladders, etc.). When two or more bladders 200 are present in a single piece of protective equipment, the two (or more) bladders 200 may be in fluid communication with one another or they may be in fluid isolation from one another. If in fluid isolation, each independent bladder 200 where the desired impact force attenuation and re-expansion properties are desired may be equipped with a separate fluid line 220, a separate valve 230, and/or a separate fluid line 220 and valve 230 combination. In some examples of this technology where multiple fluid lines 220 are present, two or more fluid lines may share a common valve 230.

While the above discussion focuses primarily on protective equipment for sport activities and sport environments and uses (e.g., protecting a wearer from contact with a game ball or other projectile and/or protecting a wearer from contact with another player or with a surface), protective equipment in accordance with aspects of this technology may be useful for other activities as well, including “non-sport” related activities and “non-sport” environments and/or uses, such as protective equipment for work uses, for children, for those prone to falls, etc. In some examples of this technology, the protective equipment need not be worn on and/or secured to a human body; but rather, the protective equipment may comprise padding for other objects, such as for use in packing, packaging, shipping, moving, storage, furniture, etc.

Conclusion

The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to this technology, not to limit the scope of the claimed invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the presently claimed invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:

• • Clause 1. Protective equipment, comprising:
    • a base member;
    • a bladder engaged with the base member, the bladder including:
      • (A) a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber,
      • (B) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening,
      • (C) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and
      • (D) a resilient component located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration; and
    • a securing system engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, the securing system being configured to releasably secure the protective equipment to a wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 2. The protective equipment according to Clause 1, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.
  • Clause 3. The protective equipment according to Clause 2, wherein the resilient component is configured to change between an expanded state and a compressed state within the interior chamber.
  • Clause 4. The protective equipment according to Clause 3, wherein a sufficient external force applied to the thermoplastic envelope causes: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the resilient component from the expanded state to the compressed state.
  • Clause 5. The protective equipment according to Clause 4, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the resilient component has changed to the compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.
  • Clause 6. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 2 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings defines a length direction extending through one of thermoplastic envelope and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening, and wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.
  • Clause 7. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the resilient component includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an open cell foam material; a closed cell foam material; a rubber material; an elastomeric material; a resilient plastic material; and a spring.
  • Clause 8. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the resilient component is in a compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the resilient component to an expanded state.
  • Clause 9. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the bladder includes one or more seams defining the interior chamber.
  • Clause 10. The protective equipment according to Clause 9, wherein the one or more seams include one or more seam segments forming a first bend line for the bladder.
  • Clause 11. The protective equipment according to Clause 9, wherein the one or more seams include plural seam segments forming a plurality of bend lines for the bladder.
  • Clause 12. The protective equipment according to Clause 9, wherein the one or more seams define an outer perimeter bladder edge and plural seam segments extending inward from the outer perimeter bladder edge.
  • Clause 13. The protective equipment according to Clause 9, wherein the one or more seams define an outer perimeter bladder edge, a first seam segment extending from the outer perimeter bladder edge toward a first interior location of the interior chamber of the bladder, and a second seam segment extending from the outer perimeter bladder edge toward the first interior location and toward the first seam segment.
  • Clause 14. The protective equipment according to Clause 13, wherein the second seam segment does not extend to the first seam segment such that a portion of the interior chamber is located between the first seam segment and the second seam segment.
  • Clause 15. Protective equipment, comprising:
    • a base member;
    • a bladder engaged with the base member, the bladder including:
      • (A) a first thermoplastic layer fixed to a second thermoplastic layer at a seam, wherein an interior chamber is defined between the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer and inside the seam, and wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the first thermoplastic layer, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber,
      • (B) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening,
      • (C) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and
      • (D) a foam material located in the interior chamber; and
    • a securing system engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, the securing system being configured to releasably secure the protective equipment to a wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 16. The protective equipment according to Clause 15, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through at least one of the first thermoplastic layer and the second thermoplastic layer, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.
  • Clause 17. The protective equipment according to Clause 16, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber.
  • Clause 18. The protective equipment according to Clause 17, wherein a sufficient external force applied to the first thermoplastic layer causes: (a) fluid within the interior chamber to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve and (b) a change in the foam material from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration.
  • Clause 19. The protective equipment according to Clause 18, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the foam material has changed to the compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the foam material to the expanded configuration.
  • Clause 20. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings defines a length direction extending through one of the first thermoplastic layer or the second thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the respective through hole opening, and wherein each of the plurality of through hole openings has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.
  • Clause 21. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, wherein the seam comprises a continuous perimeter seam that extends around an entire exterior perimeter of the bladder except at a single location where the first fluid line interrupts the seam.
  • Clause 22. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 21, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber defines a first volume V1, wherein in the expanded configuration the foam material defines a second volume V2, and wherein V2 is at least 60% of V1.
  • Clause 23. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 21, wherein the foam material is configured to change between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber defines a first volume V1, wherein in the expanded configuration the foam material defines a second volume V2, and wherein V2 is at least 60% of V1 and less than 95% of V1.
  • Clause 24. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 23, wherein the first through hole opening defines a length direction extending through the first thermoplastic layer and a width direction extending across the first through hole opening, and wherein the first through hole opening has a width dimension across the width direction of less than 2 mm.
  • Clause 25. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 24, wherein the first through hole opening is sized such that when the foam material is in a compressed configuration, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the first through hole opening at a fluid entry rate that delays expansion of the foam material to an expanded configuration.
  • Clause 26. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 25, wherein the foam material includes a plurality of separated foam component parts.
  • Clause 27. The protective equipment according to Clause 26, wherein the plurality of separated foam component parts are arranged in a plurality of rows and/or a plurality of columns.
  • Clause 28. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 27, wherein the seam of the bladder includes one or more seam segments forming a first bend line for the bladder.
  • Clause 29. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 27, wherein the seam of the bladder includes plural seam segments forming a plurality of bend lines for the bladder.
  • Clause 30. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 27, wherein the seam of the bladder defines an outer perimeter bladder edge and plural seam segments extending inward from the outer perimeter bladder edge.
  • Clause 31. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 15 to 27, wherein the seam of the bladder defines an outer perimeter bladder edge, a first seam segment extending from the outer perimeter bladder edge toward a first interior location of the interior chamber of the bladder, and a second seam segment extending from the outer perimeter bladder edge toward the first interior location and toward the first seam segment.
  • Clause 32. The protective equipment according to Clause 31, wherein the second seam segment does not extend to the first seam segment such that a portion of the interior chamber is located between the first seam segment and the second seam segment.
  • Clause 33. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes a first elastic band configured to extend around a portion of the wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 34. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes a first strap configured to extend around a portion of the wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 35. The protective equipment according to Clause 34, wherein the securing system further includes a releasable connector engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, wherein the releasable connector releasably engages the first strap.
  • Clause 36. The protective equipment according to Clause 35, wherein the releasable connector includes at least a portion of one or more of: a snap connector, a button connector, a buckle connector, a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, and a magnetic connector.
  • Clause 37. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 34 to 36, wherein the securing system includes a second strap configured to extend around a portion of the wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 38. The protective equipment according to Clause 37, wherein the securing system further includes a second releasable connector engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, wherein the second releasable connector releasably engages the second strap.
  • Clause 39. The protective equipment according to Clause 38, wherein the second releasable connector includes at least a portion of one or more of: a snap connector, a button connector, a buckle connector, a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, and a magnetic connector.
  • Clause 40. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more elastic bands configured to extend around a portion of the wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 41. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes a first strap fixed to a first side of the base member, a second strap fixed to a second side of the base member, and a securing element for releasably engaging the first strap with respect to the second strap.
  • Clause 42. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes a first elastic band fixed to a first side edge of the base member and fixed to a second side edge of the base member.
  • Clause 43. The protective equipment according to Clause 42, wherein the securing system further includes a releasable connector engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, wherein the releasable connector releasably engages the first elastic band.
  • Clause 44. The protective equipment according to Clause 42, wherein the first elastic band and the base member form an enclosed receptacle for receiving a portion of a wearer's body or other object.
  • Clause 45. The protective equipment according to Clause 42, wherein the first elastic band and the base member form an enclosed receptacle for receiving a portion of a wearer's leg.
  • Clause 46. The protective equipment according to Clause 45, wherein the protective equipment comprises a shin guard and/or a knee pad.
  • Clause 47. The protective equipment according to Clause 42, wherein the first elastic band and the base member form an enclosed receptacle for receiving a portion of a wearer's arm.
  • Clause 48. The protective equipment according to Clause 47, wherein the protective equipment comprises an arm pad or elbow pad.
  • Clause 49. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes a first strap, a second strap, and a securing element for releasably engaging the first strap with respect to the second strap.
  • Clause 50. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more straps configured to releasably extend around the wearer's back.
  • Clause 51. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more elastic bands configured to releasably extend around the wearer's back.
  • Clause 52. The protective equipment according to Clause 50 or 51, wherein the protective equipment comprises a chest protector.
  • Clause 53. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more straps configured to releasably extend around the wearer's lower leg.
  • Clause 54. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more elastic bands configured to releasably extend around the wearer's lower leg.
  • Clause 55. The protective equipment according to Clause 53 or 54, wherein the protective equipment comprises a shin guard.
  • Clause 56. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more straps configured to releasably extend around the wearer's arm.
  • Clause 57. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 32, wherein the securing system includes one or more elastic bands configured to releasably extend around the wearer's arm.
  • Clause 58. The protective equipment according to Clause 56 or 57, wherein the protective equipment comprises an arm pad or elbow pad.
  • Clause 59. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 58, wherein the base member includes a body-facing surface and an opposite surface configured to face away from the wearer's body or other object, and wherein the bladder is located adjacent the body-facing surface.
  • Clause 60. The protective equipment according to Clause 59, wherein the body-facing surface defines a concave receptacle.
  • Clause 61. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 60, wherein the first through hole opening at least partially aligns with a corresponding through hole opening defined through the base member.
  • Clause 62. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 60, wherein the first through hole opening axially aligns with a corresponding through hole opening defined through the base member.
  • Clause 63. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 62, wherein the base member comprises a rigid material including at least one member selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, and a plastic material.
  • Clause 64. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 63, wherein the protective equipment comprises sports equipment.
  • Clause 65. The protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 64, wherein the protective equipment is configured to extend around and protect ribs and/or an abdomen of the wearer.
  • Clause 66. A method of attenuating an incident force, comprising:
    • releasably engaging a piece of protective equipment with a wearer's body or other object, wherein the piece of protective equipment includes: (A) a base member; (B) a bladder engaged with the base member, the bladder including:
      • (i) a thermoplastic envelope defining an interior chamber that is movable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein a first through hole opening is defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the first through hole opening permitting fluid from an external environmental area to enter the interior chamber,
      • (ii) a first fluid line in fluid communication with the interior chamber and with the external environmental area, wherein the first fluid line is separate from the first through hole opening,
      • (iii) a first valve located and configured with respect to the first fluid line to allow fluid to exit the interior chamber via the first fluid line but inhibiting fluid from the external environmental area from entering the interior chamber via the first fluid line, and
      • (iv) a resilient component located in the interior chamber, the resilient component applying a force to the thermoplastic envelope in a direction toward the expanded configuration; and
    • (C) a securing system engaged with at least one of the base member or the bladder, the securing system releasably engaging the piece of protective equipment with the wearer's body or other object;
      • applying an incident force to the piece of protective equipment at a location to apply force to a surface of a bladder included with the protective equipment, wherein the applying the force causes: (i) the resilient component to change from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration and (ii) fluid to exit the interior chamber through the first fluid line and the first valve; and
      • admitting fluid into the interior chamber through the first through hole opening, wherein the first through hole opening is sized to delay expansion of the resilient component to the expanded configuration.
  • Clause 67. The method according to Clause 66, wherein the resilient component comprises one or more foam members located within the interior chamber.
  • Clause 68. The method according to Clause 66 or 67, wherein the first through hole opening is one of a plurality of through hole openings defined through the thermoplastic envelope, the plurality of through hole openings permitting fluid from the external environmental area to enter the interior chamber.
  • Clause 69. The method according to Clause 68, wherein the plurality of through hole openings are sized such that when the resilient component has changed to the compressed state, fluid from the external environmental area is permitted to enter the interior chamber through the plurality of through hole openings at an overall fluid entry rate that delays re-expansion of the resilient component to the expanded state.
  • Clause 70. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the incident force applied to the piece of protective equipment results from a game projectile applying force to the piece of protective equipment.
  • Clause 71. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the incident force applied to the piece of protective equipment results from the wearer hitting the ground, floor, or another solid surface.
  • Clause 72. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the incident force applied to the piece of protective equipment results from the wearer contacting another person.
  • Clause 73. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 72, wherein the piece of protective equipment includes a member selected from the group consisting of: a shin guard, a knee pad, a thigh pad, an elbow pad, an arm pad, a chest protector, shoulder pads, a helmet, a rib protector, an abdomen protector, sliding shorts, and a sports flak jacket.
  • Clause 74. The method according to any one of Clauses 66 to 73, wherein the piece of protective equipment includes protective equipment according to any one of Clauses 1 to 65.