Energy Absorbent Protective Structure

Abstract

An improved protective structure has a significant energy absorbing or dissipating capability. The protective structure is a composite article that is deformable to a certain extent for the protection of the human body and other objects wherein the protective structure of the invention absorbs significant energies associated with impacts and sudden movements. The protective structure includes a primary or outer container or vessel which is deformable and has an inner compartment which preferably includes a defined volume of an incompressible fluid. The volume of fluid also includes compressible or deformable hollow capsules distributed within the interior compartment, wherein the liquid serves as the interstitial medium which surrounds the capsules, wherein the hollow capsules are filled with a compressible gas. During impacts or sudden movements, forces are distributed from the outer container wall to the interstitial liquid which distributes the forces to the capsules. The capsules themselves can deform when subjected to the energies and forces such that the entire composite structure serves to absorb and dissipate the energies and forces.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 702,386, filed Sep. 18, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a protective structure for protecting the human body and other damageable objects, and more particularly, to an energy absorbing and dissipating structure which is mountable to other objects to absorb and disburse kinetic energy and forces associated with impacts and sudden movements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are many types of objects which can be damaged by the kinetic energies associated with impacts and sudden movements. In one example, the human body is susceptible to injury by impacts and sudden movements which might occur during many activities, including sports, the driving of a vehicle, and during physical altercations and encounters. Inanimate objects also may be damaged by impacts a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a protective structure that can be attached to a helmet or directly to an object to dissipate kinetic energy during impacts or sudden movement. It is made up of flexible outer walls and a compressible gas inside a primary container. The protective structure has been tested and shown to absorb a significant amount of energy, protecting the object being protected.

Problems solved by technology

There are many types of objects which can be damaged by the kinetic energies associated with impacts and sudden movements.

In one example, the human body is susceptible to injury by impacts and sudden movements which might occur during many activities, including sports, the driving of a vehicle, and during physical altercations and encounters.

Inanimate objects also may be damaged by impacts and sudden movements.

The rigidity of the outer shell transfers the forces and energies associated with an impact or sudden movement, and therefore, has a low capacity for dissipating or absorbing the kinetic energies associated with such movements.

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