HK1195461A - Vibration dampening material - Google Patents

Description

Vibration damping material

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.13/084,866 filed on 12.4.2011, U.S. patent application No.13/084,866 is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.12/570,499 filed on 30.9.2009, U.S. patent application No.12/570,499 is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.11/873,825 filed on 17.10.2007 and a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.11/635,939 (abandoned) filed on 8.12.2006, U.S. patent application No.11/635,939 is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.11/304,079 (abandoned) filed on 15.12.2005 and a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.11/304,995 (abandoned) filed on 15.15.12.2005, both U.S. patent application nos. 11/304,079 and 11/304,995 are partial continuations of U.S. patent application No.11/019,568 (now U.S. patent 7,171,697) filed on 22.2004 Divisional continuation applications, U.S. patent application No.11/019,568 being a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.10/999,246 filed on 30.11.2004, U.S. patent application No.10/999,246 being U.S. patent application No.10/958,611 filed on 5.10.2004 (now U.S. patent 7,150,113), U.S. patent application No.10/958,941 filed on 5.10.2004 (abandoned), U.S. patent application No.10/958,767 filed on 5.10.5.2004, U.S. patent application No.10/958,952 filed on 5.10.5.2004, and a partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.10/958,745 filed on 5.10.2004, U.S. patent application No.10/958,611, U.S. patent application nos. 10/958,941, 10/958,767, 10/958,952, and 10/958,745 all being partial continuation of U.S. patent application No.10/856,215 filed on 28.5.28.2004 (now U.S. patent 6,942,586), U.S. patent application No.10/856,215 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No.10/659,560 (now U.S. patent 6,935,973) filed on 10/9/2003, and U.S. patent application No.10/659,560 is a divisional application of U.S. patent application No.09/939,319 (now U.S. patent 6,652,398) filed on 27/8/2001. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to materials suitable for reducing vibrations, and more particularly to multilayer materials suitable for dissipating and dispersing vibrations.

Background

Handles for sporting equipment, bicycles, hand tools, and the like are often made of wood, metal, or polymers that transmit vibrations that can cause discomfort to these items due to prolonged gripping. Sports equipment such as bats, balls, insoles and sidewalls of shoes, etc. may also transmit vibrations during impacts that often occur during sporting events. These vibrations can cause problems as they can potentially distract the athlete, negatively impact performance, and/or injure a portion of the athlete's body.

Rigid polymeric materials are commonly used to provide grips for tools and sporting equipment. The use of rigid polymers allows the user to maintain control of the device, but is not very effective in reducing vibration. While softer materials are known to provide better vibration regulation characteristics, such materials do not have the necessary rigidity for incorporation into athletic equipment, hand tools, shoes, and the like. The lack of rigidity enables unintended movement of the device wrapped in soft material relative to the user's hand or body.

Prolonged or repeated contact with excessive vibration can cause injury to humans. The desire to avoid such injuries may result in reduced performance and reduced efficiency of the exercise when working with the tool.

On the other hand, noise control solutions are becoming increasingly important in a variety of fields including commercial and industrial equipment, consumer electronics, transportation, and countless other specific areas. These applications require efficient and economical sound insulation materials that can be adapted to meet a wide variety of damping requirements.

Viscoelastic materials are commonly used in sound damping applications to provide hysteretic energy dissipation, i.e., damping provided by the yield or strain of the molecules of the material. These materials provide a rather limited damping efficiency by providing few pathways for energy dissipation and absorption. Viscoelastic materials that do possess an acceptable level of energy dissipation do so at the expense of increased material thickness and, in addition, do not provide the structural rigidity required in many of today's applications. In contrast, conventional composites have a high stiffness to weight ratio, however they typically exhibit poor damping characteristics.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a material that, in at least one embodiment, includes a composite vibration dissipative and insulating material comprising a first elastomeric layer and a second elastomeric layer. The reinforcement layer is disposed between and generally separates the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the material of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the material of FIG. 1 configured to form a grip;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the material of FIG. 1 configured to form an alternative grip;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a baseball bat with a sleeve-style covering over the handle area in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the ball bat and sleeve shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the result of applying an impact force on a covering according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative sleeve mounted on a different appliance;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 6 showing a sleeve according to yet another form of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an alternative covering according to the present invention installed on another type of appliance;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of yet another covering according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a hammer incorporating a vibration damping handle according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a portion of a handle incorporating a vibration dampening covering in accordance with the present invention; the handle grip may include an attached insert (also formed of the material of the present invention) located inside the hollow in the handle to effectively turn the handle structure into another layer of the material of the present invention (e.g., if the handle is formed of a composite material, the composite material would just form another layer of the material of the present invention);

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of another practice of the invention;

figures 13-16 are plan views of various forms of intermediate force dissipation layers for certain practices of the invention; FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing the rigid layer as a sealing sheet applied to the elastomeric layer;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device case having a panel stock (panel) of the material of the present invention; the sheet material may form the entire shell, or only a portion of the shell, without departing from the scope of the invention; the illustrated case may be used in a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a GPS device, a portable music playing device such as an mp3 player, a walkie-talkie, a handheld video game, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an insole formed of the material of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shoe having a blank formed from the material of the present invention; although the sheet is shown adjacent the heel, the size and location of the sheet may vary without departing from the scope of the invention; for example, a sheet of material may be placed along the sidewall of the shoe, in the sole or midsole, on the toe location of the shoe, or in the tongue, or the sheet of material may form the entire vamp portion of the shoe, etc.;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firearm with a grip having at least a panel formed from the material of the present invention; the grip may be formed entirely of the material of the present invention; while the grip is shown on a pistol, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the grip may be used on any rifle, shotgun, paintball gun, or projectile launching device without departing from the scope of the present invention; the firearm grip may be a separate wrap around the grip or may be a grip attached to and/or molded to the firearm;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sock having a panel formed of the material of the present invention; the sheet stock may be of any size and configuration; the panels may form the sock itself or may be attached to an underlying fabric (e.g., cotton knit);

figure 22 is a perspective view of a knee brace having a sheet of material formed from the material of the present invention; the sheet stock may be of any size and configuration; the panels formed from the material of the present invention may be incorporated into any type of knee wrap or other article of clothing;

figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the material of the present invention that may be used to form a panel, cover, shell or container taken along line 23-23 in figures 17-22 and 24-30;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a panel formed of the material of the present invention for covering the dashboard and/or floor of an automobile; the panels may be used on boats, airplanes, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, trains, racing cars, etc. and may be used on any part of a vehicle, such as seats, roll bars, floor panels, speaker insulation, engine mounts, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll bar for use in a vehicle incorporating the material of the present invention as a pad on the vehicle; the roll bar pad may comprise a sheet of material of the present invention or may be formed entirely of material of the present invention;

FIGS. 26-30 are perspective views of a panel that may contain the material of the present invention or a tape or other wrapping material that may be made entirely of the material of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a headband formed at least in part from the material of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the headband of FIG. 31 taken along line 32-32 in FIG. 31;

figure 33 is a side elevational view of a helmet comprising a blank formed from the material of the present invention;

figures 33A to 33C are side elevational views of a flexible helmet (headgear) comprising a blank formed from the material of the present invention, wherein figure 33A shows a "hood" or "skull cap (skullcap)", figure 33B shows a ski cap, and figure 33C shows a ski mask;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a cycling helmet incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a glove suitable for use in at least one of baseball and softball; gloves comprise the material of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a weight lifting glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a front view of a jersey that includes the material of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an elevational view of a training pant incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an elevational view of a golf glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is an elevation view of a cord handling glove or rescue work glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is an elevational view of a batting glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is an elevational view of a lady full-dress glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is an elevational view of a ski mitt incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is an elevational view of a lacrosse glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is an elevation view of a boxing glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention showing a single layer of vibration dissipative material with a support structure embedded therein, the material extending along a longitudinal portion of the appliance and covering the adjacent end of the appliance;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 46 separated from any utensils, pads, devices, etc.;

FIG. 47A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with a support structure embedded thereon through which the vibration dissipative material penetrates;

FIG. 47B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with support structures embedded within the vibration dissipating material, the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structures, the support structures being disposed off-center within the vibration dissipating material;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a support structure taken along line 48-48 in FIG. 47, the support structure being formed of a polymer and/or elastomer and/or fibers, any of which may contain fibers, with channels extending through the support structure to enable the vibration dissipative material to penetrate the support structure;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a support structure, in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48, showing the support structure being formed of woven fibers, the channels through the woven fibers enabling the support structure to be penetrated by a vibration dissipative material;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative support structure formed from a plurality of fibers, shown in a similar manner to the view of FIG. 48, with channels passing through the support structure to enable the vibration dissipative material to penetrate the support structure;

FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the support structure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention showing a single layer of vibration dissipative material with a support structure embedded therein, the material extending along a longitudinal portion of the appliance and covering the adjacent end of the appliance;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 52 separated from any implement, pad, device, etc.;

FIG. 53A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with a support structure embedded therein through which the vibration dissipative material penetrates;

FIG. 53B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention with support structures embedded within the vibration dissipating material, the vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structures, the support structures being disposed off-center within the vibration dissipating material;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the material of the present invention showing a single layer of vibration dissipative material with a support structure embedded therein; the support structure being disposed within the vibration dissipative material substantially along the longitudinal axis in an at least partially non-linear and substantially longitudinal manner such that a length of the support structure measured along a surface of the support structure is greater than a length of the vibration dissipative material measured along the longitudinal axis of the body of material;

FIG. 55 is an enlarged cut-away view of the area encompassed by the dashed line labeled "FIG. 55" in FIG. 54 and illustrates that the "overall support structure" may actually be formed from a plurality of individual stacked support structures (which may be the same or different from each other) or a continuous plurality of stacked fibers and/or a continuous plurality of stacked layers of fabric material;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 54 extended along the longitudinal axis into a second position wherein the body of material is extended a predetermined amount relative to the first position; straightening of the support structure causes energy to be dissipated and preferably substantially further prevents elongation of the material along the longitudinal axis past the second position;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention showing a more linear support structure within the material when the material is in the first position; relative to the arrangement of the support structures shown in FIG. 54, the more linear arrangement of the support structures in the material reduces the amount of elongation possible before the material stops stretching and effectively forms a stop for further movement;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 54 stretched into a second position along a longitudinal axis, wherein the material is elongated along the longitudinal axis by a predetermined amount; because the support structure is more linear relative to the material shown in fig. 56 when the material is in the first position, it is preferred that the amount of elongation of the material is reduced when the material is in the second position relative to the material shown in fig. 54 and 56;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the material of the present invention having an adhesive layer substantially over a major surface of the support structure to enable the elastomeric layer to be secured to the support structure rather than the support structure being molded and/or extruded over the support structure;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention showing a support structure or ribbon of material positioned between two spaced-apart elastomeric layers having peaks molded into, secured to, and/or otherwise affixed to the support structure of the elastomeric layers at multiple locations; there is preferably an air gap around the support structure to promote longitudinal stretching of the material; alternatively, the support structure may be secured to the elastomeric layer only at its lateral ends (i.e., the left and right ends of the support structure as viewed in fig. 60) such that the remainder of the support structure is free to move within the outer jacket of elastomeric material and acts as a spring/elastic member to limit elongation of the material;

FIG. 61 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipative material of the invention and is similar to the material shown in FIG. 60 except that the peaks of the support structure are secured to the elastomeric layer via an adhesive layer;

FIG. 62 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipative material of the invention and illustrates the actual physical destruction of the vibration dissipative material and any accompanying adhesive when the support structure is extended into the second position; the destruction of the vibration dissipative material results in further energy dissipation and vibration absorption in addition to the energy dissipated by the support structure;

FIG. 63 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and illustrates that support structures or strips of material can be provided in any geometric shape within the vibration dissipating material; additionally, a separate rigid block, button, or plate (not shown) may be located on one side of the material, propagating the impact force further along the surface of the material prior to dissipation of the vibration by the material in general; additionally, such buttons, plates, or other rigid surfaces may be attached directly to a mesh or other flexible layer disposed over the material shown in fig. 63, such that an impact force on one of the rigid members deflects the entire mesh or other layer prior to vibration absorption by the material for energy absorption; the portion of this figure labeled 53-53 indicates that the support structure shown in FIG. 63 may be substantially the same as the support structure shown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention and illustrates that a support structure may be positioned substantially along the outer surface of the vibration dissipative material without departing from the scope of the invention; FIG. 64 also shows that a frangible layer (i.e., paper layer) or self-bonding adhesive layer can be located on one surface of the material; when the self-bonding layer is located on one surface of the material, the material may be wrapped to enable a plurality of adjacent packages of the material to be bonded together, thereby forming an integral sheet; if desired, the monolithic sheet may be waterproof for swimming or the like;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a vibration dissipating material having a shrinkable layer of material disposed on a major surface of the vibration dissipating material; the shrinkable material may be a heat shrinkable material or any other type of shrinkable material suitable for use in the present invention; once the material is properly positioned, the shrinkable layer can be used to secure the material in place and, preferably, can also serve as a separate frangible layer to further dissipate vibrations in a manner similar to the frangible layer described in connection with fig. 62;

figure 66 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and shows a shrinkable layer disposed within the vibration dissipating material; the shrinkable layer may be a solid layer, a perforated layer, a mesh or netting, or a shrinkable fiber;

FIG. 67 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material of the present invention and shows a shrinkable layer disposed over the peaks of a support structure having an optional vibration absorbing layer thereon;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 67 as the shrinkable layer shrinks over the support structure after placing the material in a desired configuration; although optional additional shock absorbing material is not shown in fig. 68, the optional additional shock absorbing material may be left in place over the shrinkable layer to form a protective sleeve or may also be pulled into the gaps between the peaks of the support structure;

FIG. 69 illustrates a material of the present invention configured as a sports bandage with an optional adhesive layer;

FIG. 70 shows the material of the present invention as a roll of material/liner/wide wrapper or the like having an optional adhesive layer thereon;

FIG. 71 shows a material of the present invention configured as a knee bandage;

FIG. 72 shows a material of the present invention with an optional adhesive layer configured as a finger and/or joint bandage; while a variety of bandages, wraps, pads, materials, tapes, and the like are shown, the materials of the present invention may be used for any purpose or application without departing from the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 73 shows the material of the present invention used to form a foot brace (bridge);

FIG. 74 illustrates the material of the present invention wrapped to form a knee support brace;

FIG. 75 shows an additional layer of material for tightening a ligament in a person's leg;

figure 76 illustrates a material of the present invention used to form a hip support;

FIG. 77 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form a shoulder brace;

FIG. 78 shows the material of the present invention wrapped to form a hand and wrist brace; while the material of the present invention is shown in connection with various portions of the human body, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that the material of the present invention may be used as a sports brace, medical support or pad for any portion of the human body without departing from the scope of the invention;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material of the present invention;

FIG. 79a is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a material of the present invention;

FIG. 80 shows the material of FIG. 80 self-occluding in a tube;

FIG. 81 is a cross-section through line 81-81 of FIG. 80;

FIG. 81a is an alternative material section through line 81-81 in FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is an embodiment of the annular shape of the present invention;

FIG. 83 is an embodiment of an open cylindrical shape using the material of the present invention;

FIG. 84 shows an open cylindrical embodiment applied to an engine mount;

FIG. 85 shows an embodiment of an open cylinder applied as a shock absorber (shock absorber);

FIGS. 86 and 87 show a variant embodiment of the material of FIG. 79 for use on a floor surface;

FIG. 88 shows a cross-section of yet another embodiment of the material of the present invention;

FIG. 89 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formed therein;

FIG. 90 is a cross-section of FIG. 89 along line 90-90;

FIG. 91 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formed therein;

FIG. 92 is a cross-section of FIG. 91 taken along line 92-92;

figure 93 shows the material of figure 88 used in a protective vest;

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 96 is a top plan view of an alternative material according to the present invention;

FIG. 97 is a cross-section taken along line 97-97 of FIG. 96;

FIG. 98 is a top plan view of another alternative material in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 99-103 illustrate various embodiments of materials that incorporate the present embodiments and that may be used to facilitate retro-fitting of existing products having the vibration modifying materials of the present invention;

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of a material used as a gasket between a wall and a mounting stud;

FIG. 105 is a partial side elevational view of a baseball bat handle;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the ball bat of FIG. 105 through line 106 and 106;

FIG. 107 is a partial side elevational view of a tennis racket handle;

FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the racquet in FIG. 107 through line 108 and 108;

FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a shock cap using a material according to the present invention;

figures 110 and 111 are bottom and top plan views of the shock cap of figure 109 with its adjustable band in an unconnected arrangement;

FIGS. 112 and 113 are bottom and top plan views similar to FIGS. 110 and 111, with the adjustable band in a connected arrangement; and

figure 114 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shock cap using material according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, certain terminology is used for convenience only and is not limiting. The term "implement" as used in the specification and claims means "any of a baseball bat, a racket, a hockey stick, a softball bat, sports equipment, a firearm, and the like". The above-mentioned words include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a material (generally designated 10) suitable for regulating vibration in accordance with the present invention. Briefly, the material 10 of the present invention is formed of at least a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material 14. The material 10 may be incorporated into athletic equipment, grips for tools, and protective athletic equipment. The panel 305 (see fig. 17-45) of material 10 may be incorporated into various articles disclosed in the present application. The sheet material defines an outer perimeter 314 and may extend throughout the entire article, that is, sheet material 305 may actually form an entirety of an insole tray, shell, or other article. Alternatively, multiple panels may be separately located on the article. More specifically, the material 10 may be used to form a grip for a tennis racket, hockey stick, golf club, baseball bat, or the like (or to form a portion of a grip or to form a blank 305 containing a grip); protective athletic equipment forming mittens, headbands, helmets, knee pads 323 (shown in fig. 22), referee pads, shoulder pads, gloves, mouth guards, pads, and the like; forming a seat or handlebar cover for a bicycle, motorcycle, or the like; forming boots for skiing, roller skating, and the like; forming a garment (e.g., shirt, glove, pants, etc.) or padded pad or footwear 311 (shown in fig. 19) such as a sole 313, upper 315, under-shoe, insole (shoe pad), ankle pad, toe pad 317, bootie insert, etc., and providing pads 319 to a sock 321 (shown in fig. 21) such as a sole of a sock; a pad 307 (shown in fig. 17) that forms a portable electronic component such as a cell phone case, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) case, a laptop case, a gun case, a radio case, a tape case, an MP3 player case, a computer case, etc.; forming a pad for a speaker; providing padding 325 (see fig. 24) and sound insulation for an automobile 327, such as providing post and/or roller padding 329 (shown in fig. 25) in a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, truck, all-terrain vehicle, etc., providing insulation panels 329 for an engine frame of the vehicle; forming a grip 309 (shown in fig. 20) for a firearm, pistol, rifle, shotgun, etc.; forming the handle of a tool such as a hammer, drill, screwdriver, circular saw, chisel, etc.; and form a portion or all of a bandage and/or wrap 331 (shown in fig. 26-30). The material 10 of the present invention may also be used for room insulation, home insulation, aircraft insulation, studio insulation, and the like.

Material 10 is preferably substantially inelastic in the "X" (shown in fig. 23) direction substantially perpendicular to major material surface 316A and, therefore, does not provide a spring-like effect when material 10 is subjected to an impact force. Preferably, material 10 is substantially unstressed in an "X" direction perpendicular to major material surface 316A and major material surface 316B such that substantially no energy is stored in the "X" direction. Preferably, the reinforcement layer disperses impact energy into first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B generally in a direction parallel to major surface 316A and major surface 316B. The material 10 is preferably designed to reduce perceptible vibration (and, therefore, substantially dampen and transfer energy away from an object or person covered by the material).

The first elastomer layer 12A functions as a damper that converts mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy. The high tensile strength fiber layer 14 redirects vibrational energy and increases the stiffness of the material 10, enabling a user to conveniently control the appliance 20 wrapped or partially wrapped by the material 10. Preferably, but not necessarily, the high tensile strength fibrous layer 14 is formed of an aramid material.

In one embodiment, composite material 10 may have three substantially independent and separate layers, including a first elastomeric layer 12A and a second elastomeric layer 12B. The elastomeric material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational energy. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to: urethane rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and the like. In general, any suitable elastomeric material may be used to form the first and second elastomeric layers without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the elastomeric layer may be a thermoset elastomeric layer. Alternatively, elastomeric layer 12A and elastomeric layer 12B may be thermoplastic materials or any material suitable for thermoforming. As another example, the elastomeric layer 12A and the elastomeric layer 12B may be fabricated as open cell foam or closed cell foam having a foam structure. On the other hand, when manufacturing certain shaped articles, such as golf club grips, it is more efficient to first form the material 10 into a generally flat block or plate of the material 10 and then to re-form or thermoform the material into the desired shaped article. Additionally, a shrink wrap or shrinkable layer may be included in material 10 and/or on material 10. The shrinkable layer may be heat activated and/or water activated.

The material 10 may include additional layers such as generally rigid materials or the like. For example, one or more generally rigid plates of a rigid material may be placed over the material 10 to distribute the impact force experienced by the material over a wider area. This approach is useful in materials used in referee vests, bullet resistant vests, shoulder pads, shoes, or any other application where a generally rigid outer layer is desired.

The softness of elastomeric materials can be quantified by using the shore a hardness rating. Generally, the lower the hardness rating, the softer the material, and the more efficient the elastomeric layer is at absorbing and dissipating vibrations because less force is transmitted through the elastomer. Upon squeezing the soft elastomeric material, an individual's fingers may become embedded in the elastomer, which increases the surface area of contact between the elastomer and the user's hand and creates irregularities on the outer material surface, thereby allowing the user to firmly grip any implement 20 covered or partially covered by the material. However, the softer the elastomeric layers 12A and 12B, the less control the user has over the appliance 20 when manipulating the appliance 20 covered by the elastomeric layers. If the elastomeric layer is too soft (i.e., if the shore a hardness rating of the elastomeric layer is too low), implement 20 may rotate unpredictably relative to the user's hand or foot. The material 10 of the present invention is preferably designed to use a first elastomer layer 12A and a second elastomer layer 12B with appropriate shore a hardness ratings, which provides an optimal balance between a user accurately manipulating and controlling the appliance 20 and effectively damping the vibrations of the appliance 20 during use.

It is preferred, but not required, that the elastomer used for material 10 have a shore a hardness value of about ten (10) to about eighty (80). Preferably, the first elastomer layer has a shore a hardness value of about ten (10) to about twenty-five (25) and the second elastomer layer has a shore a hardness value of about twenty-five (25) to about forty-five (45).

The first elastomer layer 12A is preferably used to buffer impact energy and absorb vibration energy, and convert the vibration energy into thermal energy. It is preferable, but not necessary, to have the first elastomer layer act as a cushion and dissipate vibrations. The second elastomer layer 12B also serves to absorb vibrational energy, but also provides a compatible and comfortable grip for the user to grasp (or a surface that bears against a portion of the user's body, such as the sole of the user's foot, when the material 10 is formed as an insole support).

In one embodiment, first elastomer layer 12A preferably has a shore a hardness value of about fifteen (15) and second elastomer layer 12B preferably has a shore a hardness value of about forty-two (42). If the first elastomer and the second elastomer have substantially the same shore a hardness rating, it is preferred, but not required, that the first elastomer layer 12A and the second elastomer layer 12B have a shore a hardness value of fifteen (15), thirty-two (32), or forty-two (42).

The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. The fibers may be woven to form a web material layer 16, with the web material layer 16 being disposed between the first and second elastomeric layers 12A, 12B and substantially separating the first and second elastomeric layers 12A, 12B. The web material layer 16 may be formed of aramid fibers, high tensile strength fibers, glass fibers, or other types of fibers. Preferably, the layer of fabric material 16 does not have suitable rigidity to act as an open mesh (grid) with any significant energy storage capability. Preferably, the material forming reinforcement layer 14 is substantially bonded to elastomer layer 12A and elastomer layer 12B. The layer of web material 16 preferably substantially separates the first elastomer layer 12A and the second elastomer layer 12B such that the material 10 has three substantially separate and distinct layers: 12A, 12B and 14. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 blocks and redirects vibrational energy passing through one of the elastomeric layers 12A or 12B to facilitate dissipation of the vibrations. The high tensile strength fibers 18 redirect the vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 18. Thus, when a plurality of high tensile strength fibers 18 are woven to form the layer of web material 16, vibrational energy emitted by the implement 20 that is not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomeric layer 12A will be evenly redistributed by the layer of web material 16 along the material 10 and then further dissipated by the second elastomeric layer 12B.

Preferably, the layer of web material 16 is substantially interconnected, adhered or secured to the elastomeric layer 12A and the elastomeric layer 12B such that the layer of web material 16 blocks and redirects vibrational energy to facilitate dissipation of the vibrations.

Preferably, the high tensile strength fibers 18 are formed of suitable aramid fibers of high tensile strength having high resistance to elongation. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that any aramid fiber suitable for guiding vibration may be used to form the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that loose fibers or chopped fibers may be used to form the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The high tensile strength fibrous material may also be formed from glass fibers. The high tensile strength fibrous material preferably prevents the material 10 from elongating significantly during use in a direction parallel to the major material surfaces 316A, 316B. Preferably, the amount of elongation is less than ten percent (10%). More preferably, the amount of elongation is less than four percent (4%). Most preferably, the amount of elongation is less than one percent (1%).

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that material 10 may be formed from two separate layers without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the material 10 may be formed of a first elastomeric layer 12A and a layer 14 of high tensile strength fibrous material (which may also be woven into a layer 16 of fabric material) disposed on the first elastomeric layer 12A.

Referring to fig. 18 and 23, the material 10 may be configured to form an inner support 310 of a footwear. When the material 10 is configured to form the inner shoe tray 310, the material 10 is preferably adapted to extend from a position adjacent the heel to a position along the inner surface of the shoe to a position at the toe. In addition to forming the inner shoe tray 310, the material 10 may also be positioned along the sides of the shoe to protect the wearer's foot from lateral, frontal and/or rear impacts.

When the material of the present invention is formed into an inner tray 310 of a shoe, the inner tray 310 includes an inner tray body 312 that is generally elongate in shape, the inner tray body 312 having an outer perimeter 314 that substantially conforms to the sole of the shoe such that the inner tray body 312 extends from a position adjacent the heel of the shoe along the inner surface of the shoe to a position at the toes. The shoe inner support 312 is preferably generally flat and formed of a reinforced elastomeric material 10 that can regulate and dissipate vibrations. The inner shell 312 has a first major surface 316A and a second major surface 316B. The reinforced elastomeric material 10 preferably includes a first elastomeric layer 12A and a second elastomeric layer 12B. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the first and second elastomeric layers are substantially free of voids and/or that the elastomeric layers are formed from thermoset elastomeric layers.

Reinforcing layer 14 is disposed between first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B and substantially separates first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. Reinforcing layer 14 may include layers formed from a variety of high tensile strength fibrous materials. Alternatively, the reinforcing layer may be formed of aramid, glass fiber, general fabric material, or the like. The reinforcement layer may also be formed of woven fibers. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the reinforcing layer consists of only a single layer of fabric material.

The woven high tensile strength fibrous material is preferably connected to and substantially uniformly distributed throughout first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B to substantially completely cover between first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. Typically, the layer of web material is unstressed only in the "X" direction substantially perpendicular to the first major surface 316A, such that there is substantially no energy storage in the "X" direction. High tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 disperses impact energy in a direction substantially parallel to first major surface 316A and to first and second elastomeric layers 12A and 12B. The reinforcing layer 14 preferably prevents the inner shell 310 from extending significantly during use. The reinforced elastomeric material 10 may also be used as a sole or a portion of a sole for footwear. The reinforced elastomer may also be used to provide padding within the shoe or boot or along a side portion or upper portion of the shoe or boot.

Referring to fig. 4,9, 10, and 20, the material 10 may be configured and adapted to form a grip 22 of an implement, such as a bat, having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26 (i.e., the end adjacent to the generally gripped portion of the bat). The material 10 is preferably adapted to cover a portion of the handle 24 and to cover the proximal end 26 of the bat or instrument 20. When the grip is used with a firearm, the grip may be a wrap around the grip or may be attached and/or molded to the firearm. As best shown in fig. 2, in one embodiment, grip 22 may be formed as a single body that completely encloses the proximal end of implement 20. The material 10 may also be configured and adapted to form a grip 22 of a tennis racket or similar implement 20 having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26.

In an alternative embodiment shown in fig. 2B, the adjacent portion 21 of the grip 22 'is formed in a preformed shape to receive the proximal end 26 of the bat or instrument 20, and the band portion 23 of the grip 22' extends from the adjacent portion 21 for wrapping about a portion of the handle 24. The proximal portion 21 and the band portion 23 may be integrally formed or may be separately formed and attached to each other prior to assembly into the appliance 20 or separately located on the appliance 20 for use together. The adjacent portion 21 and the band portion 23 may be made of any of the materials described herein and may be made of the same material or different materials.

Referring to fig. 4, in some embodiments, when the present material is directed to one of the various types of grips described herein (e.g., pistol grips, tool grips, golf clubs, etc.), grip 22 may include a generally tubular shaped grip body 318, with grip body 318 covering a portion of the associated device. In this regard, the cross-sectional shape of the handle body 318 may have a generally circular, elliptical, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal, or the like shape. The grip body 318 is constructed of a reinforced elastomeric material 10 that regulates and dissipates vibration. The grip body 318 defines a first direction "Y" that is tangential to an outer surface 320 of the grip body 318, and a second direction "Z" that is generally perpendicular to the outer surface 320 of the grip body 318.

The reinforced elastomeric material 10 includes a first elastomeric layer 12A and a second elastomeric layer 12B. Reinforcing layer 14 is disposed between first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B and substantially separates first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer is substantially free of voids and/or the elastomeric layer is a thermoset elastomer. However, as set forth above, the elastomeric layer is not so limited and may have a variety of forms, including thermoplastic forms as well as open cell or closed cell foam structures in one or both layers. The reinforcing layer 14 preferably comprises a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material. The high tensile strength fiber material may be woven into a fabric material, chopped, or otherwise configured. Reinforcing layer 14 may be formed from a variety of high tensile strength fibrous materials including layers of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material.

The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B and is substantially uniform throughout, substantially completely covering between the first and second elastomer layers. This preferably prevents sliding movement between reinforcing layer 14 and first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. The layer of web material is preferably substantially unstressed only in the second direction "Z" such that substantially no energy is stored in the second direction "Z". The high tensile fiber material disperses the impact energy into the first and second elastomeric layers along a direction substantially parallel to the first direction "Y". This allows the vibration energy to be reduced and damped without rebounding to the hand grasping the grip.

While the handle 22 will be described below in connection with a baseball or softball bat, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the handle 22 may be used with any device, tool, or apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

When the grip 22 is used with a baseball or softball bat, the grip 22 preferably covers about seventeen (17) inches of the bat handle and covers the ball-handle of the bat (i.e., the proximal end 26 of the implement 20). This configuration of the grip 22 extending a significant portion of the length of the bat helps to increase vibration damping. Preferably, but not necessarily, the grip 22 is formed as a single, continuous, unitary member.

The baseball bat (or implement 20) has a handle 24, the handle 24 including a handle body 28, the handle body 28 having a longitudinal portion 30 and a proximal end 26. The material 10 preferably wraps around at least some of the longitudinal portion 30 and the proximal end 26 of the handle 24. The material 10 may be made as a composite material having two generally separate and distinct layers, the composite material comprising a first elastomer layer 12A and a layer 14 of high tensile strength fibrous material (which may be a layer 16 of a warp knit fabric) disposed on the elastomer layer 12A. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably formed of woven fibers 18. A second elastomer layer 12B may be disposed on a major surface of the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 opposite the first elastomer layer 12A.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the preferred handle 22 is adapted for use in an instrument 20 having a handle and a proximal end. The grip 22 includes a tubular housing 32, the tubular housing 32 having a distal open end 34 adapted to surround a portion of the handle and a closed proximal end 36 adapted to cover the proximal end of the handle. Tubular shell 32 is preferably formed of a vibration-dissipative material 10. The material 10 preferably has at least two generally separate layers, including a first elastomeric layer 12A and a layer 14 of high tensile strength fibrous material (the fibers 18 may be woven to form a layer 16 of fabric material) disposed on the first elastomeric layer 12A.

With reference to fig. 17-22 and 24-30, when the present material relates to one of the various types of padding described above (e.g., speaker padding and/or insulation, shoe padding, electronics housings, mouth guards, referee protective equipment, automotive interior padding, roll bar padding, etc., tool grips, golf club grips, etc.), the padding or article may comprise a sheet material 305 formed from a sheet material body 324 preferably having a generally flat panel shape. The body of plate is preferably arranged in a specific location or covering a portion of an associated device or object. Preferably, the body of sheet material is flexible so that a shaped object can be wrapped therein. In this regard, the panel body 324 may be curved about a circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, or polygonal object.

The plate body 324 is formed of a reinforced elastomeric material that regulates and dissipates vibrations. As shown in fig. 4 and 20, the body 324 of sheet material defines a first direction "Y" tangential to the outer surface of the body 324 of sheet material, and a second direction "Z" substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the body 324 of sheet material. The reinforced elastomeric material includes a first elastomeric layer 12A and a second elastomeric layer 12B. Reinforcing layer 14 is disposed between first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B and substantially separates first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. In one embodiment, elastomeric layer 12A and elastomeric layer 12B preferably do not have voids and/or are formed of a thermoset elastomer. However, as set forth above, the elastomeric layer is not so limited and may have a variety of forms, including thermoplastic forms as well as open cell or closed cell foam structures in one or both layers. The reinforcing layer 14 preferably comprises a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material. The high tensile strength fiber material may be woven into a fabric material, chopped, or otherwise configured. Instead of forming reinforcing layer 14 from a high tensile strength fibrous material, reinforcing layer 14 may also be formed from a layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B and is substantially uniform throughout, substantially completely covering between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The reinforcing layer 14 is preferably substantially unstressed only in the second direction, such that substantially no energy is stored in the second direction "Z". Reinforcement layer 14 disperses impact energy into first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B along a direction substantially parallel to first direction "Y". This allows the vibration energy to be reduced and damped without rebounding. Preferably, the reinforcement layer 14 prevents the cushion from lengthening during impact. The panel body 324 may form all or part of a mobile phone case, laptop case, shoe sidewall, protective referee equipment, mouth guard, knee pad, interior panel of an automobile, or the like.

The composite or vibration dissipating material 10 of the present invention may be manufactured using a variety of methods. One method is to extrude the material by pulling the high tensile strength fibrous web material 16 from a supply roll while placing the first elastomer layer 12A and the second elastomer layer 12B on both sides of the woven high tensile strength fibrous web material 16. A second method of making the material 10 of the present invention is to mold a first elastomeric layer 12A over the appliance 20, then weave an aramid fiber layer over the first elastomeric layer 12A, and then mold a second elastomeric layer 12B over the aramid fiber layer.

Alternatively, layer of web material 16 may be laminated to an elastomeric layer to form material 10. Thus, the layer of web material 16 may be substantially embedded in or positioned by the elastomeric layer. The lamination of the reinforcement layers 14 or fiber layers to the elastomer preferably results in the reinforcement layers or fiber layers 14 being substantially interconnected in and/or positioned by the elastomer. Thus, the layer of web material may be substantially interconnected with the elastomeric layer. Preferably, the high tensile strength textile material is substantially incapable of sliding laterally between the first elastomeric layer and the second elastomeric layer. The web material layer in the obtained material will be substantially fixed in position. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the web material layer 14 in the resulting material will be substantially interconnected and/or bonded in place by the resilient bodies 12A and 12B. Alternatively, the material 10 may be assembled by using an adhesive and flux to secure the one or more elastomer layers to the reinforcement layer.

Preferably, the warp knit high tensile strength fibers are connected to and substantially uniformly distributed throughout the first and second elastomeric layers to substantially completely cover between the first and second thermosetting elastomeric layers. Substantially no energy is stored in the layer of web material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the primary material. This causes the vibrational energy to be substantially uniformly re-dispersed throughout the material by the layer of web material. This is because high tensile strength fibers transmit/store energy unidirectionally along the length of the fiber and do not store energy substantially in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the fiber or to the layer of fabric material formed from the fiber.

In other words, the web material layer 16 is preferably only unstressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major material surface such that substantially no energy is stored in the direction perpendicular to the major material surface and the web material layer 16 disperses energy into the first and second elastomeric layers in a direction substantially parallel to the major material surface. The present invention preferably dissipates the vibration throughout the material to prevent "bounce back" (e.g., to avoid subjecting the runner's foot to too much vibration during exercise).

In some cases, the high tensile fiber material may be pulped to form a non-porous sheet that may be secured in place between first elastomer layer 12A and second elastomer layer 12B. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure that any known method of making composite or vibration dissipative materials can be used to form the material 10.

Covering the proximal end of implement 20 with grip 22 reduces vibration transmission and improves the corresponding balance of the distal end of implement 20 by moving the center of mass of implement 20 toward a location near the user's hand (i.e., near proximal end 26). This facilitates rocking of the appliance 20 and may improve athletic performance while reducing fatigue associated with repetitive motion.

Fig. 3 to 4 show another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3-4, a covering in the form of a sleeve 210 is mounted on the handle or lower portion 218 of the baseball bat 210. The sleeve 210 is pre-molded such that the sleeve 210 may be quickly and easily secured to the handle portion of the ball bat 212. This can be done by: sleeve 210 is made of a stretchable or elastic material so that upper end 214 of sleeve 210 can be pulled apart and stretched to fit over the shaft 217 of ball bat 212. Alternatively, or in addition, the sleeve 210 may be provided with a longitudinal slit 16 to allow the sleeve to be at least partially pulled apart, thereby facilitating snapping the sleeve 210 over the handle 218 of the bat 212. The sleeve will remain mounted in its place due to the adhesive properties of the sleeve material and/or by applying a suitable adhesive to the inner surface of the sleeve and/or to the outer surface of the handle 218.

As shown in fig. 3-4, a characteristic feature of the sleeve 210 is that the lower end of the sleeve includes an outwardly extending peripheral knob 220. The knob 220 may be a separate cap (cap) that snaps or is secured in any other manner to the main portion of the sleeve 210. Alternatively, the knob 220 may be integral with the sleeve 210 and molded as part of the sleeve 210.

In the broad practice of the invention, the sleeve 210 may be single-layered. The material should have suitable stiffness and vibration damping characteristics. The outer surface of the material should have adhesive and high friction properties.

Alternatively, the sleeve 210 may be formed from a two layer laminate. Wherein the vibration absorbing material forms an inner layer disposed opposite the handle and a separate, tacky outer layer formed from any suitable high friction material, such as a thermoplastic material exemplified by polyurethane. Thus, a two layer laminate will have an inner elastomeric layer whose properties contribute to its vibration damping capability and an outer elastomeric layer whose primary properties are that its tackiness provides a suitable gripping surface that resists the tendency of a user's hand to slip off the handle. The knob 220 may also serve as a stop member, minimizing the tendency of the handle to slip off of the user's hand and serving to cooperate with the vibration damping effect.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred form of multi-layer laminate comprising an inner shock absorbing layer 222 and an outer glued gripping layer 224 and an intermediate layer 226 of rigid material for dissipating forces. Intermediate layer 226 may be the innermost layer and layer 224 may be an intermediate layer, if desired. A preferred rigid material is aramid fiber, which may be incorporated into the material in any suitable manner, such as described next with reference to fig. 13-16. However, glass fibers or any high tensile strength fibrous material may be used as the rigid material forming the layer. Additionally, in one embodiment, the rigid layer is substantially embedded in or held in place by one or more elastomeric layers.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the effect of the impact force from the vibration when the implement is in contact with an object (e.g., the ball is hit by the bat 212). Fig. 5 shows the force vectors according to the three-layer laminate shown in fig. 4, in which the elastomeric layer 222 and the elastomeric layer 224 are made of silicone material. The middle layer 226 is an aramid layer made of aramid fibers. The initial shock or vibration is illustrated by the lateral or transverse arrows 228 on each side of the sleeve laminate 210. This causes elastomeric layer 222 and elastomeric layer 224 to compress along arc 230. The intermediate layer 226 of force dissipating material causes the vibrations to propagate longitudinally as indicated by arrows 232. The linear propagation of the vibrations causes a rebound effect, which completely damps the vibrations.

Laboratory tests were conducted at the university of finial to evaluate various grips mounted on baseball bats. In the test, baseball bats with different grips were hung from the ceiling by thin wires; this creates a situation with few boundary conditions, which are necessary to determine the true characteristics of the bat. Two standard industrial accelerometers are mounted on a specially manufactured sleeve, presumably in the left and right hand positions where the bat is gripped. The known forces are imparted to the bat with a standard calibrated impact hammer at three locations, one of which is the sweet spot (sweet spot) and the other two locations are the "kiss-hit" locations located at the midpoint of the bat and simulated on the handle of the bat. The temporal relationship of the force to the acceleration is tracked by a signal conditioning device and connected to a data acquisition device. The data acquisition device is connected to a computer for recording data.

Two series of tests were performed. In a first test, a control bat (model number # C405, WORTH bat with a standard rubber grip) was compared to the same bats with several "stick-free" grips representing the practice of the present invention. These "no-stab" grips consist of two layers of pure silicone with various types of high tensile fiber materials interposed between the two layers of silicone. The fiber types of the aramid having high tensile strength of KEVLAR used in this test are numbered as follows: "005", "645", "120", "909". In addition, a bat with a thick layer of a single silicone without KEVLAR was tested. In addition to thick silicone (since excessive thickness is considered impractical), the "645" bat shows the best effect of reducing vibration magnitude.

A second series of tests was performed using an EASTON bat (model # BK 8) of "645" KEVLAR in combination with different of the following silicone layers: the first bat tested consisted of a silicone bottom layer, a "645" KEVLAR middle layer, and a silicone top layer called "111". The second bat tested consisted of two silicone bottom layers, a middle layer of KEVLAR, and a top layer of silicone called "211". The third bat tested consisted of a silicone bottom layer, a middle layer of KEVLAR, and two top layers of silicone referred to as "112". The "645" bat having a "111" configuration shows the best effect of reducing the magnitude of vibration.

To quantify the effect of vibration reduction, the following two criteria are defined: (1) how much time it takes for the vibration to dissipate to an imperceptible value; and (2) the magnitude of the vibration in the frequency range in which the human hand is most sensitive.

From the above two quantitative measurements, it was confirmed that the stabless grip reduced the vibration of the baseball bat. Specifically, the configuration of KEVLAR "645" in "111" is the best example of vibration reduction. In the case of a baseball bat, "645" takes about 1/5 hours to reduce the vibration of the bat compared to controlling the rubber grip of a bat. The reduction in the peak size of the vibration is in the range of 60% to 80% depending on the impact position and the impact size.

The following conclusions can be drawn: the "645" KEVLAR grip in the "111" reduces the magnitude of the perceived vibrations induced in the baseball bat by 80% when a player strikes a ball with the bat. This is confirmed in a variety of impacts at different locations along the length of the bat. Thus, when using the "no stick" grip of the present invention, a person using the "no stick" grip clearly experiences a substantial reduction in the stinging effect (pain) as compared to using a standard grip.

In view of the above tests, a particularly preferred practice of the invention involves a multilayer laminate having an aramid such as KEVLAR sandwiched between individual layers of pure silicone. The tests specified above show dramatic results according to embodiments of the present invention. However, as also explained above, the laminate may comprise a combination of other layers, such as a plurality of silicone bottom layers or a plurality of silicone top layers. Other variations include the repeated laminate assemblies described below. Wherein the vibration damping layer is the innermost layer and the force dissipating layer is opposite the lower vibration damping layer, then a second vibration damping layer is arranged on top of the force dissipating layer, then a second force dissipating layer is arranged, and so on, the last layer of the laminate is a grip layer which may also be made of a vibration damping material. Thickness limitations and the desired vibration damping properties should be taken into account when deciding which laminate should be used.

The various layers may have different relative thicknesses. Preferably, a vibration damping layer such as layer 222 would be the thickest layer. However, the outermost gripping layer may have the same thickness as the vibration damping layer of layer 224 as shown in fig. 4; the grip layer may also be a relatively thin layer, as the main function of the outer layer is to provide sufficient friction to ensure a firm gripping action. A particularly beneficial feature of using a force dissipating rigid layer in the present invention is that the force dissipating layer can be very thin and still achieve its intended result. Thus, while the force dissipation layer may have substantially the same thickness as the outer gripping layer, the force dissipation layer is preferably the thinnest layer. The laminate may also include a plurality of vibration dissipating layers (e.g., thin layers of gel material) and/or a plurality of reinforcing force dissipating layers, if desired. When such a plurality of layers is used, the respective layers may be different from each other in thickness.

Fig. 3-4 illustrate the use of the present invention wherein sleeve 210 is mounted on a baseball bat 212 having a knob 217. The same general type of structure may also be used when the appliance does not have a similar shaft to that of a baseball bat. For example, fig. 6 shows a variation of the invention in which the sleeve 210A is mounted on the handle 218A of an appliance that does not terminate in any knob. Such implements may be various types of athletic equipment, tools, etc. However, the sleeve 210A will still have a knob 220A, the knob 220A including an outer gripping layer 224A, an intermediate force dissipation layer 226A, and an inner vibration dissipation layer 222A. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, handle 218A extends into knob 220A. Thus, the inner layer 222A will have a receiving recess 34 to receive the handle 218A. As shown, the inner layer 222A will also have a greater thickness in the region of the knob.

Fig. 7 shows a variation in which sleeve 210B is secured over handle 218B without handle 218B penetrating knob 220B. As shown, the outer gripping layer 224B will have a uniform thickness in both the gripping region and the knob. Similarly, the intermediate force dissipating layer 226B will also have a uniform thickness. However, since the handle 218B terminates without the knob 220B, the inner shock absorbing layer 222B will fully occupy the portion of the knob inward of the force dissipating layer 226B.

Fig. 8 shows a variation of the present invention in which the grip cover 236 does not include a knob. As shown in fig. 8, the grip cover may be mounted over the grip region of the handle 238 in any suitable manner and may be held in place by a pre-applied adhesive or due to the tacky nature of the innermost vibration damping layer 240 or due to the elastic nature of the cover 236. Alternatively, the covering may be formed directly on the handle 238. For example, fig. 10 shows a cover 236B applied in the form of a tape.

As shown in fig. 8, the covering 236 includes one of the laminate variations in which a force dissipation layer 242 is disposed over an inner vibration damping layer 240, while a second vibration damping layer 244 is applied over the force dissipation layer 242 and finally a thin gripping layer 246 is the outermost layer. As shown, the two vibration damping layers 240 and 244 are the thickest layers and may have the same or different thicknesses from each other. The force dissipation layer 242 and the outer gripping layer 244 are substantially thinner.

Fig. 9 shows the cover 236A mounted on a hollow handle 238A, the hollow handle 238A having a non-circular cross-section. For example, the handle 238A may have an octagonal shape of a tennis racket.

Fig. 10 further illustrates the mounting of the cover 236B over a handle portion of a tool such as a hammer 248. As shown, the cover 236B is applied in a strip form and will conform to the shape of the handle portion of the hammer 248. Other forms of covering may be applied in addition to the use of tape. Similarly, the band may be used as a tool for applying the covering to other types of implements.

Fig. 11 illustrates the mounting of the cover 236C over the handlebar end of, for example, the handlebars of various types of bicycles or any other device having handlebars including the steering wheel of a vehicle or the like. Fig. 11 also shows a variation in which cover 236C has an outer contour with finger-receiving recess 252. Such recesses may also be used for coverings for other types of appliances.

Fig. 12 shows a variation of the invention in which a cover 236D is mounted to the handle portion of a utensil 254, with the extreme end 256 of the utensil exposed. This inset shows the following: the present invention is intended to provide a vibration damping grip cover for the handle of an appliance and which does not need to extend beyond the grip area. Thus, some parts of the appliance may not be covered with a covering on both ends of the handle.

In a preferred practice of the invention, as previously discussed, a force dissipating rigid layer is provided as an intermediate layer of a multi-layer laminate having at least an inner layer of vibration damping material and an outer layer comprising gripping material, and possibly additional layers comprising vibration damping material of different thicknesses and force dissipating layers. As previously mentioned, the force dissipation layer may be the innermost layer. The invention can also be implemented in the following way: the laminate includes one or more layers in addition to the grip layer and the rigid layer and the vibration damping layer. Such one or more additional layers may be incorporated anywhere in the laminate (e.g., adhesive layers, buffer layers, etc.) depending on their intended function.

The force dissipating layer may be incorporated into the laminate in a variety of ways. For example, fig. 13 shows a force dissipating rigid layer 258 in the form of a substantially non-porous sheet. Fig. 13A shows a rigid layer 258 applied to an exemplary elastomeric layer 12. The substantially non-porous sheet may be made from a variety of high tensile strength materials, such as a polypropylene sheet preferably having a thickness of 0.025mm to 2.5 mm. The rigid layer 258 has an outer major surface 257 and an inner major surface 259 secured to the elastomeric layer 12. The layer 12 and the layer 258 may be integrally formed or may be attached to each other.

Fig. 14 shows a force dissipation layer 260 in the form of an open mesh sheet. This is a particularly advantageous way of forming a force dissipating layer made of KEVLAR fibres. Fig. 15 shows a configuration in which the force dissipation layer 262 is formed from individual strips of pass material 264 that are parallel to each other and are substantially the same length, thickness, and spacing. Fig. 16 shows a configuration in which the force dissipation layer 266 is made of separate strips 268 of different sizes and can be set to vary in a more random manner with respect to directionality. Although all of the ribbons 268 are shown in fig. 16 as being parallel to one another, non-parallel arrangements may also be used.

The vibration damping grip cover of the present invention may be used in many appliances. Examples of such implements include sporting equipment, hand tools, and handles. Such sporting equipment includes, for example, bats, rackets, batons, javelins, and the like. Examples of tools include hammers, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, brooms, wrenches, pliers, knives, pistols, air hammers, and the like. Examples of handlebars include motorcycles, bicycles, and various types of steering wheels.

A preferred practice of the invention is to incorporate a force dissipating layer (especially an aramid such as KEVLAR fiber) into a composite having at least two elastomers. One elastomeric layer will serve as a vibration damping material and the other outer elastomeric layer will serve as a gripping layer. The outer elastomer layer may also be a vibration damping material. Preferably, the outer layer completely covers the composite material.

There are almost limitless possibilities for the use of the laminated composite material of the present invention. The elastomeric layer may have different hardness, coefficient of friction, and vibration damping depending on the application. Similarly, the thickness of the various layers may also vary depending on the intended use. The hardness of the inner vibration damping layer and the outer grip layer (which may also be a vibration absorbing layer) ranges from 5 to 70 shore a hardness values. One of the layers has a shore a hardness value of 5 to 20, while the other layer may have a shore a hardness value of 30 to 70. The vibration damping layer may have a hardness of less than 5, and may even be 000 durometer value readings. The vibration damping material may be a gel such as a silicone gel or a gel of any other suitable material. The coefficient of friction determined by conventional measurement techniques for a tacky and non-porous gripping layer is preferably at least 0.5 and may be in the range of 0.6 to 1.5. A more preferred range is 0.7 to 1.2, and a still more preferred range is about 0.8 to 1. In case the outer gripping layer also serves as a vibration damping layer, the outer gripping layer may have the same thickness as the inner layer. In the case of use as the grip layer only, the thickness of the outer grip layer may be substantially the same as the thickness of the intermediate layer, which may have a thickness of the vibration damping layer of about 1/20 to 1/4.

As discussed above, the grip cover of the present invention can be used with a variety of implements. Thus, the handle portion of the implement may be cylindrical in shape with a uniform diameter and a smooth outer surface, such as the golf club handle 238 shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the handle may be tapered, such as the bat handle shown in fig. 3-4. Other illustrative geometries include an octagonal tennis racket handle 238A as shown in FIG. 9 or a generally oval shaped handle such as the hammer 248 shown in FIG. 10. The present invention is not limited to any particular geometry. In addition, the implement may have an irregular shape, such as a handle with finger-receiving depressions as shown in FIG. 11. Where the outer surface of the implement handle is in a non-slip configuration, the inner layer of the covering may bear against and substantially conform to the outer surface of the handle, and the outermost gripping layer of the covering may include finger-receiving recesses. Alternatively, the covering may have a uniform thickness and be shaped to conform to irregularities in the outer surface of the handle.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32, the material 10 of the present invention may be used to form a portion of a headband 410. The headband preferably has an outer fibrous layer 412 that forms the periphery of the hollow tubular shape in which the material 10 is located. Gap 420 represents a schematic space for one or more layers of material 10. A particular advantage of the headband 410 is that it is itself relatively easy to accept by users (e.g., children) who do not like to wear large and bulky head gear. Although fig. 31 shows the headband 410 as a flexible loop that is continuous without end points, it should be understood that the present invention may be incorporated into a headband or visor in which the headband or visor does not extend completely three hundred sixty degrees around the head. Instead, the headband or visor may be made of a stiff elastic material having a pair of free ends 428 separated by a gap 426.

Figure 33 shows a blank 305 of material 10 incorporated into a helmet 430. The panel includes temple and ear cover panels 305A, forehead cover panels 305B, neck panels 305C, and top panel 305D. Fig. 34 shows a cyclist's helmet 432 with vents 434. The cutaway portion of the top of the rider helmet shows the integration of at least one panel 305 with the helmet 432. While two specific types of helmets are specifically discussed, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that material 10 may be incorporated into any type of hat (such as hardhats or baseball caps), helmets (such as paintball helmets, batting helmets, motorcycle helmets, or military helmets), and the like, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The blank 305 may be a hard shell header, a hood, or a liner for a soft cap.

For example, fig. 33A, 33B, and 33C illustrate various soft caps or flexible headpieces 430 ', 430 "' incorporating a sheet 305 of material 10. Material 10 may be any material suitable for regulating vibration as described herein. The flexible headpiece 430' of fig. 33A is a "hood" or "skull cap" that is typically formed of a lightweight, stretchable material (e.g., cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex (spandex), combinations thereof, and other natural or synthetic materials). The flexible head unit 430' may be worn independently of any other head unit, such as by a soccer player, or may be worn under an existing helmet (e.g., a soccer helmet or a baseball helmet). Thus, the flexible headpiece 430' allows a user to "retrofit" an existing helmet to facilitate vibration adjustment without having to purchase a new helmet. Similarly, flexible header assembly 430 "is a ski cap having a plurality of panels 305 and flexible header assembly 430" is a ski mask having a plurality of panels 305. Ski caps and ski masks are made from a variety of flexible fabric materials including, for example, cotton, wool, polyester, combinations thereof, and other natural or synthetic materials. Further, the flexible headpieces 430 ", 430"' may be worn independently of any other headpiece or may be worn under an existing helmet (e.g., a ski helmet). Further, the flexible headpieces 430 ", 430"' enable a user to "retrofit" existing helmets in order to facilitate vibration adjustment without having to purchase new helmets. The present invention is not limited to the soft cap (flexible head set) described herein, but may have other configurations as long as the configuration has a flexible material that can be worn on the head of a user.

In each of these embodiments, the blank comprises a temple and ear cover blank 305A, a forehead cover blank 305B, a neck blank 305C, and a top blank 305D, however, the blank 305 may be positioned elsewhere. The sheet material 305 may be positioned within pockets formed in the flexible header assemblies 430 ', 430 "' or may be otherwise attached to the headgear, e.g., via adhesive, stitching, hook and loop fasteners (hooks) or the like. The hook and loop fastener may allow a user to position the blank 305 as desired. Similarly, multiple pockets may be provided to allow a user to position the blank 305 as desired. The bag may include a plurality of openings to allow removal of the slab 305, for example, for head cleaning or repositioning of the slab 305. The opening is preferably closable by e.g. hook and loop fasteners or the like.

Fig. 99-103 illustrate another embodiment of a material 1300 for retrofitting to an existing product, such as any type of helmet. Figures 99 and 100 show a material 1300 comprising a single slab 1305 of material 1310 adapted to regulate vibration. Although the material 1310 is shown as including first and second elastomer layers 1312 and an intermediate reinforcement layer 1314, the material 1310 may be any of the materials described herein. Panel 1305 is attached to a flexible base fiber 1320 having an adhesive surface 1352 on the opposite side of material 1310. This is similar to the adhesive material described herein with respect to fig. 70. The panel 1305 may be attached to the base fiber 1320 in any desired manner, such as integrally forming the material or an adhesive or the like may be applied between the panel 1305 and the base fabric 1320. In one exemplary embodiment, the base fibers 1320 are formed of a double-sided adhesive.

The outer adhesive surface 1352 allows the material 1300 to be secured in a desired location, for example, inside a playing helmet or soccer helmet. In addition, this in turn allows the user to "retrofit" existing helmets or other products in order to facilitate vibration adjustment without the need to purchase a new helmet. The material 1300 may be cut into a desired configuration. As shown in fig. 101-103, the sheet stock 1305 may have a variety of sizes and configurations to meet different applications. For example, in material 1300 of FIG. 101, sheet 1305 has a horizontal separation 1307 that allows material 1300 to be applied to the inside curve. Material 1300 of fig. 102 includes horizontal spacing 1307 and vertical spacing 1308 to allow for greater flexibility. The material 1300 of fig. 103 has a semi-circular configuration that may be utilized, for example, in the vicinity of an ear hole. Other combinations of sizes and shapes may also be used.

Fig. 109-114 illustrate additional embodiments of a soft cap or flexible head 1700, a flexible head 1700' in the form of a shock absorbing cap incorporating the material 10 of the present invention. Material 10 may be any material suitable for regulating vibration as described herein. Referring to fig. 109-111, the shock cap 1700 includes an annular band 1702 made from the material 10 described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the band 1702 is terminated at opposite ends 1701 and 1703 such that the band 1702 is adjustable in diameter, however, it should be noted that the band may be continuous and manufactured in different sizes to accommodate different users. It is also noted that the band 1702 may be made of an elastic material without a high tensile strength fiber layer so that the band is expandable.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment member 1704 is attached to one end 1701 of the strap 1702 and a second attachment member 1706 is attached to the other end 1703 of the strap 1702. The first attachment member 1704 is provided with an attachment structure 1705 along its surface, while the second attachment structure 1706 is provided with a complementary attachment structure 1707 along its surface. The attachment structures 1705 and 1707 may have a variety of configurations, such as, but not limited to, hooks and loops, posts and holes, snaps, or buttons. Fig. 110 and 111 illustrate attachment members 1704 and 1706 in an unconnected arrangement such that the diameter of strap 1702 may be adjusted and then secured at a desired diameter as shown in fig. 112 and 113. In an alternative embodiment, separate elastic attachment members are provided and attached at both ends of strap 1702, end 1701 and end 1703.

A plurality of straps 1710 extend from the band 1702 to define a dome structure 1718 configured to receive a user's head. Although four straps 1710 a-1710 d are shown, more or fewer straps may be used. Each strip incorporates the material 10 of the present invention. Material 10 may be any material suitable for regulating vibration as described herein. In the current embodiment, each strap 1710 a-1710 d has opposite ends 1711 and 1713 and extends across the apex 1720 of the dome structure 1718, the ends 1711 and 1713 being attached to opposite portions of the strap 1702. Stripes 1710 a-1710 d may be attached to each other adjacent to apex 1720. An end 1713 of one or more of the strips 1710c in each strip 1710c may be attached to one of the attachment members 1704, 1706 depending on the configuration and size of the strips 1710, the band 1702, and the attachment members 1704, 1706. End 1713 may be permanently fixed to attachment member 1706 or may be adjustably attached to attachment member 1706, such as via hook and loop fasteners, to enable the position to be adjusted relative to the adjusted position of attachment member 1704 and attachment member 1706.

Figures 109-113 illustrate the shock cap 1700 except that each end of the strap 1710 is not connected to the strap 1702. Rather, one end 1713 of each strip 1710 a-1710 h is attached to the strap 1702 or attachment member 1706, while the opposite end 1711 of the strips 1710 a-1710 h is attached to the connector pad 1730 adjacent the apex 1720 of the dome structure 1718. The end 1711 may be permanently fixed to the connector pad 1730 or may be adjustably attached to the connector member 1730, such as via hook and loop fasteners, to enable the size of the dome structure 1718 to be adjusted. Connector pads 1730 may incorporate material 10 of the present invention. Material 10 may be any material suitable for regulating vibration as described herein. In all other respects, the shock cap 1700' is the same as in the previous embodiment.

Further, the shock absorbing caps 1700 and 1700' may also be worn independent of any other head gear or may be worn under an existing helmet, such as a football helmet or a baseball helmet. Additionally, the shock absorbing cap 1700 and shock absorbing cap 1700' also allow a user to "retrofit" an existing helmet in order to facilitate vibration adjustment without having to purchase a new helmet.

As an additional benefit of the modified liner, it was found that: relative to the case where the material of the invention is applied to the outer shell of a helmet and then standard padding is applied to the material of the invention, the panel 305, panel 1305 or strip 1710 is placed over the padding originally attached to the inside of the helmet to help damp vibrations. In each of these applications, whether in retrofit applications or new products, it is preferred that the material of the present invention be positioned as the layer closest to the user's body.

Figures 37 and 38 show a shirt 440 and trousers 444 comprising a blank 305 of the material 10 of the invention. Figure 23 shows a preferred cross section of the slab 305. The number and location of shirt panels 305 may be varied as desired. The pants 444 preferably include a plurality of panels 305 including a thigh protection panel 305F, a hip protection panel 305E, and a hip protection panel 305G.

As noted above, the material 10 of the present invention may be used to form a glove or form a blank 305 that is incorporated into a glove. Figure 23 shows a preferred cross section of a glove panel 305. Fig. 35 shows a glove 436 suitable for both baseball and softball that uses panel 305 to provide protection in palm area 437. Figure 36 shows a weight lifting glove 438 having a panel 305 of material 10 thereon. Figure 39 shows a golf glove 446 having at least one panel 305 thereon. Figure 40 shows one type of glove 448 used in wireline work or by rescue services personnel having panel 305 of material 10 of the present invention. Fig. 41 shows a baseball glove 450 having a slab 305 thereon. As shown in fig. 42 and 43, the material 10 may also be used to form a blank 305 for a lady dress glove 452 or ski mitt 454. The long curved baseball glove 456 and boxing glove 458 may also be formed entirely of the material 10 of the present invention or may comprise a panel 305 of the material 10. Although specific types of gloves are mentioned above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that inventive material 10 may be incorporated into any type of glove, such as a sports glove, dress glove, mitt, or the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.

With reference to fig. 46-51, in particular, another embodiment of a material 810 having a single continuous elastomer 812 will be described. Referring to fig. 46, the support structure has a first major surface 823 and a second major surface 825. In one embodiment, the elastomer 812 extends through the support structure 817 such that a portion 812A of the elastomer in contact with a first major surface 823 of the support structure (i.e., the top of the support structure 817) and a portion 812B of the elastomer in contact with a second major surface 825 of the support structure (i.e., the bottom of the support structure) form a single continuous elastomer 812. The elastomeric material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational energy. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, acrylate rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and the like. In general, any suitable elastomeric or polymeric material may be used to form the vibration dissipation layer 812 and non-limiting examples may include thermoset, thermoplastic, open cell foam, or closed cell foam.

Referring to fig. 47-51, the support structure 817 may be any one (or combination) of a polymer, an elastomer, a plurality of fibers, a plurality of woven fibers, and a fabric material. If both the support structure 817 and the layer 812 are polymeric or elastomeric, they may be the same or different from each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. If the vibration dissipative material 812 is formed of the same material as the support structures 817, the support structures 817 may make the support structures 817 more rigid than the main layer 812 by embedding the fibers 814 therein. Preferably, the support structure 817 is substantially more rigid than the vibration dissipating material 812.

Referring particularly to fig. 48, the support structure 817 may be formed of an elastomer, and may, but need not, have fibers 814 embedded therein (various portions of fig. 48 show exemplary woven fibers). Referring to fig. 49, a support structure 817 may be formed from a plurality of braided fibers 818. Referring to fig. 50, a support structure 817 may be formed from the plurality of fibers 814. Regardless of the material forming support structure 817, it is preferred that the passages 819 extend into the support structure 817 to allow the elastomer 812 to penetrate and embed the support structure 817. The term "embedded" as used in the claims and the corresponding parts of the description, means "a contact sufficiently fixed on and/or in".

Thus, the support structure 817 shown in fig. 47A is embedded in the elastomer body 812 even though the elastomer body 812 does not completely surround the support structure 817. Additionally, as shown in fig. 47B, the support structures 817 may be located at any level or height within the elastomeric body 812 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the passage 819 is shown as extending completely through the support structure 817, the present invention encompasses a passage 819 that extends partially through the support structure 817.

Referring again to fig. 47A, in one embodiment, it is preferred that support structures 817 are embedded on elastomer 812, with the elastomer penetrating support structures 817. Support structures 817 are generally along major material surface 838 (i.e., support structures 817 are generally along the top of the material).

The fibers 814 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. Referring to fig. 49, the fibers 814 may be woven to form a fabric material 816 disposed on and/or within the elastomer 812. Fabric material layer 816 may be formed from warp knit aramid fibers or other types of fibers. The aramid fibers 814 block and redirect the vibrational energy through the elastomer 812 to facilitate dissipation of the vibration. The aramid fibers 818 redirect the vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 818. Thus, when plurality of aramid fibers 818 are woven to form web material 816, the vibrational energy emanating from appliance 820 that is not absorbed or dissipated by elastomeric layer 812 is redistributed by web material 816 uniformly along material 810, and preferably further dissipated by web material layer 816.

Preferably, the aramid fibers 818 are formed of suitable polyamide fibers having high tensile strength with high stretch resistance. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that any high tensile strength material suitable for guiding vibrations may be used to form the support structure 817 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that loose high tensile strength fibers and chopped high tensile strength fibers may be used to form the support structure 817 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The high tensile strength fibers may be formed from aramid fibers, glass fibers, and the like.

Where aramid fibers 818 are woven to form web material 816, it is preferred that web material 816 include at least some floating aramid fibers 818. That is, it is preferred that at least some of the aramid fibers 818 of the plurality of aramid fibers 818 be capable of moving relative to the remaining aramid fibers 818 of the fabric material 816. Movement of some of the aramid fibers 818 relative to the remaining aramid fibers 818 of the web material 816 converts the vibrational energy into thermal energy.

Referring to fig. 52 to 53, the elastomer layer 912 functions as a damper by converting mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy. The embedded support structure 917 redirects vibrational energy and increases the stiffness of the material 910 to facilitate the user's ability to control the appliance 920 encased or partially encased by the material 910. Elastomer layer 912, 912A, or 912B may include a plurality of fibers 914 (described further below) or a plurality of particles 915 (described further below). Support structures 917 are incorporated onto material 910 and/or within material 910 such that material 910 can be formed from a single elastomeric layer of material 910 such that material 910 is not unsuitable for the above-described application. Support structure 917 can also comprise a plurality of fibers 914 or a plurality of particles 915. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that additional layers of material may be added to any of the embodiments of the invention disclosed below without departing from the scope of the invention.

Where support structure 917 is formed from a second elastomeric layer, the two elastomeric layers may be secured together via an adhesive layer, separate adhesive locations, or by using any other suitable method. Regardless of the material used to form the support structure 917, the support structure is preferably positioned and configured to support the first elastomer layer (see fig. 53-53B).

Preferably, the material 910 has a single continuous elastomer 912. Referring to fig. 52, the support structure has a first major surface 923 and a second major surface 925. In one embodiment, elastomer 912 extends through support structure 917 such that portion 912A of the elastomer in contact with first main support structure surface 923 (i.e., the top of support structure 817) and portion 912B of the elastomer in contact with second main support structure surface 925 (i.e., the bottom of the support structure) form a single, continuous elastomer 912. The elastomeric material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational energy. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to: urethane rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, acrylate rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and the like. In general, any suitable elastomeric or polymeric material may be used to form the vibration dissipation layer 912 and non-limiting examples may include thermoset, thermoplastic, open cell foam, or closed cell foam.

Referring to FIG. 53A, in one embodiment, it is preferred that the support 917 is embedded in the elastomer 912, which penetrates the support 917. Support structures 917 substantially follow major material surface 938 (i.e., support structures 917 substantially follow the top of the material).

The fibers 914 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. However, the fibers may be formed from any one or combination of the following: bamboo, glass, metal, elastomers, polymers, ceramics, corn husks and/or any other renewable resource. By using fibers formed from renewable resources, production costs can be reduced and the environmental friendliness of the present invention can be improved.

Particles 915 may be located in elastomer layer 912, elastomer layer 912A, and/or elastomer layer 912B, and/or support structure 917. The particles 915 increase the shock absorption of the material of the present invention. Particles 915 may be formed from glass, polymers, elastomers, chopped aramid, ceramics, chopped fibers, sand, gel, foam, metal, minerals, glass beads, and the like. Gel particles 915 provide excellent vibration damping due to their lower hardness rating. One exemplary gel suitable for use in the present invention is a silicone gel. However, any suitable gel may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The materials of the present invention may be used as sports bandages, pads, brace materials, etc. (as shown in fig. 54-78) in addition to the appliances, sleeves, coverings, etc. described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to fig. 69-78, shown are: a sports bandage for wrapping around a portion of a human body; a material having an axis of elongation and adapted to modulate energy by dispersing and partially dissipating energy applied thereto; a pad for covering a portion of a human body or a portion of an object; and/or a brace for wrapping a portion of a human body.

When the material of the present invention is used to form an athletic bandage, the athletic bandage provides controlled support to portions of the human body. The athletic bandage includes a bandage body 764 that may be stretched, preferably along a longitudinal axis 748 (or a stretching axis 750), from a first position to a second position, where the bandage body 764 is extended a predetermined amount relative to the first position.

Fig. 54 and 56 show another embodiment of the material of the present invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. Fig. 57 and 58 show alternative embodiments of the material of the present invention in a first position and a second position, respectively.

As described below, the configuration of the support structure 717 within the vibration-absorbing layer 712 is such that the predetermined amount of extension is substantially fixed, such that the athletic bandage provides controlled support that allows for limited movement before inhibiting further movement of the wrapped portion of the human body. This promotes movement of the wrap joint while dissipating and absorbing vibrations, resulting in superior comfort and performance compared to the experience with conventional athletic bandages. While the predetermined amount of elongation can be set to any value, it is preferably less than twenty percent (20%). More preferably, the predetermined amount of extension is less than two percent (2%). However, any amount of extension may be used for the material 10 of the present invention, depending on the application.

The bandage body 764 preferably includes a first elastomeric layer 712 defining a strip length 766 of the bandage body 764, measured along the longitudinal axis 748. While the bandage body is in the first position, the support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the elastomeric layer 712 in a manner that is at least partially non-linear and generally along the longitudinal axis 748 such that the length of the support structure 717, measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the belt length 766 of the first elastomeric layer 712. Preferably, but not necessarily, the support structure 717 (or ribbon material) is positioned within the elastomeric layer 712 in a substantially sinusoidal manner when the lace body 764 is in the first position. However, the support structures 717 may be positioned in an irregular manner without departing from the scope of the present invention. As described above, the support structure 717 and/or the elastomeric layer 712 may include particles, fibers, etc. (as shown in fig. 52 and 53).

Referring to fig. 56 and 58, with respect to the lace body 764 in the first position, when the lace body 764 is extended to the second position, the support structure 717 is preferably at least partially straightened, such that the support structure 717 is more linear (or in the case of other materials, the support structure 717 may be thinner). The straightening of the support structure causes energy to be dissipated and preferably substantially prevents the elastomer layer 712 from extending further through the second location along the longitudinal axis 748. Energy dissipation occurs due to stretching of the material of support structure 717, and energy dissipation may occur due to separation or partial pulling apart of support structure 717 from attached elastomeric layer 712.

Referring to fig. 55, an "integral support structure" 717 may include a plurality of stacked support structures, fibers 718, and/or layers of fabric material 716. Preferably, the plurality of fibers comprises aramid fibers or other high tensile strength material. For example, the plurality of fibers may be made of a fiberglass material or may be woven into a ribbon or fabric material. The support structure may include any one or combination of the following without departing from the scope of the present invention: polymers, elastomers, particulates, fibers, woven fibers, textile materials, various textile materials, loose fibers, chopped fibers, gel particles, granules, sand, and the like.

As described above, the support structure 717 and/or the elastomeric layer 712 may include a plurality of particles. These particles may include any one or combination of the following: gel particles, sand particles, glass beads, chopped fibers, metal particles, foam particles, sand, or any other particles that impart vibration dissipative properties to material 10.

Referring to fig. 54 and 55, it is preferred that the bandage body 764 have a top surface 768A and a bottom surface 768B, respectively. When the movement bandage 710 is wrapped over a portion of a human body, the bottom surface 768B faces the portion of the human body. When the support structure 717 is formed from a plurality of fibers 718, it is preferred that the plurality of fibers 718 define a plurality of stacked fiber layers between the top surface 768A and the bottom surface 768B. Preferably, the plurality of fibers 718 are stacked four (4) and sixteen (16) times between the top surface 768A and the bottom surface 768B. More preferably, the plurality of fibers are stacked ten (10) times. As described above, the plurality of fibers 718 may include metal fibers, high tensile strength fiber materials, ceramic fibers, polymer fibers, elastomeric fibers, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in fig. 64, support structure 717 may be disposed only partially within the elastomeric layer or layers, generally along the longitudinal axis, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring again to fig. 54-58, the material of the present invention may be a multipurpose material that one uses to condition energy by dispersing and partially dissipating the energy applied to the material as desired. When the present material 710 is used as a multi-purpose material, the multi-purpose material 710 includes a body 770 that is extendable along an extension axis 750 from a first position (shown in figures 54 and 57) to a second position (shown in figures 55 and 58), wherein the body 770 is extended a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The axis of extension 750 is preferably determined by the directionality and geometry of the support structure 717 during manufacture, and the support structure 717 preferably limits the direction in which the body 770 may elongate. If a plurality of separate bodies 770 are stacked together, it may be desirable to orient the axes of extension 750 of the individual bodies 770 askew to one another.

The first elastomeric layer 712 defines a material length 772 measured along the axis of extension 750 of the body 770. While the body of material 770 is in the first position, the support structure 717 is preferably disposed in an at least partially non-linear manner within the elastomeric layer 712 substantially along the axis of extension 750 such that the length of the support structure as measured along the surface thereof is greater than the material length 772 of the first elastomeric layer. When the body 770 is extended to a second position, relative to the body 770 in the first position, the support structure 717 is at least partially straightened to make the support structure more linear.

Support structure 717 is preferably positioned in a sinusoidal manner within any of the materials 710 of the present invention. The support structure 717 or the belt may also be positioned in a triangular wave, square wave, or irregular manner without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Any of the materials of the present invention may be formed with the elastomer layer 712, and the elastomer layer 712 may be composed of silicone or any other suitable material. Depending on its use, the vibration absorbing material 712 may be thermoset and/or have no voids therein.

Any embodiment of the material 710 may be used as an implement covering, a grip, an athletic bandage, a multipurpose material, a brace, and/or a pad. When using the present invention material 710 as part of a liner, the liner includes a liner body 774, and the liner body 774 may be elongated along an axis of elongation from a first position to a second position, wherein the liner body 774 is elongated a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The pad includes a first elastomer 712, the first elastomer 712 defining a pad length 776 of the pad body 774 measured along the extension axis 750.

When the liner body 774 is in the first position, the support structure 717 is disposed within the elastomer layer 712 in an at least partially non-linear manner generally along the axis of extension 750 such that a length of the support structure 717 measured along a surface thereof is greater than a liner length 776 of the first elastomer layer 712. When the spacer body 774 is stretched to a second position, the support structure 717 is at least partially straightened relative to the spacer body 774 in the first position to make the support structure more linear. The straightening of the support structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and substantially prevents the elastomer layer from extending further through the second position along the axis of extension 750.

When the present material 710 is incorporated as part of a brace, the brace provides controlled support to the wrapped portion of the body. The brace includes a brace body 778, and brace body 778 is extendable along extension axis 750 from a first position to a second position, wherein brace body 778 is extended a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The brace includes a first elastomeric layer 712, the first elastomeric layer 712 defining a brace length 780 of the brace body 778 measured along the extension axis 750.

When the brace body 778 is in the first position, the support structure 717 is disposed within the elastomeric layer in an at least partially non-linear manner generally along the axis of extension 750 such that a length of the support structure 717, measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the brace length 780 of the first elastomeric layer 712. When the anchor body 778 is extended to a second position, the support structure 717 is at least partially straightened relative to the anchor body 778 in the first position to make the support structure 717 more linear. The straightening of support structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and substantially prevents further elongation of elastomeric layer 712 along the axis of extension through the second position. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that any of the inventive materials 710 may be formed into a one-piece brace that provides the controlled support as described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to fig. 54 and 57, the amount of stretch of material 710 may be selected depending on the geometry of support structure 717 when material 710 is in the first position. Preferably, the percentage of the length of the material selected increases as the bandage body 764, material body 770, padding body 774, and brace body 778 move from the first position to the second position based on the desired range of movement. When material 710 is used as an athletic bandage, the athletic bandage may be wrapped around a portion of the body multiple times and, if desired, may form a brace. Alternatively, a single layer of material 710 may be wrapped around a person and secured in place using a conventional athletic bandage or the like. Preferably, the various successive wraps of the sports bandage are adhered to one another to form a substantially one piece brace. This can be achieved by: self-bonding bandages are used to allow a plurality of adjacent athletic bandage wraps to be bonded together to form an integral assembly. One method of bonding the wraps of (fuse) sports bandages is to contact the elastomeric layer of each of a plurality of adjacent wraps with the elastomeric layer of the adjacent wrap, thereby bonding together to form a single elastomeric layer. Self-bonding techniques can be used in any of the inventive materials 710, and in any suitable application of such materials. By way of non-limiting example, the self-bonding material 710 may be used for baseball bats, long curve baseball bats, tennis rackets, holsters and wraps, appliances, sporting equipment, bandages, pads, braces, and the like.

Referring to fig. 59, 60, and 62, an adhesive 752 may be used to attach the support structure 717 to the vibration absorbing material 712. Referring to fig. 60 and 62, an air gap 760 may be present adjacent to the support structure 717 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to fig. 60, a top 762 of material may be secured to the shock absorbing material 712; or may simply be affixed to the ends of the material, the shock absorbing material 712 forming a protective sheath for the support structure 717, in which case the support structure 717 would serve as the elastic member.

Fig. 65-68 illustrate a material 710 of the present invention incorporating a shrinkable layer 758, which shrinkable layer 758 may be used to secure the material 710 in place. Additionally, when a certain pressure threshold is reached, collapsible layer 758 is configured to potentially break to further dissipate energy. Referring to fig. 67, shrinkable layer 758 is in its pre-shrunk configuration. Referring to fig. 68, once collapsible layer 758 is activated, collapsible layer 758 is preferably deformed about one side of support structure 717 to hold material 710 in place. Shrinkable layer 758 may be activated by heat or water. Alternative known activation methods are also suitable for use in the present invention.

Fig. 62 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the vibration absorbing layer 712 is configured to split during the extension of the support structure 717 so that more energy is dissipated.

Any of the inventive materials 710 may be used in combination with additional rigid layers or flexible materials without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the material 710 of the present invention may be used with a hard shell outer layer designed to dissipate impact energy throughout the material 710 before the material 710 deforms to dissipate the energy. One rigid material that may be used in combination with the material 710 of the present invention is molded foam. The molded foam layer preferably includes a plurality of resilient seams such that, although the entire molded foam is a unitary body of material, the portions of the foam layer are at least partially movable relative to one another. This is desirable to convert the impact force into a more general, blunt force, wherein the blunt force is distributed over the material 710. Alternatively, individual foam members, buttons, rigid blocks, etc. may be attached directly to the outer surface of any of the inventive materials 710. Alternatively, such foam members, buttons, rigid blocks, etc. may be attached to a flexible layer or fabric that dissipates the received impact energy along the length of the fabric fibers before the material 710 dissipates the energy.

Fig. 79, 79A, and 82-86 illustrate yet another embodiment of the inventive material of the present invention, wherein the material comprises two aramid layers 1010 and 1012, shown in the simplest configuration shown in fig. 79A, with an elastomer layer 1020 disposed between the aramid layers 1010 and 1012. Applicants have found that this configuration is an effective gasket for high weight or impact resistant configurations because aramid material layer 1010 and aramid material layer 1012 resist impact and resist displacement of elastomeric layer 1020. This configuration allows the use of elastomers, rubbers and gels of very low hardness (hundreds to thousands of hardness) while having excellent stability.

Alternatively, other fibers including high tensile strength fibers may be used in addition to the aramid layer.

Aramid having a tensile modulus between 70 and 140Gpa is preferred, and nylon having a tensile strength between 6,000 and 24,000psi is also preferred, although other high tensile strength materials may be used. Other layers of materials and fibers may be substituted for aramid layer 1010 and aramid layer 1012; in particular, low tensile strength fibers may be combined with high tensile strength fibers to create layers 1010 and 1012 suitable for receiving and stabilizing elastomer layer 1020. For example, cotton, kenaf, hemp, flax, jute, and sisal may be combined with a combination of certain high tensile strength fibers to form supportive plies 1010 and 1012.

When used, the first aramid layer 1010 and the second aramid layer 1012 are preferably coated with a bonding layer 1010a, a bonding layer 1010b, a bonding layer 1012a, and a bonding layer 1012 b. These bonding layers are preferably the same material as the elastomer layer to facilitate bonding between the aramid layer 1010 and aramid layer 1012 and elastomer layer 1020, although such bonding is not required. Further, although the amounts of the bonding layer 1010a, the bonding layer 1010b, the bonding layer 1012a, and the bonding layer 1012b are equal on both sides of the aramid layer 1010 and the aramid layer 1012 in the illustration, the bonding layer 1010a, the bonding layer 1010b, the bonding layer 1012a, and the bonding layer 1012b need not be uniformly dispersed on the aramid layer 1010 and the aramid layer 1012.

Applicants observed that aramid layer 1010 and aramid layer 1012 spread the shock and vibration experienced by elastomeric layer 1020 over a larger area. Since aramid layer 1010 and aramid layer 1012 will resist displacement of elastomer layer 1020 while still absorbing most of the vibration in heavier impact applications, the foregoing findings mean that the material can be used in such applications, e.g., motor base 1030 or floor 1035, floor 1037. This property is useful for many of the applications described above, particularly for impact absorbing pads, wraps, appliance pads, noise reducing panels, bandages, carpet pads, and floor pads.

Exemplary padding material 1400 and material 1500 of human body padding, such as for athletic and military applications, are shown in fig. 94 and 95, but are not limited thereto. In the embodiment shown in fig. 94, the cushioning material 1400 includes a first vibration adjusting material 1410 and a second vibration adjusting material 1410' fixed on the first vibration adjusting material 1410. Material 1410 and material 1410' may be formed as a unitary material or separable materials and secured to each other, for example, using a suitable adhesive. The vibration modifying material 1410 is shown to include an elastomeric layer 1412 and an intermediate reinforcing layer 1414, while the material 1410 ' is also shown to include an elastomeric layer 1412 ' and an intermediate reinforcing layer 1414 '. However, one or both of material 1410 and material 1410' may have different configurations as illustrated herein. If the intermediate reinforcing layer 1414 and the intermediate reinforcing layer 1414' each comprise a woven fabric, the materials may be rotated relative to each other such that the fabrics are offset by, for example, forty-five degrees.

Laboratory tests were conducted at the university of finial to evaluate human body pads with material 1400. The material 1400 used for the test comprises two layers of reinforcing material, each made of woven Kevlan K-49, and each embedded in an elastomeric layer made of cured polyurethane. Each layer of the woven Kevlan was about 3 mils (mil) thick and the polyurethane was coated to an overall thickness of 6 mm. Generally, as shown in fig. 94, the innermost elastomeric layer 1412 that lies against the wearer's body is the thickest layer. This material was compared to a 6mm thick high density padded paintball control vest.

For testing, the same planar aluminum plate was used and different gasket materials were attached to the planar aluminum plate. Nine impact locations are marked at the top. One end of the plate is fixed to the work table and the plate is suspended at about 75%. The accelerometer mounts are made of aluminum and are mounted on the bottom of the plate near the middle. A Bruel & Kjaer uniaxial accelerometer was used in this experiment. The Bruel & Kjaer uniaxial accelerometer is a high accuracy sensor that can measure high levels of acceleration. The Bruel & Kjaer single axis accelerometer was connected to a model 2635 charge amplifier, in turn connected to a data acquisition front end (model 3109) having a 25KHZ LAN interface module (model 7533) connected to the LAN port of a PC. The software for data collection was Pulse Labshop version 10.2. Each case was tested in triplicate. Each test was performed using a nine-point impact.

After the raw data is collected, analysis of the effect of the pad is performed using a computer program. The top peak in the frequency spectrum is used as a criterion for performance. Analyzing the results, the material of the present invention reduces the amplitude of the vibration resulting from measuring acceleration relative to the control material. Especially at the resonance peak, it was also found that the peak frequency amplitude was reduced by using the gasket of the present invention. At the resonant frequency, the peak amplitude is reduced by as much as 75%.

From the results, even without the thick elastomeric layer 1412 ', the presence of the second material 1410 ' including the reinforcing layer 1414 ' provides an initial vibration dissipation layer that absorbs and dissipates a significant portion of the impact force so that the impact force does not reach the first material 1410.

Figure 95 shows a gasket material 1500 with another initial vibration dissipation layer. The gasket material 1500 includes a first vibration regulating material 1510 and a flexible sheet layer 1558 comprising a high tensile strength material, the flexible sheet layer 1558 being secured to the first vibration regulating material 1510. Material 1510 and material 1558 may be formed as a unitary material, or may be formed separately and bonded to each other, for example, using a suitable adhesive. The vibration modifying material 1510 is shown to include an elastomeric layer 1512 and an intermediate reinforcing layer 1514. Sheet layer 1558 may be made of a variety of high tensile stress materials, for example a polypropylene sheet preferably having a thickness of 0.025mm to 2.5 mm. One or both of material 1510 and material 1558 may have different configurations as described herein.

Fig. 80, 81a and 87 show variations of the material shown in fig. 79 without the second aramid layer 1012. Aramid layer 1010 may be coated with adhesive layer 1010a, adhesive layer 1010b, or without an adhesive layer.

In use, the material may be used as a floor 1037 as shown in fig. 87, as a spring as in fig. 81a, or also as a motor base 1050. As shown in fig. 81 and 81a, the aramid layer 1010 contains an elastomer layer 1020 and stabilizes the elastomer layer 1020 when a generally cylindrical cylinder 1040 is stretched or compressed as a spring. Such springs may be used in any spring application.

When used as a motor base, the material is formed into a cylinder 1040 with the aramid layer 1010 forming the outer cylinder and the elastomer layer 1020 located in the cylinder. The cylinder 1040 is self-closed by gluing or welding to form a ring-shaped damper 1050, which can serve as a motor base.

Fig. 89 to 93 show another material used in the present invention. The cross-section of fig. 90 shows layers of material comprising a foam layer 1110, an aramid layer 1112, and an elastomer layer 1114. The foam layer 1110 of this embodiment is a rigid foam layer, which applicants have found is particularly good at dispersing point impacts and is therefore particularly suitable for impact resistance such as armour and protection in american football, baseball, football or paintball sports. It should be understood that the elastomeric layer 1114 is substantially adjacent or substantially adjacent to the body to be protected from impact.

The foam layer 1110 of this embodiment is preferably rigid and inflexible, although softer foam layers may be used. Additionally, as described herein, an elastomeric layer having a foam structure may be formed. A problem with the rigid foam layer 1110 is that many impact resistant applications require flexible materials, such as paintball pads and armor that need to flex around the human body. Applicants have addressed this problem by forming narrow weak areas 1111 in the foam layer. These areas may be formed by cutting, stamping, or otherwise forming areas of predetermined weakness, but in any event, these methods allow the foam layer 1110 to be bent at these areas. Depending on the desired flexibility, various shapes of regions of predetermined flexibility may be used. As shown, parallel, hexagonal, herringbone (masonry) areas are presently preferred. Fig. 93 illustrates an embodiment in which the paintball armor 1140 has a herringbone pattern.

A similar form may be used in embodiments where one of the elastomeric layers is a foam layer or other structure to provide greater flexibility to the product and/or to provide airflow. Fig. 96-98 illustrate a material 1610 wherein at least one elastomeric layer includes a plurality of channels 1630. In various embodiments, material 1610 includes an elastomer layer 1612, elastomer layer 1612 being shown as separate elastomer layer 1612a and elastomer layer 1612b, and intermediate reinforcement layer 1614. Material 1610 can have other configurations described herein. Channel 1630 forms an elastomer layer 1612b that faces the user during use. In the embodiment of fig. 96-97, the channels 1630 extend parallel to each other. The material 1610 has an edge 1640 and each channel 1630 has an end portion 1632 that extends to the edge 1640, thereby providing an inlet/outlet for the channel 1630, thereby propelling an air stream. In the embodiment of fig. 98, the channels 1630 are arranged parallel and perpendicular and cross each other as shown. Although each channel 1630 is shown with an end portion 1632 on an edge 1640, some channels 1630 may terminate before the edge, and air flow may still penetrate the interconnected channels 1630. Applicants have also found that a fourth rigid layer comprising a plastic material, foam or metal can be added on top of the foam/aramid/elastomer to further dissipate the impact energy.

Any of the above-mentioned layers may be infiltrated, embedded, encapsulated, or otherwise dispersed in the resistant fluid. Preferably, the resistant fluid layer is separated from the wearer/holder by at least one of the elastomeric layers, thereby minimizing direct impact to the wearer/holder.

Body armor often uses resistant fluids and all of the vibration damping materials as described herein are effective for this application because the vibration damping materials can further protect the wearer from harmful vibrations from impacts and punctures.

Exemplary resistant fluids include Shear Thickening Fluids (STFs), or dilatants (dilatants), and magnetorheological fluids (MRFs).

Used as sound-proof device

The materials described herein can be used in acoustic insulation devices in many applications, such as, but not limited to, industrial and commercial devices, heavy machinery, compressors, generators, pumps, fans, commercial appliances and devices, HVAC devices, precision devices/electronics, business machinery, computers, peripherals, medical and laboratory devices/equipment, communications products, consumer electronics and devices, professional applications, seats, positioners, pillows, mattresses, footwear, sports equipment, vehicles, automobiles and trucks, boats and airplanes, buses and RV, personal recreational vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment, off-highway vehicles.

The following description generally applies to many of the above-described materials, but is specifically illustrated with reference to fig. 1. Like most conventional damping materials, the first elastomer layer 12A converts acoustic and vibrational energy waves into thermal energy through hysteretic damping. As the energy wave travels through elastomer layer 12A, the energy wave reaches the end of the medium and comes into contact with high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14. The interface region becomes substantially a boundary. In addition to providing increased stiffness to the composite, the high tensile strength material 14 has the unique ability to propagate or carry vibrational energy waves away from the point of entry. Thus, when the plurality of high tensile strength fibers 18 are woven to form the layer of web material 16, vibrational energy not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomeric layer 12A will be redistributed by the layer of web material 16 uniformly along the material 10 and then further dissipated by the second elastomeric layer 12B. This manner of propagating energy waves over a large area by the high tensile strength fiber layer 14, commonly referred to as mechanical propagation damping, allows the composite material to efficiently dissipate energy.

In addition to the mechanical propagation damping provided by the high tensile strength fiber layer 14, several additional operating mechanisms for energy dissipation are created at the boundary between the elastomer layer 12A and elastomer layer 12B and the high tensile strength fiber layer 14. These beneficial boundary effects include, but are not limited to, reflection, transformation, dispersion, refraction, scattering. Conversion, friction, wave interference, and hysteretic damping, the combination of these dissipative mechanisms simultaneously acts to result in a material with superior damping efficiency characteristics relative to conventional materials of the same thickness or greater.

The material 10 may include a different number of layers, and the order of the layers may vary with respect to the basic composite material shown. Materials may be added to the composite material, such as adding sheet metal to help absorb vibrational energy having a particular frequency and wavelength, or to increase strength. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure that material 10 may be formed from two separate layers without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the material 10 may be formed of a first elastomeric layer 12A and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 disposed on the first elastomeric layer 12A that may be woven into a fabric material layer 16.

Fig. 104 shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the material 10 (it being understood that any of the embodiments described herein may be used), the material 10 being used between a wall 20 (e.g., the strength of a room) and a wall-mounted stud 20A (it being understood that fig. 104 is not necessarily drawn to scale). In fig. 104, the material 10 acts to absorb, dissipate and/or isolate vibrations through the wall 20 and thus minimize the transmission of sound from one side of the wall 20 to the other.

Fig. 105 is a partial side view of a baseball bat handle 1120. Any suitable combination of the above-described embodiments of materials may be inserted into baseball bat handle 1120. Once the material is inserted into the handle 1120 (as shown) or other portion of the bat, the material acts to both reduce vibration and reduce sound through the bat. In the cross-sectional view of the handle 1120 of FIG. 106, where the material has the same cross-section as the material discussed in FIG. 1, the cross-section 1122 of the handle defines a cavity containing the material 10 located in the cross-section 1122 of the handle.

Fig. 107 and 108 show similar views and cross-sectional views of a tennis racket 1120 and its cut plane 1222.

It will be appreciated that fig. 105 to 108 show two possible configurations of materials for use in the handle of the sporting equipment. Similar applications may be the grip and head of a golf club, a long curved baseball bat, a long curved baseball goalkeeper club, and the like. In addition to playgrounds, the material may be used in hand tools or power tools and similar hand held articles.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure that changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the material 10 may include additional layers (e.g., five or more layers) without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A vibration reducing headgear assembly comprising:

an annular band hoop; and

a plurality of strips extending from the band to define a dome structure, each strip containing a damping material comprising at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer containing a high tensile strength fibrous material.

2. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the annular band contains a vibration reducing material comprising at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous material.

3. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein a diameter of the annular band is adjustable.

4. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 3 wherein the annular band has opposite ends that are adjustable relative to one another.

5. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4 wherein the opposing ends are connected via a resilient member.

6. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4 wherein a first attachment member is connected to one end of the strap and a second attachment member is connected to the other end of the strap and configured to attach to the first attachment member.

7. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 6 wherein the first and second attachment members comprise complementary attachment structures.

8. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the complementary attachment structure comprises a hook and loop fastener.

9. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein each strap has opposite first and second ends, each first end being attached to the annular band or an attachment member extending from the annular band.

10. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9 wherein the second end of each strap is attached to the annular band or an attachment member extending from the annular band.

11. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 10 wherein each of the straps extends across an apex of the dome structure.

12. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9 wherein the second end of each strap is attached to a connector pad adjacent an apex of the dome structure.

13. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12 wherein the second end of the strap is adjustably attached to the connector pad.

14. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 13 wherein the second end of the strap is attached to the connector pad via a hook and loop fastener.

15. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12 wherein the connector pad includes a vibration reducing material including at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer including a high tensile strength fibrous material.

16. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first elastomer layer and the reinforcement layer: i) penetrating into the resistant fluid forming the resistant fluid layer, ii) embedding into the resistant fluid forming the resistant fluid layer, or iii) encapsulating by the resistant fluid forming the resistant fluid layer.

17. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 16 wherein the resistive fluid is one of a shear thickening fluid, a dilatant and a magnetorheological fluid.

18. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 16 wherein the resistant fluid layer is separated from the user by the elastomer layer.

Claims (15)

1. A vibration reducing headgear assembly comprising:

an annular band hoop; and

a plurality of strips extending from the band to define a dome structure, each strip containing a damping material comprising at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer containing a high tensile strength fibrous material.

2. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the annular band contains a vibration reducing material comprising at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer comprising a high tensile strength fibrous material.

3. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein a diameter of the annular band is adjustable.

4. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 3 wherein the annular band has opposite ends that are adjustable relative to one another.

5. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4 wherein the opposing ends are connected via a resilient member.

6. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 4 wherein a first attachment member is connected to one end of the strap and a second attachment member is connected to the other end of the strap and configured to attach to the first attachment member.

7. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 6 wherein the first and second attachment members comprise complementary attachment structures.

8. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein the complementary attachment structure comprises a hook and loop fastener.

9. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 1 wherein each strap has opposite first and second ends, each first end being attached to the annular band or an attachment member extending from the annular band.

10. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9 wherein the second end of each strap is attached to the annular band or an attachment member extending from the annular band.

11. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 10 wherein each of the straps extends across an apex of the dome structure.

12. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 9 wherein the second end of each strap is attached to a connector pad adjacent an apex of the dome structure.

13. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12 wherein the second end of the strap is adjustably attached to the connector pad.

14. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 13 wherein the second end of the strap is attached to the connector pad via a hook and loop fastener.

15. The vibration reducing headgear assembly according to claim 12 wherein the connector pad includes a vibration reducing material including at least a first elastomer layer and a reinforcing layer including a high tensile strength fibrous material.