Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION
Title:
[0003] This application claims the benefit and priority of CIPO Patent
Application
No. 2,852,446 filed in May 2014, and entitled Face and Throat Guard for Kung
Fu
Martial Arts.
Field of the Fabrication:
[0004] The present fabrication relates to protective head gear designed to be
used as a safety precaution in sparring sessions of martial arts classes and
training for hand combat sports.
Background of the Fabrication:
[0005] Two major deficiencies prevail with regards to usage of all existing
commercial apparatus designed for this purpose; firstly, they only minimize
but do
not prevent impacts or injuries, which often can occur via the use and
application
of conventional protectors for martial arts; and, secondly, making physical
contact
with the head of the occupant wearing the encasement, they advance the
propagation of bacilli due to the dirt and sweat that builds up in
conventional
protectors and which in turn can cause skin diseases due to common use of a
plurality of users.
[0006] While the latter problem may be availed by disposing an antibacterial
deodorant cloth on the inside of the protector smeared with filth, it does not
solve
the issue of impact. As for traditional head protective gear that envelopes
the
head with a combination of hard exterior and soft interior materials, all such
designs only minimize impacts or injuries, they do not prevent them.
[0007] Protective head armour has since the dawn of warfare or sport fighting
revolved around some kind of encasement around the head. The main deficiency
with existing hardware, however, is that no mater what material is used to
cushion the blows, the head (attached to the gear as it always is) shifts
along with
the impact accordingly. As the helmet is struck, the person wearing such gear
feels the impact each and every time. Hard punches or even soft ones, it does
not
matter, the point to be made is that even the slightest touch to conventional
head
gear produces unnecessary discomfort and possible injury to the person wearing
such traditional protective helmet-like gear.
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[00081 The proposed contraption expands on existing apparatus such as masks
and harness assemblies, but makes it all work in a manner that is
revolutionary
insofar as zero impact in contact sports is concerned.
[0009] As will soon be described in greater detail, no contact is made between
the proposed protective gear and the occupant's face and throat, not even upon
powerful strikes. The simple albeit unique reason for this is because there is
a
constant spatial distance between the occupant's face and the shielding
material
receiving the impact. In other words, the face, together with the neckline, is
physically separated from any protective gear or striking object.
[0010] All protective head gear commercially manufactured for sport fighting
today, including the above cited patents, are the type that wrap around the
occupant's skull (thus forcing the head to absorb 100% of the impact) and none
of
them protect the throat area which is one of the main targets of open palm
strikes
in Kung Fu martial arts. This key feature of Kung Fu (barehand shots to the
sensitive areas of the body) puts off and turns away numerous potential
newcomers to the self-defence sport because they are paranoid of getting
struck
in the throat. No gloves are used in Kung Fu training/sparring sessions,
therefore
with no correlating protection around the neck, the sparring aspect of the art
suffers tremendously, as does any effective training in "real life" simulation
combat techniques.
[0011] This particular invention would have a niche market in Kung Fu programs
around the world because there is nothing exclusively like this made for their
community. The majority of Kung Fu schools practice combat techniques wherein
one individual begins by throwing a punch to another trainee who blocks that
hit
simultaneously responding with multiple and varying open palm strikes to areas
of the first attacker's face and throat area. These are all delivered
lightening quick
and sometimes the person doing the response "kung fu style" hitting cannot
stop
short in time or control their distance. This leads to inadvertent accidents
where
contact is made to sensitive areas.
[0012] In short, there is no conventional head gear that serves the purpose of
protecting these prime Kung Fu striking targets during combat technique
practice
sessions as effectively as this protective fabrication disclosed herein does.
Related Patents / Prior Art:
[0013] Publication numbers: US 6499149 B2 Race car driver helmet/head
restraint; US 2007/0157371 Protective helmet; US 2014/0053324 Apparatus for
preventing neck injury, spinal cord injury and concussion; US 2556923 A
Parachute harness; US 1020588 A Jock-strap.
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[0014] The above mentioned patents, particularly US 2014/0053324, teach a
person skilled in the art how to create and use an encasement around the head
(a helmet essentially, which is tied down to the shoulders). In contrast, the
proposed device herein builds on pre-existing technology, much like the above
mentioned patents build on technology that has been patented since 1964. The
extent of similarity between such existing patented contraptions and the
proposed device herein is the fact that in each of these patented devices the
head gear is strapped to a body harness.
[0015] As described below, there are unique features incorporated into the
design of this proposed contraption which make it stand apart from existing
equipment in terms of its practical application, namely a specially designed
strap
assembly retaining hardware system which permits mobility and also keeps the
head guard held tightly in place.
Brief Description:
[0016] Intended primarily for use and application by individuals involved in
combat sports or self-defence programs which incorporate open palm strikes
(such as in particular the Chinese martial art of Kung Fu), and where "centre-
line"
attacks to the jawline and throat area are prevalent, proposed is a medium
energy shock absorbing and dissipating face and throat guard device, pre-
mounted on a neck brace style collar pad element, that is itself affixed to a
waist
belt element via strategically positioned retaining hardware.
[0017] The proposed device is free-floating (that is to say, unattached to the
wearer's head), covering and protecting (but not touching) the throat,
jawline, and
peripheral facial areas of the occupant. The device is made out of a rigid,
albeit
light plastic shell that sits on the shoulders of the wearer and is fastened
to the
waist and then by extension to the crotch area, like a pilot harness, by two
jock
strap members.
[0018] In this manner, and by being "locked down" in place, the waist belt
element
acts as an anchor to keep the collar pad element pressed firmly against the
wearer's shoulders, preventing it from moving in any direction, primarily not
upwardly and toward the face. This, in turn, enables the face shield element,
being a one piece unit with the throat guard (which is in itself part and
parcel of
the collar pad element), to withstand impact by obstructing objects of impact
from
coming into contact with any facial features of the person wearing such a
light
sturdy contraption.
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[0019] Weighing less than a quarter of a kilogram, a lightweight but solid
barrier
between the face and any incoming striking object is what this piece of
equipment achieves.
[0020] As such, the liability of injury to the body, resulting, for instance,
from any
of the facial features being crowded forcibly against the surface of any
striking
object (or against cushioning material worn over the occupant's head), is
reduced
to a minimum, if not obliterated all together.
[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail by
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Drawings:
Figure 1. A diagrammatic one dimensional representation of an occupant
wearing the face and neck protector device and its retaining hardware (FRONT
VIEW).
Figure 2. A diagrammatic one dimensional representation of an occupant
wearing the face and neck protector device and its retaining hardware (REAR
VIEW).
Figure 3. A diagrammatic one dimensional representation of an occupant
wearing the face and neck protector device (CROSS SECTIONAL PROFILE
VIEW).
Detailed Description:
[0022] An unibody face and throat guard device is provided serving to absorb
the
impact of any strikes directed toward the sensitive "centre line" parts of the
anatomy students of King Fu practice targeting, such as the throat, nose, and
jawline. The shell of said face and throat guard device (1) consisting of a
face
shield element (2) being designed and constructed in the shape of a perfect
elliptical configuration comprising an equally oval configured aperture
protruding
upwardly from a base structure defining the throat region. Said base structure
comprising a collar pad element (3) and proceeding from the throat region to
envelope the entire neckline wherefrom it rests upon the shoulders of the
occupant. Said face shield element (2) and collar pad element (3) together
combined will from hereon in be referred to interchangeably as the face and
throat guard device (1).
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[0023] As shown in the Figure 1, indicating a diagrammatic representation of
an
individual wearing the apparatus, a face shield element (2) rests
perpendicularly
on an elliptical collar pad element (3) set onto the occupant's shoulders and
strapped firmly in place by a specially engineered retaining assembly
described
in detail further below. The collar pad element (3) is de facto a throat
guard.
[0024] The objective of this face and throat guard device (1) is primarily to
enable
a safety apparatus of the type described to have no need for adjustment as the
base of the contraption, i.e. the collar pad element (3) is large enough to
fit
around different sized users' heads while still providing the required
positional
stability. Said collar pad element (3) measuring three centimetres wide in
diameter thickness, the surface area of the open space within the interior
perimeter of its edges, wherethrough the occupant's head enters, measuring 218
centimetres.
[0025] Two thin brace rod elements (4+4B) made of steel proximate the collar
pad
element (3) on one end and the face shield element (2) on the other end
respectively; each brace rod element (4+4B) respectively further secures the
front
shield from moving towards the face.
[0026] Said pair of brace rod elements (4+4B), being removably attached to the
contraption, act as both resistance for the face shield element (2) to
withstand
harder abrasions, as well as a manner to prevent the ears from being struck
from
side "slapping" shots, which is a frequently used striking technique in Kung
Fu
martial arts application.
[0027] Said pair of brace rod elements (4+4B) being intentionally designed
thin in
circumference for the purpose of increasing the occupant's peripheral vision;
and,
being made of steel so that they do not bend under any pressure that could be
delivered to the face and throat guard (1) by even the strongest strike. Said
pair of
brace rod elements (4+4B) being optionally fitted with tubular foam padding,
much like the kind found on motocross (dirt bike) handlebars, so as to not
hurt the
hand of the person striking the contraption.
[0028] The current design and layout of the steel rod elements (4+4B) as
described, including the angle wherefrom and whereto said pair of steel rod
elements (4+4B) connect the face shield element (2) with the collar pad
element
(3), is intended to both brace the face shield element (2) against direct-line
impacts as well as block side coming shots.
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[0029] Said collar pad element (3) being elliptical in shape, and being
secured to
a waist belt element (9) from the posterior as well as the anterior side of
the
occupant's body. Appropriately sized so as fit comfortably and snugly over the
occupant's head, the front facing side of said collar pad element (3) is
joined by a
first front set of strap members (6) to a first front ring connector element
(5)
positioned in the diaphragm area of the occupant, just below the centre chest
line
area. The exact layout is to be found in the posterior of the body, i.e., the
rear side
of the collar pad is joined by a second rear set of strap members (6B) to a
second
rear ring connector element (5B) positioned in the middle spine area of the
occupant, approximately seven inches below the nape of the neck.
[0030] The anterior southern surface of said collar pad element (3) being
defined
by three apertures spaced approximately six centimetres apart in proximity to
each other; a first front set of strap members (6) being securely passed
through
the aforementioned interspersed cavities in the anterior portion of the collar
pad
element, therefrom proceeding to latch on to a first front ring connector
element
(5) and secured thereon via a hook and loop fastening mechanism. Said first
front
ring connector element (5) being situated in the upper centre torso region of
the
occupant's body, approximately at the area between the chest and abdomen
(i.e.,
an inch or two above the solar plexus).
[0031] All three bands of the first set of front strap members (6) having
respective
top distal ends secured through the three respective ovoid apertures of the
anterior portion of said collar pad element (3), while the respective bottom
distal
ends of the first front set of strap members (6) passing through the
respective
round aperture loop in the first front ring connector element (5), securing
means
being a hook and loop fastening mechanism provided on the first front set of
strap
members (6) looping around the first front ring connector element (5).
[0032] Replicating precisely the design layout of the above mentioned first
front
set of strap members (6), a second rear set of strap members (6B) having
respective top distal ends secured through the three respective ovoid
apertures
of the posterior portion of said collar pad element (3), while the respective
bottom
distal ends of the second rear set of strap members (6B) passing through the
respective round aperture loop in the second rear ring connector element
(513),
securing means being a hook and loop fastening mechanism provided on the
second rear set of strap members (6) looping around the second rear ring
connector element (5).
[0033] Said first front and said second rear set of strap members (6+6B) being
made of high density, strong and durable cloth or nylon, and measuring each
about three centimetres wide, conceivably both being available for
modifications
in terms of slightly enlarging or decreasing their currently specified
respective
widths.
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[0034] The novelty and key to this model's success are the said first front
and
second rear ring connector elements (5+5B) which play both a functional role
and serve as an added safety measure. Specifically, if the first front and
second
rear ring connector elements (5+5B) were not to be affixed in their respective
positions, whenever the occupant of the proposed contraption would lean back
or
forward more than 135 during training, the natural leeway that would be
produced from the material of a first front and second rear vertical harness
member (8+8B), were it to be tied directly from said collar pad element (3) to
said
waist belt element (9), without the benefit of said first front and second
rear ring
connector elements (5+5B), would subsequently cause the contraption to move
back too dangerously close to the wearer's chin and therefore defeat the
purpose
of this contraption.
[0035] In other words, without said first front and second rear connect
elements
(5+5B), if the device was struck by an uppercut motion and from a specific
angular position the precise moment the wearer of this device might be
crouching
forward, the contraption might fail to provide protection for the
aforementioned
reason of strap leeway. Seeing as sparring is a sport where individuals never
stand vertically motionless, the necessity of such first front and second rear
ring
connector elements (5+5B) was an integral piece of engineering for the sound
functioning of this proposed device.
[0036] The first front ring connector element (5) is itself held tightly in
place and
pressed against the torso of the occupant by means of a pair of horizontal
harness members (7+7B) made out of resilient material; said horizontal harness
members (7+7B) measuring three centimetres wide and being designed to wrap
around the rib cage and fasten the first front ring connector element (5)
located
on the occupant's chest with the second rear ring connector element (5B)
located
in the occupant's rear side, approximately at the middle of the occupant's
spinal
chord area.
[0037] Said pair of horizontal harness members (7+7B) wrap around the
occupant's rib cage securing the first front and second rear ring connector
elements (5+5B) tight in place via a hook and loop fastening mechanism
provided thereon, pressing them firmly against the occupant's torso.
[0038] The combined length of both the horizontal strap members (7+7B) being
adjustable by way of separating the distal ends of said horizontal strap
members
(7+7B), passing more or less of the respective strap members through the
respective apertures in the ring connector elements (5+5B).
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[0039] From both the anterior and posterior of the occupant, respectively, a
first
front and second rear vertical harness member (8+8B) (being adjustable via a
hook and loop fastening mechanism provided thereon) fastens both the first and
second ring connector elements (5+56) securely to a waist belt element (9).
[0040] A first vertical front harness member (8), much thicker and stronger
than
any of the straps previously described. Said first vertical front harness
member (8)
being fastened in the anterior side of the occupant from the first front ring
connector element (5) vertically attaching downwardly, and connecting to an
aperture being found in the anterior portion of a waist belt element (9).
[0041] Replicating the frontal layout of the strap assembly, in the posterior
section
of the occupant's body, a second rear vertical harness member (86) joins the
aforementioned second rear ring connector element (56) to the posterior
portion
of said waist belt element (9). Said second rear vertical harness member (8B)
extending vertically and downwardly from the aforementioned second rear ring
connector element (56), thereto being affixed to said waist belt element (9),
and
thus connecting said second rear ring connector (56) with said waist belt
element
(9).
[0042] Alternately, the combined length of both the first anterior and second
posterior vertical harness members (8+86) being adjustable by simply
separating
the distal ends of said anterior and posterior harness members, passing more
or
less of the anterior and posterior strap members through the respective
apertures
in the ring connector elements (5&5B) and securing respectively the distal
ends
of the first anterior and second posterior vertical harness members (8+8B)
together by means of the hook and loop fastening means provided thereon.
[0043] Said first front and second rear vertical harness members (8+8B) being
each eight centimetres wide and formed from an non-elasticated fabric,
preferably made of durable hook and loop polyester webbing material with a
tensile strength of at least 9000 pound test; and, being fully adjustable
according
to the occupant's height by the aforementioned hook and loop mechanism
provided thereon.
[0044] A first and second jock-strap member (10+10B) are incorporated to both
secure and prevent said waist belt element (9) from moving vertically upwards
beyond the navel region. Correspondingly, said first and second jock-strap
members (10+10B) exist for the express purpose of keeping the face and throat
guard device (1) pressed firmly on the occupant's shoulders, and therefore
intact.
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[0045] Given that the waist belt element (9) can not elevate upwardly due to
said
jock strap members (10+108), and given that said collar pad element (3)
whereupon said face shield element (2) is affixed cannot budge in any
direction
because it is harnessed tightly to both the ring connector elements (5+5B)
and,
by extension, to said waist belt element (9), the end result is that the face
and
throat guard device (1), strapped securely as it is to both the anterior and
posterior areas of the occupant's waist belt element (9), is prevented from
neither
moving toward, nor touching the face, in any manner. By so doing, the device
not
merely reduces impact but ostensibly obliterates it. Since the collar pad
element
(3) forms the base onto which said face shield element (2) attaches to, and
since
it is held in place by said waist belt element (9), it is the first and second
jock-
strap members (10+10B), really, that prevent the face shield element (2) from
budging. Hence the applicable jock strap patent numbers that have been earlier
cited herein.
[0046] In a prototypical embodiment illustrated herein, the collar pad element
(3)
is non-pliable and does not conform to the topography of the wearer's upper
torso; the material is preferably of the type of plastic that lends itself to
resisting
pressure. Said face and throat guard device (1) being made of FR-4 plastic
material, but can also be made from equally strong plastic, such as
Polyarylamide compound which, with a tensile strength of up to 45,000 psi,
exhibits high strength and rigidity, outstanding surface gloss, and excellent
creep
resistance.
[0047] The embodiment described herein comprises an elliptical aperture in the
centre of the face shield element (2) optimally designed to both protect as
much
surface area as possible while retaining the capability of a substantive
degree of
peripheral vision. However, as stated from the beginning, this proposed
apparatus is primarily intended for fighting styles that incorporate open hand
palm strikes delivered to the throat line, added to which, this contraption
will
naturally undergo minor or substantive improvement modifications. In a
preferred
embodiment not represented in any of the accompanying diagrams, an ulterior
modification to the material for said face shield element (2) will be to
construct it
with rigid translucent plastic to obtain total front coverage and retain
peripheral
vision.
[0048] In yet another embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures, the
collar pad element (3) is constructed of semi-pliable material and conforms to
the
contours of the occupant's shoulders for a better fit, as well as having
padding
material attached underneath the bottom surface for increased comfort; as it
stands, the collar pad element (3) is intentionally rigid so as to rest
tightly on the
occupant's shoulders.
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[0049] Said first front and second rear ring connector elements (5+56)
comprising
a diameter of five centimetres and being a saucer or dish shaped circular
member; and being moulded from a plastics material, such as polycarbonate.
While a circular member is shown in the preferred embodiment, it is envisaged
that the ring connector elements will comprise triangular or rectangular
configurations. An optional detachable chest guard could be conveniently
affixed
on the outer surface of said first front and second rear ring connector
elements
(5+56) for added body protection.
[0050] Said waist belt element (9), to which said first front and second rear
vertical
harness members (8+86) respectively and perpendicularly attach to, being
naturally designed to wrap around the waist of the occupant, its extending two
distal ends being fastened thereto a clasp or buckle mechanism for engaging in
use with the fastener material attached to the waist belt element (9). Said
waist
belt element (9), being preferably formed from a nylon material having a
fabric
covering.
[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the leg openings of said harness jock-
strap
members (10+106) being comprised of leg straps measuring three centimetres
wide respectively, and each being preferably stitched to the circumference of
the
lower edges of the waist belt element (9). Said jock strap members (10+106)
being custom woven with soft non-elastic albeit sturdy support fabric to
provide
roomy comfort; and, being adjustable by means of a hook and loop fastening
mechanism provided thereon so that they can be tightened symmetrically.
[0052] In the embodiment represented in the drawings, said waist belt element
(9)
being made up of one jock strap member on the user's left limb (10) and
another
on their right limb (10B), provided on each side with a tightening means being
said hook and loop fastening mechanism. Said first and said second jock-strap
member (10+10B), as described being made to fit around the circumference of
the occupant's lower limbs, similar to a "jet fighter" harness, thus
functioning as
the base of that which restricts the movement of all ensuing material north of
the
waist belt element (9), and thus also refraining said face shield element (2)
from
moving back toward the head upon impact.
[0053] In order to prepare the apparatus for use, the occupant places the face
and
throat guard device (1) over their head, and the fastening materials found in
the
waist belt element (9) and the first front and second rear vertical harness
members (8+86) are initially looped into their respective apertures, fastening
material providing for adjustment of size according to the size of the user.
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[0054] To egress the reverse steps outlined in the previous paragraph are
taken;
i.e., releasing the retaining buckle of said waist belt element (9) is
achieved by
the manual separation of the bolt of the buckle and of the keeper of the bolt,
or
any other conventional fastening means designed to secure waist belts.
[0055] The key to this design, once again, lies in the specific configuration
of the
retaining strap assembly hardware, and by utilizing the occupant's anatomy to
hold the entire apparatus firmly in place, thereby preventing the upper
portion of
the contraption, i.e., both the collar pad element (3) but more importantly
the face
shield element (2), from nudging toward the direction of the face as it
receives
impact jabs.
[0056] At the same time, the occupant remains nimble and is not protected like
an
astronaut (in a bubble-like shell) at the expense of mobility; practicality
must
never be sacrificed, otherwise any such cumbersome contraptions, patented or
otherwise, would defeat the purpose of their use in the field of sport
fighting.
[0057] It should be understood that the harness parts, and the arrangement of
the
different straps will vary, and that the invention is not limited to the exact
details of
construction shown and described herein for obvious modifications will occur
to
persons skilled in the art.
[0058] For instance, in a preferred embodiment not shown in any of the
illustrations provided herein, but which will likely comprise any commercial
design and manufacturing of this product, (pending patent approval), the
surface
area of said face shield element (2) being enlarged to protrude beyond it's
present point, i.e still maintaining a spatial distance from the head but
wrapping
around the ears and terminating on the occupant's rear skull (resembling an
enlarged hockey goalie's mask, thus providing even further protection); and,
being made of hard translucent material to increase the occupant's peripheral
vision.
[0059]Similarly, a smaller sized face and throat guard device (1) outlined in
these
specifications being tailored to accommodate children's bodily dimensions for
young sports enthusiasts.
[0060] From the plethora of descriptive elements and benefits of this
invention
enumerated herein, it is apparent that an improved face and throat protection
device has been provided which will enable a wearer to train in ease without
relinquishing any safety factors essential to successful operation of the
device.
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[0061] Caveat(s): The face shield element (2) does not afford protection for
the
eyes. The aperture is not large enough for an adult human fist to pass
through,
however fingers may inadvertently dart through during bare hand sparring. For
this reason, and to counter this limitation, the use of protective eye goggles
is
advocated. Also, in its current embodiment illustrated in the drawings, no
protection is offered to the top and upper posterior regions of the skull.
This,
however, is a known and accepted risk for its intended usage in the combat
sport
of chinese martial arts where the strikes are delivered almost exclusively to
the
frontal areas of the body, most frequent targets being the throat, i.e., areas
which
present day existing gear simply does not protect.
[0062] In terms of addressing any apparent or perceived limitations, if anyone
wanted utter protection one could simply wear traditional head gear in
conjunction with this proposed piece of apparatus. Either of these pieces of
equipment are not mutually exclusive and would not be an expensive investment
considering the protection afforded and the priceless facial assets being
protected. This fabrication does not have to replace conventional equipment,
it
can supplement existing gear to create the ultimate protection package
possible.
