阅读说明：本技术 缓冲膜 (Buffer film ) 是由 D·E·艾布拉姆 F·格尔纳拉吉 G·G·王 于 2018-03-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：总体所述,所公开主题的方面针对缓冲膜。根据本发明的方面,缓冲膜通常包含层状芯体,该层状芯体具有第一薄层和第二薄层,该第二薄层联接到第一薄层并被构造成相对于第一薄层移动以使由倾斜冲击力产生的动能消散。层状芯体可以包含薄层之间的润滑层或自润滑层以减小摩擦。一般来说,层状芯体由邻近每个薄层定位的第一包封层和第二包封层包围。联接到第一包封层和第二包封层中的一个或多个并与层状芯体相关联的锚定附接件约束层状芯体与第一包封层和第二包封层之间的相对侧向运动。(In general, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to buffer films. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a cushioning membrane generally includes a layered core having a first lamina and a second lamina coupled to the first lamina and configured to move relative to the first lamina to dissipate kinetic energy generated by an oblique impact force. The layered core may contain a lubricating or self-lubricating layer between thin layers to reduce friction. Generally, the laminated core is surrounded by a first encapsulant layer and a second encapsulant layer positioned adjacent to each of the thin layers. An anchor attachment coupled to one or more of the first and second encapsulant layers and associated with the layered core constrains relative lateral movement between the layered core and the first and second encapsulant layers.)

1. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

a cushioning film conformable to a surface of an object, comprising:

a layered core comprising:

a first thin layer;

a second lamina coupled to the first lamina and configured to move relative to the first lamina; and

a lubricating layer disposed between the first and second thin layers and configured to reduce friction between the first and second thin layers;

a first encapsulant layer positioned adjacent to the first thin layer;

a second encapsulant layer positioned adjacent to the second thin layer; and

an anchor attachment associated with the layered core and coupled to at least one of the first and second encapsulation layers, the anchor attachment configured to limit relative lateral movement between the layered core and at least one of the first and second encapsulation layers,

wherein the first and second encapsulating layers together surround the layered core, and wherein movement of the first lamella relative to the second lamella dissipates kinetic energy from the impact force acting on the buffer membrane, thereby reducing acceleration transmitted to the object.

2. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the object is a portion of a human body or any protective equipment designed to protect a portion of the human body.

3. The buffer film of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is selected from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a colloid, a ferrofluid, and combinations thereof.

4. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the first and second plies are made of an elastic, stretchable, or rigid material that is capable of extending to a point of rupture when an impact force exceeds a threshold value.

5. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the coupling of the first and second laminae is selected from the group consisting of mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welds, stitches, hook-and-loop, radio frequency seals, ultrasonic welds, heat pulse seals, and combinations thereof.

6. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the first encapsulation layer is coupled to the second encapsulation layer by means of an anchor attachment through apertures disposed on the first and second sheets, the anchor attachment selected from the group consisting of mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, elastic bands, rivets, adhesives, buttons, welds, stitches, hook-and-loop, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and combinations thereof.

7. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the first encapsulating layer is coupled to the first sheet layer with one or more fasteners selected from the group consisting of mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welds, stitches, hook and loop, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and combinations thereof.

8. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein the second encapsulant layer is coupled to the second sheet layer with one or more fasteners selected from the group consisting of mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welds, stitches, hook and loop, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and combinations thereof.

9. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein relative movement of the layered core and at least one of the first and second encapsulation layers is laterally limited by a tether on the first or second thin layer, and wherein the anchor attachment is coupled to the tether.

10. The cushioning film of claim 9, wherein relative movement of the layered core and at least one of the first and second encapsulating layers is laterally limited by a tether looped through one or more openings in the first or second sheet.

11. The cushioning film of claim 6, wherein the coupling of the first sheet to the second sheet occurs at a periphery of the layered core.

12. The cushioning film of claim 6, wherein the coupling of the first and second sheets occurs at a periphery of an aperture.

13. The cushioning film of claim 1, wherein more than one layered core is housed within the first and second encapsulant layers.

14. The buffer film of claim 1, wherein the first encapsulant layer is integrated with the first thin layer.

15. The buffer film of claim 1, wherein the second encapsulant layer is integrated with the second thin layer.

16. The cushioning membrane of claim 1, wherein the cushioning membrane is used in conjunction with protective equipment for human body parts including the head, neck, shoulders, upper arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, chest, back, spine, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and feet.

17. The cushioning film of claim 1, further comprising a permanent or coupling feature for attachment to protective gear.

18. The buffer film of claim 1, wherein a cushion layer is integrated within the first encapsulant layer and/or the second encapsulant layer.

19. A cushioning film conformable to a surface of an object, comprising:

a layered core comprising:

a first thin layer;

a second lamina coupled to the first lamina and configured to move relative to the first lamina; and

an aperture through the first sheet and the second sheet, the aperture configured to receive a fastener therethrough;

a first encapsulant layer positioned adjacent to the first thin layer;

a second encapsulation layer positioned adjacent the second lamina, the second encapsulation layer coupled to the first encapsulation layer through the aperture by means of an anchor attachment for the layered core to restrict relative lateral movement between the layered core and at least one of the first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer,

wherein the first and second encapsulating layers together surround the layered core, and wherein movement of the first lamella relative to the second lamella dissipates kinetic energy from the impact force acting on the buffer membrane, thereby reducing acceleration transmitted to the object.

20. The buffer film of claim 19, further comprising a lubricating layer disposed between the first thin layer and the second thin layer, the lubricating layer configured to reduce friction between the first thin layer and the second thin layer, the lubricating layer selected from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a colloid, a ferrofluid, and combinations thereof.

Background

Impacts to an object are typically oblique impacts, resulting in the impacted object experiencing a combination of linear and rotational acceleration. The acceleration caused by the angled impact may be destructive to the impacted object. In order to improve the shielding effect when using the shielding equipment, it should be considered to simultaneously alleviate the linear acceleration and the rotational acceleration.

Currently, standard protective equipment is designed, tested and certified based primarily on directional normal impacts that produce only linear acceleration. As a result, the equipment may lack the ability of the system to mitigate rotational acceleration, and the impacted object is susceptible to further damage. In one use, protective equipment may be worn on different areas of the human body to provide protection for, for example, the head, neck, shoulders, upper arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, chest, back, spine, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and feet.

Taking the human head as an example, traumatic brain injury is one of the most common and fatal injuries in contact-type sports and many other high-risk activities, where a combination of linear and rotational acceleration is common. Rotational acceleration is generally a negligible component that causes head injury and concussion in contact-like sports and activities (e.g., football, soccer, cycling, hockey, snowboarding, skiing, construction and industrial, and military activities).

Recent studies in the field of traumatic brain injury have shown that shear forces on the brain from rotational acceleration are significantly more damaging to brain cells than directional normal forces. Some studies have shown that human brain tissue is approximately one million times more sensitive to shear forces applied during impact than compressive forces.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved protective equipment that is effective in reducing the rotational and linear accelerations experienced by objects during oblique impacts. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to meeting these and other needs.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of one representative embodiment of a cushioning film according to aspects of the present disclosure, showing a layered core between encapsulating layers;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, illustrating an aperture through the cushioning membrane having an anchor attachment therethrough;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the layered core of the cushioning film of FIG. 1, showing an embodiment having two thin layers;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another representative embodiment of the cushioning film of FIG. 1, showing the connection between the first and second encapsulating layers around the periphery of the layered core;

FIG. 5A is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, showing an elbow guard configuration;

FIG. 5B is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, illustrating a knee and foot protecting configuration;

FIG. 5C is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, showing the shoulder and chin guard configurations;

FIG. 5D is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, showing two head protection configurations;

FIG. 5E is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, showing a head protection configuration placed inside the helmet;

FIG. 5F is a representative configuration of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, showing a head protection configuration placed on the outside of the helmet;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another representative embodiment of the cushioning film of FIG. 1, illustrating a layered core having a plurality of apertures configured to anchor the layered core and the encapsulating layer together;

7A-C are partial detailed perspective views of a representative embodiment of the cushioning membrane of FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment of an anchor attachment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a cushioning membrane according to another aspect of the present invention, showing a fastener positioned between a second encapsulant layer and a bottom of the layered core;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a cushioning membrane according to another aspect of the present invention, showing a fastener positioned between a first envelope layer and a bottom of a layered core;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another representative embodiment of a cushioning membrane according to another aspect of the present invention, showing fasteners positioned between the first and second encapsulating layers and the layered core;

FIG. 11A is a top view of the plurality of buffer films of FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment of a buffer film having an irregular shape; and

fig. 11B is a top view of the plurality of buffer films of fig. 1, illustrating an embodiment of the buffer film having a rectangular shape.

Detailed Description

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, is intended to describe various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided by way of example or illustration only and should not be construed to exclude other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.

In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without all of these specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may employ any combination of the features described herein.

This application may encompass reference directions such as "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "right hand", "left hand", "lateral", "intermediate", "inner", "outer", "extending", and the like. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended only to aid in the description and understanding of particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention to these orientations or positions.

The present application may also refer to numbers and figures. Unless specifically stated otherwise, these numbers and figures are not to be considered limiting, but rather examples of possible numbers or figures associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to denote a quantity or number.

The following description provides several examples relating to modular bumper membranes that mitigate oblique impact forces on objects. In some embodiments, an object described herein is a living body or any part of a living body, a human or an animal, or any protective equipment designed to protect a part of a living body. In other embodiments, the object is a non-living body, such as a sensitive device, a machine, or any component thereof.

When an oblique impact force is applied to the buffer film covering the surface of the object, the interlayer relative movement of the buffer film advantageously allows to mitigate the transfer of kinetic energy tangential to the surface of the object. In some embodiments, the damping film dissipates a portion of the tangential component of the tilting impact force that will tend to cause rotational acceleration to be transferred to the object. In the example where the object is a human or animal head, excessive rotational acceleration transmission may result in traumatic brain injury. In other embodiments, the buffer membrane dissipates a portion of the normal component of the oblique impact force that would result in the transfer of linear acceleration to the object. In another embodiment, the damping film dissipates both a portion of the normal component and a portion of the tangential component of the oblique impact force that would result in linear and rotational acceleration being imparted to the object.

In embodiments disclosed herein, the cushioning film of the present invention is capable of distributing the normal component of oblique impact forces over a larger area, reducing the concentration of the impact forces transferred to the object. In this regard, some embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with energy absorbing materials (e.g., foams, non-Newtonian fluids, compressible materials, rigid materials, combinations thereof, and other suitable materials) to further reduce the impact of oblique impact forces on an object.

Turning to fig. 1, a portion of one representative embodiment of a cushioning film 10 covering a surface of an object 14 is shown. The cushioning film 10 generally comprises a layered core 13 adjacent to a first envelope layer 11 and a second envelope layer 12.

The layered core 13 will now be described in more detail. As shown in fig. 3, the layered core 13 generally comprises a first thin layer 16, an intermediate lubricating layer 17 and a second thin layer 18. During an oblique impact to the damping film 10, the first sheet 16 is displaced laterally relative to the second sheet 18, so that the kinetic energy transferred in the tangential direction acting on the surface of the object 14 is reduced. By including an intermediate lubricating layer 17 between the first and second thin layers 16, 18, the tendency of the first and second thin layers 16, 18 to move during an oblique impact may be enhanced. In some embodiments, the first and second laminae 16, 18 of the laminar core 13 are made of a self-lubricating material which is effective to reduce the tangential component of the oblique impact force without the need for an additional intermediate lubricating layer 17. In another embodiment, the intermediate lubricating layer 17 is made of at least one layer of gas, liquid, solid, colloid, ferrofluid or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the intermediate lubricating layer 17 is made of a combination of a Newtonian fluid and a non-Newtonian fluid. Suitable materials for the layers of the buffer film 10 will now be described in more detail.

In some embodiments, the first and second envelope layers 11, 12 are constructed of one or more layers of comfortable wear, breathable, weatherproof, windproof or waterproof material or any combination of suitable materials. In other embodiments, one or both of the first and second encapsulant layers 11, 12 are suitably fabricated with impact reinforcement, such as by using a flexible or rigid impact dissipating material during the fabrication process. As another consideration, in some embodiments, ventilation is achieved by at least one of the first and second encapsulant layers 11, 12 in any suitable pattern to facilitate air circulation through the buffer film 10.

In some embodiments, the first and second envelope layers 11, 12 and the first and second sheets 16, 18 of the laminated core 13 are suitably formed from one or more layers of fabric (e.g., cotton, synthetic fiber fabric, polyester fiber, silk, linen, wool, nylon (such as) Elastic fibers and other textile materials), thermosets, polycarbonates, plastic polymers, thermoplastics (e.g., thermoplastic) Carbon fiber composite material, para-aramid synthetic fiber (such as) Composite materials, thermoset elastomers, polypropylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), glass reinforced plastic or any other energy absorbing or force diffusing material including but not limited to silicone rubber, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyurethane (PU). In other embodiments, first sheet 16 and second sheet 18 are made of any combination of elastic, flexible, stretchable, or rigid materials that are capable of extending to a point of rupture when an impact force exceeds a threshold value. In one embodiment, the cushion material is integrated into one or more of the first and second encapsulant layers 11, 12 of the buffer film 10.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first and second sheets 16, 18 of the layered core 13 are coupled at least at the edges by means of fasteners 19. The fasteners 19 are any suitable mechanical or chemical fasteners. Due to the addition of fasteners 19, the edges of the first and second sheets 16, 18 remain substantially aligned during installation, shipping, movement, donning, adjustment, and certain impacts to the laminated core 13. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the outer edges of the layered core 13 are joined using fasteners 19 such as mechanical fasteners including sutures, buttons, rivets, hook-and-loop, metal connectors, co-molding, co-melting, heat sealing, welding, ultrasonic welding, Radio Frequency (RF) sealing, etc., using sewing techniques, or chemical fasteners including adhesives, etc. As depicted in fig. 3, the fasteners 19 form a pocket-like configuration of the layered core 13 at the outer edges of the layered core 13. In some embodiments, fasteners 19 join first sheet 16 and second sheet 18 at spaced locations or in a segmented manner to form a spot-like connection, or in a continuous manner to form a line-like connection, or combinations thereof. The foregoing fastening configurations of the fasteners 19 may be formed in different shapes or densities.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the fasteners 19 are located at the edges of the openings 36 through the layered core 13. The size and configuration of the openings 36 in the layered core 13 are suitably designed to allow through-fastening means, such as anchoring attachments 20, to pass from the first envelope layer 11 through the openings 36 to the second envelope layer 12 (see also fig. 7A). The configuration of the anchor attachments 20 relative to the apertures 36 is such that the layered core 13 does not significantly shift laterally relative to the first envelope layer 11 or the second envelope layer 12 during use. Placement of the anchor attachments 20 or apertures 36 creates a limited float of the layered core 13 inside the first and second encapsulation layers 11, 12 without allowing significant lateral displacement, folding or otherwise deformation inside the first and second encapsulation layers 11, 12. The limited floating of the layered core 13 allows the first and second encapsulating layers 11, 12 to stretch independently of the layered core 13, which improves the comfort, breathability and stretchability of the cushioning film for apparel and wearable applications. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 6, a plurality of apertures 36 are placed in the layered core 13 for a plurality of anchor attachments 20 to be arranged for limiting the floating of the layered core 13.

In some embodiments, the anchor attachments 20 are suitably any size of area or point such that the layered core 13 does not significantly move laterally relative to the first or second encapsulant layers 11, 12 during use. In this regard, smaller anchor attachments 20 used in conjunction with larger apertures 36 will allow greater lateral movement, while larger anchor attachments 20 used in conjunction with smaller apertures 36 will reduce lateral movement.

Several examples of limited flotation of the layered core 13 will now be described in more detail. As described above and shown more clearly in fig. 7A, in one embodiment, the anchor attachments 20 provide coupling of the first and second encapsulation layers 11, 12 through the apertures 36 to achieve lateral confinement of the layered core 13. In some embodiments, the anchor attachments 20 are sewn with sutures using any suitable sewing technique. In other embodiments, the anchor attachment 20 is a mechanical fastener, a chemical fastener, an elastic band, a rivet, an adhesive, a button, a weld, a hook and loop, a radio frequency seal, an ultrasonic weld, a heat pulse seal, and any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, shown in fig. 7B and 7C, the anchor attachment 20 extends from the first encapsulant layer 11 to the second encapsulant layer 12 through the tether 22. In the illustrated embodiment of fig. 7B, the tether 22 is looped through the aperture 36 to provide lateral restraint to the layered core 13. In the illustrated embodiment of fig. 7C, the tether 22 is coupled at one end to the layered core 13 using a coupling 24. In these embodiments, the coupling 24 may suitably comprise any of the mechanical or chemical fasteners disclosed herein. The tether 22 is made of any suitable elastic or inelastic material, such as sutures using sewing techniques, rubber, fabric, plastic, metal, or any material disclosed herein for the layers of the cushioning film 10. Similarly, the anchor attachment 20 of fig. 7B and 7C may include any of the aforementioned attachment components, such as sutures and elastic bands using sewing techniques. In one embodiment, the anchor attachments 20 are removable so that the layered core 13 is replaceable.

In embodiments herein, the cushioning film 10 is configured to be modular such that the cushioning film 10 is suitable for a variety of protective applications. In this regard, the outer dimensions of each layer are appropriately adjusted to suit various applications. In one illustrative example shown in fig. 4, the cushioning film 10 covers the outer surface of the protected object 14.

In some embodiments, the cushioning film 10 is shown incorporated into apparel, such as the headwear in fig. 5D and 5E, to cover at least a portion of the head shown as object 14. In another embodiment, the cushioning membrane 10 is shown incorporated into other apparel, such as an elbow pad 31 with a strap 32 in fig. 5A, a knee pad 28a or foot pad 28B in fig. 5B, and a chin guard 9 or shoulder pad 30 in fig. 5C.

As described above, in some embodiments, a portion of the first and second encapsulation layers 11, 12 are suitably attached using anchor attachments 20 to limit the floating of the layered core 13. In another embodiment, the attachments of the first envelope layer 11 and the second envelope layer 12 are suitably located around the periphery of the layered core 13 in combination with the anchor attachments 20 or independently. In these embodiments, the attachment may optionally incorporate one or more openings 36 in the layered core 13. In some embodiments, the anchor attachments 20 are configured to provide limited float when the diameter of the bore 36 is larger than the anchor attachments 20. As shown in fig. 7B and 7C, limited float may also be provided when the anchor attachment 20 is used with the tether 22.

In some embodiments, the layered core 13 is suitably attached or integrated to the second encapsulant layer 12 (as shown in fig. 8), the first encapsulant layer 11 (as shown in fig. 9), or both (as shown in fig. 10) using suitable chemical or mechanical fasteners 15 or a combination of both. Fastening structures suitably include, but are not limited to, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welds, sutures using any sewing technique, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, and impulse sealing.

As described above, at least a portion of the first and second sheets 16, 18 are attached to form a compartment of the layered core 13 that optionally contains the intermediate lubricating layer 17 and fasteners 19. Fig. 11A and 11B show top views of representative embodiments of the cushioning film 10 in which the layered core 13 is placed on the encapsulating layer 26 in a regular or irregular spaced pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the encapsulation layer 26 is the first encapsulation layer 11. For clarity, the second encapsulant layer 12 is not shown so that the placement and positioning of the representative embodiment of the layered core 13 can be seen. In this regard, the cushioning film 10 will comprise a first encapsulant layer 11, a second encapsulant layer 12, and a plurality of layered cores 13, as shown. The configuration shown in fig. 11A and 11B is suitable for improving the ability of the cushioning film to conform to the surface of different objects 14, as well as improving the ability of air circulation through the cushioning film 10.

In another embodiment, the cushioning film 10 is configured to conform to the shape of the outside or inside of the protective equipment 34 to be worn, such as on the inside of the protective equipment 34 (fig. 5E), on the outside of the protective equipment (fig. 5F), or as a layer therebetween, to protect the object 14.

In another embodiment, the cushioning membrane 10 suitably serves as an internal component of protective gear that may be embedded in an outer surface of the gear, an inner surface of the gear, or any surface therebetween. In this regard, these materials may be suitably weatherproof and waterproof. In one embodiment, the cushioning membrane 10 is suitably coupled to, or replaces, a mounting pad of the protective equipment.

In another embodiment, the cushioning film 10 may be used on the exterior or interior of any powered or non-powered vehicle, including but not limited to automobiles, motorcycles, airplanes, buses, trucks, boats, and wheelchairs.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a buffer film is provided. The cushioning film typically comprises two containment layers that allow the cushioning film to function like a fabric, with a first encapsulant layer consisting of one or more layers facing the impacting object and a second encapsulant layer comprising one or more layers facing the protected object; and a layered core having a plurality of components that uncouple the impacting object from the shielded object by allowing the first encapsulating layer to slide relative to the second encapsulating layer, wherein the cushioning membrane is configured to reduce rotational acceleration caused by the oblique impact by decoupling the first encapsulating layer from the second encapsulating layer; and wherein the cushioning membrane is configured to reduce linear acceleration due to the impact by allowing the impact force to be distributed over a larger area of the impacted surface.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the layered core may further comprise at least three layers: a first lamina, a second lamina, and a lubricating layer, wherein the first lamina and the second lamina are movable relative to each other with the lubricating layer therebetween, wherein the lubricating layer can be any state of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a gel, a ferrofluid, or any combination thereof, wherein the lubricating layer can be any one or combination of a newtonian fluid and a non-newtonian fluid, wherein the first lamina and the second lamina are made of an elastic or conformable or stretchable or rigid material that can elongate or break when an impact force exceeds a threshold value.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the cushioning film may confine a layered core, wherein the second encapsulant layer and the first encapsulant layer are attached by mechanical or chemical means, including but not limited to adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the layered core may comprise apertures, openings, or holes through which the first and second encapsulating layers are fastened together so as to confine the layered core via chemical or mechanical means including, but not limited to, adhesives, buttons, welds, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the layered core may be restrained around its periphery by fastening between the first and second encapsulating layers by mechanical means or chemical means including, but not limited to, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook-and-loop, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second thin layers of the layered core may be attached at one or more locations by means of mechanical or chemical fasteners, including but not limited to adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the layered core may be made of the same or different laminated (stacked) thin layer sets.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the layered core may be divided into a plurality of modules, which may be connected by a first envelope layer and a second envelope layer.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second encapsulant layers may distribute the oblique impact force over a larger area by incorporating a layer of energy absorbing material, air cushion, or non-newtonian material.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second encapsulating layers are configured to vent around the periphery and the opening in the laminated core.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first encapsulating layer may be attached to the layered core by mechanical or chemical fasteners, including, but not limited to, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof, or by any other means that may be used to join layers together at one or more locations.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the second encapsulation layer may be attached to the layered core by mechanical or chemical fasteners, including but not limited to adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency welding, heat pulse sealing, or by any other means that may be used to join layers together at one or more locations.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the second encapsulant layer may be integral with the second thin layer of the layered core.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first envelope layer may be integrated with the first thin layer of the layered core.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first encapsulant layer is configured to contain a logo, trademark, reflective or luminescent material or instruction label.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the buffer film is used in conjunction with a body brace, such as a headgear, knee brace, foot brace, shoulder brace, ankle brace, wearable apparel, neck brace, mandible brace, elbow brace, lower leg brace, forearm brace, wrist brace, chest brace, hip brace, body armor, or any other protective equipment.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the buffer film is integrated within a body brace, such as a headgear, knee brace, footwear brace, shoulder brace, ankle brace, wearable apparel, neck brace, mandible brace, elbow brace, lower leg brace, forearm brace, wrist brace, chest brace, hip brace, body armor, or any other protective equipment.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the damping membrane may be integrated with a specified attachment method in order to couple it with the protective equipment.

According to any embodiment described herein, the cushioning membrane is free of designated attachments associated with protective equipment.

According to any embodiment described herein, the cushioning film is worn as an accessory on the bottom layer of protective gear; wherein the buffer film covers at least a portion of the object to be protected.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the cushioning membrane is a separate helmet or headgear covering at least a portion of the user's head.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the cushioning membrane is worn on protective gear.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the cushioning film may be temporarily or permanently attached to the interior or exterior surface of the protective equipment, or any other layer between the interior and exterior surfaces of the protective equipment, by means of mechanical or chemical fasteners including, but not limited to, adhesives, buttons, elastic bands, rivets, welding, sewing techniques, hook and loop, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic welding, heat pulse sealing, and any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the cushioning film may be used on the exterior or interior of any powered or non-powered device for transporting cargo and people, including but not limited to vehicles, aircraft, and ships.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the first encapsulant layer and the second encapsulant layer may comprise any stretchable, rigid, partially stretchable material, or any combination thereof.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, each of the first encapsulant layer, the second encapsulant layer, and the layered core may be made of any breathable, weatherproof, or waterproof material.

The material used in each layer according to any of the embodiments described herein may be any one or more of a fabric (such as those comprising cotton, synthetic fiber fabrics, polyester fibers, silk, linen, wool, nylon, elastane, and other textile materials), a thermoset, a polycarbonate, a plastic polymer, a thermoplastic, a carbon fiber composite, a polyester, a nylon, an elastane,Composite material, thermosetting elastomer,Polypropylene, ABS, EPS, high-density polyethylene, glass reinforced plastics,Or any other energy absorbing or force diffusing material including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyurethane (PU).

According to any embodiment described herein, further comprising a comfort layer integrated into the second envelope layer or the first envelope layer.

According to any of the embodiments described herein, the buffer membrane may comprise a communication device, an embedded system, an inertial sensor, an inertial navigation system, a vital signs monitoring system, an impact indicator, or any other motion monitoring system.

The foregoing description has described the principles, representative embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention. However, aspects of the invention that are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the described embodiments of the invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.