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