Forge protection device and method

A force detection device, comprising:

• a first layer of electrically conductive material on a first article of clothing;
• a first conductor electrically coupled to the first layer;
• an electrical power supply connected to the first conductor;
• a second layer of electrically-conductive material on a second article of clothing;
• a second conductor electrically coupled to the second layer;
• and
• a transmitter connected to the second conductor and capable of transmitting a signal when an electric charge moves from one of the electrically conductive layers to another of the electrically conductive layers as a result of an impact force applied by the first article of clothing to the second article of clothing.

A method of indicating application of a force, comprising:

• providing an article of clothing having a force detection device, the force detection device having (a) a first layer of electrically conductive material, (b) a first conductor electrically coupled to the first layer, (c) a second layer of electrically conductive material, (d) a second conductor electrically coupled to the second layer, (e) an electrical power supply connected to the first conductor, (f) a transmitter connected to the second conductor and capable of transmitting a signal when an electric charge moves from one of the electrically conductive layers to another of the electrically conductive layers, and (g) a third layer of material disposed between the first layer and the second layer, the third layer being non-electrically-conductive, porous, compressible, and pliable;
• applying an impact force to at least one of the conductive layers to compress the third layer a sufficient distance to permit an electric charge to pass from one of the electrically conductive layers to another of the electrically conductive layers;
• sensing the electric charge;
• and
• transmitting the signal with the transmitter in response to sensing the electric charge to indicate application of the impact force.