US 6,647,569 B1 · Stressable fabric

Abstract

A stressable fabric that includes a plurality of layers of multiple materials. A top layer is formed from a generally non-elastic material. Suitable materials for the top layer are fibers, cables, woven material, or any other material that will bend when stress is applied, but that will not stretch. The top layer is attached to a motion axis defining layer made from a plurality of non-compressible blocks. The non-compressible blocks may be rectangular, oval, or other shapes depending on the requirements of a specific application. The shape of the non-compressible blocks defines the directions in which the stressable fabric can easily move. The non-compressible blocks of the motion axis defining layer are separated by a compressible interstitial element. The degree of compressibility of the compressible interstitial element is also varied according to the product design requirements.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A stressable fabric comprising:

a plurality of layers of materials, a first layer comprising a flexible material, and a second layer comprising a plurality of non-compressible blocks spaced slightly apart, said non-compressible blocks being oval cylinders, and said first layer being attached to one side of said second layer;
such that
said fabric is highly resistant to a force applied toward and generally perpendicular to an outer plane of said first layer, said force causing said non-compressible blocks to contact each other and to resist said force applied to said first layer, and
said fabric bends easily in response to forces applied from other directions, such that said fabric twists, bends, and flexes in response to movement of a wearer.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stressable fabric

Life of this patent

Stressable fabric

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21