Impact dispersion systems and methods

Abstract

An impact assembly for protecting a wearer comprises a plurality of impact parts. Each impact part defines a main portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The main portion defines a first surface and a second surface. The first and second connecting portions of a plurality of the impact parts are connected to define a plurality of strings of impact parts. The plurality of strings of impact parts are arranged such that the second surface of the main portion of the some of the impact parts partly overlay the first surface of the main portion of others of the impact parts.

1 . An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising:
 first, second, and third impact parts each defining a main portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion; whereby   the main portion defines a first surface and a second surface;   the first connecting portion of the first impact part engages the second connecting portion of the second impact part;   the second surface of the main portion of the first impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the third impact part; and   the second surface of the main portion of the third impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the second impact part.   
   
   
       2 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a fourth impact part, wherein:
 the first connecting portion of the third part engages the second connecting portion of the fourth part; and   the second surface of the main portion of the second impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the fourth impact part.   
   
   
       3 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which:
 the first connecting portions define a connecting opening; and   the second connecting portions define a tab; and   the tab extend through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       4 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 1 , in which:
 at least one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the main portion of each impact part; and   the at least one lateral projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       5 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 4 , in which:
 a latch portion extends from each lateral projection; and   the latch portion engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       6 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a foam pad. 
   
   
       7 . An impact dispersion system for protecting a wearer, comprising:
 an impact assembly comprising first, second, and third impact parts, wherein
 each impact part defines a main portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, and 
 the main portion defines a first surface and a second surface; and 
   a support structure for supporting the impact assembly over a desired area on the wearer; wherein   the first connecting portion of the first impact part engages the second connecting portion of the second impact part;   the second surface of the main portion of the first impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the third impact part; and   the second surface of the main portion of the third impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the second impact part.   
   
   
       8 . An impact dispersion system as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a fourth impact part, wherein:
 the first connecting portion of the third part engages the second connecting portion of the fourth part; and   the second surface of the main portion of the second impact part partly overlays the first surface of the main portion of the fourth impact part.   
   
   
       9 . An impact dispersion system as recited in  claim 7 , in which:
 the first connecting portions define a connecting opening; and   the second connecting portions define a tab; and   the tab extend through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       10 . An impact dispersion system as recited in  claim 7 , in which:
 at least one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the main portion of each impact part; and   the at least one lateral projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       11 . An impact dispersion system as recited in  claim 10 , in which:
 a latch portion extends from each lateral projection; and   the latch portion engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       12 . An impact dispersion system as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a foam pad, where the support system further supports the foam pad. 
   
   
       13 . An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising:
 a plurality of impact parts each defining a main portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, where the main portion defines a first surface and a second surface; whereby   the first and second connecting portions of a plurality of the impact parts are connected to define a plurality of strings of impact parts;   the plurality of strings of impact parts are arranged such that the second surface of the main portion of the some of the impact parts partly overlay the first surface of the main portion of others of the impact parts.   
   
   
       14 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 13 , in which:
 the first connecting portions define a connecting opening; and   the second connecting portions define a tab; and   the tab extend through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       15 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 13 , in which:
 at least one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the main portion of each impact part; and   the at least one lateral projection extends through the connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       16 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 15 , in which:
 a latch portion extends from each lateral projection; and   the latch portion engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       17 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising a foam pad. 
   
   
       18 . An impact assembly for protecting a wearer, comprising:
 a plurality of impact parts each defining a main portion, a connecting opening, and a connecting tab, where
 each main portion defines a first surface and a second surface, and 
 at least one lateral projection extends from the second surface of the each main portion; whereby 
   the connecting openings engage the connecting tabs to define a plurality of strings of impact parts;   the plurality of strings of impact parts are arranged such that the second surface of the main portion of the some of the impact parts partly overlay the first surface of the main portion of others of the impact parts; and   at least one lateral projection extends through at least one connecting opening and engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       19 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 19 , in which:
 a latch portion extends from each lateral projection; and   the latch portion engages the first connecting portion.   
   
   
       20 . An impact assembly as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising a foam pad.