shapes and sizes and its energy absorption ranges from 0.7 to 28 kN. All are washable and can perform at 18° C. In terms of form fi tting for parts of the body, it can be custom-molded for any anatomical position.
Another company on the rise in protective materials is Zoombang Protective Gear (Irwin, PA). Zoombang has developed a special shear-thickening polymer, Zoombang. A shear-thickening liquid is one that hardens upon sudden im- pact while absorbing the energy of the impact. Shear-thickening has become a very useful property in protection of the human body. The pads containing Zoombang at rest are fi lled with the liquid. Therefore, it is very comfort- able and formfi tting for wearing on the body as well as lightweight and not a noticeable piece of equipment. It can be used to protect transplanted organs, such as kidneys, or insulin pumps.
In 1998, the FDA
categorized cranial orthosis as a Class II medical device, imposing strict
regulations and requiring 510(k) clearance. To avoid this expensive and labor- intensive process, many
orthotists stopped providing this important device.
Gor-Tex by W. L. Gore and Associ- ates (Newark, DE) has also been in the fi eld of protective materials, not protection from blunt force, but rather protection from extreme elements such as wind and cold temperatures. After surgery it is important to keep the transplanted organ away from the ele- ments. Gor-Tex provides some of the best protection from the cold and wind and has been used by a range of people from outdoorsmen trying to stay warm on camping trips to Navy SEALs trying to keep out the wet and cold in the most extreme environments. ME