MACHIAVELLI
Chairman/C.E.O.
From USA Today...
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040128/5875346s.htm
Air-conditioned shoulder pads latest hot thing for football players
By Ryan Spass
USA TODAY
Researchers at the University of Florida's College of Medicine have developed a way to air-condition shoulder pads that is designed to regulate players' body temperatures during games and practices.
Nikolaus Gravenstein, co-developer of the system, says players at Jacksonville University who tested the pads last season were pleased with the temperature and the pressure of the air that emanated from beneath their uniforms.
''You kind of see the players' eyebrows go up, and it's like, 'Oh wow,' '' he says.
Gravenstein emphasizes that the Temperature Management System does not replace taking in fluids but rather is a supplement to drinking an adequate amount and receiving proper training.
Michael Gilmore -- a former free safety at the University of Florida and a resident in orthopedics and rehabilitation at the school who's worked on the pads as an adviser -- says temperatures can reach 45 to 50 degrees.
Because Gilmore is a former player, he says he understands the need for pads to do their cooling job without hindering the players' abilities to run, jump and tackle. He tested the pads in simulated sprints and says they don't add any weight to the uniform.
Samsun Lampotang, another co-developer, says the pads look and feel like regular pads because they took regular pads and carved out grooves in the foam material.
During breaks on the sideline, players connect tubes to the holes. The tubes transport cool air through the grooves, releasing a wave of air to the players' necks and shoulders.
Fred Williams -- president of Williams Sports Group, which holds the licensing rights from the University of Florida to market the pads -- says seven major college teams and three NFL teams have expressed interest in the system and that teams could begin using the system in spring practice.
He says the cost of each set of pads is about $350, similar to a regular set. He adds that the rest of the system could cost about $15,000 but was unsure of a final price.
http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040128/5875346s.htm
Air-conditioned shoulder pads latest hot thing for football players
By Ryan Spass
USA TODAY
Researchers at the University of Florida's College of Medicine have developed a way to air-condition shoulder pads that is designed to regulate players' body temperatures during games and practices.
Nikolaus Gravenstein, co-developer of the system, says players at Jacksonville University who tested the pads last season were pleased with the temperature and the pressure of the air that emanated from beneath their uniforms.
''You kind of see the players' eyebrows go up, and it's like, 'Oh wow,' '' he says.
Gravenstein emphasizes that the Temperature Management System does not replace taking in fluids but rather is a supplement to drinking an adequate amount and receiving proper training.
Michael Gilmore -- a former free safety at the University of Florida and a resident in orthopedics and rehabilitation at the school who's worked on the pads as an adviser -- says temperatures can reach 45 to 50 degrees.
Because Gilmore is a former player, he says he understands the need for pads to do their cooling job without hindering the players' abilities to run, jump and tackle. He tested the pads in simulated sprints and says they don't add any weight to the uniform.
Samsun Lampotang, another co-developer, says the pads look and feel like regular pads because they took regular pads and carved out grooves in the foam material.
During breaks on the sideline, players connect tubes to the holes. The tubes transport cool air through the grooves, releasing a wave of air to the players' necks and shoulders.
Fred Williams -- president of Williams Sports Group, which holds the licensing rights from the University of Florida to market the pads -- says seven major college teams and three NFL teams have expressed interest in the system and that teams could begin using the system in spring practice.
He says the cost of each set of pads is about $350, similar to a regular set. He adds that the rest of the system could cost about $15,000 but was unsure of a final price.
