Protective clothing for athletes with integrated Kevlar protective areas

Abstract

Sportswear with Kevlar or aramid zones integrated into the textile to protect against abrasions and skin injuries in the event of falls.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to sportswear, in particular for cycling, triathlon, trail running, skating and similar sports with an increased risk of falls. The clothing is equipped with integrated Kevlar or aramid protective zones to significantly reduce skin injuries such as abrasions in the event of falls. State of the art:

[0002] In current technology, sports textiles are primarily designed for aerodynamics, breathability, and comfort. Protectors or reinforced zones are generally only found in downhill mountain biking apparel, where thick padding is used. However, this significantly restricts freedom of movement and is impractical for road cyclists, triathletes, or runners.

[0003] There is currently no market-ready solution that combines lightweight protection against abrasions with sport-specific functionality. This invention fills this gap. Description of the invention:

[0004] The present invention provides sportswear that offers protection through strategically placed Kevlar or aramid inserts in impact zones, without restricting freedom of movement or breathability. Kevlar is used due to its high abrasion resistance and low weight.

[0005] The protective areas are designed to integrate seamlessly into the textiles. Thin, flexible Kevlar layers are laminated directly onto breathable functional fabrics or processed in multi-layered sandwich structures. Technical advantages: 1. Significantly reduced skin injuries from falls. 2. Minimal restriction of freedom of movement due to flexible materials. 3. Breathable and moisture-regulating properties are retained. 4. Modular system - only relevant zones are protected, thus keeping the weight to a minimum. Implementation forms of the invention:

[0006] The invention comprises various product lines that are geared towards the respective sports: 1. Basic Line (Road bike and Allround): - Jersey with Kevlar zones on the shoulder and upper arm. - Bib shorts with Kevlar zones at the hips and buttocks. 2. Pro Aero Line (Triathlon and Time Trial): - Aero two-piece suit with seamlessly integrated Kevlar zones at the shoulder and hip. - Special aerodynamic Kevlar inserts that do not increase air resistance. 3. Trail Line (trail running and MTB): - Arm and leg warmers with Kevlar reinforcement on the elbows and outer thighs. - Base layer with Kevlar zones on back and hips. 4. Skating and Urban Line: - Gloves with Kevlar reinforcements on the palm and outer sides of the hand. - Leg warmers with Kevlar on the outside of the knees. 5. Customized Line: - Individual adjustment of the Kevlar zones depending on the team, sport or fall scenarios.

[0007] Manufacturing and materials: - The textiles consist of breathable polyester or nylon functional fabrics with elastane content for freedom of movement. - Kevlar or aramid layers are processed in a thickness of 0.3 to 0.8 mm and are either laminated or sewn in. - Seams are designed to be flat to prevent chafing.

[0008] Advantages for the user: - Increased safety and shorter recovery times after falls. - No noticeable limitations during long training sessions or competitions. - Universal use in several sports. Summary:

[0009] The invention offers an innovative solution for protecting athletes by systematically integrating proven protective materials like Kevlar into sportswear for the first time. It combines protection, comfort, and functionality and has the potential to fundamentally change the world of sports. Reference number list (file number: 20 2025 002 042.0): 1 Neck area Kevlar / Dyneema zone left 2 Sleeve front Kevlar / Dyneema zone left 3 Neck area Kevlar / Dyneema zone right 4 Sleeve - Front Kevlar / Dyneema Zone right 5 Side area-front Kevlar / Dyneema zone left 6 Side area-front Kevlar / Dyneema zone right 7 Sleeve back Kevlar / Dyneema zone left 8 Sleeve back Kevlar / Dyneema zone right 9 Side area - back Kevlar / Dyneema zone left 10 Side area - back Kevlar / Dyneema zone right 11 Armling inner Kevlar / Dyneema zone 12 Armling outer Kevlar / Dyneema zone 13 Heel area Foot Kevlar / Dyneema zone 14 Bib-Short Side Area Kevlar / Dyneema Zone Thigh / Hip 15 Shoulder Outer Kevlar / Dyneema Zone 16 Arm warmer top / inner elbow Kevlar / Dyneema zone 17 Armling top Kevlar / Dyneema zone 18 Shin Kevlar / Dyneema Zone 19 Helmet transition Kevlar / Dyneema zone 20 Bib-Short outer thigh Kevlar / Dyneema zone 21 Glove top Kevlar / Dyneema zone 22 Glove finger joint area Kevlar / Dyneema zone

Claims

[1] Sportswear with Kevlar or aramid zones integrated into the fabric to protect against abrasions and skin injuries in the event of falls. [2] Use of lightweight, breathable materials in combination with Kevlar or aramid protective areas, so that freedom of movement and wearing comfort are maintained. [3] Modular application of the protective areas in various articles of clothing, especially jerseys, bib shorts, arm warmers, leg warmers, base layers and gloves. [4] Individual adaptability of the protection zones to different sports and fall scenarios.

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