Protective chest

Abstract

A protective bra (1) comprising two lateral sides (2) configured to protect the lateral areas of a user's chest and a bib (3) configured to protect the front area of ​​a user's chest. The bib (3) has opposite lateral end portions (3a) which at least partially overlap corresponding front edge portions (2a) of the lateral sides (2) so as to define two different overlapping areas (A1, A2) between the bib (3) and the lateral sides (2). In use, the front edge portion (2a) is arranged between the user and the lateral end portions (3a). The bra comprises a connecting device (4) configured to connect the bib (3) to the two lateral sides (2) and comprising a first connecting element (4a) fastened to the bib (3) and a second connecting element (4b) fastened to the lateral sides (2). The first connecting element (4a) and the second connecting element (4b) are slidably constrained to each other to allow the lateral sides (2) to slide relative to the bib (3) so as to modify the two overlapping areas (A1, A2). The bra (1) includes an adjustment device (5) configured to translate the lateral sides (2) toward or away from each other relative to the bib (3) so as to adjust the distance between the front edge portions (2a) of the lateral sides (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection bodice for protecting a user's body from possible injuries to the chest and ribs.

[0002] background

[0003] Rib and chest injuries are a very common problem in motorsport, especially in karting, as it is the only sport where drivers are not required to wear protective harnesses.

[0004] Therefore, in the following description, reference will be made to a protective chest garment for kart drivers, without losing the generality of the invention.

[0005] The kart driver sits in a rigid seat with reduced support for the exposed upper body, which is therefore susceptible to shocks and collisions.

[0006] While driving, drivers are subject to moderate to high lateral forces towards the seat, so rib protection is essential to protect them from injury or pain.

[0007] Drivers can wear body protection along with their clothing, but this option has not been mandatory to date. However, people who choose to wear body protection do not always know how effective it is and whether it provides an adequate level of protection.

[0008] The FIA ​​(Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) has recently decided to introduce the first "Karting Body Protection Standard" (FIA STANDARD 8870-2018), stipulating that drivers will have to wear a protective chest garment mandatory in the coming years, which provides sterno-costal joint protection (in the form of a chest garment) approved for use in all championships managed by the CIK-FIA.

[0009] The required protective corset must be designed to protect against three forms of injury: impact with flat or curved structures, impact with the steering wheel or seat edge, and impact with the steering column.

[0010] The protective chest garment must also meet certain requirements, among which it must be resistant to hydrocarbons, must resist certain impact forces that dissipate a certain amount of energy, and must comply with a series of dimensional limitations and parameters that define the area of ​​body coverage as a function of the user's height.

[0011] Furthermore, all the parts making up the corset (at least a bib and two lateral sides) must be joined together so that this defines a single body and must allow free movement of the arms, body, head and neck during use.

[0012] When the bra is opened for donning or doffing, the front bib must remain fastened to at least one side of the bra in order to keep the bra in a single piece.

[0013] However, the Applicant notes that the standard proposed by the FIA ​​does not provide specific instructions aimed at ensuring practical adjustment of the chest garment and greater comfort for the driver, aspects which are, however, the main problems hitherto unsolved by existing protective chest garments and which have so far prevented drivers from wearing them.

[0014] In fact, the Applicant has discovered that the protective bras used in various fields are particularly difficult to adjust so as to fit correctly to the user's body and, once worn, are uncomfortable and rarely adapt to the morphology of the user's torso.

[0015] To achieve correct restraint using the protective corsets currently available requires extensive manipulation and lengthy adjustments that often must be performed with the help of an assistant or require specific support gear to obtain the correct restraint.

[0016] However, once the protective corset has been put on, the general feeling is that of wearing an external body which does not conform well to the torso morphology, restricting the movements of the torso and which causes discomfort because it does not adhere correctly to the body.

[0017] In particular, if the front strap is not correctly positioned in a central and symmetrical position relative to the body, the wearer may experience increased discomfort and a possible feeling of imbalance.

[0018] Purpose of the Invention

[0019] In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a protective chest garment that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0020] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective bra that is easily adjustable.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to propose a protective chest garment capable of guaranteeing a high level of comfort to the user wearing it.

[0022] Finally, the object of the present invention is to propose a protective chest garment that can be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of the aforementioned FIA standard for the karting sector.

[0023] The technical task defined and the aims stated are substantially achieved by a protective chest garment comprising the technical characteristics stated in one or more of the appended claims.

[0024] In particular, the present invention provides a protective chest garment comprising two lateral sides configured to protect lateral areas of a user's chest and comprising a bib configured to protect a front area of ​​a user's chest.

[0025] The bib has opposing side end portions that at least partially overlap corresponding front edge portions of the lateral side faces to define two distinct overlapping regions between the bib and the lateral side faces. Thus, in use, the front edge portions of the lateral side faces are disposed between the user and the side end portions of the bib.

[0026] The bra further comprises a connecting device configured to connect the bib to the two lateral sides and comprising a first connecting element fastened to the bib and a second connecting element fastened to the lateral sides, wherein advantageously the first connecting element and the second connecting element are slidably constrained to each other to allow mutual sliding of the lateral sides relative to the bib in order to modify the two overlapping areas between the bib and the lateral sides.

[0027] Furthermore, advantageously, the protective chest garment comprises adjustment means configured to translate the lateral sides towards or away from each other relative to the bib in order to adjust the distance between the front edge portions of the lateral sides.

[0028] The presence of connecting elements that are slidably constrained to each other and adjustable by means of adjustment means allows the protective corset to be easily and quickly adapted to the body of the user, while ensuring the presence of two non-zero variable overlapping areas in order to prevent exposure of parts of the chest and / or sides when the corset is in use.

[0029] In other words, the lateral sides partially overlap the bib and slide over each other to adapt the bra to the shape of the wearer's body.

[0030] The dependent claims incorporated herein by reference correspond to different embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the approximate and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a protective chest garment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective chest garment according to the present invention;

[0034] - Figure 2 From different angles Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a protective chest garment;

[0035] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic front view of the protective chest garment, with some parts removed to better highlight other parts;

[0036] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 1 Schematic rear view of a protective corset, with some parts removed to better highlight others. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Two different operating positions are shown sideways; and

[0037] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic side view of a protective corset.

[0038] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0039] With reference to the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates a protective bra as a whole, hereinafter referred to as a bra 1 .

[0040] It should be noted that the bra 1 object of the present invention can be advantageously used in many fields and for various applications, including for example: the automotive and motorcycle fields, motorsports in general, skiing, combat sports, horseback riding, etc.

[0041] The following description relates in particular to a bra 1 for a user (driver) in the karting sector, without for this reason depriving the invention of its general applicability.

[0042] The bra 1 includes two lateral sides 2 configured to protect lateral areas (not shown) of the driver's chest and a bib 3 configured to protect a front area of ​​the driver's chest.

[0043] With reference to the figures, the bra 1 is developed about a longitudinal axis X coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the driver.

[0044] Preferably, the lateral sides 2 and the bib 3 have an at least partially curved shape developed around the longitudinal axis X and are flexible so as to allow the bra 1 to adapt and follow the morphology of the driver's chest.

[0045] Preferably, the lateral sides 2 and the bib 3 are made of multi-layered panels comprising at least one outer layer of impact-resistant material (e.g. wire mesh polycarbonate, carbon fiber or fiberglass), an intermediate layer of foam that absorbs and dissipates the energy generated by the impact, and an inner lining layer (e.g. fabric) that ensures comfortable contact with the driver.

[0046] Preferably, the two lateral sides 2 are identical and arranged in a mirror image with respect to the bib 3 .

[0047] The bib 3 has opposite lateral end portions 3 a which at least partially overlap the respective front edge portions 2 a of the lateral sides 2 so as to define two distinct overlapping areas A1 , A2 between the bib 3 and the lateral sides 2 .

[0048] Referring to the drawings, in use, the front edge portion 2a is arranged between the driver and the side end portion 3a.

[0049] In other words, the bib 3 at least partially overlaps the lateral side 2 on the outside.

[0050] Preferably, the two overlapping areas A1 , A2 have the same extension.

[0051] In particular, as will become clear in the following description, by keeping the value of the two overlapping areas A1 , A2 constant, it is possible to ensure that the bib 3 remains centrally located on the user's chest.

[0052] The bra 1 according to the invention comprises connecting means 4 configured to connect the bib 3 to the two lateral sides 2 .

[0053] The connecting means 4 comprise a first connecting element 4 a fastened to the bib 3 and a second connecting element 4 b fastened to the lateral side 2 .

[0054] Advantageously, the first and second connecting elements 4a, 4b are slidably constrained to one another so as to allow mutual sliding of the lateral sides 2 relative to the bib 3 in order to modify the two overlapping areas A1, A2.

[0055] In particular, the connection means 4 allow each lateral side 2 to slide relative to the bib 3 in order to modify the value of the respective overlapping area A1 , A2 .

[0056] Specific reference Figure 3 Preferably, the first and second connecting elements 4a, 4b slide on each other along curved adjustment trajectories T1, T2 lying in the same sliding plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to the transverse plane of the driver in use.

[0057] Furthermore, advantageously, the bra 1 comprises adjustment means 5 configured to translate the lateral sides 2 towards or away from each other relative to the bib 3 in order to adjust the distance between the front edge portions 2a of the lateral sides 2 and 3 and thus modify the two overlapping areas A1 , A2 .

[0058] Thus, by means of the adjustment device 5 the driver can conveniently adjust the distance between the lateral sides 2 so that these sides adhere perfectly to the driver's body while keeping the bib 3 stationary in a central position.

[0059] It should therefore be noted that the first or second connecting element 4a, 4b can be moved between an extended configuration in which the overlapping areas A1, A2 have a minimum surface value corresponding to a minimum non-zero safety value (the dimensions of which can advantageously be designed to meet the requirements of the FIA ​​standard) and a closed configuration in which the overlapping areas A1, A2 have a maximum surface value.

[0060] In particular, the extended configuration corresponds to a position in which the distance between the lateral sides 2 (i.e. the distance between the front edge portions 2a) is maximum, thus having achieved a maximum translation away from the bib 3 along the respective trajectories T1, T2, whereas the closed configuration corresponds to a position in which the distance between the lateral sides 2 is minimum, thus achieving a maximum translation towards the bib 3 along the respective trajectories T1, T2.

[0061] Thus, the extended configuration corresponds to the maximum size of the protective chest garment 1 that can be worn by a driver, whereas the closed configuration corresponds to the minimum size of the protective chest garment 1 that can be worn.

[0062] Once the driver has put on the bra 1, inserted from the head downwards (or arranged around the body when the bra is "open", as will become clearer in the following description), after the bib 3 has been centered on the driver's chest, the distance between the lateral sides 2 can be quickly adjusted by simultaneously translating the lateral sides 2 by means of the adjustment device 5 until the desired distance relative to the bib 3 and a precise self-centering of the bib 3 are obtained.

[0063] With reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, preferably the first connection element 4a is two slides (even more preferably made of polycarbonate), and the second connection element 4b is two sliders, each slider being slidably constrained in a respective slide.

[0064] Preferably, the slides 4a are fastened on the inner side 3I of the bib 3 (i.e. the side of the bib 3 facing the driver's body) corresponding to the lateral end portion 3a, while the sliders 4b are fastened on the corresponding outer side 2E of the lateral side 2 near the front edge portion 2a.

[0065] Preferably, the runners 4a develop symmetrically relative to a median longitudinal plane of the bib 3 at least partially beyond the lateral end portions 3a of the bib 3 to at least partially overlap the lateral sides 2 in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane.

[0066] In other words, the slideway 4 a extends along the adjustment trajectories T1 , T2 .

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the first connecting element 4a is two sliders and the second connecting element 4b is two runners. According to this embodiment, the runners are preferably fastened to the respective outer sides 2E of the lateral sides 2 near the front edge portion 2a, while the sliders are fastened to the inner sides 3I of the flap 33a at the lateral end portion 3a.

[0068] Even more preferably, the runner at least partially flares out away from the front edge portion 2a of the side face 2 to at least partially overlap the bib 3 in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular to a longitudinal mid-plane of the bib 3 .

[0069] Furthermore, according to the present invention, each slider 4b is movable along the slideway 4a between a portion of the distal limit switch P1 of the slideway 4a and a portion of the proximal limit switch P2 of the slideway 4a.

[0070] In particular, during the extended configuration of the bra 1 , the slider 4b may be identified as abutting part of the distal limit switch P1 , and during the closed configuration of the bra 1 , the slider 4b may be identified as abutting part of the proximal limit switch P2 .

[0071] Thus, advantageously, the portion of the proximal limit switch P2 prevents excessive crushing of the driver's chest after an impact, while the portion of the distal limit switch P1 allows keeping the value of the overlapping areas A1 , A2 above a minimum safety value, thus preventing even partial exposure of a part of the chest.

[0072] Furthermore, preferably, a portion of the distal limit switch P1 of one of the two sliders 4b has a removal slot 4c of the slider 4b, the removal slot 4c being sized to allow the slider 4b to be removed from the slider 4a to disengage the lateral side 2 from the bib 3 so that the bra 1 can be opened.

[0073] Therefore, the driver can easily wear the brassiere 1 by wrapping the opened brassiere 1 around his or her chest and inserting the free slider 4b into the removal slot 4c.

[0074] In particular, the form coupling between the slider 4b and the extraction slot 4c is dimensioned according to advantages of a known type in order to prevent involuntary loosening when the bra is being worn.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the adjusting device 5 comprises a pair of belts 6 which are slidingly inserted into the corresponding passage slots 3 b of the belt 3 .

[0076] Even more preferably, the slots 3 b are made symmetrically with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the bib 3 .

[0077] Each belt 6 has:

[0078] - a first end 6a, which is fastened to the respective lateral side 2, and

[0079] - a second free end 6b which can be reversibly attached to the bra 1 and is configured to be pulled by the driver in order to bring the front edge portions 2a of the lateral sides 2 closer together.

[0080] In particular, the driver can achieve a self-centered positioning of the bib 3 on his own body and a perfect adherence of the side faces 2 by pulling simultaneously on the second free end 6 b.

[0081] Preferably, the second free end 6b comprises a retaining means (e.g. Velcro) and can be reversibly attached by overlapping on the belt 6 near the first free end 6a, or can be reversibly attached to a dedicated retaining portion (not shown) integral with the lateral side.

[0082] According to another aspect of the invention, the bra 1 preferably comprises a backrest 7 inserted between the two lateral sides 2 and connected to the lateral sides 2 by respective adjustment hinges 7 ′ such that the lateral sides 2 can rotate around the adjustment hinges 7 ′.

[0083] Advantageously, the backrest 7 can thus be adapted to the shape of the driver's chest, so that, for example, when a driver with a "V"-shaped chest contour wears the bra 1, the lateral sides 2 can freely rotate outwards about the adjustment hinges 7', so that the upper edges 2c of the sides 2 move away from each other in order to correctly adapt to the driver's body.

[0084] The backrest 7 has respective adjustment slots 8 corresponding to opposite side edges 7a of the backrest 7, preferably in an upper region nearest (in use) the driver's shoulders.

[0085] Advantageously, reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each lateral side 2 has an adjustment pin 9 at the corresponding rear edge portion 2b opposite the front edge portion 2a, which is slidably movable in the adjustment slot 8 so as to limit the rotation of the lateral side 2 around the adjustment hinge 7′ to between 0° and 30°, preferably between 0° and 11°.

[0086] Advantageously, by rotating the side surfaces 2 relative to the backrest, the upper edges 2c can be moved away from each other in a controlled manner.

[0087] Furthermore, the backrest 7 thus made allows a passive or adaptive adjustment system to be obtained which does not require manual adjustment by the driver in order to adhere correctly to the body.

[0088] According to another aspect of the present invention, referring to Figure 5 The bib 3 preferably has a lower part 3inf and an upper part 3sup, to which the connecting means 4 and the adjusting means 5 are connected, the upper part 3sup being inclined relative to the lower part 3inf towards the longitudinal axis X of the bra 1 according to an inclination angle α between 0° and 45°, preferably equal to 13°.

[0089] Thus, the bib 3 according to the present invention can not only be made curved to conform to the same curvature of the rider's torso to improve fit and comfort in the overlapping area between the bib 3 and the side 2, but the bib 3 is also preferably inclined in the area of ​​contact with the rider's sternum to better adhere to the rider's body. Due to the inclination of the upper portion 3sup, the bib 3 thus provides better comfort for the rider.

[0090] Finally, as shown in the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the bra 1 according to the invention may comprise a support strap 10 , preferably connected to the backrest 7 and the lateral sides 2 , configured to support the bra 1 when worn.

[0091] The present invention achieves the proposed aims and overcomes the disadvantages complained of in the prior art.

[0092] Thanks to the invention, drivers can wear a protective chest garment 1 that is able to adapt effectively and efficiently to the morphology of their own body in a practical and quick manner, by making simple and precise adjustments to ensure high comfort.

[0093] In particular, the adjustment operations can be carried out comfortably and completely autonomously by the driver without the need for special equipment.

[0094] The present invention also allows compliance with the rules set out by FIA STANDARD 8870-2018.

Claims

1. A protective bra (1), comprising: two lateral sides (2) configured to protect the lateral areas of a user's chest; a bib (3) configured to protect the front area of ​​a user's chest and having opposite side end portions (3a) at least partially overlapping respective front edge portions (2a) of the lateral side (2) so as to define two distinct overlapping areas (A1, A2) between the bib (3) and the lateral side (2), the front edge portion (2a) being arranged between the user and the side end portions (3a) in use; a connecting device (4) configured to connect the bib (3) to the two lateral sides (2), and comprising a first connecting element (4a) fastened to the bib (3) and a second connecting element (4b) fastened to the lateral sides (2), the first connecting element (4a) and the second connecting element (4b) being slidably constrained to each other to allow the lateral sides (2) to slide relative to the bib (3) in order to modify the two overlapping areas (A1, A2); Adjustment means (5) configured to translate the lateral sides (2) towards or away from each other relative to the bib (3) in order to adjust the distance between the front edge portions (2a) of the lateral sides (2).

2. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting element (4a) is two slideways and the second connecting element (4b) is two sliders, or vice versa, each slider being slidably constrained in a corresponding slideway.

3. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The slides are fastened on the inner side (3I) of the bib (3) corresponding to the lateral end portions (3a), and the sliders are fastened on the corresponding outer side (2E) of the lateral side (2) near the front edge portion (2a).

4. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The slides are symmetrically developed relative to a median longitudinal plane of the bib (3), at least partially extending beyond lateral end portions (3a) of the bib (3) to at least partially overlap the lateral sides (2) in a transverse direction.

5. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The slideway is perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the bib (3).

6. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The slides are fastened to the respective outer sides (2E) of the lateral sides (2) near the front edge portions (2a), and the sliders are fastened to the inner sides (3I) of the bib (3) at the lateral end portions (3a).

7. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The runners at least partially unfold away from the front edge portion (2a) of the lateral side (2) to at least partially overlap the bib (3) in the transverse direction.

8. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The slideway is perpendicular to the middle longitudinal plane of the bib (3).

9. The protective chest garment according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: Each slider is capable of moving along the corresponding slide between a portion of the distal limit switch (P1) of the slide and a portion of the proximal limit switch (P2) of the slide; during the extended configuration of the bra (1), the slider is confirmed to be abutting against the portion of the distal limit switch (P1), in which the overlapping area (A1, A2) has a minimum surface value corresponding to a non-zero minimum safety value; during the closed configuration of the bra (1), the slider is confirmed to be abutting against the portion of the proximal limit switch (P2), in which the overlapping area (A1, A2) has a maximum surface value.

10. A protective chest garment (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The adjusting device (5) comprises a pair of belts (6) which are slidably inserted into corresponding passage slots (3b) of the bib (3) and have: a first end (6a) which is fastened to the respective lateral side (2), and A second free end portion (6b) is reversibly attachable to the bra (1) and is configured to be pulled by a user in order to bring the front edge portions (2a) of the lateral sides (2) closer together.

11. A protective chest garment (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a backrest (7) which is inserted between the two lateral sides (2) and is connected to the lateral sides (2) via respective adjustment hinges (7') such that the lateral sides (2) can rotate about the adjustment hinges (7').

12. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 11, wherein The backrest (7) has corresponding adjustment slots (8) made corresponding to the opposite side edges (7a) of the backrest (7), wherein each lateral side (2) has an adjustment pin (9) at the corresponding rear edge portion (2b) opposite to the corresponding front edge portion (2a), and the adjustment pin (9) can be slidably moved in the adjustment slot (8) so as to limit the rotation of the lateral side (2) around the adjustment hinge (7') between 0° and 30°.

13. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The rotation of the lateral side (2) about the adjustment hinge (7') is limited to between 0° and 11°.

14. A protective chest garment (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The bib (3) has a lower part (3inf) and an upper part (3sup), the connecting device (4) and the adjusting device (5) are connected to the lower part (3inf), the upper part (3sup) is inclined relative to the lower part (3inf) according to an inclination angle (α) between 0° and 45° towards the longitudinal axis (X) of the bra (1), and the lateral side (2) and the bib (3) are developed around the longitudinal axis (X).

15. The protective chest garment (1) according to claim 14, wherein The upper portion (3sup) is inclined relative to the lower portion (3inf) toward the longitudinal axis (X) according to an inclination angle (α) of 13°.

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