Body protection

Abstract

The body protection (1, 1') comprises: a wearable article (2, 2'); an impact absorbing pad (3) anchored to the wearable article (2, 2'); wherein the impact absorbing pad (3) comprises a first member (4) configured to absorb impact energy by irreversible plastic deformation and a second member (5) configured to absorb impact energy by reversible elastic deformation, and wherein the first member (4) is embedded into the second member (5); wherein the first member (4) comprises a plurality of open cells (6) interconnected to each other via their side walls (7) to form a pliable sheet (8) configured to absorb energy by irreversible deformation of said side walls (7) or said interconnections in response to a compressive load applied to said sheet (8). The wearable article (2) is a glove (2'), wherein the impact absorbing pad (3) is anchored to the back of the glove (2').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of protective equipment for athletes. Preferably, this invention relates to protective gloves for sports activities such as cycling, skiing, hockey, and cricket. Background Technology

[0002] Several solutions for protecting the body from harm are known in the prior art.

[0003] Specifically, some solutions are known in the field of gloves. Certain sports require gloves to be highly flexible without compromising hand protection. Examples in this sense are well-known for hockey and baseball gloves.

[0004] For example, document US8256028B1 discloses a baseball glove with a mesh structure that includes and defines multiple shock-absorbing pads filled with foam or rubber. In this solution, these pads are positioned on the outside of the glove and cover the hand bones aligned with the little finger. In this body protection, impact is absorbed through elastic deformation rather than plastic deformation.

[0005] These elastic pads soften impacts by absorbing energy through elasticity, but the elastic material generates a rebound force during impact, which is transmitted to the body underneath. Therefore, while such elastic products can reduce impact force, they do not reduce the damage caused by this rebound force. This rebound force can immobilize bones or damage ligaments in the hand.

[0006] Another similar solution for shock absorption is disclosed in document US20140223629A1. In this patent application, the shock-absorbing member having a honeycomb structure made of rubber or silicone is covered by a separate outer layer and elastically absorbs energy. Furthermore, in this solution, the shock-absorbing member is not embedded in the outer layer, but simply covers the outer layer, so the honeycomb cells can easily bend laterally, thus absorbing only a small amount of impact energy.

[0007] A third solution is provided in document WO2019037068A1. This solution describes a work glove unsuitable for sports activities due to its lack of flexibility in use during movement. The solution includes a pocket section attached to the back of the glove, which contains a reinforced tensile composite material. This reinforced tensile composite material is made of a thermoplastic elastomer that wraps around and permeates a tensile sheet. When the pocket section is impacted, the tensile material naturally disperses the impact energy over a wider surface and reduces the impact concentration, while the thermoplastic elastomer elastically absorbs the impact energy. The tensile sheet does not absorb energy but simply disperses it across the elastomer material. Specifically, it does not absorb energy through plastic deformation. Therefore, this solution has the advantage of dispersing impact energy over a wider portion of the elastomer material, but the impact energy is also absorbed elastically rather than plastically here, resulting in the disadvantage of generating the rebound force.

[0008] Document EP2893824 provides an alternative solution, describing a planar structure capable of plastically absorbing impact energy. This involves two non-energy-absorbing plastic sheets covering the top and bottom; these sheets merely increase the area of ​​the planar structure involved in the impact. Essentially, like previous solutions, the plastic sheets disperse rather than absorb impact energy. Furthermore, the planar structure is not embedded in the outer layers because these layers cannot be considered as firmly and deeply fixing and supporting the surrounding mass of the planar structure. For this reason, the cells of the planar structure collapse laterally upon oblique impact and absorb very little energy.

[0009] Another solution is disclosed in document US6969548, which describes an impact-absorbing composite material formed from separate, discrete, and independent impact-absorbing components.

[0010] Another solution is disclosed in document EP0836811, which describes a body protector comprising one or more containers, wherein small bodies absorb impact energy through their relative motion.

[0011] Given the solutions described above, existing technologies do not provide a method that can simultaneously absorb impact energy elastically and plastically, thereby minimizing or eliminating the risk of injury caused by the rebound force typical of elastic impact absorbers. Furthermore, there is a lack of hand and body protectors that are sufficiently flexible to allow for unimpeded movement or work activities. Additionally, it is unknown whether body protectors can be easily inspected to check for impact damage or their continued usability. Finally, no solution is known that can be easily manufactured and has an excellent appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The aforementioned and other inconveniences of the prior art are now addressed by a body protector comprising a wearable article and an impact-absorbing pad anchored to the wearable article. The impact-absorbing pad includes a first member configured to absorb impact energy through irreversible plastic deformation and a second member configured to absorb impact energy through reversible elastic deformation. The first member is embedded within the second member. The first member comprises a plurality of cells interconnected with each other via their sidewalls to form a flexible sheet configured to absorb energy through irreversible deformation of the sidewalls or the interconnections in response to compressive loads applied to the sheet. This internal arrangement of the impact-absorbing pad allows a portion of the impact energy to be absorbed through the elastic deformation of the second member and any excess energy or any rebound force to be absorbed through the plastic deformation of the first member. As the first member is embedded within the second member, the energy of any impact is always absorbed first by the second member and then by the first member. This fact prevents sacrificial damage to the first member, which is technically more complex and expensive, with each impact. Furthermore, since the first component is embedded within the second component, the first component is laterally supported by the second component, and in the event of an oblique impact, the first component does not wrinkle laterally. In this way, more energy is absorbed even in the event of an oblique impact. Additionally, the flexible sheet is flexible along its thickness direction, allowing for torsional movement of the body protector while possessing the ability to absorb impact energy through cell collapse. This deformation is irreversible and involves the sidewalls of the cells and / or the interconnections between the cells, thus allowing for the absorption of a large amount of energy without rebound.

[0013] The term "irreversible plastic deformation" refers to any permanent and therefore irreversible deformation. Specifically, the term indicates any type of permanent bending of the cell sidewalls and / or any breakage of the interconnection between adjacent cells. This deformation implies permanent deformation of the material, absorbing more energy than elastic reversible deformation. In the following text, the terms "plastic," "plastically," "irreversible," and "irreversibly" refer to the same concept, and are therefore "irreversible plastic deformation."

[0014] The term "reversible elastic deformation" refers to any deformation that does not imply permanent deformation of the material and allows the deformed element to return to its original shape. This behavior is typical for elastic materials such as rubber or silicone. In the following text, the terms "elastic," "elastically," "reversible," and "reversibly" refer to the same concept, hence "reversible elastic deformation."

[0015] Preferably, the second component can be a single piece made of an elastic material. As an elastic single piece, the second component is more durable, more impact-resistant, and less prone to breakage. Furthermore, it laterally supports the first component, thereby preventing it from wrinkling laterally.

[0016] More preferably, the elastic material of the second member can be transparent. In this way, any irreversible plastic deformation of the first member is perceptible without cutting or disassembling the impact-absorbing pad. If the first member undergoes irreversible plastic deformation, the impact-absorbing pad is no longer safe and needs to be replaced. Additionally or alternatively, the second member may include a window or through-hole configured to make the first member visible from the outside.

[0017] Preferably, the sidewalls of the open cells may be at least partially orthogonal to the inner surface of the impact-absorbing pad. In this context, the term "at least partially" means that the sidewalls are not perfectly orthogonal to the inner surface. For example, a portion of the sidewalls may include geometric perturbations to reduce the initial peak stress caused by sheet compression. The term "open" refers to these cells, meaning that each cell is a tube and therefore open on both the upper and lower surfaces.

[0018] More preferably, depending on the application, the sheet may have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 30 mm or from 1 to 5 mm. A smaller thickness improves the sheet's flexibility along its thickness direction without compromising irreversible plastic energy absorption. Ultimately, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cells may range from 1.5 mm² to 30 mm². This smaller footprint allows for a greater number of cells to be involved in impact absorption.

[0019] Specifically, the second component may include a recess in which the first component is enclosed. In this way, the first component can be replaced in case of damage.

[0020] Alternatively, the first component can be completely encapsulated within the second component. Preferably, the second component can even penetrate the first component. When the first component is encapsulated within the second component, the contact surface between the two components is expanded and relative movement is restricted. Upon impact, these contact points between the first and second components deteriorate, resulting in small breaks. This irreversible plastic deformation absorbs a large amount of energy due to the numerous contact surfaces between the first and second components. Furthermore, when the second component penetrates the first component, cell wrinkling is supported even when the impact is not perpendicular to the impact-absorbing pad, and more regular cell collapse is achieved during compression.

[0021] Advantageously, the first component can be sandwiched between a portion of the second component and the wearable article. In this way, the first component is not the first part of the impact-absorbing pad that receives and absorbs impact energy, but rather the second part. In this way, in the case of small impacts, the first component is only involved in minimal impact and does not undergo plastic deformation because the impact is completely absorbed by the second component, thus the body protector can be reused. In fact, the elasticity of the second component makes the element reversible in the event of an impact.

[0022] Specifically, the impact-absorbing pad can be anchored to the outside of the wearable product to remain exposed during normal use. In this way, the impact-absorbing pad faces outward and directly receives impacts. Furthermore, if the second component is transparent, the impact-absorbing pad can be inspected immediately.

[0023] Advantageously, the second member may include one or more outwardly oriented thickened portions and / or one or more slits disposed on its outer surface. Preferably, when the second member includes both thickened portions and slits, the one or more slits correspond to the one or more thickened portions. Due to the greater thickness of the second member at these points, these thickenings allow for improved elastic absorption of impacts. The slits allow for improved flexibility of the second member. If the slits correspond to the thickened arrangements, the smaller flexibility determined by the thickened portions is compensated by the slits.

[0024] Specifically, the second member may further include thinning portions between the thickened portions. These thinning portions allow the second member to have greater flexibility in these sections. Preferably, the first member may be narrowed or absent corresponding to the thinning portions. When the first member is narrower or even absent in these areas, the lateral and torsional flexibility of the first member is improved.

[0025] The terms "thickening" and "thinning" refer to the local thickness of the second component being higher or lower than the average thickness of the second component, respectively.

[0026] Specifically, the wearable article can be a glove, and the shock-absorbing pad is anchored to the back of the glove. The main scope of the invention is to provide protective gloves for sports or even work activities. When the glove has the shock-absorbing pad according to the invention arranged on its back side, shocks are absorbed more efficiently because the shock-absorbing pad acts as armor relative to the glove underneath. Furthermore, no rebound force is transmitted to the hand, thus protecting the ligaments actually located on the back of the hand.

[0027] When the wearable product is a glove, the cutouts can be arranged to extend along the width of the glove, and the thickened portions can be arranged to correspond to the metacarpophalangeal joints and / or knuckles of the glove. When the cutouts are arranged laterally and correspond to the glove joints, the wearer's comfort is improved, and the glove can even be used in sports activities where a high degree of freedom of movement is required.

[0028] Preferably, the cut can be orthogonal or oblique to the outer surface of the impact-absorbing pad anchored to the back of the glove. If the cut is orthogonal to the outer surface, the flexibility of the impact-absorbing pad is improved. If the cut is oblique, the glove is more protected from vertical impacts.

[0029] Advantageously, the first component can be a single piece covering the back of the glove and some of the finger portions. If the first component is provided as a single piece, the impact-resistant coverage is uniform and a smaller portion of the glove is vulnerable.

[0030] Preferably, the second component may include a lateral extension that at least partially covers the finger portion of the glove. These wrappings provide impact protection even in the area between the fingers.

[0031] These and other advantages will be better understood from the following description of different embodiments of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings as non-limiting examples.

[0032] Attached Figure Description

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of a body protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 It shows Figure 2 Exploded view of the impact-absorbing pad of the body protection component;

[0036] Figure 3A It shows Figure 2 Top view of the impact-absorbing pad;

[0037] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The impact-absorbing pad is based on the sectional view of the AA section;

[0038] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A The impact-absorbing pad is based on the cross-sectional view of the BB section;

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of a body protector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Exploded top view of the impact-absorbing pad of the body protection component;

[0041] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 Exploded view from below of the impact-absorbing pad of the body protection component;

[0042] Figure 7A It shows Figure 5 and 6 Top view of the impact-absorbing pad;

[0043] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7AThe impact-absorbing pad is shown in the cross-sectional view of the CC section.

[0044] Figure 7C It shows Figure 7A The impact-absorbing pad is based on the cross-sectional view of the DD section;

[0045] Figure 8 A perspective view of a specific type of impact-absorbing pad is shown;

[0046] Figure 9 A perspective view of a body protector according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 10 A perspective view of a body protector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 11 A perspective view of a body protector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 12 An isometric view of a helmet according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 The impact-absorbing pad is based on the sectional view of the EE section;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the mold used to realize the impact absorption pad 3 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15A A schematic top cross-sectional view of an example of an impact-absorbing pad before the impact occurs;

[0053] Figure 15B It shows what happened after the impact. Figure 15A A schematic top sectional view of the impact-absorbing pad;

[0054] Figure 16A A schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of an impact-absorbing pad prior to an impact.

[0055] Figure 16B It shows the occurrence of orthogonal impact. Figure 16A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the impact-absorbing pad;

[0056] Figure 16C It shows the occurrence of tilting impact. Figure 16A A schematic side sectional view of the impact-absorbing pad. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention is taken with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. The object of protection is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any suitable manner.

[0058] exist Figure 1 -3 indicates a first embodiment of the body protection component according to the present invention. While... Figure 4 -7 illustrates a second embodiment of the body protection component. These embodiments are distinguished only by the following prominent technical features. Apart from these differences, the other technical features are the same or substantially the same, and therefore are described only once.

[0059] In both embodiments, the body protection 1 includes a wearable article 2, in these cases a glove 2', with an impact-absorbing pad 3 attached to the glove. Furthermore, the impact-absorbing pad 3 includes a first member 4 and a second member 5.

[0060] The first component 4 is configured to absorb impact energy through irreversible deformation, while the second component 5 is configured to elastically absorb impact energy. The first component 4 is arranged within the second component 5, as will be better explained below.

[0061] The second component 5 is the main body of the elastic material, in which the first component 4 is arranged. The elastic material is preferably an elastomer, polyurethane, or silicone resin.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment of -3, the first component 4 is completely encapsulated within the second component 5, as shown in FIG3, while Figure 4 In the second embodiment of -7, the first member 4 is inserted into the recess 10 of the second member 5. This is the main difference between the first and second embodiments.

[0063] like Figure 1 and 4 As shown, the elastic material of the second component 5 is transparent so that it is visible from the outside of the first component 4.

[0064] Specifically, transparent elastic materials can be transparent silicone resins or transparent thermoplastic elastomers, such as those marketed under the name Phonix. TM Transparent thermoplastic elastomers, or transparent polyurethane rubbers, such as those marketed under the name ClearFlex. TM Transparent polyurethane rubber.

[0065] The transparency or clarity of the material facilitates viewing the first component 4 without disassembling the impact-absorbing pad 3. This advantageously allows for inspection to determine if the first component 4 has undergone irreversible plastic collapse after the impact. If the first component 4 has undergone irreversible deformation after the impact, it remains deformed, and its deformation can be seen through the transparent second component 5. In this way, the glove 2' with the deformed first component 4 can be replaced with a new glove that still has an intact first component 4. Alternatively, the glove 2' can be repaired with a new impact-absorbing pad 3.

[0066] The first component 4 in both the first and second embodiments includes a plurality of open cells 6, which are interconnected via their sidewalls 7 to form a sheet 8. Specifically, the cells 6 are organized and oriented to absorb impact energy through compression of the sheet 8. The sheet 8 thus comprises an array of interconnected open cells 6.

[0067] When the body protector 1 is impacted, the first component 4 absorbs part of the impact energy through elastic deformation. Simultaneously, the cell array 6 of the second component 5 acts as a mesh, distributing the impact energy across a wider portion of the impact-absorbing pad 3 and undergoing permanent deformation. This permanent deformation, which may involve the sidewalls 7 of the cells 6 and / or their interconnections, absorbs a significant amount of impact energy, thereby minimizing the wearer's risk. The interconnecting portion consists of sections of the sidewalls 7 used to interconnect adjacent cells 6.

[0068] In this situation, the cells 6 involved in the impact collapse axially and their sidewalls 7 irreversibly wrinkle, absorbing the impact energy, such as Figure 16B This is better illustrated in the text.

[0069] Each open cell 6 is attached to the adjacent cell 6 along its sidewall 7. Another type of irreversible energy absorption may involve these interconnections between the cells 6. Because the cells 6 are connected to each other, when the shock-absorbing pad 3 is impacted, the sidewalls bend and irreversibly deform accordingly with respect to the interconnections, such as... Figure 15B As shown.

[0070] Sidewall 7 can therefore be shared or not shared among nearby cells.

[0071] refer to Figure 2 Or 5, this interconnection between open cells 6 is represented by the contact surface between adjacent cells 6. Depending on the shape of the cell cross-section and / or the type of interconnection, this connection between cells 6 can be just a line or a surface.

[0072] exist Figure 2In the example shown in detail in 5, cells 6 are short polycarbonate cylinders interconnected with each other. At the points of connection, the sidewall 7 of cell 6 is attached to the sidewall of another cell 6, for example, using adhesive or other types of bonding.

[0073] In a version of the sheet not shown, the sidewalls of the cells can be shared between adjacent cells. A cell can be formed by two strips of plastic material undulating according to different, essentially sinusoidal profiles, connected to each other corresponding to the minimum value of said sinusoidal profile, thus obtaining a series of closed cells, each shaped like an arrowhead. These different series of cells are then connected to each other, combining the maximum value of the maximum sinusoidal profile of one series with the maximum value of the minimum sinusoidal profile of another series. The sheet is produced in this way, and impact energy can be plastically absorbed through the collapse of the cells.

[0074] To maximize the energy absorbed by the irreversible plastic deformation of the sidewall 7 of the first component 4, the sidewall 7 is orthogonal to the inner surface 9 of the impact absorption pad 3. For the first embodiment, in Figure 3B and 3C In, or for the second embodiment, in Figure 7B and 7C This verticality can be clearly seen. In the first embodiment, the inner surface 9 of the impact-absorbing pad 3 corresponds to the inner surface of the second member 5, such as... Figure 3B and 3C As shown. In the second embodiment, the inner surface 9 of the impact-absorbing pad 3 corresponds to the peripheral edge of the second member 5, as shown. Figure 7B , 7C As shown, or even better as Figure 6 As shown.

[0075] exist Figure 1 In section -7, for simplicity, the impact-absorbing pad 3 and its first component 4 and second component 5 are always depicted as flat, but they are obviously flexible. The second component 5 is made of an elastic material and is therefore flexible in all directions, while the first component 4 is made of a thin sheet 8 and can therefore flex along its thickness. Thus, the resulting glove 2' is flexible, and the wearer's fingers can move without difficulty. For this reason, these gloves 2' are particularly suitable for sports such as hockey, baseball, and cycling.

[0076] To make the sheet 8 extremely flexible, the thickness of the first component is between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 2 mm.

[0077] Figure 2The first component 4 consists of two sheets 8. The larger, recessed sheet 8 is used for the back of the hand and the backs of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, while the smaller sheet 8 is used for the back of the thumb. Both sheets 8 are independent and single. Each sheet 8 includes a wider portion corresponding to the metacarpophalangeal joint arrangement, which alternates with a narrower portion, allowing the sheet 8 to have great flexibility along its thickness direction.

[0078] Figure 5 and 6 The sheet 8 of the second embodiment of the body protector 1 shown is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the narrower portions are less rigid. In this way, the shock absorption resistance of the glove 2' is improved in these areas.

[0079] The sheet 8 in the first and second embodiments is very thin, with a thickness ranging from 1 to 5 mm. For gloves, the thickness of the sheet 8 can be smaller, with a maximum of 0.5 mm, while for back protection, the thickness is larger, with a maximum of 30 mm. As described below, when the body protection 1 is not a glove, such as a back protection device 1', the thickness of the sheet 8 is greater than the thickness used in gloves 2'.

[0080] Specifically, the dimensions of the open cell 6 are designed so that more cells adhere to the area of ​​the glove 2' for protection. For example, corresponding to the fingers, the first member 4 cannot be particularly wide, therefore the cell 6 needs to be relatively small. In this way, several cells 6 can be located in the area covering the fingers of the glove. For this purpose, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cell 6 includes between 1.5 square millimeters and 30 square millimeters.

[0081] As previously described, in the first embodiment, the first component 4 is completely enclosed by the second component 5. Preferably, as Figure 3B and 3C As shown, the second component 5 penetrates the open cell 6 of the first component 4. In this way, the elastic material fills the cell 6 to support the sidewalls during impact. Based on what appears to be similar... Figure 3B and 3C In another embodiment of the embodiment, the sheet 8 of the first member 4 is surrounded by the second member 5, but is not permeated by the second member. In this case, the first member 4 is arranged within the inner bubble of the second member 5 that mates with the first member 4.

[0082] like Figure 14 As shown, this impact-absorbing pad 3 can be obtained by arranging the sheet 8 of the first component 4 in the mold 21. The mold 21 is shaped according to the outer surface 15 of the second component 5 and includes a ridge 22 that allows the cutout 13 of the second component to be realized.

[0083] In mold 21, sheet 8 of the first component 4 is arranged and can be placed on the ridge 22 or at a specific point in mold 21. Once sheet 8 is positioned in mold 21, an elastic resin, such as polyurethane resin, is poured into mold 21 to cover and permeate the first component 4.

[0084] Once the resin cures, the impact absorption pad 3 is realized, and the second component 5 completely encapsulates the first component 4.

[0085] To prevent the material of the second component 5 from seeping into the open cell 6 of the first component 4, a film can be arranged on both sides of the sheet 8 to prevent resin from entering the cell 6 during casting. In this way, the first component 4 remains encapsulated within the cavity of the second component 5.

[0086] Or, such as Figure 6 As shown in Figure 7, the glove 2' of the second embodiment includes a second member 5 having a recess 10, such as a cavity, the shape of which is complementary to the shape of the first member 4. Thus, when the first member 4 is received in the recess 10, the inner surface of the sheet 8 is coplanar with the peripheral edge 9 of the second member 9, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7B and 7C As shown. This version allows for easy replacement of the first component 4 in the event of irreversible deformation.

[0087] Figure 3B and 3C ,as well as Figure 7B and 7C These are longitudinal sectional views of the impact-absorbing pad 3 in the first and second embodiments, respectively. Figure 3A and 7A The diagram shows the cutting planes, and these sectional views are implemented based on these cutting planes.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments, the shock-absorbing pad 3 is anchored to the outside of the glove 2', specifically the back of the glove 2', such as... Figure 1 and 4 As shown. In this way, the first component 4 is sandwiched between a portion of the second component 5 and the glove 2'. Thus, the elastic second component 4 is the first part of the impact-absorbing pad 3 that receives the impact, and the residual energy of the impact or any rebound force is transferred to the irreversibly deformed first component 4. In this way, no rebound force is transferred to the wearer's hand.

[0089] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, irreversible plastic deformation may involve the sidewalls 7 of cell 6 and / or the interconnection between adjacent cells 6.

[0090] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate what happens when the impact-absorbing pad 3 of the present invention is subjected to an impact.

[0091] Specifically, Figure 15A and 16A This represents the impact-absorbing pad 3 before the impact occurs. Cell 6 is complete. In this example, it represents an array of interconnected cells 6.

[0092] When an impact occurs between object 25 and impact-absorbing pad 3, the top of the elastic material of the second component 5 flexes, thereby transferring the impact intensity to the first component 4, such as... Figure 15B , 16B Or as shown in 16C.

[0093] At this point, the sidewall 7 of cell 6 irreversibly wrinkles, thus absorbing a large amount of energy impact, such as... Figure 16B and 16C As shown. This deformation of sidewall 7 is irreversible plastic deformation.

[0094] Simultaneously, the cell array 6 acts as a mesh that distributes the impact intensity to the bottom of the second component 5. The interconnection between cells 6 allows more cells 6 to be involved in impact energy absorption.

[0095] Furthermore, the interconnection between the sidewalls 7 of cell 6 implies a second type of irreversible deformation, thus implying deformation of the sidewalls 7, such as... Figure 15B The deformed cross-sectional view of cell 6 is shown. Cell 6 is stretched by the adjacent cell 6 involved in the impact, and this type of deformation restricts and absorbs the impact energy. Therefore, energy absorption occurs through deformation or even rupture of the interconnection between the sidewalls 7. In this way, the impact energy of the second part is absorbed, as... Figure 15B or Figure 16B As shown. Even in this case, the sidewall 7 is permanently deformed through irreversible plastic deformation.

[0096] When the second component 5 penetrates the open cell 6 of the first component 4, another type of energy absorption can occur. In this case, a break occurs between the first component 4 and the second component 5. Essentially, when an impact occurs on the impact-absorbing pad 3, specifically when the impact is tilted relative to the outer surface of the impact-absorbing pad 3, a break can occur between the material of the second component 5 and the material of the first component 4, such as... Figure 15B and 16C As shown in these figures, the connection of the second member 5 is clearly shown to be disconnected from the material of the first member 4. This irreversible disconnection represents a third type of irreversible plastic deformation of the first member 4.

[0097] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 7, the second member 5 includes multiple thickened portions 12, which are therefore particularly thicker relative to the rest of the second member 5. These thickened portions 12 are used to improve the impact resistance of the elastic second member 5. In the first and second embodiments, these thickened portions 12 correspond to the metacarpophalangeal joints 17 and finger joints 17 of the glove 2'. These portions of the glove 2', as well as these portions of the wearer's hand, are more susceptible to impact. Therefore, the second member 5 is thicker in these portions to absorb more impact energy.

[0098] also, Figure 1 The embodiment of -7 also includes a number of cuts 13 arranged on the outer surface 15 of the second member 5. These cuts 13 are specifically arranged corresponding to the thickened portion 12.

[0099] As clearly shown in Figures 3 and 7, these cuts 13, oriented according to the width direction of the glove, allow for better flexibility corresponding to the more stretchable portion of the shock-absorbing pad 3. Furthermore, as cuts 13 arranged corresponding to the thicker portion 12, these cuts 13 facilitate the flexibility of these thicker portions. Specifically, the cuts 13 are oriented according to the width direction of the glove 2' to allow for flexibility of the wearer's fingers.

[0100] In the portions of the impact-absorbing pad 3 where the thickened portion 12 is not required, particularly in those portions between the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints 16, 17, the second member 5 includes a thinned portion 14, which is therefore a particularly thin portion. These thinned portions 14 allow for improved flexibility in the second member 5 when the fingers flex.

[0101] The sheet 8 of the first component 1 has an almost uniform width, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, but corresponding to these thinning portions 14, the sheet 8 can be particularly tight, as in the first embodiment. Figure 1 and 2 As shown. This rigid portion of the first component 4, together with the thinned portion 14 of the second component 5, allows the body protector 1 to have great flexibility.

[0102] and Figure 4 Same, Figure 1 The body protector 1 is described as having a glove 2' and is therefore a wearable article 2; an impact-absorbing pad 3 and its first component 4 and second component 5. Figure 2 , 5 The symbol 6 indicates that the first component 4 is separated from the second component 5. Although Figure 4 Figures 7 and 8 represent cross-sectional views of the impact-absorbing pad 3, which detail the relationship between the first component 4 and the second component 5.

[0103] Figure 9A specific embodiment of the impact-absorbing pad 3 is shown, wherein the second member 5 is made of an opaque elastic material, so the embedded first member 4 is invisible.

[0104] refer to Figure 9 A third embodiment of the body protector 1 is shown, wherein the thickened portions 12 of the fingers are dome-shaped and each thickened portion 12 includes only one cut 13. In this embodiment, the impact-absorbing pad 3 corresponding to the back of the hand is substantially flat and of generally uniform thickness. The thickened portions 12 are spaced apart by thinned portions 14 arranged to correspond to the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges. The cuts 13 are orthogonal to the outer surface 15 of the impact-absorbing pad 3. The impact-absorbing pad 3 of this embodiment has a second member 3, which includes a lateral extension 18 that partially covers the finger portion of the glove 2'.

[0105] refer to Figure 10 A fourth embodiment of the body protector 1 is shown, wherein the second member 5 includes recessed portions corresponding to the back of the hand and to the proximal phalanges. Ridges constituting thickened portions 12 are present on the edges of these recessed portions. Further thickened portions 12 also correspond to the finger joint arrangements. Three cuts 13 are also provided for each flexion joint to improve finger dexterity. The cuts 13 are orthogonal to the outer surface 15 of the impact-absorbing pad 3. The thumb also includes a second member 5 having a nearly constant thickness.

[0106] refer to Figure 11 A fifth embodiment of the body protector 1 is shown, wherein some thickened portions 12 correspond to the knuckles and metacarpophalangeal joints. These thickened portions 12 include beveled cuts 13', which are inclined relative to the outer surface 15 of the impact-absorbing pad 3. These beveled cuts 13' allow the portion of the second member 5 above the beveled cuts 13' to move and slide relative to the portion of the second member 5 below the beveled cuts 13', as occurs in the armor shell of an armadillo. In this way, flexibility is further improved, and the body protector 1 is more comfortable.

[0107] refer to Figure 12 and 13 This represents another type of shock-absorbing pad 3, which can be installed on the back of the glove 2' or in various wearable articles 2. Specifically, shock-absorbing pads with this or similar shapes can be used for back protection. For example, Figure 12 One or more shock-absorbing pads can be anchored to the outside of a back-wearable garment, such as a backpack. In this way, the shock-absorbing pad 3 remains exposed during its normal use and can be inspected.

[0108] In this embodiment, the second member 5 covers the first member 4, and the first member includes a plurality of cells 6 interconnected with each other along its sidewalls 7, thereby realizing a sheet 8. The sheet 8 is divided into multiple portions, thus forming first member portions 4'. These portions are independent, and each portion absorbs impact energy plastically through deformation of the cell sidewalls 7. These first member portions 4' are arranged within chambers 19 of the second member 5. An upper layer 5' of elastic material is bonded to a lower layer 5" of elastic material to form a second member 5 comprising a plurality of chambers defined by a bonding region 23. In this region 23, the elastomer layers 5', 5" are melted or bonded, thereby permanently joined. Essentially, this type of second member 5 is monolithic.

[0109] A first component portion 4' is arranged in each chamber 19. Since the upper layer 5' and lower layer 5'" correspond to the recesses in the bonding region 23, the impact-absorbing pad 3 includes cutouts 13 that allow the impact-absorbing pad 3 to bend along these straight cutouts 13. These bonding regions 23 identify thinned portions of the second component 5, which act as hinges.

[0110] The sidewalls 7 of cell 6 are orthogonal to the upper layer 5 and the lower layer 5”, and therefore they are orthogonal to the inner and outer surfaces of the impact absorption pad 3. In the sixth embodiment of the impact absorption pad 3, the sheet 8 of the first member 4 can be thicker than in the previous embodiment, and its thickness can be between 6 and 20 mm, but can reach 30 mm.

[0111] In this embodiment, the second component 5 does not penetrate into the cell 6 of the first component 4. The first component 4 is completely encapsulated within the second component 5 and cannot be removed.

[0112] The impact-absorbing pad 3 of this embodiment has a second member 5, which includes a plurality of windows 11 that allow the first member 4 to be visible from the outside. These windows 11 are openings in the upper layer 5' and the lower layer 5'", such as... Figure 13 As shown. The size of these windows 11 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of cells 6, thereby enabling the inspection of the structural state of the cells 6. Alternatively, as in the first and second embodiments, the second component 5 may be made of a transparent material, with or without windows 11, to make the first component 4 visible.

[0113] Preferably, in all embodiments of the invention, if the elastic material of the second member 5 is soft, the first member 4 also provides a skeletal effect when the elastic material has a Shore A degree between 10 and 60. If the elastic material is soft, the second member 5 is less durable and particularly prone to wear and tear, and is susceptible to cracking or tearing over time. Conversely, when the first member 4 is arranged within the soft second member 5, the more rigid structure of the first member 4 acts as a skeleton, thus improving the durability of the second member 5, particularly when the second member 5 penetrates into said skeleton. Elastomer foam is considered too soft to be used as the second member 5 in the impact-absorbing pad 3 of the present invention.

[0114] In summary, the present invention, conceived in this way, is readily subject to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, all features can be replaced by technically equivalent alternatives. In fact, the number can vary depending on specific technical requirements. Finally, all features of the previously described embodiments can be combined in any way to obtain other embodiments not described herein for reasons of brevity and clarity.

Claims

1. A body protection component (1, 1'), comprising: - Wearable products (2, 2'); - Impact-absorbing pad (3) anchored to the wearable article (2, 2'); The impact-absorbing pad (3) includes a first component (4) configured to absorb impact energy through irreversible plastic deformation and a second component (5) configured to absorb impact energy through reversible elastic deformation, wherein the first component (4) is embedded in the second component (5); wherein the first component (4) includes a plurality of open cells (6) interconnected with each other via their sidewalls (7) to form a flexible sheet (8), the sheet being configured to absorb energy through irreversible deformation of the sidewalls (7) or the interconnections in response to a compressive load applied to the sheet (8).

2. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second component (5) is a single piece made of elastic material.

3. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic material of the second component (5) is transparent.

4. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall (7) of the cell (6) is at least partially orthogonal to the inner surface (9) of the shock-absorbing pad (3).

5. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the sheet (8) is between 0.5 and 30 mm.

6. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the cell (6) is between 1.5 square millimeters and 30 square millimeters.

7. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second member (5) includes a recess (10) in which the first member (4) is enclosed.

8. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first component (4) is completely encapsulated in the second component (5).

9. The body protection component (1, 1') as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second component (5) penetrates the cell (6) of the first component (4).

10. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first component (4) is sandwiched between a portion of the second component (5) and the wearable article (2, 2').

11. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing pad (3) is anchored to the outside of the wearable article (2, 2') to maintain exposure during normal use.

12. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second member (5) includes one or more outwardly oriented thickened portions (12) and / or one or more cutouts (13) arranged on the outer surface (15) of the second member (5).

13. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The one or more cuts (13) are arranged corresponding to the one or more thickened portions (12).

14. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second component (5) includes a thinning portion (14) located between the thickened portions (12).

15. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first component (4) corresponds to the narrowing or absence of the thinning portion (14).

16. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wearable article (2) is a glove (2'), and the shock-absorbing pad (3) is anchored to the back of the glove (2').

17. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The cut (13) extends along the width of the glove (2'), and the thickened portion (12) is arranged corresponding to the metacarpophalangeal joints (16) and / or finger joints (17) of the glove (2').

18. The body protection member (1, 1') as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The cut (13) is orthogonal or inclined relative to the outer surface (15) of the impact absorption pad (3).

19. The body protection member (1) as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The first component (4) covers the back and some finger portions of the glove (2').

20. The body protection member (1) as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The second component (5) includes a lateral extension (18) that at least partially covers the finger portion of the glove (2').

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