Impact absorbing pad and related garment

Abstract

An impact absorbing pad (1) for a garment (100) having a body made of an elastic material and comprising a plurality of apertures (3) through its thickness (T) from an outer surface (6) to an inner surface (5), and a plurality of hinge portions (17) arranged between adjacent apertures (3) wherein the pad (1) comprises a central portion (C) and a peripheral portion (P), and the peripheral portion (P) comprises a sewn portion (S) arranged proximate a peripheral edge (10) of the pad (1), wherein the thickness (T) of the pad (1) corresponding to the central portion (C) is greater than the thickness (T) corresponding to the stitched portion (S); and wherein the pad (1) is configured such that: in rest, the hole (3) has a shape (7) in which the central portion (8) is narrower than its end portions; and, when the impact absorbing pad (1) is pulled according to an in-plane direction, the central portion (8) of the holes (3) arranged in this direction widens and the adjacent hinge portions (17) rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of personal protective equipment. Specifically, it relates to pads that can be attached to clothing or apparel for protecting a part of the human body from impact, preferably protecting the joints. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, body protectors for protecting human joints are known. For example, knee protectors for sports activities or shoulder protectors for cyclists are known.

[0003] Typically, these solutions involve soft materials that are attached to the body via textiles or elastic straps. The elastic components of these solutions dampen forces upon impact, such as with the ground or another athlete.

[0004] This resilient component is traditionally a flexible polymer foam pad that deforms under impact loads, absorbing some of the load and distributing it across a larger surface of the body involved, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the wearer.

[0005] In this respect, D3O ® The materials produced by the company are particularly effective.

[0006] Known joint protectors follow joint movement through the elastic deformation of the material, which leads to the first drawback of existing solutions. If the elastic component is highly elastic, it can follow joint movement, but its ability to absorb shock is significantly reduced. Conversely, if the elasticity is low, the component becomes more rigid, unable to follow joint movement, or may dislocate, thus exposing the joint and causing injury.

[0007] Wearable articles with negative Poisson's ratio (auxetic) properties are also known in the prior art. A solution in this regard is described in document US9538798B2. In this solution, to enable the wearable article to better conform to the human body, the garment includes a negative Poisson's ratio structure. In this garment, the negative Poisson's ratio layer is connected and associated with an impact-absorbing foam material for absorbing impact load energy. In fact, the main purpose of this solution is not to provide a garment article that efficiently absorbs energy, but rather to provide a garment designed to fit closely to the human body. A similar solution is disclosed in document US20180325216A1, which involves potentially improving the expansion of a laminate with relatively limited tensile and expansion properties through a negative Poisson's ratio layer.

[0008] Document US2015 / 101110 also discloses a further embodiment related to a protective pad. In this embodiment, the first layer consists of a network of perforated units connected to each other by connecting members. This mesh structure is connected to an inner layer to form a protective pad. This protective pad adapts to the curvature of the human body due to its connecting members. A protective pad conceived in this way can only change its shape due to the flexibility of its connecting members and the material used. Therefore, this protective pad cannot follow the user's body movements. This embodiment is an armor, not an adaptive protective pad capable of following the user's movements.

[0009] Document US2011 / 059291 discloses a material whose body includes a plurality of elliptical or rhomboid holes with negative Poisson bit properties.

[0010] Of the known protection solutions, none can follow the wearer's movement without causing misalignment, restricting the wearer's / athlete's movement, or impairing energy absorption performance upon impact. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The aforementioned and other disadvantages of the prior art are addressed by the first objective of the present invention, which relates to an impact-absorbing pad for clothing having a body made of an elastic material. The pad includes a plurality of holes extending from the outer surface of the pad through its thickness to the inner surface. The pad includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion including stitched portions arranged near the peripheral edge of the pad. The thickness of the pad corresponding to the central portion is greater than the thickness of the pad corresponding to the stitched portions. The pad is also configured such that, when the pad is at rest, at least a portion of the holes has a shape where the ends are wider than their central portions. The pad is further configured such that, when the impact-absorbing pad is stretched in an in-plane direction, the central portions of the holes arranged in the in-plane stretching direction widen, and the hinged portions adjacent to these holes rotate. This configuration of the pad and its holes, together with the elasticity of its body, maximizes the in-plane stretching capacity of the pad when it is stretched in an in-plane direction. Due to its geometry, when the pad is stretched in-plane, it expands in both width and length without decreasing in thickness. If the pad is stretched in an in-plane direction, its elongation in that direction is much greater than that of a non-porous pad, and also greater than that of a pad formed from different negative Poisson's ratio geometries. This type of pad can also expand in directions orthogonal to the direction in which it is stretched. When the pad is stretched in-plane in one direction, it expands in all in-plane directions due to the arrangement of its holes and hinges. When the pad is stretched in-plane, it extends further in the stretching direction due to the elasticity of its body material. The hinges refer to the portion of the pad adjacent to two or more holes. Furthermore, the shape of the holes makes the pad very thin, thus lighter and more suitable for the human body and its joints. Additionally, the pad is thinner near its peripheral edges, forming an area where it can be sewn to clothing. Conversely, the pad is thicker in the center to more effectively absorb impact energy received by the pad. Because the pad is sewn directly to the clothing near its peripheral edges, the entire pad is stretched in-plane when the body moves and the clothing being worn stretches.

[0012] The thickness of the shock-absorbing pad can gradually narrow from the thickness at the center to the thickness at the seam. This makes it easier to sew the pad to the garment. Furthermore, it avoids sharp edges on the outer surface of the pad, thus preventing it from protruding and snagging on other objects.

[0013] The thickness of the seamd portion of the pad can be less than or equal to approximately 25% of the thickness at the center portion. Preferably, the thickness of the pad at the seamd portion can be less than or equal to approximately 20% of the thickness at the center portion. The thickness of the seamd portion of the pad is significantly less than the thickness of the rest of the pad. In this way, the pad can be securely sewn to the garment without compromising its energy absorption performance.

[0014] At least part of the hole can be outwardly flared. Therefore, the outer surface area of ​​the hole on the outer surface is different from the inner surface area of ​​the hole on the inner surface. This hole sidewall structure enables better compression shock absorption, especially when the top of the hole is wider than its bottom.

[0015] The sidewalls of the hole can be inclined at ±3 to 5 degrees from a direction perpendicular to the inner and / or outer surfaces at the corresponding center of the hole.

[0016] The outer edge of a hole can be larger than the inner edge of the same hole, or the outer edge of a hole can be smaller than the inner edge of the same hole.

[0017] When at rest, the hinge portion may have an axis of rotation orthogonal to one or more inner and / or outer surfaces of the pad, or substantially orthogonal to one or more inner and / or outer surfaces of the pad. Specifically, when the pad is stretched in a plane, this axis of rotation may remain orthogonal to one or more inner and / or outer surfaces, or substantially orthogonal to one or more inner and / or outer surfaces. This perpendicularity (orthogonality) of the hinge portion allows for maximizing the expansion of the shock-absorbing pad even when it has a curved shape, when stretched in a plane.

[0018] The central portion of the hole can be positioned between the end portions of adjacent holes. Arranging the holes in this way ensures they press against each other, and the gap portion of the pad is larger than the solid portion.

[0019] The width of the pad between the central portion of the hole and the adjacent end portions of the adjacent holes can range from 1 to 6 mm, preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. This portion of the pad is the thinnest part and brings the holes close to each other. The width of the sidewalls is substantially constant except at points where three or four sidewalls converge in the pad. This feature makes the pad very lightweight. Optionally, cavities or through holes can be arranged at the points where three or four sidewalls converge to further reduce the weight of the pad.

[0020] The holes may include a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes. Specifically, the holes of the plurality of first holes are oriented in a different manner relative to the holes of the plurality of second holes. The holes of the plurality of first holes may alternate with the holes of the plurality of second holes in at least one direction. This alternation of units with different orientations allows the shock-absorbing pad to have a greater tensile strength in both the width and length directions than known structures where all holes are oriented in the same manner.

[0021] Specifically, the holes of the plurality of first holes can extend along a first direction, and the holes of the plurality of second holes can extend along a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction. This arrangement of holes allows the impact-absorbing pad to expand significantly in both the width and length directions without significantly reducing the thickness of the pad. This arrangement of holes allows some holes to widen, while others become longer when the pad is stretched.

[0022] Advantageously, the pad can have a porosity greater than 50%, preferably greater than 55%, and more preferably greater than 60%. The ratio between the hollow / void portion and the solid / solid portion of the pad maximizes the negative Poisson's ratio characteristics under in-plane strain.

[0023] Preferably, the holes can have a bilobal or trilobal shape, that is, a shape with two or three lobes extending from the central portion of the hole. Holes shaped in this way allow for minimizing the solid / partial portion at the convergence of adjacent holes. Furthermore, this shape of the holes improves the appearance of the impact-absorbing pad.

[0024] Preferably, at least one hole can be configured to be substantially elliptical when the impact-absorbing pad is stretched along a first or second direction. Specifically, this deformation of the hole occurs in holes positioned along the stretching direction.

[0025] The impact-absorbing pad has a central portion and a peripheral portion. In the central portion, the holes are complete, while in the peripheral portion, the holes may be truncated or absent. The peripheral portion surrounds the central portion. The peripheral holes in the peripheral portion are smaller than the holes in the central portion. The peripheral holes in the peripheral portion have the same shape as the holes in the central portion, but are smaller in size due to interruptions and truncation at the peripheral edge.

[0026] Shock-absorbing pads can have a rounded and elongated shape with recessed peripheral edges. These recesses at the edges of the pad allow it to better conform to the curved areas of the body, such as the knees or elbows.

[0027] Preferably, the shock-absorbing pad may include two perforations located at opposite ends of the pad and near its peripheral edge. These perforations allow for easy attachment of the pad to clothing.

[0028] Advantageously, the inner and / or outer surfaces of the shock-absorbing pad are curved when at rest to follow the shape of the human body, such as corresponding to joints like the knee or shoulder.

[0029] The elastic material can be a thermoplastic elastomer with a glass transition temperature between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +3°C. Materials with this glass transition temperature are comfortable at room temperature and become sufficiently rigid upon impact. Therefore, they can effectively absorb impact energy.

[0030] Specifically, the inner surface of the sidewalls of the hole does not have corners. This shape of the hole reduces the risk of pad breakage.

[0031] The ratio between the maximum and minimum dimensions of the hole ranges from 3 to 10. These dimensions are measured in the plane when the pad is at rest. The minimum dimension is the width of the hole at its center. Holes with these proportions are particularly elongated and therefore deformable in the lateral direction.

[0032] Furthermore, since the holes can be long and narrow, when the pad bends in the out-of-plane direction, the holes, which are orthogonal to the bending motion, act as hinges, which facilitates the bending of the pad and allows the pad to follow the movement of the human body in a more comfortable way.

[0033] The holes and hinged portions can be shaped such that when the impact-absorbing pad is stretched in an in-plane direction, it extends at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, of its rest size, and this is independent of the elastic modulus of the elastic material. The shape of the holes and hinged portions of the pad facilitates elongation in the stretching direction even when the material is almost inelastic. Furthermore, if the material is elastic, the elongation of the impact-absorbing pad in the stretching direction is even greater.

[0034] The plurality of holes may be arranged at least in the central portion of the impact-absorbing pad. The central portion of the pad is more prone to spherical deformation, thus these holes facilitate in-plane stretching and deformation.

[0035] The pad can be a one-piece unit made of the elastic material. No other elements or layers are attached to the pad before it is sewn into the garment. As a one-piece pad, it is less prone to breakage and is easier and cheaper to manufacture.

[0036] The openings are not sealed by one or more other layers on either the outer or inner side, allowing air to pass through and reach the garment below for ventilation. Only a small number of openings can be sealed from the inside to form a portion on the inner surface for indicating the relevant technical specifications of the pad.

[0037] Another object of the present invention is to provide clothing for the human body comprising at least one shock-absorbing pad according to the first object of the invention, which is sewn directly to the clothing at a portion corresponding to the human body, preferably corresponding to a joint. Because the shock-absorbing pad is attached to the clothing, it remains fixed to the clothing and continuously protects the human body when the body moves and the joints flex, even under conditions of significant joint flexion. Furthermore, due to the pad's structure, it does not exert significant resistance to human movement. Moreover, because the pad is perforated, air can pass through the pores, thereby allowing for better perspiration wicking.

[0038] Shock-absorbing pads can be sewn to the outer surface of garments, thus remaining visible on the garment during use. In this way, the pad remains directly exposed to impact and makes the garment look more attractive.

[0039] These and other advantages will be better understood in the following description of different embodiments of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings as non-limiting examples. Attached Figure Description

[0040] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 A front view of the impact-absorbing pad according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Side view of the impact-absorbing pad; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Bottom view of the impact-absorbing pad; Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The impact-absorbing pad is shown in a cross-sectional view based on the AA plane. Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The impact-absorbing pad is shown in a cross-sectional view based on the BB plane. Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic side view of the shock-absorbing pad, fixed to clothing according to the invention, is shown under two different operating conditions; Figure 7 A schematic front view of an impact-absorbing pad sewn into clothing according to the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A partial schematic isometric view of a portion of the impact-absorbing pad according to the invention, when at rest, is shown. Figure 9 A partial schematic front view of a portion of the impact-absorbing pad according to the present invention, when at rest, is shown; Figure 10 A partial schematic front view of a pad at rest according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 11 A partial schematic front view of an in-plane stretched pad according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 12 A detailed front view showing the rotation of the hinge portion of the pad according to the first embodiment is shown; Figure 13 A detailed isometric view of the hinge portion of the pad according to the first embodiment is shown; Figure 14 A partial schematic front view of a pad at rest according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 15 A partial schematic front view of an in-plane stretched pad according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 16 A detailed front view showing the rotation of the hinge portion of the pad according to the second embodiment is shown; Figure 17 A partial schematic front view of a pad at rest according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 18 A partial schematic front view of a planar tensioned pad according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 19 A detailed front view showing the rotation of the hinge portion of the pad according to the third embodiment is shown; Figure 20 A partial schematic front view of a pad at rest according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 21 A partial schematic front view of an in-plane stretched pad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 22 A detailed front view showing the rotation of the hinge portion of the pad according to the fourth embodiment is shown; Figure 23 A front view of another impact-absorbing pad according to the present invention is shown; Figure 24 It shows Figure 23 A rear view of another shock-absorbing pad shown; Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 The other shock-absorbing pad shown is a cross-sectional view cut according to the DD plane. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals indicate 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.

[0042] In the following text, the term "impact absorption pad" may be simplified to "pad". Pad 1 is a single-piece body.

[0043] Pad 1 is slender, with both its width and length exceeding its thickness, such as... Figures 1 to 7 As shown.

[0044] In this specification, the term "out-of-plane direction" refers to any direction orthogonal to the inner / outer surfaces 5, 6 of the pad 1. Conversely, the term "in-plane direction" refers to any direction extending along the width W and / or length L of the pad 1 and orthogonal to the "out-of-plane direction". When the pad 1 is planar, the in-plane direction is a direction within the plane in which the pad 1 lies. When the pad 1 is curved, the in-plane direction can be a direction within a plane tangent to the curvature of the pad. Similarly, "out-of-plane" refers to situations occurring along a direction orthogonal to the pad 1, such as out-of-plane compression; while "in-plane" refers to situations occurring within the plane of the pad 1, such as in-plane expansion.

[0045] The term "first direction" refers to the in-plane direction oriented according to the length L of pad 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 25 As shown. The first direction is indicated by the symbol "D1" in the attached drawing. The term "second direction" refers to the in-plane direction oriented according to the width W of the pad 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 23 As shown. The second direction is indicated by the label "D2" in the attached figure.

[0046] The pad 1 is made of a solid body having a plurality of holes 3 extending through the body along the thickness T direction. The holes 3 have a specific shape, which will be described in detail below.

[0047] Pad 1 is constructed as follows Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 The pad 1 is sewn to the garment 100 as shown. The pad 1 is preferably conceived to be located at the corresponding joint 300 of the user's body 200. Therefore, when the joint 300 moves, the pad 1 will experience some in-plane stretching and compression. For comfort and without restricting the movement of the joint 300, the pad 1 must be able to extend in the plane. It has been found that the flexibility associated with conventional shock-absorbing pads made of elastic materials is insufficient for this purpose, because the softer the shock-absorbing pad, the less protective it is. Conversely, the less soft the shock-absorbing pad, the more uncomfortable it is and the more prone it is to displacement during joint 300 movement.

[0048] Based on these premises, this paper describes a pad1 that can follow the movements of the human body, such as the shoulder, elbow and knee joints.

[0049] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The image shows a first type of impact-absorbing pad 1 according to the invention, which is suitable for knee protection. Figures 23 to 25Another embodiment of the shock-absorbing pad 1 according to the invention is shown, which is suitable for protecting the back. The shock-absorbing pad 1 is preferably used to protect the joints or joints 300 of the human body 200. According to the invention, joints refer to joints (or joints) in the knee, shoulder, and elbow regions, and also include joints in the spine, coccyx, hip, thigh, hand, foot, and shin regions.

[0050] The impact-absorbing pad 1 is a single piece, and the pad 1 is perforated along its thickness T.

[0051] When the impact-absorbing pad 1 is at rest, it has a rounded and elongated shape. Figure 1 This shape is from top to bottom. The overall shape of pad 1 is almost elliptical (oval), as... Figure 1 As shown, it may include one or more notches 11 recessed inward relative to the peripheral edge 10 of the pad 1. Figures 1 to 9 The pad 1 shown is for the knee. If pad 1 needs to cover and protect other joints 300, other shapes of pad 1 can be used, such as... Figures 23 to 25 As shown. Another garment 100 can be a glove, in which case the pad 1 is sewn to the upper surface of the glove.

[0052] In particular, Figures 23 to 25 The pad 1 shown is a pad used to protect a portion of the spine, i.e., a back protector. The pad 1 does not have notches, and its overall shape resembles a rounded cross. The pad 1 has multiple cavities 20, which will be described in more detail later.

[0053] Pad 1 has an outer surface 6, which in Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 24 , Figure 25 As can be seen in the middle, and the inner surface 5, which is in Figure 1 Invisible in the middle, but in Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 Partially visible.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 23 As shown, the peripheral edge 10 is continuous and may include eyelets 12 or other similar anchoring openings for securing the pad 1 to the garment 100. Preferably, as will be described in more detail below, the pad 1 is sewn to the garment 100.

[0055] The pad 1 includes a central portion C and a peripheral portion P. The peripheral portion P surrounds the central portion C. As will be described in more detail later, the central portion C is the portion of the pad with the same or substantially the same shape and size as the hole 3.

[0056] The peripheral portion P near the peripheral edge 10 is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness T''. This portion of the peripheral portion P, as shown in the partial schematic diagram, is called the seam portion S, used to sew the pad 1 to the garment 100 via the seam 101, as shown... Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0057] The thinner peripheral portion P of pad 1 is used to sew pad 1 to garment 300, while the thicker portion C is used to absorb the impact energy received by pad 1.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 23 As shown, the stitched portion P surrounds the central portion C of pad 1.

[0059] The suture portion P is located beside the peripheral edge 10.

[0060] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral "T" is used to denote the thickness of pad 1. The thickness T of pad 1 is greatest at the central portion C, and is denoted as thickness T' (the thickest part of pad 1). The thickness T' in the central portion C is substantially constant and falls between 6 mm and 18 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more preferably 10 mm. In the peripheral portion P, the thickness T of pad 1 gradually decreases towards the peripheral edge 10 until it reaches the thickness T'' of the sewn portion S of pad 1.

[0061] The thickness T'' at the sewn portion S of pad 1 is less than or equal to about 20% or 25% of the thickness T' in the central portion C, and the thickness T'' of the sewn portion S is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

[0062] The pad 1 is made of an elastic material, preferably a polymeric elastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic styrene (TPS), or plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC).

[0063] It has been noted that thermoplastic elastomers exhibit glass-like solid behavior under high-frequency stress and show the same behavior at low temperatures. Therefore, the behavior at high frequencies is correlated with that at low temperatures in thermoplastic elastomers. Based on this, a series of tests were conducted to select thermoplastic elastomers that can more effectively absorb impact energy during impact testing. Since elastomers can absorb more energy upon impact when they behave as solids, the optimal range of their glass transition temperature was studied and calculated. The range of glass transition temperature was determined based on the typical speed range of the hammerhead in impact testing and the dynamic mechanical analysis of the material obtained under 10 Hz tensile conditions. Optimal results were achieved for thermoplastic elastomers with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +2.6°C. Materials with this glass transition temperature are comfortable at room temperature and become sufficiently rigid upon impact to effectively absorb impact energy. Since hardness and glass transition temperature are not directly related, after setting the glass transition temperature (Tg), the correct material to be used can be selected by adjusting the hardness. Optimal results have been found with hardness values ​​between 35 and 80 Shore A.

[0064] Therefore, thermoplastic elastic materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +2.6°C, and a hardness value between 35 and 80 Shore A are preferred for pad 1. In this way, elastic pad 1 can stretch, but still retains resistance when compressed in the out-of-plane direction.

[0065] The pad 1 includes a plurality of holes 3. The holes 3 are openings that extend through the elastic pad 1 from one side to the other along the thickness T of the elastic pad 1. Except for the holes 3 and other parts for anchoring to the garment 100, the pad 1 is solid.

[0066] The solid portion of the pad 1 can be divided into two categories: the hinge portion 17 and the sidewalls 4. The solid portion of the pad 1, arranged between two or more holes 3, defines the hinge portion 17. The hinge portion 17 is where the multiple sidewalls 4 converge. For example, in the first embodiment, as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown more clearly, the hinge portion 17 is a four-point spiral star shape. The solid portion of the pad 1, which separates the two limiting holes 3, defines the sidewall 4.

[0067] like Figure 13 As shown, the hinge portion 17 extends from the inner surface 5 to the outer surface 6. Each hinge portion 17 has an ideal axis of rotation R, which is orthogonal to either the inner surface 5 or the outer surface 6. If the pad 1 is flat, the axis of rotation R is orthogonal to both surface 5 and surface 6.

[0068] exist Figure 24 and Figure 25 In another embodiment shown, the hinge portion 17 does not extend completely from the inner surface 5 to the outer surface 6. Specifically, in this type of pad 1, the hinge portion 17 has corresponding cavities 20 to reduce weight and decrease the in-plane stiffness of the hinge portion 17. These cavities 20 can be as follows: Figure 24 The thickness T shown can start from the inner surface 5 without penetrating the pad 1, or it can start from the outer surface 6 and penetrate the entire thickness T of the pad 1.

[0069] When the pad 1 is pulled in the in-plane direction, the sidewalls 4 tend to straighten, and they pull the hinge portion 17, which thus rotates about its respective axis of rotation R.

[0070] This phenomenon occurs particularly at the holes 3 and hinged portions 17 along one or more pulling directions, but also to a lesser extent in the rest of the pad 1.

[0071] The rotation of the hinge portion 17, combined with the straightening of the sidewall 4, causes significant elongation of the pad 1 even if the material of the pad 1 is not elastic. This elongation occurs along the plane in which the pad 1 is stretched and along the plane orthogonal to it. If the material of the pad 1 is elastic, the elongation along the stretching direction increases further. Due to the arrangement of the hole 3 and the hinge portion 17, even if the material is not elastic, the elongation of the pad 1 can reach 120% of its resting size. If an elastic material is used, the elongation of the pad 1 along the stretching direction can even reach 200% of its resting size. However, excessively elastic materials are not recommended, otherwise their ability to absorb impact energy will be significantly reduced.

[0072] The sidewall 4 of hole 3 is inclined relative to the direction orthogonal to the inner surface 6 of impact-absorbing pad 1. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 25 As shown in the cross-sectional view, hole 3 slightly narrows from the outside in or from the inside out.

[0073] This arrangement of the sidewalls 4 of the bore 3 allows for the absorption of more impact energy during out-of-plane compression because the sidewalls 4 buckle. In fact, due to this arrangement, the sidewalls 4 will buckle under out-of-plane compression. If the out-of-plane compression is localized, buckling mainly occurs in one or more sidewalls 4 of one or more bores 3 involved in the compression. The hinged portion 17 arranged around the buckled sidewall 4 will also be compressed and expanded, and its deformation helps to absorb impact energy.

[0074] When the pad 1 is pulled along the in-plane direction, the axis of rotation R of the hinge portion 17 and the sidewall 4 maintain their orthogonality relative to the inner surface 5 / outer surface 6.

[0075] The pad 1 includes a plurality of holes 3. In the central portion C, the holes 3 have the same or substantially the same shape when viewed from the front. This means that the outlines of the holes 3 are the same or substantially the same, as will be described in more detail below. Only the peripheral holes 9 in the peripheral portion P of the pad 1 have different shapes because the peripheral edge 10 spans and closes these holes, thus making them smaller and having different shapes. In different types of the pad 1 (not shown), the peripheral holes 9 may not be present.

[0076] The hole 3 has two main parts: end portions 7 and center portions 8. There are at least two end portions 7, and one center portion 8 is arranged between the end portions 7.

[0077] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 As shown in more detail, the width of the end portion 7 is greater than that of the center portion 8. Therefore, the hole 3 is narrower at the center portion 8 and wider at the end portion 7.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 11 , Figures 14 to 15 and Figures 23 to 24 As shown, the end portion 7 and the center portion 8 can be aligned along the longitudinal extension direction of the hole 3. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the hole 3 has an elongated shape. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the hole 3 can have a bilobal shape, resembling an infinity symbol or a peanut shape, such as... Figures 1 to 11 and Figures 23 to 24 As shown. Therefore, the hole 3 includes two blades (end portions 7) connected by a narrower portion (center portion 8). When the pad 1 is stationary, the inner surfaces 14 of the hole 3 do not contact each other in the center portion 8.

[0079] Alternatively, the end portion 7 can be arranged radially around the central portion 8. Even in this case, as Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown in more detail, the end portion 7 is wider than the central portion 8. In the third and fourth embodiments, the hole 3 can have a trilobal shape, such as... Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown.

[0080] In all these embodiments, the hole 3 has a beveled inner surface 14. The inner surface 14 is continuously curved without interruptions or sharp edges. In this way, the hole 3 is less likely to break when the pad 1 is stretched. This minimizes the risk of the sidewall 4 breaking or tearing.

[0081] Figures 14 to 15 Another type of double-lobed hole 3 is shown. In this second embodiment, the inner surface 14 has a corner. In this case, the hinge portion 17 is minimized in size.

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​hole 3 diverges along the thickness T of the pad, therefore the outer edge 16 (outermost cross-sectional area) of hole 3 is larger than the inner edge 15 (innermost cross-sectional area) of the same hole 3, but the opposite is also possible. When pad 1 is as shown... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this dimensional difference between the outer edge 16 and the inner edge 15 of the same hole 3 becomes more pronounced when bending longitudinally and / or laterally. This feature helps to better absorb impact energy, especially when the pad 1 is bent while at rest, because the sidewall 4 remains substantially orthogonal to the inner surface 5 located on the garment 100. Alternatively, if the pad 1 is sectioned using a plane orthogonal to the out-of-plane direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole 3 is constant.

[0083] like Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown in more detail, the central portion 8 of the hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of adjacent holes 3. Figure 10 and Figure 14 In the first and second embodiments shown, the central portion 8 of the hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of two other adjacent holes 3. Figure 17 and Figure 20 In the third and fourth embodiments shown, the central portion 8 of the hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of the other three adjacent holes 3. This arrangement of the holes 3 minimizes the solid portion and makes the pad 1 very light and breathable.

[0084] The pad 1, thus designed, has a porosity of greater than 50%, preferably greater than 55%, and more preferably greater than 60%. Therefore, the pad 1 has more voids than solid portions. This means that if the pad 1 is stretched, there are fewer connecting portions that restrict its in-plane expansion.

[0085] Thanks to the structure of this hole 3, the degree of negative Poisson effect is maximized, and when the pad 1 is stretched in the in-plane direction, its stretch is greater than that of other similar negative Poisson pads.

[0086] like Figure 8As shown, the hole 3 along the first direction D1 has a certain shape, while the hole 3 along the second direction D2 has a shape that is substantially the same but more slender in the central portion 8. In fact, the hole 3 oriented longitudinally according to the length L direction of the pad 1 is slightly wider than the hole 3 oriented longitudinally according to the width W direction of the pad 1. The length of the hole 3 along the first direction D1 can also be shorter than the length of the hole 3 along the second direction D2. In fact, the hole 3 extending according to the length L direction of the pad 1 is shorter than the hole 3 extending according to the width W direction of the pad 1. In another alternative (not shown), the hole 3 along the first direction D1 can be more slender than the hole 3 along the second direction D2, and / or the hole 3 along the second direction D2 can be shorter than the hole 3 along the first direction D1. Despite these minor differences, the geometry of the hole 3 is the same.

[0087] In another embodiment of the first embodiment (not shown), the hole 3 has the same size.

[0088] In fact, Figures 1 to 11 and Figures 23 to 25 In one embodiment, the plurality of holes 9 can be divided into two groups: a plurality of first holes 9 extending along a first direction D1; and a plurality of second holes 9 extending along a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0089] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, along the first direction D1, one of the multiple first holes 3 follows one of the multiple second holes 3 in an alternating manner.

[0090] Similarly, as shown in all the figures, along the second direction D2, one of the plurality of first holes 3 follows one of the plurality of second holes 3 in an alternating manner.

[0091] In this way, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, four holes of another type are arranged around one type of hole 3.

[0092] exist Figures 14 to 15 In the second embodiment shown, there are holes 3 arranged in an alternating orientation. Each hole 3 oriented in a certain direction is located on either side of a hole 3 oriented in the transverse direction.

[0093] exist Figures 17 to 18 In the third embodiment shown, the holes 3 also have two different orientations. Some holes 3 are oriented in one direction (from...) Figure 17 (Looking upwards), while the other holes 3 are oriented in the opposite direction (from...) Figure 17 (Viewed from below). Along the transverse direction, holes 3 with one orientation alternate with holes 3 with the opposite orientation.

[0094] exist Figure 20 , Figure 21In the fourth embodiment shown, all holes 3 are oriented in the same direction, so there is no alternation as described above.

[0095] It has been observed that this alternation of orientation in hole 3 results in greater lateral expansion under a given pulling direction within the plane, as can be seen by comparison. Figure 18 and Figure 21 It is clearly visible.

[0096] exist Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 The image shows four embodiments of pad 1 in a static state. Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 In this case, the same pad 1 is stretched in the plane. If the pad 1 in all embodiments is stretched in one direction, for example as... Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 As shown, when stretched along the first direction D1, the holes 3 arranged along direction D1 widen at their central portions 8, and the hinged portions 17 beside these holes 3 rotate, resulting in the extension of the pad 1 along the first direction D1. Due to the specific shape of the holes 3, the pad 1 also extends in the lateral direction, but to a lesser extent, thus extending along... Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The second direction D2 is indicated by arrows of varying sizes. Furthermore, the elasticity of pad 1 further promotes extension along the traction direction (in... Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The middle part is an extension of the first direction (D1).

[0097] In the first embodiment, the hole 3 tends to present as follows Figure 11 The shape shown is an oval. Figure 15 In the second embodiment shown, the hole 3 tends to take on an approximately square or rectangular shape at its maximum deformation. The hinge portions 17 in the pad 1 rotate, some clockwise and others counterclockwise, such as... Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown in the image. As previously stated, in Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 8 to 10 , Figures 23 to 24 In the first embodiment shown, the hole 3 is bilobed, resembling a peanut. In the second embodiment, the hole 3 is H-shaped, as shown... Figure 14 As shown.

[0098] In the third and fourth embodiments, when the central portion 8 of the hole 3 widens and the hinge portion 17 rotates, the hole 3 tends to take on a shape similar to a triangle with rounded vertices, such as... Figure 18 , Figure 21 As shown. The hinge portions 17 in pad 1 rotate, some rotating clockwise and others counterclockwise, as shown. Figure 18 and Figure 21 As shown. In the third and fourth embodiments, the hole 3 is shaped like a clover.

[0099] In all embodiments, there are at least four hinged portions 17 surrounding each hole 3.

[0100] The extension of pad 1 is primarily provided by the shape deformation of hole 3, and the elasticity of pad 1 facilitates this shape deformation, contributing to additional extension only in the direction of tension. The elasticity of the material of pad 1 also contributes to comfort and energy absorption.

[0101] like Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown, between two adjacent holes 3, the sidewall 4 has a width X, which is between 1 mm and 2 mm. In larger sizes of the pad, the width X of the sidewall 4 can reach 6 mm.

[0102] Where two or more sidewalls 4 intersect, a star shape is formed. This star shape is the hinged portion 17, whose width is greater than the width of the sidewalls 4, such as... Figure 10 , Figure 14 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown. The front surface area of ​​the hinge portion 17 is preferably less than or equal to 60 mm², so that the overall stiffness and weight of the pad 1 will not be increased due to the hinge portion 17.

[0103] When pad 1 is at rest, in hole 3 of the first embodiment, as... Figure 10 As shown, the ratio between the maximum size 18 and the minimum size 19 of the hole is between 3 and 10. The minimum size 19 is considered to be the width of the hole 3 at the center portion 8, while the maximum size 18 is the length between the end portions 7.

[0104] Pad 1 can be curved. This means that the outer surface 6 and inner surface 5 of pad 1 are curved when at rest. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface 6 is convex, while the inner surface 5 is concave. (As...) Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the outer surface 6 is convex in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the pad 1, while the inner surface 5 is concave in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. In this way, the pad 1 can easily fit the joint 300 even when stationary.

[0105] Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 , Figure 21 Any of the above embodiments shown can be used to implement the impact absorption pad 1.

[0106] The pad 1, designed in this way, can be sewn to the garment 100.

[0107] Clothing 100 can be like Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 The tubular wearable garment shown. Alternatively, garment 100 could also be clothing such as a jacket, sweater, or trousers.

[0108] The pad 1 is sewn to the garment 100 along the seam portion S through the seam 101, thereby securing the pad 1 to the garment 100.

[0109] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be secured to the garment 100 via an attachment device that enters (passes through) the eyelet 12. In this case, the attachment device to the garment 100 can be a strap that wraps around the peripheral edge 10 of the pad 1 and passes through the eyelet 12. The strap can include fasteners such as Velcro or snap fasteners.

[0110] Alternatively, pad 1 can be attached to garment 100 by adhesive.

[0111] In another alternative, garment 100 may include a pocket (not shown) in which pad 1 can be received or embedded. If the size and shape of the pocket are complementary to the size and shape of the pad 1, no specific attachment means are required. The pocket may include an opening through which the pad 1 can be inserted into or removed from garment 100.

[0112] The shape of the holes 3, the fit between the holes 3, and the combination of materials of the pad 1 ensure that the inclination of the sidewalls 4 relative to the inner surface 5 / outer surface 6 does not change during the stretching or bending of the pad 1, especially in the central portion C of the pad 1. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown. In this way, even if an impact occurs during the movement of joint 300, the impact absorption performance of pad 1 is maintained. Figure 6A This shows that pad 1 is in the first operating condition, while Figure 6BThe pad 1 is shown to bend and stretch due to the movement of joint 300. The pad 1 has more open portions than solid portions, which facilitates the bending of the pad 1 in the out-of-plane direction, and the solid portions of the pad 1 arranged laterally relative to the bending plane can act as fulcrums to promote this bending by contacting the human body 300.

[0113] In another embodiment (not shown), the pad 1 may be disposed inside the helmet shell and serve as an energy absorber when the shell is impacted. In this embodiment, the pad 1 is curved and configured to accommodate the wearer's head within the pad 1.

[0114] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following numbered technical solutions: 1. A protective pad for a joint, comprising a body made of an elastic material having a plurality of elongated holes extending from an outer side of the body to an inner side, wherein the plurality of elongated holes includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, each of the plurality of first holes extending along a first direction, each of the plurality of second holes extending along a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein, at least in a portion of the protective pad, each of the plurality of first holes is surrounded by the holes of the plurality of second holes.

[0115] 2. The protective pad according to technical solution 1, wherein the sidewalls of the holes are orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the inner and / or outer surfaces of the protective pad.

[0116] 3. The protective pad according to technical solution 1 or 2, wherein the body has a porosity of more than 50%.

[0117] 4. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein, along the first direction and along the second direction, the holes in the plurality of first holes alternate with the holes in the plurality of second holes.

[0118] 5. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein each hole, at least in the portion of the protective pad, includes opposing end sections, the width of which is greater than the width of the intermediate section.

[0119] 6. The protective pad according to technical solution 5, wherein each hole has a bilobal shape resembling an infinity symbol.

[0120] 7. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein at least one hole, at least in the portion of the protective pad, is configured to present a generally elliptical shape when the protective pad is stretched along a first direction or a second direction.

[0121] 8. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the portion of the protective pad is a central portion, and the protective pad further includes a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion including a peripheral hole smaller than the hole in the central portion.

[0122] 9. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the protective pad has a rounded and elongated shape with a recessed peripheral edge.

[0123] 10. The protective pad according to technical solution 9, wherein the protective pad includes two holes arranged at opposite ends of the protective pad and near its peripheral edge.

[0124] 11. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the width of the thinnest part of the protective pad between adjacent holes is between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0125] 12. A protective pad according to any one of technical solutions 2 to 11, wherein each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, has a corrugated sidewall without corners.

[0126] 13. The protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the protective pad has a tapered thickness near its peripheral edge.

[0127] 14. A protective pad according to any one of technical solutions 2 to 13, wherein the inner and / or outer surfaces of the protective pad are curved.

[0128] 15. A wearable article for the human body, comprising at least one protective pad according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, the protective pad being arranged to correspond to a joint of the human body, wherein at least one protective pad is fixed to the wearable article.

[0129] According to technical solutions 1 to 15, the protective pad can absorb energy upon impact and is used in conjunction with wearable items or clothing to protect the human body, especially one or more of its joints.

[0130] I. A protective article for protecting a part of the human body, preferably for protecting a joint of the human body, comprising an elongated body made of an elastic material, the body including a plurality of holes extending from an outer surface through the body to an inner surface and a plurality of hinged portions arranged between adjacent holes. Its characteristic is that the body is constructed such that: - When at rest, the hole has a shape where the central portion is narrower than its end portions; and - When the protective article is pulled in a plane direction, the central portion of the hole in that direction widens and the adjacent hinge portion rotates.

[0131] II. The protective article according to technical solution I, wherein, when at rest, the hinged portion has a rotation axis orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the inner surface and / or the outer surface, preferably, when the article is stretched in a plane, the rotation axis remains orthogonal to the inner surface and / or the outer surface.

[0132] III. A protective article according to technical solution I or II, wherein, when at rest, the sidewalls of the holes are orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the inner and / or outer surfaces of the protective article, preferably, when the protective article is pulled in a plane, the sidewalls remain substantially orthogonal to the inner and / or outer surfaces.

[0133] IV. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the central portion of the hole is arranged between the end portions of adjacent holes.

[0134] V. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the width of the body between the central portion of the hole and the adjacent end portion of the adjacent hole is between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0135] VI. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hole includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes being oriented differently from each other, and wherein the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes alternate in at least one direction.

[0136] VII. The protective article according to technical solution VI, wherein a plurality of first holes extend along a first direction, and a plurality of second holes extend along a second direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0137] VIII. The protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the body has a porosity of more than 50%, preferably more than 60%.

[0138] IX. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hole has a bilobal or trilobal shape.

[0139] According to any of the aforementioned technical solutions, the protective article has a rounded and elongated shape with a recessed peripheral edge.

[0140] XI. The protective article according to technical solution X, wherein the protective article includes two holes arranged at opposite ends of the protective article and close to its peripheral edge.

[0141] XII. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the protective article has a tapered thickness near its peripheral edge.

[0142] XIII. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the inner surface and / or outer surface of the protective article is curved when at rest.

[0143] XIV. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the elastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer, and its glass transition temperature is between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +3°C.

[0144] According to any of the aforementioned technical solutions, the inner surface of the hole has no corners.

[0145] XVI. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein, when the protective article is stationary, the ratio of the maximum to the minimum size of the hole measured in the plane is between 3 and 10.

[0146] XVII. A protective article according to any of the aforementioned technical solutions, wherein the outer edge of the same hole is larger than the inner edge, or the inner edge is larger than the outer edge.

[0147] XVIII. A protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the shape of the hole and the hinge portion is designed such that when the protective article is pulled in an in-plane direction, the protective article extends to at least 110% of its size when it is at rest, preferably at least 120%, and is independent of the elastic modulus of the elastic material.

[0148] According to any of the aforementioned technical solutions, the protective article wherein the plurality of holes are arranged in the central portion of the body.

[0149] XX. A garment for the human body, comprising at least one protective article according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, the protective article being arranged corresponding to a part of the human body, preferably corresponding to a joint of the human body, wherein at least one protective article is fixed to the garment.

[0150] When the sidewall of the hole in the protective product according to technical solutions I to XX buckles, the energy of the impact energy is absorbed.

[0151] In summary, the present invention is readily conceived to be modified and varied in many ways, all of which fall within the scope of the invention's 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 practical and clear reasons.

[0152] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1 Impact Absorbing Pad 3 holes 4. (Hole) sidewalls 5. (Inner surface of the pad) 6. (Cushion's) outer surface 7. End portion (of the hole) 8. (The center part of the hole) 9 Peripheral holes 10 (pad) perimeter edge 11 (The recessed part at the perimeter of the pad) 12-hole eyelet 14. (Inner surface of the hole) 15 (inner edge of the hole) 16 (Outer edge of the hole) 17. Hinge section 18 Maximum size 19 Minimum Size 20 (Hinged section) cavity 100 Clothing 101 seam 200 human bodies 300 joints D1 First Direction D2 Second Direction C (pad) center part The periphery of P (pad) S (pad) sewn part L (pad length) W (width of the pad) T (pad thickness) T' (thickness of the center portion of the pad) T'' (thickness of the seam of the pad) X (width of the sidewall) R (axis of rotation of the hinged part)

Claims

1. An impact-absorbing pad (1) for clothing (100), the impact-absorbing pad having a body made of an elastic material and including a plurality of holes (3) and a plurality of hinged portions (17) arranged between adjacent holes (3), the plurality of holes (3) extending from an outer surface (6) through its thickness (T) to an inner surface (5). in, The shock-absorbing pad (1) includes a central portion (C) and a peripheral portion (P), and the peripheral portion (P) includes a stitched portion (S) arranged near the peripheral edge (10) of the shock-absorbing pad (1). Wherein, the thickness (T) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) at the center portion (C) is greater than the thickness (T) at the stitched portion (S); and The impact-absorbing pad (1) is configured such that: - When at rest, the shape of the hole (3) is such that the central portion (8) is narrower than its end portion (7); and - When the impact-absorbing pad (1) is pulled in the in-plane direction, the central portion (8) of the hole (3) arranged in the direction widens and the adjacent hinge portion (17) rotates.

2. The impact absorption pad (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness (T) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) gradually decreases in the peripheral portion (P) from the thickness (T') at the central portion (C) to the thickness (T'') at the stitched portion (S).

3. The impact absorption pad (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness (T'') of the impact-absorbing pad (1) at the stitched portion (S) is less than or equal to approximately 25% of the thickness (T') at the central portion (C).

4. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least a portion of the hole (3) is outwardly oriented, such that the outer surface area of ​​the hole (3) on the outer surface (6) is different from the inner surface area of ​​the hole (3) on the inner surface (5).

5. The impact absorption pad (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer edge (16) of the hole (3) is greater than the inner edge (15) of the same hole (3), or the inner edge (15) of the hole (3) is greater than the outer edge (16) of the same hole (3).

6. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When at rest, the hinge portion (17) has a rotation axis (R) orthogonal to the inner surface (5) and / or the outer surface (6), or substantially orthogonal to the inner surface (5) and / or the outer surface (6), preferably when the impact-absorbing pad (1) is pulled in the plane, the rotation axis (R) remains orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the inner surface (5) and / or the outer surface (6).

7. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The central portion (8) of the hole (3) is arranged between the end portions (7) of the adjacent holes (3).

8. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The width (X) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) between the central portion (8) of the hole (3) and the adjacent end portion (7) of the adjacent hole (3) is between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

9. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hole (3) includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, the plurality of first holes and the plurality of second holes being oriented differently from each other, and wherein the holes (3) of the plurality of first holes and the holes (3) of the plurality of second holes alternate in at least one direction.

10. The impact absorption pad (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The holes (3) of the plurality of first holes extend along a first direction (D1), and the holes (3) of the plurality of second holes extend along a second direction (D2), which is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first direction (D1).

11. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The porosity of the impact absorption pad (1) is greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60%.

12. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hole (3) has a bilobal or trilobal shape.

13. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The impact-absorbing pad (1) has a rounded and elongated shape, and the peripheral edge (10) is concave.

14. The impact absorption pad (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The impact-absorbing pad (1) includes two holes (12) arranged at opposite ends of the impact-absorbing pad (1) near its peripheral edge (10).

15. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inner surface (5) and / or the outer surface (6) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) are bent when at rest.

16. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer, and its glass transition temperature is between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +3°C.

17. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inner surface (14) of the hole (3) does not have corners.

18. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the impact-absorbing pad (1) is at rest, the ratio of the maximum to the minimum size of the hole (3) measured in the plane is between 3 and 10.

19. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The shape of the hole (3) and the hinge portion (17) is designed such that when the impact absorbing pad (1) is pulled in the in-plane direction, the impact absorbing pad (1) extends to at least 110% of its size when it is at rest, preferably at least 120%, and is independent of the elastic modulus of the elastic material.

20. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plurality of holes (3) are arranged at least in the central portion (C) of the impact absorption pad (1).

21. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The impact-absorbing pad (1) is a single-piece body made of the elastic material.

22. The impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hole (3) is not closed.

23. A garment (100) for a human body (200), the garment comprising at least one shock-absorbing pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the shock-absorbing pad (1) being sewn to the garment (100) corresponding to a portion of the human body (200), preferably corresponding to a joint (300) of the human body (200).

24. The garment (100) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing pad (1) is sewn to the outer surface of the garment (100) so that it remains visible on the garment (100) during use.

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