Protective device for a garment and garment

Abstract

The protective device is suitable for at least partially covering a part of a user's body during use of the garment. The protective device comprises a support structure which is pre-shaped (for example by a thermoforming process) and comprises at least one polymeric material. The protective device comprises at least one protective structure made of a thermoplastic material, which is elastically deformable and is joined to the support structure at least at one surface of the support structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a protective device for clothing. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known that clothing with protective devices is needed or required when conducting many activities in the civilian, industrial, military, and sports fields.

[0003] Some known types of garments include protective elements made of plastic materials that are arranged in specific mounting pockets or sewn, glued, or molded onto specific mounting surfaces.

[0004] This type of clothing is easy to improve.

[0005] Typically, they are not very ergonomic or comfortable for users, especially when the area to be protected has a significant curvature (e.g., the user's elbow or knee) and protective elements are used in a basically flat shape that is forced to conform to the body's three-dimensional contours.

[0006] Furthermore, the aforementioned clothing does not always ensure effective protection of the body. Typically, the integrated protective elements cannot effectively dissipate the kinetic energy from the impact, nor can they adequately resist the tensile or compressive forces generated instantaneously upon impact. Utility Model Content

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to provide a protective device for clothing that allows for overcoming or mitigating the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0008] Within this objective, the purpose of this invention is to provide a protective device that ensures a high level of ergonomics and comfort for the user.

[0009] Another objective of this invention is to provide a protective device that ensures an effective level of protection for the user.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a protective device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture on an industrial scale and is easy to apply to or incorporate into clothing.

[0011] According to the present invention, this objective and these objectives, as well as other objectives that are apparent from the following description and drawings, are achieved by a protective device for clothing comprising: a pre-formed support structure comprising at least one polymer material; and at least one protective structure made of a thermoplastic material capable of elastic deformation, and connected to the support structure at least at one surface of the support structure. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The features and advantages of the protective device according to the present invention can be better understood by referring to the description and accompanying drawings provided below. These drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not restrictive. In the drawings:

[0013] - Figures 1 to 2 The illustration schematically depicts some garments that include the protective device according to the present invention;

[0014] - Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D The illustrations schematically depict some variations of the protective device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] - Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C The schematic diagram illustrates the support structure included in some variations of the protective device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] - Figures 5 to 8 Other variations of the protective device according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring to the foregoing figures, this utility model relates to a protective device 1 for clothing 100.

[0018] Figures 1 to 2 The illustration shows different types of clothing, including protective devices located on specific parts of the body to be covered and protected, such as the user's shoulders, elbows, and knees.

[0019] In principle, Clothing 100 can be of any type and has any use in the civilian, industrial, military, and sporting fields. It can be, for example... Figures 1 to 2 The garment shown is an accessory that the user needs to wear to protect specific parts of the body (such as knee pads, elbow pads, impact protectors, etc.).

[0020] Generally, the protective device 1 comprises multiple layers of material that are connected and stacked on top of each other. This multi-layered structure is shaped to fit the body parts to be covered and protected.

[0021] Typically, protective devices have a curved shape in three-dimensional space, such as... Figure 3D As illustrated in the diagram. In this way, the protective device can be easily integrated into garments or garment parts that have a very pronounced curvature or a tubular or semi-tubular structure.

[0022] However, in principle, the protective device can also have a substantially planar shape, as described above. Figures 3A to 3C , Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 5 The illustrations are for simplification. In these cases, the protective device 1 may be intended to be integrated into the garment or its various parts with a very limited curvature.

[0023] Figures 3A to 3D The diagram schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a protective device according to some variations of the embodiments.

[0024] According to this utility model, the protective device 1 includes a support structure 2, which is pre-formed to have a predetermined shape, such as a curved shape. Figure 3D ) or planar ( Figures 3A to 3C ).

[0025] The preforming of the support structure 2 refers not only to its overall shape, but also to the shape of its specific areas, for example, to obtain a recess or a specific contour.

[0026] To form the support structure 2, known types of processes can be used, such as thermoforming processes in a mold or in a vacuum.

[0027] The supporting structure 2 is characterized in that it comprises at least one polymer material, such as thermoplastic. This material can be arranged in various ways, such as in the form of fibers or yarns. Figure 4A ) and / or continuous material layer form ( Figures 4B to 4C Arrangement.

[0028] According to the present invention, the protective device 1 includes at least one protective structure 3 connected to the support structure 2 at least one surface 2A, 2B of the support structure 2.

[0029] According to some variations of the implementation method ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B The protective device includes a single protective structure 3 connected to the support structure 2 at corresponding surfaces 2A and 2B.

[0030] according to Figure 3A In a variation of the implementation, the protective structure 3 is positioned at the first surface 2A of the support structure 2, for example, intended to face the outside of the user's body.

[0031] according to Figure 3B In a variation of the implementation, the protective structure 3 is positioned at the second surface 2B of the support structure 2, for example, intended to face the user's body.

[0032] according to Figure 3C , Figure 3DIn some variations of the implementation, the protective device 1 includes a pair of protective structures 3 connected to the support structure 2 at opposite surfaces 2A, 2B. In this case, the protective device advantageously has a sandwich structure, wherein the support structure 2 is inserted between the opposing protective structures 3.

[0033] Each protective structure 3 is made of a thermoplastic material such as TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE, or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0034] In principle, each protective structure 3 can be obtained by depositing thermoplastic material onto the corresponding surfaces 2A and 2B of the support structure 2 using any known industrial process such as injection molding, additive molding using a 3D printer, bonding, thermoforming, casting, etc.

[0035] However, preferably, each protective structure 3 is deposited on the support structure 2 by means of an injection molding process (naturally after the support structure 2 has been formed).

[0036] Each protective structure 3 is elastically deformable, preferably elastically deformable according to one or more deformation directions.

[0037] In principle, each protective structure 3 can have a continuous, cross-linked, or discrete configuration.

[0038] However, preferably, each protective structure 3 includes a plurality of molded elements made of thermoplastic material, the plurality of molded elements being separate from each other and arranged side by side according to a desired pattern, for example, the solution described in patent application DE102020120936A1.

[0039] To form a cross-linked structure, discrete elements made of thermoplastic material can be linked together so that the structure deforms along corresponding preferred deformation lines. Alternatively, only one or more groups of elements made of thermoplastic material can be linked together to form a locally cross-linked structure.

[0040] In general, the support structure 2 may include one or more layers of material.

[0041] According to some variations of the embodiments (not shown), the support structure 2 includes a layer made of a thermoplastic material such as TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0042] Alternatively, the support structure 2 may include a material layer comprising a matrix composed of interwoven fibers (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, thermoplastic fiber, textile fiber, etc.) arranged in a uniform distribution or in groups. The fibers or fiber groups may be arranged at different angles and / or in a laminated manner.

[0043] according to Figure 4A In another variation of the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the support structure 2 includes a plurality of fabric layers 24, which are connected to each other by means of fibers made of thermoplastic material interwoven with the warp and weft yarns of the fabric layers. For example, the support structure 2 can be manufactured according to the solution described in patent application FR3065231A1. Alternatively, the fabric layers 24 can be connected to each other by a base made of thermoplastic material.

[0044] The above solution provides a support structure 2 that is elastically deformable and well resistant to any tensile force (along the plane of the support structure) from impact.

[0045] Other variations of the implementation method ( Figure 4B , Figure 4C The support structure 2 includes a reinforcing layer 20 and one or more laminates 22 made of thermoplastic material, the laminates 22 being attached to the reinforcing layer 20 at one or more surfaces of the reinforcing layer 20.

[0046] This solution is particularly advantageous because the reinforcing layer 20 is able to provide high toughness and tensile strength along the plane of the supporting structure.

[0047] Preferably, according to these variations of the embodiments, the support structure 2 is obtained by lamination or pressing.

[0048] according to Figure 4B In a variation of the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the support structure includes a single laminate 22 made of thermoplastic material, which is attached to the reinforcing layer 20 at the surface of the reinforcing layer 20.

[0049] according to Figure 4C In a variation of the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the support structure includes a pair of laminates 22 made of thermoplastic material, which are bonded to the reinforcing layer 20 at opposite surfaces.

[0050] The reinforcing layer 20 can be made of thermoplastic materials such as TPE, TPU, PVC, UHMWPE, LDPE, PP, PA or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0051] The reinforcing layer 20 can be formed from a material with interwoven warp and weft textile fibers.

[0052] Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 20 may be formed of a matrix comprising interwoven fibers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, fibers made of polymer materials, etc.) arranged in a uniform distribution or in groups. The fibers or fiber groups may be arranged at different angles and / or in a laminated manner.

[0053] The above solution facilitates the manufacture of the support structure 2 by lamination or pressing processes involving laminates made of thermoplastic materials.

[0054] The protective device 1 can be easily integrated into the garment 100.

[0055] According to some variations of the implementation method ( Figures 3A to 3D The support structure 2 of the protective device can be directly connected to a part of the garment using known techniques such as sewing, gluing, and heat sealing.

[0056] Other variations of the implementation method ( Figure 5 The support structure 2 of the protective device can be connected to another material layer 4 (preferably elastically deformable) by known techniques such as stitching, gluing, heat sealing, etc.

[0057] Advantageously, material layer 4 can then be linked to a part of the garment according to the techniques of the known types described above.

[0058] Material layer 4 can be part of the protective device or an additional support material relative to the protective device.

[0059] Material layer 4 is preferably selected from: fabric, non-woven fabric, expandable material, thermoplastic material or a combination of these materials.

[0060] Other variations of the implementation method ( Figures 6 to 8 The protective device 1 includes one or more covering layers 5, 6, which are connected to the supporting structure 2 by known types of techniques such as stitching, gluing, heat sealing, etc.

[0061] Each covering layer 5 and 6 is arranged to at least partially cover the corresponding protective structure 3.

[0062] Figure 6 A variation of the embodiment is shown, wherein the protective device 1 includes a cover 5 which is intended to face outward in the opposite direction to the user's body during use of the protective device.

[0063] Figure 7 A variation of the embodiment is shown, wherein the protective device 1 includes a cover 6 which is intended to face the user's body during use of the protective device.

[0064] Figure 8 A variation of the embodiment is shown, wherein the protective device 1 includes both a cover 5 intended to face outwards during use of the protective device and a cover 6 intended to face the user's body during use of the protective device.

[0065] If the cover layer 5 is intended to face the opposite direction of the user's body, it is manufactured to ensure high abrasion resistance of the protective device. In this case, the cover layer 5 can be made of a resiliently deformable material selected from the following: fabric, nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic material, or a combination of these materials.

[0066] If the cover layer 6 is intended to face the user's body, it is manufactured to ensure a high level of comfort. In this case, the cover layer 6 can be made of a resiliently deformable material selected from the following: fabric, nonwoven fabric, expandable material, or a combination of these materials.

[0067] Other embodiments of the protective device according to this utility model are possible, for example, by appropriately combining variations of the above embodiments. For obvious reasons of brevity, these embodiments are not described in detail herein.

[0068] The protective device according to this utility model has considerable advantages over the prior art.

[0069] The protective device includes a support structure 2, which is pre-formed (e.g., by thermoforming) to have a predetermined shape (curved or planar). This solution significantly improves user comfort. Simultaneously, it ensures enhanced resistance to tensile and compressive forces from impacts.

[0070] The protective device according to this utility model includes one or more protective structures 3 made of thermoplastic material, which are capable of elastic deformation according to a preferred direction.

[0071] Therefore, in the event of an impact to the user's body, the protective structure 3, made of thermoplastic material, can provide effective impact absorption. Simultaneously, it works in conjunction with the support structure 2 to allow the entire protective device to easily adapt to the body's contours.

[0072] The protective device according to this invention provides high performance in preventing wear and impact, and provides users with a high level of ergonomics and comfort.

[0073] The protective device according to this invention can be manufactured in a way that is easy to apply to or incorporate into clothing without significantly increasing the complexity of its manufacturing process.

[0074] The protective device according to this invention can be easily implemented on an industrial scale, offering significant advantages in terms of limiting manufacturing time and cost.

Claims

1. A protective device (1) for clothing, characterized in that, The protection device (1) includes: A preformed support structure (2), the support structure (2) comprising at least one polymer material; At least one protective structure (3) is made of thermoplastic material and is elastically deformable, and is connected to the support structure at least at one surface (2A, 2B) of the support structure (2).

2. The protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each protective structure (3) is deposited on the support structure (2) by injection molding process.

3. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each protective structure (3) includes multiple elements made of thermoplastic material, which are independent of each other and arranged side by side.

4. The protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, One or more groups of elements made of thermoplastic material are connected to each other so that the protective structure made of thermoplastic material can deform along a preferred deformation line.

5. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protective device includes a single protective structure (3) connected to the support structure at the surfaces (2A, 2B) of the support structure (2).

6. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protective device includes a pair of protective structures (3) connected to the support structure at opposite surfaces (2A, 2B) of the support structure (2).

7. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support structure (2) includes: A layer made of thermoplastic material; or Materials including those with a matrix composed of interwoven fibers; or Multiple fabric layers (24) are stacked and connected to each other by fibers (25) made of thermoplastic material or bases made of thermoplastic material.

8. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support structure (2) includes a reinforcing layer (20) and one or more laminates (22) made of thermoplastic material, each laminate being attached to the reinforcing layer at the surface of the reinforcing layer.

9. The protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer (20) includes: A layer made of thermoplastic material; or Materials having textile fibers arranged in a warp and weft pattern; or Materials including those with a matrix composed of interwoven fibers.

10. The protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support structure (2) is obtained by lamination or pressing.

11. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support structure (2) is preformed by a thermoforming process.

12. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support structure (2) is connected to another material layer (4), which is intended to be connected to a part of the garment.

13. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protective device includes one or more covering layers (5, 6) connected to the support structure (2), each covering layer being arranged to at least partially cover the corresponding protective structure (3) of the protective device.

14. A garment (100), characterized in that, The garment (100) includes at least one protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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