Protective order for clothing

Abstract

Protective arrangement (1) for articles of clothing, characterized in that it has: - a pre-formed support structure (2) comprising at least one polymer material; - at least one protective structure (3) made of thermoplastic material which is elastically deformable and is connected to the support structure (2) at at least one surface (2A, 2B) of the support structure.

Description

[0001] The present utility model concerns a protection arrangement for clothing.

[0002] As is well known, the use of clothing with protective devices is required or necessary for numerous activities in the civilian, industrial, military and sporting sectors.

[0003] Some well-known types of clothing include protective elements made of plastic, which are arranged in special attachment pockets or sewn, glued or molded onto specific attachment surfaces.

[0004] Clothing of this type could be improved.

[0005] Often they are not very ergonomic and comfortable for the user, especially if the body parts to be protected have a pronounced curvature (e.g. the user's elbows or knees) and protective elements of essentially flat shape are used that must adapt to the three-dimensional profile of the body.

[0006] Furthermore, the aforementioned garments are not always able to provide effective body protection. Often, the integrated protective elements are unable to effectively dissipate the kinetic energy generated during an impact and are not very resistant to the tensile or compressive forces that occur at the moment of impact.

[0007] The main objective of the present utility model is to provide a protective arrangement for clothing which can overcome or mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art.

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

[0009] Another purpose of the present utility model is to provide a protective arrangement that ensures an effective level of protection for the user.

[0010] Another purpose of the present utility model is to provide a protective arrangement that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture on an industrial scale and easy to attach to or integrate into a garment.

[0011] This objective and these tasks, together with other objectives that can be seen from the description below and the accompanying drawings, are achieved in accordance with the utility model by a protective arrangement for garments according to claim 1 below.

[0012] The features and advantages of the protective arrangement according to the utility model can be better understood with reference to the description below and the accompanying figures, which serve only as non-restrictive illustrations, wherein: - Fig. 1-2 schematically illustrate some articles of clothing with the protection arrangement according to the utility model; - Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C, Fig. 3D schematically illustrates the protective arrangement according to some implementation variants of the utility model; - Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. Figure 4C schematically shows a support structure included in the protective arrangement according to some embodiments of the utility model; - Fig. Figures 5-8 schematically show the protective arrangement according to further implementation variants of the utility model.

[0013] With reference to the aforementioned figures, the present utility model relates to a protection arrangement 1 for a garment 100.

[0014] The Fig. Figures 1-2 show different types of clothing that incorporate the protective arrangement 1 on specific parts of the body that are to be covered and protected, such as the user's shoulders, elbows and knees.

[0015] Basically, the garment can be of any kind and have any use in civilian, industrial, military, and sporting fields. It can be a garment like the ones in the Fig. 1-2 shown, or an accessory that must be put on by the user (e.g. a knee pad, an elbow pad, an impact protector, etc.) to protect a specific part of the body.

[0016] In general, the protective arrangement 1 comprises several layers of material that are bonded together and arranged on top of each other. This multi-layered structure is shaped to adapt to the part of the body to be covered and protected.

[0017] Normally, the protective arrangement has a shape curved in three spatial dimensions, as in Fig. 3D rendering. This makes it easy to integrate into garments or parts of garments with a very pronounced curvature or a tubular or semi-tubular structure.

[0018] However, it could also have a largely flat shape, as in the aforementioned examples. Fig. Figures 3A-3C, 4A-4C, and 5-8 are shown for the sake of simplicity. In these cases, the protective arrangement 1 may be intended to be integrated into garments or parts of garments with very limited curvature.

[0019] The Fig. Figures 3A-3D schematically show a cross-section of the protective arrangement according to some design variants.

[0020] According to the utility model, the protective arrangement 1 comprises a support structure 2 which is pre-shaped to have a predefined shape, for example curved ( Fig. 3D) or flat ( Fig. 3A-3C).

[0021] The pre-shaping of the support structure 2 refers not only to its general shape, but also to the shape of its specific areas, for example to obtain recesses or a specific profile.

[0022] A known method, for example a thermoforming process in a mold or in a vacuum, can be used to shape the support structure 2.

[0023] The support structure 2 is characterized in that it comprises at least one polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic. This material can be arranged according to various methods, for example in the form of fibers or yarns ( Fig. 4A) and / or a continuous layer of material ( Fig. 4B-4C).

[0024] According to the utility model, the protective arrangement 1 comprises at least one protective structure 3 which is connected to the support structure 2 at at least one surface 2A, 2B of the same.

[0025] According to some design variants ( Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B) the protective arrangement comprises a single protective structure 3 which is attached to a respective surface 2A, 2B of the support structure 2.

[0026] According to the execution variant of Fig. 3A is the protective structure 3 positioned on a first surface 2A of the support structure 2, which is oriented, for example, towards the outside of the user's body.

[0027] According to the execution variant of Fig. 3B is the protective structure 3 positioned on a second surface 2B of the support structure 2, which is oriented, for example, towards the body of the user.

[0028] According to some versions of the Fig. 3C, Fig. In 3D, the protective arrangement 1 comprises a pair of protective structures 3 which are connected to the support structure 2 at opposite surfaces 2A, 2B. In this case, the protective arrangement advantageously has a sandwich structure in which the support structure 2 is arranged between the opposite protective structures 3.

[0029] Each protective structure 3 consists of thermoplastic material, such as TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0030] In principle, any protective structure 3 can be produced by applying a thermoplastic material to a corresponding surface 2A, 2B of the support structure 2 using any known industrial process, such as injection molding, additive manufacturing using a 3D printer, gluing, thermoforming, casting and the like.

[0031] Preferably, however, each protective structure 3 is applied to the support structure 2 (after it has been formed) by means of an injection molding process.

[0032] Each protective structure 3 is elastically deformable, preferably in one or more deformation directions.

[0033] Basically, every protection structure 3 can have a continuous, networked or discrete configuration.

[0034] Preferably, however, each protective structure 3 comprises a plurality of shaped elements made of thermoplastic material, which are separated from one another and arranged next to each other according to a desired pattern, for example according to the solutions described in patent application DE 10 2020 120 936 A1.

[0035] To create a networked structure, the discrete elements made of thermoplastic material can be connected to each other to facilitate deformation of the structure along corresponding preferred deformation lines. Alternatively, only one or more groups of elements made of thermoplastic material could be connected to each other to form localized networked structures.

[0036] In general, the support structure 2 can comprise one or more layers of material.

[0037] According to some embodiments (not shown), the support structure 2 comprises a layer of thermoplastic material, such as TPE, TPU, PVC, HDPE, LDPE or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0038] Alternatively, the support structure 2 can comprise a material layer containing a matrix of interwoven fibers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, thermoplastic fibers, textile fibers, etc.) that are evenly distributed or arranged in groups. The fibers or fiber groups can be arranged at different angles and / or in superimposed layers.

[0039] According to another version, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the support structure 2 comprises several layers of fabric 24 connected to one another by means of fibers made of thermoplastic material, which are interwoven with the weft and warp fibers of the aforementioned fabric layers. For example, the support structure 2 can be produced according to the solutions described in patent application FR 3 065 231 A1. Alternatively, the fabric layers 24 can be connected to one another by a base made of thermoplastic material.

[0040] With the solutions described above, it is possible to obtain a support structure 2 that is elastically deformable and very resistant to tensile forces (along the plane of the support structure) caused by an impact.

[0041] According to other design variants ( Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C) the support structure 2 comprises a reinforcement layer 20 and one or more lamination layers 22 made of thermoplastic material, which are connected to the reinforcement layer 20 at one or more surfaces.

[0042] This solution is particularly advantageous because the reinforcement layer 20 offers properties such as high strength and resistance to tensile forces along the plane of the support structure.

[0043] Preferably, according to these embodiment variants, the support structure 2 is produced by a lamination or pressing process.

[0044] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4B, the support structure comprises a single lamination layer 22 made of thermoplastic material, which is connected to the reinforcement layer 20 at one surface.

[0045] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in 4C, the support structure comprises a pair of lamination layers 22 made of thermoplastic material, which are connected to the reinforcement layer 20 on opposite surfaces.

[0046] The reinforcement layer 20 can be made from a thermoplastic material such as TPE, TPU, PVC, UHMWPE, LDPE, PP, PA or another suitable thermoplastic material.

[0047] The reinforcement layer 20 can be made of a material with textile fibers in the warp and weft.

[0048] Alternatively, the reinforcing layer 20 can be formed from a material comprising a matrix of interwoven fibers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, fibers made of polymer materials, etc.) that are evenly distributed or arranged in groups. The fibers or fiber groups can be arranged at different angles and / or in superimposed layers.

[0049] The solutions shown above facilitate the production of the support structure 2 by a lamination or pressing process using lamination layers made of thermoplastic material.

[0050] The protective arrangement 1 can easily be integrated into a garment 100.

[0051] According to some design variants ( Fig. 3A-3D) the support structure 2 of the protective arrangement can be directly connected to a part of the garment using known techniques such as sewing, gluing, heat sealing, etc.

[0052] According to further design variants ( Fig. 5) The support structure 2 of the protective arrangement can be joined to a further material layer 4 (preferably elastically deformable) by known techniques such as sewing, gluing, heat sealing, etc.

[0053] Advantageously, the material layer 4 can in turn be joined to a part of the garment according to the known techniques mentioned above.

[0054] Material layer 4 can be part of the protective arrangement or an additional support material in relation to it.

[0055] The material layer 4 is preferably selected from: a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, an expanded material, a thermoplastic material or a combination of these materials.

[0056] According to further design variants ( Fig. 6-8) the protective arrangement 1 comprises one or more cover layers 5, 6 which are connected to the support structure 2 by known techniques such as sewing, gluing, heat sealing, etc.

[0057] Each cover layer 5, 6 is arranged such that it at least partially covers a corresponding protective structure 3.

[0058] Fig. Figure 6 shows a variant embodiment in which the protective arrangement 1 comprises a cover layer 5 which, during use of the protective arrangement, is intended to point outwards in the opposite direction relative to the body of the user.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows a variant embodiment in which the protective arrangement 1 includes a cover layer 6 which is intended to face the body of the user during the use of the protective arrangement.

[0060] Fig. Figure 8 shows a variant embodiment in which the protective arrangement 1 includes both a cover layer 5, which is to be directed outwards during the use of the protective arrangement, and a cover layer 6, which is to be directed towards the body of the user during the use of the protective arrangement.

[0061] If it is to face in the opposite direction to the user's body, the top layer 5 is manufactured to give the protective arrangement high abrasion resistance. In this case, it can be made of an elastically deformable material selected from the following: a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a thermoplastic material, or a combination of these materials.

[0062] If the top layer is to be oriented towards the user's body, it is manufactured to ensure a high level of comfort. In this case, it can be made of an elastically deformable material selected from the following: a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, an expanded material, or a combination of these materials.

[0063] Further embodiments of the protective arrangement according to the utility model are possible, for example by suitable combination of the embodiment variants described above. These embodiments are not described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0064] The protective arrangement according to the utility model has significant advantages over the prior art.

[0065] The protective arrangement includes a support structure 2, which is pre-shaped (for example, by a thermoforming process) to achieve a predefined shape (curved or planar). This solution significantly improves user comfort. At the same time, it ensures improved resistance to tensile and compressive forces resulting from an impact.

[0066] The protective arrangement according to the utility model comprises one or more protective structures 3 made of thermoplastic material, which are elastically deformable in preferred directions.

[0067] Therefore, the protective structures 3 made of thermoplastic material can achieve an effective shock-absorbing effect when impacts occur on the user's body. At the same time, they work synergistically with the support structure 2, so that the entire protective arrangement can easily adapt to the body shape.

[0068] The protective arrangement according to the utility model offers high performance in terms of protection against abrasion and impacts, as well as a high degree of ergonomics and comfort for the user.

[0069] The protective arrangement according to the utility model can be manufactured in such a way that it can be easily attached to or integrated into a garment without causing significant complications in the manufacturing process.

[0070] The protective arrangement according to the utility model can easily be implemented on an industrial scale, which brings significant advantages in terms of limiting production times and costs. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 120 936 A1

[0034] FR 3 065 231 A1

[0039]

Claims

[1] Protective order (1) for articles of clothing, characterized by , that it exhibits: - a pre-formed support structure (2) comprising at least one polymer material; - at least one protective structure (3) made of thermoplastic material which is elastically deformable and is connected to the support structure (2) at at least one surface (2A, 2B) of the support structure. [2] Protective arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that each protective structure (3) is applied to the support structure (2) by an injection molding process. [3] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each protective structure (3) has several elements made of thermoplastic material that are separated from each other and arranged next to each other. [4] Protective arrangement according to claim 3, characterized bythat one or more groups of the elements made of thermoplastic material are connected to each other to facilitate the deformation of the thermoplastic material structure along preferred deformation lines. [5] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has a single protective structure (3) which is connected to the support structure at a surface (2A, 2B) of the support structure (2). [6] Protective arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that it has a pair of protective structures (3) which are connected to the support structure at opposite surfaces (2A, 2B) of the support structure (2). [7] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support structure (2) includes: - a layer of thermoplastic material; or - a material that has a matrix of interwoven fibers; or - a multitude of layers of fabric (24) that lie on top of each other and are connected to each other by fibers (25) made of thermoplastic material or a base made of thermoplastic material. [8] Protective arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the support structure (2) comprises a reinforcement layer (20) and one or more lamination layers (22) of thermoplastic material, each lamination layer being bonded to the reinforcement layer at a surface of the reinforcement layer. [9] Protective arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by , that the reinforcement layer (20) comprises: - a layer of thermoplastic material; or - a material with textile fibers arranged in warp and weft; or - a material that has a matrix of interwoven fibers. [10] Protective arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by, that the support structure (2) is produced by a lamination or pressing process. [11] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support structure (2) is pre-formed by a thermoforming process. [12] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support structure (2) is connected to another layer of material (4) which is to be connected to a part of a garment. [13] Protective arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it comprises one or more cover layers (5, 6) connected to the support structure (2), each cover layer being arranged to at least partially cover a corresponding protective structure (3) of the protective arrangement. [14] Garment (100), characterized by that it comprises at least one protective arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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