Protective pad and related wearable article

Abstract

Protective pad (1) for an articulation (300) comprising a body (2) made on an elastic material having a plurality of elongated holes (3) that pass-through the body (2) from an outer side to an inner side, wherein the plurality of elongated holes (3) comprises a first plurality of holes (3) in which each hole (3) elongates in a first direction (D1) and a second plurality of holes (3) in which each hole (3) elongates in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction (D1), and wherein, at least in a portion (C) of the protective pad (1), each hole (3) of the first plurality of holes (3) is surrounded by holes (3) of the second plurality of holes (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of human body protectors. In particular, to the articles that protect the articulations of the human body during an impact.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the state of the art body protectors are known, in particular for protecting articulations of the human body. For example, knee protectors for sport activities or shoulder protectors for bikers are known.

[0003] In general, these solutions comprise soft materials that are attached the human body using textile garments or elastic straps. The elastic components of these solutions attenuate the force in case of an impact, for example with the ground or with another player.

[0004] The elastic component is traditionally a pad of a soft polymeric foam which deforms under the impact load by absorbing part of the load and by spreading it on a wider surface of the human body involved, thus reducing the risk of damage to the wearer.

[0005] Particularly efficient materials in this sense are realized by the company D3O ®< .

[0006] Protective pads for articulations that are known follow the movement of the articulation through an elastic deformation of the material and this leads to a first drawback of the known solutions. If the elasticity of the elastic component is high, the component is able to follow the movement of the articulation but the capacity of absorbing an impact strongly decreases. Vice versa, if the elasticity is low the component becomes more rigid and it does not follow the movement of the articulation or unseats thus exposing the articulation to injuries.

[0007] In the state of the art are also known wearable articles comprising auxetic properties. A solution in this sense is described in the document US9538798B2. In this solution, in order to make a wearable article that fits better to the human body, the apparel comprises an auxetic structure. In this apparel, the auxetic layer is coupled and associated to a shock absorbing foam material which is deputed to absorb the energy of an impact load. Indeed, the main scope of this solution is not that of providing an apparel article that efficiently absorbs energy, but an apparel that is designed to fit closely to the human body.

[0008] None of the known articulation protective solutions are able to follow the movement of the wearer without misalignment, without limiting the movement of the wearer / athlete, and without detriment to the energy-absorbing properties in case of an impact.SUMMARY

[0009] Said and other drawbacks of the state of the art are now solved by a first scope of the present invention that concerns a protective pad for an articulation comprising a body made on an elastic material having a plurality of elongated holes that pass-through the body from an outer side to an inner side. The plurality of elongated holes comprises a first plurality of holes in which each hole elongates in a first direction and a second plurality of holes in which each hole elongates in a second direction that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction. At least in a portion of the protective pad, preferably a central portion of the protective pad, each hole of the first plurality of holes is surrounded by holes of the second plurality of holes. This arrangement of holes, together with the elasticity of the full body, maximize the capability of the pad to deform, if the pad is pulled, without decreasing its thickness. If this pad is pulled in an in-plane direction, the pad elongates in this direction much more than a full pad and more than a pad made of another auxetic material. The pad so conceived is also able to expand in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which it's pulled.

[0010] In particular, the sidewalls of the holes can be normal to an inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad. Being the sidewalls are perpendicular to the surface / s of the pad, the impact load is absorbed by deformation of the sidewalls which buckle under the load. Preferably, the sidewalls are normal to the outer surface. More preferably, the sidewalls are normal to both inner and outer surfaces. The sidewalls of the holes can be substantially normal to the inner and / or outer surface, e.g. + / - 3°-5° from normal direction, to help release the protective pad from the tool if it is realized through injection moulding.

[0011] Advantageously, the body can have a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably 55%, more preferably 57%. This ratio between void and full portions of the pad maximizes the auxetic properties at large in-plane strains.

[0012] Specifically, holes of the first plurality of holes can be alternated by holes of the second plurality of holes both along the first direction and along the second direction. This arrangement of holes allows to certain holes to widen, and to the other holes to get longer, when the pad is pulled.

[0013] In particular, each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, can comprise opposite end sections that are wider than an intermediate section. Preferably each hole can have a bilobed shape which looks like the infinity symbol or a peanut. The holes so shaped allow to minimize the full portion where four adjacent holes converge.

[0014] Preferably, at least in said portion of the protective pad, at least one hole can be configured to assume a substantially oval shape if the protective pad is pulled along the first or second direction. This kind of deformation of holes occurs in particular to the holes positioned along the pulling direction.

[0015] Said portion of the protective pad is preferably a central portion of the protective pad. The pad also comprises a peripheral portion, disposed around the central portion. This peripheral portion comprises peripheral holes that are smaller than those of the central portion. The peripheral holes of the peripheral portion have the same shape of the holes of the central portion but they are smaller because the rim of the pad interrupts them.

[0016] The protective pad can have a rounded and elongated shape with an indented perimetral edge. These indents of the rim of the pad, allows the pad to fit better to the curved parts of the body, for example to a knee.

[0017] Preferably, the protective pad can comprise two eyelets arranged at opposing ends of the protective pad close to its perimetral edge. These eyelets allow to easily fix the pad to the wearable article.

[0018] In particular, the protective pad can have a width comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm, in correspondence of the thinnest point between adjacent holes. This width of the sidewalls is substantially constant, except in the points of the pad wherein four holes converge. This feature makes the pad slender.

[0019] Each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, can have an undulated sidewall without corners. This shape of the elongated holes reduces the risks of fractures of the pad due to the absence of corners.

[0020] Preferably, the protective pad can have a tapered thickness close to its perimetral edge. In this way, the pad fits better to the wearable article, in particular if the latter has a pocket in which the pad can be inserted.

[0021] Advantageously, the inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad is curved, in order to follow the shape of the human body in correspondence of the articulation, for example in correspondence of the knee or shoulder.

[0022] A further scope of the present invention is that of providing a wearable article for a human body comprising at least one protective pad according to the first scope of the present invention arranged in correspondence of an articulation of said human body, wherein the at least one protective pad is secured to the wearable article. Being the protective pad attached to the wearable article, when the human body moves and the articulation bends, the protective pad remains secured to the wearable article and continues to protect the articulation, even in case of a great bending of the articulation.

[0023] These and other advantages will be better understood thanks to the following description of different embodiments of said invention given as non-limitative examples thereof, making reference to the annexed drawings.DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a front view of the protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a lateral view of the protective pad of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the protective pad of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a cross-section view of the protective pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane A-A; Fig. 5 shows a cross-section view of the protective pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane B-B; Fig. 6 shows a schematic lateral view of a wearable article incorporating a protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of a wearable article incorporating a protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 8 shows a schematic front view of a protective pad at rest according to the present invention; Fig. 9 shows a schematic front view of a protective pad stretched along a first direction according to the present invention; Fig. 10 shows a schematic front view of a further embodiment of the protective pad according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each other in any suitable way.

[0026] In the following term "protective pad" can be abbreviated with "pad". In the following, the term "first direction" means the direction depicted in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the first direction D1 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the height H of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1. Equally, the term "second direction" means the direction depicted in the in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the second direction D2 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the width W of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0027] In Figs. 1,2,3 is shown a first embodiment of the protective pad 1 according to the present invention. This protective pad 1 is used for protecting an articulation or joint 300 of a human body 200. According to this invention an articulation means the articulation (or joint) of knee, shoulder, elbow areas, and also the articulation of the spine, tailbone, hip, thigh, hand, foot and shin areas.

[0028] The protective pad 1 is made of a body 2 that is perforated along its thickness T.

[0029] The protective pad 1 has an elongated shape, that in Fig. 1 develops top-down. The overall shape of the pad 1 is almost oval, as shown in Fig. 1, and it can comprise one or more indents 11 that are reentrant with respect to the perimetral edge 10 of the pad 1. The pad 1 shown in Figs. 1-9 is a pad for knees. Other shapes of the pad 1 are possible if the pad 1 has to cover and protect other articulations 300.

[0030] The pad 1 has an outer surface 6 that is visible in Figs. 1-4 and an inner surface 5, that in Fig.1 is not visible and it can be seen (in part) in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the perimetral edge 10 is continuous and can comprise eyelets 12 or similar apertures for stitching the pad 1 to a wearable article 100, as described in greater detail below.

[0032] The pad 1 comprises a central portion C, also called simply "portion", and a peripheral portion P. The peripheral portion P surrounds the central portion C. As described in greater detail below, the portion C is the portion in which the holes 3 have the same, or substantially the same, shape and dimensions.

[0033] The pad 1 is made of an elastic material, preferably a polymeric elastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS). This elastic material has preferably a hardness comprised between 30 and 55 shore A, preferably about 45 shore A. In this way, the elastic body 2 can elongate but it remains resistant if compressed according to an out-of-plane direction.

[0034] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of holes 3. A hole 3 is an opening that passes-through the elastic body 2 from side to side along its thickness T.

[0035] This hole 3 has a sidewall 4 defining the sides of the hole 3.

[0036] The sidewall 4 of at least a part of the hole 3, in particular of holes 3 in the central portion C of the pad 1, is preferably perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the inner and / or outer surface 5,6, as shown in the cross-section of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0037] This arrangement of the sidewalls 4 of the holes 3 allow to avoid global buckling of sidewalls 4 during a out-of-plane compression. Indeed, due to this arrangement of sidewalls 4, they progressively buckle in case of out-of-plane compression. If the out-of-plane compression is local, the progressive buckling occurs mainly, or only, in the sidewall / s 4 of the hole / s 3 involved in the local compression.

[0038] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of elongated holes 3. In the central portion C, the holes 3 have the same or substantially the same shape if frontally observed. That means that the profile of holes 3 is the same or substantially the same, as described in greater detail below. Only the peripheral holes 9 of the peripheral portion P have a different shape because the perimetral edge 10 crosses and closes the elongated holes giving them a smaller dimension.

[0039] The elongated shape of holes 3 is realized with opposite end sections 7 that are wider than an intermediate section 8, as shown in more detail in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 represents a portion of the pad 1 distended over a plane in order to perceive better the architecture of the elongated holes 3.

[0040] In particular, the elongated shape of holes 3 has a bilobed shape, that looks like an infinity symbol or a peanut. The slits thus comprise two lobes arranged along a common axis and connected through a stricter portion. In this way, a portion of the sidewall 4 of a hole 3 does not touch any other portion of the same sidewall 4, if the pad 1 is at rest.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, the holes 3 along a first direction D1 have a shape and the holes 3 along a second direction D2 have a shape that is substantially the same of the others but leaner in the intermediate section 7 and / or in the end sections 8. In practice, the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the height H of the pad 1 are slightly wider than the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the width W of the pad 1. Even the length of the holes 3 along the first direction D1, thus the longitudinal extension of the holes, can be shorter than the length of the holes along the second direction D2. In practice, the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the height H of the pad 1 are shorter than the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the width W of the pad 1. In an alternative solution (not shown), the holes 3 along the first direction D1 can be leaner than those along the second direction D2 and / or the holes 3 along the second direction D2 can be shorter than the holes 3 along the first direction D1. Despite these slight differences, the overall shape of holes 3 is considered substantially equal.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 8, some holes 3 elongate in a first direction D1, while other holes 3 elongates in a second direction D2, that is orthogonal to the first direction D1, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0043] In practice, the plurality of holes 9 can be divided in two groups of holes: a first plurality of holes 9 that elongate in a first direction D1; a second plurality of holes 9 that elongate in a second direction D2.

[0044] Along the first direction D1 one hole 3 of the first plurality is followed by one hole 3 of the second plurality in an alternating manner, as shown in all figures.

[0045] Equally, along the second direction D2 one hole 3 of the first plurality is followed by one hole 3 of the second plurality in an alternating manner, as shown in all figures.

[0046] In this manner, around the hole 3 of one type are disposed four holes 3 of the other type, as shown in all figures but in particular in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0047] If the pad 1 is stretched in one direction, e.g. in the first direction D1 as shown in Fig. 9, the holes 3 that elongate along the direction D1 longitudinally stretch due to the elasticity of the body 2 and tend to assume an oval shape. Conversely, the holes 3 that elongate along the direction D2 transversally enlarge due to the elasticity of the body 2 and tend to assume an oval shape too. The same applies if the pad 1 is pulled in the second direction D2.

[0048] The elongation of the pad 1 is mainly provided by the deformation of holes 3 shape, while the elasticity of the body 3 allows this kind of shape deformations and allows the energy absorption in case of an impact.

[0049] Between two adjacent holes 3 a thin wall 14 is created as shown in Fig. 8. The thin wall 14 has a width X that is comprised between 1 and 2 mm.

[0050] When four thin walls 14 intersect a sort of four-point star is realized that has a greater width with respect to said thin walls 14, as depicted in Fig. 8. Even if this four-point star is bigger than the thin walls 14, it is anyway small, e.g. it has an area minor or equal to 60 mm 2< , therefore the overall stiffness of the pad 1 is not increased.

[0051] The pad 1 so conceived has a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably 55%, more preferably 57%. Therefore, the body 2 is more empty than full. This implies that less ties limit the in-plane expansion in both directions of the pad 1 if stretched.

[0052] Thanks to this architecture of holes 3, the degree of auxecity is maximized and the pad 1 stretches more than other similar auxetic pads in case it is pulled in an in-plane direction.

[0053] Inside a hole 3 the sidewall 4 is undulated and has not corners. In this manner the risk of fracture or tearing of a thin wall 14 is minimized.

[0054] The outer surface 6 and the inner surface 5 of the pad 1 are curved. In particular, the outer surface 6 is convex, while the inner surface 5 is concave, as shown in Fig. 5. In this manner, the pad 1 can easily adapt to the articulation 300.

[0055] Moreover, the thickness T of the pad 1 is tapered towards the perimetral edge 10.

[0056] The pad 1 so conceived can be secured to a wearable article 100.

[0057] A further embodiment of the protective pad 1 is shown in Fig. 10. In this version of pad 1, the pattern of holes 3 is more squared. In particular the holes 3 are H-shaped

[0058] A wearable article 100 can be a tubular wearable apparel like that depicted in Figs. 6 and 7. Alternatively, the wearable article 100 can comprise straps or belts to be fixed to the human body 200. In a further alternative (not shown), the wearable article 100 can be an article of clothing like a jacket or a pant.

[0059] The pad 1 can be secured to the wearable article 100 along the perimetral edge 10, for example through a seam that fixes the pad 1 to the wearable article 100.

[0060] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be secured to the wearable article 100 through attachment means which pass into the eyelets 12, as shown in Fig. 6. In this case the attachment means 102 of the wearable article 100 can be a band that loops the perimetral edge 10 of the pad 1 and passes through the eyelet 12. The band can comprise fasteners like Velcro or a snap fastener.

[0061] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be attached to the wearable article 100 through an adhesive.

[0062] In a further alternative shown in Fig. 7, the wearable article 100 comprises a pocket 101 wherein the pad 1 can be accommodated or embedded. If the pocket has a size and shape that is complementary to that of the pad 1, no specific attachment means 102 are required. The pocket 101 comprises an aperture through which the pad 1 can be inserted / removed in / from the wearable article 100.

[0063] The combination of the shape of holes 3, the mutual agreement of holes 3 and the material of the body 2, allow to maintain the perpendicularity of the sidewalls 4 with respect to the inner / outer surface 5,6, in particular in the central portion C of the pad 1, during stretching or bending of the pad 1. In this way, the shock-absorbing performances of pad 1 are preserved in case of impact even during articulation 300 movements.

[0064] Concluding, the invention so conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept, furthermore all features can be substituted to technically equivalent alternatives. Practically, the quantities can be varied depending on the specific technical requirements. Finally, all features of previously described embodiments can be combined in any way, so as to obtain other embodiments that are not herein described for reasons of practicality and clarity.Legend of reference signs:

[0065] 1protective pad 2body 3hole 4sidewall (of hole) 5inner surface (of the pad) 6outer surface (of the pad) 7end section (of the hole) 8intermediate section (of the hole) 9peripheral hole 10perimetral edge (of the pad) 11indent (of the perimetral edge of the pad) 12eyelet 13end (of the pad) 14thin wall (between adjacent holes) 15enhanced protective pad 16soft layer 100wearable article 101pocket (of the wearable article) 102attachment mean (of the wearable article) 200human body 300articulation D1first direction D2second direction C(central) portion of the protective pad Pperipheral portion Hheight (of the pad) Wwidth (of the pad) Tthickness (of the pad) Xwidth (of the pad between adjacent holes)

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each other in any suitable way.

[0026]In the following term "protective pad" can be abbreviated with "pad". In the following, the term "first direction" means the direction depicted in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the first direction D1 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the height H of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1. Equally, the term "second direction" means the direction depicted in the in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the second direction D2 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the width W of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0027]In Figs. 1,2,3 is shown a f...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of human body protectors. In particular, to the articles that protect the articulations of the human body during an impact.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the state of the art body protectors are known, in particular for protecting articulations of the human body. For example, knee protectors for sport activities or shoulder protectors for bikers are known.

[0003] In general, these solutions comprise soft materials that are attached the human body using textile garments or elastic straps. The elastic components of these solutions attenuate the force in case of an impact, for example with the ground or with another player.

[0004] The elastic component is traditionally a pad of a soft polymeric foam which deforms under the impact load by absorbing part of the load and by spreading it on a wider surface of the human body involved, thus reducing the risk of damage to the wearer.

[0005] Particularly efficient materials in this sense are realized by the company D3O ®< .

[0006] Protective pads for articulations that are known follow the movement of the articulation through an elastic deformation of the material and this leads to a first drawback of the known solutions. If the elasticity of the elastic component is high, the component is able to follow the movement of the articulation but the capacity of absorbing an impact strongly decreases. Vice versa, if the elasticity is low the component becomes more rigid and it does not follow the movement of the articulation or unseats thus exposing the articulation to injuries.

[0007] In the state of the art are also known wearable articles comprising auxetic properties. A solution in this sense is described in the document US9538798B2. In this solution, in order to make a wearable article that fits better to the human body, the apparel comprises an auxetic structure. In this apparel, the auxetic layer is coupled and associated to a shock absorbing foam material which is deputed to absorb the energy of an impact load. Indeed, the main scope of this solution is not that of providing an apparel article that efficiently absorbs energy, but an apparel that is designed to fit closely to the human body.

[0008] None of the known articulation protective solutions are able to follow the movement of the wearer without misalignment, without limiting the movement of the wearer / athlete, and without detriment to the energy-absorbing properties in case of an impact.SUMMARY

[0009] Said and other drawbacks of the state of the art are now solved by a first scope of the present invention that concerns a protective pad for an articulation comprising a body made on an elastic material having a plurality of elongated holes that pass-through the body from an outer side to an inner side. The plurality of elongated holes comprises a first plurality of holes in which each hole elongates in a first direction and a second plurality of holes in which each hole elongates in a second direction that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction. At least in a portion of the protective pad, preferably a central portion of the protective pad, each hole of the first plurality of holes is surrounded by holes of the second plurality of holes. This arrangement of holes, together with the elasticity of the full body, maximize the capability of the pad to deform, if the pad is pulled, without decreasing its thickness. If this pad is pulled in an in-plane direction, the pad elongates in this direction much more than a full pad and more than a pad made of another auxetic material. The pad so conceived is also able to expand in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which it's pulled.

[0010] In particular, the sidewalls of the holes can be normal to an inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad. Being the sidewalls are perpendicular to the surface / s of the pad, the impact load is absorbed by deformation of the sidewalls which buckle under the load. Preferably, the sidewalls are normal to the outer surface. More preferably, the sidewalls are normal to both inner and outer surfaces. The sidewalls of the holes can be substantially normal to the inner and / or outer surface, e.g. + / - 3°-5° from normal direction, to help release the protective pad from the tool if it is realized through injection moulding.

[0011] Advantageously, the body can have a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably 55%, more preferably 57%. This ratio between void and full portions of the pad maximizes the auxetic properties at large in-plane strains.

[0012] Specifically, holes of the first plurality of holes can be alternated by holes of the second plurality of holes both along the first direction and along the second direction. This arrangement of holes allows to certain holes to widen, and to the other holes to get longer, when the pad is pulled.

[0013] In particular, each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, can comprise opposite end sections that are wider than an intermediate section. Preferably each hole can have a bilobed shape which looks like the infinity symbol or a peanut. The holes so shaped allow to minimize the full portion where four adjacent holes converge.

[0014] Preferably, at least in said portion of the protective pad, at least one hole can be configured to assume a substantially oval shape if the protective pad is pulled along the first or second direction. This kind of deformation of holes occurs in particular to the holes positioned along the pulling direction.

[0015] Said portion of the protective pad is preferably a central portion of the protective pad. The pad also comprises a peripheral portion, disposed around the central portion. This peripheral portion comprises peripheral holes that are smaller than those of the central portion. The peripheral holes of the peripheral portion have the same shape of the holes of the central portion but they are smaller because the rim of the pad interrupts them.

[0016] The protective pad can have a rounded and elongated shape with an indented perimetral edge. These indents of the rim of the pad, allows the pad to fit better to the curved parts of the body, for example to a knee.

[0017] Preferably, the protective pad can comprise two eyelets arranged at opposing ends of the protective pad close to its perimetral edge. These eyelets allow to easily fix the pad to the wearable article.

[0018] In particular, the protective pad can have a width comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm, in correspondence of the thinnest point between adjacent holes. This width of the sidewalls is substantially constant, except in the points of the pad wherein four holes converge. This feature makes the pad slender.

[0019] Each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, can have an undulated sidewall without corners. This shape of the elongated holes reduces the risks of fractures of the pad due to the absence of corners.

[0020] Preferably, the protective pad can have a tapered thickness close to its perimetral edge. In this way, the pad fits better to the wearable article, in particular if the latter has a pocket in which the pad can be inserted.

[0021] Advantageously, the inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad is curved, in order to follow the shape of the human body in correspondence of the articulation, for example in correspondence of the knee or shoulder.

[0022] A further scope of the present invention is that of providing a wearable article for a human body comprising at least one protective pad according to the first scope of the present invention arranged in correspondence of an articulation of said human body, wherein the at least one protective pad is secured to the wearable article. Being the protective pad attached to the wearable article, when the human body moves and the articulation bends, the protective pad remains secured to the wearable article and continues to protect the articulation, even in case of a great bending of the articulation.

[0023] These and other advantages will be better understood thanks to the following description of different embodiments of said invention given as non-limitative examples thereof, making reference to the annexed drawings.DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a front view of the protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a lateral view of the protective pad of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the protective pad of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 shows a cross-section view of the protective pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane A-A; Fig. 5 shows a cross-section view of the protective pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane B-B; Fig. 6 shows a schematic lateral view of a wearable article incorporating a protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of a wearable article incorporating a protective pad according to the present invention; Fig. 8 shows a schematic front view of a protective pad at rest according to the present invention; Fig. 9 shows a schematic front view of a protective pad stretched along a first direction according to the present invention; Fig. 10 shows a schematic front view of a further embodiment of the protective pad according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each other in any suitable way.

[0026] In the following term "protective pad" can be abbreviated with "pad". In the following, the term "first direction" means the direction depicted in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the first direction D1 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the height H of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1. Equally, the term "second direction" means the direction depicted in the in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the second direction D2 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the width W of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0027] In Figs. 1,2,3 is shown a first embodiment of the protective pad 1 according to the present invention. This protective pad 1 is used for protecting an articulation or joint 300 of a human body 200. According to this invention an articulation means the articulation (or joint) of knee, shoulder, elbow areas, and also the articulation of the spine, tailbone, hip, thigh, hand, foot and shin areas.

[0028] The protective pad 1 is made of a body 2 that is perforated along its thickness T.

[0029] The protective pad 1 has an elongated shape, that in Fig. 1 develops top-down. The overall shape of the pad 1 is almost oval, as shown in Fig. 1, and it can comprise one or more indents 11 that are reentrant with respect to the perimetral edge 10 of the pad 1. The pad 1 shown in Figs. 1-9 is a pad for knees. Other shapes of the pad 1 are possible if the pad 1 has to cover and protect other articulations 300.

[0030] The pad 1 has an outer surface 6 that is visible in Figs. 1-4 and an inner surface 5, that in Fig.1 is not visible and it can be seen (in part) in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the perimetral edge 10 is continuous and can comprise eyelets 12 or similar apertures for stitching the pad 1 to a wearable article 100, as described in greater detail below.

[0032] The pad 1 comprises a central portion C, also called simply "portion", and a peripheral portion P. The peripheral portion P surrounds the central portion C. As described in greater detail below, the portion C is the portion in which the holes 3 have the same, or substantially the same, shape and dimensions.

[0033] The pad 1 is made of an elastic material, preferably a polymeric elastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS). This elastic material has preferably a hardness comprised between 30 and 55 shore A, preferably about 45 shore A. In this way, the elastic body 2 can elongate but it remains resistant if compressed according to an out-of-plane direction.

[0034] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of holes 3. A hole 3 is an opening that passes-through the elastic body 2 from side to side along its thickness T.

[0035] This hole 3 has a sidewall 4 defining the sides of the hole 3.

[0036] The sidewall 4 of at least a part of the hole 3, in particular of holes 3 in the central portion C of the pad 1, is preferably perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the inner and / or outer surface 5,6, as shown in the cross-section of Figs. 4 and 5.

[0037] This arrangement of the sidewalls 4 of the holes 3 allow to avoid global buckling of sidewalls 4 during a out-of-plane compression. Indeed, due to this arrangement of sidewalls 4, they progressively buckle in case of out-of-plane compression. If the out-of-plane compression is local, the progressive buckling occurs mainly, or only, in the sidewall / s 4 of the hole / s 3 involved in the local compression.

[0038] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of elongated holes 3. In the central portion C, the holes 3 have the same or substantially the same shape if frontally observed. That means that the profile of holes 3 is the same or substantially the same, as described in greater detail below. Only the peripheral holes 9 of the peripheral portion P have a different shape because the perimetral edge 10 crosses and closes the elongated holes giving them a smaller dimension.

[0039] The elongated shape of holes 3 is realized with opposite end sections 7 that are wider than an intermediate section 8, as shown in more detail in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 represents a portion of the pad 1 distended over a plane in order to perceive better the architecture of the elongated holes 3.

[0040] In particular, the elongated shape of holes 3 has a bilobed shape, that looks like an infinity symbol or a peanut. The slits thus comprise two lobes arranged along a common axis and connected through a stricter portion. In this way, a portion of the sidewall 4 of a hole 3 does not touch any other portion of the same sidewall 4, if the pad 1 is at rest.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, the holes 3 along a first direction D1 have a shape and the holes 3 along a second direction D2 have a shape that is substantially the same of the others but leaner in the intermediate section 7 and / or in the end sections 8. In practice, the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the height H of the pad 1 are slightly wider than the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the width W of the pad 1. Even the length of the holes 3 along the first direction D1, thus the longitudinal extension of the holes, can be shorter than the length of the holes along the second direction D2. In practice, the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the height H of the pad 1 are shorter than the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the width W of the pad 1. In an alternative solution (not shown), the holes 3 along the first direction D1 can be leaner than those along the second direction D2 and / or the holes 3 along the second direction D2 can be shorter than the holes 3 along the first direction D1. Despite these slight differences, the overall shape of holes 3 is considered substantially equal.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 8, some holes 3 elongate in a first direction D1, while other holes 3 elongates in a second direction D2, that is orthogonal to the first direction D1, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0043] In practice, the plurality of holes 9 can be divided in two groups of holes: a first plurality of holes 9 that elongate in a first direction D1; a second plurality of holes 9 that elongate in a second direction D2.

[0044] Along the first direction D1 one hole 3 of the first plurality is followed by one hole 3 of the second plurality in an alternating manner, as shown in all figures.

[0045] Equally, along the second direction D2 one hole 3 of the first plurality is followed by one hole 3 of the second plurality in an alternating manner, as shown in all figures.

[0046] In this manner, around the hole 3 of one type are disposed four holes 3 of the other type, as shown in all figures but in particular in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0047] If the pad 1 is stretched in one direction, e.g. in the first direction D1 as shown in Fig. 9, the holes 3 that elongate along the direction D1 longitudinally stretch due to the elasticity of the body 2 and tend to assume an oval shape. Conversely, the holes 3 that elongate along the direction D2 transversally enlarge due to the elasticity of the body 2 and tend to assume an oval shape too. The same applies if the pad 1 is pulled in the second direction D2.

[0048] The elongation of the pad 1 is mainly provided by the deformation of holes 3 shape, while the elasticity of the body 3 allows this kind of shape deformations and allows the energy absorption in case of an impact.

[0049] Between two adjacent holes 3 a thin wall 14 is created as shown in Fig. 8. The thin wall 14 has a width X that is comprised between 1 and 2 mm.

[0050] When four thin walls 14 intersect a sort of four-point star is realized that has a greater width with respect to said thin walls 14, as depicted in Fig. 8. Even if this four-point star is bigger than the thin walls 14, it is anyway small, e.g. it has an area minor or equal to 60 mm 2< , therefore the overall stiffness of the pad 1 is not increased.

[0051] The pad 1 so conceived has a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably 55%, more preferably 57%. Therefore, the body 2 is more empty than full. This implies that less ties limit the in-plane expansion in both directions of the pad 1 if stretched.

[0052] Thanks to this architecture of holes 3, the degree of auxecity is maximized and the pad 1 stretches more than other similar auxetic pads in case it is pulled in an in-plane direction.

[0053] Inside a hole 3 the sidewall 4 is undulated and has not corners. In this manner the risk of fracture or tearing of a thin wall 14 is minimized.

[0054] The outer surface 6 and the inner surface 5 of the pad 1 are curved. In particular, the outer surface 6 is convex, while the inner surface 5 is concave, as shown in Fig. 5. In this manner, the pad 1 can easily adapt to the articulation 300.

[0055] Moreover, the thickness T of the pad 1 is tapered towards the perimetral edge 10.

[0056] The pad 1 so conceived can be secured to a wearable article 100.

[0057] A further embodiment of the protective pad 1 is shown in Fig. 10. In this version of pad 1, the pattern of holes 3 is more squared. In particular the holes 3 are H-shaped

[0058] A wearable article 100 can be a tubular wearable apparel like that depicted in Figs. 6 and 7. Alternatively, the wearable article 100 can comprise straps or belts to be fixed to the human body 200. In a further alternative (not shown), the wearable article 100 can be an article of clothing like a jacket or a pant.

[0059] The pad 1 can be secured to the wearable article 100 along the perimetral edge 10, for example through a seam that fixes the pad 1 to the wearable article 100.

[0060] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be secured to the wearable article 100 through attachment means which pass into the eyelets 12, as shown in Fig. 6. In this case the attachment means 102 of the wearable article 100 can be a band that loops the perimetral edge 10 of the pad 1 and passes through the eyelet 12. The band can comprise fasteners like Velcro or a snap fastener.

[0061] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be attached to the wearable article 100 through an adhesive.

[0062] In a further alternative shown in Fig. 7, the wearable article 100 comprises a pocket 101 wherein the pad 1 can be accommodated or embedded. If the pocket has a size and shape that is complementary to that of the pad 1, no specific attachment means 102 are required. The pocket 101 comprises an aperture through which the pad 1 can be inserted / removed in / from the wearable article 100.

[0063] The combination of the shape of holes 3, the mutual agreement of holes 3 and the material of the body 2, allow to maintain the perpendicularity of the sidewalls 4 with respect to the inner / outer surface 5,6, in particular in the central portion C of the pad 1, during stretching or bending of the pad 1. In this way, the shock-absorbing performances of pad 1 are preserved in case of impact even during articulation 300 movements.

[0064] Concluding, the invention so conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variations all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept, furthermore all features can be substituted to technically equivalent alternatives. Practically, the quantities can be varied depending on the specific technical requirements. Finally, all features of previously described embodiments can be combined in any way, so as to obtain other embodiments that are not herein described for reasons of practicality and clarity.Legend of reference signs:

[0065] 1protective pad 2body 3hole 4sidewall (of hole) 5inner surface (of the pad) 6outer surface (of the pad) 7end section (of the hole) 8intermediate section (of the hole) 9peripheral hole 10perimetral edge (of the pad) 11indent (of the perimetral edge of the pad) 12eyelet 13end (of the pad) 14thin wall (between adjacent holes) 15enhanced protective pad 16soft layer 100wearable article 101pocket (of the wearable article) 102attachment mean (of the wearable article) 200human body 300articulation D1first direction D2second direction C(central) portion of the protective pad Pperipheral portion Hheight (of the pad) Wwidth (of the pad) Tthickness (of the pad) Xwidth (of the pad between adjacent holes)

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the annexed drawings. The same reference numbers indicate equal or similar parts. The object of the protection is defined by the annexed claims. Technical details, structures or characteristics of the solutions here-below described can be combined with each other in any suitable way.

[0026]In the following term "protective pad" can be abbreviated with "pad". In the following, the term "first direction" means the direction depicted in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the first direction D1 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the height H of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1. Equally, the term "second direction" means the direction depicted in the in the drawings or any parallel direction thereof. Substantially, the second direction D2 is the bundle of parallel directions according to the width W of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0027]In Figs. 1,2,3 is shown a f...

Claims

1. Protective pad (1) for an articulation (300) comprising a body (2) made on an elastic material having a plurality of elongated holes (3) that pass-through the body (2) from an outer side to an inner side, wherein the plurality of elongated holes (3) comprises a first plurality of holes (3) in which each hole (3) elongates in a first direction (D1) and a second plurality of holes (3) in which each hole (3) elongates in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction (D1), and wherein, at least in a portion (C) of the protective pad (1), each hole (3) of the first plurality of holes (3) is surrounded by holes (3) of the second plurality of holes (3).

2. Protective pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein sidewalls (4) of the holes are normal to, or substantially normal to, an inner and / or outer surface (5,6) of the protective pad (1).

3. Protective pad (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (2) has a void fraction greater than 50%.

4. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein, along the first direction (D1) and along the second direction (D2), holes (3) of the first plurality of holes (3) are alternated by holes (3) of the second plurality of holes (3).

5. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein each hole (3), at least in said portion (C) of the protective pad (1), comprises opposite end sections (7) that are wider than an intermediate section (8).

6. Protective pad (1) according to claim 5, wherein each hole (3) has a bilobed shape similar to the infinity symbol.

7. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein at least one hole (3), at least in said portion (C) of the protective pad (1), is configured to assume a substantially oval shape if the protective pad (1) is pulled along the first or second direction (D1, D2).

8. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said portion (C) of the protective pad (2) is a central portion and the protective pad (1) also comprises a peripheral portion (P) comprising peripheral holes (9) that are smaller than those of the central portion.

9. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein protective pad (1) has a rounded and elongated shape with an indented perimetral edge (10).

10. Protective pad (1) according to claim 9, wherein the protective pad (1) comprises two eyelets (12) arranged at opposing ends (13) of the protective pad (1) close to its perimetral edge (10).

11. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the protective pad (1) in the thinnest point (14) between adjacent holes (3) has a width (X) comprised between 1 and 6mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm.

12. Protective pad (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein each hole (3), at least in said portion (C) of the protective pad (1), has an undulated sidewall (4) without corners.

13. Protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the protective pad (1) has a tapered thickness (T) close to its perimetral edge (10).

14. Protective pad (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the inner and / or outer surface (5,6) of the protective pad (1) is curved.

15. Wearable article (100) for a human body (200) comprising at least one protective pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims arranged in correspondence of an articulation (300) of said human body (200), wherein the at least one protective pad (1) is secured to the wearable article (100).

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