Air intake for sports or safety clothing

Abstract

Air intake for a sports or safety clothing 5, applicable above a ventilation surface of the clothing at least partially permeable to air, comprising a first front wall which has a plurality of first holes and which 10 is shaped to be inclined and protruding in use with respect to the ventilation surface, and a first rear portion shaped in such a way as to define, in use, above the ventilation surface, a first partially impermeable chamber which extends behind the front wall along a first direction, wherein the first chamber has a respective first cross-section to the first direction which decreases while moving away from the first front wall along the first direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an air intake for sports or safety clothing and in particular to an air intake applicable to the top of a ventilation surface of the clothing.

[0002] In the motorsports apparel and safety clothing sectors, the problem of providing adequate ventilation for those wearing protective suits, footwear, and gloves has long been recognized. Such clothing is usually composed of multiple layers in order to provide adequate protection to the wearer, and they can cause sensations of excessive overheating, especially for those operating in hot environments, during the central hours of the day and / or when directly exposed to solar radiation. Particularly in motorsports, such as car racing, motorcycle racing, and karting, drivers typically compete on tracks exposed to the sun, where the asphalt reaches very high temperatures. They wear suits, footwear, and protective gloves that must be highly resistant to heat and abrasion.

[0003] Generally, the clothing worn by drivers features several air-permeable ventilation surfaces, through which airflows can enter the suit, exploiting the driver's movement relative to the air itself, thus lowering the internal temperature and providing relief to the driver. However, this solution has not proven entirely satisfactory, as it has only been able to lower the temperature inside the suit to a limited extent.

[0004] Examples of air intakes for motorsports clothing can be found in the following prior art documents: D1 US 2013 / 174315 D2 US 5704064 D3 US 2014 / 325743 D4 US 2017 / 251738 D5 WO 2013 / 061032

[0005] However, no prior documentation shows an air intake including a second chamber capable of facilitating the passage of additional airflow through the ventilation surface.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and in particular to enable particularly efficient cooling inside sports and safety clothing, improving wearer comfort.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to enable particularly efficient cooling within motorsports clothing, while preventing wearer performance degradation and maintaining the clothing safety, comfort, lightness, washability, and ease of manufacture.

[0008] These and other results are achieved according to the present invention by providing an air intake according to claim 1, a suit according to claim 12, a shoe according to claim 15, and a glove according to claim 16.

[0009] Further characteristics of the invention are the object of the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view of an air intake according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a three-dimensional perspective view of Figure 1 from a different observation point; Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional perspective view of an air intake according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a three-dimensional perspective view of Figure 4 from a different observation point; Figure 6 is an exploded front view of a motorsports suit according to the invention; Figure 7 is an exploded side view of a safety and / or motorsports shoe according to the invention; Figure 8 is an exploded top view of a protective glove for motorsports according to the invention.

[0011] With reference to Figures 1-3, the numeral 1 generally designates an air intake for a sports or safety clothing, in a first embodiment. More specifically, the air intake 1 is applicable above a ventilation surface of the clothing that is at least partially permeable to air. The ventilation surface may consist, for example, of a perforated portion of the clothing, or a portion of the clothing made of a particularly air-permeable fabric. The ventilation surface is positioned on the clothing so that it is exposed to the airflow generated by the wearer's movement (e.g., a driver during a race) relative to the atmospheric air, preferably on the front surface, the upper surface, or the side surface of the clothing.

[0012] The air intake 1 comprises an edge 2 that delimits the lower part of the air intake 1 itself and which can be sewn, glued, or generally coupled to the clothing so that the air intake 1 at least partially covers the ventilation surface to which it is applied.

[0013] The air intake 1 also includes a first front wall 3 extending from a front region of the edge 2 so that, in use-that is, when the air intake 1 is applied to the clothing over the respective ventilation surface-it is positioned inclined and protruding outward from the ventilation surface towards the outside of the clothing, defining a first front portion of the air intake 1 and intercepting part of the airflow as it moves over the surface of the clothing as a result of the wearer's movement relative to the atmospheric air.

[0014] The first front wall 3 has a plurality of first holes 30 through which the airflow can pass from one side of the first front wall 3 to the other.

[0015] The air intake 1 also includes a first rear portion that is shaped so as to define, in use, above the ventilation surface, a first partially impermeable chamber 4 extending behind the first front wall 3 along a first direction A. The first chamber 4 fluidically communicates with the outside of the clothing through the first holes 30 of the first front wall 3, and fluidically communicates with the inside of the clothing through the ventilation surface, which, as mentioned, is at least partially air-permeable: in this way, the airflow that, as a result of the wearer's movement relative to the atmospheric air, passes through the first holes 30 of the first front wall 3, enters the first chamber 4 and is introduced inside the clothing through the ventilation surface.

[0016] The first chamber 4 has a first cross-section, defined perpendicular to the first direction A, whose extent decreases moving away from the first front wall 3 along the first direction A toward the rear of the first chamber 4. In this way, the progressive narrowing of the first chamber 4 causes the airflow entering the first chamber 4 through the first holes 30 to gradually increase in density as it moves toward the rear of the first chamber 4, and this increase in pressure favors the passage of at least part of the airflow into the clothing through the ventilation surface. Consequently, the air intake 1 allows a high-capacity airflow to be introduced into the clothing, achieving particularly efficient cooling inside the clothing and improving the wearer's comfort when moving relative to the atmospheric air.

[0017] Preferably, the first rear portion comprises a first at least partially waterproof cover 5 which is joined to the first front wall 3 and the edge 2, so that the first chamber 4 is delimited anteriorly by the first front wall 3, inferiorly by the edge 2 (and in use by the ventilation surface), and superiorly, laterally and posteriorly by the first cover 5.

[0018] In particular, the first cover 5 has a height, defined perpendicular to the first direction A and in use with respect to the ventilation surface, which decreases while moving away from the first front wall 3 along the first direction A towards the rear of the first chamber 4: in this way, the first cross-section of the first chamber 4 progressively reduces when moving away from the first front wall 3 along the first direction A. Furthermore, preferably, the width of the first cover 5, defined perpendicular to the first direction A and in use parallel to the ventilation surface, also decreases while moving away from the first front wall 3 along the first direction A towards the rear of the first chamber 4.

[0019] The first cover 5 comprises a first rear section 50 joined to the rear region of the edge 2 and opposite the first front wall 3 along the first direction A. Preferably, the first rear section 50 includes a plurality of second holes (not visible in the figures), which are smaller than the first holes. In this way, if the high speed of the wearer relative to the atmospheric air causes an excessive increase in the air pressure inside the first chamber 4, part of the airflow exits the first chamber 4 through the second holes, thereby reducing the overall aerodynamic resistance of the air intake 1 and preventing the wearer from slowing down or experiencing a decline in athletic performance. Preferably, the first front wall 3 is inclined with respect to the surface defined by the edge 2, that is, in use, with respect to the ventilation surface, by a first angle 6 (visible in Figure 3) less than or equal to 90°. In this way, the air intake 1 effectively intercepts the airflow generated by the movement of the wearer relative to the atmospheric air, while offering limited overall aerodynamic resistance. In particular, the first angle 6 is between 20° and 70°.

[0020] In a second embodiment, shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air intake 1 also comprises a second front wall 7 and a second rear portion which define a second chamber 8 extending along a second direction B (visible in Figure 5), substantially parallel to the first direction A. The second chamber 8 is positioned adjacent to the first chamber 4 and has a length, measured along the second direction, that is shorter than the length of the first chamber 4, measured along the first direction. In this way, the second chamber 8 and the first chamber 4 together form a substantially L-shaped structure.

[0021] The second front wall 7 is configured (similarly to the first front wall 3) in such a way that, in use, it is positioned inclined and projecting outward from the ventilation surface of the clothing, thereby intercepting an additional airflow. It specifically features a plurality of third holes 70. The second chamber 8 has a second cross-section, defined perpendicularly to the second direction B, whose extent decreases while moving away from the second front wall 7 along the second direction B toward the rear of the second chamber 8. In this way, as the pressure of the additional airflow increases-similarly to what occurs with the first chamber 4-the passage of the additional airflow through the ventilation surface is facilitated.

[0022] An air intake 1 with this L-shaped configuration is particularly advantageous when applied to a suit at the wearer's shoulder, as the first chamber 4 allows the introduction of an airflow directed toward the wearer's chest, while the second chamber 8 allows an additional airflow directed toward the wearer's collarbone. It has been observed that cooling these anatomical areas significantly improves the wearer's comfort.

[0023] Preferably, the second rear portion includes a second cover (9) having a height that decreases moving away from the second front wall (7) along the second direction toward the rear of the second chamber (8), thereby progressively reducing the second cross-section of the second chamber (8) as it extends away from the second front wall (7) along the second direction B. The second cover 9 comprises a second rear sector 90 opposite the second front wall 7, which has a plurality of fourth holes 91 that are smaller than the third holes. The function of the fourth holes 91 is the same as that of the second holes in the first rear sector 50.

[0024] Preferably, the second front wall 7 is inclined with respect to the surface defined by the edge 2, i.e., in use with respect to the ventilation surface, at a second angle (not visible in the figures) substantially equal to the first angle 6. In both embodiments shown, the air intake 1 is preferably made entirely of a material with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 70. In this way, once the air intake 1 has been applied to the clothing, the latter remains comfortable and safe for the wearer. Specifically, the air intake 1 is preferably made of silicone, EPDM rubber, or thermoplastic polyurethane, with a thickness equal to or less than 2 millimeters. In this way, the clothing remains lightweight, simple to make, and easily washable.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the first rear portion does not include a cover, but defines the first chamber when inserted into a special pocket created on the outer surface of the clothing and open at the front. This pocket is defined by an at least partially waterproof lining placed above the ventilation surface and attached to the clothing itself except for the front edge. More specifically, the rear portion keeps this pocket open at the front, and it is the lining, held in place by the rear portion (for example, by one or more arched support elements), that delimits the first chamber at the top, sides, and back. The first front wall and the edge delimit the first chamber at the front and bottom, respectively, in this case as well.

[0026] With reference to Figure 6, in one or more of the related embodiments, one or more air intakes 1 may be applied to a motorsports suit 100 above corresponding ventilation surfaces that are at least partially permeable to air. The ventilation surfaces of the suit 100, and therefore also the air intakes 1, may be positioned at a shoulder 101, a forearm 102, a thigh 103, a calf, and / or a back of the wearer. It has been observed that cooling these anatomical areas significantly improves the wearer's comfort.

[0027] The suit 100 preferably also includes one or more at least partially permeable vent surfaces (not shown in the figures), configured to allow airflows entering the suit 100 through the air intakes 1 and the corresponding ventilation surfaces to escape to the outside of the suit 100. In this way, the airflows prevent the suit 100 from inflating, keeping the aerodynamic drag of the suit 100 itself limited.

[0028] With reference to Figure 7, an air intake 1, in one or more of the related embodiments, can be applied to a safety and / or motorsports shoe 200 above corresponding ventilation surfaces that are at least partially permeable to air. The ventilation surface of the shoe 200, and therefore also the air intake 1, can be positioned, for example, at the user's metatarsals.

[0029] With reference to Figure 8, one or more air intakes 1, in one or more of the related embodiments, can be applied to a protective glove 300 for motorsports, above corresponding ventilation surfaces that are at least partially permeable to air.

[0030] The ventilation surfaces of the glove 300, and therefore also the air intakes 1, can be positioned, for example, at the user's fingers. The present invention has been described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that variations and / or modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art, without thereby departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Air intake (1) for a sports or safety clothing (100, 200, 300), applicable above a ventilation surface of the clothing (100, 200, 300) at least partially permeable to air, comprising a first front wall (3) which has a plurality of first holes (30) and which is shaped to be inclined and protruding in use with respect to the ventilation surface, and a first rear portion shaped in such a way as to define, in use, above the ventilation surface, a first partially waterproof chamber (4) which extends behind the first front wall (3) along a first direction (A), in which the first chamber (4) has a respective first cross-section to the first direction (A) which decreases while moving away from the first front wall (3) along the first direction (A). Characterized by the fact that the air intake (1) also comprises a second front wall (7) which has a plurality of third holes (70) and which is shaped to be inclined and protruding in use with respect to the ventilation surface, and a second rear portion shaped in such a way as to define, in use, above the ventilation surface, a second partially waterproof chamber (8) which extends behind the second front wall (7) along a second direction (B) substantially parallel to the first direction (A), wherein the second chamber (8) has a respective second cross-section to the second direction (B) which decreases moving away from the second front wall (7) along the second direction (B), wherein the second chamber (8) is adjacent to the first chamber (4) and has a length determined along the second direction (B) which is shorter than a length of the first chamber (4) determined along the first direction (A), creating an L-shape with the first chamber (4).

2. Air intake (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first rear portion comprises a first cover (5) that is at least partially waterproof and is joined to the first front wall (3) to delimit the first chamber (4) at the top, sides and rear.

3. Air intake (1) according to claim 2, wherein the height of the first cover (5), determined in use with respect to the ventilation surface, decreases while moving away from the first front wall (3) along the first direction (A).

4. Air intake (1) according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the width of the first cover (5), determined perpendicular to the first direction (A), decreases while moving away from the first front wall (3) along the first direction (A).

5. Air intake (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first front wall (3) is shaped to be inclined in use with respect to the ventilation surface by a first angle (6) less than or equal to 90°, preferably between 20° and 70°.

6. Air intake (1) according to any of the preceding claims, made of a material with a Shore-A hardness between 30 and 70.

7. Air intake (1) according to claim 6, made of silicone, EPDM rubber, or thermoplastic polyurethane.

8. Air intake (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first front wall (3) has a thickness equal to or less than 2 millimeters.

9. Air intake (1) according to claim 1 wherein the second rear portion comprises a second cover (9) which has a height that decreases while moving away from the second front wall (7) along the second direction towards the rear of the second chamber (8), thus obtaining the progressive reduction of the second cross-section of the second chamber (8) while moving away from the second front wall (7) along the second direction (B).

10. Air intake (1) according to claim 9, wherein the second cover (9) comprises a second rear sector (90) opposite the second front wall (7), which has a plurality of fourth holes (91) smaller than the third holes.

11. Air intake (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second front wall (7) is inclined with respect to the surface defined by the edge (2) in use, at a second angle substantially equal to the first angle (6).

12. Motorsport suit (100) comprising at least one ventilation surface at least partially permeable to air, and an air intake (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 applied above the ventilation surface.

13. Suit (100) according to claim 12, comprising a vent surface at least partially permeable to air and configured to allow the exit of air entering inside the suit (100) through the air intake (1) and the ventilation surface.

14. A suit (100) according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the ventilation surface is positioned at a shoulder (101) and / or a forearm (102) and / or a thigh (103) and / or a calf and / or a back of a wearer.

15. A safety and / or motorsports footwear (200) comprising at least one ventilation surface that is at least partially permeable to air, and an air intake (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 applied above the ventilation surface.

16. A protective glove (300) for motorsports comprising at least one ventilation surface that is at least partially permeable to air, and an air intake (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 applied above the ventilation surface.

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