Impact-absorbing pad and relative garment

Abstract

Impact-absorbing pad (1) for a garment (100) having a body made of an elastic material and comprising a plurality of holes (3) that pass-through its thickness (T) from an outer surface (6) to an inner surface (5) and a plurality of hinge portions (17) arranged between adjacent holes (3), wherein the pad (1) comprises a central part (C) and a peripheral part (P), and the peripheral part (P) comprises a stitching part (S) arranged close to a perimetral edge (10) of the pad (1), wherein the thickness (T) of the pad (1) is greater in correspondence of the central part (C) than in correspondence of the stitching part (S); and wherein the pad (1) is configured such that: at rest, the holes (3) have a shape with a central portion (8) that is narrower than its end portions (7); and, when the impact-absorbing pad (1) is pulled according to an in-plane direction, the central portion (8) of the holes (3) arranged along this direction widen and the adjacent hinge portions (17) rotate.

Description

TITLEIMPACT-ABSORBING PAD AND RELATIVE GARMENTDESCRIPTIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of human body protectors. In particular, to the pads attachable to garments or apparel articles that protect a part of a human body from impacts, preferably the articulations of the human body.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 to fit 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 designedto fit closely to the human body. A similar solution is disclosed in document US20180325216A1 which refers to the possibility of improving expansion of a laminated layer with relatively limited stretch and expansion properties through an auxetic layer.

[0008] A further solution relating to a protective pad is disclosed in the document US 2015 / 101110. In this solution, a first layer is made of a network of holed cells connected to each other through linking members. This sort of mesh is bonded to an inner layer to form a protective pad. This pad fits to curvatures of human body due to its linking members. The pad so conceived can change its shape only due to its linking members and to the flexibility of the material used. Therefore, this pad is not able to follow movements of user's body. This solution is an armour not an adaptive protective pad able to follow user movements.

[0009] The document US 2011 / 059291 discloses a material having a body comprising a plurality of oval or rhomboid holes having auxetic properties.

[0010] None of the known protective solutions is 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.SUMMARYSaid and other drawbacks of the state of the art are now solved by a first scope of the present invention that concerns an impact-absorbing pad for a garment having a body made of an elastic material. The pad comprises a plurality of holes that pass through its thickness from an outer surface to an inner surface of the pad. The pad comprises a central part and a peripheral part, and the peripheral part comprises a stitching part arranged close to a perimetral edge of the pad. The thickness of the pad in correspondence of the central part is greater than the thickness of the pad in correspondence of the stitching portion. The pad is also configured such that, when the pad is at rest, at least a part of the holes has a shape having end portions that are wider than its central portion. The pad is also configured such that, when the impact-absorbing pad is pulled according to an in-plane direction, the central portion of the holes arranged along the in-plane pulling direction widens and the hinge portions adjacent to these holes rotate. This configuration of the pad and of its holes, together with the elasticity of its body, maximize the capability of the pad to in-plane stretch if the pad is in-plane pulled. Thanks to its geometry, when the pad is in-plane pulled, it enlarges both in width and in length, without decreasing in terms of thickness. If this pad is pulled in an in-plane direction, this pad elongates in this direction much more than a pad without holesand more than a pad made with a different auxetic geometry. The pad so conceived is also able to expand in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which it's pulled. When the pad is in-plane pulled in one direction, the pad enlarges in all in-plane directions due to the arrangement of its holes and to its hinge portions. When the pad is in-plane pulled, the pad further elongates in the pulling direction due to the elasticity of the material of its body. The hinge portion is a portion of the pad that confines with more than two holes. Moreover, the shape of the holes makes the pad very lean and light and thus more comfortable for the human body and its articulation. Furthermore, the pad is thinner close to its perimetral edge so as to create an area of the pad that can be used to stich the pad to a garment. Vice versa the pad is thicker in the central part to absorb more efficiently the energy of an impact received by the pad. Being the pad stitched directly to the garment close to its perimetral edge, when the human body moves and the worn garment stretches, the pad is entirely in-plane pulled.

[0011] The thickness of the impact-absorbing pad can taper in the peripheral part from the thickness of the pad at the central part to the thickness of the pad at the stitching part. In this way, it's easier to stitch the pad to the garment. Moreover, sharp edges on the outer surface of the pad are avoided and therefore the pad is less prominent to catch other objects.

[0012] The thickness of the stitching part of the pad can be less than or equal to about 25% of the thickness at the central part. Preferably, the thickness of the pad at the stitching part can be less than or equal to about 20% of the thickness at the central part. The thickness in the stitching part of the pad is sensibly smaller than the thickness of rest of the pad. In this way, the pad can be firmly stitched to a garment without detriment of energy absorbing properties.

[0013] At least part of the holes can be flared. Consequently, the outer area of the hole at the outer surface is different with respect to an inner area of the hole at the inner surface. This structure of hole's sidewalls leads to better absorption of compression impacts, in particular when the hole is wider on its top than its bottom.

[0014] The sidewall of the hole can be inclined of + / - 3 to 5 degrees from direction normal to the inner and / or outer surface in correspondence of the centre of the hole.

[0015] The outer edge of the hole can be bigger than an inner edge of the same hole or the outer edge of the hole can be smaller than an inner edge of the same hole.

[0016] At rest the hinge portions can have rotational axes that are normal or substantially normal to an inner and / or outer surface / s of the pad. In particular, the rotational axes can remain normal or substantially normal to the inner and / or outer surfaces / s when the pad is in-plane pulled. Thisperpendicularity of hinge portions makes possible to maximize the enlargement of the impactabsorbing pad when it's in-plane pulled, even if the impact-absorbing pad has a curved shape.

[0017] The central portion of a hole can be arranged between end portions of adjacent holes. Arranging the holes in this way, the holes are compacted and the pad is more void than solid.

[0018] The width of the pad between the central portion of a hole and the neighbour end portion of an adjacent hole can be comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm. This portion of the pad is the thinnest one of the pad and makes the holes close together. This width of the sidewalls is substantially constant, except in the points of the pad wherein three or four sidewalls converge. This feature makes the pad very light. Optionally, a cavity or a pass-through hole can be arranged in the point where three or four sidewalls converge, for further lightening the pad.

[0019] The holes can comprise a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes. In particular, the holes of the first plurality are oriented in a different manner with respect to the holes of the second plurality. The holes of the first plurality can be alternated by the holes of the second plurality in at least one direction. This alternance of cells having different orientations, makes the impactabsorbing pad able to stretch, both in width and length, more than known architectures having all the holes oriented in the same sense.

[0020] In particular, the holes of the first plurality can elongate in a first direction and the holes of the second plurality can elongate in a second direction that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction. This arrangement of holes makes the impact-absorbing pad able to widely expand both in width and length, without a sensible reduction of the pad thickness. This arrangement of holes allows certain holes to widen, and other holes to get longer, when the pad is pulled.

[0021] Advantageously, the pad can have a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably greater than 55%, more preferably greater than 60%. This ratio between empty / void and full / solid portions of the pad maximizes the auxetic properties to in-plane strains.

[0022] Preferably the holes can have a bilobed or a trilobed shape, thus a shape with two or three lobes departing from the central portion of the hole. The holes so shaped allow to minimize the full / solid portion where adjacent holes converge. Moreover, this shape of holes improves the appearance of the impact-absorbing pad.

[0023] Preferably, at least one hole can be configured to assume a substantially oval shape if the impact-absorbing pad is pulled along the first or second direction. In particular, this kind of deformation of holes occurs to the holes positioned along the pulling direction.

[0024] The impact-absorbing pad has a central part and a peripheral part. In the central part the holes are entire, while in the peripheral part the holes can be cut off or absent. The peripheral part is disposed around the central part. The peripheral holes of the peripheral part are smaller than those of the central part. The peripheral holes of the peripheral part have the same shape of the holes of the central part but they are smaller because the peripheral edge of the pad interrupts and cuts off them.

[0025] The impact-absorbing 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 human body, for example to a knee or elbow.

[0026] Preferably, the impact-absorbing pad can comprise two eyelets arranged at opposing ends of the impact-absorbing pad close to its perimetral edge. These eyelets allow to easily fix the pad to the garment.

[0027] Advantageously, the inner and / or outer surface / s of the impact-absorbing pad is / are curved at rest, in order to follow the shape of the human body, for example in correspondence of an articulation like knee or shoulder.

[0028] The elastic material can be a thermoplastic elastomer having a glass transition temperature comprised between -10°C and +5°C, preferably comprised between -7°C and +3°C. A material with this glass transition temperature is a material that is comfortable at room temperature and becomes sufficiently rigid if it's impacted. Therefore, it efficiently absorbs the impact energy.

[0029] In particular, the inner surface of the sidewall of the hole has no corners. This shape of the holes reduce the risks of fractures in the pad.

[0030] The holes have a ratio between maximum size and minimum size that is comprised between 3 and 10. These sizes are measured in-plane and when the pad is at rest. The minimum size is the width of the hole in the central portion. With holes having these proportions, the holes are particularly slender and thus transversally deformable.

[0031] Moreover, since the holes can be long and narrow, when the pad is out-of-plane bent, the holes orthogonal to the bending movement act as hinges for facilitating the pad bending and the pad follows the movements of the human body in a more comfortable manner.

[0032] The holes and the hinge portions can be shaped so as the impact-absorbing pad elongates at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, of its size at rest, when the impact-absorbing pad is pulled in the in-plane direction, independently from the elastic modulus of the elastic material. The shape of the holes and of the hinge portions of the pad facilitates the elongation in the pulling directioneven if the material in almost not elastic. Moreover, if the material is elastic, the impact-absorbing pad elongates even more in the pulling direction.

[0033] Said plurality of holes can be arranged at least in a central part of the pad. The central part of the pad is more subject to a spherical deformation, consequently the holes facilitate an in-plane stretching and deformation.

[0034] The pad can be a single piece body made of said elastic material. No other elements or layers are attached to the pad before it's stitched to the garment. Being the pad a single piece is less prompt to ruptures and it's easier and cheaper to manufacture.

[0035] The holes are not closed neither outside nor inside with other layer / s so that air can transit through the holes and reach the underlying garment for allowing a human body ventilation. Only few holes can be closed from inside to realize on the inner surface a portion used to indicate eventual technical specifications of the pad.

[0036] A further scope of the present invention is that of providing a garment for a human body comprising at least one impact-absorbing pad according to the first scope of the present invention directly stitched to the garment in correspondence of a part of the human body, preferably in correspondence of an articulation of the human body. Being the impact-absorbing pad attached to the garment, when the human body moves and the articulation bends, the impact-absorbing pad remains secured to the garment and continues to protect the human body, even in case of a great bending of the articulation. Moreover, due to the pad architecture, the pad does not exert a great resistance to the human body movements. Furthermore, being the pad perforated, air can transit through the holes for allowing a better perspiration of human body.

[0037] The impact-absorbing pad can be stitched to an outer surface of the garment so as to remain visible on the garment during use. In this manner, the pad remains exposed to impacts in a direct manner and garment appears more attractive.

[0038] 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

[0039] In the drawings:Fig. 1 shows a front view of the impact-absorbing pad according to the present invention;Fig. 2 shows a lateral view of the impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 1;Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 1;Fig. 4 shows a cross-section view of the impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane A-A;Fig. 5 shows a cross-section view of the impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 1 sectioned according to plane B-B;Figs. 6A and 6B show a schematic lateral view of an impact-absorbing pad scured to a garment according to the present invention, in two different operating conditions;Fig. 7 shows a schematic front view of an impact-absorbing pad stitched to a garment according to the present invention;Fig. 8 shows a partial schematic axonometric view of a piece of an impact-absorbing pad at rest according to the present invention;Fig. 9 shows a partial schematic front view of a piece of an impact-absorbing pad at rest according to the present invention;Fig. 10 shows a partial schematic front view of a pad at rest, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 11 shows a partial schematic front view of an in-plane pulled pad, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 12 shows a detailed front view of the rotation of a hinge portion of the pad according to said first embodiment;Fig. 13 shows a detailed axonometric view of a hinge portion of the pad according to said first embodiment;Fig. 14 shows a partial schematic front view of a pad at rest, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 15 shows a partial schematic front view of an in-plane pulled pad, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 16 shows a detailed front view of the rotation of a hinge portion of the pad according to said second embodiment;Fig. 17 shows a partial schematic front view of a pad at rest, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 18 shows a partial schematic front view of an in-plane pulled pad, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 19 shows a detailed front view of the rotation of a hinge portion of the pad according to said third embodiment;Fig. 20 shows a partial schematic front view of a pad at rest, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 21 shows a partial schematic front view of an in-plane pulled pad, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;Fig. 22 shows a detailed front view of the rotation of a hinge portion of the pad according to said fourth embodiment;Fig. 23 shows a front view of a further impact-absorbing pad according to the present invention;Fig. 24 shows a back view of the further impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 23;Fig. 25 shows a cross-section view of the further impact-absorbing pad of Fig. 24 sectioned according to plane D-D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] 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.

[0041] In the following term "impact-absorbing pad" can be abbreviated with "pad". The pad 1 is a single piece body.

[0042] The pad 1 is slender being wider and longer than thicker, as it can be appreciated in Figs. 1- 7.

[0043] In the present description, the term "out-of-plane direction" means any direction normal to the inner / outer surface 5,6 of the pad 1. Vice versa, the term "in-plane direction" means any direction that extends along the width W and / or length L of the pad 1 and is orthogonal to the "out- of-plane direction". When the pad 1 is planar, the in-plane direction is a direction within the plane of the pad 1. When the pad 1 is curved, the in-plane direction can be a direction within a plane tangent to the pad curvature. In the same way, "out-of-plane" refers to something that occurs in a direction normal to the pad 1, like an out-of-plane compression, while "in-plane" refers to something that occurs in the plane of the pad 1, like an in-plane expansion.

[0044] The term "first direction" refers to an in-plane direction oriented according to the length L of the pad 1, as shown in Figs. 1 and 25. The first direction is indicated in the figures with sign "DI".The term "second direction" refers to an in-plane direction oriented according to the width W of the pad 1, as shown in Figs. 1 and 23. The second direction is indicated in the figures with sign "D2".

[0045] The pad 1 is constituted by a ful l / sol id body having a plurality of holes 3 that pass-through it along its thickness T. The holes 3 have a specific shape that is described in detail in the following.

[0046] The pad 1 is structured for being stitched to a garment 100 as Figs. 6A, 6B and 7 show. The pad 1 is preferably conceived so as to lie in correspondence of an articulation 300 of the user's body 200. Therefore, the pad 1 is subject to several in-plane extensions and compressions when the articulation 300 moves. To be comfortable and to not limit articulation 300 movements, the pad 1 has to be in-plane extensible. The flexibility associated to traditional impact-absorbing pads that are made of elastic materials has been found insufficient for this kind of use, because the more an impact-absorbing pad is flexible the less it protects. Vice versa, the less an impact-absorbing pad is flexible the more the impact-absorbing pad becomes uncomfortable and displaces when the articulation 300 moves.

[0047] Starting from these assumptions, a pad 1 that is able to follow the movements of a human body 200, like shoulder, elbow and knee joints is herein described.

[0048] In Figs. 1,2,3 is shown a first version of the impact-absorbing pad 1 according to the present invention that is suitable for knee protection. In Figs. 23-25 is shown a further version of the impactabsorbing pad 1 according to the present invention that is suitable to protect the back. This impactabsorbing pad 1 is preferably 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.

[0049] The impact-absorbing pad 1 is a single piece item that is perforated along its thickness T.

[0050] The impact-absorbing pad 1, at rest, has a rounded and 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, as shown in Figs. 23-25. Another kind of garments 100 can be a glove and in this case the pad 1 is stitched to the upper surface of the glove.

[0051] In particular, the pad 1 shown in Figs. 23-25 is a pad for protecting a part of the spine, thus a back protector. This pad 1 has no indents and its overall shape looks like a rounded cross sign. This pad 1 has a plurality of cavities 20 that will be described in greater detail in the following.

[0052] The pad 1 has an outer surface 6 that is visible in Figs. 1-4, 24, 25 and an inner surface 5, that is not visible in Fig.l but it can be seen (in part) in Figs. 4, 5, 23 and 24.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 1 and 23, the perimetral edge 10 is continuous and can comprise eyelets 12 or other similar anchoring apertures for securing the pad 1 to a garment 100. Preferably the pad 1 is stitched to the garment 100 as described in greater detail below.

[0054] The pad 1 comprises a central part C, and a peripheral part P. The peripheral part P surrounds the central part C. As described in greater detail below, the central part C is the portion of the pad in which the holes 3 have the same, or substantially the same, shape and dimensions.

[0055] The peripheral part P that is close to the perimetral edge 10 is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness T". This part of the peripheral part P is called stitching part S and is used for stitching the pad 1 to a garment 100 with a seam 101, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] The thinner peripheral part P of the pad 1 is used to stitch the pad 1 to the garment 300, while the thicker part C is used to absorb the energy of an impact received by the pad 1.

[0057] The stitching part P surrounds the central part C of the pad 1, as shown in Fig. 1 and 23.

[0058] The stitching part P lies alongside the peripheral edge 10.

[0059] In the figures, with reference sign "T" is used to indicate the thickness of the pad 1. The thickness T of the pad 1 in the central part C is maximum and is indicated as thickness T' (the thickest part of the pad 1). The thickness T' in the central part C is substantially constant and is comprised between 6 mm and 18 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm, more preferably 10 mm. In the peripheral part P, the thickness T of the pad 1 tapers towards the perimetral edge 10 up to the thickness T" of the stitching part S of the pad 1.

[0060] The thickness T" at the stitching part S of the pad 1 is less than or equal to about 20% or 25% of the thickness T' in the central part C, the thickness T" of the stitching part S is comprised between 1,5 mm and 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

[0061] The pad 1 is made of an elastic material, preferably a polymeric elastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermal plastic styrene (TPS) or a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC).

[0062] It has been noted that an elastomeric thermoplastic material behaves like a glass-like solid if it is subject to a high frequency stress and the same behaviour takes place at low temperature. Behaviour at high frequencies and at low temperatures are thus correlated in an elastomeric thermoplastic material. For this reason, a series of tests have been conducted to select the elastomeric thermoplastic material that more efficiently absorbs the energy of an impact during animpact test. An optimal range of temperatures for the material's glass transition temperature has been investigated and calculated, because when an elastomeric material behaves like a solid, it absorbs more energy if it's impacted. Starting from the typical range of speed of hammer used in impact tests and from a dynamic mechanical analysis of the materials obtained at 10 Hz in traction, a range of glass transition temperatures has been identified. Optimal results have been achieved for an elastomeric thermoplastic material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) comprised between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +2,6°C. A material with this glass transition temperature is a material that is comfortable at room temperature and becomes sufficiently rigid if it's impacted, so as to efficiently absorb the impact energy. Since hardness and glass transition temperature are not related to each other, once the glass transition temperature (Tg) has been set, the hardness has been varied to select the right material to use. Optimal results have been found for hardness values comprised between 35 and 80 shore A.

[0063] An elastomeric thermoplastic material having a glass transition temperature (Tg) comprised between -10°C and +5°C, preferably between -7°C and +2,6°C, and a hardness values comprised between 35 and 80 shore A, is thus preferable for the pad 1. In this way, the elastic pad 1 can elongate but it remains resistant if it is compressed in an out-of-plane direction.

[0064] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of holes 3. A hole 3 is an opening that passes-through the elastic pad 1 from side to side along its thickness T. Except for the holes 3 and other anchoring portions to the garment 100, the pad 1 is ful l / solid .

[0065] The full portions of the pad 1 can be divided in two categories, the hinge portions 17 and the sidewalls 4. The full portion of the pad 1 arranged between more than two holes 3 defines a hinge portion 17. The hinge portion 17 is where more sidewalls 4 converge. For example, in the first embodiment the hinge portion 17 is a four-points vortex spiral star, as Figs. 12 and 13 more clearly show. The parts of full pad 1 separating two confining holes 3 identify the sidewalls 4.

[0066] The hinge portions 17 run from the inner surface 5 to the outer surface 6 of the pad 1, as Fig. 13 shows. Each hinge portion 17 has an ideal rotational axis R that is normal to one among the inner surface 5 and outer surface 6. If the pad 1 is flat, the rotational axis R is normal to both surfaces 5,6.

[0067] In an alternative version shown in Fig. 24 and 25, the hinge portions 17 does not develop completely from the inner surface 5 to the outer surface 6. In particular, in this version of the pad 1, the hinge portions 17 have corresponding cavities 20 to lighten and reduce the in-plane stiffness of the hinge portions 17. These cavities 20 can start from the inner surface 5 as shown in Fig. 24 andnot pass-through the thickness T of the pad 1 or they can start from the outer surface 6 and pass- through the whole thickness T of the pad 1.

[0068] When the pad 1 is pulled in an in-plane direction, the sidewalls 4 tend to straighten and they pull the hinge portions 17, which consequently rotate about respective rotational axes R.

[0069] This phenomenon occurs in particular along the holes 3 and the hinge portions 17 arranged along the pulling direction / s, but with a lesser degree it occurs in the rest of the pad 1.

[0070] This combination of hinge portions 7 rotation and sidewalls 4 straightening, leads to a sensible elongation of the pad 1, even if the material of pad 1 would be not elastic. This elongation takes place along the in-plane direction in which the pad 1 is pulled and along its orthogonal inplane direction. If the material of the pad 1 is elastic, the elongation in the pulling direction further increases. The elongation due to the arrangement of holes 3 and hinge portions 17 can lead to an extension of up to 120% of the size at rest of the pad 1, even if the material is not elastic. With an elastic material the elongation of the pad 1 in the pulling direction can reach even 200% of its size at rest. A material too elastic is anyway not suggested, otherwise the capability to absorb impact energy drastically decreases.

[0071] The sidewalls 4 of the holes 3 are inclined with respect to a direction normal to an inner surface 6 of the impact-absorbing pad 1. The holes 3 slightly shrinks from outside to inside or vice versa, as shown in the cross-section of Figs. 4, 5 and 25.

[0072] This arrangement of the sidewalls 4 of holes 3 allow to absorb more impact energy during an out-of-plane compression, because the sidewalls 4 buckle. Indeed, due to this arrangement of sidewalls 4, they buckle in case of out-of-plane compression. If the out-of-plane compression is local, the buckling occurs mainly in the sidewall / s 4 of the hole / s 3 involved in said compression. Even the hinge portions 17 arranged around the buckling sidewalls 4 compress and enlarge, and due to their deformation contribute to absorb the impact energy.

[0073] When the pad 1 is in-plane pulled, the rotational axes R of the hinge portions 17 and the sidewalls 4 maintain their orthogonality with respect to the inner / outer surface 5,6.

[0074] The pad 1 comprises a plurality of holes 3. In the central part C, the holes 3 have the same or substantially the same shape if the hole is observed from the front. 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 part P of the pad 1 have a different shape, because the perimetral edge 10 crosses and closes the holes giving them a smaller dimension and a different shape. In a different version of the pad 1 (not shown), the peripheral holes 9 can be absent.

[0075] The holes 3 have two main portions: end portion 7 and central portion 8. The end portions 7 are at least two and the central portion 8 is one and it is arranged between the end portions 7.

[0076] The end portions 7 are wider than the central portion 8, as shown in more detail in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 14. The hole 3 is thus made narrower at the central portion 8 and wider at the end portions 7.

[0077] The end portions 7 and the central portion 8 can be aligned along the longitudinal extension of the hole 3, as shown in Figs. 1-11, 14-15 and 23-24. The hole 3 has thus an elongated shape if it's observed from the front. In particular, in a first embodiment, the holes 3 can have a bilobed shape, that looks like an infinity symbol or a peanut, as shown in Figs. 1-11, 23-24. The hole 3 thus comprises two lobes (the end portions 7) connected through a narrower portion (the central portion 8). The inner surface 14 of the hole 3 does not touch itself in the central portion 8 when the pad 1 is at rest.

[0078] Alternatively, the end portions 7 are radially arranged around the central portion 8. Even in this case, the end portions 7 are wider than the central portion 8, as shown in more detail in Figs. 17, 18, 20 and 21. In the third and fourth embodiments, the holes 3 can have a trilobate shape, as shown in Figs. 17, 18, 20 and 21.

[0079] In all these embodiments, the holes 3 have an inner surface 14 that has no corners. The inner surface 14 curves continuously without interruptions or sharp edges. In this way, the holes 3 are less prompt to rupture when the pad 1 is pulled. The risk of fracture or tearing of sidewalls 4 is thus minimized.

[0080] A different type of bilobed hole 3 is represented in Figs. 14-15. In this second embodiment, the inner surface 14 has corners. In this case, the hinge portions 17 are minimized in terms of size.

[0081] As depicted in Fig. 9, the cross-section area of the holes 3 diverges along the pad's thickness T, thus the outer edge 16 of the hole 3 (outermost cross-section area) is bigger than the inner edge 15 of the same hole 3 (innermost cross-section area), but it could be the opposite. This difference in terms of size between the outer edge 16 and the inner edge 15 of the same hole 3 is accentuated when the pad 1 is longitudinally and / or transversally curved as depicted in Figs. 1-5. This feature contributes to a better absorption of impact energy, in particular when the pad 1 is curved at rest, because sidewalls 4 remains substantially orthogonal to the inner surface 5 that lies on the garment 100. Alternatively, the cross-section area of the holes 3 is constant if the pad 1 is sectioned with planes orthogonal to an out-of-plane direction.

[0082] As shown in greater detail in Figs. 10, 14, 17 and 20, the central portion 8 of a hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of neighbouring holes 3. In the first and second embodiments depicted in Figs. 10 and 14, the central portion 8 of a hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of two other adjacent holes 3. In the third and fourth embodiments depicted in Figs. 17 and 20, the central portion 8 of a hole 3 is arranged between the end portions 7 of three other adjacent holes 3. This arrangement of holes 3 minimizes the bulk portions and makes the pad 1 very light and permeable to air.

[0083] The pad 1 so conceived has a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably greater than 55%, more preferably greater than 60%. Therefore, the pad 1 is more empty than full. This implies that less ties limit the in-plane expansion of the pad 1 if it is stretched.

[0084] Thanks to this architecture of holes 3, the degree of auxeticity is maximized and the pad 1 stretches more than other similar auxetic pads when it is pulled in an in-plane direction.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 8, the holes 3 along a first direction DI 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 central portions 8. In practice, the holes 3 that are longitudinally oriented according to the length L 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 DI can be shorter than the length of the holes along the second direction D2. In practice, the holes 3 that elongate according to the length L of the pad 1 are shorter than the holes 3 that elongate according to the width W of the pad 1. In an alternative solution (not shown), the holes 3 along the first direction DI 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 DI. Despite these slight differences, the geometry of holes 3 is the same.

[0086] In a further version of the first embodiment (not shown), the holes 3 have the same size.

[0087] In practice, in the embodiment of Figs. 1-11, 23-25, 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 DI; a second plurality of holes 9 that elongate in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is orthogonal to the first direction DI.

[0088] Along the first direction DI one hole 3 of the first plurality is followed by one hole 3 of the second plurality in an alternating manner, as shown in Figs. 1-11.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In this manner, around the hole 3 of one type are disposed four holes 3 of the other type, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0091] The same arrangement of holes 3 with alternated orientations is present in the second embodiment of Figs. 14-15. Each hole 3 oriented in one direction is flanked to a hole 3 oriented in a transversal direction.

[0092] Even the holes 3 of the third embodiment of Figs. 17-18 have two different orientations. Certain holes 3 are oriented in one direction (upward, looking at Fig. 17), while the other holes 3 are oriented in the opposite direction (downward, looking at Fig. 17). Along a transverse direction, the holes 3 having one orientation are alternated by holes 3 having the opposite orientation.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment of Figs. 20, 21, the holes 3 are all oriented in the same direction, therefore the above described alternance is absent.

[0094] It has been observed, that said alternance of orientation of holes 3, leads to a greater transversal expansion given an in-plane pulling direction, as it clearly appears comparing Figs. 18 and 21.

[0095] In Figs. 10, 14, 17 and 20, the pads 1 of four embodiments are shown at rest. In Figs. 11, 15, 18 and 21, the same pads 1 are in-plane pulled. If the pad 1 of all embodiments is stretched in one direction, e.g. in the first direction DI as shown in Figs. 11, 15, 18 and 21, the holes 3 arranged along direction DI widen, at their central portions 8, and the hinge portions 17 besides these holes 3 rotate, leading to an elongation of pad 1 in the first direction DI. Due to the specific shape of holes 3, the pad 1 also elongates, but less, in the transversal direction, thus in the second direction D2, as shown in Figs. 11, 15, 18 and 21 with arrows of different sizes. In addition, the elasticity of the pad 1 further contributes to the elongation along the pulling direction (in Figs. 11, 15, 18 and 21, the first direction DI).

[0096] In the first embodiment, the holes 3 tend to assume an oval shape as shown in Fig. 11. In the second embodiment of Fig. 15, the holes 3, at their maximum deformation, tend to assume an almost square or rectangular shape. The hinge portions 17 in the pad 1 rotate, some clockwise and other counterclockwise, as shown in Figs. 11, 12, 15 and 16. As already said, in the first embodiment of Figs. 1-5, 8-10, 23-24 the shape of the hole 3 is bilobed, similar to a peanut. In the second embodiment the holes 3 are H-shaped, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0097] In the third and fourth embodiments, when the central portion 8 of the holes 3 widen and the hinge portions 17 rotate, the holes 3 tend to assume a shape similar to a triangle with rounded vertexes, as shown in Figs. 18, 21. The hinge portions 17 in the pad 1 rotate, some clockwise andother counterclockwise, as shown in Figs. 18 and 21. In the third and fourth embodiments, the shape of the hole3 is trilobed, similar to a clover.

[0098] In all embodiments, the hinge portions 17 around each hole 3 are at least four.

[0099] The elongation of the pad 1 is mainly provided by the shape deformation of holes 3, while the elasticity of pad 1 facilitates this kind of shape deformation and contribute to an additional elongation but only along the pulling direction. The elasticity of the material of the pad 1 also contributes to the comfort and to the energy absorption.

[0100] Between two adjacent holes 3 the sidewall 4 has a width X that is comprised between 1 and 2 mm, as shown in Figs. 10, 14, 17 and 20. In a bigger version of the pad, the width X of the sidewall 4 can arrive to 6 mm.

[0101] Where more than two sidewalls 4 cross, a sort of star is realized. This sort of star is the hinge portion 17 which has a width that is greater with respect to that of sidewalls 4, as depicted in Figs. 10, 14, 17 and 20. The front surface area of the hinge portion 17 is preferably less or equal to 60 mm2, therefore the overall stiffness and weight of the pad 1 does not increase due to hinge portions 17.

[0102] The ratio between maximum size 18 and minimum size 19 of the holes, when the pad 1 is at rest, is comprised between 3 and 10, in the holes 3 of first embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 10. The minimum size 19 is considered as the width of the hole 3 in correspondence of central portion 8, while the maximum size 18 is the length between end portions 7.

[0103] The pad 1 can be curved. That means that outer surface 6 and inner surface 5 of the pad 1 are curved at rest. In particular, the outer surface 6 is convex, while the inner surface 5 is concave, as shown in Fig. 5. The outer surface 6 is convex according to longitudinal and transverse directions of the pad 1, while the inner surface 5 is concave according to longitudinal and transverse directions of the pad 1, as shown in Figs. 1-5. In this manner, the pad 1 can easily adapt to the articulation 300, even at rest.

[0104] Anyone of the above-mentioned embodiments of Figs.8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 can be used for realizing the impact-absorbing pad 1.

[0105] The pad 1 so conceived can be stitched to a garment 100.

[0106] A garment 100 can be a tubular wearable apparel like that depicted in Figs. 6A, 6B and 7. Alternatively, the garment 100 can be an article of clothing like a jacket, a sweater or a pant.

[0107] The pad 1 is stitched to the garment 100 along the stitching part S through a seam 101 that fixes the pad 1 to the garment 100.

[0108] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be secured to the garment 100 through attachment means which pass into the eyelets 12. In this case the attachment means of the garment 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.

[0109] Alternatively, the pad 1 can be attached to the garment 100 through an adhesive.

[0110] In a further alternative, the garment 100 can comprise a pocket (not shown) 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 are required. The pocket can comprise an aperture through which the pad 1 can be inserted / removed in / from the garment 100.

[0111] The combination of the shape of holes 3, the mutual agreement of holes 3 and the material of the pad 1, allow to not alter the inclination of the sidewalls 4 with respect to the inner / outer surface 5,6, in particular in the central part C of the pad 1, during stretching or bending of the pad 1, as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. In this way, the shock-absorbing performances of pad 1 are preserved in case of impact even during articulation 300 movements. Fig. 6A shows the pad 1 in a first operating condition, while Fig. 6B shows the pad 1 bent and stretched, due to the movement of articulation 300. Being the pad 1 more empty than full, the bending of the pad 1 in an out-of-plane direction is facilitated and the full portions of the pad 1, that arranged transversally with respect to the bending plane, by touching the human body 300, can act as fulcrums for facilitating this bending.

[0112] In a further embodiment (not shown), the pad 1 can be arranged inside the shell of a helmet and behaves as an energy-absorber for impacts on the shell. In this embodiment, the pad 1 is curved and configured to accommodate the head of the wearer inside the pad 1.

[0113] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following numbered clauses:

[0114] 1. 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, wherein 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, and wherein, at least in a portion of the protective pad, each hole of the first plurality of holes is surrounded by holes of the second plurality of holes.

[0115] 2. Protective pad according to clause 1, wherein sidewalls of the holes are normal to, or substantially normal to, an inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad.

[0116] 3. Protective pad according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the body has a void fraction greater than 50%.

[0117] 4. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein, along the first direction and along the second direction, holes of the first plurality of holes are alternated by holes of the second plurality of holes

[0118] 5. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, comprises opposite end sections that are wider than an intermediate section.

[0119] 6. Protective pad according to clause 5, wherein each hole has a bilobed shape similar to the infinity symbol.

[0120] 7. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein at least one hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, is configured to assume a substantially oval shape if the protective pad is pulled along the first or second direction.

[0121] 8. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein said portion of the protective pad is a central portion and the protective pad also comprises a peripheral portion comprising peripheral holes that are smaller than those of the central portion.

[0122] 9. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein protective pad has a rounded and elongated shape with an indented perimetral edge.

[0123] 10. Protective pad according to clause 9, wherein the protective pad comprises two eyelets arranged at opposing ends of the protective pad close to its perimetral edge.

[0124] 11. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the protective pad in the thinnest point between adjacent holes has a width comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm.

[0125] 12. Protective pad according to any one of clauses 2 to 11, wherein each hole, at least in said portion of the protective pad, has an undulated sidewall without corners.

[0126] 13. Protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the protective pad has a tapered thickness close to its perimetral edge.

[0127] 14. Protective pad according to any one of clauses 2 to 13, wherein the inner and / or outer surface of the protective pad is curved.

[0128] 15. Wearable article for a human body comprising at least one protective pad according to any one of preceding clauses arranged in correspondence of an articulation of said human body, wherein the at least one protective pad is secured to the wearable article.

[0129] According to the clauses 1 to 15, the protective pad allows the energy absorption in case of an impact and is used with a wearable article or garment to protect the human body, in particular its articulation / s.

[0130] I. Protective article for protecting a part of a human body, preferably an articulation of the human body, comprising a slender body made of an elastic material comprising a plurality of holes that pass-through the body from an outer surface to an inner surface and a plurality of hinge portions arranged between adjacent holes, characterized in that the body is configured such that:- at rest, the holes have a shape with a central portion that is narrower than its end portions; and- when the protective article is pulled according to an in-plane direction, the central portion of the holes along this direction widen and the adjacent hinge portions rotate.

[0131] II. Protective article according to clause I, wherein at rest the hinge portions have rotational axes that are normal, or substantially normal, to inner and / or outer surface, preferably said rotational axes remain normal to inner and / or outer surface when the article is in-plane pulled.

[0132] III. Protective article according to clause I or II, wherein at rest sidewalls of the holes are normal, or substantially normal, to an inner and / or outer surface of the protective article, preferably said sidewalls remain substantially normal to the inner and / or outer surface when the article is inplane pulled.

[0133] IV. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the central portion of a hole is arranged between the end portions of the adjacent holes.

[0134] V. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the width of the body between the central portion of a hole and the neighbour end portion of an adjacent hole is comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm.

[0135] VI. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the holes comprise a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes oriented differently from each other, and wherein the holes of the first plurality are alternated by the holes of the second plurality at least in one direction.

[0136] VII. Protective article according to clause VI, wherein the holes of the first plurality elongate in a first direction and the holes of the second plurality elongate in a second direction that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction.

[0137] VIII. Protective article according to any one of preceding clause, wherein the body has a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60%.

[0138] IX. Protective article according to any one of preceding clause, wherein the holes have a bilobed or a trilobed shape.

[0139] X. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein protective article has a rounded and elongated shape with an indented perimetral edge.

[0140] XI. Protective article according to clause X, wherein the protective article comprises two eyelets arranged at opposing ends of the protective article close to its perimetral edge.

[0141] XII. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the protective article has a tapered thickness close to its perimetral edge.

[0142] XIII. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the inner and / or outer surface of the protective article is / are curved at rest.

[0143] XIV. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the elastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer having a glass transition temperature comprised between -10°C and +5°C, preferably comprised between -7°C and +3°C.

[0144] XV. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein an inner surface of the holes has no corners.

[0145] XVI. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the ratio between maximum size and minimum size, measured in-plane, of the hole, when the article is at rest, is comprised between 3 and 10.

[0146] XVII. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein an outer edge of the hole is bigger than an inner edge of the same hole or vice versa.

[0147] XVI 11. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein the holes and the hinge portions are shaped so as the protective article elongates at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, of its size at rest, when the protective article is pulled in the in-plane direction, independently from an elastic modulus of the elastic material.

[0148] XIX. Protective article according to any one of preceding clauses, wherein said plurality of holes is arranged in a central part of the body.

[0149] XX. Garment for a human body comprising at least one protective article according to any one of preceding clauses arranged in correspondence of a part of said human body, preferably in correspondence of an articulation of the human body, wherein the at least one protective article is secured to the garment.

[0150] When sidewalls of the holes of the protective article according to the clauses I to XX buckle, the energy of an impact energy is absorbed.

[0151] 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.

[0152] Legend of reference signs:I impact-absorbing pad3 hole4 sidewall (of hole)5 inner surface (of the pad)6 outer surface (of the pad)7 end portion (of the hole)8 central portion (of the hole)9 peripheral hole10 perimetral edge (of the pad)II indent (of the perimetral edge of the pad)12 eyelet14 inner surface (of the hole)15 inner edge (of the hole)16 outer edge (of the hole)17 hinge portion18 maximum size19 minimum size20 cavity (of the hinge portion)100 garment101 seam200 human body300 articulationDI first directionD2 second directionC central part (of the pad)P peripheral part (of the pad)S stitching part (of the pad)L length (of the pad)W width (of the pad)T thickness (of the pad)T' thickness (of the central part of the pad)T" thickness (of the stitching part of the pad)X width (of the sidewall)R rotational axis (of the hinge portion)

Claims

SET OF CLAIMS1. Impact-absorbing pad (1) for a garment (100) having a body made of an elastic material and comprising a plurality of holes (3) that pass-through its thickness (T) from an outer surface (6) to an inner surface (5) and a plurality of hinge portions (17) arranged between adjacent holes (3), wherein the pad (1) comprises a central part (C) and a peripheral part (P), and the peripheral part (P) comprises a stitching part (S) arranged close to a perimetral edge (10) of the pad (1), wherein the thickness (T) of the pad (1) is greater in correspondence of the central part (C) than in correspondence of the stitching part (S); and wherein the pad (1) is configured such that:- at rest, the holes (3) have a shape with a central portion (8) that is narrower than its end portions(7); and- when the impact-absorbing pad (1) is pulled according to an in-plane direction, the central portion(8) of the holes (3) arranged along this direction widen and the adjacent hinge portions (17) rotate.2 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness (T) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) tapers in the peripheral part (P) from the thickness (T') of the pad (1) at the central part (C) to the thickness (T") of the pad (1) at the stitching part (S).3 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness (T") of the pad (1) at the stitching part (S) is less than or equal to about 25% of the thickness (T') at the central part (C).4 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein at least part of the holes (3) are flared so that an outer area of the hole (3) at the outer surface (6) is different with respect to an inner area of the hole (3) at the inner surface (5).5 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to claim 4, wherein an outer edge (16) of the hole (3) is bigger than an inner edge (15) of the same hole (3) or vice versa.6 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein at rest the hinge portions (17) have rotational axes (R) that are normal, or substantially normal, to inner and / or outersurface (5,6), preferably said rotational axes (R) remain normal, or substantially normal, to inner and / or outer surface (5,6) when the pad (1) is in-plane pulled.

7. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the central portion (8) of a hole (3) is arranged between the end portions (7) of the adjacent holes (3).8 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the width (X) of the pad (1) between the central portion (8) of a hole (3) and the neighbour end portion (7) of an adjacent hole (3) is comprised between 1 and 6 mm, preferably between 1,5 and 2,5 mm.9 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the holes (3) comprise a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes oriented differently from each other, and wherein the holes (3) of the first plurality are alternated by the holes (3) of the second plurality at least in one direction.10 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to claim 9, wherein the holes (3) of the first plurality elongate in a first direction (DI) and the holes (3) of the second plurality elongate in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction (DI).11 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claim, wherein the pad (1) has a void fraction greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60%.12 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claim, wherein the holes (3) have a bilobed or a trilobed shape.13 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein impact-absorbing pad (1) has a rounded and elongated shape and a perimetral edge (10) that is indented.14 Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to claim 13, wherein the impact-absorbing pad (1) comprises two eyelets (12) arranged at opposed ends of the impact-absorbing pad (1) close to its perimetral edge (10).

15. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the inner and / or outer surface (5,6) of the impact-absorbing pad (1) is / are curved at rest.

16. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the elastic material is a thermoplastic elastomer having a glass transition temperature comprised between -10°C and +5°C, preferably comprised between -7°C and +3°C.

17. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein an inner surface (14) of the hole (3) has no corners.

18. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the ratio between maximum size and minimum size, measured in-plane, of the hole (3), when the pad (1) is at rest, is comprised between 3 and 10.

19. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the holes (3) and the hinge portions (17) are shaped so as the impact-absorbing pad (1) elongates at least 110%, preferably at least 120%, of its size at rest, when the impact-absorbing pad (1) is pulled in the inplane direction, independently from an elastic modulus of the elastic material.

20. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said plurality of holes (3) is arranged at least in the central part (C) of the pad (1).

21. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the pad (1) is a single piece body made of said elastic material.

22. Impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the holes (3) are not closed.

23. Garment (100) for a human body (200) comprising at least one impact-absorbing pad (1) according to any one of preceding claims stitched to the garment (100) in correspondence of a part of said human body (200), preferably in correspondence of an articulation (300) of the human body (200).

24. Garment (100) according to claim 23, wherein the impact-absorbing pad (1) is stitched to an outer surface of the garment (100) so as to remain visible on the garment (100) during use.

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