Inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport or a water sport, clothing comprising such an inflatable chest protector

Abstract

Inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport or a water sport, clothing comprising such an inflatable chest protector The subject of the invention is an inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport or a water sport comprising an inflatable envelope (12) as well as at least one fastening system for keeping the inflatable envelope (12) pressed against the bust of a user. In addition, the inflatable envelope (12) comprises a contour (16), front and rear walls, at least one first peripheral connecting line connecting the front and rear walls in an airtight manner over the entire contour (16) as well as at least one through-orifice (52) connecting the front and rear faces of the front and rear walls, positioned close to at least one edge among the upper and lower edges (24, 30) of the inflatable envelope (12). This arrangement makes it possible to prevent water or sand from accumulating between the inflatable envelope (12) and the user.The invention also relates to a garment comprising such an inflatable breastplate. Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport or a water sport, clothing comprising such an inflatable chest protector

[0001] The present application relates to an inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport similar to bodyboarding or a water sport as well as to a garment comprising such an inflatable chest protector.

[0002] A bodyboard is a short board that allows you to surf a wave while lying down or on your knees. Bodyboarding is also the name of the sport practiced with such a board.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a bodyboard type board may be inflatable. Such a board comprises an inflatable envelope which has upper and lower walls, a peripheral weld connecting the upper and lower walls at the periphery of the board as well as weld lines distant from the peripheral weld, connecting the upper and lower walls so as to obtain approximately a board shape.

[0004] Alternatively, the bodyboard type board may be made of rigid honeycomb material.

[0005] In practice, the user lies flat on his stomach on the board and holds it with his hands. Having to hold the board with his hands can in certain circumstances reduce the possibilities of maneuvering.

[0006] According to another aspect, the bodyboard type board is equipped with a link (called a leash in English) allowing it to be connected to the user. Thus, in the event of a fall, the board always remains close to the user. In practice, if the user is in difficulty, he can position himself on his board to increase his buoyancy. This assistance is of no help if the user cannot get back on his board, as in the event of loss of consciousness during his fall for example.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to an inflatable chest protector for practicing a board sport or a water sport comprising an inflatable envelope configured to be positioned against the bust of a user, said inflatable envelope comprising a contour, a front wall which has a front face, a rear wall which has a rear face as well as at least one first peripheral connecting line connecting in an airtight manner the front and rear walls over the entire contour of the inflatable envelope, the contour comprising at least one upper edge, two lateral edges and a lower edge.

[0009] According to the invention, the inflatable chest protector comprises at least one fastening system configured to keep the inflatable envelope pressed against the bust of a user as well as at least one through orifice connecting the rear and front faces of the inflatable envelope, positioned close to at least one edge among the upper and lower edges.

[0010] Unlike the prior art, the user does not need to use his hands to hold the inflatable chest protector. The latter is held independently thanks to the fastening system against the user's chest. The presence of at least one through-hole makes it possible to prevent water or sand from accumulating between the inflatable envelope and the user.

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0012] [Fig-1] is a side view of a garment equipped with an inflatable breastplate illustrating a embodiment of the invention,

[0013] [Fig.2] is a front view of the garment visible in [Fig.l],

[0014] [Fig.3] is a front view of an inflatable breastplate illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0015] [Fig.4] is a rear view of the inflatable breastplate visible in [Fig.3],

[0016] [Fig.5] is a front view of an inflatable breastplate illustrating another method of rea lization of the invention,

[0017] [Fig.6] is a cross-section of an inflatable breastplate illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0018] [Fig.7] is a front view of a lower portion of an inflatable breastplate illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0019] [Fig.8] is a front view of an upper portion of an inflatable breastplate illustrating another embodiment of the invention, and

[0020] [Fig.9] is a front view of an inflatable breastplate illustrating another method of rea lization of the invention.

[0021] According to one embodiment, an inflatable chest protector 10 is configured to be positioned against the bust of a user. It comprises an inflatable envelope 12 as well as at least one fastening system 14 configured to keep the inflatable envelope 12 pressed against the bust of a user. This inflatable chest protector 10 is suitable for practicing a board sport or a water sport.

[0022] The inflatable envelope 12 has a contour 16 and comprises a front wall 18, a rear wall 20 configured to be pressed against the user's chest when he wears the inflatable breastplate 10 as well as at least a first connecting line. 22 peripheral, such as a peripheral weld for example, connecting in an airtight manner the front and rear walls 18, 20 over the entire contour 16 of the inflatable envelope 12.

[0023] According to one configuration, the contour 16 comprises at least one upper edge 24, two lateral edges 26, 28 and a lower edge 30. The contour 16 has a median plane PM of symmetry passing through the middles of the upper and lower edges 24, 30.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the upper edge 24 comprises a neckline 24.1 as well as two substantially rectilinear portions 24.2, 24.3 on either side of the neckline 24.1. The neckline 24.1 may be rounded (as illustrated in [Fig.3]) or V-shaped (as illustrated in [Fig.9]). Each lateral edge 26, 28 comprises a notch 26.1, 28.1 in the upper part, configured to be positioned at the level of the user's arms, as well as a substantially rectilinear portion 26.2, 28.2, connecting the notch 26.1, 28.1 and the lower edge 30. The latter comprises two substantially rectilinear portions 30.1, 30.2 forming a V, symmetrical with respect to the median plane PM, with an outgoing point 30.3, oriented downwards when the inflatable breastplate 10 is worn by a user.

[0025] To give an order of magnitude, the inflatable envelope has a height (dimension taken parallel to the median plane PM) of the order of 55 cm. Each of the lateral edges 26, 28 has a length of the order of 45 cm with a notch 26.1, 28.1 measuring of the order of 20 cm. The neckline 24.1 has a dimension (between the rectilinear portions 24.2, 24.3) of the order of 20 cm, each rectilinear portion 24.2, 24.3 measuring of the order of 12 cm. Finally, each rectilinear portion 30.1, 30.2 of the lower edge 30 measures approximately 20 cm.

[0026] Of course, the invention is not limited to these dimensions and this geometry for the contour 16. Whatever the embodiment, the inflatable envelope 12 comprises a rear face F12 oriented towards the user and a front face F12' opposite the rear face F12, its contour 16 being configured so that the inflatable breastplate 10 covers the user's bust as much as possible, without hindering the movements of the user's arms, legs and head. The contour 16 is also configured to facilitate sliding in a direction parallel to the plane of symmetry PM.

[0027] The inflatable envelope 12 also comprises at least one internal weld 32 distant from the contour 16, spaced from the first peripheral connection 22, connecting the front and rear walls 18, 20. According to one arrangement, the inflatable envelope 12 comprises a median internal weld 32 positioned at the median plane PM. According to one configuration, the inflatable envelope 12 comprises at least one longitudinal internal weld 32.1 positioned on either side of the median internal weld 32, substantially parallel to the median internal weld 32 or forming a small angle (less than 10°) with the latter. According to a variant visible in [Fig.2], the inflatable envelope 12 comprises a longitudinal internal weld 32.1 positioned on either side of the central internal weld 32. According to another variant visible in [Fig.3], the inflatable envelope 12 comprises two longitudinal internal welds 32.1 positioned on either side of the central internal weld 32.

[0028] According to another configuration visible in [Fig.9], the inflatable envelope 12 comprises, in addition to the median internal weld 32, at least one oblique internal weld 32.2 positioned on either side of the median internal weld 32 and forming with the latter an angle of between 30° and 90°. According to a variant, each oblique internal weld 32.2 is connected to the median internal weld 32. According to another variant, the oblique internal welds 32.2 and the median internal weld 32 are separate. According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.9] and given by way of example, the inflatable envelope 12 comprises two oblique internal welds 32.2 arranged on either side of the median internal weld 32 and connected to the latter.

[0029] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the internal welds. Whatever the embodiment, the internal weld(s) is (or are) configured to approximately obtain a board shape on either side of the median plane PM which promotes sliding in a direction parallel to the median plane PM.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the inflatable envelope 12 is made of a polychloroprene-based rubber material, marketed under the name “neoprene”. Of course, the invention is not limited to this material. Other materials suitable for diving could be suitable. Whatever the embodiment, the material of the inflatable envelope 12 is waterproof.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises at least one valve 34 allowing the interior and exterior of the inflatable envelope 12 to communicate. This valve 34 is used to inflate and deflate the inflatable envelope 12. Different solutions are possible for this valve 34. By way of example and in a non-limiting manner, this valve 34 is equipped with a mouthpiece 36 to allow the inflatable envelope 12 to be inflated by mouth.

[0032] The inflatable chest protector 10 may include other equipment such as reflective elements, a whistle, an automatic inflation system, indicator lights in the manner of a life jacket. Of course, this list is not exhaustive. The inflatable chest protector 10 may be devoid of all of this safety equipment insofar as it is not considered a safety element in the manner of a life jacket.

[0033] According to one configuration, the inflatable breastplate 10 may comprise at least one covering, such as a decorative covering, configured to cover the front face F12' of the inflatable envelope 12. This covering may be fixed to the front face F12' of the inflatable envelope 12 by a non-permanent fixing system, such as self-gripping strips for example.

[0034] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 3 and 4, the inflatable chest protector 10 comprises a rear portion 38 and the fastening system 14 comprises a plurality of straps 40 connecting the inflatable envelope 12 positioned at the front of the bust of a user and the rear portion 38 positioned at the rear of the bust of the user. Each strap 40 is equipped with buckles allowing its length to be reduced in order to press the inflatable envelope 12 and the rear portion 38 on either side of the bust of a user. The straps 40 and the buckles 40.1 are not described further because they can be identical to those of life jackets.

[0035] According to one configuration, the rear part 38 is made of fabric, plastic or made of the same material as the inflatable envelope 12. This rear part 38 is substantially square or rectangular and comprises two straps 38.1 extended by straps 40 connected to the two portions 24.2, 24.3 arranged on either side of the neckline 24.1 of the upper edge 24 of the inflatable envelope 12. The rear part 38 comprises two lateral sides 38.2, 38.3 each connected by at least one strap 40 (three according to the example visible in FIGS. 3 and 4) to the lateral edges 26, 28 of the inflatable envelope 12.

[0036] According to another configuration visible in Figures 1, 2 and 5, a garment 42 for practicing a water sport comprises a wetsuit 44 having a front face 44.1 as well as an inflatable chest protector 10 connected to the front face 44.1 of the wetsuit 44 by at least one fastening system 14. By way of example, as illustrated in [Fig.5], the fastening system 14 comprises self-gripping strips 46, marketed under the name “Velcro”, each having a first part secured to the wetsuit 44 as well as a second part secured to the inflatable chest protector 10, the first and second parts being configured to cooperate so as to ensure a solid and removable connection between the wetsuit 44 and the inflatable chest protector 10. According to one arrangement, the self-gripping strips 46 are positioned along the contour 16 of the inflatable envelope 12.

[0037] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments to ensure a solid and removable connection between the suit 44 and the inflatable breastplate 10. Thus, the self-gripping strips 46 could be replaced by press studs or any other similar element.

[0038] Alternatively, the fastening system 14 comprises at least one seam or at least one weld or the like permanently connecting the suit 44 and the inflatable chest protector 10.

[0039] According to different embodiments, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises, in addition to the inflatable envelope 12, a support 48 which can be a part of a garment (such as a combination 44) or an element capable of being fixed on a garment, the support 48 having a surface at least equal to the rear face F12 of the inflatable envelope 12. In addition, the fixing system 14 comprises at least a second connecting line 50, such as a self-gripping strip 46, a seam, a weld or others, which extends over the contour 16 of the inflatable envelope 12, positioned between the first connecting line 22 and the contour 16, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0040] According to a feature of the invention, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises at least one through orifice 52 connecting the rear and front faces F12, F12' of the inflatable envelope 12, positioned close to at least one edge among the upper and lower edges 24, 30.

[0041] In the absence of a through-hole 52, because the inflatable envelope 12 is fixed against the user's torso, water and sand tend to accumulate between the inflatable envelope 12 and the user, which reduces the buoyancy and maneuverability of the inflatable breastplate 10.

[0042] According to one arrangement, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises at least one through-orifice 52 at the lower edge 30. According to another arrangement, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises at least one through-orifice 52' at the upper edge 24. According to another arrangement, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises at least one through-orifice 52 at the lower edge 30 and at least one through-orifice 52' at the upper edge 24.

[0043] According to one configuration, each through-orifice 52, 52' is configured to allow water and / or sand to pass through. Thus, each through-orifice 52, 52' has a diameter of between 3 and 10 mm, preferably of the order of 5 mm.

[0044] According to one arrangement, the through-holes 52, 52' are spaced apart by a distance greater than 2 cm. According to one configuration, the through-holes 52, 52' are spaced apart by a distance of the order of 3 cm.

[0045] For information purposes, the inflatable breastplate 10 comprises between three and eight through-holes 52, preferably six, at each rectilinear portion 30.1, 30.2 of the lower edge 30, arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane PM, as illustrated in [Fig.7], and / or three through-holes 52' at the neckline 24.1 of the upper edge 24, arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane PM, as illustrated in [Fig.9]. Of course, the invention is not limited to these arrangements for the through-holes 52, 52'. Whatever the embodiment, the through-orifices 52, 52' are arranged to limit the accumulation of water and / or sand at the rear face F12 of the inflatable envelope 12 and to allow the evacuation of water and / or sand from the rear face F12 to the front face F12' of the inflatable envelope 12.

[0046] Each through-hole 52, 52' is positioned so as not to open between the front and rear walls 18, 20 in the area of ​​the inflatable envelope 12 containing the air. Thus, each through-orifice 52, 52' can be positioned at the right of the first peripheral connection 22, at the right of one of the internal welds 32 or in the area situated between the first peripheral connection 22 and the contour 16 of the inflatable envelope 12.

[0047] According to these different embodiments, the inflatable envelope 12 comprises a first connecting line 22 connecting the front and rear walls 18, 20, like a peripheral weld, which extends along the contour 16 and which is spaced from the contour 16. In addition, the inflatable plastron 10 comprises a second connecting line 50, connecting the rear face F12 of the inflatable envelope 12 to a support 48 as well as at least one through-orifice 52 (preferably all) positioned between the first and second connecting lines 22, 50, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

Claims

Claims

1. Inflatable chest protector for practicing a sport comprising an inflatable envelope (12) configured to be positioned against the bust of a user, said inflatable envelope (12) comprising a contour (16), a front wall (18) which has a front face (F12'), a rear wall (20) which has a rear face (F12) as well as at least one first peripheral connecting line (22) connecting in an airtight manner the front and rear walls (18, 20) over the entire contour (16) of the inflatable envelope (12), the contour (16) comprising at least one upper edge (24), two lateral edges (26, 28) and a lower edge (30), characterized in that the inflatable chest protector comprises at least one fastening system (14) configured to keep the inflatable envelope (12) pressed against the bust of a user as well as at least one through-orifice (52) communicating the rear and front faces (F12, F12') of the inflatable envelope (12),positioned proximate to at least one of the upper and lower edges (24, 30).,

2. Inflatable breastplate according to claim 1, characterized in that each through-orifice (52) has a diameter of between 3 and 10 mm, preferably of the order of 5 mm.

3. Inflatable breastplate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the through-orifices (52) are spaced apart by a distance greater than 2 cm, preferably of the order of 3 cm.

4. Inflatable breastplate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable breastplate comprises at least one through-orifice (52) at the lower edge (30) and at least one through-orifice (52') at the upper edge (24).

5. Inflatable breastplate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower edge (30) comprises two substantially rectilinear portions (30.1, 30.2), symmetrical with respect to a median plane (PM), with an outgoing point (30.3) and in that the inflatable breastplate comprises between three and eight through orifices (52), preferably six, at the level of each portion (30.1, 30.2) of the lower edge (30), arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane (PM).

6. Inflatable breastplate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable envelope (12) comprises at least one internal weld (32) distant from the contour (16) connecting the front and rear walls (18, 20) and in that each through orifice (52, 52') is po- located at the right of the first peripheral connection (22), at the right of the internal weld (32) or in an area located between the first peripheral connection (22) and the contour (16) of the inflatable envelope (12).

7. Inflatable breastplate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable breastplate comprises a support (48) having a surface area at least equal to the rear face (F12) of the inflatable envelope (12), in that the fixing system (14) comprises at least one second connecting line (50) which extends over the contour (16) of the inflatable envelope (12), positioned between the first connecting line (22) and the contour (16), at least one through-orifice (52) being positioned between the first and second connecting lines (22, 50).

8. Clothing for practicing a sport comprising a suit (44) having a front face (44.1) as well as an inflatable chest protector (10) according to one of the preceding claims connected to the front face (44.1) of the suit (44) by at least one fastening system (14).

9. Garment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening system (14) comprises self-gripping strips (46) or press studs each having a first part secured to the suit (44) as well as a second part secured to the inflatable breastplate (10), the first and second parts being configured to cooperate so as to ensure a solid and removable connection between the suit (44) and the inflatable breastplate (10).

10. Garment according to claim 8, characterized in that the fastening system (14) comprises at least one seam or at least one weld permanently connecting the suit (44) and the inflatable breastplate (10).

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