Protective garment for articulations of the human body

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective garment 10 for articulations of a human body, suitable for being used in particular by motorcyclists or cyclists. The protective garment 10, at a portion 11 designed in use to be superimposed to an articulation of a body 12 of the user, comprises: - an inner layer 14, which in use is designed to stay close to the body 12 of the user, - an outer layer 16, arranged over said inner layer 14; - a force deflector layer 18, which is positioned between the inner layer 14 and the outer layer 16; the force deflector layer 18 being made of a low friction material. According to the invention, the force deflector layer 18 is bonded to an outer surface of the inner layer 14 and an inner film 20, made of a low friction material, is bonded to an inner surface of the outer layer 16, so as to face and to be in contact with the force deflector layer 18.

Description

[0001] “Protective garment for articulations of the human body”

[0002] ★ ★★★★

[0003] The present invention relates to a protective garment for articulations of the human body. In particular, the present invention refers, even if in a nonexclusive way, to a protective garment for articulations of the human body suitable to be worn by motorcyclists or cyclists. More preferably, the present invention refers to a protective garment for articulations of the human body suitable for being worn by users involved in motocross or mountain biking activities.

[0004] In motorcycling and cycling activities, riders commonly wear technical protective gear designed to provide protection against impacts and abrasion in case of crash or fall.

[0005] The protectors developed to protect limbs, chest or back are effective in absorbing energy coming from impacts which are directed along a normal / perpendicular direction with respect to the protector.

[0006] These protectors are generally made of prevailingly rigid material and are designed to offer a rigid protection to the user in case of an accident. This type of protector is also useful in absorbing and distributing the force coming from impacts with external objects.

[0007] However, from in-depth analysis of motorcycle and cycling accidents, it is known that oblique impacts are more common than normal impacts. By “oblique impact” it is meant an impact force acting along a direction forming an angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the protector surface. Consequently, the oblique impacts have a normal component, directed along the line perpendicular to the protector, and a tangential component.

[0008] In figure 1 , which is provided in order to illustrate more clearly the technical problem faced and solved by the present invention, an oblique impact F, acting on the shoulder of a user B wearing a garment A, is schematically shown.

[0009] As previously mentioned, such an oblique impact F has a normal component Fn, which is parallel to a line n, perpendicular to the user’s shoulder, and a tangential component Ft, which is parallel to a line t, tangential to the user’s shoulder.

[0010] The risk of injuries caused by oblique impacts is higher for riders involved in motocross and mountain biking activities.

[0011] In particular, the articulations of the human body are the zones more exposed to injuries. As a matter of fact, in case of an impact on asphalt, the rigidity of the surface helps the rider to slide over it so that the impact energy is at least partially dissipated.

[0012] On the contrary, in case the riders have a crash over a sandy or rugged terrain, such a kind of terrain deforms under the weight of the user.

[0013] The portion of the user’s body hitting the ground is substantially blocked in the impact zone, while the remaining energy of impact is tangentially transferred to the user’s body. While the known protectors are effective in absorbing the normal component Fn of oblique impact F, they are thus less efficient in absorbing the tangential component Ft of oblique impact F which may result in injuries to body bones, tendons and other tissues, especially on limbs.

[0014] In particular, the articulations of the user’s body, for example shoulders and elbows, are more prone to this type of injury which is quite frequent in motocross or mountain biking activities.

[0015] WO2022 / 269450 in the name of the same applicant discloses a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists or cyclists, which solves the above mentioned problems.

[0016] In particular, WO2022 / 269450 discloses a protective garment provided with an energy absorbing device positioned at a portion of the garment designed to be superimposed to an articulation of the body of the user.

[0017] Such an energy absorbing device is freely movable inside a pocket defined in the garment. In particular, the energy absorbing device is movable along a direction which is substantially parallel to the direction along which the tangential component of the oblique impact F is directed.

[0018] The energy absorbing device, being movable inside the pocket of the garment, is effective in absorbing at least partially the impact energy associated with the impact so as to avoid that the impact energy is fully transferred to the body of the user, specifically to the articulation of the user. Advantageously, the energy absorbing device during a tangential impact defines a sliding surface between the ground and the body of the user so as to reduce the risk that the body of the user might be blocked on the ground at the moment of the impact, thereby limiting the chance that an injury might happen to the articulation of the user.

[0019] The solution disclosed in WO2022 / 269450 is greatly appreciated since it is particularly effective in reducing the risk of injuries.

[0020] However, the provision of a slidable energy absorbing device configured to be superimposed at the articulation of the body implies that the garment has a specific construction for permitting the sliding of the energy absorbing device and for guaranteeing to the latter to remain in the proper position.

[0021] Moreover, even if the energy absorbing device does not interfere with the movements of the user, it represents in any case an additional and separate element which is positioned in a zone particularly crucial for the user. This element is substantially rigid and thus there is the risk that the user may feel constriction and discomfort.

[0022] Furthermore, even if in a reduced way, the addition of the energy impact absorbing device increases the weight of the garment and the manufacturing costs.

[0023] The object of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, suitable for solving at least partially the above mentioned problems and drawbacks.

[0024] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, suitable for dissipating at least partially the impact energy caused by tangential impact or by the tangential component of oblique impacts, without affecting the comfort of the garment.

[0025] Moreover, an aim of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, suitable for offering an improved protection to the articulation areas of the user’s body, without hindering the freedom of movement thereof.

[0026] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, having a simplified structure, without affecting the protection offered to the user.

[0027] These and other objects and aims are achieved by the protective garment for articulations of the human body according to claim 1 .

[0028] The advantages and the characteristic features of the invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the protective garment with reference to the accompanying figures in which: - figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a generic protective garment undergoing an oblique impact;

[0029] - figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of a first embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

[0030] - figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of the protective garment of figure 2;

[0031] - figure 4 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the particular of figure 3;

[0032] - figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of a further embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

[0033] - figure 6 shows a view similar to figure 5, but relating to a different operating condition.

[0034] In the following description, as “inner surface” or “inner portion” there will be indicated the surface or portion of an element that, when the element is in use, i.e. is worn by a user, is near to the body of the user, while as “outer surface” or “outer portion” there will be indicated the surface or portion of the element that, when the element is in use, is opposite to the inner surface or portion.

[0035] With reference to the enclosed figures, an example of a protective garment for articulations of a human body according to the invention is indicated as a whole by the reference 10. In the present invention, “articulation” of the human body defines a joint or a juncture between bones or cartilages in the skeleton of the user.

[0036] The protective garment 10 is suitable for being used in particular by motorcyclists or cyclists. In particular, the protective garment 10 is adapted to be worn by users involved in motocross or mountain biking activities.

[0037] In the attached figures a vest is shown. However, a protective garment according to the present invention can also be manufactured as a jacket or jersey. At the same time the protective garment 10 may consist of a pair of trousers or a one-piece suit.

[0038] Preferably, the protective garment 10 is a long-sleeved t-shirt.

[0039] As shown in figure 2, the protective garment 10 at a portion 11 designed in use to be superimposed to an articulation of a body 12 of the user, for instance a shoulder, comprises: an inner layer 14, an outer layer 16 and a force deflector layer 18. Said portion 11 can be superimposed to different articulations of the user’s body, like for example elbow, wrist and knee.

[0040] The inner layer 14 in use is designed to stay close to the body 12 of the user. Advantageously, the inner layer 14 is designed to be in contact, directly or indirectly, with the skin of the user or with an underwear garment (not shown in the figures) worn by the user.

[0041] The outer layer 16 in its turn is arranged over the inner layer 14. Advantageously, the outer layer 16 is configured to remain visible during the use of the protective garment 10. With still reference to figure 2, the force deflector layer 18 is positioned between the inner layer 14 and the outer layer 16. The force deflector layer 18 is made of a low friction material.

[0042] According to the invention, the force deflector layer 18 is bonded to an outer surface of the inner layer 14 and an inner film 20, made of a low friction material, is bonded to an inner surface of the outer layer 16, so as to face and to be in contact with the force deflector layer 18.

[0043] Advantageously, as schematically shown in figure 6, the inner film 20 is movable with respect to the force deflector layer 18 if a tangential impact Ft acts on the outer layer 16.

[0044] The force deflector layer 18 and the inner film 20 are shown in great detail in figures 3 and 5-6, wherein for sake of clarity, such elements are spaced apart to each other. However, as anticipated, during the use of the protective garment 10, the inner film 20 is designed to be in contact with the force deflector layer 18.

[0045] As it will appear clearly from the following description, the combination of the force deflector layer 18, bonded to the outer surface of the inner layer 14, with the inner film 20, bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer 16, creates a sliding surface between the ground and the body of the user in case of a tangential impact.

[0046] In particular, in case of an impact against the ground, while the inner layer 14 remains in contact with the user’s body, the outer layer 16 can slide over the inner layer 14, thanks to the mutual sliding between the inner film 20 and the force deflector layer 18.

[0047] In this way, since the inner layer 14 and the outer layer 16 are applied at an articulation of the user, for instance the shoulder, at least a part of the impact is diverted so as to reduce the amount of the force which is potentially transmitted to the articulation area.

[0048] As previously noted, in the enclosed figures, the inner layer 14 and the outer layer 16 are applied at the shoulder portion 11. However, similar comments are valid also in case the inner layer and the outer layer are applied on different articulations of the user.

[0049] Advantageously, the force deflector layer 18 and the inner film 20 are respectively bonded to opposite surfaces of the protective garment 10 and no further element is arranged between them.

[0050] The construction of the protective garment 10 is thus simplified and also the weight and the manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, the force deflector layer 18 and the inner film 20 are advantageously firmly bonded to the inner layer 14 and to the outer layer 16 so as not to hinder the movement of the user and not to create discomfort.

[0052] The outer layer 16 of the protective garment 10 is preferably made of a fabric material. Advantageously, the outer layer 16 can be made of a woven, non-woven or knit material. Preferably, the outer layer 16 is made of a durable fabric suitable for protecting the user against abrasion and for preventing injuries from flying stones, dirt or debris which may be experienced in off-road motocross and cycling.

[0053] For example, the outer layer 16 can be made of nylon or polyester like material. Advantageously, the outer layer 16 can be made of elastic material so as to be able to optimum fit with the body 12 of the user.

[0054] Moreover, the outer layer 16 can be provided with rigid protections (not shown in the enclosed figures) applied in specific zones of the protective garment 10, like for example the areas of the protective garment designed to be superimposed to the chest and back of the user.

[0055] The inner layer 14 is preferably made of a stretchable fabric. The stretchable fabric can be a two-way or four-way stretch fabric.

[0056] Advantageously, the inner layer 14 can be made of a fabric which preferably includes spandex or elastane blends.

[0057] Preferably, the inner layer 14 is more elastic than the outer layer 16. In particular, the stretchability of the inner layer 14 is directly linked to the amount of movement permitted to the outer layer 16 with respect to the inner layer 14. In other terms, the more the inner layer 14 is stretchable, the more the outer layer 16 can slide over the inner layer 14 which maintains the force deflector layer 18 in the correct place. In the enclosed figures, the inner layer 14 partially lines the outer layer 16, being exclusively arranged in the zone designed to be positioned at the articulation area of the user.

[0058] However, in different embodiments, the inner layer 14 can fully line the outer layer 16, so as to act as a lining of the protective garment 10.

[0059] As shown in figures 5 and 6, the inner layer 14 can be perimetrically fastened, for example by means of seams 26, to the outer layer 16 so as to define a pocket 24. The force deflector layer 18 and the inner film 20 can be consequently arranged inside said pocket 24.

[0060] The force deflector layer 18 in turn can be bonded to the outer surface of the inner layer 14 in the form of a patch.

[0061] Advantageously, the force deflector layer 18 is made of flexible material. In this way, the force deflector layer 18 can easily bend during the use of the protective garment 10 to adapt itself to the underneath articulation of the user’s body.

[0062] Preferably, the force deflector layer 18 has a thickness between 0,2 mm and 1 mm. However, the force deflector layer 18 can have a different thickness in order to meet other specific needs.

[0063] As anticipated, the force deflector layer 18 is made of a low friction material. Advantageously, the force deflector layer 18 is made of a material having a dynamic coefficient of friction lower than 0.3. Preferably, the force deflector layer 18 consists of a PE-UHMW or PTFE film. Advantageously, this film can be reflective.

[0064] Additional low friction materials suitable for being used in manufacturing the force deflector layer 18 are: ABS, PVC, PC and nylon.

[0065] Preferably, the force deflector layer 18 is bonded to the inner layer 14 by means of heat welding. Alternatively, the force deflector layer 18 can be bonded to the inner layer 14 by means of seams or gluing.

[0066] The inner film 20 has properties similar to those of the force deflector layer 18.

[0067] As a matter of fact, the inner film 20 can be bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer 16 in the form of a patch.

[0068] Advantageously, similarly to the force deflector layer 18, also the inner film 20 is made of flexible material. In this way, the inner film 20 can easily bend during the use of the protective garment 10 to better fit the user’s anatomy. Preferably, as it is clearly shown in figures 3-6, the inner film 20 can be segmented into a plurality of sub-portions.

[0069] In the enclosed figures such sub-portions have a square shape, however they can be embodied with different shapes, for instance they can have a circular shape.

[0070] The segmentation of the inner film 20 permits the latter to better adapt to the underneath articulation so as not to hinder the movements thereof. The sub-portions of the inner film 20 can be connected to each other. Alternatively, the sub-portions of the inner film 20 can be separated and independent to each other.

[0071] Preferably, the inner film 20 has a thickness between 0,2 mm and 1 mm. However, the inner film 20 can have a different thickness in order to meet other specific needs.

[0072] Advantageously, the inner film 20 is made of a low friction material having a dynamic coefficient of friction lower than 0.3.

[0073] Preferably, the inner film 20 consists of a PE-UHMW or PTFE film. Advantageously, the inner film 20 can be reflective.

[0074] Additional low friction materials suitable for being used in manufacturing the inner film 20 are: ABS, PVC, PC and nylon.

[0075] Preferably, the force deflector layer 18 and the inner film 20 are made of the same material.

[0076] Preferably, the inner film 20 is bonded to the outer layer 16 by means of heat welding. Alternatively, the inner film 20 can be bonded to the outer layer 16 by means of seams or gluing.

[0077] As shown in figures 2-6, preferably a grip panel 22 made of a high friction material is bonded to an inner surface of the inner layer 14. In this way, the inner layer 14 is at least partially sandwiched between the grip panel 22 and the force deflector layer 18. As clearly shown in figure 4, the grip panel 22 can be segmented into a plurality of sub-elements so as not to limit the movements of the articulations.

[0078] The sub-elements of the grip panel 22 can be connected to each other or can be separated to each other.

[0079] Advantageously, the grip panel 22 can be made with a high friction material having a dynamic coefficient of friction not lower than 1 . Preferably, the grip panel 22 is made of silicone-based materials.

[0080] Advantageously, the grip panel 22 can have a thickness between 1 mm and 2 mm. However, the grip panel 22 can have a different thickness in order to meet other specific needs.

[0081] The function of the grip panel 22 is to assure that the inner layer 14 does not slide over the user’s body, making ineffective the sliding of the inner film 20 over the force deflector layer 18 in case of a tangential impact.

[0082] In the following it will be explained in detail how the interaction between outer layer 16, inner film 20, force deflector layer 18 and inner layer 14 works if an articulation of the user’s body undergoes a tangential impact Ft. Reference will be made to figures 5-6, wherein the embodiment of the protective garment 10 also including the grip panel 22 is shown and wherein it is assumed that the articulation to be protected is the shoulder area. However, the following notes are also valid for the other embodiments of the garment 10 previously disclosed. In case of a tangential impact Ft, for instance due to a fall of the rider over an uneven ground, the combination of the inner film 20 and the force deflector layer 18 is suitable for creating, thanks to the relative movement of the inner film 20 with respect to the force deflector layer 18, a sliding surface between the body of the user and the ground.

[0083] In particular, since differently from the solution disclosed in WO2022 / 269450, the inner film 20 is firmly bonded to the outer layer 16 and the force deflector layer 18 is firmly bonded to the inner layer 14, the mutual sliding of the inner film 20 with respect to the force deflector layer 18 directly results in a mutual sliding between the inner layer 14 and the outer layer 16. As a matter of fact, no sliding occurs between the force deflector layer 18 and the inner layer 14 and between the inner panel 20 and the outer layer 16.

[0084] Moreover, the provision of the grip panel 22 at the inner surface of the inner layer 14 further assures that the force deflector layer 18 remains in a fixed position during the sliding over it of the inner film 20, so as to divert a large amount of the impact force Ft.

[0085] As anticipated, the mutual sliding of the inner film 20 over the force deflector layer 18 is also guaranteed by the stretchability of the inner layer 14, which is able to stretch so as to better adapt to the underneath articulation. In this way, the risk is reduced that the body of the user once hits the ground might be blocked and that all the impact energy is transferred to the articulation of the human body hitting the ground.

[0086] It is thus clear how the predefined objects may be achieved with the protective garment 10 according to the invention.

[0087] As a matter of fact, the protective garment 10 of the present invention thanks to the interaction between the inner film 20 and the force deflector layer 18 offers an improved protection to the articulations of the human body against tangential impacts without affecting the comfort of the user.

[0088] In particular, the inner film 20 and the force deflector layer 18 being firmly bonded to the inner layer 14 and to the outer layer 16 of the garment 10 do not interfere with the movements of the user.

[0089] At the same time, the construction of the protective garment 10 is simplified and the inner film 20 and the force deflector layer 18 do not increase, if not minimally, the weight of the protective garment 10.

[0090] With regard to the embodiments of the protective garment 10 described above, the person skilled in the art may, in order to satisfy specific requirements, make modifications to and / or replace elements described with equivalent elements, without thereby departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims1. Protective garment (10) for articulations of a human body, suitable for being used in particular by motorcyclists or cyclists, said protective garment (10), at a portion (11 ) designed in use to be superimposed to an articulation of a body (12) of the user, comprising:- an inner layer (14), which in use is designed to stay close to the body (12) of the user,- an outer layer (16), arranged over said inner layer (14);- a force deflector layer (18), which is positioned between said inner layer (14) and said outer layer (16); said force deflector layer (18) being made of a low friction material; the protective garment (10) being characterized in that said force deflector layer (18) is bonded to an outer surface of the inner layer (14) and in that an inner film (20), made of a low friction material, is bonded to an inner surface of the outer layer (16), so as to face and to be in contact with said force deflector layer (18).

2. Protective garment (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a grip panel (22), made of a high friction material, is bonded to an inner surface of the inner layer (14), the inner layer (14) being at least partially sandwiched between said grip panel (22) and said force deflector layer (18).

3. Protective garment (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said inner film (20) is segmented into a plurality of sub-portions.

4. Protective garment (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said sub-portions of the inner film (20) are separated and independent to each other.

5. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force deflector layer (18) is made of flexible material.

6. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force deflector layer (18) and / or the inner film (20) are made of a low friction material; said low friction material having a dynamic coefficient of friction lower than 0,3.

7. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner layer (14) is made of a stretchable fabric.

8. Protective garment (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said stretchable fabric is a two-way or four-way stretch fabric.

9. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force deflector layer (18) and / or the inner film (20) consist of a PE-UHMW or PTFE film.

10. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force deflector layer (18) and the inner film (20) are respectively bonded to the outer surface of the inner layer (14) and to the inner surface of the outer layer (16) by means of heat welding, seams or gluing.

11. Protective garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner layer (14) is perimetrically fastened to the outer layer (16) so as to define a pocket (24); the force deflector layer (18) and the inner film (20) being arranged inside said pocket (24).

12. Protective garment (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said grip panel (22) is made of silicone-based materials; said grip panel (22)being segmented into a plurality of sub-elements.

13. Protective garment (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said grip panel (22) is made of a high friction material; said high friction material having a dynamic coefficient of friction not lower than 1 .

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