A SHOCK-ABSORBING SYSTEM FOR CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES .

Technical field

The present invention refers to a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories which is particularly recommended as padding to absorb and attenuate blows and vibrations, to permit efficient breathability, but above all to feature notable lightness.

Background Art

As is known, when a person is in motion - be it on foot or on a vehicle such as, for example, a bicycle or a motorbike - the said person is exposed to vibrations, blows, and impacts that have repercussions on a part of the body and that, with time and frequency, may bring about and trigger physical problems that can turn into illnesses.

A first example, is due to cycling activity during which, if the genital, perineal, and ischial area, nervous and circulatory diseases may arise since the weight of the body exerted on the saddle can limit the flow of blood in the aforesaid area and sprains may occur with consequent partial insensitivity of the genitals and the legs. Indeed, on the resting surface - consisting of a saddle measuring just a few square centimetres - there are bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and cartilage present, as well as the containment structures thereof, and - over the course of a normal bicycle ride, these organs and structures are exposed to stress from prolonged compression and trauma from blows.

To overcome the problems just outlined, for some time now, cycling tights and shorts have been produced which feature reinforcements and padding designed to protect the aforesaid areas. These protective elements form what is known as a crotch liner, which has proved to be an extremely important element, firstly for the cyclist's health, but also for improving performance. As is known, the crotch liner is a shock-absorbing structure applied to or incorporated into cycling tights and shorts which protects the cyclist's pelvic area against impacts and vibrations.

In particular, the crotch liners currently present on the market are particularly bulky and decidedly unsightly, are produced with materials such as gels and foams arranged in a mutually superimposed fashion so as to create layers that, in addition to being bulky, considerably reduce transpiration from the person's skin.

The various drawbacks found include the limited lifetime given that, with use and washing, the layers of the different materials that are superimposed tend to move, changing the initial arrangement and wearing out, losing therefore functionality and effectiveness. Furthermore, the stratification brings about reduced breathability even though there are often perforations envisaged in the structure of the crotch liner to allow air to flow through, but this airflow is scarce due to both the difficulty for the air to flow through due to the size of the perforations and to the presence of perspiration, which tends to occupy these small perforations and also to the positioning thereof, which mainly in the centre, where the crotch liner is in contact with the saddle.

Furthermore, with the compression due to the weight of the person, the material constituting the crotch liner tends to dilate with the heat and the motion on the saddle, as a result of which the perforations are often partly or entirely blocked.

In addition to the foregoing, in the crotch liners of cycling tights and shorts, the adoption of thermoplastic gel has made it possible to reach a much higher capacity of shock absorbance than with foams, but the material continues to pose considerable limits in terms of breathability capacity with respect to the expanded foams and the heaviness of the gel, which is unwelcome for users. A further example consists of motorbike helmets, which feature - in the interior thereof - padding designed to neutralise any impacts in the event of a fall and to increase comfort upon contact between the user's head and the structure of the helmet.

It has been found that, with time, the padding elements currently utilised tend to wear and a flake apart, drastically reducing the effectiveness thereof. This rapid wear is mainly caused by the perspiration since proper transpiration and air circulation does not occur in the padding, but would provide greater comfort to the person who, upon removing the helmet, often finds themself with extremely damp hair and with a consequent risk of sickness, in addition to the discomfort.

Similarly, the padding elements present in jackets and motorbike shorts create uncomfortable bulkiness, make the items of clothing heavy and reduce the user's freedom of movement, making them awkward and stiff in their movements.

A further example are knee and shoulder pads, which are heavy, rigid and bulky for players, in addition to not allowing adequate transpiration, which - with time - can give rise to irritations and discomfort on the skin.

Nowadays, the need for items of clothing and accessories offering an increasingly specialist, precise performance, leads to research in to the development of ever-higher performing processing in order to meet specific requirements concerning comfort, temperature regulation, resistance, containment, protection, support, etc.

One requirement found within the market is the need for items of clothing and accessories which are increasingly ergonomic, thereby allowing the user to carry out a whole series of movements with the utmost comfort without any feeling of constriction or limitation, promoting - at the same time - perfect transpiration and temperature regulation, good protection for the part of the body with which the padding present in the item of clothing comes into contact, while also being resistant to wear and tear and having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As is known, during sport and other activities, users are required to wear clothing that meets clearly defined requirements; indeed, the garment must be an item which is a comfortable fit, adheres properly to the body, and is lightweight, characteristics that guarantee a high level of comfort, must be functional and allow the user ample freedom of motion and wellbeing.

In particular, the padding elements present in the items of clothing are required to protect the person from blows, vibrations, etc., coming from the external environment during the activity and allow skin temperature to remain as close as possible to body temperature as a result of which they must be able to allow air to flow through when necessary in order to disperse the heat and the perspiration which develops with physical activity.

Currently, one need felt considerably by sportspeople is the need for items of clothing and accessories that are particularly breathable in certain defined areas and are able to ensure the evaporation of the perspiration produced with motion, protecting, consequently, the body against sudden changes in temperature between the body temperature and the temperature of the surrounding environment. Studies have shown that, if the temperature increases too greatly, this can trigger damage to the cellular matrix of the muscles since muscular fibre movement at certain temperatures and under strain is not optimal.

In particular, non-dissipation and/or a irregular dissipation triggers a further, forced rise in temperature, which brings about an acceleration of the effects just described and which - over distance and time - causes vascular deformation.

Furthermore, overheating reduces the viscosity of the surfactant liquids present between the muscles with the consequence that performance reduces and the risk of cellular and muscular damage increases. Furthermore, incorrect transpiration can trigger irritation phenomena on the skin or the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, for which a warm moist environment offers an ideal habitat.

In addition to the foregoing, the majority of the padding elements absorb the perspiration produced, but retain part thereof, as a result of which the padding becomes heavier, leaving an unpleasant damp feeling on the skin, in addition to being harmful to the body, which undergoes uncomfortable alternating moments of hot and cold.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the commonly known technique by overcoming the aforesaid difficulties by means of a a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories that is able to absorb and attenuate blows and vibrations, allow efficient breathability, but above all is notably lightweight.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories which is much more flexible in order to adapt perfectly to the morphology of the user's body and of be particularly lightweight so as to be extremely comfortable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories that makes it possible to expel moisture by means of a “pump” effect, the said action being performed through the expansion/compression of the shock-absorbing structure.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories which is able to perform a protective function in different settings and sectors.

A further but not final object of the present invention is to provide a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories which his easy to manufacture and works well. These objects and more besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories, in accordance with the claims below.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages will better emerge in the detailed description of a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories according to the present invention, provided in the form of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows, schematically, a section view of the element shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows, schematically, a detail of the view in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows, schematically, a variant of a detail of the element in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, an embodiment of the system in question for a crotch liner for a pair of cycling tights and shorts;

- Figure 6 shows, schematically and from a different perspective view, the embodiment in Figure 5.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, and in particular Figure 1 , 1 denotes a shock absorbing system for clothing and accessories according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories 1 in question is essentially constituted of a base plate 2 from which a plurality of“towers” 3 extends appropriately distributed over the surface of the plate 2. In more detail, the “towers” 3 have different sized diameters from each other depending on the load to which they will be exposed. The shock-absorbing system in question essentially performs a cushioning function by means of a shock-absorbing element constituted of a plate and towers. As shown in Figure 1 , the shock-absorbing element shown is envisaged to be inserted into a crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts at the surface resting on the saddle in position with each ischial bone. In the element, the towers 3 are larger in the centre and become gradually smaller and sparser towards the edges of the said element. In particular, the larger, more closely spaced towers are envisaged to withstand the greater load exerted by the person and to provide a larger resting area for the ischial bone while the towers which are gradually smaller have to withstand a lesser load and provide less support.

In addition to the foregoing, the arrangement of the towers 3 on the plate 2 creates a sort of grid 4 which - since the plate is extremely thin - generates a path with spaces and channels that that allow a circulation of air and lend flexibility to the element. In particular, the distribution and arrangement of the towers over one surface of the plate is also reproduced on the other surface, as shown in Figure 3.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, the plate 2 is endowed with a plurality of holes 20 that are designed for the intake of air from the exterior and for the outlet of overheated air and perspiration coming from the body of the user, as will emerge more clearly below.

In particular, the configuration of the towers guarantees similar support and shock absorbance to that offered by a spring and allows the tower to move not only in a vertical fashion, but also with horizontal oscillations. The horizontal motion in the channels in the grid promotes and assists air circulation also when the shock-absorbing element is exposed to pressure from the user resting thereupon. Since the shock absorbing element is extremely flexible even when exposed to a load, there are nevertheless portions which are exposed to lesser loads exerted by the body, as a result of which air flows and the different portions are in any case exposed to the different loads in a continuously alternating manner due to the motion of the person on the saddle.

This dynamic combination of the said movements creates a "pump" effect inside the crotch liner, which develops due to the expansion and subsequent compression movement, activating a forced expulsion mechanism which pushes out the air inside, which is loaded with moisture produced by perspiration resulting from physical exertion by the user, and a subsequent intake of air caused by a sort of "vacuum" (pressure difference) which is created as a result of the previous expulsion of the air. The movement of the air is controlled by the plurality of holes (20), which contribute to an important aeration of the -in this case - iliac areas. The diameters of the openings of the holes 20 are decidedly greater than the perforations envisaged in the crotch liners currently in use.

In agreement with the present embodiment, the plate 2 features a continuous linear edge, but one variant envisages a series of jagged sections 6, as shown in Figure 1 , or other configurations of jagged sections such as, for example, those shown in Figure 4, which secure the plate between the further layers of material envisaged in the configuration of a crotch liner. This type of conformation of the edge allows the element to be secured permanently preventing it moving during washing.

In greater detail, when the shock-absorbing element is, for example, made of gel, which is a material that cannot be glued with other materials, the jagged edge may have sectors with glue 7 which create obstacles preventing the gel moving, as shown in Figure 4.

According to the present invention, the towers 3 feature a flat upper surface, but can also be slightly arched to provide the user with a more localised support so as to leave even more space for the circulation of air in contact with the user's skin. In addition to the foregoing, since the plate 2 is extremely thin, it is flexible as a result of which it is able to adhere to the user's body in an extremely comfortably manner since it is anatomical and, at the same time, it is extremely lightweight and not at all bulky with the consequence that it is also aesthetically acceptable for padding.

As described earlier, the shock-absorbing element 1 features a structure having different sized towers wherein the support is greater in the more cushioned portion (where the towers are more numerous and larger in size), the said portion being located where, for example, the buttocks are resting on the saddle so as to better and more comfortably support the user's perineal and ischial area.

Furthermore, the shock-absorbing element according to the present invention can be configured as shown in Figure 5, again to be utilised in a crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts. With this essentially pear-shaped configuration, the element is designed to absorb blows and vibrations in both the ischial area and the genital area, in addition to promoting proper, adequate air exchange. Indeed, there are more sectors with a concentration of larger towers for the very reason of offering more support and shock absorbance areas where the user is resting on the saddle, as shown in Figure 6.

The aforesaid shock-absorbing element can be employed in the production of a crotch liner either alone or in association with layers of expanded foam.

The shock-absorbing element according to the present invention is produced in different variants in addition to those recommended earlier depending on the degree of shock absorbance one wishes to obtain; indeed, the different“towers” feature different sizes and different distributions so as to offer users a range of protective elements depending on the user's requirements, weight, habits, and necessities. Also the form can be adjusted and adapted to the specific need for protection.

When utilised in a crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts, the shock-absorbing system in question decreases the overall weight of the crotch liner by approximately 15%, increases flexibility of the shorts by 25%, offers transpiration with expulsion of air and vaporise and increases air circulation by 45% in the areas where the shock absorbing element according to the present invention is positioned.

In greater detail, the shock-absorbing element in question is intended to actually change the concept of padding and protection. Indeed, the tendency regarding many crotch liners present in cycling tights and shorts available on the market is for cyclists to add padding while the structure of the element in question removes it because the most important resting points are few in number and essential, in the same way that the structure worn must be, above all in a sport where a single gram can make the difference.

In addition to the foregoing, the shock-absorbing element can be inserted into the interior of a helmet as padding to protect the head, allowing the circulation of air and the outlet of vapour and moisture, which keep the keep the head dry in addition to guaranteeing optimal comfort inside the helmet. Similarly, the shock-absorbing element can be inserted into the shoulder, elbow, and knees areas of items of clothing for motorcyclist or for other sports, utilised to cushion the saddle of both bicycles and motorbikes, utilised to pad knee, elbow, and shoulder protectors for those who play volleyball, basketball, or other sports where protection elements are necessary.

In addition, while maintaining the same towers and grid configuration and therefore the same padding configuration, the thickness can be increased or reduced depending on the level of protection and support one wishes to achieve.

The shock-absorbing element described earlier is preferably made of thermoplastic gel, but the constituent structure can also be produced in further materials designed for padding, such as foams, PVC, etc.

After the predominantly structural description, the operation of the invention in question will now be outlined. n

The shock-absorbing element is inserted into the conventional outers of crotch liners (which are subsequently applied to or inserted into the cycling tights and shorts) and coupled to the fabric of garments such as jackets or tights and shorts when these are required to protect delicate parts of the body against blows and vibrations, such as garments for motorcyclists or in accessories such as helmets, and knee, elbow and shoulder protectors in other sports.

Thus the present invention achieves the objects set.

The shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories in question allows blows and vibrations to be absorbed and attenuated, thereby adequately protecting the parts of the body in contact therewith, allows efficient breathability, thereby offering good circulation of air and the outlet of moisture caused by the perspiration produced with motion and physical exertion. In particular, the shock-absorbing element features a notable lightness that reduces the weights, the thicknesses and, consequently, the bulk of the padding and excellent flexibility, which aids the user's movement guaranteeing a good level of comfort.

Furthermore, the shock-absorbing system for clothing and accessories, since particularly flexible, adapts perfectly to the morphology of the user's body and better accompanies the various movements thereof.

Advantageously, the shock-absorbing system according to the present invention is able to expel moisture by means of a pump effect brought about through the expansion and compression action of the shock-absorbing structure, in addition to promoting excellent air circulation between the exterior and the interior.

A further advantage of the present shock-absorbing system is due to the fact that the crotch liner originating therefrom is much lighter and thinner than the crotch liners currently available on the market, but maintains the same characteristics, in terms of cushioning and shock absorbance, as the layers of gel according to the commonly known technique, which - however - are much thicker and stiffer and, consequently, heavier.

Advantageously, the shock-absorbing system according to the present invention considerably reduces the mechanical and cutaneous stress and stress to the user's nervous system, bones, and muscles and in particular those of cyclists, in addition to preventing genital contusions and irritations.

In addition, the shock-absorbing element offers comfort and protection when, for example, the cyclist is on the saddle and makes unsightly, bulky padding elements unnecessary in tights and shorts, unlike with crotch liners according to the commonly known technique and, furthermore, improves the cyclist's performance since there are fewer elements of disturbance and discomfort than with the crotch liners according to the commonly known technique.

A further advantage of the present system originates from the fact that, since they are more flexible and less bulky with respect to the conventional padding elements, this leads the user to assume a more correct position on the saddle since the user tends to lean forwards and downwards, keeping their rear part upwards. Furthermore, since the padding is thinner, it is more stable, rendering the user's body more integral with the saddle and reducing slippage of the user and, consequently, the friction that would occur in the event of slippage on the saddle, as occurs with the crotch liners according to the commonly known technique which, since particularly voluminous and bulky, do not rest properly on the saddle. These movements bring about an expenditure of energy by the user to make the continual movements required to compensate for the slippage.

In particular, by reducing the stress factors the state after the pedalling activity also improves, helping cyclists with chronic problems to make a considerable recovery in terms of physical fitness. With the present garment, that which occurred with the tights and shorts according to the commonly known technique does not happen any more, i.e. the cyclist was induced or forced to change the position thereof on the saddle in the event of discomfort or pain and this behaviour led to irritation of both muscles and joints in anatomical structures that were not in direct contact with the saddle, such as the adductor muscles and/or the knee.

In addition to the foregoing, the shock-absorbing system in question offers a user a element of padding with areas of differentiated transpiration based on the need to disperse perspiration in a localised manner, offering a good level of comfort and excellent breathability only in the sectors and to the extents actually required .

Advantageously, the element of padding lends the crotch liner or the garment structural characteristics that translate into functional characteristics in order to obtain efficient temperature regulation that leaves the skin drive, thereby promoting the complete expulsion of moisture from the skin.

Furthermore, the shock-absorbing system according to the present invention offers clearly defined and delimited support and transpiration areas based on the type of function they have to perform since, depending on the conformation and arrangement of the towers, there can be sectors that absorb the perspiration and expel it outwards, breathable areas with different levels of transpiration according to necessities and the type of sport, insulated and insulating areas that protect the body part against the external environment and with a flexibility that allows unlimited, unrestricted freedom of motion and guaranteeing protection of the part.

A further advantage of the shock-absorbing system is that the said system offers the user a structure with areas that maintain the temperature and wick moisture off the skin and expel dampness outwards, leaving a pleasantly dry feeling on the skin as a result of which, when the user removes the garment, after sport, they do not feel any difference in temperature, only a feeling of wellbeing and immediate acclimatisation.

A further advantage of the present shock-absorbing system is due to the fact that the said system is able to perform its protection function in different settings and sectors, such as in items of clothing and accessories such as helmets, elbow and knee protectors, etc or motorbike and/or bicycle saddles.

A further advantage is due to the fact that the shock-absorbing system in question is easy to manufacture and works well.

Naturally further modifications or variants may be applied to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the invention that characterises it