US20240365895A1

US20240365895A1 - Protective garment for articulations of the human body

Info

Publication number: US20240365895A1
Application number: US18/572,932
Authority: US
Inventors: Giovanni Mazzarolo
Original assignee: Alpinestars Research SpA
Current assignee: Alpinestars Research SpA
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2022-06-20
Publication date: 2024-11-07
Also published as: IT202100016103A1; CN117769370A; WO2022269450A1; EP4358780A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective garment (10) for articulations of the human body, suitable for being used in particular by motorcyclists or cyclists. The protective garment (10) comprises: —a flexible base layer (12) which in use is designed to stay close to the body (14) of the user; —at least one energy absorbing device (16) positioned at a portion of the flexible base layer (12) which in use is designed to be superimposed to an articulation of the body (14) of the user. The at least one energy absorbing device (16) is connected to the flexible base layer (12) so as to be movable with respect to the flexible base layer (12) if a tangential impact (F) acts on the energy absorbing device (16). According to the invention, the energy absorbing device (16) comprises a slidable layer (18) connected to the flexible base layer (12) by means of at least one fixation member (20).

Description

The present invention relates to a protective garment for articulations of the human body. In particular, the present invention refers, even if in a non-exclusive 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.
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.
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.
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 protectors is also useful in absorbing and distributing the force from striking objects.
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.
Moreover, the risk of injuries caused by oblique impacts is higher for riders involved in motocross and mountain biking activities.
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.
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.
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 of oblique impact, they are thus less efficient in absorbing the tangential component of oblique impact which may result in injuries to body bones, tendons and other tissues, especially on limbs.
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.
EP0790787B1 discloses a protective armour used by riot police and the army forces suitable for protecting against direct and tangential forces.
The protective armour according to EP0790787B1 comprises a first layer of a first flexibility having a first surface which in use is presented to receive impact blows; and a membrane which overlies at least a portion of the first surface of the first layer and which is more flexible than the first layer of material. The protective armour is constructed in such a way that when a force is applied to an outwardly facing surface of the protective armour which has a component tangential to the surface, the force can cause the membrane to move relative to the first layer of material.
Such a protective armour, even if it deals with the absorption of the energy caused by tangential forces, is not suitable for being used by motorcyclists or cyclists since it would unavoidably reduce the freedom of movement of the user. At the same time, it is cumbersome and it leaves unprotected the articulations of the user's body more prone to the above mentioned injuries, like for example the shoulder portions.
A similar solution is disclosed in EP1404189B1 which relates to a protective armour used by riot police and the army forces comprising: a base layer having an inwardly facing surface which in use faces the body of a user of the armour and an outwardly facing surface which in use faces away from the body of a user. The armour further comprises an outer layer which overlies at least a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the base layer; and rupturing means for firmly attaching the outer layer to the remainder of the armour at one or more locations.
In particular, the rupturing means are configured so as to fail when a force greater than a selected threshold is applied on and received from an outer surface of the armour, which force acts in an at least part tangential direction tending to rotate the armour and the body of the user.
Upon failure of the rupturing means at the one or more locations, the received force causes at least part of the outer layer receiving the force to move relative to the base layer in a manner which is similar to the protective movement of the human scalp relative to the skull.
In this way the protective armour would be able to attenuate and, in certain cases to neutralize, both normal and tangential components of force sustained during an impact.
The protective armour disclosed in EP1404189B1 is not suitable for being used by motorcyclists or cyclists for the same reasons mentioned above with reference to EP0790787B1.
Moreover, EP1404189B1 refers to rupturing means designed to break when they undergo a force greater than a selected threshold.
The protective armour is thus not effective in progressively absorbing forces acting on the user's body and it cannot be reused after having received an impact greater than the selected threshold.
Furthermore, the protective armour is not adapted to protect the articulations of the human body.
The object of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, which solves at least partly the above mentioned problems and drawbacks.
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.
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 facilitating the mutual movement between the rider's body and the ground in case of an impact on an uneven surface.
Furthermore, 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.
A further aim of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists and cyclists, suitable for at least partially absorbing the impact energy in a progressive manner.
Finally, an aim of the present invention is to provide a protective garment for articulations of the human body, particularly for motorcyclists or cyclists, suitable for being reusable, namely to absorb multiple impacts over a period of time, without needing to be replaced.
These and other objects and aims are achieved by the protective garment for articulations of the human body according to claim 1.

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:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of the protective garment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a view similar to FIG. 2 , but relating to a different operating condition;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic front view of a second embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of the protective garment of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 shows a view similar to FIG. 5 , but relating to a different operating condition;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic front view of a third embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of the protective garment of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 shows a view similar to FIG. 8 , but relating to a different operating condition;

FIGS. 10 and 11 show view similar to FIGS. 2, 5 and 8 , but relating to different embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of the protective garment according to the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a particular of the protective garment of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 shows a view similar to FIG. 13 , but relating to a different operating condition;

FIG. 15 shows a partial perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14 ;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic exploded view of a particular of the protective garment of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic top view of the particular of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of the detail A of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 shows an enlarged view of the detail B of FIG. 18 .

With reference to the enclosed figures, an example of a protective garment for articulations of the 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.
The protective garment 10 is suitable for being used in a sporting activity, in particular motorcycling or cycling. In particular, the protective garment 10 is adapted for users involved in motocross or mountain biking activities.
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.
Preferably, the protective garment 10 is a long-sleeved t-shirt.
The protective garment 10 comprises a flexible base layer 12 which in use is designed to stay close to the body 14 of the user. The base layer 12 being flexible is able to undergo repeated bending when a force is applied on it.
Advantageously, the flexible base layer 12 is adapted to be positioned in direct contact with the body 14 of the user. Alternatively, a further element can be positioned between the flexible base layer 12 and the body 14 of the user. For example, the flexible base layer 12 can be worn on top of an undershirt, not visible in the enclosed figures, and/or on top of additional protections worn by the user, like for example chest protector or back protector.
At the same time, the flexible base layer 12 can be positioned under a further protective garment.
Preferably, the flexible base layer 12 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.
For example, the flexible base layer 12 can be made of nylon or polyester like material. Advantageously, the flexible base layer 12 can be made of elastic material so as to be able to optimum fit with the body 14 of the user. Preferably, the flexible base layer 12 is designed to stay adherent to the user's body.
Moreover, the base layer 12 can be provided with rigid protections applied in specific zones of the protective garment, like for example the areas of the protective garment designed to be superimposed to the chest and back of the user.
The protective garment 10 also comprises at least one energy absorbing device 16. Such a device 16 is positioned at a portion of the flexible base layer 12 which in use is designed to be superimposed to an articulation of the body 14 of the user.
In the enclosed figures, the energy absorbing device 16 is positioned at a portion of the flexible base layer 12 designed to be superimposed to the shoulder of the user. However, the device 16 can be positioned in different portions of the flexible base layer 12. For example, the energy absorbing device 16 can be positioned at portions of the flexible base layer 12 designed to be superimposed to the elbow, hip or knee of the user.
Preferably, the protective garment 10 is provided with more than one energy absorbing device 16, namely an energy absorbing device for each portion of the body involving an articulation.
In the embodiments shown in the attached figures, the protective garment 10 is provided with two energy absorbing devices 16, each one positioned over a different shoulder portion of the garment.
According to the invention, the energy absorbing device 16 is connected to the flexible base layer 12 so as to be movable with respect to the flexible base layer 12 if a tangential impact F acts on the energy absorbing device 16. In particular, the energy absorbing device 16 is movable with respect to the flexible base layer 12 along a direction which is substantially parallel to the direction along which the tangential impact F is directed.
As “tangential impact” F it will be identified an impact acting exclusively along a parallel direction to the energy absorbing device 16 and/or the tangential component of an oblique impact acting on the energy absorbing device 16.
As it will appear clearly from the following description, the energy absorbing device 16, being movable with respect to the base layer 12 in case of a tangential impact F, is effective in absorbing at least partially the impact energy associated with such an 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.
In particular, the energy absorbing device 16 is configured to allow a mutual sliding between the ground, or the object, hit by the rider and the base layer 12 in case of a tangential impact. In other words, the energy absorbing device 16 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.
With reference to the enclosed figures, the energy absorbing device 16 preferably comprises a slidable layer 18 connected to the flexible base layer 12 by means of at least one fixation member 20.
The slidable layer 18 is preferably shaped so as to match the anatomy of the articulation portion of the body of the user to which it is superimposed when the protective garment 10 is in use.
With reference for example to FIGS. 1-3 , the slidable layer 18 positioned at the shoulder portion of the protective garment 10 has a concave shape so as to better fit with the underneath shoulder articulation of the user.
The slidable layer 18 has a thickness comprised preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm. Advantageously, the slidable layer 18 has a constant thickness along its extension.
Preferably, the slidable layer 18 can be made of a low friction material. In the meaning of the present invention, a low friction material is a material having a friction coefficient lower than 0,3.
Alternatively, the slidable layer 18 can be coated with a low friction material.
Low friction materials can be materials like PTFE, ABS, PVC, PC, Nylon.
As anticipated, the slidable layer 18 is connected to the flexible base layer 12 by means of at least one fixation member 20. The slidable layer 18 is preferably connected to the flexible base layer so as to lay along a surface substantially parallel to the base layer 12.
As shown in FIGS. 1-10 , the fixation member 20 is preferably arranged along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the slidable layer 18 and to the flexible base layer 12 so as to keep spaced apart these layers.
Preferably, due to the provision of the fixation member 20, the slidable layer 18 is initially spaced apart from the flexible base layer 12 of a distance comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm.
Such a distance d, after the impact, is designed to be reduced and, in case of an impact of high energy, the slidable layer 18 can get in contact with the flexible base layer 12.
The fixation member 20 is preferably made of rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material, like for example polyurethane (PU).
Advantageously, the fixation member 20 can be made of elastic or visco-elastic polymeric material, like for example thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic rubber (TPR).
In this case, the fixation member 20 if undergoes a tangential impact F, can deform, so as to dissipate at least partially the energy impact. Moreover, being made of elastic or visco-elastic material, if the impact energy is below the yielding limit of the material, the fixation member 20 can also return to its initial condition so as to be reusable, if needed.
The fixation member 20 might be a pin having a first end connected to the flexible base layer 12 and a second end connected to the slidable layer 18.
The fixation member 20 can have at least one bending point about which the fixation member 20 bend in case a tangential impact F acts on the energy absorbing device 16, so as to permit the movement of the slidable layer 18 along a direction substantially parallel to the direction along which the tangential impact F acts.
Preferably, the fixation member 20 is provided with a bending point close to its first end. Advantageously, the fixation member 20 can also be provided with a further bending point close to its second end. In other words the at least one bending point is arranged close to one of the ends of the fixation member 20.
The bending points might consist in an indentation or notch arranged in the fixation member 20.
The bending of the fixation member 20 can be caused by a plastic or elastic deformation which takes place at the bending points.
Alternatively, the fixation member 20 can be provided with at least one hinge 22 arranged at one of its ends around which the fixation member 20 can rotate in case a tangential impact F acts on the energy absorbing device 16 (see FIG. 10 ). Also in this case, following such a rotation, the slidable layer 18 will move with respect to the flexible base layer 12.
Preferably, the fixation member 20 has a hinge at its first end.
Advantageously, the fixation member 20 can be provided with a further hinge at its second end. In this way the fixation member 20 can also rotate around its second end in case a tangential impact F acts on it, so as to maintain the initial alignment between the slidable layer 18 and the flexible base layer 12.
Preferably, such a hinge 22 consists of a male element 23, provided at one end of the fixation member 20, which is designed to be inserted inside a corresponding female element 24 in turn fastened to the flexible base layer 12 or to the slidable layer 18.
In this embodiment, the mechanical hinge 22 can also be designed to allow a removable connection between the slidable layer 18 and the flexible base layer 12.
Advantageously, the slidable layer 18 can be connected to the flexible base layer 12 by means of a plurality of fixation members 20.
In FIGS. 1-6 , the slidable layer 18 is connected to the flexible base layer 12 by means of two fixation members 20 which are spaced apart and positioned substantially parallel to each other.
A different number and a different arrangement of the fixation members 20 can be envisaged to comply with different specific needs.
Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 11 , the fixation member 20 might consist of a first magnetic element 25, applied to the base layer 12, and a second magnetic element 26, applied to the slidable layer 18. The magnetic elements 25, 26 are designed to be in contact with each other during the normal use of the protective garment 10.
The magnetic force between the magnetic elements 25, 26 assures a firm connection of the slidable layer 18 to the flexible base layer 12 during the normal use of the garment.
In case of tangential impact F acting on the energy absorbing device 16, the second magnetic element 26 can slide over the first magnetic element 25 so as to allow the translation of the slidable layer 18 with respect to the flexible base layer 12.
In a further embodiment, schematically shown in FIGS. 12-14 , the fixation member 20 can consist of a pocket 30 defined by two layers of fabric, a top layer fabric 31 and a bottom layer fabric 32. The pocket 30 is applied on the flexible base layer 12. Advantageously, at least one of the two layers 31, 32 defining the pocket is part of the flexible base layer 12.
At least one of said two layers 31, 32 is made of an elastic and low friction fabric, for example nylon. The slidable layer 18, which is preferably made of a low friction material, is freely housed inside said pocket (see FIG. 13 ).
In this case, the slidable layer 18 is indirectly connected to the flexible base layer 12.
In case of tangential impact acting on the energy absorbing device 16, the slidable layer 18 is able to move inside the pocket 30 by sliding along the layers 31, 32 forming the pocket 30, so as to create a sliding surface between the ground and the user's body (see FIG. 14 ).
The pocket 30 can be applied on the flexible base layer 12 without interrupting the structure of the flexible base layer 12.
Alternatively, the pocket 30 can be inserted in the structure of the flexible base layer 12.
In this case, the perimeter portions of the layers 31, 32 of the pocket 30 are connected to free edges of the base layer 12, for example by means of seams 34.
With reference to FIGS. 15-20 , in a variation of the embodiment of the protective garment 10 of FIGS. 12-14 , the energy absorbing device 16 can further comprise a support member 38. The support member 38 is housed inside the pocket 30 so as to act as a support for the slidable layer 18. In particular, the slidable layer 18 is positioned on top of the support member 38 so as to be freely movable on the latter.
Preferably, the support member 38 is fixed inside the pocket 30. Advantageously, the support member 38 is fixed to the bottom layer fabric 32 of the pocket 30. For example, the support member 38 can be fixed to the bottom layer fabric 32 by means of a glue layer 44.
Preferably, the support member 38 can be made with a low friction material. For example, the support member 38 can be made with nylon. Advantageously, the support member 38 can be a fabric material.
Preferably, the support member 38 has an oval shape. The dimensions of the support member 38 preferably correspond to the dimensions of the slidable layer 18.
If the energy absorbing device 16 comprises the support member 38, the bottom layer 32 and the top layer 31 of the pocket 30 do not need to be made with a fabric having a low friction coefficient. As a matter of fact, the provision of the support member 38 assures the needed slidability of the slidable layer 18.
The bottom layer 32 and the top layer 31 of the pocket 30 can be made with the same fabric forming the protective garment 10, for example a breathable mesh fabric.
As shown in FIGS. 16-20 , the slidable layer 18 can be fixed by means of a fastening device 40 at an inner perimetral portion of the pocket 30.
Preferably, the slidable layer 18 is fixed to the fastening device 40, for example by means of a glue layer 48 arranged between a bottom surface of the slidable layer 18 and a top surface of the fastening device 40. The fastening device 40 in turn is fixed by means of stitching at the inner perimetral portion of the pocket 30.
The fastening device 40 can comprise two webbings 41, 42. As shown in FIG. 16 , the webbings 41, 42 can be arranged on top of the support member 38 in a crisscross configuration. In this case, a further layer of glue 49 can be disposed at the intersection of the webbings 41, 42 so as to maintain such a crisscross configuration.
As shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 , the webbings 41, 42 can be designed to engage corresponding slits 39 provided at the perimeter edge of the support member 38.
Preferably, the webbings 41, 42 are made with a low friction material, for example a low friction fabric.
The webbings 41, 42 during the normal use are in a not tensioned condition so as to allow the movements of the slidable layer 18 over the support member 38.
Advantageously, the provision of the fastening device 40 permits to control the movements of the slidable layer 18. In particular, even if the slidable layer 18 is still able to freely move over the support member 38, the webbings 41, 42, being fastened to the slidable layer 18 and to the perimetral edge of the pocket 30, assure that the slidable layer 18 is always facing the support member 38 during the normal use of the garment.
In this way, in case of impact acting on the energy absorbing device 16, it is guaranteed that the slidable layer 18 is able to accomplish its function.
Preferably, as shown in FIG. 16 , the slidable layer 18 can be formed by two opposed layers 18A suitable for enclosing a foil 18B.
The two opposed layers 18A can be made of a low friction material, for example nylon.
Also the foil 18B can be made of a low friction material, for example polycarbonate.
The two opposed layers 18A are glued to each other by means of a perimetral glue layer 18C, so as to define a seat inside which the foil 18B is freely movable.
The layers 18A and the foil 18B can each have a thickness of about 0.5-1.0 mm. Preferably, the layers 18A and the foil 18B are made with a flexible material so as to be able to follow the anatomy of the body part on which they are positioned.
The configuration of the sliding layer 18 disclosed above can also be used with the embodiment of the protective garment shown in FIGS. 12-14 .
Advantageously, a coat 46 made of a high friction coefficient can be arranged at the inner side of the pocket 30, so as to be in contact with the user's body when the garment is worn. Preferably, such a coat 46 can consist of a silicon print. Advantageously, the coat 46 can be divided in a plurality of inserts 46A, 46B, 46C so as to better adapt to the anatomy of the user.
The external dimensions of the coat substantially correspond to the overall dimensions of the support member 38.
The coat 46 is substantially integral with the bottom layer 32 of the pocket 30. The function of the coat 46, made of a high friction coefficient, is to create a grip between the user body and the bottom layer 32 of the pocket 30.
With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 , the energy absorbing device 16 can be connected to an inner side of the flexible base layer 12, wherein as inner side is indicated the side of the base layer 12 which in use faces the user's body.
Alternatively, with reference to FIGS. 4-6 , the energy absorbing device 16 can be connected to an outer side of the flexible base layer 12, wherein as outer side is indicated the side of the base layer 12 which in use faces away from the user's body.
Similarly, the pocket 30 can be applied on the inner side or the outer side of the flexible base layer 12.
With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 , the protective garment 10 can comprise an inner element 36 arranged on the inner side of the flexible base layer 12.
In this embodiment, the energy absorbing device 16 is positioned between the flexible base layer 12 and the inner element 36.
Advantageously, the slidable layer 18 is fixed by means of a first fixation member 20 a to the flexible base layer 12 and by means of a second fixation member 20 b to the inner element 36.
In case of a tangential impact F acting on the energy absorbing device 16, the slidable layer 18 is movable both with respect to the flexible base layer 12 and the inner element 36 (see FIG. 9 ).
In this embodiment the inner element 36 can be the lining of the protective garment 10.
In the following it will be explained in detail how the energy absorbing device 16 works if it undergoes a tangential impact F.
Reference will be made to FIGS. 12-14 , but the following notes are also valid for the other embodiments previously disclosed.
In case of a tangential impact F due to a fall of the rider over an uneven ground, the energy absorbing device 16 is suitable for creating, thanks to the relative movement of the slidable layer 18 with respect to the layers 31, 32 of the pocket 30 and thus with respect to the flexible base layer 12, a sliding surface between the body of the rider and the ground.
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.
In other words, the slidable layer 18 permits to obtain a sliding effect between the articulation of the rider's body and the ground, so as to dissipate at least partially a first portion of the impact energy.
Moreover, the friction generated between the slidable layer 18 and the layers 31, 32 forming the pocket 30 and the elastic deformation undergone by at least one of such layers 31, 32 permit to absorb a further portion of the impact energy by means of the heat generated by the friction and by means of the elastic deformation of the pocket 30.
With reference to embodiment of FIGS. 15-20 , in case of impact, the body transmits the rotational energy to the bottom layer 32 of the pocket 30, which thanks to the provision of the coat 46 does not slide over the user's body.
The bottom layer 32 in turn, thanks to the slidable layer 18, which slides over the support member 38, is able to slide relatively to the top layer 31 which is in contact with the ground. In this way, the articulation on which the energy absorbing device 16 is superimposed can be protected against injuries.
In the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 , part of the impact energy is absorbed by the plastic deformation undergone by the pins forming the fixation members.
In case the fixation members are made of elastic or visco-elastic polymeric material, part of the impact energy can be absorbed by the elastic deformation undergone by the fixation members. In this case, after the impact, if the energy has not exceeded the yielding limit of the material forming the fixation members, the latter can return to their initial condition so as to permit the reuse of the energy absorbing device 16, and consequently of the garment 10.
It is thus clear how the predefined objects may be achieved with the protective garment 10 according to the invention.
As a matter of fact, the protective garment of the present invention thanks to the provision of the energy absorbing device offers an improved protection to the articulations of the human body against tangential impacts without affecting the comfort of the user.
In particular, the energy absorbing device even if it is designed to be superimposed to the articulations of the human body does not interfere with the movements of the user.
At the same time, the energy absorbing device is able to progressively absorb the impact energy so as to be effective also in case of impacts of reduced intensity which in any case might be harmful for the articulations of the user.
Finally, the energy absorbing device according to FIGS. 12-14 or according to FIGS. 1-9 if the fixation member is made of elastic or visco-elastic material can also be reusable, if the fabric layers 31-32 are not torn or the energy impact is below the yielding limits of the material forming the fixation members 20.
This occurrence is particularly useful during a competition, so as to offer the same protection level to the user. At the same time, it is also particularly useful if the garment is used by not professional riders who are no longer forced to replace their garments after each impact.
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

1. A protective garment for articulations of the human body, suitable for being used in a sporting activity, in particular motorcycling or cycling, comprising:

a flexible base layer which in use is designed to stay close to the body of the user;

at least one energy absorbing device positioned at a portion of the flexible base layer which in use is designed to be superimposed to an articulation of the body of the user;

the at least one energy absorbing device being connected to the flexible base layer, so as to be movable with respect to the flexible base layer if a tangential impact acts on the energy absorbing device;

the protective garment being characterized in that said at least one energy absorbing device comprises a slidable layer connected to the flexible base layer by means of at least one fixation member.

2. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy absorbing device is movable with respect to the flexible base layer along a direction which is substantially parallel to the direction along which the tangential impact is directed.

3. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one energy absorbing device is positioned at the shoulder portion of the protective garment, the slidable layer having a concave shape so as to fit with the shoulder articulation of the user.

4. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the slidable layer is made of a low friction material or is coated with a low friction material.

5. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fixation member is arranged along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the slidable layer and the flexible base layer.

6. The protective garment according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one fixation member is a pin having a first end connected to the flexible base layer and a second end connected to the slidable layer.

7. The protective garment (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least one fixation member has at least one bending point about which said at least fixation member bends in case a tangential impact acts on the energy absorbing device.

8. The protective garment according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one bending point is arranged close to one of the ends of the at least one fixation member, said at least one bending point consisting in an indentation arranged in said at least one fixation member.

9. The protective garment according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least one fixation member is provided with at least one hinge arranged at one of the ends of said at least one fixation member, said at least one fixation member being configured to rotate around said at least one hinge in case a tangential impact acts on the energy absorbing device.

10. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fixation member consists of a first magnetic element, applied to the flexible base layer, and a second magnetic element, applied to the slidable layer.

11. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fixation member consists in a pocket defined by two layers of fabric.

12. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that the slidable layer is movable inside the pocket by sliding along the layers of the pocket.

13. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that the slidable layer is freely housed inside said pocket.

14. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that said pocket is applied at the inner or at the outer side of the flexible base layer without interrupting the structure of the flexible base layer.

15. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that said pocket is inserted in the structure of the flexible base layer, the perimeter portions of said two layers being connected to free edges of the flexible base layer.

16. The protective garment according to claim 1, further comprising an inner element arranged on an inner side of the flexible base layer, the energy absorbing device being positioned between the flexible base layer and the inner element.

17. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fixation member is made of rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material.

18. The protective garment according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one fixation member is made of elastic or visco-elastic polymeric.

19. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that said at least one energy absorbing device comprises a support member, the support member being housed inside the pocket so as to act as a support for the slidable layer.

20. The protective garment according to claim 19, characterized in that the slidable layer is positioned on top of the support member so as to be freely movable on the support member.

21. The protective garment according to claim 19, characterized in that the support member is fixed inside the pocket.

22. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that the slidable layer can be fixed by means of a fastening device at an inner perimetral portion of the pocket.

23. The protective garment according to claim 22, characterized in that the fastening device comprises two webbings arranged on top of the support member in a crisscross configuration.

24. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that a coat made of a high friction coefficient is arranged at an inner side of the pocket.

25. The protective garment according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the two layers defining the pocket is part of the flexible base layer.