[0001] The present invention relates to technical clothes of the type pointed out in the
preamble of the first claim
and described for example in US-A-2005/197607A1. This type of clothes consists in a particular garment suitable for particular conditions
that may cause traumas, sprains or other problems for the user. It has to protect
the user against possible traumas and incorrect physical strains that can give rise
to pain due to sprains. Said clothes, in addition to the above functions, must be
suitable to allow a high mobility, i.e. must not represent a hindrance to the user's
movements thereby enabling him/her to execute movements in a natural manner.
[0002] In conclusion, by the expression "technical clothes" it is identified an article
of clothing used under situations that may be found both when performing a physical
activity, such as skiing and motorcycling, and when working.
[0003] It is known that, among the different types of technical clothes, one of the most
important one is that used in motorcycling. In this case, clothes comprise a motorcycling
suit for covering almost the whole body and provide a sensation of comfort, and suitable
passive-security elements secured to the suit and adapted to mitigate the negative
effects of possible impacts.
[0004] In passive-security elements a back-protection is provided for the motorcyclist,
which is usually made of a polymeric material and is adapted to mitigate the impact
of the back on the asphalt following a fall, and the so-called "pads", i.e. components
disposed at the elbows and knees and adapted to avoid traumas due to impacts or rubbing
of the aforesaid body portions on the asphalt.
[0005] In addition, the suit is made of particular materials maintaining the user's body
to an agreeable temperature allowing perspiration and air passage.
[0006] A further example of technical clothes exists in the winter sports field. In this
case clothes not only ensure a good security degree, but must also protect the user
against the low temperatures of the external environment. They therefore consist of
a suit which is characterised by impermeability and a high coefficient of heat insulation.
[0007] Finally, like in the motorcycling field, particular passive-security elements can
be provided which are suitable to absorb part of the impact due to a fall.
[0008] The known art mentioned above has some important drawbacks.
[0009] In fact, the technical clothes that have to obtain an appropriate heat insulation
are characterised by a high thickness and therefore do limit the user's freedom of
movement.
[0010] The difficulties in movement are further increased by the fact that these clothes
greatly adhere to the user's body so that said user is obliged to execute unnatural
movements.
[0011] In fact, in the regions of greater stress bandages are provided, i.e. very adherent
wraps reducing the risk of accidents but, on the other hand, also reducing movements.
[0012] It is pointed out that possible unnatural movements can give origin to traumas in
the form of sprains or other similar injuries.
[0013] Another problem resulting from current technical clothes consists in the incapacity
of same to support the user in his/her movements. In other words, they are unable
to absorb part of the stresses that are applied to the user.
[0014] Another important disadvantage is represented by a poor sensation of comfort that
is perceived with such clothes due to an inappropriate perspiration.
[0015] A further problem resides in the great arduousness of the operations required for
wearing technical clothes.
[0016] Under this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to conceive
technical clothes capable of substantially obviating the mentioned drawbacks.
[0017] Within the scope of this technical task it is an important aim of the invention to
conceive clothes enabling high freedom and ease of movement.
[0018] Another important aim of the invention is to supply the user with an appropriate
support capable of following him/her in all movements and facilitating the resistance
to stresses that are applied to said user.
[0019] A further important aim is to manufacture technical clothes that are able to give
an agreeable feeling of comfort, that is to say to ensure an appropriate perspiration
and an optimal temperature under any use condition.
[0020] The invention also aims at obtaining clothes that can be worn with ease.
[0021] The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are achieved by the technical
clothes as claimed in the appended Claim 1.
[0022] Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the subclaims.
[0023] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified hereinafter by the detailed
description of preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
Fig. 1a is a view of clothes in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 1b is a second view of clothes in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 shows a step of the process for manufacturing technical clothes;
Fig. 3 shows a portion of the clothes;
Fig. 4 is a second portion of the clothes;
Fig. 5a reproduces a second example of technical clothes according to the invention;
Fig. 5b is a second diagrammatic view of the technical clothes shown in Fig. 5a; and
Fig. 6 represents a portion of the clothes shown in Fig. 5a.
[0024] With reference to the drawings, the technical clothes according to the invention
are generally identified with reference numeral
1.
[0025] They comprise an inner garment
2 adapted to adhere to a portion of the user's body, at least one support brace
3 adapted to overlap and support at least part of the body portion contained in garment
2, and fastening means
4 adapted to secure the support brace 3 to garment 2. In particular, the fastening
means 4 can be of two types: an adjustable type
4a in which they allow brace 3 to be fixed to garment 2 at a suitably extended area
enabling said components to be mutually adjusted; a fixed type
4b, in which said means secures brace 3 to garment 2 at a given point, the diaphragmatic
region for example (Fig. 4).
[0026] Preferably, the fixed fastening means 4b is obtained with a seaming, a hinge or other
similar element. The adjustable fastening means 4a advantageously consists of Velcro
or other similar element enabling the position of brace 3 to be varied relative to
that of garment 2, and also allowing brace 3 to be maintained in a tensioned condition,
ensuring a maximum adhesion between the elements constituting clothes 1.
[0027] The inner garment 2 and, in particular, the materials it is made of, are suitable
to maintain the body to a constant temperature, offer an appropriate support to the
joints and ensure a good perspiration of the regions covered with clothes 1. Advantageously,
garment 2 contemplates the presence of a plurality of sectors suitably joined to each
other and made of different materials so as to adapt the local features of garment
2 to the body portions on which it is disposed. Connection between said sectors is
preferably obtained by means of seams, ultrasonic waves or other similar techniques.
[0028] Alternatively, connection between the sectors can be obtained through heatsealing.
In this case said connection is made of a fabric ribbon placed at the junction region
between two sectors and adapted to be heatsealed with said two sectors.
[0029] Therefore, the different sectors are characterised by different coefficients of elasticity
and transpiration capacity, so as to ensure an appropriate support and a great comfort
to the body portion covered with said garment. In particular, almost all sectors are
preferably made of elastic material in order to ensure a perfect adhesion of garment
2 to the user's body. In addition, this material is ladder-proof so that its features
can remain unchanged in time.
[0030] This material consists of a fabric obtained on weaving machines having a loom of
the type for ladder-proof working and made up of a first elastic thread, Lycra for
example, and a second anelastic thread, such as polyamide microfibre, which extend
substantially together and in the same direction, with an advantageous periodicity
of two stitches and forming preferably open loops. In greater detail, the elastic
fabric is present in a percentage included between 15% and 35%, while the anelastic
fabric between 85% and 65%. Preferably, this material is a Sensitive
® fabric, produced by Eurojersey.
[0031] In the body regions characterised by a greater heat exchange, such as the abdomen,
in garment 2 thermal sectors
5a are provided which are made of materials enabling the user's body to be maintained
to an ideal temperature. Sectors 5a are adapted to store or release heat balancing
the human body's temperature and therefore avoiding overheating or cooling. Sectors
5a enable perspiration or a sensation of cold to be avoided and increase the user's
sensation of comfort.
[0032] At the joints, such as the shoulder, supporting sectors
5b are provided the materials of which ensure an appropriate containment of the joints,
therefore avoiding incorrect motions of the body that could cause traumas in the form
of sprain to the joint. In addition the materials constituting sectors 5b are of such
a nature that they advantageously bind up a body portion exerting a proprioceptive
skin stimulation.
[0033] This bandage allows sectors 5b to exert a beneficial action on muscles. In other
words, sectors 5b, exerting pressure on the skin, apply controlled stresses on joints,
which stresses through stimulation of the neuro-motor system, enable the motor and
postural control to be improved.
[0034] In addition, in an inner garment 2 impact sectors
5c can be provided which are adapted to mitigate a possible fall and advantageously
placed at the body portions that are more frequently submitted to impact, such as
the upper part of the shoulders or the knees. In particular, the impact sectors 5c
can be made of a material capable of instantaneous stiffening, i.e. materials that,
if submitted to a shock, instantaneously become stiff while remaining flexible during
normal operation.
[0035] The support brace 3 is adapted to at least partly wrap part of garment 2 and more
specifically at least one joint, such as one shoulder or knee, performing a containment
action thereon. It is therefore made of an elastic material of high strength and,
in particular, the above described Sensitive
® fabric. In greater detail, brace 3 is made of a bonded material, i.e. the Sensitive
Bonded
® fabric, in which coupling of two or more layers, of Sensitive fabrics in particular,
is provided.
[0036] The support brace 3 is worn after wearing the inner garment 2 and is secured thereto
by the aforesaid fastening means 4. In particular, it has adjustable fastening means
4a enabling a rigid locking between said two components adjusting the position of
brace 3 relative to garment 2. This adjustment, also due to the elasticity of brace
3, allows said brace to be advantageously stretched so that it is able to perfectly
adhere to the user and wrap part of his/her body.
[0037] Finally, brace 3 can be provided with at least one pad
3a made of a colloidal material and positioned at the body parts that are most submitted
to fatigue stresses, such as the clavicle and knee. In detail, pad 3a is placed internally
of brace 3 so that, when the user wears brace 3, it exerts an advantageous pressure
allowing the pad 3a to be pressed, in order that said pad by exerting pressure on
the body helps in keeping a correct position and relaxes the tissues.
[0038] Shown in Figs. 1-6 are possible non-limiting examples of the technical clothes 1.
[0039] In the first case, Figs. 1 a and 1 b, clothes 1 are represented which consist of
a vest characterised by a first level made up of the inner garment 2 and a second
level made up of the support brace 3.
[0040] In this particular case, a plurality of sectors fastened to each other is provided
in brace 2, shown in Fig. 3, said sectors being positioned as follows: the thermal
sector 5a wraps the low abdomen, the lower part of the back and the arms extremities;
two supporting sectors 5b wrap the part of the bust adjacent to the shoulder, the
shoulder itself and part of the arm; the two impact sectors 5c surround the upper
part of each shoulder. In particular the thermal sector 5a is made of Sensitive Power
®240 fabric, in which the elastic thread and the anelastic one are respectively present
in percentages of about 20% and 80%, with a weight of 240 g/m
2. The supporting sector 5b is made of sensitive Bonded
® 328 fabric, in which the elastic thread and the anelastic one are respectively present
in percentages of about 28% and 72% with a weight of 328 g/m
2.
[0041] Finally, to ensure an agreeable sensation of comfort, elastic sectors 5d are provided
which are adapted to avoid an excessive body constraint, and perspiring sectors
5e suitable to ensure an optimal perspiration.
[0042] The elastic sectors 5d are strips of fabric characterised by high elasticity and
advantageously placed at the diaphragmatic region so as to promote perspiration. These
sectors 5d are preferably made of Sensitive
® fabric and, in particular, Sensitive soft
® fabric, in which the elastic thread and the anelastic one are respectively present
in percentages of about 28% and 72% with a weight of 171 g/m
2.
[0043] The perspiring sectors 5e are arranged at the body portion adapted to be subsequently
covered with brace 3 and are characterised by a high perspiration so that an excessive
heat accumulation is not generated due to brace 3 overlapping garment 2. Sectors 5e
are advantageously positioned at the chest and the armpits and are preferably made
of perforated Lycra.
[0044] Finally, as shown in Fig. 1b, the inner garment 2 comprises a compartment
2a formed in the rear portion thereof at the backbone and adapted to receive a back-protection
6 located on the body back. The back-protection 6 is able to absorb a possible shock
suffered by the back avoiding injuries to the backbone. Finally the compartment 2a
is of the open type, i.e. it allows easy pulling out of the back-protection from garment
2 and introduction therein.
[0045] Brace 3, shown in Fig. 4, substantially has a shape similar to that of a T-shirt,
but it advantageously covers only the abdomen portion above the diaphragmatic region.
Due to this shape, breathing is not hindered and an easy movement of the limbs is
ensured, which limbs would be otherwise bothered by the brace itself due to an excessive
wrapping.
[0046] In addition, brace 3 is advantageously provided with two pads 3a placed at the shoulder
blade and more specifically, on the acromion, as shown in Fig. 1 b.
[0047] In this particular case, fastening of brace 3 to garment 2 is ensured both by the
adjustable fastening means 4a and the fixed fastening means 4b. In more detail, the
fixed fastening means 4b, as shown in Fig. 2, secures the support brace 3 to garment
2 in the part overlying the diaphragmatic region, while the adjustable fastening means
4a is suitable to carry out fastening at the abdomen.
[0048] In the other example, shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 6, clothes 1 consist of trousers
substantially made up of the inner garment 2 and of two support braces 3 adapted to
wrap at least the portion adjacent to the knees. In this case the thermal sector 5a
also performs the function of support and is therefore preferably made of Sensitive
Bonded
® 328 fabric. This sector 5a is preferably formed with bands adapted to surround the
rear portion of the thigh, the calf and almost the whole knee. The rest of the garment
is made of Sensitive Power
® 240 or other material suitable to ensure a good adhesion of the garment and a sufficient
transpiration capability.
[0049] Finally, in the inner garment 2 at each knee, an impact sector 5c can be provided
which is adapted to avoid the knees being affected by traumas due to fall.
[0050] Each support brace 3 shown in Fig. 6 advantageously has a lower ring-shaped portion,
adapted to surround the calf, a central portion adapted to surround the knee and an
upper portion for partly surrounding the upper part of the leg. In detail, the upper
portion has fixed fastening means 4b for securing the brace to garment 2 at the lower
part of the bust, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. Finally, each brace 3 has a pad 3a
adapted to come into contact with the lower part of the knee.
[0051] Use of the technical clothes described above as regards structure is the following.
First, the user wears the inner garment 2 and afterwards brace 3 which is finally
secured to garment 2 by the fastening means 4. In particular, the technical clothes
shown in Figs. 1a-4 are used in this manner.
[0052] First the user wears the inner garment 2 having brace 3 secured at the diaphragmatic
region. Then the support brace 3 is worn and secured to garment 2. In particular the
user, after wearing the brace, sets brace 3 in traction so as to ensure a perfect
adhesion of said brace to garment 2 and to the body. Once said condition has been
obtained, brace 3 is secured to garment 2 by the releasable fastening means 4a.
[0053] In the example in Figs. 5a-6, the user wears garment 2 and then slips braces 3 on
one by one. In particular, the lower ring-shaped portion comes into contact with the
calf and then the user, due to the fixed fastening means 4b, secures said brace to
garment 3. Alternatively, the user can wear braces 3 simultaneously with the inner
garment 2.
[0054] There is a process for manufacturing the technical clothes 1. First, an inner garment
2 is provided. In particular, garment 2 is advantageously disposed on a suitable structure,
such as a dummy, or alternatively directly on the user. This arrangement allows garment
2 to be fully laid down in order to make the following operations easier.
[0055] When this first step of the process has been completed, at least one support brace
3 is superposed on at least part of the inner garment 2. Thus the structure appears
to be covered with garment 2 which in turn is partly covered with brace 3.
[0056] Finally the process is terminated by releasingly securing the two components together
by means of the releasable fastening means 4a. In particular, brace 3, due to the
particular materials it is made of, appears to be taut and is caused to adhere to
almost the whole garment portion covered with it.
[0057] The invention enables important advantages to be achieved.
[0058] In fact, the technical clothes 1 offer a high freedom and facility of movement. In
particular, the advantageous use of Sensitive
® fabrics ensures a great flexibility and comfort to the individual garment components.
[0059] In addition, the Sensitive
® fabrics, due to their particular features, are able to offer an appropriate support
to the user's body in all movements thereof.
[0060] Specifically, the double coating ensured by overlapping brace 3 and garment 2 and
the almost perfect adhesion between said two elements defines an elastic structure
that is also characterised by a high containment capability allowing traumas resulting
from an incorrect movement of a joint to be avoided.
[0061] In addition, the containment action exerted in particular by Sensitive
® Power and Sensitive
® Bonded fabrics counteracts the muscle oscillation and ensures a greater movement
accuracy.
[0062] A further advantage is represented by the easy wearing of clothes 1.
[0063] Also advantageous is the presence of the impact sectors 5c made of a material offering
an instantaneous stiffening while being flexible during normal use, so that said sectors
enable the user to carry out easy movements, but on occurrence of an impact, they
become stiff allowing the impact energy to be distributed and therefore traumas to
be avoided.
[0064] Furthermore, the particular materials constituting the technical clothes 1 offer
an ideal perspiration and an almost ideal inner temperature.
[0065] Moreover, use of Sensitive
® fabrics allows technical clothes 1 to be obtained that are characterised by a more
reduced thickness and therefore greater comfort and mobility.
[0066] Another important advantage resides in the heatsealing operations carried out for
joining two or more sectors together. The obtained heatseals are in fact able to ensure
a high Young's modulus at the seal and therefore a high elasticity to said junction.
[0067] The invention is susceptible of variations falling within the inventive idea as defined
by the claims. Within this scope the details can be replaced by equivalent elements
and the materials, shapes and sizes can be of any nature and magnitude.
1. Technische Kleidung (1), die ein Innenfutter (2) umfasst, dass geeignet ist, an einem
Körperteil des Benutzers anzuliegen, und mindestens eine Stütze (3), die geeignet
ist, mindestens einen Teil des genannten Körperteils zu stützen und Befestigungsvorrichtungen
(4), die geeignet sind, die genannte mindestens eine Stütze (3) an dem genannten Innenfutter
(2) zu sichern und bei der die genannte Stütze (3) geeignet ist, durch eine relative
Bewegung in Bezug auf das genannte Innenfutter (2) getragen zu werden, nachdem das
genannte Innenfutter (2) vom Benutzer getragen wurde, so dass das Innenfutter (2)
zum Teil von der Stütze (3) verdeckt wird, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das genannte Innenfutter (2) aus einem Gewebe besteht, das auf Webmaschinen mit einem
Webstuhl gefertigt wurde, auf dem nicht entmaschbare Gewebe hergestellt werden und
aus einem ersten elastischen Faden und einem zweiten nicht elastischen Faden besteht,
die sich im Wesentlichen gemeinsam und in dieselbe Richtung ausdehnen, dies bei einer
Häufigkeit von zwei Stichen und einer bevorzugten Ausformung von offenen Schleifen
und bei dem die mindestens eine Stütze (3) aus einem verstärkten Material hergestellt
ist, bei dem eine Verbindung von zwei oder mehr Schichten des beschriebenen Gewebes
vorliegen.
2. Kleidung (1) nach dem vorangegangenen Anspruch, bei der die genannten Befestigungsvorrichtungen
(4) einstellbare Befestigungsvorrichtungen (4a) umfassen, die geeignet sind, die genannte
Stütze (3) an das genannte Innenfutter (2) anzupassen.
3. Kleidung (1) nach einem oder mehreren der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, bei der die genannte
Befestigungsvorrichtung (4) feste Befestigungsvorrichtungen (4b) umfasst, die geeignet
sind, die genannte Stütze (3) an dem genannten Innenfutter (2) an einer gegebenen
Stelle zu sichern.
4. Kleidung (1) nach einem oder mehreren der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, bei der in dem
genannten Innenfutter (2) Bereiche vorliegen, die aus unterschiedlichen Materialien
bestehen, um ein größeres Gefühl der Entlastung für das genannte Körperteil zu garantieren.
5. Kleidung (1) nach Anspruch 4, bei der die genannten Bereiche durch Heißversiegelung
miteinander verbunden sind.
6. Kleidung (1) nach einem oder mehreren der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, bei der das genannten
Innenfutter (2) eine Aufnahme (2a) umfasst, die geeignet ist, das Einsetzen und Entfernen
eines Rückenschutzes zu ermöglichen.
7. Kleidung (1) nach einem oder mehreren der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, bei der mindestens
eine der genannten Stützen (3) mindestens ein Pad (3a) umfasst, das aus einem kolloidalen
Material hergestellt ist.