EP0906039A1

EP0906039A1 - Universal torso protector for sports use with hydro-pneumatic shock-absorber systems and epidermal cooling systems

Info

Publication number: EP0906039A1
Application number: EP97929485A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Carlesi; Gianfranco Epifani
Original assignee: Ufo Plast Di Consoloni Vito Ecsnc
Current assignee: Ufo Plast Di Consoloni Vito Ecsnc
Priority date: 1996-07-18
Filing date: 1997-06-12
Publication date: 1999-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-12
Also published as: DE69701735T2; EP0906039B1; ITLI960008A1; AU3357697A; IT1288354B1; DE69701735D1

Abstract

The subject of this invention is a 'Universal Torso' protector for sporting activities with hydro-pneumatic shock-absorber systems and epidermal cooling systems. The invention provides protection of the torso as specified by European Directive 89/686/EEC for Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) of Category II. Protection is obtained by means of a rugged plastic or carbon fiber bearing structure, a shock-absorbing system consisting of reinforced paddings of different thickness and density and an auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system (figs. 8, 13 and 14). The last-mentioned system makes use of elements installed in the reinforced paddings or in garments to be donned separately. Unlike current commercial torso shields, the invention also ensures physical comfort by means of an epidermal cooling system which makes use of the following different units and garments: chemical cold-producing unit, through the controlled solubilization of ammonium nitrate tablets (fig. 10); heatsink unit with cold-producing thermic accumulator substances (gelatinous glycolic substances) (fig. 10); electrical cooling unit with fans (fig. 11); electronic cooling unit with 'Peltier' cells; spray cooling unit with release of compressed gas from standardized cylinders (fig. 12); waistcoat worn next to the skin with cold-producing elements through controlled solubilization of ammonium nitrate tablets (fig. 13); cooling vest worn next to the skin with cold producing thermic accumulator substances (gelatinous glycolic substances) (fig. 14). The five units listed above are for use with the protector worn next to the skin; the two garments are for use with the protector worn externally.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Universal torso protector for sports use with hvdro-pneumatic shock-absorber systems and epidermal cooling systems

TECHNICAL HEIP

The subject of this invention is a Universal Torso Protβctorwhich performs the twofold funs tion of providing protection at the level of Category II under European Directve 89/686/EEC and epidermal cooling of the torso. Thanks to these features, the protector, to date unri^¬ valed on the market, can be used in sports that involve the risk ot falls or impacts such as for example: motorcycling, motocross, cycling, riding, skiing, etc. The protector can be worn "next to the skin" that is under racing overalls or "externally^'that is above the overalls, providing in both cases the same level of protection and epidermal cooling of the torso. In the first case, the protector consists of a single unit worn directly above the skin; In the second case, the protector consists of two separate parts, donned the one above racing overalls and the other next to the skin.

BACKGRQ NP ART

Simple protectors are available and are currently used in many sports, providing differ^¬ ent levels of protection but In no case ensuring adequate protection against torso injury in the event of fall and/or collision. Among these are the commercial plastic shields used by motocross pilots which provide adequate protection against stones and debris flung up during the race, but are ineffective in the event of fall or collision and are consequently Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) of Category I (the lowest).

These shields are not therefore comparable to the knee and elbow protectors worn during motocycling races which are PPEs of Category II, designed (in compliance with European Directive 89/686/EEC) for protection against injuries caused by falls or collisions.

Similar shields are used for equitation, but also they do not provide adequate protectⁱon in the event of a fall.

In addition, all these protectors limit normal ventilation of the torso. The plastic shields for motocross races, for instance, inevitably cause on hot summer days, when these competi- tions are usually held, a rise in temperature around the torso despite the slits incorporated in them since they are normally worn (either above or below) anti-mud overalls.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The torso protector under this invention can be worn either "next to the skin" or "external ly" by reason of its combined bearing and shock-absorbing structure and of a range of epi- dermal cooling systems.

The combined bearing and shock-absorber structure protects the torso in the event of fall or collision as specified by Directive EEC S86/69 for Persσπa Protection Equipment

(PPEs) of Category II.

The protector is described hereunder in the version "worn next the skin"{ g. 1).

BEARING STRUCTURE The structure is formed of 8 plastic or carbon fiber shields pressed to a specific design that provides housing facilities for the shock-absorber elements.

The shields can withstand a penentration pressure of 1150 kN/mm, applied by a punch calibrated according to ASTM specifications, and are connected to one another by means of elastic fasteners so as to form a single light-weight, resistant and adequately articulated structure that can be donned easily and does not hamper free movement.

The shields are: one front shield (fig. 1/T), one rear shield (fig. 1/2). two shoulder shields (fig 1/3), two biceps shields (fig 1/4), and two elastic side-shields (fig 1/5) Front (figs 2&3) and rear (fig 4) shields The shields have a smooth surface and are fitted with; a) two seatings (tig. 2/1 & fig. 4/1) for the snap fasteners of the shoulder shields, b) 3+3hoies(fig. 4/2) for the securing screws of the elastic side-shields; c) two raised buttons (fig. 2/2) for locking the side-shields; d) two slits (fig. 2 3 & fig. 4/3) for fixing the flexible elements of the biceps shields Internally, each shield has the following four different areas: i) upper (fig. 2/4 & fig 4/4) and lower (fig.2/5 & fig.4/5) ribbed areas, each of which accommodates a shock-absorber padding; ii) two lateral smooth areas (fig. 2/6 & fig. 4/6). each of which forms a duct that funnels air from the shoulder shield down to the lateral outlet slit in the base of the area (fig 2/7 & fig 4/7).

Shoulder shields (figs. 5 & 6). Each shield consists of: a) a base with a pronounced arched profile (fig. 5/1 ) and a central hole (Φ_mιn, 50mm) which serves as an air intake for the lateral ducts in the front and rear shields. The central hole is surrounded.inside the base, by a strengthened padding (thickness, 25mm) (fig. 6/1) A reticular nylon shoulder strap (fig. 6/2) is sown to the underside of the padding. In addition to two seatings (fig. 6/3) for inserting the top cap, the base has a ole(fιg. 5/2 for the screw fastening the biceps shield to the base and two flexible click-on juts (fig

5/3) which lock-onto the front and rear shields b) a circular top cap with a pronounced arched profile (fig 5/4 & 6/4) and provided with two dog catches (fig. 6/3) fitting into recesses in the base which can accommodate an impeller (fig. 6/5) of the epidermal cooling system described subsequently. The cap carries a small canopy (fig. 6/6) for protection against rain and debris

Biceps shields (fig.5). Each device consists of a shield (fig. 5.5) joined to two lateral flexible rubber elements, extending fan-wise (fig. 5/6), which are provided with a central hole for the screw that fixes them to the front and rear shields. The flexible elements perform the following two main functions without in any way restricting arm movement : i) protec- tion of the armpit both in the event of fall or collision and against bruising by blunt objects, ιι) shielding to enhance from conveyance of the forced airflow to biceps and to armpit. The biceps shield is fixed to the shoulder shield with a screw (fig. 5/2) and to the arm by an adjustable strap with buckle (fig. 5/7). Elastic side-shields (fig. 7). Each 120mm-high, 40mm-thick shield consists of an elastic strip (fιg.7/1) reinforced externally with 4 or 5 hard polyethylene covering elements (fig (7/2) and lined internally with 12 to 15 polyurethane foam elements (fig. 7/3) so as to pre^¬ vent rib fractures and/or injuries to the sides of the chest

The shield is fitted with 3 holes (fig 7/4) for fixing to the rear shield with screws and a slot (fig. 7/5) which hooks onto the raised button on the front shield Owing to their elasticity, the two side-shields ensure that the protector always remains tightly fitted to the torso.

SHQCK-ABSPPBEB STRUCTURE

The structure includes two shock-absorbing systems (fig. 8) whose elements are installed within the shields of the bearing structure The two systems ("Basic" and "Auxiliary") work together in protecting the torso. The "Basic" system consists of reinforced paddings (fig. 8/1) of different thickness and density, while the "Auxiliary" system (fig. 8/2) provides a hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing effect The Basic System includes the following four types of reinforced padding (fig. 9) made of polyethylene or polyurethane foam or other plastic foams: padded collar band, lateral pad- dings and internal (2) paddings The paddings have the specific physical characteristics and perfom the specific functions described below: a) padded collar band (fig 9/1), cross-section 25x3pmm, density 45g/dm³, applied to the upper edge of the front and rear shields and to the inner edge of the shoulder shields so as to cushion Impacts and prevent skin injury to the neck, b) lateral paddings (fig.9/2), cross-section 30x30mm, density 45g/dm³, attached all along the edges of the shields so as to distribute the impact energy over a wider area; c) internal paddings (fig 9 3), thickness 45mm, density 45g/dm³, applied to the upper area of the front and rear shields. The shape and profile of the padding are ot appropriate design so as to provide an internal seating (fig. 9/4) with four magnetic corner plaques (fig 9/5) which is used for housing an element of the hydro-pneumatic shock-absor >- mg system (fig. 8/2). d) internal paddings (fig. 6/1) of shoulder shields and biceps shields, thickness 25mm, density 45g/dm³

The hvdro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system consists of plastic elements (bags) of var- lous sizes (fig 10) which are filled up to 3/4 of their volume with a salt-water solution or gelatinous glycolic mixture.

The bags have a special physical structure otcylindncal or parallelepiped shape and sufficient wall thickness (0 3+0.4mm) to withstand the impact energy of a collision. The surface of the bags on the side facing the torso is ribbed, forming rectangular channels (fig 10/1 ), and includes a number of small rupture areas (fig 10/2) in which the wall thickness is suitably reduced as required by the type of material used (typically, 0.1mm) and which have a size commensurate with the viscosity of the contents. On the opposite side facing the padding, the surface is smooth and is provided with a small sealaWβ trapdoor (fig. 10/3) for insertng the contents and with four metal angle bars (fig. 10/4) that slide into the mag- netic seatings and hold the bag in position within the reinforced padding described pre vlously (tigs. 9/3 & 10/6).

In the event of impact during a fall or collision, the shock-absorbing effect of the basic system is intensified by the bag's air bubble which undergoes elastic compression and thus further reduces the effects of impact, in addition, the liquid present applies a high compres- 98/03091

sive force on the opposite ribbed surface so that the rupture areas burst and the friction opposing outflow of the liquid produces an additional damping effect. The shock-absorbing capacity developed as a result of the combined action of the bearing structure and the two shock-absorber systems just described is such that under an impact load of 50J, the residual force applied to the torso is ≤30kN as required under Specification

EN 1621-1, 1996 issued by Technical Committee TC162 of the European Committee for Standardization.

Consequently, the protector has the capacity of reducing by half the impact energy associated with an actual fall or collision and, therefore, of providing adequate protection to the torso, shoulders and biceps of the rider.

FPIΠFRMAI COOLING SYSTEM (fiQ. 10)

The system makes use of the following three different cooling units:

1) Chemical time-controlled cold producing unit

2) Heatsink cooling unit 3) Electrical cooling unit

The chilling effect of the first two units is limited to the upper areas of the torso (chest and back) and is produced by the bags forming part of the auxiliary shock-absorber system which are filled either with a solution of ammonium nitrate {NH₄NO₃) in water (salt/water ratio 80/100) or with a liquid/gelatinous mixture of non-solidifiaWe glycols (HOCH₂ CH₂ CH₂OH).

- In the first case, the cooling effect is due to the chemical reaction which takes place when ammonium nitrate dissolves in water. However, the reaction would proceed at a far too rapid, intense and uncontrollable rate for its intended role in the protector if the loose or granular ammonium salts were used that are normally adopted in the throw- away cold compress packages currently available on the market for first-aid applications.

To obtain a less intense and more lasting epidermal cooling effect, it was therefore necessary to find a way of slowing down the reaction rate. This was achieved by developing an original method based on the use of ammonium salt tablets (fig.10/5) of different weight and compacted to different degrees (5, 10, 15 or 20 T/cm²) so as to have different dissolution times (10, 20, 30 or 40 minutes). By selecting the appropriate type and the required number of tablets, it was possible to program the intensity and duration of the cooling effect to suit the sporting activity. For optimal performance, the bags filled with water should be pre-cooled in a refrigera tor (5-10 °C) and the tablets introduced in the bags just before the start of the sporting event; the bags are then placed in the pockets (fig. 9/4) of the basic shock-absorber system internal paddings.

- In the second case, the bags contain a liquid/gelatinous mixture of glycols which do not solidify at low temperatures.simitar to that used for the standard re-usable cold com press packages for first-aid applications. The bags are pre-cooled in a deep-freeze

(-18 °C) and placed in the pockets of the basic shock-absorber system internal paddings just before the start of the sporting event. The cooling effect is produced by the slow transfer to the skin of the cold accumulated in the gelatinous substance; the duration of the effect is proportional to the size of the bags. Although the surface of the bags In direct contact with the skin is ribbed in both cases, neverthelss the user should always wear a cotton vest

- The shoulders, armpits and sides of the torso are cooled by fresh air flows regenerated by two fan wheels (fig 11 ) mounted in appropriate niches (fig 11/1 ) fixed to the summit of the shoulders shields (fig 6 The tan wheels are flat harmless ana PO WI bv 12 Vdc batteries, they ensure distribution of the fresh air intake to the snoulder shields and to the lateral ducts within the front and rear shields Should it be wished, in certain applications, to favour lightweight instead of safety characteristics in the torso protector, the functions of the chemical time-controlled and heatsink cooling systems can be performed by an electronic cooling system to be installed in place of the internal paddings and the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorber bags The cooling system, which is powered by 12 Vdc batteries and is suitably screened, consists of a printed circuit card mounting Peltier Cells of assorted powers (10-50W) and number in proportion to the desired cooling effect and weight As an alternative to the function of forced air ventilation (fans) and/or the functions of the chemical time-controlled and heat- sink cooling systems (cooling bags), use can be made of a chemical "spray" cooling function (fig 12) performed by up to four compressed gas cylinders (fig 12/1 ) and housed in the seatings oτ the impeller fans and/or in the pockets of the internal paddings in place of the cooling bags The epidermal cooling effect JS produced by the valve periodically discharging a portion of compressed gas, which undergoes a substantial drop in temperature during expansion so that the skin of the torso is cooled by the resultant spray

The periodic opening of the valve is controlled, preferably, by a sealed screened electromechanical system (tig 1 /3) consisting ot a small electric motor oowered y 12V_dl- atte^r- les, which drives a cam actuator via plastic reduction gears When the svstem is activated by pressing a pushbutton switch, the electric motor drives a cam actuator (fig. 1 /4) connected to a hinged cap (fig 12/5) that forces the spring valve of the cylinder (facing down wards) against a fixed retainer (fig 12/6) so that the valve remains open during the time corresponding to the cam dwell.

The torso protector can be" worn externally" (e g over racing garments), without in any way impairing its shock-absorbing and cooling characteristics, by replacing the hydro- pneumatic auxiliary shock-absorber system with either one or other of two different garments, both of which are worn next to the skin and perform the same shock-absorbing and cooling functions as the plastic elements (bags)contaιned in the above-mentioned system Obviously, when the protector is worn externally, it is not possible to use the impeller fans or other cooling systems which can therefore be dispensed with

The two garments are described below and can be worn either by themselves or with other types of protector that are available on the market.

- Waistcoat with/without chemical time-controlled cooling units worn next to the skin (fig. 13)

The waistcoat is made of cotton fabric with large-mesh diamond fillings. The fabric is reinforced by longitudinal and transversal polyester yarn seams forming rectangles

The transversal seams form teed-throughs or channels (fig 13/1 ) which are used for inserting semicircular tubular elements (fig 13/H) in soft single- or double-chamber polyethylene that serve for realizing a novel programmable cooling system. Each tubular element measures approx. 15x2x4 cm and is provided with an appropriate opening (fig. 13/3)for introducing distilled water and ammonium nitrate tablets. The functions and uses of these elements are the same as those of the time-controlled cold producing elements ot the protector worn next to the skin.

- Cooling ve§t orn.πay.t to the shin (tig- 1 ).

The garment resembles a vest, but with wider shoulder straps and a side opening; it consists of two sheets of polyethylene or similar material placed one above the other and heat sealed together along the edges and in certain areas of the surface so that the areas that remain disjoined form a number of receptacles (fig.14/1). These receptacles (cooling elements) are interconnected by a network of small channels which are used, during manufacture of the garment, for filling the receptacles with a non-hardening gelatinous glycolic substance. In the event of impact, the glycolic substance develops a shock-absorbing capacity owing to hydraulic friction between the substance and the wall of the long small-size diameter channels. Thanks to the non- hardening property of the gelatinous glycolic substance, the vests can be stored in a deep-freeze (also rolled up) and used as a cooling unit. The inner surface (fig. 14/3) of the vest is lined with cotton fabric so that it can be worn next to the skin. The vest is open on the right-hand side and is fitted tightly to the torso by means of elastic straps provided with snap-on fasterners (fig. 14/4).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION PF PRAWINQS

Fig. 1 - Universal torso protector: assembly view

Fig. 2 - Front shield: view of inner side with seatings for shock-absorbing elements Fig. 3 - Front and Rear shiel : cross section

Fig. 4 - Rear shield: view of inner side with seatings tor shock-absorbing elements Fig, 5 - Shoulder shield and Biceps shield: exploded view Fig. 6 - Shoulder shield and Biceps shield: cross sections Fig. 7 - Elastic Side-shield: view of front and rear sides Fig. 8 - Shock-absorber structure of Rear shield: positioning of elements of the basic shock-absorbing system with reinforced padding and of the hydro-pneumatic shock-absoitung system Fig. 9 - Elements of the basic shock-absorbing system with reinforced paddings Fig,10 - Epidermal cooling system: a) bags of chemical and heatsink cooling units; b) cross section of bags; c) cooling tablets; d) positioning of bags

Flg.11 - Epidermal cooling system: positioning of electrical cooling unit elements (fan wheels) within the caps of the Shoulder shields Flg.12 - Epidermal cooling system: positioning of Spray cooling unit elements

(compressed gas cylinders) within the caps of the Shoulder shields Flg.13 - Auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system: Waistcoat with/without chemical time-controlled cooling units worn next to the skin Flg.14 - Auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system: Cooling vest worn next to the skin BEST MODE FOR CARRYNG OUT THE INVENTION

The torso protector object of this application for letters patent consists of bearing structure, a shock-absorber structure and an epidermal cooling system

- All components of the bearing structure are manufactured typically from polypropylene or polyethylene granulates or from other plastic materials having similar characteristics.

The material is first processed in an extruder and injected in a malleable alloy (e.g. lead-tin-copper) die, devoid of back drafts and provided with the necessary vents for removing air and excess material, and subsequently formed in an oleodynamic thermo regulated molding press (120bar, 180 °C). The molding operation must be performed so as to ensure total homogeneity of the material and complete absence of flashes, blisters or blowholes.

Unlike plastic shields, the extensible flexible elements of the shoulder shields are manu. factured by hot-pressing and curing a rubber compound.

- The padded collar band and internal and lateral paddings of the "basic" shock-absorto- ing structure are produced as described below.

The padded collar band and lateral paddings are manufactured from polyethylene reticulated polyurethane by thermoregulated extrusion (30 bar, 140 °C). The internal paddings are manufactured from cellular polyurethane or polyethylene stock (thickness, 50mm) by thermoforming (140 °C), which also sets in the desired shape the internal seatings for the elements (bags) of the auxiliary shock-absorbing system; the elements themselves are manufactured from polyethylene powder by injection in multiple dies and subsequently welding together (140 °C) the two halves

- The component parts of the cooling system (which are unavailable on the market) include the above mentioned bags and the ammonium nitrate tablets. The tablets are manufactured from 99.9% pure ammonium nitrate granules using a hydraulic vertical ram press, preset for slow upstroke and for applied pressures up to 40T.

Claims

-1 — Torso protector for sporting activities thai Is worn next to the skin and consists of. a BEARING STRUCTURE formed by 8 plastic or carbon fiber elements characterized by a Special design which provides housing facilities for a "Shock-absorbmp structure " and an "Epidermal cooling system " without penalizing wearability in terms of weight or cumberso eness .

The 8 elements described below and forming the bearing structure are: one front shield, one rear shield, two shoulder shields, two biceps shields and two elastic side-shields.

Front and Rear shields Both shields have an external camber characterized by a profile which, together with the internal paddings, permits housing the removable hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing ele ments and units of the epidermal cooling system described subsequently.

Shoulder shields

Each shield is characterized by - a base with an arched profile and with a central hole which serves as an intake for the air delivered by the fan installed in the cap described below. Within the shield, the central hole is surrounded by a padding with a reticular nylon strap sewn to its underside that ensures optimal fitting onto the shoulder without obstructing the air flow,

- a circular top cap, with an arched profile and provided with two dog catches for easy fixing to the base , which can house an impeller of the epidermal cooling system described subsequently The cap Is provided with a small raised canopy for protection against ram and debris

Each consists of a shield characterized by two flexible rubber elements extending fan- wise which are fixed, on the one side, to the biceps shield and, on the other, to either the front or the rear shield Without restricting arm movement, these elements perform the dual function of (a) protecting the armpit in the event of fall or collision as well as against bruising by blunt objects, and (b) shielding to enhance conveyance of the forced air^¬ flow to the biceps and armpit. Elastic side-shields

Each shield is characterized by an elastic strip, lined externally with hard plastic elements and internally with polyurethane foam elements so as to prevent rib fractures and/or injuries to the sides of the torso. The elastic side-shields are fixed to both the front and the rear shield. SHOCK-ABSORBING STRUCTURE

The structure indudes a basic shock-absorbing system consisting of paddings and an auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system

Basic shock-absorbing svstem

The system is characterized by the to/lowing four types of padding, padded collar band, lateral paddings, internal paddings of shoulder and biceps shields and internal paddings of front and rear shields.

The internal paddings of the front and rear shields are characterized by an internal seating for housing the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing elements or other elements having equivalent effect. Auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system

The system makes use of two different alternative types of shock-absorbing elements placed in the seatings provided for them in the internal paddings of the front and rear shields.

Both types of element are characterized by the twofold function they perform, having both a shock-absorbing capacity owing to their structure and a refrigerating capacity as a result of the coolant they contain.

The elements (bags) have a special physical structure and sufficient wall thickness for withstanding the impact energy of a collision. They are small containers of cylindrical, parallelepiped or other shape without sharp edges; on the side facing the torso, their surface is ribbed, forming rectangular channels, and includes a number of small rupture areas In which the wall thickness is suitably reduced, depending on the material, and which have a size commensurate to the viscosity of the contents. On the opposite side facing the padding, the surface is smooth and is provided with a small sealable trapdoor for inserting the contents and with four metal angle bars for hold- ing the bag in position in the magnetic seatings within the paddings of the front and rear shields.

EPIDERMAL COOLING SYSTEM

The system is characterized by the following three types of cooling unit: chemical time- controlled cold-producing unit, heatsink cooling unit and electrical cooling unit (fans). Chemical time-controlled cold-producing unit

The unit is characterized by the elements (bags) previously described as an auxiliary shock-absorbing system, filled up to 3/4 of their capacity with water (pre-cooled in a refrigerator) to which ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is added immediately prior to use, the latter being characterized by the physical form of tablets obtained by different compres- sion pressures.

The bags are installed in their respective seatings within the internal paddings of the lower section of the front and rear shields.

The unit is characterized by the same elements (bags) described for the previous unit, filled up to 3/4 of their capacity with a gelatinous glycol mixture norv-solidifiable at -18°C; the bags are are pre-cooled in a deep-freeze and installed, immediately prior to use, in their respective seatings within the internal paddings of the upper section of the front and rear shields.

Electrical cooling unit The unit is characterized by the use of two fan wheels mounted in appropriate niches in the caps of the shoulder shields: the fans are powered by batteries or by another power supply source. — 2 — Torso protector as under Claim -1- , worn externally without the cooling system and without the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system, and fitted instead with a waistcoat characterized by a pure cotton fabric with large-mesh diamond fillings. The fabric Is reinforced by longitudinal and transversal seams that form rectangles. Feed- throughs or channels are inserted between the transversal seams and are used for installing semicircular tubular elements, made of soft polyethylene or other soft plastic material that contain water and ammonium nitrate tablets

— 3 — Torso protector as under Claim -1 - , worn externally without the cooling system and without the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system, and consisting of a cool- tπg vest worn next to the skm characterized by a design that resembles a vest but with wider shoulder straps and a side opening and characterized by a structure consisting in two sheets of polyethylene or other similar material placed one above the other and heat sealed along the edges; in certain specific areas of the surface the two sheets remain disjoined to form a number of receptacles. These receptacles (cooling elements) are intβr- connected by a network of small channels which are used, during manufacture, for filling the receptacles with a non-solidifiable gelatinous glycolic substance.

— 4 — Torso protector as under Claim -1- in which the "Epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use of Chemical or Heatsmk cooling units installed not only in the front and rear shields, but also in the shoulder shields (with the top caps removed) above the reticular shoulder strap

— 5 — Torso protector as under Claim -1- in which the "Epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use of electrical elements (fans) only, installed not only in the top caps of the shoulder shields, but also in two other caps applied to the front and rear shields in which suitable holes have been core-drilled for this purpose and in which the internal paddings have also been been core-drilled, or adequately restructured to permit the inflow

— 6 — Torso protector as under Claim -5- in which tbβ fans are not installed in the caps, but in appropriate seatings in the front, rear and shoulder shields in the space obtained as a result of the arched profile of the shields themselves and of the thickness of the pad- dings

— 7 — Applications characterized by the use of fans as epidermal cooling elements in protectors and sporting graments.

— 8 — Torso protector as under Claim -1- or Claim -4- in which the "epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use, instead of bags, of packages containing a water blister and ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO3) characterized by being in the physical form of tablets. The packages are housed in seatings provided in the paddings.

— 9 — Applications characterized by the use of bags under Claim -1 - or packages under Claim -8- as epidermal cooling elements in protectors and sporting garments —10— Torso protector as under Claim -1- in which the "epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use, instead of the elements of the cooling units, of printed circuit cards with "Peltier cells" of various capacity. The printed circuit cards are installed in the seatings provided for them in the internal paddings and are isolated from the body by an electric shield

— 11 — Torso protector under Claims -1- and -5- in which the "epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use, instead of electric elements (fans) ,of "Spray" cooling elements consisting of compressed gas cylinders.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 26 November 1997 (26.11 .97) ; original claim 5 amended; original claims 6-10 cancelled; new claim 12 added ; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages) ]

— 2 — Torso protector as under Claim -1 - , worn externally without the cooling system and without the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system, and fitted instead with a waistcoat characterized by a pure cotton fabric with large-mesh diamond fillings. The fabric Is reinforced by longitudinal and transversal seams that form rectangles. Feed- throughs or channels are inserted between the transversal seams and are used for installing semicircular tubular elements, made of soft polyethylene or other soft plastic material that contain water and ammonium nitrate tablets.

— 3 — Torso protector as under Claim -1 - , worn externally without the cooling system and without the auxiliary hydro-pneumatic shock-absorbing system, and consisting of a cool- ing vest worn next to the skin characterized by a design that resembles a vest but with wider shoulder straps and a side opening and characterized by a structure consisting in two sheets of polyethylene or other similar material placed one above the other and heat sealed along the edges; in certain specific areas of the surface the two sheets remain disjoined to form a number of receptacles. These receptacles (cooling elements) are inter— connected by a network of small channels which are used, during manufacture, for filling the receptacles with a non-solidifϊable gelatinous glycolic substance.

— 4 — Torso protector as under Claim -1 - in which the "Epidermal cooling system" is characterized by the use of Chemical or Heatsink cooling units installed not only in the front and rear shields, but also in the shoulder shields (with the top caps removed) above the reticular shoulder strap.

— 5 — Torso protector as under Claim -1 - in which the " Epidermal Cooling System" is charactenzed by the use of safety cap assemblies each provided with one rounded-edge flat fan, two pre-set break dog catches for quick assembly release and one small raised canopy The fans are installed not only in the top caps of the shoulder shields but also in two other cap assemblies applied to the front and rear shields in which suitable holes have been core- drilled for this purpose and in which the internal paddings have also been core-drilled, or adequately restructured to permit the inflow of air in any direction to enhance air turbulence

— 12 — Applications charactenzed by the use of the Cooling System as under claims -1 - and -5- in the existing protectors ("Stone Shields") for off-road motorcycling

STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19

Claim 5 is amended mainly to emphasize the safety aspects embodied in the cap assemblies which will be mounted in the front and rear shields, specifically to enhance air inner pressure and turbulence. The cap assemblies are somewhat less protective to the chest and back owing to the fans which, however, are flat and rounded.

Hence the cap assemblies are fitted with pre-set break, dog catches enabling easy and quick release of a whole assembly should the rider fall having an impact that would break the dog catches.

If necessary these safety and cooling aspects will also be inserted in the text

(page 2, line 23 onward, line 32 onward; page 3, line 26 onward; page 5, line 7 onward) and shown if applicable in figure 6/4.

Claims 6, 7, 8, and 9 are cancelled and have no influence on the text and figures.

Claim 10 is cancelled and the relevant text on page 5 (lines 11 to 14) and page 12 (line 19) will be deleted.

Claim 12 is new and has no influence on the text and figures. It claims coverage for the extension of application of the cooling system, embodied in the universal protector as per claim - 1 -, to the existing plastic shields (named "Stone Shields") for off-road motorcycling, already mentioned in the text under Background Art.