EP2740375B1 - Body protector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a body protector, which can be arranged on the clothing of, for example, emergency services.

Body protectors that are worn separately or attached to clothing are generally known. A body protector is a body-worn protective equipment designed to protect against injury. Especially in fall-prone, body-focused sports, as well as in mechanical violence, such as blows, knife cuts or stone thrown, the protectors form an important part of the protective equipment.

There are basically two types of protectors. On the one hand there are hard protectors and on the other soft protectors. A hard protector usually consists of a hard shell, which is adapted to the protected body zone, and a cushioning padding.

A soft protector consists of a soft foam that has been cut to size and fabricated or cast into shape.

The US 6,282,724 B1 describes a body protector in which a layer of harder material is provided between two layers of soft material.

From the US 2008/282438 A1 It is known to provide on a base layer a carrier layer, which is designed from a resilient material. At this softer position stiffening elements are attached.

The US 2005/009429 A1 discloses a body protector in which a stiffening means is applied to a flexible substrate. This can in turn be covered by an outer layer.

From the US 2010/299812 A1 is a body protector known with a pliable padding. Between padding and hard shell an arrangement is provided which has frusto-conical elements, which in turn have passage openings.

From the DE 10 2008 034 496 A1 is a bicycle saddle known with micro-craters.

The US 2004/261159 A1 describes a fire helmet on which an object can be attached.

Object of the present invention is to develop a protector, so that the application is extended.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a body protector having the features of claim 1. Thus, the body protectors not only provide protection against mechanical effects, but also protection against high temperatures. In particular, the outer layer can be flame-resistant. The outer layer may in particular aramids, z. As Kevlar or Nomex, flame-resistant viscose and cotton, which may be partially or surface coated, z. As with silicone, or be formed from one or more of these materials. Preferably, the stiffening means are rigid.

It is particularly advantageous if the stiffening means are made of metal or a hard plastic. This results in a good protection for a person wearing the body protector. On the other hand, the impact force is increased, the body protector should be worn, for example, by hand. In particular, the weight of the stiffening means can be adapted to the intended use of the body protector. If the body protector serves primarily to ward off external forces, the stiffening means can be made relatively light. However, if it is provided that the body protector is also used for hitting, the stiffening means are advantageously made heavier.

Further advantages arise when the stiffening means are plate-shaped. In particular, a plurality of stiffening means may be provided on the body protector, wherein the individual stiffening means are slightly spaced from each other. By this measure, the protector remains movable at least in moderation. This has particular advantages when the body protector is worn on the back of the hand or back of the finger. The stiffening means do not hinder the mobility of the hand or the fingers. Another Advantage of the plate-shaped configuration of the stiffening means is that selectively introduced energy is distributed over a larger area. In addition, we protect the padding from sharp, pointed or destructive objects. It can be provided or integrated stiffening means of different thickness and size. Furthermore, the stiffening means can be formed or equipped so that you can destroy with them, for example, slices. This is for example beneficial for firefighters.

The outer layer may be formed as a film or textile. In particular, it may be formed of a material which allows some breathability. This improves the wearing properties of the protector. In particular, the outer layer may be used as a polymer film, for. As polyurethane or polyester film or have such. Furthermore, the outer layer of Kevlar or Nomex, flame-retardant viscose and cotton, partially or extensively with z. As silicone may be coated, or consist of one or more of these materials.

Between the outer layer and the padding, a bonding layer may be provided. The tie layer may be applied or laminated. The connection layer may be to act a film or membrane of polyurethane or other polymers and mixtures thereof. Through the bonding layer, the outer layer can be connected to the padding.

According to one embodiment it can be provided that the padding is plate-shaped. Such upholstery can be made particularly simple and inexpensive and easily assembled. The padding may be foam-like. In particular, polymer foams, for. B. come from different polyurethane foams used.

Alternatively it can be provided that the padding is poured into shape. Thus, the padding can be anatomically preformed depending on where the body protector is to be used. For example, special body protectors may be provided to protect the knees, elbows, back of the hands or shoulders. According to the intended use, the padding can be poured into shape.

The wearing properties of a body protector can be further improved if it has at least one air duct. As a result, accumulated heat and moisture between the body of a person and the body protector escape to the outside. It can be provided that the air channel tapers to one end. In particular, the air duct can be configured conical. This allows hot air to be dissipated faster, as a kind of chimney effect begins. Furthermore, it can be provided that the air duct has a filter, a lock, a valve and / or a membrane. Filters or locks can filter particles or liquids. Particularly advantageous are filters that prevent the entry of sand or other particles and dirt. The filters may be formed of commercially available filter materials.

For example, the filters may be formed of fleece. A built-in diaphragm or valve can keep fluids out and prevent them from entering through the air duct.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a closure and / or carrying system for attachment of equipment to the body protector may be provided. Thus, a firm connection between protector and external devices is possible. For example, a flashlight, an impact protection plate or a GPS device via the locking and / or carrying system can be easily arranged and attached to the protector.

Under the padding several micro craters are provided from an elastic material. This may be a three-dimensional polymer structure. The microcraters are preferably formed as tapered cones or as cylinders which are elastic and at least from the tip or its free end in a portion formed inside hollow. Such a structure serves for further energy and shock absorption. In addition, a high air exchange and air circulation can take place between the individual micro-craters. This prevents overheating due to body heat under the body protector.

It is particularly advantageous if the microcraters have trapped air bubbles. Also, the shock absorption can be improved.

The end-side openings of the microcraters preferably extend only in the terminal third of the microcraters. As a result, the microcraters have different elasticities. While the upper third is very yielding, the lower two thirds have a lower compliance, so here stronger impact can be absorbed well.

The microcraters can have different heights. In particular, they can have heights in the range between 0.5 and 5mm. Also by the density and arrangement of the microcraters, the damping properties of the body protector can be adjusted.

The body protectors can be designed so that they can be worn separately. Alternatively it can be provided that a body protector is integrated into a garment. For example, a glove may have a body protector according to the invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to scale and presented in such a way that the features of the invention can be made clearly visible. The various features may be implemented individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1

exemplarisch einen Schichtaufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Körperprotektors;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine Unterseite des Protektors, die Mikrokrater aufweist;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittdarstellung durch die Schicht der Mikrokrater, wobei gezeigt ist, wie sich diese unter Belastung verformen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

exemplarily a layer structure of a body protector according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a plan view of an underside of the protector having microcraters;

Fig. 3

a sectional view through the layer of micro craters, showing how they deform under load.

The Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic representation of a section through an area of a body protector according to the invention 1. The body protector 1 has an outer layer 2, which is formed of thermally resistant material. In particular, the outer layer 2 is thermally stable at temperatures above 105 ° C and in particular flameproof. Below the outer layer 2, a connection layer 3 can be arranged, which can serve to connect the outer layer 2 with a padding 4. Between the outer layer 2 and the padding 4 or, as in the example shown, embedded in the padding 4 stiffening means 5, 6 are provided. In the embodiment shown, the stiffening means 5, 6 are plate-shaped as strips. The fact that the stiffening means 5, 6 are spaced apart, results in a certain mobility of the body protector 1. This would not be the case if only a single, continuous stiffening means were provided. However, this is also conceivable.

It is shown that the stiffening means 5, 6 have different thicknesses. Also in their geometric shape, the stiffening means 5, 6 vary. Depending on the intended use of the body protector 1, the stiffening means 5, 6 can be selected.

Below the padding 4, which may be formed from a foam-like, resilient material, a further connecting layer 7 may be provided, to which in turn may be followed by a film or membrane 8. The film or membrane 8 may be formed analogously to the outer layer 2. As the lowermost layer 9, a layer may be provided with a plurality of micro-craters, which on the basis of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be explained further.

In the body protector 1 air ducts 10 may continue to be provided. Through the air duct 10, the air circulation can be favored. The air channels 10 may vary in size and shape. They can taper in order to dissipate warm air quickly. In the air ducts 10 also filters or locks may be provided which filter particles or liquids and keep away from a user. Furthermore, 10 valves or membranes may be provided in the air duct, which are not shown here.

Furthermore, a closure and / or carrying system 25 can be seen, via which further objects can be coupled to the body protector. The closure and / or carrying system 25 may be designed in the manner of a bayonet closure.

The Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a layer 9 from below. Here it can be seen that the layer has a plurality of microcraters 11, 12. They are referred to as microcraters, since they have at their free ends centrally an opening 13, 14. Air can circulate between the microcrapers 11, 12, as shown by the arrows 15.

In the Fig. 3 some microcraters 11, 12 are shown under load. First, the microcraters 11, 12 deform at their free ends, in which the openings 13, 14 is located. In the lower part, the microcraters 11, 12 have trapped air bubbles 16, 17, whereby the damping effect or elasticity of the microcraters 11, 12 can be adjusted by the number and size of the air bubbles 16, 17. It can be seen from the microcrater 20 that the opening 21 is provided only in the upper third of the microcrater 20. Through the recess at the free end of the free end is particularly flexible. In addition, the surface may increase so that the force on an object 22 can be distributed over a larger area.

The production of the body protector can be carried out in part (in part) as follows: A textile is coated with a polyurethane membrane or polyurethane film. This coated textile is placed in a metal mold. Thereafter, polyurethane foam (PU foam) is poured into the metal mold. The PU foam combines with the PU membrane. Thus one gets a firm connection between textile and protector. Without foil or membrane, the foam would penetrate the outer fabric under the high pressure.

Claims (13)

1. Body protector (1) comprising a resilient padding material (4) and one or more less resilient reinforcing means (5, 6) arranged in or on the padding material (4), the protector (4) having an outer layer (2) made of a material that is heat-resistant at temperatures in excess of 105°C, characterised in that several micro-craters (11, 12, 20) made of a flexible material are provided below the padding material (4), end openings (13, 14) in the micro-craters (11, 12, 20) extending only in the end third of the micro-craters (11, 12, 20).
2. Body protector according to claim 1, characterised in that the reinforcing means (5, 6) are made of metal or a rigid plastic.
3. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reinforcing means (5, 6) are plate-like.
4. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer layer (2) is designed as a film or fabric.
5. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a joining layer (3) is provided between the outer layer (2) and the padding material (4).
6. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the padding material (4) is plate-like.
7. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the padding material (4) is moulded.
8. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has at least one air channel (10).
9. Body protector according to claim 8, characterised in that the air channel (10) tapers towards one end.
10. Body protector according to either of the preceding claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the air channel (10) has a filter, lock, valve and/or membrane.
11. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a closure and/or carrying system (25) for the attachment of equipment.
12. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the micro-craters (11, 12, 20) have entrapped air bubbles (16, 17).
13. Body protector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the micro-craters (11, 12, 20) have a height in the range of 0.5 - 5 mm.

Images