ITVR20100010A1 - WEARABLE PROTECTIVE DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

DEVICE WEAR PROTECTIVE

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure refers in general to the clothing sector, preferably sports clothing for sports or activities of a dynamic type. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a protective device, in particular a wearable personal protective device to protect the body of a user from an impact while practicing a dynamic sport or similar activity. For example, said device is applied to protect a passenger or a rider of a motor vehicle, or a cyclist, or a skier, or a person while carrying out a work activity which exposes them to a risk of impacts.

Wearable protective devices are known, such as for example a back protector for motorcycle use, which comprise a substantially rigid plate worn in close contact with the user's body, so as to protect it in the event of an impact.

In other known devices, a plurality of rigid plates is provided, arranged side by side so as to form a protective surface; the plates are fixed to each other by means of rivets and are placed on a substantially inextensible support base.

The device is fixed to the user's body by means of straps or straps. For example, a back protector of the known art is usually fixed at the top by means of two passing straps each astride a respective shoulder of the user, and at the bottom by means of a belt that surrounds the abdomen of the user.

A drawback of the protection devices of the known art is that they are not able to effectively follow the movements of the user's body portion to which they are attached and at the same time to maintain an effective protection on the whole body portion.

Therefore, on the one hand the device is uncomfortable for the user because it limits and hinders his movements, on the other hand the protection device moves with respect to the portion of the body in motion and therefore the protection device can be positioned in a incorrect and / or leaving some areas of the body portion uncovered and unprotected.

These drawbacks are encountered in particular for back protector devices, however similar drawbacks are encountered for known protection devices intended for the protection of other parts of the body or joints of the body.

The state of the art therefore shows the need to improve the protection characteristics of wearable devices of the known art.

The present disclosure starts from the position of the technical problem of providing a wearable device to protect the body of a user from impacts, which device allows to meet the need mentioned above with reference to the known art and / or to achieve further advantages.

This is achieved by providing a protective wearable device as defined in independent claim 1.

Secondary characteristics of the aforesaid protection device are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The protective device can be for example a back protector or spinal protector, an elbow protector, a shoulder protector, or a device to protect other parts of the body.

A first advantage of the object of the present disclosure consists in providing a protection device capable of following more the movements of the portion of the body to which it is associated, while ensuring adequate protection. For example, considering a back protector for motorcyclists, the back lengthens when the motorcyclist lies down on the motorcycle in search of the least air resistance and is shortened when the riding posture is similar to that assumed in a seated position. A back protector of known art, being constituted by a rigid plate or by several plates riveted to each other, is not able to follow these deformations of the back; a back protector according to the present disclosure is instead able to follow these deformations, because the plate members can assume at least two different conditions in which the protective surface offered is different.

In one embodiment, the protective surface is increased between a first condition and a second condition due to the fact that the plate members can translate relative to each other and thus vary the overall length of the back protector.

In one embodiment, the protection device comprises first plate members and second plate members, wherein each of the second plate members is at least partially interposed and superimposed between two adjacent first plate members and where each second plate member is plate acts as a connecting member of the two first adjacent plate members.

Preferably, each of the second plate members is adapted to allow a translation movement of one with respect to the other of the two adjacent first plate members; said translation takes place between a first position and a second position, in which in said second position the two first members are away from each other, with respect to said first position, along a translation direction and determine an elongation of the protective surface.

An advantage of this embodiment is that even in the second position, when the two first plate members are moving away from each other, the second plate member is located in correspondence with the interstice between them, which in turn performs a function of protection, avoiding that uncovered parts remain on the surface to be protected. In this way, a greater protection surface is obtained.

In particular, the second plate member substantially forms a continuous protective surface (i.e., substantially free of through openings, slots or interstices) with the two first plate members adjacent; surface continuity is present both in the first position (approaching) and in the second position (moving away).

In one embodiment, the device comprises elastic return means for recalling the two first plate members towards the first position. In this way, the device spontaneously returns to the condition of minimum length when the force exerted by the user ceases, thus improving adaptation to the user's movements and comfort.

In one embodiment, the second plate members, in addition to allowing said translation, also allow a limited angular displacement of a first plate member with respect to the other; the angular displacement takes place in particular around an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the protective surface and is transverse to the direction of translation. This is advantageous from the point of view of comfort for the user. For example, in the case of a back protector, the device is able to adapt both to the lengthening of the back and to its variations in curvature when the user leans forward or backward.

In one embodiment, the maximum amplitude of the angular displacement (for example evaluated with respect to the first position in which the device is in rest condition) in a first direction of rotation is greater than the maximum amplitude of the angular displacement in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction. For example, in the case of a back protector, the device follows the natural forward bending of the user's back, but limits and opposes a back bending of the back, which, as it is not usual for a motorcyclist, could occur for a forced movement following a fall. In this way, the device protects the user from movements that could cause injury.

The connection between the plate members can be made in different ways.

In one embodiment, at least one tooth attached to (or integrally with) the one between the first plate member and the second plate member is provided (e.g., the tooth extends orthogonally to the first plate member or second plate member) and at least one slot made in a portion associated with the other between the first plate member and the second plate member; the tooth is able to slide in the respective slot along said translation direction, thus allowing a guided translation of one plate member with respect to the other.

The use of a tooth-slot system is advantageous both from the point of view of simplicity of construction, and because it implements a connection system that at the same time allows a guided and limited translation, thanks to the appropriate choice of dimensions and layout of the buttonhole.

This also makes it possible to avoid the use of metal rivets to join the plate members together. In fact, it has been verified that the use of metal rivets, which is usual in the known art, leads to a deterioration of the protection performance in impact tests, since the metal rivets transmit impacts instead of absorbing them.

The absence of metal components is also advantageous both from the point of view of lightness and for the possibility of using the device in aggressive environments (for example, underwater activities).

Preferably, a plurality of teeth is provided which are substantially aligned with each other along a direction transverse to the direction of translation, in which each of said teeth is able to slide in a respective slot. This allows a greater stability of the connection and a better guide of the translation.

In one embodiment, each of the second plate members comprises, at an overlap area with an adjacent first plate member, a comb-shaped edge, said comb-shaped edge comprising a plurality of prongs each extending according to said direction of translation, in which the tines of one edge of a second plate member are arranged offset with respect to the tines of an edge of another second consecutive or adjacent plate member.

This allows to ensure a high contact surface between the second plate members and the respective first members adjacent to them (to the advantage of the solidity of the device and its resistance) and at the same time allows the designer to foresee an approach at will between two seconds. consecutive plaque members. Alternatively, said comb edges can be provided on the first plate members instead of on the second plate members.

In one embodiment, the connecting means between the plate members comprise an elongated body (for example a cord or a "mouse tail"), with which the plate members are associated. The elongated body develops along the translation direction and therefore acts as a guide for the reciprocal translation of the plate members. For example, said elongated body is extensible and elastically deformable in the direction of its length.

In particular, two of said elongated bodies are provided, arranged on opposite sides of the plate members so as to maintain a stable alignment between the plate members themselves.

In one embodiment, the protection device comprises at least three first plate members aligned with each other along the direction of translation. This makes it possible to obtain a device which develops for any length as desired, extending along the direction of elongation / translation. In the case of a back protector, the device preferably comprises seven plate members aligned with each other along the direction of translation.

Note that the device is essentially a modular system, in which any number of plate modules can be used.

In one embodiment, the protection device is fastened to the user's body by means of fastening means such as for example braces or straps. In this case the device is a kind of independent armor that can be worn as needed, for example over or under a garment (such as a jacket or a motorcycle suit), or directly on the user's body, and which can be removed when not needed.

In another embodiment, the protective device (or a plurality of protective devices) is included in a garment, in which it is substantially integrated. This has an advantage from the point of view of functionality, since it can be made in such a way as to optimally combine its protective characteristics with those already possessed by the garment; moreover, it is more comfortable for the wearer, who thus wears a single piece of clothing.

Further advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example. However, it is evident that each embodiment described in the present disclosure can present one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, each embodiment is not required to simultaneously present all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present disclosure, which is worn by a user and is in a first condition;

figure 2 represents a perspective view of the device of figure 1, which is worn by a user and is in a second condition;

figure 2A represents a schematic side view of a detail of the device of figure 1, in a third condition;

figure 2B represents a schematic side view of a detail of the device of figure 1, in a fourth condition;

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a first face of the device of Figure 1, from which some parts have been removed, in a first condition; figure 4 represents a perspective view of a first face of the device of figure 1, from which some parts have been removed, in a second condition;

figure 5 represents a perspective view of a second face of the device of figure 1, from which some parts have been removed;

figure 6 represents a detail of the device of figure 5;

figure 7 represents an enlarged scale view of a detail of the device of figure 5;

figure 8 represents a detail of the device of figure 5, in a first condition;

figure 9 represents a detail of the device of figure 5, in a second condition;

Figure 10 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wearable device according to the present disclosure in a first condition;

figure 11 represents a perspective view of the device of figure 10 in a second condition;

figure 12 represents a perspective view of a second face of the device of figure 10;

Figure 13 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the device of Figure 10;

Figure 14 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the device of Figure 12;

- figure 15 represents an enlarged scale and partially sectional view of a detail of the device of figure 10.

With initial reference to Figures 1 to 9, the reference number 1 indicates a first embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present disclosure. The protective device 1 is designed to protect the body of a user 100 from impacts, for example a motorcyclist, a skier, a cyclist, or more generally a person who is practicing a dynamic sport or is carrying out a work activity involving the risk of impacts or impacts on the body.

In the embodiment shown, the wearable protective device 1 is a back protector or spinal protector, i.e. it is adapted to be arranged in correspondence with the back of the user 100, and in particular along his backbone or a portion thereof. , to protect it from impacts or shocks that can damage it.

The back protector 1 is bound to the body of the user 100 for example by means of shoulder straps 13 and / or abdominal straps 15, according to methods known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the back protector 1 is included in a garment or is associated with a garment, for example a jacket or a motorcyclist suit, according to methods known to those skilled in the art.

The back protector 1 comprises a plurality of plate-like members 2, 3, i.e. plate-shaped, which are arranged close to each other so as to form a protective surface 200a, 200b as a whole.

In the example, the back protector 1 comprises seven first plate members 2, which are side by side in succession so as to be aligned along a direction 210 parallel to the protective surface 200a, 200b. In particular, the direction 210 is a longitudinal development direction of the back protector 1 and corresponds to the direction of the user's backbone 100. Therefore, each first plate member 2 defines a respective portion of the protective surface 200a, 200b.

The first plate members 2 are also associated (for example by sewing) to a perimeter frame 16 made of fabric or other flexible and deformable material, to which the shoulder straps 13 and / or the abdominal belts 15 are fixed.

The first plate members 2 are substantially rigid and are preferably made of plastic material, such as polypropylene, possibly coupled with reinforcements (not visible in the drawings) of another resistant material. The plate members have strength characteristics such as to protect the user 100 from an object which impacts on the plate members themselves, for example in the event of an accident or fall; plate members are therefore protective members. Each plate member 2 has a first face 21 and a second face 22 opposite it. The second face 22 is intended to face the body of the user 100, while the first face 21 is directed outwards, that is towards the region from which a potential impacting object comes.

The back protector 1 also comprises second plate members 3 each of which is interposed and partially overlapped between two first plate members 2a, 2b close to each other (or adjacent) and acts as a connecting element. In particular, the second plate members 3 allow a translation movement of a first plate member 2a with respect to the other first plate member 2b. In particular, the translation movement can take place along a translation direction which is parallel to the protective surface 200a, 200b and in particular coincides with said longitudinal direction 210.

The surface of the first plate members 2, 2a, 2b and of the second plate members 3 forms the protective surface 200a, 200b.

The first plate members 2a, 2b close to each other can be mutually displaced, with respect to each other, between a first position (Figures 3 and 8) and a second position (Figures 4 and 9): in the first position the first members a plate 2a, 2b are at a distance D1 between them which is smaller than the distance D2 between the first plate members 2a, 2b in the second position. In other words, in the second position the first plate members 2a, 2b move away from each other with respect to the same first plate members 2a, 2b in the first position. Between the plate members 2a, 2b there is therefore an interstice or separation 29, the width of which varies between the first position and the second position, in which this interstice 29 is filled by the second plate members 3.

In the example shown, each first plate member 2a, 2b is displaceable with respect to the first plate members 2b, 2a adjacent to it; since seven of said first plate members 2 are provided, six pairs of first plate members 2a, 2b are therefore identified and can be moved relative to each other.

The back protector 1 is therefore extendable along the longitudinal direction 210, that is along the backbone and the back of the user 100; the length of the back protector 1 can vary between a minimum length L1 when all the first plate members 2 are in the first position (or approach position) and a maximum length L2 when all the first plate members 2 are in the second position (or position of removal).

In other words, in a second condition (corresponding to the first plate members 2 in the away position) the protection surface 200b is elongated along the longitudinal direction 210 with respect to the protection surface 200a in a first condition (corresponding to the first members a plate 2 in approach position).

Also the second plate members 3, which in the example are six in number, are substantially rigid and are preferably made of plastic material, such as for example polypropylene, possibly coupled with reinforcements of other resistant material.

Each second plate member 3 has a first face 31 and a second face 32 opposite it. The second face 32 is intended to face the body of the user 100, while the first face 31 is directed outwards.

The first plate members 2a, 2b of a pair are partially superimposed on the respective second plate member 3; in other words, a portion of the second faces 22 of the first plate members 2 face respective portions of the first faces 31 of the second plate members 3. In the example, the first plate members 2a, 2b are coplanar with each other, while the second plate member 3 is on a plane parallel to them. Furthermore, when the back protector 1 is worn, the second plate members 3 remain interposed between the first plate members 2 and the user's body 100.

Each first plate member 2a, 2b is associated with the respective second plate member 3 in such a way that each first plate member 2a, 2b is allowed a translation movement with respect to the second plate member 3 itself; in particular, this translation takes place along said longitudinal direction 210.

In the embodiment shown, the first faces 31 of the second plate members 3 are also, in part, portions of the protective surface 200a, 200b, so that the back protector 1 has a substantially continuous protective surface 200a, 200b , that is, without holes or significant openings that could allow a sharp object to come into contact with the user's body 100.

In other words, the second plate members 3, being interposed between two respective first plate members 2a, 2b, have a surface portion 31 which is arranged in correspondence with the interstice 29 between the first plate members 2a, 2b, in in such a way that there is no through opening in correspondence with said interstice 29: in fact in correspondence with interstice 29 the protective function is performed as said by the second plate member 3 itself.

The dimensions of the second plate members 3, in particular their extension in the direction of translation 210, is such that the protective surface remains continuous both in the first position, indicated by the reference number 200a, in which the first plate members 2 are close to each other and the length L1 of the back protector 1 is minimum, both in the second position, indicated with the reference number 200b, in which the first plate members 2 are at the maximum distance from each other and the length L2 of the back protector 1 It is maximum.

Preferably the edges 23, 24 facing each other of the respective first plate members 2a, 2b have an arcuate and concave profile in correspondence with the central region of the edges 23, 24 themselves. Basically, in correspondence with the longitudinal axis 210 the distance between the first plate members 2a, 2b is greater than the distance between them near the side edges 11, 12 of the back protector 1. Between two first plate members 2a, 2b therefore defines a central region of interstice 29 which is spindle-shaped; in correspondence with this central region in the shape of a spindle, a greater portion of the second plate member 3 is exposed on the protective surface 200a, 200b with respect to the portion exposed near the lateral edges 11, 12.

The second plate member 3, in correspondence with the spindle-shaped region, comprises on the first face 31 a reinforcing relief 34 having greater thickness than the thickness of the rest of the second plate member 3.

For example, this reinforcement relief 34 comprises a plate 34a which is associated with the second plate member 3 on the first face 31. The plate 34a (or the region of the relief 34, if obtained in one piece with the second plate member 3) its thickness is such as to be substantially coplanar with the first faces 21 of the first plate members 2; it also has a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to the shape and dimensions of the spindle-shaped region of the interstice 29 which remains defined between the first plate members 2a, 2b when the latter are in the first position.

Therefore, in the first position the protection surface 200a has a first face substantially coplanar, and capable of offering uniform protection to the user. In fact, the combination of the first plate members 2 and the reinforcing reliefs 34 makes it possible to provide a continuous resistance to impacts and impacts against sharp objects or bodies over the entire surface 200a.

In the second position, the first plate members 2 are more spaced apart from each other, with the formation of a greater protective surface 200b, and furthermore they are further spaced from the reinforcing reliefs 34 of the second plate members 3.

However, especially in the region crossed by the longitudinal axis 210 (i.e., in correspondence with the spine, therefore in the region that must be most protected), the interstices 29a, 29b that are created between the first plate members 2 and the reinforcing reliefs 34 are limited, because the extent of the displacement between two first adjacent plate members 2a, 2b is shared between a first interstice 29a between the reinforcing relief 34 and one of the first plate members 2a, and a second interstice 29b between the reinforcement relief 34 and the other of the first plate members 2b.

A way of making the connection between the first plate members 2, 2a, 2b and the second plate members 3 is shown in detail in figures 5 to 9.

Each second plate member 3 comprises comb-shaped edges on the sides 35a, 35b facing the respective first plate members 2a, 2b, i.e. in correspondence with an overlapping area with the first plate members 2a, 2b, and then towards a subsequent second adjacent plate member 3. In other words, this edge has a jagged profile comprising an alternation of prongs 36 and grooves 37.

The prongs 36 extend towards the respective second adjacent plate member 3, in particular they extend parallel to said longitudinal direction 210.

Furthermore, the prongs 36 of each side 35a, 35b of the second plate member 3 are arranged offset with respect to the prongs 36 of the corresponding sides 35a, 35b of the second adjacent plate members 3, so that, during the translation movement, the prongs 36 of a second plate member 3 slide into the grooves 37 of another second plate member 3, and vice versa. This is favored by the fact that the width L7 of the grooves 37 is considerably greater than the width L6 of the prongs 36. In proximity to the prongs 36 of the second plate member 3 there is a plurality of slots 38 or notches, which are through openings made in the thickness of the second plate member 3 and having an elongated shape, substantially parallel to the prongs 36 and to the longitudinal direction 210. In the example, as shown in the figures, a slot 38 is provided in correspondence with each prong 36.

A plurality of teeth 28 extend from the second face 22 of the first plate member 2, in the example having the shape of a parallelepiped; in the example the teeth 28 extend orthogonally to the first plate member 2. In particular, three rows of teeth 28 are provided (a first row of teeth 28a, a second row of teeth 28c, a third row of teeth 28b), in wherein in each row the teeth 28 are aligned with each other along a transverse direction 230 (in the example, orthogonal) to said longitudinal direction 210.

The teeth 28a belonging to the first row are housed in the slots 38 of a second plate member 3a; the distance between the teeth 28a and their dimensions are such as to allow each tooth 28a to be inserted in a respective slot 38 and to be able to slide in the slot 38 along its length, therefore along the longitudinal direction 210, during the movement of translation between the first plate member 2 and the second plate member 3a.

The teeth 28b belonging to the third row are housed in the slots 38 of another second plate member 3b, in a similar way to the teeth 28a of the first row; they therefore allow the translation movement between the first plate member 2 and the other second plate member 3b.

The teeth 28c belonging to the second row are in an intermediate position between the teeth 28a of the first row and the teeth 28b of the third row; the teeth 28c are housed between a respective tine 36 of a second plate member 3a and a respective tine 36 of the other second plate member 3b, ie they are arranged in correspondence with a respective groove 37. During the translation movement, the prong 36 of a second plate member 3a and the prong 36 of the other second plate member 3b both translate with respect to the corresponding tooth 28c.

Basically, each second plate member 3 is slidingly associated with two distinct first plate members 2a, 2b and is arranged as a bridge between them; at the same time, each first plate member 2 (apart from the two extremity members, ie upper and lower in the back protector 1 worn) is slidingly associated with two distinct second plate members 3a, 3b.

The second plate members 3 and the first plate members 2 are therefore able to translate together along the longitudinal direction 210, as shown in the figures, by varying the length of the back protector 1 and the extension of the protective surface 200a, 200b.

The slots 38 act as sliding guides, thanks to the cooperation with the teeth 28a, 28b. It should also be noted that, in the example, said first approach position and second withdrawal position are defined by respective end-of-stroke positions of the sliding of the teeth 28a, 28b in the corresponding slots 38.

Retention means are also provided to prevent the teeth 28a, 28b from slipping out of the slots 38.

In one embodiment, the retaining means comprise an elongated element 41 and inserted in a housing or hole 281 passing transversally in the respective tooth 28. The elongated element 41 protrudes from the sides of the tooth 28, so that the portion of the second plate member 3 near the slot 38 is interposed between the first plate member 2 and the elongated element 41. The extraction of the tooth 28 from the slot 38 is therefore prevented by the protrusions of the elongated element 41 which go in abutment against the second face 32 of the second plate member 3. With the same method the extraction of the teeth 28c from the grooves 37 is prevented, thanks to the elongated element 41 which abuts against the respective prongs 36.

The same elongated element 41 can be inserted simultaneously into several teeth 28. In the embodiment shown, the holding means comprise a single elongated element 41, which is a flexible cable, for example made of nylon or steel, which crosses in the teeth 28 of the entire back protector 1 in succession, making a loop path between the upper end and the lower end of the back protector 1 itself.

Basically, the elongated element 41 is inserted in a serpentine sequence in the first row of teeth 28a, in the second row of teeth 28c, in the third row of teeth 28b, and so on.

The extraction of the elongated element 41 from the teeth 28 is in turn prevented by means of studs 42 fixed to the two opposite ends of the flexible cable 41.

Elastic return means are also provided, in the example comprising springs 45 having a first end 45a associated with a tooth 28 of one of the first plate members 2a and a second end 45b associated with a tooth 28 of the other of the first plate members 2b. In particular, the ends 45a, 45b of the spring 45 are inserted in the holes 281 of the respective teeth 28.

The elastic return means are aimed at recalling the back protector 1 towards the first position of minimum length L1, thus causing it to return to the first position. In fact, each spring 45 draws the respective first plate members 2a, 2b towards the first approach position.

The holes 281 are made at a distance from the face 22 such as to leave a certain clearance between the elongated retaining element 41 and the second plate members 3; in other words, the teeth 28 are allowed a limited movement in the direction of extraction from the slots 38.

Thanks to said play, the first plate members 2 can perform, in addition to the aforementioned translation movement along the direction 210, also a rotation movement relative to each other. This rotation movement occurs with respect to rotation axes 220 which are substantially parallel to the protective surface 200a, 200b, as well as transverse to the direction of translation 210.

Basically, two adjacent first plate members 2a, 2b are allowed a reciprocal angular displacement with respect to each other around a respective axis 220. In particular, each first plate member 2a, 2b performs an angular displacement with respect to to the second plate member 3 disposed between them. The maximum amplitude of the angular displacement with respect to the first undeformed position is limited by the amount of play between the retaining element 41 and the second plate members 3.

In the example, the maximum amplitude A1 of the angular displacement of two first plate members 2a, 2b in a first direction of rotation is greater than the maximum amplitude A2 of the angular displacement in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction. This is shown in figures 2A and 2B in a schematic representation.

In particular, the first direction of rotation corresponds to the forward bend of the back of the user 100, while the second direction of rotation corresponds to the backward bend of the back. Therefore, the back protector 1 is suitable for supporting the normal curvature of the back during use and is able to counteract a movement in the opposite direction that could occur in the event of a fall of the user 100 and therefore be harmful.

The maximum amplitudes A1 and A2 can be adjusted by acting on the clearances between the elongated retaining element 41 and the second plate members 3. For example, a maximum amplitude A1 in the first direction which is greater than the maximum amplitude A2 in the second direction it can be obtained by providing clearances in correspondence of the first and second rows of teeth 28a, 28b which are greater than the clearances in correspondence of the second row of teeth 28c.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the arrangement of the teeth 28 and of the slots 38 can be reversed, i.e. the teeth 28 can be provided on the second plate members 3 and the slots 38 can be obtained in the first plate members 2.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the second plate members 3 may not be provided and the first plate members 2 can be connected directly to each other. For example, in this case, for a pair of adjacent first plate members 2a, 2b, the connecting means comprise at least one tooth 28 fixed to one of the first plate members 2a (or made integrally with it), which is sliding in an elongated slot 38 made in the other of the first plate members 2b, said sliding taking place along the direction of translation 210.

A second embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present disclosure is indicated with the reference number 10 and is represented in Figures 10 to 15. Elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number of the shape of embodiment described above and therefore are not again described in detail.

The device 10 is for example a back protector, similar to the previously described embodiment.

The back protector 10 comprises a plurality of plate members 20 arranged close to each other so as to form the protective surface 200a, 200b as a whole. In the example, the back protector 10 comprises seven plate members 20, which are side by side in succession and aligned along the longitudinal direction 210.

The plate members 20 are substantially rigid and are preferably made of plastic material, such as polypropylene, possibly coupled with metal reinforcements.

Each plate member 20 has a first face 21 and a second face 22 opposite it. The second face 22 is intended to face the user's body, while the first face 21 is directed outwards, that is towards the region from which a potential impacting object comes.

The protective surface 200a, 200b therefore comprises the first faces 21 of the plate members 20.

The plate members 20 are associated with each other by means of connection means which allow reciprocal translation movements along a translation direction parallel to the protective surface 200a, 200b and which in particular coincides with the longitudinal direction 210.

Also in this embodiment, two adjacent plate members 20a, 20b are mutually movable between a first position (Figure 10) and a second position (Figure 11): the two plate members 20a, 20b in the second position are moving away from each other. them with respect to the first position.

The connection means comprise at least one elongated-shaped body, which in the example is a bead 55 made of plastic material, to which the plate members 20 are associated. The elongated-shaped body 55 substantially extends along the translation direction 210 and acts at the same time as a structural means for connecting the plate members 20 and as a guide for their movement.

In particular, two cords 55 are provided, arranged in correspondence with respective lateral sides 11, 12 of the back protector 10.

The plate members 20 are associated with the beads 55 at their opposite edges 26a, 26b.

The association between plate members 20 and beads 55 is in particular obtained by means of joining elements 46 having a first portion 47 in the shape of a channel with a C-section and a second portion 48 which is substantially flat. In the example, the joining elements 46 are made of thermoplastic material (for example polypropylene) by molding.

The first channel portion 47 is adapted to be threaded onto a respective bead 55 and is made to slide to the desired position. In proximity to the ends of the cords 55, stop elements 56 are applied to prevent the involuntary slipping of the plate members 20 from the cords 55 themselves.

The second portion 48 of the joining element 46 is stably associated with the corresponding edge 26a, 26b of the plate member 20, for example by means of press studs or rivets 49, preferably of plastic material, or by means of interlocking.

Alternatively, the joining elements 46 are made in one piece with the respective plate member 20, for example in a single molding step.

In one embodiment, the elongated bodies 55 are extensible and are made of elastic material (e.g. rubber). The joining elements 46, once the device 10 has been mounted, remain blocked on the cords 55 and can no longer slide on them; therefore the plate members 20a, 20b are fixed to the beads 55. The displacement of the plate members 20a, 20b therefore takes place with a deformation / elongation of the extensible beads 55 along their development direction, that is, along the translation direction 210. The extent of the displacement depends on the modulus of elasticity of the extensible cords 55. The extensible cords 55 also act as a means of elastic return towards the first position; in this regard, the extensible cords 55 can be pretensioned, that is, they can be in an elongated deformed state already when the plate members 20 are in the first position.

In another embodiment, the joining elements 46 can slide on the cords 55 even during use; therefore the plate members 20 can be moved on the beads 55, to the advantage of adaptability to the movements of the user 100. To favor this, the beads 55 can be coated with a material with a low coefficient of friction.

In the embodiment shown, no second plate members are provided, interposed between two successive plate members 20, unlike what has been described for the previous embodiment. In this case it is necessary to avoid that the interstice 29 which remains defined between the edges 26c, 26d of the plate members 20a, 20b can constitute a dangerous region which leaves the user's back unprotected. For this purpose, to protect the spine which is the most delicate part of the back, the plate members 20 have a wing extension 27, or portion of reduced thickness, which extends from the central region of an edge 26c towards the adjacent plate member 20 and which partly overlaps a corresponding portion of reduced thickness of the adjacent plate member.

The wing extension 27 has a smaller thickness than the thickness of the plate member 20 and in particular has a step (that is, it is at a lower level) than the first face 21. In this way the wing extension 27 can be insert underneath the adjacent protective member 20. Preferably, a suitable complementary seat 271 is made on the second face 22 of said adjacent protective member 20 to accommodate said wing extension 27.

The extension of the wing extensions 27 is such that, both in the first position and in the second position, there is a continuous surface at least in the central region of the protection surface 200a, 200b, along the longitudinal development direction 210, in other words It is such as to guarantee a continuous protection surface in any condition of minimum or maximum extension.

This is achieved thanks to the alternation of the first faces 21 of the plate members 20 and of the wing extensions 27; in particular, also in the second position the wing extension 27 of one of the plate members 20a is partially facing the second face 22 of the other adjacent plate member 20b, i.e. the end of the wing extension 27 is interposed between the adjacent protective member 20b is at the user's back.

It is however possible to provide that between one plate member 20a and the other 20b, i.e. in the interstices 29) elements made of elastic material (for example rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane) are inserted which compensate for the displacement of the plate members 20a, 20b both in extension both in compression. In other words, such elements in elastic material (not shown in the figures) can maintain the continuity of the protective surface 200a, 200b and at the same time act as elastic return means towards the first position.

cords 55 are for example wrapped in, or in any case fixed to, portions of fabric 57 or similar flat flexible material, which allow the back protector 10 to be fixed to a garment or to suspenders or belts.

plate members 20 can for example have a rounded or concave shape, with concavity facing the user's back.

It should be noted that the use of flexible connection means 55 allows the angular displacement of a plate member 20a with respect to the adjacent one 20b, around an axis of rotation 220, similarly to what is described for the first embodiment. Furthermore, this allows to obtain a protection device 10 which can be folded back on itself when not in use.

The object of the present disclosure has hitherto been described with reference to its preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the protection scope of the claims set out below.

Claims (22)

CLAIMS 1. Protective wearable device (1, 10), comprising a plurality of plate members (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b; 20, 20a, 20b) adjacent to form a protective surface (200a, 200b) , in which said wearable protective device (1, 10) is able to assume a first condition and a second condition, said plate members (2, 2a, 2b; 20, 20a, 20b, 3, 3a, 3b) forming in said second condition a protection surface (200b) which is larger than the protection surface (200a) formed in said first condition. 2. Wearable protective device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein said plate members (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b; 20, 20a, 20b) are two by two at least partially overlapped between them along a longitudinal direction (210) and in which in said second condition the protection surface (200b) is elongated along said longitudinal direction (210) with respect to the protection surface (200a) in said first condition. Wearable protective device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said plate members (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b) comprise first plate members (2, 2a, 2b) and second plate members (3, 3a, 3b), each of said second plate members (3, 3a, 3b) being at least partially interposed and superimposed between two adjacent first plate members (2, 2a, 2b), and in which each second member a plate (3, 3a, 3b) acts as a connecting element of the two first adjacent plate members (2, 2a, 2b) and is suitable for allowing a translation movement of one (2a) with respect to the other (2b) of the two adjacent first plate members (2, 2a, 2b), said translation movement being between a first position and a second position, in which in said second position the two adjacent first plate members (2, 2a, 2b) are in distance from each other, with respect to said first position, along a translation direction (210) and said protective surface (200b) is elongated with respect to a protective surface (200a) in said first position. 4. Wearable protective device (1) according to claim 3, wherein each of said second plate members (3, 3a, 3b) comprises, at an overlap area with one of the two first adjacent plate members (2 , 2a, 2b), a comb-shaped edge (35a, 35b), said comb-shaped edge (35a, 35b) comprising a plurality of prongs (36) extending according to said translation direction (210), in which the tines (36) of an edge (35a) of a second plate member (3a) are arranged offset with respect to the tines (36) of an edge (35b) of another second plate member (3b) which is adjacent in the direction of travel (210). Protective wearable device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, comprising at least one tooth (28, 28a, 28b, 28c) protruding from a surface (22, 31) of either of the first plate member (2, 2a, 2b) and the second plate member (3, 3a, 3b), and at least one slot (38) made in the other between the first plate member (2, 2a, 2b) and the second member plate (3, 3a, 3b), in which said at least one tooth (28, 28a, 28b, 28c) is able to slide in said at least one slot (38). 6. Wearable protective device (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein a plurality of said slots (38) is formed in correspondence with the prongs (36) of a second plate member (3, 3a, 3b) a form a row of slots (38), and a plurality of teeth (28, 28a, 28b) protrude from the surface (22) of a respective first plate member (2, 2a, 2b) to form a first row of teeth (28 , 28a, 28b) substantially aligned with each other along a direction (230) transversal to said translation direction (210), said teeth (28, 28a, 28b) being slidably inserted in the respective slots (38). Protective wearable device (1) according to claim 6, comprising a second row of teeth (28, 28c) projecting from the surface (22) of said first plate member (2, 2a, 2b), wherein each tooth ( 28, 28c) of the second row is interposed between a prong (36) of a second plate member (3, 3a) and a prong (36) of another second plate member (3, 3b). 8. Wearable protective device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising holding means (41) to prevent the slipping of said at least one tooth (28, 28a, 28b, 28c) from a respective slot (38 ). Wearable device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said holding means comprise an elongated element (41) which is inserted in a housing (281) made in said at least one tooth (28, 28a, 28b, 28c). 10. Wearable protective device (1) according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 6, in which the same elongated element (41) is inserted in said first row of teeth (28, 28a, 28b). 11. Wearable protective device (1) according to claim 10, in which the same elongated element (41) is inserted in a serpentine sequence in said first row of teeth (28, 28a, 28b) and in said second row of teeth (28, 28c). Protective wearable device (1) according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said elongated element (41) is a flexible body. 13. Wearable protective device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein each of said second plate members (3, 3a, 3b) comprises a reinforcement relief (34) having a thickness greater than the thickness of the remaining part of the second plate member (3, 3a, 3b), said reinforcement relief (34) being interposed between the respective first two adjacent plate members (2, 2a, 2b) and having a substantially complementary shape to the shape of an interstice (29) which remains defined between said two adjacent first plate members (2, 2a, 2b) when they are in said first position. Protective wearable device (10) according to claim 2, wherein said plate members (20, 20, 20b) have an extension (27) having a reduced thickness with respect to a remaining part of the respective plate member (20, 20a, 20b), wherein said extension (27) extends from the respective plate member (20, 20a) along said longitudinal direction (210) and partially overlaps with a corresponding portion (271) of an adjacent plate member (20 , 20b). Protective wearable device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising elastic return means (45, 55) associated with said plate members (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b; 20, 20a, 20b). 16. Wearable protective device (1) according to claim 15 when dependent at least on claim 3, wherein said elastic return means (45, 55) are associated with said first plate members (2, 2a, 2b). Wearable protective device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said elastic return means comprise a cord (55) made of elastic material. 18. Wearable protective device (10) according to claim 17, wherein said elastic return means comprise two cords (55) made of elastic material, said cords (55) being associated with the plate members (20, 20a, 20b) each at a perimeter edge of the protective surface (200a, 200b). 19. Protective wearable device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said plate members (2, 2a, 2b, 3, 3a, 3b; 20, 20a, 20b) are connected together in such a way as to allow two adjacent plate members (2, 2a, 2b; 20, 20a, 20b) a limited angular displacement of one (2a, 20a) with respect to the other (2b, 20b), said angular displacement having located around an axis of rotation (220) substantially parallel to said protective surface (200a, 200b). 20. Wearable protective device (1, 10) according to claim 19, wherein, with respect to said first condition, the maximum amplitude (A1) of said angular displacement in a first direction of rotation is greater than the maximum amplitude (A2) of said angular displacement in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction. Protective wearable device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said wearable device (1, 10) is a spinal protector adapted to protect at least a portion of a user's spine (100 ). A garment comprising at least one wearable protective device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.