JP2007204912A - Protective gear for cycling pants - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a protective gear for a pair of cycling pants, retaining protecting function of the body riding on a bicycle, and to provide the cycling pants having the protective gear. <P>SOLUTION: This protective gear (3) for the cycling pants includes both a first transformable solid material (13) selected from the group consisting of a foaming body and an elastomer, and a second fluidizable material (14) selected from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid and a gel. The cycling pants having the protective gear (3) are also provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a protective device for cycling pants and to a cycling pant having such a protective device.

  In this specification and claims, the term “cycling pants” refers to any garment such as shorts, long pants, bibs, and tights for bicycles, exercise bikes, and gym spinning machines. Means.

  Bicycle seating faces both in the direction transverse to the bike midline and in the direction parallel to the bike midline in order to reduce the weight and lateral dimensions of the bike and, in particular, to allow pedaling by the legs. Must be kept small. Therefore, the saddle of the bicycle basically has a shape of a thin isosceles triangle in a plan view.

  Impact, vibration and rocking caused by contact with the saddle, friction with the saddle caused by the movement of the legs when pedaling and local overheating, and ground irregularities, or in the event of a falling car, in particular Various problems and inconveniences are caused when the bicycle is used for a long time or for competition. Unfortunately, problems such as blisters, sores, inflammation, ulcers, octopus, trauma and microtrauma, and bruises and wounds generally exist at both skin and muscle levels, and even blood circulation There are even problems with the prostate gland.

  In order to protect the body area with such problems, cycling pants have materials with suitable properties, i.e. soft and hygienic, resistant to skin pH and sweating. It is foreseen to wear a seat pad made of a material that is non-allergenic, antibacterial, stretchable, and temperature-adjustable.

  As used herein and in the claims, the term “seat pad” means an insert or reinforcement that extends around the crotch of the pants. The shape of the seat pad is generally a pear or double lobe shape.

  Among the materials widely used for seat pads, natural or synthetic fabrics, meshes, knitted fabrics, microfibers, or animal skins can be exemplified.

  In recent seat pads, the above materials exist in a two-layer structure in combination with a pad member.

  In known seat pads, the pad member is substantially uniform in size and shape so as to be located between the bicycle rider and the entire bicycle saddle.

Patent Document 1, which is still unpublished on the first filing date of the present application, has a pair of pad members, each pad member having a peripheral region having a thickness larger than the central region, A protective device for cycling pants is described, characterized in that this peripheral region is suitable for being located around and around a sciatic tubercle.
European Patent Application No. 05425107.9 specification

  With regard to the material, foam pad members are known, such as polyesters such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyurethane and MTP (maltoprene). However, the Applicant has realized that with the use of pants and washing, these pad member materials gradually lose their inherent elastic properties.

For example, a pad member in which a bag formed between two impermeable layers of a seat pad by heat sealing, for example, fluid such as silicon, oil, and a mixture thereof can be flowed is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2 is known.
U.S. Pat.No. 4,945,571

  The pad member filled with the liquid follows the movement of the leg when pedaling and increases the contact area with the bicycle rider, and therefore functions better than the foam pad member. Moreover, not only the force orthogonal to the contact surface of the bicycle rider but also the shear stress is absorbed well.

  Applicants have found that a pad member filled with liquid or gas may reduce the pressure of the fluid filling the pad member due to deformation of the bag, or even the liquid may escape due to tearing of the bag. And as a result, it has been found to have the disadvantage that the ability of the protective equipment is lost.

  It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a protective device for a cycling pant having both a first deformable solid material selected from the group consisting of foam and elastomer, and a second flowable material.

  According to such a protective device, it has a deformable solid material whose shape changes when the body weight of a bicycle rider is loaded when the foreskin of the impermeable material containing the flowable material is torn Thus, the protective device of the present invention maintains a remarkable effect.

  The two materials can be placed in separate and properly positioned areas of the protector, for example, one located at the sciatic tuber of a bicycle ride and the other around it.

  Further, in this manner, the protector can be optimized for each of the abutment areas of the bicycle ride by selecting the type of material that provides the most suitable flexibility for the pad member.

  However, it is preferred that both the first and second materials are present in at least one region of the protective equipment.

  The presence of the two materials in combination, particularly in the most important area of the bicycle ride on the saddle, allows the good protective properties of the second material to be utilized and Even if the second material is removed due to breakage, at least the first material is still in place.

  More preferably, in the at least one region of the protective device, both the first and second materials are housed in a common chamber made of a non-permeable and flexible material.

  In the first embodiment, the first and second materials penetrate each other in the common chamber.

  In the second embodiment, the first and second materials do not penetrate each other in the common chamber.

  In this case, the second material preferably forms a layer around the first material.

  In this manner, the first material will only actively intervene in the event of a leak of the second material, but requires lesser amount of the second material, especially if the second material is a liquid or gel. In some cases, the damage or inconvenience to a bicycle ride when leaking is reduced.

  Alternatively, in the at least one region of the protective device, both the first and second materials can be housed in an overlapping chamber of non-permeable and flexible material, preferably the second Material is housed in the near chamber and the first material is housed in the far chamber.

  In this specification and in the claims, the term “proximity side” and the corresponding term “far side” are each used in a broader sense with respect to protective equipment, and are used for the human body when a bicycle rider is seated. The facing surface and the outer surface facing the bicycle saddle, respectively.

  When both the first and second materials are present in at least one region of the protective device, the protective device according to the present invention is at least in which only one of the first material and the second material is present. It can have one second region.

  Preferably, the first material is polyester maltoprene (MTP).

  The first material may be monolithic or free, for example in the form of small pieces, grains, pellets, chips, and the like.

Further preferably, when the first material is a foam material, its density is in the range of about 10 kg / m ³ to about 100 kg / m ³ , preferably about 60 kg / m ³ .

  When the first material is an elastomer, the compression elastic modulus is preferably less than 5 MPa.

  Preferably, the second flowable material is selected from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid, and a gel, and more preferably the second material is air. Air or other gas preferably has a pressure of up to 1.5 bar.

  In particular, if both materials are housed in a common chamber, air provides adequate protection without the need for extra costs.

  Preferably, the protective device has a pair of pad members, and each pad member has a peripheral region having a thickness larger than that of the central region, and the peripheral region is centered around the vicinity of the sciatic nodule Suitable for positioning.

  Such a protective device configuration provides adequate support and protection of the human body and at the same time maintains good contact and balance with the bicycle saddle. In fact, the skeleton is supported by the sciatica. When the seating surface is large enough, such as a chair, the human body is supported by a much larger spread than the spread of the gluteal muscles. Thus, weight is not supported by the sciatic tuberosity (only) but by its surroundings. A great deal of stability is provided in the abutment and further protection of the thin layer of skin of the sciatic nodule. On the other hand, the human body, like a bicycle saddle, is not suitable for sitting on a limited surface. According to the specific configuration of the protective device described above, the pad member adapts to the convex shape of the gluteal muscle in the region of the sciatic tuberosity, so that the natural sitting state is restored, and compared with a flat pad member. The contact surface is increased, thus improving the bicycle riding balance in the sitting position.

  Further, in such a preferred configuration, sufficient area without a pad member is left for good sweating.

  In one embodiment, each pad member has only one donut-shaped member, i.e., the central region is hollow. This embodiment is very concise and allows remarkable ventilation, thus reducing problems due to excessive sweating.

  However, preferably, the material of each pad member is also present in the central region.

  In the first modified example, the peripheral region of each pad member is more flexible than the central region and more easily deformed. In this way, the protective device resembles the muscle-fat mass of the sciatic tubericular gluteal muscle, resulting in a highly anatomical contact.

  In the second variant, the flexibility of the central region and the peripheral region is selected so that the reaction pressure applied to the bicycle ride is approximately the same throughout the extent of the pad member. In this manner, a uniform distribution of bicycle rider weight over the entire area of the pad member is achieved.

  Finally, in the third variant, the peripheral area of each pad member is less flexible and deformable than the central area, thus ensuring that more of the weight of the bicycle rider is in such peripheral area. Can be relaxed.

  The difference in flexibility between the peripheral region and the central region can be achieved by differentiating the pressure of the flowable material, even if the thickness of the peripheral region and the central region is the same, the flowable material, the deformation Solid materials, and combinations thereof, which can be achieved by using different materials, can also be achieved by a combination of flowable material thickness and pressure differences, or thickness differences can be achieved by flowable materials, deformable solid materials , And combinations thereof with the use of different materials.

  In particular, in each pad member, the peripheral region can include both the first and second materials, and the central region can include only the second material.

  Alternatively, in each pad member, the peripheral region can include only the first material, and the central region can include only the second material, or vice versa.

  Conveniently, each pad member is provided with a vent path.

  Conveniently, each pad member has a proximal surface with a concave envelope contour that conforms to the convex shape of the sciatic tubercle and the surrounding gluteal muscle, and a flat proximal surface The contact surface with the bicycle rider is made larger than that of the pad member having, so that the balance of the bicycle rider at the seating position is improved.

  The distal surface of each pad member can have a concave envelope profile, can have a flat envelope profile, or can increase the contact surface with the saddle in a manner that increases the contact surface with the saddle. It can have a convex envelope contour with a larger radius of curvature than the surface.

  In a particularly preferred manner, each of the pad members has a concentric configuration, and the concentric members of this configuration have a thickness that decreases toward the center.

  Such a concentric ring configuration provides each pad member with a generally concave shape that is well suited to support the ischia in a manner similar to the gluteal muscle.

  In one embodiment, each of the concentric members includes only one donut or circular member.

  The ventilation path comprises at least one through hole, preferably at least four through holes distributed equally.

  Alternatively or in addition, a donut-shaped member may be placed, possibly connected by a bridging member, with a ventilation gap between adjacent concentric rings.

  In another embodiment, the at least one intermediate concentric ring has a plurality of donut-shaped members circumscribing each other.

  Therefore, the ventilation path is constituted by gaps between various donut-shaped members, and although it is not always necessary to provide the ventilation path, they may still be provided.

  Preferably, each pad member is made from an impermeable, flexible material shaped like at least one bag or fluid path.

  Conveniently, the at least one bag is equipped with an infusion valve that can be removably connected to a small inflator (pneumatic pump). With such equipment, a bicycle rider can control the pressure of the flowable material according to his / her own body structure, and depending on whether he / she is an amateur or a professional, In the former case, the pressure of the flowable material can be controlled by giving priority to comfort, and in the case of a professional, giving priority to contact with the saddle.

  When a plurality of concentric members form each pad member, a bag composed of at least two adjacent concentric members is connected to one concentric member and the other concentric in order to increase the degree of matching of the individual bicycle rider with the body. A second flowable material passageway between the members can provide communication.

  Conveniently, the pad member is provided with at least two separate bags, one constituting the peripheral region and one constituting the central region, possibly each having a respective infusion valve. In this way, the peripheral and central regions of the pad member can be independently inflated or deflated and can be optimally shaped for individual bicycle riders.

  Even in the process of inflating the bags corresponding to the two pad members provided in one pant, they can be connected to each other in order to balance the pressure of the protective equipment.

  Preferably, each pad member has a lateral dimension of 4 to 10 cm, more preferably a lateral dimension of about 6 cm.

  In various embodiments, the thickness of each pad member ranges from about 10 mm in the peripheral region to about 4 mm in the central region.

  Each pad member is substantially circular.

  Alternatively, each pad member may be elongated, for example, approximately oval, with the larger dimension being substantially parallel.

  In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each pad member has concentric members spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a plurality of transfer members.

  Preferably, the transfer member forms a passage for the second flowable material.

  Further preferably, in the space between the transfer members, two layers of the concentric foreskin are in contact with each other, and a plurality of vent holes are provided in this space.

  Preferably, the protector according to the present invention has a third pad member centrally and forwardly with respect to the pair of pad members in order to provide protection to the genital area of the bicycle rider.

  Preferably, the third pad member is more flexible than the pair of two pad members.

  The third pad member can also have an overall concave shape and differentiated flexibility.

  Conveniently, the peripheral areas of the three pad members are fused.

  Various pad members of the protector can be directly combined with the cycling pants.

  Preferably, however, the protective device according to the present invention has and is combined with at least one of a proximal seat pad layer or a distal seat pad layer.

  Conveniently, said at least one seat pad layer is soft, hygienic, resistant to skin pH, sweaty, non-allergenic, antibacterial, stretchable And / or made of a material that is temperature controllable.

  The at least one seat pad layer can be made of, for example, natural or synthetic fabric, mesh, knitted fabric, microfiber, or animal skin.

  The two pad members are arranged at an interaxial distance of 8 cm, 10 cm, or 6 cm, respectively, for men, women, and children. Such dimensions represent the average distance between sciatic nodules in men, women and children.

  Preferably, each pad member is housed in a releasable pocket for protective equipment, for example in a seat pad or pants and is detachable.

  In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the invention, the two pad members have an inter-axis distance that can be adjusted to suit an individual bicycle ride.

In one embodiment, the adjustable inter-axis distance is provided by elastically securing each pad member to the at least one seat pad layer or cycling pant or in the form of a loop and hook. It is achieved by a system (Velcro (VELCRO ^TM TM).

  In other embodiments, the adjustable inter-axis distance is achieved by a pair of pockets formed between the distant seat pad layer and the proximate seat pad layer, or each in the cycling pants, each The pocket is made larger than the pad member so as to accommodate the pad member with a gap. By providing a larger pocket compared to the pad member, the pad member can be moved to be positioned on the sciatic bone of an individual bicycle rider. Once properly positioned, the position of the pad member can be fixed, for example, by sewing.

  In other embodiments, the adjustable inter-axis distance has a friction between two elongated plates made of semi-rigid material and having knurled slots and overlapping knurled slots. This is achieved by a device having a disc-shaped headed pin that is movable. The pin having a disc-shaped head may be free or fixed to the pants or the at least one seat pad layer.

  Preferably, the two elongated plates extend from the two pad members 4 in a substantially radial direction so as to be gathered at one point, have a bent portion, and two portions that overlap with each other are formed. A knurled slot is provided at this site. In this way, a pin having a disk-shaped head can be positioned in an area that does not contact the pant saddle, such as approximately the waist height.

  The invention, in its second aspect, is a protective device for cycling pants having a first flowable material housed in a first chamber made of a non-permeable, flexible material, comprising at least one In one region, the thickness of the protective device includes the first chamber and a second flowable material housed in a second chamber made of a non-permeable, flexible material. It relates to protective equipment.

  Also in this manner, if the impermeable and flexible material is torn in one of the two chambers, the protective device is notable because there is a flowable material contained in the other of the two chambers. Maintain the ability.

  The second chamber may be inside the first chamber, or the two chambers may overlap.

  The second flowable material may be the same as or different from the first flowable material, and preferred materials and configurations of the protective device are as described above.

  In its third aspect, the present invention relates to a cycling pant having the protective device.

  In the following, the features and advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but they are only examples and are not limited thereto.

  The cycling pant 1 is shown in FIG. 1 as a short pant for illustrative purposes only and is made of, for example, LYCRA ™ or other elastomer and combined with the seat pad 2 and the seat pad 2 The protector 3 includes two separate pad members 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

  As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, the seat pad 2 is applied to the inside of the pants 1 and forms a reinforcing material that extends around the crotch 5 of the pants 1 and is generally in the shape of a pear or two ear lobes.

  Instead of the configuration of FIG. 2, the seat pad 2 may be applied to the outside of the pants 1 or may be formed into an insert into the material of the pants 1, in other words, the material of the pants 1. However, it may have a hole having a shape that matches the shape of the seat pad 2.

  The seat pad 2 has an upper layer or a near side layer 6 and a lower layer or a far side layer 7, which are sewn, glued, ultrasonic welded, or high frequency welded along the periphery of the seat pad 2. , Joined to the pants 1.

  However, the seat pad 2 may have only one of the near side layer 6 and the far side layer 7.

  Further, the seat pad 2 may not be present, and the protector 3 or the pair of pad members 4 of the protector 3 may be formed by, for example, sewing, bonding, ultrasonic welding, or high frequency welding, or will be described later. Can be directly combined with the material of the pants 1 by making two closed pockets as shown in FIG.

  The seat pad 2 is a material having the appropriate properties to protect the body area affected by the various problems mentioned above, i.e. stretchable, flexible, hygienic and against the skin pH. Made of materials that are resistant, sweaty, non-allergenic, antibacterial, and / or temperature-controllable.

  Suitable materials include natural or synthetic fabrics, meshes, knitted fabrics, microfibers, or animal skins.

  The two pad members 4 are circular and have a diameter of about 6 cm, and are arranged with an interaxial distance of 8 cm, 10 cm or 6 cm, respectively, in the men's, women's and children's pants 1.

  The outer diameter of the pad member 4 may be smaller or larger than 6 cm, may be a maximum of about 8 cm for men, a maximum of about 10 cm for women, and a maximum of about 4 cm for children. .

  Accordingly, the spread of the pad member 4 of the protective device 3 is much narrower than the entire spread of the seat pad 2, and therefore the seat bat 2 is suitable for sweating because it leaves a wide surface without the pad member, and the saddle. Improves abutment and balance on the saddle.

  Alternatively, each pad member 4 may be elongated, for example, generally oval, and the longer dimension is substantially parallel, that is, it extends in the direction of the crotch 5 of the pants 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pad member 4 of the protector 3 is disposed at the position of the sciatic nodule T of the bicycle rider. Yes.

  4 and 5 show a first embodiment of the pad member 4 of the protector 3 according to the invention.

  The pad member 4 has four concentric members 8 to 11 located concentrically, which are composed of three donut-shaped members 8 to 10 and an innermost circular member 11, but instead of this, The innermost circular member 11 may also be a donut shape. The concentric members 8 to 11 are formed by a non-permeable and deformable foreskin 12 manufactured as a bag by PVC, for example.

  A first deformable solid material 13 is placed in the inner chamber formed by the foreskin 12. The first deformable solid material 13 is preferably selected from the group consisting of foamed materials such as polyester, polyurethane, and PVC, and elastomers such as silicone, latex, and rubber (such as neoprene rubber), Polyester maltoprene (MTP) is particularly preferred. Such first material may be self-contained or may be loose, for example in the form of small pieces, grains, pellets, chips, etc.

Preferably, when the first material is a foam material, its density is in the range of about 10 kg / m ³ to about 100 kg / m ³ , preferably about 60 kg / m ³ .

  When the first material is an elastomer, its compression modulus is preferably less than 5 MPa.

  A second flowable material 14 is further disposed in the inner chamber formed by the foreskin 12. The second flowable material 14 may be a liquid such as, for example, water, oils such as silicone oil, and mixtures thereof, or may be a gel, or may be a gas, preferably simply air.

  When the second flowable material 14 is air or other gas, it preferably has a pressure of up to 1.5 bar.

  These two materials penetrate each other, fill the inner chamber formed by the foreskin 12, and contact the inner walls of these chambers. That is, the first deformable solid material 13 is permeable to the second material 14, which is air or other flowable material, and is expanded by the second material 14.

  The diameter of the cross section of the concentric members 8 to 11 is reduced from the outermost donut member 8 to the innermost circular member 11.

  In the first problem solving means, the pressure of the second material 14 may be the same for all of the concentric members 8 to 11. In this manner, the reaction pressure caused by the concentric members 8-11 is an inverse function of the diameter of the cross-section of the concentric member itself, so that the peripheral region of the pad member 4 is more flexible and more easily deformed than the central region. Become more similar to the muscle-fat mass of the sciatic nodule gluteal muscle, providing a high degree of ergonomic support.

  In the second problem solving means, the pressure of the second material 14 in the concentric members 8 to 11 is substantially the same as the pressure of the reaction caused by the concentric members 8 to 11 itself throughout the spread of the pad member 4. Can be adjusted. By this method, a uniform distribution of the weight of the bicycle rider can be obtained in the entire region of the pad member 4.

  Finally, in the third problem solving means, the reaction pressure caused by the concentric members 8 to 11 itself is larger in the peripheral region of the pad member 4 than the reaction pressure in the central region, and thus the pad member 4 The pressure of the second material 14 in the concentric members 8-11 can be adjusted so that it is stiffer in the peripheral area and the weight of a larger bicycle ride can be moderated appropriately in such a peripheral area.

  By allowing the pressure of the pad member 4 to be changed uniformly or independently about the peripheral region and the central region of the pad member 4, the pad member 4 itself can be adjusted to the needs of individual bicycle riders. be able to.

  More specifically, the inner side of the pad member 4 has an outer bag made by connecting the outermost two donut-shaped members 8 and 9 with at least one passage 15, and the penultimate donut-shaped member 10. And each bag is preferably provided with a respective infusion / pressure regulating valve 16. On the other hand, the inner circular member 11 has no valve due to its small size.

  The valve 16 allows the pressure of the pad member 4 to be adjusted to the needs of the individual cyclist and according to his / her body structure or whether he / she is an amateur or a professional. It is detachably connected to a small inflator (pneumatic pump) P.

  A thin tube (not shown) may be provided from the donut-shaped member 10 in order to move the corresponding valve 16 around the pad member 4.

  The pad member 4 may be divided into three or more bags or fluid paths for liquid or gas or gel, or only one bag may be provided. The corresponding bags of the two pad members 4 may be connected to each other to assist in their symmetrical expansion (see, for example, FIG. 20 below).

  The concentric members 8 to 11 have a diameter of a cross section that decreases as described above, but are disposed asymmetrically around the intermediate surface between the near side and the far side of the pad member 4 and have a concave envelope. Proximity surface 17 of pad member 4 having a line outline is created.

  Such a concave shape of the pad member 4 is adapted to the convex shape of the gluteal muscle in the region of the sciatic tuberosity, and therefore has a contact surface with a bicycle rider as compared with a pad member having a flat surface on the near side. Increase the size and improve the balance of bicycle riding in the sitting position.

  In FIG. 5, the contour of the envelope of the surface 18 on the far side of the pad member 4 is flat.

  According to the modification of the pad member 4, the concentric members 8 to 11 have a contour of a convex envelope having a larger radius of curvature than the concave portion of the near surface 17 in order to increase the contact surface with the saddle S. The far-side surface 18 (FIG. 6) is arranged to produce a far-side surface 18 (FIG. 7) having a concave envelope profile. 6 and 7, the valve 16 and the passage 15 are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

  In all three cases, the pad 4 has the anatomical shape as a whole.

  The pad member 4 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 also has a concentric arrangement of donut-shaped members 19 to 26, and more specifically, the outer donut-shaped member 19, the inner donut-shaped member 26, and the outer There are six donut-shaped members 20 to 25 arranged as one ring between the donut-shaped member 19 and the inner donut-shaped member 26.

  Also in this case, the diameters of the cross-sections of the donut-shaped members 19, 20 to 25 and 26 are such that the surface 17 on the near side of the pad member 4 has a concave envelope contour and the surface 18 on the far side is convex ( FIG. 10) or is selected to be flat or concave in a manner similar to FIGS.

  8-10, the donut-shaped members 20-25 and 26 have the same cross-sectional diameter, although the inner concentric ring donut-shaped member 26 may have a smaller cross-sectional diameter. Good.

  Again, if the thickness of the peripheral region is greater than the central region of the pad member 4 and therefore the pressure and material are the same, the peripheral region is the muscle-fat mass of the sciatic tubercle It becomes more flexible in a similar manner.

  Proper sweating is provided by the hollow space inside each donut member 19-26 and by the generally triangular space formed between the donut members 19, 20-25, and 26.

  However, instead of this, the donut-shaped members 20 to 26 may be circular.

  Also in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, one or more bags can be provided that connect several internal spaces of the donut-shaped members 19-26. Although not shown for simplicity, each bag can also be provided with a respective pressure regulating valve.

  The pad member 4 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 also has the donut-shaped members 27 to 45 arranged concentrically, and more specifically, the outer donut-shaped members 27 and 10 from the outside toward the inside. A concentric ring composed of one donut-shaped member 28-37 (the donut-shaped members 30 and 31 are omitted in FIG. 11), a concentric ring composed of five donut-shaped members 38-42, And three concentric rings composed of three donut-shaped members 43-45.

  The diameters of the cross-sections of the donut-shaped members of these various concentric rings are reduced from the outside to the inside so that the proximate surface 17 of the pad member 4 has a concave envelope contour.

  In FIG. 12, the distal surface 18 is shown with a flat envelope contour, so that the thickness of the peripheral region is greater than the central region of the pad member 4 so that pressure and material are reduced. If they are the same, the surrounding area is more flexible.

  However, also in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12, the contour of the envelope of the distal surface 18 is convex or has a larger radius of curvature than the proximal surface 17 in a manner similar to FIGS. It may be concave.

  Proper sweating is provided by the hollow space inside each donut member 27-45 and formed between the four concentric ring donut members 27, 28-37, 38-42, and 43-45. Is brought about by a roughly triangular space.

  However, instead of this, the donut-shaped members 28 to 37, 38 to 42, and 43 to 45 may be circular.

  Again, in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12, it is possible to provide one or more fluid channels, each with an injection valve.

  The pad member according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 has two donut-shaped members 46 and 47 and an inner circular member 48 concentrically. The inner member 48 may be donut shaped.

  The diameters of the cross sections of the three concentric members 46 to 48 are sequentially reduced from the outer member 46 to the inner member 48 so that the surface 17 on the near side of the pad member 4 has a concave envelope contour.

  The contour of the envelope of the far-side surface 18 may be flat, similar to FIGS. 5-7, or convex or concave with a larger radius of curvature than the near-side surface 17.

  The concentric members 46 to 48 are separated from each other and are connected to each other by a plurality of crosspieces 49. Conveniently, the transfer member 49 also forms a passage for the second flowable material 14. Accordingly, all the chambers inside the foreskin 12 of the concentric members 46 to 48 are connected to each other by the transfer member 49.

  The space 50 between the transfer members 49 may be hollow, or, as shown, the two layers of non-permeable and flexible material that make up the foreskin 12 may have, for example, heat in the space 50. They may be sealed and adjacent to each other. In such a case, a plurality of vent holes 51 are conveniently provided in the space 50. In the illustrated embodiment, there is one hole 51 in each of the spaces 50, but there may be more holes 51 in each space 50, or only one in some of the spaces 50. The above holes 51 may exist.

  Also in the embodiment of FIG. 13, a pressure control valve can be provided.

  The number of concentric members shown in the various figure embodiments described above should be understood as an example only, and there may be fewer or more concentric rings, each with more concentric rings. There may be a few or more donut-shaped or circular members.

  It should be understood that only one donut member having a diameter corresponding to the outer donut member 8, 19, 27 or 46 and having the same or smaller cross-sectional diameter is also within the scope of the present invention. It is.

  Furthermore, each of the pad members 4 according to the present invention may be configured with only one cushion 52 that is substantially circular as shown in FIGS.

  A plurality of through holes 53 are provided for proper ventilation.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-16, the near surface 17 is concave, the far surface 18 is flat in FIG. 14, and a larger radius of curvature than the near surface 17 in FIG. In FIG. 16, it is a concave shape. Thus, in these three embodiments, the pad member 4 exhibits a convenient thickness reduction from the peripheral region to the central region.

  However, this is not necessarily the technical scope of the present invention. That is, in FIG. 17, both the near-side surface 17 and the far-side surface 18 are flat, and thus the pad member 4 has a substantially constant thickness.

  More generally, a pair of pad members as described above is not provided, but instead includes only one pad member extending substantially throughout the seat pad as shown in FIG. 18, or A protective device 3 having a pad area appropriately arranged is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, the seat pad 2 shown in FIG. 19 includes a protector 3 having a third pad member 54 in addition to the pair of pad members 4, and the third pad member 54 includes the pad member 4. Is suitable for providing adequate protection to the genital area of the bicycle rider, in particular to avoid problems of insensitivity and infertility.

  In the embodiment of the protector of FIG. 19, each of the pad members 4 and 54 can be adapted to any one of the above-described embodiments and modifications, but here, as an example, only one cushion Is shown as

  Preferably, the third pad member 54 is more flexible than the two pad members 4.

  FIG. 20 shows a modified example of the protector 3 in which the third pad member 54 is arranged in the center and forward of the pad member 4. Here, the three pad members 4 and 54 are the basic ones. They are concentric, but their outer concentric members or peripheral areas are fused.

  In FIG. 20, the three peripheral regions of the three pad members 4 and 54 are provided so that the corresponding injection valves 16 can be detachably connected to a small inflator (pneumatic pump) P. Only one chamber is formed.

  Further, although not shown, an injection valve for each chamber formed therein may be provided in the central region of pad member 4 and possibly in the central region of pad 54.

  Further, the third pad member 54 of the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20 can have a generally concave shape and flexibility difference as described above with respect to the pad member 4.

  Furthermore, as a matter of course, the protector 3 of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be directly combined with the cycling pants 1 without providing the near side layer 6 and the far side layer 7 of the seat pad layer.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it is apparent that an appropriate number of through-holes should be provided for perspiration in such a protective device 3 as well.

  Instead, the first deformable solid material 13 and the second flowable material 14 are shown in FIG. 21 which, by way of example, cites the configuration of FIGS. 4 and 5 with four concentric members. Thus, it may not be possible to penetrate each other. Although not shown in FIG. 21, a passage 15 for air or other second flowable material 14 may exist between adjacent concentric members to adjust the pressure of the second material 14. It will be appreciated that more than one valve 16 may be present.

  If the materials 13, 14 do not penetrate each other, i.e. the first deformable solid material 13 is essentially impermeable to the second material 14, preferably the second material 14 is As shown in FIG. 21, a layer around the first material 13 is formed.

  According to this method, both materials 13, 14 are present in the same area of the protective device 3, even though the first material 13 is actively intervening only if the second material 14 leaks. If the second material 14 is smaller, and particularly if the second material 14 is a liquid or gel, there will be less damage or inconvenience to the bicycle ride when leaking.

  Further alternatively, the first deformable solid material 13 and the second flowable material 14 are shown by way of example in FIG. 22 which cites the configuration as a single cushion 52 in FIG. As such, it can be housed in separate and overlapping chambers made in a bag of impermeable and flexible material 12.

  Preferably, as shown in FIG. 22, the second flowable material 14 is contained in the proximal chamber 121 and the first deformable solid material 13 is contained in the distal chamber 122. .

  Again, even if both materials 13, 14 are present in the same region of the protective device 3, the first material 13 will actively intervene only if the second material 14 leaks.

  Further alternatively, while both the first deformable solid material 13 and the second flowable material 14 are present, particularly in some of the areas of the individual pad members 4 of the protector 3, Only one of the two materials 13 or 14 is present in the protective device 3, particularly in other areas of the individual pad members 4.

  As an example, FIG. 23 shows the pad member 4 having the configuration of the four concentric members of FIGS. 4 and 5, and the passage 15 for air and the valve 16 are omitted. In the pad member 4 of FIG. 23, both the first material 13 and the second material 14 exist in the peripheral region formed by the outer donut-shaped member 8, while the other concentric members 9 to 11 include Only the second flowable material 14, preferably air, is present. In this way, if air or other flowable material 14 leaks, adequate protection around the bicycle rider's sciatic nodule is provided by the deformable solid material 13 present in the outer donut member 8. Still exist.

  However, the first and second materials 13, 14 may be present only in separate areas of the protector 3, in particular the individual pad members 4, eg referring to FIG. 23, the outer donut-shaped member 8. Only the material 13 can be present in the peripheral region formed by, while only the second flowable material 14 can be present in the other concentric members 9-11, or vice versa.

  Further alternatively, some of the respective regions of the protective device 3, in particular the individual pad members 4, are formed by a foreskin material 12, both of which contain a flowable material 14 (not necessarily the same). There are two separate chambers. The two chambers may be one inside or the other so that both function as the thickness of the protector 3, in particular the pad member 4.

  As an example, FIG. 24 shows the pad member 4 having the configuration of the four concentric members of FIGS. 4 and 5, with the passage 15 and valve 16 for air omitted. In each of the concentric members 8-11, an outer chamber 123 and an inner chamber 124 are defined, each containing a flowable material.

  Again, as an example, FIG. 25 shows the pad member 4 having the configuration of FIG. 22 with a chamber over which only one cushion 52 overlaps. The flowable material 14 is contained in both the near chamber 121 and the far chamber 122.

  In the embodiment described above, if the impermeable and flexible material 12 is torn in one of the two chambers 121, 122 or 123, the other of the two chambers 121, 122 or Thanks to the presence of the flowable material 14 contained in 124, the protective device maintains a remarkable ability.

If there are two pad members 4 in the protective device 3 according to the present invention, they are preferably removable and can be replaced if the pressure of the second flowable material 14 is lost or leaks excessively. Is possible. This replacement can be achieved by, for example, a seating pad 2 or pants 1 by means of a fastening system with VELCRO ^™ type loops and hooks or by providing two pockets 55 in the seating pad 2 or pant 1 as shown in FIG. This can be easily achieved by providing a fixture to the cycling pants 1.

  Further, when the pocket 55 is made larger than the pad member 4, the distance between the axes of the two pad members 4 can be advantageously adjusted to match the protector 3 to each individual bicycle rider. is there.

  In particular, since the surface on the near side of the pad member 4 has a concave configuration, when the pant 1 is worn, the center of the pad member 4 is automatically positioned below the sciatic nodule.

  Alternatively, FIG. 27 shows a device 56 for adjusting the interaxial distance between the two pad members 4 in order to fit the protector 3 to an individual bicycle ride. Such an adjustment device 56 is made of semi-rigid material and moves with friction between two elongated plates 57 having knurled slots 58 and overlapping knotted slots 58. And a pin with a disk-like head 59. The pin having the disc-shaped head 59 may be free or may be fixed to the pants 1 or the seat pad 2.

  More specifically, the two elongated plates 57 extend from the two pad members 4 in a substantially radial direction so as to be gathered at one point, and have a bent portion 60, and the two overlapping portions 60 overlap each other. A site is formed, and a knurled slot 58 is provided at this site. In this manner, the pin having the disk-shaped head 59 can be positioned in a region that does not contact the saddle of the pant 1, for example, approximately the height of the waist.

  In various embodiments, the thickness of the pad member 4 ranges from about 10 mm in the peripheral region to about 4 mm in the central region.

  It is clear that the invention can be applied not only to bicycles but also to exercise bikes and gym spinning machines.

  The difference in flexibility between the peripheral region and the central region of each pad member 4 is that the second flowable material is injected at different pressures even if the peripheral region and the central region have the same thickness. Or by using various combinations of the first deformable solid material 13 and the second flowable material 14.

  Furthermore, the difference in flexibility between the peripheral region and the central region may be achieved by a combination of thickness and pressure differences or a combination of thickness and material differences.

It is a side view which shows the cycling pants by this invention. It is an exploded view which shows a part of pants of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the underpants of FIG. 1 at the time of use. It is a perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a plane sectional view showing a 1st embodiment of a pad member of a protector by the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a top view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 3rd Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is an exploded view which shows other embodiment which has only one pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a top view which shows embodiment of the protector by this invention which has a 3rd pad member. It is a top view which shows other embodiment of the protector by this invention which has a 3rd pad member. It is sectional drawing which shows embodiment which becomes an alternative about arrangement | positioning of the material in the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment which becomes an alternative about arrangement | positioning of the material in the protector by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment which becomes an alternative about arrangement | positioning of the material in the protector by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the pad member of the protector by this invention. It is a top view which shows embodiment of the protector provided with a pair of detachable pad member which can adjust an interaxial distance if needed. It is a top view which shows embodiment of a pair of pad member of the protector by this invention which can adjust the distance between axes | shafts.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pants Cycling pants 3 Protective equipment 4 Putting member 12 Impermeable and flexible material 13 First deformable solid material 14 Second flowable material 121 First chamber 123 First chamber 122 Second chamber 124 Second 2 chambers

Claims (32)

  Cycling pants (1) characterized in that it comprises both a first deformable solid material (13) selected from the group consisting of foam and elastomer and a second flowable material (14). ) Protective equipment (3).   The protector (3) according to claim 1, wherein both the first and second materials (13, 14) are present in at least one region of the protector (3).   3. The at least one region of the protective device (3) according to claim 2, wherein both the first and second materials (13, 14) are made of an impermeable and flexible material (12). A protective device (3), characterized in that it is housed in a common chamber.   Protective device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second materials (13, 14) penetrate each other in the common chamber.   The protective device (3) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second materials (13, 14) do not penetrate each other in the common chamber.   Protective device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second material (14) forms a layer around the first material (13).   3. In an overlapping chamber according to claim 2, wherein in said at least one region of said protective device (3), said first and second materials (13, 14) are made of an impermeable and flexible material (12). A protective device (3), characterized in that it is housed.   The at least one second of the protective device (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein only one of the first material and the second material (13, 14) is present. The protective device (3), further comprising:   Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first material (13) is integral.   10. Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first material (13) is free. 11. Protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first material (13) is a foam material having a density in the range of about 10 kg / m < ³ > to about 100 kg / m < ³ >. (3).   Protective device (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first material (13) is maltoprene (MTP).   11. The protective device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first material is an elastomer and preferably has a compression modulus of less than 5 MPa.   14. Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second flowable material (14) is selected from the group consisting of gas, liquid and gel.   Protective device (3) according to claim 14, characterized in that the second flowable material is a gas at a pressure up to 1.5 bar.   Protective device (3) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the second material (14) is air.   17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a pair of pad members (4), each pad member (4) having a peripheral region having a thickness greater than the central region. The protective device (3), wherein the peripheral region is suitable for being located around the sciatic nodule.   18. In each of the pad members (4) according to claim 17, a peripheral region includes both the first and second materials (13, 14) and a central region includes only the second material (14). Protective equipment (3) characterized by   18. The pad member (4) according to claim 17, wherein a peripheral region includes only the first material (13) and a central region includes only the second material (14). Protective equipment (3).   18. The pad member (4) according to claim 17, wherein a peripheral region includes only the second material (14) and a central region includes only the first material (13). Protective equipment (3).   21. Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein a path (53) for ventilation is provided in each pad member (4).   Each pad member (4) according to any one of claims 17 to 21 has a concentric configuration, and the concentric member of the concentric configuration has a thickness that decreases towards the center. A protective device (3) characterized in that   Protective device according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that each pad member (4) is made of at least one bag from a non-permeable and flexible material (12). (3).   24. Each pad member (4) according to any one of claims 17 to 23, comprising concentric members (46 to 48) spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a plurality of transfer members (49). Protective equipment (3).   Protective device (3) according to claim 24, characterized in that said transfer member (49) forms a path for a second flowable material (14).   26. The third pad member (54) according to any one of claims 17 to 25, further comprising a third pad member (54) disposed in the center and forward of the pair of pad members (4). Protective equipment (3).   27. Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein each pad member (4) is removable.   28. Protective device (3) according to any one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that the two pad members (4) have an adjustable interaxial distance. Protective device (3) for cycling pants (1) having a first flowable material (14) housed in a first chamber (121, 123) made of a non-permeable and flexible material (12) Because
In at least one region, the thickness of the protective device (3) is such that the first chamber (121, 123) and the second chamber (122, made of non-permeable and flexible material (12)). 124) a second flowable material (14) housed in 124).   Protective device (3) according to claim 29, characterized in that the second chamber (124) is inside the first chamber (123).   Protective device (3) according to claim 29, characterized in that the first and second chambers (121, 122) overlap.   Cycling pants (1) comprising the protective device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

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