US20030182707A1

US20030182707A1 - Ventilated protective motorcycle-racing suit

Info

Publication number: US20030182707A1
Application number: US10/114,552
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Hayes
Original assignee: Specialty Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Specialty Sports Ltd
Priority date: 2002-04-02
Filing date: 2002-04-02
Publication date: 2003-10-02

Abstract

A protective motorcycle garment is provided having an air distribution network. The air distribution network is located between an inner garment layer and an outer garment layer. The inner garment layer is constructed from an air-permeable material. The garment has air inlet(s) that allows air to flow into and throughout the air distribution network and through the inner garment layer of the protective motorcycle garment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a ventilated protective motorcycle-racing suit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for a protective garment to be worn during activities such as motorcycle racing is well known. Protective garments are worn to prevent or minimize abrasion and laceration injuries. In order to offer sufficient protection in a high speed-racing environment, the protective garment should be durable and rugged. Fashion leather garments implement thin leather, typically around 0.8 mm, that would not withstand the abrasive nature of a high-speed motorcycle accident. A preferred material for such garments is leather. High-grade leather of sufficient thickness, preferably about to 1.5 mm, is required for adequate protection.

The garment, while providing a protective layer around the rider's body, can create an uncomfortably hot and humid environment. If adequate ventilation in the protective garment is not provided, the rider may chose to forego a protective garment for comfort, resulting in an increased risk of injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for adequate ventilation within a protective suit. In one aspect, the invention provides a protective motorcycle garment having an air distribution network located between an outer garment layer and an inner garment layer. The garment has an air inlet(s) allowing air to flow into and through the air distribution network of the protective motorcycle garment thereby cooling the wearer of the protective garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and the objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a garment having an air distribution network according to the present invention with portions cut away for clarity;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the air distribution network according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the air distribution network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

An advantage of the present invention is that, while the wearer of the garment is riding a motorcycle, the invention allows air to flow into and through the air distribution network of the protective motorcycle. garment thereby allowing cooling of the wearer. [0009]
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a [0010] garment 1 having an air distribution network 5 according to the present invention. Garment 1 is equipped with an outer garment layer 10 and an inner garment layer 15. As shown in FIG. 1, air distribution network 5 is between outer garment layer 10 and inner garment layer 15 on the back section 17 of garment 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, [0011] air distribution network 5 is fabricated from a foam body 8. Suitable foam materials for fabricating network 5 include both rigid and flexible plastic foams, with flexible foams, such as flexible polyurethane foams, being preferred. As shown in FIG. 2, air distribution network 5 is configured with three longitudinal channels 20, 25, 30. Channels 20, 25, and 30 are connected to a transverse channel 35. Transverse channel 35 adjoins a broad longitudinal channel 40 that connects transverse channel 35 with a second transverse channel 45. Air distribution network 5 terminates at a second broad longitudinal channel 50.
The [0012] outer garment layer 10 is preferably constructed of leather with air inlet(s) 55 located at the top of the outer garment layer 10. These air inlets 55 may take many forms such a perforations through the leather outer garment layer, a piece of open mesh material at inlet area 55, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment air inlet(s) 55 is located on the back section 17 of the garment between a collar 12 and air distribution network 5. A suitable protective thickness for a leather outer garment layer 10 is from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, more preferably. Cowhide is a preferred leather material because of its low cost and availability. Kangaroo-hide is another preferred material because of its higher durability. Other protective materials may be used with or instead of leather. The inner garment layer 15 is constructed of an air-permeable material. Examples of suitable air-permeable materials include elastane, commonly referred to as spandex, polyester, polyamide, and acrylic. For added comfort, elastic air-permeable materials are preferred. Examples of elastic air-permeable materials include elastane and polyamide.
Air inlet(s) [0013] 55 provides an air flow path into air distribution network 5. Air flows through the air inlet(s) 55 into air distribution network 5 and through longitudinal channels 20, 25, and 30. The air proceeds to flow through adjoining transverse channel 35, with air exiting from transverse channel 35 into the protective garment 1 through inner garment layer 15. All of the air distribution channels open against the inner garment layer of air permeable material, so that the air flow cools the back of the person wearing the garment. Air proceeds to flow through adjoining longitudinal channel 40 that connects transverse channel 35 with a second transverse channel 45. Air proceeds to flow through the adjoining transverse channel 45, with air exiting from transverse channel 45 into the protective garment 1 through inner garment layer 15. Air proceeds to flow through the adjoining broad longitudinal channel 50, with air exiting from broad longitudinal channel 50 through inner garment layer 15.
The air distribution channels are formed in and defined by [0014] body 8, which is preferably formed of a foam plastic material. An additional function of the foam body 8 is to enhance the aerodynamic profile of the wearer of the protective motorcycle garment. In position on the back section 17 of garment 1, foam body 8 has a varying height and width that are greatest at its top end, i.e., the end immediately adjacent the garment collar. The height and width of foam body 8 preferably taper, as one proceeds away from the jacket collar, into a narrow tip 6 at its bottom end. Body 8 is also thinner at its side edges than along its center line. At its top end near the garment collar, body 8 rises vertically and then curves arcuately into the downwardly sloping back 9 of body 8 (FIG. 3). Back 9 has a slightly convex surface as it tapers down to narrow tip 6, and as it tapers down toward the side edges of body 8. The overall shape of foam body 8 reduces air drag as wind passes over the wearer's back.
The [0015] foam body 8 defining the air distribution network 5 also functions to provide added protection from injuries to the wearer's neck. The thickest portion of the foam body 8 defining the air distribution network 5 is located behind the head of the wearer. The location of foam body 8 near the head of the wearer provides a supportive cushion in the event of a sudden backward head movement.
Although the embodiment depicted in FIGS. [0016] 1-3 are illustrated and described as a protective garment, such as for example, a full body suit, it is to be understood that the ventilation assembly of the invention can be embodied in other garments such as a jacket or vest.
The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. [0017]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment comprising:

an outer garment layer;

an air-permeable inner garment layer;

an air distribution network located between the inner garment layer and the outer garment layer; and

an air inlet that allows air to flow into and through the air distribution network and through the air permeable inner garment layer of the protective motorcycle garment thereby cooling the wearer of the protective garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the air distribution network is defined by a body having a varying width that is broadest at a top end of the body and tapers into a narrow tip at a bottom end of the body.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the body is configured to enhance the aerodynamic profile of a person wearing the protective garment.

4. The garment of claim 2, wherein the body is made of a plastic foam material.

5. The garment of claim 2, wherein the body has a thickest portion located behind the wearer's head, providing added protection from injuries to the wearer's neck.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of jackets, full body suits, and vests.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the inner garment layer comprises an elastic material.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the outer garment layer is fabricated from leather material.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein said leather has a thickness of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

10. The garment of claim 9, wherein said leather is selected from the group consisting of cowhide and kangaroo hide.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the air distribution network comprises intersecting longitudinal and transverse channels.

12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the air distribution network is defined by a plastic foam material.

13. A protective garment comprising:

protective outer fabric layer;

an air-permeable fabric liner; and

an air distribution network disposed between the outer fabric layer and the air permeable fabric liner, the air distribution network defined by at least one longitudinal channel and at least one transverse channel, the garment including an air inlet to the air distribution network, whereby air flows into and through the longitudinal and transverse channels and through the air permeable fabric liner to provide ventilation and cooling to a person wearing the garment.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the air distribution network is fabricated of a plastic foam material.

15. The garment of claim 13, wherein the garment is configured to include a back section that covers the back of a person wearing the garment, and wherein the air distribution network is located at the back section of the garment.

16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the air inlet is located on the back section of the garment between a collar and the air distribution network.