WO2023021458A1

WO2023021458A1 - Personal impact protection device for the body

Info

Publication number: WO2023021458A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/057744
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo Fabrizio MORELLO; Alfio PERREGRINI; Roberto Fortunato TORDI
Original assignee: Tibi Optima Sagl
Priority date: 2021-08-18
Filing date: 2022-08-18
Publication date: 2023-02-23
Also published as: IT202100022055A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body comprising at least an absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) of the energy made by an elongated element with respect to an extension axis (A), provided with a cavity (311) which extends along the extension axis (A) to define the inner surface (211) of the absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41), wherein the outer surface (111) and the inner surface (211) of the absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) have the same conformation of the convex polyhedron type provided with at least four walls, wherein the edges (411; 412) of the absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) are provided with notches or are embossed to define hinges, or folds, to allow the relative movement of walls adjacent to the hinges, or folds, and wherein the absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) is able to deform plastically within the cavity (311) in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body with respect to the energy generated by the impact shock.

Description

“PERSONAL IMPACT PROTECTION DEVICE FOR THE BODY”

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a personal protection device for the human body or of a part thereof

In particular, the present invention relates to a personal impact protection device for the human body or its parts, able to eliminate or to reduce any impact damage.

In the following description, reference will be made, for the sake of brevity, to personal impact protection device for motorcycle use, but what is described can be applied to any type of use where protection of the body or its parts is required, both in recreational-sporting field as well as in the work environment.

Background art

Personal impact protective devices are designed to avoid or reduce injury to a part of the body following an impact. The uses of these devices range from the need to guarantee greater safety in the workplace, to the protection of users in the recreational-sporting field, finding a particularly relevant field of use in the motorcycle field.

At present, in the motorcycle field there a number of certifications for personal protective device, or garments equipped with such personal protective device, designed to protect one or more parts of the body, such as a limb, a joint, a part of a limb, back, ribs, chest, abdomen or neck. In particular, in the European area, personal protective device must be equipped with a CE certificate, which ensures the correct functioning of the personal protective device in terms of safety in accordance with the standard of certification identified.

The personal protective device of greatest interest in the motorcycle field are back protectors, chest protectors and single protectors, in particular for shoulders, elbows, knees, tibia, knee-tibia and hips. Taking into consideration the aforementioned European certifications, the current regulations in force are defined by EN 1621-1 for single protectors, by EN 1621-2 for back protectors and by EN 1621-3 for chest protectors.

With regard to single protectors, the EN 1621-1 standard provides for a single approval by imposing the shape and size of the area to be protected with two levels and such as to withstand 9 impacts of 50J each. “Level 1 ” provides for an average value of maximum residual force released equal to 35kN, while “Level 2 ” provides for an average value of maximum residual force released equal to 20kN.

With regard to back protectors, the EN 1621-2 standard provides for three types of homologation with two levels, namely “FB - Full Back Protector”, for the protection of the whole back including the shoulder blades, “CB - Central Back Protector”, for the central protection, and “LB - Lower Back Protector”, for the lumbar protection. For each of the above three types of homologation, the “Level 1 ” must transmit an average force lower than 18Kn and no single value must exceed 24Kn, while the “Level 2 ” must transmit an average force lower than 9Kn and no single value must exceed 12Kn, where 4kN represent the medical breaking limit of the spinal column.

With regard to chest protectors, the EN 1621-3 standard provides for a single homologation for chest and ribs with two levels, in which the homologation tests carried out are carried out with a force of 50J and, the average value of residual force released, must be a maximum of 35kN, with an average of 20kN. The “Level

1 ” provides that the distributed force must be no less than 15%, while the “Level

2 ” provides that the distributed force must be no less than 30%.

The most commonly used personal impact protection devices of the known type comprise an outer shell, typically rigid or semi-rigid such as deformable or thermoplastic plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or composite materials (FRP) with glass or carbon fibers in epoxy resin or exclusively carbon or Kevlar fibers, and a padding inside the aforementioned shell and made with less rigid materials, for example foam padding such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), air chambers or combinations thereof .

It is clear that the design parameters of both the external shell and the internal padding are essential for obtaining personal protective device capable of ensuring adherence to the above parameters. In particular, the main elements of the design are the thickness and impact resistance of the outer shell, as well as the thickness and density of the internal padding.

Although the design of personal protective device has evolved very quickly over time, today one of the main problems concerns the absorption of the initial impact force. During an impact when the internal covering collapses completely, the part of the energy that is not absorbed is transferred to the area to be protected, often causing even serious injuries. In this way, the impact energy is redistributed rather than dissipated, maintaining a high risk to generate damage to the area to be protected. Added to this is the possibility of generating rotational damage, in particular taking into account the protection of the helmet, which are quite significant when the impact energy is redistributed rather than absorbed.

Moreover, to improve the ability to absorb impact forces in impacts, increasingly thicker personal protective devices have been developed which are consequently heavy and bulky such as to discourage their use by less discerning users.

A further problem of the aforementioned personal protective device results in the difficulty of use at high temperatures and for a considerable time, since the aforementioned thickness, as well as the components used, do not allow to guarantee adequate breathability in all conditions of use, in this case discouraging even more the use of less discerning users.

Patent Application US2018/049485 Al describes an impact protection system comprising a plurality of polyhedral elements that define cells capable of redistributing the energy generated in an impact on an area greater than the area which receives it. The construction of the aforementioned impact protection system is, therefore, designed to reduce the localized energy at the point of impact and allow better management over a larger area rather than causing it to be absorbed.

Patent Application US2020/022444A1 describes protective clothing comprising an impact mitigation layer defined by polygonal structures in a rigid structure embodiment, in which two consecutive walls of the polygon are connected by a reinforced, thicker edge, inducing a resistance to compression of the polygon itself and limiting the lateral displacement of each edge.

Patent Application US6032300A describes protective paddings for sports use comprising a flexible outer shell of porous, breathable, non-elastic material, filled with resilient beads of elastic material capable of being compressed to redistribute the energy of the impact but unable to absorb and dissipate the same. In an alternative embodiment, the outer casing is made with elastic material that is overfilled at its elastic limit, not allowing any movement of the beads inside it.

It would therefore be desirable to have a device capable of minimizing the drawbacks described above. In this regard, it would be desirable to have a device capable of ensuring better dissipation of impact energy, preserving the user’s body, or a part of it, in any type of impact. In particular, it would be desirable to have a device capable of guaranteeing the aforementioned characteristics while having a reduced weight and size and simplicity of use.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a personal impact protection device able to minimize the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a functionally effective but economical device for providing greater safety to users who need appropriate protection.

In this regard, object of the present invention is to provide a personal impact protection device for the body comprising at least an absorption element of the energy from impact shocks, capable to determine an absorption area of the energy greater than the impact area which receives the shock, wherein the absorption element is made by an elongated element with respect to an extension axis, wherein the absorption element has a cavity which extends along the extension axis to define the inner surface of the absorption element, and wherein the outer surface and the inner surface of the absorption element have the same conformation of the convex polyhedron type provided with at least four walls, the personal impact protection device for the body is characterized in that the edges of the absorption element are provided with notches or are embossed to define hinges, or folds, to allow the relative movement of walls adjacent to the hinges, or folds, and wherein the absorption element is able to deform plastically within the cavity in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body with respect to the energy generated by the impact shock.

In this way, notches or embossing facilitate the definition of hinges, or folds, without losing the continuity of the material used, thus reducing production costs.

According to an embodiment, the personal impact protection device for the body comprises a plurality of absorption element of the energy from impact shocks capable to determine an absorption area of the energy greater than the impact area which receives the shocks, wherein the absorption elements are arranged side-by-side with respect to the extension axis, and wherein the absorption elements are operatively integrally coupled.

The personal impact protection device for the body according to the present invention therefore allows both to guarantee protection from rotational impacts and to manage the dissipation of energy from impact force by minimizing the energy to which the portion of the body of the user to protect is subjected. In particular, the relative movement of the walls of the absorption elements protects against rotational impacts, while the plastic deformation within the cavity allows the energy force from impact to be dissipated at least in part.

According to an embodiment, the absorption elements are arranged side-by-side with respect to the extension axis with the same orientation, and wherein the absorption elements are operatively integrally coupled to with respect to a support element which defines a common base or with respect to the edges in contact among the absorption elements.

The coupling of the absorption elements allows the production of the same from a single element, thus reducing production costs and allowing better management of the absorption of energy from impact shocks.

According to an embodiment, the walls have thickness or density at least partly different from each other or have portions with different thickness or density.

The different thicknesses or densities allow to differentiate the absorption capacity and to contain energy more effectively, thus managing both the dissipation of energy from impact force and the relative movement of the walls for protection from rotational impacts.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the absorption elements has an open side.

In this way, it is possible to economically realize the absorption elements by cutting or molding.

According to an embodiment, the walls adjacent to the open side have a greater thickness or density in the portion at the open side and a smaller thickness or density in the portion spaced from the open side.

In this way, the greater thickness or density of the walls at the open side allows to define a support surface which is however sufficient to make up for the lack of one side.

According to an embodiment, the walls of the absorption elements have a thickness between 0,5mm and 6mm, preferably between 1,5mm and 3mm.

These dimensions are a good compromise between the occupied volume and the absorption capacity.

According to an embodiment, the personal impact protection device for the body comprises at least an absorption pad of the energy from impact shocks capable to determine an absorption area of the energy greater than the impact area which receives the shock, being coupled to at least one of the absorption elements, wherein the absorption pad comprises a covering able to define a containment chamber, wherein the absorption pad comprises absorption means arranged in the containment chamber, wherein the absorption means comprise a plurality of spheres able to allow the relative movement between the covering and the spheres, and wherein the spheres are able to deform plastically in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body with respect to the energy generated by the impact shock.

The absorption pad allows, further, to increase the energy absorption capacity through the plastic deformation of the spheres. Similarly, the relative handling capacity between spheres and covering allows for the complementary ability to absorb rotational shocks.

According to an embodiment, the absorption pad of the energy from impact shock is arranged at least partly within the cavity of the absorption element or is coupled to one of the walls of the absorption element at the outer surface.

This also allows to redistribute the impact force more gradually, reducing the weight and size of the device while increasing the absorption capacity.

Description of the figures These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosure of the preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of a non- limiting example in the accompanying figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the personal impact protection device for the body of the present invention, according to a first preferred embodiment;

- Figure 2 is a section view of the personal impact protection device for the body of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a section view of the personal impact protection device according to a second preferred embodiment;

- Figure 4 is a section view of the personal impact protection device according to a third preferred embodiment;

- Figure 5 is a section view of the personal impact protection device according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

- Figure 6 is a section view of the personal impact protection device according to a fifth preferred embodiment;

- Figure 7 is a section view of the personal impact protection device according to a sixth preferred embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

With the term “personal protective device ” is meant, in the present invention, any protective device capable of being coupled with the body of a user to be protected, excluding protective helmets. By way of example, in the motorcycle field it is possible to identify back protectors, chest protectors and single protectors, in particular for shoulders, elbows, knees, tibia, knee-tibia and hips.

Figures 1-7 illustrate a plurality of preferred embodiments of the personal impact protection device for the body in accordance with the present invention, in which, where possible, the numbering of identical elements between different embodiments will be maintained or it will not be repeated.

A first embodiment is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in which according to a more detailed description, the personal impact protection device 1 for the body comprises a plurality of absorption elements 11 of the energy from impact impacts adapted to determine an energy absorption area greater than the impact area receiving the impact.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the absorption elements 11 are defined by elongated elements with respect to an extension axis A and arranged side-by-side with respect to the same extension axis A. In particular, the aforementioned absorption elements 11 are placed side-by-side with respect to the extension axis A in accordance with an orientation that is the same for all the elements.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the absorption elements may have a different orientation while maintaining their side-by-side arrangement with respect to the axis of extension. For example, one or more absorption elements could be rotated with respect to its axis of symmetry to arrange a different edge or side with respect to the adjacent absorption element. In the same way, while being arranged side-by-side, the absorption elements could be arranged on different planes.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, not illustrated, it is possible to define the structure of the personal impact protection device for the body with a single absorption element, where the size of the same must be such as to satisfy the requirements of reception and/or absorption of the impact energy of the desired area. By way of example, it is possible to use a polygon defined by a trapezoid with a very wide base with respect to the height in such a way as to allow coverage of a large area while maintaining a relative compactness of the protective device without compromising the functionality of the same. Again, by way of example, it is possible to arrange the minor base of the aforementioned trapezoid at the part of the body to be protected, exploiting a greater area for impact, a high possibility of moving the side walls as well as the collapse of the major base within the relative cavity for energy absorption, as described in greater detail below. The absorption elements 11 illustrated in the first embodiment are operatively integrally coupled, in particular they are integrally coupled in pairs with respect to the relative contact edges 411.

In accordance with further embodiments, alternatives to define integral coupling can be used, as described in greater detail below.

The coupling of the absorption elements also allows the production of the same from a single element, thus reducing production costs, as well as assembly costs, and allowing better management of energy absorption from impact shocks.

The conformation of the absorption elements 11 is of the convex polyhedron type provided with five sides, as defined with respect to the outer surface 111 of the same absorption elements 11. The same conformation of the convex polyhedron type provided with five sides is also provided for the inner surface 211, defined by a cavity 311 that extends along the extension axis A.

The representation of the aforementioned cavity 311, as well as of the outer surface 111 and of the inner surface 211, is more detailed in Figure 2 which illustrates the section of the personal protection device 1 along the section plane B-B.

According to different and not illustrated embodiments, the aforesaid shapes can vary maintaining the convex polyhedron shape type but with a number of sides equal to at least four.

Furthermore, the cavity 311 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is of a through type and has a continuous section along the entire extension, but according to further embodiments, not illustrated, it is possible to provide non-through cavities, for example provided with a wall in at least one of the ends and/or at an intermediate plane.

Preferably, the material with which the absorption elements 11 are made is selected from polystyrene, ABS or celluloid.

The polystyrene allows to define a first part of elastic deformation followed by a plastic deformation, the later being made by breaking. The ABS material has a much larger plastic deformation part, breaking before the polystyrene. On the contrary, celluloid can be used to define even rather complex structures of the absorption element, by selecting at will the load that defines the plastic deformation, or breaking, of the same. In any case, depending on the technical design specifications, all of the aforementioned materials are able to ensure excellent energy absorption capacity.

In this regard, preferably, the walls of the absorption elements 11 have a thickness between 0,5mm and 6mm, preferably between 1,5mm and 3mm.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the absorption elements can have wall thicknesses different from the preferred ones, being as much less than 0,5mm as they are greater than 3mm, depending on the technical design requirements as well as the production cost involved.

Furthermore, according to further embodiments, not shown, the walls could have at least partly different thicknesses from each other or portions with different thickness. For example, it is possible to use different thicknesses along the extension of the aforementioned extension axis, or only for some of the walls.

The different thicknesses allow to differentiate the absorption capacity and to contain energy more effectively, thus managing both the dissipation of energy from impact force and the relative movement of the walls for protection from rotational impacts.

In consideration of the materials that can be used, it is also possible to define absorption elements having different densities, while having the same thickness as the walls. As described above for the thickness, also for the density it is possible to provide walls that have at least partly different densities from each other or portions with different densities, so the same considerations described above can be applied.

The absorption elements 11, regardless of the number of sides with which the convex polyhedron is defined, are in fact able to deform plastically within the cavity 311 in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body with respect to the energy generated by the impact force.

The edges 411 identified by the convex polyhedron of each absorption element define hinges, or folds, to allow the relative movement of the walls adjacent to the hinges, or folds. This movement of the walls can be obtained in relation to one or more support elements coupled with an personal impact protection device for the body according to the present invention, or with respect to a common base, such as to define a support surface during the reception of the impact force. Optionally, the aforementioned support plane could be defined by the same portion of the body to be protected onto which the personal impact protection device for the body according to the present invention can be applied.

The definition of the aforementioned hinges, or folds, can be obtained according to one or more processes, herewith not described in detail and extensiveness, among which it can be mentioned the realization of reduced thicknesses of the walls at the hinges, or folds, or the realization of the portion corresponding to the edges with a material different from the remaining portion of the absorption element, for example with a lower density, or by means of suitable mechanical processing or removal.

The personal impact protection device 1 for the body as described above can therefore be applied to a portion of the body of a user to be protected. For example, by means of one or more structures, i.e., personal protection devices 1, it is possible to realize protection devices of the back protectors, gloves, protections for elbows, knees and shoulders type.

In any case, it is possible to arrange the absorption elements 11 in direct or indirect contact with the portion of the body to be protected both at one side of the polygon or at one of the edges 411, while obtaining the same technical effects.

Therefore, in the event of an impact, the personal impact protection device 1 for the body according to the present invention allows to reduce or eliminate the energy deriving from both direct and rotational impacts.

In the event of impact with direct impact, the hinges, or bends, defined by the edges 411 of the polygons first allow the movement of the relative adjacent walls within the cavity 311, with an elastic deformation at first, up to the plastic deformation or the breaking of the polygons themselves with collapse of the walls within the cavity 311.

Similarly, in the event of an impact with a rotational impact, the hinges, or folds, defined by the edges 411 of the polygons first allow the movement of the relative adjacent walls with respect to a support surface, for example determined by the portion of the body to be protected onto which the personal protection device 1 itself is applied, until the plastic deformation or the rupture of the polygons themselves with collapse of the walls within the cavity 311.

Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the personal protection device 2 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the personal protection device 2 substantially corresponds to the personal protection device 1 and therefore will be described in greater detail only for the differentiating features.

In particular, the personal impact protection device 2 for the body according to the second embodiment comprises absorption elements 21 comprising edges 412 of the polygons provided with embossing, for a better realization of the aforesaid hinges, or folds. Taking into consideration the pentagonal shape of the polygon, the embossing is made only in three of the five edges, defined by the edges opposite to the base wall.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the embossing can be carried out on any number of edges, embossing a single edge up to all the edges of the polyhedron. Furthermore, the embossing could also be applied only to a portion of the absorption elements that define the device of the present invention.

Alternatively, it is possible to carry out different workings on the edges to determine a better realization of the edges, for example by making notches of any shape along the same edges, or along one or more portions of the same.

Notches or embossing facilitate the definition of hinges, or folds, without losing the continuity of the material used, thus reducing production costs.

Figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the personal protection device 3 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the personal protection device 3 substantially corresponds to the personal protection device 1 and therefore will be described in greater detail only for the differentiating features.

In particular, the personal impact protection device 3 for the body according to the third embodiment comprises absorption elements 31 provided with an open side. Taking into consideration the pentagonal shape of the polygon, the open side is relative to the base wall and is completely open. In this way, it is possible to realize the absorption elements 31 at low cost by cutting or molding.

Furthermore, the walls adjacent to the open side have a greater thickness in the portion corresponding to the open side itself and a smaller thickness in the portion spaced from the open side. In this way, the greater thickness of the walls at the open side allows to define a support surface which is sufficient to support the lacking side.

According to further embodiments, not shown, the open side can be made on any number of absorption elements, from a single absorption element up to all of the absorption elements, as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the open side could can also be made by partly removing the side of the absorption element intended to be opened.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide personal impact protection devices for the body in which the openings are made on different sides of the polygons defining the absorption elements. Finally, according to further embodiments not shown, the walls adjacent to the open side can have a higher density in the portion corresponding to the open side and a lower density in the portion spaced from the open side. In this way, the greater density of the walls at the open side allows to define a support surface which is sufficient to support the lacking side.

Figure 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the personal protection device 4 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the personal protection device 4 substantially corresponds to the personal protection device 1 and therefore will be described in greater detail only for the differentiating features.

In particular, the absorption elements 41 are coupled with respect to a support element 104 which defines a common base. In this regard, the absorption elements 41 are spaced apart to allow individual movement of each absorption element 41 when subjected to impact shock, but could equally be arranged in contact for greater rigidity of the device 4. According to this configuration, it is also possible to have a flexible support element 104, or with a flexibility greater than the flexibility of the absorption elements 41 themselves, thus allowing in use the arrangement in a configuration suitable for the part of the body to be protected, i.e., curved arrangement, while still being placed side-by-side with respect to the same support element 104.

A further embodiment is illustrated in Figure 6, wherein according to a more detailed description, the personal impact protection device 5 for the body comprises an impact shock energy absorption pad 16 able to determine an area of energy absorption greater than the impact area receiving the impact, coupled to at least one of the absorption elements 11, preferably to all the absorption elements 11 as shown in the same Figure 6. In particular, the absorption pads 16 are arranged within the cavity 311 and could also be arranged at least partly within the aforementioned cavity.

A further embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Figure 6, is additional illustrated in Figure 7, the device 6 comprises the absorption pads 16 arranged externally to the absorption elements 11, or coupled to one of the walls of the said absorption elements 11 at the external surface.

The absorption pad 16 is defined by suitable absorption means arranged within a containment chamber 116, the latter being defined by a covering 216. The containment chamber 116 therefore has a predetermined volume, at least with reference to a minimum volume and/or at a maximum volume, suitable for housing the aforementioned absorption means, described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated therein, the aforementioned covering 216 is defined by a single element provided with an opening to allow the definition of said containment chamber, or its contents.

The covering 216 used is made of elastic material, thus allowing a better relative movement between the covering 216 and the absorption means arranged inside it, as described in greater detail below, thus minimizing the problems caused by rotational impacts. A preferred material for the realization of the aforementioned covering 216 is Elastam, a synthetic fiber based on polyurethane whose elastic elongation is very important and can reach up to 800%. Further materials, even with lower elongation percentages, can however be used.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the covering could also be provided with a single elastic portion, with several elastic portions or not envisage elastic material at all.

In particular, the absorption means comprise a plurality of spheres 316 suitable for allowing the relative movement between the covering 216 and the said spheres 316. These spheres 316 preferably have a diameter between 0,5mm and 6mm, even more preferably between 1,5mm and 3mm. These dimensions are a good compromise between the occupied volume and the absorption capacity. Different dimensions than those described above can in any case be used.

The spheres 316 are made of polyethylene or celluloid. Polyethylene makes it possible to define a first part of elastic deformation followed by a plastic deformation, that is, by breaking. The celluloid has a much larger part of plastic deformation, breakage before the polyethylene. Both, however, ensure excellent energy absorption capacity. It is possible to define the spheres using different materials, anyway able to deform plastically in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body with respect to the energy generated by the impact force, when stressed by an impact force, as described in greater details below.

The containment chamber 116 therefore has a volume occupied by the aforementioned spheres 316 as well as air at atmospheric pressure, but different filling possibilities for the volume of the containment chamber 116 can be used. For example, in an embodiment (not shown), the containment chamber could also include overpressure air, where the spheres would be arranged in said containment chamber in contact with the overpressure air. Similarly, in an embodiment (not shown), the containment chamber could comprise a filling liquid or a filling gel, where the spheres would be arranged in said containment chamber in contact with the filling liquid or filling gel.

The presence of overpressure air or a filling liquid or filling gel therefore allows the impact force to be redistributed more gradually, reducing the weight and size of the device while increasing the absorption capacity.

The spheres 316 that define the absorption means are designed to deform plastically in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the body compared to the energy generated by the impact force, when in fact stressed by an impact force.

The personal impact protection device 5 for the body according to the present invention therefore allows both to guarantee protection from rotational impacts and to manage the dissipation of the impact force energy by minimizing the energy to which the body’s portion to protect is subjected to. In particular, in addition to the functionality of the absorption elements 11 already detailed above, the relative movement between covering 216 and spheres 316 protects against rotational impacts while the deformation of the spheres 316 themselves allows to dissipate at least in part the impact energy.

As shown in Figure 6, the spheres 316 have at least partly different diameters from each other, although there are no differences in numbering. In particular, the absorption pad 16 of the personal protection device 5, as illustrated, comprises three different types of spheres which can be differentiated according to the relative dimensions.

The different dimensions allow to differentiate the absorption capacity and to contain the energy more effectively.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the spheres could all be made with different dimensions from each other or could all be made with the same size. Similarly, the number of a group of spheres of a particular size could be the same or could be different than a group of spheres with a different size.

Therefore, in the event of an impact, the personal impact protection device 5 for the body according to the present invention allows to reduce or eliminate the energy deriving from both direct and rotational impacts.

In the event of an impact with a direct impact, the absorption pad 16 first allows a compression of the volume of the containment chamber 116, this compression being transferred at least in part to the spheres 316 and providing an elastic deformation at first, up to the plastic deformation or breakage of the spheres 316 themselves that can modify their conformation or even break.

Similarly, in the event of impact with a rotational impact, the contact between the spheres or between the latter and the covering 216, at first allows the relative movement either between different portions of the covering 216 and between the spheres 316 themselves and between the covering 216 and the spheres 316, i.e., determined by the rolling of the spheres in the containment chamber 116 or by their rolling on the inner surface of the same containment chamber 116 or by the elongation of the elastic material with which the aforementioned covering 216 is made at least in part. Lastly, the plastic deformation or the breaking of the spheres 316 themselves is reached, which can modify their conformation or even break.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the absorption pad for the absorption of energy from impact shocks can be arranged at least partly within the cavity of the absorption element 11.

This also allows to redistribute the impact force more gradually, reducing the weight and size of the device while increasing the absorption capacity. Furthermore, the arrangement partially outside the cavity allows the absorption pad to optimize rotation.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the absorption pad comprises a covering defined by a first layer and a second layer superimposed and perimetrically coupled through to define the containment chamber. In this case, the perimeter coupling may be of a more or less extensive size depending on the technical design and feasibility requirements of the absorption pad.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the absorption pad comprises a covering defined by a first layer and a second layer superimposed and perimetrically coupled by means of a third layer to define the containment chamber. In this case, the third layer is provided with at least an elastic portion or is made of elastic material.

In this way, it is possible to exploit the first and second layers to define walls with greater rigidity, while allowing the relative movement between them by means of the third perimeter layer and its elastic capacity.

The first layer and the second layer can be defined both by a rigid structure, leaving the elastic part to the third layer only, made by an elastic or partly elastic structure.

The dimensions of the first layer and of the second layer may be different, where the arrangement of the relative personal protection device at the portion of the user’s body to be protected can be made both by means of the larger base and the smaller base.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the absorption pad has a toroidal conformation.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the personal protective device is provided with a first rigid support element and a second rigid support element, in which at least one of the first rigid support element and the second rigid support element comprises at least one through opening, and wherein at least one of the energy absorbing pads is interposed between the first rigid support element and the second rigid support element at the through opening.

The absorption elements can therefore be arranged externally at one of the rigid support elements, or on both rigid support elements.

In this way, the possibility of exiting from the through opening allows the absorption pad to improve the absorption capacity of any rotational impacts.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, it is also possible to arrange the absorption pad at least partly protruding from the through opening, thus facilitating the protrusion from it, or providing the possibility of placing the personal protection device at the portion of the body to be protected by means of one of the rigid support elements or by means of the absorption pad that protrudes from them.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the personal impact protection device for the body comprises a plurality of shock absorbing pads mutually coupled by means of a coupling structure. In particular, this coupling structure is preferably made of flexible material suitable for modifying the relative arrangement of the aforementioned absorption pads. According to a particular application, the coupling structure can be made by means of a non-woven fabric able to be integrally coupled with the relative coupling bearings, or provided with suitable housings to allow the removal of said coupling pads. Said support structure can also comprise at least a portion provided with suitable openings able to guarantee breathability in the sections not affected by the coupling pads themselves.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the coupling structure can also be made of different materials or be of the rigid type.

Although not described in greater detail, the embodiments described therein can also be combined to determine further more complex embodiments, considering such combinations an easy task for a person skilled in the art in the light of the description provided therein.

In particular, the plurality of absorption elements is preferably such as to be arranged side-by-side along the same plane and not superimposed or such as to define structures with superimposed absorption elements. Likewise, the plurality of absorption pads is preferably such as to be arranged side-by-side along the same plane and not superimposed or such as to define structures with superimposed absorption pads.

The personal impact protection device according to the present invention is, therefore, capable of maximizing user protection in the event of impact shocks.

The personal impact protection device for the body according to the present invention allows, in fact, both to guarantee protection from rotational impacts, and to manage the dissipation of energy from impact force, minimizing the energy to which the portion of the user’s body to protect is subjected. In particular, the relative movement of the walls of the absorption elements protects against rotational impacts, while the plastic deformation within the cavity allows the energy force from impact to be dissipated at least in part.

Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to provide a functionally effective but economical device for providing greater safety to users who need appropriate protection, both in the recreational-sports field and in the work environment.

Claims

22 CLAIMS

1. Personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body comprising at least an absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) of the energy from impact shocks, capable to determine an absorption area of said energy greater than the impact area which receives said shock, wherein said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) is made by an elongated element with respect to an extension axis (A), wherein said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) has a cavity (311) which extends along said extension axis (A) to define the inner surface (211) of said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41), and wherein the outer surface (111) and said inner surface (211) of said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) have the same conformation of the convex polyhedron type provided with at least four walls, said personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body is characterized in that the edges (411; 412) of said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) are provided with notches or are embossed to define hinges, or folds, to allow the relative movement of walls adjacent to said hinges, or folds, and wherein said absorption element (l l; 21; 31; 41) is able to deform plastically within said cavity (311) in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to said body with respect to the energy generated by said impact shock.

2. Personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said absorption element (11; 21; 31; 41) of the energy from impact shocks capable to determine an absorption area of said energy greater than the impact area which receives said shocks, wherein said absorption elements (11; 21; 31; 41) are arranged side-by-side with respect to said extension axis (A), and wherein said absorption elements (11; 21; 31; 41) are operatively integrally coupled. Personal impact protection device (4) for the body according to one of claims 1-2, wherein said absorption elements (41) are arranged side-by-side with respect to said extension axis (A) with the same orientation, and wherein said absorption elements (41) are operatively integrally coupled to with respect to a support element (104) which defines a common base or with respect to the edges in contact among said absorption elements (41). Personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body according to one of claims 1-3, wherein said walls have thickness or density at least partly different from each other or have portions with different thickness or density. Personal impact protection device (3) for the body according to one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of said absorption elements (31) has an open side. Personal impact protection device (3) for the body according to claim 4 and 5, wherein the walls adjacent to said open side have a greater thickness or density in the portion at said open side and a smaller thickness or density in the portion spaced from said open side. Personal impact protection device (1; 2; 3; 4; 6B; 6C) for the body according to one of claims 1-6, wherein said walls of said absorption elements have a thickness between 0,5mm and 6mm, preferably between 1,5mm and 3mm. Personal impact protection device (6B; 6C) for the body according to one of claims 1-7, comprising at least an absorption pad (16) of the energy from impact shocks capable to determine an absorption area of said energy greater than the impact area which receives said shock, being coupled to at least one of said absorption elements (11), wherein said absorption pad (16) comprises a covering (216) able to define a containment chamber (116), wherein absorption pad (16) comprises absorption means arranged in said containment chamber (116), wherein said absorption means comprise a plurality of spheres (316) able to allow the relative movement between said covering (216) and said spheres (316), and wherein said spheres (316) are able to deform plastically in such a way as to reduce the impact energy transmitted to said body with respect to the energy generated by said impact shock. Personal impact protection device (6B; 6C) for the body according to claim 8, wherein said absorption pad (16) of the energy from impact shock is arranged at least partly within said cavity of said absorption element (11) or is coupled to one of the walls of said absorption element (11) at said outer surface.