WO2023237998A1 - Padding for personal protective equipment and its thermoforming process - Google Patents
Padding for personal protective equipment and its thermoforming process Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023237998A1 WO2023237998A1 PCT/IB2023/055751 IB2023055751W WO2023237998A1 WO 2023237998 A1 WO2023237998 A1 WO 2023237998A1 IB 2023055751 W IB2023055751 W IB 2023055751W WO 2023237998 A1 WO2023237998 A1 WO 2023237998A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- padding
- covering element
- engagement
- protective equipment
- personal protective
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001061 forehead Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/10—Linings
- A42B3/12—Cushioning devices
- A42B3/125—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam
- A42B3/127—Cushioning devices with a padded structure, e.g. foam with removable or adjustable pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42C—MANUFACTURING OR TRIMMING HEAD COVERINGS, e.g. HATS
- A42C2/00—Manufacturing helmets by processes not otherwise provided for
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an innovative padding for personal protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, etc. and its thermoforming process.
- the padding object of the present invention is able to cover in a uniform and continuous way the inside of the protective devices in the portions in contact with the head or the body of the user, by means of the innovative thermoforming process.
- the helmet is a protective headgear, forming part of the individual protective equipment made of impact-resistant material and used both in sports and in the world of work, in order to protect the head from sudden impacts.
- a helmet such as: cycling, motorcycling, car racing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, skateboarding, equestrian activities, American football, baseball, rugby, climbing, etc. but also many industrial sectors, such as: construction, iron and steel, manufacturing, etc.
- the helmet has normally been conceived and has technically evolved to protect the head from the effects of the impact of a speeding body against generally stationary objects.
- the helmet generally comprises: an outer shell or shell, rigid and made of plastic or composite material, an internal energy absorption layer in polystyrene and an internal padding in contact with the user's head.
- the main contact points of the helmet are: the forehead, the temples and the back of the head, in direct contact with the padding.
- the comfort and quality of these internal padding is therefore essential when wearing a helmet for many hours.
- Pads for protective devices are known in the state of the art comprising a plurality of independent sections of comfort padding, each mounted to the inner layer of the personal protective device by means of connections of various types: one or more connectors, adhesives, Velcro, etc.
- the padding of known types of protective devices are unable to ensure complete comfort for the user, nor to be completely stable over time. This is due to the fact that the padding commonly used is made as a plurality of independent sections, with different thicknesses and often not suited to the use to which they are put. This is mainly due to the known processes for forming the padding itself, which require the presence of portions with a thickness equal to zero alternating with portions with a greater thickness in order to be fixed inside the helmet. Therefore, there is a need to create an innovative padding for personal protective equipment and its thermoforming process free from the drawbacks described above. Summary of the invention
- the present invention aims to create an innovative padding for personal protective equipment in order to obtain greater comfort for the user and greater anchoring stability inside the protective devices.
- This objective which is the main purpose of the present invention, is achieved by optimizing the structure of the padding and its thermoforming process. Therefore, the innovative padding object of the present invention is configured to ensure greater comfort for the user, as specified in the attached independent product claim.
- the thermoforming process object of the present invention is made to ensure greater stability of the padding inside the helmet, as specified in the attached independent method claim.
- figure 1 illustrates padding portions according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates attachment portions of the padding of Fig.l from the side facing the personal protective equipment
- FIG. 3 illustrates attachment portions of the padding of Fig.2 from the side facing the internal state of the padding, in contact with the user's body;
- - figure 4 illustrates the padding in the assembled configuration, before hooking it to the personal protective equipment;
- - figure 5 illustrates portions of the padding according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- the padding 100, 101 comprises: a covering element 1, 1' in nylon or expanded plastic or polyurethane covered with fabric, in direct contact with the user's body, an engagement portion 2, 2' of the covering element 1, 1' and engagement means 3, 3' for fastening the padding 100, 101 to the internal absorption layer of the protective equipment.
- This padding 100, 101 can assume almost two-dimensional or three- dimensional shapes with constant thickness along its entire surface. This feature allows for greater comfort once the personal safety device is worn, since all the points of contact with the user's body have a constant thickness and therefore allow perfect adhesion.
- the engagement portion 2, 2' of the covering element 1, 1' of the padding is configured as an adhesive, Velcro, etc. or it can be applied by welding.
- the engagement portion 2, 2' can have the same shape as the covering element 1, 1' so that the corresponding contact surfaces between the covering element 1, 1' and the engagement portion 2, 2 ' fit together perfectly to allow for optimal adhesion.
- the engagement means 3 of the padding 100 are for example, as shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 3, buttons 5 which engage in respective holes 4 present on the engagement portion 2.
- the engagement means 3' of the padding 101 are configured as elongated elements provided with a plurality of engagement notches 6.
- said engagement means 3, 3' can be removed and repositioned, to allow the padding 100, 101 to be washed whenever necessary.
- thermoforming process of the padding 100, 101 comprises the following stages:
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
Padding thermoforming process comprising the steps of - making padding elements (1, 1') of nylon or expanded plastic or fabric-covered polyurethane; - making engagement portions (2, 2') having the same shape as the covering element (1, 1') so that the two contact surfaces fit together perfectly - applying the engagement portions (2, 2') above the covering element (1, 1') to obtain the padding (100, 101); - placing the padding (100, 101) inside a mold which blocks the reciprocal positions of the covering element (1, 1') and the engagement portions (2, 2'); - heating the mold to 180° C and maintaining this temperature for a predetermined time depending on the thickness; - pulling out the padding (100, 101) obtained and fixing it inside the personal protective equipment.
Description
PADDING FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND ITS THERMOFORMING PROCESS
DESCRIPTION
Technical field of the invention
The present invention relates to an innovative padding for personal protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, etc. and its thermoforming process. In particular, the padding object of the present invention is able to cover in a uniform and continuous way the inside of the protective devices in the portions in contact with the head or the body of the user, by means of the innovative thermoforming process.
Known art
Different types of protective devices, for use in various activities, are known in the state of the art. For example, the helmet is a protective headgear, forming part of the individual protective equipment made of impact-resistant material and used both in sports and in the world of work, in order to protect the head from sudden impacts. There are many sports that require the use of a helmet, such as: cycling, motorcycling, car racing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, skateboarding, equestrian activities, American football, baseball, rugby, climbing, etc. but also many industrial sectors, such as: construction, iron and steel, manufacturing, etc. The helmet has normally been conceived and has technically evolved to protect the head from the effects of the impact of a speeding body against generally stationary objects. The helmet generally comprises: an outer shell or shell, rigid and made of plastic or composite material, an internal energy
absorption layer in polystyrene and an internal padding in contact with the user's head.
In particular, the main contact points of the helmet, once worn, are: the forehead, the temples and the back of the head, in direct contact with the padding. The comfort and quality of these internal padding is therefore essential when wearing a helmet for many hours.
The same considerations also apply to other personal protective equipment such as knee pads, elbow pads, etc. also equipped with an external rigid shell, an internal energy absorption layer and a padding in contact with the user's body.
Pads for protective devices are known in the state of the art comprising a plurality of independent sections of comfort padding, each mounted to the inner layer of the personal protective device by means of connections of various types: one or more connectors, adhesives, Velcro, etc. The padding of known types of protective devices, however, are unable to ensure complete comfort for the user, nor to be completely stable over time. This is due to the fact that the padding commonly used is made as a plurality of independent sections, with different thicknesses and often not suited to the use to which they are put. This is mainly due to the known processes for forming the padding itself, which require the presence of portions with a thickness equal to zero alternating with portions with a greater thickness in order to be fixed inside the helmet. Therefore, there is a need to create an innovative padding for personal protective equipment and its thermoforming process free from the drawbacks described above.
Summary of the invention
The present invention aims to create an innovative padding for personal protective equipment in order to obtain greater comfort for the user and greater anchoring stability inside the protective devices. This objective, which is the main purpose of the present invention, is achieved by optimizing the structure of the padding and its thermoforming process. Therefore, the innovative padding object of the present invention is configured to ensure greater comfort for the user, as specified in the attached independent product claim. The thermoforming process object of the present invention is made to ensure greater stability of the padding inside the helmet, as specified in the attached independent method claim.
Further preferred and/or particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are described according to the characteristics set forth in the attached dependent claims.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments, in which: figure 1 illustrates padding portions according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 2 illustrates attachment portions of the padding of Fig.l from the side facing the personal protective equipment;
- figure 3 illustrates attachment portions of the padding of Fig.2 from the side facing the internal state of the padding, in contact with the user's body;
- figure 4 illustrates the padding in the assembled configuration, before hooking it to the personal protective equipment;
- figure 5 illustrates portions of the padding according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description
With reference to the aforementioned figures 1-5, they illustrate the padding 100, 101 for a personal protective equipment in its different portions.
The padding 100, 101 comprises: a covering element 1, 1' in nylon or expanded plastic or polyurethane covered with fabric, in direct contact with the user's body, an engagement portion 2, 2' of the covering element 1, 1' and engagement means 3, 3' for fastening the padding 100, 101 to the internal absorption layer of the protective equipment.
This padding 100, 101 can assume almost two-dimensional or three- dimensional shapes with constant thickness along its entire surface. This feature allows for greater comfort once the personal safety device is worn, since all the points of contact with the user's body have a constant thickness and therefore allow perfect adhesion.
Advantageously, the engagement portion 2, 2' of the covering element 1, 1' of the padding is configured as an adhesive, Velcro, etc. or it can be applied by welding.
Preferably, the engagement portion 2, 2' can have the same shape as the covering element 1, 1' so that the corresponding contact surfaces between the covering element 1, 1' and the engagement portion 2, 2 ' fit together perfectly to allow for optimal adhesion.
Advantageously, the engagement means 3 of the padding 100 are for example, as shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 3, buttons 5 which engage
in respective holes 4 present on the engagement portion 2. Or as shown in Figure 5, the engagement means 3' of the padding 101 are configured as elongated elements provided with a plurality of engagement notches 6.
Advantageously, said engagement means 3, 3' can be removed and repositioned, to allow the padding 100, 101 to be washed whenever necessary.
The thermoforming process of the padding 100, 101 comprises the following stages:
- make padding element 1, 1' in nylon or expanded plastic or polyurethane covered in fabric;
- make engagement portions 2, 2' having the same shape as the covering element 1, 1' so that the two contact surfaces match perfectly;
- apply the engagement portions 2, 2' above the covering element 1, 1' to obtain the padding 100, 101;
- place the padding 100, 101 inside a mold which locks the reciprocal positions of the covering element 1, 1' and of the engagement portions 2, 2';
- heat the mold to 180°C and maintain this temperature for a predetermined time according to the thickness, for example from 1 to 3 minutes;
- pull out the padding 100, 101 obtained and fix it inside the personal protective equipment.
In addition to the embodiments of the invention, as described above, it should be understood that there are numerous further variants. It must also be understood that said embodiments are only exemplary and do not
limit the object of the invention, nor its applications, nor its possible configurations. On the contrary, although the description given above makes it possible for the professional man to implement the present invention at least according to an exemplary configuration thereof, it must be understood that numerous variations of the components described are conceivable, without thereby departing from the object of the description invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. Padding (100, 101) for a personal protective equipment comprising a covering element (1, 1') in direct contact with the body of the user, an engagement portion (2, 2') of the covering element (1, 1') and engagement means (3, 3') of the padding (100, 101) to the inner layer of the personal protective equipment, said padding (100, 101) being characterized by a constant thickness.
2. Padding (100,101) according to claim 1, wherein the covering element (1, 1') is made of nylon or expanded plastic or polyurethane covered with fabric.
3. Padding (100,101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement portion (2, 2') of the covering element (1, 1') of the padding (100,101) is configured as an adhesive, velcro or is applied by welding.
4. Padding (100,101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion (2, 2') has the same shape as the covering element (1, 1') so that the corresponding contact surfaces between the covering element (1, 1') and the engagement portion (2, 2') perfectly match.
5. Padding (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein engagement means (3) of the padding (100) are buttons (5) which engage respective holes (4) present on the engagement portion (2).
6. Padding (101) according to any of claims from 1 to 4, wherein engagement means (3') of the padding (101) are configured as elongated elements provided with a plurality of engagement notches (6).
7. Padding thermoforming process (100, 101) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:
8
- making padding elements (1, 1') of nylon or expanded plastic or fabric- covered polyurethane;
- making engagement portions (2, 2') having the same shape as the covering element (1, 1') so that the two contact surfaces fit together perfectly
- applying the engagement portions (2, 2') above the covering element (1, 1') to obtain the padding (100, 101);
- placing the padding (100, 101) inside a mold which blocks the reciprocal positions of the covering element (1, 1') and the engagement portions (2, 2');
- heating the mold to 180° C and maintaining this temperature for a predetermined time depending on the thickness;
- pulling out the padding (100, 101) obtained and fixing it inside the personal protective equipment.
9
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT202200012062 | 2022-06-07 | ||
| IT102022000012062 | 2022-06-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2023237998A1 true WO2023237998A1 (en) | 2023-12-14 |
Family
ID=83081236
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2023/055751 WO2023237998A1 (en) | 2022-06-07 | 2023-06-05 | Padding for personal protective equipment and its thermoforming process |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2023237998A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5655227A (en) * | 1993-04-07 | 1997-08-12 | Sundberg; Reino | Method of fitting shock-absorbing padding to a helmet shell and a helmet provided with such padding |
| US20070163031A1 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2007-07-19 | Lewis Robert Jr | Size adjustable safety and comfort liner for a helmet |
| US20130000017A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2013-01-03 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Helmet impact liner system |
| US20200113267A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2020-04-16 | Carbon, Inc. | Moisture controlling helmet liner and related articles produced by additive manufacturing |
-
2023
- 2023-06-05 WO PCT/IB2023/055751 patent/WO2023237998A1/en active Search and Examination
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5655227A (en) * | 1993-04-07 | 1997-08-12 | Sundberg; Reino | Method of fitting shock-absorbing padding to a helmet shell and a helmet provided with such padding |
| US20070163031A1 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2007-07-19 | Lewis Robert Jr | Size adjustable safety and comfort liner for a helmet |
| US20130000017A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2013-01-03 | Intellectual Property Holdings, Llc | Helmet impact liner system |
| US20200113267A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2020-04-16 | Carbon, Inc. | Moisture controlling helmet liner and related articles produced by additive manufacturing |
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