Protective Garment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment, impact absorbing pads for use in a protective garment and methods of producing a protective garment. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application number 2014905045 filed on 12 Dec. 2014 and to Australian provisional patent application number 2015903001 filed on 28 Jul. 2015, the contents of which are both hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment, impact absorbing pads for use in a protective garment and methods of producing a protective garment.

BACKGROUND

Personal protective equipment is used in many activities. The use of personal protective equipment may assist with protecting a user from various types of injury, such as injury due to falling, being struck by an object or due to contact with other people.

For example, many sports activities utilise protective equipment for the participants. American football is one example of a sport that utilises different types of personal protective equipment. In many cases, protective equipment is worn over or under a garment worn by a user. For example, rib protectors for use in American football may be used under sports clothing to prevent the ribs from injury due to impact from another player or due to falling.

However, the use of protective equipment worn by users can often lead to some restriction to movement. For example, some protective equipment may lead to a loss of physical agility and/or performance in some sports, as it hinders movement of the user. In some circumstances, the loss of agility and/or performance is sufficient to persuade the user to forego the use of protective equipment.

Accordingly, there is a need for protective garments that provide some protection to the user while reducing restriction to movement for the user.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment, impact absorbing pads for use in a protective garment and methods of producing a protective garment.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising a plurality of pads of impact absorbing material which are arranged horizontally across the garment with a space between each of the pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an impact absorbing pad adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the impact absorbing pad comprising one or more notches to assist with flexing of the impact absorbing pad.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective pad of impact absorbing material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the protective pad comprising at least one indentation which allows pivotal movement of the portions of the pad on either side of the indentation relative to each other.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a protective garment, the method comprising incorporating into a garment before and/or after assembly at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being incorporated into the garment so as to be arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Certain embodiments are illustrated by the following figures. It is to be understood that the following description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the description.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a protective garment (being a sleeveless vest with a rounded neck) according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a protective garment (being a sleeveless vest with a v-shaped neck) according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a protective garment (being a sleeveless vest with a v-shaped neck) according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an individual protective pad according to one embodiment, in which the pad is flexed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an individual protective pad according to one embodiment, in which the pad is not flexed.

FIG. 6 shows a view of a sheet of material having protective pads according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a protective garment according to one embodiment, in which the protective garment includes two sheets of materials as described in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment, pads for use in a protective garment and methods of producing a protective garment.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being arranged with a space between the at least two pads.

In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads (also referred to herein as “protective pads”) are arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads are arranged vertically along the garment with a vertical space between the at least two pads. For example, the pads may be arranged so as to comprise a vertical distance of 1 to 50 mm apart. A typical vertical distance is in the range from 10 to 40 mm apart, although other distances are contemplated.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment is a protective garment for protecting all or part of the torso of wearer, such as a top, a guernsey, a vest, a sleeveless vest, a sleeved garment, a body suit, a singlet, an undergarment worn on the torso, or a rib protector.

Other types of protective garments are contemplated, for example pants, shorts, and undergarments used under pants and/or shorts.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment is a garment for protecting the torso of a wearer.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment is a vest, such as sleeveless vest.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a V-shaped neckline or a round neck-line. Other types of necklines are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises impact absorbing pads on the front of the garment, impact absorbing pads on the back of the garment or impact absorbing pads on both the front and back of the garment.

In certain embodiments, the front and/or back of the protective garment comprise at least two impact absorbing pads. In certain embodiments, the front and the back of the protective garment comprise at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises three impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises four impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a plurality of impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment. In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise two pads arranged laterally across the garment. Other numbers of pads are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise a resilient material. In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise one or more of a foam, a convoluted foam (such as an egg-crate shaped foam), or a closed cell polymer foam. In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise one or more of a polyethylene foam, a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material. Other types of materials are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads are laterally elongated. In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a width of 120 to 400 mm, for example 150 to 230 mm. In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a width of at least 120 mm. In certain embodiments the at least two pads comprise a height of 5 to 150 mm, for example 20 mm to 70 mm. In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a depth of 5 to 40 mm, for example 10 to 40 mm. Other sizes are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise one or more indentations or notches to assist with flexing of the pad. In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprises a single indentation or notch. In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise two or more indentations or notches. In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pads comprise one or more indentations or notches to assist with lateral flexing of the pad.

In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads are tapered at either or both ends.

In certain embodiments, the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a rounded top section. Other shapes are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the lateral space between the pads comprises a distance of 20 to 200 mm, for example 20 to 70 mm. In certain embodiments, the lateral space between the pads comprises a distance of 20 to 70 mm, 30 to 70 mm, 40 to 70 mm, 50 to 70 mm, 60 to 70 mm, 20 to 60 mm, 30 to 60 mm, 40 to 60 mm, 50 to 60 mm, 20 to 50 mm, 30 to 50 mm, 40 to 50 mm, 20 to 40 mm, 30 to 40 mm, or 20 to 30 mm. In certain embodiments, the lateral space between the pads comprises a distance of at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 60 mm or at least 70 mm. Other sizes are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the lateral space is centrally located on the front and/or back of the protective garment.

In certain embodiments, the end of at least the two impact absorbing pads located closest to its respective side of the garment is positioned 0 to 60 mm from the respective side, for example 5 mm, from the side of the garment. Other positions are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the garment comprises a plurality of sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads and the sets are arranged vertically along the garment. In certain embodiments, the sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads align vertically.

In certain embodiments, the sets of pads comprise a vertical distance of 1 to 50 mm apart, for example 10 to 40 mm apart. In certain embodiments, the sets of pads comprise a vertical distance of 1 to 50 mm apart, 5 to 50 mm apart, 10 to 50 mm aprat, 20 to 50 mm apart, 30 to 50 mm apart, 40 to 50 mm apart, 1 to 40 mm apart, 5 to 40 mm apart, 10 to 40 mm apart, 20 to 40 mm apart, 30 to 40 mm apart, 1 to 30 mm apar, 5 to 30 mm apart, 10 to 30 mm apart, 20 to 30 mm apart, 1 to 20 mm apart, 5 to 20 mm apart, 10 to 20 mm apart, 1 to 10 mm apart, or 5 to 10 mm apart. Other sizes are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a plurality of sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises at least 5 sets, at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40 or at least 50 sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises 5 to 25 sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises one or more sheets comprising a plurality of impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the movement of the at least two impact absorbing pads is constrained in the protective garment. In certain embodiments, the movement of the at least two impact absorbing pads is constrained in the protective garment by one or more moulding, vulcanising, sewing and glueing of the pads to material of the protective garment, or by sewing of the pads between sheets of material of the protective garment.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment further comprises one of more impact absorbing pads which in use protect part of the neck of the user. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a collar. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a collar comprising one or more impact absorbing pads. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a collar comprising one or more impact absorbing pads as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment further comprises one or more impact absorbing pads on the shoulder of the garment.

In certain embodiments, for a protective garment comprising sleeves, the sleeves may also comprise one or more impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a centrally located zipper on the front of the garment.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises at least two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment and the centrally located zipper is located in the lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises a plurality of sets of at least two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment and the centrally located zipper is located in the lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment is adapted to receive one or more cooling or heating packs. In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises one or more pockets to receive a cooling or a heating pack(s). In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises one or more pockets inside the garment to receive a cooling or a heating pack(s).

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising a plurality of pads of impact absorbing material which are arranged horizontally across the garment with a space between each of the pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a pad for incorporation in a protective garment. Impact absorbing pads are as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the pad is tapered at either or both ends.

In certain embodiments, the pad comprises a resilient material. In certain embodiments, the pad comprises one or more of a foam, a convoluted foam (such as an egg-crate shaped foam), or a closed cell polymer foam. In certain embodiments, the pad comprises one or more of a polyethylene foam, a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material. Other types of materials are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the impact absorbing pad comprises one or more notches or indentations to assist with flexing/pivotal movement of the impact absorbing pad.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an impact absorbing pad adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the impact absorbing pad comprising one or more indentations or notches to assist with flexing of the impact absorbing pad.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective pad of impact absorbing material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the protective pad comprising at least one indentation which allows pivotal movement of the portions of the pad on either side of the indentation relative to each other.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising a pad as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising at least two pads as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sheet of material comprising a plurality of pads adapted for incorporation in a protective garment.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sheet of material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the sheet including a plurality of pads of impact-absorbing material and allowing for bending between the pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sheet of material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the sheet including a plurality of pads of impact-absorbing material with a section of relatively thin material between each of the pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sheet of material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the sheet including a plurality of pads of impact-absorbing material with a section of relatively thin material between each of the pads, wherein the composition and thickness of the sections of relatively thin material allows for bending of the sheet.

Examples of impact absorbing pads are as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the pads of impact-absorbing material are disposed vertically. In certain embodiments, the pads of impact-absorbing material are disposed vertically, with a vertical space between each of the pads.

In certain embodiments, the pads are vertically aligned, one above the other.

In certain embodiments, the sheet of material is adapted for incorporation in a protective garment to protect the chest or torso of the wearer. The sheet of material may be adapted for incorporation into other types of protective garments.

In certain embodiments, the sheet of material comprises a plurality of elongate, horizontally extending pads.

In certain embodiments, the sheet of material comprises a plurality of elongate, horizontally extending pads, and pads at a lower level when incorporated in the garment have a narrower width than those at an upper level. In certain embodiments, the sheet of material comprises a plurality of elongate, horizontally extending pads, and pads at a lower level when incorporated in the garment have a larger width than those at an upper level.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment comprising one or more sheets of material as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the protective garment comprises two or more sheets as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a protective garment. Methods for producing garments are known in the art.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a protective garment, the method comprising incorporating into a garment (before, during and/or after assembly) at least two impact absorbing pads as described herein.

In certain embodiments, at least two impact absorbing pads are incorporated into the garment so as to be arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a protective garment, the method comprising incorporating into a garment at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being incorporated into the garment so as to be arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

In certain embodiment, the incorporation of the at least two impact absorbing pads into the garment comprises sewing of the at least two impact absorbing pads onto and/or into the garment. Other methods for incorporating the pads into a garment are as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a protective garment, the method comprising incorporating into a garment one or more sheets of material as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective garment produced by a method as described herein.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of protecting, and/or reducing injury to, a person, the method comprising having a person wear a protective garment as described herein.

Certain exemplary embodiments are illustrated by some of the following description. It is to be understood that the following description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the above description.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of a protective garment 110 according to one embodiment, in which the protective garment is for wearing over the torso of the wearer.

It will be appreciated that while the description of the embodiments is in reference to a protective top, other types of protective garments such as undergarments, rib protectors, singlets, pants and shorts, are also contemplated.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 110 is a sleeveless vest (with a rounded neckline) which acts to assist with protection of the chest and/or torso of the wearer and which also assists with protection of the shoulder and the neck regions of the wearer.

The protective garment 110 may be made from one or more suitable materials 112, and typically is made from a material(s) that provides some degree of breathability.

For example, a polyester based material may be used. In this regard, polyester materials have a variety of beneficial properties. For example, the material 112 may be a medium weight polyester which provides breathability, resistance to ripping, some degree of stretch, the ability to wick moisture away from the skin and is resistant to fading. Another polyester material is a polyester microfibre, which also provides breathability, stretch, moisture absorbance, wicking, resistance to fading and sun protection. Other types of materials are contemplated, such as cotton or lycra.

In the embodiment shown, the protective garment 110 incorporates a plurality of horizontally or laterally disposed protective pads 114 and 116 of impact-absorbing material. In the embodiment shown, the pads 114 are located in the section of the garment which assists with protection of the chest and abdominal regions of the wearer, while pads 116 are located in the section of the garment that assists with protection of the upper chest region, shoulders and neck region of the wearer. The pads 114 and 116 assist with protection to the wearer from a variety of situations which may potentially harm the wearer and/or cause discomfort to the wear, such as collisions with other people, objects that may strike the wearer, and falling. In the embodiment shown, pads 116 have a narrower width than pads 114 so as to allow their placement in the shoulder and neck region of the protective garment 110.

The pads 114 and 116 may be made of a suitable impact absorbing material, such as a resilient material. Examples of suitable materials include polyethylene based materials, polyurethane base materials, a foam, closed cell polymer foams such as a polyethylene foam or a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material. Other types of material are contemplated. For example, polyethylene provides advantageous characteristics such as light weight, durability, flexibility, impact-absorbing ability and waterproof qualities.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 114 and 116 have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section and are laterally elongated in shape, although other shapes and may be used, such as square pads, round pads, kidney shaped pads, and which may be configured for the needs of the wearer, and worn on the front and/or back garment. Other cross-sections are contemplated.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 114 are laterally elongated and have a width (“A”) typically in the range from of 120 mm (for example for small children) to 400 mm (for example for large men). For example, a typical range of size for the width is from 150 mm to 230 mm (eg about 220 mm). Pads 116 typically have a narrower width that pads 114, given their placement in the neck region.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 114/116 have a height (“B”) typically in the range from of 5 mm to 150 mm. For example, a typical range of size for the height is from 20 mm to 70 mm (eg about 45 mm).

In the embodiment shown, the pads 114/116 have a depth typically in the range from 5 mm to 40 mm. For example, a typical range of size for the depth is from 10 mm to 40 mm (eg about 25 mm).

The configuration and size of the pads can be adapted for the requirements of the wearer and/or the activity in which they are engaged.

The pads 114 and 116 are typically tapered at each end 117 to assist with reducing the possibility of obstruction between corresponding pads located at the same level on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the garment, and to assist with movement and/or reducing obstruction at the sides 122 of the garment 110. In some embodiments, the pads 114 and 116 may be tapered at just one end or not tapered at all.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 116 also have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section, which provides a rounded top section. The pads 116 typically have a width that is less than pads 114, and are also typically tapered at each end.

The pads 114 and/or 116 may also have one or more indentations or notches to assist with flexing of the pad (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The indentations or notches allow pivotal movement of the portions of the pad on either side of the indentation or notch relative to each other, and as such assist with moulding of the pad to the shape of the wearer and/or to assist with flexing of the pad when the wearers moves. The indentations or notches are typically located across the pad, so that they are arranged vertically when the pad is incorporated into the document, thereby assisting lateral flexing of the pad.

A lateral space 118 is present between the pads 114, and the pads 116. The lateral space 118 allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a vertical plane, which assists the movement of the wearer by reducing restriction to the movement imposed by the pads. For example, when a wearer bring their arms together, the lateral space 118 between pads assists with reducing obstruction to the arms as they are brought together.

The size of the lateral space can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the specific activity. Typically the lateral space has a distance in the range from 20 to 70 mm (eg about 30 mm for pads 114), but for pads 116 the distance may be greater to accommodate the neck region, for example in the range from 70 mm to 250 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the protective garment 110 comprises two (a pair) of laterally arranged pads 114 or laterally arranged pads 116. In the embodiment shown, the pads 114/116 are disposed symmetrically across the garment 110. However, it will be appreciated that while the garment 110 in the embodiment shown comprises at least two pads, in some embodiments the garment 110 may comprise two, three, four or more pads arranged across the garment, with a lateral space between one or more of the pads. For example, the garment may comprise three pads arranged across the garment 110 with a lateral space 118 between one or more of the pads, and typically between each pad. The presence, number and spacing of the pads may vary, according to requirements, and to further assist with reducing restriction to the wearer's movements.

As previously described herein, the garment 110 may also have at least two pads laterally arranged across the back of the garment.

In some embodiments, the garment 110 may have pads only on the front of the garment, pads only on the back of the garment, or pads on both the front and back of the garment.

In the case of back pads, the pads on the back of the garment may be arranged in much the same way as those for pads 114/116 as on the front of the garment (although typically extending further up the back of the wearer as there is no need to accommodate the neck), or may comprises a different arrangement of pads, for example as shown for example in FIG. 1, 2, 3 or 7, or may comprises a different arrangement of pads.

For example, the back of the protective garment 110 may have arrangement of 2 laterally arranged should/neck pads (eg with a size of around 145 mm(w)×120 mm (h) and a lateral space of around 50 mm), two laterally arranged pads in the mid-torso region (eg with a size of around 165 mm (w)×120 mm (h) and a lateral space of around 50 mm) and three laterally arranged pads in the lower back region (eg with a size of around 130 mm (w)×220 mm (h) and a lateral space between each of the pads of around 40 mm). Other arrangements are contemplated. For example, the protective garment 110 may have pads in the back of the garment to provide protection for the kidneys.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lateral space 118 is centrally located on the front and/or back of the protective garment. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a central vertical plane, between the left-hand and right-hand pads. However, it will be appreciated that other placements of the lateral space are contemplated, depending in part upon the number of pads laterally arranged across the document.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 110 comprises a plurality of sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads arranged laterally across the garment. Typically, the sets are arranged vertically along the garment, to assist with the lateral spaces aligning with each other and thereby assisting with a reduction in obstruction to movement of the wearer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the protective garment 110 comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed pairs of pads 114/116, and wherein each of the pairs of pads is vertically aligned, one above the other. For example, the protective garment 110 may have pairs of pads arranged across the garment, and the pads are vertically aligned with each other. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment 110 in a vertical plane, between the left-hand and right-hand groups of pads.

Typically, a garment 110 will have at least 5 sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads 114 and/or 116. The number and spacing of the pads 114/116 may vary, according to requirements, and to further assist with improving flexibility and to assist with reducing restriction to the wearer's movements.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 110 comprises 13 sets of horizontally disposed pads, with 8 sets of pads 114 being located in the chest/abdomen region, and 5 sets of pads 116 being located in the region around the should/neck region.

In the embodiment shown, the sets of pads are arranged so as to have a vertical space 120 between the sets of pads. For example, the vertical distance between the sets of pads 114 may be between 5 to 50 mm (eg about 30 mm) apart, although other distances are contemplated. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a horizontal plane between each set of pads and therefore assists with movement of the wearer, such as when bending forward.

In the embodiment shown for a vest, the pads 114 at a lower level on the garment 110 typically have a greater width than those at an upper level 116. The upper pads 116, which in use are located in the vicinity of the wearer's neck/shoulder, are typically of shorter width so as to minimise obstruction to the wearer and to protect the neck/shoulder region. In addition, the pads 116 may have a shorter height than the pads 114.

The pads 114/116 may also be arranged so as to be a suitable distance from their respective side 122 of the garment. Typically, the pads 114/116 are arranged so as to be positioned 0 to 60 mm (eg about 5 mm) from the side of the garment. For example, in one embodiment, pads are located on the front and back of the protective garment and the pads abut their respective sides, assisting with protection to the sides of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the protective garment 110 may also comprise a zipper. In the embodiment shown for example in FIG. 1, the garment may further comprise a centrally located zipper on the front of the garment in the lateral space 118 between the pads 114/116. For example, the protective garment 110 may comprise a plurality of sets of at least two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment and a centrally located zipper is located in the lateral space 118 between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

It will be appreciated that the garment 110 may also further comprise one of more impact absorbing pads, which in use protect other parts of the wearer, such as pads that sit on the shoulder of the protective garment 110.

A protective garment 110 may also incorporate a collar that fits around the neck and which also comprises ones or more impact absorbing pads. Such a garment may be particularly useful to sports such as baseball or cricket, where injury to the neck from a hard ball may be possible.

In an embodiment where a protective garment has sleeves, the sleeves may also comprise one or more impact absorbing pads.

The garment 110 may also be adapted to receive one or more cooling or heating packs. The packs may be inserted and removed from the garment 110 as desired, to assist with cooling/warming/temperature control of the wearer. For example, the garment may have one or more pockets located on the inside of the garment for insertion of a cooling pack(s) to assist with cooling of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the garment 110 may have a double liner on the inside and which is accessible using a zip or one or more hook and loop fasteners (eg Velcro). The double liner forms a pocket for insertion of a cooling pack, such as a cooling pack containing a frozen gel. In one embodiment, the garment 110 has a zipper on the outside of the garment between the front and back panels for access to a pocket, and into which a cooling pack can be inserted. Heating packs may be similarly inserted.

It will be appreciated that the garment 110 may also rendered so as to be identifiable with a specific team or the like, such as being rendered in team colours and/or carrying team insignia, and in some cases may take the form of a team guernsey. The protective garment 110 may also be worn as an undergarment.

Various methods may be used to produce the protective garment 110. For example, the at least two impact absorbing pads may be constrained or held by one or more of moulding, sewing and glueing of the pads to material of the protective garment, for example by sewing of the pads between sheets of material of the protective garment.

For example, a garment 110 may be made by sizing and cutting the desired shape for liner material, measuring and cutting the pads to size and placing them in position on the liner and spot glueing into position as to hold the pads in place while an outer panel of the desired size and shape is sewed over the front and back of the vest. Sewing is then performed between all the pads to hold them in position. A zip is placed in position if desired and sewn in. The front and back of the garment are then sewn together. A collar may be attached to the garment if so desired.

In the situation where the protective garment further incorporates pads on the top of the shoulder, the join between the front and back panels of the garment on the shoulder of the garment may be offset slightly towards the back or front panel to assist with incorporating the pad on the top of the shoulder.

Alternatively, and in particular for the manufacture of garments in volume, the following process may be undertaken. Liners would be machine cut to size and automatically placed into an extruding machine where the pads are moulded to the liner. Once moulded (eg vulcanised), panels would have an outer layer of material sewn over the top to placed pads between two layers of material. A zip would then be sewn in where required, the front and back panel sewn together and a collar attached if so desired.

In another process, two layers of material would be placed into a moulding machine (top and bottom) on a continuous feed and pads would be moulded between two layers, pressed and cut inside machine. These would then be ejected as complete panels. A zip may be sewn into the vests if so desired, and the panels sewn together. Collars can be sewn in if desired.

In another embodiment, for example a protective garment for bicycle wearers, the garment may comprise a plurality of thin (eg about 5 to 7 mm high), elongate pads with a small vertical distance (eg about 1 to 5 mm) between the pads.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a front view of a protective garment 210 according to one embodiment, in which the protective garment is a sleeveless vest for wearing over the torso of the wearer, and having a v-shaped neck line. In this embodiment the pads 214/216 have a greater height than those shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 210 incorporates a plurality of horizontally or laterally disposed protective pads 214 and 216 of impact-absorbing material. In the embodiment shown, the pads 214 are located in the section of the garment which assists with protection of the chest and abdominal region of the wearer, while pads 216 are located in the section of the garment that assists with protection of the shoulders and neck region of the wearer.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 214 and 216 have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section and are laterally elongated in shape.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 214 are laterally elongated and have a width typically of around 240 mm, a height typically of around 60 mm and a depth typically of around 20 mm.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pads 214 and 216 are tapered at each end 217 to assist with reducing the possibility of obstruction between corresponding pads located at the same level on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the garment, and to assist with movement and/or reducing obstruction at the sides 222 of the garment 210.

In the embodiment shown, the pads 216 also have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section, which provides a rounded top section, and have a width less than that of pads 214 to accommodate the neck of the wearer, but with similar heights and depth to pads 214.

The pads 214 and/or 216 may also have one or more indentations or notches to assist with flexing of the pad (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

A lateral space 218 is present between the pads 214, and the pads 216. The lateral space 218 allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a vertical plane, which assists the movement of the wearer by reducing restriction to the movement imposed by the pads.

The size of the lateral space can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the specific activity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lateral space has a distance typically of around 25 mm, but for pads 216 the distance may be around 150 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the protective garment 210 comprises two (a pair) of laterally arranged pads 214, or laterally arranged pads 216. In the embodiment shown, the pads 214/216 are disposed symmetrically across the garment 210. However, the presence, number and spacing of the pads may vary, according to requirements, and to further assist with reducing restriction to the wearer's movements.

The garment 210 may also have pads laterally arranged across the back of the garment.

In some embodiments, the garment 210 may have pads only on the front of the garment, pads only on the back of the garment, or pads on both the front and back of the garment. In the case of back pads, the pads on the back of the garment may be arranged in much the same way as those for pads 214 as on the front of the garment (although typically extending further up the back of the wearer as there is no need to accommodate the neck), or may comprises a different arrangement of pads.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lateral space 218 is centrally located on the front and/or back of the protective garment. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a central vertical plane, between the left-hand and right-hand pads. However, it will be appreciated that other placements of the lateral space are contemplated, depending in part upon the number of pads laterally arranged across the document.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 210 comprises a plurality of sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads 214/216. Typically, the sets are arranged vertically along the garment, to assist with the lateral spaces aligning with each other.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the protective garment 210 comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed pairs of pads, and wherein each of the pairs of pads is vertically aligned, one above the other. For example, the protective garment 210 may have pairs of pads arranged across the garment, and the pads are vertically aligned with each other. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a vertical plane, between the left-hand and right-hand groups of pads.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the garment 210 comprises 7 sets of horizontally disposed pads, with 5 sets of pads 214 being located in the chest/abdomen region, and two sets of pads 216 being located in the region around the should/neck region.

The sets of pads are typically arranged so as to have a vertical space 220 between the sets of pads. For example, in the embodiment shown, the vertical distance between the sets of pads 214 may be between 10 to 40 mm (eg about 25 mm) apart. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a horizontal plane between each set of pads and therefore assists with movement of the wearer, such as when bending forward.

In the embodiment shown for a vest, the pads 214 at a lower level on the garment 210 typically have a greater width than those at an upper level 216. The upper pads 216, which in use are located in the vicinity of the wearer's neck/shoulder, are typically of shorter width so as to minimise obstruction to the wearer and to protect the neck/shoulder region.

The pads 214/216 may also be arranged so as to be a suitable distance from their respective side 222 of the garment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pads 214 are arranged so as to be positioned around 50 mm from the sides of the garment 222.

In some embodiments, the protective garment 210 may also comprise a zipper. In the embodiment shown for example in FIG. 2, the garment may further comprise a centrally located zipper on the front of the garment in the lateral space between the pads 214/216. For example, the protective garment 210 may comprise a plurality of sets of at least two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment and a centrally located zipper is located in the lateral space 218 between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

It will be appreciated that the garment 210 may also further comprise one of more impact absorbing pads which in use protect other parts of the wearer, such as part of the neck of the user and/or one or more impact absorbing pads on the shoulder of the garment, or used in a collar.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of a protective garment 310 according to one embodiment, in which the protective garment is a sleeveless vest for wearing over the torso of the wearer, and having a v-shaped neck line. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pads are generally shorter in width but have a greater height than the pads shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 310 incorporates a plurality of horizontally or laterally disposed protective pads 324, 326, 328 and 330 of impact-absorbing material.

In the embodiment shown, pads 324 are laterally elongated in shape and are located in the lower region of the protective garment 310 and are thinner than the remaining pads 326, 328 and 330. These pads assist with protection to the lower torso of the wearer, such as the lower abdomen. Pads 324 may or may not have a half-rounded cross-section.

Pads 326 are laterally elongated in shape and are located in the section of the garment which assists with protection of the mid-torso region, such as the stomach and chest. In the embodiment shown, pads 326 have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section.

Pads 328 are also laterally elongated in shape and are located in the section of the garment which assists with protection of the upper-torso/shoulder/neck region. In the embodiment shown, pads 326 also have a small cut-away 332, which assists with placement of the pads near the neck region and assists with movement/lack of obstruction in that region of the wearer.

Pads 330 are located in the section of the garment which assists with protection of the neck and shoulders of the wearer. In the embodiment shown, pads 330 also have a cut-away 334, which assists with placement of the pads near the neck region and assists with movement/lack of obstruction in that region of the wearer. In the embodiment shown, pads 330 also have a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, pads 326, 328 and 330 are tapered at each end 317 to assist with reducing the possibility of obstruction between corresponding pads located at the same level on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the garment, and to assist with movement and/or reducing obstruction at the sides 322 of the garment 310.

A lateral space 318 is present between the pads 324, 326. 328 and 330. The lateral space 318 allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a vertical plane, which assists the movement of the wearer by reducing restriction to the movement imposed by the pads.

In the embodiment shown, the protective garment 310 comprises pairs of pads 324, 326, 328 and 330. In the embodiment shown, the pads are disposed symmetrically across the garment 310.

In some embodiments, the garment 310 may have pads only on the front of the garment, pads only on the back of the garment, or pads on both the front and back of the garment. In the case of back pads, the pads on the back of the garment may be arranged in much the same way as those for pads 324, 326, 328 and 330 (although typically extending further up the back of the wearer as there is no need to accommodate the neck) or may comprise a different arrangement of pads.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lateral space 318 is centrally located on the front and/or back of the protective garment. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a central vertical plane, between the left-hand and right-hand pads.

In the embodiment shown, the sets of pads are arranged vertically along the garment, to assist with the lateral spaces aligning with each other.

In the embodiment shown, the sets of pads are arranged so as to have a vertical space 320 between the sets of pads. This arrangement provides additional flexibility, as it allows for flexing/bending of the garment in a horizontal plane between each set of pads and therefore assists with movement of the wearer, such as when bending forward.

The pads 324, 326, 328 and 330 may also be arranged so as to be a suitable distance from their respective side 322 of the garment.

In some embodiments, the protective garment 310 may also comprises a zipper. In the embodiment shown for example in FIG. 3, the garment may further comprise a centrally located zipper on the front of the garment in the lateral space between the pads 324, 326 and 328.

It will be appreciated that the garment 310 may also comprise one of more impact absorbing pads which in use protect other parts of the wearer, such as part of the neck of the user and/or one or more impact absorbing pads on the shoulder of the garment, and/or in a collar.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a protective pad according to one embodiment for incorporation into a protective garment, in which the pad 436 is in the flexed configuration.

The protective pad 436 may be made of a suitable impact absorbing material, such as a resilient material. Examples of suitable materials include polyethylene based materials, polyurethane base materials, a foam, closed cell polymer foams such as a polyethylene foam or a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material.

In the embodiment shown, the protective pad 436 is elongated in shape and is tapered at either or both ends 438, to assist with reducing the possibility of obstruction between corresponding pads and/or with the wearer when incorporated into a garment.

In the embodiment shown, the pad 436 has a semi-circular (half-rounded) cross-section, which provides a rounded top section.

In the embodiment shown, the pad 436 comprises an indentation or notch 440 to assist with flexing/bending of the pad. The indentation or notch 440 allows pivotal movement of the portions of the pad on either side of the indentation or notch relative to each other, and as such assists with moulding of the pad 436 to the shape of the wearer and/or to assist with flexing of the pad when the wearers moves. The pad 436 may have one or more indentations or notches 440.

The size of the pad 436 may vary, depending upon requirements. Examples of sizes are as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a protective pad according to one embodiment for incorporation into a garment, in which the pad 536 is in the un-flexed configuration, and as such the pad has not flexed or bent around the indentation or notch 540. The pad 536 is tapered at either or both ends 538.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is a shown in another embodiment, a sheet of material 642 having a plurality of protective pads 644 for incorporation in a protective garment. The incorporation of two such sheets 642 into a protective garment as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 provides a protective garment having at least two impact absorbing pads arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

The sheet of material 642 is adapted so as to allow bending between pads 644. The sheet of material 642 may be made of the same material as used in the garment, or alternatively may be made from different materials, with the material in the spacing between pads 644 made of a material permitting bending between pads 644. Typically the sheet of material has a backing sheet 646 of thin and flexible material, such as the same or similar material used in the garment, which permits bending between pads 644 and also allows lateral bending of the pads to assist with the pads fitting to the wearer. However, in other embodiments, the pads 644 may not be connected to a backing sheet but are connected to each other using a material that permits bending between pads.

In the embodiment having a backing sheet 646, the pads 644 may be affixed to the backing sheet 646 by a suitable method, such as by way of glueing, moulding or sewing, or the sheet may be produced as a single product.

The sheet of material 642 may be produced in a size and shape for directly incorporating into a protective garment, or cut or trimmed to a desired shape.

For example, for a protective garment suitable for bicycle wearers, one or more sheets of material comprising a plurality of thin (eg around 5 to 7 mm high), elongate pads with a small vertical distance (eg around 1 to 5 mm) between the pads may be incorporated into a protective garment.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a front view of a protective garment 710 according to one embodiment, being a sleeveless vest with a wound neck, in which the protective garment includes two sheets of material 746 as described in FIG. 6.

In the embodiment show, two sheets of material 742, having a plurality of protective pads 744 and which are able to bend between pads due to flexible material 746 between the pads 744 have been incorporated into the garment. The sheets of material 742 have a size and shape suitable for incorporation into the protective garment 710. In the embodiments shown, two sheets of material 742 have been incorporated into the garment 710 so as to provide two impact absorbing pads 744 arranged laterally across the garment 710 with a lateral space 718 between the two pads.

It will be appreciated that two or more sheets of material 742 may be incorporated into the protective garment 710, such as three or four sheets of material, and that the sheets of material may be incorporated into the front and/or back of the garment 710.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the pads 744 are disposed in evenly spaced rows. However, as previously described herein, the pads may be arranged in different configurations and and/or have different sizes and/or spacings between the pads. The protective garment 710 may have further pads to protect other parts of the wearers, such as in the kidney area to provide protection for the kidneys.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms. It will also be appreciated that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to, or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features.

Also, it is to be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context already dictates otherwise.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

The subject headings used herein are included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations.

The description provided herein is in relation to several embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, a single feature or combination of features of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless indicated otherwise herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the example embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

Future patent applications may be filed on the basis of the present application, for example by claiming priority from the present application, by claiming a divisional status and/or by claiming a continuation status. It is to be understood that the following claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Nor should the claims be considered to limit the understanding of (or exclude other understandings of) the present disclosure. Features may be added to or omitted from the example claims at a later date.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A protective garment comprising at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two pads.

2. The protective garment according to claim 1, wherein the front and/or back of the protective garment comprise the at least two impact absorbing pads.

3. The protective garment according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads comprises a resilient material.

4. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least two absorbing pads comprises a closed cell polymer foam.

5. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the impact absorbing pads comprise a polyethylene foam, a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material.

6. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the impact absorbing pads comprise one or more notches to assist with flexing of the pad.

7. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise two pads arranged laterally across the garment.

8. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads are tapered at either or both ends.

9. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lateral space is centrally located on the front and/or back of the protective garment.

10. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lateral space between the pads comprises a distance of 20 to 70 mm.

11. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads are laterally elongated.

12. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads comprises a width of 150 to 230 mm.

13. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least two pads comprise a height of 20 mm to 70 mm.

14. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a depth of 10 to 40 mm.

15. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least two impact absorbing pads comprise a rounded top section.

16. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the end of at least the two impact absorbing pads located closest to its respective side of the garment is positioned 0 to 60 mm from the side of the garment.

17. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the garment comprises a plurality of sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads and the sets are arranged vertically along the garment.

18. The protective garment according to claim 17, wherein the sets comprise a vertical distance of 10 to 40 mm apart.

19. The protective garment according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the garment comprises at least 5 sets of the at least two impact absorbing pads.

20. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein movement of at least two impact absorbing pads is constrained by one or more vulcanising, sewing and glueing of the pads to material of the protective garment or by sewing of the pads between sheets of material of the protective garment.

21. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the protective garment is a garment for protecting the torso of a wearer.

22. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the protective garment is a sleeveless vest.

23. The protective garment according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the protective garment comprises a V-shaped neckline or a round neck-line.

24. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the protective garment further comprises one of more impact absorbing pads which in use protect part of the neck of the user.

25. The protective garment according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the protective garment further comprises impact absorbing pads on the shoulder of the garment.

26. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the protective garment comprises a plurality of sets of two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment.

27. The protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the protective garment comprises a centrally located zipper on the front of the garment.

28. The protective garment according to claim 27, wherein the protective garment comprises a plurality of sets of at least two impact absorbing pads laterally arranged across the garment and the centrally located zipper is located in the lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

29. A protective garment comprising a plurality of pads of impact absorbing material which are arranged horizontally across the garment with a space between each of the pads.

30. A pad adapted for incorporation in a protective garment according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. An impact absorbing pad adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the impact absorbing pad comprising one or more notches to assist with flexing of the impact absorbing pad.

32. A protective pad of impact absorbing material adapted for incorporation in a protective garment, the protective pad comprising at least one indentation which allows pivotal movement of the portions of the pad on either side of the indentation relative to each other.

33. The pad according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the pad is tapered at either or both ends.

34. The pad according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the pad comprises a resilient material.

35. The pad according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the pad comprises a closed cell polymer foam.

36. The pad according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the pad comprises a polyethylene foam, a polyurethane foam, a rubber, or an auxetic material.

37. A protective garment comprising at least two pads according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

38. A method of producing a protective garment, the method comprising incorporating into a garment before and/or after assembly at least two impact absorbing pads, the at least two impact absorbing pads being incorporated into the garment so as to be arranged laterally across the garment with a lateral space between the at least two impact absorbing pads.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the incorporation of at least two impact absorbing pads into the garment comprises sewing of the at least two impact absorbing pads onto and/or into the garment.

40. A protective garment produced by h method according to claim 38 or 39.