GARMENT FOR CYCLISTS

Abstract

A garment for cyclists is disclosed that is particularly suitable for being able to be worn with any trousers so as not to restrict the person wishing to go by bicycle to wearing trousers with built-in protection, offering good protection of the genital, perineal and ischial zones of both the professional and amateur and occasional cyclists in a comfortable, discreet and also very practical manner.

The garment comprises an elasticised or elastic edge (2) provided for adhering to the body of the user so as to ensure that the entire structure of the garment does not move during pedaling, a pair of strips (3) made of woven material or elastics or of another fabric or suitable material designed to rest against the buttocks of the cyclist and engaged at one end with the edge (2) in the rear part, a front portion (4) connected to the strips (3) at one end and at the other to the edge (2) in the front part and set up to be positioned on the genital zone of the user with a series of zones with different types of processing designed to offer breathability, containment and support. The garment comprises a protective pad (5) shaped and located between the front part (4) and the pair of strips (3) and with padding having different thicknesses wherein the thickness is greater towards the centre of the padded portion placed at the support of the buttocks on the saddle so as to support better and with greater comfort the perineal and ischial zones of the user. In particular, the protective pad of very reduced dimensions protects the perineal zone and the ischial bones of the user.

Claims

1) Garment for cyclists characterised in that it substantially consists of: an elasticised or elastic edge (2) provided for adhering to the body of the user so as to ensure that the entire structure of the garment does not move during pedaling; a pair of strips (3) made of woven material or elastics or of another fabric or suitable material designed to rest against the buttocks of the cyclist and engaged at one end with the edge (2) in the rear part; a front portion (4) connected to the strips (3) at one end and to the edge (2)—in the front part—at the other end, the said front portion (4) being set up to be positioned on the genital zone of the user, said portion (4) having a substantially trapezoid conformation and having a series of zones with different types of processing designed to offer breathability, containment and support; protective pad (5) shaped and located between the front part (4) and the pair of strips (3), said pad having padding featuring different thicknesses in which the thickness is greater towards the centre of the padded portion placed at the support of the buttocks on the saddle so as to support better and with greater comfort the perineal and ischial zones of the user, said protective pad being of very reduced dimensions so it is used to protect the perineal zone and the ischial bones of the user.

2) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that said protective pad (5) is built into the garment and has the from end engaged on the front portion (4) and the rear portion engaged on the strips (3) being in direct contact with the skin on the one hand and the garment of the user on the other or being removable, not being in direct contact with the skin or with the garments of the user and in this case it is inserted into a pocket/case (6) of the same shape that is engaged with the strips (3) and with the front portion (4) in which said pocket/case (6) enables the protective pad (5) to be changed easily so as to have the right and suitable protection and padding for the city bike and replace the padding with a more padded pad for the touring bike, using the same garment so as to make the protective pad interchangeable for more or less prolonged use of the bicycle having different elasticity and different thicknesses.

3) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that in said front portion a (4), a first zone a (40) is provided in contact with the edge (2) from which it detaches, a second zone (41) divided into two sectors having a different processing texture from the first zone (40), a third zone (42) surrounded by the second zone (41) a fourth zone (43) and a fifth zone (44) placed between the fourth zone (43) and the pair of strips (3) provided for anchoring the protective pad (5), said zones each having their own processing texture.

4) Garment for cyclists according to claim 3, characterised in that said third zone (42) and said fourth zone (43) create a shell that is suitable for receiving the genitalia in the male version of the garment so as to induce the genitalia to adopt a slightly raised and compact position in the seat, spacing the genitalia away from the thighs of the cyclist.

5) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that said protective pad (5) comprises: a central anti-collapsing channel (50) provided to prevent the two side portions folding in on themselves and provided with at least one ventilating sector (50a) or with a portion in which the weave is broad for an optimum air flow that favours good and correct breathing so as to eliminate completely overheating of the zone between the buttocks; a shaped and padded side portion placed on each side of the channel (50) divided into two parts in which the first front part (51) consists of first padding (51a) having a substantially rectangular conformation and being arranged parallel to the front part of the central channel (50) with differentiated and increasing thicknesses and with at least one pair of reinforcements (51b) whereas the second rear part (52) is shaped and has an open recess (53) and has second padding that tends to increase going to the centre with reinforcements (52b).

6) Garment for cyclists according to claim 5, characterised in that said recesses (Sib) and said recesses (52b) are provided with a padding thickness that is greater than the other zones and can be pierced so as to be also breathable.

7) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that in said protective pad (5), with the same padding configuration, the thickness can be greater or less, according to the level of protection that is desired, so that there is a basic padding version if the garment is intended for use over a limited time, as for an urban cyclist who uses the bicycle only in town and for short journeys, a medium padding version if the garment is intended for more intensive use and prolonged used as for a touring cyclist and a high padding version for intensive and prolonged use over time for professional or racing cyclists who use the bicycle for many hours a day or in intermediate versions depending on the degree of shock absorption that it is desired to obtain, where the different types of padding have different heights and densities so as to offer users a range of protective pads, depending on the needs of the cyclist and the weight, habits and needs of the cyclist.

8) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that the padding of said protective pad is made of: polymer, polyfunctional copolymer, sheet polymer, polyurethane, expanded foam, cross-linked polyurethane, foam rubber, closed-cell polyurethane foam, thermoplastic polymer material, elastomers, synthetic rubber, silicone, polysulphur, polyethers, gel (in a pad made of plastics), cotton, latex, 3D structure made of nylon or several coupled materials, combinations of the preceding materials.

9) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that said edge (2) provided with closing means such as buttons, Velcro, hooks or other things provided for being able to remove the edge (2) easily.

10) Garment for cyclists according to claim 1, characterised in that said protective pad (5) has on the external face a coating of silicone to ensure a better grip on the trousers if it is integrated, said pocket/case (6) has on the external upper face a coating of silicone that reduces/prevents reciprocal/corresponding movements between the pocket and the underwear of the cyclist and the external lower face is made of material that is resistant to abrasion/rubbing in view of the violent contact with the seams of the trousers whilst as for the internal faces of the pocket that directly touch the protective pad, the upper one ensures adhesion between the pocket and pad so that it remains in the “anatomic” position and it is not attached to the trousers whereas the lower face of the pocket will have a silicone coating to prevent movements with the trousers when the pocket/case (6) is present but without the use of the underpants.

Description

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0023] Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description of a garment for cyclists, according to the present invention, given here below with reference to the attached drawings, which are provided merely by way of example, and are therefore non-limiting, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic manner and in a front view, a garment for cyclists according to the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows in a schematic manner and in a rear view, the garment for cyclists of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows in a schematic manner an overall view of the garment of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows in a schematic manner an overall view of a version of the garment in question;

[0028] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C each show a version of the level of protection provided by the garment for cyclists in question.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] With reference to the figures mentioned, and in particular to FIG. 1, with 1 a garment has been indicated overall for cyclists according to the present invention.

[0030] The garment for cyclists 1 in question substantially consists of an elasticised or elastic edge 2 provided to adhere to the body of the user to ensure that the entire structure of the garment does not move during pedaling. In particular, the edge 2 can be provided with closing means such as buttons, Velcro, hooks or other things the function of which will be illustrated below.

[0031] With the elastic edge there are engaged at the rear, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of strips 3 made of woven material or elastics or of another fabric or suitable material set up for the purpose to connect to a front portion 4 the other end of which is engaged on the elastic edge 2 in the front part.

[0032] In particular, the pair of strips 3 is set up to support the buttocks of the cyclist whereas the front portion 4 is set up for positioning itself on the genital zone of the user.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the front portion 4 has a substantially trapezoid conformation and has a series of zones with different types of processing, as shown in FIG. 3, that enable various functions to be diversified such as breathability, containment and support. More in detail, in the front portion 4 there is a first zone 40 placed in contact with the edge 2 from which a second zone 41 is detached that is divided into two sectors configured as a sliver having a different knit weave from the first zone 40. The slivers 41 surround a third zone 42 and a fourth zone 43 that create a shell for receiving the genitalia in the male version of the garment.

[0034] In the male version, the third zone 42 and the fourth zone 43 have a suitable concave shape for inviting the genitalia to adopt a slightly raised and compact position in this place, separating the genitalia from the thighs so as to avoid that, pedaling, the two-sided elastic fabric with which the trousers for cyclists are made can continuously “stress” the genitalia by irritating them through the effect of the pressure and the tension—from the right to the left—caused by the elastomer (elastic incorporated into the fabric).

[0035] Further, the scrotum and the thus positioned genitalia avoid receiving blows and stress in the lower portion from the tip of the saddle, they are not compressed by the muscular action, they are subjected to a lower temperature inasmuch as they are no longer subject to rubbing and compression. In this manner, skin irritation, oedemas and swellings of both the testicular areas and of the various body ducts are avoided.

[0036] The front part 4 can be divided into sectors in a different manner from what has just been illustrated, depending on the type of processing and functions attributed.

[0037] In fact, there is a difference between the male and female version of the garment for obvious reasons, both in wear and design. The different sectors are joined together without stitching for greater comfort of the user, but when necessary for particular reasons they can have stitching in order to be able, for example, to insert particular materials such as a net.

[0038] Further, the front portion 4 comprises a fifth zone 44 placed between the fourth zone 43 and the pair of strips 3 provided for anchoring a protective pad 5.

[0039] As previously mentioned, the different zones of the front part 4 have different processing with mesh points that can differ according to the use in various sporting disciplines and in the male or female version of the garment. In fact, the different weaves of the various zones are provided so that the absorbed sweat is expelled rapidly without remaining in contact with the skin for a long period.

[0040] According to the present invention, the garment 1 comprises a protective pad 5 that can be fixed or is removable and which is located with the front end at the fifth zone 44 and with the rear zone at the strips 3.

[0041] As shown in figures SA, 5B and SC, the protective pad 5 has a central anti-collapsing channel 50 provided to prevent the two side portions folding on one another and is provided with at least one ventilating sector 50a or with a portion in which the weave is broad for an optimum air flow that favours good and correct breathing so as to eliminate completely overheating of the zone between the buttocks.

[0042] In the present embodiment there are three breathing sectors. 10o In detail, the channel 50 has on each side a shaped and padded side portion that is divided into two parts. The first front part 51 consists of first padding 51a having a substantially rectangular conformation and being arranged parallel to the front part of the central channel 50 with different and increasing thicknesses and with at least one pair of reinforcements 51b whereas the second rear part 52 is shaped, “as a snug fit” in the present embodiment, and has second padding that tends to increase going to the centre with the reinforcements 52b. In particular, both the reinforcements 51b and the reinforcements 52b are provided with a padding thickness that is greater than the other zones and can be pierced so as also to be breathable.

[0043] As disclosed previously, the protective pad 5 has padding having different thicknesses in which the thickness is greater towards the centre of the padded portion placed at the support of the buttocks on the saddle so as to support better and with greater comfort the perineal and ischial zones of the user.

[0044] In addition, with the same padding configuration, the thickness can be greater or reduced, depending on the desired level of protection. In fact, a basic padding version is provided, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the garment is provided for a use that is limited in time like, for example, use by a city cyclist who uses the bicycle only in the city and for short journeys although, sometimes, he or she needs greater support because he or she is not trained to stay in the saddle, in an average padding version, as shown in FIG. 5B, if the garment is provided for more intense use and over a longer time, such as for example a touring cyclist who uses the bicycle for longer and more demanding rides and a high padding version, as shown in FIG. 5C, if the garment is provided for intense use prolonged over time such as, for example, by professional or amateur cyclists who use the bicycle for many hours a day.

[0045] The protective pad 5 is made in different versions in addition to those shown previously, depending on the degree of shock absorption that it is desired to obtain; in fact, the different padding versions have different heights and densities so as to offer users a range of protective pads, depending on the requirements, weight, habits and needs of the cyclist.

[0046] In addition to what has been illustrated up until now, the garment in question intends to succeed in modifying the concept of padding and protection. In fact, the tendency of many bottoms on the market in trousers for cyclists is to add padding whereas the garment in question remove the padding because the supporting points are just a few and essential as must be the structure that is worn especially in a sport where every gram can make a difference.

[0047] Further, the padding of the protective pad can be made of: polymer, polyfunctional copolymer, sheet polymer, polyurethane, expanded foam, crosslinked polyurethane, foam rubber, closed-cell polyurethane foam, thermoplastic polymer material, elastomers, synthetic rubber, silicone, polysulphide, polyethers, gel (in a plastic pad), cotton, latex, 3D nylon structure or several coupled materials, combinations of the preceding materials.

[0048] In addition to what has been illustrated up until now, the protective pad 5 can be removable and in this case it is inserted into a pocket/case 6 of the same shape engaged in the strips 3 and in the fifth zone of the front portion 4, as shown in FIG. 4. In particular, the pocket/case 6 enables the protective pad 5 to be changed easily to so as to have easily the correct and suitable protection and padding for a city bike and replace it with a more padded pad for bike touring using the same garment. In fact, the protective pad becomes interchangeable for different uses, for a more or less prolonged use of the bicycle having different degrees of elasticity, and, as already said, different thicknesses.

[0049] In particular, in this case, the protective pad 5 will not be in direct contact with the skin or with the garments whereas it is when it is integrated.

[0050] More in detail, the upper face of the pocket/case 6 can have a coating of silicone that reduces/prevents the reciprocal/relative movements between the pocket and the underware of the cyclist.

[0051] The lower face is made of a material that resists abrasion/scratching, in case of violent contact with the stitching of the trousers.

[0052] The upper of the inner faces of the pocket (which touch the protective pad directly) must ensure adhesion between the pocket and pad so that it rests in an “anatomical” position and does not stick to the trousers.

[0053] Another version involves the use of the garment with the pocket/case 6 but without the use of the underpants so that the lower face of the pocket has a silicone coating to prevent movements with the trousers.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, the protective pad has a silicone print on the outer face to ensure a better grip if the protective pad is integrated into the garment.

[0055] In fact, for professional cyclists the protective pad is without a pocket/case, thus being directly in contact with the privy parts and the silicone coating is in contact with the shorts.

[0056] The protective pad is of very reduced dimensions compared with existing protections integrated into cycling trousers and protects the perineal zone and the ischial bones of the user.

[0057] The garment in question is a protection that is suitable for those who have decided to use the bicycle as a means of transport. In fact, the garment in question is worn above the cyclist's underware, to which it adheres perfectly thanks to the non-slip coating that makes garment in question more stable, limiting the uncomfortable friction between the protective pad and garments. During pedaling, it ensures the correct shock absorption on all types of road and once the destination has been reached, with a simple gesture, it can be removed and placed in a special case. The minute proportions have been specially designed to ensure minimum encumbrance without forgetting the correct and appropriate shock absorption where necessary. In particular, if during the journey a short comfort break is needed, the garment in question will ensure the most absolute privacy as it is practically invisible under the clothes.

[0058] The particular structure of the garment makes it particularly light and comfortable. In the lightest version it takes into account the needs of those who use the bicycle for small journeys or to go to work for whom the garment in question is worn above the underpants and can be removed simply by the closing means located in the elastic edge. In this manner it will not be necessary to undress, an operation that could take time. The protective pad is inserted into the pocket/case 6, to which it adheres perfectly. In this manner, washing and possible replacement are facilitated if it is decided to use a protective pad with different padding.

[0059] After what has been disclosed in a mainly structural sense, the operation of the invention in question is as follows.

[0060] When a user wishes to go on a short journey or long journey by bicycle without problems, discomfort, possibilities of traumas, etc, the user need merely put on the garment in question either above underpants to be able to then remove the garment easily upon arrival, for example at the workplace or next to the skin and then don cycling or normal trousers.

[0061] The user, once he or she has donned the garment in question and a pair of trousers, can sit on the saddle and start pedaling.

[0062] Upon arrival at the destination, the cyclist can, if he or she wishes, remove the garment that has enabled him or her to be on the saddle comfortably by simply acting on the closing means found on the elastic edge and remove the garment.

[0063] The present invention thus achieves the proposed objects.

[0064] The garment for cyclists in question is able to offer optimum protection of the genital, perineal and ischial zones of both professional and amateur cyclists but above all of those who use the bicycle as a means of transport as it adapts perfectly to the shape of the body of the person and fills every possible space between the body and saddle and also forms an extremely comfortable pad between the body and the saddle.

[0065] Advantageously, the garment according to the present invention enables mechanical cutaneous, bone and muscular stress to the cyclist to be reduced considerably, in addition to avoiding bruising phenomena to both the testicles and body ducts.

[0066] In addition, the garment is donned and removed simply and rapidly to offer comfort and protection when the cyclist is on the saddle and avoid unappealing and bulky padding on the trousers as occurs with bottoms and trousers for cyclists of the prior art and further, it may motivate and stimulate many other persons to use bicycles as special padded trousers do not necessarily have to be donned and at the same time the cyclist is protected from contact with the saddle.

[0067] One advantage obtained with the present garment is that it enhances the performance of the cyclist inasmuch as the disturbance and discomfort elements are reduced compared with prior-art bottoms and trousers.

[0068] Another advantage of the present garment stems from the fact that it induces the user to take up a position that tends to be tilted forwards and downwards on the saddle, keeping the rear part raised. There is further no need to have to eliminate the front (nose) element of the saddle, thus leaving the thighs a support during lateral movements. In particular, the garment in question enables the pelvis to be raised at the rear (position corresponding to the ischial tuberosities) and lifts/alleviates the rear part of the rest, also permitting greater rotation of the pelvis.

[0069] In particular, by reducing the stress factors also the status after the pedaling activity is improved, enabling cyclists with problems that have become chronic to be helped to recover a large part of their physical condition.

[0070] With the present garment what happened with prior-art trousers no longer occurs, where the cyclist was led or forced to vary position on the saddle in the presence of discomfort or pain and this behaviour led to phenomena of irritation of the muscles and joints of anatomical structures that were not directly in contact with the saddle such as the adductors and/or the knee.

[0071] One of the advantages offered by this garment is without double that of being able to wear the garment with any trousers so that a new way of dressing can arise as cyclists are no longer constrained to use trousers with an integrated protection but can use any garment that they deem to be suitable for the habits or needs of cyclists.

[0072] In particular, with the garment in question a cyclist no longer needs to worry about having to discard new trousers by having to replace the bottom that is incorporated into the trousers if the bottom becomes worn out as the garment according to the present invention can be worn directly in contact with the skin, under any type of trousers.

[0073] A further advantage is due to the fact that the garment for cyclists is easy to make and of good functionality.

[0074] Naturally, numerous modification to and variations on this invention can be made, all of which are part of the inventive concept that characterise the invention.