Patent Description:
It is known from the prior art that the aerodynamic efficiency of the rider-motorcycle assembly is one of the features affecting performance during a motorcycle race. In this regard, several solutions associated with the rider's clothing for obtaining certain aerodynamic effects are known.

An example is described in Patent <CIT>, which discloses a suit provided with a plurality of deflectors arranged at different areas of the rider's body, which extend to bridge open spaces created when the rider takes a tucked-in position commonly when travelling on a straight. Each deflector is mounted overhangingly with respect to the outer surface of the suit, and therefore with respect to area of the body to which it is applied. In other words, each deflector protrudes with respect to the outer surface of the suit. The combination of the different deflectors allows shielding a defined open space when the rider takes the tucked-in position, thus allowing an improvement of the motion-rider aerodynamics.

Such a solution according to the known art however results in a big drawback when the rider does not take the tucked-in position, for example, when travelling on "straight" sectors or in other circumstances in which it is convenient to take such a position. In this case, the deflectors exposed to the flow of wind can affect the rider's driving itself, limiting the performance thereof. In another aspect, such deflectors result in a limitation, if not an obstacle, to the movement of the rider on the motorcycle. For example, such deflectors can hit against portions of the motorcycle during driving, compromising the safety of the rider.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle suit which allows overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art while improving the rider-motorcycle assembly aerodynamics.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle suit which is aerodynamically more performing while being comfortable and practical for the motorcyclist in the driving movements.

These and other objects are achieved by a motorcycle suit comprising:.

Thereby, the suit body comprises at least two shell portions arranged in a mirroring manner, in particular symmetrically, on opposite sides from each other on the suit body with respect to a longitudinal symmetry axis: at least one shell element arranged on the upper portion and at least one shell element arranged on the lower portion thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the suit body is in one piece, but it can also be made of several pieces, for example, an upper part, which dresses at least the upper limbs and the torso, and a lower part, which dresses at least the lower limbs of the motorcyclist's body.

Each shell element is shaped so that the face facing the rider's body is shaped to embrace the corresponding area of the body in which it is positioned. For example, the shell element can be arranged at a shoulder and therefore the first face is shaped to be coupled to the shoulder area so as to embrace it. The term "embrace" means that the portion is shaped not only to cover the area at the top, but also to surround it laterally, at least partly, so as to substantially replicate the shape and thus keep a stable and comfortable position for the rider.

On the side opposite to the first face, each shell element comprises a second face shaped in order to define an aerodynamic profile such as to allow a flow of air hitting it during motion to follow and maintain a trajectory which laps the profile itself, thus avoiding turbulence or undesired deviations.

Indeed, it is worth noting that in a common motorcycle suit made of skin, there are protruding folds or indentations on the outer surface of the suit body which, when hit by the flow of air, cause a deviation thereof generating a turbulence and/or wake widening, in particular towards the rear carriage, with subsequent resistance to advancement.

Advantageously, the upper portion comprises at least one shell element selected from one or more of:.

In particular, the lower portion comprises at least one shell element selected from one or more of:.

Also in this case, the shell elements provided in the lower portion can be combined with one another on the suit body in a desired manner, as disclosed above to achieve the same purposes.

Preferably, each shell element is connected to the outer surface of the suit body.

In this case, the shell elements are mounted on the outer part with respect to the surface of the suit body. From a standard suit, the shell elements can thus be retrofitted.

In particular, each shell element comprises a peripheral edge, and in which each shell element adheres to the outer surface of the suit body at at least one portion of said peripheral edge. Thereby, each shell element provides for a contact with the outer surface of the suit body over at least one portion along a peripheral edge thereof. This shape allows the arrangement of fastening means at the contact areas, and at the same time, at other areas, a free space below the shell element which allows the suit body to maintain its elasticity and therefore a certain freedom in the rider's movements.

In particular, each shell element comprises fastening means.

In a first embodiment, said fastening means are of the removable type to connect the shell element to the outer surface of the suit body.

Preferably, said fastening means comprise at least one Velcro portion arranged on the first face.

Alternatively, said removable fastening means are chosen from snap fasteners, an adhesive, a zipper, elements defining an interlock on seats obtained on the suit body, or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, said fastening means are of the irremovable type.

Preferably said irremovable fastening means comprise a peripheral seam which allows connecting the shell element to the outer surface of the suit body.

In particular, the seam is made along at least one portion of a peripheral edge line of the shell element.

In an alternative embodiment, each shell element is incorporated in the suit body.

In this case, the shell element is integrated below the outer surface of the suit body. In this embodiment, the skin of the suit body at the shell elements is thus substantially taught, therefore without the presence or formation of any folds.

In particular, each shell element lies below an outer layer of the suit body, preferably said outer layer being a layer of skin defining the outer surface of the suit body.

Advantageously, each shell element comprises at least one inner chamber, the inner chamber being filled with a filler material.

In a first embodiment, the filler material is a plastic material, for example in the form of filler foam.

In a second embodiment, said filler material is a fluid, for example a gas or air, or again a viscose material or gel.

Advantageously, each shell element can comprise several chambers, each filled with a predetermined filler material. The definition of several separate and distinct chambers allows obtaining larger shell portions, having an outer shaping differentiated in terms of thickness and/or profile thereof, for example.

In a possible embodiment, each inner chamber comprises a valve which allows filling said chamber with said filler material. Thereby, the chamber can be adjusted in size from the outer part according to specific needs, for example, those of adapting the profile of the shell element to the rider's body or for aerodynamic functions.

Preferably, the second face of the shell element has a surface roughness less than the average surface roughness of the outer surface of the suit body.

Further advantages and additional features of the present invention are highlighted by the following description of some embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention relates to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify equal or similar elements.

With reference to <FIG>, a motorcycle <NUM> is shown, on which a motorcyclist <NUM> is in the conventional tucked-in position taken when travelling on a straight or a portion of straight at high speed. In this position, the aerodynamics of the rider-motorcycle assembly <NUM>,<NUM> is fundamental for performance in terms of maximum speed and trip time, for consumption optimization and rider comfort.

In particular, the present invention relates to a suit <NUM> worn by motorcyclist <NUM>. Suit <NUM> comprises a suit body <NUM>' shaped to entirely dress the motorcyclist's body <NUM>. The suit body <NUM>' is preferably in a single piece, but it can also be made in several parts, and includes: at least one upper portion <NUM> which comprises a suit portion which dresses the torso <NUM> and suit portions which dress the upper limbs <NUM>, and a lower portion <NUM> which extends from the upper portion <NUM> and which comprises suit portions which dress the lower limbs <NUM>.

In detail, the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> can be made in a single piece, thus forming a whole suit body <NUM>', or there can be two separate pieces which can be worn separately from each other, thus forming a suit body with at least two pieces.

As shown in <FIG>, on the suit body <NUM>' there are provided, in a mirroring manner, with respect to a longitudinal direction L-L, on each side: at least a first shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged on the upper portion <NUM>, and at least a second shell element <NUM>, <NUM> arranged on the lower portion <NUM>.

As better shown in <FIG>, mirroring means that each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, also referred to as a shell below, includes a corresponding shell element placed on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction L-L. Therefore, the singular term first <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or second <NUM>, <NUM> shell element means those on only one side of the suit body <NUM>'; on the opposite side of the same suit body <NUM>', there will be corresponding shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular having the same shape, function and position.

As shown in <FIG> and in the related detailed drawings 2A to 2E, in the upper portion <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>' there is provided a shell element <NUM> arranged at a forearm area of the upper limbs <NUM> of the body of the rider <NUM>. The shell element <NUM> preferably also extends at the wrist area of the upper limb <NUM>. The shell element <NUM> is applied for the whole length of the forearm up to reaching an area at the elbow joint.

Again, in the upper portion <NUM>, there is provided, alternatively or in combination with the shell element <NUM>, a shell element <NUM> arranged at a lateral area of torso <NUM>. Such a lateral area of torso <NUM> is substantially a side area which partially also extends over the rider's back and/or chest so as to laterally embrace the area of torso <NUM>.

Again, in the upper portion <NUM>, there is provided, alternatively or in combination with the shell elements <NUM> and <NUM>, a shell element <NUM> arranged at a shoulder area of the upper limbs <NUM>. The shell element <NUM> extends starting from the shoulder area, also preferably over at least one bicep area of the upper limb <NUM>.

In particular, in the lower portion <NUM>, there is provided a shell element <NUM> arranged at the femur area of the lower limbs <NUM>. In particular, the shell element <NUM> extends for the whole length of the femur, extending from an area below the hip up to reaching an area proximal to the knee joint.

In combination with or alternatively to the shell element <NUM>, there is provided a shell element <NUM> arranged at a tibial area of the lower limbs <NUM>. In particular, the shell element <NUM> extends from an area of the knee joint up to reaching a lower area of the tibia. A motorcycle boot is then provided from said lower area of the tibia.

Such shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>, both for the upper portion <NUM> and for the lower portion <NUM>, can be combined and arranged as required in any combination.

Each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> has a respective first face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (indicated in the respective detailed drawings 2A-2E) which, in use, faces the motorcyclist's body <NUM> and is shaped to embrace the area of the body on which it is arranged. Moreover, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a second face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (indicated in the respective detailed drawings 2A-2E), opposite to the first face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, exposed to the flow of air and shaped to keep a fluid streamline F (<FIG>) adhering to the suit body <NUM>'.

The technical effect of the second face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is that of keeping the fluid streamline F adhering thereto. However, such an effect not only is localized at the shell element itself, but also affects and is transferred to areas downstream of the same shell element on the suit body <NUM>'. The fluid streamline F which laps the suit is thus completely modified with respect to the conventional suits due to the aerodynamic effect induced by the presence of the shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged upstream.

In particular, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a corresponding peripheral edge <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>). At least part of the peripheral edge of each shell element is the contact point with the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>'. In other words, the first face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of each shell element facing the suit body <NUM>' does not completely adhere to the outer surface <NUM>, rather is in contact therewith at at least one portion of the peripheral edge <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Peripheral edge means a part being proximal to the edge on the inner side of the shell. In particular, the type of contact is a specific function of each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and of the area of the body to which it is applied. The contact with the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>' is important for achieving a continuity with the same outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>'. Such a contact area is preferably peripheral, but it can also be internal, and can be of different shapes. It can be a contact along the whole peripheral edge <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore the fastening also occurs along the whole edge, or it can be a contact only on a portion of the peripheral edge. Alternatively, the contact can occur on an inner portion of the shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and with the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>'.

In a preferred embodiment, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a bulge and a shape such as to define an underlying free space <NUM> (see for example <FIG> at the shell element <NUM> in the femur area of the lower limbs <NUM>). The free space <NUM> allows the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>' to maintain its flexibility. In other words, the free space <NUM> underlying the shell element <NUM> allows not interfering with the movement of the joint of the rider <NUM>, thus ensuring the suit body <NUM>' can take the various shapes and folds which the shell element <NUM> is designed to shield.

Such a free space <NUM> is minimized to maintain the functionality and comfort of rider <NUM> in the movements on the motorcycle.

As shown diagrammatically in comparative <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allow guiding the fluid streamline F so that it substantially remains adhering to the shell itself, and therefore to the suit body <NUM>', thus avoiding turbulence.

In particular, the outer surface of the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is substantially a smooth surface, with no irregularities, protrusions or recesses, such as to define a linear profile which allows guiding the fluid streamline F while keeping it adhering to suit <NUM>. In other words, the shape of the profile of each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows avoiding the fluid streamline F from undergoing deviations due to the surface irregularity of the outer skin surface of the suit, which is not provided with shell elements as shielding.

In particular, the drawings with superscript ('), i.e., <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, show a motorcycle suit according to the known art, i.e., not provided with the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this case, the fluid streamline F' is subject to turbulence when it impacts with the projecting folds or the recesses formed on the outer surface <NUM> of the suit (<FIG>).

The corresponding drawings with no superscript, i.e., <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, instead show the suit solution according to the present invention, provided with shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in which the fluid streamline F (dashed line) substantially remains adhering to the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, these being shaped with a smooth profile and no surface irregularities.

As shown in <FIG>, the combination of several shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows obtaining a fluid streamline, diagrammatically shown with flow lines F, with a significant decrease in the turbulence at the back of motorcycle <NUM>, towards the rear carriage, with subsequent less resistance to advancement. The air that meets the front part of the advancing motorcycle <NUM> is guided by the fairing of the motorcycle <NUM> itself and by the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> up to the rear carriage. The transverse width of the fluid streamlines F lapping the rider-motorcycle assembly <NUM>,<NUM> is substantially decreased; this results in less resistance to advancement, and therefore in increased performance of the motorcycle, in addition to improved comfort of rider <NUM>, who suffers less from turbulence and does not suffer from impediments in the movements on the seat.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the combination of the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows obtaining a filling of the lateral spaces which are formed when the rider <NUM> is in the tucked-in position, therefore guiding the flow of air towards the rear carriage and avoiding the formation of turbulence.

In different embodiments but however with the same performance, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is attached to the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>', for example, through quick coupling means such as Velcro arranged on the first face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and on the suit body <NUM>'. In this case, the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the surface of the suit body <NUM>' and can also be added to existing conventional suits.

Alternatively, the removable fastening means are chosen from snap fasteners, an adhesive, a zipper, elements defining an interlock on seats obtained on the suit body, or the like.

Alternatively, the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are connected on the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>' by means of seams <NUM>. Preferably, seam <NUM> (<FIG>) is obtained along the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to firmly connect the latter to the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>'. The outer surface of the corresponding shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e., the second face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, is thus continuous - being sewn - with the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>' itself. This ensures that the shell element is not detached during a race.

In a different embodiment, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is incorporated in the suit body <NUM>'. In this case, the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are integrated in the suit body <NUM>', below the outer surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the skin of the suit is always visible and is evenly taught and smooth at the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described above can be made as one piece, for example, made of plastic material, and therefore with a solid structure.

Alternatively or in combination with the solid-structure embodiment, as diagrammatically shown in two sections in <FIG>, each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises at least one inner chamber <NUM>, <NUM>'. The inner chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' being filled with a filler material. The filler material can be a plastic material of suitable density and resistance, in particular a polymer foam, for example, expanded polystyrene. Alternatively, the filler material can be a fluid, such as a gas, e.g., air, or a gel. Said at least one inner chamber <NUM>, <NUM>' allows decreasing the overall weight of the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> while keeping the structural resistance and aerodynamic function unaltered.

Each shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can advantageously comprise several chambers <NUM> and <NUM>', according to the shape and size thereof. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the portion at the tibia/knee <NUM> can comprise two chambers, each of which can be filled with a filler material. In particular, in the case of the shell element <NUM> involving the tibia/knee, two chambers can be provided: a first chamber <NUM> filled with plastic material which defines the so-called bar soap, i.e., the portion lying at the knee, and a second chamber <NUM>', for example at the tibia, which is filled with air because it performs the sole aerodynamic function.

In another example, the two chambers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be provided for portion <NUM> (<FIG>), which laterally surrounds the rider's torso <NUM>. The definition of several separate and distinct chambers allows obtaining larger shell elements in terms of surface, and an outer shaping differentiated in terms of thickness and/or profile, for example.

In a possible embodiment, the inner chambers <NUM>, <NUM>' can comprise a valve <NUM> which allows adjusting the size thereof from the outside, for example by inflating, by specifically adapting the shape of the shell element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the area of the rider's body <NUM> on which it is arranged, for example.

In other constructional aspects, the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can have a surface roughness of the second face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> less than the average surface roughness of the outer surface <NUM> of the suit body <NUM>'.

The shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be made, for example, by 3D printing. Alternatively, the shells can be made by lamination over a mold, injection molding, or other equivalent technique.

The thicknesses and materials of the shell elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are such as to make them lightweight and relatively flexible so as not to hinder the articular movement of the rider <NUM> while continuing to maintain the aerodynamic function, even at high speeds.

Claim 1:
A suit (<NUM>) for a motorcyclist (<NUM>) comprising:
- a suit body (<NUM>') shaped to dress a motorcyclist's body (<NUM>),
wherein said suit body (<NUM>') comprises an outer surface (<NUM>), an upper portion (<NUM>) having a portion of torso (<NUM>) and portions for the upper limbs (<NUM>), and a lower portion (<NUM>) which extends from said upper portion (<NUM>), having portions for the lower limbs (<NUM>),
wherein on each side of said suit body (<NUM>'), there are provided, symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal direction (L-L):
- at least a first shell element (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) arranged on said upper portion (<NUM>),
- and at least a second shell element (<NUM>,<NUM>) arranged on said lower portion (<NUM>),
characterised in that
said first shell element (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and said second shell element (<NUM>,<NUM>) each have:
a first face (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) facing the motorcyclist's body (<NUM>) shaped to embrace an area of the body (<NUM>) on which it is arranged, a second face (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), opposite to the first face (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), exposed to a flow of air, shaped to keep a fluid streamline (F) adhering to the suit body (<NUM>').