Crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts of the type comprising a first portion ( 2 ) designed to protect the cyclist's perineal and ischial area and a second portion ( 3 ), positioned in front of the first portion, which is designed to protect the user's genital area, wherein the said first portion ( 2 ) is, in turn, subdivided into a plurality of sectors which comprise a pair of first pads ( 20 ), positioned at the point of contact between the buttocks and the saddle, and a second pad ( 21 ) with a Y-shaped configuration, which is positioned at the point of contact between the rear portion of the scrotum and the saddle and forks out around the external lateral ends of each of the first pads ( 20 ). Furthermore, the said second portion ( 3 ), positioned in front of the first portion and designed to protect the cyclist's genital area, is a concave supporter wherein the particular concave shape thereof allows the genitals to assume a slightly raised position, cupped within the said seat and detached from the thighs and the saddle. The first and the second portions are covered with a lower layer and an upper layer of foam, which is, in turn, covered with fabric and all the components are joined together and assembled by heat-moulding by means of the interposition of a glue.

1 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts characterised by the fact that the said liner essentially consists of a first portion ( 2 ) designed to protect the cyclist's perineal and ischial area and a second portion ( 3 ), positioned in front of the first portion, which is designed to protect the user's genital area, wherein the said first portion ( 2 ) is, in turn, subdivided into a plurality of sectors which comprise a pair of first pads ( 20 ), positioned at the point of contact between the buttocks and the saddle, and a second pad ( 21 ) with a Y-shaped configuration, which is positioned at the point of contact between the rear portion of the scrotum and the saddle and forks out around the external lateral ends of each of the first pads ( 20 ), and that the said second portion ( 3 ), positioned in front of the first portion and designed to protect the cyclist's genital area, is a concave supporter wherein the particular concave shape thereof allows the genitals to assume a slightly raised position, cupped within the said seat and detached from the thighs and the saddle. 
     
     
         2 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that, between the pair of first pads ( 20 ), there is a channel ( 23 ) present, which is not padded and is entirely perforated, and is suitable to completely prevent overheating of the buttock area, as the said channel ( 23 ) is perforated throughout the length thereof and that, due to the “pumping” effect produced by the pedalling movement transmitted to the buttocks, the cyclist has a fresh and dry sensation, and therefore comfort. 
     
     
         3 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said pair of first pads ( 20 ) and the said second pad ( 21 ) are composed of heat-sealed gel, wherein the said gel pad is obtained by changing the melting temperatures of the gel in the moulds and melting the surface of the said gel which—when cooling—incorporates the envisaged components thereof into a whole, thus allowing the pad to form a single body. 
     
     
         4 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said first portion ( 2 ) features the pads ( 20  and  21 ) contained between a first and a second layer of foam, each with different densities, wherein the top layer, which remains in contact with the cyclist, features a higher density, while the lower one, which remains in contact with the saddle, has a lower density, and the two layers of foam are covered with fabric. 
     
     
         5 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that each of the said first pads ( 20 ) is endowed with a multitude of holes ( 22 ) which are made once the pad has been assembled and that, in this way, the holes are through-holes and, as result, optimal, homogeneous breathability is guaranteed. 
     
     
         6 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said second portion ( 3 ) features the supporter, which is contained between two layers of foam and covered with fabric in a similar way to the first portion. 
     
     
         7 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 4 , characterised by the fact that the said fabric is of various types, ranging from synthetic to natural, etc, and is peached, which renders it very soft to the touch and similar in feel to doeskin. 
     
     
         8 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said fabric, the said foam, the said first and second pads, and the said supporter are reciprocally joined and assembled by heat-moulding by means of the interposition of a glue consisting of a film which, as it melts, settles on the cells of the foam, rendering the crotch liner breathable. 
     
     
         9 ) A crotch liner for cycling tights and shorts according to  claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the said second portion ( 3 ) may be perforated to further facilitate breathability.