Protective Clothing Design - Grado Zero Espace Srl

DESIGN OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Giada DAMMACCO; Elena TURCO; Martinia Ira GLOGAR
development of a special suit named S1 Suit. The aim was to find a solution and to
answer on as much as possible special requirements and needs specific for solo
Atlantic Ocean crossing.
Figure 15: S1 Sailing Suit – First version worn by Pia L'Obry
The problems met during the trial of a first version stimulate further collaboration
with the potential user in order to develop even more suitable solutions with
integrated different technologies and miniaturized electronic devices.
After a preliminary experience with the first version, some specific problems
connected to the sailor's safety and comfort were identified: first of all the necessity
of a technology able to guarantee, from the support helicopter, the athlete's
visibility also in adverse weather conditions; second, the request of soft, light
materials able to protect knees and elbows from the impacts maintaining at the
same time a good sailor's mobility.
Thanks to these specific requests and in depth studies about current and
innovative solutions, several innovations in terms of materials and design were
developed including: the integration of the gloves with the sleeve (Pro-Hand©
system), that avoids the problem of losing them due to strong winds, and the
proper insertion, in some specific parts, of a shock absorber foam able to protect
the body from impacts. [8]
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