WO2023037207A1

WO2023037207A1 - Motorcyclist suit

Info

Publication number: WO2023037207A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/058153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco De Luca
Original assignee: Piaggio & C. Spa
Priority date: 2021-09-08
Filing date: 2022-08-31
Publication date: 2023-03-16
Also published as: IT202100023198A1

Abstract

A motorcyclist suit comprising a suit body shaped to entirely dress the motorcyclist's body is described. The suit body comprises an outer surface and is defined by an upper portion having a portion of torso and portions for the upper limbs, and a lower portion which extends from said upper portion, having portions for the lower limbs. The suit body includes, in a mirroring manner with respect to a longitudinal direction on each side, at least a first shell element arranged on said upper portion and at least a second shell element arranged on said lower portion. The shell elements each have a first face facing the motorcyclist's body and shaped to embrace the area of the body on which it is arranged, a second face, opposite to the first face, exposed to a flow of wind and having a curvature such as to keep a fluid streamline, which laps it during motion, adhering.

Description

TITLE

MOTORCYCLIST SUIT DESCRIPTION

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a motorcyclist suit, in particular a suit for motorcycle races. BACKGROUND ART

[002] 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.

[003] An example is described in Patent EP1625800, 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.

[004] 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.

SUMMARY

[005] 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.

[006] 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. [007] These and other objects are achieved by a motorcycle suit comprising: a suit body shaped to dress the body of a motorcyclist, in which said suit body has an outer surface and comprises at least one upper portion having a portion of torso and portions for the upper limbs, and a lower portion which extends from said upper portion, having portions for the lower limbs, in which on said suit body there are provided, symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal direction: at least a first shell element arranged on said upper portion, and at least a second shell element arranged on said lower portion, in which said first shell element and said second shell element each comprise: a first face facing the motorcyclist's body and shaped to embrace the area of the body on which it is arranged, a second face, opposite to the first face, and exposed to a flow of air such as to keep a fluid streamline adhering to the suit body during motion.

[008] 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.

[009] 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.

[010] 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.

[Oil] 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.

[012] 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.

[013] Advantageously, the upper portion comprises at least one shell element selected from one or more of: a shell element arranged at a forearm area of the portion of the upper limbs, a shell element arranged at a lateral area of or beside the portion of torso, a shell element arranged at a shoulder and/or bicep area of the portion for the upper limb. Thereby, the shell elements provided in the upper portion can be combined together on the suit body in a desired manner, for example, according to the motion setting or route type, in order to improve the rider-motion aerodynamics.

[014] In particular, the lower portion comprises at least one shell element selected from one or more of: a shell element arranged at a femur area of the portion of the lower limbs, a shell element arranged at a tibial area of the portion of the lower limbs.

[015] 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. [016] 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.

[017] In particular, each shell element comprises fastening means.

[018] 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.

[019] Preferably, said fastening means comprise at least one Velcro portion arranged on the first face. [020] 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.

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

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

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

[024] 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.

[025] 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.

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

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

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

[029] 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.

[030] 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.

[031] 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [032] 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:

- Figure 1 shows a front view of a rider-motorcycle assembly, in which the rider is wearing a suit according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a similar view of a rider-motorcycle assembly and Figures 2A to 2E show a perspective view of the corresponding shell portions applied to the motorcycle suit according to the present invention;

- and Figures 3 and 3' show, in a side view, the comparison of a rider-motorcycle assembly provided or not provided with shell elements of the motorcycle suit according to the present invention, respectively;

- Figures 4 and 4' show, in a front view, the comparison of a rider-motorcycle assembly according to Figure 3, respectively;

- Figures 5 and 5' show, in a rear view, the comparison of a rider-motorcycle assembly according to Figures 3 and 4, respectively;

- Figure 6 shows a top view of the rider-motorcycle assembly, in which the rider is wearing the suit according to the present invention;

- Figures 7, 8 and 9 show a diagrammatic sectional view of the shell elements provided with an inner chamber or a double inner chamber;

- Figure 10 shows an axonometric view of the rider-motorcycle assembly highlighting the combination of the shell elements arranged on the suit according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[033] 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.

[034] With reference to Figure 1, a motorcycle 20 is shown, on which a motorcyclist 30 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 20,30 is fundamental for performance in terms of maximum speed and trip time, for consumption optimization and rider comfort.

[035] In particular, the present invention relates to a suit 10 worn by motorcyclist 30. Suit 10 comprises a suit body 10' shaped to entirely dress the motorcyclist's body 30. The suit body 10' is preferably in a single piece, but it can also be made in several parts, and includes: at least one upper portion 15 which comprises a suit portion which dresses the torso 16 and suit portions which dress the upper limbs 17, and a lower portion 18 which extends from the upper portion 15 and which comprises suit portions which dress the lower limbs 19.

[036] In detail, the upper portion 15 and the lower portion 18 can be made in a single piece, thus forming a whole suit body 10', 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.

[037] As shown in Figure 2, on the suit body 10' there are provided, in a mirroring manner, with respect to a longitudinal direction L-L, on each side: at least a first shell element 31, 32, 33 arranged on the upper portion 15, and at least a second shell element 38, 39 arranged on the lower portion 18.

[038] As better shown in Figure 6, mirroring means that each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 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 31, 32, 33 or second 38, 39 shell element means those on only one side of the suit body 10'; on the opposite side of the same suit body 10', there will be corresponding shell elements 31, 32, 33 and 38, 39, in particular having the same shape, function and position.

[039] As shown in Figure 2 and in the related detailed drawings 2A to 2E, in the upper portion 15 of the suit body 10' there is provided a shell element 31 arranged at a forearm area of the upper limbs 17 of the body of the rider 30. The shell element 31 preferably also extends at the wrist area of the upper limb 17. The shell element 31 is applied for the whole length of the forearm up to reaching an area at the elbow joint.

[040] Again, in the upper portion 15, there is provided, alternatively or in combination with the shell element 31, a shell element 32 arranged at a lateral area of torso 16. Such a lateral area of torso 16 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 16.

[041] Again, in the upper portion 15, there is provided, alternatively or in combination with the shell elements 31 and 32, a shell element 33 arranged at a shoulder area of the upper limbs 17. The shell element 33 extends starting from the shoulder area, also preferably over at least one bicep area of the upper limb 17.

[042] In particular, in the lower portion 18, there is provided a shell element 38 arranged at the femur area of the lower limbs 19. In particular, the shell element 38 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.

[043] In combination with or alternatively to the shell element 38, there is provided a shell element 39 arranged at a tibial area of the lower limbs 19. In particular, the shell element 39 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.

[044] Such shell elements 31, 32, 33,38 and 39, both for the upper portion 15 and for the lower portion 18, can be combined and arranged as required in any combination.

[045] Each shell element 31, 32, 33 and 38, 39 has a respective first face 41, 42, 43, 48 and 49 (indicated in the respective detailed drawings 2A-2E) which, in use, faces the motorcyclist's body 30 and is shaped to embrace the area of the body on which it is arranged. Moreover, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 comprises a second face 51, 53, 53, 58 and 59 (indicated in the respective detailed drawings 2A-2E), opposite to the first face 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, exposed to the flow of air and shaped to keep a fluid streamline F (Figure 6) adhering to the suit body 10'.

[046] The technical effect of the second face 51, 53, 53, 58 and 59 of each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 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 10'. 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 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 arranged upstream.

[047] In particular, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 comprises a corresponding peripheral edge 61, 62, 63, 68, 69 (Figures 2A-2E). At least part of the peripheral edge of each shell element is the contact point with the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10'. In other words, the first face 41, 42, 43, 48, 49 of each shell element facing the suit body 10' does not completely adhere to the outer surface 12, rather is in contact therewith at at least one portion of the peripheral edge 61, 62, 63, 68, 69. 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 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and of the area of the body to which it is applied. The contact with the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10' is important for achieving a continuity with the same outer surface 12 of the suit body 10'. 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 61, 62, 63, 68, 69 of the respective shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 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 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 and with the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10'.

[048] In a preferred embodiment, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 comprises a bulge and a shape such as to define an underlying free space 55 (see for example Figure 5 at the shell element 38 in the femur area of the lower limbs 19). The free space 55 allows the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10' to maintain its flexibility. In other words, the free space 55 underlying the shell element 38 allows not interfering with the movement of the joint of the rider 30, thus ensuring the suit body 10' can take the various shapes and folds which the shell element 38 is designed to shield.

[049] Such a free space 55 is minimized to maintain the functionality and comfort of rider 30 in the movements on the motorcycle.

[050] As shown diagrammatically in comparative Figures 3, 3', 4, 4', and 5, 5', the shell elements

31, 32, 33, 38, 39 allow guiding the fluid streamline F so that it substantially remains adhering to the shell itself, and therefore to the suit body 10', thus avoiding turbulence.

[051] In particular, the outer surface of the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 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 10. In other words, the shape of the profile of each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 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.

[052] In particular, the drawings with superscript ('), i.e., Figures 3', 4' and 5', show a motorcycle suit according to the known art, i.e., not provided with the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39. 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 12 of the suit (Figure 9).

[053] The corresponding drawings with no superscript, i.e., Figures 3, 4 and 5, instead show the suit solution according to the present invention, provided with shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 in which the fluid streamline F (dashed line) substantially remains adhering to the shell elements 31,

32, 33, 38, 39, these being shaped with a smooth profile and no surface irregularities.

[054] As shown in Figure 6, the combination of several shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 allows obtaining a fluid streamline, diagrammatically shown with flow lines F, with a significant decrease in the turbulence at the back of motorcycle 20, towards the rear carriage, with subsequent less resistance to advancement. The air that meets the front part of the advancing motorcycle 20 is guided by the fairing of the motorcycle 20 itself and by the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 up to the rear carriage. The transverse width of the fluid streamlines F lapping the rider-motorcycle assembly 20,30 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 30, who suffers less from turbulence and does not suffer from impediments in the movements on the seat.

[055] Moreover, as shown in Figure 10, the combination of the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 allows obtaining a filling of the lateral spaces which are formed when the rider 30 is in the tucked- in position, therefore guiding the flow of air towards the rear carriage and avoiding the formation of turbulence.

[056] In different embodiments but however with the same performance, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 is attached to the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10', for example, through quick coupling means such as Velcro arranged on the first face 41, 42, 43, 48, 49 and on the suit body 10'. In this case, the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 are mounted on the surface of the suit body 10' and can also be added to existing conventional suits.

[057] 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.

[058] Alternatively, the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 are connected on the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10' by means of seams 70. Preferably, seam 70 (Figure 2B) is obtained along the peripheral edges 61, 62, 63, 68, 69 of the respective shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 in order to firmly connect the latter to the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10'. The outer surface of the corresponding shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, i.e., the second face 51, 53, 53, 58, 59, is thus continuous - being sewn - with the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10' itself. This ensures that the shell element is not detached during a race.

[059] In a different embodiment, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 is incorporated in the suit body 10'. In this case, the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 are integrated in the suit body 10', below the outer surface 12. In this embodiment, the skin of the suit is always visible and is evenly taught and smooth at the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39.

[060] The shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 described above can be made as one piece, for example, made of plastic material, and therefore with a solid structure.

[061] Alternatively or in combination with the solid-structure embodiment, as diagrammatically shown in two sections in Figures 7, 8 and 9, each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 comprises at least one inner chamber 60, 60'. The inner chamber 60, 60' 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 60, 60' allows decreasing the overall weight of the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 while keeping the structural resistance and aerodynamic function unaltered.

[062] Each shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 can advantageously comprise several chambers 60 and 60', according to the shape and size thereof. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the portion at the tibia/knee 39 can comprise two chambers, each of which can be filled with a filler material. In particular, in the case of the shell element 39 involving the tibia/knee, two chambers can be provided: a first chamber 60 filled with plastic material which defines the so-called bar soap, i.e., the portion lying at the knee, and a second chamber 60', for example at the tibia, which is filled with air because it performs the sole aerodynamic function.

[063] In another example, the two chambers 60, 60' can be provided for portion 32 (Figure 8), which laterally surrounds the rider's torso 16. 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.

[064] In a possible embodiment, the inner chambers 60, 60' can comprise a valve 62 which allows adjusting the size thereof from the outside, for example by inflating, by specifically adapting the shape of the shell element 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 to the area of the rider's body 30 on which it is arranged, for example.

[065] In other constructional aspects, the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 can have a surface roughness of the second face 51, 53, 53, 58, 59 less than the average surface roughness of the outer surface 12 of the suit body 10'.

[066] The shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 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. [067] The thicknesses and materials of the shell elements 31, 32, 33, 38, 39 are such as to make them lightweight and relatively flexible so as not to hinder the articular movement of the rider 30 while continuing to maintain the aerodynamic function, even at high speeds.

[068] The above description of one or more specific embodiments is capable of showing the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using the prior art, will be able to change and/or adapt the embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and therefore it is understood that such adaptations and changes will be considerable as equivalents of the specific embodiment. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described can be of various nature without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terminology used have a merely descriptive and thus non-limiting purpose.

Claims

CLAIMS A suit (10) for a motorcyclist (30) comprising:

- a suit body (10') shaped to dress a motorcyclist's body (30), wherein said suit body (10') comprises an outer surface (12), an upper portion (15) having a portion of torso (16) and portions for the upper limbs (17), and a lower portion (18) which extends from said upper portion (15), having portions for the lower limbs (19), wherein on each side of said suit body (10'), there are provided, symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal direction (L-L):

- at least a first shell element (31,32,33) arranged on said upper portion (15),

- and at least a second shell element (38,39) arranged on said lower portion (18), wherein said first shell element (31,32,33) and said second shell element (38,39) each have: a first face (41,42,43,48,49) facing the motorcyclist's body (30) shaped to embrace an area of the body (30) on which it is arranged, a second face (51,52,53,58,59), opposite to the first face (41,42,43,48,49), exposed to a flow of air, shaped to keep a fluid streamline (F) adhering to the suit body (10'). A suit (10) according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion (15) comprises said at least one shell element selected from one or more of:

- a shell element (31) arranged at a forearm area of the portion for the upper limb (17),

- a shell element (32) arranged at a lateral area of the portion of torso (16),

- a shell element (33) arranged at a shoulder area of the portion for the upper limb (17). A suit (10) according to claim 1 o 2, wherein said lower portion (18) comprises said at least one shell element selected from one or more of:

- a shell element (38) arranged at the femur area of the portion for the lower limb (19),

- a shell element (39) arranged at a tibial area of the portion for the lower limb (19). A suit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) comprises a peripheral edge (61,62,63,68, 69), and wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) adheres to the outer surface (12) of the suit body (10') at at least one portion of said peripheral edge (61,62,63,68, 69). A suit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) is connected to the outer surface (12) of the suit body (10') through fastening means. A suit (10) according to claim 5, wherein said fastening means are of the reversible type and preferably comprise at least one Velcro connector arranged on the first face (41,42,43,48,49). A suit (10) according to claim 5, wherein said fastening means are of the permanent type and preferably comprise a peripheral seam (70) made between a peripheral edge (61,62,63,68, 69) of the shell element (31,32,33,38,39) and the outer surface (12) of the suit body (10'). A suit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) is incorporated in the suit body (10'). A suit (10) according to claim 8, wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) lies below the outer surface (12) of the suit body (10'), preferably said outer surface (12) being a layer of skin defining the outer surface of the suit body (10'). A suit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) comprises at least one inner chamber (60.60 '), the inner chamber (60.60') being filled with a filler material. A suit (10) according to claim 10, wherein said filler material is selected from: a plastic material, preferably a polymer foam, a gas, preferably air. A suit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface roughness of the second face (51,52,53,58,59) of each shell element (31,32,33,38,39) is less than the average surface roughness of the outer surface (12) of the suit body (10').