Wearable security system and pouch arrangement using such wearable security system

Abstract

The invention provides a wearable safety system (100; 100 ') configured for use in combination with a helmet (200); 100 '). The system comprises a strap (1; 1 ') comprising two shoulder straps (3a, 3b); at least one inflator (10a, 10b), an ECU (13) and a battery (14). The ECU (13) is arranged in communication with the at least one inflator (10a, 10b). The system further comprises at least one airbag (9a, 9b). The system is configured to generate an enable signal upon detection of an accident. The at least one bladder (9a, 9b) is configured to be inflated upon generation of the activation signal and to be deployed to form at least one inflated C-shape covering a portion of a face region (302) and a neck portion (301) of the wearer. The invention also relates to a bag arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable safety system and a bag arrangement using such a wearable safety system. Background Art

[0002] There are many helmets on the market that are used by people with active lives who primarily want to protect their heads in the event of an accident that does not involve falling objects.

[0003] One type of helmet is a so-called one-piece helmet. However, one-piece helmets are usually designed for motorcycle riders or similar people, and are too heavy and cumbersome for cyclists or anyone with an active life or physical job. Another type of helmet is a helmet that extends around the head like a hood. These helmets are usually used by, for example, cyclists, but can also be used by, for example, workers. Although such helmets provide effective protection for the skull and the back of the head, they do not provide any substantial protection for facial areas such as the cheeks, chin and nose.

[0004] There are also alternative wearable safety systems that are configured to constitute an alternative to a helmet. One example of such a system includes a collar that is configured to be worn around the neck of a wearer. The collar includes an air bag that is configured to be inflated and deployed in the event of an accident and form an inflatable structure that extends around the head and facial area. However, the collar may feel heavy, warm, and cumbersome, especially for active people who require a lot of freedom of movement of the body. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks and to provide an improved wearable safety system targeted at active persons who are accustomed to wearing helmets.

[0006] The system should provide protection for at least a portion of the facial area.

[0007] The system should be adaptable whether for commuting, construction work, outdoor activities or even extreme sports.

[0008] Another object is to provide a wearable safety system that can be easily combined with a bag, such as a backpack.

[0009] These and other objects as will be apparent from the following summary and description are achieved by a wearable safety system according to the appended claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable safety system configured to be used in combination with a helmet, the wearable safety system comprising:

[0011] a harness including two shoulder straps, the harness being configured to be worn on the torso of a wearer;

[0012] at least one inflator, an ECU, and a battery, the ECU being arranged to communicate with the at least one inflator; and

[0013] at least one air bag; wherein

[0014] The wearable safety system is configured to generate an enabling signal upon detecting an incident, and

[0015] The at least one airbag is configured to be inflated and deployed to form at least one inflated C-shaped body when an activation signal is generated, and the at least one inflated C-shaped body covers a portion of the facial area and the neck portion of the wearer.

[0016] Therefore, a wearable safety system is provided, which is embodied as a harness with two shoulder straps, whereby the wearable safety system is configured to be worn on the torso of the wearer. In the event of an accident, at least one airbag will be inflated and deployed to form a C-shaped body, which not only covers a portion of the wearer's facial area and the neck portion, but the C-shaped body will also be accommodated in the area formed by the lower circumferential edge portion of the helmet, the wearer's clavicle / shoulder and the upper edge of the harness. The at least one airbag will accordingly serve as an active supplementary protection to the helmet when deployed. The at least one airbag protects at least a portion of the facial area, in particular the chin, cheeks and nose, while the helmet protects the skull and the back of the head. In addition, the harness does not restrict the wearer's daily activities or clothing choices.

[0017] Thus, a wearable safety system is provided which is easy to wear and adaptable to the type of clothing and the type of activity. Thus, the same safety system can be used for many different types of daily activities, whether they are related to work, hobbies or sports. The safety system is particularly suitable as a supplement to activities where wearing a helmet is recommended or even required.

[0018] The C-shaped body may include a waist portion and a first arm and a second arm extending from the waist portion. The C-shaped body may be formed into one or more portions in communication with one or more inflators. Where there are more than one airbag portion, the airbag portions may be arranged to be in fluid communication with each other and configured to be inflated by a single inflator. Alternatively, the two or more airbags may be discrete airbags, and each airbag may be configured to be inflated by a corresponding inflator.

[0019] The free ends of the first arm and the second arm may each have a height exceeding the height of the waist portion. Therefore, the C-shaped body will be effectively received in the area between the wearer's clavicle and the lower edge of the front end of the helmet in its unfolded state.

[0020] The height of the free ends of the first and second arms may each correspond at least to the distance between the tip of the chin and the tip of the wearer's nose, and preferably corresponds at least to the distance between the tip of the chin and the wearer's cheekbone.

[0021] The first arm and the second arm may each have a single curved extension. With the single curved extension, the arms will automatically bend in a forward direction when deployed.

[0022] The first arm and the second arm may each have a free end configured to abut against each other in a state in which the at least one air bag is inflated and thus deployed.

[0023] The free ends of the first arm and the second arm may each include a friction member or a mechanical connector. The friction member or mechanical connector serves as a locking or limiting device that prevents the free ends of the first arm and the second arm from separating and opening in the deployed state. Non-limiting examples of friction members are rubber, adhesive, or complementary convex and concave surface patterns. Non-limiting examples of mechanical connectors are and magnets.

[0024] At least one airbag may further be configured to deploy to form one or more inflatable sections having an extension across at least one of the wearer's chest region, the wearer's shoulders, and the wearer's hips. Where there is more than one section, the sections may be arranged in fluid communication with each other and configured to be inflated by a single inflator. Alternatively, two or more airbags may be formed as discrete airbags, and each airbag may be configured to be inflated by a respective inflator.

[0025] The harness may further comprise a back protection panel, and the back protection panel may support at least one inflator, the ECU and the battery. The back protection panel may have an extension along the longitudinal extension of the rear wall of the harness. The back protection panel may be made of a rigid material.

[0026] The at least one inflator may be received in a recess, or in a through opening formed in the back protection panel.

[0027] Advantageously, the inflator is received in the recess or through opening so as to be substantially below or flush with one or both of the two opposing major surfaces of the back protection panel. Preferably, the battery is arranged in a position such that it is easily accessible from the outside of the back protection panel to allow easy recharging or replacement. The ECU and the one or more inflators may be arranged in a tamper-proof manner.

[0028] The wearable safety system may further include at least one motion sensor from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer, and wherein the ECU is configured to determine the presence of an accident based on an input signal from the at least one motion sensor and generate an enabling signal. The at least one motion sensor may be configured to communicate with the ECU in a wired or wireless manner.

[0029] The shoulder straps may each include a buckle arrangement having a buckle sensor configured to generate a coupling signal indicating whether the wearable safety system is coupled to the wearer's body using the buckle arrangement.

[0030] As non-limiting examples, the buckle sensor may be in the form of a magnetic coupling that needs to be established by interconnecting components of the buckle arrangement, or in the form of a closed circuit established by interconnecting components of the buckle arrangement. Regardless of the configuration, the buckle sensor should be arranged to communicate with the ECU, whereby the ECU can determine based on the connection signal whether the shoulder strap is properly fastened, and therefore determine whether the wearable safety system is connected to the wearer's body by using the buckle arrangement. If it is determined to be properly fastened, the wearable safety system can be set to an active mode, allowing the inflator to be activated when necessary.

[0031] At least one airbag can be integrated in the upper part of the back wall of the harness and / or in one or both of the two shoulder straps. In the case where the airbag is designed to protect the hip, such airbag or airbag part can be integrated in the hip belt.

[0032] The airbag may be arranged in a rolled-up state, a folded state or a combined rolled-up and folded state.The one or more airbags are preferably integrated symmetrically in the harness as seen along an imaginary line of symmetry extending along the longitudinal centre line of the back protection plate.

[0033] Depending on where the at least one airbag is arranged, the upper end portion of the back wall of the shoulder strap or one or more shoulder straps may include one or more dividing lines, which are configured to rupture during inflation of the at least one airbag. The dividing lines may be provided by a locally weaker or locally thinner material. The one or more dividing lines may, for example, be formed as a stitched seam, a glued seam or a welded seam.

[0034] The at least one air bag may be removably attached to the harness by means of at least one quick coupling arrangement.

[0035] The at least one airbag may include a first wing portion configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a first portion of a wearer's body in a deployed state and a second wing portion configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a second portion of a wearer's body in a deployed state;

[0036] The connector of the first wing portion is connectable to the connector of the second wing portion, whereby, in the deployed state of the at least one air bag, the first and second inflatable bodies are forced to deploy together and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second portions of the wearer's body.

[0037] The first wing portion may be configured to provide protection to a shoulder region of the wearer's body, and the second wing portion may be configured to provide protection to a chest region of the wearer's body.

[0038] The connector may be a quick connect arrangement.The quick connect arrangement may be at least partially supported by the harness.

[0039] The straps may be integral with the bag or removably connected to the bag, thereby forming a backpack.

[0040] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a bag arrangement provided with a wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the harness is integrated with the bag or removably connected to the bag.

[0041] Such a wearable safety system and its advantages have been fully described above. These arguments also apply to a bag using such a wearable safety system. The bag can be configured as a backpack. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above section.

[0042] According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a wearable safety system, which includes a shoulder strap and at least one airbag, which is removably attached to the shoulder strap by means of at least one quick-connect arrangement; wherein: at least one airbag includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion, the first wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a first part of the wearer's body in an unfolded state, and the second wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a second part of the wearer's body in an unfolded state; and wherein the connector of the first wing portion is capable of being connected to the connector of the second wing portion; thereby, when the at least one airbag is unfolded, the first inflatable body and the second inflatable body are forced to unfold together, and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second parts of the wearer's body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show examples of currently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a highly schematic illustration of a wearable safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2is a highly schematic illustration of the internal design of one embodiment of a harness forming part of a wearable safety system.

[0046] Figure 3a to Figure 3c A first embodiment of a wearable safety system having an airbag is disclosed.

[0047] Figure 4 is a highly schematic view of an airbag in the form of a C-shaped body.

[0048] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An embodiment of an embodiment of a C-shaped body is disclosed.

[0049] Figures 6a to 6c A second embodiment of a wearable safety system having an airbag is disclosed.

[0050] Figure 7 is a highly schematic illustration of the internal design of another embodiment of a harness forming part of a wearable safety system.

[0051] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Another embodiment of a wearable safety system having two airbags is disclosed.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a highly schematic view of a bag arrangement according to the invention in the form of a backpack.

[0053] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An example is disclosed highly schematically, wherein at least one air bag is removably attached to a harness by means of a quick coupling arrangement.

[0054] Fig.11a and Fig.11b An embodiment is disclosed wherein a connector is used to control the overall shape of at least one air bag in its deployed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to the skilled person. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout the text.

[0056] from Figure 1 Initially, a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a harness 1 forming part of a wearable safety system 100 is provided.

[0057] The harness 1 comprises a rear wall 2 configured to face the back of the wearer, two shoulder straps 3a, 3b connected to the rear wall 2 at their upper and lower edge portions, and a hip belt 4 in the form of two side wings 4a, 4b connected to the lower edge of the rear wall 2. The harness 1 is configured to be supported on and coupled to the torso of the wearer when in use. The hip belt 4 may be omitted.

[0058] The rear wall 2, the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the hip strap 4 may be provided with suitable padding (not shown) on the surface arranged to face the wearer's body.The harness 1 may be provided from any suitable material, such as a wear resistant and waterproof material.

[0059] The two shoulder straps 3a, 3b are provided with a buckle arrangement 5. The buckle arrangement 5 comprises a first buckle member 5a and a second buckle member 5b configured to interlock across the chest area of ​​the wearer during use of the harness 1. The two side wings 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 are provided with a buckle arrangement 6 comprising a first buckle member 6a and a second buckle member 6b configured to interlock across the hips of the wearer during use of the harness 1. By means of the buckle arrangements 5, 6, the harness 1 can be securely coupled to the torso of the wearer when in use.

[0060] The rear wall 2 includes a back protection panel 7. Figure 2 The back protection panel 7 best shown is preferably enclosed in a protective cover 8 of the harness 1. The cover can be made tamper-proof. The back protection panel 7 can be a rigid panel. The back protection panel 7 can have an extension along the longitudinal extension of the back wall 2. The back protection panel 7 can be formed of a plastic material, a composite material or a lightweight metal material. The back protection panel 7 provides the overall structure of the harness 1. In addition, the back protection panel 7 can provide spinal protection in the event of an accident.

[0061] Now go to Figure 2 , discloses a highly schematic illustration of the internal design of one embodiment of a harness 1 forming part of a wearable safety system 100. The disclosed harness 1 comprises an airbag 9a and an inflator 10a.

[0062] The airbag 9a is enclosed in a compartment 11 in a folded and / or rolled state, the compartment having an extension across the upper portion 20 of the rear wall 2 and along the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b. The airbag 9a is arranged to communicate with an inflator 10a supported by the back protection panel 7. The disclosed airbag 9a is configured to provide protection across a portion of the facial area and optionally also across the shoulder and chest area of ​​the wearer in the inflated and deployed state, as will be described below. The airbag 9a is arranged to communicate with the opening of the first inflator 10a.

[0063] The airbag 9a is disclosed as a single body. However, the skilled person does recognize that the airbag 9a can be divided into two or more bodies. These bodies can be configured to communicate with each other and thus configured to be inflated by a single inflator. Alternatively, the airbags can be independent units and thus configured to be inflated by one inflator per airbag.

[0064] At least one airbag 9a may be made of a flexible fabric material. The material may be a textile material, such as a woven material or a nonwoven material. The material may be a plastic or a composite material. The airbag 9a may be provided with a tether (not shown) and other types of elements to control deployment. Such control is well known in the airbag field and will not be discussed further.

[0065] The skilled person realizes that the folding and / or rolling up of the airbag 9a can be performed in a variety of ways with a retaining function, wherein the folding pattern is adapted to the overall geometry and the intended deployment of the at least one airbag.

[0066] The at least one airbag 9 a is preferably integrated symmetrically in the harness, as seen along an imaginary line of symmetry extending along the longitudinal centre line of the back protection panel 7 .

[0067] The back protection panel 7 supports an ECU 13 (electronic control unit) and a battery 14. The ECU 13, which includes a processor (not shown), is arranged to communicate with at least one inflator 10a. The inflator 10a (which is well known in the field of airbag systems) may include a gas generator (not shown). The inflator 10a is configured to be connected to the ECU 13 and activated based on an activation signal indicating an accident.

[0068] The ECU 13, the at least one inflator 10a and the battery 14 may be received in one or more recesses 15, or in a through opening formed in the back protection panel 7. Advantageously, the ECU 13, the at least one inflator 10a and the battery 14 are received in the one or more recesses 15 or through openings to be substantially below or flush with at least one of the two opposing main surfaces of the back protection panel 7. Thus, there are no parts protruding from the back protection panel 7. The one or more recesses 15 or through openings 15 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one airbag 9a.

[0069] Preferably, the battery 14 is arranged in such a position that it is easily accessible from the outside of the back protection panel 7 to allow easy recharging or replacement. Access to the battery 14 may be provided via a reclosable opening (not shown) in the cover 8. Preferably, the inflator, ECU and airbag are arranged in a tamper-proof manner. The skilled person recognizes that the ECU 13 with retention function, the at least one inflator 10a and the battery 14 may be arranged in other locations in the harness 1.

[0070] Reference now Figure 1 and Figure 2 . As described above, the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the hip strap 4 each include a buckle arrangement 5, 6. Each buckle arrangement 5, 6 may include a sensor, hereinafter referred to as a buckle sensor 16, 17. The buckle sensors 16, 17 are configured to generate a connection signal indicating whether the wearable safety system 100 is connected to the torso of the wearer by using the buckle arrangement 5, 6. As a non-limiting example, the buckle sensors 16, 17 may be in the form of a magnetic coupling that needs to be established by interconnecting the buckle members 5a, 5b; 6a, 6b of the buckle arrangement 16, 17, or in the form of a closed circuit established by interconnecting the buckle members 5a, 5b; 6a, 6b. Regardless of the configuration, the buckle sensors 16, 17 are arranged to communicate with the ECU 13. The buckle sensors 16, 17 may be configured to communicate with the ECU 13 in a wired or wireless manner. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine based on the coupling signal whether the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and hip belt 4 are properly fastened, and therefore whether the wearable safety system 100 is coupled to the wearer's body using the buckle arrangements 5, 6. If it is determined to be properly fastened, the wearable safety system 100 may be set to an active mode, allowing the at least one inflator 10a to be activated when necessary.

[0071] In addition, the wearable safety system 100 includes at least one motion sensor 18 from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer. The at least one motion sensor 18 is configured to communicate with the ECU 13 in a wired or wireless manner. The at least one motion sensor 18 can be arranged at any suitable position on the harness 1.

[0072] The ECU 13 is configured to determine the presence of an accident based on input signals from at least one motion sensor 18 and generate an activation signal. In the event that one or more motion sensors 18 indicate that motion or acceleration, alone or in combination, exceeds a predetermined threshold, an accident may be determined to have occurred. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine and control the activation of at least one inflator 10a, thereby causing at least one airbag 9a to inflate and deploy. In the event that there are several airbags, the ECU 13 may be configured to determine which of the one or more airbags should be inflated, or whether all airbags should be inflated simultaneously, depending on the determined type of accident.

[0073] In the event that an accident occurs, an activation signal is transmitted to at least one inflator 9a in response to the processor of the ECU 13 based on signals collected and processed from at least one motion sensor 18. Based on the activation signal, the gas generator is activated and generates a gas flow that inflates the airbag 9a.

[0074] The disclosed airbag 9a is configured to expand to form an inflated C-shaped body that covers a portion of the wearer's facial area and the neck portion. It can also be designed to be configured to cover the wearer's shoulder and chest areas. This will be referred to below. Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figures 6a to 6c Further description.

[0075] Where the second airbag 9b is arranged in a hip belt, such second airbag 9b may be configured to form a body extending across the wearer's hip. This will be referred to below Figure 7 and Figure 8a to Figure 8b Further description.

[0076] like Figure 1 As best seen in the figure, the upper part 20 of the rear wall 2 and the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b comprise a dividing line 19. The skilled person realizes that, depending on the design of the at least one airbag in the upper part 20 of the harness 1, the dividing line 19 in the shoulder straps 31, 3b may be omitted. In the case where the hip belt 4 also comprises an airbag 9b, the dividing line 19 may also be formed along the two side wings of the hip belt 4. The dividing line 19 is schematically shown by a dotted line. The dividing line 19 is configured to rupture during inflation of the at least one airbag 9a. The dividing line 19 may be provided by a locally weaker material or a locally thinner material. One or more dividing lines 19 may be formed as a stitched seam, a bonded seam or a welded seam.

[0077] The material constituting the harness may be configured to rupture along the parting line 19 upon activation of the one or more inflators, thereby forming a flap-like deflector (not shown). The deflector may, for example, be configured to direct the first airbag 9a to deploy in a forward direction towards the facial region.

[0078] Now go to Figure 3a to Figure 3c , discloses a wearable safety system 100 according to a first embodiment. The disclosed safety system 100 and harness 1 include an airbag 9a that is configured only to protect the wearer's facial area 302 and neck 301. Figure 3a Initially, the wearable safety system 100 is disclosed as being worn during its normal use. The harness 1 is mounted to the back of the wearer in the same manner as a normal backpack. In addition, the wearer is disclosed as wearing a helmet 200 on his head. The airbag 9a is housed at the upper end of the harness 1.

[0079] Figure 3b is a schematic front view of the safety system 100 in its inflated and deployed state, and Figure 3c is a schematic side view of the wearer's head and shoulders. Figure 4 is a highly schematic top view of the deployed airbag 9a. Figure 3b and Figure 3cAs best seen in the figure, the airbag 9a has been inflated and deployed into a C-shape, which extends from the top of the harness 1 and extends on both sides on the neck 301 toward the wearer's facial area 302. The chin, cheeks and also the nose are effectively protected thereby.

[0080] like Figure 4 As best seen in the figure, the C-shaped body includes a waist portion 91 and a first arm 92a and a second arm 92b. The first arm 92a and the second arm 92b extend out from the waist portion 91 and merge with the waist portion. The first arm 92a and the second arm 92b are disclosed as having a single curved extension. With the single curved extension, the arms 92a; 92b will automatically bend in a forward direction when deployed.

[0081] The first arm 92a and the second arm 92b each have a free end 93a; 93b.

[0082] The free ends 93a; 93b are configured to abut against each other in the state where the airbag 9a is deployed. In order to prevent the free ends 93a; 93b from separating and preventing the first arm 92a and the second arm 92b from opening in the deployed state, the free ends 93a; 93b may each include a friction member 94 or a mechanical connector 95. The friction member 94 or the mechanical connector 95 serves as a locking or limiting device. Non-limiting examples of the friction member 94 are rubber, adhesive, or complementary convex-concave surface patterns, such as matching ridges and valleys or matching protrusions and recesses. Non-limiting examples of the mechanical connector 95 are and magnets.

[0083] Now go to Figure 3c The free ends 93a, 93b of the first arm 92a and the second arm 92b each preferably have a height H that exceeds the height h of the waist portion 91. Thus, the C-shaped body of the airbag 9a will be effectively received in the area between the clavicle 303 of the wearer and the lower edge 201 of the helmet 200. The height H of the free ends 93a, 93b of the first arm 92a and the second arm 92b is

[0084] They may each correspond at least to the distance between the tip of the wearer's chin and the tip of the nose, and preferably correspond at least to the distance between the tip of the wearer's chin and the cheekbone.

[0085] Now go to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , discloses another illustrative embodiment of a C-shaped inflation and deployment body of an airbag 9a. Figure 5a is a schematic top view of the C-shaped body in its inflated and deployed state, and Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of one of the two free ends.

[0086] like Figure 5bAs best seen in the figure, the C-shaped body is formed by three panels. A first panel 81 extends along the upper surface 82 of the C-shaped body and extends downwardly along two free ends 93a, 93b and then extends along the bottom surface 83 of the C-shaped body. A second panel 84 extends along the inner single curved surface 85 of the C-shaped body. A third panel 86 extends along the outer single curved surface 87 of the C-shaped body. The three panels 81, 84, 86 are joined along their longitudinal edges 88 by, for example, welding, sewing or adhesive bonding. The length of the second panel 84 is shorter than that of the third panel 86, thereby contributing to the C-shaped form of the inflated and deployed body. Due to the three panels 81, 84, 86, the substantially quadrilateral / rectangular cross-section is provided with substantially flat walls. This has the advantage of maintaining a desired position on top of the wearer's shoulders during deployment. In particular, the two free ends 93a, 93b will each have a substantially flat extension. This allows the two free ends 93a, 93b of the C-shaped body to better contact each other in the deployed state, see Figure 5a . This helps improve facial protection.

[0087] like Figure 5b As shown, the C-shaped body may be provided with one or more tethers 89 (only one is shown in phantom). The one or more tethers 89 may provide a small amount of waist portion to the C-shaped portion. The one or more tethers 89 further help to flatten the walls of the C-shaped body, thereby allowing the C-shaped body to conform even better to the wearer's neck and head shape and also to the shoulders. The skilled person recognizes that the number and location of the tethers 89 may vary within the scope of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Also schematically shown is an example in which a friction member 94 or a mechanical connector 95 is attached to the free ends 93a, 93b.

[0089] Now go to Figures 6a to 6c , discloses a second embodiment of a wearable safety system 100. The safety system 100 and the harness 1 are similar to the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3a to Figure 3c as well as Figure 4 The system described differs in that the safety system comprises an airbag 9a which is configured to protect not only a portion of the wearer's facial area 302 but also the wearer's shoulders 304 and chest area 305 .

[0090] from Figure 6a Initially, the safety system 100 is disclosed as being worn during its normal use. The harness 1 is mounted to the back of the wearer in the same manner as a normal backpack. In addition, the wearer is disclosed as wearing a helmet 200 on his head. Figure 6b is a schematic side view of a wearer, and Figure 6cis a schematic front view of the safety system 100 when the airbag 9a is in its inflated and deployed state.

[0091] The deployed airbag 9a comprises a first portion 96 extending across a portion of the wearer's facial region 302 and the neck 301. The chin, cheeks and nose are thereby effectively protected. In addition, a second portion 97 of the airbag 9a extends across the wearer's shoulder 304, and a third portion 98 extends across the wearer's chest region 305. The first portion 96, the second portion 97 and the third portion 98 may be part of a single airbag 9a. The different portions may be arranged to be in fluid communication with each other and configured to be inflated by a single inflator. In addition, the different portions may be provided with folding lines that allow the inflated airbag to better conform to the wearer's body. The technician recognizes that the three airbag portions 96; 97; 98 with a retaining function may be divided into separate airbags.

[0092] Now go to Figure 7 , discloses an alternative embodiment of a wearable security system 100 ′. The security system 100 ′ is similar to the reference Figure 2 The disclosed safety system 100 differs in that the harness 1 ' further comprises a second airbag 9b which is enclosed in a folded and / or rolled state in a compartment 12 having an extension along the two side wings 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4. The second airbag 9b is arranged to communicate with a second inflator 10b supported by the back protection panel 7. The second airbag 9b is configured to provide protection across the hips in the inflated and deployed state. The second airbag 9b is arranged to communicate with an opening of the second inflator 10b.

[0093] This is an example where two inflators 10a, 10b are controlled by the same ECU 13. The overall design of the harness 1 and the first and second airbags 9a, 9b is similar to that described in the previous reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Same as described.

[0094] Go to Figure 8a and Figure 8b ,according to Figure 7 The harness 1' and the wearable safety system 100' are schematically disclosed in their normal use and their deployed states, respectively. Two airbags 9a, 9b are accommodated in the harness in their normal use. The first airbag 9a is similar to the airbag 9b described above. Figures 6a to 6c The described types are exactly the same, so no further description is given. The second airbag 9b is deployed along the hip belt 4, thereby forming protection for the hip 306 of the wearer.

[0095] Now go to Fig. 9In one embodiment, the wearable safety system 100; 100' may be provided as a backpack 102. The harness 1; 1' may be integrated with or removably connected to one or more bags 101. The backpack 102 is disclosed as two bags 101 of different sizes, volumes, and intended uses. By making the bags 101 removably connectable, the harness 1; 1' may be easily converted from a standalone harness 1; 1' to a backpack 102 according to the wearer's wishes. The bags 101 may be removably connected by using, for example, one or more (not shown) straps or buckles.

[0096] Now go to Fig.10a and Fig.10b The at least one airbag 9a, 9b has been exemplified above as being fixedly arranged to the harness 1; 1'. However, in the event of an accident leading to a deployment, it is difficult to replace the used airbag with a new one and thereby allow the harness 1; 1' to be reused.

[0097] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An example is disclosed highly schematically, in which at least one airbag 9a, 9b is removably attached to a harness 1; 1 by means of a quick coupling arrangement 400. In the disclosed embodiment, at least one airbag 9a, 9b is provided with an eyelet forming a female connector 401, and the harness 1; 1 is provided with a T-shaped protrusion forming a male connector 402. Male connectors 401 and female connectors 402 in opposite positions can be applied in the same manner. In order to attach the airbag 9a, 9b to the harness 1; 1 ', the T-shaped protrusion is inserted into the corresponding eyelet. If necessary, in order to remove the airbag 9a, 9b, the reverse sequence is performed. The skilled person recognizes that the number of quick coupling arrangements 400 in the harness 1; 1 ' and the airbags 9a, 9b and their positions depend on the overall shape of the airbags and the harness to be connected. The position and number of quick coupling arrangements 400 attaching the airbags 9a, 9b to the harness 1; 1 ' can be used to control the overall shape of the at least one airbag in its deployed state. The skilled person will recognize that the quick-connect arrangement 400 may have another configuration other than a T-shaped protrusion and eyelet combination. Non-limiting examples are one or more snap fasteners, also known as snaps, Belt or strip.

[0098] Exactly the same principle can be used to connect at least one air bag to other parts of the harness, such as to the shoulder straps or hip straps.

[0099] Now go to Fig.11a and Fig.11b , an embodiment is disclosed in which a connector is used to control the overall shape of at least one airbag 9a, 9b in its deployed state.

[0100] from Fig.11aInitially, an example of an airbag 9a, 9b in its flat, unrolled state is disclosed. The disclosed airbags 9a, 9b are particularly configured to provide support to the shoulder and chest regions. The airbags 9a, 9b include a first wing portion 90 and a second wing portion 91. The first wing portion 90 is configured to form an inflatable body in the deployed state, which provides protection to a first portion of the wearer's body, i.e., the shoulder. The second wing portion 91 is configured to form an inflatable body in the deployed state, which provides protection to a second portion of the wearer's body, i.e., the chest region. It goes without saying that still another wing portion can also be added to provide the above-mentioned C-shaped face and neck protection. Regardless of the design, the airbags 9a, 9b have a design known in the art, i.e., divided into different bodies by seams or weld lines.

[0101] The first wing portion 90 comprises two female connectors on opposite sides of the longitudinal centre line.The female connectors 92 are arranged in respective tabs 93 arranged along the outer edges of the airbags 9a, 9b.

[0102] Accordingly, the second wing portion 91 includes two male connectors 94 on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline. The connectors 92, 94 are disclosed as being arranged in the area that is not inflated. Thus, in the case where the second wing portion 91 is divided into two bodies 95 to be inflated, the male connector 94 is arranged in the area between two such bodies 95. This allows for a stronger attachment of the connector.

[0103] Now go to Fig.11b , which highly schematically discloses airbags 9a, 9b in an inflated and deployed state and removably attached to a rear wall of a harness 1; 1. The disclosed arrangement is mirror-symmetrical about a longitudinal centre line and only one side is shown.

[0104] The shoulder strap 1; 1' is disclosed very schematically by dashed lines. The shoulder straps have been omitted. Such airbags 9a, 9b are shown by reference to Fig. 9 a and Fig. 9 1 '. The same type of quick coupling arrangement 400 discussed above is removably attached to the harness 1; 1 '. Thus, the airbags 9a, 9b are provided with eyelets forming a female connector 401 and the harness 1; 1 ' is provided with T-shaped projections forming a male connector 402. To attach the airbags 9a, 9b to the harness 1; 1 ', the T-shaped projections are inserted into their respective eyelets. To remove the airbags, the reverse sequence is performed if necessary.

[0105] Furthermore, the first wing portion 90, which is configured to provide shoulder protection in its deployed state, is folded and connected to the second wing portion 91, which is configured to provide protection for the chest region in its deployed state. This connection is provided by the female connector 92 of the first wing portion 90 engaging the male connector 94 of the second wing portion 91. In the event of an accident resulting in the inflation and deployment of the airbags 9a, 9b, the interconnection between the two wing portions 90, 91 results in the resulting two inflatable bodies 95, 96 being forced to deploy together and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second parts of the wearer's body. As a result, the shoulder and chest regions will be effectively protected.

[0106] Therefore, according to one aspect, the present invention can be seen as relating to a wearable safety system, which includes a strap 1; 1' and at least one airbag 9a; 9b, which is removably attached to the strap by means of at least one quick connection arrangement 400; wherein: at least one airbag includes a first wing portion 90 and a second wing portion 91, the first wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body 96 that provides protection to a first part of the wearer's body in an unfolded state, and the second wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body 95 that provides protection to a second part of the wearer's body in an unfolded state; and wherein the connector 92 of the first wing portion 90 is capable of being connected to the connector 94 of the second wing portion 91; thereby, when the at least one airbag is unfolded, the first inflatable body 96 and the second inflatable body 95 are forced to unfold together, and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second parts of the wearer's body.

[0107] The same principle of using connectors to force different inflatable bodies to conform together also applies to other body parts of the wearer.

[0108] The skilled person realizes that many modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0109] For example, the material of one or more airbags is configured to stretch during deployment. The stretching will increase the overall stiffness of the inflated airbag. This can be provided by using different material types / properties throughout the airbag or in localized surface areas of the airbag.

[0110] Regardless of the configuration and number of airbags, the spatial extension of at least one airbag 9a, 9b seen in its inflated and deployed state can be divided into different virtual zones with different thicknesses, thereby providing different types of cushioning effects on different areas of the wearer's body. This effect can be provided by using seams and tethers.

[0111] Although the airbag has been illustrated as being arranged in a rolled or folded state in the harness, the skilled person will appreciate that other patterns or combinations of different patterns may be used. Regardless of how the airbag is packaged in the harness, it is preferred that the airbag is symmetrically arranged in the harness.

Claims

1. A wearable safety system (100; 200) configured for use in combination with a helmet (200); 100'), the wearable safety system comprises: A shoulder strap (1; 1'), comprising two shoulder straps (3a, 3b), the shoulder strap (1; 1') is configured to be worn on the torso of a wearer; at least one inflator (10a, 10b), an ECU (13), and a battery (14), the ECU (13) being arranged to communicate with the at least one inflator (10a, 10b); and at least one air bag (9a, 9b); wherein The wearable safety system (100; 100') is configured to generate an enabling signal when an accident is detected, and The at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is configured to be inflated and deployed to form at least one inflated C-shaped body when the activation signal is generated, and the at least one inflated C-shaped body covers a portion of the facial area and the neck portion of the wearer.

2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, wherein the C-shaped inflatable body comprises a waist portion (91) and first and second arms (92a, 92b), the first and second arms extending from the waist portion (91).

3. The wearable safety system of claim 2, wherein the free ends (93a, 93b) of the first and second arms (92a, 92b) each have a height H that exceeds a height h of the waist portion (91).

4. A wearable safety system according to claim 3, wherein the height H of the free ends (93a, 93b) of the first and second arms (92a, 92b) each corresponds at least to the distance between the tip of the chin and the tip of the nose of the wearer, and preferably corresponds at least to the distance between the tip of the chin and the cheekbone of the wearer.

5. A wearable safety system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first arm and the second arm (92a, 92b) each have a single curved extension.

6. A wearable safety system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first arm and the second arm (92a, 92b) each have a free end (93a, 93b), and the free ends are configured to abut each other when the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is inflated.

7. The wearable safety system of claim 6, wherein the free ends (93a, 93b) of the first and second arms (92a, 92b) each include a friction member (94) or a mechanical connector (95).

8. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, The at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is further configured to expand to form one or more inflatable bodies having an extension across at least one of the wearer's chest region (305), the wearer's shoulders (304) and the wearer's hips (306).

9. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, The harness (1; 1') further comprises a back protection panel (7), and wherein the back protection panel (7) supports the at least one inflator (10a, 10b), the ECU (13) and the battery (14).

10. A wearable safety system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one inflator (10a, 10b) is received in a recess (15) or in a through opening formed in the back protection panel (7).

11. The wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one motion sensor (18) from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer, and wherein the ECU (13) is configured to determine the presence of an accident and generate the enabling signal based on an input signal from the at least one motion sensor (18).

12. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, The shoulder straps (3a, 3b) each include a buckle arrangement (5, 6) having a buckle sensor (16, 17) configured to generate a coupling signal indicating whether the wearable safety system (100; 100') is coupled to the wearer's body using the buckle arrangement (5, 6).

13. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, The at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is integrated in an upper portion (20) of the rear wall of the shoulder strap and / or in one or both of the two shoulder straps (3a, 3b).

14. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is removably attached to the harness (1; 1') by means of at least one quick coupling arrangement (400).

15. A wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, in: The at least one airbag (9a, 9b) comprises a first wing portion (90) and a second wing portion (91), the first wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body (96) providing protection to a first part of a wearer's body in a deployed state, and the second wing portion being configured to form an inflatable body (95) providing protection to a second part of the wearer's body in a deployed state; The connector (92) of the first wing portion (90) is connectable to the connector (94) of the second wing portion (91); whereby, when the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is deployed, the first inflatable body and the second inflatable body (95, 96) are forced to deploy together and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second parts of the wearer's body.

16. A bag arrangement provided with a wearable safety system (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the harness (1; 1') is integrated with the bag (101) or is removably connected to the bag.

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