Wearable impact protection airbag

Abstract

A wearable impact protection airbag (1) comprising a first fabric layer (8) and a second fabric layer (9) overlapping and interconnected, the first and second fabric layers defining therebetween an inflatable volume (11) for receiving inflation gas. The airbag (1) is configured to be worn on a user's body (2) during use such that one of said layers (8, 9) is a body-side layer (9) defining a body side (14) of the airbag (1) adjacent to and covering at least one area of a covered body part (3) of the user's body (2). The body side (14) of the airbag (1) has a spacer arrangement (15) configured to space at least a portion of the airbag (1) from a covered body part (3) of the user during use, thereby defining a ventilation air gap between the inflatable volume (11) and the body (2) of the user. The spacer arrangement (15) comprises: a flexible substrate (16) proximate the body-side layer (9); and a plurality of spaced apart protrusions (17) extending outwardly from the flexible substrate (16). Each projection terminates at a free end (20) distal to the body side layer (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable impact protection airbag. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wearable impact protection airbag having a spacer arrangement for spacing at least a portion of the airbag from a user's body when the airbag is worn during use. BACKGROUND

[0002] Inflatable airbags are well known in the automotive industry. For a long time, airbags have been provided within the interior cabin of a vehicle to protect an occupant in the event of an accident, such as a collision. Such airbags are deployed by inflating in the event of an imminent or ongoing vehicle collision to cushion the impact between the vehicle occupant and elements of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags at various locations throughout the cabin of a motor vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in the event of various types of accidents, such as, for example, rollover accidents and oblique impact collisions. For example, it is now common practice to provide motor vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags and differently configured airbags for rear seat occupants. Some vehicles even have airbags arranged to deploy across portions of the exterior of the vehicle in order to protect pedestrians or so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as cyclists or motorcyclists, in the event that they can be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protection devices which are intended to provide specific protection for a designated body part by arranging an inflatable protective airbag in the vicinity of the specific body part to be protected. By wearing the inflatable protective airbag at a defined location on the body, the airbag can be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for the designated body part. Such wearable devices are considered to be particularly beneficial for riders of so-called "powered two-wheeler" vehicles (hereinafter referred to as PTWs), such as motorcycles or scooters or even bicycles.

[0004] For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags within motorcycle clothing, such as motorcycle jackets, to provide improved protection for motorcycle riders in the event of an accident. In an example arrangement, a garment, such as a protective motorcycle jacket, generally has an airbag (e.g. hidden inside a lining of the garment) arranged in fluid communication with an inflator pump (such as a gas generator). The inflator pump can be operatively associated with a crash or impact sensor (which can be provided within the garment itself, or alternatively on the motorcycle) configured to provide an actuation signal to the inflator pump in response to detecting a possible or actual crash or impact, thereby actuating the inflator pump to inflate the airbag inside the garment. It will be appreciated that inflating the airbag inside the garment will provide a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer's body that is surrounded by, or above, the airbag. For example, a motorcycle jacket with an airbag will provide protection for the upper body of a motorcycle rider wearing the jacket.

[0005] It is common practice to manufacture conventional (e.g. non-airbag-equipped) motorcycle garments, such as jackets, from air-permeable fabric, so that they allow moisture that builds up inside the jacket due to perspiration to be expelled to the atmosphere. This can help to improve the comfort of a user wearing the garment, particularly in hot and / or humid conditions. However, if the garment is equipped with an inflatable airbag, such air-permeable functionality can be limited. A large amount of airbag fabric installed inside a wearable garment, between the user's body and the outermost air-permeable skin of the garment, can limit the movement of moisture away from the user's body. As will be appreciated, in order to provide good inflation performance, airbags are generally formed from non-air-permeable, air-impermeable fabric. This can exacerbate the problem.

[0006] Other alternative forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags within accessories such as backpacks, panniers or waist packs, in a form initially folded and / or rolled up in a package. These arrangements can accommodate larger airbags with more structured material (typically woven fabric) than a motorcycle jacket, but can still suffer from the same problems described above.

[0007] Additional forms of wearable protective airbags have been proposed that are not incorporated within another garment or pack, but are instead configured to be worn independently. For example, airbags in the form of vests and harnesses have been proposed. Some such airbags can be intended to be pre-inflated to their inflated state prior to the start of a journey or ride by the user, and to remain in the inflated state throughout the journey or ride. While such airbags can be more comfortable for the wearer in terms of temperature regulation than larger and bulkier jackets, they can still suffer from the same problems, albeit to a lesser extent. For example, wearable airbags of this type must be formed from particularly strong fabric that is both abrasion resistant and tear resistant, as the airbag is not protected during wear by the covering fabric that forms a regular garment. Such fabric can become uncomfortable when worn in hot and / or humid conditions, particularly when they are worn in the pre-inflated state, as the inflated airbag will press tightly against the wearer's body during use. Furthermore, wearable airbags of this type are also typically formed from non-breathable fabric that is not gas permeable, so aspects of the problems identified above still exist.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an improved wearable impact protection airbag. SUMMARY

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable impact protection airbag comprising a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer superimposed and interconnected, the first and second fabric layers defining therebetween an inflatable volume for receiving an inflation gas, the airbag being configured to be worn on a user's body during use such that one of the layers is a body-side layer, the body-side layer defining a body-side of the airbag that is proximate to and covers at least a region of a covered body part of the user's body, the body-side having a spacer arrangement configured to space at least a portion of the airbag from the covered body part during use, thereby defining a ventilating air gap between the inflatable volume and the user's body, wherein the spacer arrangement comprises: a flexible substrate proximate to the body-side layer; and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending outwardly from the flexible substrate, each of the protrusions terminating at a free end distal to the body-side layer.

[0010] This arrangement enables ventilating air to flow between the airbag and the user's body during use, which can provide beneficial effects for the user. Airbags according to the present invention can therefore be particularly useful in hot and / or humid environments or climates.

[0011] The terms "body" and "body part" as used herein in relation to the user of the airbag are intended to refer to the body of the user or a part thereof, including any clothing that the user can be wearing underneath the wearable airbag. By way of example, if a user is wearing a shirt over their torso and the airbag according to the present application is worn over the shirt, the airbag will still be considered to be worn over the user's torso, and the resulting air gap will in fact be formed between the inflatable volume of the airbag and the user's shirt (adjacent the user's skin). It is not considered that the air gap must be formed directly adjacent the user's skin, but that the air gap can be formed between the inflatable volume of the airbag and any inner layer of clothing that the user can be wearing. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, this will still provide the technical benefit of enabling ventilation air to flow between the airbag and the user's body.

[0012] In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the ventilation air gap can simply be passively ventilated during use, for example by natural atmospheric air flow ventilation, or in the case of a user being a rider of a PTW, by airflow generated by movement of the PTW (and the airbag moving therewith) through the air. However, alternative embodiments are envisaged in which the airbag can be provided with, or in combination with, an electric fan arrangement configured to drive airflow into and through the ventilation air gap, thereby providing an active ventilation arrangement.

[0013] The substrate of the spacer arrangement provides support for the plurality of spaced apart protrusions. Because the substrate is flexible, it is able to comfortably wrap around the user's body, conforming to its shape. The protrusions serve to engage covered parts of the user's body during use, thereby spacing the substrate, and hence the airbag, from the user's body to define and maintain the air gap.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the flexibility of each protrusion is less than the flexibility of the flexible substrate. This provides stability to the spacer arrangement, and ensures that the air gap is maintained (i.e. the thickness does not reduce) during use. This can be particularly beneficial in arrangements in which the rigidity of the protrusions is sufficient to resist deformation under loads that can be applied with the airbag in an inflated state. In some arrangements, it is envisaged that the airbag will typically be worn in an uninflated state, and only inflated rapidly - for example by an inflation pump in response to an actuation signal from a crash or impact sensor - when impact protection is required. However, the present application is also applicable to airbags intended to be worn in a pre-inflated state generally.

[0015] Embodiments are presented in which each protrusion is substantially rigid.

[0016] Each protrusion can extend from a respective root region at the flexible substrate, and can have a length direction extending between the root region and a free end of the protrusion. The flexibility of each protrusion is less than the flexibility of the flexible substrate in a transverse direction to the length direction.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the flexible substrate has a thickness, and each protrusion extends outwardly therefrom a distance greater than the thickness.

[0018] Optionally, each protrusion is elongate in its direction of extension. This can help to maximise the volume of air gap defined between the user's body and the airbag during use. Longer protrusions will result in a thicker air gap (as measured between the user's body and the airbag), while narrower protrusions will result in more space between adjacent protrusions. Both of these factors can contribute to an overall increase in air gap volume, and thus enable freer flow of ventilation air within the air gap and between the protrusions.

[0019] Optionally, the spaced-apart protrusions can be arranged in a regular array.

[0020] Embodiments are envisaged in which the protrusions are arranged in spaced-apart parallel rows. Each row can have a length direction and can comprise protrusions spaced apart from one another along the length direction.

[0021] The proposed substrate can cover an area of the body-side layer of the airbag, and the protrusions can be substantially evenly spaced from one another over the area.

[0022] The proposed substrate can be attached to the body-side layer of the airbag, and can be bonded to the body-side layer, for example by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the substrate can be attached to the body-side layer in other ways, for example by stitching. Alternatively, the substrate can be removably secured to the body-side layer of the airbag, for example by fabric hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps, such as those sold under the trademark VELCO, or the like. Such an arrangement would allow the spacer arrangement to be removed from the airbag, for example for cleaning of the spacer arrangement itself or the airbag.

[0023] Optionally, each protrusion can be tapered so as to be wider near the flexible substrate than at the free end. In one such example, each protrusion can be in the form of a frusto-conical shape.

[0024] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate can be formed from an elastomer. Suitable materials for the flexible substrate can include, for example: a thermoset foam; a thermoplastic foam; a thermoset elastomer; a thermoplastic elastomer; a visco-elastic polymer; a silicone; a rubber; a gel; a polyurethane; a polyvinyl chloride; a nylon; or a textile (e.g. a woven textile material).

[0025] In some embodiments, each protrusion can comprise a rigid member, a portion of which is embedded and thereby anchored within the flexible substrate, such that the rigid member extends outwardly therefrom.

[0026] Optionally, each rigid member can be formed of a first material, and can define a central core of the respective said protrusion. In such an arrangement, each central core can be overmoulded in a second material, wherein the flexibility of the second material is greater than the flexibility of the first material. In some proposals, the second material can be an elastomer, and can optionally be formed of the same material as the supporting flexible substrate.

[0027] Optionally, each rigid member can be formed of a metal, such as for example steel or aluminium. Alternatively, each rigid member can be formed of a plastic. Suitable materials for the rigid members can include: thermoset polymers; thermoplastic polymers; thermoset foams; thermoplastic foams; thermoset elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; viscoelastic polymers; silicones; rubbers (e.g. vulcanised rubbers); gels; polyurethanes; polyvinyl chloride; high-density polyethylene; nylon; polyethylene; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides.

[0028] In some embodiments having rigid members within the protrusions and thus comprising both an elastomeric flexible substrate and rigid members formed of a different material as described above, it is envisaged that the spacer arrangement can be formed by insert moulding, overmoulding or so-called 2K injection moulding in a manner known per se.

[0029] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate and protrusions can be integrally formed as an integral structure, for example by moulding.

[0030] The fabric layer defining the inflatable volume of the airbag can be substantially air impermeable in a manner known per se, to eliminate or at least significantly limit the leakage of inflation gas or air from the airbag upon inflation of the airbag. The spacer arrangement of the present invention is considered to be particularly advantageous in the case where the airbag is formed of an air impermeable fabric, as such a fabric is not air permeable and if not providing a venting air gap between the airbag and the body of the user in the manner described herein, there would be a risk of creating a particularly uncomfortable wearing experience in hot and / or humid conditions.

[0031] The wearable impact protection airbag of the present invention can be provided in various convenient forms, for example in the form of or as part of a wearable garment such as a jacket or vest, a harness or a backpack.

[0032] The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are clearly impermissible or explicitly avoided.

[0033] The skilled person will appreciate that features or parameters described in relation to any of the above aspects can be applied to any other aspect, except where mutually exclusive, and furthermore, any feature or parameter described herein can be applied to any aspect and / or in combination with any other feature or parameter described herein, except where mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] In order that the application can be more readily understood and so that further features thereof can be recognized, embodiments of the application will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a front view showing the uninflated impact airbag in the form of a vest to be worn by a user;

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear and one side showing Figure 1 the uninflated airbag of

[0037] Figure 3 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 1 but showing the airbag in an inflated condition providing impact protection for a user;

[0038] Figure 4 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 2 but showing the airbag in an inflated condition of Figure 3 providing impact protection for a user;

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view from the front and one side showing an airbag having a similar construction to that of Figures 1 to 4 but with a spacer arrangement to space a portion of the airbag from the body of a user during use, the user being omitted for clarity;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view from above showing a possible construction of the spacer arrangement shown in Figure 5

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Figure 6

[0042] Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 7 showing a portion of an alternative construction of the spacer arrangement;

[0043] Figure 9 is a further enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 7 showing a portion of a further alternative construction of the spacer arrangement;

[0044] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a region of yet a further alternative construction of the spacer arrangement; and

[0045] Figure 11 is a view similar to​​Figure 7 a cross-sectional view showing the spacer arrangement in combination with the absorbent layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Aspects and embodiments of the present application will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An uninflated wearable impact protection airbag 1 of the type suitable for implementing the present application is shown being worn by a user 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same airbag 1 is shown in an inflated state and thus in a deployed state. The illustrated example is provided in the form of a vest which is to be worn over the torso 3 of the user to provide impact protection to the torso 3 of the user. Thus, as will be noted below, the airbag 1 is configured to extend across the chest region, the shoulder regions (via respective shoulder regions 4) and the back region of the user.

[0048] The illustrated airbag 1 is provided with a fastening arrangement comprising a conventional zip 5 at the front and a pair of adjustable fastening straps 6 at each side (only one pair of straps 6 is shown in Figure 2 The zip 5 allows the front of the vest to be opened to allow the user 2 to put on the vest and then allows the front of the vest to be closed along the front of the torso 3 of the user. When the airbag 1 is worn, the adjustable fastening straps 6 permit the front and back regions of the airbag 1 to be drawn together around the sides of the torso 3 of the user to ensure a snug fit. The straps 6 can be adjusted in length by respective sliders 7 in a manner known per se to accommodate users of different body shapes. The fastening straps 6 can be formed of a flexible webbing fabric. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present application, the fastening straps 6 can be omitted, such as Figure 3 a simplified arrangement is shown having a fastening arrangement comprising only the zip 5.

[0049] The airbag 1 is formed of a first superposed fabric layer 8 and a second superposed fabric layer 9 which are interconnected by a peripheral seam 10 to define an inflatable volume 11 therebetween for receiving inflation gas from an inflation pump 12. Thus, the peripheral seam 10 defines the periphery of the inflatable volume 11. It will be appreciated that only one (front and outward-facing) fabric layer 8 is clearly visible in Figures 1 to 4 the other (back and inward-facing) layer 9 is obscured by the user's body. However, it will be appreciated that when the airbag 1 is worn on the torso 3 of the user, the inward-facing layer 9 will define the body side of the airbag 1 which is adjacent to and covers the torso 3 of the user.

[0050] The fabrics forming the first layer 8 and the second layer 9 are proposed to be substantially impermeable and may include, for example, an impermeable coating of a type known per se.

[0051] It should be understood that although the illustrated arrangement is formed by discontinuous fabric layers 8, 9, each in the form of independent and different sheets, this is not necessary. For example, other embodiments are envisioned in which the two layers 8, 9 may be defined by corresponding areas of the same fabric sheet, wherein the sheet is folded or otherwise treated to overlap these areas, thereby defining an inflatable volume 11 therebetween.

[0052] The diagram shows the air pump 12 integrated into the front region of the airbag 1, but it will be understood that the air pump 12 can be positioned in any convenient location. The air pump 12 is actuated to direct the flow of inflation gas into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1, thereby increasing the airbag 1 from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Inflated to the point shown in the uninflated state Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inflation state is shown. Other variations are envisioned in which the integrated air pump 12 of the type shown may not be present. For example, some embodiments may be provided with a simple valve arrangement that can be connected to a separate air pump to inflate the airbag 1 before use, or even inflated by the user 2 blowing air into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 through the valve.

[0053] Additionally, it is shown that the two fabric layers 8, 9 are interconnected by one or more seams 13 extending inward from the peripheral seam 10 as an inwardly curved extension of the peripheral seam, thereby defining a narrow, non-inflatable area of ​​the airbag 1. When the airbag 1 is inflated, the narrow, non-inflatable area defined by the seams 13 allows the airbag 1 to bend or flex around the user's torso 3, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this state, airbag 1 has significantly increased thickness and stiffness.

[0054] The air bladder 1 can be formed using a so-called "integral weaving" technique, where the yarns of one fabric layer 8 are interwoven with the yarns of another fabric layer 9 to define the peripheral seam 10 and the inner curved seam 13. In such an example, the seams 10, 13 will thus be woven and integral with the structure of the fabric layers 8, 9. However, in other variations, the seams 10, 13 can alternatively be formed in other convenient ways, such as, for example, by adhesive bonding or by sewing.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 4 This illustrates a slightly simplified form of the wearable airbag 1 that implements the present invention. Figure 5 The airbag shown is similar to Figures 1 to 4The airbag shown, therefore, uses the same reference numerals to denote identical, equivalent or similar components. However, as already noted above, Figure 5 The airbag 1 shown does not have the adjustable fixing strap 6 of the previously described embodiments. Instead, Figure 5 The airbag 1 shown is configured so that when it is worn and the zip fastener 5 is fastened as shown, its inflatable volume 11 extends substantially all the way around the sides of the user's torso 3.

[0056] Figure 5 The user 2 is omitted in Figure 5 which is indicated at 15. As will be explained in more detail below, the spacer arrangement 15 is configured to space the associated region of the airbag 1 from the covered portion of the user's torso 3 when the airbag 1 is worn, thereby defining a venting air gap between the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 and the user's torso 3.

[0057] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 one possible configuration of the spacer arrangement 15 is exemplified in more detail, it should be noted that, Figure 6 Only an enlarged view of a sample region of the spacer arrangement 15 is shown, rather than its entire extent. The spacer arrangement comprises a flexible support substrate 16 having a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 17 distributed over its area and extending outwardly therefrom.

[0058] As will be understood from Figure 5 the substrate 16 of the spacer arrangement 15 is attached to the body-side layer 9 of the airbag 1 to cover its area. In Figure 5 the embodiment shown, the substrate 16 is attached to and covers the area of the body-side layer 9 that extends across the upper region of the back of the vest and across the inner portion of the shoulder region 4 (indicated by the dashed line), so that when the airbag 1 is worn, this substrate will be adjacent to the upper back and shoulders of the user. The substrate 16 can be attached to the body-side layer 9 in any convenient way. In some embodiments, the substrate 16 can be adhesively bonded to the body-side layer 9, but it can instead be stitched to the body-side layer 9. Other embodiments are envisaged in which the substrate 16 can be removably attached to the body-side layer, for example by fabric hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps, such as are sold under the trademark VELCRO, or the like.

[0059] The flexible nature of the support substrate 16 can enable it to comfortably wrap around the adjacent regions of the user's torso 3 during use, conforming to their shape, as Figure 5The support substrate 16 is thus in the illustrated particular arrangement adoptable in use to adopt a shape that curves slightly across the upper back region of the user and over the shoulders of the user during use, as will be appreciated.

[0060] The protrusions 17 are substantially evenly spaced from one another over the region of the body side 14 covered by the substrate 16. As Figure 6 illustrated, the protrusions are arranged in a regular array comprising a plurality of spaced apart rows 18. Each row 18 has a lengthwise direction and comprises a plurality of protrusions 17 spaced apart from one another along the lengthwise direction.

[0061] The support substrate 16 has a thickness T, as Figure 7 illustrated. Also as Figure 7 illustrated, each protrusion 17 is elongate, extending outwardly from a respective root region 19 at the substrate 16, and terminates at a respective free end 20 distal of the substrate 16 (and thus also distal of the body side layer 9 of the air cell 1 to which the substrate 16 is attached). More particularly, it will be noted that each protrusion 17 extends outwardly from the support substrate 16 a distance L that is greater than the thickness T of the substrate 16.

[0062] Figure 7 The spacer arrangement 15 illustrated is shown as being formed as an integral structure, with the support substrate 16 and the protrusions 17 being integrally formed, for example by moulding. The spacer arrangement can be moulded from an elastomeric material, although as noted above various alternative materials can alternatively be used.

[0063] As can be appreciated from Figure 7 illustrated, where the torso 3 of the user is represented by the dashed line, the protrusions 17 serve to engage the covered region of the torso 3 of the user when the air cell 1 is worn during use, spacing the substrate 16 (and the body side layer 9 of the air cell 1 to which the substrate is attached) from the torso 3 of the user. Thus, a ventilation air gap 21 is defined (and maintained during use) between the inflatable volume 11 of the air cell 1 and the torso 3 of the user. As will be appreciated, because the protrusions 17 are spaced apart from one another and arranged in an array, the ventilation air gap 17 is defined between and among the protrusions 17 so as to extend across substantially the entire region of the body side layer 9 covered by the support substrate 16. The ventilation air gap 21 is thus able to enable ventilation air to flow between the air cell 1 and the torso 3 of the user among the protrusions 17 to provide a cooling effect to the user 2.

[0064] It is preferred that the protrusions 17 are sufficiently rigid to prevent them from collapsing or significantly deforming during use of the airbag 1. This can help to ensure that the vent gap 21 is maintained during use and does not reduce in volume, which can reduce the flow of vent air therethrough. To balance the desire for the support substrate 16 to be flexible (for comfort) with the protrusions to be rigid, some embodiments can therefore be configured such that the flexibility of each protrusion 17 is less than the flexibility of the support substrate 16. Figure 8 and Figure 9 are illustrated in enlarged scale.

[0065] First consider Figure 8 , a portion of the spacer arrangement 15 is shown in which each protrusion 17 comprises a respective elongate rigid member 22 which defines a central core of the protrusion and extends substantially the entire length of the protrusion 17. It is proposed that each rigid member 22 can be formed from a different material to that which forms the support substrate 16. For example, the rigid members 22 can be formed from a suitable metal, or can be formed from a plastic material which is substantially more rigid than the material which forms the support substrate 16. One end of each rigid member 22 is embedded within and thereby anchored within the flexible substrate 16, such that the rigid member 22 extends outwardly from the substrate 16. As also Figure 8 shown, each protrusion 17 also comprises a sheath 23 which covers the rigid member 22. Each sheath 23 is formed from the same material as the support substrate 16 (e.g. an elastomer), as an integral extension of the substrate 16.

[0066] Figure 9 The spacer arrangement 15 shown in Figure 8 is somewhat similar to the spacer arrangement shown in Figure 9 However, in the arrangement of Figure 8 , the rigid members 22 of the protrusions 17 have a slightly larger cross-section than the cross-section shown in Figure 9 , and are not overmoulded. Thus, the rigid members 22 of the arrangement shown in are each effectively defining the entirety of the respective protrusion 17, such that the rigid members 22 are visible.

[0067] Figure 8 In both of the arrangements shown in Figure 9 , it will be appreciated that each protrusion 17 has a lengthwise direction extending between its root region 19 and its free end, and that (due to its rigid member 22) its flexibility is less than the flexibility of the substrate 16 in a direction transverse to said lengthwise direction. Thus, both arrangements 15 are configured to maintain the flexibility of the substrate 16 (for wear comfort), while increasing the rigidity of the protrusions 17 (relative to the rigidity of the aforementioned arrangement of Figure 7 ).

[0068] Figure 10 A region illustrating another alternative form of spacer arrangement 15 suitable for use in the present application is illustrated in perspective view. Figure 10 The illustrated spacer arrangement 15 is similar to that of Figure 6 and Figure 7 in the sense that it is also formed as a substantially unitary structure comprising only a single material. Figure 6 However, in contrast to the arrangements of Figure 7 the alternating rows 18 of protrusions 17 are longitudinally offset such that each protrusion 17 in any given row 18 is adjacent a gap between an adjacent protrusion 17 in that or each adjacent row 18. This can help to provide a more diffuse flow of ventilation air by way of the air gap formed between the substrate 16 and the user's body.

[0069] Figure 10 Another significant difference between the illustrated spacer arrangement 15 and the previously described arrangements relates to the profile of each protrusion 17. Figure 10 The protrusions 17 along each edge of the illustrated region are shown in cross-section, from which it is apparent that the protrusions 17 each have the form of a truncated cone and are therefore tapered such that they are wider in the vicinity of the support substrate 16 than at their free ends 20. This helps to maximise the volume of the air gap 21 defined immediately adjacent the user's body 3 during use (by reducing the total contact area of all the free ends 20), which can further improve the ventilation effect provided.

[0070] Figure 11 A spacer arrangement 15 substantially identical to that illustrated in Figure 7 is exemplified, which is provided in combination with an additional layer of fabric 24. The additional layer of fabric 24 can take the form of a thin layer of hygroscopic fabric (of a type known per se) which extends over and across the free ends 20 of the protrusions 17 and therefore covers the protrusions 17. Optionally, the hygroscopic layer 24 can be tensioned over the free ends 20 of the protrusions (or at least not significantly slack). It is proposed that the hygroscopic layer 24 can be attached to the air cell 1 (for example to the body-side layer 9) to form part of the air cell 1. As Figure 11 illustrated, the hygroscopic layer 24 will be immediately adjacent the user's body 3 during use, such that the air gap 21 defined by and in the protrusions 17 will be formed between the hygroscopic layer 24 and the support substrate 16. However, an air gap 20 will still be formed between the support substrate 16 and the user's body, despite having the hygroscopic layer 24 between the support substrate 16 and the user's body. The hygroscopic layer 24 can serve to absorb and wick away moisture formed on the user's body 3 as a result of perspiration, thereby further improving the cooling effect provided by the air cell 1. Of course, while the hygroscopic layer 24 is exemplified in Figure 11 as being formed of a single layer of hygroscopic fabric, it is proposed that the hygroscopic layer 24 can be formed of a plurality of layers of hygroscopic fabric, for example to provide a greater degree of wicking and / or to provide a greater degree of thermal insulation. Figure 7The spacer arrangement 15 shown is in the form of a combination, but it can also be provided in combination with any other spacer arrangement 15 disclosed herein, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 those shown.

[0071] The features disclosed in the foregoing detailed description or in the accompanying claims or in the following mixed claims, whether in the form of a means or an apparatus or a process or a method or a procedure, can be used individually or in any combination with any other feature disclosed herein, whether explicitly stated or not.

[0072] Although the present application has been described in connection with the above-described exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present application as set forth above are to be interpreted in an illustrative and not a limiting sense.

[0073] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of the reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0074] Any section headings herein are used for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0075] Throughout this specification, including in the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps.

[0076] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such ranges are expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0077] As used herein, the words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the application that can provide certain benefits under some circumstances. However, it is understood that other embodiments can also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply, or suggest, that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) comprising a first fabric layer (8) and a second fabric layer (9) superimposed and interconnected, defining therebetween an inflatable volume (11) for receiving an inflation gas, the airbag (1) being configured to be worn on a user's body (2) during use, such that one of the layers (8, 9) is a body-side layer (9) defining a body-side (14) of the airbag (1) adjacent to and covering at least a region of a covered body part (3) of the user's body (2), the body-side (14) having a spacer arrangement (15) configured to space at least a portion of the airbag (1) from the covered body part (3) during use, thereby defining a vented air gap between the inflatable volume (11) and the user's body (2), characterized in that, The spacer arrangement (15) comprises a flexible substrate (16) proximal to the body side layer (9) and a plurality of spaced apart protrusions (17) extending outwardly from the flexible substrate (16), each of the protrusions terminating in a free end (20) distal to the body side layer (9).

2. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexibility of each of the protrusions (17) is less than the flexibility of the flexible substrate (16).

3. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the protrusions (17) extends from a respective root region (19) at the flexible substrate (16) and has a length direction extending between the root region and the free end (20) of the protrusion (17), wherein the flexibility of each protrusion (17) is less than the flexibility of the flexible substrate (16) in a transverse direction to the length direction.

4. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each protrusion (17) is substantially rigid.

5. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible substrate (16) has a thickness (T) and each of the protrusions (17) extends outwardly from the flexible substrate by a distance (L) that is greater than the thickness (T).

6. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the protrusions (17) is elongated in its extension direction.

7. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced apart protrusions (17) are arranged in a regular array.

8. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions (17) are arranged in spaced apart parallel rows (18), each row (18) having a length and comprising a plurality of protrusions (17) spaced apart from each other along the length.

9. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (16) covers an area of the body side layer (9) and the protrusions (17) are substantially evenly spaced from each other over the area.

10. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the protrusions (17) is tapered so as to be wider near the flexible substrate (16) than at the free end.

11. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the protrusions (17) has the form of a truncated cone.

12. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the protrusions (17) comprises a rigid member (22), a portion of the rigid member (22) being embedded and thereby anchored within the flexible substrate (16) such that the rigid member (22) extends outwardly from the flexible substrate.

13. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 12, wherein each of the rigid members (22) is formed of a first material and defines a central core of the respective protrusion (17), each of the central cores being overmoulded (23) in a second material, wherein the second material is more flexible than the first material.

14. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the substrate (16) and the protrusions (17) are integrally formed as an integral structure.

15. The wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the wearable impact protection airbag being provided in the form of or as part of a jacket, a vest, a harness or a backpack.

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