PORTABLE IMPACT PROTECTION AIRBAG

Abstract

A portable impact protection airbag (1) is disclosed. The airbag comprises first and second superimposed and interconnected layers of fabric (8, 9) that define an inflatable volume (11) between them for receiving inflation air, and is designed to be worn around the torso (3) of a user, such that one of the layers (9) defines a body side of the airbag (1) that adjoins the user's torso (3) and at least partially covers it when in use, and the other of the layers (8) defines an outer side of the airbag (1). An actuating arrangement (12) can be selectively actuated to deflate and inflate the airbag (1) between the following states: i) an uninflated, non-protective state and ii) an inflated, protective state.The actuating arrangement (12) is designed to provide and maintain a continuous inflation pressure within the inflatable volume (11) in the inflated protective state in order to ensure impact protection for the torso (3) of the user during the entire wearing time by a user (2).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable impact protection airbag and in particular (but not exclusively) a portable impact protection airbag suitable for use by a driver of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle (PTW), such as a motorcycle or scooter. background

[0002] Inflatable airbag systems are very common in the automotive industry. Airbags have been a standard feature in vehicle interiors, such as cars, for many years to protect occupants in accidents, such as collisions. These airbags inflate rapidly in the event of an impending or actual collision to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against vehicle components like the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common practice to install additional airbags in various locations within a vehicle's interior to provide extra or enhanced protection in different types of accidents, such as rollovers and side impacts. Thus, it is now standard practice to equip vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtain airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of various configurations for rear passengers.Some vehicles even include airbags that deploy over parts of the vehicle's exterior to protect pedestrians or so-called vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as cyclists or motorcyclists if they are hit by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] It has also been proposed to provide wearable impact protection devices to offer specific protection for certain body parts by placing inflatable protectors near the specific body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable impact protection device at a particular location, the device can be inflated in the event of an impending or occurring accident to provide cushioning for that specific body part. Such wearable devices are considered particularly advantageous for riders of so-called "powered two-wheeler vehicles" (PTWs), such as motorcycles, scooters, or even pedal bicycles.

[0004] For example, it has been suggested that airbags be included in motorcycle clothing such as motorcycle jackets to improve the protection of motorcyclists in accidents.

[0005] In exemplary configurations, a garment such as a motorcycle jacket typically incorporates an airbag (located, for example, in the garment's lining) that is in fluid communication with an inflation device such as a gas generator. The inflation device is functionally connected to a crash or impact sensor (which may be located either in the garment itself or, alternatively, on a motorcycle). This sensor is designed to send an activation signal to the inflation device when a probable or actual crash or impact is detected, triggering the inflation device to inflate the airbag and thus deploy it within the garment. As can be seen, the inflation of the airbag inside the garment creates a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer's body around or above which the airbag is positioned.For example, a motorcycle jacket with an airbag protects the torso of a motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

[0006] The most important parameters for the performance of an deployable airbag in terms of its cushioning effect are pressure and thickness, i.e., the maximum internal gas pressure and the maximum thickness of the inflated airbag when deployed. It is generally known that, within certain limits, a greater inflated thickness and higher inflated pressure improve an airbag's performance in terms of effective protection. However, it has been found that with inflatable, wearable devices, it can be very difficult to accommodate airbags that reach a considerable thickness when inflated, because space is often very limited in a wearable garment (such as a motorcycle jacket).As can be seen, airbags that are intended to inflate upon activation during use require rapid and therefore aggressive inflation and must therefore be made from a correspondingly robust fabric to ensure their structural integrity.

[0007] The limited space between the outermost layer of a garment and the wearer's body restricts the size to which an airbag can inflate between the wearer's body and the garment's outermost layer. However, an airbag designed to achieve a relatively large thickness when inflated very rapidly, while maintaining its structural integrity, also incorporates more structural material (typically fabric) and therefore necessarily requires more space, even when deflated (i.e., before deployment), than an airbag designed for a relatively small thickness. A large mass of airbag fabric within a garment can make the garment uncomfortable to wear, especially for extended periods, such as in a motorcycle jacket.A personal impact protection device that is uncomfortable to wear has the disadvantage that the user might not be willing to wear the device for reasons of convenience.

[0008] Other forms of wearable personal protective equipment have also been proposed that are less affected by the aforementioned problems. For example, it has been suggested that airbags be provided in an initially folded and / or rolled package within an accessory such as a backpack, harness, or belt pouch. Such arrangements can accommodate larger airbags with more structural material (usually fabric) than motorcycle jackets, but are considered bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, such arrangements can be complex and therefore expensive to manufacture.

[0009] Due to the wide range of potential accident scenarios involving PTWs, it can be challenging to equip such devices with state-of-the-art accident or impact sensors (typically including one or more accelerometers) that reliably detect 100% of potentially damaging accidents. As can be seen, a wearable impact protection device that only responds to an activation signal from an impact or collision sensor may fail to deploy in some types of accidents, thus providing suboptimal impact protection to the user.

[0010] Another problem with conventional portable impact protection devices that only respond to an activation signal from a crash or impact sensor is that after use they either have to be disposed of or very carefully repackaged to ensure reliable future use.

[0011] The present invention was developed in light of the aforementioned circumstances. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable impact protection airbag is provided, wherein the airbag comprises first and second superimposed and interconnected layers of fabric which define an inflatable volume between them for receiving inflation gas, the airbag is configured to be worn around the torso of a user, such that one of the layers defines a body side of the airbag which adjoins the user's torso and at least partially covers it when in use, and the other of the layers defines an outer side of the airbag, wherein an actuating arrangement is provided on the airbag which can be selectively actuated to deflate and inflate the airbag between the following states: i) an uninflated, non-protective state and ii) an inflated, protective state, wherein the actuating arrangement is configured to operate in the inflated,The protective state provides and maintains a continuous inflation pressure within the inflatable volume to ensure impact protection for the user's torso throughout the entire wearing time by a user.

[0013] The airbag of the present invention can be used, in particular, as a protective device for the driver of a personal transport vehicle (PTV), such as a motorcycle or scooter. The invention enables such a user to pre-inflate the airbag to a protective state (e.g., to a prescribed inflation pressure) before starting a journey or trip and to maintain this state throughout the entire journey or trip. In this way, the airbag can provide the driver with effective impact protection throughout the entire journey or trip without the need for rapid inflation during the journey if a potential or actual impact or accident is detected. The airbag is therefore always inflated during use and thus provides impact protection at all times.The airbag can also provide enhanced protection against impacts that would not normally be detected by a standard, state-of-the-art arrangement that includes an accelerometer or crash sensor.

[0014] It is proposed that the inflation pressure can range between 40 kPa and 120 kPa. In some embodiments, the inflation pressure can be 80 kPa.

[0015] After use, e.g. at the end of a trip or journey, the airbag can be conveniently deflated and thus reduced in size for easy storage or packing.

[0016] The actuation mechanism can be operated alternately (and repeatedly): i) to inflate the airbag from the uninflated, non-protective state to the inflated protective state; and ii) to deflate the airbag from the inflated, protective state to the uninflated, non-protective state and vice versa.

[0017] The actuation arrangement can be activated while the airbag is worn by a user to inflate and deflate the airbag between the uninflated, non-protective state and the inflated, protective state, and the airbag can be configured to cover a comparable circumference of the user's torso in both the uninflated, non-protective and the inflated, protective states. This can provide a more cost-effective and comfortable wearable airbag compared to prior art arrangements, which are typically designed to inflate aggressively and rapidly by unfolding and / or rolling up from an initially tightly packed state in response to an actuation signal from an accelerometer or crash sensor.

[0018] If necessary, the airbag is designed so that, in its inflated, protective state, the side of the body is no more covered by the user's torso than in its deflated, non-protective state. This can allow for a simpler airbag design than with state-of-the-art arrangements, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0019] Practically, the inflatable volume can comprise at least two fluidly connected inflatable main chambers; one of the chambers being arranged to define a front inflatable panel of the airbag designed to cover a front portion of a user's torso when in use; and another of the chambers being arranged to define a rear inflatable panel of the airbag designed to cover a rear portion of a user's torso when in use.

[0020] In some embodiments, the portable impact protection airbag may further comprise a non-inflatable rigid or elastically deformable impact protection panel attached to the outside of the inflatable back panel.

[0021] Conveniently, the airbag can be designed in the form of a harness, a vest, or a jacket.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuation arrangement can be manually operated by a user to inflate the airbag to the inflated, protective state, and can be manually operated by the user to deflate the airbag to the deflated, non-protective state.

[0023] In some embodiments, the actuation arrangement may include a hand pump that can be operated to introduce inflation air into the inflatable volume in order to inflate the airbag to its protective state. In such embodiments, the hand pump may either be provided as an integral part of the airbag so that it can be worn by the user during use, or it may be mounted outside the airbag and fluidically connected to it to facilitate inflation before use.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, the actuating arrangement may include an electrically driven compressor to supply inflation gas to the inflatable volume and inflate the airbag to the inflated, protective state. In such embodiments, the compressor may either be provided as an integral part of the airbag so that it can be worn by the user during use, or it may be mounted outside the airbag and fluidically connected to it to facilitate inflation before use.

[0025] Optionally, in some embodiments, the compressor may also be combined with a pressure sensor and a controller. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the inflation pressure in the inflatable chamber and provide a pressure signal representative of the measured pressure to the controller. The controller may be configured to control the compressor based on (i.e., in response to) the pressure signal in order to automatically adjust the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber so that a target inflation pressure is reached and substantially maintained. The target inflation pressure may be between 40 kPa and 120 kPa.

[0026] In some embodiments, the target inflation pressure can be set to a median value of 80 kPa.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuating arrangement may further include a GPS receiver module provided on the airbag and configured to supply GPS data to the controller, the controller being configured to use the GPS data to calculate the airbag's speed of movement in use and to automatically adjust the target inflation pressure in response to the calculated speed in order to: increase the target inflation pressure in response to an increase in speed; and decrease the target inflation pressure in response to a decrease in speed.

[0028] Embodiments are provided in which the actuating arrangement further comprises an accelerometer provided on the airbag, and in which the control is configured to automatically increase the target inflation pressure in response to receiving a signal from the accelerometer indicating that the airbag is subjected to acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0029] The portable impact protection airbag can be combined with a PTW (Personal Portable Vehicle) and a battery, with the compressor configured to be powered by the vehicle's battery. The compressor can, for example, be detachably connected to the vehicle's battery.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the compressor can be combined with a battery in a compressor unit that is integrated into the airbag to be worn by a user when the airbag is in use.

[0031] In embodiments where the aforementioned impact protection panel is attached to the outside of the inflatable back panel of the airbag, the compressor unit can be attached to the impact protection panel.

[0032] The actuating arrangement may include a manually operated valve that can be operated between a closed state in which the inflatable volume is sealed and an open state in which the inflatable volume is vented, in order to deflate the airbag into the uninflated, non-protective state.

[0033] The actuating arrangement can include a pressure relief valve designed to vent the inflatable volume (e.g., automatically) when its inflation pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold can, for example, be between 40 kPa and 120 kPa.

[0034] Optionally, the actuating arrangement may include a pressure gauge designed to display the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber to the user. The pressure gauge may be a mechanical pressure gauge designed to produce a visual representation of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. Alternatively, the pressure gauge may be an electrical pressure gauge connected to a pressure sensor designed to measure the inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber.

[0035] The pressure indicator can be configured to provide a visual indication of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. Optionally, the pressure indicator can be configured to provide a haptic indication of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments, the pressure indicator can be configured to provide an audible indication of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber.

[0036] Each of the above-mentioned indicators and warnings that are representative of the inflation pressure may contain an indication of whether the inflation pressure is above or below a predetermined threshold.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least part of the actuation arrangement can be integrated into the airbag, so that it is worn by a user when the airbag is in use.

[0038] The invention comprises the combination of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such a combination is obviously impermissible or is expressly excluded.

[0039] Experts will recognize that a feature or parameter described in relation to one of the aspects mentioned above can also be applied to any other aspect, unless they are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, each feature or parameter described here can be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature or parameter described here, unless they are mutually exclusive. Summary of the characters

[0040] To better understand the invention and to illustrate further features of the invention, embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example with reference to the attached drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view from the rear and right side showing a user (i.e., the driver of a PTW) wearing an impact protection airbag according to the present invention, provided in the form of a vest, the airbag being shown in an uninflated, non-protective state; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view from the left side, showing the impact protection airbag. Fig. 1 in an alternative inflated, protective state shows Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front and left side, showing the impact protection airbag in its inflated, protective state, as shown in Fig. 2, shows; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing a possible user interface system with a smartphone and a smartwatch; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view similar to the one from Fig. 3, which, however, shows an alternative embodiment of the impact protection airbag with an integrated hand pump arrangement for inflation. Detailed description of the invention

[0041] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows an uninflated, portable impact protection airbag 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is worn by a user 2. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the same airbag 1 in its inflated state. The airbag 1 shown is in the shape of a vest worn around the user's torso 3 to provide impact protection for the user's torso 3. As shown in Fig. Figure 2 most clearly depicts the user as the driver of a PTW 4 in the form of a scooter. As can be seen, the driver 2 is in a conventional PTW driving position, i.e., sitting on a saddle 5 of the PTW 4 and holding the handlebars 6 of the PTW 4 in the conventional manner.

[0043] As mentioned, the airbag 1 is designed to extend across the user's chest, shoulders, and back, and is equipped with a securing device that includes an adjustable waist belt 7. This belt allows the front and rear sections of the airbag 1 to be pulled together around the sides of the user's torso 3 to ensure a firm and secure fit when the airbag 1 is worn. The waist belt 7 can be adjusted in length in a conventional manner (e.g., by means of a simple hook-and-loop fastener) to accommodate users of different sizes. The waist belt 7 can be made of flexible webbing.

[0044] The airbag 1 is formed from a first and a second superimposed layer of fabric 8, 9, which are joined together by a circumferential seam 10 to define an inflatable volume 11 between them for receiving inflation air from an actuating arrangement 12. The circumferential seam 10 thus defines the circumference of the inflatable volume 11. As can be seen, in the Fig. 1 to 3 only one (outwardly facing) fabric layer 8 is clearly visible, as the other (inwardly facing) layer 9 lies against the user's body (or clothing). When the airbag 1 is worn around the user's torso 3 as shown, the inwardly facing layer 9 defines a body side of the airbag 1 that borders the user's torso and covers part of it. Conversely, the outwardly facing fabric layer 8 defines an outside of the airbag 1.

[0045] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As most clearly shown in Figure 3, the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 is divided into two interconnected inflatable chambers 13, 14. One of the inflatable chambers 13 is configured to form an inflatable back panel 15 of the airbag 1, which, in use, covers a back area of ​​the user's torso 3. The other inflatable chamber 14 is configured to form an anterior inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1, which, in use, covers a front area of ​​the user's torso 3. The anterior and posterior inflatable panels 15, 16 are connected to each other by a pair of shoulder straps 17, which are defined by the interconnected fabric layers 8, 9 of the airbag 1. As shown in Figure 3, the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 is divided into two interconnected inflatable chambers 13, 14. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the inflatable chamber 13, which defines the rear inflatable panel 15, is fluidly connected to the inflatable chamber 14, which defines the front inflatable panel 16, via an inflatable conduit 18. This conduit runs along one of the shoulder straps 17 (on the user's right side, as shown) and is formed between the two fabric layers 8, 9 thereof. In this embodiment, the inflatable chamber 13, which defines the rear inflatable panel 15, includes a projecting, elongated inflatable shoulder section 19 that extends along the other shoulder strap 17 but terminates at a distance from a proximal region of the inflatable chamber 14, which defines the front inflatable panel 16.In other embodiments, it is provided that the rear and front inflatable panels 15, 16 can be connected to each other by a pair of inflatable lines 18, each running along a shoulder strap 17.

[0046] The one in the Fig. The airbag 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be manufactured using a so-called "one-piece weaving" technique, in which the threads of one fabric layer 8 are interwoven with the threads of the other fabric layer 9 to define the circumferential seam 10. The seam 10 can therefore be woven and integrated into the structure of the fabric layers 8 and 9.

[0047] As in Fig. As most clearly shown in Figure 1, the airbag 1 also includes an impact protection panel 20 attached to the outside (i.e., the outward-facing fabric layer 8) of the inflatable back panel 15. The impact protection panel 20 is non-inflatable, can be essentially rigid or elastically deformable, and is intended to act as a passive protector to provide enhanced impact protection for the vulnerable lower spinal region of a user 2. The impact protection panel 20 can be made, for example, of a suitable high-impact plastic, an elastomer, or a vulcanized rubber material. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the impact protection panel 20 comprises a core plate made of a suitable structural material such as those mentioned, the core plate being surrounded by a softer outer layer of fabric such as neoprene or the like.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating arrangement 12 is provided in the form of a substantially self-contained unit with a housing 21 that is attached to the impact protection panel 20. The actuating arrangement 12 is thus integrated into the airbag 1, so that it is worn by the user 2 when the airbag 1 is in use (i.e., when the airbag 1 is being worn).

[0049] The actuation arrangement 12 can take various forms (some of which are described in more detail below), but should be operable alternately (and manually) by the user 2: i) to inflate the airbag 1 from the deflated, non-protective state, which is in Fig. 1 is shown, in the inflated protective state, which is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown; and ii) to deflate the airbag 1 from the inflated protective and into the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The depicted state is in the uninflated, non-protective state, which is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. In particular, the actuation arrangement 12 is designed to generate and maintain a continuous inflation pressure (which may be, for example, between 40 kPa and 120 kPa, and optionally at approximately 120 kPa) throughout the entire wearing time by the user 2. The user 2 can thus inflate the airbag 1 before starting a journey or trip. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 inflates into the inflated, protective state shown, with the airbag 1 remaining substantially inflated in this protective state during the journey or trip. At the end of the journey or trip, the user 2 can actuate the actuation arrangement 12 to inflate the airbag 1 into the inflated, protective state shown. Fig. 1 to deflate to the uninflated, non-protective state shown, in which the airbag 1 takes up significantly less space and is more flexible, so that it can be conveniently packed or stowed away.

[0050] The actuating arrangement 12 can be actuated while the airbag 1 is actually being worn by a user 2 to inflate and deflate the airbag between the inflated and deflated states described above. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to inflate the airbag 1 before putting it on, nor is it necessary to deflate the airbag 1 before removing it. Furthermore, as shown, the airbag 1 in its deflated state is not tightly packed (e.g., folded and / or rolled). The airbag 1 can therefore be designed to be relatively compact. In some embodiments, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the airbag 1 is designed so that its body side (i.e., the inward-facing layer of fabric 8 when worn) protects a comparable portion of the wearer's torso 3 both in its uninflated, non-protective state (shown in Figures 1 to 3). Fig. 1) as well as in its inflated, protective state (shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) covers. In some embodiments, it is proposed to design the airbag such that, in the inflated protective state, its body side is no more covered by the torso 3 of the wearer than in the uninflated non-protective state.

[0051] One embodiment of the actuating arrangement 12 is now described with particular reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating arrangement 12 comprises an electrically operated compressor 22, which is electrically connected to a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 23. The compressor 22 and the battery 23 are both housed in the casing 21, which in this embodiment has the form of a compressor unit. In some embodiments, the battery 23 can be disconnected from the compressor unit 21. Furthermore, other embodiments are conceivable in which the compressor unit 21 does not contain a battery at all. For example, the compressor unit 21 could instead be provided with means that establish a detachable electrical connection to a battery carried by a PTW 4 (e.g., the PTW's ignition battery) in order to operate the compressor 22. In this way, the user 2 can electrically connect the compressor unit 21 to the PTW's battery before starting a journey or trip (e.g.,(via a suitable electrical cable) and then disconnect the compressor unit 21 from the PTW. This type of arrangement could reduce the size of the compressor unit 21.

[0053] The compressor 22 has a first airflow opening (not shown) located downstream of a series of combined air inlet and outlet openings 24 that extend through the rearmost surface of the compressor unit 21 and are thus in direct fluid communication. The compressor 22 also has a second airflow opening 25, which is in fluid communication with an airflow passage extending from the compressor housing 21 through an opening (not shown) in the impact protection panel 20 and through an aligned opening (also not shown) formed by the underlying area of ​​the outward-facing fabric layer 8 of the inflatable back panel 15.The compressor 22 is thus located in an effective airflow path extending between the atmosphere outside the compressor housing 21 and the inflatable volume 11 inside the airbag 1, via the inlet / outlet openings 24 and the aligned openings passing through the impact protection panel 20 and the outward-facing fabric layer 8.

[0054] The compressor 22 has a suitable user-operated control with which the user can operate the compressor: i) to direct inflation air from the atmosphere outside the airbag 1 through the inlet / outlet openings 24 in the housing 21 and into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1, thereby inflating the airbag into the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to bring the airbag into the inflated, protective state shown; and ii) to direct inflation air in the opposite direction from the inflatable volume 11 within the airbag and into the atmosphere via the inlet / outlet openings 24. As can be seen, when the compressor 22 is operated to direct inflation air from the inflatable volume 11 into the atmosphere, the inflatable chamber 11 is at least partially deflated, thereby significantly reducing the thickness of the airbag 1.

[0055] In addition to the compressor arrangement described above, the airbag 1 may optionally also be provided with a pressure relief valve 26 as part of the actuation arrangement. The pressure relief valve 26 may be provided either by an opening 27 in one of the fabric layers 8, 9 of the airbag 1, as shown in Fig. The pressure relief valve 26 is shown in Figure 1, or it can be located in a region of the circumferential seam 10. The pressure relief valve 26 can be configured to automatically (e.g., mechanically, in a manner known per se) release the inflatable volume 11 to the atmosphere when the inflation pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, which, for example, may be a threshold in the range of 40 kPa to 120 kPa. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 26 can also be manually operated, allowing a user 2 to quickly deflate the inflatable volume 11 to (at least partially) deflate the airbag 1, instead of relying (only) on the operation of the compressor 22 as described above.

[0056] The compressor unit 21 can also include a control unit (for example, an electronic control unit) and a pressure sensor, which is arranged and designed to measure the inflation pressure in the inflatable chamber 11 of the airbag 1 and provide a corresponding pressure signal to the control unit.

[0057] The compressor unit 21 shown is also equipped with a primary user control panel 28. A secondary user control panel 29 can also be provided on the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown particularly clearly. It is intended that the primary and secondary user control panels 28, 29 can be identical. Both control panels 28, 29 are electrically connected to the control unit in the compressor unit 21. In the case of the secondary control panel 29, which is located remotely from the compressor unit 21, this electrical connection can be provided by a flexible cable 30 that runs through the circumferential seam 10 of the airbag along one of the shoulder straps 17, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0058] Each user control panel 28, 29 has a respective main actuation button 31, which can be alternately actuated by the user 2 to deploy the airbag 1 into the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to inflate to the inflated protective state shown (when the airbag is initially deflated) or to inflate airbag 1 into the Fig. 1 to deflate to the uninflated, non-protective state shown (when the airbag is initially inflated).

[0059] In addition to the main operating button 31, each user control panel 28, 29 also has a corresponding pressure indicator 32. In the specific embodiment shown here, each pressure indicator 32 has the form of an array of discrete LEDs and is configured to provide, controlled by the controller and depending on the pressure signal supplied by the pressure sensor, a visual indication that represents the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11. Alternatively or additionally, each pressure indicator 32 can be configured to provide a haptic indication (e.g., by one or more small eccentric motors) or an acoustic indication (e.g., by one or more small loudspeakers) that represents the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11.It is provided that in some embodiments the pressure indicator 32 may be designed to indicate to the user whether the measured inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 is above or below a predetermined threshold. As mentioned above, the predetermined threshold may be in the range of 40 kPa to 120 kPa, and in some embodiments optionally also around 80 kPa.

[0060] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to actively control the compressor 22 depending on (i.e., in response to) the pressure signal provided by the pressure sensor, and can thereby automatically adjust the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 to achieve and substantially maintain a target inflation pressure. The predefined threshold can be in the range of 40 kPa to 120 kPa, and in some embodiments optionally also at approximately 80 kPa.In such embodiments, the control unit actively controls the compressor 22 as soon as the inflatable chamber 11 is substantially inflated to the inflated, protective state, so that: i) inflation air from the atmosphere outside the airbag 1 is directed through the inlet / outlet openings 24 in the housing 21 and into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 when it is determined that the inflation pressure is below the target value, in order to restore the target inflation pressure; and ii) inflation air is directed in the opposite direction from the inflatable volume 11 inside the airbag to the atmosphere via the inlet / outlet openings 24 when it is determined that the inflation pressure exceeds the target value, in order to restore the target inflation pressure.

[0061] Furthermore, embodiments of the active control are proposed in which the compressor unit 21 may also include a GPS receiver module configured to provide GPS data for the control. In such embodiments, the control unit is configured to calculate the airbag 1's operating speed based on the GPS data (which is thus representative of the speed of the PTW 4) and automatically adjusts the target inflation pressure in response to the calculated speed such that: i) the target inflation pressure is increased in response to an increase in speed; and ii) the target inflation pressure is decreased in response to a decrease in speed.In this way, the compressor 22 can be actively controlled to increase the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 during driving or traveling at relatively high speeds (and thus increase the strength of the airbag 1 in its inflated, protective state) and to decrease the inflation pressure or return it to a medium level during driving at lower speeds (and thus reduce the strength of the airbag 1 in its inflated, protective state). This type of control makes it possible to inflate the airbag 1 to a higher inflation pressure during relatively risky (i.e., fast) sections of the drive or trip and to a lower inflation pressure at other times, which may be more comfortable for the user 2 wearing the airbag 1.

[0062] In further embodiments, the GPS receiver can be supplemented or replaced by an accelerometer configured to provide an acceleration signal to the controller. In such embodiments, the controller is configured to automatically increase the target inflation pressure when the accelerometer receives a signal indicating acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold (which may, for example, be considered an indicator of a likely accident). In this way, the compressor 22 can be actively controlled to increase the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 as a direct response to the detection of a potentially damaging accident, thereby increasing the rigidity of the airbag 1 in its inflated, protective state and thus improving the impact protection provided to the user 2 under such circumstances.

[0063] When considering Fig. 4 The compressor unit 21 can be configured for wireless communication (e.g. via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or another near-field communication protocol) with a user device such as a smartphone 33 and / or a smartwatch 34, on which a software application (“app”) 35, 36 is executed, which is designed to facilitate user interaction with the actuation arrangement 12 of the airbag 1.

[0064] By way of example, the smartphone 33 shown displays a running app 35 which provides the user with 2 different icons with information on the system status, including: connection status 36 (i.e. between the smartphone 33 and the compressor unit 21); current inflation status 37 of the airbag 1 (e.g., “Ready for inflation”, which means that the airbag is currently uninflated, or alternatively “Inflated”, which means that the airbag 1 is inflated);and the charge level of battery 38 (i.e., battery 23, which powers compressor 22). Furthermore, the app displays 35 different symbols representing control buttons, which, when pressed, select various operating modes of the compressor unit 21, including, for example: a "Speed-dependent mode" 39 ("Speed ​​adaptive mode," which controls the inflation pressure of airbag 1 depending on the speed, as described above); a "Performance mode" 40 ("Performance mode," which, for example, can control the inflation pressure of airbag 1 depending on acceleration signals from an accelerometer, as described above); a "City mode" 41 ("City mode," which, for example, can set the target inflation pressure to a relatively low level); and a "Highway mode" 42 ("Highway mode," which, for example, can set the target inflation pressure to a relatively high level).and an “energy saving mode” 43 (“power saving mode”, in which, for example, the active control of the compressor 22 is deactivated and only a medium target inflation pressure is maintained).;

[0065] The smartphone app 35 also displays a symbol representing a main operating button 44, which the user can use to trigger the inflation and deflation of the airbag 1. In the Fig. In the depicted state 4, the symbol of actuation button 44 is shown, which symbolizes the "Pressurize" function and is effective to trigger the compressor 22 to inflate the airbag 1. If the airbag 1 is already in its inflated, protective state, the symbol of actuation button 44 instead represents a "Depressurize" function, which allows the airbag 1 to be deflated.

[0066] The smartwatch app 36 can replicate the functionality and symbols of the smartphone app 35 described above, thus providing identical control functions for operating the compressor unit 21 without the smartphone 33. In the Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the smartwatch app 36 has only limited functionality and offers the user 2 only a secondary symbol for the activation button 44 to replace the function of the activation button symbol 44 of the smartwatch app 36. With this type of arrangement, the smartwatch app 36 is intended to function in combination with the smartphone app 35.

[0067] Although the invention has been described above with particular reference to various embodiments which have an actuating arrangement 12 comprising an electrically driven compressor 22, it should be noted that this is not considered essential. Fig. Figure 5 shows, for example, an alternative embodiment of the airbag 1 which instead includes a manually operated hand pump 45 with which the user 2 can manually pump air into the inflatable volume 11 to inflate the airbag 1. In such embodiments, the hand pump 45 is provided on the airbag 1 at a location that is easily accessible to the user while wearing the airbag 1. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, the hand pump 45 is provided at an edge region of the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1.

[0068] In embodiments that include a manually operated hand pump 45, the user 2 can use the manually operated pressure release valve 26 described above to manually vent the inflation chamber 11 and thereby deflate the airbag 1. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, in such embodiments it is proposed that the valve 26 can be moved to the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1 in order to allow more convenient operation for the user in conjunction with the hand pump 45 while wearing the airbag 1.

[0069] While the invention has been described above with particular reference to embodiments comprising a vest to be worn around the user's torso 3, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to such an arrangement of the airbag. For example, alternative embodiments are envisaged in which the airbag may be provided in the form of a harness; for example, comprising an airbag that extends on each side of the front of the user's torso and around the user's neck when worn, but does not necessarily extend over the user's back. Alternative embodiments are also envisaged in which the airbag is provided as part of a protective jacket, for example, a motorcycle jacket, for example, within the structure of the jacket between an inner lining and an outer layer.

[0070] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the following claims or in the accompanying drawings, and which are expressed in their specific forms or in the form of a means for fulfilling the disclosed function or a method or process for achieving the disclosed results, can be used individually or in any combination of these features to realize the invention in various forms.

[0071] Although the invention has been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are considered illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications to the described embodiments can be made without altering the scope of the invention.

[0072] To eliminate any doubt, all theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to aid the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0073] All section headings used herein serve only a structuring purpose and are not to be interpreted as a limitation of the subject matter described.

[0074] Throughout this description, including the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, words such as "have", "comprise" and "include" and variants such as "having", "comprises", "encompassing" and "including" shall be understood to imply the inclusion of a specified integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0075] It should be noted that the singular forms "a / an" and "the" as used in the description and the attached claims include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one specific value and / or to "about" another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes the range from one specific value and / or to the other specific value. When values ​​are expressed as approximate values ​​by using the reference word "about," it is understood that the specific value represents another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0076] The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer herein to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages under specific circumstances. It should be noted, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The mention of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of disclosure or from the scope of claims.

Claims

[1] A wearable impact protection airbag (1), the airbag comprising first and second superimposed and interconnected fabric layers (8, 9) defining an inflatable volume (11) therebetween for receiving inflation air, the airbag (1) being adapted to be worn around the torso (3) of a user such that one of the layers (9) defines a body side of the airbag (1) adjacent to and at least partially covering the torso (3) of the user when in use, and the other of the layers (8) defines an outer side of the airbag (1), the airbag (1) having an actuation arrangement (12) which can be selectively actuated to deflate and inflate the airbag (1) between the following states: i) a deflated, non-protective state and ii) an inflated, protective state, the actuation arrangement (12) being adapted tothat in the inflated protective state it provides and maintains a sustained inflation pressure within the inflatable volume (11) to ensure impact protection for the user's torso (3) throughout the entire time it is worn by a user (2). [2] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating arrangement (12) is alternately operable: i) to inflate the airbag (1) from the deflated, non-protective condition to the inflated, protective condition; and ii) to deflate the airbag (1) from the inflated, protective condition to the deflated, non-protective condition. [3] A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuation assembly (12) is operable while the airbag (1) is worn by a user to inflate and deflate the airbag (1) between the deflated, non-protective condition and the inflated, protective condition, and the airbag (1) is configured so that the body side covers a comparable circumference of the torso of a user in both the deflated, non-protective condition and the inflated, protective condition. [4] Portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 3, wherein the airbag (1) is designed so that the body side in the inflated, protective state does not cover more of the user's torso (3) than in the uninflated, non-protective state. [5] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable volume (11) comprises at least two fluidly connected inflatable chambers (13, 14); one of the chambers (14) is arranged to define a front inflatable panel (16) of the airbag (1) adapted to cover, in use, a front region of a user's torso (3); and another of the chambers (13) is arranged to define a rear inflatable panel (15) of the airbag (1) adapted to cover, in use, a rear region of a user's torso (3). [6] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a non-inflatable rigid or elastically deformable impact protection panel (20) attached to the outside of the inflatable back panel (15). [7] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, provided in the form of a harness, a vest or a jacket. [8] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation assembly (12) can be manually actuated by a user (2) to inflate the airbag (1) to the inflated, protective condition and can be manually actuated by the user (2) to deflate the airbag (1) to the deflated, non-protective condition. [9] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation assembly (12) comprises an electrically driven compressor (22) operable to direct inflation air into the inflatable volume (11) to inflate the airbag (1) to the inflated protective condition. [10] Portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 9, wherein the compressor (22) is provided in combination with a pressure sensor and a controller, wherein the pressure sensor is adapted to measure the inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber (11) and provide a pressure signal corresponding thereto to the controller, and wherein the controller is adapted to control the compressor (22) in dependence on the pressure signal to automatically adjust the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber (11) to achieve and substantially maintain a target inflation pressure. [11] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 10, wherein the actuation assembly (12) further comprises a GPS receiver provided on the airbag (1) and adapted to provide GPS data to the controller, the controller being adapted to use the GPS data to calculate the speed of movement of the airbag (1) in use and to automatically adjust the target inflation pressure in response to the calculated speed to: increase the target inflation pressure in response to an increase in speed; and decrease the target inflation pressure in response to a decrease in speed. [12] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the actuation assembly (12) further comprises an accelerometer provided on the airbag (1), and wherein the controller is arranged to automatically increase the target inflation pressure in response to receiving a signal from the accelerometer indicating that the airbag (1) is undergoing an acceleration or deceleration that exceeds a predetermined threshold. [13] Portable impact protection airbag (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, which is provided in combination with a motorized two-wheeled vehicle (4) having a battery, wherein the compressor (22) is adapted to be driven by the battery of the vehicle (4). [14] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the compressor (22) is provided in combination with a battery (23) in a compressor unit (21) integrated into the airbag (1) to be worn by a user (2) when the airbag (1) is in use. [15] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the actuation assembly (12) is integrated into the airbag (1) so as to be worn by a user (2) when the airbag (1) is in use.

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