Portable impact protection airbag

Abstract

A portable impact protection airbag (1) comprising first and second superimposed and connected fabric layers (8,9) defining therebetween an inflatable volume (11) for receiving inflation gas;wherein the airbag (1) is configured to be worn, in use, around a body of a user (2) such that one of the layers (8, 9) is a bodyside layer (9) defining a bodyside (14) of the airbag (1) and covering at least a portion of an underlying body part (3) of a body of a user (2), wherein the bodyside (14) has a spacer arrangement (15) configured to space at least a portion of the airbag (1) from the underlying body part (3) in use, thereby defining a ventilation gap between the inflatable volume (11) and the body of the user (2), characterized in that the spacer arrangement (15) comprises: a flexible substrate (16) proximate the bodyside layer (9);and a plurality of spaced projections (17) extending outwardly from the flexible substrate (16), each projection terminating in a free end (20) distal to the bodyside layer (9);

Description

Field of the invention

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

[0002] Inflatable airbag assemblies are well known in the automotive industry. Airbags have long been provided in the interior cabins of vehicles to protect occupants in the event of accidents such as collisions. Such airbags are inflated when an impending or occurring vehicle collision is imminent to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against vehicle elements such as the steering wheel or dashboard. Over time, it has become common practice to install additional airbags at various locations within a motor vehicle cabin to provide additional or enhanced protection in various types of accidents, such as rollover crashes and oblique impacts. Thus, it is now common practice to equip motor 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 have airbags that inflate 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 struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0003] It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protective devices designed to provide specific protection for specific body parts by attaching inflatable protective airbags near a specific body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable protective airbag at a specific location on the body, the airbag can be inflated in the event of an impending or occurring accident to create a cushioning effect for that specific body part. Such wearable devices are considered particularly advantageous for riders of so-called "motorized two-wheelers" (hereinafter referred to as PTWs), such as motorcycles, scooters, or even pedal bikes.

[0004] For example, it has been proposed to incorporate airbags within motorcycle apparel, such as motorcycle jackets, to enhance the protection of motorcyclists in the event of a crash. In exemplary arrangements, a garment such as a protective motorcycle jacket typically includes an airbag (e.g., housed in the lining of the garment) in fluid communication with an inflator, such as a gas generator. The inflator is operatively connected to a crash or impact sensor (which may be located either within the garment itself or, alternatively, on a motorcycle) configured to send a trigger signal to the inflator in response to a detection of a probable or actual crash or impact, thereby triggering the inflator to inflate the airbag within the garment.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 mounted. For example, a motorcycle jacket with an airbag protects the torso of a motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

[0005] It is common practice for conventional motorcycle clothing (e.g., without airbag equipment), such as jackets, to be made from breathable fabric, which allows moisture that builds up inside the jacket due to perspiration to be released into the environment. This can increase comfort for a wearer of the garment, particularly in hot and / or humid conditions. However, such breathable functionality can be limited when a garment is equipped with an inflatable airbag. A large amount of airbag fabric placed between the wearer's body and the outermost breathable layer of the garment in a wearable garment can prevent moisture from moving away from the user's body. As might be expected, airbags are often made from air-impermeable fabric that is not breathable in order to provide good inflation performance.This can exacerbate the problem.

[0006] Other, alternative forms of wearable personal protective devices have been proposed. For example, it has been suggested to provide airbags 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 may still suffer from the same problems mentioned above.

[0007] Other forms of wearable protective airbags have been proposed that are not contained within another piece of clothing or a pocket and are designed to be worn alone. For example, airbags in the form of vests or harnesses have been proposed. Some of these airbags may be designed to be pre-inflated before a user begins a ride or journey and to maintain this inflated state throughout the ride or journey. While such airbags may be more comfortable for a user in terms of temperature regulation than larger and bulkier jackets, they may still suffer from the same problems, albeit to a lesser extent.For example, wearable airbags of this type must be constructed from a particularly robust fabric that is both wear- and tear-resistant, as they are not protected by the overlying fabric of a conventional garment when worn. Such fabrics can become uncomfortable when worn in hot and / or humid conditions, particularly when worn in a pre-inflated state, as an inflated airbag is pressed tightly against the wearer's body during use. Furthermore, wearable airbags of this type are often constructed from an air-impermeable fabric that is not breathable, and therefore this aspect of the aforementioned problem persists.

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

[0009] EP 2 033 532 A1 describes an airbag jacket with a good fit of an expanded airbag for a body in the airbag jacket, wherein the airbag is expanded along an outer surface of the wearer's body. An airbag is provided so as to cover the waist and both shoulders of the wearer. The interior of the airbag is divided into a plurality of cells by partially sewing an inner plate forming a first surface on the wearer's side of the airbag and an outer plate forming a second surface on the side opposite the wearer by means of a linear seam portion. Each of the cells is formed to have a shape extending in the direction of the wearer's body height. This causes the airbag to expand along an outer surface of a body part of the wearer as a whole.

[0010] US 3,911,913 A describes a compactly stowable survival kit comprising a protective suit and an inflatable collision cocoon. The double-walled cocoon entrance, which can be closed by a suitable means within the cocoon, and the cocoon itself can then be inflated to their expanded and protective state by introducing pressurized gas into the double wall. A harness serves to secure the suit wearer within the cocoon, and survival devices are worn on the harness. The cocoon has flexibly covered openings through which the suit wearer can alternately retract their limbs into and out of the cocoon.

[0011] DE 103 16 766 A1 describes a protective suit for motorcyclists with airbags applied in strips on the outside and pre-chambers mounted on the inside that are inflated with multiple propellant charges in the event of an accident. In addition to simple ripcords, sensors are used for accident detection. These can be attached to the protective clothing or to the motorcycle itself. These sensors are triggered via a wireless connection and computer analysis. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a wearable impact protection airbag is provided, comprising first and second superimposed and interconnected fabric layers defining an inflatable volume therebetween for receiving inflation gas, the airbag being configured to be worn around the body of a user such that one of the two layers is a bodyside layer defining a body side of the airbag that abuts and covers at least a portion of an underlying body part of the user's body, the body side having a spacer arrangement configured, in use, to space at least a portion of the airbag from the underlying body part to define a ventilation gap between the inflatable volume and the user's body,wherein the spacer assembly comprises: a flexible substrate proximate the bodyside layer; and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending outwardly from the flexible substrate, each protrusion terminating in a free end distal to the bodyside layer.

[0013] This arrangement allows for a ventilating airflow between the airbag and the user's body during use, which can have a beneficial effect on the user. Airbags according to the invention can therefore be particularly useful in hot and / or humid environments or climates.

[0014] The terms "body" and "body part" used herein with reference to a user of the airbag are intended to refer to the user's body or any portion thereof, including any clothing the user might wear beneath the wearable airbag. For example, if a user wore a shirt over their torso and an inventive airbag over the shirt, the airbag would still be considered to be worn around the user's torso, and the resulting air gap would actually be formed between the inflatable volume of the airbag and the user's shirt (which rests against the user's skin). It is not considered necessary that the air gap be formed directly against the user's skin, but merely between the inflatable volume of the airbag and any underlying clothing the user might be wearing.A person skilled in the art will understand that this still provides the technical advantage of allowing ventilation airflow to flow between the airbag and the user's body.

[0015] In some embodiments, it is conceivable that the ventilation gap may simply be passively ventilated in use, e.g., by natural atmospheric airflow or, if the user is a driver of a PTW, by the airflow created by the movement of the PTW (and hence also the airbag) through the air. However, alternative embodiments are also conceivable in which the airbag may be equipped with, or provided in combination with, an electric fan assembly configured to drive airflow into and through the ventilation gap, thereby providing an actively ventilated assembly.

[0016] The substrate of the spacer assembly provides support for the plurality of spaced-apart protrusions. Because the substrate is flexible, it can comfortably wrap around the user's body and conform to their shape. The protrusions serve to engage the underlying portion of a user's body during use, spacing the substrate, and thus the airbag, from the user's body to define and maintain the air gap.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, each protrusion is less flexible than the flexible substrate. This imparts stability to the spacer arrangement and ensures that the air gap is maintained (i.e., the thickness is not reduced) during use. This can be particularly advantageous in assemblies where the protrusions are sufficiently rigid to resist deformation under the stress that may occur during inflation of the airbag. In some assemblies, the airbag is intended to be normally worn in an uninflated condition and to be rapidly inflated only when required for impact protection—for example, by an inflator in response to a trigger signal from a collision or impact sensor. However, the invention is also applicable to airbags intended to be normally worn in a pre-inflated condition.

[0018] Embodiments are proposed in which each projection is substantially rigid.

[0019] Each protrusion may extend from a corresponding origin region on the flexible substrate and may have a longitudinal direction extending between the origin region and the free end of the protrusion. Each protrusion may be less flexible than the flexible substrate transverse to said longitudinal direction.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the flexible substrate has a thickness and each projection extends outwardly a distance greater than the thickness.

[0021] Where appropriate, each protrusion is elongated in its direction of extension. This can help maximize the airbag volume defined between the user's body and the airbag in use. Longer protrusions result in a thicker air gap (measured between the user's body and the airbag), while narrower protrusions result in a greater distance between adjacent protrusions. Both factors can contribute to an overall increase in the volume of the air gap, thus allowing for freer ventilation airflow within the air gap and between the protrusions.

[0022] Optionally, the spaced projections may be arranged in a regular array.

[0023] Embodiments are conceivable in which the projections are arranged in spaced, parallel rows. Each row may have a longitudinal direction and may comprise projections spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction.

[0024] It is proposed that the substrate may cover a region of the bodyside layer of the airbag and that the projections may be arranged at substantially equal distances from one another over this region.

[0025] It is proposed that the substrate may be attached to the bodyside layer of the airbag, for example, bonded thereto, e.g., by adhesive. In other embodiments, the substrate may be attached to the bodyside layer by other means, e.g., by stitching. Alternatively, the substrate may be removably attached to the bodyside layer of the airbag, e.g., by fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO) or snap fasteners or the like. Such an arrangement would allow the spacer assembly to be removed from the airbag, for example, for cleaning the spacer assembly itself or the airbag.

[0026] Optionally, each protrusion may be tapered such that it is wider near the flexible substrate than at the free end. In such an example, each protrusion may have a frustoconical shape.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate may be made of an elastomer. Suitable materials for a flexible substrate may include, for example, thermosetting foams; thermoplastic foams; thermosetting elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; viscoelastic polymers; silicone; rubber; colloids; polyurethane; polyvinyl chloride; nylon; or textiles (e.g., a woven material).

[0028] In some embodiments, each protrusion may comprise a rigid member, wherein a portion of the rigid member is embedded in and thus anchored to the flexible substrate such that the rigid member extends outwardly therefrom.

[0029] Optionally, each rigid element may be made of a first material and form a central core of the corresponding projection. In such arrangements, each central core may be encased in a second material, the second material being more flexible than the first material. In some proposals, the second material may be an elastomer and may optionally be formed from the same material as the flexible substrate.

[0030] Optionally, each rigid element may be formed from a metal such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, each rigid element may be formed from a plastic. Suitable materials for the rigid elements may include, for example: thermosetting polymers; thermoplastic polymers; thermosetting foams; thermoplastic foams; thermosetting elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; viscoelastic polymers; silicone; rubber (e.g., vulcanized rubber); colloids; polyurethane; polyvinyl chloride; high-density polyethylene; nylon; polyethylene; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides.

[0031] In some embodiments with rigid elements within the projections as described above, and which therefore comprise both an elastomeric, flexible substrate and rigid elements formed from a different material, it is provided that the spacer arrangement is molded by insert molding, overmolding, or by so-called 2K injection molding in a manner known per se.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flexible substrate and the protrusions may be integrally formed as a unitary structure, e.g., by molding.

[0033] The fabric layers defining the inflatable volume of the airbag may be substantially airtight in a manner known per se to prevent or at least significantly limit the escape of inflation gas or air from the airbag when inflated. The spacer arrangement of the present invention is considered particularly advantageous for airbags made of airtight fabric, since such a fabric is not breathable and would risk being particularly uncomfortable in hot and / or humid conditions unless a ventilated air gap were provided between the airbag and the user's body as described herein.

[0034] The wearable impact protection airbag of the present invention may be provided in various suitable forms such as in the form of, or as part of, a wearable garment such as a jacket or vest, or a harness or backpack.

[0035] The invention encompasses the combination of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such a combination is obviously inadmissible or is expressly excluded.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a feature or parameter described with respect to one of the above aspects may also be applied to any other aspect, unless they are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein, unless they are mutually exclusive. Summary of the characters

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention and to illustrate further features of the invention, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the attached figures: Fig. 1 is a front view of an uninflated impact airbag in the form of a vest worn by a user. Fig. 2 is a perspective view from the rear and a side showing the deflated airbag of Fig. 1 shows; The view in Fig. 3 corresponds to that of Fig. 1, but shows the airbag in an inflated state to provide impact protection for the user. Fig. 4 is one of the Fig. 2 corresponding view, but showing the airbag in the inflated state of Fig. 3 shows to provide impact protection to the user; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view from the front and from a side showing an airbag similar to that shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 having a spacer arrangement for spacing a portion of the airbag from the body of the user in use, the user not being shown for clarity; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic top view showing a possible configuration of the Fig. 5 shows the spacer arrangement shown; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 7, showing part of an alternative configuration of the spacer arrangement; Fig. Figure 9 is another enlarged cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 7, showing part of a further alternative configuration of the spacer arrangement; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of another alternative configuration of the spacer assembly; and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 7, which shows the spacer arrangement in combination with a moisture-transporting layer. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a type of uninflated impact protection airbag 1 worn by a user 2, which is suitable for implementing the present invention. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the same airbag 1 in the inflated and thus deployed state. The illustrated example is in the form of a vest worn around the torso of the user 3 to provide impact protection for the torso of the user 3. As can be seen, the airbag 1 is therefore configured to extend over the chest area, the shoulders (via the corresponding shoulder area 4), and the back area of the user.

[0040] The illustrated airbag 1 is provided with a fastening arrangement comprising both a conventional zipper 5 at the front and a pair of adjustable fastening straps 6 on each side (in Fig. 2 only one pair of straps 6 is shown on one side). The zipper 5 allows the front of the vest to be opened to allow the user 2 to put on the vest and then to close the front of the vest along the front of the user's torso 3. The adjustable fastening straps 6 allow the front and rear sections of the airbag 1 to be drawn together around the sides of the user's torso 3 to achieve a snug fit when the airbag 1 is worn. The straps 6 can be adjusted in length via corresponding sliders 7 in a manner known per se to adapt them to users of different sizes. The fastening straps 6 can be formed from flexible webbing. It should be noted, however, that the fastening straps 6 can be omitted in some embodiments of the invention, such as in the Fig. 3, in which a fastening arrangement comprises only one zipper 5.

[0041] The airbag 1 is formed from a first and a second superimposed fabric layer 8, 9, which are connected to each other by a circumferential seam 10 to form an inflatable volume 11 therebetween for receiving inflation gas from an inflator 12. The circumferential seam 10 thus defines the circumference of the inflatable volume 11. As can be seen, in the Fig. 1 to 4, only one (front and outward-facing) fabric layer 8 is clearly visible, since the other (rear and inward-facing) layer 9 rests against the user's body. Nevertheless, it is understood that when the airbag 1 is worn around the torso of the user 3, the inward-facing layer 9 defines a body side of the airbag 1 that rests against and covers the torso of the user 3.

[0042] It is proposed that the fabric from which the first and second layers 8, 9 are formed may be substantially air-impermeable and may, for example, have a per se known air-impermeable coating.

[0043] It should be noted, however, that while the illustrated arrangement consists of individual fabric layers 8, 9, each in the form of a separate and distinct panel, this is not absolutely necessary. For example, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the two layers 8, 9 may be defined by corresponding portions of the same fabric panel, which panel may be folded or otherwise processed to superimpose the portions and thereby define the inflatable volume 11 therebetween.

[0044] The inflator 12 is integrated in a front region of the airbag 1, but it is understood that the inflator 12 can be mounted at any desired location. The inflator 12 can be actuated to direct an inflation gas flow into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1, thereby inflating the airbag 1 from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown, uninflated state in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Other variants are also conceivable in which no integrated inflation device 12 of the type shown is present. For example, some embodiments may be provided with a simple valve arrangement, which may be connected to a separate inflation device for inflating an airbag 1 prior to use, or they may even be inflated by a user 2 by manually inflating the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 via a valve.

[0045] In addition, the two fabric layers 8, 9 are joined together by one or more seams 13, which extend inwardly from the circumferential seam 10 as re-entrant extensions thereof to define narrow, non-inflatable regions of the airbag 1. The narrow, non-inflatable regions defined by the seams 13 allow the airbag 1 to bend or curve around the torso of the user 3 when the airbag 1 is inflated, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, whereby the airbag 1 in this state has a significantly increased thickness and rigidity.

[0046] The airbag 1 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 and the recurring seams 13. In such an example, the seams 10 and 13 are woven into the structure of the fabric layers 8, 9 and are part of the structure. In other variants, however, the seams 10, 13 can alternatively be formed in other suitable ways, e.g., by gluing or sewing.

[0047] In Fig. 4 shows a somewhat simplified form of a portable airbag 1 embodying the present invention. Fig. The airbag shown in Figure 5 is similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 to 4, so that the same reference numerals are used for identical, equivalent or similar parts. As already mentioned, the airbag shown in Fig. However, the airbag 1 shown in Figure 5 does not have the adjustable fastening straps 6 of the previously described embodiment. Instead, the Fig. 5 is configured so that its inflatable volume 11 extends substantially around the sides of the torso of the user 3 when worn and the zipper 5 is closed as shown.

[0048] User 2 was in Fig. 5, so that the inwardly directed layer of the fabric 9 and the body side 14 of the airbag defined by it can be seen more clearly. The body side 14 of the airbag 1 provides a spacer arrangement which Fig. 5 is generally designated 15. As will be explained in more detail below, the spacer assembly 15 is configured to space the associated portion of the airbag 1 from the underlying portion of the user's torso 3 when the airbag 1 is worn, thereby defining a ventilation gap between the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 and the user's torso 3.

[0049] A possible configuration of the spacer arrangement 15 is shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, whereby it should be noted that Fig. 6 shows only an enlarged view of a sample area of the spacer assembly 15 and not its entire dimensions. The spacer assembly comprises a flexible support substrate 16 having a plurality of spaced projections 17 distributed over its surface and extending outwardly therefrom.

[0050] As in Fig. 5, the substrate 16 of the spacer assembly 15 is attached to the bodyside layer 9 of the airbag 1 to cover a portion thereof. Fig. 5, the substrate 16 is attached to and covers a portion of the bodyside liner 9 extending along an upper portion of the back portion of the vest and along the inside of the shoulder region 4 (shown by dashed lines) so as to bear against the upper back and shoulders of the user when the airbag 1 is worn. The substrate 16 may be attached to the bodyside liner 9 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the substrate 16 may be adhesively bonded to the bodyside liner 9, but it may alternatively be sewn to the bodyside liner 9. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the substrate 16 may be removably attached to the bodyside liner, for example, by means of fabric fasteners (such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO) or snap fasteners or the like.

[0051] The flexible nature of the carrier substrate 16 allows it to fit comfortably around the adjacent area of the user’s torso 3 during use and to adapt to its shape, as shown in Fig. 5. As will be appreciated, in the specific arrangement illustrated, the support substrate 16 may therefore assume a somewhat curved shape over the user's upper back region and over the user's shoulders.

[0052] The projections 17 are arranged at substantially equal distances from one another in the region of the body side 14 covered by the substrate 16. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the projections are arranged in a regular array comprising a plurality of spaced-apart rows 18. Each row 18 has a longitudinal direction and includes a number of projections 17 spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The carrier substrate 16 has a thickness T, as shown in Fig. 7. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, each projection 17 is elongated, extends outwardly from a corresponding origin region 19 on the substrate 16, and terminates in a corresponding free end 20 distal to the substrate 16 (and thus also to the bodyside layer 9 of the airbag 1 to which the substrate 16 is attached). In particular, it should be noted that each projection 17 extends outwardly from the support substrate 16 by a distance L that is greater than the thickness T of the substrate 16.

[0054] The Fig. The spacer assembly 15 shown in Figure 7 is formed as a unitary structure in which the support substrate 16 and the projections 17 are integrally formed, e.g., by molding. The spacer assembly may be molded from an elastomeric material, although, as noted above, a wide range of alternative materials could be used instead.

[0055] As from Fig. 7, in which the user's torso 3 is represented by a dashed line, the projections 17 serve to engage the underlying region of the user's torso 3 when the airbag 1 is worn in use, thereby spacing the substrate 16 (and hence the bodyside layer 9 of the airbag 1 to which it is attached) from the user's torso 3. A venting gap 21 is thus defined (and maintained in use) between the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 and the user's torso 3. As might be expected, because the projections 17 are spaced apart and arranged in a row, the venting gap 21 is defined between and within the projections 17 to extend substantially over the entire area of the bodyside layer 9 covered by the support substrate 16.The ventilation gap 21 allows ventilation air to flow between the airbag 1 and the torso of the user 3 between the projections 17 to provide a cooling effect to the user 2.

[0056] Preferably, the projections 17 are sufficiently rigid to prevent collapse or significant deformation during use of the airbag 1. This can be helpful to ensure that the ventilation gap 21 is maintained and the volume does not reduce during use, which could reduce the ventilation airflow through the volume. To strike a balance between the desired flexibility of the carrier substrate 16 (for comfort reasons) and the rigidity of the projections, some embodiments can be configured such that each projection 17 is less flexible than the carrier substrate 16. The spacer assemblies 15 of two such embodiments are shown on an enlarged scale in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 8 illustrates part of a spacer assembly 15 in which each projection 17 includes a corresponding elongated, rigid element 22 forming a central core of the projection and extending substantially the entire length of the projection 17. It is contemplated that each rigid element 22 may be formed from a material different from the material of the support substrate 16. For example, the rigid elements 22 may be formed from a suitable metal, or they may be formed from a plastic material that is substantially more rigid than the material from which the support substrate 16 is formed. One end of each rigid element 22 is embedded in the flexible substrate 16 and thereby anchored therein, so that the rigid element 22 extends outwardly from the substrate 16. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, each projection 17 further includes a sheath 23 covering 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.

[0058] The spacer arrangement 15 from Fig. 9 is similar to that of Fig. 8. However, the rigid elements 22 of the projections 17 are arranged in the Fig. 9 in cross-section a little larger than those from Fig. 8 and not covered. Accordingly, the rigid elements 22 of the Fig. 9, each effectively covers the entirety of a corresponding projection 17, so that the rigid elements 22 are visible.

[0059] However, it should be noted that in both cases Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 each projection 17 has a longitudinal direction extending between its origin region 19 and its free end, and (due to its rigid element 22) is less flexible transversely to the longitudinal direction than the substrate 16. Both arrangements 15 are thus configured to retain flexibility in the substrate 16 (for wearing comfort) while maintaining the rigidity of the projections 17 (compared with the previously described arrangement of Fig. 7) to thereby reduce the likelihood of a reduction in the air gap 21 during use of the airbag 1.

[0060] In perspective view shows Fig. 10 shows a portion of a further alternative form of spacer assembly 15 suitable for use in the present invention. The spacer assembly 15 of Fig. 10 is similar to that of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in the sense that it is also formed as a substantially unitary structure comprising only a single material. In contrast to the arrangements of Fig. 6 and Fig. However, in Figure 7, the alternating rows 18 of protrusions 17 are longitudinally offset so that each protrusion 17 in a particular row 18 abuts the gap between adjacent protrusions 17 in the or each adjacent row 18. This may help provide a more diffused ventilation airflow through the air gap formed between the substrate 16 and the user's body.

[0061] Another notable difference between the spacer arrangement 15 of Fig. 10 and the arrangements described above concerns the profile of each projection 17.

[0062] Fig. Figure 10 shows the projections 17 along each edge of the illustrated area in section, from which it can be seen that the projections 17 each have a frusto-conical shape and are thus tapered so that they are wider near the support substrate 16 than at their free ends 20. This helps to maximize the volume of the air gap 21 in the immediate vicinity of the body of the user 3 in use (by reducing the total contact area of all free ends 20), which can further improve the ventilation effect.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows a spacer arrangement 15 which is substantially identical to that shown in Fig. 7, which is provided in combination with an additional fabric layer 24. The additional fabric layer 24 may be in the form of a thin layer of moisture-transporting fabric (of a type known per se) extending over and across the free ends 20 of the projections 17 and thus covering the projections 17. Optionally, the moisture-transporting layer 24 may be stretched taut (or at least without significant slack) over the free ends 20 of the projections. It is proposed that the moisture-transporting layer 24 may be attached to the airbag 1 (e.g., to the bodyside layer 9) to form part of the airbag 1. As in Fig. 11, the moisture-transporting layer 24, in use, lies directly against the body of the user 3, so that the air gap 21, which is defined by and in the projections 17, will be formed between the moisture-transporting layer 24 and the carrier substrate 16. Nevertheless, the air gap 20 is still formed between the carrier substrate 16 and the user's body, albeit with the moisture-transporting layer 24 in between. The moisture-transporting layer 24 can serve to absorb and transport away the moisture generated on the body of the user 3 by perspiration, thereby further improving the cooling effect of the airbag 1. Of course, the moisture-transporting layer 24, which is shown in Fig. 11 in combination with the Fig. 7, also in combination with any other spacer arrangement 15 disclosed herein, such as the spacer arrangements 15 shown in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown.

[0064] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the following claims or in the appended drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in the form of a means for performing the disclosed function or a method or process for achieving the disclosed results, may be used individually or in any combination of these features to realize the invention in various forms.

[0065] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] To avoid any doubt, all theoretical explanations provided here are intended to aid readers' understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0067] All section headings used herein are for structuring purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0068] Throughout the specification, including the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, words like "comprise," "comprise," and "include," and variants like "comprising," "comprises," "comprising," and "including," are 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.

[0069] It should be noted that the singular forms "a" and "an" and "the" as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or up to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes the range from the one particular value and / or up to the other particular value. When values are expressed as approximate values through the use of the antecedent "about," it is understood that the particular value represents another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0070] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer herein to embodiments of the invention that may provide particular advantages under certain circumstances. However, it should be noted that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, mention of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] A wearable impact protection airbag (1) comprising first and second superimposed and connected fabric layers (8, 9) defining therebetween an inflatable volume (11) for receiving inflation gas; wherein the airbag (1) is configured, in use, to be worn around a body of a user (2) such that one of the layers (8, 9) is a bodyside layer (9) defining a body side (14) of the airbag (1) and covering at least a portion of an underlying body part (3) of a body of a user (2), wherein the body side (14) has a spacer arrangement (15) configured to space at least a portion of the airbag (1) from the underlying body part (3) in use, thereby defining a ventilation gap between the inflatable volume (11) and the body of the user (2). characterized byin that the spacer assembly (15) comprises: a flexible substrate (16) proximate the bodyside layer (9); and a plurality of spaced projections (17) extending outwardly from the flexible substrate (16), each projection terminating in a free end (20) distal to the bodyside layer (9). [2] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1, wherein each projection (17) is less flexible than the flexible substrate (16). [3] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each projection (17) extends from a respective origin region (19) on the flexible substrate (16) and has a longitudinal direction extending between the origin region and the free end (20) of the projection (17), each projection (17) being less flexible transversely to the longitudinal direction than the flexible substrate (16). [4] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection (17) is substantially rigid. [5] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible substrate (16) has a thickness (T) and each projection (17) extends outwardly therefrom by a distance (L) greater than the thickness (T). [6] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection (17) is elongated in its direction of extension. [7] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced projections (17) are arranged in a regular array. [8] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projections (17) are arranged in spaced, parallel rows (18), each row (18) having a length and comprising a number of projections (17) spaced from one another along the length. [9] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (16) covers a region of the bodyside layer (9) and the projections (17) are spaced substantially equally apart from one another over this region. [10] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection (17) is tapered so that it is wider near the flexible substrate (16) than at the free end. [11] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the projections (17) is frustoconical. [12] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection (17) comprises a rigid member (22), a portion of the rigid member (22) being embedded in and anchored to the flexible substrate (16) such that the rigid member (22) extends outwardly therefrom. [13] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 12, wherein each rigid element (22) is formed from a first material and defines a central core of a respective projection (17), each central core being sheathed (23) with a second material, the second material being more flexible than the first material. [14] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the substrate (16) and the projections (17) are integrally formed as a unitary structure. [15] A portable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, provided in the form of or as part of a jacket, a vest, a harness or a backpack.

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