A wearable impact protection airbag

Abstract

A wearable impact protection airbag (1) is disclosed. The airbag comprises first and second superimposed and interconnected fabric layers (8, 9) defining therebetween an inflatable volume (11) for the receipt of inflating air, and is configured to be worn about a user's torso (3) such that one of said layers (9) defines a body-side of the airbag (1) adjacent and covering at least part of the user's torso (3) when in use and the other of said layers (8) defines an outer-side of the airbag (1). An actuation arrangement (12) is selectively operable to deflate and inflate the airbag (1) between: i) an uninflated non-protective condition and ii) an inflated protective condition. The actuation arrangement (12) is configured to provide and maintain a sustained inflation pressure within said inflatable volume (11) in said inflated protective condition to provide impact protection to the user's torso (3) throughout a period of wear by a user (2).

Description

[0001] A WEARABLE IMPACT PROTECTION AIRBAG

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a wearable impact protection airbag, and in particular (but not exclusively) relates to a wearable impact protection airbag suitable for use by a rider of a powered two-wheeler (PTW) vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter.

[0004] Background

[0005] Inflatable airbag arrangements are very well known in the automotive industry. For many years now, airbags have been provided in the interior of vehicles such as passenger cars to protect occupants in the event of accidents such as crashes. Such airbags are deployed by rapid inflation in the event of an imminent or ongoing vehicle crash, to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against elements of the vehicle such as the steering wheel or the dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags at various positions throughout the cabin of a motor vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in the case of various types of accidents such as, for example, rollover accidents and oblique impact crashes. For example, it is now common practice to provide motor vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers. Some vehicles even comprise airbags arranged to deploy across parts of the exterior of the vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as cyclists or motorcyclists, in the event that they might be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

[0006] It has also been proposed to provide wearable impact protection devices to provide specific protection to designated body parts by arranging inflatable protection devices in the vicinity of a certain body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable impact protection device at a defined position on the body, the device may be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for that designated body part. Such wearable devices are considered to be of particular benefit to riders of so-called ‘powered two-wheeler’ vehicles (hereinafter referred to PTWs) such as motorcycles or scooters, or even pedal cycles. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags inside motorcycle garments such as motorcycle jackets to provide improved protection for motorcyclists in the event of accidents. In exemplary arrangements, a garment such as a protective motorcycle jacket typically has an airbag (for example hidden inside the lining of the garment) which is arranged in fluid communication with an inflator such as a gas generator. The inflator is operably associated with a crash or impact sensor (which may be provided either within the garment itself, or alternatively on a motorcycle) configured to provide an actuating signal to the inflator in the event that a likely or actual crash or impact is detected, thereby actuating the inflator to inflate and thus deploy the airbag inside the garment. As will be appreciated, inflation of the airbag inside the garment will provide a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer’s body around which or over which the airbag is provided. For example, a motorcycle jacket with an airbag will provide protection to the upper body of a motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

[0007] The main parameters of importance regarding deployable airbag performance in terms of the cushioning effect provided are pressure and thickness - that is to say the peak internal gas pressure and the maximum inflated thickness of the airbag achieved upon deployment. Generally, and within certain limits, greater inflated thickness and greater inflated pressure is known to improve the performance of an airbag in terms of providing effective protection. However, it has been found that in the particular case of inflatable wearable devices, it can be very difficult to accommodate airbags which achieve significant thickness upon inflation because of the often very limited space available within a wearable garment (such as a motorcycle jacket, for example). As will be appreciated, airbags which are intended to be inflated in response to an actuation signal during use require rapid, and thus aggressive inflation, and so must be made from suitably sturdy fabric to ensure that their structural integrity is maintained.

[0008] Limited space between the outermost skin of a garment and the wearer’s body restricts the size to which an airbag is able to inflate between the wearer’s body and the outermost skin of the garment. But also, an airbag which is configured to achieve a relatively large thickness upon very rapid inflation, whilst ensuring that the structural integrity of the airbag is maintained, will comprise more structural material (typically woven fabric), and will thus necessarily require more space even when it is uninflated (i.e., prior to deployment) than an airbag configured to achieve a relatively small thickness. A large mass of airbag fabric installed in a wearable garment can make the garment uncomfortable to wear, particularly over long periods of time as might be necessary, for example, in the case of a motorcycle jacket. A personal impact protection device which is uncomfortable to wear is disadvantageous because a user might be disinclined to wear the device due to concerns for comfort.

[0009] Other alternative forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed which suffer less from the problems noted above. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags in an initially folded and / or rolled package inside an accessory such as a backpack, harness pack or belt pack. These arrangements can accommodate larger airbags with more structural material (typically woven fabric) than motorcycle jackets, but can be considered cumbersome and inconvenient to wear. Also, arrangements of this type can be complicated and thus expensive to produce.

[0010] Because of the wide range of potential accident situations involving PTWs, it can also be difficult to provide such prior art arrangements with crash or impact sensors (typically comprising one or more accelerometer) which can reliably detect 100% of potentially injurious accidents. As will be appreciated, a wearable impact protection device arranged to deploy only in response to an actuation signal from a crash or impact sensor can therefore be prone to non-deployment in some types of accident and can therefore offer sub-optimal impact protection to the user.

[0011] Another problem with conventional wearable impact protection devices which are deployed only in response to an actuation signal from a crash or impact sensor, is that they must either be discarded after deployment, or must be very carefully repackaged to ensure reliable future deployment.

[0012] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable impact protection airbag, the airbag comprising first and second superimposed and interconnected fabric layers defining therebetween an inflatable volume for the receipt of inflating gas, the airbag being configured to be worn about a user’s torso such that one of said layers defines a body-side of the airbag adjacent and covering at least part of the user’s torso when in use and the other of said layers defines an outer-side of the airbag, the airbag being provided with an actuation arrangement selectively operable to deflate and inflate the airbag between: i) an uninflated non-protective condition and ii) an inflated protective condition, wherein the actuation arrangement is configured to provide and maintain a sustained inflation pressure within said inflatable volume in said inflated protective condition to provide impact protection to the user’s torso throughout a period of wear by a user.

[0015] The airbag of the present invention may find particular use as a protective device for a rider of a PTW such as a motorcycle or scooter. The invention allows such a user to pre-inflate the airbag to the inflated protective condition (e.g. at a prescribed inflation pressure) prior to embarking on a journey or ride, and to maintain the inflated condition throughout the journey or ride. In this manner, the airbag may provide effective impact protection to the rider throughout the journey or ride without necessitating rapid inflation during the journey or ride in response to the detection of a potential or actual crash or accident. The airbag will thus always be inflated during use and hence will provide impact protection at all times whilst in use. The airbag may also provide improved protection from impacts which might not normally be detected by a standard prior art arrangement incorporating an accelerometer or crash sensor.

[0016] It is proposed that the inflation pressure may be between 40 kPa and 120kPa. In some embodiments, the inflation pressure may be 80 kPa.

[0017] The airbag may be conveniently deflated after use, for example at the end of a journey or ride, so as to be reduced in size for convenient stowage or packing.

[0018] The actuation arrangement may be alternately (and repeatably) operable: i) to inflate the airbag from the uninflated non-protective condition to the inflated protective condition; and ii) to deflate the airbag from the inflated protective condition to the uninflated non-protective condition, and vice-versa.

[0019] The actuation arrangement may be operable whilst the airbag is being worn by a user to inflate and deflate the airbag between the uninflated non-protective condition and the inflated protective condition, and the airbag may be configured such that the body-side covers a comparable extent of a wearer’s torso in both the uninflated non-protective condition and the inflated protective condition. This may provide a less expensive and more convenient wearable airbag in comparison to prior art arrangements which are typically configured to inflate aggressively and rapidly, unfolding and / or unrolling from an initially tightly packaged condition in response to an actuation signal from an accelerometer or crash sensor. Optionally, the airbag is configured such that the body-side covers no more of the wearer’s torso in the inflated protective condition than it does in the uninflated non-protective condition. This may allow the airbag to have a simpler construction than prior art arrangements, and may thus reduce cost of manufacture.

[0020] Conveniently, said inflatable volume may comprise at least two fluidly interconnected main inflatable chambers; one of said chambers being arranged to define a front inflatable panel of the airbag configured to cover a front region of a wearer’s torso in use; and another of said chambers being arranged to define a back inflatable panel of the airbag configured to cover a back region of a wearer’s torso in use.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wearable impact protection airbag may further comprise a non- inflatable rigid or resiliently deformable impact protection panel secured to the outer-side of the back inflatable panel.

[0022] Conveniently, the airbag may be provided in the form of a harness, a vest, or a jacket.

[0023] Advantageously, the actuation arrangement may be manually operable by a user to inflate the airbag to said inflated protective condition and may be manually operable by the user to deflate the airbag to said deflated non-protective condition.

[0024] In some embodiments, the actuation arrangement may comprise a hand-pump arrangement operable to direct inflating air into the inflatable volume to inflate the airbag into said inflated protective condition. In such embodiments, the hand-pump may either be provided as an integral feature of the airbag so as to be worn by a user in use, or may be external to the airbag and fluidly connectable therewith to facilitate inflation prior to use.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the actuation arrangement may comprise an electrically powered compressor operable to direct inflating gas into the inflatable volume to inflate the airbag into said inflated protective condition. In such embodiments, the compressor may either be provided as an integral feature of the airbag so as to be worn by a user in use, or may be external to the airbag and fluidly connectable therewith to facilitate inflation prior to use.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments, the compressor may be provided in combination with a pressure sensor and a controller. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber and provide a pressure signal to the controller representative of the measured pressure. The controller may be configured to control the compressor in dependence on (i.e. in response to) the pressure signal to automatically adjust the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber to achieve and substantially maintain a target inflation pressure. The target inflation pressure may be between 40 kPa and 120kPa. In some embodiments, the target inflation pressure may be adjusted about a median value of 80 kPa.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuation arrangement may further comprise a GPS receiver module provided on the airbag and configured to provide GPS data to the controller, the controller being configured to use the GPS data to calculate speed of travel of the airbag in use, and automatically adjust the target inflation pressure in response to the calculated speed so as 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 envisaged in which the actuation arrangement further comprises an accelerometer provided on the airbag, and wherein the controller is configured to automatically increase the target inflation pressure in response to receipt from the accelerometer of a signal indicative of the airbag being subjected to an acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

[0029] The wearable impact protection airbag may be provided in combination with a PTW having a battery, in which case the compressor may be configured to be powered by said battery of the vehicle. For example, the compressor may be releasably electrically connectable to the vehicle battery.

[0030] Alternatively, or additionally, the compressor may be provided in combination with a battery provided within a compressor unit integral to the airbag so as to be worn by a user when the airbag is in use.

[0031] In embodiments having an above-mentioned impact protection panel secured to the outerside of the back inflatable panel of the airbag, the compressor unit may be mounted to the impact protection panel.

[0032] The actuation arrangement may comprise a manually operable valve which is actuable between a closed condition in which the inflatable volume is sealed, and an open condition in which the inflatable volume is vented to thereby deflate the airbag into said uninflated non- protective condition. The actuation arrangement may comprise a pressure relief valve configured to vent the inflatable volume (e.g. automatically) in response to the inflation pressure thereof exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value may, for example, be between 40 kPa and 120 kPa.

[0033] Optionally, the actuation arrangement may comprise a pressure indicator configured to provide an indication to a user representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. The pressure indicator may be a mechanical pressure indicator configured to provide a visual indication representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. Alternatively, the pressure indicator may be an electrical pressure indicator operatively associated with a pressure sensor configured to measure inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber.

[0034] The pressure indicator may be configured to provide a visual indication representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. Optionally, the pressure indicator is configured to provide a haptic indication representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments, the pressure indicator may be configured to provide an auditory indication representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber.

[0035] The or each above-mentioned respective indication representative of the inflation pressure may include an indication as to whether the inflation pressure is above or below a predetermined threshold value.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least part of the actuation arrangement may be integral to the airbag so as to be worn by a user when the airbag is in use.

[0037] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0038] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

[0039] Summary of the Figures So that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the rear and right-side showing a user (i.e. the rider of a PTW) wearing an impact protection airbag in accordance with the present invention and which is provided in the form of a vest, the airbag being illustrated in an uninflated non- protective condition;

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the left-side showing the impact protection airbag of Figure 1 in an alternate inflated protection condition

[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front and left-side showing the impact protection airbag in the inflated protection condition also shown in Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration showing a possible user interface system comprising a smartphone and a smartwatch; and

[0044] Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 3, but which shows an alternative embodiment of the impact protection airbag having an integral hand-pump arrangement for inflation.

[0045] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an uninflated wearable impact protection airbag 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being worn by a user 2. Figures 2 and 3 show the same airbag 1 in an inflated condition. The specific airbag 1 illustrated is provided in the form of a vest to be worn about the user’s torso 3 to provide impact protection to the user’s torso 3. As illustrated most clearly in Figure 2, the user 2 is depicted as a rider of a PTW 4 taking the form of a scooter. As will be appreciated, the rider 2 is shown in a conventional PTW riding position and is thus seated on a saddle 5 of the PTW 4 and is holding the handlebars 6 of the PTW 4 in a conventional manner. As will be noted, the airbag 1 is configured to extend across the user’s chest region, shoulders and back region, and is provided with a securing arrangement comprising adjustable waist strap 7 which permits the front and rear regions of the airbag 1 to be drawn together around the sides of the user’s torso 3 to ensure a snug and secure fit when the airbag 1 is worn. The waist strap 7 can be adjusted in length (for example by a simple hook- and-loop fastening arrangement), in a manner known perse, to accommodate users of varying sizes. The waist strap 7 may be formed of flexible webbing.

[0048] The airbag 1 is formed from first and second superimposed layers of fabric 8, 9 which are interconnected by a peripheral seam 10 to define an inflatable volume 11 therebetween for the receipt of inflating air from an actuation arrangement 12. The peripheral seam 10 thus defines the periphery of the inflatable volume 11 . As will be appreciated, only one (outwardly facing) fabric layer 8 is clearly visible in Figures 1 - 3, because the other (inwardly facing) layer 9 is hidden against the user’s body (or clothing). When the airbag 1 is worn about the user’s torso 3 as illustrated, the inwardly facing layer 9 defines a body-side of the airbag 1 which lies adjacent and covers part of the user’s torso. Conversely, the outwardly facing fabric layer 8 defines an outer-side of the airbag 1 .

[0049] As illustrated most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 is divided into a pair of fluidly interconnected inflatable chambers 13, 14. One of the inflatable chambers 13 is configured to define a back inflatable panel 15 of the airbag 1 , which covers a back region of the user’s torso 3 in use. The other inflatable chamber 14 is configured to define a front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1 , which covers a front region of the user’s torso 3 in use. The front and back inflatable panels 15, 16 are interconnected by a pair of shoulder straps 17, defined by the interconnected fabric layers 8, 9 of the airbag 1 . As shown in Figure 3, the inflatable chamber 13 defining the back inflatable panel 15 is fluidly connected to the inflatable chamber 14 defining the front inflatable panel 16 via an inflatable conduit 18 formed along one of the shoulder straps 17 (on the user’s right-hand side as illustrated) and between the two fabric layers 8, 9 thereof. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the inflatable chamber 13 defining the back inflatable panel 15 includes a projecting elongate inflatable shoulder portion 19 formed along the other shoulder strap 17, but which terminates in spaced relation to a proximal region of the inflatable chamber 14 defining the front inflatable panel 16. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the back and front inflatable panels 15, 16 may be fluidly interconnected by a pair of inflatable conduits 18, each formed along a respective shoulder strap 17. The airbag 1 illustrated in Figures 1 - 3 may be formed via a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 8 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 9 to define the peripheral seam 10. The seam 10 may thus be woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 8, 9.

[0050] As illustrated most clearly in Figure 1 , the airbag 1 further comprises an impact protection panel 20 which is secured to the outer-side (i.e. defined by the outwardly facing fabric layer 8) of the back inflatable panel 15. The impact protection panel 20 is non-inflatable, may be substantially rigid or resiliently deformable, and is intended to serve as a passive protector to provide improved impact protection to the vulnerable lower spinal region of a user 2. The impact protection panel 20 may be formed from suitable high-impact plastic material, elastomeric material, or a vulcanised rubber material, for example. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the impact protection panel 20 may comprise a core plate formed from suitable structural material such as those mentioned, the core plate being surrounded by a softer sheath formed from fabric such as, for example neoprene or the like.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated, the actuation arrangement 12 is provided in the form of a substantially self-contained unit having a housing 21 which is mounted to the impact protection panel 20. The actuation arrangement 12 is thus integral to the airbag 1 so as to be worn by the user 2 when the airbag 1 is in use (i.e. when the airbag 1 is being worn).

[0052] The actuation arrangement 12 may take various different forms (some of which are described hereinafter in more detail), but is proposed to be alternately (and manually) operable by the user 2: i) to inflate the airbag 1 from the uninflated non-protective condition illustrated in Figure 1 , to the inflated protective condition illustrated in Figures 2 and 3; and ii) to deflate the airbag 1 from the inflated protective condition illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, to the uninflated non-protective condition illustrated in Figure 1. In particular, the actuation arrangement 12 is configured to provide and maintain a sustained inflation pressure (which may, for example, be between 40 kPa and 120 KPa, and optionally approximately 120 kPa) throughout a period of wear by the user 2. The user 2 is thus able to inflate the airbag 1 into the inflated protective condition illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 prior to undertaking a journey or ride, with the airbag 1 thereafter remaining substantially inflated in said protective condition during the journey or ride. At the end of the journey or ride, the user 2 may then operate the actuation arrangement 12 to deflate the airbag 1 into the uninflated non-protective condition illustrated in Figure 1 , in which the airbag 1 occupies significantly less spaced and is more flexible, thereby allowing conveniently packaging or stowage. The actuation arrangement 12 is operable whilst the airbag 1 is actually being worn by a user 2 to inflate and deflate the airbag between the inflated and uninflated conditions described above. It is therefore not necessary for a user to inflate the airbag 1 prior to donning it, and neither is it necessary to deflate the airbag 1 prior to removing it. Furthermore, as illustrated, the airbag 1 is not packed (for example folded and / or rolled) into a tight package in its uninflated condition. The airbag 1 may therefore be configured to have a somewhat compact configuration. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the airbag 1 is configured such that its body-side (i.e. defined by the inwardly facing fabric layer 8 when worn) covers a comparable extent of a wearer’s torso 3 in both the uninflated non-protective condition (shown in Figure 1) and the inflated protective condition (shown in Figures 2 and 3). In some such embodiments, it is proposed that the airbag ay be configured such that its body-side covers no more of the wearer’s torso 3 in the inflated protective condition than it does in the uninflated non-protective condition.

[0053] An embodiment of the actuation arrangement 12 will now be described with particular reference to Figure 1.

[0054] In the embodiment illustrated, the actuator arrangement 12 comprises an electrically powered 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 provided within the housing 21 , which in this embodiment takes the form of a compressor unit. The battery 23 may be removable from the compressor unit 21 in some embodiments. Furthermore, other embodiments are envisaged in which the compressor unit 21 may not actually include a battery at all. For example, the compressor unit 21 could instead be provided with means to releasably and electrically connect to a battery carried by a PTW 4 (e.g. such as the ignition battery of the PTW), to thereby power the compressor 22. In this manner, the user 2 may electrically connect the compressor unit 21 to the battery of the PTW (for example by a suitable electrical cable) prior to embarking on a ride or journey, and may thereafter disconnect the compressor unit 21 from the PTW. This type of arrangement could allow the size of the compressor unit 21 to be reduced.

[0055] The compressor 22 has a first airflow port (not shown) provided behind and thus in direct fluid communication with a number of combined air inlet / outlet apertures 24 formed through the rearmost surface of the compressor unit 21 . The compressor 22 also has a second airflow port 25 in fluid connection with an airflow passage extending from the compressor housing 21 , through an aperture (not shown) in the impact protection panel 20, and through an aligned aperture (also not shown) formed through the underlying region of the outwardly facing fabric layer 8 of the back inflatable panel 15. The compressor 22 is thus provided within an effective airflow path extending between the atmosphere outside the compressor housing 21 and the inflatable volume 11 within the airbag 1 , via the inlet / outlet apertures 24, and the aligned apertures provided through the impact protection panel 20 and the outwardly facing fabric layer 8.

[0056] The compressor 22 will have a suitable user operable control, via which the user may actuate the compressor: i) to direct inflating air from the atmosphere outside the airbag 1 , through the inlet / outlet apertures 24 in the housing 21 , and into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 to thereby inflate the airbag to the inflated protection condition illustrated in Figures 2 and 3; and ii) to direct inflating air in the opposite direction, from the inflatable volume 11 within the airbag and into the atmosphere via the inlet / outlet apertures 24. As will be appreciated, when the compressor 22 is operated to direct inflating air from the inflatable volume 11 to the atmosphere, it will effectively at least partially evacuate the inflatable chamber 11 , thereby significantly reducing the thickness of the airbag 1 .

[0057] In addition to the above-described compressor arrangement, the airbag 1 may optionally also be provided with a pressure release valve 26 as part of the actuation arrangement. The pressure release valve 26 may be provided either through an aperture 27 formed in one of the fabric layers 8, 9 of the airbag 1 , as illustrated in Figure 1 , or may be provided through a region of the peripheral seam 10. The pressure release valve 26 may be configured to automatically (e.g. mechanically, in a manner known perse) vent the inflatable volume 11 to the atmosphere in response to the inflation pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold which could be, for example, a threshold in the range of 40kPa and 120kPa. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the pressure release valve 26 may also be manually operable, thereby permitting a user 2 to rapidly vent the inflatable volume 11 to deflate the airbag 1 (at least partially), rather than relying (solely) on operation of the compressor 22 as described above.

[0058] The compressor unit 21 may also include a controller (such as an electronic control unit), and a pressure sensor arranged and configured to measure inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber 11 of the airbag 1 and provide a pressure signal to the controller representative thereof. The compressor unit 21 illustrated also carries a primary user control panel 28. A secondary user control panel 29 may also be provided on the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1 , as illustrated most clearly in Figure 3. It is envisaged that the primary and secondary user control panels 28, 29 may be identical to one another. Both control panels 28, 29 are electrically connected to the controller within the compressor unit 21 . In the case of the secondary control panel 29, which is located remote from the compressor unit 21 , this electrical connection may be provided by a flexible wire 30 running through the peripheral seam 10 of the airbag, along one of the shoulder straps 17 as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0059] Each user control panel 28, 29 has a respective main actuation button 31 alternately actuable by the user 2 to inflate the airbag 1 to the inflated protective condition illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 (if the airbag is initially deflated) and to deflate the airbag 1 to the deflated non-protective condition illustrated in Figures 1 (if the airbag is initially inflated).

[0060] In addition to the main actuation button 31 , each user control panel 28, 29 also includes a respective pressure indicator 32. In the particular embodiment illustrated, each pressure indicator 32 takes the form of a row of discrete LEDs, and is thus configured to provide a visual indication representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 , under the control of the controller and in dependence on the pressure signal provided by the pressure sensor. Alternatively, or additionally, each pressure indicator 32 may be configured to provide a haptic indication (e.g. by the provision of one or more small eccentric motors), or an auditory indication (e.g. by the provision of one or more small speakers) representative of the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 . It is envisaged that in some embodiments the pressure indicator 32 may be configured to provide an indication to the user as to whether the measured inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 is above or below a predetermined threshold value. As noted above, the predetermined threshold value may be in the range of 40 kPa to 120 kPa, and optionally approximately 80 kPa in some embodiments.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to actively control the compressor 22 in dependence (i.e. in response to) the pressure signal provided by the pressure sensor, and may thereby automatically adjust the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 to achieve and substantially maintain a target inflation pressure. The predetermined threshold value may be in the range of 40 kPa to 120 kPa, and optionally approximately 80 kPa in some embodiments. In such embodiments, once the inflatable chamber 11 is substantially inflated to the inflated protective condition, the controller will thus actively control the compressor 22 so as: i) to direct inflating air from the atmosphere outside the airbag 1 , through the inlet / outlet apertures 24 in the housing 21 , and into the inflatable volume 11 of the airbag 1 in response to the detection of the inflation pressure being below the target value to, thereby restore the target inflation pressure; and ii) to direct inflating air in the opposite direction, from the inflatable volume 11 within the airbag and into the atmosphere via the inlet / outlet apertures 24 in response to the detection of the inflation pressure exceeding the target value, to thereby restore the target inflation pressure.

[0062] Further active control embodiments are also proposed in which the compressor unit 21 may further comprise a GPS receiver module configured to provide GPS data to the controller. In such embodiments, the controller is configured to use the GPS data to calculate speed of travel of the airbag 1 in use (which will thus be representative of the speed of the PTW 4) and automatically adjust the target inflation pressure in response to the calculated speed so as to: i) increase the target inflation pressure in response to an increase in speed; and ii) decrease the target inflation pressure in response to a decrease in speed. In this manner, the compressor 22 may be actively controlled in order to increase the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 during relatively high speed periods of a ride or journey (thereby increasing the firmness of the airbag 1 in the inflated protective condition), and to decrease or restore the inflation pressure to a median level during lower speed periods (thereby reducing the firmness of the airbag 1 in the inflated protective condition). This type of control allows the airbag 1 to be inflated to a higher inflation pressure during relatively high-risk (i.e. high speed) periods of the ride or journey, and to a lower inflation pressure at other times, which may be more comfortable for the user 2 wearing the airbag 1 .

[0063] In further embodiments, the GPS receiver may be supplemented or replaced with 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 in response to receipt from the accelerometer of a signal indicative of an acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold value (e.g. which may be deemed representative of a likely crash). In this manner, the compressor 22 may be actively controlled to increase the inflation pressure of the inflatable chamber 11 in direct response to the detection of a potentially injurious crash, thereby increasing the firmness of the airbag 1 in the inflated protective condition and thus increasing the level of impact protection provided to the user 2 in such circumstances. Turning now to consider Figure 4, the compressor unit 21 may be configured for wireless communication (e.g. via Bluetooth, wi-fi, or other near-field communication protocol) with a user device such as a smartphone 33 and / or a smartwatch 34 running a software application (‘app’) 35, 36 configured to facilitate user interaction with the actuation arrangement 12 of the airbag 1 .

[0064] Purely by way of example, the illustrated smartphone 33 is depicted running an app 35 which provides various icons indicating system status information to the user 2, 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” indicating that the airbag is not currently inflated, or alternatively, “Inflated” indicating that the airbag 1 is inflated); and battery charge level 38 (i.e. of the battery 23 powering the compressor 22). Additionally, the app 35 displays various icons denoting operating buttons, which if pressed will selected different operating modes of the compressor unit 21 including, for example: a “Speed adaptive mode” 39 (which will control the inflation pressure of the airbag 1 in dependence on speed, as described above); a “Performance mode” 40 (which may, for example, control the inflation pressure of the airbag 1 in dependence on acceleration signals from an accelerometer, as described above); a “City” mode 41 (which may, for example, set the target inflation pressure to a relatively low level); a “Highway” mode 42 (which may, for example, set the target inflation pressure to a relatively high level); and a “Power-saving” mode 43 (which may, for example, disable active control of the compressor 22 and simply maintain a median target inflation pressure).

[0065] The smartphone app 35 further displays an icon representing a main actuation button 44 via which the user may trigger inflation and deflation of the airbag 1 . In the condition illustrated in Figure 4, the actuation button icon 44 is shown representing a “Pressurize” function, operable to trigger the compressor 22 to inflate the airbag 1 . When the airbag 1 is already in its inflated protective condition, the actuation button icon 44 will instead represent a “De- Pressurize” function, operable to deflate the airbag 1 .

[0066] The smartwatch app 36 may replicate the above-described functionality and icons of the smartphone app 35, and may thus provide identical control functions for operation of the compressor unit 21 without the smartphone 33. However, in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 4, the smartwatch app 36 provides limited functionality and presents the user 2 only with a secondary actuation button icon 44’ to replicate the function of the actuation button icon 44 of the smartwatch app 36. In this type of configuration, it is envisaged that the smartwatch app 36 will function in combination with the smartphone app 35.

[0067] Whilst the invention has been described above with specific reference to various embodiments having an actuation arrangement 12 comprising an electrically powered compressor 22, it is to be appreciated that this is not considered essential. For example, Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the airbag 1 which instead comprises a manually operable hand-pump 45 via which the user 2 may manually pump inflating air into the inflatable volume 11 to inflate the airbag 1 . In such embodiments, it is envisaged that the hand-pump 45 will be provided on the airbag 1 in a location which is convenient for the user to reach whilst wearing the airbag 1 . Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated, the handpump 45 is shown provided at an edge region of the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1 .

[0068] In embodiments comprising a manually operable hand-pump 45, the user 2 may use the manually operable pressure release valve 26 described above to manually vent the inflation chamber 11 and thereby deflate the airbag 1 . As shown in Figure 5, in such embodiments it is proposed that the valve 26 may be moved to the front inflatable panel 16 of the airbag 1 to allow more convenient operation by the user, in combination with the hand-pump 45, whilst wearing the airbag 1 .

[0069] Whilst the invention has been described above with specific reference to embodiments provided in the form of a vest to be worn about the user’s torso 3, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a configuration of 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 extending down each side of the front of a user’s torso and around the user’s neck when worn, but not necessarily extending across the user’s back. Alternative embodiments are also envisaged in which the airbag may be provided as part of a protective jacket such as a motorcycle jacket; for example being provided within the structure of the jacket, between an inner lining and an outer skin.

[0070] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0072] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0073] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated 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.

[0074] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0075] The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore 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 from the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ), the airbag comprising first and second superimposed and interconnected fabric layers (8,9) defining therebetween an inflatable volume (1 1 ) for the receipt of inflating air, the airbag (1 ) being configured to be worn about a user’s torso (3) such that one of said layers (9) defines a bodyside of the airbag (1 ) adjacent and covering at least part of the user’s torso (3) when in use and the other of said layers (8) defines an outer-side of the airbag (1 ), the airbag (1 ) being provided with an actuation arrangement (12) selectively operable to deflate and inflate the airbag (1 ) between: i) an uninflated non- protective condition and ii) an inflated protective condition, wherein the actuation arrangement (12) is configured to provide and maintain a sustained inflation pressure within said inflatable volume (1 1 ) in said inflated protective condition to provide impact protection to the user’s torso (3) throughout a period of wear by a user (2).

2. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the actuation arrangement (12) is alternately operable: i) to inflate the airbag (1 ) from the uninflated non-protective condition to the inflated protective condition; and ii) to deflate the airbag (1 ) from the inflated protective condition to the uninflated non- protective condition.

3. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuation arrangement (12) is operable whilst the airbag (1 ) is being worn by a user to inflate and deflate the airbag (1 ) between the uninflated non-protective condition and the inflated protective condition, and the airbag (1 ) is configured such that the body-side covers a comparable extent of a wearer’s torso in both the uninflated non-protective condition and the inflated protective condition.

4. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the airbag (1 ) is configured such that the body-side covers no more of the user’s torso (3) in the inflated protective condition than it does in the uninflated non-protective condition.

5. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim wherein said inflatable volume (11 ) comprises at least two fluidly interconnected inflatable chambers (13,14); one of said chambers (14) being arranged to define a front inflatable panel (16) of the airbag (1 ) configured to cover a front region of a user’s torso (3) in use; and another of said chambers (13) being arranged to define a back inflatable panel (15) of the airbag (1) configured to cover a back region of a user’s torso (3) in use.

6. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a non-inflatable rigid or resiliently deformable impact protection panel (20) secured to the outer-side of the back inflatable panel (15).

7. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim provided in the form of a harness, a vest, or a jacket.

8. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation arrangement (12) is manually operable by a user (2) to inflate the airbag (1) to said inflated protective condition and is manually operable by the user (2) to deflate the airbag (1) to said deflated non-protective condition.

9. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said actuation arrangement (12) comprises an electrically powered compressor (22) operable to direct inflating air into the inflatable volume (11 ) to inflate the airbag (1) into said inflated protective condition.

10. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 9, wherein said compressor (22) is provided in combination with a pressure sensor and a controller, the pressure sensor being configured to measure inflation pressure within the inflatable chamber (11) and provide a pressure signal to the controller representative thereof, and the controller being configured 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 wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein said actuation arrangement (12) further comprises a GPS receiver module provided on the airbag (1) and configured to provide GPS data to the controller, the controllerbeing configured to use said GPS data to calculate speed of travel of the airbag (1) in use and automatically adjust said target inflation pressure in response to said calculated speed so as to: increase said target inflation pressure in response to an increase in speed; and decrease said target inflation pressure in response to a decrease in speed.

12. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein said actuation arrangement (12) further comprises an accelerometer provided on the airbag (1), and wherein said controller is configured to automatically increase said target inflation pressure in response to receipt from the accelerometer of a signal indicative of the airbag (1) being subjected to an acceleration or deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

13. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, provided in combination with a powered two-wheeler vehicle (4) having a battery, wherein the compressor (22) is configured to be powered by said battery of the vehicle (4).

14. A wearable 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) within a compressor unit (21) integral to the airbag (1 ) so as to be worn by a user (2) when the airbag (1 ) is in use.

15. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the actuation arrangement (12) is integral to the airbag (1) so as to be worn by a user (2) when the airbag (1) is in use.

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