Wearable safety system and bag configuration using such a wearable safety system

Abstract

A wearable safety system (100) is provided. The system comprises a harness (1) comprising a back protection panel (7), two shoulder straps (3a, 3b) and a hip belt (4). The harness (1) is configured to be worn on a wearer's torso. The system further comprises at least one inflator (10) and at least one airbag (9). The wearable safety system (100) is configured to generate an activation signal upon detection of an accident. The at least one airbag (9) is configured to be inflated and deployed upon generation of the activation signal to form at least one inflatable body having an extension across at least one of the wearer's head and shoulders, the wearer's chest region, and the wearer's buttocks. Further, a bag arrangement is provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] WEARABLE SAFETY SYSTEM AND BAG CONFIGURATION UTILIZING SUCH WEARABLE SAFETY SYSTEM FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a wearable safety system and a bag configuration utilizing such a wearable safety system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] It is known in the art to provide wearable safety systems, such as helmets and different kinds of rigid or semi-rigid protection for shoulders, back, elbows, buttocks, etc. However, these wearable safety systems are typically perceived as bulky, which may be inconvenient or used as an excuse not to use the safety system, especially in combination with other common equipment such as backpacks or bags. However, when worn, it may prevent or reduce serious injuries, especially among active people, whether it be commuting, construction work, outdoor activities, or even extreme sports. There is a need for further improvements in wearable safety systems, and in particular for providing wearable safety systems that are more user-friendly during normal activities.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks explained above and to provide an improved wearable safety system.

[0004] Another object is to provide a wearable safety system that can be easily combined with a bag.

[0005] Yet another object is to provide a wearable safety system that can be deployed in the event of an accident to selectively provide protection for the head and shoulders, chest area, and buttocks.

[0006] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following summary and description are achieved by a wearable safety system according to the appended claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, 1. A wearable safety system comprising: A harness comprising a back protection panel, two shoulder straps, and a hip belt, the harness being configured to be worn around a wearer's torso; a back protection panel formed of a rigid material and having an extension along the longitudinal extension of the rear wall of the harness; a back protection panel supporting at least one inflator, an ECU, and a battery, the ECU being positioned in communication with the at least one inflator; a harness, at least one inflator being received in a recess or through opening formed in the back protection panel; At least one airbag, a wearable safety system configured to generate an activation signal upon detection of an accident; A wearable safety system is provided that includes at least one airbag configured to be inflated and deployed upon generation of an activation signal to form at least one inflatable body having an extension over at least one of the head and shoulders of the wearer, the chest region of the wearer, and the buttocks of the wearer.

[0008] Thus, a wearable safety system is provided that is embodied as a harness having two shoulder straps and a hip belt, whereby the wearable safety system can be worn on the torso of a wearer. Because the safety system relies on one or more inflatable airbags, there is no bulky protective panel that limits the wearer's normal movement or clothing options. However, if it is determined that there has been an accident, at least one airbag can be inflated and deployed to form active protection over at least one of the wearer's head and shoulders, the wearer's chest region, and the wearer's buttocks. If several airbags are present, the safety system can be configured to determine the number of airbags to inflate depending on the type of accident determined.

[0009] The at least one inflator may be configured to inflate one or more airbags.

[0010] This is advantageous when the inflator is received in a recess or through opening such that it is substantially below or level with one or both of the two opposing major surfaces of the back protection panel.

[0011] The ECU and the battery may be received in a recess or through-opening formed in the back protection panel. It is advantageous if the ECU and the battery are received in the recess or through-opening substantially below or level with at least one of the two opposing major surfaces of the back protection panel. The battery is preferably located in a position that is easily accessible from the outside of the back protection panel to allow for easy recharging or replacement.

[0012] Thus, a wearable safety system is provided that is easy to wear and easy to adapt to types of clothing and types of activities, so that the very same safety system can be used for many different types of daily activities, whether the daily activities are work, hobbies, or sports.

[0013] In one embodiment, the wearable safety system may include an airbag configured to inflate and deploy to form an expansion having an extension over the head and shoulders of the wearer, the chest region of the wearer, and the hips of the wearer. The spatial expansion of the airbag, when viewed in its inflated and deployed state, may be divided into different virtual zones having different thicknesses, thereby providing different types of cushioning effects over different regions of the wearer's body. This effect may also be provided by using seams and tethers.

[0014] In one embodiment, the wearable safety system may include two airbags, one configured to be inflated and deployed to form an inflatable body having an extension over the head, shoulders, and chest areas of the wearer, and one configured to be inflated and deployed to form an inflatable body having an extension over the entire buttocks of the wearer.

[0015] The safety system may be configured to determine, depending on the determined type of accident, which of the two airbags should be inflated, or whether both airbags should be inflated simultaneously. The spatial expansion of the two airbags, when viewed in their inflated and deployed states, may be divided into different virtual zones having different thicknesses, thereby providing different types of cushioning effects over different regions of the wearer's body.

[0016] The two airbags may be disposed in fluid communication with one another and may be configured to be inflated by one single inflator, or alternatively, the two airbags may be separate airbags, each configured to be inflated by a respective inflator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the wearable safety system may include three airbags, one configured to inflate and deploy to form an inflatable body having an extension over the head, shoulder, and chest regions of the wearer, and two configured to inflate and deploy to form an inflatable body having an extension over respective hips of the wearer. The safety system may be configured to determine which of the three airbags should be inflated, or whether all of the airbags should be inflated simultaneously, depending on the determined type of accident.

[0018] The three airbags may be disposed in fluid communication with one another and may be configured to be inflated by one single inflator, or alternatively, the three airbags may be separate airbags and each airbag may be configured to be inflated by a respective inflator.

[0019] The ECU and the one or more inflators may be arranged in a tamper-evident manner.

[0020] The wearable safety system may further comprise at least one motion sensor from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer, and the ECU may be configured to determine the presence of an accident and generate an activation signal based on an input signal from the at least one sensor. The at least one motion sensor may be configured to communicate with the ECU in a wired or wireless manner.

[0021] Each of the shoulder straps and / or hip belts may include a buckle arrangement having a buckle sensor configured to generate a coupling signal indicative of whether the wearable safety system is coupled to the wearer's body by using the buckle arrangement. The buckle sensor may be, by way of non-limiting example, in the form of a magnetic coupling that needs to be established by interconnecting the components of the buckle arrangement, or in the form of a closed electric circuit that is established by interconnecting the components of the buckle arrangement. Regardless of the arrangement, the buckle sensor should be arranged to communicate with the ECU, so that the ECU can determine, based on the coupling signal, whether the shoulder straps and hip belt are properly fastened by using the buckle arrangement, and thus whether the wearable safety system is properly fastened to the wearer's body. If so, the wearable safety system may be set to an active mode, thereby allowing the inflator to be activated if necessary.

[0022] At least one airbag may be integrated into the two shoulder straps and into the hip belt.

[0023] The airbags may be arranged inside the textile / material forming the shoulder straps and the hip belt, respectively. The airbags may be arranged in a rolled, folded or combination of rolled and folded states. One or more airbags may be integrated symmetrically into the two shoulder straps and the hip belt, respectively, preferably when viewed along an imaginary line of symmetry extending along the longitudinal centerline of the back protection panel.

[0024] The two shoulder straps and the hip belt may include one or more tear lines configured to break during inflation of the at least one airbag.

[0025] The split lines may be provided by locally weaker material or locally thinner material. One or more split lines may be formed as sewn seams, glued seams, or welded seams, by way of example only.

[0026] The at least one airbag may be removably attached to the harness by at least one quick connect arrangement.

[0027] Thereby, the harness can be easily provided with a new airbag to provide inflation in the event of an accident, thereby increasing the useful life of the harness.

[0028] At least one airbag may include a first flap portion configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a first portion of a wearer's body in a deployed state, and a second flap portion configured to form an inflatable body that provides protection to a second portion of the wearer's body in a deployed state; The connector of the first flap portion is connectable to the connector of the second flap portion, thereby causing the first and second inflatables to deploy together and conform to and at least partially surround first and second portions of the wearer's body when the at least one airbag is deployed.

[0029] The first flap portion may be configured to provide protection to the two shoulder regions of the wearer's body, and the second flap portion may be configured to provide protection to the chest region of the wearer's body.

[0030] The harness may be integral with the bag or may be removably connectable to the bag, thereby forming a backpack. The harness may be configured to be removably connectable to one or more bags of different sizes and uses. By making the bag removably connectable, the harness may be easily converted from a standalone harness to a backpack at the wearer's discretion.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a bag arrangement provided with a wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1-14.

[0032] Such a wearable safety system and its advantages have been fully described above. Such discussion applies equally to a bag using such a wearable safety system. The bag may be configured as a backpack. Alternatively, the bag may be configured to be worn on the hips, chest or waist. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the above sections. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings showing examples of presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic, illustrative diagram of a wearable safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a highly schematic, illustrative view of the internal design of one embodiment of the harness-forming portion of the wearable safety system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a highly schematic, illustrative view of the internal design of one embodiment of the harness-forming portion of the wearable safety system. [Figure 4a]FIG. 4a is a highly schematic, illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag inflated and deployed. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a highly schematic, illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag inflated and deployed. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a highly schematic illustration of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag in an inflated and deployed state, covering the head and shoulders. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a highly schematic illustration of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag inflated and deployed, covering the head and shoulders. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a highly schematic, illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag in an inflated and deployed state, covering the thoracic area. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a highly schematic, illustrative diagram of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag in an inflated and deployed state, covering the thoracic area. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a is a highly schematic, illustrative view of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag in an inflated and deployed state, covering the buttocks. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is a highly schematic, illustrative view of one embodiment of the wearable safety system in normal use with the airbag in an inflated and deployed state, covering the buttocks. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a highly schematic diagram of one embodiment of a wearable safety system converted into a backpack having two bags. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a highly schematic diagram of one embodiment of a wearable safety system that supports bags behind and in front of the harness. [Figure 10a]FIG. 10a is a highly schematic diagram of one example in which at least one airbag is removably attached to a harness by a quick connect arrangement. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b is a highly schematic illustration of one example in which at least one airbag is removably attached to a harness by a quick connect arrangement. [Figure 11a] FIG. 11a discloses one embodiment in which connectors are used to control the overall shape of at least one airbag in its deployed state. [Figure 11b] FIG. 11b discloses one embodiment in which connectors are used to control the overall shape of at least one airbag in its deployed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0035] Beginning with FIG. 1, a schematic, illustrative illustration of one embodiment of a wearable safety system 100 in the form of a harness 1 is provided.

[0036] The harness 1 comprises a rear wall 2 configured to face the back of a wearer, two shoulder straps 3a, 3b connected at their upper and lower edge portions to the rear wall 2, and a hip belt 4 in the form of two side surfaces 4a, 4b connected to the lower edge of the rear wall 2. The harness 1 is configured to be supported by and coupled to the torso of a wearer in use.

[0037] The rear wall 2, the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the hip belt 4 may be provided with suitable padding (not illustrated) on the surfaces configured to face the wearer's body. The harness may be provided by any suitable material, such as an abrasion-resistant and water-resistant material.

[0038] The two shoulder straps 3a, 3b are provided with a buckle arrangement 5. The buckle arrangement 5 comprises a first buckle member 5a and a second buckle member 5b configured to interlock over the chest region of the wearer when the harness 1 is in use.

[0039] The two sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 are provided with a buckle arrangement 6 comprising a first buckle member 6a and a second buckle member 6b configured to interlock across the wearer's hips when the harness 1 is in use.

[0040] The buckle arrangement 5, 6 allows the harness to be securely coupled to the wearer's torso in use.

[0041] The rear wall 2 includes a back protection panel 7. As best shown in FIG. 2, the back protection panel 7 is preferably enclosed in a protective cover 8 of the harness. The cover may be tamper-proof. The back protection panel 7 is a rigid panel having an extension along the longitudinal extension of the rear wall 2. The back protection panel 7 may be formed of a plastic material, a composite material, or a lightweight metal material. The back protection panel 7 provides the overall structure to the harness 1. Additionally, the back protection panel 7 may provide spinal protection in the event of an accident.

[0042] 2, there is disclosed a highly schematic illustrative view of the internal design of one embodiment of a harness 1 forming part of a wearable safety system 100. The disclosed harness 1 comprises two separate airbags 9a, 9b and two inflators 10a, 10b.

[0043] The first airbag 9 a is enclosed in a folded and / or rolled state in a compartment 11 having an extension over the upper part of the rear wall 2 and along the two shoulder straps 3 .

[0044] The first airbag 9a is arranged to communicate with a first inflator 10a supported by the back protection panel 7. As will be described below, the first airbag 9a is configured to provide protection over the head and shoulders of the wearer, as well as the chest region of the wearer, in an inflated and deployed state. The first airbag 9a is arranged to communicate with an opening of the first inflator 10a.

[0045] The second airbag 9b is enclosed in a folded and / or rolled state in a compartment 12 having an extension along the two sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4. The second airbag 9b is arranged to communicate with a second inflator 10b supported by the back protection panel 7. The second airbag 9b is in an inflated and deployed state configured to provide protection over the buttocks. The second airbag 9b is arranged to communicate with an opening of the second inflator 10b.

[0046] The airbags 9a, 9b as known in the art may be made of a flexible fabric material. The material may be a textile material, such as a woven or non-woven material. The material may be a plastic material or a composite material. The airbags may be provided with tethers (not illustrated) and other types of elements to control the deployment. Such controls are known in the art for airbags and will not be discussed further.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will recognize that folding and / or rolling the airbags 9a, 9b can be done in many ways while still remaining functional, with the folding pattern being adapted to the overall geometry of the airbags and their intended deployment.

[0048] The airbags 9a, 9b are preferably symmetrically integrated into the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b and into the two side surfaces 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 when viewed along an imaginary line of symmetry extending along the longitudinal centerline of the back protection panel 7.

[0049] The back protection panel 7 supports an ECU 13 (Electronic Control Unit) and a battery 14. The ECU 13, which includes a processor (not illustrated), is arranged to communicate with the respective inflators 10a, 10b. The inflators 10a, 10b, as in airbag systems known in the art, may each include a gas generator (not illustrated). The inflators 10a, 10b are configured to be connected to the ECU 13 and to be activated based on an activation signal indicative of an accident.

[0050] The ECU 13, the inflators 10a, 10b, and the battery 14 may be received in one or more recesses 15 or through-openings formed in the back protection panel 7. It is advantageous if the ECU 13, the inflators 10a, 10b, and the battery 14 are received in the one or more recesses 15 or through-openings so as to be substantially below or level with at least one of the two opposing main surfaces of the back protection panel 7, so that no part of them protrudes from the back protection panel 7.

[0051] The one or more recesses 15 or through openings 15 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of one or more airbags 9a, 9b.

[0052] The battery 14 is preferably located in a position such that it is easily accessible from the exterior of the back protection panel 7 to allow for easy recharging or replacement. Access to the battery 14 may be provided through a not illustrated reclosable opening in the cover 8. The inflator, ECU, and airbag are preferably located in a tamper-proof manner.

[0053] As mentioned above, the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the hip belt 4 each include a buckle arrangement 5, 6. Each buckle arrangement 5, 6 may include a sensor, hereinafter referred to as a buckle sensor 16, 17. The buckle sensor 16, 17 is configured to generate a coupling signal indicating whether the wearable safety system 100 is coupled to the wearer's torso by using the buckle arrangement 5, 6. The buckle sensor 16, 17 may be, by way of non-limiting example, in the form of a magnetic coupling which must be established by interconnecting the buckle members 5a, 5b; 6a, 6b of the buckle arrangement 16, 17, or in the form of a closed electrical circuit which is established by interconnecting the buckle members 5a, 5b; 6a, 6b. Regardless of the configuration, the buckle sensor 16, 17 is arranged to communicate with the ECU 13. The buckle sensor 16, 17 may be configured to communicate with the ECU 13 in a wired or wireless manner. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine, based on the coupling signal, whether the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and hip belt 4 are correctly fastened, and thus whether the wearable safety system 100 is coupled to the wearer's body, by using the buckle arrangements 5, 6. If determined to be correctly fastened, the wearable safety system 100 may be set to an active mode, thereby allowing activation of the inflators 10a, 10b if required.

[0054] Furthermore, the wearable safety system 100 comprises at least one motion sensor 18 from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer. The at least one motion sensor 18 may be configured to communicate with the ECU in a wired or wireless manner. The at least one motion sensor 18 may be located at any suitable location on the harness 1.

[0055] The ECU 13 is configured to determine the presence of an accident and generate an activation signal based on an input signal from at least one motion sensor 18. An accident may be determined to have occurred when one or more motion sensors 18, either alone or in combination, indicate motion or acceleration beyond a predetermined threshold. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine and control activation of at least one inflator 10a, 10b, thereby inflating and deploying one or more airbags 9a, 9b. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine which of the airbags 9a, 9b should be inflated or whether all of the airbags 9a, 9b should be inflated simultaneously depending on the type of accident determined.

[0056] When the processor of the ECU 13 determines that an accident has occurred based on signals collected and processed from the at least one motion sensor 18, an activation signal is communicated to each of the inflators 9a, 9b. Based on the activation signal, each of the gas generators is activated to generate a gas flow that inflates the airbag 9a, 9b. The airbag 9a, 9b is deployed to form at least one inflatable body having an extension over at least one of the head and shoulders of the wearer, the chest region of the wearer, and the buttocks of the wearer.

[0057] As best shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion of the rear wall 2, the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the two sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 include split lines 19. The split lines 19 are illustrated diagrammatically by dashed lines. The split lines 19 are configured to break during inflation of the at least one airbag 9a, 9b. The split lines 19 may be provided by locally weaker or locally thinner material. One or more of the split lines 19 may be formed as sewn, glued or welded seams.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of a wearable safety system 100 is disclosed. The wearable safety system 100 comprises a harness 1 having the same general design as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The difference is that the harness 1 comprises one airbag 9 and one inflator 10.

[0059] The airbag 9 is enclosed in a compartment in a folded and / or rolled state, with an extension over the upper part of the rear wall 2 and along the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b as well as along the two sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4. The airbag 9 is arranged in communication with an inflator 10, which is arranged in a substantially central position as viewed from the airbag 9. A first portion 90a of the airbag 9 is configured to provide protection over the head and shoulders of the wearer as well as over the chest region of the wearer when viewed in an inflated and deployed state. A second portion 90b of the airbag 9 is configured to provide protection over the buttocks of the wearer when viewed in an inflated and deployed state.

[0060] The two airbag portions 90a, 90b are illustrated as being in fluid communication with one another. The communication is provided through a channel-like extension 90c. The channel-like extension 90c is illustrated as being separate from the inflator 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the two airbag portions 90a, 90b, while still remaining functional, may be arranged to be in direct communication with one another through the outlet 20 of the inflator 10.

[0061] 4a and 4b, one embodiment of a wearable safety system 100 is disclosed, configured to protect the head and shoulder regions, chest region, and buttocks. The harness 1 may be of the same type as described above with reference to Figs. 1-3 and may comprise one single airbag 9 or may be divided into two or more, such as three, separate airbags 9a-9c. In the case of one single airbag 9, this may in turn be arranged into three airbag portions 9a'-9c'. In the case of two or more separate airbags 9a-9c, these may be configured to be inflated by a single inflator or by two or more separate inflators.

[0062] Airbags are included during normal use (see FIG. 4a) in the upper portion of the rear wall 2 of the harness 1, along the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and along the sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4. At least one inflator is hidden inside the harness and is therefore omitted.

[0063] The airbags 9a-9c, 9a'-9c' are configured to inflate and deploy (see FIG. 4b) to provide partial encapsulation of the head and cheek regions, over the shoulders, over the chest region and even over the buttocks. Deployment can be controlled by one or more tethers (not illustrated) inside the airbag as well as by seams of the airbag (not illustrated). To enable this type of deployment, the material of the cover of the rear wall 2, shoulder straps 3a, 3b and hip belt 4 can be provided with one or more tear lines 19, whereby the material breaks in a controlled manner when the airbag is inflated.

[0064] The material forming the harness may be configured to break along break lines 19 upon activation of the inflator, thereby forming flap-like deflectors (not illustrated). The deflectors may be configured to guide the deployment of the airbags 9a-9c in a particular direction, such as upward to protect the head and downward to protect the buttocks.

[0065] The spatial expansion of the airbags 9a-9c, 9a'-9c', when viewed in their inflated and deployed state, may be divided into different imaginary zones having different thicknesses, thereby providing different types of cushioning effect over different areas of the wearer's body. This effect may be provided by the use of seams and tethers.

[0066] 5a and 5b, one embodiment of an airbag 9a configured to protect the head and shoulder regions is disclosed. The airbag 9a is preferably included in an upper portion of the rear wall 2 of the harness 1 (see FIG. 5a). When inflated, the airbag may be deployed to provide partial encapsulation of the head and cheek regions as well as over the shoulders of the wearer (see FIG. 5b).

[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize that an airbag configured to provide functional head and shoulder protection may be divided into two or even more separate airbags, which may be configured to be inflated by one or more inflators.

[0068] 6a and 6b, one embodiment of an airbag 9b configured to protect the thorax region is disclosed. The airbag 9b is preferably contained in two shoulder straps 3a, 3b (see FIG. 6a). When inflated, the airbag 9b may be deployed to provide two inflatable portions, each having an extension along the longitudinal extension of a respective shoulder strap (see FIG. 6b). To allow for this type of deployment, the material on the front side of each shoulder strap may be provided with one or more tear lines 19, whereby the material breaks in a controlled manner when the airbag is inflated.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that an airbag configured to protect the thorax region while still functioning may be split into two separate airbags, where the airbags protect the thorax region, the airbags may be configured to be inflated by one single inflator or by separate inflators.

[0070] 7a and 7b, one embodiment of an airbag 9c configured to protect the buttocks is disclosed. The airbag 9c is preferably included on two sides 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 (see FIG. 7a). When the airbag 9c is inflated, it can unfold to provide two inflatable portions 9c, each having an extension along the longitudinal extension of a respective side 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 (see FIG. 7b).

[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the airbag 9c configured to provide buttock protection while still functioning may be split into two separate airbags, one on each side of the hip belt. If two separate airbags provide hip belt protection, the airbags may be configured to be inflated by one single inflator or by separate inflators.

[0072] 8, in one embodiment, the wearable safety system 100 may be provided as a backpack 102. The harness 1 may be integrated with or removably connectable to one or more bags 101. The backpack 102 is disclosed with two bags 101 having different sizes, volumes, and intended uses. By making the bags 101 removably connectable, the harness 1 may be easily converted from a standalone harness 1 to the backpack 102 at the discretion of the wearer. The bags 101 may be removably connectable, for example, by using one or more straps or buckles (not illustrated).

[0073] Now referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the wearable safety system 100 may be provided with bags 101. The harness 1 may be integrated with one or more bags 101 or may be removably connectable thereto. In the disclosed embodiment, the harness 1 is provided with two bags 101 connected to the back portion 2, one bag 101 connected to the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and one bag 101 connected to the hip belt 4. The bags 101 may have different sizes, volumes and uses. The one or more bags may be configured to be worn on the back, on the hips, on the chest or on the waist.

[0074] By being removably connectable to one or more bags 101, the harness 1 may be easily converted from a standalone harness 1 to a bag supporting the harness at the wearer's discretion. The bags 101 may be removably connectable, for example, by using one or more straps or buckles (not illustrated).

[0075] Reference is now made to Figures 10a and 10b. At least one airbag 9a, 9b is illustrated above as being fixedly arranged in the harness 1. However, in the event of an accident causing the airbag to deploy, it is difficult to replace the used airbag with a new airbag, thereby allowing the harness to be reused.

[0076] 10a and 10b very diagrammatically disclose one example where at least one airbag 9a, 9b is removably attached to a harness 1 by means of a quick coupling arrangement 400. In the disclosed embodiment, at least one airbag 9a, 9b is provided with an eyelet forming a female connector 401 and the harness 1 is provided with a T-shaped protrusion forming a male connector 402. The reversed position of the male connector 401 and the female connector 402 can be applied as well. To attach the airbag 9a, 9b to the harness 1, the T-shaped protrusion is inserted into the respective eyelet. If necessary, to remove the airbag 9a, 9b, the reverse order is performed. The skilled person will recognize that the number of quick coupling arrangements 400 in the harness 1 and the airbag 9a, 9b and their position depend on the overall shape of the airbag and harness to be connected as well as on the design of the harness. The location and number of quick connection arrangements 400 that attach the airbags 9a, 9b to the harness 1 can be used to control the overall shape of the at least one airbag in its deployed state. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the quick connection arrangements 400 can have other configurations than T-shaped protrusions in combination with eyelets. Non-limiting examples are poppers, straps, or one or more snap fasteners, also known as Velcro®.

[0077] Exactly the same principle can be used to connect the at least one airbag to other parts of the harness, such as a shoulder strap or a hip belt.

[0078] 11a and 11b, one embodiment is disclosed in which a connector is used to control the overall shape of at least one airbag 9a, 9b in its deployed state.

[0079] Starting with FIG. 11a, one example of an airbag 9a, 9b is disclosed in its flat, unrolled state.

[0080] The airbags 9a, 9b are specifically configured to provide support for the shoulder and thorax regions. The airbags 9a, 9b comprise a first flap portion 90 and a second flap portion 91. The first flap portion 90 is configured to form an inflatable body in a deployed state that provides protection to a first portion of the wearer's body, i.e., the shoulders. The second flap portion 91 is configured to form an inflatable body in a deployed state that provides protection to a second portion of the wearer's body, i.e., the thorax region. Regardless of the design, the airbags 9a, 9b have a design as known in the art by being divided into different bodies by a seam or weld line.

[0081] The first flap portion 90 comprises two female connectors 92 on either side of the longitudinal centerline. The female connectors 92 are located on respective tabs 93 arranged along the outer edges of the airbags 9a, 9b. Correspondingly, the second flap portion 91 comprises two male connectors 94 on either side of the longitudinal centerline. The connectors 92, 94 are disclosed as being located in a region that is not inflated. Thus, when the second flap portion 91 is inflated to separate into two bodies 95, the male connector 94 is located in the region between such two bodies 95. This allows for a more secure attachment of the connectors.

[0082] 11b, there is very diagrammatically disclosed airbags 9a, 9b in an inflated and deployed state and removably attached to the rear wall of the harness 1. The disclosed arrangement is mirror symmetric about the longitudinal centerline and only one side is illustrated.

[0083] The harness 1 is disclosed very diagrammatically by dashed lines. The shoulder straps have been omitted. The airbags 9a, 9b themselves are releasably attached to the harness 1 by a quick-connect arrangement 400 of the same type as that discussed above with reference to figures 9a and 9b. The airbags 9a, 9b are thus provided with eyelets forming a female connector 401 and the harness 1 with T-shaped projections forming a male connector 402. To attach the airbags 9a, 9b to the harness 1, the T-shaped projections are inserted into their respective eyelets. If necessary, to remove the airbags, the reverse sequence is performed.

[0084] Furthermore, the first flap portion 90, which is configured to provide protection for the shoulders in its deployed state, is folded and connected to the second flap portion 91, which is configured to provide protection for the thorax region in its deployed state. This connection is provided by engaging the female connector 92 of the first flap portion 90 with the male connector 94 of the second flap portion 91. In the event of an accident that causes the airbags 9a, 9b to inflate and deploy, the interconnection between the two flap portions 90, 91 allows the two resulting inflatable bodies 95, 96 to deploy together to conform to and at least partially surround the first and second portions of the wearer's body. Thus, the shoulders and thorax regions are efficiently protected.

[0085] The exact same principle of using connectors to fit different inflatables together can be applied to other parts of the wearer's body.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the male connector 94 in the second flap portion 91 of the airbag 9a, 9b may be replaced with a female connector of the same type located in the first flap portion 90 and the harness, such as its shoulder strap, is provided with a male connector. The airbag may then be removably attached to the harness while similarly connecting the first flap portion 91 to the second flap portion 92 as described above and illustrated in FIG.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.

[0088] As an example, one or more airbag materials may be configured to stretch during deployment. This stretching adds overall stiffness to the inflated airbag. This may be provided by using different material types / properties throughout the airbag or on localized surface areas of the airbag.

[0089] Although the airbag has been illustrated as being positioned within the harness in a rolled or folded configuration, one skilled in the art will recognize that other patterns or combinations of different patterns may be used. Regardless of how the airbag is packed into the harness, it is preferred that the airbag be positioned symmetrically within the harness.

Claims

1. A wearable safety system (100), comprising: A harness (1) comprising a back protection panel (7), two shoulder straps (3a, 3b) and a hip belt (4), said harness (1) being adapted to be worn around the torso of a wearer; The back protection panel (7) is made of a rigid material and has an extension along the longitudinal extension of the rear wall (2) of the harness (1); the back protection panel (7) supports at least one inflator (10), an ECU (13), and a battery (14), the ECU being positioned in communication with the at least one inflator (10); a harness (1), in which the at least one inflator (10) is received in a recess or through-opening formed in the back protection panel (7); At least one airbag (9), the wearable safety system (100) is configured to generate an activation signal upon detection of an accident; and at least one airbag (9), configured to be inflated and deployed upon the generation of the activation signal to form at least one inflatable body having an extension across at least one of the head and shoulders of the wearer, a chest region of the wearer, and a buttocks of the wearer.

2. 2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, wherein the wearable safety system (100) comprises an airbag (9), the airbag configured to inflate and deploy to form an inflated body having an extension over the head and shoulders of the wearer, the chest region of the wearer, and the buttocks of the wearer.

3. 2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, wherein the wearable safety system (100) comprises two airbags (9), one airbag configured to be inflated and deployed to form an inflatable body having an extension over the head, shoulders and chest areas of the wearer, and one airbag configured to be inflated and deployed to form an inflatable body having an extension over the buttocks of the wearer.

4. the two airbags (9) are arranged in fluid communication with each other and are adapted to be inflated by one single inflator (10); or 4. The wearable safety system according to claim 3, wherein the two airbags (9) are separate airbags, each configured to be inflated by a respective inflator (10).

5. The wearable safety system (100) comprises three airbags (9), 2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, wherein one airbag is configured to be inflated and deployed to form an inflatable body having an extension over the head, shoulder, and chest areas of the wearer, and two airbags are configured to be inflated and deployed to form inflatable bodies having an extension over each of the buttocks of the wearer.

6. the three airbags (9) being arranged in fluid communication with one another and configured to be inflated by one single inflator (10); or 6. The wearable safety system of claim 5, wherein the three airbags are separate airbags (9), each configured to be inflated by a respective inflator (10).

7. 2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises an inflator (10), the inflator (10) configured to inflate one or more airbags (9).

8. 2. The wearable safety system of claim 1, further comprising at least one motion sensor (18) from the group consisting of a gyro sensor and an accelerometer, and the ECU (13) is configured to determine the presence of an accident based on an input signal from the at least one motion sensor (18) and generate the activation signal.

9. The wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the shoulder straps (3a, 3b) and / or the hip belt (4) comprises a buckle arrangement (5, 6) having a buckle sensor (16, 17), the buckle sensor being configured to generate a coupling signal indicating whether the wearable safety system (100) is coupled to the wearer's body by using the buckle arrangement (5, 6).

10. The wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one airbag (9) is integrated into one or more of the upper end portion of the rear wall (2) of the harness (1), the two shoulder straps (3a, 3b), and the hip belt (4).

11. 11. The wearable safety system according to claim 10, wherein the two shoulder straps (3a, 3b) and the hip belt (4) comprise one or more tear lines (19) configured to break during inflation of the at least one airbag (9).

12. The wearable safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is releasably attached to the harness (1) by at least one quick connect arrangement (400).

13. the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) comprising a first flap portion (90) configured to form an inflatable body (96) in a deployed state that provides protection to a first portion of the wearer's body, and a second flap portion (91) configured to form an inflatable body (95) in a deployed state that provides protection to a second portion of the wearer's body; 13. The wearable safety system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connector (92) of the first flap portion (90) is connectable to the connector (94) of the second flap portion (91), thereby causing the first and second inflatable bodies (95, 96) to deploy together and conform to and at least partially surround the first and second portions of the wearer's body when the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is in a deployed state.

14. The wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the harness (1) is integrated with a bag (101) or is removably connectable to the bag (101), thereby forming a backpack.

15. A bag arrangement provided with a wearable safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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