Wearable protection device

Abstract

To provide a wearable protection device provided with an inflatable member, suitable for use in all the fields where effective protection against impacts and / or falls must be obtained.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a wearable protection device (10) comprising: at least one inflatable member (12) designed to move between a rest condition, in which it is in a deflated status and an operating condition, in which it is in an inflated status; and an inflator device (14) designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12) for inflating the at least one inflatable member (12) once the inflator device (14) is triggered. According to the invention, the wearable protection device (10) comprises a safety device (40) designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protection device (10) if the inflator device (14) is decoupled from or not properly coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable protective device, and more particularly to a wearable protective device comprising an expandable member.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wearable protective device with an inflatable member suitable for use in all areas where effective protection against impacts and / or falls must be obtained, for example the wearable protective device is suitable for being worn by motorcyclists, cyclists, skiers or during work activities.

[0003] For clarity, the present description refers in a non-limiting manner to a wearable protective device suitable for being worn by a motorcyclist.

[0004] Typically, a wearable protective device comprises a protective garment, such as a jacket, suit, vest, belt, etc., that includes an inflatable member, the inflatable member being adapted to move from a resting state in a deflated state to an operating state in an inflated state.

[0005] The expandable member is in fluid communication with an inflation device, such as a gas cartridge, that is adapted to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid, such as compressed gas, into the expandable member to cause it to expand and thus enlarge.

[0006] The release of the inflation fluid can be controlled by a mechanical or electrical system.

[0007] The gas cartridge typically comprises a cylindrical housing having a first end connected to the opening of the inflatable member and, in the case of an electrically operated system, a second end connected to the control unit of the wearable device via a specific connector.

[0008] The gas cartridge can be connected to the inflatable member by clamping the end of the cartridge directly inside the opening of the inflatable member. Alternatively, the end of the gas cartridge can be provided with external threads suitable for screwing inside corresponding threads of a cap placed over the opening of the inflatable member.

[0009] Alternatively, the end of the gas cartridge can be connected to the expandable member by a bayonet mount, with a male element provided on the end of the gas cartridge and a female receptor provided on a cap disposed over the opening of the expandable member. [Background technology]

[0010] In known devices, after inflation, the expandable member can be reused if it is not damaged, torn, punctured or otherwise damaged.

[0011] Conversely, the gas cartridges must be replaced with new ones after every deployment.

[0012] However, changing gas cartridges can be a dangerous operation if not properly controlled.

[0013] In practice, the latter usually contains a pyrotechnic charge to ensure high performance in terms of pressure and deployment time without increasing the size of the gas cartridge.

[0014] In an electrically activated airbag system, the pyrotechnic charge is ignited by an electrical impulse from a control unit. In a mechanically activated airbag system, the pyrotechnic charge pushes up a mechanical firing pin.

[0015] Even if the manufacturer follows standard safety procedures to ensure the safe operation of the gas cartridge, the electrical or mechanical controls of the cartridge may fail, or the user may not handle the cartridge in an appropriate manner during operation and / or replacement of the gas cartridge.

[0016] In order to avoid safety hazards to the end user, currently the replacement of gas cartridges is carried out by certified centers that have specific training in handling the ignition components and in ensuring the correct connection between the gas cartridge and the inflatable member.

[0017] To replace the exhaust gas cartridge, in an electrically operated system, the electrical connector to the control unit must first be released from the gas cartridge and then the end of the gas cartridge connected to the inflatable member must be removed from the inflatable member.

[0018] However, both operations can result in the accidental triggering of the ignition charge of the gas cartridge, which involves high risks for the operator.

[0019] At the same time, even if the gas cartridge is replaced in a safe manner, the protection of the user may be compromised.

[0020] In fact, if the new gas cartridge is not properly secured to the inflatable member, proper inflation of the inflatable member may be prevented, posing a high risk to the end user.

[0021] In view of the above problems, if the inflatable member is activated during use of the wearable protective device, the latter needs to be returned to an authorized center to carry out the replacement of the gas cartridge.

[0022] However, shipping of wearable protective equipment is costly due to the bulkiness of the garments, and furthermore, the wearer is deprived of the additional protection provided by the inflatable wearable protective equipment for at least a period of time, typically two or three weeks, and unless the wearer has other inflatable protective clothing, the associated costs are not inconsiderable. Summary of the Invention

[0023] Object of the invention SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device comprising an inflatable member and configured to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages with respect to known wearable airbag devices.

[0024] More specifically, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device having an inflatable member and configured to allow for safe and proper replacement of a gas cartridge without the need to return the wearable protective device to a customer service center after deployment of the inflatable member.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device having an inflatable member and configured to allow safer and more proper replacement of gas cartridges by persons without specific technical training.

[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device comprising an inflatable member and configured to not allow triggering of the inflatable member if a gas cartridge is not connected or properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device comprising an expandable member and configured to provide an end user with reliable feedback regarding the mutual positioning between the gas cartridge and the expandable member.

[0028] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable member that is suitable for multiple uses, providing the same level of safety in any subsequent activations.

[0029] These objects, as well as others which will appear hereinafter in the present description, are achieved by a wearable protective device according to claim 1. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a wearable protective device, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, a partially sectioned rear view of a wearable protective device according to the invention, as worn by a user. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows, in schematic form, a partially exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows, in schematic form, a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a safety device of a wearable protective device according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but relating to a different embodiment of the safety device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows, in schematic form, a top view of a further embodiment of a safety device of a wearable protective device according to the invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the safety device removed for clarity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but relating to a different embodiment of the safety device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows, in schematic form, an exploded perspective view of a housing of a wearable protective device in which a safety device according to the invention is arranged. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but with the housing in a closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] 1 and 2, an example of a wearable protective device according to the present invention is indicated generally by the reference 10.

[0032] The wearable protective device 10 may be, for example, a garment such as a jacket or suit, or alternatively, an undergarment suitable for use in combination with an outer protective garment.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the wearable protective device 10 may be a harness designed to be worn over or under additional clothing.

[0034] The wearable protective device 10 is preferably designed to be worn by motorcyclists. Nevertheless, as will be more clearly shown from the following description, the wearable protective device 10 can also be used advantageously by cyclists or in other fields where effective protection of the user's body must be obtained.

[0035] The wearable protective device 10 includes at least one inflatable member 12. The inflatable member 12 is designed to move between a resting state in a contracted state and an operating state in an inflated state. The inflatable member 12 is inflated with a fluid, such as air or gas, to expand to protect a wearer of the wearable protective device 10 from impacts, drops, or slides.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wearable protective device 10 includes a single inflatable member 12 designed to protect the chest, back, and shoulders of a user.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the expandable member 12 is shown transparent for convenience, and the expandable member is designed to also cover the sides of the user.

[0038] However, the wearable protective device 10 may include a single inflatable member 12 or multiple inflatable members suitable for covering different parts of a user's body.

[0039] Preferably, the expandable member 12 has a bag-like shape.

[0040] The wearable protective device 10 also comprises at least one inflator device 14 designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 12 for inflating the latter when the inflator device 14 is triggered.

[0041] Preferably, the inflator device 14 is selected from the group comprising pyrotechnic inflators, compressed gas inflators, and hybrid inflators. As is well known in the art, pyrotechnic inflators use an ignition charge to ignite the combustion of a gas generating material to provide inflation gas. Compressed gas inflators then use a minimal amount of ignition material to open a sealed chamber and release the inflation gas from a compressed state.

[0042] A hybrid inflator uses a combination of combustion and compressed gas storage to provide the inflation gas necessary to fill the inflatable member 12 .

[0043] The inflator device 14 may include multiple inflation charges so that the inflatable member 12 can be inflated multiple times such that the inflations of the inflatable member 12 are timed.

[0044] In this case, replacement of the inflator device 14 is performed once all inflator charges have been triggered.

[0045] 3-7, inflator device 14 is preferably in the form of a cylindrical gas cartridge having a connecting end 16 designed to be connected to inflatable member 12. In particular, connecting end 16 is preferably inserted within opening 18 of inflatable member 12 such that it is gas tightly sealed and blocked.

[0046] As is known in the art, the connection end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 may be clamped within the opening 18 by a retaining ring 20 (see, eg, FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0047] Alternatively, the connection end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be inserted inside a corresponding cap 22 secured at the opening 18 of the expandable member 12 (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0048] The connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be inserted into the cap 22 by pressure. Alternatively, the connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be provided with external threads 24 suitable for screwing into corresponding internal threads 26 provided inside the cap 22.

[0049] The inflator device 14 may be triggered by an electrical or mechanical mechanism.

[0050] When electrically operated, the wearable protective device 10 comprises at least one sensor 28 designed to detect forces acting on the wearable protective device 10 .

[0051] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, two sensors 28 are applied, for example, to a shoulder portion of the wearable protective device 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, one or more sensors 28 are applied, for example, to a housing 29 located in an upper back portion of the wearable protective device 10. The housing 29 is shown in detail in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0052] In further embodiments not shown in the figures, at least one sensor can be applied directly to the wearable protective device, and at least one sensor can be located inside the protection applied to the wearable protective device.

[0053] Preferably, the wearable protective device 10 comprises at least one accelerometer designed to detect acceleration acting on the wearable protective device and / or at least one gyroscope designed to detect the movement and orientation of the wearable protective device.

[0054] The wearable protective device 10 may further comprise a control unit 30 designed to process the data detected by the sensor 28 and to send a trigger signal to the inflator device 14 when a crash situation is identified.

[0055] By "crash situation" is meant a situation in which the wearable protective device undergoes rapid acceleration / deceleration and / or rapid changes in its orientation and angular velocity.

[0056] In particular, when the wearer of the wearable protective device is on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, sudden acceleration or deceleration experienced by the wearable protective device can identify that the motorcycle has hit an obstacle or that the wearer has been thrown from the saddle and lost control of the motorcycle.

[0057] The control unit 30 is preferably housed in a protective zone of the wearable protective device 10, such as, for example, a back protector 31 (see, for example, FIG. 1) applied to the wearable protective device, or a housing 29 also used to house the sensor 28 and the gas cartridge 14.

[0058] The control unit 30 is designed to process the data received from the sensor 28 at regular time intervals (eg 1 ms) so as to obtain information regarding the forces acting on the wearable protective device 10.

[0059] When the control unit 30 detects, based on an algorithm implemented therein, that a crash situation is occurring, the control unit 30 sends a trigger signal to the inflator device 14 so that the inflatable member 12 can be inflated.

[0060] In the case of mechanical activation of the inflator device 14, the latter can be triggered by using an activation cable or tether connecting the wearable protective device to the motorcycle.

[0061] The actuation cable has a first end connected to the motorcycle and a second end secured to a trigger device designed to trigger a firing pin configured to actuate the inflator device.

[0062] When separation between the wearer and the motorcycle occurs, as typically caused by a drop and / or impact, the actuation cable or tether via the triggering device triggers a firing pin which causes the deployment of the inflator.

[0063] In the case of electrical activation of the inflatable member 12 , the inflator device 14 is electrically connected to a control unit 30 .

[0064] In particular, the inflator device 14 is connected to the control unit 30 by a cable 32 having an electrical connector 34 at an end thereof (see Figures 2, 3, 5, 5A, 6). The electrical connector 34 is designed to mate with a corresponding slot 36 provided in the inflator device 14 (see Figure 4).

[0065] Preferably, the slot 36 is located at an opposite end of the gas cartridge 14 relative to the connection end 16 .

[0066] When the electrical connector 34 is released from the slot 36 of the gas cartridge 14, inflation of the expandable member 12 is not possible since the latter cannot be triggered.

[0067] In accordance with the present invention, the wearable protective device 10 includes a safety device 40 designed to signal an unsafe condition of the wearable protective device 10 when the inflator device 14 is separated from or not properly coupled to the inflatable member 12.

[0068] By "unsafe condition" is meant a condition of the wearable protective device 10 that does not allow for proper inflation of the expandable member 12 or that represents a potential danger to the wearer.

[0069] As will become apparent from the description below, the safety device 40 can deliver a signal when the inflator device 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12 to avoid malfunction of the wearable protective device 10.

[0070] For example, if the connection is not gas-tight, the inflator device 14 will not be properly connected to the inflatable member 12. This can occur, for example, if the connection end 16 of the inflator device 14 is spaced from the corresponding receiving opening / sheet 18 in the inflatable member 12.

[0071] Similarly, if the gas cartridge 14 has external threads 26 on the connection end 16, the gas cartridge 14 will not be properly secured to the cap 22 of the expandable member 12 if the gas cartridge 14 is not threaded into the cap 22 until it abuts the cap 22 of the expandable member 12.

[0072] Additionally, the safety device 40 can assist a person performing replacement of the inflator device 14 once it has been deflated, so as to allow for safe handling of the inflator device 14, limiting the risk of accidental activation of the inflator device 14, and in particular the ignition charge.

[0073] In a first embodiment, when the expandable member 12 is designed to be electrically activated by the control unit 30, the safety device 40 comprises a safety or positioning sensor 42, is connected to the control unit 30 and is designed to automatically switch off the control unit 30 or not switch on the control unit 30 when the wearable protective device 10 is in an unsafe state.

[0074] In this manner, the inflation device 14 cannot be triggered by the control unit 30 to avoid the risk of improper inflation.

[0075] The safety sensor 42 can be connected to a signaling device of the wearable protective device 10. Such a signaling device can be applied to the outer surface of the wearable protective device.

[0076] If the wearable protective device is in an unsafe state, the safety device may provide a visual signal to the wearer, for example by switching off a signaling device, or may provide an audible alarm.

[0077] In a first embodiment, the safety device 40 may comprise a positioning sensor 42 designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device 10 when the distance between reference marks provided on the inflator device 14 and the inflatable member 12, respectively, exceeds a predetermined distance value, which is set by assuming that the inflator device is properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0078] If the detected distance is greater than the reference value, it means that the inflator device is not properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0079] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, a positioning sensor 42 connected to the control unit 30 can be applied proximate the opening 18 of the inflatable member 12 to which the inflator device 14 is connected. In this manner, the positioning sensor 42 can detect the presence of the inflator device 14 and / or contact with an opposing surface 43 of the inflator device 14.

[0080] According to the embodiment of Fig. 3, the positioning sensor 42 is preferably applied to the rim of the cap 22 fixed to the inflatable member 12 so as to be able to detect the presence and / or contact of a facing surface 43 of the gas cartridge 14. Such a facing surface 43 is designed to be located close to or adjacent to the rim of the cap 22 when the gas cartridge 14 is properly connected to the inflatable member 12. If the gas cartridge 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12, the positioning sensor 42 will not detect the presence of the gas cartridge 14 or the contact of the facing surface of the rim with the gas cartridge, and will therefore automatically switch off the control unit 30 or keep the control unit 30 in the off state.

[0081] Alternatively, the positioning sensor 42 can be applied to the connection end 16 of the inflator device 14 .

[0082] The position sensor may be an electrical switch, for example a contact sensor, or a proximity sensor, for example a Hall effect sensor.

[0083] In the case of a mechanically actuated expandable member, the positioning sensor 42 can be connected to a signaling device that can signal the wearer that the gas cartridge is not properly secured to the expandable member.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the positioning sensor 42 may be a mechanical switch, preferably applied to the rim of the cap 22, suitable for signaling an unsafe state of the wearable protective device when not pressed by the opposing surface 43 of the gas cartridge 14.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the inflator device 14 can be designed to be inserted into a retaining sheet 46 (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 7). The retaining sheet 46 can be secured to an inner or outer surface of the wearable protective device 10.

[0086] Preferably, the retaining sheet 46 is provided on the housing 29 located at the top of the rear surface (see FIG. 2).

[0087] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the safety device 40 includes a mechanical device configured to allow insertion of the inflator device 14 into the retaining sheet 46 only if the inflator device 14 is properly connected to the inflatable member 12.

[0088] In this case, when the wearable protective device 10 is in an unsafe state, i.e., when the gas cartridge 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12, the wearer will see that the gas cartridge 14 is at least partially separated from the retaining sheet 46 or not inserted within the retaining sheet 46, and thus the safety device 40 can provide direct visual information to the wearer.

[0089] Such a safety device 40 can be used in both electrically actuated wearable protective devices 10 and in mechanically actuated wearable protective devices.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, the safety device 40 may include at least one abutment surface 48, 50, 52 designed to define a geometric shape in the retaining sheet 46 that is complementary to the assembly formed by the inflator device 14 and the cap 22 of the inflatable member 12 when the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 is properly inserted into the cap 22.

[0091] Preferably, in this embodiment, the safety device 40 comprises a front abutment surface 50 and a rear abutment surface 48. Preferably, the front abutment surface 50, which has a recess into which the cap 22 can be placed, is designed to be located near the junction between the cap and the connection end, while the rear abutment surface 48 is opposite the front abutment surface 50.

[0092] Advantageously, when the connecting end 16 is properly inserted into the cap 22, the distance between the front abutment surface 50 and the rear abutment surface 48 is set to correspond to the length of the assembly formed by the inflator device 14 and the cap 22 (see FIG. 4).

[0093] Alternatively, the distance between the forward abutment surface 50 and the rear abutment surface 48 is set so that the forward abutment surface 50 can engage with a corresponding notch 54 provided on the cap 22 (see Figures 5, 5A and 6) or the gas cartridge 14 only when the connection end 16 is properly inserted inside the cap 22 and the rear end of the gas cartridge 14 is adjacent the rear abutment surface 48.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the rear abutment surface 48 can be shaped so that it can engage a corresponding notch in the rear end of the gas cartridge only if the gas cartridge is properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0095] Alternatively, the rear abutment surface 48 may be shaped to be complementary to the electrical connector 34 by which the gas cartridge 14 is connected to the control unit 30 .

[0096] If the connection end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 is not properly inserted inside the cap 22, the rear of the gas cartridge 14 will hit the rear abutment surface 48 or the front abutment surface 48 and the rear abutment surface 50 will not be able to coincide with the reference notch 54, and therefore the gas cartridge cannot be inserted inside the retaining seat 46.

[0097] Thus, the wearer has immediate feedback regarding the mutual positioning between the gas cartridge 14 and the expandable member 12 and is guided to act to properly connect the gas cartridge 14 to the expandable member 12 .

[0098] At the same time, the mechanical safety device 40 is also useful for blocking the gas cartridge 14 in a proper position relative to the inflatable member 12 when the gas cartridge 14 is connected to the inflatable member 12. In practice, the front and rear mating surfaces 48, 50, preferably in combination with the side surface 52 extending from the front mating surface 50 to the rear mating surface 48, allow the gas cartridge 14 to be firmly held in the retaining seat 46, so that the gas cartridge 14 avoids vibrations or shocks occurring during use of the wearable protective device, which may cause the gas cartridge 14 to move from its proper position.

[0099] Advantageously, a safety sensor connected to the control unit 30 can be applied to the inner surface of the retaining sheet 46, i.e., the surface designed to come into contact with the inflator device 14 when the inflator device is inserted into the retaining sheet 46.

[0100] When the inflator device 14 is removed from the retaining sheet 46, such a sensor can switch off the control unit or keep the control unit switched off until the inflator device is properly positioned within the retaining sheet 46.

[0101] For example, the safety sensor can be a mechanical switch or a pressure sensor.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the wearable protective device may comprise two retaining sheets 46, each designed to accommodate one inflator device 14, both of said retaining sheets 46 being provided with a safety sensor connected to the control unit 30 on their inner surface.

[0103] In this case, the control unit 30 is turned off or remains turned off if one of the inflator devices is not properly inserted within its retaining seat.

[0104] Advantageously, the retaining sheet 46 may be provided with a cover 56 suitable for protecting the gas cartridge 14 (see Figures 4, 7 and 8). The cover 56 may be provided with first fastening means 58 designed to be coupled with corresponding second fastening means 60 of the retaining sheet 46 so as to enable the cover 56 to be fixed to the retaining sheet 46.

[0105] The first fastening means 58 and the second fastening means 60 are designed to mate with one another only if the safety device 40 allows for the insertion of the inflator device 14 into the retaining seat 46 .

[0106] In reality, if the gas cartridge 14 cannot be inserted into the retaining sheet 46, the gas cartridge 14 will protrude from the retaining sheet 46, and the cover 56 will not be able to be properly fixed to the retaining sheet 46.

[0107] The wearer in this case clearly understands that the cover 56 has separated from the retaining sheet 46 and that the wearable protective device is in an unsafe state.

[0108] Advantageously, also in this embodiment, the safety device 40 can be designed to turn off the control unit 30 or keep the control unit 30 turned off when the wearable protective device is in an unsafe state.

[0109] The safety device 40 may comprise a safety or contact sensor 42 connected to the control unit 30, which may be located at the upper edge of the retaining sheet 46 or at the lower edge of the cover 56 (see FIG. 4). Such a sensor 42 is designed to switch the control unit 30 on when the cover 56 is properly secured to the retaining sheet 46, and to switch the control unit off or keep it off when the cover 56 is removed from the sheet.

[0110] Failure of cover 56 to be properly secured to retainer sheet 46 signals an unsafe condition of the wearable protective device because inflator device 14 is not properly coupled to inflatable member 12 .

[0111] Thus, the safety device 40 allows the control unit 30 to be reactivated if the gas cartridge 14 must be replaced only if the gas cartridge 14 is correctly positioned inside its retaining seat 46 and / or the cover 56 is properly secured to the retaining seat 46.

[0112] Advantageously, the wearable protective device 10 can comprise two holding sheets 46, each suitable for receiving a corresponding gas cartridge 14. These holding sheets 46 can be arranged on a support plate 62 suitable for being fixed to the outer surface of the wearable protective device 10.

[0113] Both seats may be equipped with the safety device 40 and corresponding cover 56 described above.

[0114] Advantageously, if both safety devices 40 comprise a contact sensor 42 arranged on the cover 56 or on the seat 46, the control unit 30 switches off or keeps the switch off if one of the gas cartridges 14 is not properly inserted in the retaining seat 46 so as not to allow correct positioning of the cover on the retaining seat.

[0115] Alternatively, the support plate 62 may have a single cover 56 adapted to cover both retaining sheets 46. The contact sensor 42 may be applied to the bottom rim of the cover 56 or to the top surface of the support plate 62.

[0116] Also, in this embodiment, the cover 56 can be properly secured to the support plate 62 only if both gas cartridges are properly inserted inside their retaining seats 46 .

[0117] A proper connection between the cover and the support plate causes depression of a contact sensor 42 which emits a corresponding signal to the control unit.

[0118] At this point it is clear how certain objectives can be achieved by means of a wearable protective device according to the invention.

[0119] The safety device allows for a safe and proper replacement of the gas cartridge without the need to return the wearable protective device to customer service. In effect, the safety device provides reliable feedback regarding the connection between the gas cartridge and the inflatable member, allowing even end users without specific training to understand whether the gas cartridge used to replace a depleted gas cartridge is properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0120] Furthermore, the safety device provides protection against possible dangers occurring during replacement of the gas cartridge, since the control unit can be switched off or kept switched off when the gas cartridge is not connected or not properly connected to the inflatable member to avoid inadvertent activation of the ignition charge in the gas cartridge.

[0121] With respect to the above-mentioned embodiments of the wearable protective device, those skilled in the art can change and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements to meet specific requirements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable protective device (10), comprising: At least one expandable member (12) designed to move between a resting state in a contracted state and an operating state in an expanded state; an inflator device (14) designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12) for inflating the at least one inflatable member (12) when triggered; a safety device (40) designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) when the inflator device (14) is separated from or not properly coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12); A wearable protective device (10), further comprising:

2. At least one sensor (28) designed to detect a force acting on the wearable protective device (10); a control unit (30) designed to process data detected by the at least one sensor (28) and to send a trigger signal to the inflator device (14) when a crash situation is identified; Further equipped with The safety device (40) comprises a safety sensor (42) connected to the control unit (30) and designed to automatically switch off the control unit (30) or not allow the control unit (30) to be switched on if the wearable protective device (10) is in an unsafe state. A wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that

3. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a safety sensor (42) designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) when a distance between reference marks provided on the inflator device (14) and on the at least one inflatable member (12), respectively, exceeds a predetermined value.

4. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a safety sensor (42) connected to the control unit (30) and applied in the vicinity of an opening (18) of the inflatable member (12) to which an inflator device (14) is connected, the safety sensor (42) being capable of detecting the presence of the inflatable device (14) and / or contact with an opposing surface (43) of the inflator device (14).

5. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the inflator device (14) has a connection end (16) designed to be inserted inside a corresponding cap (22) fixed to an opening (18) of the at least one inflatable member (12), and the safety sensor (42) is applied at the connection end (16) of the inflator device (14) or at the cap (22) fixed to the inflatable member (12).

6. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is an electrical or mechanical switch or a proximity sensor.

7. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the inflator device (14) is designed to be inserted into a retaining seat (46), and the safety device (40) comprises a mechanical device configured to allow the inflator device (14) to be inserted into the retaining seat (46) only when the inflator device (14) is properly connected to the at least one inflatable member (12).

8. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 7, characterized in that the inflator device (14) has a connection end (16) designed to be inserted inside a corresponding cap (22) placed in an opening (18) of the at least one inflatable member (14), and the safety device (40) has at least one abutment surface (48, 50, 52) designed to define a shape on the retaining seat (46) complementary to the assembly formed by the inflator device (14) and the cap (22) when the connection end (16) is properly inserted inside the cap (22).

9. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 8, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a front abutment surface (50) and a rear abutment surface (48), the distance between the front abutment surface (50) and the rear abutment surface (48) corresponding to the length of the assembly formed by the inflator device (14) and the cap (22) when the connection end (16) is properly inserted into the cap (22).

10. 9. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 8, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a front abutment surface (50) and a rear abutment surface (48), the distance between the front abutment surface (50) and the rear abutment surface (48) being set such that the front abutment surface (50) engages a corresponding notch (54) provided on the cap (22) or the inflator device (14) only when the connection end (16) is properly inserted into the cap (22) and the rear end of the inflator device (14) abuts against the rear abutment surface (48).

11. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2 or 8, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a rear abutment surface (48) formed to be complementary to an electrical connector (34) by which the inflator device (14) is connected to the control unit (30).

12. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 7, characterized in that the retaining sheet (46) comprises a cover (56) suitable for protecting the inflator device (14), the cover (56) comprising first fastening means (58) designed to mate with corresponding second fastening means (60) of the retaining sheet (46) to enable fastening of the cover to the retaining sheet (46), the first and second fastening means being designed to match only when the safety device (40) is capable of inserting the inflator device (14) inside the retaining sheet (46).

13. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2 or 12, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is arranged at the upper end of the holding sheet (46) or at the lower end of the cover (56).

14. 14. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises two said retaining seats (46), each said retaining seat (46) being suitable for receiving a corresponding said inflator device (14).

15. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 14, characterized in that the retaining sheet (46) is arranged on a support plate (62) designed to be fixed to the outer surface of the wearable protective device (10), the support plate (62) having a single cover (56) suitable for covering the retaining sheet (46).

16. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 14, characterized in that each of the retaining seats (46) comprises a corresponding cover (56) and a corresponding safety sensor (42), the safety sensor (42) being designed to automatically switch off the control unit (30) or not allow the control unit (30) to be switched on if one of the inflator devices (14) is not properly inserted into the retaining seat (46) so as not to allow correct positioning of the cover (56) on the corresponding retaining seat (46).

17. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2 or 7, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is arranged on an inner surface of the retaining sheet (46), the inner surface being designed to come into contact with the inflator device (14) when the inflator device (14) is inserted into the retaining sheet (46).

18. 18. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises two said retaining seats (46), each said retaining seat (46) being suitable for receiving a corresponding said inflator device (14).

19. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the inflator device (14) is designed to be inserted into a retaining sheet (46) provided with a cover (56) suitable for protecting the inflator device (14), and the safety sensor (42) is designed to switch on the control unit (30) when the cover (56) is properly fixed to the retaining sheet (46) and to switch off the control unit (30) when the cover (56) is removed from the retaining sheet (46).

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