Inflatable protective device, wearable protective device including the inflatable protective device, and method for effectively deflating the inflatable protective device after inflation - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inflatable protective device 10 comprising an inflatable member 12, an inflator device 14 designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 12 for inflating the inflatable member 12, and at least one protective sleeve 24. The at least one protective sleeve 24 has an actuation portion 26 extending inside the inflatable member 12 for placing the at least one protective sleeve 24 in fluid communication with the inflatable member 12. In accordance with the present invention, the at least one protective sleeve 24 comprises a reinforcing means 30 disposed on the actuation portion 26 for placing the at least one protective sleeve 24 in fluid communication with the inflatable member 12. The present invention also relates to a wearable protective apparatus 100 including such an inflatable protective device 10, and to a method for effectively deflating such an inflatable protective device 10 after inflation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable protective device. [Background technology]

[0002] In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention refers to an inflatable protective device suitable for protecting a user from impacts and / or falls during sports and / or work activities such as, for example, motorcycling, cycling, skiing, etc.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a wearable protective device comprising the inflatable protective device, and to a method for effectively deflating the inflatable protective device after inflation.

[0004] Typically, inflatable protective devices designed to protect a user from impacts and / or falls are placed within a protective suit or harness.

[0005] Specifically, the inflatable protective apparatus includes an inflatable bag connected to an inflator device, the inflatable bag being in fluid communication with the inflator device, e.g., a gas cartridge, adapted to inject a predetermined amount of inflation fluid, e.g., compressed gas, into the inflatable bag.

[0006] In this manner, the inflatable bag can expand and therefore provide cushioning against impacts and / or drops.

[0007] The release of inflation fluid within the inflatable bag can be controlled by a mechanical and / or electronic activation system.

[0008] The gas cartridge is typically within a cylindrical housing having a first end connected to an inflatable bag.

[0009] The gas cartridge can be connected to the inflatable bag by clamping the end of the cartridge directly inside the open end of the inflatable bag, or the end of the gas cartridge can be provided with external threads suitable for being screwed inside corresponding threads on a cap disposed on the open end of the inflatable bag.

[0010] As another option, the end of the gas cartridge can be connected to the inflatable bag by a bayonet mount, with the male element provided on the end of the gas cartridge and the female receptor provided on a cap located on the open end of the inflatable bag.

[0011] Due to the need for a small footprint, the gas cartridge must be small in size so that the inflation fluid is stored therein at high pressure.

[0012] At the same time, when the actuation mechanism detects a dangerous situation for the user, the inflation of the inflatable bag must occur as quickly as possible so that the bag can reach an inflated state quickly to provide increased protection to the user.

[0013] The need to store inflation fluid at high pressure within the gas cartridge and rapidly inflate the inflatable bag results in a high flow rate of inflation fluid exiting the gas cartridge upon activation of the gas cartridge, with most of the inflation fluid actually being expelled from the corresponding gas cartridge in a time on the order of tens of milliseconds or less.

[0014] This event causes high stresses in the connection area between the gas cartridge and the inflatable bag, with a non-negligible risk of damage or rupture of the inflatable bag.

[0015] In order to ensure the integrity of the inflatable bag during inflation, it is known to place a protective element, a so-called "protective sleeve", between the connecting end of the gas cartridge and the open end of the inflatable bag.

[0016] Such protective sleeves are generally tubular in shape and are made of a flexible material so that they flatten during use and do not cause discomfort to the user.

[0017] Preferably, the protective sleeve is made of a textile material, advantageously of the same material as the inflatable bag.

[0018] Generally, the protective sleeve is made up of two fabric sheets sewn together at the edges to obtain a tubular shape.

[0019] The use of a protective sleeve is highly appreciated and recommended as it protects the bag from bursting due to sudden inflation, allowing the bag to be reused, i.e., inflated at a later time, if it is not damaged, ripped, or punctured. This has many advantages:

[0020] Indeed, the possibility of reusing the inflatable bag after inflation reduces the time that, for example, a garment coupled to an inflatable protective device is unavailable to the user. Other advantages include a reduction in airbag waste, costs associated with the supply of spare parts, and associated customer service organizations.

[0021] Unless the inflator device is provided with multiple inflation charges, the exhaust inflator device must be replaced with a new one after each deployment.

[0022] However, inflatable protection devices with protective sleeves still have further drawbacks.

[0023] In fact, nowadays the aim of various manufacturers of inflatable protective equipment is to allow the replacement of the inflator device to be carried out directly by the end user, instead of being carried out by a specialist.

[0024] To achieve such a purpose, the connection between the inflator device and the inflatable member is simplified, and further, the inflator device is located in a location that is easily accessible by the user.

[0025] However, whether the replacement of the inflator device is performed by the end user or a professional, it is necessary that the inflatable bag be in a fully deflated state after separation of the inflator device.

[0026] In fact, if the inflatable bag does not completely deflate after inflation, there is a risk that during the subsequent final inflation the internal pressure will reach a pressure value different from the desired pressure value calculated during the development phase, taking into account the protection obtained and the strength of the bag.

[0027] Furthermore, when the inflatable protective device is inserted or integrated into a garment, it is useful and desirable for the inflatable bag to be fully deflated so that the user does not experience discomfort when wearing the garment. Indeed, if the inflatable bag is not fully deflated, the user may experience restricted movement or an uncomfortable warm sensation due to the thermal insulation that may be provided by the inflated bag.

[0028] Additionally, full deflation of the inflatable bag is also desirable when the protective device is coupled to undergarments designed to be used in combination with an outer protective garment. If the inflatable bag is not fully deflated, its additional volume may prevent the undergarment from being properly worn under the outer protective garment.

[0029] However, even if the inflatable bag is made of a breathable material or is provided with a deflation valve, in some cases it is not easy to reach full deflation of the bag.

[0030] In fact, during deflation, the internal pressure of the bag decreases until it reaches a certain equilibrium with the external environment, in which situation the inflatable bag is not completely empty.

[0031] In fact, when the inflator device is separated from the inflatable bag, a small amount of inflation fluid still remains within the bag.

[0032] Furthermore, such shrinkage is prevented by the presence of the protective sleeve.

[0033] In fact, after inflation, the protective sleeve, due to its shape and its flexibility, may close or collapse on itself, acting as a check valve and thus preventing the complete deflation of the bag.

[0034] This problem persists even when the bag is manually compressed to expedite its contraction. In fact, the gas pressure is evenly distributed within the bag, keeping all parts of the bag inflated. At the same time, the protective sleeve is completely surrounded by this pressure, so even without an external force to keep the end of the protective sleeve open, the protective sleeve may still block the gas exit.

[0035] It should also be noted that if the inflatable bag is connected to the gas cartridge by a cap, the only fluid connection between the external environment and the inside of the bag is one or more channels provided in the cap, which may further hinder deflation of the bag.

[0036] Additionally, if the protective sleeve is made of two sheets of fabric sewn together along the edges, the shape of the sleeve itself will tend to keep the two sheets close together, making closure of the sleeve more likely to occur.

[0037] Therefore, in order to obtain the same level of safety during the first inflation, it is preferable and desirable that the replacement of the inflator device be carried out by a professional who can ensure that the deflation of the inflatable bag is complete. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0038] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable protective device which at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0039] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable protective apparatus with an inflator device that can be easily replaced after activation by non-specialized personnel.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable protective apparatus which can ensure complete and rapid deflation of the inflatable bag after activation and during replacement of the inflator device.

[0041] A further object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable protective device that allows for quick and effective deflation of the inflatable bag during replacement of the inflator device without affecting the inflation stage of the inflatable bag or the connection between the inflatable bag and the inflator device.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device with an inflatable protection device that is suitable to guarantee high comfort to the user even after replacement of the inflator device.

[0043] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for effectively deflating an inflatable protective device during the replacement process of an inflator device after activation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0044] These and other objects and aims are achieved by an inflatable protective device according to claim 1, by a wearable protective device according to claim 24 and by a method according to claim 25. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred, but non-limiting, embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a rear view of a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views illustrating the mutual positioning between an inflator device, a protective sleeve, and an inflatable member according to different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views illustrating the mutual positioning between an inflator device, a protective sleeve, and an inflatable member according to different embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a protective sleeve according to a different embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 17] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 18] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a diagram similar to FIG. 2 but relating to a different embodiment of the invention. [Figure 22] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the present invention; [Figure 23] FIG. 3 is a diagram similar to FIG. 2 but relating to a different embodiment of the invention. [Figure 24] 16 is a schematic perspective view similar to the protective sleeve of FIGS. 5 to 15, but relating to a different embodiment. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 24. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an example of an inflatable protection device according to the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10.

[0047] 1, inflatable protective device 10 is adapted to be coupled or integrated with a wearable protective device 100. In particular, inflatable protective device 10 can be coupled or integrated with a protective garment 100, such as a jacket or vest. Alternatively, inflatable protective device 10 can be coupled to an undergarment adapted for use in combination with an outer protective garment.

[0048] In further embodiments, the inflatable protective device 10 may be coupled to a harness designed to be worn over or under additional clothing, or may be integrated into a protective element such as a helmet.

[0049] Advantageously, the inflatable protective device 10 is designed to protect the user's body from injuries resulting from impacts and falls.

[0050] The inflatable protective device 10 of the present invention is preferably designed to protect motorcyclists. Nevertheless, as will appear more clearly from the following description, such an inflatable protective device 10 can also be used advantageously by cyclists, skiers, horse riders, etc., or in other fields where effective protection of the user's body is required.

[0051] The inflatable protection device 10 includes an inflatable member 12 .

[0052] The expandable member 12 is designed to move between a resting state in a deflated state and an operating state in an expanded state.

[0053] The inflatable member 12 may be inflated with a fluid, such as air or gas, and expands to protect a user of the inflatable protective device 10 from impacts, falls, or slips.

[0054] Preferably, the expandable member 12 has a bag-like shape.

[0055] Advantageously, the inflatable member 12 may be manufactured by sewing together lower and upper fabric panels along their periphery to obtain a so-called "sewn" airbag.

[0056] Alternatively, the inflatable member 12 can be manufactured in a single weaving operation, for example using a Jacquard loom, to obtain a so-called "one piece woven" (OPW) airbag.

[0057] Advantageously, the expandable member 12 may be made by knitting.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the expandable member 12 may be made of a resilient material, preferably selected from the group including natural or synthetic rubber.

[0059] As is known in the art, the inflatable member may be provided with a deflation valve to enhance deflation of the inflatable member 12 when the inflatable member is actuated. Alternatively, if the structure of the inflatable member allows for controlled gas leakage, deflation may be accomplished gradually through the same structure of the member.

[0060] For example, if the inflatable member is used in protective clothing for motorcyclists, deflation may preferably be effected in a time of 10 to 20 seconds, although different deflation times are possible depending on particular needs.

[0061] 1, 2, 21, 23 and 25, the inflatable protective apparatus 10 also includes an inflator device 14 that is coupled to the inflatable member 12 and designed to inflate the inflatable member 12. In particular, the inflator device 14 has a connecting end 16 that is designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 12 to place the inflator device 14 in fluid communication with the inflatable member 12. Advantageously, the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 is coupled to an open end 18 of the inflatable member 12.

[0062] In particular, the connecting end 16 is preferably inserted into and blocked in a gas-tight manner within the open end 18 of the expandable member 12 .

[0063] As is known in the art, the connection end 16 of the inflator device 14 may include a connection cap 20 designed to be secured to the open end 18 of the inflatable member 12. Preferably, the connection cap 20 is secured inside the open end 18 of the inflatable member 12 by a clamp 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

[0064] The connecting cap 20 includes at least one hole or channel 21 through which inflation gas exiting the inflator device 14 flows to the inside of the inflatable member 12.

[0065] As is known in the art, the inflator device 14 may be actuated by an electrical and / or mechanical actuation mechanism.

[0066] Preferably, the inflator device 14 is selected from the group including a pyrotechnic inflator, a compressed gas inflator, and a hybrid inflator.

[0067] As shown in the accompanying figures, the inflatable protection device 10 also includes at least one protective sleeve 24 .

[0068] The protective sleeve 24 is disposed on the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 so as to be interposed between the inflator device 14 and the inflatable member 12 .

[0069] Preferably, a protective sleeve 24 is disposed between the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 and the open end 18 of the inflatable member 12 .

[0070] In particular, the protective sleeve 24 has an actuation portion 26 that extends inside the expandable member 12 to place the protective sleeve 24 in fluid communication with the expandable member 12 .

[0071] According to the present invention, the protective sleeve 24 comprises a reinforcing means 30 disposed on the working portion 26. The reinforcing means 30 is able to at least partially resist any external pressure acting on the working portion 26, thereby placing the protective sleeve 24 in fluid communication with the expandable member 12.

[0072] As will become apparent from the following description, the reinforcing means 30 can maintain the actuation portion 26 in an at least partially open state to allow for rapid and effective deflation of the inflatable member 12 when the inflator device 14 needs to be replaced after activation.

[0073] In other words, the reinforcing means 30 prevents the actuation portion 26 from becoming fully closed, so that full deflation of the inflatable member 12 can occur when the inflator device 14 is replaced.

[0074] In particular, the reinforcing means 30 ensures that during replacement of the inflator device 14, the protective sleeve 24 does not act as a check valve and allows full deflation of the inflatable member 12 without any specific action or effort by the person performing the replacement.

[0075] Indeed, when the inflator device 14 is removed, the inner portion of the inflatable member 12 is placed in direct fluid communication with the external environment through the actuation portion 26, which is reinforced by the reinforcement means 30. If the inflatable member 12 is still inflated, the gas still inside the inflatable member will spontaneously exit the inflatable member 12, since the gas has an absolute pressure higher than the pressure of the external environment.

[0076] This is also valid when the inflator device 14 includes a connection cap 20, in which case the inner portion of the inflatable member 12 is placed in fluid communication with the external environment through a hole 21 in the connection cap 20.

[0077] Furthermore, the presence of the reinforcing means 30 also helps to ensure fluid communication between the inflatable member 12 and the inflator device 14 during the entire use of the inflatable protective device 10, so as not to interfere with the inflation phase of the inflatable member 12.

[0078] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the protective sleeve 24 preferably comprises a tube made of a flexible and soft material. In particular, the protective sleeve 24 can be made of fabric.

[0079] Preferably, the protective sleeve 24 is made of the same material as the expandable member 12 .

[0080] Advantageously, the protective sleeve 24 can be manufactured by fastening together a first sheet material 25, e.g., of fabric, and a second sheet material 27, e.g., of fabric, along their perimeters (see, e.g., Figures 3-8). Fastening can be achieved by interweaving threads forming the two sheets 25, 27, or by using a perimeter seam. Alternative methods are well known in the art, such as gluing or heat sealing.

[0081] In a further embodiment, the protective sleeve 24 is formed from a single sheet of material 28, such as fabric, with opposing edges secured together (see, eg, FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0082] The outside of the protective sleeve 24 may be covered by a coating, for example a polymer coating applied to the outside of the sheets 25, 27, 28 to enhance airtightness and / or mechanical strength.

[0083] Alternatively, the protective sleeve 24 can be made of a rigid material, for example a metallic material, in which case the protective sleeve 24 itself embodies the reinforcing means 30. The reinforcing means 30 therefore extends over the entire length of the protective sleeve 24 and is not limited to the working portion 26.

[0084] Preferably, the protective sleeve 24 has a length of 6 to 18 cm so that it is positioned in the connection zone between the inflatable member 12 and the inflator device 14, where the gas flow exiting the inflator device 14 exerts stress on the inflatable member 12.

[0085] Such a length also ensures that the protective sleeve 24 can protect the inflatable member 12 from damage if the protective sleeve 24 is mispositioned, i.e., if the protective sleeve 24 is shifted too far toward the open end 18 of the inflatable member 12 or too far toward the inflator device 14.

[0086] In a first embodiment of the invention, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 21, the reinforcing means 30 of the protective sleeve 24 consists of a fastener 32 that directly connects the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24 to the surrounding portion of the expandable member 12.

[0087] Preferably, the fastener 32 is provided at the end of the actuating portion 26 , the “end” of the actuating portion referring to the end of the protective sleeve 24 remote from the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 .

[0088] Such fasteners 32 may consist of a layer of adhesive interposed between the protective sleeve 24 and the expandable member 12 .

[0089] Alternatively, fasteners 32 may consist of stitches located on opposing edges of expandable member 12 and protective sleeve 24 .

[0090] In this case, an outer sealing ribbon (not shown in the enclosed figures) may be applied to the outside of the expandable member 12 to ensure an airtight connection between the protective sleeve 24 and the expandable member 12.

[0091] 3-10, when the protective sleeve 24 is formed by a first sheet material 25 and a second sheet material 27, or by a single sheet material 28, the reinforcing means 30 may advantageously be formed by at least one side appendage 34 located in the fastening zone between the first sheet 25 and the second sheet 27, or in the fastening zone between the opposing edges of the single sheet 28. The at least one side appendage 34 extends from the tubular body of the protective sleeve. In particular, the at least one side appendage 34 is designed to be folded so as to be interposed between the inflatable member 12 and the inflator device 14. In particular, the side appendage 34 may be interposed between the open end 18 of the inflatable member 12 and the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14.

[0092] Preferably, when the protective sleeve 24 is formed from two sheets of material 25, 27, the reinforcing means 30 comprises two lateral appendages 34. Advantageously, the appendages 34 are provided on opposite edges of the sheets of material 25, 27, extending in opposite directions from the tubular body of the protective sleeve 24.

[0093] Advantageously, for placement between the inflatable member 12 and the inflator device 14, preferably between the open end 18 and the connecting end 16, the appendages 34 can be folded in the same direction to assume a "U-shaped" configuration relative to the tubular body of the protective sleeve 24 (see, e.g., Figure 3), or can be folded in opposite directions to assume an "S-shaped" configuration relative to the tubular body of the protective sleeve 24 (see, e.g., Figure 4).

[0094] The appendage 34 is maintained in the position shown in Figures 3-4 by virtue of the fixation between the inflatable member 12 and the inflator device 14, or the connection cap 20, if present.

[0095] Preferably, as shown schematically in Figures 5 to 10, a portion of the at least one appendage 34 is fixed to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24 by a fixing means, such that the at least one appendage 34 is at least partially adhered to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24.

[0096] The portion of the appendage 34 may be secured to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24 by stitches, adhesive, or similar securing means.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 5, when the appendage is secured to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24 by stitching, such stitching may be formed by a single stitch line 36 located at the end of the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24.

[0098] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the single stitch line 36 may extend the entire length of the protective sleeve 24 .

[0099] In a further embodiment, the appendage may be secured to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve by seams formed by a plurality of stitch lines 38 (see Figures 7-10).

[0100] The stitch line 38 may be located at the end of the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24 (see Figure 7) or may extend the entire length of the protective sleeve 24 (see Figures 8-10).

[0101] Due to the limited fastening of the appendage 34 to the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24, the appendage 34 forms a kind of loop. Advantageously, in this way, the stresses caused by the flow of inflation gas leaving the inflator device 14 can be sustained not only by the stitching lines 36, 38 but also by the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24. The risk of breakage of the stitching lines 36, 38 is therefore reduced and it is ensured that the reinforcing means 30 can keep the actuating portion 26 at least partially in fluid communication with the inflatable member 12.

[0102] Referring to Figures 11 or 12, when the protective sleeve 24 is formed from a first sheet material 25 and a second sheet material 27, or from a single sheet material 28, the reinforcing means 30 can form a thickened zone 40 in the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24 by overlapping the opposing edges of the first sheet 25 and the second sheet 27, or by overlapping the opposing edges of the single sheet 28.

[0103] Such thickened zones 40 may preferably have a width between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0104] The opposing edges of the single sheet of material 28 forming the thickened zone 40 may be secured together by a single stitch line or by multiple spaced apart stitch lines 42 (see FIG. 11).

[0105] When the protective sleeve 24 is manufactured by fastening together a first sheet material 25 and a second sheet material 27, the reinforcing means 30 can be formed by overlapping the opposing edges of the sheets 25, 27 to form two different thickness zones 40 in the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24.

[0106] Also in this case, the opposing edges of the sheets 25, 27 forming the thickened zone 40 can be secured together by a single stitch line or by a plurality of spaced apart stitch lines 42 (see FIG. 12).

[0107] 13, the protective sleeve 24 may have a tubular shape with a diameter D2 at the working portion 26 that is larger than the diameter D1 at the opposite portion. In other words, the protective sleeve may have a frustoconical shape, with the base disposed at the working portion 26.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 14, according to a different embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing means 30 may consist of at least two magnets 44 arranged on opposite edges of the actuating portion 26 .

[0109] The magnets 44 are arranged with like poles, i.e., corresponding north poles or corresponding south poles, facing each other, so as to generate a repulsive force on the opposing edges of the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24. Such a repulsive force is indicated by arrows R in FIG.

[0110] Advantageously, magnet 44 can be used in combination with a magnet on an opposing portion of expandable member 12. In this manner, by facing magnets with different poles toward each other, an attractive force can be created between working portion 26 and a surrounding zone of expandable member 12.

[0111] In a further embodiment, as shown in Figures 15 to 17, the reinforcing means 30 consists of a rolled rim 46 provided at the end of the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24. Such a rolled rim can be obtained by folding the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24 back on itself.

[0112] The actuation portion 26 can be folded onto itself once (see FIG. 16) or more than once (see FIG. 17) to form a thick boundary 46 whose stiffness makes the actuation portion 26 more difficult to close.

[0113] The rolled rim 46 can be blocked onto the tubular portion of the protective sleeve 24 by fastening means 48, such as, for example, stitches.

[0114] Advantageously, the reinforcing means 30 may also comprise a rigid element 50 having an open shape, said rigid element being attached to the working part 26 of the protective sleeve 24 .

[0115] Preferably, such a rigid element 50 has a circular shape (see Figures 18 and 19).

[0116] Advantageously, the rigid element 50 can be applied to the inside of the actuation portion 26 (see FIG. 18) or, alternatively, to the outside of the actuation portion 26 (see FIG. 19). If the rigid element 50 is applied to the outside of the actuation portion 26, it is preferred that an adhesive layer is interposed between the actuation portion 26 and the rigid element 50 to ensure that the actuation portion remains adhered to the rigid element 50.

[0117] In further embodiments, the rigid element 50 may have a cross shape (see, for example, FIG. 20) or a different shape, for example a star shape.

[0118] Preferably, the ends of the arms of the rigid element 50 having a cross shape are fixed inside the actuating part 26 by means of blocking means 52, for example a layer of adhesive.

[0119] The rigid element 50 can be made of a metallic material or a rigid polymeric material.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing means 30 comprises an additional protective sleeve 54 arranged concentrically around the protective sleeve 24. Preferably, the protective sleeve 24 is fixed to the additional protective sleeve 54 at the actuation part 26. In this way, the combination of two protective sleeves ensures greater rigidity.

[0121] The addition of a further protective sleeve 54 may also be done if the inner protective sleeve 24 is provided with one or more of the other reinforcing means described above.

[0122] FIG. 22 shows, for example, a protective sleeve 24 with two appendages 34 in combination with an outer protective sleeve 54 .

[0123] Advantageously, one or more additional protective sleeves 54 can be applied to the outside of the inner protective sleeve 24 directly connected to the inflator device 14 .

[0124] In a further embodiment, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the protective sleeve 24 can be integral with the expandable member 12. In this manner, the protective sleeve 24 and the expandable member 12 become a single element.

[0125] In particular, the protective sleeve comprises a folded portion of the expandable member 12 disposed over the open end 18 of the expandable member 12 .

[0126] The connecting end 16 of the inflator device is coupled to the inflatable member 12 by inserting it inside the folded portion of the inflatable member, which then also functions as a protective sleeve. An airtight connection between the inflator device and the inflatable member is obtained by securing a clamp 22 around the folded open end 18 of the inflatable member 12.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the expandable member 12 is preferably folded inward at the open end 18 along fold line 60, with the folded portion providing the protective sleeve 24.

[0128] As can be seen in Figures 24 and 25, when the expandable member 12 is formed by a first material 25A and a second material 27A that are secured to one another along a peripheral portion 34A, such peripheral portion 34A forms the reinforcing means 30 of the protective sleeve 24 when the expandable member is folded along the fold line 60.

[0129] In particular, the reinforcing means 30 is formed by appendages 34 which directly face the inflator device 14 after folding of the inflatable member.

[0130] When the expandable member 12 is formed by a first material 25A and a second material 27A that are fixed to one another along a peripheral portion within the side, such peripheral portion also forms a reinforcing means for the protective sleeve.

[0131] Unlike the previous embodiment, in this case the folded appendages of the expandable member are located outside the protective sleeve, in a situation similar to that shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.

[0132] In other words, the appendage is interposed between the protective sleeve and the outer portion of the expandable member.

[0133] Preferably, to facilitate folding of the expandable member, the diameter of the portion of the expandable member that functions as a protective sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the remainder of the expandable member.

[0134] In this way, the formation of wrinkles along the fold lines 60 is avoided. Furthermore, the folding operation is facilitated.

[0135] The embodiment in which the protective sleeve with the reinforcing means and the expandable member are a single element is advantageous as it eliminates the need to manufacture a separate protective sleeve.

[0136] Additionally, with reference to, for example, Figures 2-23, all of the embodiments disclosed with respect to a protective sleeve separate from the expandable member can also be applied to embodiments in which the expandable member and protective sleeve are a single element.

[0137] As previously anticipated, the present invention also relates to a method for effectively deflating an inflatable protective device after inflation.

[0138] The method includes the following steps. - providing an inflatable protection device, the inflatable protection device comprising: an 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 inflatable member 12 at a connecting end 16 for inflating the inflatable member 12; - at least one protective sleeve 24 arranged at the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 so as to be interposed between the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 and the inflatable member 12, the protective sleeve 24 having an actuating portion 26 extending into the interior of the inflatable member 12 to place the protective sleeve 24 in fluid communication with the inflatable member 12;

[0139] The method is characterized by the step of at least partially opposing external pressure acting on the working portion 26 of the protective sleeve 24 to maintain fluid communication between the protective sleeve 24 and the expandable member 12 .

[0140] The countering step is carried out by providing the protective sleeve 24 with a reinforcing means 30 at the actuating portion 26 to keep the actuating portion 26 at least partially open, thereby allowing the inflatable member 12 to deflate when the inflator device 14 is separated from the inflatable member.

[0141] It is clear how the present invention achieves its intended objectives.

[0142] Indeed, thanks to the provision of the reinforcing means, if the inflator device needs to be replaced after activation, the inflatable bag can be effectively deflated when the inflator device is separated from the inflatable member.

[0143] In particular, the confidence that the inflatable member will fully deflate when the exhaust inflator device is disconnected from the inflatable member allows such an operation to be performed by the end user, not just by dedicated customer service trained personnel.

[0144] Furthermore, the addition of the reinforcing means does not make the structure of the protection device more complicated and does not affect the airtightness between the inflator device and the inflatable member.

[0145] With respect to the above-described embodiments of the wearable protective device 10, those skilled in the art may change and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements to meet their particular requirements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0146] For example, one or more embodiments may be combined with one another, and in particular the fastener between the protective sleeve and the inflatable member may be used in combination with appropriately folded side appendages or in combination with stiffening elements applied to the outer or inner surface of the protective sleeve.

Claims

1. An inflatable 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 inflatable member (12) in order to inflate the inflatable member (12), wherein the inflator device (14) has a connecting end (16) designed to be coupled to the inflatable member (12), The at least one protective sleeve (24) is positioned on the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14) so ​​as to be interposed between the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14) and the inflatable member (12), wherein the at least one protective sleeve (24) has an operating portion (26) that extends inward from the inflatable member (12) to position the at least one protective sleeve (24) in fluid communication with the inflatable member (12), and the at least one protective sleeve (24) comprises The at least one protective sleeve (24) is provided with a reinforcing means (30) positioned on the operating part (26), the reinforcing means (30) is at least partially able to withstand any external pressure acting on the operating part (26), and fluid communication between the at least one protective sleeve (24) and the inflatable member (12) is maintained. An inflatable protective device (10) characterized by the following.

2. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing means (30) consists of a fastener (32) that directly connects the operating portion (26) of at least one protective sleeve (24) to the surrounding portion of the inflatable member (12).

3. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastener (32) is provided at the end of the operating part (26).

4. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) is formed of a first sheet material (25) and a second sheet material (27), or of a single sheet material (28), and the reinforcing means (30) is formed of at least one side attachment (34) positioned in a fixed zone between the first sheet material (25) and the second sheet material (27), or in a fixed zone between opposing edges of the single sheet material (28).

5. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one side attachment (34) extends from the tubular body of the at least one protective sleeve (24), and the at least one side attachment (34) is designed to fold so as to be interposed between the open end (18) of the inflatable member (12) and the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14).

6. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 4, wherein when the at least one protective sleeve (24) is formed of the first sheet material (25) and the second sheet material (27), the reinforcing means (30) includes two side attachments (34), the side attachments (34) being provided on opposing edges of the sheet materials (25, 27) so as to extend in opposite directions from the tubular body of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

7. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the two side attachments (34) are folded in the same direction to form a "U" shape with respect to the tubular body of the at least one protective sleeve (24), or are folded in opposite directions to form an "S" shape with respect to the tubular body of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

8. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that a portion of the at least one side attachment (34) is fixed to the tubular portion of the at least one protective sleeve (24) by fixing means, and the at least one side attachment (34) is at least partially adhered to the tubular portion of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

9. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that a portion of the at least one side attachment (34) is fixed to the tubular portion of the at least one protective sleeve (24) by a seam.

10. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the seam is formed by a single stitch line (36) or a plurality of stitch lines (38), and the stitch lines (36, 38) are located at the end of the operating part (26) or extend over the entire length of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

11. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) is formed of a first sheet material (25) and a second sheet material (27), or of a single sheet material (28), the reinforcing means (30) is comprised of overlapping the opposing edges of the first sheet material (25) and the second sheet material (27), or overlapping the opposing edges of the single sheet material (28), and at least one thickened zone (40) is formed on the tubular portion of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

12. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the opposing edges of the first sheet material and the second sheet material (25, 27) or the opposing edges of the single sheet material (28) forming the at least one thickened zone (40) are fastened to each other by a single stitch line or by a plurality of stitch lines.

13. The reinforcing means (30) is comprised of at least two magnets (44) arranged on opposing edges of the operating part (26), and the at least two magnets (44) are arranged to have the same poles facing each other so as to generate a repulsive force on the opposing edges of the operating part (26), as described in claim 1, for the inflatable protective device (10).

14. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing means (30) is comprised of a rolled rim (46) provided at the end of the operating part (26), and the rolled rim (46) is obtained by folding the operating part (26) of the at least one protective sleeve (24) into itself.

15. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the operating part (26) folds itself inward once or more times to form a thicker boundary.

16. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the rolled rim (46) is fixed on the tubular portion of the protective sleeve (24) by a fixing means (48).

17. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing means (30) comprises at least one rigid element (50) having an open shape, and the at least one rigid element (50) is attached to the operating part (26) of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

18. The expandable protective device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one rigid element (50) is applied to the inner surface of the actuation part (26) or the outer surface of the actuation part (26).

19. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing means (30) comprises at least one additional protective sleeve (54) arranged concentrically outside the at least one protective sleeve (24).

20. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) is fixed to the at least one additional protective sleeve (54) by the operating part (26).

21. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) is made of a rigid material and the at least one protective sleeve embodies the reinforcing means (30) extending over the entire length of the at least one protective sleeve (24).

22. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) forms a single element integrally with the inflatable member (12).

23. The inflatable protective device (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one protective sleeve (24) is composed of a folded portion of the inflatable member (12) provided at the open end (18) of the inflatable member (12).

24. A wearable protective device (100) comprising an inflatable protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A method for effectively deflating a protective device (10) that can be inflated after inflation, - An inflatable 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) is provided, which is designed to be connected to the inflatable member (12) with a connecting end (16), in order to inflate the inflatable member (12). - At least one protective sleeve (24) positioned on the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14) so ​​as to be interposed between the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14) and the inflatable member (12), wherein the at least one protective sleeve (24) has an operating portion (26) extending inside the inflatable member (12) to position the at least one protective sleeve (24) in fluid communication with the inflatable member (12), The steps include providing an inflatable protective device (10) equipped with, A step of at least partially resisting external pressure acting on the actuation part (26) of the at least one protective sleeve (24) in order to maintain fluid communication between the at least one protective sleeve (24) and the inflatable member (12), wherein the resisting step is performed by providing the at least one protective sleeve (24) with reinforcing means (30) on the actuation part (26), keeping the actuation part (26) in an at least partially open state, thereby allowing the inflatable member (12) to deflate when the inflator device (14) is separated from the inflatable member (12), Methods that include...

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