Protection device, protection assembly, and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective device (10) for a human head and / or neck. To provide a protective device (10) that can enhance personal safety while simultaneously being very affordable, comfortable to wear, and easy to use, it is proposed to provide the protective device (10) with an inflatable protective element (20) having an outer skin (22) surrounding at least one chamber (24) and air inlet means (26) for connecting the chamber (24) to air compression means. The protective element (20) is configured to transition from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into the chamber (24) through the air inlet means (26). The outer skin (22) is adapted to cover and protect at least a portion of the human head and / or neck when the protective element (20) is in its second state. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an associated protective assembly and associated method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection device for the human head and / or neck according to claim 1, to an associated protection assembly according to claim 15, and to a method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities according to claim 16. [Background technology]

[0002] Protective devices for the human head and / or neck are becoming increasingly important with the increasing safety awareness in society. A very common example of a protective device is the helmet, which is well developed and widely available. Helmets are mainly used for human locomotion in exposed conditions, such as urban cycling or motorcycling, or for accident-prone sports activities, such as skiing, skating, riding, or climbing.

[0003] Nevertheless, efforts are being made to provide complementary body protection articles for improved body safety, especially in the event of a serious event such as an accident. For example, European Patent No. 2621297(A1) discloses a wearable airbag system disposed in a collar intended to be worn over other clothing around the neck of a user. The collar incorporates an airbag system for protecting the user's head region in the event of an accident. The airbag system includes an airbag, a detection device for determining an accident situation, and an inflation device, e.g., a gas generator for instantaneous inflation of the airbag.

[0004] While prior art wearable airbag systems provide reliable protection in the event of an accident, they are expensive to produce, relatively heavy due to multiple airbag system components, therefore limiting comfort when worn, and must be periodically inspected and approved to ensure proper function. Furthermore, skeptical users may be hesitant to wear an airbag system due to concerns about experiencing a sudden airbag deployment.

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a protective device that can enhance the physical safety of a person's head and / or neck, but which is at the same time highly affordable, comfortable to wear, and easy to use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide improved, easy-to-use personal protection.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a protection device according to claim 1, a protection assembly according to claim 15 and a method according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a protective device for a human head and / or neck comprising an inflatable protective element having an outer skin surrounding at least one chamber and air inlet means for connecting the chamber with air compression means, the protective element being configured to transition from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into the chamber through the air inlet means, the outer skin being adapted to cover and protect at least part of the human head and / or neck when the protective element is in its second state.

[0009] In other words, the main concept of the present invention is to provide a protective device with an inflatable protective element that can be proactively inflated by active activation by the user, eliminating the need for instantaneous inflation upon detection of an accident. Thus, proactive body protection can be selectively implemented through user-initiated inflation of the protective element. Upon inflation, the protective element forms a stable protective barrier between the human head and / or neck and the environment. Because the protective device is based on a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach, compared to event-triggered airbag systems, it can ensure reliable body safety. Furthermore, the protective device of the present invention does not require the provision of detection and activation components such as sensors, control units, inflators, or gas lines, resulting in a very lightweight, easily portable, and very affordable protective device. In its inflated state, the protective element can also provide thermal isolation, comfortable neck support, and insect protection for the wearer.

[0010] Thus, a protective device is provided that is comfortable to wear, easy to handle, and available at low production costs. The use of the protective device of the present invention significantly increases acceptance and interest in personal body protection.

[0011] The inflatable protective element comprises air inlet means for connecting the chamber with air compression means for inflating the protective element. The air inlet means may be a valve or simply a sealable opening, and the air compression means may be a manually operated pump, an electric pump or compressor, or a bellows. In addition, the air compression means also includes the human respiratory system, since air can be blown into the chamber by human force. Exemplary air inlet means may therefore be a tire valve, a mouth valve, or an integrated electric pump. Furthermore, although not primarily, the term "air compression means" is not strictly limited to instantaneous air compression, but also extends to compressed air supply means as a compressed air storage tank according to some embodiments.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transition of the protective element from the first deflated state to the second inflated state is reversible, such that the protective element is inflatable and deflatable in a repeatable manner. This makes the protective device a sustainable, multi-use item rather than a single-use, disposable item. The protective element is selectively movable between the first deflated state and the second inflated state, and vice versa, upon active actuation by the user.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device further comprises air outlet means for connecting the chamber with the environment, the air outlet means having a closed state that prevents pressurized air filling the chamber in the second state of the protective element from flowing from the chamber to the environment, and an open state that allows pressurized air to flow from the chamber to the environment. The air outlet means can be used to deflate the protective element in a controlled manner when it is not needed or in use. The air outlet means can be, for example, a valve or simply a sealable opening. The air outlet means is preferably movable between the closed and open states by removing a seal from the opening, by pressing, screwing, or rotating the valve, or by other suitable release actions. Preferably, the closed state of the air outlet means is its default state. It is thus reliably ensured that an inflated protective element remains inflated until the user actively deflates it.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the air inlet means and the air outlet means form a combined air exchange means, which further simplifies the construction of the protection device and improves its handling. The air exchange means can be, for example, a switchable check valve.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device further comprises air compression means connected to the air inlet means. The air compression means may for example be an electric pump permanently attached to or integrated into the air inlet means of the protective element. By providing a protective device already comprising air compression means, there is no need to store, transport and use separate air compression means for operating the protective device. The protective device is therefore further enhanced with regard to its easy handling.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the protective element forms a collar cushion when the protective element is in the second state. The collar cushion may have a substantially circular, semicircular, or elliptical shape and is configured to be placed around a person's neck. The collar cushion provides comfortable and reliable protection for the person's head and neck. Preferably, the collar cushion comprises a head support structure protruding radially from the collar cushion. The head support structure may be positioned circumferentially or in a defined area, such as the collar cushion area located under the chin when the protective device is worn. For example, the head support structure may have the form of a U-shaped groove for the person's chin area. The head support structure helps to prevent head and neck injuries, particularly sudden bending of the neck, in the event of an accident.

[0017] Alternatively, the protective element may form a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped wing cushion when the protective element is in the second state. The wing cushion is configured to at least partially cover the human face, particularly the mouth and / or chin area, when worn. The wing cushion preferably has two wings extending symmetrically to each other. The wings are connected by a fold or an angled transition (V-shaped wings) or by a curved transition (U-shaped wings). The wing cushion provides enhanced head protection, particularly for the human face. Furthermore, the wing cushion structure follows the natural contours of the human face. A protective element of this structure can be used in particular with a helmet, particularly a bicycle helmet.

[0018] Alternatively, the protective element may form a substantially helmet-like cushion when the protective element is in the second state. The helmet-like cushion may provide protection for the head only or for the head and neck, depending on the specific shape of the helmet-like cushion. For example, the helmet-like cushion may have the form of a bicycle helmet, a jet helmet, or an integrated helmet with a chin bar. In all cases, such a helmet-like cushion comprises an upper portion that covers at least a portion of the skull, in particular at least a portion of the calvarium. By providing a helmet-like cushion, a lightweight body protection article with a wide range of protective effects is presented, ensuring reliable head and / or neck protection and comfortable wearing.

[0019] A wide variety of shapes can be provided within the scope of the invention, including combinations of the aforementioned embodiments of collar-shaped, wing-shaped, and helmet-shaped cushions, and individual shapes can be created and selected according to current needs and defined conditions.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the protection device further comprises at least one fastening means for fixing the protection element. The fastening means helps to maintain the protection element in a defined shape or orientation. The fastening means is also beneficial for easy donning. For example, the elongated protection element can be placed around the person's neck to form a circle, and the ends of the elongated protection element facing each other can be fastened by the fastening means. Exemplary fastening means are straps, fleece tapes, buttons, magnets, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, or buckles.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective device further comprises at least one coupling means for coupling the protective device to a helmet, clothing, or another wearable component. For example, the protective device may be removably attached to a bicycle or motorcycle helmet, a hat or jacket, or a backpack. For attachment to a helmet, the protective device may be configured to be attached to a helmet shell and / or helmet straps via the coupling means. Exemplary embodiments comprise coupling means implemented as straps, sleeves, magnets, fleece tape, buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, or buckles.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the protective device is foldable to pocket size when the protective element is in the contracted first state. To this end, the outer skin of the protective element is made flexible and thin enough to allow multiple folding. Furthermore, visible fold lines may be provided on the outer skin to facilitate accurate folding. A protective device that is foldable to pocket size enhances transportability and therefore results in a protective device that is easy to handle.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a protective assembly is provided, comprising a helmet and a protective device as described above. The helmet and the protective device are connected to each other so as to be used complementary to each other and form a common unit. The protective device can be attached to the helmet in a removable or permanent manner. The described protective assembly provides a person with more protection than the protective device or helmet alone and makes transporting the protective device easier, since the protective device does not have to be stored and carried separately. In one embodiment, the inflatable protective element of the protective device exclusively or mainly covers parts of the head and / or neck not covered by the helmet, such as the chin and / or mouth. In another embodiment, the inflatable protective element covers at least a portion of the helmet so as to create a two-layer structure, with an inner layer formed by the helmet and an outer layer formed by the protective element. Combinations of the two embodiments are possible.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for performing a safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity by a human, the method comprising: - providing a protection device for the human head and / or neck with an inflatable protection element having an outer skin enclosing at least one chamber, air inlet means and air outlet means; - inflating the protective element via the air inlet means; - placing the inflated protective element on the head and / or neck of the person; - engaging in locomotion or sports activities where safety is important; - Deflating the protective element via the air outlet means.

[0025] Preferably, the protective device described in connection with the method is a protective device according to the above description. Typical examples of safety-critical locomotion or sports activities are cycling, motorcycling, skiing, skating, riding, and climbing. As indicated by the given sequence, inflation of the protective element is preferably performed before, or at least at the beginning of, the safety-critical activity, and deflation is preferably performed after, or at least at the end of, the safety-critical activity. During the safety-critical activity, the protective element is preferably kept inflated throughout. The presented method implements proactive preventative body protection actively triggered by humans, while providing a comfortable and affordable protective solution. Using the method of the present invention significantly promotes acceptance and interest in personal body protection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The present invention will now be described by way of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings, in which functionally similar elements illustrated in the drawings are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 provides a perspective front view of a person wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective front view of a person wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of a person wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective front view of a person wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of a protection device with a contracted protection element according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a protection device with a contracted protection element according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the following, protective devices 10 for the head 52 and / or neck 54 of a person 50 are described. The protective devices 10 illustrated in the figures each comprise an inflatable protective element 20. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the protective device 10 with an inflated protective element 20, while Figures 5 and 6 schematically depict the protective device 10 with a deflated protective element 20 folded to pocket size.

[0029] As shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6, the inflatable protective element 20 comprises an outer skin 22 enclosing at least one chamber 24. The chamber 24 is configured to be filled with air via air inlet means 26, which may be implemented as a mouth valve as depicted in Figure 5 or as a tire valve as illustrated in Figure 6. The mouth valve and tire valve also include an air outlet feature to form air outlet means 28. For example, the mouth valve may be a switchable check valve that must be pressed around its periphery to allow air in the chamber 24 to escape. Similarly, the tire valve may be a switchable check valve that requires a valve nut to be loosened to allow air in the chamber 24 to escape. Thus, the air inlet means 26 and air outlet means 28 described above form a combined air exchange means implemented by the mouth valve and tire valve.

[0030] The air inlet means 26 is configured to connect the chamber 24 to air compression means (not shown). According to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the air compression means can be a human respirator used to blow air into the chamber 24 through a mouth valve. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the air compression means can be a manual or electric pump used to pump air into the chamber 24 through a tire valve. The gradual inflow of air into the chamber 24 causes the protective element 20 to transition from a deflated first state, as presented, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, to an inflated second state, as presented in FIGS. 1-4. In the inflated second state, the outer skin 22 together with the chamber 24 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the human head 52 and / or neck 54, thus forming a protective barrier between the human head 52 and / or neck 54 and the environment.

[0031] The protective element 20 does not automatically inflate in the event of an accident, but is inflatable at any time selected by the person 50, thereby providing active and preventative body protection. No sensing or actuating components, such as sensors, control units, inflators, or gas lines, are required to operate the protective device 10 of the present invention. Thus, the weight, cost, and amount of electronics of the protective device 10, with the exception of an optional electric pump, are significantly reduced. The described protective device 10 is not only highly reliable, but also affordable, easily transportable, comfortable to wear, and easy to use.

[0032] Because the air inlet means 26 is implemented as a combined air exchange means, the mouth valve depicted in FIG. 5 and the tire valve illustrated in FIG. 6 each also form an air outlet means 28 that allows controlled release of compressed air present in the chamber 24. To this end, the air outlet means 28 is configured to connect the chamber 24 with the environment. Thus, the protective element 20 can be actively deflated. Generally, the air outlet means 28 has a closed state as a default state in which pressurized air is prevented from flowing from the chamber 24 to the environment. For example, the mouth valve shown in FIG. 5 is a switchable check valve that prevents air from flowing back from the chamber 24 to the environment until its periphery is actively pressed. Furthermore, an additional cap can be attached as shown to provide additional sealing for the mouth valve. Similarly, the tire valve shown in FIG. 6 is a switchable check valve that prevents air from flowing back from the chamber 24 to the environment until a nut on the valve is loosened. Furthermore, an additional cap (not shown) can be attached to provide additional sealing for the tire valve. With the described air outlet means 28, it is ensured that the inflated protective element 20 remains inflated until actively deflated.

[0033] 5 and 6, by providing the air inlet means 26 and the air outlet means 28 with a combined air exchange means, the transition of the protective element 20 from a deflated first state to an inflated second state is reversible, and the protective element 20 can be repeatedly inflated and deflated. The protective device 10 as illustrated therefore forms a multi-use article that enhances sustainable body protection. Furthermore, inflation and deflation are under the full control of the person 50 using the protective device 10.

[0034] Although not shown in the figures, the protection device 10 may comprise air compression means, such as for example an integrated electric pump connected to the air inlet means 26. The exemplary embodiment with integrated air compression means further facilitates comfortable handling of the protection device 10.

[0035] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the protective element 20 in its second, inflated state forms a substantially circular collar cushion 30 that surrounds the person's neck 54. Furthermore, a head support structure 32 formed as a U-shaped groove protrudes radially from the collar cushion 30 next to the person's 50 chin. The depicted embodiment of the protective device 10 provides reliable protection by preventing the neck from being severely bent in the event of an accident. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the depicted collar cushion 30 may be formed by an elongated protective element 20 that is placed around the neck and fastened in a circular configuration by fastening means 42. As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fastening means 42 may comprise fleece tapes at the ends of the protective element 20 that can be easily attached to and detached from each other. Therefore, donning the protective device 10 becomes easier. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 1 , the depicted collar cushion 30 may be connected to a helmet 44 worn by the person 50 by suitable connecting means 40, for example, via a strap.

[0036] The embodiment of the protective device 10 illustrated in Fig. 2 comprises a substantially V-shaped wing cushion 34 formed by the inflated protective element 20. The wing cushion 34 has two wings extending symmetrically to one another, each partially covering one side of the human face. The wings are connected by a central fold, thus forming the V-shaped wing cushion 34. The V-shaped wing cushion 34 is connected to a helmet 44 worn by a person 50 by means of connecting means 40 implemented as a sleeve attachable to a helmet strap. This secures the protective device 10 to the helmet 44 and thus holds it securely in place.

[0037] According to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the protective element 20 forms a substantially U-shaped wing cushion 34. The wing cushion 34 has two wings extending symmetrically to one another, each partially covering one side of the human face. The wings are connected by a curved transition, thus forming the U-shaped wing cushion 34. The U-shaped wing cushion 34 is connected to a helmet 44 worn by a person 50 by means of connecting means 40 implemented as a clip attachable to the helmet shell. This secures the protective device 10 to the helmet 44 and thus holds it securely in place.

[0038] 2 and 3 provides enhanced facial protection for the person 50 compared to other cushion configurations and follows the natural head contour of the person 50. As can be further derived from Figures 2 and 3, a useful protective assembly comprising a helmet 44 and a protective device 10 can be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the protective element 20 forms a substantially helmet-like cushion 36 comparable to an integrated helmet with a chin bar. The helmet-like cushion 36 provides extensive head protection for the person 50 with a large protective surface. Due to its lightweight cushion structure, the protective device 10 according to this embodiment can provide a very safe, yet very comfortable, personal protective article. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the protective device completely replaces a helmet. Alternatively, the dimensions of the protective element can be selected so that it can be worn over a conventional bicycle helmet, so that an even higher degree of protection is achieved.

[0040] Although not depicted, combinations of the aforementioned cushion shapes or additional shapes may be used to provide individual head and neck protection concepts within the scope of the invention.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity by a human 50 comprises: providing a protection device 10 for the head 52 and / or neck 54 of a person 50, with an inflatable protection element 20 having an outer skin 22 enclosing at least one chamber 24, air inlet means 26 and air outlet means 28, as exemplarily outlined in Figures 5 and 6; - inflating the protective element 20 via the air inlet means 26, for example by blowing air into the mouth valve as depicted in FIG. 5 or by pumping air into the tire valve as depicted in FIG. 6; - placing the inflated protective element 20 on the head 52 and / or neck 54 of a person 50, as exemplarily outlined in Figures 1 to 4; - engaging in safety-critical locomotion or sports activities, such as cycling; - Deflating the protective element 20 via the air outlet means 28, thus re-obtaining a deflated protective element 20, as depicted for example in Figures 5 and 6.

[0042] With the protection device 10, protection assembly, and method described above, improved, easy-to-use body protection for the head 52 and / or neck 54 of a person 50 is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10 Protection Devices 20 Protection Elements 22 Outer Skin 24 Chamber 26 Air inlet means 28 Air outlet means 30 Color Cushion 32 Head support structure 34 Wing Cushion 36 Helmet-shaped cushion 40 Coupling means 42 Fastening means 44 Helmet 50 people 52 Head 54 Neck

Claims

1. 1. A protective device (10) for the head (52) and / or neck (54) of a person (50), comprising an inflatable protective element (20) having an outer skin (22) surrounding at least one chamber (24) and air inlet means (26) for connecting said chamber (24) with air compression means, said protective element (20) configured to transition from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into said chamber (24) through said air inlet means (26), said outer skin (22) adapted to cover and protect at least a portion of the head (52) and / or neck (54) of the person when said protective element (20) is in its second state.

2. 2. The protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the transition of the protective element (20) from the first contracted state to the second inflated state is reversible such that the protective element (20) is inflatable and deflatable in a repeatable manner.

3. 3. The protective device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising air outlet means (28) for connecting the chamber (24) with the environment, characterized in that the air outlet means (28) has, in the second state of the protective element (20), a closed state in which pressurized air filling the chamber (24) is prevented from flowing from the chamber (24) to the environment, and an open state in which pressurized air can flow from the chamber (24) to the environment.

4. 4. A protection device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the closed state of the air outlet means (28) is its default state.

5. A protection device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the air inlet means (26) and the air outlet means (28) form a combined air exchange means.

6. A protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising air compression means connected to said air inlet means (26).

7. A protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protection element (20) forms a color cushion (30) when the protection element (20) is in the second state.

8. 8. A protection device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the protection element (20) comprises a head support structure (32) projecting radially from the collar cushion (30).

9. 7. The protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the protection element (20) is in the second state, the protection element (20) forms a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped wing cushion (34).

10. A protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the protection element (20) is in the second state, the protection element (20) forms a substantially helmet-shaped cushion (36).

11. A protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one fastening means (42) for fixing said protection element (20).

12. 12. The protective device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one coupling means (40) for coupling the protective device (10) to a helmet (44), clothing, or another wearable component.

13. The protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the protection device (10) is foldable to pocket size when the protection element (20) is in the contracted first state.

14. 14. A protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the protection element (20), when in its inflated second state, covers at least one of the person's chin, mouth and nose, preferably the chin, mouth and nose.

15. A protective assembly comprising a helmet (44) and a protective device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities by a human (50), - providing a protection device (10) for the head (52) and / or neck (54) of said person (50) with an inflatable protection element (20) having an outer skin (22) surrounding at least one chamber (24), air inlet means (26) and air outlet means (28); - inflating said protective element (20) through said air inlet means (26); - placing the inflated protective element (20) on the head (52) and / or neck (54) of the person (54); - carrying out said safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity; - deflating said protective element (20) through said air outlet means (28).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the protection device is a protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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