Garment with inflatable protective device

Abstract

The garment (1) comprises an inflatable protective device (10) and a housing (2), the inflatable protective device (10) being housed within the housing (2) and comprising at least one inflatable bag (12) designed to transition between a deflated rest state and an inflated activated state, and inflation means (14) connected to the at least one inflatable bag (12) and designed, once activated, to selectively inflate the inflatable bag (12). The at least one inflatable bag (12) is made of an elastic material and, in the rest state, occupies a limited portion of the housing (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment equipped with an inflatable protective device, particularly, but not exclusively, to a protective garment suitable for use by motorcyclists, bicyclists or skiers. [Background technology]

[0002] For simplicity, the remainder of the description will refer to protective clothing suitable for use by motorcyclists, such as a jacket, riding suit, or vest suitable for layering with a suit or jacket.

[0003] It is well known that these protective garments may be provided with inflatable protective devices comprising one or more inflatable bags (also called "air bags") incorporated into the structure of the garment.

[0004] Specifically, each inflatable bag may be located within a suitable housing formed within a layer of clothing or within a pocket integrated within the clothing.

[0005] In the rest state, the bag is in a deflated state, and in the actuated state, the bag is in an inflated state, and in fact, in the event of a situation dangerous to the rider, such as a collision or impact, the bag is designed to be inflated by suitable inflation means.

[0006] The inflation means is connected to a control unit which receives a trigger signal in the event of a dangerous situation. Furthermore, a number of sensors connected to the control unit are provided on the clothing or vehicle to detect the user's condition, i.e., body movements and accelerations to which the user is subjected.

[0007] If the sensor detects any abnormality, the control unit activates the inflation means to inflate the bag.

[0008] Known airbags are typically made from low stretch fabrics or membranes.

[0009] This means that the shape of the airbag must be sized so that it has dimensions that ensure coverage of the body part to be protected.

[0010] Additionally, airbags undergo lateral contraction as they move from a resting state to an activated state. Therefore, to ensure adequate protection, airbags are often designed with an oversized design to compensate for the lateral contraction. Summary of the Invention

[0011] However, even though the use of airbags has increased the level of safety offered to riders, garments equipped with inflatable protective devices are not without drawbacks.

[0012] First, airbags occupy a large area of ​​the garment to which they are attached, reducing the garment's transpiration and breathability. In other words, the inclusion of an airbag within the garment reduces the likelihood of moisture and vapors being released from the user's body. This can lead to overheating and discomfort for the user while wearing the garment.

[0013] Furthermore, due to their large size, airbags reduce the flexibility of the garment and increase its weight.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a garment with an inflatable protection device that can overcome the above drawbacks.

[0015] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a garment with an inflatable protective device that has improved breathability.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment with an inflatable protective device that is lighter in weight than known garments with air bags.

[0017] A further object is to provide a garment with an inflatable protection device that allows the user to wear it more comfortably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] These and other objects and aims are achieved by a garment provided with an inflatable protection device according to claim 1.

[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiments of a garment provided with an inflatable protection device, with reference to the accompanying drawings below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1a] A front view of a first embodiment of a garment according to the present invention in a first operating state is shown. [Figure 1b] A rear cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a garment according to the present invention in a first operating state is shown. [Figure 2a] A front view of the garment of FIG. 1a in a second operating state is shown. [Figure 2b] A rear cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 1b in a second operating state is shown. [Figure 3a] A front view of the garment of FIG. 1a in a third operating state, connected to a further outer garment, is shown. [Figure 3b] A rear cross-sectional view of the garment of FIG. 1b in a third operating state, connected to a further outer garment, is shown. [Figure 4a] A schematic cross-sectional view of an inflatable bag of a garment according to the present invention in three different operating states is shown. [Figure 4b] A schematic cross-sectional view of an inflatable bag of a garment according to the present invention in three different operating states is shown. [Figure 4c] A schematic cross-sectional view of an inflatable bag of a garment according to the present invention in three different operating states is shown. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the portion indicated by "A" in FIG. 2a is shown. [Figure 6a] 10 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a further embodiment of a garment according to the invention; [Figure 6b] 6a shows a view similar to FIG. 6a but in a different operating state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the garment of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. Preferably, the garment 1 is designed to be worn by a motorcyclist or bicycle rider, or for use in other areas where effective protection of the user's body must be obtained.

[0022] The garment 1 comprises a housing 2 delimited by a pair of surfaces 4, 6 that define an interior volume (see Figures 4a, 4b, 4c). Preferably, the housing 2 is delimited by an inner surface 4 and an outer surface 6 that may be sealed along a periphery 8.

[0023] Alternatively, the housing 2 may be defined between two layers of a garment, for example, between an outer layer and an inner layer, i.e., lining, of the garment, in which case the outer and inner layers of the garment are the inner and outer surfaces 4, 6 of the housing 2.

[0024] Also, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, when protective garment 1 is formed of an outer jacket or suit and an inner protective vest or suit, housing 2 can be defined between the inner layer of outer jacket 1B and the outer layer of inner vest 1A.

[0025] The garment 1 further comprises an inflatable protection device, generally designated 10 .

[0026] The inflatable protection device 10, in turn, comprises at least one inflatable bag 12 disposed within a housing 2, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In particular, the inflatable bag 12 is designed to transition between a rest state in which it is in a deflated state (see Figures 1a, 1b, 4a, 6a) and an actuated state in which it is in an inflated state (see Figures 2a, 2b, 4c, 6b).

[0028] The inflatable protection device 10 further comprises inflation means 14 connected to the inflatable bag 12 and designed, once actuated, to selectively inflate the bag 12 to transition the bag 12 from its resting state to its actuated state.

[0029] The bag 12 further protects the user from possible bangs or mechanical stresses when in an activated state.

[0030] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the inflatable bag 12 is adapted to provide additional protection to the user's chest, shoulders and back.

[0031] The inflatable protection device 10 may also include a control unit and a number of sensors, not shown, located within the garment 1 or within a vehicle used with the garment.

[0032] The sensors are connected to the control unit by wires and / or wirelessly and are configured to detect data relating to, for example, the movements and accelerations of the wearer.

[0033] The control unit is configured to receive data from the sensors and selectively activate the inflation means 14 when an unsafe condition is detected.

[0034] Alternatively, the inflation means may be mechanically actuated, as is well known in the art.

[0035] According to the present invention, the inflatable bag 12 is made of an elastic material and is designed such that in its rest state it occupies a limited portion of the housing 2, as shown in Figures 1a-1b, 3a-3b, 4a-4b and 6a.

[0036] Advantageously, thanks to its elasticity, the inflatable bag 12 can occupy a larger portion of the housing 2 in its actuated state than it occupies in its rest state, as shown in Figures 2a-2b, 4a-4c and 6b.

[0037] In particular, the inflatable bag 12, made of an elastic material, can gradually inflate within the volume defined by the faces 4, 6 of the housing 2 during the transition from the rest state to the actuated state.

[0038] As shown diagrammatically in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the portion of the volume defined by the surfaces 4, 6 occupied by the bag 12 gradually increases during inflation of the bag 12.

[0039] Advantageously, once the bag 12 reaches its final activated state, it occupies substantially all of the volume of the housing 2 (see Figure 4c).

[0040] The large expansion of the bag 12 during the transition from the rest state to the activated state allows the majority of the surfaces 4, 6 of the housing 2 to remain uncovered when the bag 12 is in the rest state, as shown in Figures 1a-1b and 4a, thereby increasing the breathability of the garment 1.

[0041] At the same time, the elastic material of the inflatable bag 12 ensures that in its activated state it can completely cover the area of ​​the user's body to be protected, without affecting the level of safety provided by the garment 1, as shown in Figures 2a-2b and 4c.

[0042] 4a, 4b and 4c, the transition of the bag 12 from the rest state to the actuated state is indicated by the symbol p, which indicates the projection on a plane of the area occupied by the bag 12. As shown, the projection increases from the rest state to the actuated state.

[0043] Advantageously, this behavior of the inflatable bag 12 is due to the particular elastic material used in its manufacture. In particular, the material can be selected from the group comprising elastomers, more preferably from the group comprising rubber and / or natural rubber. For example, the inflatable bag 12 can be made of latex, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or nitrile rubber.

[0044] Alternatively, the material may be further different from those mentioned above, for example polyurethane or PVC, without prejudice to the scope of protection of the present invention, provided that it is an elastic material.

[0045] In this regard, regardless of the type of material used, it is important that the material has an elongation of more than 10%, more preferably comprised between 30% and 1000%, relative to the size of the bag 12 in its resting state.

[0046] In this way, the bag 12 can be rapidly transitioned from its rest state to its actuated state, while at the same time reaching an internal pressure sufficient to provide the necessary mechanical resistance.

[0047] For example, by making a bag from latex, i.e. natural rubber, 0.25 mm thick, it is possible to obtain an elongation of 500% and reach a relative internal pressure of 1.2 bar in less than 100 ms.

[0048] As noted above, in an actuated state, the inflatable bag 12 has a shape complementary to the shape of the housing 2, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. In this regard, the inner and outer surfaces 4, 6 and the periphery 8 define the limits of inflation of the bag 12.

[0049] The inflatable bag 12, due to its elasticity, can also encase and surround any element, such as the connecting element 16, that is arranged within the housing 2, as shown for example in FIGS. 2a and 5.

[0050] Preferably, the inflatable protection device 10 may include a casing within which is housed one or more inflatable bags 12. The casing may be made of a breathable material, such as a mesh material.

[0051] The casing may correspond entirely to the housing 2 described above or may be part of the housing 2. Alternatively, the casing may be in the form of a closed pocket, not shown.

[0052] Advantageously, the faces 4, 6 of the housing 2 or the inner and outer layers of the casing can be connected by a tie member 38 (see Figures 6a and 6b).

[0053] The function of tie member 38 is to limit the expansion of housing 2 or casing as inflatable bag 12 transitions from its rest state (FIG. 6a) to its actuated state (FIG. 6b). In this way, it is ensured that bag 12 does not assume a balloon shape which may affect the protection that bag 12 provides to the user.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6a, the tie members 38 may be flexible, and they preferably have a thread-like form. Advantageously, the tie members 38 are designed so as not to be under tension inside the housing or casing when the inflatable bag is in its rest state. The tie members 38 are under tension to limit the distance between the inner surface 4 and the outer surface 6 when the inflatable bag transitions from its rest state to its actuated state (see Figure 6b).

[0055] The presence of the tie member 38 within the housing or casing does not affect the deployment of the inflatable bag surrounding the tie member during inflation.

[0056] 1a-1b and 2a-2b, garment 1 can be comprised of a vest 1A, which can be worn alone or designed to be combined with another outer garment 1B, as shown in FIGS.

[0057] Vest 1A is designed to cover at least the torso of the user when in use.

[0058] 3(a) and 3(b), the outer garment may be a motorcyclist's jacket 1B, and the vest 1A may be connected by known fastening means. In this regard, the vest 1A may be used in combination with a different type of jacket.

[0059] Advantageously, the garment 1 can consist of other types of garments different from the vest or jacket shown in the figures, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] Preferably, the vest 1A may comprise a front portion 18 (see Figures 1a, 2a, 3a) designed to be positioned on the chest of the user, and a rear portion 20 (see Figures 1b, 2b, 3b) designed to be positioned on the back of the user. Both the front portion 18 and the rear portion 20 have respective housings 2A, 2B for at least one inflatable bag 12.

[0061] The housings 2A, 2B can be in communication with each other when a single inflatable bag is provided in the garment.

[0062] If the garment is provided with two or more inflatable bags, the housings may be in communication with one another or may be separated by a suitable partition, in which case a single inflatable bag is disposed within the corresponding housing.

[0063] The control unit and inflation means 14 may be housed within a protective shell 22 located at the rear 20 of the garment 1, or vest 1A, as shown in Figures 1b, 2b and 3b.

[0064] Advantageously, the vest 1A may be provided with a front zip 24 that the user can close after putting their arms into the sleeves, as shown in Figures 1a and 2a. Thus, the vest 1A may have two separate flaps 26, 28, each of which includes a portion of the zip 24 for secure connection with the other flap.

[0065] The garment can also consist solely of a motorcyclist's jacket 1B, which can have yielding areas 30 in the underarm and arm areas, as shown in Figures 3a-3b. Such yielding areas 30 are preferably made of a stretchable material.

[0066] In a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1a-2b and 4a-4c, a housing 2 for an inflatable bag 12 is formed between inner and outer layers 4, 6 of a vest 1A.

[0067] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the housing 2 may be formed between the outer layer of the vest 1A and the inner layer of the jacket 1B.

[0068] In this case, one surface 4 of the housing 2 is the outer surface of the outer layer of the vest 1A, and the other surface 6 of the housing 2 is the outer surface of the inner layer of the jacket 1B.

[0069] In an embodiment in which the jacket 1B alone forms the garment, the housing 2 for the inflatable bag 12 can be formed between two layers of the jacket 1B, for example, between the outer layer and the inner layer, i.e., lining, of the jacket 1B.

[0070] Preferably, the inflatable bag 12 may be fixed to the peripheral portion of the housing 2 or casing, as shown in Figures 4a to 4c.

[0071] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1a-1b, an end 12A of the inflatable bag 12 may be secured to an upper edge 32 of the vest 1A, particularly near the neck of the user, as shown in Figure 1a.

[0072] Alternatively, the inflatable bag 12 may be freely disposed within the housing 2 and held in place only by the inner and outer surfaces 4,6.

[0073] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1a-1b, 2a-2b, 3a-3b, the inflatable bag 12 can have a front part 36 housed in a housing 2A at the front portion 18 and a back part 34 housed in a housing 2B at the back portion 20.

[0074] In particular, the rear portion 34 of the inflatable bag 12 is a single piece, while the front portion 36 of the inflatable bag 12 comprises two separate pieces 36A, 36B, one for each of the flaps 26, 28 of the vest 1A, as shown in Figures 1a and 2a.

[0075] It should be noted that in the figures, the two front pieces 36A, 36B of the inflatable bag 12 have a lobe shape in the rest state, but they may have a different shape without detracting from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0076] At this point in the disclosure, it is clear how the intended objectives are achieved by a garment equipped with an inflatable protective device according to the present invention.

[0077] In fact, the inflatable protection device of the present invention comprises an inflatable bag that, once inflated, can expand significantly due to the elastic material used in its manufacture.

[0078] In this way, the inflatable bag can advantageously cover a limited portion of the garment when the garment is at rest, improving the breathability of the garment and reducing its weight.

[0079] At the same time, the inflatable bag can quickly reach a shape that ensures the required protection for the user's body.

[0080] Additionally, by providing a tie member, the garment housing can control the expansion of the inflatable bag and prevent the inflatable bag from becoming a balloon shape.

[0081] With respect to the above-described embodiments of garments with inflatable protective devices, those skilled in the art may make changes to the described elements or replace the described elements with equivalent elements to meet their particular requirements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment (1) comprising an inflatable protection device (10) and a housing (2), The housing (2) is defined between two layers of the garment (1), The inflatable device (10) comprises: at least one inflatable bag (12) contained within said housing (2) and designed to transition between a deflated resting state and an inflated working state; inflation means (14) connected to said at least one inflatable bag (12) and designed to inflate said at least one inflatable bag (12) once activated; Equipped with the at least one inflatable bag (12) is made of an elastic material, and the at least one inflatable bag (12) in the resting state occupies a limited portion of the housing (2); the inflatable bag (12) occupies a larger portion of the housing (2) in the actuated state than it does in the rest state; the housing (2) is bounded by a pair of surfaces (4, 6) and defines an interior volume, the inflatable bag (12) being designed to inflate within the volume defined by the surfaces (4, 6) during transition from the rest state to the actuated state; The garment (1), characterized in that the inflatable protection device (10) further comprises a casing that entirely matches or is part of the housing (2), the casing being made of a breathable material, the elastic material having an elongation comprised between 30% and 1000% relative to the size of the at least one inflatable bag (12) in the rest state, and the projection on a plane of the area occupied by the inflatable bag (12) increasing from the rest state to the activated state.

2. 2. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflatable bag (12) is designed to fill the entire volume of the housing (2) in the activated state.

3. 2. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflatable bag (12) has a shape complementary to that of the housing (2) when in the activated state.

4. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic material is selected in the group comprising rubber.

5. 5. Garment (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said material is natural rubber.

6. 2. A garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a front part (18) designed to be placed on the chest of a user and a rear part (20) designed to be placed on the back of a user, said front part (18) and rear part (20) having respective housings (2A, 2B).

7. 7. The garment (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the inflatable bag (12) comprises a front part (36) designed to be housed in the housing (2A) of the front part (18) and a rear part (34) designed to be housed in the housing (2B) of the rear part (20).

8. 2. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one tie member (38) arranged in the housing (2) and connected to the surfaces (4, 6) to prevent the bag (12) from expanding once it has expanded.

9. 2. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) is delimited by an inner surface (4) and an outer surface (6) connected by at least one flexible tie member (38).

10. 2. The garment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) is delimited by an inner surface (4) and an outer surface (6) sealed along a periphery (8).

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