Wearable protective equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable protective device (10) comprising at least one expandable member (20) designed to reside within a casing (30) of the wearable protective device (10) and move between a deflated state and an inflated state. According to the present invention, in the contracted state, the at least one expandable member (20) has outer dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the available space within the casing (30). Furthermore, in the contracted state, the at least one expandable member (20) has at least one portion (22) that is folded in an accordion shape, whereby such accordion-shaped portion (22) expands when the at least one expandable member (20) moves from the contracted state to the expanded state, and such accordion-shaped portion (22) contracts when the at least one expandable member (20) moves from the expanded state to the contracted state.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a wearable protective device having an inflatable member suitable for use in all areas where effective protection against impacts and / or falls needs to be obtained, for example, the wearable protective device is suitable for being worn by motorcyclists, cyclists or skiers to provide additional protection.

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

[0004] Wearable protective devices comprising one or more inflatable members, also known as "air bags," are well known in the art.

[0005] Typically, during normal use, the inflatable member is disposed in a deflated or resting configuration on a seat provided within the wearable protective device.

[0006] The wearable protective device may consist of protective clothing made from an abrasion-resistant material such as leather.

[0007] Alternatively, the wearable protective device may comprise an undergarment suitable for use in combination with an outer compatible protective garment.

[0008] The inflatable member is designed to be activated in the event of an emergency and is generally in fluid communication with an inflation device adapted to introduce a quantity of inflation fluid, such as compressed gas, into the inflatable member to inflate the inflatable member and thus inflate the inflatable member.

[0009] The release of inflation fluid can be controlled by a mechanical or electronic system.

[0010] Typically, the inflatable member is made from a low elasticity woven fabric or membrane so that it can maintain the pressure exerted by the inflation fluid during inflation. Due to its low elasticity, the inflatable member, in its rest configuration, has a shape very similar to that of the part of the body it must cover / protect once inflated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3498117 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 003449 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Known wearable protective devices having inflatable members have several drawbacks, primarily related to the inflatable members.

[0013] Indeed, as mentioned above, the inflatable members are made of low elasticity fabrics or membranes and are therefore forced to have a shape that covers the whole body part that must be protected, so the addition of the inflatable members makes the garment stiffer and heavier.

[0014] This drawback is accentuated by the fact that the inflatable member, when inflated, undergoes lateral contraction that reduces the area protected by the inflatable member. To avoid this scenario, the inflatable member is oversized to ensure full protection of the user even in the event of lateral contraction.

[0015] However, due to its size, the expandable member can restrict the user's freedom of movement, especially in areas of articulation of the user's body. Thus, the expandable member may impede some movements, such as bending the back or lifting the arms, for example.

[0016] Furthermore, even if the wearable protective device is made of breathable fabric, the inflatable member necessarily acts as a barrier, not allowing air to pass through, which can reduce the user's body sweating and lead to overheating.

[0017] Protective garments with inflatable members that fold when at rest to save space inside the garment are known, such a garment being disclosed, for example, in US Pat.

[0018] The garment disclosed in the patent document 1 includes an area configured to contain an inflatable member, which in a deflated state is folded on itself and adapted to protect the chest area of ​​a user. When the inflatable member is in a deflated state, the area is not fully occupied by the inflatable member. In fact, the inflatable member fully occupies the area when it assumes an inflated state.

[0019] However, in the rest state, the inflatable member is fully folded or rolled up, resulting in the inflatable airbag assuming a thick tubular or wrapped shape in the folded state, which may affect the comfort of the wearer.

[0020] Furthermore, during normal use of the garment, the surfaces defining the area into which the inflatable member is inserted may stick to one another in a manner that does not allow for rapid and complete deployment of the inflatable member, thereby affecting the protection provided to the user.

[0021] Furthermore, in some cases it may be necessary to ensure that the garment returns to its initial configuration so that the airbag can be deployed twice in succession if necessary. Such a need arises, for example, during racing, when garments are used by professional riders who, after a fall, aim to be able to resume the race if they are not injured.

[0022] This possibility is hindered by the garment disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,223,999 by the fact that the inflatable member is unable to autonomously return to its initial configuration.

[0023] Patent Document 2 discloses another solution involving a vest with air chambers folded in a V-shape along the front and back of the vest. The air chambers are contained within expandable sections that are secured to the garment by releasable fasteners. Pressure created by inflation fluid introduced into the air chambers causes the expandable sections to release, spreading across the user's chest and back to protect the driver's entire body.

[0024] The solution of US Pat. No. 5,629,999 makes the garment bulky due to the presence of the expandable section, even though it improves the breathability of the garment in the contracted state.

[0025] Furthermore, the garment of US Pat. No. 5,629,999 cannot be used as an undergarment for further protective clothing because this arrangement prevents release of the expandable section.

[0026] Finally, similarly, U.S. Patent No. 6,299,949 discloses that once activated, the expandable section disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,299,949 cannot autonomously return to its initial configuration. In fact, the rider must manually fasten the fasteners to restore the garment's initial configuration. Furthermore, after activation, the expandable section is free-floating and may impede the rider's movement.

[0027] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a wearable airbag device that is configured to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with known wearable protective devices.

[0028] More specifically, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device that includes an inflatable member and is configured to allow airflow therethrough, thereby improving breathability and comfort without affecting the level of safety provided to the wearer.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device with a lightweight inflatable member.

[0030] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable member adapted to provide greater freedom of movement to the user.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable member that is suitable for multiple uses, providing the same comfort and same level of safety upon any subsequent activation.

[0032] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wearable protective device with an inflatable member that requires minimal intervention by the user or customer service after inflation.

[0033] These objects, and others that will appear hereinafter in this description, are achieved by a wearable protection device according to claim 1.

[0034] The advantages and features of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiments of a wearable protective device, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, a partial rear view of a first embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention, with the inflatable member in a deflated state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the expandable member in an expanded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows, in schematic form, a particular enlargement of FIG. 1 identified by the letter A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows, in schematic form, a particular enlargement of FIG. 2 identified by the letter B. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows, in schematic form, a front view of a second embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the invention, with the inflatable member in a deflated state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a view similar to FIG. 5 with the expandable member in an expanded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows, in schematic form, a front view of a further embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the invention, in which the inflatable member is in a deflated state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a view similar to FIG. 7 with the expandable member in an expanded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows, in schematic form, a rear view of the wearable protection device of FIG. 7, with the inflatable member in a deflated state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a view similar to FIG. 9 with the expandable member in an expanded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows details of the mutual arrangement between the casing and the inflatable member in the wearable protective device of FIGS. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a view similar to FIG. 11 with the expandable member in an expanded state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a diagram similar to that of FIG. 11, but for a different embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a diagram similar to that of FIG. 12, but for a different embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of the casing shown in FIGS. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 11, but for a further embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 12, but for a further embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a view similar to FIG. 15, but related to the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 11, but for a further embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 12, but for a further embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a diagram similar to FIG. 19, but for a different embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] In the following description of the wearable protective device according to the present invention, the "inside" will refer to portions of different components of the wearable protective device that are relatively closer to the user's body during normal use, and the "outside" will refer to portions of different components that are relatively farther away.

[0037] Referring to the enclosed drawings, a wearable protective device according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0038] Wearable protective device 10 may be, for example, a garment such as a vest, jacket or suit, or alternatively, may be an undergarment suitable for use in combination with outer protective clothing.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the wearable protective device 10 may be a harness designed to be worn over or under additional clothing.

[0040] The wearable protective device 10 is preferably designed to protect the user's body from impacts and / or falls during sports and / or work activities.

[0041] Additionally, the wearable protection device 10 can be designed to protect elderly individuals from injuries resulting from accidental falls.

[0042] Advantageously, the wearable protective device 10 may be used by users who engage in dynamic activities such as, for example, motorcycle riding, cycling, skiing, or horse riding.

[0043] Preferably, the wearable protective device 10 is a garment for a motorcyclist.

[0044] The wearable protective device 10 includes an inflatable member 20 that resides within a casing 30 of the wearable protective device 10 and is designed to move between a deflated state and an inflated state.

[0045] In accordance with the present invention, in a deflated state, the expandable member 20 has outer dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the available space within the casing 30 .

[0046] Furthermore, in the contracted state, the expandable member 20 has at least one portion 22 that is folded in an accordion shape, such that when the at least one expandable member 20 transitions from the contracted state to the expanded state, such accordion-shaped portion 22 expands, and when the at least one expandable member 20 transitions from the expanded state to the contracted state, such accordion-shaped portion 22 contracts (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0047] In the context of this specification, a first dimension corresponds to a second dimension when the first and second dimensions have substantially the same extension. Specifically, the fact that, in the deflated state, the expandable member 20 has outer dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the space available within the casing 30 means that, in the deflated state, the expandable member 20 substantially occupies the entire cavity enclosed by the casing 30. In other words, the expandable member 20 occupies all of the volume available within the casing 30.

[0048] Furthermore, in the context of this specification, an "accordion-shaped portion" refers to a portion of an element, in particular an inflatable member and / or casing, formed by a series of alternating peaks and valleys that are parallel to one another and define a plurality of folds suitable for expansion and contraction.

[0049] Referring initially to FIG. 6 , the expandable member 20 preferably includes a first side 27 and a second side 28 connected to one another along a peripheral edge 31 of the expandable member 20 to define an expandable chamber 29.

[0050] As is well known in the art, the first and second sides 27, 28 of the expandable member 20 may be sewn together along their peripheral edges 31. Alternatively, the first and second sides 27, 28 may be sealed at their peripheral edges 31 by an adhesive film or layer.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the inflatable member 20 can be manufactured by a single weaving operation, for example using a Jacquard loom, resulting in a so-called one-piece woven (OPW) airbag formed by two fabric layers 27, 28 joined at their periphery by a connecting portion.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the expandable member 20 can be made in a single knitting operation to obtain a closed knitted structure.

[0053] The expandable member 20 may include one or more internal tethers (not shown in the enclosed figures) connecting the first side 27 and the second side 28 to limit the distance between the sides 27, 28 of the expandable member 20 when the latter is inflated.

[0054] In another embodiment, the expandable member 20 may have an internal seam (not shown in the enclosed figures) connecting the first side 27 and the second side 28 of the expandable member 20 to create a non-expandable zone within the expandable member 20.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1-2, 5-10, preferably, the inflatable member 20 is positioned in a portion of the wearable protection device 10 designed to protect the shoulders and / or chest and / or back of the user.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the inflatable member 20 may be located in a portion of the wearable protection device 10 designed to protect the user's waist and / or legs.

[0057] The wearable protective device 10 can include a single inflatable member or multiple inflatable members, each designed to protect a different body part of the user. In the case of multiple inflatable members 20, the inflatable members may be separate or in fluid communication with each other.

[0058] The wearable protective device 10 also includes at least one inflator device 40 designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 20 for inflating the latter when the inflator device 40 is triggered. If the wearable protective device 10 is provided with separate inflatable members 20, multiple inflator devices 40 can be disposed on the wearable protective device 10.

[0059] As is well known in the art, the inflator device 40 is preferably selected from the group including pyrotechnic inflators, compressed gas inflators, and hybrid inflators.

[0060] Inflator device 40 may include multiple inflation charges for inflating inflatable member 20 two or more times such that inflation of inflatable member 20 occurs at different moments in time, i.e., chronologically.

[0061] The activation of the inflator device 40 may be electronically controlled by a control unit 42 which constantly monitors the user's movements and / or other parameters to detect the occurrence of an accident that may cause a user wearing the protective device to fall.

[0062] Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the inflator device 40 and the control unit 42 may be housed in a back protector 44 that is fixed directly or indirectly to the wearable protection device 10.

[0063] Alternatively, the inflator device 40 may be mechanically controlled, for example, by an activation cable.

[0064] Once inflated, the inflatable member 20 is designed to remain inside the casing 30, i.e., the inflatable member 20, as it moves from the deflated state (see FIG. 1) to the inflated state (see FIG. 2), and does not emerge outside the wearable protective device 10, remaining within the limits defined by the casing 30.

[0065] The casing 30 may define an inner and outer surface of the wearable protective device 10, with the inner surface representing the surface closest to the user's body. For example, the casing 30 may be defined between the outer surface of a jacket and its interior lining.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the casing 30 may consist of a pocket provided on the exterior or interior surface of the wearable protective device.

[0067] Alternatively, the casing 30 may consist of a separate housing provided internally or externally to the wearable protective device 10, which housing may preferably be removably secured to the wearable protective device.

[0068] Advantageously, the casing 30 can be provided on a support layer 50 (see Figures 7-9) of the wearable protection device 10. Preferably, the casing 30 is removably secured to the support layer 50 by fastening means 52 (see Figures 8-10).

[0069] The back protector 44 may also be secured to the support layer 50 .

[0070] As shown in the enclosed figures, eg, FIGS. 1-4, similarly to the expandable member 20, the casing 30 preferably includes at least one accordion-shaped portion 32. As shown in FIG.

[0071] Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 is positioned in the shoulder region of the wearable protection device 10. As shown in FIGS.

[0072] In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the accordion-shaped portions 32 of the casing 30 can be positioned over the shoulder and chest regions of the wearable protective device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0073] Additionally, as clearly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 can be positioned in the back region of the wearable protection device 10. However, different arrangements of the accordion-shaped portions 32 are possible to meet other specific needs.

[0074] Preferably, as shown generally in Figures 5, 11, 13 and 16, accordion-shaped portion 22 of expandable member 20 and accordion-shaped portion 32 of casing 30 are shaped and sized such that accordion-shaped portion 22 of expandable member 20 is received within accordion-shaped portion 32 of casing 30. In other words, peaks 24 and valleys 26 of accordion-shaped portion 22 of expandable member 20 are positioned to correspond to peaks 34 and valleys 36 of accordion-shaped portion 32 of casing 30.

[0075] In another embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 19, only the outer layer 30a or the inner layer 30b of the casing 30 is at least partially comprised of an accordion-shaped portion 32 adapted to fit into an opposing accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20.

[0076] Alternatively, for example, referring to FIG. 21, casing 30 includes an accordion-shaped portion 32 adjacent accordion-shaped portion 22 of expandable member 20 .

[0077] Advantageously, the casing 30 can be made of a breathable material. Furthermore, the casing 30 can be made at least in part of an elastic material. Alternatively, the casing 30 can include elastic inserts or portions. Furthermore, the casing 30 can be made at least in part of a stretchable material, for example, a fabric having a mesh structure.

[0078] As will become apparent from the following description, casing 30 and inflatable member 20 are manufactured to maintain a partial accordion shape during normal use of wearable protective device 10 when inflatable member 20 is in a deflated state.

[0079] Advantageously, expansion of the expandable member 20 causes expansion of its accordion-shaped portion 22, and therefore expansion of the corresponding accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30, so that a greater area of ​​the user's body is covered.

[0080] When the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 of the inflatable member 20 and casing 30 are positioned in the shoulder and / or chest regions of the wearable protective device 10, expansion of the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 can be from the central zone toward the peripheral portions of the wearable protective device 10. Such expansion is indicated diagrammatically by the letter F in Figures 8 and 10.

[0081] When the inflatable member 20 and the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 of the casing 30 are positioned in the back region of the wearable protective device 10, expansion of the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 can be directed from the top zone toward the bottom zone of the wearable protective device 10. Such expansion is indicated diagrammatically by the letter T in FIG.

[0082] Advantageously, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 11-14, 16-17, and 1-21, at least one end of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 can be secured to a corresponding end of the casing 30 using securing means 54. Preferably, a side end of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 is secured to a corresponding end of the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 (see, for example, Figure 11).

[0083] The fastening means 54 can removably or permanently secure the ends of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 to the corresponding ends of the casing 30. A hook-and-loop fastening means 54 can be used to provide a removable connection, or a permanent connecting stitch or adhesive layer can be used.

[0084] Advantageously, the provision of fastening means 54 between the expandable member 20 and the casing 30 of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 allows the casing 30 to jointly expand with the expandable member 20 when the expandable member 20 moves to its expanded state. Similarly, by virtue of the provision of fastening means 54, the expandable member 20 and the casing 30 can jointly return to their initial configuration when the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 contracts following contraction of the expandable member 20.

[0085] In this manner, the entire wearable protective device 10 can be returned to its initial configuration and, if the inflator device 40 includes two or more inflation charges, can be used again without requiring maintenance.

[0086] The expandable member 20 and / or casing 30 may be at least partially folded into an accordion shape in different ways according to the present invention.

[0087] 11-12, the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 of the expandable member 20 and / or casing 30 may be obtained by a thermoforming process of at least a portion of the expandable member 20 and / or casing 30. In particular, the thermoforming process may be performed on the expandable member 20 and / or casing 30 by using a suitably shaped mold, the base and cover of which define a cavity having a portion with a V- or sinusoidal shape.

[0088] The thermoforming process must be carried out at a temperature that will not damage the expandable member and the casing in terms of their mechanical properties. Additionally, it is important that the thermoforming process does not affect the airtightness of the expandable member.

[0089] If the expandable member is made of a polyester or polyamide fabric, the thermoforming process is preferably carried out at a temperature between 60°C and 220°C.

[0090] Higher thermoforming temperatures can be used if the sides 27, 28 of the expandable member 20 are coated with a protective layer suitable for resisting higher temperatures, such as a silicone layer, in which case the thermoforming process can be carried out at temperatures up to 300°C.

[0091] The thermoforming process may be applied only to the expandable member 20. In this case, by inserting the expandable member 20 into the casing 30, the portion of the casing 30 corresponding to the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 is forced to assume the corresponding accordion shape.

[0092] Alternatively, the thermoforming process may be applied only to casing 30, and in this case, by inserting expandable member 20 into casing 30, the portion of expandable member 20 corresponding to accordion-shaped portion 32 of casing 30 is forced to assume a corresponding accordion shape.

[0093] A further possibility envisages that both the expandable member 20 and the casing 30 are subjected to at least one part thermoforming process.

[0094] In this case, the expansion member 20 is inserted into the casing 30 so that the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expansion member 20 mates with the corresponding accordion-shaped portion of the casing 30 .

[0095] 13-15, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 can be obtained by connecting elastic inserts 56 to selected points on the casing 30, preferably to the outer surface 30a of the casing 30. In other words, the casing 30 includes elastic inserts 56 that connect selected points provided on the outer surface 30a of the casing 30 to create the accordion-shaped portion 32 on the lower outer surface 30a of the casing 30.

[0096] Preferably, the ends of the resilient insert 56 are secured to selected points on the casing 30 .

[0097] The elastic insert 56 may be connected to the casing 30 via stitching, adhesive, or removable fasteners such as snap fasteners or buttons.

[0098] Before being fixed to the casing 30, the elastic insert 56 is subjected to tangential stretching and then applied to the casing 30. Once the fastening operation is completed, the elastic insert 56 is able to regain its original shape, thus providing the underside of the casing 30 with an accordion shape.

[0099] As noted above, and in this case, by inserting the expandable member 20 into the casing 30, the portion of the expandable member 20 corresponding to the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 created by the elastic insert 56 is forced to assume a corresponding accordion shape.

[0100] At the same time, when the expandable member 20 begins to resume its contracted state after expansion, the elastic insert 56 can thereby contract the surface of the casing 30 to which it is applied, by allowing the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 to return to its contracted state.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15, one or more resilient inserts 56 may be applied to the casing 30 to create the accordion-shaped portion 32 .

[0102] 16-18, the accordion-shaped portions within the inflatable member 20 and casing 30 can also be created by passing elastic inserts 58 through selected points on the sides of the inflatable member 20 and the overlying surface of the casing 30. In other words, the wearable protective device comprises at least one elastic insert 58 passing through a through-hole at selected points on the sides of the inflatable member 20 and the overlying surface of the casing 30.

[0103] The elastic insert 58 may be applied to the expandable member 20 and casing 30 in a manner similar to the elastic insert 56 previously disclosed.

[0104] After inserting the expandable member 20 into the casing 30, the elastic insert 58 is subjected to a tangential stretch and then applied to the casing 30 and the expandable member 20 by running through holes provided in the casing and the expandable member. The holes can also be created during the same fastening operation. Once the fastening operation is completed, the elastic insert 58 is released so that it can resume its original shape by creating an accordion shape in the portion of the expandable member 20 and the portion of the casing 30 intersected by the elastic insert 58.

[0105] Thus, the elastic insert 58 joins the casing 30 and the expandable member 20 together. Thus, the casing 30 can expand and contract with the expandable member 20 as the expandable member 20 moves between its contracted and expanded states.

[0106] Also in this case, a plurality of elastic inserts 58 may pass through the surface of the casing 30 and the underside of the expandable member 20 .

[0107] The holes provided in the expandable member 20 to allow fastening of the elastic insert 58 are sized so as not to impair the expansion of the expandable member 20 and therefore the impact protection provided by the wearable protective device 10.

[0108] A further embodiment of a wearable protection device 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 19-21.

[0109] In this embodiment, the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the expandable member 20 is achieved by connecting elastic inserts 60 at selected points on the sides of the expandable member 20. In other words, the expandable member 20 comprises elastic inserts 60 that connect selected points on the first side 27 or the second side 28 of the expandable member 20. Preferably, the ends of the elastic inserts 60 are secured to the selected points on the first side 27 of the expandable member 20.

[0110] The elastic insert 60 may be connected to the expandable member 20 via stitching, adhesive, or removable fasteners such as snap fasteners or buttons, and in this case, the connection of the elastic insert 60 to the expandable member 20 is made in a manner that does not affect the air retention properties of the expandable member 20.

[0111] The elastic insert 60 is subjected to tangential stretching before being secured to the expandable member 20 and then applied to the expandable member 20. At the same time, the outer end of the casing 30 and the outer end of the expandable member 20 are secured to one another by the securing means 54.

[0112] Once the fastening operation is complete, the elastic insert 60 can return to its original shape by creating an accordion shape at the bottom of the expandable member 20. At the same time, because the casing is circumferentially secured to the expandable member 20, the casing can also at least partially assume the accordion shape.

[0113] Preferably, in this case, the casing 30 is at least partially made of an elastic material or is provided with elastic inserts so that it can expand when the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the inflatable member 20 expands due to inflation, so that there is no risk of damage to the casing.

[0114] At the same time, the elastic insert 60 can constrict the surface of the expandable member 20 to which it is applied as the expandable member 20 begins to resume its contracted state after expansion.

[0115] Likewise, due to the provision of peripheral fastening means 54, and optionally due to its elastic properties, casing 30 is permitted to return to its initial configuration.

[0116] Also in this case, the expandable member 20 may include a plurality of elastic inserts 60 .

[0117] At this point it is clear how certain objectives can be achieved by means of a wearable protective device according to the present invention.

[0118] The provision of corresponding accordion-shaped portions within the casing 30 and the inflatable member 20 reduces the area of ​​the user's body that is covered by the inflatable member 20 during normal use of the wearable protective device 10, allowing for greater ventilation of the user's body.

[0119] At the same time, the mutual arrangement between the casing 30 and the expandable member 20 does not hinder the deployment of the expandable member 20 when the latter is inflated, allowing a larger area of ​​the user's body to be protected after deployment of the expandable member 20 to provide improved protection to the user.

[0120] Furthermore, the provision of an accordion-shaped portion within the inflatable member 20 and / or the casing 30 allows for a reduction in the area of ​​the user's body covered by the wearable protective device 10 when the latter is not activated, so as not to impede the user's freedom of movement. For example, as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to leave the shoulder area exposed to facilitate arm movement. At the same time, it is possible to leave the user's back partially exposed so as not to impede back bending, as seen in Figures 9 and 10.

[0121] Furthermore, the particular mutual arrangement of the casing and the inflatable member makes it possible to reduce the weight of the wearable protective device: in fact, the casing can be sized to accommodate the inflatable member without providing excess material within the casing.

[0122] Furthermore, the casing can be sized and shaped to easily remain adhered to the user's body to improve the aerodynamics provided by the wearable protective device. Furthermore, the aerodynamics of the wearable protective device are also improved thanks to the provision of an accordion-shaped portion on the casing. In effect, when straddling a motorcycle in the assumed riding position, airflow can pass through the peaks and valleys of the accordion-shaped portion of the casing, thereby reducing air resistance.

[0123] Finally, when the inflator device 40 is equipped with two or more inflation charges, the provision of an accordion-shaped section within the casing and inflatable member allows the wearable protective device 10 to resume its initial configuration when the inflatable member is deflated, allowing it to be reused in the event of a hazard, while still providing the same level of safety to the user.

[0124] 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.

Claims

1. A wearable protective device (10) comprising at least one inflatable member (20) that resides within a casing (30) of the wearable protective device (10) and is designed to move between a deflated state and an inflated state, In the deflated state, the at least one expandable member (20) i) external dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the space available within said casing (30); ii) at least one portion (22) folded in an accordion shape, whereby such accordion-shaped portion (22) expands when the at least one inflatable member (20) moves from a deflated state to an inflated state, and such accordion-shaped portion (22) contracts when the at least one inflatable member (20) moves from an inflated state to a deflated state.

2. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) comprises at least one accordion-shaped portion (32).

3. 3. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, wherein the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20) and the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30) are shaped and sized such that the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20) is received within the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30).

4. 3. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, wherein the outer layer (30a) and / or the inner layer (30b) of the casing (30) are at least partially composed of an accordion-shaped portion (32) adapted to mate with an opposing accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20).

5. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) comprises an accordion-shaped portion (32) adjacent the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the inflatable member (20).

6. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) is defined between an inner surface and an outer surface of the wearable protective device (10), or the casing (30) is comprised of a separate housing provided on the inner or outer surface of the wearable protective device (10), or the casing (30) is comprised of a pocket provided on the inner or outer surface of the wearable protective device (10).

7. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) is provided on a support layer (50) of the wearable protective device (10).

8. 3. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, wherein the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30) is arranged in the shoulder region and / or the chest region and / or the back region of the wearable protective device (10).

9. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20) is secured to a corresponding end of the casing (30) by a securing means (54).

10. 10. The wearable protective device (10) of claims 2 and 9, characterized in that the side ends of the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20) are fixed to corresponding ends of the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30).

11. 3. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 2, wherein the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the at least one inflatable member (20) and / or the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30) are obtained by a thermoforming process of at least a part of the inflatable member (20) and / or the casing (30).

12. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) comprises one or more elastic inserts (56) connecting selected points on the outer surface (30a) of the casing (30) to form an accordion-shaped portion (32) on the lower outer surface (30a) of the casing (30).

13. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, comprising one or more elastic inserts (58) passing through holes provided at selected locations on the sides of the inflatable member (20) and the top surface of the casing (30) so as to define the accordion-shaped portion (22) of the inflatable member (20) and the accordion-shaped portion (32) of the casing (30) in portions of the inflatable member (20) and the casing (30) traversed by the one or more elastic inserts (58).

14. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable member (20) comprises at least one elastic insert (60) connecting selected points on a first side (27) or a second side (28) of the inflatable member (20) to form the accordion-shaped portion (22) in the inflatable member (20).

15. 2. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, wherein the casing (30) is at least partially made of an elastic material, or the casing (30) has an elastic portion, or the casing (30) is at least partially made of a stretchable material.

16. 10. The wearable protective device (10) of claim 1, comprising at least one inflator device (40) designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member (20) to inflate the at least one inflatable member (20), the inflator device (40) including one or more inflation charges.

Images