Wearable airbag device

Abstract

To provide a wearable airbag device configured to overcome or at least mitigate drawbacks with respect to conventional wearable airbag devices.SOLUTION: There is provided a wearable airbag device (100;1100), comprising at least one inflatable bag (10;110) including a first side (12;112) and a second side (14;114) defining a gas inflatable volume (V) therebetween, at least the one inflatable bag (10;110) having a wearable airbag device, characterized in that it has a plurality of airflow passages (40;140) defined between the first side (12;112) and the second side (14;114).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of wearable airbag devices, i.e., airbag devices that can be worn to protect a user from impacts and / or falls. In particular, the present invention relates to wearable airbag devices configured to improve airflow through the airbag device. [Background technology]

[0002] Wearable airbag devices have been developed to protect users from injuries caused by collisions with obstacles during various types of activities such as motorcycle driving, walking, and industrial work.

[0003] In the remainder of this description, reference will be made to a wearable airbag device suitable for use by a motorcycle rider.

[0004] Typically, a wearable airbag device includes an inflatable bag that is disposed in a deflated or resting configuration within a casing that is configured to be worn by a motorcycle rider during normal use of the wearable airbag device.

[0005] If the airbag is incorporated into protective clothing, the casing may be defined, for example, between an outer layer of the protective clothing made of an abrasion-resistant material such as leather and an inner lining of the clothing. Alternatively, the casing may be defined between two thin layers, not necessarily made of an abrasion-resistant material, of underwear designed to be bonded to the outer protective clothing.

[0006] The casing functions to keep the inflatable bag in place and to provide necessary support for the inflatable bag and other components of the wearable airbag device, as described below.

[0007] The inflatable bag is intended to be activated only in case of emergency, and for this purpose the inflatable bag is supported by a casing and is in fluid communication with at least one actuation means, typically in the form of an inflation device adapted to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid, for example compressed gas, into the inflatable bag in order to inflate and thus expand the inflatable bag.

[0008] Inflation of the inflatable bag is controlled by a mechanical or electronic system that is also supported by the casing. For example, a system for controlling inflation of the inflatable bag may include a control unit that constantly monitors the movement of a motorcyclist. More specifically, the control unit may compare data detected by suitable sensors, for example, located on the casing of the wearable airbag device or on the motorcycle, with a pre-loaded algorithm at regular time intervals. Based on this algorithm, if the data detected by the sensors indicates a loss of control or other abnormality of the motorcycle the motorcyclist is traveling on, the control unit sends an activation command to the inflation device to inflate the inflatable bag. As a result, the inflatable bag transitions from a stationary configuration to an active or inflated configuration.

[0009] Typically, inflatable bags are made of a low-elasticity woven fabric or membrane due to the significant forces that the airbag device must withstand from the inflation fluid during inflation. Furthermore, due to the low elasticity, in the remaining construction, the inflatable bag closely resembles the shape of the body parts it must cover / protect when inflated.

[0010] Currently, there are two main different technologies for manufacturing inflatable bags: sewn bags and woven bags.

[0011] According to the sewn variant, the inflatable bag is made by sewing together various layers, typically a bottom layer and a top layer, along their periphery.

[0012] In the woven variant, the inflatable bag is made in a single weaving operation, for example, using a Jacquard loom, which allows for the creation of airbags of different shapes and structures during the weaving process without the need for a sewing operation. The upper and lower layers of the airbag are created during the weaving process by appropriately interweaving the warp and weft threads. The periphery connection between the layers is achieved by increasing the density of the threads, resulting in a single layer, e.g., a Panama weave. Preferably, one or both layers can be coated with a polymer film to reduce the permeability of the upper and lower layers.

[0013] Such inflatable bags are known as "one-piece woven" (OPW) inflatable bags.

[0014] Inflatable bags often require the inclusion of several components that are provided to shape the inflatable bag to the desired dimensions upon inflation. In particular, inflatable bags often include an internal tether to limit the volume of the inflatable bag once inflated. Specifically, the tether is designed to connect the upper and lower layers of the airbag to prevent the inflatable bag from "bulging out." Preferably, in "sewn" airbags, the tether is formed by threads secured to the upper and lower layers. In OPW airbags, the tether is formed by the same warp and weft yarns that form the upper and lower layers of the airbag and can be formed inside the airbag during the same weaving process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] Known wearable airbag devices present several drawbacks, primarily associated with inflatable bags.

[0016] In fact, inflatable bags are made of low-elasticity fabrics or membranes and are shaped to cover all parts of the body that need to be protected, which adds weight and stiffness to the wearable device and can be uncomfortable for the motorcyclist.

[0017] Furthermore, even if the airbag is placed inside a casing made of breathable fabric, the structure of the airbag means that air cannot pass through, which causes heat to build up in the user's body and reduces the amount of sweat produced.

[0018] Furthermore, in sewn airbags, the tether is typically manually sewn onto the inflatable bag, so the process of assembling the tether into the inflated bag tends to be not only laborious but also time-consuming.

[0019] 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 airbag devices.

[0020] More specifically, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a wearable airbag device that is configured to allow air flow therethrough, thereby improving breathability and comfort.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable airbag device configured to control inflation of the inflatable bag without the need for an internal tether.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wearable airbag device that can be manufactured at a competitive cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] The above object, as well as other objects that will appear better hereinafter in the present description, are achieved by a wearable airbag device as defined in the attached independent claim 1. Preferred characteristics of the wearable airbag device are set out in dependent claims 2 to 20.

[0024] In accordance with the present invention, a wearable airbag device is provided, the airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag including first and second sides defining a gas-inflatable volume therebetween.

[0025] The wearable airbag device is characterized by at least one inflatable bag having a plurality of airflow passages defined between a first side and a second side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] Due to the combination of the above features, and particularly the presence of airflow passages defined within the inflatable bag, the wearable airbag device of the present invention advantageously exhibits increased breathability.

[0027] A further advantage of the wearable airbag device of the present invention is that it provides greater comfort to the user. Indeed, thanks to the airflow passages, the inflatable bag becomes more flexible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of a wearable airbag device, such description being given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a wearable airbag device worn by a user according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates, in schematic form, a rear view of the wearable airbag device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates, in schematic form, a cross-sectional view of the inflatable bag of the wearable airbag device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an active configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic front view of a wearable airbag device worn by a user, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates, in schematic form, a rear view of the wearable airbag device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, a cross-sectional view of the inflatable bag of the wearable airbag device of FIGS. 4 and 5 in an active configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the inflatable bag of FIG. 6, with arrows indicating the flow of air through the airflow passages. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but with an inflatable bag coupled to the protector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but with an inflatable bag coupled to the protector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 1 to 3, a wearable airbag device provided in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The wearable airbag device 100 comprises an inflatable bag 10 configured to alternate between a deflated, resting configuration and an inflated, active configuration.

[0031] The wearable airbag device 100 may further include a casing 20 configured to be worn by a motorcyclist and to house the inflatable bag 10. The inflatable bag 10 is preferably designed to protect the shoulders, chest, and back of the user.

[0032] Although not shown in the figures, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the wearable airbag device may be designed to include multiple independent inflatable bags, each positioned within the casing 20 opposite a portion of the body to be protected from impact.

[0033] The casing 20 is preferably shaped to provide the necessary support for the one or more inflatable bags 10, as well as the other components of the wearable airbag device 100, which are described in detail below. The casing 20 can be made of a breathable material, such as leather or standard cloth. The casing 20 can also be made of a mesh material.

[0034] To effect inflation of the inflatable bag 10 in the event that the motorcyclist or the motorcyclist on whose behalf he / she is riding falls and / or is impacted, the wearable airbag device 100 further comprises inflation means 30 supported by the casing 20. The inflation means 30 is in fluid communication with the inflatable bag 10 and is configured to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid into the inflatable bag 10.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the inflation means 30 comprises, for example, a compressed gas cartridge 32 connected to an on-off valve 36 by a duct 34 and secured to the inflatable bag 10, thereby allowing compressed gas to be introduced into the inflatable bag 10.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the compressed gas cartridge 32 is supported by a back protector 22 (see FIG. 2) coupled to the casing 20 of the wearable airbag device 100. However, the compressed gas cartridge 32 may alternatively be contained within the casing 20, or possibly within the bag 10. Furthermore, it is possible to provide multiple inflation means 30.

[0037] The inflation means 30 may be electronically controlled by a control unit (not shown) which constantly monitors the movements of the motorcycle rider.

[0038] More specifically, the control unit may compare data detected by suitable sensors (not shown), for example, located on the casing 20 of the wearable airbag device 100 or on the motorcycle, with an algorithm preloaded therein at regular time intervals. Based on this algorithm, if the data detected by the sensors indicates a loss of control or other abnormality of the motorcycle on which the motorcycle rider is riding, the control unit sends an activation command to one or more inflation means 30 to inflate the inflatable bag 10. As a result, the inflatable bag 10 transitions from its resting configuration to its active or inflated configuration.

[0039] Alternatively, the inflation means 30 may be mechanically controlled by utilizing an actuation cable connected to the motorcycle which actuates the inflatable bag 10 following separation of the motorcycle occupant by the motorcycle, typically caused by a fall and / or impact.

[0040] As shown in detail in FIG. 3, inflatable bag 10 includes a first side 12 and a second side 14 joined together along the periphery of inflatable bag 10 to define a gas-inflatable volume V.

[0041] As is well known, the first and second sides 12, 14 of the inflatable bag 10 can be sewn together around their peripheries. Alternatively, the inflatable bag can be made in a single weaving operation, for example, using a Jacquard loom. As noted above, using a Jacquard loom, it is possible to obtain, in a single weaving operation, an inflatable bag formed by a first side and a second side joined around their peripheries by a connector.

[0042] Thus, the inflatable bag 10 comprises a peripheral connecting portion and a central body surrounded by the peripheral connecting portion.

[0043] In inflatable bag 10, a plurality of airflow passages 40 are formed to allow airflow through inflatable bag 10, and thus through wearable airbag device 100, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3. In particular, airflow passages 40 are defined between first side 12 and second side 14 of inflatable bag 10.

[0044] In the embodiment of Figure 3, each airflow passage 40 of the plurality of airflow passages is obtained by airtightly sealing the first side 12 and the second side 14 of the inflatable bag 10 at a predetermined area within the inflatable bag 10, thereby obtaining a non-inflatable area 42, and then forming at least one opening 41 in said non-inflatable area 42.

[0045] The non-distensible region 42 is peripherally closed and is located within the inflatable bag 10, particularly in its central body.

[0046] The non-inflatable region 42, also called the "zero height" region, can be obtained in a sewn airbag by fastening, for example by stitching, an inner portion of the first side 12 to a corresponding inner portion of the second side 14. In this case, the opening 41 can be obtained by piercing the non-inflatable region.

[0047] In an OPW airbag, the non-inflatable region 42 can be obtained during the weaving process by sealing the first side 12 and the second side 14 at the desired area therein. Thus, in this case, the opening 41 has been obtained during the weaving process.

[0048] Each airflow passage 40 defines a non-inflatable portion of the bag that does not include the first and second sides.

[0049] The airflow passages 40 formed in the inflatable bag 10 can have different shapes, for example, circular, triangular, square, or rectangular. Furthermore, the non-distensible region 42 can have one opening 41 that advantageously has the same shape as the passage 40. Alternatively, the non-distensible region 42 can have multiple openings 41 with different shapes. In this case, each passage 40 would be formed by the multiple openings 41 distributed over the non-distensible region 42.

[0050] The airflow passages 40 may be appropriately distributed within the inflatable bag 10, for example, in areas corresponding to the user's back, shoulders, and / or chest. Preferably, the airflow passages 40 are provided in areas of the airbag that cover the back and chest.

[0051] By properly shaping and distributing the airflow passages 40 within the inflatable bag 10, it is possible to provide areas of differentiated inflation as well as improve the breathability and comfort of the wearable airbag device.

[0052] In effect, the non-inflatable area 42 within the airbag prevents the inflatable bag 10 from inflating in the area where the airflow passage 40 is located.

[0053] In this way, the use of internal tethers can be avoided, simplifying the airbag manufacturing process.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a wearable airbag device provided in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1100 .

[0055] The wearable airbag device 1100 substantially corresponds to that described above in connection with Figures 1 to 3 and is therefore configured to be worn by a motorcyclist and comprises a casing 120 that houses and supports an inflatable bag 110, and inflation means 130 in fluid communication with the inflatable bag 110 for introducing compressed gas into the inflatable bag 110. The casing 120 can be made of a breathable material, such as leather or standard cloth. The casing 120 can also be made of a mesh material.

[0056] 6, the inflation means 130 comprises, for example, a compressed gas cartridge 132 connected to an on-off valve 136 by a duct 134. The compressed gas cartridge 132 may be supported by a back protector 122 coupled to the casing 120, or may be contained within the inflatable bag 110.

[0057] Wearable airbag device 1100 differs from wearable airbag device 100 of FIGS. 1-3 in that the configuration of the inflatable bag is different.

[0058] In particular, the inflatable bag 110 of the wearable airbag device 1100 includes a first side 112 and a second side 114 connected along the periphery of the inflatable bag 110 to define a gas-inflatable volume V. The first side 112 and the second side 114 of the inflatable bag 110 may be sewn together.

[0059] Inflatable bag 110 defines a plurality of airflow passages 140 between first side 112 and second side 114, allowing air to flow through inflatable bag 110 and, in turn, through wearable airbag device 1100, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0060] Each air flow passage 140 is obtained by connecting the first and second side surfaces 112, 114 via cutout portions 142, 144 of an internal partition 143 provided on each side surface 112, 114. Preferably, the internal partition 143 is airtightly connected to the first and second side surfaces 112, 114 by heat welding.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the airbag is inflated, each passageway 140 is bounded by an interior divider 143 that extends between the first side 112 and the second side 114 of the inflatable bag 110 .

[0062] Such an embodiment is particularly effective when it is required that the airbag provide uniform protection over the entire body part to be protected. Indeed, in this case, the provision of the passages 140 improves the breathability and comfort of the airbag, while at the same time allowing the airbag to inflate uniformly thanks to the internal partition 143. Obviously, the internal partition 143 can be made in different lengths.

[0063] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inflatable bag 10, 110 may be at least partially coupled to a protector 23, 123, preferably designed to be placed on the exterior 12, 112 of the inflatable bag 10, 110. Preferably, the protector 23, 123 is made of a semi-rigid material.

[0064] Advantageously, the protector 23, 123 is suitable for diffusing impact forces acting on the inflatable bag 10, 110 and for compensating for any weaknesses that the inflatable bag 10, 100 may have due to the presence of the airflow passages 40, 140.

[0065] Preferably, the protector 23, 123 may also be provided with a plurality of through-holes 24, 124 to improve the breathability of the wearable airbag device 100, 1100. Such holes 24, 124 are preferably designed to at least partially overlap the airflow passages 40, 140 provided in the inflatable bag 10, 110. In this way, air can pass through the inflatable bag and the protector.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the protector 23, 123 is a back protector. Advantageously, the inflation means 30, 130 are connected to the protector 23, 123. Preferably, the inflation means 30, 130 are housed inside the protector 23, 123.

[0067] Furthermore, even though the presence of the non-distensible region 42 or the internal divider 143 is effective in limiting the inflation of the inflatable bag 10, 110, the latter may also be provided with an internal tether 25, 125. The tether 25, 125 cooperates with the non-distensible region 42 or the internal divider 143 to obtain a uniform thickness of the bag 10, 110 when in an operative state.

[0068] Those skilled in the art can make modifications to the above-described embodiments of the wearable airbag device and / or replace the described parts with equivalent parts to meet their particular requirements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable airbag device (100; 1100) comprising at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) including a first side (12; 112) and a second side (14; 114) defining a gas inflatable volume (V) therebetween, said at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) comprising a plurality of airflow passages (40; 140) defined between said first side (12; 112) and second side (14; 114); A wearable airbag device (100; 1100), characterized in that the at least one inflatable bag (10, 110) is at least partially connected to a protector (23, 123), the protector (23, 123) having a plurality of through holes (24, 124) designed to at least partially overlap the airflow passages (40; 140) of the inflatable bag (10; 110).

2. 2. The wearable airbag device (100) of claim 1, wherein each airflow passage (40) is provided in a non-inflatable region (42) of the at least one inflatable bag (10), and at least one opening (41) is formed in the non-inflatable region (42).

3. 3. The wearable airbag device (100) of claim 2, wherein the non-inflatable region (42) is peripherally closed and disposed within the at least one inflatable bag (10).

4. 3. The wearable airbag device of claim 2, wherein the non-inflatable region is defined by connecting an interior portion of the first side and a corresponding interior portion of the second side.

5. 3. The wearable airbag device (100) of claim 2, wherein the non-inflatable region (42) is provided with one opening (41).

6. 3. The wearable airbag device (100) of claim 2, wherein the opening (41) in the non-inflatable region (42) has the same shape as the passageway (40).

7. 3. The wearable airbag device (100) of claim 2, wherein the non-inflatable region (42) is provided with a plurality of openings (41) having different shapes, and each passage (40) is formed by the plurality of openings (41).

8. 2. The wearable airbag device (1100) of claim 1, wherein each passage (140) of the plurality of passages (140) is defined by an internal partition (143) connecting cutout portions (142, 144) provided on a first side (112) and a second side (114) of the at least one inflatable bag (110).

9. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the passage (40; 140) is circular, triangular, square or rectangular in shape.

10. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the passage (40; 140) is arranged in an area of ​​the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) corresponding to the back and / or chest of the user.

11. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first side (12; 112) and the second side (14; 114) of at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) are sewn together or made in a single weaving operation.

12. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising inflation means (30; 130) in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110), the inflation means (30; 130) configured to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid into the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110).

13. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a casing (20; 120) configured to be worn by a user and to contain and support the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110).

14. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the casing (20; 120) is made of a breathable material.

15. 2. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) is configured to alternately assume a stationary configuration in a deflated state and an active configuration in an inflated state, and wherein inflation means (30; 130) are in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) and are configured to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation liquid into the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110), and wherein the inflation means (30; 130) are electrically controlled by a control unit suitable for detecting data detected by a sensor arranged in the wearable airbag device (100; 1100) at regular time intervals.

16. 2. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protector (23; 123) is a back protector.

17. 13. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the inflation means (30; 130) is connected to the protector (23, 123).

18. The wearable airbag device (100; 1100) of claim 1, characterized in that the at least one inflatable bag (10; 110) comprises an internal tether (25; 125).

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