Wearable protective devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a wearable protective device (10), comprising: At least one expandable member (12) designed to move between a deflated rest state and an expanded actuated state; an inflator device (14) designed to be coupled to at least one inflatable member (12) to inflate said at least one inflatable member (12) when the inflator device (14) is triggered; According to the present invention, the wearable protective device (10) is provided with a safety device (40) designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) if the inflator device (14) is disconnected from or not properly coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable protection device. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member suitable for use in all fields where effective protection against impacts and / or falls must be obtained. For example, the wearable protection device is suitable for being worn by motorcyclists, cyclists, skiers, or during work activities.

[0003] For the sake of clarity, in this description, reference is made, in a non-limiting way, to a wearable protection device suitable for being worn by a motorcyclist.

[0004] Typically, the wearable protection device comprises, for example, protective clothing such as a jacket, a suit, a vest, a belt, etc. including an inflatable member, and the inflatable member is suitable for moving from a resting state in a contracted state to an operating state in an inflated state.

[0005] The inflatable member is in fluid communication with an inflation device such as, for example, a gas cartridge, which is adapted to introduce a predetermined amount of inflation fluid, such as, for example, compressed gas, into the inflatable member to inflate and thus expand the inflatable member.

[0006] The release of the inflation fluid can be controlled by a mechanical or electrical system.

[0007] The gas cartridge typically comprises a cylindrical housing having a first end connected to an opening of the inflatable member and a second end connected to a control unit of the wearable device via a specific connector in the case of an electrically operated system.

[0008] The gas cartridge can be connected to the inflatable member by directly clamping the end of the cartridge to the inside of the opening of the inflatable member. Alternatively, the end of the gas cartridge may have an external thread suitable for screwing into the corresponding thread of a cap located at the opening of the inflatable member.

[0009] Alternatively, the end of the gas cartridge can be connected to the inflatable member by a bayonet mount, where the male element is located at the end of the gas cartridge and the female receiver is located on a cap positioned at the opening of the inflatable member. [Background technology]

[0010] In known devices, inflatable components can be reused after inflation if they are not damaged by tearing, punctures, or other means.

[0011] Conversely, the gas cartridge needs to be replaced with a new one after all deployments are complete.

[0012] However, replacing gas cartridges can be a dangerous operation if not properly managed.

[0013] In practice, to ensure high performance in terms of pressure and deployment time without increasing the size of the gas cartridge, the latter (latter) usually includes a pyrotechnic charge.

[0014] In electrically operated airbag systems, the ignition charge is ignited by an electrical impulse from the control unit. When the airbag is mechanically deployed, the ignition charge pushes up the mechanical firing pin.

[0015] Even if the manufacturer follows standard safety procedures to ensure the safe operation of the gas cartridge, the cartridge's electrical or mechanical control may fail, or the user may not have handled the cartridge properly during operation and / or replacement.

[0016] To avoid safety issues for end users, gas cartridge replacement is now performed by certified centers with specific training to ensure proper handling of ignition components and correct connection between the gas cartridge and the expandable component.

[0017] To replace the exhaust gas cartridge, in the case of an electrically operated system, it is necessary to first disconnect the electrical connector to the control unit from the gas cartridge, and then detach the end of the gas cartridge that is connected to the inflatable member from the inflatable member.

[0018] However, both operations can cause an accidental triggering of ignition charging of the gas cartridge, which poses a high risk to the operator.

[0019] At the same time, even if gas cartridges are replaced in a safe manner, user protection may still be compromised.

[0020] In reality, if a new gas cartridge is not properly secured to the inflatable component, the proper inflation of the inflatable component will be prevented, posing a high risk to the end user.

[0021] In light of the above issues, if an inflatable component of a wearable protective device is activated while in use, the latter must be returned to an authorized center to have the gas cartridge replaced.

[0022] However, the shipping of wearable protection devices is costly because the clothes are bulky. Further, the user is deprived of the additional protection provided by the inflatable wearable protection device for at least a certain period, usually two or three weeks, and the associated cost is not insignificant, except when the user has other inflatable protective clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0023] Object of the Invention Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member and configured to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks with respect to known wearable airbag devices.

[0024] More specifically, the main object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member and configured to enable safe and proper replacement of the gas cartridge without the need to return the wearable protection device to a customer service center after deployment of the inflatable member.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member and configured to enable safer and more proper replacement of the gas cartridge by persons not having received specific technical training.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member and configured not to permit triggering of the inflatable member when the gas cartridge is not connected or not properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member and configured to provide reliable feedback to the end user regarding the mutual positioning between the gas cartridge and the inflatable member.

[0028] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device having an inflatable member suitable for multiple uses and providing the same safety level in any subsequent operation.

[0029] These objects, and other objects that will appear from the following of this description, are achieved by the wearable protection device according to claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a wearable protection device with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic form, a partially sectional rear view of a wearable protection device according to the present invention worn by a user. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic form, a partially exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows, in a schematic form, a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a safety device of a wearable protection device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but relates to a different embodiment of the safety device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic form, a top view of a further embodiment of a safety device of a wearable protection device according to the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5, with the safety device removed for clarity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 but relates to a different embodiment of the safety device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows, in a schematic form, an exploded perspective view of a housing of a wearable protection device in which a safety device according to the present invention is disposed inside. [Figure 8] ​​​​

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of a wearable protective device according to the present invention is shown in its entirety by reference 10.

[0032] The wearable protective device 10 may be, for example, a piece of clothing such as a jacket or suit, or alternatively, underwear suitable for use in combination with outer protective clothing.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the wearable protective device 10 may be a harness designed to be worn over or under additional clothing.

[0034] The wearable protective device 10 is preferably designed to be worn by motorcyclists. Nevertheless, as will be more clearly shown from the following description, the wearable protective device 10 can also be advantageously used by cyclists or in other fields where effective protection of the user's body must be obtained.

[0035] The wearable protective device 10 comprises at least one inflatable member 12. The inflatable member 12 is designed to move between a resting state in a deflated state and an operating state in an inflated state. The inflatable member 12 is inflated with a fluid, such as air or gas, to expand in order to protect the wearer of the wearable protective device 10 from impact, drops, or slides.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the wearable protective device 10 comprises a single inflatable member 12 designed to protect the user's chest, back, and shoulders.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inflatable member 12 is shown as transparent for convenience, and the inflatable member is designed to also cover the sides of the user.

[0038] However, the wearable protective device 10 may include a single inflatable member 12 or multiple inflatable members suitable for covering different parts of the user's body.

[0039] Preferably, the inflatable member 12 has a bag-like shape.

[0040] The wearable protective device 10 also includes at least one inflatable device 14 designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 12 in order to inflate the latter when the inflator device 14 is triggered.

[0041] Preferably, the inflator device 14 is selected from the group comprising an ignition inflator, a compressed gas inflator, and a hybrid inflator. As is well known in the art, in an ignition inflator, an ignition charge is used to ignite the combustion of a gas-generating material to provide an expanding gas. A compressed gas inflator then uses a small amount of ignition material to open a sealed chamber and release the expanding gas from a compressed state.

[0042] The hybrid inflator uses a combination of combustion and compressed gas storage to provide the expansion gas necessary to fill the inflatable member 12.

[0043] The inflator device 14 may be equipped with multiple inflation charges so that the inflatable member 12 can be inflated multiple times so that the inflation of the inflatable member 12 occurs in a time series.

[0044] In this case, the replacement of the inflator device 14 is performed when all inflator charges are triggered.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3-7, the inflator device 14 is preferably in the form of a cylindrical gas cartridge having a connecting end 16 designed to connect to the inflatable member 12. In detail, the connecting end 16 is preferably tightly sealed and inserted into the opening 18 of the inflatable member 12 to shut off the gas.

[0046] As is known in the art, the connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be clamped inside the opening 18 by a retaining ring 20 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6).

[0047] Alternatively, the connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be inserted inside a corresponding cap 22 that is secured at the opening 18 of the inflatable member 12 (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4).

[0048] The connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 can be inserted into the cap 22 by pressure. Alternatively, the connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 may have an external thread 24 suitable for screwing into a corresponding internal thread 26 provided inside the cap 22.

[0049] The inflator device 14 can be triggered by an electrical or mechanical mechanism.

[0050] When electrically operated, the wearable protective device 10 includes at least one sensor 28 designed to detect forces acting on the wearable protective device 10.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, two sensors 28 are applied, for example, to the shoulder portion of the wearable protective device 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, one or more sensors 28 are applied to a housing 29 located, for example, on the upper rear portion of the wearable protective device 10. The housing 29 is shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8.

[0052] In further embodiments not shown in the figures, at least one sensor can be directly applied to the wearable protective device, or at least one sensor can be placed inside the protection applied to the wearable protective device.

[0053] Preferably, the wearable protective device 10 includes at least one accelerometer designed to detect acceleration acting on the wearable protective device, and / or at least one gyroscope designed to detect the motion and orientation of the wearable protective device.

[0054] The wearable protection device 10 may further include a control unit 30 designed to process data detected by the sensor 28 and send a trigger signal to the inflator device 14 when a crash situation is identified.

[0055] A "crash scenario" should refer to a situation in which the wearable protective device is subjected to rapid acceleration / deceleration and / or rapid changes in direction and angular velocity.

[0056] In particular, when the wearer of a wearable protective device is on a vehicle such as a motorcycle, the sudden acceleration or deceleration experienced by the wearable protective device can be used to identify that the motorcycle has hit an obstacle or that the wearer has been thrown from the saddle and lost control of the motorcycle.

[0057] The control unit 30 is preferably housed in a protective zone of the wearable protective device 10, such as a back protector 31 applied to the wearable protective device (see, for example, Figure 1), or a housing 29 which is also used to house the sensor 28 and gas cartridge 14.

[0058] The control unit 30 is designed to process the data received from the sensor 28 at regular time intervals (e.g., 1 ms) in order to acquire information about the force acting on the wearable protective device 10.

[0059] Based on the algorithm implemented therein, the control unit 30 detects that a crash has occurred and sends a trigger signal from the control unit 30 to the inflator device 14 so that the inflatable member 12 can be inflated.

[0060] In the case of mechanical operation of the inflator device 14, the latter can be triggered by using an actuation cable or tether to connect the wearable protective device to the motorcycle.

[0061] The operating cable has a first end connected to the motorcycle and a second end fixed to a trigger device, which is designed to trigger a firing pin configured to operate the inflator device.

[0062] If separation of the wearer from the motorcycle occurs, typically as caused by a fall and / or impact, the trigger device activates a cable or tether that triggers a firing pin, causing the inflator to deploy.

[0063] In the case of electrically activating the inflatable member 12, the inflator device 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 30.

[0064] In detail, the inflator device 14 is connected to the control unit 30 by a cable 32 having an electrical connector 34 at its end (see Figures 2, 3, 5, 5A, and 6). The electrical connector 34 is designed to be coupled to a corresponding slot 36 provided in the inflator device 14 (see Figure 4).

[0065] Preferably, the slot 36 is located at the end of the gas cartridge 14 opposite to the connection end 16.

[0066] If the electrical connector 34 is released from the slot 36 of the gas cartridge 14, the latter cannot be triggered, and therefore the inflatable member 12 cannot be inflated.

[0067] According to the present invention, the wearable protective device 10 includes a safety device 40 designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device 10 if the inflator device 14 is separated from or not properly coupled to the inflatable member 12.

[0068] "Unsafe condition" should refer to a state of the wearable protective device 10 that prevents the inflatable member 12 from properly inflating or that represents a potential danger to the wearer.

[0069] As will become clear from the following description, the safety device 40 can send a signal when the inflator device 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12 in order to prevent malfunction of the wearable protective device 10.

[0070] For example, if the connection is not gas-sealed, the inflator device 14 will not be properly connected to the inflatable member 12. This can occur, for example, if the connection end 16 of the inflator device 14 is spaced apart from the corresponding receiving opening / seat 18 provided in the inflatable member 12.

[0071] Similarly, if an external thread 26 is provided at the connection end 16 of the gas cartridge 14, the gas cartridge 14 is not properly secured to the cap 22 of the inflatable member 12 if it is not screwed onto the cap 22 until it abuts against the cap 22 of the inflatable member 12.

[0072] Furthermore, the safety device 40 can assist the person performing the replacement of the inflator device 14 once it has been deflated, enabling safe handling of the inflator device 14 and limiting the risk of the inflator device 14, in particular the ignition charge, malfunctioning.

[0073] In the first embodiment, if the inflatable member 12 is designed to be electrically operated by the control unit 30, the safety device 40 includes a safety or positioning sensor 42, is connected to the control unit 30, and is designed to automatically switch off the control unit 30 or not switch on the control unit 30 if the wearable protective device 10 is in an unsafe state.

[0074] Thus, to avoid the risk of improper inflation, the inflation device 14 cannot be triggered by the control unit 30.

[0075] The safety sensor 42 can be connected to a signaling device of the wearable protective device 10. Such a signaling device can be applied to the outer surface of the wearable protective device.

[0076] If a wearable protective device is in an unsafe state, the safety device may provide the wearer with a visual signal or an audible alarm, for example, by switching off a signaling device.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the safety device 40 may include a positioning sensor 42 designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device 10 when the distance between reference marks provided to the inflator device 14 and the inflatable member 12, respectively, exceeds a predetermined distance value, which is set by assuming that the inflator device is properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0078] If the detected distance is greater than the standard value, it means that the inflator device is not properly connected to the inflatable component.

[0079] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the positioning sensor 42 connected to the control unit 30 can be applied in close proximity to the opening 18 of the inflatable member 12 to which the inflator device 14 is connected. In this way, the positioning sensor 42 can detect the presence of the inflator device 14 and / or contact with the opposing surface 43 of the inflator device 14.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the positioning sensor 42 is preferably applied to the rim of the cap 22 fixed to the inflatable member 12 so as to be able to detect the presence and / or contact of the opposing surface 43 of the gas cartridge 14. Such an opposing surface 43 is positioned close to or adjacent to the rim of the cap 22 when the gas cartridge 14 is properly connected to the inflatable member 12. If the gas cartridge 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12, the positioning sensor 42 does not detect the presence of the gas cartridge 14 or contact between the opposing surface of the rim and the gas cartridge, and therefore automatically switches off the control unit 30 or keeps the control unit 30 in the off state.

[0081] Alternatively, the positioning sensor 42 can be applied to the connection end 16 of the inflator device 14.

[0082] The positioning sensor can be an electrical switch such as a contact sensor, or a proximity sensor such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0083] In the case of a mechanically operated inflatable member, the positioning sensor 42 can be connected to a signaling device that can signal to the wearer if the gas cartridge is not properly secured to the inflatable member.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the positioning sensor 42 may preferably be a mechanical switch applied to the rim of the cap 22, which is suitable for signaling an unsafe state of the wearable protective device when it is not pressed against the opposing surface 43 of the gas cartridge 14.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the inflator device 14 may be designed to be inserted into a retaining sheet 46 (see Figures 4, 6, and 7). The retaining sheet 46 may be fixed to the inner or outer surface of the wearable protective device 10.

[0086] Preferably, the retaining sheet 46 is provided in the housing 29 located at the upper part of the rear (see Figure 2).

[0087] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the safety device 40 includes a mechanical device configured to allow insertion of the inflator device 14 into the retaining sheet 46 only when the inflator device 14 is properly connected to the inflatable member 12.

[0088] In this case, if the wearable protective device 10 is in an unsafe state, that is, if the gas cartridge 14 is not properly connected to the inflatable member 12, the wearer will see that the gas cartridge 14 is at least partially separated from the retaining sheet 46 or not inserted into the retaining sheet 46, so the safety device 40 can provide the wearer with direct visual information.

[0089] Such safety devices 40 can be used in both electrically operated wearable protective devices 10 and mechanically operated wearable protective devices.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the safety device 40 may include at least one abutment surface 48, 50, 52 designed to define a geometric shape on the retaining sheet 46 that is complementary to the assembly formed by the inflator device 14 and the cap 22 of the inflatable member 12 when the connecting end 16 of the inflator device 14 is properly inserted into the cap 22.

[0091] Preferably, in this embodiment, the safety device 40 comprises a front contact surface 50 and a rear contact surface 48. Preferably, the front contact surface 50, which has a recess on which the cap 22 can be laid, is designed to be located near the joint between the cap and the connecting end, while the rear contact surface 48 is on the opposite side from the front contact surface 50.

[0092] Advantageously, when the connecting end 16 is properly inserted into the cap 22, the distance between the front contact surface 50 and the rear contact surface 48 is set to match the length of the assembly formed by the inflator device 14 and the cap 22 (see Figure 4).

[0093] Alternatively, the distance between the front contact surface 50 and the rear contact surface 48 is set so that the front contact surface 50 engages with the cap 22 (see Figures 5, 5A and 6) or the corresponding notch 54 provided on the gas cartridge 14, only when the connecting end 16 is properly inserted inside the cap 22 and the rear end of the gas cartridge 14 is adjacent to the rear adjacent surface 48.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the rear contact surface 48 can be shaped so that it can engage with a corresponding notch provided at the rear end of the gas cartridge only when the gas cartridge is properly connected to the inflatable member.

[0095] Alternatively, the rear contact surface 48 can be shaped to be complementary to the electrical connector 34 by connecting the gas cartridge 14 to the control unit 30.

[0096] If the connecting end 16 of the gas cartridge 14 is not properly inserted inside the cap 22, the rear of the gas cartridge 14 will hit the rear contact surface 48, or the front contact surface 48 and the rear contact surface 50 will not be able to align with the reference notch 54, and therefore the gas cartridge cannot be inserted inside the retaining sheet 46.

[0097] Therefore, the wearer has immediate feedback regarding the relative positioning between the gas cartridge 14 and the inflatable member 12, and is guided to act in a way that properly connects the gas cartridge 14 to the inflatable member 12.

[0098] At the same time, the mechanical safety device 40 is also useful in blocking the gas cartridge 14 in the appropriate position relative to the inflatable member 12 when the gas cartridge 14 is connected to the inflatable member 12. In practice, the front and rear joint surfaces 48, 50, preferably in combination with the side surface 52 extending from the front joint surface 50 to the rear joint surface 48, allow the gas cartridge 14 to be held securely within the retaining sheet 46, thereby preventing the gas cartridge 14 from being affected by vibrations or shocks that occur during the use of the wearable protective device and preventing the gas cartridge 14 from moving out of its proper position.

[0099] Advantageously, the safety sensor connected to the control unit 30 can be applied to the inner surface of the retaining sheet 46, i.e., a surface designed to come into contact with the inflator device 14 when the inflator device is inserted into the retaining sheet 46.

[0100] When the inflator device 14 is removed from the retaining sheet 46, such a sensor may switch off the control unit or keep the control unit switched off until the inflator device is properly positioned within the retaining sheet 46.

[0101] For example, a safety sensor can be a mechanical switch or a pressure sensor.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the wearable protective device may comprise two retaining sheets 46, each designed to house one inflator device 14, and both retaining sheets 46 are equipped with safety sensors connected to control units 30 on their inner surfaces.

[0103] In this case, the control unit 30 is turned off or remains off if one of the inflator devices is not properly inserted into its retaining sheet.

[0104] Advantageously, the retaining sheet 46 may be provided with a cover 56 suitable for protecting the gas cartridge 14 (see Figures 4, 7, and 8). The cover 56 may be provided with a first fastening means 58 designed to be coupled with a corresponding second fastening means 60 of the retaining sheet 46, so as to allow the cover 56 to be secured to the retaining sheet 46.

[0105] The first fastening means 58 and the second fastening means 60 are designed to match each other only if the safety device 40 allows the inflator device 14 to be inserted into the retaining sheet 46.

[0106] In reality, if the gas cartridge 14 cannot be inserted into the retaining sheet 46, the gas cartridge 14 will protrude from the retaining sheet 46, making it impossible to properly secure the cover 56 to the retaining sheet 46.

[0107] In this case, the wearer clearly understands that the cover 56 has separated from the retaining sheet 46 and that the wearable protective device is in an unsafe state.

[0108] Advantageously, in this embodiment as well, the safety device 40 can be designed to turn off the control unit 30 or keep the control unit 30 off if the wearable protective device is in an unsafe state.

[0109] The safety device 40 may include a safety sensor or contact sensor 42 connected to the control unit 30, which may be located on the upper edge of the retaining sheet 46 or on the lower edge of the cover 56 (see Figure 4). Such a sensor 42 is designed to switch on the control unit 30 when the cover 56 is properly secured to the retaining sheet 46, and to switch off or leave the control unit off when the cover 56 is removed from the sheet.

[0110] The failure of the cover 56 to be properly secured to the retaining sheet 46 signals an unsafe condition of the wearable protective device because the inflator device 14 is not properly coupled to the inflatable member 12.

[0111] Therefore, the safety device 40 can reactivate the control unit 30 only if, when the gas cartridge 14 needs to be replaced, the gas cartridge 14 is properly positioned inside its retaining sheet 46 and / or the cover 56 is properly secured to the retaining sheet 46.

[0112] Advantageously, the wearable protective device 10 may have two retaining sheets 46, each sheet suitable for housing a corresponding gas cartridge 14. These retaining sheets 46 can be placed on a support plate 62 suitable for fixing to the outer surface of the wearable protective device 10.

[0113] Both seats may be equipped with the aforementioned safety device 40 and corresponding cover 56.

[0114] Advantageously, if both safety devices 40 are equipped with contact sensors 42 located on the cover 56 or the sheet 46, the control unit 30 will switch off or leave the switch off if one of the gas cartridges 14 is not properly inserted into the retaining sheet 46 so as not to allow the cover to be properly positioned on the retaining sheet.

[0115] Alternatively, the support plate 62 may have a single cover 56 suitable for covering both retaining sheets 46. The contact sensor 42 may be applied to the bottom rim of the cover 56 or to the top surface of the support plate 62.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover 56 can be properly secured to the support plate 62 only if both gas cartridges are properly inserted inside their retaining sheets 46.

[0117] Proper connection between the cover and the support plate causes the contact sensor 42, which emits a signal corresponding to the control unit, to press.

[0118] At this point, it is clear how a predetermined objective can be achieved by the wearable protective device according to the present invention.

[0119] The safety device allows for the safe and proper replacement of gas cartridges without the need to return the wearable protective device to customer service. In practice, the safety device provides reliable feedback regarding the connection between the gas cartridge and the inflatable component, enabling even untrained end-users to understand whether the gas cartridge used to replace a depleted one is properly connected to the inflatable component.

[0120] Furthermore, the safety device provides protection against potential hazards that may occur during gas cartridge replacement by switching off or keeping the control unit switched off when the gas cartridge is not connected to or not properly connected to the expandable member, in order to prevent unintentional activation of the gas cartridge's ignition charge.

[0121] With respect to the above-described embodiments of wearable protective devices, those skilled in the art can modify and / or replace the elements described with equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims in order to satisfy specific requirements.

Claims

1. A wearable protective device (10), At least one inflatable member (12) designed to move between a resting state in a contracted state and an operating state in an expanded state, An inflator device (14) is provided, which is designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12) in order to inflate the at least one inflatable member (12) when triggered, A safety device (40) is designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) if the inflator device (14) is separated from or not properly coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12). Furthermore, The wearable protective device (10) includes at least one sensor (28) designed to detect forces acting on the wearable protective device (10) and A control unit (30) is designed to process data detected by at least one sensor (28) when a collision situation is identified and to transmit a trigger signal to the inflator device (14), Furthermore, The wearable protective device (10) is characterized in that the safety device (40) is connected to the control unit (30) and includes a safety sensor (42) designed to automatically turn off the control unit (30) or prevent the switch of the control unit (30) from being turned on when the wearable protective device (10) is in an unsafe state.

2. A wearable protective device (10), At least one inflatable member (12) designed to move between a resting state in a contracted state and an operating state in an expanded state, An inflator device (14) is provided, which is designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12) in order to inflate the at least one inflatable member (12) when triggered, A safety device (40) is designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) if the inflator device (14) is separated from or not properly coupled to the at least one inflatable member (12). Furthermore, The wearable protective device (10) is characterized in that the inflator device (14) is designed to be inserted into a retaining sheet (46), and the safety device (40) is configured to allow the inflator device (14) to be inserted into the retaining sheet (46) only when the inflator device (14) is properly connected to the at least one inflatable member (12).

3. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a safety sensor (42) designed to signal an unsafe state of the wearable protective device (10) when the distance between reference marks provided on the inflator device (14) and on the at least one inflatable member (12), respectively, exceeds a predetermined value.

4. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the safety device (40) comprises a safety sensor (42) connected to the control unit (30) and applied near the opening (18) of the inflatable member (12) to which the inflator device (14) is connected, and the safety sensor (42) is capable of detecting the presence of the inflator device (14) and / or contact with the opposing surface (43) of the inflator device (14).

5. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inflator device (14) comprises a connecting end (16) designed to be inserted into a corresponding cap (22) fixed to an opening (18) of the at least one inflatable member (12), and the safety sensor (42) is applied at the connecting end (16) of the inflator device (14) or at the cap (22) fixed to the inflatable member (12).

6. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is an electrical or mechanical switch or a proximity sensor.

7. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the inflator device (14) comprises a connecting end (16) designed to be inserted into a corresponding cap (22) positioned in an opening (18) of the at least one inflatable member (14), and the safety device (40) comprises at least one contact surface (48, 50, 52) designed to define a shape on the retaining sheet (46) that is complementary to the assembly formed by the inflator device (14) and the cap (22) when the connecting end (16) is inserted into the cap (22).

8. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the safety device (40) comprises a front contact surface (50) and a rear contact surface (48), and the distance between the front contact surface (50) and the rear contact surface (48) is such that when the connecting end (16) is inserted into the cap (22), the length of the assembly formed by the inflator device (14) and the cap (22).

9. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety device (40) comprises a rear contact surface (48) formed to be complementary to the electrical connector (34), thereby connecting the inflator device (14) to the control unit (30).

10. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the retaining sheet (46) comprises a cover (56) suitable for protecting the inflator device (14), the cover (56) comprises a first fastening means (58) designed to be coupled with a corresponding second fastening means (60) of the retaining sheet (46) so as to enable fastening the cover to the retaining sheet (46), the first fastening means (58) of the cover (56) being designed to match the second fastening means (60) of the retaining sheet (46), and the safety device (40) is enabled to insert the inflator device (14) into the retaining sheet (46).

11. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is positioned at the upper end of the retaining sheet (46) or at the lower end of the cover (56) of the retaining sheet (46), the inflator device (14) is designed to be inserted into the lower end of the cover (56) of the retaining sheet (46), and the cover (56) is suitable for protecting the inflator device (14).

12. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 11, comprising two retaining sheets (46), each retaining sheet (46) being suitable for housing the corresponding inflator device (14).

13. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the retaining sheet (46) is placed on a support plate (62) designed to be fixed to the outer surface of the wearable protective device (10), and the support plate (62) has a single cover (56) suitable for covering the retaining sheet (46).

14. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 12, wherein each of the retaining sheets (46) comprises a corresponding cover (56) and a corresponding safety sensor (42), the safety sensor (42) is designed to automatically turn off the switch of the control unit (30) or prevent the switch of the control unit (30) from being turned on if one of the inflator devices (14) is not properly inserted into the retaining sheet (46) so as not to allow the positioning of the corresponding cover (56) on the retaining sheet (46).

15. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety sensor (42) is positioned on the inner surface of the retaining sheet (46), and the inner surface is designed to come into contact with the inflator device (14) when the inflator device (14) is inserted into the retaining sheet (46).

16. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 15, comprising two retaining sheets (46), each of which is suitable for housing the corresponding inflator device (14).

17. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflator device (14) is designed to be inserted into a retaining sheet (46) having a cover (56) suitable for protecting the inflator device (14), and the safety sensor (42) is designed to switch on the control unit (30) when the cover (56) is fixed to the retaining sheet (46), and to switch off the control unit (30) when the cover (56) is removed from the retaining sheet (46).

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