Wearable protective devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable protective device (10) comprising a protective helmet (12) having at least one first inflatable chamber (14) adapted to move between a rest state in a deflated state and an operational state in an inflated state, and a wearable element (16) comprising an inflator unit (18) and an actuation system (20) designed to trigger the inflator unit (18) when a dangerous condition to a user of the wearable protective device (10) is identified. According to the present invention, the wearable element (16) comprises at least one second inflatable chamber (26) adapted to move between a rest state in a deflated state and an operational state in an inflated state. The inflator unit (18) is connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and / or the at least one second inflatable chamber (26). The inflator unit (18) is designed to inflate the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and / or the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) in an activated state to move the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and / or the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) when a dangerous condition to a user of the wearable protective device (10) is identified by the activation system (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] , , , ,

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable protection device. The present invention also relates to a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member adapted to inflate in dangerous situations in order to provide additional protection to the user against impacts and / or falls. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member designed to protect the user's neck, or the neck in combination with the torso, from injury in the event of an impact and / or fall.

Background Art

[0002] Wearable protection devices comprising an inflatable member are also referred to as wearable airbag devices and are suitable for being worn during various types of activities such as motorcycling, cycling, skiing, walking, or industrial labor activities.

[0003] Typically, wearable airbag devices are composed of a wearable body such as a helmet, jacket, suit, vest, belt, etc. The wearable body generally includes an inflatable bag or chamber, an inflation means for the bag, and a system for operating the inflation means. The operating system may be electronic based on data detected by sensors applied to a vehicle used in combination with the wearable body and / or the wearable airbag device, or may be mechanical by means of a cable connecting the wearable body to a vehicle used in combination with the wearable airbag device, for example.

[0004] In the field of motorcycling, the user's neck is one of the most important protection sites, and that site remains exposed and vulnerable even when the person riding the motorcycle wears a helmet.

[0005] Recently, airbag collars, airbag helmets or airbag vests having a part of an inflatable bag designed to protect the neck have been studied.

[0006] All of these airbag devices are essentially standalone devices, meaning they are designed to be worn independently of other protective devices.

[0007] An airbag collar typically features a housing designed to fit around the wearer's neck, containing an inflatable bag, a gas cartridge, and an activation system.

[0008] An airbag helmet is an airbag system that is installed directly inside the helmet shell to improve the protection provided by the helmet, particularly in the neck zone.

[0009] In an airbag helmet, the inflatable bag is typically located inside the helmet and / or at the lower edge of the helmet. The operating system and inflatable means are housed inside the helmet.

[0010] An airbag vest may be equipped with an inflatable bag having a portion designed to cover the wearer's neck. In these devices, the inflatable bag generally has a portion positioned above the shoulder area of ​​the vest. Such a portion is designed to extend outward from the vest so that it can at least partially cover the wearer's neck in the event of danger.

[0011] While all of these airbag systems are highly regarded, they also have some drawbacks.

[0012] In reality, airbag collars and helmets are bulky and uncomfortable because they contain all the devices necessary for operation, such as gas generators, sensors, and control units, within their structure.

[0013] Furthermore, since all the components of the airbag activation system are located inside the collar or helmet, the collar or helmet becomes heavier.

[0014] Furthermore, in extreme cases, if there is a significant impact, even if the gas generator, sensors, and control unit are safely embedded inside the collar and helmet, they could still come into contact with the wearer's head, potentially causing bruises or injuries.

[0015] Finally, in airbag helmets, the shape and dimensions of the outer protective shell must be adjusted so that the necessary devices for airbag deployment can be inserted into the helmet. As is well known in the art, in the event of an accident, the helmet may slide on the ground and the helmet may block, potentially causing a dangerous rotational acceleration to the wearer's brain; therefore, the elliptical shape of the shell is designed to provide both adequate protection and tolerance to the impact on the wearer's head.

[0016] Therefore, by inserting corners or protrusions into the shell that could affect the helmet's ability to slide on the ground, the shell may deviate from its ideal elliptical shape as needed to accommodate various devices of the airbag system inside the helmet. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] A vest equipped with an inflatable bag designed to protect the neck must be worn over additional clothing; otherwise, the inflatable bag will not expand properly towards the neck. At the same time, to enable the airbag to deploy, the vest must have a yield-programmed zone to ensure that the airbag deploys reliably outward. Manufacturing the vest is costly. Furthermore, once the vest is activated, it will inevitably need to be replaced with a new one.

[0018] Furthermore, if a user wishes to protect not only their neck but also their torso and other parts of their body with an airbag system, it becomes clear that an airbag collar or airbag helmet must be used in combination with clothing that also contains their own inflatable bags. As a result, the user is forced to wear two different wearable airbag devices, each with its own detection and deployment system, and there is a risk that such devices may interfere with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a wearable protective device comprising an inflatable chamber configured to overcome, or at least mitigate, the aforementioned drawbacks of known wearable airbag devices designed to protect the user's neck.

[0020] More specifically, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device suitable for providing improved protection to the user's neck without affecting the comfort and wearability of the protective device.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device that is easy to use and wear, in addition to improving protection for the user's neck.

[0022] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device having a simplified structure, in addition to providing improved protection for the user's neck.

[0023] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device that enhances protection to other parts of the user's body, in addition to improving protection to the user's neck.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protective device that is easy to maintain, in addition to providing improved protection for the user's neck and body.

[0025] The above object, and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter in this specification, are achieved by the wearable protection device according to claim 1.

[0026] The advantages and distinctive features of the present invention will become more clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a wearable protection device worn by a user according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 1 when the expandable chamber of the wearable protection device is in an expanded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective rear view of a further embodiment of the wearable protection device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a further embodiment of the protection helmet of the wearable protection device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of detail A of the protection helmet of FIG. 5. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows the protection helmet in different operating states and is a view similar to FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the protection helmet of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the protection helmet of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the protection helmet of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a wearable protection device worn by a user according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side view, similar to Figure 11, of the inflatable chamber of the wearable protective device when it is inflated. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional rear view of a further embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a partially exploded perspective rear view of a different embodiment of a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an enlarged rear view of a further embodiment of a protective helmet for a wearable protective device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Referring to the attached drawings, the wearable protective device of the present invention is shown in its entirety by reference numeral 10.

[0029] The wearable protective device 10 comprises a protective helmet 12 having at least one first inflatable chamber 14. The first inflatable chamber 14 is suitable for moving between a stationary state in a deflated state (see, for example, Figures 1 and 11) and an operational state in an inflated state (see, for example, Figures 2 and 12).

[0030] The wearable protective device 10 further comprises a wearable element 16 which includes an inflator unit 18 and an operating system 20.

[0031] The activation system 20 is designed to activate the inflator unit 18 when a dangerous situation is identified for the user of the wearable protective device 10.

[0032] According to the present invention, an inflator unit 18 can be connected to a first inflatable chamber 14. More specifically, the inflator unit 18 can be designed to inflate the first inflatable chamber 14, thereby moving the first inflatable chamber 14 in an operational state when a dangerous condition for the user of the wearable protective device 10 is identified by the activation system 20.

[0033] A dangerous condition should be defined as a state in which the wearable element 16 is subjected to sudden acceleration / deceleration and / or sudden changes in its orientation and / or angular velocity.

[0034] In particular, if the wearable protective device is on a vehicle such as a motorcycle, the sudden acceleration or deceleration experienced by the wearable element can help identify that the motorcycle has hit an obstacle or that the wearer has lost control of the motorcycle and been thrown from the saddle.

[0035] Referring to the attached drawings, a protective helmet 12 suitable for use by motorcyclists is shown. Nevertheless, as will become clearer from the following description, the wearable protective device 10 may include a type of protective helmet 12 used by cyclists, skiers, hockey players, footballers, polo players, or other athletes who require effective head protection.

[0036] The protective helmet 12 can also be a helmet suitable for use in a workplace environment.

[0037] The attached drawings show a protective helmet 12 equipped with a chin guard 13. Furthermore, the teachings of the present invention can also be advantageously applied to so-called jet helmets.

[0038] As described above, the protective helmet 12 includes at least one first inflatable chamber 14 designed to be inflated to protect the wearer's neck.

[0039] The first inflatable chamber or bag 14 can be manufactured by sewing together a lower panel and an upper panel along their surrounding portions to obtain a so-called sewn airbag.

[0040] Alternatively, the first inflatable chamber 14 can be manufactured by a single weaving operation or knitting operation, for example, using a jacquard loom, to obtain a so-called one-piece woven (OPW) airbag.

[0041] In further embodiments, the first inflatable chamber 14 may be made of an elastic material selected from the group that preferably includes natural rubber or synthetic rubber.

[0042] The first inflatable chamber 14 is equipped with an internal tether (not shown in the attached diagram) suitable for controlling the deployment of the inflatable chamber 14 during movement in the operating state.

[0043] Preferably, as shown in the attached figures, the first inflatable chamber 14 is applied to the lower part of the protective helmet 12 (see, for example, Figures 1, 3, 4, 11 and 14). In this way, the first inflatable chamber 14 faces the upper torso of the wearable protective device 10 and, when inflated, expands from the lower edge of the protective helmet 12 toward the wearer's body, thereby covering and protecting the wearer's neck. In particular, the first inflatable chamber 14 is designed, when inflated, to fill the gap between the lower edge of the protective helmet 12 and the upper part of the wearable element 16.

[0044] Advantageously, the first inflatable chamber 14 is partially or completely installed inside the lower part of the protective helmet 12 (see, for example, Figure 4-7).

[0045] Preferably, the first inflatable chamber 14 is located in a portion occupied by a neck roll, i.e., a compressible foam extending around the lower part of the protective helmet 12 in the form of a long cylindrical piece of foam.

[0046] Therefore, when the protective helmet 12 is worn, the first inflatable chamber 14 is positioned around the user's neck. In particular, the first inflatable chamber is interposed between the lower part of the helmet and the user's shoulders, upper chest and / or upper back (see, for example, Figures 3 and 14).

[0047] Advantageously, such an arrangement does not affect the shape and dimensions of the outer shell 15 and impact-absorbing liner 19 of the protective helmet 12 (see Figures 5 and 7). Furthermore, because the first inflatable chamber 14 is located at the bottom of the protective helmet, it can be easily replaced after activation without having to replace the entire protective helmet, provided that the protective helmet has not sustained structural damage during the accident.

[0048] Preferably, the first inflatable chamber 14 is located inside a housing 24 that is applied to or positioned on the lower edge of the protective helmet 12.

[0049] Advantageously, the housing 24 can also be attached to the lower edge of an existing protective helmet without requiring any structural modifications. In this case, it is only necessary to provide corresponding fastening means between the existing protective helmet and the housing 24.

[0050] The housing 24 can be made of a flexible and elastic material so as not to hinder the expansion of the first expandable chamber 14 after it has expanded (see, for example, Figure 1-2).

[0051] Alternatively, the housing 24 may have an opening extending through the bottom edge of the housing and formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material (see, for example, Figures 4-7). Such an opening is closed by a movable cover 27 pivotally attached to the housing (see Figures 5a and 5b).

[0052] During normal use of the wearable protective device 10, the lid 27 is designed to remain closed to ensure that the first inflatable chamber 14 is safely housed within the housing 24 (see Figure 5A). At the same time, when the inflatable chamber 14 is operational, the lid 27 is designed to be open, allowing the first inflatable chamber 14 to be inflated (see Figure 5B).

[0053] The lid 27 can also be opened if it is necessary to inspect or remove the first inflatable chamber 14 from the housing 24.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the first inflatable chamber 14 or the housing 24 that houses the first inflatable chamber 14 can be secured to the lower edge of the protective helmet 12 by a releasable fastening means 36. In this way, the first inflatable chamber 14 can be replaced simply by releasing the fastening means 36.

[0055] The releaseable fastening means 36 may include a buttoned hook, hook-and-loop fastener, or similar. Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the releaseable fastening means 36 consists of a releaseable strap 37 that is applied to the periphery of the first inflatable chamber 14 or housing 24 and designed to engage with a corresponding slot 38 provided on the lower edge of the protective helmet 12.

[0056] Advantageously, the first inflatable chamber 14 can be applied to the lower part of the protective helmet 12, or it can be positioned inside the housing 24 in a foldable configuration, thereby occupying the limited volume of the helmet. In this way, the first inflatable chamber 14 does not hinder the free movement of the user's head.

[0057] In the attached diagram, the protective helmet 12 includes a single first inflatable chamber 14 that extends along the entire lower edge of the protective helmet 12, except for the chin guard 13 (see Figure 10).

[0058] However, different configurations are also possible. For example, the protective helmet 12 may have two or more first inflatable chambers 14 provided along different portions of the lower edge of the protective helmet.

[0059] The wearable protective device 10 also includes a wearable element 16.

[0060] Preferably, the wearable element 16 is designed to cover at least one torso portion of the user's body.

[0061] The wearable element 16 may be protective clothing such as a jacket, suit, or vest (see, for example, Figures 1-3). Alternatively, the wearable element may be underwear 16 suitable for wearing under outer protective clothing 17 (see, for example, Figures 11-13). In further embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the wearable element 16 may be a harness or belt designed to be worn over or under other clothing.

[0062] Advantageously, the wearable element may be clothing for the elderly, such as shorts or briefs, that are suitable for covering and protecting the user's buttocks.

[0063] The wearable element 16 includes an inflator unit 18 designed to inflate a first inflatable chamber 14 that is applied to the protective helmet 12.

[0064] Preferably, the inflator unit 18 is selected from a group that includes pyrotechnic inflators, compressed gas inflators, and hybrid inflators.

[0065] The inflator unit 18 may have multiple inflation levels so that the first inflatable chamber 14 can be inflated two or more times in chronological order.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 11-12, the inflator unit 18 is applied to the portion of the wearable element 16 that covers the user's back. Preferably, the inflator unit 18 is provided inside a rigid or semi-rigid casing 40 applied to the rear of the wearable element 16 (see Figures 3 and 14). The casing 40 can be closed by a removable cover 41 to allow the user easy access to the inflator unit as needed.

[0067] Alternatively, the inflator unit 18 can be located inside the back protector 42, which is applied to the rear of the wearable element 16 (see, for example, Figure 13).

[0068] Advantageously, the casing 40 housing the inflator unit 18 can be integrated with the top of the back protector 42 (see, for example, Figure 14).

[0069] The inflator unit 18 may comprise a single gas cartridge (see, for example, Figures 1-2) or multiple gas cartridges (see Figures 3 and 13).

[0070] The inflator unit 18 is connected directly or indirectly to the first inflatable chamber 14 by a connecting hose 22.

[0071] Advantageously, the connecting hose 22 is made of a flexible material. Preferably, the connecting hose 22 is made of a reinforced flexible material, such as reinforced rubber.

[0072] The connecting hose 22 is designed to be located at least partially inside the wearable element 16, thereby being exposed only during limited stretching. In this way, the risk of the connecting hose 22 getting caught on an external object in the event of an accident is reduced.

[0073] When the inflator unit 18 and the first inflatable chamber 14 are directly connected, the connecting hose 22 has a first end 28 designed to connect to the first inflatable chamber 14 and a second end 30 designed to connect to the inflator unit 18. The first end 28 and the second end 30 are airtightly connected to the first inflatable chamber 14 and the inflator unit 18, respectively.

[0074] When the inflator unit 18 and the first inflatable chamber 14 are connected indirectly, the connecting hose 22 has a first end 28 designed to connect to the first inflatable chamber 14 and a second end 30 designed to connect to an intermediate element connected to the inflator unit 18. In this case as well, all direct or indirect connections to the inflator unit 18 are airtight.

[0075] The first end 28 and the second end 30 of the connecting hose 22 may be provided with detachable connecting means so that the connecting hose 22 can be removed from the first inflatable chamber 14 and the inflator unit 18.

[0076] Preferably, as shown in Figure 15, the releasable connection means may consist of a plug-in connector 29 designed to be inserted into a corresponding connector 31 provided on the first inflatable chamber 14 or inflator unit 18.

[0077] As expected, the operating system 20 of the first inflatable chamber 14 is applied to the wearable element 16.

[0078] The operating system 20 may be an electronic or mechanical operating mechanism.

[0079] The electronic actuation mechanism 20 preferably includes at least one sensor 21 designed to detect a force acting on the wearable element 16, such as an accelerometer, and / or measure the angular velocity of the wearable element 16, such as a gyroscope, and / or detect the distance between the wearable element 16 and a target, such as an ultrasonic distance sensor.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, two sensors 21 are applied to the shoulder portion of the wearable element 16 (see Figure 13). Alternatively, or in addition, one or more sensors 21 can be applied inside the back protector 42 or inside the casing 40.

[0081] In further embodiments not shown, at least one sensor may also be applied to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or moto scooter, used in combination with a wearable protective device 10.

[0082] To meet other identification needs, at least one sensor 21 can have a different configuration.

[0083] The electronically operated mechanism 20 may also include a control unit 23 designed to process data detected by the sensor 21 and send a trigger signal to the inflator unit 18 when a dangerous condition is identified.

[0084] The control unit 23 can be connected to the sensor 21 by a wired connection 25 (see, for example, Figure 14) or a wireless connection (see, for example, Figures 3 and 13).

[0085] Simultaneously, the control unit 23 is preferably electronically connected to the inflator unit 18. Advantageously, the control unit 23 can be housed inside the back protector 42 applied to the wearable element 16.

[0086] As shown in Figures 3 and 14, the control unit 23 can be housed within the same casing 40 as the inflator unit 18 for easy access as needed.

[0087] The control unit 23 is designed to periodically process data received from the sensor 21 to obtain information about the forces acting on the wearable element 16 and to calculate its spatial position and / or orientation.

[0088] If the control unit 23 detects that a dangerous condition has occurred based on the algorithm implemented therein, a trigger signal is sent from the control unit 23 to the inflator unit 18, which can inflate the first inflatable chamber 14 of the wearable protective device 10.

[0089] Next, the mechanical operating system may include an operating cable that connects the wearable element 16 to a vehicle used in combination with the wearable protective device 10.

[0090] The operating cable has a first end connected to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, and a second end fixed to a trigger device designed to trigger a firing pin suitable for operating the inflator unit.

[0091] If the wearable protective device 10 becomes separated from the motorcycle, the trigger mechanism's operating cable will trigger the firing pin, causing the inflator unit to deploy.

[0092] The wearable element 16 also comprises at least one second inflatable chamber or bag 26. The second inflatable chamber 26 is suitable for moving between a stationary state in a deflated state (see, for example, Figure 11) and an operational state in an inflated state (see, for example, Figure 12).

[0093] Preferably, the second inflatable chamber 26 is suitable for protecting the user's shoulders and / or chest and / or sides and / or back. Obviously, the second inflatable chamber 26 can have different configurations to meet other identification needs. For example, the inflatable chamber 26 can be designed to also protect the user's arms, buttocks and / or legs.

[0094] The second inflatable chamber 26 may consist of a single inflatable bag or may comprise a number of separate inflatable bags in sequence.

[0095] The second inflatable chamber 26, like the first inflatable chamber 14, may be a sewn airbag, an OPW airbag, a knitted airbag, or an airbag made of an elastic material.

[0096] The second inflatable chamber 26 may be of a different type with respect to the first inflatable chamber 14.

[0097] For example, the second inflatable chamber 26 may be a chamber or bag made of an elastic material with a high elongation rate, thereby occupying the reduced volume when deflated, while the first inflatable chamber 14 may be a sewn airbag or OPW airbag.

[0098] Furthermore, the second inflatable chamber 26 can also be provided with an internal tether suitable for restricting its deployment.

[0099] Preferably, the second inflatable chamber 26 is housed in a sheet provided to the wearable element 16, such as a pocket or a gap formed by two opposing surfaces of the wearable element 16. Alternatively, the second inflatable chamber 26 can be fixed to the inner or outer surface of the wearable element 16.

[0100] As shown in the attached diagram, the inflator unit 18 can be connected to the second inflatable chamber 26. More specifically, the inflator unit 18 can be designed to inflate the first chamber 14 and / or the second chamber 26 in order to move the first inflatable chamber 14 and / or the second inflatable chamber 26 in an operating state.

[0101] As shown in the attached diagram, preferably, the inflator unit 18 is directly connected to the second chamber 26.

[0102] In the first embodiment, referring to Figure 14 for example, the connection of the second inflatable chamber 26 is performed by directly clamping the end of the inflator unit to the inside of the opening of the inflatable chamber 26. Alternatively, the end of the inflator unit 18 may be provided with a male thread suitable for screwing into the corresponding thread of a cap placed at the opening of the second inflatable chamber 26.

[0103] Alternatively, the end of the inflator unit 18 can be connected to the second inflatable chamber 26 by a bayonet mount. A male element is provided at the end of the inflator unit, and a female receptor is provided on a cap located at the opening of the second inflatable chamber 26.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the inflator unit 18 includes two gas cartridges, each connected to a corresponding end of a second inflatable chamber 26. At least one of the two gas cartridges is also connected to a connecting hose 22.

[0105] In a further embodiment (see, for example, Figure 13), the inflator unit 18 comprises two gas cartridges 32, 34. The first cartridge 32 is connected to the first inflatable chamber 14 by a connecting hose 22, and the second cartridge 34 is airtightly connected to the second inflatable chamber 26.

[0106] In another embodiment not shown in the attached drawings, the connecting hose can be Y-shaped. The lower end of the Y-shape is connected to the inflator unit 18, and each upper end of the Y-shape is connected to the first inflatable chamber 14 and the second inflatable chamber 26, respectively.

[0107] If the first inflatable chamber 14 is indirectly connected to the inflator unit 18, the connecting hose 22 may have a first end 28 designed to connect to the first inflatable chamber 14 and a second end designed to connect, preferably airtightly, to a second inflatable chamber 26 that acts as an intermediate element. In this embodiment, when the inflator unit 18 is triggered, the expansion gas first flows into the second inflatable chamber 26 and from there into the first inflatable chamber 14.

[0108] Preferably, the first and second inflatable chambers 14, 26 move simultaneously in operation (see, for example, Figures 2 and 12).

[0109] In other words, the second inflatable chamber 26 is advantageously designed to inflate simultaneously with the first inflatable chamber 14 when a dangerous condition is identified by the operating system 20.

[0110] Advantageously, the first inflatable chamber 14 and the second inflatable chamber 26 do not need to have their own inflation units and operating mechanisms. In fact, the first and second inflatable chambers 14 and 26 are operated by a single inflator unit 18 and a single operating system 20.

[0111] When the inflator unit 18 is triggered, the expansion gas flows instantaneously through the first and second inflatable chambers 14 and 26.

[0112] The inflator unit 18 is sized to provide enough inflation fluid to inflate both inflatable chambers.

[0113] In this embodiment, both the first and second inflatable chambers are directly connected to the inflator unit 18, allowing for the inflation of a single inflatable chamber. In practice, selective inflation of the first or second inflatable chamber can be achieved by disconnecting the first or second inflatable chamber from the inflator unit 18.

[0114] As clearly shown in Figure 12, the first and second inflatable chambers 14, 26, when activated, are designed to fill the gap between the lower edge of the protective helmet 12 and the upper part of the wearable element 16, thereby protecting the wearer's neck.

[0115] In particular, the second inflatable chamber 26 is sized to work in cooperation with the first inflatable chamber 14 of the protective helmet 12 to fill the gap between the lower edge of the protective helmet and the wearer's shoulder. Specifically, the second inflatable chamber 26 is sized to take into account that, when inflated, the gap between the shoulder and the lower rim of the helmet is also partially occupied by the first inflatable chamber 14.

[0116] In particular, the first and second inflatable chambers 14 and 26 are sized appropriately to allow the first inflatable chamber 14 to come into contact with the second inflatable chamber 26 when it has substantially reached its maximum expansion after operation, thereby preventing the user's neck from being subjected to traction.

[0117] To maximize the protection provided by the wearable protective device, the first and second inflatable chambers are developed to be different sizes to better match the user's measurements.

[0118] At this point, it is clear how a predetermined objective can be achieved using the wearable protective device 10 according to the present invention.

[0119] The wearable protective device 10 provides improved protection to the user, the first inflatable chamber 14 is suitable for protecting the user's neck and head without hindering the user's movement during normal use, and in fact, the connecting hose 22 does not restrict the user's freedom of movement.

[0120] At the same time, the second inflatable chamber 26 is suitable for protecting the user's body from impact and bruises and, in cooperation with the first inflatable chamber 14, provides improved protection for the user's neck and torso.

[0121] Furthermore, since the first inflatable chamber 14 is operated by using an actuation system applied to the inflator unit and wearable element 16, providing the first inflatable chamber 14 at the lower edge of the protective helmet has no effect, or only a very limited effect, on the shape and volume of the protective helmet. Thus, the wearability and comfort of the helmet are not affected.

[0122] Furthermore, the wearable protective device is easy to use and put on. In fact, both the wearable element 16 and the protective helmet 12 can be worn as ordinary clothing and a helmet, respectively. The user simply needs to connect the connecting hose 22 to the first inflatable chamber 14.

[0123] Furthermore, the fact that the first and second inflatable chambers are operated by a single operating system offers advantages in terms of safety, reliability, and cost related to purchase and maintenance. For example, when operated, the user only needs to change a single inflator unit.

[0124] Alternatively, by providing a first inflatable chamber 14 in the protective helmet 12, the wearable element 16 can be worn under a jacket or suit without affecting the protection provided to the neck. The second inflatable chamber 26 of the wearable element 16 does not need to expand outward to protect the neck, as this protection is already provided by the first inflatable chamber 14.

[0125] Finally, by providing the inflator unit and operating system on the wearable element 16, the shape of the protective helmet is not altered, thereby not affecting the sliding of the outer shell on the ground in the event of an accident.

[0126] With respect to the above-described embodiment of the wearable protective device 10, those skilled in the art can modify and / or replace the elements described with equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims in order to satisfy the requirements of identification.

Claims

1. A wearable protective device (10), The wearable protective device (10) is A protective helmet (12) comprising at least one first inflatable chamber (14) designed to protect the neck of the wearable protective device, wherein the protective helmet (12) is suitable for moving between a stationary state in a deflated state and an operational state in an inflated state, A wearable element (16) comprising an inflator unit (18) and an actuation system (20), wherein the actuation system (20) is designed to trigger the inflator unit (18) when a dangerous condition for the wearable protective device (10) is identified, Equipped with, The wearable element (16) comprises at least one second inflatable chamber (26) suitable for moving between a stationary state in a contracted state and an operational state in an inflated state, The wearable protective device (10) is characterized in that the inflator unit (18) is connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) to move the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) or the at least one second inflatable chamber (26), or the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) in the operating state when the operating system (20) identifies a dangerous condition of the wearable protective device (10) to the user, and is designed to selectively inflate only one or both of the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26).

2. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflator unit (18) is directly or indirectly connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) by a connecting hose (22).

3. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) is applied to the lower part of the protective helmet (12).

4. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the wearable element (16) is designed to cover at least the torso of the user's body, and the inflator unit (18) is applied to the portion of the wearable element (16) that covers the user's back.

5. The wearable protective device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) is partially or completely installed within the lower part of the protective helmet (12).

6. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) is provided within a housing (24) applied to or positioned on the lower edge of the protective helmet (12).

7. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) is designed to inflate simultaneously with the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) when a dangerous condition is identified by the operating system (20).

8. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) are designed to fill the gap between the lower edge of the protective helmet (12) and the upper part of the wearable element (16) in each of the operating states so as to protect the user's neck.

9. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting hose (22) is made of a flexible material.

10. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting hose (22) is designed to be at least partially located inside the wearable element (16).

11. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting hose (22) has a first end (28) designed to be connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and a second end (30) designed to be connected to the inflator unit (18), and the first end (28) and the second end (30) are provided with releasable connecting means that allow the connecting hose (22) to be detached from the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the inflator unit (18).

12. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inflator unit (18) comprises two gas cartridges, the first gas cartridge (32) being connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) by a connecting hose (22), and the second gas cartridge (34) being connected in an airtight manner to the at least one second inflatable chamber (26).

13. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) is designed to protect the user's shoulders and / or chest and / or both sides and / or back.

14. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) or the housing (24) is secured to the lower edge of the protective helmet (12) by a releasable fastening means (36).

15. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the inflator unit (18) is indirectly connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) by a connecting hose (22), the connecting hose (22) having a first end (28) designed to connect to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and a second end designed to connect to the at least one second inflatable chamber (26).

16. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflator unit (18) is detachably connected to the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26), and the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) and the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) are selectively inflatable by disconnecting the at least one first inflatable chamber (14) or the at least one second inflatable chamber (26) from the inflator unit (18).

17. The wearable protective device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating system (20) comprises a control unit (23) designed to process data detected by at least one sensor (21) applied to the wearable element (16).

18. The wearable protective device (10) according to 17, characterized in that the at least one sensor (21) can be designed to detect a force acting on the wearable element (16), and / or measure the angular velocity of the wearable element (16), and / or detect the distance between the wearable element (16) and a target object.

Images