EP4676262A1

EP4676262A1 - Protection device, protection assembly and method

Info

Publication number: EP4676262A1
Application number: EP24709035.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ludvig RAMBERG; Shiyang MENG; Alexander MUCCHIANO-AHLSTROM
Original assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Current assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Priority date: 2023-03-06
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: CN120529844A; KR20250135229A; DE102023105423A1; JP2026501421A; WO2024184251A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a protection device (10) for the head and/or the neck of a human. In order to provide a protection device (10) which can enhance body safety but which is at the same time highly affordable, comfortable to wear and easy to use, it is suggested to provide a protection device (10) comprising an inflatable protection element (20) having an outer skin (22) enclosing at least one chamber (24) and an air inlet means (26) for connecting the chamber (24) with an air compressing means. The protection element (20) is configured to transit from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into the chamber (24) through the air inlet means (26). The outer skin (22) is adapted for covering and protecting at least a part of the human's head and/or neck when the protection element (20) is in its second state. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated protection assembly and to an associated method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities.

Description

PROTECTION DEVICE, PROTECTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

Description

The invention relates to a protection device for the head and/or the neck of a human according to claim 1 , to an associated protection assembly according to claim 15 and to a method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities according to claim 16.

Protection devices for the head and/or the neck of a human have constantly gained in importance with rising safety awareness in society. A very common example for protection devices are helmets, which are well-developed and widespread. Helmets are mainly used for human locomotion under exposed conditions such as by urban cyclists or motorcyclists, or for accident-prone sporting activities as skiing, skating, riding or climbing.

Nevertheless, efforts are made to provide complementary body protection articles for improved physical safety, especially in case of a critical event as an accident. For instance, EP 2 621 297 A1 discloses a wearable airbag system which is arranged in a collar intended to be worn on top of other clothes around the neck of a user. The collar incorporates an airbag system for protecting the head region of the user in case of an accident. The airbag system comprises an airbag, a detection device for determining an accident situation and an inflation device, e.g. a gas generator for instant inflation of the airbag.

While wearable airbag systems according to the prior art provide reliable protection in case of an accident, they are costly to produce, have a relatively high weight due to the plurality of airbag system components, thus reducing the wearing comfort, and have to be inspected and approved regularly in order to ensure proper functioning. Furthermore, skeptical users may hesitate to wear airbag systems worrying about the experience of a sudden airbag deployment.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a protection device which can enhance body safety for the head and/or neck of a human but which is at the same time highly affordable, comfortable to wear and easy to use.

Hence, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved easy-to-handle body protection.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a protection device as defined in claim 1 , by a protection assembly as defined in claim 15 and by a method as defined in claim 16. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to the invention, a protection device for the head and/or the neck of a human is provided which comprises an inflatable protection element having an outer skin enclosing at least one chamber and an air inlet means for connecting the chamber with an air compressing means, wherein the protection element is configured to transit from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into the chamber through the air inlet means, and the outer skin is adapted for covering and protecting at least a part of the human’s head and/or neck when the protection element is in its second state.

In other words, a main concept of the invention is to provide a protection device with an inflatable protection element which does not need to be inflated instantly upon the detection of an accident as it enables to be inflated precautionarily by active initiation of its user. Thus, preventive body protection may be implemented selectively by the user-induced inflation of the protection element. Once inflated, the protection element forms a stable protective barrier between the human’s head and/or neck and the environment. Since the protection device is based on a proactive approach rather than on a reactive approach compared to event-induced airbag systems, reliable body safety can be ensured. Furthermore, the inventive protection device does not need to be provided with detection and activation components such as sensors, control units, inflators or gas lines, resulting in a very light, easily portable and highly affordable protection device. In the inflated state, the protection element may also provide temperature isolation, a comfortable neck support and insect protection for the wearing person.

Hence, a protection device is provided which is comfortable to wear, easy to handle and obtainable at low production cost. With the inventive protection device, acceptance and interest in personal body protection will be significantly promoted.

The inflatable protection element comprises an air inlet means for connecting the chamber with an air compressing means in order to inflate the protection element. The air inlet means may be a valve or just a sealable opening, and the air compressing means may a hand operated pump, an electric pump or compressor, or a bellow. In addition, air compressing means also comprise human respiration organs since air can also be blown into the chamber under human effort. Thus, example air inlet means can be tire valves, mouth valves or integrated electric pumps. Furthermore, although not in the first place, the term “air compressing means” is not strictly limited to instant air compression but also extends to compressed air supply means as compressed air storage tanks according to some embodiments.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the transition of the protection element from the deflated first state to the inflated second state is reversible such that the protection element is inflatable and deflatable in a repeatable manner. By this, the protection device is rather a sustainable multiple use article than a disposable item for singular use. The protection element is transferable between the deflated first state and the inflated second state and vice versa selectively upon active initiation of the user.

In accordance with a preferable embodiment, the protection device further comprises an air outlet means for connecting the chamber with the environment, said air outlet means having a closed state in which pressurized air which fills the chamber in the second state of the protection element is inhibited from flowing from the chamber to the environment, and an open state in which pressurized air can flow from the chamber to the environment. With an air outlet means, it is possible to deflate the protection element in a controlled manner when it is not needed or used. The air outlet means may be a valve or just a sealable opening, for instance. The air outlet means is preferably transferable between the closed state and the open state by detaching a seal from the opening, a pressing, screwing or turning motion on the valve or other suitable release action. Preferably, the closed state of the air outlet means is its default state. Thus, it is reliably ensured that the inflated protection element stays inflated until a user actively deflates the protection element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the air inlet means and the air outlet means form a combined air exchange means. Thus, the structure of the protection device is further simplified and the handling of the protection device is improved. The air exchange means may be a switchable check valve, for instance.

In accordance with a preferable embodiment, the protection device further comprises an air compressing means being connected to the air inlet means. The air compressing means may be an electric pump permanently attached to or integrated with the air inlet means of the protection element, for instance. By providing a protection device already comprising an air compressing means, it is not necessary to store, carry and use a separate air compressing means for operating the protection device. Thus, the protection device is further enhanced with regard to its easy handling.

According to a further embodiment, the protection element forms a collar cushion when the protection element is in the second state. The collar cushion may have a substantially circular, semicircular or oval form and is configured to be arranged around the human’s neck. Collar cushions provide comfortable and reliable protection for the human’s head and neck. Preferably, the collar cushion comprises a head support structure radially protruding from the collar cushion. The head support structure may be arranged circumferentially or in a defined region, e.g. in a collar cushion area which is located below the chin when the protection device is put on. For instance, the head support structure may have the form of a U-shaped trough for the chin area of the human. The head support structure assists in preventing injuries on the head and neck in case of an accident, especially a quick bending of the neck. Alternatively, the protection element may form a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped wing cushion when the protection element is in the second state. The wing cushion is configured to cover at least partially the human’s face, especially its mouth and/ or chin area when it is put on. The wing cushion has two wings that preferably extend symmetrically to each other. The wings are connected by a fold or angular transition (V-shaped wing) or by a curved transition (U-shaped wing). The wing cushion provides enhanced head protection especially with regard to the human’s face. Furthermore, the wing cushion structure follows the natural contours of human faces. A protection element of this structure can especially be used together with a helmet, especially a bicycle helmet.

Alternatively, the protection element may form a substantially helmet-like cushion when the protection element is in the second state. The helmet-like cushion provides protection only for the head or for the head and neck depending on the specific shape of the helmet-like cushion. For instance, the helmet-like cushion may have the form of a bicycle helmet, a jet helmet or an integral helmet with a chin bar. In any case, such a helmet-like cushion comprises an upper part which covers at least a part of the cranium, especially at least a part of the skullcap. By providing a helmet-like cushion, a light body protection article with extensive protection effects is presented which ensures reliable head and/or neck protection as well as a pleasant wearing comfort.

A large variety of shapes including combinations of the aforesaid embodiments regarding collar-shaped, wing-shaped and helmet-shaped cushions can be provided within the scope of the invention, and individual shapes may be created and selected according to present needs and defined conditions.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the protection device further comprises at least one fastening means for fixation of the protection element. The fastening means assists to keep the protection element in a defined shape or orientation. The fastening means is also beneficial for easy dressing. For instance, an elongated protection element may be arranged around the neck of the human to form a circle and the ends of the elongated protection element facing each other can be fastened by the fastening means. Example fastening means are straps, fleece tapes, buttons, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, clips or buckles. In accordance with a preferable embodiment, the protection device further comprises at least one coupling means for coupling the protection device to a helmet, a garment or another wearable component. For instance, the protection device may be attached to a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet, to a cap or jacket, or to a backpack in a detachable manner. For attachment to a helmet, the protection device may be configured to be attached to the helmet shell and/or to a helmet strap via the coupling means. Example embodiments comprise coupling means implemented as straps, sleeves, magnets, fleece tapes, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, clips or buckles.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the protection device is foldable to pocket size when the protection element is in the deflated first state. For this, the outer skin of the protection element is made flexible and thin enough to allow for multiple folding. Furthermore, visible folding lines may be provided on the outer skin to facilitate correct folding. The protection device which is foldable to pocket size enhances the transportability and thus leads to an easy-to-handle protection device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a protection assembly comprising a helmet and a protection device as described above is provided. The helmet and the protection device are connected to each other to be used complementarily and to form a common unit. The protection device may be attached to the helmet either in a detachable manner or in a non-detachable manner. The described protection assembly provides even more protection to a human than the protection device or a helmet alone and further facilitates transport of the protection device since it is not necessary to store and carry the protection device separately. In one embodiment, the inflatable protection element of the protection device exclusively or mainly covers parts of the head and/ or neck that are not covered by the helmet, for example the chin and/ or mouth, In another embodiment, the inflatable protection element covers at least parts of the helmet, such that a two-layered structure is generated, an inner layer being formed by the helmet and an outer layer being formed by the protection element. Combinations of the two embodiments are possible. According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities by a human is provided which comprises:

- providing a protection device for a head and/or a neck of the human with an inflatable protection element having an outer skin enclosing at least one chamber, an air inlet means and an air outlet means;

- inflating the protection element via the air inlet means;

- arranging the inflated protection element on the head and/or on the neck of the human;

- conducting the safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity; and

- deflating the protection element via the air outlet means.

Preferably, the protection device described in conjunction with the method is a protection device according to the description above. Common examples for safety- critical locomotion or sporting activity are cycling, motorcycling, skiing, skating, riding and climbing. As indicated by the given order, the inflation of the protective element is preferably conducted before or at least at the beginning of the safety-critical activity and deflation is preferably performed after or at least with the termination of the safety- critical activity. During the safety-critical activity, the protection element is preferably kept inflated the whole time. By means of the presented method, preventive body protection based on a proactive approach and induced actively by the human is implemented while comfortable and affordable protective solutions are provided. With the inventive method, acceptance and interest in personal body protection will be significantly promoted.

In the following, the invention is described by means of example embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying schematic drawings. Functionally similar elements illustrated in the drawings are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof is not repeated.

Fig. 1 provides a perspective front view of a human wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a perspective front view of the human wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of the human wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 4 depicts a perspective front view of the human wearing a protection device with an inflated protection element according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 5 provides a schematic view of a protection device with a deflated protection element according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a protection device with a deflated protection element according to a sixth embodiment.

In the following, protection devices 10 for the head 52 an/or the neck 54 of a human 50 will be described. The protection devices 10 illustrated in the figures each comprise an inflatable protection element 20. Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate example embodiments of protection devices 10 with inflated protection elements 20, whereas Figs. 5 and 6 schematically depict protection devices 10 with deflated protection elements 20 folded to pocket-size.

As indicated schematically in Figs. 5 and 6, the inflatable protection element 20 comprises an outer skin 22 enclosing at least one chamber 24. The chamber 24 is configured to be filled with air via an air inlet means 26, which is implemented as a mouth valve as depicted in Fig. 5 or as a tire valve as illustrated in Fig. 6. The mouth valve and the tire valve also comprise an air outlet function to form an air outlet means 28. For instance, the mouth valve may be a switchable check valve that has to be pressed at its circumference to allow the air in the chamber 24 to flow out. Likewise, the tire valve may be a switchable check valve on which a valve nut has to be loosened to allow the air in the chamber 24 to flow out. Thus, the air inlet means 26 and the air outlet means 28 described above form a combined air exchange means implemented by the mouth valve and the tire valve.

The air inlet means 26 is configured to connect the chamber 24 with an air compressing means (not shown). In accordance with the example embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, the air compressing means may be human respiratory organs used to blow air into the chamber 24 via the mouth valve. According to the example embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the air compressing means may be a hand operated or electric pump used to pump air into the chamber 24 via the tire valve. With progressive air inflow into the chamber 24, the protection element 20 will transit from a deflated first state as presented in Figs. 5 and 6 to an inflated second state as presented in Figs. 1 to 4, for instance. In the inflated second state, the outer skin 22 in conjunction with the chamber 24 is adapted for covering at least a part of the human’s head 52 and/or neck 54, thus forming a protective barrier between the human’s head 52 and/or neck 54 and the environment.

As the protection element 20 is inflatable at any time selected by the human 50 rather than it is inflated automatically upon an accident, proactive and precautionary body protection is provided. Neither detection nor activation components as e.g. sensors, control units, inflators or gas lines are needed to operate the inventive protection device 10. Thus, the weight, the cost and the amount of electronic components of the protection device 10 - apart from an optional electric pump - are significantly reduced. The described protection device 10 is not only very reliable, but also affordable, easily transportable, comfortable to wear and easy to use.

Since the air inlet means 26 is implemented as a combined air exchange means, the mouth valve depicted in Fig. 5 and the tire valve illustrated in Fig. 6 also each form an air outlet means 28 which allows for a controlled discharge of the compressed air present in the chamber 24. For this, the air outlet means 28 is configured to connect the chamber 24 with the environment. Thus, the protection element 20 can be actively deflated. Generally, the air outlet means 28 has a closed state as a default state in which the pressurized air is inhibited from flowing from the chamber 24 to the environment. For example, the mouth valve as shown in Fig. 5 is a switchable check valve which inhibits air backflow from the chamber 24 to the environment until it is actively pressed at its circumference. Furthermore, an additional cap may be attached as shown in order to provide an extra sealing for the mouth valve. Similarly, the tire valve as shown in Fig. 6 is a switchable check valve which inhibits air backflow from the chamber 24 to the environment until a nut is loosened on the valve. Furthermore, an additional cap (not shown) may be attached to provide an extra sealing for the tire valve. With the described air outlet means 28, it is ensured that the inflated protection element 20 stays inflated until it is actively deflated.

By providing an air inlet means 26 and an air outlet means 28, as implemented in Figs. 5 and 6 by combined air exchange means, the transition of the protection element 20 from the deflated first state to the inflated second state is reversible and the protection element 20 can be inflated and deflated repeatedly. Hence, the protection devices 10 as illustrated form multiple use articles enhancing sustainable body protection. Furthermore, inflation and deflation are fully under control of the human 50 using the protection device 10.

Although not shown in the figures, the protection device 10 may comprise an air compressing means as e.g. an integrated electric pump being connected to the air inlet means 26. Example embodiments comprising an integrated air compressing means further promote comfortable handling of the protection device 10.

According to the embodiment presented in Fig. 1 , the protection element 20 in its second, inflated state forms a substantially circular collar cushion 30 surrounding the human’s neck 54. Furthermore, a head support structure 32 formed as a U-shaped trough protrudes radially from the collar cushion 30 next to the chin of the human 50. The depicted embodiment of the protection device 10 provides reliable protection since it prevents the neck from being strongly bent in case of an accident. Although not shown in Fig. 1 , the depicted collar cushion 30 may be formed by an elongated protection element 20 which is arranged around the neck and fastened to a circular form by means of a fastening means 42. As illustrated exemplarily in Figs. 5 and 6, the fastening means 42 may comprise fleece tapes at the end sections of the protection element 20 which are attachable to each other and detachable from each other in an easy manner. Thus, dressing of the protection device 10 is facilitated. Furthermore, although not shown in Fig. 1 , the depicted collar cushion 30 may be coupled to a helmet 44 worn by the human 50 by a suitable coupling means 40, e.g. via straps.

The embodiment of the protection device 10 illustrated in Fig. 2 is equipped with a substantially V-shaped wing cushion 34 formed by the inflated protection element 20. The wing cushion 34 has two wings extending symmetrically to each other, each partially covering one side of the human’s face. The wings are connected by a central fold, thus forming a V-shaped wing cushion 34. The V-shaped wing cushion 34 is coupled to the helmet 44 worn by the human 50 by coupling means 40 implemented as sleeves which are attachable to a helmet strap. By this, the protection device 10 is secured to the helmet 44 and thus reliably kept in place.

According to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the protection element 20 forms a substantially U-shaped wing cushion 34. The wing cushion 34 has two wings extending symmetrically to each other, each partially covering one side of the human’s face. The wings are connected by a curved transition, thus forming a U-shaped wing cushion 34. The U-shaped wing cushion 34 is coupled to the helmet 44 worn by the human 50 by coupling means 40 implemented as clips which are attachable to the helmet shell. By this, the protection device 10 is secured to the helmet 44 and thus reliably kept in place.

The wing cushions 34 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 provide enhanced face protection for the human 50 compared to other cushion forms and follow the natural head contours of the human 50. As further derivable from Figs. 2 and 3, a beneficial protection assembly comprising the helmet 44 and the protection device 10 may be provided within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment according to which the protection element 20 forms a substantially helmet-like cushion 36 comparable to an integral helmet with a chin bar. The helmet-like cushion 36 provides an extensive head protection for the human 50 with a large protective surface. Due to its light cushion structure, the protection device 10 according to this embodiment may provide a very safe but also highly comfortable body protection article. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the protection device replaces a helmet completely. As an alternative, it would also be possible to choose the dimensions of the protection element such that It can be worn over a traditional bicycle helmet such that an even higher degree of protection is achieved.

Although not depicted, combinations of the aforementioned cushion shapes or further shapes may be used to provide individual head and neck protection concepts within the scope of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities by a human 50 comprises:

- providing a protection device 10 for the head 52 and/or the neck 54 of the human 50 with an inflatable protection element 20 having an outer skin 22 enclosing at least one chamber 24, an air inlet means 26 and an air outlet means 28, as exemplarily outlined in Figs. 5 and 6;

- inflating the protection element 20 via the air inlet means 26, e.g. by blowing air into the mouth valve as depicted in Fig. 5 or by pumping air into the tire valve as depicted in Fig. 6;

- arranging the inflated protection element 20 on the head 52 and/or on the neck 54 of the human 50, as exemplarily outlined in Figs. 1 to 4;

- conducting the safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity, e.g. bicycling; and

- deflating the protection element 20 via the air outlet means 28, thus reobtaining the deflated protection element 20 as for instance depicted in Figs. 5 and 6.

With the protection device 10, the protection assembly and the method described above, improved easy-to-handle body protection for the head 52 and/or the neck 54 of a human 50 is provided.

List of reference numbers

10 protection device

20 protection element

22 outer skin

24 chamber

26 air inlet means

28 air outlet means

30 collar cushion

32 head support structure

34 wing cushion

36 helmet-like cushion

40 coupling means

42 fastening means

44 helmet

50 human

52 head

54 neck

Claims

1 . A protection device (10) for the head (52) and/or the neck (54) of a human (50), comprising an inflatable protection element (20) having an outer skin (22) enclosing at least one chamber (24) and an air inlet means (26) for connecting the chamber (24) with an air compressing means, wherein the protection element (20) is configured to transit from a deflated first state to an inflated second state when air is pumped into the chamber (24) through the air inlet means (26), and the outer skin (22) is adapted for covering and protecting at least a part of the human’s head (52) and/or neck (54) when the protection element (20) is in its second state.

2. The protection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the transition of the protection element (20) from the deflated first state to the inflated second state is reversible such that the protection element (20) is inflatable and deflatable in a repeatable manner.

3. The protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises an air outlet means (28) for connecting the chamber (24) with the environment, said air outlet means (28) having a closed state in which pressurized air which fills the chamber (24) in the second state of the protection element (20) is inhibited from flowing from the chamber (24) to the environment, and an open state in which pressurized air can flow from the chamber (24) to the environment.

4. The protection device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the closed state of the air outlet means (28) is its default state.

5. The protection device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the air inlet means (26) and the air outlet means (28) form a combined air exchange means.

6. The protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an air compressing means being connected to the air inlet means (26).

7. The protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection element (20) forms a collar cushion (30) when the protection element (20) is in the second state.

8. The protection device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the protection element (20) comprises a head support structure (32) radially protruding from the collar cushion (30).

9. The protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protection element (20) forms a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped wing cushion (34) when the protection element (20) is in the second state.

10. The protection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protection element (20) forms a substantially helmet-like cushion (36) when the protection element (20) is in the second state.

1 1. The protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one fastening means (42) for fixation of the protection element (20).

12. The protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one coupling means (40) for coupling the protection device (10) to a helmet (44), a garment or another wearable component.

13. The protection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection device (10) is foldable to pocket size when the protection element (20) is in the deflated first state.

14. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection element (20) covers at least one of the chin, the mouth, and the nose of the human, preferably the chin, the mouth and the nose, when it is in its inflated second state.

15. A protection assembly comprising a helmet (44) and a protection device (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for performing safety-critical locomotion or sporting activities by a human (50), comprising:

- providing a protection device (10) for a head (52) and/or a neck (54) of the human (50) with an inflatable protection element (20) having an outer skin (22) enclosing at least one chamber (24), an air inlet means (26) and an air outlet means (28);

- inflating the protection element (20) via the air inlet means (26);

- arranging the inflated protection element (20) on the head (52) and/or on the neck (54) of the human (54);

- conducting the safety-critical locomotion or sporting activity; and

- deflating the protection element (20) via the air outlet means (28).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the protection device is a protection device (10) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.