EP4676263A1

EP4676263A1 - Wearable impact protection airbag

Info

Publication number: EP4676263A1
Application number: EP24709033.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander MUCCHIANO-AHLSTROM; Viktoria Karlsson
Original assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Current assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Priority date: 2023-03-03
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: CN120513036A; DE102023105297A1; JP2026500821A; KR20250130661A; WO2024184250A1

Abstract

There is disclosed a wearable impact protection airbag (1). The airbag (1) comprises a pair of superimposed woven fabric layers (7,8) which are interconnected by a peripheral seam (9) to define an inflatable chamber (10) for the receipt of inflating gas between the fabric layers (7,8). The peripheral seam (9) defines at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber (10). The airbag (1) comprises a securing arrangement (4,5,15,26,40,41) configured to secure the airbag (1) around a body part (3) of a wearer (2), and the securing arrangement (4,5,15,26,40,41) is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag (1). The airbag (1) has an initial uninflated condition and is configured to transition to a deployed and inflated condition via inflation, said uninflated condition comprising at least one fold in the airbag (1), the airbag (1) being configured to unfold during said inflation to cover a greater extent of a wearer's body part (3) in said inflated condition than in said uninflated condition.

Description

WEARABLE IMPACT PROTECTION AIRBAG

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable impact protection airbag. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wearable impact protection airbag formed of fabric and having a securing arrangement connected directly to the fabric of the airbag to secure the airbag around a body part of a wearer.

Background

Inflatable airbag arrangements are well known in the automotive industry. For a long time, airbags have been provided in the interior of vehicles to protect occupants in the case of accidents such as crashes. Such airbags are deployed by inflation in the event of an imminent or ongoing vehicle crash, to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant against elements of the vehicle such as the steering wheel or the dashboard. Over time, it has become common to provide additional airbags at various positions throughout the cabin of a motor vehicle to provide additional or improved protection in the case of various particular types of accidents such as, for example, rollover accidents and oblique impact crashes. For example, it is now common practice to provide motor vehicles with airbags in the form of inflatable curtains, side airbags, knee airbags, and airbags of different configurations for rear seat passengers. Some vehicles even comprise airbags arranged to deploy across parts of the exterior of the vehicle to protect pedestrians or so-called Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as cyclists or motorcyclists, in the event that they might be struck by the vehicle in an accident.

It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protection devices which are intended to provide specific protection to designated body parts by arranging inflatable protection devices in the vicinity of a certain body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable protection device at a defined position on the body, the inflatable protection device may be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for that designated body part.

For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags inside motorcycle garments such as motorcycle jackets to provide improved protection for motorcyclists in the event of accidents. In exemplary arrangements, a garment such as a protective motorcycle jacket typically has an airbag (for example hidden inside the lining of the garment) which is arranged in fluid communication with an inflator such as a gas generator. The inflator is operably associated with a crash or impact sensor (which may be provided either within the garment itself, or alternatively on a motorcycle) configured to provide an actuating signal to the inflator in the event that a likely or actual crash or impact is detected, thereby actuating the inflator to inflate the airbag inside the garment. As will be appreciated, inflation of the airbag inside the garment will provide a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer’s body around which or over which the airbag is provided. For example, a motorcycle jacket with an airbag will provide protection to the upper body of a motorcyclist wearing the jacket.

The main parameters of importance regarding airbag performance in terms of the cushioning effect provided are pressure and thickness - that is to say the peak internal gas pressure and the maximum inflated thickness of the airbag achieved upon deployment. Generally, and within certain limits, greater inflated thickness and greater inflated pressure is known to improve the performance of an airbag in terms of providing effective protection. However, it has been found that in the particular case of inflatable wearable protection devices, it can be very difficult to accomodate airbags which achieve significant thickness upon inflation because of the often very limited space available within a wearable garment (such as a motorcycle jacket, for example). Limited space between the outermost skin of a garment and the wearer’s body represents part of the problem in this context because it restricts the size to which an airbag is able to inflate between the wearer’s body and the outermost skin of the garment. But also, an airbag which is configured to achieve a relatively large thickness upon inflation will comprise more structural material (typically woven fabric) and will thus necessarily require more space even when it is uninflated (i.e., prior to deployment) than an airbag configured to achieve a relatively small thickness. A large mass of airbag fabric installed in a wearable garment can make the garment uncomfortable to wear, particularly over long periods of time as might be necessary, for example, in the case of a motorcycle jacket.

Other alternative forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed which suffer less from the particular problems noted above. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags in an initially folded and/or rolled package inside an accessory such as a backpack, harness pack or belt pack. These arrangements can accommodate larger airbags with more structural material (typically woven fabric) than motorcycle jackets, but can be considered cumbersome and inconvenient to wear. Also, arrangements of this type can be complicated and thus expensive to produce.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Whilst the invention is described herein with specific reference to a wearable protection device intended to be worn around a wearer’s upper body it is to be noted that the invention is not limited to such a configuration of wearable device. On the contrary, it is envisaged that the invention could be embodied in a wide range of wearable forms and could, for example, be configured to be worn around a wearer’s hips, legs, knees, arms, elbows, feet, hands, or head (the aforementioned list being understood to be merely exemplary and not exhaustive).

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable impact protection airbag, the airbag being a fabric airbag comprising a pair of superimposed woven fabric layers interconnected by a peripheral seam to define an inflatable chamber for the receipt of inflating gas between the fabric layers. The peripheral seam defines at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber. The airbag further comprises a securing arrangement configured to secure the airbag around a body part of a wearer, wherein the securing arrangement is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag. The airbag has an initial uninflated condition and is configured to transition to a deployed and inflated condition via inflation. The uninflated condition comprises at least one fold in the airbag, and the airbag is configured to unfold during said inflation to cover a greater extent of a wearer’s body part in said inflated condition than in said uninflated condition.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided: a wearable impact protection airbag, the airbag being a fabric airbag comprising a pair of superimposed woven fabric layers interconnected by a peripheral seam to define an inflatable chamber for the receipt of inflating gas between the fabric layers, the peripheral seam defining at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber, wherein yarns of one said fabric layer are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer to define said peripheral seam, the peripheral seam thereby being woven and integral to the structure of said layers, and wherein the airbag further comprises a securing arrangement configured to secure the airbag around a body part of a wearer, wherein the securing arrangement is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag. By connecting the securing arrangement (which could include zippers, straps or the like) directly to the fabric of the airbag, a rather minimalist wearable airbag is provided which does away with the need for any garment, backpack, harness pack or belt pack. This can greatly simplify the process of manufacturing the airbag.

Conveniently, the securing arrangement may be connected directly to the fabric of the airbag at the peripheral seam.

Optionally, an outer surface of the folded airbag is visible in the uninflated condition. In some embodiments, said outer surface may become hidden against part of a wearer’s body when the airbag is inflated into said inflated condition.

Optionally, the securing arrangement includes a zipper comprising two interlocking halves, at least one half of the zipper being connected directly to the peripheral seam. In some embodiments, each half of the zipper is connected directly to a respective region of the peripheral seam.

Alternatively, or additionally, the securing arrangement may include a strap connected to the peripheral seam.

Optionally, the securing arrangement may include a waist strap to fit around a wearer’s waist, the waist strap extending through an integrated fabric channel defined between superimposed edge regions of the fabric layers external to the inflatable chamber. In some proposals, yarns of one said fabric layer are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer to interconnect said edge regions of the fabric layers along a woven edge seam which is integral to the structure of said fabric layers and which is spaced from said peripheral seam, said fabric channel being defined between said peripheral seam and said edge seam.

In some embodiments, the securing arrangement may include a buckle or clasp connected directly to the peripheral seam. In some such proposals, the buckle or clasp may comprise two interconnecting parts, each part of the buckle or clasp being connected to a respective region of the peripheral seam.

Optionally, the airbag may further comprise an integrated fabric socket defined between superimposed respective edge regions of the fabric layers external to the inflatable chamber, the fabric socket releasably receiving and engaging an anchor forming part of said securing arrangement. Where provided, the fabric socket may comprise a cavity around which said edge regions of the fabric layers are interconnected to define the socket, the cavity having an opening distal to the inflatable chamber across which said edge regions of the fabric layers are unconnected.

In some embodiments, yarns of one said fabric layer are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer to interconnect said edge regions of the fabric layers around said cavity and thereby define the socket.

In some embodiments, the at least one fold is effective to superimpose regions of the peripheral seam, and the airbag may be provided with releasable interconnection means configured to: interconnect said superimposed regions of the peripheral seam in said uninflated condition; and release said interconnection during inflation to said inflated condition.

Optionally, said interconnection means comprises at least one of: a releasable magnetic fastener; a releasable hook and loop fastener; and at least one button or press-stud.

In some embodiments, the airbag may have a reflex reflector provided on a surface of the airbag which is visible in said uninflated condition but which is hidden against part of the wearer’s body in said inflated condition. Alternatively, or additionally, the airbag may have a visually different second reflex reflector provided on a surface of the airbag which is hidden (for example within the fold) in said uninflated condition but which becomes visible in said inflated condition.

The airbag may have an inflator actuable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber. The inflator may be automatically actuable. For example, the inflator may comprise, or be otherwise operably associated with, and acceleration sensor. Alternatively, or additionally, the inflator may be configured for manual operation by a wearer of the airbag.

Optionally, the inflator comprises a gas generator.

The inflator may be repeatably actuable.

The inflator may comprise an electrically operable compressor.

The inflator may comprise a pull-cord operable to actuate the inflator. For example, such a configuration may be manually actuated by a wearer pulling on the pull-cord. Alternatively, it is proposed that the pull-cord may be configured to be fastened to, for example, part of a motorcycle. In such an example, in the event that a rider of the motorcycle (who is wearing the wearable airbag) is thrown from or otherwise inadvertently dismounted from the motorcycle, movement of the airbag worn by the wearer away from the motorcycle will create tension in the pull-cord, thereby effectively pulling the cord and actuating the inflator.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag for a safety arrangement. The airbag comprises a pair of superimposed fabric layers interconnected by a peripheral seam to define an inflatable chamber for the receipt of inflating gas between the fabric layers. The peripheral seam defines at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber. The airbag further comprises an integrated fabric socket defined between superimposed respective edge regions of the fabric layers external to the inflatable chamber, the fabric socket being configured to releasably receive and engage an anchor for anchoring the airbag in a desired position for use.

This configuration provides a very simple and convenient means to securely but releasably connect a mounting means such as a strap directly to the airbag. For example, a strap such as a shoulder strap, a chest strap, or a belt can be provided with an anchor configured for simple and easy releasable engagement within the fabric socket to connect the strap to the airbag directly. The releasable nature of the connection can permit simple removal and replacement of the strap, for example in the event that it becomes damaged or worn through use.

Conveniently, the fabric socket comprises a cavity around which said edge regions of the fabric layers are interconnected to define the socket, the cavity having an opening distal to the inflatable chamber across which said edge regions of the fabric layers are unconnected.

Optionally, said edge regions of the fabric layers are interconnected by stitching formed around said cavity.

Alternatively, each said fabric layer is woven and comprises a plurality of yarns, and wherein yarns of one said layer are interwoven with yarns of the other said layer to interconnect said edge regions of the fabric layers around said cavity and thereby define the socket.

Optionally, said yarns of one said fabric layer are interwoven with said yarns of the other said fabric layer across substantially the entire extent of said edge regions of the fabric layers except across said cavity of the socket, to define an edge seam which is integral to the structure of said layers and within which said socket is defined.

Yarns of one said fabric layer may be interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer to define said peripheral seam, the peripheral seam thereby being woven and integral to the structure of said layers. In such an arrangement, the edge seam within which said socket is defined may form part of the peripheral seam.

Conveniently, said opening is defined between the edges of said respective edge regions of the fabric layers.

Preferably, said cavity extends inwardly from said opening towards said inflatable chamber.

In some embodiments, said cavity may have a shape whose width, measured substantially parallel to said superimposed fabric layers, is greater proximate said inflatable chamber than across said opening. In such an arrangement, the opening may thus form the narrowest part of the cavity, and may be larger than the cooperating anchor. This can allow secure retention of the anchor within the fabric socket.

The airbag may be provided in combination with an anchor releasably engaged within said fabric socket.

The anchor may be provided at the end of a mounting strap or tether which extends out of the fabric socket and away from said edge regions of the fabric layers.

In some embodiments it is envisaged that the anchor will be entirely received within said fabric socket so as to be hidden from view between said superimposed edge regions of the fabric layers. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of wearable airbags where the appearance of the airbag in normal use can be important. Also, hiding the anchor within the fabric socket in this way can mean that the anchor is less likely to be damaged or snagged in use.

The airbag may comprise a plurality of said fabric sockets. Optionally, at least one, or alternatively all, of the fabric sockets may receive a respective anchor.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Summary of the Figures

So that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view showing an uninflated impact protection airbag in the form of vest worn by a user;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear and one side showing the uninflated airbag of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 1 but which shows the airbag in an inflated condition to provide impact protection to the user;

Figure 4 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 2, but which shows the airbag in the inflated condition of Figure 3 to provide impact protection to the user;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above showing the component parts of the airbag of Figures 1 -4 laid out flat, prior to assembly;

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, but which shows the airbag in an assembled and unworn configuration;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration showing a region of the airbag in more detail, prior to the connection thereto of a pair of securing straps;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration similar to that of Figure 7, but which shows the process of connecting one of the securing straps to the fabric of the airbag;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration similar to those of Figures 7 and 8, but which shows the securing straps connected to the fabric of the airbag; Figure 10 is a perspective view from the rear and one side showing the securing straps in use to secure part of the airbag around the side of a user’s torso;

Figure 11 is a front view showing an alternative impact protection airbag worn by a user, the airbag being in an initial uninflated condition;

Figure 12 is a front side view showing the airbag of Figure 11 in an inflated condition;

Figure 13 is a rear view showing the airbag of Figure 11 in the inflated condition of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a plan view from above showing the component parts of the airbag of Figures 11-13 laid out flat, prior to assembly;

Figure 15 is a view similar to that of Figure 14, but which shows the airbag in an assembled and unworn configuration;

Figure 16 is a plan view from above showing the fabric part of an alternative wearable impact protection airbag, which represents a variation of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 11 to 15;

Figure 17 is a is a front view showing the airbag of Figure 16 worn by a user, the airbag being in an initial uninflated condition;

Figure 18 is a rear view showing the airbag of Figures 16 and 17 in an inflated condition;

Figure 19 is a front side view showing part of the airbag of Figures 16 to 18 in the inflated condition;

Figure 20 is a front view showing another impact protection airbag worn by a user, the airbag being in an initial uninflated condition;

Figure 21 is a rear side view showing the uninflated airbag of Figure 20;

Figure 22 a view corresponding to that of Figure 20 but which shows the airbag in an inflated condition to provide impact protection to the user;

Figure 23 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 21 , but which shows the airbag in the inflated condition of Figure 22 to provide impact protection to the user; Figure 24 is a plan view from above showing the component parts of the airbag of Figures 20-23 laid out flat, prior to assembly; and

Figure 25 is a view similar to that of Figure 24, but which shows the airbag in a partially assembled and unworn configuration.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figures 1 and 2 show an uninflated airbag 1 in the form of a wearable impact protection device being worn by a user 2. Figures 3 and 4 show the same airbag 1 in an inflated and thus deployed condition. The embodiment illustrated is provided in the form of a vest to be worn about the user’s torso 3 in order to provide impact protection to the user’s torso 3. As will be noted, therefore, the airbag 1 is configured to extend across the user’s chest region, shoulders and back region. The airbag 1 illustrated is provided with a securing arrangement comprising both a conventional zipper 4 at the front, and a pair of adjustable securing straps 5 at each side (only one pair of straps 5 on one side being shown in Figure 2). The zipper 4 allows the front of the vest to be opened to allow the vest to be donned by the user and thereafter allow the front of the vest to be closed along the front of the user’s torso 3. The adjustable securing straps 5 permit the front and rear regions of the airbag 1 to be drawn together around the sides of the user’s torso 3 to ensure a snug fit when the airbag 1 is worn, and can be adjusted in length via respective sliders 6 in a manner known per se to accommodate users of varying sizes. The securing straps 5 may be formed of flexible webbing.

The airbag 1 is formed from first and second superimposed layers of fabric 7, 8 which are interconnected by a peripheral seam 9 to define an inflatable chamber 10 therebetween for the receipt of inflating gas from an inflator 11 . The peripheral seam 9 thus defines the periphery of the inflatable chamber 10. As will be appreciated, only one (front and outwardly facing) fabric layer 7 is clearly visible in Figures 1 - 4, because the other (rear and inwardly facing) layer 8 is hidden against the user’s body (or clothing). The inflator 11 is shown integrated into a front region of the airbag 1 , but it will of course be appreciated that the inflator 11 may be provided in any convenient position. The inflator 11 is actuable to direct a flow

Additionally, the two fabric layers 7, 8 are also be interconnected by one or more seams 12 which extend inwardly from the peripheral seam 10 as re-entrant extensions thereof, to define narrow uninflatable regions of the airbag 1 . The narrow uninflatable regions defined by the seams 12 permit the airbag 1 to bend or curve around the user’s torso 3 when the airbag 1 is inflated, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in which condition the airbag 1 has significantly increased thickness and stiffness. Other uninflatable regions may be defined by further seams (not shown) provided within and separate from the peripheral seam 9.

The airbag 1 illustrated in Figures 1 - 4 is formed via a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 7 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 to define the peripheral seam 9 and the re-entrant seams 12. The seams 9, 12 are thus woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8.

Having regard to Figures 2 and 4 in particular, it will be noted that the securing straps 5 at each side of the airbag 1 are both connected to the airbag 1 between two pairs of superimposed edge regions 13, 14 of the respective fabric layers 7, 8, external to the inflatable chamber 10 (i.e. outside the periphery of the inflatable chamber 10 defined by the peripheral seam 9). The configuration of one pair of these superimposed edge regions 13, 14 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 7 which is discussed in more detail hereinafter.

Figure 5 shows the various component parts of the airbag 1 laid out prior to assembly of the airbag 1 . As will be observed, the zipper 4 comprises two halves 4a, 4b, which are show separated from one another in Figure 5. As is conventional, each half 4a, 4b of the zipper 4 comprises a plurality of teeth which are configured to engage teeth of the other half 4b, 4a in an interdigitated manner.

As will also be observed, each securing strap 5 comprises two parts, namely a relatively short strap part 5a, and a relatively long strap part 5b. Each strap part 5a, 5b of each strap 5 has a respective anchor 15 provided at one end, which may be formed of metal or a suitable plastic material. Each slider 6 is affixed to the opposite end of a respective shorter strap part 5a, opposite the anchor 15. As will be appreciated, when the airbag 1 is assembled, each long strap part 5b may be passed through the slider 6 of a respective short strap part 5a to adjustably interconnect the strap parts 5a, 5b and thereby form a complete strap 5.

As illustrated in Figure 5, during assembly of the airbag 1 , each half 4a, 4b of the zipper 4 is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag 1 at the peripheral seam 9 (as indicated by the arrows), by a respective line of stitching as denoted schematically at 16. Each half 4a, 4b of the zipper 4 is thus connected directly to a respective region of the peripheral seam 9, as illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 6 also shows the strap parts 5a, 5b connected directly to the fabric of the airbag 1 via their respective anchors 15, as will now be described in more detail.

As shown in Figure 7, the edge regions 13, 14 of the respective fabric layers 8, 9 forming the airbag 1 are also interconnected over substantially their entire extent (denoted by the shaded area) by the above-noted ‘one-piece weaving’ technique. Thus, yarns of one fabric layer 7 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 across the shaded area denoted in Figure 7 to define a woven edge seam 17 which is integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8 in the same manner as the peripheral seam 9. Indeed, in the arrangement illustrated, the resulting edge seam 17 forms an enlarged and outwardly projecting part of the peripheral seam 9 itself. Importantly, however, it will be noted that the edge regions 13, 14 of the fabric layers 7, 8 are unconnected in the two unshaded areas denoted in Figure 7. Each of these unconnected areas of the fabric edge regions 13, 14 defines a fabric socket 18 for the releasable receipt and engagement of a respective anchor 15 provided at the end of a respective strap part 5a, 5b. It is to be appreciated that whilst figure 7 shows only two short strap parts 5a and their respective anchors 15, the long strap parts 5b and their anchors 15 will be connected to the airbag 1 in a substantially identical manner.

Each fabric socket 18 is thus formed between the superimposed and unconnected areas of the edge regions 13, 14 of the fabric layers 7, 8, and effectively takes the form of a flexible pocket defining a cavity 19 around which the edge regions 13, 14 of the fabric layers 7, 8 are interconnected.

Each cavity 19 has an opening 20 distal to the inflatable chamber 10 and which is defined between the superimposed and aligned edges 21 , 22 of the fabric edge regions 13, 14. From its opening 20, each cavity 19 extends inwardly towards the inflatable chamber 10, and terminates in a closed end having a central re-entrant projection 23 (formed by interconnection of the fabric edge regions 13, 14) which extends into the cavity 19 towards the opening 20. Furthermore, it will be noted that each cavity 19 has a stepped shape in cross-section comprising a relatively narrow neck region adjacent its opening 20, and a wider inner region proximate the inflatable chamber 10. As illustrated in Figure 8, the width w of each cavity 19 as measured substantially parallel to the plane of the fabric is thus greater proximate the inflatable chamber 10 than across (w2) its opening 20 (w2).

Figure 8 illustrates an anchor 15 (provided at the end of a short strap part 5a) being offered up to one of the fabric sockets 18 for engagement therewith. As will be understood from the arrows in Figure 8, the anchor is initially inserted through the opening 20, between the superimposed and unconnected areas of the fabric edge regions 13, 14 defining the fabric socket 18, and into the cavity 19 of the socket 18 at an angle, such that one end 24 of the anchor 15 leads and the other end 25 follows. The leading end 24 of the anchor 15 is inserted through the narrow neck region of the cavity 19 and into the wider inner region of the cavity 19 first, after which the following end 25 is also inserted into the wider inner region in a similar manner. Thereafter, the anchor 15 may be straightened with respect to the cavity 19 so as to adopt the engaged position illustrated in Figure 9, in which it will be noted that the anchor 15 is retained within the fabric socket 18 by the narrow neck region. The other anchors 15 may be engaged with their respective fabric sockets 18 in the same manner.

As will be appreciated, the woven fabric of the first and second layers 7, 8 of the airbag 1 is flexible, and may have a woven structure which allows the fabric to stretch a little. This may permit each fabric socket 18 to stretch somewhat in order to facilitate insertion of the anchor 15. However, it is to be appreciated that such stretching of the fabric pockets 18 is not considered essential, and embodiments are envisaged in which the size and geometry of the cavity 19 within each socket 18 is configured to facilitate insertion of a respective anchor 15, and to resist subsequent inadvertent removal of the anchor 15, without any stretching of the fabric being necessary.

As illustrated in Figure 9, when each anchor 15 is engaged within a respective fabric socket 18, the anchor 15 is entirely received within the cavity 19 of the fabric socket 18 so as to be hidden from view between the superimposed and unconnected areas of the fabric edge regions 13, 14 defining the fabric socket 18. The respective strap parts 5a, 5b to which each anchor 15 is attached thus extend out of their respective fabric sockets 18, via the opening 20, and away from the edge regions 13, 14 of the fabric layers 8, 9.

As will therefore be appreciated, the short strap parts 5a and the long strap parts 5b (which in combination define the securing straps 5) are connected to the fabric of the airbag 1 , and are specifically connected to the peripheral seam 9 (noting that the edge seam 17 within which the fabric sockets 18 are defined forms an enlarged and outwardly projecting part of the peripheral seam 9) via their respective anchors 15. The securing straps 5 are each connected to the peripheral seam 9 of the airbag 1 at both ends.

As will be appreciated from Figure 10, the manner in which each anchor 15 is wholly received within a respective fabric socket 18 so as to be hidden from view, provides a connection between the securing straps 5 and the airbag 1 which is aesthetically unobtrusive, and also reduces the likelihood of any anchors 15 becoming snagged during use of the airbag 1 .

Each anchor 15 may be subsequently disengaged and removed from its respective fabric socket 18 by reversing the insertion process described above with reference to Figure 8. In this manner, each anchor 15 may thus be easily removed from its fabric socket 18, thereby facilitating, for example, convenient removal of a securing strap 5 from the airbag 1 .

Whilst the invention has been described above with specific reference to an embodiment in which the airbag 1 has securing arrangement comprising a zipper 4 and securing straps 5 releasably connected around the sides of a user 2 wearing the airbag 1 , it is to be appreciated that other embodiments are envisaged in which the securing arrangement may take different forms and which may, for example, comprise no zipper 4, securing straps 5 which may be releasably connected to other regions of the airbag 1 to secure the airbag 1 around other parts of a user’s body, or which may comprise no securing straps 5 as such at all.

Figures 11 to 15 illustrate an alternative proposed wearable impact protection airbag 1 , wherein the same reference numbers are used to denote identical or equivalent parts to those described above in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10. Figure 11 illustrates the airbag 1 in an initial uninflated condition, and Figures 12 and 13 both illustrate the airbag 1 in an alternate inflated condition to which the airbag 1 will transition upon inflation.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 15 may be understood to have a rather more ‘skeletal’ or minimalist form in comparison to the vest type configuration described above with respect to Figures 1 to 10. Nevertheless, this embodiment is again provided in a form configured to be worn about the user’s torso 3 to provide impact protection to the user’s torso 3. As will be noted therefore, the airbag 1 is configured to extend across both sides of the user’s chest, across the top of the user’s shoulders, and across both side regions of the user’s back. The airbag 1 is provided with a securing arrangement comprising an adjustable- length chest strap 5 (shown most clearly in Figures 11 and 12), an adjustable-length back strap 5 (shown most clearly in Figure 13) and an adjustable-length waist strap 26 in the form of a belt to fit around the user’s waist region. The chest and back straps 5 are configured to adjustably interconnect regions of the airbag 1 across the user’s chest and back respectively. Each strap 5, 26 may be formed of flexible webbing.

The chest and back straps 5 are both of two-part form like the straps described above in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10. Also, the chest and back straps 5 are both connected to the fabric of the airbag 1 at the peripheral seam 9 in the same manner described above in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10 - i.e., via the same arrangement of fabric sockets 18 and anchors 15. It is therefore to be appreciated that the airbag 1 of Figures 11 to 15 is again formed via a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 7 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 to define the peripheral seam 9, (and the additional seams 12 visible in Figure 13). The seams 9, 12 are thus woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8, and so the fabric sockets 18 may be formed in the same manner as described above in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10.

The back strap 5 shown in Figure 13 is of identical form to the straps of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, and thus comprises a slider 6 to adjustably interconnect its two strap parts 5a, 5b. The chest strap 5 is also of similar form, but has a releasable slider buckle 27 comprising two releasably interconnectable parts 27a, 27b (shown most clearly in Figures 14 and 15) to permit the chest strap 5 to be more easily opened and closed, thereby facilitating donning and removal of the airbag 1 by the user 2.

Superimposed edge regions 28, 29 of the constituent fabric layers 7, 8 extend beyond the boundary of the inflatable chamber 10 defined by the peripheral seam 9 at the front and back of the airbag 1 , in the region of the waist strap 26. These edge regions 28, 29 are interconnected by the above-noted ‘one-piece weaving’ technique to form woven edge seams 30 which are spaced from the peripheral seam 9 defining the inflatable chamber 10. Yarns of one fabric layer 7 are thus interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 to define the edge seams 30 such that they are integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8 in the same manner as the peripheral seam 9 and the edge seams 17 within which the fabric sockets 18 for the strap anchors 15 are defined. Integrated fabric channels 31 are thus defined between these superimposed edge regions 28, 29 of the fabric layers 7, 8, and between the edge seams 30 and the peripheral seam 9. The waist strap 26 is connected to the fabric of the airbag 1 by being passed through the resulting fabric channels 31 (as denoted by the arrows in Figure 14) so as to extend therethrough in a sliding manner.

The waist strap 26 may be provided with a releasable slider buckle 32 comprising two releasably interconnectable parts 32a, 32b (shown most clearly in Figures 14 and 15) of similar form to the releasable slider buckle 27 provided on the chest strap 5, thereby permitting the waist strap 26 to be easily opened and closed during donning and removal of the airbag 1 by the user 2.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 11 to 15, the inflator 11 is mounted to a lower rear region of the airbag, so that it is positioned above the waist strap 26 in the user’s lower back region. The inflator 11 is actuable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber 10 of the airbag 1 , to thereby inflate the airbag 1 from the initial uninflated condition illustrated in Figure 11 to the inflated condition illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the inflator 11 is configured for automatic actuation, but can alternatively be actuated manually. The inflator 11 is thus provided in combination with mechanical (or electromechanical) trigger arrangement 33. The trigger arrangement 33 includes a lanyard 34 which functions as a triggering pull-cord. The lanyard 34 is provided with a releasable clip 35 at its free end, which may take the form of a carabiner-type clip. In the case of the user 2 being a motorcyclist, for example, the user may attach the clip 35 to part of a motorcycle which riding, to connect the free end of the lanyard 34 to the motorcycle. As will be appreciated, in the event of a crash in which the user is thrown from the motorcycle, the lanyard 34 will thus be drawn tight and will thus serve to trip the trigger arrangement 33 and thereby actuate the inflator 11 . As will be appreciated, however, the lanyard also provides a convenient means for the user 2 to actuate the inflator manually to inflate the airbag 1 , simply by pulling on the lanyard 34. When not required to be connected to a motorcycle, the clip 35 may be attached to a fabric loop 36 integrated into the bottom of the airbag 1 , as best illustrated in Figure 11 .

As may be understood by comparison of Figure 11 with Figures 12 and 13, the initial uninflated configuration of the airbag 1 illustrated in Figures 11 is characterised by comprising a two opposing folds 37 in the airbag. Each fold 37 is created along a respective fold-line 38 (shown in dashed lines in Figures 14 and 15). The airbag 1 is thus provided in a folded package in the initial uninflated condition, and is configured to unfold during inflation so as to adopt the inflated configuration illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 in which the airbag covers a greater extent of the wearer’s torso 3 than in the initial uninflated configuration.

As shown most clearly in Figure 11 , the folds 37 are effective to superimpose regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9. Whilst Figure 1 1 shows only superimposed regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9 at the front of the airbag 1 , it will be understood from Figure 15 that regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9 are also superimposed in the same manner at the back of the airbag 1 .

In order to retain the airbag 1 in its initial package in the uninflated configuration, the superimposed regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9 may be provided with releasable interconnection means to interconnect the superimposed seam regions 9a, 9b in the uninflated configuration, but which will release the interconnection upon inflation of the airbag 1 . In preferred embodiments, the interconnection means may be configured for subsequent reconnection to permit the airbag 1 to be refolded and thus repackaged after inflation, ready for subsequent use. For example, the interconnection means may take the form of small magnetic tasters 39 affixed to the initially superimposed regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9, as shown schematically in Figure 15. However, in other proposals, releasable hook and loop fasteners (such as those sold under the brand name VELCRO ®), buttons or pressstuds could be used.

Whilst the airbag 1 illustrated is configured to comprise a single fold 37 on each side of the airbag (and thus two folds in total), embodiments are envisaged in which more folds 37 may be provided. For example, the airbag 1 may be configured in its initial package such that each side of the airbag 1 is folded by the creation of a plurality of folds, such as concertinatype folds or Z-folds.

As shown in Figure 1 1 , the airbag 1 may be provided with one or more reflex reflectors 40 on the surface of the airbag 1 . As will be appreciated, the reflex reflectors 40 shown in Figure 11 are provided on a surface of the airbag 1 which is clearly visible in the initial uninflated configuration of the airbag 1 , but which will become hidden against the wearer’s body when the airbag 1 has been inflated into its inflated configuration illustrated in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the airbag 1 may also, or alternatively, be provided with a reflex pattern 41 (which may also be reflective) on a surface of the airbag 1 which is normally hidden from view in the initial uninflated configuration (for example hidden within the folded package of the airbag 1 ) but which will become visible when the airbag 1 has been inflated into its inflated configuration as illustrated in Figure 12. The reflex pattern 41 may thus provide a clear visual indicator that the airbag 1 has been deployed, or is not properly packaged into its uninflated condition for normal use. The reflex pattern 41 may be configured to be visually distinct from the reflex reflectors 40. For example, the reflex pattern 41 may be a different colour and/or shape to the reflex reflectors 40.

Figure 16 is a view similar to that of Figure 14 considered above, but which shows a variation of the above-described embodiment, with the securing straps 5, the waist strap 26 and the inflator 11 omitted for the sake of clarity. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 16 differs from that illustrated in Figures 11 to 15 in terms of the shape of the fabric part of the airbag 1 , and thus the shape of the constituent fabric layers 7, 8.

As will be noted having regard to Figures 14 and 15, the previously-described embodiment is formed from fabric layers 7, 8 having curved side edges, and those fabric layers 7, 8 are interconnected by a peripheral seam 9 which follows the curved side edges of the fabric layers 7, 8. In contrast, the arrangement shown in Figure 16 is configured such that the fabric layers 7, 8 have straight side edges. Whilst the two layers 7, 8 are again interconnected in the same manner as described above, to form the peripheral seam 9 in a configuration which defines an inflatable chamber of the same general shape as that of the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 15, the one-piece woven peripheral seam 9 of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 16 has a varying width (in the plane of the fabric layers 7, 8) extending from the outer periphery of the inflatable chamber 10 to the straight edges of the fabric layers 7, 8. At the widest regions of the peripheral seam 9, the woven fabric of the peripheral seam 9 may be cut to define slits 9s, each of which extends inwardly from the edge of the interwoven fabric layers 7, 8 and terminates proximate the outer periphery of the inflatable chamber 10.

Figure 17 illustrates the airbag 1 shown in Figure 1 in its initial packaged and uninflated condition, which will be understood to be generally similar to the equivalent condition of the previously described embodiment shown in Figure 11 . As will be clear, however, the straight edges of the peripheral seam 9 at the edges of the fabric allow the superimposition of much longer regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam. This can allow more secure retention of the airbag 1 in its packaged condition by the provision of interconnection means (such as the aforementioned magnetic fasteners, releasable hook and loop fasteners, buttons or pressstuds) along longer superimposed regions 9a, 9b of the peripheral seam 9.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the airbag 1 of Figures 16 and 17 in its inflated configuration, from which it will be seen that the slits 9s provided in the peripheral seam 9 along each edge of the airbag 1 become located in front of, above, and behind the wearer’s shoulder when the airbag is inflated. As will be appreciated, the slits 9s thus permit movement of the wearer’s arms without restriction by the airbag 1 in its inflated condition. For example, in the case of the airbag 1 being worn by a motorcycle rider, it will be appreciated that the slits allow the airbag to inflate without restricting the rider from retaining their arms in a conventional riding position.

Figures 20 to 25 illustrate an alternative proposed wearable impact protection airbag 1 , wherein the same reference numbers are used to denote identical or equivalent parts to those described above in connection with the previously described embodiments. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the airbag 1 in an initial uninflated condition, and Figures 22 and 23 both illustrate the airbag 1 in an alternate inflated condition. This embodiment is again illustrated in the form of a vest to be worn about the user’s torso 3 to provide impact protection to the user’s torso 3, but has a somewhat more minimalist form to the vest illustrated in Figures 1 to 10. The airbag 1 is therefore configured to extend across regions of the wearer’s front torso, across top of the user’s shoulders, and across regions of the user’s back. In common with the previously-described embodiments, the airbag 1 is again formed via a so-called ‘one- piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 7 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 to create a peripheral seam 9 which defines the periphery of an inflatable chamber 10 formed between the two layers of fabric 7, 8. The peripheral seam 9 is thus woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 20 to 25 is again provided with an integrated inflator 11 which is actuable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber 10 to thereby inflate the airbag 1 to an inflated condition as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. It is proposed that the inflator 11 may be manually operable and may, for example, be repeatably actuable by the user 2 of the airbag 1 , for example to inflate the airbag 1 before each potentially hazardous activity requiring impact protection. In this type of proposal, the inflator 11 may take the form of an electrically operable compressor, but could alternatively simply take the form of a valve for connection to a separate compressor or pump. As with the abovedescribed embodiment of Figures 1-10, however, it is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the airbag 1 could be provided in combination with an alternative type of inflator which could, for example, be operatively connected to a sensor (not shown) such as impact sensor or accelerometer configured to output an actuation signal to the inflator in response to detection of the user 2 falling or being thrown from a motorcycle or the like in an accident. As will be appreciated, upon receipt of such an actuation signal, the inflator will be actuated in order to direct a volume of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber 10 of the airbag, thereby inflating the airbag 1 to the inflated condition as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23.

The airbag 1 of Figures 20 to 25 is provided with a securing arrangement comprising pair of releasable buckles 42 (or clasps) at the front of the airbag 1 , and a pair of gussets 43 at respective sides of the airbag 1 .

Each buckle 42 comprises two cooperating and releasably interconnecting parts 42a, 42b, as shown most clearly in Figures 20 and 21 . Each part 42a, 42b of each buckle 42 is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag 1 at respective fabric tabs 44, by respective lines of stitching as denoted schematically at 45 in Figure 20. Each tab 44 is ‘one-piece woven’ from yarns of both fabric layers 7, 8 and thus forms a projecting part of the peripheral seam 9.

Each gusset 43 takes the form of a rectangular fabric insert, and may be elasticated in some embodiments. Each gusset 43 is connected between a pair of edge regions 46 of the fabric airbag, by lines of stitching as denoted schematically at 47 in Figure 20. In a similar manner to the fabric tabs 44, the fabric edge regions 46 are ‘one-piece woven’ from yarns of both fabric layers 7, 8 and thus form projecting parts of the peripheral seam 9.

In any of the above-described and illustrated embodiments, one or both of the fabric layers 7, 8 may be laminated or otherwise externally layered with another layer of textile such as, for example a layer of non-woven textile. This may be advantageous to provide a visually more appealing surface texture, and/or to provide a softer surface.

Furthermore, whilst the illustrated embodiments are described above as being produced by a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns of one fabric layer 7 are interwoven with yarns of the other fabric layer 8 to define the peripheral seam 9 and optional other seams 12, 17, 30 such that they are woven and integral to the structure of the fabric layers 7, 8, this is not considered essential in all embodiments. For example, embodiments are envisaged in which the fabric layers 7, 8 are simply stitched or glued together to form the seams 9, 12, 17, 30.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/- 10%. The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ), the airbag (1 ) being a fabric airbag comprising a pair of superimposed woven fabric layers (7,8) interconnected by a peripheral seam (9) to define an inflatable chamber (10) for the receipt of inflating gas between the fabric layers (7,8), the peripheral seam (9) defining at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber (10), characterised in that the airbag (1 ) further comprises a securing arrangement (4,5) configured to secure the airbag (1 ) around a body part (3) of a wearer, wherein the securing arrangement (4,5,15,26,42,43) is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag (1 ), and wherein the airbag (1) has an initial uninflated condition and is configured to transition to a deployed and inflated condition via inflation, said uninflated condition comprising at least one fold in the airbag (1), the airbag (1) being configured to unfold during said inflation to cover a greater extent of a wearer’s body part (3) in said inflated condition than in said uninflated condition.

2. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the folded airbag (1) is visible in the uninflated condition.

3. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said securing arrangement (4,5,15,26,42,43) is connected directly to the fabric of the airbag (1) at the peripheral seam (9).

4. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein yarns of one said fabric layer (7) are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer (8) to define said peripheral seam (9), the peripheral seam (9) thereby being woven and integral to the structure of said layers (7,8).

5. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement includes a zipper (4) comprising two interlocking halves (4a, 4b), at least one half (4a, 4b) of the zipper (4) being connected directly to the peripheral seam (9).

6. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 5, wherein each half (4a, 4b) of the zipper (4) is connected directly to a respective region of the peripheral seam (9).

7. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement includes a strap (5) connected to the peripheral seam (9).

8. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement includes waist strap (26) to fit around a wearer’s waist, the waist strap (26) extending through an integrated fabric channel (31 ) defined between superimposed edge regions (28,29) of the fabric layers (7,8) external to the inflatable chamber (10).

9. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 8, wherein yarns of one said fabric layer (7) are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer (8) to interconnect said edge regions (28,29) of the fabric layers (7,8) along a woven edge seam (30) which is integral to the structure of said fabric layers (7,8) and which is spaced from said peripheral seam (9), said fabric channel (31) being defined between said peripheral seam (9) and said edge seam (30).

10. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement includes a buckle (42) or clasp connected directly to the peripheral seam (9).

11 . A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the buckle (42) or clasp comprises two interconnecting parts (42a, 42b), each part (42a, 42b) of the buckle (42) or clasp being connected to a respective region of the peripheral seam (9).

12. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim further comprising an integrated fabric socket (18) defined between superimposed respective edge regions (13,14) of the fabric layers (7,8) external to the inflatable chamber (10), the fabric socket (18) releasably receiving and engaging an anchor (15) forming part of said securing arrangement.

13. A wearable impact protection airbag (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the fabric socket (18) comprises a cavity (19) around which said edge regions (13,14) of the fabric layers (7,8) are interconnected to define the socket (18), the cavity (19) having an opening (20) distal to the inflatable chamber (10) across which said edge regions (13,14) of the fabric layers (7,8) are unconnected.

14. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 13, wherein yarns of one said fabric layer (7) are interwoven with yarns of the other said fabric layer (8) to interconnect said edge regions (13,14) of the fabric layers (7,8) around said cavity (19) and thereby define the socket (18).

15. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one fold is effective to superimpose regions (9a, 9b) of the peripheral seam (9), and wherein said airbag (1) is provided with releasable interconnection means configured to: interconnect said superimposed regions (9a, 9b) of the peripheral seam (9) in said uninflated condition; and release said interconnection during inflation to said inflated condition.

16. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to claim 15, wherein said interconnection means comprises at least one of: a releasable magnetic fastener; a releasable hook and loop fastener; and at least one button or press-stud.

17. A wearable impact protection airbag (1) according to any preceding claim, the airbag (1) having a reflex reflector (40) provided on a surface of the airbag (1) which is visible in said uninflated condition but which is hidden against part of the wearer’s body (3) in said inflated condition.