ITRM20080657A1 - PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE AND INCORPORATING GARMENT OF THIS DEVICE. - Google Patents

Description

PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE AND INCORPORATING GARMENT

THIS DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure refers to a protective device for personal protection, of the type including an inflatable element, which is adapted to protect a passenger, a motor vehicle rider or a similar user from impacts and / or falls, during a sports and / or work activity.

In recent years, following constant research into safety during all sports activities, but more generally all those dangerous activities practiced in extreme conditions or at high speeds, a plurality of protective devices have been designed for a user. In particular, the motorcycle sector is particularly attentive to these problems and, in recent years, the proposal of protective devices has intensified that allow for effective and, at the same time, comfortable protection for the motorcyclist.

A convenient solution is for example that of a personal protective device including an inflatable bag which, in a rest condition, is arranged deflated and folded, and is worn by a user in correspondence with parts of the body potentially affected by impacts.

The inflatable bag is also placed in communication of fluid, at the moment of an impact, of a slip or in general of a fall, with a source of compressed gas, such as a canister. Generally the gas source is suitable for introducing a predetermined quantity of compressed gas such as to place the inflatable element in an inflated condition, therefore under tension, to form an inflated envelope, with a rounded shape, similar to a balloon. Therefore the quantity of gas introduced is strictly correlated to the volume of the bag in order to guarantee satisfactory inflation.

A need arising from the use of this inflatable bag is to guarantee efficient specific protection for each part of the user's body to which the inflatable bag is associated.

For example, to protect a user's neck, protective devices have been made available including inflatable bags that surround the shoulders to protect the neck as well. In essence, these bags, in an inflated condition, create a kind of rather voluminous balloon with a large cross section, which surrounds these areas of the body and acts as a protective barrier against external impacts.

However, it has been found that the fact of enclosing, by means of this sort of inflated balloon, the areas to be protected of a userâ € ™ s body is not always sufficient; in fact, for example, in the case of the neck, when an impact occurs, the inflated bag, while offering a barrier of protection against impact, does not prove to be able to effectively limit the lateral and back-to-back movements of the head of the head. € ™ user.

In other words, the protection offered by known devices does not allow to effectively and / or efficiently limit all possible movements of a part of the body, for example of the neck-head, on an antero-posterior and / or latero-median plane. .

These movements can lead to serious neck injuries in the event of an impact that causes the user's head to move with respect to the chest beyond the physiologically permitted limits.

A technical problem underlying the present disclosure resides in making available a protective device for the personal protection of a user, which is able to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and / or achieve further advantages, and to make available a garment including said personal protection device.

This problem is solved by a protection device for the personal protection of a user, as defined in independent claim 1. Secondary characteristics of the object of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The subject matter of this disclosure provides some relevant benefits.

The inflatable element of the protection device according to the present disclosure, unlike the bags of known devices, does not assume, in the inflated condition, a predominantly round shape, like a balloon, but instead assumes a shape (flattened and / or substantially defining a plane) which makes it possible to create a support base for a head protection helmet or other device. In other words, the inflatable element assumes a shape which is flattened and flattened in itself, that is to say that it is structurally and autonomously flattened, and / or substantially defining a plane, even when the helmet is not resting on the inflatable element.

The expression â € œpresents a flattened shapeâ € means that the inflatable element assumes a shape or profile, at least in part, or as a whole, flattened and flattened, in an inflated condition, and having a surface, intended to be turned towards the helmet, substantially flat, and forming a plane. Among other things, this embodiment allows to minimize the thrust that the inflatable element, during inflation, exerts on the helmet in the direction of the extraction from the user's head or on another device; in fact, with bags of known technique, which take on a balloon shape with a significant cross section, there is a risk that the bag itself, when inflating, tends to remove the helmet from the head, with evident danger for the ™ user.

The expression â € œsubstantially a planeâ € means that the inflatable element has a flat or predominantly flat shape at the sight of a user; since it is an inflatable element, it is evident that the plane cannot be a geometric plane in the proper sense of the term, but in fact substantially a plane. A feature of the aforementioned protective device lies in the fact that the inflatable element can be stably placed between the helmet and the shoulders of a user and effectively act as a â € œsupport baseâ € for a protective helmet, or similar. device, in particular for the base of a helmet, so that said helmet can thus cooperate with the inflatable element.

It follows that the expression â € œsupport baseâ € means that the inflatable element, in an inflated condition, serves as a base, and as a support, for example for a helmet, that is to say for a device or element that it is not necessarily part of the protective device described here. Therefore, a protection device is obtained which, in addition to acting as a protection barrier against external impacts for the body of a user, has a second function as a support element for another device or element, which is preferably structurally independent from the ™ inflatable element, such as a helmet.

Thanks to the fact that the inflatable element acts in itself as a support base for a helmet, the protective device has proved particularly effective in the event of impacts involving the user's head protected by the helmet. In fact, the protective device, in an inflated condition, acting as a stable support element of the helmet opposes resistance to the movements of the helmet and thus effectively limits the lateral and back-to-back movements of the head, reducing the risk of even serious neck injuries. , especially in the event of an impact that causes the user's head to move with respect to the chest beyond the physiologically permitted limits, as well as acting as a lateral protective barrier for the entire neck.

In other words, the inflatable element, acting as a support base, can support the motorcyclist's helmet, and at the same time protect the neck from sudden movements, and above all limit the range of these movements.

As a support base, the inflatable element preferably includes, in the inflated condition, a substantially flat surface which acts as a stable support surface for the helmet or similar other device.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the use of a plurality of inflatable elements, for example of the tubular type, each comprising a cylindrical lateral surface, in which said tubular elements are side by side. A substantially flat surface, which borders the cylindrical side walls of each inflatable element, i.e. which contains lines tangent to each cylindrical side wall, defines said support surface.

More particularly, when the protective device is placed under the helmet, the substantially flat surface is placed in contact with a free bottom edge of the helmet.

In one embodiment, to favor the effective position around the neck, the inflatable element has a substantially annular shape, so as to surround the neck, and at the same time act as a stable support surface for most of the perimeter of a free edge of the helmet.

With the term annular, we mean a shape of an open ring, type a â € œCâ €, or of a closed ring, donut type, so that said inflatable element acts as a collar for the user when the element inflatable is in an inflated condition.

In one embodiment, the ring element is unique so as to obtain a continuous annular shape.

Alternatively, the protection device comprises a plurality of inflatable elements arranged spaced apart at intervals along an arc, so as to obtain a discontinuous annular shape.

To facilitate the positioning under the helmet, between the latter and the neck and trunk, the flattened shape of the inflatable element is similar to that of a mattress.

In one embodiment, to obtain the aforementioned flattened â € œmattressâ € shape, the inflatable element is of the bivalve type and comprises two opposite walls or valves perimeter connected along respective edges, in which each of said opposite walls defines a respective support surface.

The distance between the two walls, when the inflatable element is in an inflated condition, corresponds to a respective thickness of the inflatable element. In practice, thanks to said two walls and their peripheral connection, the expansion of the inflatable element occurs mainly in the direction of the thickness of the inflatable element.

Each wall has a specific width measured between opposite edges of each wall and, in order to reduce the overall dimensions as much as possible and achieve the aforementioned advantages, said thickness is less than the respective width of the wall.

In order to favor the obtainment of an inflatable element with a certain thickness and forming said support surface in an inflated condition, in one embodiment the inflatable element comprises a plurality of tie elements distributed in the inflatable element, said tie elements being firmly connected to surface portions of the inflatable element.

The use of a plurality of said tie elements has the advantage of ensuring a limited expansion of the inflatable element in an inflated condition so as to control the substantially flattened shape of the inflatable element, and in particular a limited thickness , and at the same time ensuring adequate protection for a user.

The flattened shape of limited thickness also has the advantage of limiting discomfort for the user due to excessive bulk, for example if the inflatable element inflates inadvertently, i.e. in the event of accidental activation of an inflation device . In fact, in this case the inflatable element in an inflated condition does not affect the user's control of a vehicle, and therefore does not constitute a risk of accident.

Furthermore, the presence of a plurality of tie rods allows to obtain a protection device having a structure provided with a certain rigidity in the inflated condition. In fact, by appropriately calibrating the length of the tie rods in relation to the overall dimensions of the inflatable element, it is possible to obtain an inflatable element which in the inflated condition has a certain rigidity, subject only to a limited extent to bending, thus contributing to greater protection for a user. .

In one embodiment, the protection device according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of inflatable elements, and in particular the protection device comprises, in addition to the aforementioned inflatable neck element, at least one inflatable shoulder element, or a second inflatable element , having an elongated shape, it is intended to be placed along a region which extends in correspondence with the shoulders of a user. The inflatable neck member is superimposed in a substantially median area of said inflatable shoulder member, so that said inflatable shoulder member comprises lateral appendages, or wings, protruding from opposite sides of said inflatable neck member.

In the context of this disclosure, the term shoulder means each part of the human organism through which the upper limb, in particular the arm, joins the trunk and is articulated with it. In essence, the second inflatable element extends and protects each shoulder and the region between them, which is on the back, below the neck, and the collarbones.

An advantage of this embodiment consists in the fact that, when the device is worn by a motorcyclist, the inflatable neck element and the inflatable shoulder element, once inflated, provide protection in a single solution. optimal for both the user's neck and shoulders.

It has in fact been found that in the event of a side fall from a motorcycle, the parts of the user's body mainly affected are the neck, due to the weight force of the head, and at least one shoulder that first touches the ground.

Furthermore, if the inflatable shoulder element is also made in the described mattress mode, it provides a flat and stable surface on which the shoulder can rest in the event of a fall, better protecting the shoulder from impact; further, the volume of inflation gas required is reduced, with respect to the known art.

Another advantage lies in the fact that, according to the configuration of the protection device of the present disclosure, a considerable freedom of movement of the user's upper limbs is allowed even after its use, increasing the practicality and ease of use of the device. . In fact, thanks to the elongated shape, the lateral appendages, or wings, of the inflatable shoulder element extend over the shoulders, with minimal discomfort for the user, while the inflatable neck element substantially extends only at the user's neck.

Furthermore, thanks to the central arrangement of the inflatable neck element on the inflatable shoulder element, the protective device adapts to the anatomy of the human body, making the device easier to wear.

In one embodiment, said protruding appendages extend for an overall length substantially equal to, or greater than, a ring diameter of the inflatable neck member. This embodiment ensures effective shoulder protection, and a shape adaptation of the device to human anatomy.

To further adapt to the anatomy of the human body, said inflatable neck element and said inflatable shoulder element have a prevalent development on parallel planes, and even more preferably said inflatable shoulder element is curved towards an area of the user's chest , presenting an equi-oriented curvature with respect to the curvature of the inflatable neck element.

In one embodiment, to further protect a user, the protection device comprises an inflatable backbone element, which represents a third inflatable element, having an elongated shape, and adapted to protect a portion of a user's backbone.

To further adapt to the anatomy of the human body, the inflatable spine element has a prevalent extension on an orthogonal plane which is orthogonal to the plane of the other two inflatable bags.

Preferably, all three inflatable elements have the aforementioned flattened shape. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable neck element comprises in a single body inflatable appendages intended for the protection of the shoulders and the spine. In other words, the protection device comprises a single inflatable element intended to protect both the neck and the shoulders and the spine.

In one embodiment, the protective device, according to any of the aforementioned embodiments, is included in a garment, such as for example a motorcycle suit, and is easily worn by a user.

Preferably, in order to reduce the overall dimensions as much as possible, the garment comprises a pocket shaped like a closed envelope and intended to house the protection device.

The mattress-like shape of the inflatable elements is further advantageous when the device is housed in the pocket, since the planar shape of the inflatable elements helps the coupling of the same with the closed pocket of the garment.

Other advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example. However, it is evident that each embodiment can present one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, each embodiment is not required to simultaneously present all the listed advantages. Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a protection device according to a first embodiment, in an inflated condition and in association with a motorcycle helmet;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 in association with a motorcycle helmet;

Figure 3 shows a front view of a protection device according to a second embodiment, in an inflated condition and associated with a motorcyclist's helmet;

figure 4 shows a view of a detail IV of figure 3 on an enlarged scale; Figure 5 shows a partially sectional perspective view of the device of Figure 3 in an inflated condition;

figure 6 shows a partially sectional perspective view of a protection device according to a third embodiment;

figure 7 shows a bottom view of the protection device of figure 3; - figure 8 shows a top view of the protection device of figure 3 partially sectioned;

figure 9 shows an enlarged scale view of a detail IX of figure 8; Figure 10 shows a section view along the line X-X of Figure 8;

- figure 11 shows an enlarged scale view of a detail XI of figure 10; - figure 12 shows an enlarged scale view of a detail XII of figure 10; - figure 13 shows a section view along the line XIII-XIII of figure 8;

- figure 14 shows a section view along the line XIV-XIV of figure 8;

- figure 15 shows a detail XV of figure 13 on an enlarged scale;

- figure 16 shows a detail XVI of figure 13 on an enlarged scale;

Figure 17 shows a front view of a garment including a protection device according to the present disclosure in a rest operating condition;

- figure 18 shows a front view of the garment of figure 17 in an inflated condition;

figure 19 shows a detail XIX of figure 18 on an enlarged scale;

Figure 20 shows a rear view of a garment including a protection device according to the present disclosure in a rest operating condition;

- figure 21 shows the rear view of the garment of figure 20 in an inflated condition;

Figure 22 shows a front view of a protection device according to the present disclosure, in an inflated condition, according to a third embodiment;

figure 23 shows a side view, partially in section, of the device of figure 22;

- figure 24 shows a top view of the device of figure 22;

Figure 25 shows, in a perspective view, a first step of a process for manufacturing a protection device according to the present disclosure; Figure 26 shows, in a partially sectional perspective view, another step of the process of Figure 25;

Figure 27 shows, in a partially sectioned side view, yet another step of the process of Figure 25.

With reference to the attached figures, and in particular figures 1 and 2, the reference number 1 indicates a protection device according to the present disclosure, according to a first embodiment.

The protection device 1 comprises an inflatable element 2 capable of substantially assuming a first rest condition, or deflated condition, and a second active condition or inflated condition, which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The inflation modes of the inflatable element 2 will be described in the following description.

The inflatable element 2, in the inflated condition, has a flattened mattress shape and a surface 4, which in the inflated condition has a predominantly flat shape.

In other words, the inflatable element 2 includes a surface 4 defining in itself, autonomously, in the inflated condition, substantially a plane P, indicated with a dashed line in Figures 1 and 2.

The protection device 1 has an annular shape, of an open or closed loop, and is intended to be placed in correspondence with the neck of a user, and more particularly of a motorcyclist, and act as a stable support for a helmet 5 for the protection of the user's head. In other words, the surface 4 acts as a base, or plane, of stable support for the helmet 5.

Even more particularly, the inflatable element 2 is placed under the helmet 5 (that is, interposed between the helmet 5 and the trunk of a user), and therefore the substantially flat surface 4 is placed in contact (in condition inflated) with a free edge 6 of a lower portion 7, or bottom edge, of the helmet 5.

Thanks to the flattened shape, and the substantially flat surface 4, the inflatable element 2 is therefore held between the helmet 5 and the trunk / shoulders / collarbones of a user, minimizing the risk of a reciprocal movement between the element inflatable 2 and helmet 5.

Thanks to its flattened shape, the inflatable element 2 is particularly effective in the event of impacts involving the user's head, since it effectively limits lateral movements, illustrated with arrow F1 in figure 1, and forward-backward of the head, indicated by arrow F2 in figure 2, opposing resistance to them.

With reference to Figures 3 to 5 and 7 to 16, a protection device 10 according to a second embodiment is illustrated.

In particular, in the illustrated example, the protection device 10 comprises at least two, and preferably three, inflatable elements 12, 14, 16. Each of said inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 is able to substantially assume a first condition of rest, or deflated condition, and a second active condition or inflated condition, which is illustrated in figures 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 to 16. The inflation methods of the inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 will be described in the following description.

In particular, the personal protection device 10 comprises:

- an inflatable element for the neck, or a first inflatable element 12, having an annular shape, in the example of an open ring, or â € œCâ €, and intended to be placed around the neck of a user, essentially acting as a collar ;

- an inflatable element for shoulders or a second inflatable element 14, arranged in the figures substantially horizontal and having an elongated shape, and intended to be placed on and between the shoulders of a user; and

- an inflatable element for the backbone or a third inflatable element 16, having an elongated shape and arranged substantially orthogonal to the first inflatable element 12 and to the second inflatable element 14, i.e. arranged on one side of the second inflatable element 14 which is opposite to to the first inflatable element 12, and intended to protect a portion of a user's backbone. In practice, the second inflatable element 14 is interposed between the first inflatable element 12 and the third inflatable element 16.

Similarly to the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment (Figures 1 and 2), the first inflatable element 12 is flattened, and forms a support base for the helmet 5.

In particular, the first inflatable element 12 includes a surface 20 defining, in an inflated condition, substantially a plane Pâ € ™, indicated with a dashed line in figures 5 and 10. Even more particularly, the first inflatable element 12 is also arranged beyond under the helmet 5, and therefore the substantially flat surface 20 is placed in contact (in an inflated condition) with a free edge 6 of a lower portion 7, or bottom edge, of the helmet 5.

Basically, similarly to the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment, also the first inflatable element 12 of the second embodiment has a surface that defines itself, autonomously, a stable support surface for a helmet, and remains between the helmet 5 and the user's trunk / shoulders / collarbones.

As said, in order to obtain said stable support, the inflatable element 2 or 12 of the above embodiments has a flattened mattress-like shape.

In particular, with reference to figures 13 to 16, each inflatable element 2 and 12 is of the bivalve type and comprises a pair of walls 21 and 22, or valves, opposite each other on the perimeter connected and sealed along respective perimeter edges 23, 24 , to form an internal chamber 25.

To obtain said flattened shape, the inflatable element 2 or 12 further comprises a plurality of tie elements 27 distributed in the internal chamber 25 and stably connected to respective portions of each wall 21, 22.

The term tensioning element 27 means an element or entity having the function of keeping two or more parts of the inflatable element 2, 12 together or constrained or stationary, being tensioned by traction, at least when the latter is in inflated condition, so as to limit the relative displacement of said two or more parts.

In the example, also the second and third inflatable elements 14, 16 are realized as the first inflatable element 12, and include the tie elements 27. In the following, for the sake of description, the tie elements 27 will be described in detail only in relation to the first inflatable element 12 of the second embodiment it being understood that the same description applies both to the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment, and to the second inflatable element 14 and for the third inflatable element 16 of the second embodiment realization.

The tie elements 27 are of the filiform type, and are flexible and inextensible elements. Therefore, they are suitably sized so that, when the inflatable element 12 is in rest condition, they are preferably not subject to tension and are collapsed in the internal chamber 25, while when the inflatable element 12 is in inflated condition they are subjected to tension, as illustrated by way of example in figures 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16.

In a variant of the present disclosure, the tie elements 27 are of the filiform and elastic type. Therefore, they are suitably sized so that, when the first inflatable element 12 is in a rest condition, they are preferably not subject to tension, or possibly to a slight tension, while when the inflatable element 12 is in a inflated they are stretched until they reach a greater extension and possibly a greater tension.

In particular, the tie elements 27 are distributed in the inflatable element 12 with a density sufficient to ensure that in the inflated condition the surface 20 (density preferably between 1 and 15 threads per cm <2>) is obtained substantially flat and the The inflatable element 12 assumes the aforementioned flattened mattress shape. In practice, the tie elements allow to control the obtaining of a flat and / or flattened shape of the inflatable element 12 and in particular of the surface 20.

Observing the sections illustrated in figures 13 and 14, it can be seen that the tie elements 27 are distributed in a substantially homogeneous way in the internal chamber 25.

More precisely, to obtain the substantially flat surface 20, the first inflatable element 12 comprises at least said two walls 21, 22, or valves, made of a sheet of soft and gas-tight material, for example of polyamide, which are opposite each other. One with respect to the other, and fixed on the perimeter along the aforesaid perimeter edges 23, 24 by means of a sealing edge 28, which will be described in more detail below. Between the walls 21 and 22 the tie elements 27 are arranged.

As mentioned above, in the example the tie elements 27 are flexible tie rods and have the shape of threads, and are made for example of polyester or polyamide, with a thickness, again by way of example, between about 500 and about 1000 decitex (Unit of length of a continuous thread or of a yarn), and have ends 27a, 27b respectively fixed to the wall portions 21, 22 which connect.

The inflatable element 12 further comprises a mesh or net 29, 30, which lining each respective wall 21, 22 internally, that is to say, on the inner chamber side 25.

Even more in particular, each link 29, 30 is fixed stably to the internal surface of the respective wall 21, 22, by means of glue or by means of seams, or similar fasteners.

The tie elements 27 have opposite ends 27a, 27b stably fixed to the link 29, 30 of the respective wall 21, 22. The fastening of the tie elements 27 at the opposite ends 27a, 27b is, for example, obtained by simply inserting elements tie rods 27 between the wefts of the mesh 29, 30 as shown in figures 9 and 16.

In practice, in the example illustrated in the figures, the tie elements 27 are connected to the link 29, 30 by means of glue, or by means of a weave or by means of tying, or similar fasteners.

Each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16, just described according to the present disclosure, is made in the following way, which constitutes a first embodiment.

However, it should be borne in mind that another possible embodiment can be realized by providing that only some of the inflatable elements, and in particular the first inflatable element 12, are made in the following way, while the remaining inflatable elements are a bag without elements internal tie rods. A pair of links 29, 30 are arranged in an opposite position at a predetermined distance to which respective ends 27a, 27b of the tie elements 27 are tied or otherwise fixed, in which the length of said tie elements 27 is chosen according to so as to determine a maximum mutual distance between the links 29, 30 corresponding to a maximum local expansion of the inflatable element in the inflated condition.

Each link 29, 30 is therefore fixed adherent to a respective wall 21, 22, i.e. each link 29, 30 lining the relative wall 21, 22.

Subsequently, respective perimeter edges 23, 24 of the walls 21 and 22 are superimposed one with the other along the perimeter to form and enclose the internal chamber 25.

To ensure a sealing of the internal chamber 25, the connection of the edges 23, 24 of the two walls 20, 21 is obtained by means of the aforementioned edge 28, which includes a membrane 32 preferably with a triple layer, comprising an adhesive layer for the € ™ adhesion to the wall 20, 21, at least one intermediate polyurethane film, and an external mesh layer (with anti-abrasion function to protect the underlying polyurethane film).

Even more particularly, the membrane 32 has the shape of a ribbon which is folded in a longitudinal direction to form two opposite edges 33, 34. In particular, the membrane 32 receives, between said opposite edges 33 and 34, the pair of overlapping edges 23, 24 of walls 21, 22.

The flaps 33, 34 of the membrane 32 are sewn together by means of one or more seam lines 35 so as to also fix inside them the overlapping edges 23, 24 of the walls 21, 22, as illustrated in figure 15. A further line of seam 36 is provided in proximity to the membrane 32 to stably join together the overlapping edges 23, 24 of the walls 21, 22 in proximity to the membrane 32.

To ensure airtightness, the seams 35 and 36 are taped (for example heat-taped) in a manner substantially within the reach of the person skilled in the art. From the above description it emerges that the two walls 21 and 22 are essentially two elements or sheets of the inflatable element 12 opposite each other and fixed along the respective perimeter edges 23, 24. Nothing prevents in any case that the two walls 21 and 22 are opposite portions of a single sheet folded into a book, and therefore having peripheral edges extending along a portion of the perimeter and closed by sealing tape.

It should also be noted that, according to the aforementioned flattened shape, each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16 has a limited thickness S, S1, S2, S3, in which said thickness S, S1, S2, S3 corresponds to a maximum distance between walls 21, 22. In the example, the thickness S, S1, S2, S3 of each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16 respectively is less than a width L, L1, L2, L3 of each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16 respectively measured between opposite perimeter edges 23, 24.

A protection device 1, 10 is thus obtained in which each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16 has a generally and overall flattened shape. With reference to Figure 6, an alternative way of obtaining the aforementioned flattened shape is now described, defining, in an inflated shape, substantially a support base for a helmet.

This alternative procedure can be applied both to the inflatable element 2 of the protection device 1 of the first embodiment and to the inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 of the protection device 10 of the second embodiment.

In particular, a protection device 100 made according to said alternative method comprises a plurality of inflatable elements 120, of the tubular type, each comprising a cylindrical lateral surface 121, in which said inflatable elements 120 are arranged side by side.

Each inflatable element 120 has a diameter of about 60 mm in the inflated condition, so as to obtain a flattened mattress.

A surface containing tangent lines to the cylindrical lateral walls 121 of each inflatable element 120 substantially defines a plane Pâ € ™ â € ™ in an inflated condition, which can act as a support, for example for a helmet 5. All the inflatable elements 120 are housed in the Interior of a casing 124 for example of fabric, or similar material.

With reference to the second embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 and 7 to 16, the mutual arrangement of the three inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 is described below.

In particular, the first inflatable element 12 is arranged in a median area of the second inflatable element 14, so that said second inflatable element 14 has lateral appendages 14a and 14b which protrude from the sides of the first inflatable element 12. The lateral appendages 14a and 14b they have an extension E1 equal to, or greater than, a half-width of ring E2, or external diameter, of the first inflatable element 12.

More particularly, to adapt to the anatomy of the human body, the second inflatable element 14 has an arcuate shape with an equi-oriented curvature with a curvature of the first inflatable element 12, towards the user's chest.

Furthermore, the first inflatable element 12 and the second inflatable element 14 have a prevalent extension or development on parallel planes, while the third inflatable element 16 has a prevalent extension on an orthogonal plane, that is to say that it is orthogonal to said parallel planes of the other two inflatable elements 12, 14, and in particular on the plane of the second inflatable element 14.

The first inflatable element 12 and the second inflatable element 14, and preferably also the third inflatable element 16, are pneumatically connected to each other to form a single internal chamber 25.

To this end, in a first connection area 41, the first inflatable element 12 has an opening 42 placed in fluid communication with a corresponding opening 43 made in the second inflatable element 14, to form a first passage (Figure 11).

In order to allow fluid communication, at the openings 42 and 43, cuts are made in the walls 21, 22 and in the meshes 29, 30 of the inflatable elements 12 and 14, and obviously no tie elements 27 are provided in this area. in correspondence with these openings 42 and 43 only the internal mesh 29, 30 of the inflatable elements 12 and 14 extends.

The third inflatable element 16, in a connection area 44 with the second inflatable element 14, has an end mouth 45 which is placed in fluid communication with a corresponding opening 46 made in the second inflatable element 14 on the opposite side with respect to the first inflatable element 12, to form a second passage (Figure 12). To allow fluid communication, at the mouth 45 and opening 46 cuts are made in the walls 21, 22 and in the meshes 29, 30 of the two inflatable elements 14 and 16, and obviously no tie elements 27 are provided in this area. , in correspondence with these mouth 45 and opening 46 only the internal link 29, 30 extends with the respective tie rods 27 of the inflatable elements 14 and 16.

The formation of said openings and passages allows to obtain a protection device 10 having an overall compact shape.

Suitable seals generally indicated with the reference number 47a are made in the first connection zone 41 between the first inflatable element 12 and the second inflatable element 14, and further seals generally indicated with the reference number 47b are made in the second connection zone 44 between the second inflatable element 14 and the third inflatable element 16, so as to ensure a seal of the internal chamber 25 and prevent the inflation gas from escaping from the internal chamber through said connection zones 41, 44.

In particular, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, each of the two seals 47a, 47b comprises at least a first internal tape 52, i.e. internal chamber side 25, heat-sealed to the walls of the respective inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 in correspondence with the first pass and second pass respectively. A second external tape 53, that is to say on the opposite side with respect to the internal chamber 25, is heat-sealed to the walls of the respective inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 in correspondence with the first passage and the second passage respectively. The first and second bands 52, 53 are further fixed to the walls of the respective inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 by means of seams not shown in the drawings. To ensure airtightness, the seams 52 and 53 are taped (for example heat-taped) in a manner substantially within the reach of the person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the first and second tape 52, 53 are preferably triple-layered, comprising an adhesive layer for adhesion to the wall of the inflatable element, at least an intermediate polyurethane film, and a knitted layer (with anti-abrasion function and protection of the polyurethane film).

With reference to figures 22 to 24, the reference number 300 indicates a protection device according to a third embodiment.

For this further embodiment, elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference number as the previously described embodiments, and therefore are not again described in detail.

In particular, in the illustrated example, the protection device 300 comprises a single inflatable element 310, capable of substantially assuming a first rest condition, or deflated condition, and a second active condition or inflated condition, which is illustrated in the figures 22, 23 and 24. The inflation modalities of the inflatable element 310 will be described in the following description.

In particular, the aforementioned inflatable bag 310 of the protection device 300, in addition to being intended for the protection of a user's neck, is also intended for the protection of the shoulders and the spine and comprises:

- a central portion 311 per neck, or a first portion having an annular shape, in the example of an open ring, or â € œCâ €, and intended to be placed around the neck of a user, essentially acting as a collar; - a first side portion 312 which extends on a side of the central portion 311 and is intended to be placed on a first shoulder of the user, or a first side portion having an elongated shape arranged in the figures substantially parallel (or even coplanar) to the central portion 311, and intended to be placed on a first shoulder of a user;

- a second lateral portion 313 which extends on the other side of the central portion 311 and is intended to be placed on the other shoulder of the user, or a second side portion having an elongated shape arranged in the figures substantially parallel (or even coplanar) to the central portion 311, and intended to be placed on the opposite shoulder to the first;

- a rear portion 314 for the spine, i.e. a portion having an elongated shape and arranged substantially orthogonal to the central portion 311 and to the first lateral portion 312 and to the second lateral portion 313, and intended to protect a portion of the backbone of a user.

In practice, the central portion 311 and the rear portion 314 are interposed between the first side portion 312 and the second side portion 313.

Similarly to the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment (Figures 1 and 2), and to the first inflatable element 12 of the second embodiment, the central portion 311 is flattened, and forms a support base for the helmet 5.

In particular, the central portion 311 includes a surface 320 defining, in an inflated condition, substantially a plane Pâ € ™ â € ™ â € ™, indicated with a dashed line in figures 22 and 23. More particularly, also the central portion 311 of the inflatable element 310 is arranged below the helmet 5, and therefore the substantially flat surface 320 is placed in contact, in an inflated condition, with a free edge 6 of a lower portion 7, or bottom edge, of the helmet 5.

Basically, similarly to the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment, and to the first inflatable element 12 of the second embodiment, the central portion 311 of the inflatable element 310 has a surface defining a stable support plane for a helmet, and remains between the helmet 5 and the trunk / shoulders / collarbones of the user.

Even more particularly, each of the first side portion 312 and the second side portion 313 comprises an end part 312a, 313a, having a substantially rectangular shape, and a connecting part 312b, 313b, also having a rectangular shape, which connects each end part 312a, 313a to the central portion 311.

Between each the end part 312a, 313a and the respective connecting part 312b, 313b, the inflatable element 310 comprises a constriction 312c, 313c, i.e. a part having a smaller section or width than the end part 312a, 313a and the respective connecting parts 312b, 313b, as shown in figure 24.

The constriction 312c, 313c facilitates a bending of the end part 312a, 313a with respect to the connecting part 312b, 313b, so as to ensure an arrangement of the end parts 312a, 313a along the shoulders and forearms and ensure complete protection of the region shoulders.

Even more particularly, the inflatable element 310 comprises opposite walls 315, 316, shaped according to the shapes of the aforementioned four portions 311, 312, 313, 314, and made of a sheet of soft and flexible and gas-tight material, for example of polyurethane or polyamide. Walls 315 and 316 are opposite each other. The walls 315 and 316 are adherent to each other and sealed along the perimeter edges 321 of the inflatable element 310. In other words, the inflatable element 310 is defined by two walls 315, 316 or suitably shaped sheets, overlapping each other and joined along the entire perimeter edge 321, to form an entire sheath.

An internal chamber 325 is therefore defined between the walls 315 and 316 of the inflatable element 310.

In the internal chamber 325, the inflatable element 310 comprises the already described pair of links 29, 30, each opposed to each other fixed or glued to a respective wall 315, 316. To the pair of links 29, 30 are tied, or otherwise fixed , ends 27a, 27b of tie elements 27, the length of which is chosen in such a way as to determine a maximum mutual distance between the links 29, 30 corresponding to a maximum local expansion of the respective portion 311, 312, 313, 314 of the inflatable element 310 in an inflated condition.

In other words, the flattened shape of the inflatable element 310 is obtained by means of the same links 29, 30 and the tie rods 27 of the previously described embodiments, to which reference should be made for the description.

With reference to Figures 25 to 27, a second embodiment of a protection device according to the present disclosure is now illustrated, alternatively or in combination with the first embodiment described above.

This second embodiment can be used in particular to manufacture the device 300 described above.

Initially, pairs of links 29 and 30, 329 and 330 are provided to which ends of tie elements 27 are tied or otherwise fixed. Each link 29, 30, 329, 330 has a shape and size substantially equivalent to a respective portion 311 , 312, 313, 314 of the inflatable element 310 to be obtained (Figure 25 illustrates, for example, the pair of links 29, 30 intended to form the first lateral portion 312 and the pair of links 329, 330 intended to form the central portion 311); furthermore, the length of the tie elements 27 is chosen in such a way as to determine a maximum mutual distance between the links 29 and 30, 329 and 330 of each pair which corresponds to a maximum local expansion of the respective portion of the inflatable element 310 in inflated condition. An edge 342 of the stitch 29 is sewn to a respective edge 343 of the stitch 329, and in the same way the edges 344 and 345 of the respective opposite stitches 30, 330 are sewn (sewing line indicated with 346 in Figure 25). In this way the pairs of links 29 and 329, 30 and 330 are joined together, effectively obtaining a single body 331, equipped with tie rods 27, having a surface equal to the sum of the links 29 and 329, or 30 and 330 respectively. It should be noted that the tie rods 27 of the first pair of links 29 and 30 could have different lengths compared to the tie rods 27 of the second pair of links 329 and 330, depending on the respective portion of the inflatable element to be made and its maximum permissible thickness in an inflated condition. .

Along peripheral edges 347 of the single body 331 thus obtained, the stitch 29, 329 of each pair is sewn to the respective opposite stitch 30, 330 (stitching lines indicated with 348). In figure 25, the sewing operation is exemplified with needles 349, however it is evident that the seams 346, 348 can be performed by machine.

Said single body 331 is enclosed between the walls or sheets 315, 316 (Figure 26) of soft and gas-tight material, for example of polyurethane or polyamide, having a greater surface extension than said single portion 311. In the example, the sheets 315 and 316 are glued to the respective meshes 29, 30, 329, 330 by means of a polyurethane glue, using a hot press 360 (which for example works at temperatures of about 150 ° C) to facilitate adhesion and gluing reciprocal. The peripheral edges 321 of the sheets 315 and 316, in correspondence with which the meshes 29, 30, 329, 330 forming the single body 331 are not enclosed, stick together in a sealed and gas-tight manner. An inflatable element is thus obtained, which comprises both sheets or walls 315 and 316 as an outer sheath, and links 29, 30, 329, 330 which adhere internally to the walls 315, 316 respectively.

Optionally, in the gluing step a reinforcement layer not shown in the drawings, for example made of composite material, can be arranged between a mesh 29, 30, 329, 330 and the respective sheet 315, 316; also said reinforcement layer can be glued with polyurethane glue.

Preferably, the sheets 315 and 316 have a certain degree of elasticity, so as to be able to deform during inflation and allow a differentiated expansion of the first pair of links 29, 30 and of the second pair of links 329, 330, for example in the case in which these have tie-rod elements of different lengths.

To inflate the inflatable element 2 of the first embodiment, each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, of the second embodiment, and the inflatable element 310 of the third embodiment, in the event of a fall and / or slip and / or impact by a user or a vehicle on which he is driving, the protection device 1, 10, 300, according to this disclosure, is able to cooperate with suitable activation and inflation means, of which The figures show a compressed gas cylinder 60, connected by means of a duct 63 to a valve 62 fixed to one of the inflatable elements 2, 12, 14, 16, 310 by way of illustration only.

As regards the second embodiment, the can 60 is connected to the second inflatable element 14 and thanks to the fact that the inflatable elements 12, 14, 16 are pneumatically connected to each other, they inflate substantially simultaneously.

A similar canister, not shown in the drawings, is connected in a similar way to the inflatable element 2 of figures 1 and 2, and to the rear portion 314 of the inflatable element 310 of the third embodiment, the latter illustrated in the drawings.

Alternatively, these inflating means can comprise gas generators of the pyrotechnic type or of the hybrid type or of other types known to the state of the art. Said inflating means are controlled by a control unit on the basis of the detection of the state of the vehicle / driver system; for example, said control unit can implement a fall prediction system that allows a timely identification of the fall event and a reliable prediction of this by means of accelerometric sensors integral with the vehicle (or driver) and a processing unit of the signals produced by the sensors themselves.

Alternatively, the device according to the present disclosure also finds application using an activation cable connected to a vehicle driven by a user, which cable controls the inflation of the inflatable element following the removal of the user from the vehicle, for example, following a fall or an impact.

In any case, the aforementioned activation and inflation means can be integrated in the protection device according to the present invention or located outside it.

It should also be noted that the activation methods, while being an aspect of particular importance for an effective operation of the device, will not be further described in greater detail, as methods are essentially already known to a person skilled in the art.

The protection device 1, 10, 300 also comprises a deflation valve 65, communicating on one side with the internal chamber 25, 325 (for example through a small tube 66) and on the other with the external environment, in order to allow the deflation of each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16, 310 following activation and when a protective action is no longer required. The deflation valve is not shown in figures 1 and 2, and in figures 22, 23 and 24.

Said deflation valve 65, which is normally in the closed position, is for example opened manually by the user, in particular a pilot during a competition, when, due to an accidental activation or following a fall that has involved activation of the protection device, the pilot wishes to resume the competition without being impeded in the movements and aerodynamics by each inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16, 310 in an inflated condition. The opening of the deflation valve 65 in fact ensures that, due to the pressure difference between each inflated inflatable element 2, 12, 14, 16, 310 and the external environment, the gas escapes from the internal chamber 25 and each element inflatable 12, 14, 16 collapsed. Tie elements 27 with elastic characteristics can assist this sagging by pulling said first wall 21 and second wall 22 towards each other.

Alternatively, the activation of the deflation valve 65 can be controlled by an electronic control unit (not shown), which opens the deflation valve 65 when a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 15 seconds) from the activation of the inflation means.

With reference to Figures 17 to 21, a portion of garment 70 according to the present disclosure is illustrated, which garment 70 includes the protection device 10 according to the described second embodiment, or the protection device 300 according to the aforementioned third embodiment. A similar garment not shown in the drawings can alternatively include the protection device 1 according to the described first embodiment. In particular, garment 70 is a motorcycle suit.

In particular, the garment 70 comprises containment means intended to house the protection device 1, 10, 310.

In the example of figures 17 to 21, consistently with the shape described above of the protection device 10 and the protection device 300, the containment means are arranged in correspondence with the shoulders of the garment, in correspondence with the collar of the ™ garment, and at the upper central region of the back.

In particular, for each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 the containment means comprise a pocket 73 or envelope, substantially closed and unique, which extends in correspondence with the shoulders, neck and part of the back and inside of which the inflatable elements are completely inserted. More precisely, with reference to the garment visible in figures 17 to 21, the pocket 73 is formed by an external flap 73a, having a shape corresponding to that of the protection device 10, 300, a side wall 73b, which extends along the overall perimeter of each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 of the protection device 10, 300 respectively, essentially in correspondence with the relative thickness, and by an internal flap not visible in the drawings, which is located near the body of the user. In figures 17 and 18, the pocket 73 is shown partially sectioned in order to make visible the protection device 10, 300 housed inside.

It should also be noted that, in figures 17, 18, 20 and 21, which as mentioned above represent front and rear views of the garment 70 with inflatable elements 12, 14, 16, 310 in a deflated and inflated condition respectively, the pocket 73 has been specially designed in a different way between the right half and the left half of each figure, to illustrate two different ways of making pocket 73.

In particular, in a first embodiment, illustrated in the right half of figure 17 and figure 20, the side wall 73b of the pocket 73 is shaped like a bellows, i.e. it comprises a plurality of folds extending parallel to the perimeter edges 23, 24 of each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 for example by using a suitably folded sheet of fabric of greater length and / or surface extension. Preferably, when each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 is in rest condition, the folds are stably fixed by seams with calibrated breaking tension threads and the pocket 73 is substantially collapsed with a minimum encumbrance towards the inside of the garment 70.

When each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 develops in an inflated condition (Figures 18 and 21) said seams break and the pocket 73 extends by exploiting the greater extension of the side wall 73b. In other words, these seams are suitably calibrated to break during the inflation phase so as to allow the expansion of each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 inside the pocket 73, as illustrated in figure 18.

In particular, in a second embodiment, illustrated in the left half of figures 17, 18, 20 and 21, the pocket 73 is made of an extensible or alternatively elastic material, such as for example lycra.

In this case, the pocket 73 is formed in such a way that, when each inflatable element 12, 14, 16 is in a deflated condition of rest, the pocket 73 is in a substantially undeformed condition, preferably collapsed close to the body of the € ™ user (Figures 17 and 20), while when each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 is in an inflated condition, the pocket 73 is in a deformed condition, subjected to tension (Figures 18 and 21). Preferably also in this case, when each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 is in a deflated condition, the pocket 73 is kept still by means of wires with calibrated breaking tension.

In a variant of this second embodiment, only the side wall 73b of the pocket 73 is made of an extensible or elastic material, while the remaining part of the pocket (i.e. the outer flap 73a and the inner flap) is made of inextensible material .

In a further variant, it is possible to have a pocket 73 having a side wall 73b both in the form of a bellows and made of elastic material.

All these construction methods offer the particular advantage of guaranteeing optimal aerodynamics of the suit in the driving conditions of a pilot when each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 is deflated, thanks to the fact that the pocket 73 is collapsed with minimum encumbrance and does not involve superficial discontinuities on the garment 70. At the same time, if necessary, the pocket 73 is able to contain each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 in an inflated condition, both preventing and inflatable element can be damaged during impact, while still guaranteeing a certain aerodynamics.

It should be noted that the deflation of each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 following activation, thanks to the opening of the deflation valve 65, can be helped by the elastic properties of the pocket 73 which tends to return to its own condition of rest. Therefore, following the deflation of each inflatable element 12, 14, 16, 310 the external appearance and aerodynamic characteristics of the garment 70 are substantially identical to those before the activation of the inflation means, allowing the pilot to easily continue the competition (however, with protective device 1, 10 ineffective in the event of a subsequent fall).

The object of the present disclosure has hitherto been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive nucleus, all falling within the scope of the protection of the claims annexed hereafter.

Claims (26)

CLAIMS 1. Protective device (1, 10, 100, 300) for the personal protection of a user, the device comprising at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 120, 310, 311) per neck, intended to be placed around the neck of a user, in which said inflatable element (2, 12, 120, 310) has, in an inflated condition, a flattened shape and / or defines, in an inflated condition, at least partially a plane (P, Pâ € ™, Pâ € ™ â € ™, Pâ € ™ â € ™ â € ™). 2. Protective device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to claim 1, wherein said inflatable element (2, 12, 120, 310, 311) includes a surface (4, 20, 320), said surface being substantially plane in said inflated condition and defining said plane (P, Pâ € ™, Pâ € ™ â € ™, Pâ € ™ â € ™ â € ™). Protection device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said inflatable element (2, 12, 120, 310, 311) forms, in said inflated condition, a support base ( 4, 20, 320, P, Pâ € ™, Pâ € ™ â € ™) for a helmet (5) or similar element. 4. Protection device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 120, 311) has a substantially annular shape. 5. Protection device (1, 10, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of tie elements (27) distributed at least in said at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 310, 311), said tie elements ( 27) being stably connected to surface portions of said at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 310). 6. Protection device (1, 10, 300) according to claim 5, wherein said tie elements (27) have the form of flexible wires. Protection device (1, 10, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least said inflatable element (2, 12, 310, 311) is of the bivalve type and comprises at least a first wall (21, 315) or first valve, and a second wall (22, 316) or second valve opposite each other and connected along respective perimeter edges (23, 24, 321), said first wall (21, 315) and second wall (22, 316) being suitable to be placed at a predetermined distance when said inflatable element (2, 12, 310, 311) is in an inflated condition, said distance corresponding to a thickness (S, S1, S2, S3) of said inflatable element (2, 12, 310, 311). 8. Protection device (1, 10, 300) according to claim 7, wherein each of said first wall (21) and second wall (22) has a certain width (L, L1, L2, L3) measured between perimeter edges (23, 24) opposite of each of said first and second walls (21, 22), and in which said thickness (S, S1, S2, S3) is less than said width (L, L1, L2, L3). 9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a mesh or net (29, 30, 329, 330) stably fixed to each of said first wall (21, 315) and second wall (22, 316), on a facing face towards an internal area (25, 325) of the inflatable element (2, 12, 310, 311). 10. Device according to claim 5 or 6 and claim 9, in which said tie elements (27) are fixed to said link or net (29, 30, 329, 330). Protective device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein said inflatable element comprises a plurality of inflatable tubular elements (120) side by side defining said plane (Pâ € ™ â € ™). Protection device (100) according to claim 11, wherein each of said inflatable tubular elements (120) comprises a cylindrical side wall (121), and in which said plane (Pâ € ™ â € ™) is defined by a substantially flat surface (Pâ € ™ â € ™) containing tangent lines to each cylindrical side wall (121) of each inflatable tubular element (120). Protective device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inflatable shoulder element (14) having an elongated shape and intended to be placed along a region extending at the shoulders of a user, wherein said inflatable neck element (12) is superimposed in a substantially median area of said inflatable shoulder element (14), so that said inflatable shoulder element (14) comprises lateral appendages (14a, 14b) protruding from opposite sides of said inflatable element (12) for neck. Protective device (10) according to claim 13, further comprising an inflatable element for backbone (16), having an elongated shape, placed on one side of said inflatable element for shoulders (14) opposite to said inflatable element (12) for neck, said inflatable backbone element (16) being adapted to protect a portion of a user's backbone. Protective device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the one and / or the other between said inflatable shoulder element (14) and said inflatable spine element (16) has a flattened shape . Protection device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, in a single body (310) with said inflatable neck element (311), side portions (312, 313) for shoulders each having an elongated shape and intended to be placed on a shoulder of a user, in which said inflatable neck element (311) is interposed in a substantially median area between said side portions (312, 313) for shoulders. Protection device (300) according to claim 16, comprising, in a single body (310) with said inflatable neck element (311) and said side portions (312, 313) for shoulders, a rear portion (314) for spine intended for protection of the spine. 18. Protection device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising activation and inflation means (60, 62, 63) of said at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 14, 16, 120, 310, 311). 19. Protection device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a deflation valve (65) of said at least one inflatable element (2, 12, 14, 16, 120, 310, 311 ). 20. Combination of a helmet (5) and a protective device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims. Garment (70) comprising a protective device (1, 10, 100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 19. 22. Garment (70) according to claim 21, comprising a pocket (73, 73a, 73b) intended to house said protection device (1, 10, 100, 300). 23. Garment (70) according to claim 22, wherein said pocket (73, 73a, 73b) has the form of a closed wrapper. Garment (70) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein said pocket (73) has at least one wall (73b) shaped like a bellows. 25. Garment (70) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein said pocket (73) is made at least partially of elastic material. Garment (70) according to any one of claims 21 to 25, said garment being a motorcycle suit (70).