JP6378751B2 - Body protection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a protective device for providing body protection for a user. The protective device includes an inflatable element adapted to protect the skier, motorcycle driver or occupant or similar user from crashing and / or falling during sports activities and / or work.

  In recent years, continued on safety during all sporting activities, more generally in life-threatening situations, or at all high speeds, especially in the field of skiing and motorcycles. Studies have shown an increase in protection devices proposed for using the inflatable element to provide both practical and effective protection of the upper part of the user's body. In particular, during an impact, sliding motion or generally falling, the inflatable element is placed in fluid communication with a fluid source such as a compressed gas cylinder or a fluid generator.

  More particularly, during an impact, the inflatable element forms an air cushion around the upper portion of the user's body, thereby allowing the user's body to be protected from the impact. Even more particularly, known body protection devices include an inflatable element that protects a user's chest. The chest, as is known, constitutes a “life-related” area of the user, and if not properly protected, life-related organs may become susceptible to damage. In order to quickly expand the chest protection and reduce the gas flow path, a compressed gas cylinder is placed in the front region or along the side of the chest.

  This disclosure does not necessarily prove that body protection devices such as those previously available according to the prior art are advantageous in many respects, but are sufficient to ensure satisfactory mobility and comfort for the user. Based on the inventor's recognition of not having done so. Basically, inflatable elements have been designed to ensure rapid expansion in the chest area, but this impairs user comfort. Furthermore, placing the gas cylinder in the front region can be dangerous for the user when falling because the gas cylinder can interfere with vital organs.

  Based on said recognition, a body protection device, whose main characteristics are each specified in claim 1, is provided together with a method for protecting a user according to claim 21.

  Secondary characteristics forming the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

  The subject matter of this disclosure provides a number of major advantages.

  Specifically, the inventor of the present disclosure has determined that proper protection of the chest region relies on rapid expansion of the inflatable element, and this rapid expansion, in turn, is in the gas flow path and the user's body. Depends on a close correlation between the shape or configuration of the inflatable element and the position of one or more gas generators, such as a compressed gas generator, to pre-control the simultaneous inflation of the airbag in a given region I realized that.

Even more specifically, the present disclosure is based on the following intuition. That is, in combination with the structure or configuration of an inflatable element that extends from the lower back region and passes through the lower armpit in both the right and left sides to reach the chest, the gas generator is placed in the lower or lower back region of the back. By placing
-Adequate protection of the user's chest,
-Rapid expansion of the inflatable element in the chest and side areas, and-the minimum volume of the protective device and the resulting reduced user discomfort,
Based on the insight that you can get.

  The inflatable elements can be inflated very rapidly, within 80 mm, and also less than 45 mm for certain inflatable elements, i.e. even before the user falls off the impacted vehicle.

  In accordance with the present disclosure, the protective device is inflatable disposed in the first lateral region of the torso between the right lower rear back region or the right lower back region and the right chest region through the right side below the right armpit region. Including a first protective portion of the element.

  The second protective portion of the inflatable element is disposed in the other lateral region of the user's torso, passing through the left side below the left armpit region and between the left lower rear back region or the left lower back region and the left chest region. The

  In practice, the inflatable element is configured to wrap the user's torso on both the right and left sides starting from the back and from below the armpit to the chest.

  The lower right rear back region and the lower left rear back region are coupled to one or more pressurized gas generators, and the pressurized gas generator is also preferably disposed in the lower back region.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protective portion and the second protective portion each have a substantially C-shaped shape and their concave surfaces to define an annular structure or configuration of the inflatable element. Are arranged facing each other. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element also includes a back protection portion that is intended to protect the back and is adapted to be disposed on the shoulder along the side of the neck. Connected to the left chest region and to the right chest region by the connected portion.

  As a result of the above, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the protective device according to the present disclosure is used to pass under the armpit in the direction starting from the lower back region and continuing toward the front region and back to the rear region, An expansion of the chest region from the chest region through the shoulder to the back is possible.

  The left and right chest regions of the inflatable element may be two inflatable bags joined by a zipper or other connecting structure, or may be joined together as a single bag Should be understood.

  The inflatable element includes a lower right rear back region or right lower back, a right chest region, a right lower region disposed between the right lower rear back region and the right chest region, and a lower left rear back region or lower left back. And a generally left inflatable element including a left chest region and a left side region disposed between the lower left posterior back region and the left chest region. In one embodiment, the inflatable element may include a back protection portion.

  In one embodiment, the left and right chest regions of the inflatable element are two bags that are superimposed on the front region.

  In one embodiment, the left and right chest regions of the inflatable element are two different sized bags, one bag being larger and continuously covering the entire chest region. Is smaller and serves as a channel for gas flow so that the gas flow can reach the back via one of the shoulders.

  In one embodiment, one pressurized gas generator is located in the center of the lower back region, and the lower right rear back region and the lower left rear by each opening for introducing gas to expand the inflatable element. Connected to the back area. The compressed gas generator can also be configured to release gas in two right and left directions by a Y-shaped outlet. Alternatively, two gas generators may be provided, one connected in fluid communication with the lower right rear back region, and the other connected in fluid communication with the lower left rear back region of the inflatable element. Is done.

  Alternatively, an embodiment envisions a gas generator disposed in the lower right rear back region of the inflatable element and a gas generator disposed in the lower left rear back region of the inflatable element. It is possible.

  According to these embodiments, the inflatable element is inflated from the lower right rear back region and from the lower left rear back region to pass under the user's armpit and reach the chest region. The path that passes under the armpit is the fastest.

  Even faster expansion can be achieved by placing the gas generator in the lower right rear back region and the lower left rear back region.

  Additionally, placing one or more pressurized gas generators in the lower back region does not interfere with the user's mobility or minimizes the user's discomfort when wearing the body protection device. Also in this position, a strong support can be provided to the pressurized gas generator without causing user interference.

  Other advantages, characteristics and manner of use forming the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of a number of preferred examples of embodiments thereof, provided as non-limiting examples. However, it is clear that each example of an embodiment may have one or more of the advantages listed above, and in any case requires that each embodiment should have all the advantages listed simultaneously. Not.

  Reference is made to the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure placed on a surface. FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 3 shows a side view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a protection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when worn. FIG. 3 shows a top view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure placed on a surface. FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 3 shows a side view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state when worn. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a protection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when worn. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a protection device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, when worn. FIG. 6 shows a front view of a protection device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, when worn. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in FIG. 7.

  Referring to the accompanying FIGS. 1-5, reference numerals 10, 110 indicate body protection devices according to numerous embodiments of the present disclosure. The body protection devices 10 and 110 are wearable devices.

  The body protection device 10, 110 includes an inflatable element 12 adapted to substantially assume a first non-actuated state or contracted state and a second actuated or expanded state. Each mode of inflating the inflatable element 12 is described in the following description.

  The inflatable element 12 can be formed using techniques described in patent application PCT / IB2009 / 055512 and patent application PCT / IT2009 / 000547, which are fully incorporated into the present disclosure as a reference source. The object is to at least partially protect the torso area of the user.

  In particular, the inflatable element 12 comprises a first protective part 13, which has a substantially C-shaped shape and is intended to protect at least a first lateral region of the barrel. And The first protection portion 13 is disposed below the right armpit region, which is disposed between the lower right rear back region 13a or the lower right back region, the right chest region 13b, and the lower right rear back region 13a and the right chest region 13. And a right side region 13c.

  The inflatable element 12 likewise includes a second protective part 14, which has a substantially C-shaped shape and is intended to protect at least the other lateral region of the user's torso. And The second protective portion 14 is disposed below the left armpit region, which is disposed between the left lower rear back region 14a or the left lower back region, the left chest region 14b, and the left lower rear back region 14a and the left chest region 14b. A left side region 14c.

  The first protective part 13 and the second protective part 14 are arranged facing each other so as to define an annular configuration with their concave surfaces open (see FIG. 1).

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14a include respective openings 15, 16 for introducing inflation gas.

  The body protection device 10 includes a pressurized gas generator 18, which presses into each opening 15, 16, i.e., from the lower back region, to lower right rear back region 13a and lower left rear to introduce gas. Arranged in fluid communication with the back region 14a.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4, the pressurized gas generator 18 is located at an intermediate position between the lower right rear back region 13a and the lower left rear region 14a. In this way, the gas is evenly distributed, for example using the two respective right and left pipes 20, 21 of the inflatable element 12.

  Even more particularly, in one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4, the pressurized gas generator 18 is located below the lower right rear back region 13a and the lower left rear back region 14a.

  In another embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that shown in FIG. 5, the body protection device 110 includes a gas generator 118 a disposed in the lower right rear back region 13 a of the inflatable element 12 and the inflatable element 12. And a gas generator 118a disposed in the lower left rear back region 14a.

  In practice, the body protection devices 10, 110 according to FIGS.

  Apart from these differences, in both embodiments it can be seen that the generator is adapted to introduce gas from the lower back region so that it passes under the armpit and reaches the chest.

  As a result, the protective device 10, 110 according to the present disclosure introduces inflation gas from the lower back region so that it passes under the armpits and reaches the chest region very rapidly. As a result, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those shown, gas cannot pass through the high areas of the back and shoulders to reach the chest.

  Due to the “lower back” position of one gas generator 18 or both gas generators 118a, 118b, in addition, according to some embodiments, the inflatable element 12 can be moved back without interfering with user mobility. It can be combined with the protector 30.

  The pressurized gas generator 18 or the gas generators 118a, 118b is actually supported by a waist protector or by a support device 31 fixed to the back protector 30 as shown or to the bottom appendage of the back protector 30. Can be supported. Alternatively, the pressurized gas generator 18 or the gas generators 118a, 118b can be supported on a support device or another support device coupled to the user's clothing. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a protective plate 32 disposed on the outside may be provided to protect the pressurized gas generator 18 from external impacts.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the protection device 10, 110 includes at least one tension element 23, such as an elastic band, which connects the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14a, When the inflatable element 12 is rapidly inflated by the gas, it prevents mutual separation movement.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the inflatable element 12 is positioned around a right neck portion intended to be placed around the right neck region 26 and around the left neck region 28. A target left neck portion 27. The right neck portion 25 is connected in fluid communication with the right chest region 13b, and the left neck portion 27 is connected in fluid communication with the left chest region 14b.

  As a result, with respect to the gas flow path from the “lower back” region, the right neck portion 25 is an inflated region farther than the right chest region 13b, and the left neck portion 27 is inflated farther than the left chest region 14b. It is an area.

  Further, in one embodiment, such as that shown in the figures, the devices 10, 110 are intended to be placed on the right shoulder portion 34 intended to be placed on the right shoulder 35 and on the left shoulder 37. And a left shoulder portion 36.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the right shoulder portion 34 is in fluid communication with and branched from the right neck portion 25, and the left neck portion 36 is in fluid communication with and branched from the left neck portion 27. The

  In this way, the user's neck and shoulders can also be quickly protected using the same inflation gas that reaches the right and left chest regions 13b and 14b.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figures, the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 37 are joined together along the region behind the neck, ie, in the back region, for example by stitching. This thus prevents possible disengagement of the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 when the inflatable element 12 is rapidly filled with gas.

  It can be appreciated that the body protection devices 10, 110 can also be easily worn. Actually, the user places the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14a on the back, the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 behind the neck, and the arm on the left side region 14c and the right side. It can be inserted over the region 13c and the right chest region 13b and the left chest region 14b can be placed on the chest.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the body protection device 10, 110 is connected to the right shoulder portion 34 and forms at least one annular structure with the right shoulder portion 34 for receiving a user's arm. A first band 38 is included. The body protection device 10 also includes a second band 39 that is connected to the left shoulder portion 36 and together with the left shoulder portion 36 forms an annular structure for receiving the other arm of the user. The first band 38 and the second band 39 allow the right shoulder portion 34 and the left shoulder portion 36 to be kept in place when the inflatable element 12 is rapidly inflated by the gas.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figures, the body protection device 10, 110 includes a connection structure 40 for connecting the first protective portion 13 and the second protective portion 14 in the chest region of the user. In particular, the right chest region 13b and the left chest region 14b are connected.

  The connection structure may be a zipper that extends continuously along each free edge of the right breast region 13b and the left chest region 14b to ensure a continuous connection.

  It should be noted that the presence of the connecting structure 40, the tension element 23 and / or the bands 38, 39 provides a protective device that can be easily worn and remains in place during inflation. In order to favor stability, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, additional tension elements 41, 42 may be provided that connect the back protector 30 to the right neck portion 25 and to the left neck portion 27. .

  With respect to expansion, during a fall and / or slip and / or a sudden collision involving the user or the vehicle on which he is riding to perform the expansion of the inflatable element 12, the protective device 10, 110 is a compressed cold gas such as helium. Adapted to cooperate with special actuating means (not shown) operatively connected to one or more pressurized gas generators 18, 118a, 118b, which may be cylinders containing. The cylinder may include each shut-off valve (not shown).

  In all the embodiments described above, the position of the cylinder relative to the inflatable element 12 allows for the shortest path of inflation fluid to inflate both the first protective portion 13 and the second protective portion 14 in the user's chest region. It should be noted that this is what it does.

  Alternatively, the inflation fluid source may comprise a pyrotechnic type or hybrid type or other type of gas generator known from the state of the art.

  The opening of the shutoff valve of each expansion cylinder is preferably controlled by a control unit depending on the detection of the user's condition, for example the control unit may implement a fall prediction system, which is a vehicle / The accelerometer sensor means attached to the ski (or driver / skier) and the unit for processing the signal generated by the sensor allow early identification of fall events and their reliable prediction.

  Alternatively, the device according to the present disclosure can also be applied using an operating cable connected to the vehicle on which the user rides, this cable being used by the user leaving the vehicle after a fall or a sudden collision. Following the movement of, the expansion of the inflatable element is activated.

  In any case, the actuating and expanding means described above can be integrated into the protective device according to the invention or can be arranged outside thereof.

  The mode of operation is a particularly important aspect for the effective operation of the device, but this is a method that is essentially already known to those skilled in the art to protect the body from sudden collisions. Note that it is not described in more detail above.

  With reference to FIGS. 6-13, reference numerals 210, 310, 410, 510 indicate body protection devices according to numerous embodiments of the present disclosure. The body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 are wearable devices. With respect to these other examples of embodiments indicated by reference numerals 210, 310, 410, 510, elements having the same function and structure retain the same reference numerals as previously described embodiments.

  The embodiments of body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 have a number of common parts and some structural differences, which are highlighted below in this description.

  Body protector 210, 310, 410, 510 includes inflatable element 12 configured to substantially assume a first inoperative or contracted state and a second actuated or inflated state. Each mode of inflating the inflatable element 12 is described in the following description.

  The inflatable element 12 may be a single bag and is described in patent application PCT / IB2009 / 055512 and patent application PCT / IT2009 / 000547, which are generally incorporated in this disclosure as a reference source. And is intended to at least partially protect the torso region of the user.

  In particular, the inflatable element 12 includes a first protective portion 13 intended to protect at least a first lateral region of the torso. The first protective portion 13 is disposed between the lower right rear back region 13a or the lower right back portion, the right chest region 13b, 213b, 313b, and the lower right rear back region 13a and the right chest region 13b, 213b, 313b. , And a right side region 13c for placement below the right armpit region.

  The inflatable element 12 also includes a second protective portion 14 intended to protect at least the other lateral region of the user's torso. The second protective portion 14 is disposed between the lower left back region 14a or the lower left back region, the left chest region 14b, 214b, 314b, and the lower left rear region 14a and the left chest region 14b, 214b, 314b. , And a left side region 14c for placement below the left armpit region.

  The first protective portion 13 and the second protective portion 14 are arranged to define an open annular configuration (see FIG. 6) that passes under the armpit and wraps the user's torso from the back to the chest.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 6-9, the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14b, 214b, 314b have respective openings 15 for introducing inflation gas from the rear lower back region. 16 are provided.

  The body protection device 210 includes a pressurized gas generator 18, which presses into each opening 15, 16, i.e. from the lower back region, to the lower right rear back region 13a and the lower left rear to introduce gas. Arranged in fluid communication with the back region 14a.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 6-9, the pressurized gas generator 18 is located at an intermediate position between the lower right rear back region 13a and the lower left rear back region 14a. In this way, the gas is evenly distributed, for example using the two respective right and left pipes 20, 21 of the inflatable element 12.

  Even more particularly, in one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 6-9, the pressurized gas generator 18 is located below the lower right rear back region 13a and the lower left rear back region 14a.

  In another embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that shown in FIG. 10, the body protection device 310 includes a gas generator 118 a disposed in the lower right rear back region 13 a of the inflatable element 12 and the inflatable element 12. And a gas generator 118a disposed in the lower left rear back region 14a.

  The location of the gas generator 18 shown in FIGS. 6-9 or the gas generators 118a, 118b shown in FIG. 10 is relative to all those embodiments described herein, and also FIGS. It may be adapted to the embodiment shown in FIG.

  In practice, the body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 according to FIGS. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13, the number and location (inside or outside) of the gas generator relative to the inflatable element 12 can be that shown in FIGS. 6-9 or that shown in FIG.

  Apart from these differences, in both embodiments it can be seen that the generator is adapted to introduce gas from the lower back region so that it passes under the armpit and reaches the chest.

  As a result, the protective device 210, 310, 410, 510 according to the present disclosure introduces inflation gas from the lower back region so that it passes under the armpit and reaches the chest region very rapidly. As a result, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those shown, gas cannot pass through the high areas of the back and shoulders to reach the chest.

  Further, in all embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those shown, the inflatable element 12 of the protection device 210, 310, 410, 510 further includes a back protection portion 33, which is large enough to protect the back. And connected to the left chest region 14c and the right chest region 13c by a connecting portion adapted to be placed on the shoulder along the side of the neck as described above.

  As a result of the above, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the protective device according to the present disclosure is used to pass under the armpits in the direction from the front region to the rear region and pass from the chest region to the shoulder. Inflation of the chest region reaching the back is possible.

  Due to the “lower back” position of one gas generator 18 or both gas generators 118a, 118b, it is therefore possible to leave space for the back protection part 33, and according to some embodiments. For example, the inflatable element 12 can be combined with a back protector 30 that is not visible in the figure and is located below or above the back protection portion 33 without hindering user mobility.

  In this case, the pressurized gas generator 18 or the gas generators 118a, 118b is in fact supported by a waist protector, or as shown in the figure, on the back protector 30 or on the bottom appendage 31 of the back protector. 31 can be supported. Alternatively, the pressurized gas generator 18 or the gas generators 118a, 118b can be supported by a support device attached to the user's clothing or another support device. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a protective plate 32 disposed on the outside may be provided to protect the pressurized gas generator 18 from external impacts.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the protection device 210, 310, 410 includes at least one tension element 23, such as an elastic band, which connects the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14a. And prevent reciprocal movement when the inflatable element 12 is rapidly inflated by the gas.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the inflatable element 12 is positioned around a right neck portion 25 intended to be positioned around a right neck region 26 and a left neck region 28. And a left neck portion 27 for the purpose. The right neck portion 25 is connected in fluid communication with the right breast regions 13b, 213b, 313b, and the left neck portion 27 is connected in fluid communication with the left chest regions 14b, 214b, 314b.

  As a result, with respect to the gas flow path from the “lower back” region, the right neck portion 25 is an inflated region farther than the right chest regions 13b, 213b, 313b, and the left neck portion 27 is the left chest region 14b. , 214b, and 314b.

  Similarly, with respect to the gas flow path from the “lower back” region as a result, the back protection portion 33 is an inflated region that is farther than the right chest regions 13b, 213b, 313b and the left chest regions 14b, 214b, 314b.

  The right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 constitute the region described above, where gas can flow from the front region to the back protection region 33.

  Further, in one embodiment, such as that shown in the figures, the devices 210, 310, 410, 510 are also located on the right shoulder portion 34 intended to be located on the right shoulder 35 and on the left shoulder 37. And a left shoulder portion 36 intended to be included.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, the right shoulder portion 34 is in fluid communication with and branched from the right neck portion 25, and the left neck portion 36 is in fluid communication with and branched from the left neck portion 27. The

  In this way, the neck and shoulder regions of the user can be rapidly protected using the same inflation gas that reaches the right chest regions 13b, 213b, 313b and the left chest regions 14b, 214b, 314b.

  It should be noted that the left shoulder portion 36 and the right neck portion 34 should not be considered as integral parts, and in some embodiments not shown in the figures, these left and right shoulder portions do not exist.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 are joined in the region behind the neck to form an integral part with the back protection portion 33. This thus prevents the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 from moving away from each other when the inflatable element 12 is rapidly inflated by the gas.

  It can be appreciated that the body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 can also be easily worn. In practice, the user has the lower right rear back region 13a and the left lower rear back region 14a as the lower back region, the right neck portion 25 and the left neck portion 27 behind the neck, and the back protection portion 33 as the upper back region. And arms can be inserted over the left region 14c and the right region 13c. In this manner, the right chest regions 13b, 213b, and 313b and the left chest regions 14b, 214b, and 314b can be disposed on the chest.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in the figure, the body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 are connected to the right shoulder portion 34 to form an annular structure with the right shoulder portion 34 for receiving the user's arm. Including at least a first band 38. Body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 also include a second band 39 that is connected to left shoulder portion 36 and forms an annular structure with left shoulder portion 36 for receiving the user's other arm. The first band 38 and the second band 39 allow the right shoulder portion 34 and the left shoulder portion 36 to be held in place 36 when the inflatable element 12 is rapidly inflated by the gas.

  It is understood that the left and right chest regions of the inflatable element can be two inflatable bags joined by a zipper or other connecting structure, or can be joined together as a single bag. In this latter case, the body protection device must be worn by wearing from the head.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 6-10, the body protection devices 210, 310 include a connection structure 40 for connecting the first protective portion 13 and the second protective portion 14 in the chest region of the user. . In particular, the right chest region 13b and the left chest region 14b are connected.

  The connection structure may be a zipper that extends continuously along each free edge of the right breast region 13b and the left chest region 14b to ensure a continuous connection.

  It should be noted that the presence of the connecting structure 40, the tension element 23 and / or the bands 38, 39 provides a protective device that can be easily worn and remains in place during inflation.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 11, in the body protection device 410, the left and right chest regions of the inflatable element are two different sized bags, ie, continuously cover the entire chest region. One larger bag (right chest region 213b) and one smaller bag (left chest region 214b). The smaller bag serves as a channel for gas flow, thereby allowing it to pass through the shoulder and reach the back protection portion 33. In particular, the presence of the “channel” allows the back protection part 33 to be inflated uniformly on the right and left side. At the same time, the presence of a larger bag that continuously covers the chest area allows the entire chest of the user to be continuously protected.

  In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the body protection device 510, the left chest region 314b and the right chest region 313b of the inflatable element 12 overlap in a front region that may be a central front region. Two bags.

  Even more particularly, the two overlapping bags have a height in the overlap region that is less than the rest of the body protection device, so that the entire body protection device (as can be seen in FIG. 13). Guarantees considerable uniformity of height. Different heights can be obtained using textile structures with different height yarns as described in the above-mentioned patent application PCT / IB2009 / 055512 and patent application PCT / IT2009 / 000547. It is done.

  A connection structure 340 such as a zipper may be used to join two overlapping bags. In this case, the zipper or other connection structure 340 includes a fabric portion 341 provided with a resilient insert 342 connected to the left chest region 314b and to the right chest region 313b of the inflatable element 12. In this way, due to the overlapping configuration and the presence of the connecting structure 340, the inflatable element 12 can be closed in the central front region of the user's torso, without interrupting continuous protection. In an alternative embodiment, the strip of fabric 341 is made from a fully elastic fabric.

  The body protection devices 210, 310, 410, 510 forming the subject of the present invention can be worn as they are as separate garments, the garments being covered with a cloth having the user's preferred appearance or with a comfortable and practical cloth It should be understood that it is possible or can be incorporated into a suitable pocket inside clothing such as a motorcycle jacket or suit.

  With respect to inflation, the protective device 210, 310, 410, 510 may be helium or the like during a fall and / or slip and / or sudden collision involving the user or the vehicle to be rided to perform the inflation of the inflatable element 12 Adapted to cooperate with special actuating means (not shown) operatively connected to one or more pressurized gas generators 18, 118a, 118b, which may be cylinders containing a plurality of compressed cryogenic gases. The cylinder may be provided with each shut-off valve (not shown).

  In all the embodiments described above, the position of the cylinder relative to the inflatable element 12 allows for the shortest path of inflation fluid to inflate both the first protective portion 13 and the second protective portion 14 in the user's chest region. It should be noted that this is what it does.

  Alternatively, the inflation fluid source may comprise a pyrotechnic type or hybrid type or other type of gas generator known from state of the art.

  The opening of the shutoff valve of each expansion cylinder is preferably controlled by a control unit depending on the detection of the user's condition, for example the control unit may implement a fall prediction system, which is a vehicle / The accelerometer sensor means attached to the ski (or driver / skier) and the unit for processing the signal generated by the sensor allow early identification of fall events and their reliable prediction.

  Alternatively, the device according to the present disclosure can also be applied using an operating cable connected to the vehicle on which the user rides, this cable being used by the user leaving the vehicle after a fall or a sudden collision. Following the movement of, the expansion of the inflatable element is activated.

  In any case, the actuating and inflating means described above can be integrated into the protective device according to the invention or can be arranged on the outside thereof.

  The mode of operation is a particularly important aspect for the effective operation of the device, but this is a method that is essentially already known to those skilled in the art to protect the body from sudden collisions. It should also be noted that it is not described in more detail above.

  The subject matter of this disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It should be understood that there may be other embodiments related to the same inventive idea, all of which are within the scope of protection of the claims appended below.

Claims (23)

A body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for protecting a part of a user's body, wherein the body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprises inflatable elements intended (12) to at least partially protect the area of the body of the user, it said expandable element (12) is, at least a first body portion of the previous SL user A first protective part (13) intended to protect a lateral region and a second protective part (14) intended to protect at least the other lateral region of the torso of the user. ,
The first protective portion (13) includes a lower right rear back region (13a ), a right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b), the lower right rear back region (13a), and the right chest region (13b, 213b). 313b) and a right side region (13c) adapted to be disposed below the right armpit region,
The second protective portion (14) includes a lower left rear back region (14a ), a left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b), the left lower rear back region (14a), and the left chest region (14b, 214b). 314b) and a left side region (14c) adapted to be positioned below the left armpit region,
The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 ) includes one or more gas generators (18, 118a, 118b) and the one or more gas generators (18, 118a, 118b) However, gas is introduced into the lower right rear back region (13a) and the lower left rear back region (14a), or the lower right rear back region (13a) and the lower left rear back region (14a). the so as to introduce a gas as a starting point, and in fluid communication with the lower right posterior dorsal region (13a) and the lower left rear dorsal region (14a),
The right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) are two separate bags and the body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). ) Includes a connection structure (40, 340) for connecting the right breast region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b),
The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, wherein the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) are two bags overlapped in the central chest region . 410, 510). The lower right rear back region (13a) is in fluid communication with the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) through the right side region (13c), and there is no fluid communication through the upper back region; and , wherein the left lower posterior dorsal region (14a) via the left side region (14c) left thoracic region (14b, 214b, 314b) in fluid communication, and there is no fluid communication through the upper back area The body protecting device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to claim 1. The lower right rear back region (13a) is in fluid communication with the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) only through the right side region (13c), and the lower left rear back region (14a) is only through the left side area (14c) communicating with the left thoracic region (14b), the body protecting device as claimed in claim 2 (10,110,210,310,410,510).   The first protective portion (13) and the second protective portion (14) each have a substantially C-shaped shape and define an annular structure or configuration of the inflatable element (12) The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concave surfaces are arranged in a state where they face each other.   The body protecting device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable element (12) also comprises a back protection part (33). The lower right rear back region (13a) is in fluid communication with the back protection part (33) through the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and through the right side region (13c); and The lower left rear back region (14a) communicates with the back protection portion (33) through the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) and the left side region (14c), and through the back region. 6. The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) of claim 5, wherein there is no direct fluid communication. Before outs scan generator (18) is arranged in an intermediate region between the right lower rear back region (13a) and the lower left rear dorsal region (14a), to any one of claims 1 to 6 The described body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). A gas generator (118a) disposed in the lower right rear back region (13a) of the inflatable element (12) and in the left lower rear back region (14a) of the inflatable element (12); A body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , comprising a gas generator (118b) arranged in the body.   The body protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one tension element (23) connecting the lower right rear back region (13a) and the left lower rear back region (14a). (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). 10. The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to claim 9, wherein the tension element (23) is an elastic band. The inflatable element (12) is arranged on the side of the right neck region (26) and on the side of the right neck region (25) and on the side of the left neck region (28). A desired left neck portion (27), wherein the right neck portion (25) is connected in fluid communication with the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the back protection portion (33); The body protection device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the left neck portion (27) is connected in fluid communication with the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) and the back protection portion (33). (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510).   The inflatable element (12) is intended to be placed around a right neck portion (25) intended to be placed around the right neck region (26) and around the left neck region (28). A left neck portion (27) that is connected in fluid communication with the right chest region (13b), and the left neck portion (27) is in the left chest region. The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, connected in fluid communication with (14b). 13. Body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the right neck portion (25) and the left neck portion (27) are joined in a region behind the user's neck. 410, 510).   With respect to the gas introduction region, the right neck portion (25) is an inflated region farther than the right breast region (13b, 213b, 313b), and the left neck portion (27) is the left chest region ( 14. The body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to claim 11 or 12, which is an inflated region farther than 14 b, 214 b, 314 b).   A right shoulder portion (34) intended to be placed on the right shoulder portion (35); and a left shoulder portion (36) intended to be placed on the left shoulder portion (37). The portion (34) is in fluid communication with and branched from the right neck portion (25), and the left shoulder portion (36) is in fluid communication with and branched from the left neck portion (27). 11. The body protecting device according to 11, 12, 13 or 14 (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510).   At least a first band (38) connected to the right shoulder portion (34) and forming an annular or circular structure with the right shoulder portion (34) for receiving a user's arm; and the left shoulder portion (36) And a second band (39) which, together with the left shoulder portion (36), forms an annular or circular structure connected to the other arm of the user. Device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). The left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) and the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) of the inflatable element (12) are two different sized bags, one bag being larger, and 6. Body protection device ( 5 ) according to claim 5 , continuously covering the entire breast region and acting as a channel of the gas, one smaller and flowing towards the back protection part (33). 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510). In the inflated state, the entire thickness of the overlapping region of the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) is the same as that of the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b). 18. Body protection device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which is the sum of the thickness and the thickness of the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b). . A method for protecting a user,
Placing the inflatable element (12) at least partially in the region of the user's torso, wherein the first protective portion ( 13 ) passes through the right side (13c) below the right armpit region Between the posterior back region (13a ) and the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) is disposed in the first lateral region of the torso, and a second protective part (14) is located below the left armpit region Disposed through the left side (14c) in the other lateral region of the torso of the user between the left lower back back region (14a ) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b);
Connecting or associating the lower right rear back region (13a) and the lower left rear back region (14a) to one or more gas generators (18, 118a, 118b ) ;
Starting from the lower right rear back region (13a) so as to reach the chest region (13b, 213b, 313b; 14b, 214b, 314b) under the armpit (13c, 14c), and a step of inflating the inflatable element (12) and starting from the lower left rear dorsal region (14a), only contains,
The right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) are two separate bags, and the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) are connected by the connection structure (40, 340),
The method wherein the right breast region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) are overlapped in a central chest region . 20. A method according to claim 19 , wherein a back protection portion (33) of the inflatable element (12) is arranged to protect the back of the user . The first protective portion (13) and the second protective portion (14) each have a substantially C-shaped shape and are defined to define an annular configuration or structure of the inflatable element. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the concave surfaces are arranged facing each other. The gas according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the gas does not pass through the upper back region to reach the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b). the method of. 21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the gas passes only through the right chest region (13b, 213b, 313b) and the left chest region (14b, 214b, 314b) and reaches the back protection part (33).

Images