SE1750844A1

SE1750844A1 - Airbag for head protection

Info

Publication number: SE1750844A1
Application number: SE1750844A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Heino Wendelrup
Original assignee: Hoevding Sverige Ab
Priority date: 2017-06-29
Filing date: 2017-06-29
Publication date: 2018-12-30
Also published as: RU2019140351A; AU2018291547A1; CA3065097A1; WO2019004917A1; RU2019140351A3; JP2020527654A; EP3644778A1; SE543761C2; JP2023100994A; KR20200042881A; CN110799054A; US20200154813A1; EP3644778A4

Abstract

An airbag system (10) comprising an airbag and a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-inflated state, and at least one size adjustment means. Further, an inflatable helmet having such airbag system (10), and an item of apparel (11) having such airbag system (10) are provided.

Description

AIRBAG FOR HEAD PROTECTION TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to airbags. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wearable airbag for protecting a user”s head.

BACKGROUND Airbags for protection of a person”s head are known in the art, for examplethrough DE19754541A1 and through WO0l/54523Al. A problem with these devices isthat it is not adaptable for different users. Different users have different physicaldimensions, such as width or length of the neck. Also, different users are comfortablewith different tightness of the device when worn. A user may also want to adapt the sizeof the device according to the clothes he/she is wearing. Bulky winter clothes couldrequire a larger sized device, whereas light summer clothes could allow for a smallersized device.

It would therefore be beneficial for the user to be able to adapt the size of the device to his/her speciﬁc needs.

SUMlVDÅRY An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of airbag systemwhich is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates thedrawbacks discussed above. More speciﬁcally, an object of the invention is to providean airbag system that is ergonomic and adaptable to different users. These objects areachieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferredembodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.

In a first aspect of the invention, an airbag system is provided, the systemcomprising an airbag which upon inﬂation forms a helmet. The system furthercomprises a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-inﬂatedstate and at least one size adjustment means. This airbag system is advantageous in that the size of the system is adjustable such that it can be adapted to suit different users.

In one embodiment, the size adjustment means is arrangeable between theairbag and the shell. This provides for easy access to the size adjustment means suchthat the size is easily adjustable.

The airbag system may be arranged as a collar, and the size adjustment meansmay be arranged to adjust the diameter of the collar from a larger diameter to a smallerdiameter. The collar is thus adjustable such that it suits different users.

In one embodiment, the at least one size adjustment means comprises a set ofpads which are arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior surfaceof the shell facing the user. By arranging the pads in the airbag system, the size of thesystem is adapted to the individual conditions for every user. The user may himselfchoose how many pads to use. Different sizes of pads or elongate pads may be providedsuch that different adjustments may be obtained. This is advantageous if the user wantsseveral adjustment options.

The at least one size adjustment means may comprise an elongate pad which isarrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior surface of the shellfacing the user. The size of the airbag system may thus be adapted.

Altematively, the at least one size adjustment means comprises an elasticband or strap, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior surface ofthe shell facing the user.

Additionally, the size adjustment means may comprise a set of additionaldetachable shells having smaller sizes compared to the detachable shell. By usinganother shell, it is possible to adjust the collar according to the physical dimensions andproperties of the user, or according to other items worn by the user.

In one embodiment, the size adjustment means is an inﬂatable tube, andfurther, the airbag system comprises a valve for inﬂation of the inﬂatable tube. Thevalve provides for different amount of air being provided in the inﬂatable tube, and thesize of the collar is thus continuously adjustable.

Preferably, the airbag system further comprises a pump for inﬂation of theinﬂatable tube. This has the advantage that the pump is always available if a size adjustment is required.

Each of the above options provides a user with the ability to adjust the collaraccording to the physical dimensions and proportions of the user, or according to otheritems worn by the user.

In a second aspect of the invention, an inﬂatable helmet is provided comprisingthe above airbag system. It is preferred that it is possible to adjust the size of theinﬂatable helmet. This is possible with such an airbag system.

In a third aspect of the invention, an item of apparel is provided comprising theabove airbag system. It is preferred that it is possible to adjust the size of the item ofapparel. This is possible with such an airbag system.

In one embodiment, the item of apparel is a collar. This is beneficial since it isan item Worn by the user in the near his/her head, Which is to be protected by the airbag of the airbag system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; referencesbeing made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limitingexamples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

Fig. la is a schematic view of a user wearing an inﬂatable helmet according tosome embodiments; Fig. lb is a schematic view of a user wearing an inﬂated helmet according tosome embodiments; Figs. 2a-c are schematic views of different resting positions according todifferent embodiments; Fig. 3 is a cross section of a collar according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the collar not being size adjusted; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the collar in Fig. 4 with size adjustmentmeans according to one embodiment; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the collar in Fig. 4 with size adjustmentmeans according to one embodiment; Fig. 7 is a side view of the collar in Fig. 4 and a size adjustment means before insertion into the collar; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the collar in Fig. 4 with size adjustmentmeans according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 is a side view of the collar of Fig. 4 with size adjustment meansaccording to one embodiment; Fig. 10 is a side view of the collar in Fig. 9 with adjusted size adjustmentmeans; Fig. 11 is a side view of the collar of Fig. 4 with adjusted size adjustmentmeans according to one embodiment; Fig. 12 is a side view of a collar with size adjustment means according to oneembodiment; and Figs. 13a-b are side views of a collar with size adjustment means according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

Fig. la shows an airbag system 10 suitable for bicycle riders according to anembodiment in its non-inﬂated state. Further, an item of apparel 11 is schematicallyshown in Fig. la. The item of apparel 11 has the shape of a collar which is worn aroundthe neck 2 of a user 3. Thus, the collar 11 is intended to be worn on top of other clothesaround the neck of the user 3 as a preventive measure in case of an accident. The collar11 encloses a folded airbag 20 in an uninﬂated state, which is inflated to form a helmet100 when electronic circuitry, also enclosed within the collar 11, determines that themovement of the collar 11, and hence the movement of the user 3, corresponds to apredetermined accident movement. Thus, the head region of the user 3 is protected incase of an accident. For the inflation of the airbag 20 a gas inﬂator is arranged inside the collar 11 and connected to the airbag 20.

As is also shown in Fig. la, the apparel 11 may comprise a joint portionprovided With an interlocking means 12, such as a zipper, Velcro or releasablemale/female connectors to connect the ends of the apparel ll e.g. adjacently the user”s 3throat or neck region. The interlocking means 12 facilitates easy dressing andundressing of the apparel ll on the user 3. In one embodiment, the interlocking meansconnects the ends of the apparel ll e. g. adjacently the user”s 3 throat or neck region.The interlocking means comprises a first fastening body and a second fastening body,where one end of the first and second fastening body are each connected to the apparelll. The apparel 11 is thus easily attached to the neck of the user by attaching the ﬁrstfastening body and the second fastening body to each other, and the apparel 11 isreleased from the neck of the user 3 by detaching the first and second fastening bodiesfrom each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second fastening body are afemale and male connector.

In some embodiments, the position of the different parts of the interlockingmeans may determine if the airbag system configured to controlling the inflation of theairbag is turned on (i.e. having power) or turned off, and if its turned on in an activestate or in an idle state. The interlocking means is configured to be arranged in a firstlocking position or a second locking position when the ﬁrst fastening body and thesecond fastening body are connected to each other. When the interlocking means is in afirst locking position, the system is automatically put into an idle state and when theinterlocking means is in a second locking position, the system is automatically put intoan active state.

The inﬂated airbag helmet 100 is schematically shown in Fig. lb. Here, thecollar ll is opened to release the airbag 20 previously enclosed therein. The airbag 20surrounds the neck 2 and the head 4 of the user 3 and provides an efficient protectionfor the user 3.

The airbag 20 may e. g. comprise an inner bag suitable for inﬂation surroundedby an outer bag. Both the inner bag and the outer bag are formed of a ﬂexible materialin order to be folded and stored within the collar ll prior to inﬂation. The inﬂatedhelmet 100 shape of the airbag 20 must therefore by defined by the ﬂexible airbag 20 itself, which previously required complex sewing techniques of an outer bagsurrounding the inner bag.

The method of constructing the airbag comprises forming the helmet shapedairbag 100 having a head and neck protecting shape from a substantially ﬂat piece ofmaterial.

Construction of the airbag 20 may e. g. be performed by sewing the seams ofthe airbag whilst the airbag is maintained in a ﬂat format. Optionally, the airbag may bemanufactured by a one piece woven material such that a ﬂat bag is formed. Byconstructing the airbag 20 with the material in a ﬂat format the costs and complexityassociated with sewing are reduced.

Examples of how to provide the airbag as a double-bag configuration isdisclosed in WO2012044245 by the same applicant.

When the airbag system is not Worn by the user, the collar ll can be put in aresting position to allow the user to carry the collar 11 easier for example by putting itin a bag. All electronics in the airbag system is turned off when the airbag system is putin the resting position. In the resting position the collar is connected such that thediameter of the collar is greatly reduce as is shown in the exemplary embodiments inFigs. 2a-c. This prevents the user from being able to have the collar 11 arranged aroundthe neck when the collar is in its resting position. This resting or carrying position isbeneficial if the user 3 is not doing the intended activity, but still wants to carry aroundthe airbag system for practical reasons. If the intended activity is riding a bicycle, theuser 3 may for example put the airbag system 100 in a resting position when he/she isentering a store to do some shopping before riding the bicycle again.

Three different resting positions are shown in Figs. 2a-c, where the diameter ofthe collar is reduced by connecting different parts of the collar 11 by connecting means9. The connecting means 9 may be zippers, buttons, Velcro fastening, magnets, hooks,hanks, buckles, safety pins, straps or the like. The collar 11 may for example bearranged in a spiral shape (as in Fig. 2a), in a bottle-shape (as in Fig. 2b) or in a heartshape (as in Fig. 2c).

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the collar 11, shown in an open state, is provided with an outer shell or cover 13 which encloses the airbag 20 when the airbag is in an uninﬂated state. The outer shell 13 may be coloured or provided with apattern. The user 3 may exchange the outer shell 13 in order to update the look of thecollar 11. The outer shell 13 is attached to the collar 11 by means of e. g. zippers,Velcro, buttons, or any other suitable fastening means.

In order to adapt the collar 11 such that it suits different users it is preferred ifthe dimensions of the collar 11 are alterable. If the size of the collar 11 is fixed, a user 3may not be able to use it if he/she is wearing e.g. a scarf or a high-necked piece ofclothing, or wearing the collar 11 becomes uncomfortable. Therefore, the collar 11 isprovided with size adjustment means such that the ergonomics of the collar 11 isimproved.

In Fig. 4 a collar 11 in an original non-adjusted state is disclosed. From theoutside of the collar ll and inwards are the following portions arranged: outer shell 13,outer piece of material of airbag 12 lb, inner piece of material of airbag 12 la, and againouter shell 13. The unadjusted collar 11 has a diameter D.

The size adjustment means may e. g. comprise a set of pads 15, an elongate pad16, an inﬂatable tube 19, an elastic band 23, at least one elastic strap 26a, 26b or one ormore additional shell 13”.

In one embodiment, the size adjustment means comprises a set of pads 15. Thepads 15 can be positioned at the shell 13, either on its interior side or its exterior sidesuch that the inner diameter of the collar 11 is decreased. In Fig. 5 the collar 11 isdisclosed in an adjusted state, with a number of pads 15 inserted at the exterior side ofthe outer shell 13 and facing the neck of an intended user. The diameter of the collar 11is thus decreased and measures d, where d < D.

The size of the pads 15 may Vary such that different sizes, i.e. diameters, of thecollar 11 can be obtained. Also the number of pads 15 used can be chosen by the user 3such that the collar ll is optimally adjusted to him/her. As is readily understood thepads 15 could also be positioned on the inner side of the shell 13, i.e. between the shell13 and inner piece of material of airbag l21a.

Another option, shown in Fig. 6, is to use an elongate pad 16, which isarranged either between the outer shell 13 and the inner piece of material 12 la of the outer bag 22 or on the exterior side of the shell 13, facing the neck of the intended user.

The diameter of the collar 11 is thus decreased and measures d, where d < D. Elongatepads 16 of different dimensions may be available such that the user 3 have differentadjustment options and may adjust the diameter of the collar 11 accordingly. Theelongate pad 16 may in one embodiment be inserted into the outer shell 13 from thejoint portion provided with interlocking means 12. ln another embodiment, shown inFig. 7, the outer shell 13 comprises a closable opening 18 along the entire, or part of alongitudinal portion 17 of the collar 11, perpendicular to the joint portion, throughwhich the elongate pad 16 may be inserted.

In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, an inﬂatable tube 19 is located withinthe outer shell 13, or on the exterior side of the shell 13 facing the neck of the intendeduser. By keeping the tube 19 uninﬂated the collar 11 maintains its largest possiblediameter D. By inflation of the tube 19 a stepless adjustment of the diameter towards asmaller diameter d is obtained. The collar 11 comprises a valve 30 by which the tube 19can be inﬂated. In one embodiment, the collar 11 comprises a built-in pump 31 forinﬂation of the tube 19. The pump 31 may be accommodated inside the shell 13 were itis protected when not in use. Alternatively, the pump 31 is attached to the outside of theshell 13 for easy access, e.g. with Velcro, a strap, a pocket or any other suitableattachment means (not shown). In another embodiment, an external pump (not shown)is used for the inﬂation of the tube 19. ln another embodiment, the size adjustment means comprises an elastic band,or strap, 23. The elastic band 23 may e.g. be located between the shell 13 and the outerpiece of material 12 lb of the airbag 20. In order to adjust the size of the collar 11 theelastic band 23 is stretched and fastened by means of suitable fastening means 24 eitherto the shell 13 or to the airbag 20 such that the band 23 is kept in its stretched state.Thus the size of the collar 11 is decreased. This is shown in Figs 9-10. The fasteningmeans 24 may be a clamping device for stepless adjustment of the size, or a button orhooking device providing stepwise adjustment. The width and elasticity of the band 23is adapted according to the width and rigidity of the collar 11. In another embodiment,several elastic bands 23 are provided in parallel and individually attached to the shell 13or to the airbag 20 by means of the fastening means 24.

As another option, shown in Fig. 11, the size adjustment means is an additionaldetachable shell 13”. The largest size of the collar 11 is obtained by the shell 13 forwhich the state of the airbag 20 is unaffected when inserted into the shell 13, i.e. the sizeof the shell 13 is only slightly larger than the airbag 20, as shown in the previousembodiments. A smaller size of the collar 11 is obtained by ﬁtting the airbag 20 into theshell 13” having a smaller size compared to the size of the airbag 20. Thus, the airbag 20is more or less compressed, corrugated or creased, and a smaller size of the collar 11 isachieved. The set of shells 13, 13” may comprise additional, even smaller shells (notshown) for a stepwise adjustment of the size of the collar 11. ln yet another option, shown in Fig. 12, the size adjustment means comprises atleast one elastic strap 26a, 26b arranged along the length of the collar 11. In order toadjust the size of the collar 11 the elastic strap 26a, 26b are stretched and fastened bymeans of suitable strap fastening means 28 either to the shell 13 or to the airbag 20 suchthat the strap 26a, 26b is kept in its stretched state. Thus the size of the collar 11 isdecreased. By releasing the strap fastening means 28, the strap return to its unstretchedstate and the size of the collar is increased.

In F ig. 12, two elastic straps 26a, 26b are shown but it should be understoodthat any number of straps could be used to adjust the size of the collar 11. In theembodiment shown in Fig. 12,, the elastic straps 26a, 26b are arranged on an inside wallof the shell 13. In yet one embodiment the elastic straps 26a, 26b are provided betweenthe airbag 20 and the shell 13. The elastic straps 26a, 26b may also be arranged at theexterior side of the shell 13 facing the neck of an intended user.

The outer shell 13 comprises a number of openings 27a, 27b corresponding tothe number of elastic straps. The openings 27a, 27b may be arranged either on the sidefacing the neck of an intended user or on the opposite side. Preferably, the openings27a, 27b are arranged in close conjunction to each end of the joint portion provided withan interlocking means 12. The openings 27a, 27b are arranged to receive the elasticstraps 26a, 26b so that the user can pull the straps 26a, 26b until a desired diameter ofthe collar 11 is achieved. Once the user pulls the straps 26a, 26b at each end, the size ofthe collar is decreased. At each end of the collar 11, at the joint portion, a strap fastening means 28 is arranged. The strap fastening means 28 prevents the elastic straps 26a, 26b lO from moving unintentionally. Preferably, the strap fastening means 28 is a plate shapeddevice having openings adapted for receiving the straps 26a, 26b. The ends of the elasticstraps 26a, 26b may be tied or arranged with an end piece so as to ensure that the straps26a, 26b are attached to the strap fastening means 28.

Figs. l3a-b show yet another embodiment of a size adjustment means. Fig. 13ashows the side of the shell 13 that is facing the intended neck of the user and Fig. 13b isshown from the opposite side. The size adjustment means comprises at least one elasticstrap 26a, 26b arranged along the length of the collar l 1. The at least one elastic strap26a, 26b may be provided either between the airbag 20 and the shell 13, arranged on aninside wall of the shell 13 or arranged at the exterior side of the shell 13 facing the neckof an intended user. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 13a-b, the at least one strap 26a,26b is arranged such that the end portion of the strap 26a, 26b extends through openings27a, 27b arranged in the shell 13 such that the least one strap 26a, 26b at least partlyextends on both longitudinal sides of the shell 13.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. l3a-b the at least one strap is in the formof a loop, such as a rubber band. In order to adjust the size of the collar 11 the endportions of the straps 26a, 26b are fastened by means of suitable strap fastening means28 such that the elastic straps 26a, 26b are stretched and the size of the collar isdecreased. The fastening means 28 is preferably arranged such that it is in easy reach bythe intended user without coming into contact with the enclosed airbag and electronics.The fastening means 28 may for example be arranged at the exterior side of the shell 13on the opposite side of the side facing the neck of an intended user, as illustrated in Fig.13b. By releasing the at least one strap 26a, 26b from the strap fastening means 28, thestrap returns to its unstretched state and the size of the collar is increased. Preferably,the fastening means 28 comprises a plurality of means 29 for fastening the at least oneloop strap 26a, 26b for allowing different tension and length of the strap(s). Thefastening means 28 may for example comprise a plurality of protrusions 29 spaced apartfrom each other. The protrusions 29 may for example be a button or similar protrudingelement. The user fastens the loop of the at least one strap 26a, 26b around a protrusion(s) being arranged such that it provides a suitable size of the collar. ll Fig. 14 shows yet another embodiment of a size adjustment means. ln Fig. 14the side of the shell 13 that is facing the intended neck of the user is shown. The sizeadjustment means comprises two straps 40, 42. Each strap 40, 42 is attached at onerespective end of the collar 11. The opposite end of each strap 40, 42 is provided withattachment means, such as push buttons 44, 46. The straps 40, 42 may e.g. extend in apocket 48 extending along the inner side of the collar ll. The pocket 48 may have a slit49 arranged centrally through which the free end of the straps 40, 42 can be accessed. Inthe shown example each strap 40, 42 is provided with three sets of push buttons 44, 46.Depending on how these are attached to each other it is possible to adjust the length ofthe interconnected straps 40, 42 and thereby provide size adjustment of the collar 11.Afeature in common for all the above described embodiments is that it is the outer shell13 that decides the maximum size, i.e. the diameter D of the collar l 1. The size can beadjusted to become smaller in order to suit the individual user 3. An advantage relevant for all embodiments is that the user ergonomics is improved.

Claims

1. An airbag system (10) comprising an airbag (20) and a detachable Shell (13)enclosing the airbag (20) When the airbag (20) is in a non-inflated state, and at least one size adjustment means (15; 16; 19; 23; 13'; 26a, 26b).

2. The airbag system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the airbag system (10)is arranged as a collar (11), Wherein the size adjustment means (15; 16; 19; 23;13”; 26a,26b) is arranged to adjust the diameter of the collar (11) from a larger diameter (D) to a smaller diameter (aÖ.

3. The airbag system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least onesize adjustment means comprises a set of pads (15), arrangeable between the airbag (22)and the shell (13) or at the exterior side of the shell (13) facing the neck of an intended 11861”.

4. The airbag system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, Wherein the at least onesize adjustment means comprises an elongate pad (16), arrangeable between the airbag(20) and the shell (13) or at the exterior side of the shell (13) facing the neck of an intended user.

5. The airbag system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least onesize adjustment means comprises an elastic band (23; 26a, 26b), arrangeable betweenthe airbag (20) and the shell (13), at the exterior side of the shell (13) facing the neck of an intended user or at an inside wall of the shell (13).

6. The airbag system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the sizeadjustment means comprises a set of additional detachable shells (13 ') having smaller sizes compared to the detachable shell (13). 13

7. The airbag system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein the sizeadjustment means is an inﬂatable tube (19), and Wherein the airbag system (10) further comprises a valve (30) for inﬂation of the inﬂatable tube (19).

8. The airbag system (10) according to claim 7, further comprising a pump (31)for inﬂation of the inﬂatable tube (19).

9. The airbag system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, Wherein the at least onesize adjustment means comprises at least one elastic strap (26a, 26b), arrangeablebetween the airbag (20) and the shell (13), at the exterior side of the shell (13) facing the neck of an intended user or at an inside Wall of the shell (13).

10. The airbag system (10) according to claim 9, Wherein the size adjustmentmeans further comprises strap fastening means (28) arranged at each end of the collar(11) to fasten the at least one elastic strap (26a, 26b) When a desired diameter of the collar is achieved.

11. The airbag system (10) according to claim 11, Wherein the strap fasteningmeans (28) is a plate shaped device having openings (27a, 27b) adapted for receivingthe elastic straps (26a, 26b).

12. The airbag system (10) according to claim 9, Wherein the size adjustmentmeans further comprises a strap fastening means (28) arranged at the exterior side of the shell (13) Which is not facing the neck of an intended user.

13. The airbag system (10) according to claim 12, Wherein the strap fasteningmeans (28) comprises a plurality of protrusions (29) to fasten the at least one elasticstrap (26a, 26b).

14. An inﬂatable helmet (100) comprising an airbag system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. 14

15. An item of apparel (11) comprising the airbag system (10) according to any one of the claims 1-13.

16. The item of apparel according to claim 15, the item being a co11ar (11).