WO2025190862A1

WO2025190862A1 - A wearable personal protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2025190862A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hassan JAN; Johan WARM; Ludvig RAMBERG; Alexander MUCCHIANO-AHLSTROM
Original assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Current assignee: Autoliv Development AB
Priority date: 2024-03-14
Filing date: 2025-03-10
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-14
Also published as: DE102024107264A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable personal protection device (200). The wearable personal protection device (200) comprises an airbag (101) configured to be deployed by inflation from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition. The inflatable chamber (107) of the airbag (101) comprises an elongate main body (108) and a first cell (109) which extends transversely away from the elongate main body (108). The peripheral seam (106) of the inflatable chamber (107) comprises opposing first (106a) and second portions (106b) which are interconnectable via a securing arrangement (202) such that the airbag (101) can be secured around a body part of a wearer (90) (such as an ankle) in a worn configuration. When the airbag (101) is deployed, the first cell (109) extends to cover a region of the wearer's body part such as a joint, the movement of which remains unrestricted by the deployed airbag (101).

Description

A wearable personal protection device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable personal protection device. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable personal protection device comprising an airbag configured to deploy from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition.

Background

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

It has also been proposed to provide wearable personal protection devices which are intended to provide specific protection to designated body parts by arranging inflatable protection devices in the vicinity of a certain body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable protection device at a defined position on the body, the inflatable protection device may be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for that designated body part. Such wearable devices are considered to be of particular benefit to riders of so-called ‘powered two-wheeler’ vehicles (hereinafter referred to PTWs) such as motorcycles or scooters, or even pedal cycles. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags inside motorcycle garments such as motorcycle jackets to provide improved protection for motorcyclists in the event of accidents. In exemplary arrangements, the airbag of a wearable personal protection device is arranged in fluid communication with an inflator such as a gas generator. The inflator is operably associated with a crash or impact sensor configured to provide an actuating signal to the inflator in response to a likely or actual crash or impact being detected, thereby actuating the inflator to inflate the airbag. As will be appreciated, the inflation of the airbag will provide a cushioning effect for the part of the wearer’s body around which or over which the airbag is provided.

Other alternative forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed. For example, it has been proposed to provide airbags in an initially folded and/or rolled package inside an accessory such as a backpack, harness pack, belt pack or other textile product.

Still further forms of wearable personal protection devices have been proposed in which airbags are not incorporated within another textile products such as a garment or pack and are instead configured to be worn on their own. For example, airbags in the form of vests and harnesses have been proposed. Some such airbags may be intended to be pre-inflated to their inflated condition prior to a user embarking on a journey or ride, and to maintain the inflated condition throughout the journey or ride.

Users of PTWs are exposed to a range of different and potentially damaging forces in the event of accidents. As well as experiencing impacts, users of PTWs may also experience damage to joints which are forced to roll or rotate due to the forces experienced during an accident. In particular, the ankle joints of PTW users are particularly likely to experience an abnormal rolling or rotation during an accident because at least one foot of a PTW user may make initial contact with the ground during an accident, for example as the PTW leans to one side during an accident.

For this reason, PTW users conventionally wear specialised boots which provide a high degree of support to ankles by surrounding the ankle joint with stiff material.

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

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable protection device comprising an airbag, the airbag comprising a pair of superimposed layers, interconnected by a peripheral seam to define an inflatable chamber for the receipt of inflating gas between the layers, the peripheral seam defining at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber, characterised in that: the inflatable chamber comprises an elongate main body and a first cell, wherein the first cell extends transversely away from the elongate main body; the peripheral seam comprises a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion, the wearable protection device comprises a securing arrangement, wherein in use, the first portion and the second portion are interconnectable via the securing arrangement such that the airbag can be secured around a body part of a wearer in a worn configuration; and the airbag is configured to be deployed by inflation from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition in which the inflatable chamber is inflated.

The wearable protection device according to the first aspect can provide protection (e.g. impact protection) to a region of the body (e.g. upon inflation of the airbag) without unduly restricting movement of that region of the body during normal use (e.g., without the airbag being inflated). In particular, the first cell provides protection for an additional region of the wearer’s body proximate the region protected by the main body of the inflatable chamber. For example, the wearable protection device may be positioned proximate a joint of the wearer’s body. In the deployed condition, first cell may extend over a region of the joint to provide impact protection but without the joint being restricted when the airbag is in the undeployed condition and/or the deployed condition.

The wearable protection device may be particularly suited to protecting the ankle of a wearer. Thus, the wearable protection device may be a wearable ankle protection device and the airbag may be secured around the ankle of a wearer in the worn configuration. When the airbag is in the worn configuration, the wearable protection device may be said to be in a worn configuration. Similarly, when the airbag is in the undeployed condition or the deployed condition, the wearable protection device may also be said to respectively be in the undeployed condition or the deployed condition.

In some embodiments, the inflatable chamber comprises a second cell which extends transversely away from the elongate main body. The second cell may be spaced from the first cell along the periphery (e.g. the peripheral seam) of the inflatable chamber (e.g. the elongate main body of the inflatable chamber). The first cell and the second cell may extend from the same side of the main body. For example, in a laid-out configuration of the airbag, the second cell may be adjacent (and optionally spaced from) the first cell. The first cell and/or the second cell may be spaced from a first end and/or a second end of the airbag (e.g. of the elongate main body). The first cell may be proximate the first end. The second cell may be proximate the second end.

As a result, the wearable protection device may provide protection to more than one side of an additional region of the body adjacent the region protected by the main body of the inflatable chamber. As the first cell and the second cell are not interconnected, the airbag can provide protection to said additional region without unduly restricting said additional region. For example, when the additional region is a joint, the joint may still be usable and unrestricted by the first cell and the second cell.

The first cell may extend away from the main body in a first direction. The second cell may extend away from the main body in the same (first) direction. For example, the longest dimension of the first cell and/or the second cell may extend in the first direction. The elongate main body (e.g. the longest dimension of the main body) may extend in a second direction (e.g. between the first end and the second end). The first direction may be transverse to (e.g. substantially perpendicular to) the second direction. The first cell and the second cell when present may extend from a side of the main body which extends in the second direction.

The elongate main body may also comprise a dimension (e.g. a shorter dimension) which extends in the first direction. In some embodiments, in the laid-out configuration, the main body is a substantially rectangular shape which has a longest dimension extending in the second direction and a shorter dimension extending in the first direction.

The first cell and/or the second cell may also comprise a dimension (e.g. a shorter dimension) which extends in the second direction. In some embodiments, in the laid-out configuration when viewed from above, the first cell and/or the second cell has a substantially rectangular (e.g. square shape) which extends in the first direction and the second direction.

The dimension of the first cell and/or the second cell in the first direction may be substantially the same or less than the dimension of the elongate main body in the first direction. In the laid-out configuration, the area of the elongate main body may be greater than the area of the first cell or the second cell - for example, more than four times greater e.g. more than five times greater. The corresponding volumes of the elongate main body, the first cell and the second cell when in the deployed condition may differ in a similar way. As used herein, “laid-out configuration” refers to a configuration in which the uninflated airbag is laid out flat prior to assembly into the worn configuration.

In use, the airbag (e.g. the elongate main body of the inflatable chamber) is configured to wrap around a body part of the wearer (for example the ankle or lower tibia). When wrapped in this manner, the airbag is said to be in a worn configuration. When in the worn configuration, the airbag may be in an undeployed condition, or a deployed condition.

The first portion of the peripheral seam may be at the first end of the airbag (e.g. of the elongate main body). The second portion of the peripheral seam may be at a second end of the airbag (e.g. of the elongate main body), opposite the first end. The first portion and the second portion may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel). For example, in some embodiments the first portion and the second portion are part of respective opposing parallel sides of the airbag - for example, sides which extend in the first direction.

In the worn configuration, the first portion and the second portion are interconnected via the securing arrangement and the airbag (e.g. the elongate main body) forms a tubular shape which surrounds the wearer’s body part.

In the worn configuration, the first cell may oppose the second cell such that the first cell and the second cell are on opposing sides of the wearer’s body (e.g. opposing each other across the interior of the tubular shape).

By providing opposing first and second cells, the first and second cells may provide impact protection on respective sides of a region of the wearer’s body such as a joint. Further, opposing first and second cells may restrict movement of a joint such as rotation in a particular plane, for example a plane in which the joint would not naturally move. Where the wearable protection device is a wearable ankle protection device, the opposing first and second cells may extend on respective sides of the ankle joint. The ankle joint is a hinge joint which naturally moves in a single plane (the sagittal plane). In a crash or accident, forces may act on the ankle to over-rotate the ankle in another plane such as the coronal plane. By providing opposing first and second cells on the sides of the ankle, this movement may be restricted, and the wearable ankle protection device may provide rotational protection as well as impact protection.

The spacing between the first and second cells may facilitate the first cell opposing the second cell in the worn configuration. For example, the space along the periphery of the inflatable chamber between the first and second cells may be such that it can accommodate the width of a 50-percentile male or female ankle or foot, or a 95-percentile male or female ankle or foot. For example, the spacing along the periphery of the inflatable chamber could be between about 70mm and about 130 mm, e.g. between about 75 mm and about 125 mm, e.g. between about 80 mm and about 120 mm, e.g. between about 85 mm and about 115 mm e.g. between about 90 mm and about 110 mm, e.g. between about 95 mm and about 100 mm.

The inflatable chamber may further comprise a third cell which extends transversely (e.g. perpendicularly) away from the elongate main body. The third cell may be interposed between the first cell and the second cell along the periphery (e.g. the peripheral seam) of the inflatable chamber. The third cell may have any of the features described herein in respect of the first and/or second cell.

The third cell may provide further protection for the additional region of the wearer’s body proximate the region protected by the main body of the inflatable chamber. In particular, where the wearable protection device is a wearable ankle protection device, and the first and second cells provide protection for a respective side of the wearer’s ankle joint, the third cell may extend along the top of the wearer’s foot to provide additional impact protection in the event of a crash or impact.

The first cell and the second cell may each comprise a (respective) free end. The airbag may comprise a connector (e.g. a strap or complementary sole configured to fit around a shoe/heel) which is configured in use to interconnect (and tether together) the respective free ends of the cells when the airbag is in the worn configuration.

By providing such a connector, the respective free ends of the first and second cells are constrained such that, if the forces of an impact or crash cause a wearer’s body part (e.g. a joint) to rotate against the first or second cell, the first and second cells may better resist said rotation and provide improved rotation protection for the wearer.

In some embodiments, the respective free ends of the cells may be permanently interconnected via the connector. For example, even in the laid-out configuration, prior to being assembled into the worn configuration, the respective free ends of the cells may be interconnected. The connector may be attached to (e.g. implicated in) the airbag and/or peripheral seam (e.g. via stitching). The connector may be implicated in the airbag and/or peripheral seam at the first cell and/or at the second cell. In other embodiments, the connector may be detachable and (re)attachable to one or both of the respective free ends of the first and second cells. For example, the connector may be permanently attached to the free end of one of the first or second cells and detachable/(re)attachable to the free end of the other cell. In some embodiments, the connector may comprise a first part attached (e.g. permanently attached) to the free end of the first cell and a second part attached (e.g. permanently attached) to the free end of the second cell. The first and second parts of the connector may be (re)attachable and detachable to each other in order to interconnect the respect free ends of the first and second cells.

The connector may be elasticated (e.g. comprise an elastic/stretchy material). The connector may comprise a clip, buckle, catch or other fastener to provide the detachable and (re)attachable function of the connector (e.g. between a first part and a second part of the connector).

The inflatable chamber (e.g. the elongate main body) may comprise an inner seam (e.g. at least one inner seam) interconnecting the pair of superimposed layers to define a plurality of sub-chambers within the inflatable chamber. Each of the plurality of sub-chambers are in fluid communication with the others.

When the airbag is in a deployed condition, the inner seam provides a region of the inflatable chamber which does not inflate or expand. At the inner seam, the inflatable chamber may be considered to have zero or no thickness. In other words, the pair of superimposed layers are held together at the inner seam whilst in the sub-chambers, gas separates the pair of superimposed layers when the airbag is in the deployed condition.

The inner seam provides an axis about which the airbag can be bent or can bend. So when the airbag deploys into a deployed configuration, the sub-chambers can pivot relative to each other about the inner seam and the airbag can be more easily maintained in a worn configuration around the wearer’s body part when in the deployed condition. Further, the inner seam may serve to guide inflating gas supplied into the inflating chamber during deployment to ensure that gas reaches all parts of the inflatable chamber efficiently, to facilitate rapid deployment.

The inner seam may extend between opposing sides of the inflatable chamber. The inner seam (e.g. the respective ends of the inner seam) may be spaced from the sides of the inflatable chamber (e.g. the peripheral seam). For example, the inner seam may extend towards, but not up to the sides of the inflatable chamber. The inner seam may be formed in a manner known in the art (e.g. by a line of stitching or by a so-called “one-piece weaving” technique).

In preferred embodiments, the inner seam is contained entirely within the elongate main body of the inflatable chamber. The inner seam may extend from proximate the side of the elongate main body from which the first cell (and, where present, the second and third cells) also extend(s). The inner seam may extend in the first direction. In other words, the inner seam may extend in the same direction that the cell (s) extend away from the main body of the inflatable chamber. In these embodiments, the plurality of sub-chambers substantially align with the first, second and/or third cells.

In the undeployed condition, the airbag may be in a gathered condition (see below). In particular, a portion of the elongate main body distant from the first cell (and, where present, the second and third cells) may be folded or rolled in the first direction towards the cell(s). By providing an inner seam which extends in the first direction, inflating gas which is supplied into the inflatable chamber may be directed along the first direction and into the folded or rolled portion of the elongate main body. Thus, the airbag may be more efficiently deployed from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition.

The inflatable chamber may comprise a plurality of inner seams (e.g. at least two, at least three, at least four, or more than four inner seams). The plurality of inner seams may be spaced from each other to provide a plurality of sub-chambers therebetween. Each of the plurality of inner seams may be as described above. Each of the plurality of sub-chambers may be as described above. Two or more of the plurality of inner seams may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel). For example, the plurality of inner seams may be substantially aligned.

By providing more than one inner seam, the inflatable chamber is provided with more than one axis about which it can be bent or can bend, particularly in the deployed condition. In this way, the airbag can be more easily maintained in the worn configuration about the wearer’s body part, even in the deployed condition. Further, the gas-directing function of the inner seam may be amplified by providing a plurality of inner seams.

In particularly advantageous arrangements, the plurality of inner seams comprises four inner seams. A first inner seam and a second inner seam may be located between a third inner seam and a fourth inner seam. This provides an airbag which, when in the worn condition forms a tubular shape having 5 distinct sub chambers which can be more easily maintained in the worn configuration about the wearer’s body part, which is generally cylindrical. The first and second inner seams may define therebetween a front region (e.g. sub-chamber) of the inflatable chamber. In the laid-out configuration the first inner seam may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel) with a side of the first cell proximate the second cell. For example, the first inner seam may be proximate said side of the first, but spaced towards the second cell. Similarly, in the laid-out configuration, the second inner seam may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel) with a side of the second cell proximate the first cell. For example, the second inner seam may be proximate said side of the second cell, but spaced towards the first cell. The distance between the first inner seam and the second inner seam may be approximately the same or less than the distance between the first cell and the second cell when in the laid-out configuration.

The first and third inner seams may define therebetween a first side region (e.g. subchamber) of the inflatable chamber. The third inner seam may be spaced on a side of the first inner seam towards the periphery of the inflatable chamber (e.g. towards the peripheral seam e.g. the first portion of the peripheral seam). In the laid-out configuration the third inner seam may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel) with a side of the first cell distant from the second cell. For example, the third inner seam may be proximate said side of the first cell, but spaced towards the second cell. In some embodiments, the distance between the third inner seam and the first inner seam may be approximately the same as the width of the first cell (measured between the sides of first cell which extend from the main body towards the free end).

Similarly, the second and fourth inner seams may define therebetween a second side region (e.g. sub-chamber) of the inflatable chamber. In the worn configuration, the second side region opposes the first side region (e.g. the second side region is on an opposite side of the wearer’s body part from the first side region). The fourth inner seam may be spaced on a side of the second inner seam towards the periphery of the inflatable chamber (e.g. towards peripheral seam e.g. the second portion of the peripheral seam). In the laid-out configuration the fourth inner seam may be substantially aligned (e.g. parallel) with a side of the second cell distant from the first cell. For example, the fourth inner seam may be proximate said side of the second cell, but spaced towards the first cell. In some embodiments, the distance between the fourth inner seam and the second inner seam may be approximately the same as the width of the second cell (measured between the sides of second cell which extend from the main body towards the free end). The third seam and the periphery of the inflatable chamber (e.g. the peripheral seam e.g. the first portion of the peripheral) may define therebetween a first rear region (e.g. sub-chamber) of the inflatable chamber. Similarly, the fourth seam and the periphery of the inflatable chamber (e.g. the peripheral seam e.g. the second portion of the peripheral) may define therebetween a second rear region of the inflatable chamber.

In the worn configuration, when the first portion and the second portion of the peripheral seam are connected via the securing arrangement, the first and second rear regions referred to above oppose the front region. In other words, both the first and second rear regions are on a side of the wearer’s body part opposite the front region of the inflatable chamber.

The securing arrangement may comprise a clip, buckle, catch, zipper or other fastener.

The peripheral seam may define the entire periphery of the inflatable chamber. For example, the peripheral seam may extend around (e.g. entirely around) the periphery of the elongate main body and the cell(s). When deployed, the inflatable chamber is filled with an inflating gas. The cell(s) are configured to be in fluid communication with the elongate main body such that, when the airbag is deployed, the inflating gas inflates the cell(s) as well as the elongate main body. The peripheral seam may be formed of stitching and/or folding or by a so-called “one-piece weaving” technique).

In the undeployed condition, the airbag (e.g. the inflatable chamber e.g. the elongate main body) may also be in a gathered condition. The airbag may be assembled from a laid-out configuration by first gathering the airbag into a gathered condition, and subsequently arranging the airbag around a body part of a wearer in the worn configuration such that the airbag is in an undeployed and gathered condition. In the worn configuration, the axis of the wearer’s body part may substantially align with the first direction defined above in respect to the airbag.

In the gathered condition, part or all of the airbag may be gathered (e.g. folded and/or rolled). In some embodiments, in the gathered condition, the inflatable chamber (e.g. the elongate main body) comprises one or more folds or rolls. In particular, a portion of the elongate main body distant from the cell(s) may be folded or rolled in the first direction towards the cell(s). The cell(s) may not comprise a roll or a fold when the airbag is in a gathered condition. The one or more folds or rolls in the airbag when in the gathered condition may result in gathered material of the inflatable chamber being on the outside of the tubular shape when the airbag is in the worn configuration. In other words, in the worn configuration, the fold(s) or roll(s) of the gathered condition (and the material forming said fold(s) and roll(s)) may be on the outside of the airbag (relative the wearer’s body part). The first and second portions of the peripheral seam may be excluded from the roll(s) and/or fold(s) that form the gathered condition.

In use, the airbag is configured to unfurl during deployment (from the gathered condition) to cover a greater extent of the body part of the wearer in the deployed condition than in the undeployed condition.

The airbag may be arranged in fluid communication with an inflator configured to supply inflating gas to the inflatable chamber. The wearable protection device may comprise such an inflator. The inflating gas deploys the airbag into the deployed condition (from the undeployed condition). In the deployed condition, the airbag may have a peak (e.g. target or maximum) inflation pressure of between about 20kPa and about 90kPa, e.g. between about 30kPa and about 80kPa, e.g. between about 40kPa and about 70kPa, e.g. between about 50kPa and about 60kPa. The peak inflation pressure may be greater than or equal to about 20kPa, greater than or equal to about 30kPa, greater than or equal to about 40kPa, greater than or equal to about 50kPa, greater than or equal to about 60kPa, greater than or equal to about 70kPa, greater than or equal to about 80kPa, or greater than or equal to about 90kPa.

The wearable protection device may further comprise a packaging configured to receive the airbag in the undeployed condition. The packaging may be configured to deform and/or rupture to permit the airbag to deploy into the deployed condition. For example, the packaging may comprise an elastic material and/or may comprise a split line which is configured to rupture when the airbag deploys.

The inflator may form a part of the wearable protection device. For example, the inflator may be integrated with, within, located on, or provided as part of the wearable protection device, (e.g. configured to be permanently attached to the wearable protection device). The inflator may be implicated in the wearable protection device. For example, the packaging may comprise the inflator e.g. such that the inflator is implicated in the packaging. In some embodiments, the inflator is located on the packaging. The inflator may be actuatable to direct a flow of inflating gas into the inflatable chamber at any time during the use of the wearable protection device (e.g. when the wearable protection device/airbag is in the worn configuration). The packaging may comprise the securing arrangement. The first portion and the second portion of the peripheral seam may be connected to (e.g. implicated in) the packaging (e.g. the interior of the packaging) such that the packaging and the airbag contained within the packaging can be secured around a body part of the wearer (in the worn configuration). In other words, the first portion and the second portion are interconnected by the securing arrangement via the packaging. The wearable protection device (including the packaging) may be said to be in the worn configuration when secured around the body part of the wearer.

The packaging may comprise the connector. The respective free ends of the first cell and the second cell may be connected to (e.g. implicated in) the packaging (e.g. the interior of the packaging) such that the respective free ends are interconnected by the connector via the packaging. In other words, the connector interconnects the respective free ends when the airbag is in the undeployed condition and contained within the packaging, and when the airbag is in the deployed condition.

In some embodiments, the packaging is a wearable garment. For example, the packaging may be provided in the form of a shoe, a boot, or an anklet.

The wearable protection device may be arranged in communication with an electronic control unit (ECU). For example, the wearable protection device may comprise an ECU. The ECU may be integrated with, within, located on, or provided as part of the wearable protection device (e.g. configured to be permanently attached to the wearable protection device). For example, the ECU may be located on the packaging.

The ECU may be configured to receive a signal from a sensor configured to detect a likely or actual crash or impact (e.g. an accelerometer). The sensor may be located on the ECU, may form part of the wearable protection device, or may be located elsewhere (e.g. on a PTW). The inflator may be operably associated with the ECU such that, in response to the signal received from a sensor, the ECU provides an actuating signal to the inflator such that it supplies inflating gas to the inflatable chamber of the airbag.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Summary of the Figures

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section through part of an exemplary airbag.

Figure 2 shows a net of another exemplary airbag prior to assembly into the laid-out configuration.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the airbag of Figure 2 in a laid-out configuration.

Figure 4 shows a top view of the airbag in Figure 3 in a gathered condition.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the airbag in Figure 4 in a worn configuration and an undeployed condition.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the airbag in Figure 3 in a worn configuration and a deployed condition.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wearable personal protection device comprising an airbag in a worn configuration and an undeployed condition.

Figure 8 shows another perspective view of the wearable personal protection device in Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a perspective rear view of another exemplary wearable personal protection device in a worn configuration and in a deployed condition on the wearer’s left leg, and in an undeployed condition on the wearer’s right leg.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another exemplary wearable personal protection device in a worn configuration and undeployed condition.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of another exemplary wearable personal protection device in a worn configuration and in a deployed condition. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary airbag in a worn configuration and a deployed condition.

Detailed Description of the Invention

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

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a region of an airbag 1 which is configured to be inflated by a source of gas. As will be appreciated, and as is conventional, the airbag 1 is formed from first (upper) and second (lower) layers 2, 3 (also referred to herein as a pair of superimposed layers). In this example, each layer 2, 3 is woven from warp yarns 4 and weft yarns 5 and thus has a structure in the form of a weave. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention may alternatively be applied to an airbag in which the layers of fabric are knitted layers, in which case the layers will have a structure in the form of a knit comprising at least one yarn.

The two layers 2, 3 are arranged in superimposition, and are interconnected around their peripheral edges by a peripheral seam 6 (only part of which is shown in Figure 1), thereby defining an inflatable chamber 7 between the layers 2, 3 for receipt of inflating gas from an inflator (not shown) such as a gas generator, in a known manner. The peripheral seam 6 may be formed in a known manner for example by folding and/or stitching. Alternatively, the airbag 1 may be formed via a so-called ‘one-piece weaving’ technique in which yarns 4, 5 of the first layer 2 are interwoven with yarns 4, 5 of the second layer 3 to define the peripheral seam 6 (and further inner seams as necessary). In such an arrangement, the peripheral seam 6 (and further inner seams) are woven and integral to the structure of the layers 2, 3.

The airbags described herein and shown in the Figures may have the general structure of the airbag 1 shown in Figure 1 . The airbags described herein may be provided in the form of a wearable protection device according to the present invention, or may form part of such a wearable protection device.

Figure 2 shows a net of an exemplary airbag 101 which may be or form part of an airbag of a wearable (personal) protection device according to the present invention. The net of the airbag 101 is provided in the form of a single sheet of fabric which comprises a first layer 102 and a second layer 103 connected together along a fold line 80. The fold line 80 represents one of the longer sides of the elongate rectangular shape 81 , 86 (a shared side). The first layer 102 and the second layer 103 are mirror images of one another across the fold line 80, and each forms a respective half of the single sheet of fabric.

Each of the first layer and the second layer 102, 103 comprises an elongate rectangular shape 81 , 86 having a first tongue 82, 87 and a second tongue 83, 88 extending transversely (in this case perpendicularly) away from the elongate rectangular shape 81 , 86 from a side of the elongate rectangular shape 81 , 86 opposite the fold line 80. Each elongate rectangular shape 81 , 82 extends between a first end 121 and a second end 122 of the airbag 101.

In this example, the first tongue 82, 87 and the second tongue 83, 88 are also rectangular in shape. On each of the first and second layers 102, 103, the second tongue 83, 88 is spaced from the first tongue 82, 87 along the periphery of the respective layer 102, 103. Said spacing is the same amount on each layer 102, 103. Further, the first tongue 82, 87 and the second tongue 83, 88 are spaced from the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the airbag 101 .

The periphery 85 of the net extends around the layers 102, 103 and the first and second protruding portions of material 82, 87, 83, 88. The periphery 85 has curved vertices.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the airbag 101 in a laid-out configuration. To assemble the airbag 101 in the laid-out configuration from the net shown in Figure 2, the first layer 102 is folded about the fold line 80 such that it is superimposed on the second layer 103. The periphery 85 of the net around the first layer 102 is attached to the periphery 85 of the net around the second layer e.g. by stitching. Thus, in the laid-out configuration the airbag 101 comprises a peripheral seam 106 which comprises the fold line 80 and further attachment means such as stitching which extends around the airbag 101. Of course, the airbag 101 shown in Figure 3 may be formed in another way (e.g. from two separate pieces of material or through a one-piece woven technique) as is known in the art.

When arranged in superposition, the first layer 102, the second layer 103, and the peripheral seam 106 define an inflatable chamber 107. In particular, the peripheral seam 106 defines the periphery of the inflatable chamber 107. In the laid-out configuration, the inflatable chamber 107 is devoid of any gas and has zero inflated thickness because the first layer 102 directly overlays the second layer 103. The inflatable chamber 107 comprises an elongate main body 108 formed by the respective elongate rectangular shapes 81 , 86 of the first and second layers 102, 103. Further, the inflatable chamber 107 comprises a first cell 109 formed by the respective first tongues 82, 87 of the first and second layers 102, 103, and a second cell 110 formed by the respective second tongues 83, 88 of the first and second layers 102, 103. The elongate main body 108, the first cell 109 and the second cell 110 are in fluid communication.

The first and second cells 109, 110 extend transversely (in this case perpendicularly) away from the elongate main body 108. The second cell 110 is adjacent and spaced from the first cell 109 along the periphery, specifically the peripheral seam 106, which bounds a portion of the elongate main body 108. Further, the first cell 109 is proximate but spaced from the first end 121 of the airbag 101 and the second cell 110 is proximate but space from the second end 122 of the airbag 101 .

The first cell 109 and the second cell 110 extend from the same (lower) side of the main body 108 opposite the fold line 80 and extend in a first direction 51 (downwards in Figure 3). The main body 108 extends in a second direction 52 (left to right in Figure 3) substantially perpendicular to the first direction 51 .

The elongate main body 108 is a substantially rectangular shape having a longer dimension in the second direction 52 and a shorter dimension in the first direction 51 . The first and second cells 109, 110 are both substantially rectangular in shape and have a longer dimension in the first direction 51 and a shorter dimension in the second direction 52. The vertices of the periphery of the inflatable chamber 107 are rounded.

The peripheral seam 106 comprises a first portion 106a at the first end 121 of the airbag 101. The first portion 106a defines a part of the periphery of the elongate main body 108. The peripheral seam 106 also comprises a second portion 106b at the second end 122 of the airbag 101 . The second portion 106b also defines a part of the periphery of the elongate main body 108. The second portion 106b is opposite the first portion 106a and the first and second portions 106a, 106b are substantially parallel (both extending in the first direction 51). As will be explained in more detail below, the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b are interconnectable via a securing arrangement 202 such that the airbag can be secured in a worn configuration around a body part of the wearer in a generally annular form.

The first portion 106a and the second portion 106b do not extend entirely along the respective sides of the elongate main body 108. As indicated in Figure 3 by the thick lines, the first and second portions 106a, 106b extend along the lower parts of the respective sides of the elongate main body 108. The securing arrangement 202 corresponds to the extent of the first and second portions 106a, 106b. As shown in Figure 3, the securing arrangement 202 is in two parts (one part connected to the first portion 106a, the other part connected to the second portion 106b) - in this case, two parts of a zipper.

The inflatable chamber 107 comprises four inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d which interconnect the pair of superimposed layers 102, 103 to define a plurality of sub-chambers 132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b within the elongate main body 108. The inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are contained entirely within the elongate main body 108. Each inner seam 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d may be formed by a known means e.g. stitching or if applicable, one-piece weaving.

Each inner seam 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d extends between opposing sides of the elongate main body 108. Specifically, the longer side from which the cells 109, 110 extend and its opposing side. However, the ends of the inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are spaced from said sides of the elongate main body 108 such that each inner seam 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d extends towards but not up to said sides of the elongate main body 108. As a result, the plurality of sub-chambers 132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b are in fluid communication with one another proximate said sides of the elongate main body 108. The inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are substantially parallel and extend in the first direction 51 such that the plurality of sub-chambers 132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b are substantially aligned with the cells 109, 110.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a first inner seam 130b and a second inner seam 130c define a front sub-chamber 132 therebetween. The first inner seam 130b is substantially aligned with the side of the first cell 109 which is proximate the second cell 110. Specifically, the first inner seam 130b is proximate said side of the first cell 109 but spaced towards the second cell 110. Similarly, the second inner seam 130c is substantially aligned with the side of the second cell 110 which is proximate the first cell 109. Specifically, the second inner seam 130c is proximate said side of the second cell 110 but spaced towards the first cell 109. The first and second inner seams 130b, 130c are located between the third and fourth inner seams 130a, 130d.

The third inner seam 130a and the first inner seam 130b define a first side sub-chamber 133 therebetween. The third inner seam 130a is substantially aligned with the side of the first cell 109 which is distant from the second cell 110. Specifically, the third inner seam 130a is proximate said side of the first cell 109 but spaced towards the second cell 110. The distance between the first and third inner seams 130a, 130b is approximately the width (in the second direction 52) of the first cell 109.

The fourth inner seam 130d and the second inner seam 130b define a second side subchamber 134 therebetween. The fourth inner seam 130d is substantially aligned with the side of the second cell 110 which is distant from the first cell 109. Specifically, the fourth inner seam 130d is proximate said side of the second cell 110 but spaced towards the first cell

109. The distance between the second and fourth inner seams 130c, 130d is approximately the width (in the second direction 52) of the second cell 110.

The third inner seam 130a and the peripheral seam 106 at the first end 121 define a first rear sub-chamber 135a therebetween. Similarly, the fourth inner seam 130d and the peripheral seam 106 at the second end 122 define a second rear sub-chamber 135b therebetween.

Figure 4 shows the same airbag 101 as shown in Figure 3, still in the laid-out configuration. However in Figure 4, the airbag 101 is shown in a gathered condition. In this case, the gathered condition comprises a rolled portion 140. Specifically, the uppermost region of the main body 108 (as illustrated) is rolled down such that the side of the elongate main body 108 opposite the cells 109, 110 is contained within the rolled portion 140. In other words, the elongate main body 108 is rolled down from the side opposite the cells 109, 110 in the first direction 51 towards the cells 109, 110. The rolled portion 140 does not include the cells 109,

110.

The gathered condition permits the airbag 101 to be packaged within packaging of a wearable personal protection device, or to be configured into a more suitable arrangement to be worn by a wearer.

The first and second portions 106a, 106b of the peripheral seam 106 are not contained in the rolled portion 140 to allow the first and second portions 106a, 106b to be interconnected when the airbag 101 is in the worn configuration.

Figure 5 shows the airbag 101 in a worn configuration around the lower tibia and ankle of a wearer 90. In Figure 5, the airbag 101 is in an undeployed condition. Figure 5 particularly shows the elongate main body 108 in the gathered condition (comprising the rolled portion 140) and the second cell 110. The visible part of the peripheral seam 106 is formed by stitching. The first layer 102 is on the outside of the airbag 101 in the worn configuration. The second layer 103 is facing and in contact with the lower tibia and ankle of the wearer 90. The rolled portion 140 is on the outside of the airbag 101 such that it is located on the same side of the airbag 101 as the first layer 102.

As is appreciated from Figure 5, the first cell 109 and the second cell 110 are spaced apart such that the foot 91 of the wearer can extend therebetween when the airbag 101 is in a worn configuration. For example, the first cell 109 and the second cell 110 may be spaced to accommodate a 50-percentile male or female foot.

The airbag 101 comprises a securing arrangement (not shown in Figure 5). In order to arrange the airbag 101 in the worn configuration, the elongate main body 108 is wrapped around the leg of the wearer 90 and the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b of the peripheral seam 106 are interconnected via the securing arrangement 202 such that the airbag can be secured to the lower leg of the wearer 90.

As a result, in the worn configuration, the airbag 101 (in particular the elongate main body 108) forms a tubular shape which surrounds the lower leg of the wearer 90. In other words, the leg of the wearer 90 extends through the interior of the tubular shape. In the worn configuration, the leg of the wearer 90 substantially extends in the first direction 51 , such that the leg is substantially aligned (e.g. parallel) with the direction of extension of the cells 109, 110 and the plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. As is better seen in Figure 6, in the worn configuration, the first cell 109 opposes the second cell 110 such that they are on opposing sides of the leg of the wearer 90.

The airbag 101 is in fluid communication with an inflator (not shown in Figure 5). In some examples, the inflator may be integral with the airbag 101 . In the example shown in Figure 5, the inflator is external to the airbag 101 and is in fluid communication with the airbag 101 via the airflow tube 53, which enters the airbag 101 at the second cell 110.

Figure 6 shows the airbag 101 in a worn configuration around the lower tibia and ankle of the wearer 90. In Figure 6, the airbag 101 is in a deployed condition.

In the deployed condition, the first cell 109 and the second cell 110 extend below the ankle joint of the wearer 90. The elongate main body 108 is wrapped around the region of the lower tibia above the ankle joint. The inflatable chamber 107 is inflated to a peak inflation pressure, which is preferably around 60kPa. As a result, the airbag 101 provides impact protection for the lower tibia and ankle region of the wearer 90. Further, as the cells 109, 110 extend below the ankle joint of the wearer 90, the airbag 101 may provide some protection against unwanted rotation of the ankle joint (e.g. rotation into one of the cells 109, 110 in the coronal plane).

As shown in Figure 6, the front sub-chamber 132 of the elongate main body 108 faces a forward direction relative to the wearer 90 (the same direction as the foot 91 extends). The first side sub-chamber 133 and the first cell 109 are on a first side of the leg (e.g. the inner leg as shown in Figure 6), and the second side sub-chamber 134 and the second cell 110 are on a second side of the leg (e.g. the outer leg as shown in Figure 6) opposite the first side of the leg. The first and second rear sub-chambers 135a, 135b are at the back of the leg (as shown in e.g. Figure 9).

In order to deploy from the undeployed condition shown in Figure 5 to the deployed condition in Figure 6, an inflation arrangement is provided (see Figure 8) which may comprise an inflator e.g. a gas generator. The inflator supplies gas to the inflatable chamber 107 so that the inflatable chamber 107 inflates. This results in the airbag 101 deploying from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition. As can be seen by comparing Figure 5 with Figure 6, during deployment, the airbag 101 unfurls from the undeployed condition such that the airbag 101 covers a greater extent of the leg and ankle of the wearer 90 in the deployed condition (Figure 6) than in the undeployed condition (Figure 5). During deployment as the airbag 101 unfurls, the rolled portion 140 unrolls up the leg of the wearer 90, away from the foot. During this process, the outer part of the rolled portion 140 which is formed by the second layer 103 is continually urged towards leg of the wearer 90. As the rolled portion 140 is on the outside of the airbag 101 (as described above), snagging or catching on other garments the wearer 90 may be wearing can be avoided or reduced during the deployment of the airbag 101.

The plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d each provide a region of zero thickness within the inflatable chamber 107 when the airbag 101 is in the deployed condition. In other words, the inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d hold the first layer 102 and the second layer 103 together whilst in the rest of the inflatable chamber 107 gas forces the first layer 102 and the second layer 103 apart.

During deployment, gas provided by the generator is supplied into the inflatable chamber 107. Some of the gas supplied into the inflatable chamber 107 may circulate in the elongate main body 108 proximate the cells 109, 110 and interact with the plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. Specifically, the plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d may direct the gas along the first direction 51 away from the cells 109, 110 and into the rolled portion of the inflatable chamber 107. In this way, the plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d promote the unfurling and thus deployment of the airbag 101.

Further, as shown in Figure 6, the plurality of inner seams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d provide a plurality of axes around which the sub-chambers 132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b of the elongate main body 108 can pivot. This results in the elongate main body 108 wrapping around the leg of the wearer 90 (which is a cylindrical shape).

The wearable personal protection device of the present invention may comprise only the airbag 101 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6 and an inflator. Alternatively, the wearable personal protection device of the present invention may comprise a packaging 201 configured to contain the airbag 101 , in particular when the airbag 101 is in the undeployed condition.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a wearable (personal) protection device 200 comprising an airbag 101 as described in relation to Figures 1 to 6 and a packaging 201 . In Figure 7, the airbag 101 is contained within the packaging 201 in the worn configuration and is in an undeployed condition. The entire wearable protection device 200 may be said to be in the worn configuration. The packaging 201 may be formed of a suitable material e.g. neoprene.

In contrast to the airbag 101 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first and second rear subchambers 135a, 135b are facing the forward direction relative to the wearer 90. As a result, the securing arrangement 202 is at the front of the wearer’s leg. In this case, the securing arrangement 202 is a zipper. Here, the securing arrangement 202 interconnects the first portion 106a and the second portion 106 of the airbag peripheral seam 106 via a corresponding first portion 206a and second portion 206b of the packaging proximate the securing arrangement 202. This allows the packaging 201 and the airbag 101 contained therein to be secured around the leg of the wearer 90.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the airbag 101 does not comprise a rolled portion (as shown in Figure 5). Instead, in the gathered condition, the airbag 101 comprises a fold. As a result, in the undeployed condition, the airbag 101 and thus the packaging 201 extend further up the leg of the wearer 90 than the airbag 101 shown in Figure 5. When the wearer 90 wishes to put on the wearable protection device 200, the wearer 90 wraps the wearable protection device 200 around their leg whilst the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b are not interconnected, and secures the first and second portions 106a, 106b together with the securing arrangement 202 (e.g. by zipping it up).

Figure 8 shows another perspective view of the exemplary wearable personal protection device 200 shown in Figure 7. Here the inflator 203 is shown located on the packaging 201 . The inflator 203 is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber 107 of the airbag 101 held within the packaging 201 . Further, the electronic control unit (ECU) 204 is shown located on the packaging 204. The inflator 203 is operably associated with the ECU 204 which is configured to provide an actuating signal to the inflator 203 in response to a likely or actual crash or impact being detected by a sensor (not shown). The sensor may be local to the ECU 204 or could be located elsewhere (e.g. on a PTW) and configured to transmit a signal to the ECU 204 in response to a likely or actual crash or impact being detected.

Figure 9 shows a perspective rear view of another exemplary wearable (personal) protection device 300 comprising an airbag 101 as described in Figures 1 to 6. On the left leg 95 of the wearer 90, the airbag 101 (and the wearable protection device 300) is in a worn configuration and a deployed condition. On the right leg 96 of the wearer 90, the airbag 101 (and the wearable protection device 300) is in a worn configuration and an undeployed condition so that the airbag 101 is contained within the packaging 301 .

As described above, when in the undeployed condition, a securing arrangement 302 interconnects the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b of the airbag peripheral seam 106 via a corresponding first portion 306a and second portion 306b of the packaging proximate the securing arrangement 302. As a result, the packaging 301 and the airbag 101 contained therein may be secured around the leg 95, 96 of the wearer 90.

The packaging 301 is configured to deform and/or rupture to allow the airbag 101 to be deployed. Remnants of the packaging 301 following deployment are not shown on the left leg 95 to improve clarity. As can be seen on the wearer’s left leg 95, the securing arrangement 302 ensures that the airbag 101 is maintained in the worn configuration when the airbag 101 is in the deployed condition.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the elongate main chamber 108 of the airbag 101 is folded into the gathered condition (the top portion furthest from the cells 109, 110 is folded outwardly and downwardly towards the cells 109, 110). As a result, the securing arrangement 302 is not attached to the entire length of the peripheral seam 106 at the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the airbag 101 . This creates the gap 305 between the first end 121 and the second end 122 proximate (e.g. above) the securing arrangement 302.

The first cell 109 of the airbag 101 comprises a free end 109a, and the second cell 110 of the airbag 1 10 comprises a free end 1 10a. The free ends 109a, 110a are the ends of the respective cells 109, 1 10 which are distant from the elongate main body 108. In the exemplary wearable protection device 300 shown in Figure 9, the free ends 109a, 110a are interconnected by a connector (e.g. a strap) 310. The connector 310 extends through the packaging 301 and underneath the foot 91 of the wearer 90. In other words, the free ends 109a, 110a are interconnected by the connector 310 via the packaging 301 . The connector 310 may comprise a portion of the packaging 301 .The connector 310 may be in the form of a strap as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the connector 310 may be in the form of a complementary sole as described below.

Figure 10 shows an exemplary wearable (personal) protection device 400 having an airbag 101 as described above. Many of the features of the wearable protection device 400 are the same as those described in respect of Figure 9. For example, the wearable protection device 400 comprises a packaging 401 and a securing arrangement 402 which is a zipper (in this case on the front of the wearer’s leg 96, similar to the arrangement of Figure 7). Figure 10 shows an alternative form of the connector 410 which is in the form of a complementary sole that accommodates the heel of the wearer 90 and forms an integral part of the packaging 401 . The complementary sole is configured to conform with the shoe or foot 91 of the wearer 90. As with the connector 310 shown in Figure 9, the complementary sole connector 410 interconnects the free ends 109a, 1 10a of the airbag cells 109, 110 via the packaging 401 and maintains this connection when the airbag 101 is in the deployed condition.

Figure 11 shows a wearable (personal) protection device 500 where the packaging is provided in the form of a boot 501 . The boot 501 provides the packaging for the airbag 101 which may be an airbag as described in relation to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 1 shows the airbag 101 (and the wearable protection device 500) in a worn configuration and a deployed condition. The airbag 101 is covered with an elastic material or membrane 510 in both the undeployed and deployed condition. In the undeployed condition, the airbag 101 may be packaged within the boot 501 underneath the elastic material or membrane 510. When the airbag 101 is deployed into the deployed condition (as shown in Figure 11 ), the elastic material or membrane 510 stretches to accommodate the volume of the airbag 101 in the deployed condition. Alternatively, or in addition, the membrane 510 may comprise a split line which is configured to rupture when the airbag 101 deploys.

Figure 12 shows an alternative version of the airbag 101 shown in the preceding Figures. The airbag 601 shown in Figure 12 has similar features to the airbag 101 previously described with respect to Figures 1 to 6. Like features have the same reference numerals as those previously discussed. The airbag 601 may be or form part of a wearable protection device according to the present invention. For example, in any of the examples described herein, the airbag 601 may replace the airbag 101 .

The airbag 601 comprises a third cell 602 which extends transversely away from the elongate main body 108. The third cell 602 is interposed between (and spaced from) the first cell 109 and the second cell 110 along the periphery of the inflatable chamber 107.

In the worn configuration (as shown in Figure 12), the third cell 602 extends over the foot 91 of the wearer 90. In the undeployed condition, the third cell 602 can be folded or rolled into the elongate main body 108 (e.g. as part of the gathered condition of the airbag 601 ) and during deployment, the third cell 602 unfurls into the position shown in Figure 12 so that the foot 91 of the wearer 90 is covered by the third cell 602. This may provide further protection to the wearer 90.

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

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

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations. Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

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

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim.

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

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value, and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedents “about” or “approximately” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The terms “about” or “approximately” in relation to a numerical value are optional and mean, for example, +/- 10%.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements or such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

As may be used herein, any reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one example,” “for example,” or “an example” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in some embodiments” or “one example” in various places in the specification is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, for example. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims. As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” means that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.

The term “or combinations thereof” As may be used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

As may be used herein, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs to a great extent or degree. For example, when associated with a particular event or circumstance, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs at least 80% of the time, or at least 85% of the time, or at least 90% of the time, or at least 95% of the time. For example, the term "substantially adjacent" may mean that two items are 100% adjacent to one another, or that the two items are within close proximity to one another but not 100% adjacent to one another, or that a portion of one of the two items is not 100% adjacent to the other item but is within close proximity to the other item.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . A wearable protection device (200) comprising an airbag (101 ), the airbag (101) comprising a pair of superimposed layers (102, 103), interconnected by a peripheral seam (106) to define an inflatable chamber (107) for the receipt of inflating gas between the layers (102, 103), the peripheral seam (106) defining at least part of a periphery of the inflatable chamber (107), characterised in that: the inflatable chamber (107) comprises an elongate main body (108) and a first cell (109), wherein the first cell (109) extends transversely away from the elongate main body (108); the peripheral seam (106) comprises a first portion (106a) and a second portion (106b) opposite the first portion (106a); the wearable protection device (200) comprises a securing arrangement (202), wherein in use, the first portion (106a) and the second portion (106b) are interconnectable via the securing arrangement (202) such that the airbag (101) can be secured around a body part of a wearer (90) in a worn configuration; and the airbag (101) is configured to be deployed by inflation from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition in which the inflatable chamber (107) is inflated.

2. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 1 wherein the inflatable chamber (107) comprises a second cell (110) extending transversely away from the elongate main body (108) and spaced from the first cell (109) along the periphery of the inflatable chamber (107).

3. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 2 wherein the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) extend from the same side of the elongate main body (108).

4. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein, in the worn configuration, the first cell (109) opposes the second cell (110) such that the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) are on opposing sides of the wearer’s body part.

5. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the inflatable chamber (107) further comprises a third cell (602) which extends transversely away from the elongate main body (108) and which is interposed between the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) along the periphery of the inflatable chamber (107).

6. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) each comprise a respective free end (109a, 110a), and the wearable protection device (200) comprises a connector (310) configured to interconnect the respective free ends (109a, 110a) of the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) when in the worn configuration.

7. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inflatable chamber (107) comprises an inner seam (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) interconnecting the pair of superimposed layers (102, 103) to define a plurality of subchambers (132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b) within the inflatable chamber (107).

8. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 7 wherein the elongate main body (108) of the inflatable chamber (107) comprises the inner seam (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) to define a plurality of sub-chambers (132, 133, 134, 135a, 135b) within the elongate main body (108).

9. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the first cell (109) extends away from the elongate main body (108) in a first direction (51), and the inner seam (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) extends in the first direction (51).

10. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims provided in the undeployed condition, and with the elongate main body (108) in a gathered condition, the airbag (101) being configured, in use, to unfurl during deployment to cover a greater extent of the body part of the wearer (90) in the deployed condition than in the undeployed condition.

11 . The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an inflator (203) configured to provide inflating gas to the inflatable chamber (107) to deploy the airbag (101) into the deployed condition with a peak inflation pressure in the inflatable chamber (107) equal to or greater than about 20 kPa.

12. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a packaging (201 ) configured to receive the airbag (101) in the undeployed condition and to deform and/or rupture to permit the airbag (101) to deploy to the deployed condition.

13. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 12 wherein the packaging (201) comprises the securing arrangement (202) and wherein the first portion (106a) and the second portion (106b) of the peripheral seam (106) are implicated in the packaging (201) such that the packaging (201) and the airbag (101 ) contained within the packaging (201) can be secured around a body part of a wearer (90).

14. The wearable protection device (200) according to claim 12 or claim 13 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the packaging (201) comprises the connector (310) and wherein the respective free ends (109a, 110a) of the first cell (109) and the second cell (110) are implicated in the packaging (201) so as to be interconnected by the packaging (201 ).

15. The wearable protection device (200) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the packaging (201 ) is a shoe, boot or anklet.