Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AIRBAG FOR HEAD PROTECTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The 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 example
through DE19754541A1 and through W001/54523A1. A problem with these devices is
that it is not adaptable for different users. Different users have different
physical
dimensions, such as width or length of the neck. Also, different users are
comfortable
with different tightness of the device when worn. A user may also want to
adapt the size
of the device according to the clothes he/she is wearing. Bulky winter clothes
could
require a larger sized device, whereas light summer clothes could allow for a
smaller
sized device.
It would therefore be beneficial for the user to be able to adapt the size of
the
device to his/her specific needs.
SUMMARY
An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of airbag system
which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates
the
drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to
provide
an airbag system that is ergonomic and adaptable to different users. These
objects are
achieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with
preferred
embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.
In a first aspect of the invention, an airbag system is provided, the system
comprising an airbag which upon inflation forms a helmet. The system further
comprises a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-
inflated
state 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.
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In one embodiment, the size adjustment means is arrangeable between the
airbag and the shell. This provides for easy access to the size adjustment
means such
that the size is easily adjustable.
The airbag system may be arranged as a collar, and the size adjustment means
may be arranged to adjust the diameter of the collar from a larger diameter to
a smaller
diameter. The collar is thus adjustable such that it suits different users.
In one embodiment, the at least one size adjustment means comprises a set of
pads which are arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the
exterior surface
of the shell facing the user. By arranging the pads in the airbag system, the
size of the
system is adapted to the individual conditions for every user. The user may
himself
choose how many pads to use. Different sizes of pads or elongate pads may be
provided
such that different adjustments may be obtained. This is advantageous if the
user wants
several adjustment options.
The at least one size adjustment means may comprise an elongate pad which is
arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior surface of
the shell
facing the user. The size of the airbag system may thus be adapted.
Alternatively, the at least one size adjustment means comprises an elastic
band
or strap, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior
surface of the
shell facing the user.
Additionally, the size adjustment means may comprise a set of additional
detachable shells having smaller sizes compared to the detachable shell. By
using
another shell, it is possible to adjust the collar according to the physical
dimensions and
properties of the user, or according to other items worn by the user.
In one embodiment, the size adjustment means is an inflatable tube, and
further, the airbag system comprises a valve for inflation of the inflatable
tube. The
valve provides for different amount of air being provided in the inflatable
tube, and the
size of the collar is thus continuously adjustable.
Preferably, the airbag system further comprises a pump for inflation of the
inflatable tube. This has the advantage that the pump is always available if a
size
adjustment is required.
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In a preferred embodiment, the size adjustment means comprises a band or
strap, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, or on the exterior
surface of the
shell facing the user.
The airbag system may further comprises a strap fastening means arranged at
an end of the collar to fasten the at least one strap such that each strap is
divided into
two loops with the strap fastening means between them. This has the advantage
that the
loops are easy and intuitive to manipulate, and the size of the collar is
continuously
adjustable.
Preferably, the airbag system comprises a strap fastening means arranged at an
end of the collar to fasten an at least one strap arranged through the
fastening means,
wherein the fastening means comprises a spool member inside a housing and the
strap is
secured to the spool member. This has the advantage that there are no loose
ends and
continuous and intuitive control over the size of the collar is achieved.Each
of the above
options provides a user with the ability to adjust the collar according to the
physical
dimensions and proportions of the user, or according to other items worn by
the user.
In a second aspect of the invention, an inflatable helmet is provided
comprising
the above airbag system. It is preferred that it is possible to adjust the
size of the
inflatable helmet. This is possible with such an airbag system.
In a third aspect of the invention, an item of apparel is provided comprising
the
above airbag system. It is preferred that it is possible to adjust the size of
the item of
apparel. This is possible with such an airbag system.
In one embodiment, the item of apparel is a collar. This is beneficial since
it is
an 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; references
being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-
limiting
examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.
Fig. la is a schematic view of a user wearing an inflatable helmet according
to
some embodiments;
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Fig. lb is a schematic view of a user wearing an inflated helmet according to
some embodiments;
Figs. 2a-c are schematic views of different resting positions according to
different 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
adjustment
means according to one embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the collar in Fig. 4 with size
adjustment
means 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
adjustment
means according to one embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a side view of the collar of Fig. 4 with size adjustment means
according to one embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a side view of the collar in Fig. 9 with adjusted size adjustment
means;
Fig. 11 is a side view of the collar of Fig. 4 with adjusted size adjustment
means according to one embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a side view of a collar with size adjustment means according to one
embodiment;
Figs. 13a-b are side views of a collar with size adjustment means according to
one embodiment;
Fig. 14 is a side view of a collar with size adjustment means according to one
embodiment; and
Fig. 15 is a side view of a collar with size adjustment means according to one
embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference
to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth
5 herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that
this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
the
invention, 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 an
embodiment in its non-inflated state. Further, an item of apparel 11 is
schematically
shown in Fig. la. The item of apparel 11 has the shape of a collar which is
worn around
the neck 2 of a user 3. Thus, the collar 11 is intended to be worn on top of
other clothes
around the neck of the user 3 as a preventive measure in case of an accident.
The collar
11 encloses a folded airbag 20 in an uninflated state, which is inflated to
form a helmet
100 when electronic circuitry, also enclosed within the collar 11, determines
that the
movement of the collar 11, and hence the movement of the user 3, corresponds
to a
predetermined accident movement. Thus, the head region of the user 3 is
protected in
case 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 portion
provided with an interlocking means 12, such as a zipper, Velcro or releasable
male/female connectors to connect the ends of the apparel 11 e.g. adjacently
the user's 3
throat or neck region. The interlocking means 12 facilitates easy dressing and
undressing of the apparel 11 on the user 3. In one embodiment, the
interlocking means
connects the ends of the apparel 11 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
apparel
11. The apparel 11 is thus easily attached to the neck of the user by
attaching the first
fastening body and the second fastening body to each other, and the apparel 11
is
released from the neck of the user 3 by detaching the first and second
fastening bodies
from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second fastening
body are a
female and male connector.
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In some embodiments, the position of the different parts of the interlocking
means may determine if the airbag system configured to controlling the
inflation of the
airbag is turned on (i.e. having power) or turned off, and if its turned on in
an active
state or in an idle state. The interlocking means is configured to be arranged
in a first
locking position or a second locking position when the first fastening body
and the
second fastening body are connected to each other. When the interlocking means
is in a
first locking position, the system is automatically put into an idle state and
when the
interlocking means is in a second locking position, the system is
automatically put into
an active state.
The inflated airbag helmet 100 is schematically shown in Fig. lb. Here, the
collar 11 is opened to release the airbag 20 previously enclosed therein. The
airbag 20
surrounds the neck 2 and the head 4 of the user 3 and provides an efficient
protection
for the user 3.
The airbag 20 may e.g. comprise an inner bag suitable for inflation surrounded
by an outer bag. Both the inner bag and the outer bag are formed of a flexible
material
in order to be folded and stored within the collar 11 prior to inflation. The
inflated
helmet 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 bag
surrounding the inner bag.
The method of constructing the airbag comprises forming the helmet shaped
airbag 100 having a head and neck protecting shape from a substantially flat
piece of
material.
Construction of the airbag 20 may e.g. be performed by sewing the seams of
the airbag whilst the airbag is maintained in a flat format. Optionally, the
airbag may be
manufactured by a one piece woven material such that a flat bag is formed. By
constructing the airbag 20 with the material in a flat format the costs and
complexity
associated with sewing are reduced.
Examples of how to provide the airbag as a double-bag configuration is
disclosed in W02012044245 by the same applicant.
When the airbag system is not worn by the user, the collar 11 can be put in a
resting position to allow the user to carry the collar 11 easier for example
by putting it
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in a bag. All electronics in the airbag system is turned off when the airbag
system is put
in the resting position. In the resting position the collar is connected such
that the
diameter of the collar is greatly reduce as is shown in the exemplary
embodiments in
Figs. 2a-c. This prevents the user from being able to have the collar 11
arranged around
the neck when the collar is in its resting position. This resting or carrying
position is
beneficial if the user 3 is not doing the intended activity, but still wants
to carry around
the airbag system for practical reasons. If the intended activity is riding a
bicycle, the
user 3 may for example put the airbag system 100 in a resting position when
he/she is
entering a store to do some shopping before riding the bicycle again.
Three different resting positions are shown in Figs. 2a-c, where the diameter
of
the collar is reduced by connecting different parts of the collar 11 by
connecting means
9. 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
be
arranged in a spiral shape (as in Fig. 2a), in a bottle-shape (as in Fig. 2b)
or in a heart
shape (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
a
pattern. The user 3 may exchange the outer shell 13 in order to update the
look of the
20 collar 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 if
the dimensions of the collar 11 are alterable. If the size of the collar 11 is
fixed, a user 3
may not be able to use it if he/she is wearing e.g. a scarf or a high-necked
piece of
clothing, or wearing the collar 11 becomes uncomfortable. Therefore, the
collar 11 is
provided with size adjustment means such that the ergonomics of the collar 11
is
improved.
In Fig. 4 a collar 11 in an original non-adjusted state is disclosed. From the
outside of the collar 11 and inwards are the following portions arranged:
outer shell 13,
outer piece of material of airbag 121b, inner piece of material of airbag
121a, and again
outer shell 13. The unadjusted collar 11 has a diameter D.
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The size adjustment means may e.g. comprise a set of pads 15, an elongate pad
16, an inflatable tube 19, an elastic band 23, at least one elastic strap 26a,
26b or one or
more additional shell 13'. The size adjustment means preferably comprises at
least one
strap 56a, 56b arranged through a fastening means 58 comprising a spool or
arranged in
two loops divided by a fastening means 58. In one embodiment, the size
adjustment
means comprises a set of pads 15. The pads 15 can be positioned at the shell
13, either
on its interior side or its exterior side such that the inner diameter of the
collar 11 is
decreased. In Fig. 5 the collar 11 is disclosed in an adjusted state, with a
number of pads
inserted at the exterior side of the outer shell 13 and facing the neck of an
intended
10 user. The diameter of the collar 11 is thus decreased and measures d,
where d< D.
The size of the pads 15 may vary such that different sizes, i.e. diameters, of
the
collar 11 can be obtained. Also the number of pads 15 used can be chosen by
the user 3
such that the collar 11 is optimally adjusted to him/her. As is readily
understood the
pads 15 could also be positioned on the inner side of the shell 13, i.e.
between the shell
15 13 and inner piece of material of airbag 121a.
Another option, shown in Fig. 6, is to use an elongate pad 16, which is
arranged either between the outer shell 13 and the inner piece of material
121a 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.
Elongate
pads 16 of different dimensions may be available such that the user 3 have
different
adjustment options and may adjust the diameter of the collar 11 accordingly.
The
elongate pad 16 may in one embodiment be inserted into the outer shell 13 from
the
joint portion provided with interlocking means 12. In another embodiment,
shown in
Fig. 7, the outer shell 13 comprises a closable opening 18 along the entire,
or part of a
.. longitudinal portion 17 of the collar 11, perpendicular to the joint
portion, through
which the elongate pad 16 may be inserted.
In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, an inflatable tube 19 is located
within
the outer shell 13, or on the exterior side of the shell 13 facing the neck of
the intended
user. By keeping the tube 19 uninflated the collar 11 maintains its largest
possible
diameter D. By inflation of the tube 19 a stepless adjustment of the diameter
towards a
smaller diameter d is obtained. The collar 11 comprises a valve 30 by which
the tube 19
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can be inflated. In one embodiment, the collar 11 comprises a built-in pump 31
for
inflation of the tube 19. The pump 31 may be accommodated inside the shell 13
were it
is protected when not in use. Alternatively, the pump 31 is attached to the
outside of the
shell 13 for easy access, e.g. with Velcro, a strap, a pocket or any other
suitable
attachment means (not shown). In another embodiment, an external pump (not
shown)
is used for the inflation of the tube 19.
In 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 outer
piece of material 121b of the airbag 20. In order to adjust the size of the
collar lithe
elastic band 23 is stretched and fastened by means of suitable fastening means
24 either
to 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
fastening
means 24 may be a clamping device for stepless adjustment of the size, or a
button or
hooking device providing stepwise adjustment. The width and elasticity of the
band 23
is 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 13
or to the airbag 20 by means of the fastening means 24.
As another option, shown in Fig. 11, the size adjustment means is an
additional
detachable shell 13'. The largest size of the collar 11 is obtained by the
shell 13 for
which the state of the airbag 20 is unaffected when inserted into the shell
13, i.e. the size
of the shell 13 is only slightly larger than the airbag 20, as shown in the
previous
embodiments. A smaller size of the collar 11 is obtained by fitting the airbag
20 into the
shell 13' having a smaller size compared to the size of the airbag 20. Thus,
the airbag 20
is more or less compressed, corrugated or creased, and a smaller size of the
collar 11 is
achieved. The set of shells 13, 13' may comprise additional, even smaller
shells (not
shown) for a stepwise adjustment of the size of the collar 11.
In yet another option, shown in Fig. 12, the size adjustment means comprises
at
least one elastic strap 26a, 26b arranged along the length of the collar 11.
In order to
adjust the size of the collar lithe elastic strap 26a, 26b are stretched and
fastened by
means of suitable strap fastening means 28 either to the shell 13 or to the
airbag 20 such
that the strap 26a, 26b is kept in its stretched state. Thus the size of the
collar 11 is
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decreased. By releasing the strap fastening means 28, the strap return to its
unstretched
state and the size of the collar is increased.
In Fig. 12, two elastic straps 26a, 26b are shown but it should be understood
that any number of straps could be used to adjust the size of the collar 11.
In the
5 .. embodiment shown in Fig. 12õ the elastic straps 26a, 26b are arranged on
an inside wall
of the shell 13. In yet one embodiment the elastic straps 26a, 26b are
provided between
the airbag 20 and the shell 13. The elastic straps 26a, 26b may also be
arranged at the
exterior side of the shell 13 facing the neck of an intended user.
The outer shell 13 comprises a number of openings 27a, 27b corresponding to
10 the number of elastic straps. The openings 27a, 27b may be arranged
either on the side
facing the neck of an intended user or on the opposite side. Preferably, the
openings
27a, 27b are arranged in close conjunction to each end of the joint portion
provided with
an interlocking means 12. The openings 27a, 27b are arranged to receive the
elastic
straps 26a, 26b so that the user can pull the straps 26a, 26b until a desired
diameter of
the collar 11 is achieved. Once the user pulls the straps 26a, 26b at each
end, the size of
the 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
from moving unintentionally. Preferably, the strap fastening means 28 is a
plate shaped
device having openings adapted for receiving the straps 26a, 26b. The ends of
the elastic
.. straps 26a, 26b may be tied or arranged with an end piece so as to ensure
that the straps
26a, 26b are attached to the strap fastening means 28.
Figs. 13a-b show yet another embodiment of a size adjustment means. Fig. 13a
shows the side of the shell 13 that is facing the intended neck of the user
and Fig. 13b is
shown from the opposite side. The size adjustment means comprises at least one
elastic
strap 26a, 26b arranged along the length of the collar 11. The at least one
elastic strap
26a, 26b may be provided either between the airbag 20 and the shell 13,
arranged on an
inside wall of the shell 13 or arranged at the exterior side of the shell 13
facing the neck
of 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 openings
.. 27a, 27b arranged in the shell 13 such that the least one strap 26a, 26b at
least partly
extends on both longitudinal sides of the shell 13.
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In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13a-b the at least one strap is in the
form
of a loop, such as a rubber band. In order to adjust the size of the collar
lithe end
portions of the straps 26a, 26b are fastened by means of suitable strap
fastening means
28 such that the elastic straps 26a, 26b are stretched and the size of the
collar is
decreased. The fastening means 28 is preferably arranged such that it is in
easy reach by
the 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 13
on 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, the
strap 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 one
loop strap 26a, 26b for allowing different tension and length of the strap(s).
The
fastening means 28 may for example comprise a plurality of protrusions 29
spaced apart
from each other. The protrusions 29 may for example be a button or similar
protruding
element. 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.
Fig. 14 shows yet another embodiment of a size adjustment means. In Fig. 14
the side of the shell 13 that is facing the intended neck of the user is
shown. The size
adjustment means comprises two straps 40, 42. Each strap 40, 42 is attached at
one
respective end of the collar 11. The opposite end of each strap 40, 42 is
provided with
attachment means, such as push buttons 44, 46. The straps 40, 42 may e.g.
extend in a
pocket 48 extending along the inner side of the collar 11. The pocket 48 may
have a slit
49 arranged centrally through which the free end of the straps 40, 42 can be
accessed. In
the 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 of
the interconnected straps 40, 42 and thereby provide size adjustment of the
collar 11.
Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a size adjustment means. Fig. 15 shows the
side of the shell 13 that is facing the intended neck of the user. The size
adjustment
means comprises at least one strap 56a, 56b arranged along the length of the
collar 11.
The at least one strap 56a, 56b may be provided either between the airbag 20
and the
shell 13, arranged on an inside wall of the shell 13 or arranged at the
exterior side of the
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shell 13 facing the neck of an intended user. In the embodiment shown in Fig.
15, the at
least one strap 56a, 56b is arranged such that the end portion of the strap
56a, 56b
extends through openings 57a, 57b arranged in the shell 13 such that the least
one strap
56a, 56b at least partly extends on both longitudinal sides of the shell 13.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15 the at least one strap 56a, 56b is in
the
form of a loop, such as a rubber band. In order to adjust the size of the
collar lithe end
portions of the straps 56a, 56b are fastened by means of suitable strap
fastening means
58 such that each strap 56a, 56b is divided into two loops with the strap
fastening means
58 between them, wherein a first loop 59a extends around the collar 11 and a
second,
preferably smaller loop 59b extends freely from the strap fastening means 58.
The size
of the first loop 59a is inversely proportional to the size of the second loop
59b. If the
size of the second loop 59b is extended, for example by adjusting the strap
fastening
means 58 or by pulling at the second loop 59b, the size of the first loop 59a
is decreased
since the at least one strap 56a, 56b is relatively fixed in size and
therefore the size of
the collar 11 is decreased. The at least one strap 56a, 56b may be elastic and
may be
very slightly elastic or rigid. By adjusting the sizes of the first and second
loops 59a,
59b, different tension and length of the collar 11 is allowed. The fastening
means 58 is
preferably arranged such that it is in easy reach by the intended user without
coming
into contact with the enclosed airbag and electronics. The fastening means 58
may for
example be arranged at the exterior side of the shell 13 on the opposite side
of the side
facing the neck of an intended user, as illustrated in Fig. 15. The fastening
means may
for example comprise a clamp, a spool or a combination of the two. The at
least one
strap 56a, 56b may be arranged to have a preferred state when the first loop
59a is as big
or almost as big as is possible. This may preferably be done by using the
elastic or non-
elastic properties of the strap. By releasing the at least one strap 56a, 56b
from the strap
fastening means 58, the strap returns to its preferred state which increases
the size of the
first loop 59a, in turn increasing the size of the collar 11. The user fastens
the loops 59a,
59b of the at least one strap 56a, 56b in the fastening means 58 such that it
provides a
suitable size of the collar 11.
In a further, preferred embodiment the size adjusting means includes only one
strap being maneuverable by means of a fastening means 58; the fastening means
58
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may in such embodiment have a spool member inside a housing. The strap is
secured to
the spool member such that when the spool member is rotated in a tightening
direction
(e.g. by means of a knob or similar), the strap will be drawn into the
housing. The spool
member may have spool teeth around its periphery, such that the spool member
is
locked in position after desired tightening. Release of the spool member may
e.g. be
achieved by pulling the knob axially away from the housing. In case the spool
member
is spring biased, automatic untightening of the strap will be immediately
effected. A
feature in common for all the above described embodiments is that it is the
outer shell
13 that decides the maximum size, i.e. the diameter D of the collar 11. The
size can be
adjusted to become smaller in order to suit the individual user 3. An
advantage relevant
for all embodiments is that the user ergonomics is improved.
