CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A WEARABLE PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE, AND RESPECTIVE WEARABLE PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

 A closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) for a wearable protection device (100, 110, 120), a respective wearable protection device (100) and a method for equipping the wearable protection device (100) are described. The closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) closes an opening between a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second portion of the wearable protection device. The closure device comprises a first coupling component intended to be associated with a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second coupling component intended to be associated with a second portion of the wearable protection device. A coupling between the first coupling component and the second coupling component corresponds to a condition of closure of the first portion of the wearable protection device with the second portion of the wearable protection device. The closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) comprises a sliding assembly (13) able to be engaged with said first coupling component (11) and with said second coupling component (12), said sliding assembly (13) being able to slide between a first position (101) and a second position (102) along the first coupling component (11) and along the second coupling component (12), wherein a sliding movement from the first position (A) to the second position (B) corresponds to a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component (11) with the second coupling component (12). The closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) comprises a sensor device (20) including an activation component (21) mounted on said sliding assembly (13) and a sensitive component (22) arranged in a region closer to said second position (B) than to said first position (A). The activation component (21) is able to interact with said sensitive component (22). An interaction between the activation component (21) and the sensitive component (22) corresponds to a positioning of said sliding assembly (13) in said second position and to the condition of closure of the first coupling portion (A) with the second portion (B) of the wearable protection device.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to the sector of personal protection, in particular to a so-called wearable personal protection device, configures preferably as a protective garment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a closure device for closing a first portion of a wearable personal protection device with a second portion of a wearable personal protection device, wherein said closure device is configured to allow detection of said closure.

[0002] The protective garment is therefore provided with said closure device, which is usually a zip closure device. The present invention is preferably applicable to articles of clothing provided with an inflatable element protection system, designed for sporting use, and in particular to articles of clothing designed for use in motorcycling, cycling, skiing and horse-riding activities.

[0003] During recent years, following constant research into safety during all sporting activities, but more generally all those dangerous activities practised in extreme conditions, or at high speeds, in particular in the motorcycle sector, there has been an increase in the number of specially equipped garments developed with a view to providing both effective and practical protection of the upper portion of a user's body, with the aid of an inflatable member. During an impact, a sliding action or generally a fall, the inflatable element is placed in fluid communication with a gas source. A gas source is for example a compressed-gas canister or more generally a device able to generate a pressurised fluid, also called a fluid generator. In the inflated condition, the inflatable element creates an energy absorption cushion around the part of the user's body. The inflatable element, the gas source and the electronic unit form a so-called wearable personal protection device.

[0004] Basically, the wearable protection device including the inflatable element has normally a shape or form similar to that of a jacket or vest which may be easily worn as such by the user. Similarly, the wearable protection device may be configured to be associated with a garment and, in this case, it is arranged inside a lining or in any case underneath a garment.

[0005] In order to allow such wearability, the wearable protection device has at least two front portions, namely at least two inflatable element portions which extend over the chest of a user and may reach the abdomen zone or even the stomach zone. These two inflatable element portions are usually parts of the same inflatable element and are connected together in a central zone by mean of a closure device. In this way a user may operate the closure device in order to separate the two portions of the wearable device and be able to put on the wearable protection deice in the manner of a normal vest or jacket.

[0006] In some configurations, a wearable protection device which has a lateral opening, namely an opening in a zone situated laterally with respect to the centre towards one side of a user, has been proposed. In this solution, the wearable protection device has a single, front, central, inflatable element portion and a side, or lateral, inflatable element portion. This configuration also ensures practical wearability of the wearable personal protection device.

[0007] In fact, what is important is that the wearable protection device should be able to be opened and that the two portions should therefore be able to be moved apart if necessary and that they may be connected together by means of the closure device, for example a zip or other closing system. In other words, in the condition where the protection device is open, the two portions may be moved apart, and in the closed condition of the protection device, the two inflatable elements are connected together by means of the closure device.

[0008] The connection between the two parts ensures the greatest possible protection for the user's chest and reduces to a minimum any interruptions in the protection which constitute vulnerable zones. The same consideration applies to the flank of the user, should the opening be in a side zone.

[0009] The zones of the chest and sides are in fact so-called "vital" zones for a user since they are zones via which, if there is not suitable protection, the vital organs may be reached. As a result the similarity in terms of form and shape of the inflatable element with a jacket or vest, if on the one hand it makes the inflatable element easier to wear, on the other hand may have a negative impact on the protective capacity of the inflatable bag, owing to superficial interruptions or discontinuities.

[0010] As a result, a further requirement of the wearable protection devices is that of ensuring the connection between the two portions of the wearable protection device by means of the closure device, so as to ensure a high degree of protection for the vital organs. The same further requirement also exists when the closure device is located on one side towards the shoulder, namely towards a zone which is offset with respect to the torso. In this case also there exists the need to ensure that the wearable protection device is closed and in the correct condition to provide suitable protection. Basically, a closed condition of the wearable protection device corresponds to a condition of correct operation of the wearable protection device.

[0011] In other words, the activation system may be activated or "armed" only when the wearable protection device is closed.

[0012] Consequently, such a closed condition of the two inflatable element portions must be regarded as being a condition for possible activation of the system and possible enabling for operation, i.e. for inflation.

[0013] In order to satisfy this requirement, it is known therefore to control a closed condition of the protection device, namely provide a control system which ensures that the two inflatable elements are closed by means of the closure device.

[0014] For this purpose, the wearable protection device comprises a switch device, in the form of a button, located in the end-of-travel position of the zip closure device. The switch device includes an activation component and a sensitive component.

[0015] The sensitive component is able to "sense" the activation component and send a closure signal to the control unit where necessary via an electric activation and/or enabling circuit.

[0016] Expressed differently, the switch device has the form of a button which allows direct electrical contact between two terminals of an electric circuit; of the two terminals, one may be regarded as being the activation component and the other one as being a sensitive component. The electronic unit which controls the inflation of the inflatable element is operatively connected to the two terminals and is configured to position the entire wearable protection device when electrical contact between the two terminals is established.

[0017] The present disclosure is based on a recognition by the inventor(s) that closing of the switch device does not always correspond to the actual closure of the two portions of the wearable protection device. In fact, the condition could exist where the electric button is closed, but the zip closure device is open. Consequently, the condition may arise where the system is ready to active the inflation device, but the closure device is not closed and the two inflatable element parts do not ensure protection.

[0018] Based on said recognition, a technical problem underlying the present disclosure is to provide a closure device and a wearable protection device which are able to ensure effective detection as to when the two garment portions are actually closed and therefore satisfy the aforementioned requirement of guaranteeing adequate protection of the torso by means of continuous superficial protection.

[0019] In order to solve this technical problem, a closure device and a wearable protection device having the main characteristic features which are respectively specified in claim 1 are provided, together with a garment and a method for protecting a user according to the respective independent claims.

[0020] Secondary characteristics of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0021] Said technical problem is solved by means of a closure device for closing a first portion of a wearable protection device with a second portion of the wearable protection device. The closure device comprises:

• a first coupling component intended to be associated with a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second coupling component intended to be associated with a second portion of the wearable protection device; wherein a coupling between the first coupling component and the second coupling component corresponds to a condition of closure of the first portion of the wearable protection device and the second portion of the wearable protection device;
• the closure device comprising a sliding assembly able to be engaged with said first coupling component and said second coupling component, said sliding assembly being able to slide between a first position and a second position along the first coupling component and along the second coupling component, wherein a sliding movement from the first position to the second position corresponds to a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component with the second coupling component and a closure of the first portion of the wearable protection device and the second portion of the wearable protection device, wherein

the closure device comprises a sensor device including an activation component mounted on said sliding assembly and a sensitive component arranged in a region closer to said second position than to said first position, wherein said activation component is able to interact with said sensitive component, wherein an interaction between the activation component and the sensitive component corresponds to a positioning of said sliding assembly in said second position and to the condition of closure of the first portion with the second portion of the wearable protection device.

[0022] Preferably it consists of a total closure of the first portion with the second portion of the wearable protection device, namely when the sliding assembly is in the second position, the first portion and the second portion of the wearable protection device are in the maximum closure condition.

[0023] Preferably, the second position is an end-of-travel position of the sliding assembly.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor device is a proximity sensor. In this way the closure may be "sensed" automatically.

[0025] For example, said proximity sensor is a magnetic proximity sensor and said activation component is a ferromagnetic component and said sensitive component is configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component. This solution has the advantage of simplifying the "sensitive" system since in fact it is necessary to mount the ferromagnetic component on the sliding assembly, and the ferromagnetic component does not require electrical connections, or the like.

[0026] Preferably, the sliding assembly comprises a slider and a puller, wherein the puller is configured to lock when the sliding assembly reaches said second position.

[0027] Consequently, the interaction between the activation component and the sensitive component corresponds only, or exclusively, to a locked condition of said puller. Namely, the interaction between the activation component and the sensitive component is obtained only when said puller is in the locked condition in said second position. In order to obtain this condition, it may be sufficient to have a geometric configuration such that it is necessary to lock the puller, when the sliding assembly is in the second position, because the sensitive component "senses" the activation element. For example, if the sensitive component is a proximity sensor, the activation component is at a sufficiently small distance to interact with the sensitive component.

[0028] For example, it is possible to envisage that the activation component is fixed to the slider. Alternatively, the activation component is fixed to the puller. Again alternatively, the activation component is mounted both on the slider and on the puller. The positioning is chosen depending on the structure and form of the sliding assembly and the space available for housing the activation component. Moreover, as mentioned, the puller is configured so that, when it reaches the second position, the puller is locked in said second position, so as to provide a clear indication of the closure condition.

[0029] In other words, it may be said that the choice of positioning the activation component on either the slider or puller allows selection of the design of the puller, and selection thereof for example in a self-locking form. Preferably, the puller may be of the semi-locking type. In this case, it may be ensured that the interaction with the sensitive component occurs only when the puller is in a locked condition.

[0030] The term "locking" or "semi-locking" is understood as meaning a configuration in which the puller is in a kind of constrained "third position" or "locked condition" and prevents the slider from moving, for example owing to gravity and a pushing force, from the second position. Namely, a displacement from the second position is a displacement which occurs by forcing the locked condition, which otherwise is possible only by releasing the locked condition.

[0031] The sliding assembly, and preferably the puller, must therefore voluntarily released by the user from the locked condition so as to ensure that the sliding assembly is displaced from the second position and is positioned for example in the first position or towards the first position.

[0032] Preferably, the closure device is a zip closure device and said sliding assembly includes said zip slider and zip puller. The fact that it consists of a zip closure device has the advantage that said device may be easily found and easily provided with a sensor device without requiring major modifications. Said device may be easily found also in the case of a self-locking or semi-locking puller.

[0033] Preferably, the closure device comprises a user interface device able to communicate information to a user, wherein said sensitive component is associated with or mounted on said user interface device. In this way, a user is able to easily understand the condition of closure of the first portion of the garment with the second portion of the wearable protection device.

[0034] The second position is preferably an end-of-travel position, for example arranged in the high zone of the user's chest, in the centre or on the side.

[0035] Preferably, the puller is pivotably mounted on the slider and is configured to rotate with respect thereto from a flat initial position, in which the puller is arranged parallel and adjacent to said first and second coupling components, into an overturned final position, in which it is rotated and overturned with respect to said initial resting condition. In other words, the puller is able to rotate through an angle of between about 0° and about 180°, so as to pass from a flat initial position into an overturned final position, and vice versa. When the puller is in the overturned final position, it is rotated through about 180° and overturned with respect to its flat initial position.

[0036] It is clear that the puller is configured to assume all the possible intermediate positions between said flat initial position and said overturned final position.

[0037] Furthermore, when the puller is in said locked condition it is positioned in said flat initial position. In this flat position, interaction with the sensitive component is enabled.

[0038] Furthermore, the closure device may comprise an electric circuit in which said sensitive component forms part of the electric circuit and said sensitive component acts as a switch device for an electric signal, so as to be able to transmit a signal to a more complex device, such as a control device.

[0039] In order to ensure greater reliability of the closure information, the sensitive component of the sensor device is a first sensitive component arranged on one side of said first coupling component and the sensor device comprises a second sensitive component arranged on one side of the second coupling component, wherein both an interaction between the activation component and the first sensitive component and an interaction between the activation component and the second sensitive component correspond to a positioning of said sliding assembly in said second position and to the condition of closure of the first portion with the second portion of the wearable protection device. As a result, a closure condition corresponds to a condition in which both the first sensitive component and the second sensitive component detect the activation component.

[0040] Moreover, preferably, considering that the sensitive component of the sensor device is a first sensitive component arranged on one side of said first coupling component and that the sensor device comprises a second sensitive component arranged on one side of the second coupling component, both an interaction between the activation component and the first sensitive component and an interaction between the activation component and the second sensitive component correspond to a positioning of said sliding assembly in said second position and to the locked condition of said puller. It is pointed out that in this case said activation component may:

• be fixed to said slider, or
• be fixed to said puller, or
• may be fixed to both said slider and to said puller.

[0041] For example, in the case where said activation component is fixed to said slider, said second sensitive component may be an electric contact element configured to interact with a corresponding electric contact element arranged on said puller when it is in said locked condition.

[0042] Alternatively, in the case where the sensor device is a magnetic proximity sensor and the activation component is a ferromagnetic component or magnet fixed only to said puller, or both to said slider and to said puller, the second sensitive component may be configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component arranged on said puller when the latter is in said locked condition.

[0043] In this case, both the first sensitive component and the second sensitive component act as a switch device for sending a closure signal to a more complex device.

[0044] Consequently, the reliability of the closure signal is better ensured since it is generated only by the ferromagnet which is situated in between the two sensitive components.

[0045] Regarding this solution, the advantage of positioning the activation component both on the slider and on the puller allows, in the case of an application with two sensitive components, and in the case where the puller is self-locking or semi-locking, verification of the correct positioning of both the slider in the second position and of the puller in the locked position.

[0046] Preferably, the subject of the present disclosure is a wearable protection device including said first portion of the wearable protection device and said second portion of the wearable protection device. In this way, the sensitive component is a component which has the function of activating a device of the wearable protection device.

[0047] Preferably, said sensitive component is fixed to the first portion of the wearable protection device.

[0048] If the wearable protection device comprises a first sensitive component and a second sensitive component, said first sensitive component is fixed to the first portion of the wearable protection device and said second sensitive component is fixed to the second portion of the wearable protection device.

[0049] The wearable protection device comprises preferably an inflatable element, an inflation device and a control unit, wherein said inflation device is configured to inflate said inflatable element and said control unit is configured to manage activation of the inflation device and wherein said sensor device is connected to said control unit so as to communicate a closed state of the first portion of the wearable protection device and the second portion of the wearable protection device.

[0050] Consequently, the inflatable element is configured to be enabled for inflation only when said puller is in a locked condition. In other words, only when the puller is in the locked condition is the inflatable element enabled. In this way, the inflatable element may be operated.

[0051] In other words, the sensitive component, once it has interacted with the activation component, enables the inflation and potentially allows inflation of the inflatable element.

[0052] This is very advantageous since it ensures a high level of security and allows the inflatable element to be enabled and if necessary activated only when the closure device is stably closed and cannot open accidentally.

[0053] The inflatable element has a first inflatable element portion located in said first portion of the wearable protection device and a second inflatable element portion in said second portion of the inflatable protection device, i.e. an inflation device. In this way closing of the wearable protection device also results in closing of the inflatable element. Even more preferably, the sensitive component is configured to communicate with said control unit by means of an electric signal transmitted via an electrically conductive wire or via a wireless connection, for example via Bluetooth connection.

[0054] Preferably, the wearable personal protection device is part of a protective garment and said first portion of the wearable protection device and said second portion of the wearable protection device are a first garment portion and a second garment portion. In other words, the wearable protection device described above may be a garment as such or incorporated inside a garment, for example inside respective pockets of a garment. The closure device described above may be fixed to the garment so as to be indirectly connected to the portions of the wearable protection device and to the respective portions of the inflatable element.

[0055] If the wearable protection device is a garment as such, i.e. separate, without an overlying garment, the inflatable member may be provided externally, or lined, with a layer or fabric suitable for clothing, and assume the appearance of a garment which may be worn on its own.

[0056] The wearable device described here is able to solve various problems associated with use of the wearable protection devices provided with inflatable elements. In particular:

• it ensures that the protection system is activated only and exclusively when the closure device is correctly closed (for example the zip is completely raised and the puller is lowered, preventing the involuntary opening thereof);
• it allows a reduction in the number of critical components required for correct operation of the protection system and subject to wear/breakage;
• it facilitates switching on and off of the protection system by the user (especially in the case of users with limited mobility or users wearing gloves).

[0057] The present disclosure also relates to a method for equipping a wearable protection device comprising a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second portion of the wearable protection device. The method comprises:

• a step of closing the first portion of the wearable protection device with a second portion of the wearable protection device by means of a first coupling component associated with the first portion of the wearable protection device and a second coupling component associated with the second portion of the wearable protection device;
• in order to close the first portion of the wearable protection device with a second portion of the wearable protection device, a sliding assembly slides between a first position and a second position along the first coupling component and the second coupling component, wherein the sliding movement from the first position to the second position results in a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component with the second coupling component, wherein

• it is envisaged mounting an activation component on said sliding assembly and positioning a sensitive component in a region closer to said second position than to said first position, wherein said activation component is able to interact with said sensitive component;
• it is envisaged detecting the positioning of said sliding assembly in said second position and the closure condition of the first portion with the second portion of the wearable protection device by means of an interaction between the activation component and the sensitive component;
• and it is envisaged locking said puller when said sliding assembly reaches said second position.

[0058] The second position is preferably an end-of-travel position which allows total closure and, when the sliding assembly reaches the second position and the puller is arranged in the locked position, interaction is obtained.

[0059] Preferably, a closure device such as that described above or applied in a wearable protection device such as that described above is used.

[0060] Further advantages, features and modes of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of a number of preferred examples of embodiment thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example.

[0061] It is nevertheless evident that each embodiment may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is nevertheless not necessary that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

[0062] Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings in which:

• Figure 1 shows a front view of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, associated with a wearable protection device;
• Figure 2 shows a view, on a larger scale, of a detail I of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 shows a view, on a larger scale, of a detail of an embodiment which is an alternative to the detail I of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 shows a view, on a larger scale, of a detail of a further embodiment which is an alternative to the detail I shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 5 shows a view, on a larger scale, of a detail of a further embodiment which is an alternative to the detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 2;
• Figure 6 shows a view of a detail of a further embodiment which is an alternative to the detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 7 shows a view of a detail of a further embodiment which is an alternative to the detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 4;
• Figure 8 shows a view of a part of a wearable protection device including a closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• Figure 9 shows a partial view of a further embodiment of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• Figure 10 shows a partial view of a further embodiment of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• Figure 11 shows a partial view of the closure device according to Figure 1;
• Figure 12 shows a partial view of a further embodiment of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• Figure 13 shows a partial view of the closure device according to Figure 1, in an intermediate operating condition;
• Figure 14 shows a partial view of the closure device according to Figure 1 when the sliding assembly is in the second position, in which a puller of the sliding assembly is in the overturned final position;
• Figure 15 shows a partial view of the closure device according to Figure 1 when the sliding assembly is in the second position, in which a puller of the sliding assembly is in the locked condition in a flat initial position.

[0063] With reference to the attached Figures 1 and 2, the reference number 10 indicates a personal protection device for a wearable protection device 100 according to the present disclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wearable protection device 100 is also partially shown in Figure 8. Figures 3-7 and 9-12 show a closure device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h according to alternative embodiments for obtaining a corresponding number of wearable protection devices. In all these embodiments, identical elements which have the same function maintain the same reference number and the description below is valid for all the embodiments. For clearer illustration only the main functional differences between the embodiments will be described.

[0064] Since it consists of a wearable device, in the context of the present disclosure reference will be made to parts of the body which said wearable protection device is intended to protect. Consequently, the wearable protection device may comprise portions which are associated with said parts of the body. Moreover, considering the protective and wearing function of the device, in the context of the present disclosure, spatial references such as above, below, inner, outer and the like will be used. These references are to be understood as being non-limiting with regard to the parts of the body, assuming that the device were being worn.

[0065] More specifically, the closure device 10 is configured to close an opening between a first portion 101 of the wearable protection device 100 and a second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0066] The closure device 10 comprises a first coupling component 11 intended to be associated with the first portion 101 of the wearable protection device 100 and a second coupling component 12 intended to be associated with the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100. The coupling between the first coupling component 11 and the second coupling component 12 from the first position to the second position corresponds to a condition of closure of the first portion 101 of the wearable protection device 100 with the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0067] The closure device 10 comprises a sliding assembly 13 designed to be engaged with said first coupling component 11 and said second coupling component 12.

[0068] The sliding assembly 13 is designed to slide between a first position identified by A in Figure 1 and a second position identified by B in Figure 1 along the first coupling component 10 and the along the second coupling component 12. Preferably, the closure device is a zip closure device and said sliding assembly includes a zip slider and zip puller. This solution offers the advantage of being a device which may be easily mounted on a wearable protection device and a garment in general.

[0069] A sliding movement from the first position A to the second position B corresponds to a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component 11 with the second coupling component 12.

[0070] The closure device 10 comprises a sensor device 20 including an activation component 21 mounted on said sliding assembly 13 and a sensitive component 22 arranged in a region closer to said second position B than to said first position A. Preferably, the sensor device 20 is close to the position B so that the sensitive component is able to interact with the activation component mounted on the sliding assembly 13. Preferably, the second position is an end-of-travel position and corresponds to total closure of the closure device.

[0071] In particular, said activation component 21 is designed to interact with said sensitive component 22, and an interaction between the activation component 21 and the sensitive component corresponds to positioning of said sliding assembly 13 in said second position B and to the condition of closure of the first portion 101 with the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0072] Preferably, the sensor device 20 is a proximity sensor.

[0073] Even more preferably, the proximity sensor is a magnetic proximity sensor and said activation component 21 is a ferromagnetic component and said sensitive component 22 is configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component.

[0074] The sliding assembly 13 comprises a slider 13a and a puller 13b. The puller 13b is configured to lock when the sliding assembly 13 reaches the second position B.

[0075] Preferably, the interaction between the activation component 21 and the sensitive component 22 is obtained only when the puller 13b is in the locked condition.

[0076] With reference to Figures 13, 14 and 15, the puller 13b is pivotably mounted on the slider 13a and is configured to rotate with respect thereto from a flat initial position (Figure 15), in which the puller 13b is arranged parallel and adjacent to said first coupling component 11 and second coupling component 12, into an overturned final position (Figure 14), in which it is rotated and overturned with respect to said initial resting condition. In other words, the puller 13b is able to rotate through an angle of between about 0° and about 180°, so as to pass from a flat initial position into an overturned final position, and vice versa. When the puller is in the overturned final position, it is rotated through about 180° and overturned compared to when it is in the flat initial position.

[0077] When the puller 13b is in the locked condition, it is positioned in said flat initial position (Figure 15).

[0078] For example, the activation component 21 is fixed underneath the slider 13a. This embodiment is indicated by the reference number 10h and is shown in Figure 12.

[0079] Alternatively, the one or more activation components 21 are inserted in the puller 13b by means of interlocking engagement, or gluing, or more preferably, by embedding the magnet directly in the plastic of the puller. This solution is shown in Figure 11.

[0080] In the case of a configuration with one or more magnets positioned underneath the slider 13a, the coupling could be performed by means of interlocking engagement or, more generally, by means of mechanical clamping.

[0081] It is to be understood that all the embodiments of the closure device 10, 10a-10g may be realized so that the respective activation component 21 is situated on the puller 13b or underneath the slider 13a.

[0082] With reference to Figure 4, the closure device 10b comprises a user interface device 30 able to communicate information to a user. In this case, preferably said sensitive component 22 is associated with, or mounted on, said user interface device 30. With this embodiment it is possible to directly determine when the sliding assembly 13 has reached the second position B.

[0083] With reference to Figures 5-7, the sensitive component 22 of the sensor device 20 is a first sensitive component arranged on a first side of said first coupling component 11 and the sensor device 20 comprises a second sensitive component 23 arranged on a second side of the second coupling component 12.

[0084] For example, both an interaction between the activation component 21 and the first sensitive component and an interaction between the activation component 21 and the second sensitive component correspond to positioning of said sliding assembly 13 in said second position B and to the condition of closure of the first portion 101 with the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0085] For example, both an interaction between the activation component 21 and the first sensitive component 22 and an interaction between the activation component 21 and the second sensitive component 23 correspond to positioning of the sliding assembly 13 in the second position A and to the locked condition of said puller 13b.

[0086] For example, in the case where the activation component 21 is fixed to said slider 13a, the second sensitive component 23 may be an electric contact element configured to interact with a corresponding electric contact element arranged on said puller 13b when it is in said locked condition.

[0087] Alternatively, when the sensor device 20 is a magnetic proximity sensor and the activation component 21 is a ferromagnetic component or magnet fixed only to the puller 13b, or both to the slider 13a and to the puller 13b, the second sensitive component 23 may be configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component arranged on said puller 13b when the latter is in said locked condition.

[0088] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, these show in a generic manner an electric circuit 40 which forms part of the wearable protection device. The sensitive component 22 forms part of the electric circuit and said sensitive component 22 acts as a switch device for an electric signal.

[0089] Preferably, if there are two sensitive components 22, 23 both the first sensitive component 22 and the second sensitive component 23 act as a switch device.

[0090] It is to be understood that all the embodiments of the closure device 10, 10a-10h may form part of an electric circuit 30 and that the respective sensitive components 22, 23 may act as a switch device.

[0091] In the case of a configuration of a first sensitive component 22 and second sensitive component 23 these may be connected in parallel (in order to increase the operating area), in series (in order to reduce the possibility of accidental activation) and in other combinations, i.e. series-parallel or parallel-series (in order to obtain the benefits of both the connections). Optionally, in a solution not shown, the first sensitive component 22 and second sensitive component 23 may be mounted on a respective user interface or only one of them on a user interface as shown in Figure 7.

[0092] With reference to Figure 8, this shows a wearable protection device 100 comprising the closure device 10. It is to be understood that a wearable protection device 100 comprising a respective closure device 10a-10h may be provided according to the embodiments described may be provided.

[0093] Preferably, the sensitive component 22 is fixed to the first portion 101 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0094] Preferably, if there are two sensitive components 22, 23, the first sensitive component 22 is fixed to the first portion 101 of the wearable protection device 100 and said second sensitive component 23 is fixed to the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100.

[0095] The wearable protection device 100 has preferably the form of a motorcyclist's jacket and comprises an inflatable element 110, which is shown schematically in broken lines in Figures 1 to 8. The inflatable element 110 is concealed from view, being housed inside an inner pocket. The inflatable element 110 is able to assume substantially a first rest condition or deflated condition, and a second active condition or inflated condition.

[0096] The inflatable element 110 is formed so as to protect a top zone or torso of the user's body. In particular, the inflatable element 110 includes a chest zone and a back zone. The chest zone and the back zone are connected together in fluid communication across the shoulders.

[0097] The inflatable element 110 is configured to be enabled only when the puller 13b is in a locked condition. In other words, only when the puller 13b is in the locked condition is the inflatable element 110 enabled. In this way, the inflatable element may be operated.

[0098] The inflatable element 110 comprises a first inflatable element portion located in said first portion of the wearable protection device and a second inflatable element portion located in said second portion of the wearable protection device. The first inflatable element portion and the second inflatable element portion cover preferably chest zones of a user. The inflatable element 110 may made using the technology described in patent application PCT/IB2009/055512 and in patent application PCT/IT2009/000547, which are incorporated here by reference in their entirety in the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wearable protection device 100 includes the closure device 10 for reversibly connecting the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 of the wearable protection device 100 and intended to close said opening so as to create continuity of the inflatable element portions, preferably in the chest zone. The sensor devices 20 may be mounted directly on the wearable device portion 100 by means of plastic and/or fabric supports or, as mentioned, incorporated in the user interface 30.

[0099] It is to be understood that the closure device 10 according to any one of the embodiments described here may be connected directly to the portions 101, 102 of the wearable protection device 100, or intermediate connections or strips may be provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wearable protection device 100 includes a control unit 120 configured to place the inflatable element 110 in an "inflatability" condition or condition where it can be enabled for inflation. For this purpose, the wearable protection device comprises an inflation device, not shown, configured to inflate said inflatable element 110. In other words, the control unit 120 is configured to manage activation of the inflation device. The inflation modes for inflating the inflatable element 110 are of the known type. In particular, activation of the gas generator may be performed by the control unit depending on detection of the state of the vehicle/rider system; for example said control unit may implement a fall prediction system which allows advance identification of the fall event and reliable prediction thereof by means of accelerometric sensors which are attached to the vehicle or rider and a unit for processing the signals which are produced by the said sensors.

[0100] It should also be noted that the activation modes, although being an aspect of particular importance for effective operation of the device, will not be further described in greater detail since they are methods which are essentially already known to a person skilled in the art of protection of a person from sudden impacts.

[0101] The sensor device 20 is connected to said control unit 120 so as to communicate a closed state of the first portion of the wearable protection device 100 and the second portion of the wearable protection device 100. Even more preferably, said sensitive component is configured to communicate with said control unit 120 by means of an electric signal transmitted via an electrically conductive wire, for example via said circuit 40, or via a wireless connection, for example via a Bluetooth connection.

[0102] Basically, the control unit 120 may be part of said circuit 40, even more preferably together with said user interface 30.

[0103] The present disclosure relates to a method for equipping a wearable protection device 100 comprising a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second portion of the wearable protection device.

[0104] The method comprises:

• a step of closing the first portion of the wearable protection device 100 with a second portion of the wearable protection device 100 by means of a first coupling component associated with the first portion of the wearable protection device and a second coupling component associated with the second portion of the wearable protection device;
• wherein, in order to close the first portion of the wearable protection device 100 with the second portion of the wearable protection device 100, a sliding assembly slides between a first position and a second position along the first coupling component and the second coupling component, wherein the sliding movement from the first position to the second position results in a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component with the second coupling component, wherein
• it is envisaged mounting an activation component 21 on said sliding assembly 13 and positioning a sensitive component 22, 23 in a region closer to said second position than to said first position, wherein said activation component is able to interact with said sensitive component;
• it is envisaged detecting the positioning of said sliding assembly 13 in said second position and the closure condition of the first portion of the wearable protection device 100 with the second portion of the wearable protection device by means of an interaction between the activation component 21 and the sensitive component 22, 23;
• and it is envisaged locking the puller 13b when the sliding assembly 13 reaches said second position. Namely the puller 13b is positioned in the flat initial position.

[0105] The second position is an end-of-travel position, substantially in the high zone of the chest, and when the sliding assembly reaches said high zone of the chest, namely the second position, and the puller 13b is in the locked condition, or in the flat initial condition, the interaction is obtained.

[0106] The method may envisage using a closure device 10 for a wearable protection device according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0107] Furthermore, it should be noted that enabling of the first portion and the second portion of the inflatable element 110 occurs only when the puller 13b is in a locked condition.

[0108] As a result, when the closure device is closed, the first inflatable element portion provides continuous protection on the chest together with the second inflatable element portion.

[0109] The subject-matter of the present disclosure has been described hitherto with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments relating to the same inventive idea may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are attached below.

Claims

1. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) for a wearable protection device (100, 110, 120), said closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) being configured to close an opening between a first portion of the wearable protection device and a second portion of the wearable protection device, comprising:

- a first coupling component (11) intended to be associated with a first portion (101) of the wearable protection device, and a second coupling component (12) intended to be associated with a second portion (102) of the wearable protection device; wherein a coupling between the first coupling component (11) and the second coupling component (12) corresponds to a condition of closure of the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device with the second portion (102) of the wearable protection device,

- the closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) comprising a sliding assembly (13) able to be engaged with said first coupling component (11) and with said second coupling component (12), said sliding assembly (13) being able to slide between a first position (A) and a second position (B) along the first coupling component (11) and along the second coupling component (12), wherein a sliding movement from the first position (A) to the second position (B) corresponds to a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component (11) with the second coupling component (12) and a closure of the first portion of the wearable protection device with the second portion of the wearable protection device, wherein

the closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) comprises a sensor device (20) including an activation component (21) mounted on said sliding assembly (13) and a sensitive component (22) arranged in a region closer to said second position (B) than to said first position (A), wherein said activation component (21) is able to interact with said sensitive component (22), wherein an interaction between the activation component (21) and the sensitive component (22) corresponds to a positioning of said sliding assembly (13) in said second position and to the condition of closure of the first portion (101) with the second portion (102) of the wearable protection device, wherein said sliding assembly (13) comprises a slider (13a) and a puller (13b) and wherein said puller (13b) is configured to lock, or be locked, when said sliding assembly (13) reaches said second position (B).

2. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 1, wherein said activation component (21) is fixed to said slider (13a), or wherein said activation component (21) is fixed to said puller (13b), or wherein said activation component (21) is fixed both to said slider (13a) and to said puller (13b).

3. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interaction between said activation component (21) and said sensitive component (22) corresponds only, or exclusively, to a locked condition of said puller (13b).

4. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (20) is a proximity sensor.

5. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 4, wherein said proximity sensor is a magnetic proximity sensor and said activation component (21) is a ferromagnetic component or magnet, and said sensitive component (22) is configured to change its own state when in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component.

6. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user interface device (30) able to communicate information to a user, wherein said sensitive component (22) is associated with or mounted on said user interface device (30).

7. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical circuit (40) wherein said sensitive component is part of the electrical circuit (40) and wherein said sensitive component (22) acts as a switch device for an electrical signal.

8. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) is a zip closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) having a zip, and said sliding assembly includes the slider and the zip puller.

9. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensitive component (22) of the sensor device is a first sensitive component arranged on one side of said first coupling component (11) and the sensor device comprises a second sensitive component (23) arranged on one side of said second coupling component (12), wherein both an interaction between the activation component (21) and the first sensitive component (22) and an interaction between the activation component (21) and the second sensitive component (23) correspond to a positioning of said sliding assembly (13) in said second position (A) and to the condition of closure of the first portion (101) with the second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100).

10. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 2, wherein said activation component (21) is fixed to said slider (13a) or wherein said activation component (21) is fixed to said puller (13b) or wherein said activation component (21) is fixed both to said slider (13a) and to said puller (13b), and wherein the sensitive component (22) of the sensor device (20) is a first sensitive component arranged on one side of said first coupling component (11) and the sensor device (20) comprises a second sensitive component (23) arranged on one side of the second coupling component (12), wherein both an interaction between the activation component (21) and the first sensitive component (22) and an interaction between the activation component (21) and the second sensitive component (23) correspond to a positioning of said sliding assembly (13) in said second position (A) and to the locked condition of said puller (13b).

11. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 10, wherein:

- said activation component (21) is fixed to said slider (13a) and said second sensitive component (23) is an electric contact component configured to interact with a corresponding electric contact element arranged on said puller (13b) when it is in said locked condition; or wherein

- said activation component (21) is fixed to said puller (13b), or both to said slider (13a) and to said puller (13b), and said sensor device (20) is a magnetic proximity sensor, wherein said activation component (21) is a ferromagnetic component or magnet, wherein said sensitive component (22) is configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said ferromagnetic component, and wherein said second sensitive component (23) is configured to change its state when it is in the proximity of said second ferromagnetic component arranged on said puller (13b) when it is in said locked condition.

12. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein both the first sensitive component (22) and the second sensitive component (23) act as a switch device.

13. Closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said puller (13b) is pivotably mounted on said slider (13a) and configured to rotate with respect to it from a flat initial position, in which said puller (13b) is arranged parallel and adjacent to said first coupling component (11) and said second coupling component (12), into an overturned final position, in which it is rotated and overturned with respect to said flat initial position, wherein said puller (13b), when it is in said locked condition, is positioned in said flat initial position.

14. Wearable protection device (100) comprising said first portion (101) and said second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100) and a closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Wearable protection device (100) according to claim 14 in combination with any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said sensitive component is fixed to the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device.

16. Wearable protection device (100) according to claim 14 in combination with claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein said first sensitive component (22) is fixed to the first portion (101) and said second sensitive component (23) is fixed to the second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100).

17. Wearable protection device (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising an inflatable element (110) configured to be enabled for inflation only when said puller (13b) is in a locked condition.

18. Wearable protection device (100) according to claim 17, wherein said inflatable element (110) has a first inflatable element portion in said first portion (101) of the wearable protection device and a second inflatable element portion (102) in said second portion of the wearable protection device, an inflation device and a control unit (120), wherein said inflation device is configured to inflate said inflatable element (110) and said control unit (120) is configured to manage an activation of the inflation device, and wherein said sensor device (20) is connected to said control unit (120) so as to communicate a state of closure of the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100) and said second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100).

19. Wearable protection device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least said sensitive component (22) is configured to communicate with said control unit (120) by means of an electrical signal transmitted via an electrically conductive wire or via a wireless connection, for example via a Bluetooth connection.

20. Method for equipping a wearable protection device (100) comprising a first portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100) and a second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100), the method comprising:

- a step of closing the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100) with the second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100) by means of a first coupling component (11) associated with the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100) and a second coupling component (12) associated with the second portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100);

- in order to close the first portion (101) of the wearable protection device (100) with a second portion (102) of the wearable protection device (100), a sliding assembly (13) comprising a slider (13a) and a puller (13b) is provided, said sliding assembly sliding between a first position (A) and a second position (B) along the first coupling component (11) and the second coupling component (12), wherein the sliding movement from the first position (A) to the second position (B) results in a progressive coupled condition of the first coupling component (11) with the second coupling component (12), wherein

- it is envisaged mounting an activation component (21) on said sliding assembly (13) and positioning a sensitive component (22) in a region closer to said second position (B) than to said first position (A), wherein said activation component (21) is able to interact with said sensitive component (22),

- it is envisaged detecting the positioning of said sliding assembly (13) in said second position (B) and the condition of closure of the first portion (A) with the second portion (B) of the wearable protection device by means of an interaction between the activation component (21) and the sensitive component (22), and

- it is envisaged locking said puller (13b) when said sliding assembly (13) reaches said second position.

21. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the second position (B) is an end-of-travel position and, when the sliding assembly (13) reaches the second position and said puller is in the locked condition, said interaction is achieved.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a closure device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) as defined in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 is used.

23. Method according to claim 20 or 21 for a wearable protection device (100) as defined in any one of the preceding claims 14 to 19.

24. Method according to claim 20 or 21 for a wearable protection device (100) as defined in claim 17 and 18, wherein, when the closure device is closed, the first portion of the inflatable element forms a continuous protection on the chest with the second portion of the inflatable element, and wherein enabling of the first portion and the second portion of said inflatable element (110) occurs only when said puller (13b) is in a locked condition.

Drawing