Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable safety system and a bag arrangement using
such wearable safety system.
Technical background
[0002] There are numerous helmets available on the market for persons having an active life
and who primarily wants to protect the head in the event of an accident that does
not involve objects falling from above.
[0003] One type of helmet is a so-called integral helmet. Integral helmets are however typically
designed for motor cyclists or the like and are too heavy and clumsy for a biker or
any person who has an active life or a physical work. The other type of helmet is
a helmet that extends like a calotte around the head. Those are typically used by
e.g. bikers but also by e.g. workers. While that kind of helmets provide an efficient
protection to the scull and back head, they do not provide any substantive protection
for the facial area, such as the cheeks, chin and nose.
[0004] There are also alternative, wearable safety systems that are configured to constitute
a substitute to a helmet. One example of such systems comprises a collar that is configured
to be worn around the neck portion of the wearer. The collar comprises an airbag that
is configured to be inflated and deployed in case of an accident and to form an inflated
structure that extends around the head and the facial area. However, the collar may
be experienced as being heavy, warm and bulky, especially among active persons who
require a great freedom of movement of the body.
Summary of the invention
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-described drawbacks,
and to provide an improved wearable safety system that is directed to active people
that are used to wearing a helmet.
[0006] The system should provide a protection to at least a portion of the facial area.
[0007] The system should be applicable, no matter if it comes to commuting, construction
work, outdoor activities or even extreme sports.
[0008] Another object is to provide a wearable safety system that is easy combinable with
a bag, such as a backpack.
[0009] These and other objects that will be apparent from the following summary and description
are achieved by a wearable safety system according to the appended claims.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable safety
system configured to be used in combination with a helmet, comprising:
a harness comprising two shoulder straps, said harness being configured to be worn
on the torso of a wearer;
at least one inflator, an ECU and a battery, said ECU being arranged in communication
with the at least one inflator; and
at least one airbag; wherein
the wearable safety system is configured to generate an activation signal upon detection
of an accident, and
wherein the at least one airbag is configured to be inflated upon the generation of
the activation signal and to be deployed to form at least one inflated C-shaped body
covering a neck portion and a portion of a facial area of the wearer.
[0011] Accordingly, a wearable safety system is provided that is embodied as a harness with
two shoulder straps, whereby the wearable safety system is configured to be worn on
the torso of a wearer. In the event of an accident, the at least one airbag will be
inflated and deployed to form a C-shaped body that not only covers the neck portion
and a portion of the facial area of the wearer, but the C-shaped body will also be
accommodated in the area that is formed below a lower, circumferential edge portion
of the helmet, the wearers collarbone/shoulders and an upper edge of the harness.
The at least one airbag will accordingly when deployed serve as an active supplementary
protection to the helmet. The at least one airbag protects at least a portion of the
facial area and especially the chin, the cheeks and the nose while the helmet protects
the skull and back head. Further, the harness will not restrict the wearers ordinary
movements or choice of clothes.
[0012] Accordingly, a wearable safety system is provided that is easy to wear and to adapt
to the type of clothing and type of activity. Hence one and the same safety system
may be used for a number of different types of daily activities, no matter if they
are related to work, hobbies or sports. The safety system is especially suitable as
a supplement to activities where there is recommended or even required to wear a helmet.
[0013] The C-shaped body may comprise a waist portion and a first and a second arm, the
first and second arms extending from the waist portion. The C-shaped body may be formed
as one or more portions communicating with one or more inflators. In the event of
more than one airbag portion, these may be arranged in fluid communication with each
other and be configured to be inflated by one single inflator. Alternatively, two
or more airbags may be discrete airbags and each airbag may be configured to be inflated
by a respective inflator.
[0014] The free ends of the first and second arms may each have a height exceeding a height
of the waist portion. Thereby, the C-shaped body will in its deployed condition efficiently
be received in the area between the wearer's collarbone and the lower edge of front
end of the helmet.
[0015] The heights of the free ends of the first and second arms may each at least correspond
to a distance between the tip of the chin and the nose tip of the wearer, and preferably
at least correspond to a distance between a tip of the chin and the zygomatic bone
of the wearer.
[0016] The first and the second arms may each have a single-curved extension. By a single-curved
extension, the arms will automatically bend in a forward direction when deployed.
[0017] The first and the second arms may each have a free end, said free ends being configured
to abut each other in a condition when the at least one airbag is inflated and hence
deployed.
[0018] The free ends of the first and second arms may each comprise a friction member or
a mechanical connector. The friction member or mechanical connecter serve as a locking
or restriction means that prevents the free ends of the first and second arms from
separating and opening up in the deployed condition. Non-limiting examples of friction
members are rubber, adhesive, or complementary male and female surface patterns. Non-limiting
examples of mechanical connectors are Velcro
® and magnets.
[0019] The at least one airbag may further be configured to be deployed to form one or more
inflated portions having an extension across at least one of the thorax area of the
wearer, the shoulders of the wearer, and the hips of the wearer. In the event of more
than one portion, these may be arranged in fluid communication with each other and
be configured to be inflated by one single inflator. Alternatively, two or more airbags
may be formed as discrete airbags and each airbag may be configured to be inflated
by a respective inflator.
[0020] The harness may further comprise a back protection panel, and the back protection
panel may support the at least one inflator, the ECU and the battery. The back protection
panel may have an extension along the longitudinal extension of a back wall of the
harness. The back protection panel may be made of a rigid material.
[0021] The at least one inflator may be received in a recess, or in a through-going opening
being formed in the back protection panel.
[0022] It is advantageous if the inflator is received in the recess or in the through-going
opening to be substantially below or in level with one or both of two opposing major
surfaces of the back protection panel. It is preferred that the battery is arranged
in a position that makes it easy accessible from the exterior of the back protection
panel to allow easy re-charging or replacement. The ECU and the one or more inflators
may be arranged in a tamper-proof manner.
[0023] The wearable safety system may further comprise at least one movement sensor from
a group consisting of a gyroscopic sensor and an accelerometer, and wherein the ECU
is configured to determine, based on an input signal from the at least one movement
sensor, existence of an accident and to generate the activation signal. The at least
one movement sensor may be configured to communicate with the ECU in a wired or wireless
manner.
[0024] The shoulder straps may each comprise a buckle arrangement with a buckle sensor,
the buckle sensor being configured to generate a coupling signal indicating if the
wearable safety system is coupled or not to the body of the wearer by using the buckle
arrangement.
[0025] The buckle sensor may, as non-limiting examples, be in the form of a magnetic coupling
that needs to be established by interconnecting components of the buckle arrangement,
or in the form of a closed electric circuit that is established by interconnecting
the components of the buckle arrangement. No matter configuration, the buckle sensor
should be arranged in communication with the ECU, whereby the ECU may determine, based
on the coupling signal, if the shoulder straps are correctly fastened or not and hence
if the wearable safety system is coupled or not to the body of the wearer by using
the buckle arrangement. If determined to be correctly fastened, the wearable safety
system may be set to an active mode, thereby allowing the inflator to be activated
if necessary.
[0026] The at least one airbag may be integrated in an upper portion of a back wall of the
harness and/or in one or both of the two shoulder straps. In the event of the airbag
is designed to protect the hips, such airbag or airbag portion may be integrated in
the hip belt.
[0027] The airbag may be arranged in a rolled condition, in a folded condition or in a combined
rolled and folded condition. The one or more airbags are preferably symmetrically
integrated in the harness as seen along a virtual symmetry line extending along a
longitudinal centreline of the back protection panel.
[0028] The upper end portion of the back wall of the harness or the one or more shoulder
straps, depending on where the at least one airbag is arranged, may comprise one or
more split lines configured to rupture during inflation of the at least one airbag.
The split lines may be provided by locally weaker or locally thinner material. The
one or more spilt lines may by way of example be formed as sewn seams, glued seams
or welded seams.
[0029] The at least one airbag may be removably attached to the harness by means of at least
one quick-coupling arrangement.
[0030] The at least one airbag may comprise a first flap portion configured to, in a deployed
condition, form an inflated body providing a protection to a first part of the wearers
body, and a second flap portion configured to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated
body providing a protection to a second part of the wearers body;
a connector of the first flap portion is connectable to a connector of the second
flap portion, whereby, in a condition when the at least one airbag is deployed, the
first and second inflated bodies are forced to jointly deploy and conform to and at
least partly encircle the first and second parts of the wearers body.
[0031] The first flap portion may be configured to provide a protection to the shoulders
of the wearers body, and the second flap portion may be configured to provide a protection
to the thorax area of the wearers body.
[0032] The connector may be a quick-coupling arrangement. The quick-coupling arrangement
may at least partly be supported by the harness.
[0033] The harness may be integral with or be removably connectable to a bag, thereby forming
a backpack.
[0034] According to another aspect, the invention refers to a bag arrangement provided with
a wearable safety system according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the harness is integral
with or is removably connectable to a bag.
[0035] The wearable safety system as such and its advantages have been thoroughly described
above. Those arguments are equally applicable to a bag using such wearable safety
system. The bag may be configured as a backpack. Thus, in order of avoiding undue
repetition, reference is made to the sections above.
[0036] According to yet another aspect, the invention refers to a wearable safety system
comprising a harness and at least one airbag, the at least one airbag being removably
attached to the harness by means of at least one quick-coupling arrangement; wherein:
the at least one airbag comprises a first flap portion configured to, in a deployed
condition, form an inflated body providing a protection to a first part of the wearers
body, and a second flap portion configured to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated
body providing a protection to a second part of the wearers body; and wherein a connector
of the first flap portion is connectable to a connector of the second flap portion;
whereby, in a condition when the at least one airbag is deployed, the first and second
inflated bodies are forced to jointly deploy and conform to and at least partly encircle
the first and second parts of the wearers body.
Brief description of the drawings
[0037] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic
drawings, which show examples of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a highly schematic illustration of a wearable safety system according to
one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a highly schematic illustration of the interior design of one embodiment
of the harness forming part of the wearable safety system.
Figs. 3a-3c discloses a first embodiment of the wearable safety system with one airbag.
Fig. 4 is a highly schematic view of an airbag in the form of a C-shaped body.
Figs. 5a and 5b disclose an embodiment of one embodiment of a C-shaped body.
Figs. 6a-6c discloses a second embodiment of the wearable safety system with one airbag.
Fig. 7 is a highly schematic illustration of the interior design of another embodiment
of the harness forming part of the wearable safety system.
Figs. 8a and 8b disclose another embodiment of the wearable safety system with two
airbags.
Fig. 9 is a highly schematic view of a bag arrangement according to the invention
in the form of a backpack.
Figs. 10a and 10b disclose, highly schematically, one example where the at least one
airbag is removably attached to the harness by means of a quick-coupling arrangement.
Figs. 11a and 11b disclose one embodiment where connectors are used to control the
overall shape of the at least one airbag in its deployed condition.
Detailed description
[0038] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention
are shown. The present invention may however be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the
scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to
like elements throughout.
[0039] Starting with Fig. 1, one schematic illustration of one embodiment of the harness
1 which forms part of the wearable safety system 100 is provided.
[0040] The harness 1 comprises a back wall 2 configured to face the wearer's back, two shoulder
straps 3a, 3b which are connected to the back wall 2 at an upper and a lower edge
portion thereof, and a hip belt 4 in the form of two flanks 4a, 4b that are connected
to the lower edge of back wall 2. The harness 1 is configured to be supported on and
coupled to the wearer's torso when in use. The hip belt 4 may be omitted.
[0041] The back wall 2, the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the hip belt 4 may be provided
with a suitable padding (not illustrated) on surfaces configured to face the body
of the wearer. The harness 1 may be provided by any suitable material such as a wear
and water-resistant material.
[0042] The two shoulder straps 3a, 3b are provided with a buckle arrangement 5. The buckle
arrangement 5 comprises a first and a second buckle member 5a, 5b that are configured
to be interlocked across the chest area or the wearer during use of the harness 1.
The two flanks 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4 are provided with a buckle arrangement 6 comprising
a first and a second buckle member 6a, 6b that are configured to be interlocked across
the hips of the wearer during use of the harness 1. By the buckle arrangements 5,
6, the harness 1 may be securely coupled to the wearer's torso when in use.
[0043] The back wall 2 comprises a back protection panel 7. The back protection panel 7
which is best seen in Fig. 2, is preferably encapsulated in a protective cover 8 of
the harness 1. The cover may be made tamper-proof. The back protection panel 7 may
be a rigid panel. The pack protection panel 7 may have an extension along the longitudinal
extension of the back wall 2. The back protection panel 7 may be formed of a plastic
material, a composite material or a light-weight metallic material. The back protection
panel 7 provides an overall structure to the harness 1. Further, the back protection
panel 7 may provide a spinal protection in the event of an accident.
[0044] Now turning to Fig. 2, a highly schematic illustration of the interior design of
one embodiment of the harness 1 forming part of the wearable safety system 100 is
disclosed. The disclosed harness 1 comprises one airbag 9a and one inflator 10a.
[0045] The airbag 9a is encapsulated in a folded and/or rolled condition in a compartment
11 which has an extension across an upper portion 20 of the back wall 2 and along
the two shoulder straps 3a, 3b. The airbag 9a is arranged in communication with the
inflator 10a which is supported by the back protection panel 7. The disclosed airbag
9a is in an inflated and deployed condition configured to provide a protection across
a portion of the facial area and optionally also across the shoulders and the thorax
area of the wearer as will be described below. The airbag 9a is arranged in communication
with an opening of the first inflator 10a.
[0046] The airbag 9a is disclosed as one single body. The skilled person does however realize
that the airbag 9a may be divided into two or more bodies. These bodies may be configured
to communicate with each other and hence be configured to be inflated by one single
inflator. Alternatively, the airbags may be stand-alone units and hence be configured
to be inflated by one inflator per airbag.
[0047] The at least one airbag 9a may be made of a flexible fabric material. The material
may be a textile material such as a woven or non-woven material. The material may
be plastic or composite material. The airbag 9a may be provided with tethers (not
illustrated) and other types of elements to control the deployment. Such control is
well known in the art of airbags and is not further discussed.
[0048] The skilled person realizes that the folding and/or rolling of the airbag 9a may
be made in a number of ways with remained function, where the folding pattern is adapted
to the overall geometry of the at least one airbag and to intended deployment.
[0049] The at least one airbag 9a is preferably symmetrically integrated in the harness
as seen along a virtual symmetry line extending along a longitudinal centreline of
the back protection panel 7.
[0050] The back protection panel 7 supports an ECU 13 (Electronic Control Unit) and a battery
14. The ECU 13 which comprises a processor (not illustrated) is arranged in communication
with the at least one inflator 10a. The inflator 10a, which as such is well known
in the art of airbag systems, may comprise a gas generator (not illustrated). The
inflator 10a is configured to be connected to the ECU 13 and to be activated based
on an activation signal which is indicating an accident.
[0051] The ECU 13, the at least one inflator 10a and the battery 14 may be received in one
or more recesses 15, or through-going openings which are formed in the back protection
panel 7. It is advantageous if the ECU 13, the at least one inflator 10a, and the
battery 14 are received in the one or more recesses 15 or through-going openings to
be substantially below or in level with at least one two opposing major surfaces of
the back protection panel 7. Thereby, there are no parts protruding from the back
protection panel 7. The one or more recesses 15 or through-going openings 15 may also
be configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one airbag 9a.
[0052] It is preferred that the battery 14 is arranged in such position that it is easy
accessible from the exterior of the back protection panel 7 to allow easy re-charging
or replacement. Access to the battery 14 may be provided for via a non-illustrated
reclosable opening in the cover 8. It is preferred that the inflator(s), the ECU and
the airbag(s) are arranged in a tamper-proof manner. The skilled person realizes that
the ECU 13, the at least one inflator 10a and the battery 14 with remained function
may be arranged in other positions in the harness 1.
[0053] Now referring to Figs. 1 and 2. As given above, the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and the
hip belt 4 do each comprise a buckle arrangement 5, 6. Each buckle arrangement 5,
6 may comprise a sensor, in the following referred to as a buckle sensor 16, 17. The
buckle sensors 16, 17 are configured to generate a coupling signal indicating if the
wearable safety system 100 is coupled or not to the torso of the wearer by using the
buckle arrangements 5, 6. The buckle sensors 16, 17 may, as non-limiting examples,
be in the form of a magnetic coupling that needs to be established by interconnecting
the buckle members 5a, 5b; 6a, 6b of the buckle arrangements 16, 17, or in the form
of a closed electric circuit that is established by interconnecting the buckle members
5a, 5b; 6a, 6b. No matter configuration, the buckle sensor(s) 16, 17 are arranged
in communication with the ECU 13. The buckle sensors 16, 17 may be configured to communicate
with the ECU 13 in a wired or wireless manner. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine,
based on the coupling signal, if the shoulder straps 3a, 3b and hip belt 4 are correctly
fastened or not and hence if the wearable safety system 100 is coupled or not to the
body of the wearer by using the buckle arrangements 5, 6. If determined to be correctly
fastened, the wearable safety system 100 may be set to an active mode, thereby allowing
the at least one inflator 10a to be activated if necessary.
[0054] Further, the wearable safety system 100 comprises at least one movement sensor 18
from a group consisting of a gyroscopic sensor and an accelerometer. The at least
one movement sensor 18 is configured to communicate with the ECU 13 in a wired or
wireless manner. The at least one movement sensor 18 may be arranged in any suitable
position on the harness 1.
[0055] The ECU 13 is configured to determine, based on an input signal from the at least
one movement sensor 18, existence of an accident and to generate an activation signal.
An accident may be determined to occur in the event the one or more movement sensors
18 indicate a movement or acceleration that alone or in combination exceeds a pre-determined
threshold value. The ECU 13 may be configured to determine and control the activation
of the at least one inflator 10a to thereby inflate and deploy the at least one airbag
9a. In the event of several airbags, the ECU 13 may be configured to determine which
of the one or more airbags should be inflated, or if all airbags in should be inflated
simultaneously depending on the determined type of accident.
[0056] In the event a processor of the ECU 13, based on collected and processed signals
from the at least one movement sensor 18 should determine that there is an accident,
an activation signal will be communicated to the at least one inflator 9a. Based on
this activation signal, the gas generator is activated and generates a gas flow which
inflates the airbag 9a.
[0057] The disclosed airbag 9a is configured to be deployed to form an inflated C-shaped
body that covers a neck portion and a portion of a facial area of the wearer. It may
also be designed to be configured to cover the shoulders and the thorax area of the
wearer. This will be further described below with reference to Figs. 3a-3c and Figs.
6a-6c.
[0058] In the event of a second airbag 9b being arranged in the hip belt, such second airbag
9b may be configured to form a body that extends across the hips of the wearer. This
will be further described below with reference to Fig. 7 and Figs. 8a-8b.
[0059] As is best seen in Fig. 1, the upper portion 20 of the back wall 2 and the two shoulder
straps 3a, 3b comprise split lines 19. The skilled person realizes that depending
on the design of the at least one airbag in the upper portion 20 of the harness 1,
the split lines 19 in the shoulder straps 31, 3b may be omitted. In the event also
the hip belt 4 comprises an airbag 9b, split lines 19 may also be formed along the
two flanks of the hip belt 4. The split lines 19 are schematically illustrated by
dashed lines. The split lines 19 are configured to rupture during inflation of the
at least one airbag 9a. The split lines 19 may be provided by locally weaker material
or locally thinner material. The one or more spilt lines 19 may be formed as sewn
seams, adhesive seams or welded seams.
[0060] The material making up the harness may be configured, upon an activation of the one
or more inflators, to rupture along the split lines 19, thereby forming a flap like
deflector (not illustrated). The deflector may by way of example be configured to
guide the deployment of the first airbag 9a in the forward direction towards the facial
area.
[0061] Now turning to Figs. 3a-3c, the wearable safety system 100 according to a first embodiment
is disclosed. The disclosed safety system 100 and the harness 1 comprises an airbag
9a that only is configured to protect the facial area 302 and the neck 301 of the
wearer. Starting with Fig. 3a, the wearable safety system 100 is disclosed as worn
during its ordinary use. The harness 1 is mounted to the back of the wearer in the
same way as an ordinary backpack. Also, the wearer is disclosed as wearing a helmet
200 on her head. The airbag 9a is contained in the upper end of the harness 1.
[0062] Figs. 3b is a schematic front view of the safety system 100 in its inflated and deployed
condition, while Fig. 3c is a schematic side view of the wearers head and shoulder.
Fig. 4 is a highly schematic top view of the deployed airbag 9a. As is best seen in
Figs. 3b and 3c, the airbag 9a has been inflated and deployed into a C-shaped body
that extends from the top end of the harness 1 and extends on both sides on the neck
301 towards the facial area 302 of the wearer. Thereby the chin, the cheeks and also
the nose are efficiently protected.
[0063] As is best seen in Fig. 4, the C-shaped body comprises a waist portion 91 and a first
and a second arm 92a; 92b. The first and second arms 92a; 92b extend from and merge
with the waist portion 91. The first and the second arms 92a; 92b are disclosed as
having a single-curved extension. By a single-curved extension, the arms 92a; 92b
will automatically bend in a forward direction when deployed.
[0064] The first and the second arms 92a; 92b do each have a free end 93a; 93b. The free
ends 93a; 93b are configured to abut each other in a condition when the at airbag
9a is deployed. To prevent the free ends 93a; 93b from separating and the first and
second arms 92a; 92b from opening up in the deployed condition, the free ends 93a;
93b may each comprise a friction member 94 or a mechanical connector 95. The friction
member 94 or the mechanical connecter 95 serve as a locking or restriction means.
Non-limiting examples of friction members 94 are rubber, adhesive, or complementary
male and female surface patterns such as mating ridges and valleys or mating projections
and recesses. Non-limiting examples of mechanical connectors 95 are Velcro
® and magnets.
[0065] Now turning to Fig. 3c. The free ends 93a, 93b of the first and second arms 92a;
92b do each preferably have a height H that exceeds a height h of the waist portion
91. Thereby, the C-shaped body of the airbag 9a will efficiently be received in the
area between the wearer's collarbone 303 and a lower edge 201 of the helmet 200. The
heights H of the free ends 93a; 93b of the first and second arms 92a; 92b may each
at least correspond to a distance between the tip of the chin and the nose tip of
the wearer, and preferably at least correspond to a distance between a tip of the
chin and the zygomatic bone of the wearer.
[0066] Now turning to Fig. 5a and 5b, another schematic embodiment of the C-shaped inflated
and deployed body of the airbag 9a is disclosed. Fig. 5a is a schematic top-view of
the C-shaped body in its inflated and deployed condition, whereas Fig. 5b is a schematic
view of one of the two free ends.
[0067] As is best seen in Fig. 5b, The C-shaped body is formed by three panels. A first
panel 81 extends along an upper surface 82 of the C-shaped body, and extends downwardly
along the two free ends 93a, 93b and then along the bottom surface 83 of the C-shaped
body. A second panel 84 extends along an inner single-curved surface 85 of the C-shaped
body. A third panel 86 extends along an outer single-curved surface 87 of the C-shaped
body. The three panels 81, 84, 86 are joined along their longitudinal edges 88 by
e.g. welding, sewing or adhesive bonding. The length of the second panel 84 is shorter
than the third panel 86 to thereby contribute to the C-shaped form of the inflated
and deployed body. As a result of the three panels 81, 84, 86, a substantially quadrangular/rectangular
cross-section is provided with substantially flat walls. This is of advantage of keeping
the desired position during deployment on top of the wearer's shoulders. Especially,
the two free ends 93a, 93b will each have a substantially flat extension. This allows
the two free ends 93a, 93b of the C-shaped body to better contact each other in the
deployed condition, see Fig. 5a. This contributes to an improved face protection.
[0068] As is illustrated in Fig. 5b, the C-shaped body may be provided with one or more
tethers 89 (only one showed with dashed lines). The one or more tethers 89 may provide
the C-shaped portion with a slight waist portion. The one or more tethers 89 further
contribute to flattening the walls of the C-shaped body to thereby allow the C-shaped
body to even better conform to the wearer's neck and head shape and also to the shoulders.
The skilled person realizes that the number and positions of the tethers 89 may be
varied within the scope of the invention.
[0069] Figs. 5a and 5b also schematically illustrate one example of where a friction member
94 or mechanical connector 95 is attached to the free ends 93a, 93b.
[0070] Now turning to Figs. 6a-6c, a second embodiment of the wearable safety system 100
is disclosed. The safety system 100 and the harness 1 differ from the system that
was described with reference to Fig. 2 and 3a-3c and Fig. 4 in that the safety system
comprises an airbag 9a that is configured to not only protect a portion of the facial
area 302 but also the shoulders 304 and the thorax area 305 of the wearer.
[0071] Starting with Fig. 6a, the safety system 100 is disclosed as being worn during its
ordinary use. The harness 1 is mounted to the back of the wearer in the same way as
an ordinary backpack. Also, the wearer is disclosed as wearing a helmet 200 on her
head. Fig. 6b is a schematic side view of the wearer and Fig. 6c is a schematic front
view of the safety system 100 when the airbag 9a is in its inflated and deployed condition.
[0072] The deployed airbag 9a comprises a first portion 96 that extends across the neck
301 and a portion of the facial area 302 of the wearer. Thereby the chin, the cheeks
and also the nose are efficiently protected. Further, a second portion 97 of the airbag
9a extends across the shoulders 304 of the wearer and also a third portion 98 extends
across the thorax area 305 of the wearer. The first, second and third portions 96;
97; 98 may be part of one single airbag 9a. The different portions may be arranged
in fluid communication with each other and be configured to be inflated by one single
inflator. Also, the different portions may be provided with fold lines that allow
the inflated airbag to better conform to the wearers body. The skilled person realizes
that the three airbag portions 96; 97; 98 with remained function may be divided into
separate airbags.
[0073] Now turning to Fig. 7, another embodiment a wearable safety system 100' is disclosed.
The safety system 100' differs from the safety system 100 that was disclosed with
reference to Fig. 2 in that the harness 1' further comprises a second airbag 9b that
is encapsulated in a folded and/or rolled condition in a compartment 12 which has
an extension along the two flanks 4a, 4b of the hip belt 4. The second airbag 9b is
arranged in communication with a second inflator 10b which is supported by the back
protection panel 7. The second airbag 9b is in an inflated and deployed condition
configured to provide a protection across the hips. The second airbag 9b is arranged
in communication with an opening of the second inflator 10b. This is one example where
the two inflators 10a, 10b are controlled by one and the same ECU 13. The overall
design of the harness 1 and the first and second airbags 9a, 9b is the same as previously
described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
[0074] Turning to Figs. 8a and 8b, the harness 1' and the wearable safety system 100' according
to Fig. 7 is schematically disclosed in its ordinary use and in its deployed condition
respectively. The two airbags 9a, 9b are contained in the harness in its ordinary
use. The first airbag 9a is of the very same type that was described above with reference
to Figs. 6a-6c and is not further described. The second airbag 9b is deployed along
the hip belt 4 to thereby form a protection of the hips 306 of the wearer.
[0075] Now turning to Fig. 9, the wearable safety system 100; 100' may in one embodiment
be provided as a backpack 102. The harness 1; 1' may be integral with or be removably
connectable to one or more bags 101. The backpack 102 is disclosed with two bags 101
having different sizes, volumes and intended use. By making the bag(s) 101 removably
connectable, the harness 1; 1' may easily be converted from a stand-alone harness
1; 1' to a backpack 102 at the wearer's discretion. The bags 101 may be removably
connectable by using e.g, one or more (non-illustrated) straps or buckles.
[0076] Now turning to Figs. 10a and 10b. The at least one airbag 9a, 9b has been exemplified
above as being fixedly arranged to the harness 1; 1'. However, in the event of an
accident causing a deployment, it is difficult to replace the used airbag with a new
airbag and thereby allow a re-use of the harness 1; 1'.
[0077] Figs. 10a and 10b disclose, highly schematically, one example where the at least
one airbag 9a, 9b is removably attached to the harness 1; 1 by means of a quick-coupling
arrangement 400. In the disclosed embodiment, the at least one airbag 9a, 9b is provided
with eyelets forming female connectors 401, and the harness 1; 1 is provided with
T-shaped projections forming male connectors 402. The reversed positions of the male
and female connectors 401, 402 may be equally applied. To attach the airbag 9a, 9b
to the harness 1; 1', the T-shaped projections are inserted into a respective eyelet.
To remove the airbag 9a, 9b, if necessary, the reversed order is performed. The skilled
person realizes that the number of quick-coupling arrangements 400 in the harness
1; 1' and the airbag 9a, 9b, and their positions depend on the overall shape of the
airbag to be connected and the harness. The positions and number of quick-coupling
arrangements 400 attaching the airbag 9a, 9b to the harness 1; 1' can be used to control
the overall shape of the at least one airbag in its deployed condition. The skilled
person realizes that the quick-coupling arrangement 400 can have another configuration
than a T-shaped projection in combination with an eyelet. Non-limiting examples are
one or more snap fasteners, also known as poppers, straps or strips of Velcro
®.
[0078] The very same principle may be used to connect the at least one airbag to other portions
of the harness, such as to the shoulder straps or the hip belt.
[0079] Now turning to Figs. 11a and 11b, one embodiment is disclosed where connectors are
used to control the overall shape of the at least one airbag 9a, 9b in its deployed
condition.
[0080] Starting with Fig. 11a, one example of an airbag 9a, 9b in its flat, unrolled condition
is disclosed. The disclosed airbag 9a, 9b is specifically configured to provide a
support for the shoulders and the thorax area. The airbag 9a, 9b comprises a first
flap portion 90 and a second flap portion 91. The first flap portion 90 is configured
to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated body that provides a protection to a
first part of the wearers body, namely the shoulders. The second flap portion 91 is
configured to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated body that provides a protection
to a second part of the wearers body, namely the thorax area. It goes without saying
that yet another flap portion can be added to also provide the C-shaped facial and
neck protection discussed above. No matter design, the airbag 9a, 9b has a design
that as such is well known in the art by being divided into different bodies by seams
or weld lines.
[0081] The first flap portion 90 comprises, on opposite sides of a longitudinal centreline,
two female-type connectors. The female-type connectors 92 are arranged in a respective
tab 93 that is arranged along the outer edge of the airbag 9a, 9b. Correspondingly,
the second flap portion 91 comprises, on opposite sides of the longitudinal centreline,
two male-type connectors 94. The connectors 92, 94 are disclosed as being arranged
in an area that as such is not to be inflated. Thus, in the event the second flap
portion 91 is divided into two bodies 95 to be inflated, the male-type connectors
94 are arranged in an area between two such bodies 95. This allows a stronger attachment
of the connectors.
[0082] Now turning to Fig. 11b which highly schematically discloses the airbag 9a, 9b in
an inflated and deployed condition and removably attached to a rear wall of a harness
1; 1. The disclosed arrangement is mirror symmetric about the longitudinal centreline
and only one side is illustrated.
[0083] The harness 1; 1' is very schematically disclosed by dashed lines. The shoulder straps
have been omitted. The airbag 9a, 9b as such is removably attached to the harness
1; 1' by a quick-coupling arrangement 400 of the same type that was discussed above
with reference to Figs. 9a and 9b. Thus, the airbag 9a, 9b is provided with eyelets
forming female-type connectors 401, and the harness 1; 1 is provided with T-shaped
projections forming male-type connectors 402. To attach the airbag 9a, 9b to the harness
1; 1', the T-shaped projections are inserted into their respective eyelets. To remove
the airbag, if necessary, the reversed order is performed.
[0084] Further, the first flap portion 90 that in its deployed condition is configured to
provide a shoulder protection is folded over and connected to the second flap portion
91 that in its deployed condition is configured to provide a protection to the thorax
area. The connection is provided for by the female-type connector 92 of the first
flap portion 90 engaging the male-type connector 94 of the second flap portion 91.
In the event of an accident which causes the airbag 9a, 9b to inflate and deploy,
the interconnection between the two flap portions 90, 91 results in that the resulting
two inflated bodies 95, 96 are forced to jointly deploy and conform to and at least
partly encircle the first and second parts of the wearers body. Thus, the shoulders
and the thorax area will be efficiently protected.
[0085] Accordingly, the invention may according to one aspect be seen as referring to a
wearable safety system comprising a harness 1; 1' and at least one airbag 9a; 9b ,
the at least one airbag being removably attached to the harness by means of at least
one quick-coupling arrangement 400; wherein: the at least one airbag comprises a first
flap portion 90 configured to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated body 96 providing
a protection to a first part of the wearers body, and a second flap portion 91 configured
to, in a deployed condition, form an inflated body 95 providing a protection to a
second part of the wearers body; and wherein a connector 92 of the first flap portion
90 is connectable to a connector 94 of the second flap portion 91; whereby, in a condition
when the at least one airbag is deployed, the first and second inflated bodies 96;
95 are forced to jointly deploy and conform to and at least partly encircle the first
and second parts of the wearers body.
[0086] The very same principle of using connectors to force different inflated bodies to
conform jointly is applicable to also other body parts of the wearer.
[0087] The skilled person realises that a number of modifications of the embodiments described
herein are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined
in the appended claims.
[0088] By way of example, the material of the one or more airbags, may be configured to
be stretched during the deployment. The stretching will add an overall stiffness to
the inflated airbag. This may be provided for by using different material types/properties
in the airbag as a whole or in local surface areas of the airbag.
[0089] No matter embodiment and number of airbags, the spatial extension of the at least
one airbag(s) 9a, 9b as seen in its/their inflated and deployed condition may be divided
into different virtual zones having different thicknesses to thereby provide different
types of cushioning effects across different areas of the wearers body. This effect
may be provided for by using seams and tethers.
[0090] Although the airbag has been exemplified as being arranged in the harness in a rolled
condition or folded condition, the skilled person realizes that other patterns or
combinations of different patterns may be used. No matter how the airbag is packed
in the harness, it is preferred that the airbag(s) is/are symmetrically arranged in
the harness.
1. A wearable safety system (100; 100') configured to be used in combination with a helmet
(200), comprising:
a harness (1; 1') comprising two shoulder straps (3a, 3b), said harness (1; 1') being
configured to be worn on the torso of a wearer;
at least one inflator (10a, 10b), an ECU (13) and a battery (14), said ECU (13) being
arranged in communication with the at least one inflator (10a, 10b); and
at least one airbag (9a, 9b); wherein
the wearable safety system (100; 100') is configured to generate an activation signal
upon detection of an accident, and
wherein the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is configured to be inflated upon the generation
of the activation signal and to be deployed to form at least one inflated C-shaped
body covering a neck portion and a portion of a facial area of the wearer.
2. The wearable safety system according to claim 1, wherein the C-shaped Inflated body
comprises a waist portion (91) and a first and a second arm (92a, 92b), the first
and second arms extending from the waist portion (91).
3. The wearable safety system according to claim 2, wherein free ends (93a, 93b) of the
first and second arms (92a, 92b) each have a height H exceeding a height h of the
waist portion (91).
4. The wearable safety system according to claim 3, wherein the heights H of the free
ends (93a, 93b) of the first and second arms (92a, 92b) each at least corresponds
to a distance between the tip of the chin and the nose tip of the wearer, and preferably
at least corresponds to a distance between a tip of the chin and the zygomatic bone
of the wearer.
5. The wearable safety system according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the first and the
second arms (92a, 92b) each have a single-curved extension.
6. The wearable safety system according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the first and the
second arms (92a, 92b) each has a free end (93a, 93b), said free ends being configured
to abut each other in a condition when the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) is inflated.
7. The wearable safety system according to claim 6, wherein the free ends (93a, 93b)
of the first and second arms (92a, 92b) each comprises a friction member (94) or a
mechanical connector (95).
8. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at
least one airbag (9a, 9b) further is configured to be deployed to form one or more
inflated bodies having an extension across at least one of the thorax area (305) of
the wearer, the shoulders (304) of the wearer, and the hips (306) of the wearer.
9. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the harness
(1; 1') further comprises a back protection panel (7) and wherein the back protection
panel (7) supports the at least one inflator (10a, 10b), the ECU (13) and the battery
(14).
10. The wearable safety system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one inflator
(10a, 10b) is received in a recess (15), or in a through-going opening being formed
in the back protection panel (7).
11. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising
at least one movement sensor (18) from a group consisting of a gyroscopic sensor and
an accelerometer, and wherein the ECU (13) is configured to determine, based on an
input signal from the at least one movement sensor (18), existence of an accident
and to generate the activation signal.
12. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shoulder
straps (3a, 3b) each comprises a buckle arrangement (5, 6) with a buckle sensor (16,
17), the buckle sensor being configured to generate a coupling signal indicating if
the wearable safety system (100; 100') is coupled or not to the body of the wearer
by using the buckle arrangement (5, 6).
13. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at
least one airbag (9a, 9b) is integrated in an upper portion (20) of a back wall of
the harness and/or in one or both of the two shoulder straps (3a, 3b).
14. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at
least one airbag (9a, 9b) is removably attached to the harness (1; 1') by means of
at least one quick-coupling arrangement (400).
15. The wearable safety system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:
the at least one airbag (9a, 9b) comprises a first flap portion (90) configured to,
in a deployed condition, form an inflated body (96) providing a protection to a first
part of the wearers body, and a second flap portion (91) configured to, in a deployed
condition, form an inflated body (95) providing a protection to a second part of the
wearers body;
a connector (92) of the first flap portion (90) is connectable to a connector (94)
of the second flap portion (91); whereby, in a condition when the at least one airbag
(9a, 9b) is deployed, the first and second inflated bodies (95, 96) are forced to
jointly deploy and conform to and at least partly encircle the first and second parts
of the wearers body.
16. A bag arrangement provided with a wearable safety system (100; 100') according to
any of claims 1-15, wherein the harness (1; 1') is integral with or is removably connectable
to a bag (101).