TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to inflatable protection devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to protection devices that can be worn on the human body or surround other elements to be protected. Further in particular, the present disclosure relates to wearable protection devices that surround a body part or element and adapt their shape to the body part or element when inflated.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Inflatable protection devices are well known in the automotive industry. For a long time, inflatable elements, also known as airbags, have been provided in the interior of vehicles to protect occupants in the case of accidents. Such inflatable elements are deployed, i.e., inflated, in the event of an imminent or ongoing vehicle crash, to cushion the impact of a vehicle occupant on elements of the car like the steering wheel or the dashboard. Over time, additional inflatable elements were distributed throughout the car cabin to provide further protection in case of uncommon crash angles. E.g., side airbags, window airbags as well as airbags for rear seat passengers are common practice nowadays. Some vehicles even comprise inflatable elements arranged at the exterior of the vehicle in order to protect people involved in a vehicle crash but outside of the vehicle in the event of a crash scenario.

[0003] Newer personal protection devices are intended to provide specific protection of dedicated elements or body parts by arranging inflatable protection devices in the vicinity of a certain element or body part to be protected. By wearing an inflatable protection device at a defined position on the body, the inflatable protection device may be inflated in the event of an imminent or ongoing accident to provide a cushioning effect for that area. E.g., inflatable protection devices are known that are worn like a regular belt and comprise inflatable elements that are arranged to deploy upon detection of a fall incident, to mitigate the fall by providing a cushioning effect, to reduce impact forces acting on the body of the wearer. In other words, such inflatable protection devices, e.g., intended to provide protection for the hip area of its wearer, detect that the person wearing the protection device is about to fall and subsequently initiates deployment of the inflatable elements, i.e., inflating inflatable elements. The inflatable elements are arranged in the vicinity of the body part to be protected so that the inflatable element is expected to be situated between the body of the wearer and an impacting object, e.g., the floor, a wall, or another arbitrary object at the time of impact to protect the body part.

[0004] Inflatable elements when transitioning from an essentially uninflated condition to an inflated condition regularly change their shape due to the filling of the interior of the inflatable element with a gas. Such a change in shape regularly comprises that at least one dimension of the inflatable element increases, i.e., gets larger, while another dimension of the inflatable elements decreases, i.e., gets smaller. To provide optimal protection however, a good and tight fit of the wearable protection device relative to the body of the wearer is required to assure protection from accidents.

[0005] To provide such a tight fit around the element or the body part to be protected, in light of the foregoing explanations, the inflatable protection device preferably requires means to adapt its shape when in the at least partially inflated state so that it remains adjacent to and thus protecting the element or the body part to be protected. Regularly, this is realized by introducing non- inflatable regions or regions that are less inflatable than the main inflating regions providing protection functionality. Thereby, flexibility in the shape of the inflatable protection device is maintained so that it conforms to the shape of the element or the body part to be protected both in the uninflated as well as the inflated or the at least partially inflated state. Such inflatable regions may be provided by seams, integrally formed, or separately manufactured, that are spaced at certain intervals, and which function as hinges in the fabric of the inflatable protection device. By these hinges, two inflated regions may move relative to one another, e.g., rotate about the seam so that a three-dimensional shape of the inflatable protection device is provided that conforms with the element or body part to be protected.

[0006] An uninflated region however generally provides less protective functionality than an inflated region. E.g., a sharp or pointy object or generally an object having a pronounced edge may circumvent the protection provided by the inflatable protection device when impacting in the area of the uninflated region.

[0007] Thus, there may be a need for providing added protection in the vicinity of the uninflated region.

[0008] Further, there may be a need for a simplified inflation of elements provided the added protection

SUMMARY

[0009] At least one such need may be met by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims and are explained in detail in the following description.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an inflatable protection device, for protection of an element or a body part of a wearer, comprising an inflatable element arranged adjacent to an element or body part to be protected, wherein the inflatable element is inflatable from a first, substantially uninflated condition to a second, substantially inflated condition, by application of a releasable source of a gas to the inflatable element, for at least partially filling of the inflatable element with said gas, wherein the inflatable element, when being inflated to the second condition, assumes a predetermined three-dimensional shape at least partially around the element or body part, wherein the inflatable element comprises at least one non-inflatable region, in particular arranged adjacent to or in between at least two inflatable regions, wherein the inflatable protection device comprises at least one inflatable extension element, wherein the inflatable extension element is inflatable from a first, substantially uninflated condition to a second, substantially inflated condition, with the application of a gas, and wherein at least in the inflated condition the inflatable extension element is arranged in superimposition with the at least one non-inflatable region, so to provide protection for the element or the body part in the region of the non-inflatable region.

[001 1] The present invention relates to inflatable protection devices. In particular, the present invention provides an inflatable protection device that is arranged so that it adapts its shape to conform to an element or body part to be protected when in the inflated state. Said adaptation is provided by providing at least two inflatable regions separated from one another by and non- inflatable region. Such a non-inflatable region may be provided as an integrally woven seam where one fabric side of the inflatable protection device is integrally connected to a second fabric side during the manufacturing of the inflatable protection device. Alternatively, a non-inflatable region may be provided by connecting two layers of fabric of the inflatable protection device, e.g., by stitching, welding, or the like. In both cases, and area results where the inflatable protection device cannot be inflated. Thereby, even in the inflated or at least partially inflated condition, a certain flexibility to move inflated regions relative to one another remains as the uninflated region may function as a hinge, e.g., a living hinge. The non-inflatable region may be seen as connecting to inflatable regions, so that the inflatable regions may move relative to one another to assume an intended three-dimensional shape around the element or body part to be protected.

[0012] In order to avoid exposure of the element or the body part to be protected the present invention provides an inflatable extension element, in particular an integrally formed inflatable extension element, which is formed as a part of the inflatable protection device which can be brought in superposition with the at least one uninflated region, thereby adding protection for the element or the body part to be protected in the area where the non-inflatable region would only provide a reduced protection. By providing the superimposed arrangement of the non-inflatable region and the inflatable regions, the result may be providing an essentially continuous inflated arrangement of individual elements around the element or body part to be protected, by covering non-inflatable regions with inflatable extension element. Assuming that the inflatable protection device is arranged around element or body part to be protected, the inflatable extension element may be arranged radially outward or radially inward of the inflatable protection device. In other words, the inflatable protection device may be arranged between the radially outwardly arranged inflatable extension element or alternatively, the inflatable extension element may be arranged radially inward between the inflatable protection device and the element or body part to be protected.

[0013] E.g., the inflatable extension element may resemble in form, size, and local arrangement the non-inflatable region. Thereby, an overlapping, a local superimposition, of the non-inflatable region and the inflatable extension element may be realized in a simple and efficient manner. E.g., the inflatable extension element may be folded onto the non-inflatable region, so that when the inflatable protection device is inflated, and with the inflation also the inflatable extension element is inflated, the inflated inflatable extension element bridges the gap that is provided by the non-inflatable region. The inflatable extension element may be held in position by further attachment means, thereby assuring that the inflatable extension element is positioned correctly when the inflation is about to commence.

[0014] To provide sufficient flexibility for the inflatable protection device, the attachment of the inflatable extension element may be realized with sufficient degrees of freedom so that the inflatable protection device may still assume the intended three-dimensional shape around the element or body part to be protected when inflated. It may be beneficial to provide only a spot attachment or line attachment, thus an attachment that avoids the attachment of the inflatable extension element over a larger area, which could prohibit the forming of the intended three- dimensional shape of the inflatable protection device.

[0015] Such attachment means may be realized again integrally formed by integrally weaving fabric forming the inflatable protection device and the inflatable extension element. Such integral weaving may provide a particularly strong connection between a particular region of the inflatable protection device and the inflatable extension element while minimizing a negative effect on the flexibility of the inflatable protection device to assume the intended three-dimensional shape in the inflated condition. Alternatively, the attachment of the inflatable extension element in the vicinity of the non-inflatable region may be provided by an appropriate connection method, again like stitching, welding, sewing, etc. Still alternatively, the inflatable extension element may not be fixed in place relative to the non-inflatable region that may be positioned accordingly when the inflatable protection device is mounted to the element or body part to be protected. E.g., a wearer donning the variable protection device may arrange the inflatable extension element appropriately in the vicinity of the non-inflatable region.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element may be integrally formed.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable extension element and the inflatable element may be integrally formed as a one-piece woven element [0018] By integrally forming the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element it is conceivable to provide a comparably strong connection between the inflatable element and the inflated extension element or between the protection device in general and the inflated extension element. By integrally forming, it is avoided to require a joining of the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element by additional means like stitching, welding, riveting and like, which potentially reduce the integral stability of the inflated element and the inflated extension element and further may not provide as strong connection as in connection may provide.

[0019] One particularly preferred way of integral connection may be an integrally woven one- piece woven element, where essentially continuous yarn is used for forming the individual parts or elements of the inflatable protection device. Thereby, it is avoided to introduce weak points into the structure of the inflatable protection device which may result in a premature structural failure.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element may be inflatable from the same gas source, or wherein the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element may be inflatable from different gas sources.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element, and the inflatable extension element, when being inflated to the second condition, may be inflated in succession, such that inflation of one element may commence earlier than the inflation of the other element.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflation of the first element may be substantially complete before commencing the inflation of the second element or may commence before substantially complete inflation.

[0023] Using the same gas source provides the benefit that the inflatable elements may be inflated substantially concurrently from the same gas source so that a timewise coordination is not required. Depending on the specific formation of the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element, the inflation may be substantially concurrently or may be in succession depending on the specific embodiment of the gas flow paths from the gas source to the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element. E.g., in case one gas flow path is narrower than the other gas flow path, one inflatable element may be inflated only after the inflation of the other inflatable element commenced, substantially progressed, or finished. Thereby, either the inflatable element may be inflated before or after the inflatable extension element or vice versa. Depending on the specific location of the inflatable extension element relative to the inflatable protection device, it may be beneficial to first commence with the inflation of the inflatable extension element or the inflatable element. [0024] Alternatively, using two gas sources may allow a timed succession of inflation. E.g., the first gas source may be released at a defined point in time, e.g., in reaction to an occurring or imminent accident, while the release of the second gas source may be delayed, e.g., until the inflatable element connected to the first gas source is sufficiently inflated. Again, depending on the specific location of the inflatable extension element relative to the inflatable protection device, it may be beneficial to first commence with the inflation of the inflatable extension element or the inflatable element.

[0025] In case it is realized that one inflatable element is inflated earlier than a further inflatable element, it may not be necessary to complete the inflation of the first inflatable element to be inflated before inflating the further inflatable element. Indeed, it may be sufficient to start inflation of a first inflatable element, e.g., the inflatable extension element, slightly ahead of the inflation of the second inflatable element, e.g., the inflatable element or the inflatable protection device in general.

[0026] Further alternatively, depending on the structural arrangement of the inflatable protection device, it may be beneficial to finish inflation of a first inflatable element for commencing with the inflation of a second element. E.g., in case of a rather tight fit of the inflatable protection device around and element or body part to be protected, it may allow for an easier inflation of an inwardly arranged inflatable element, e.g., an inflatable extension element arranged between the federal protection device and the element or body part to be protected. Further, in case a first inflatable element is sufficiently inflated before inflating a second inflatable element, and easier positioning or superimposition of the first inflatable element relative to the second inflatable element may be realized.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the inflatable extension element in the region of the non-inflatable region and the shape of the non-inflatable region may match such that the resulting superimposed structure of the inflatable extension element and the non-inflatable region may comprise a substantially uniform and/or substantially continuous inflated thickness.

[0028] Providing such form or shape matching inflatable elements allows to provide a substantially continuous protection functionality without encumbering a wearer of the inflatable protection element and/or to non-uniformly strain or put force on the element or the body part to be protected. A substantially uniform or continuous inflated thickness rather distributes a force acting on the element or the body part to be protected in a uniform manner across the surface of the element or the body part to be protected. In other words, in case there would be a protruding part of either the inflatable element or the inflatable extension element, such protruding part would exhibit a particular local force resulting in anything from an uncomfortable fit to an extreme local force acting in the area of the protruding part, possibly injuring the body part to be protected or damaging the element. E.g., in case a protruding part is providing extreme pressure to a part of the body part or the element when in the inflated condition, an external force acting on the inflatable protection device, e.g., in the case of an accident scenario, may be concentrated in the area of the protruding part instead of being spread evenly over the surface of the element or body part to be protected, and thereby not providing the protection functionality.

[0029] It may not be necessary that the shape or form of the inflatable extension element and the area of the non-inflatable region substantially completely conform to each other’s shapes. E.g., the inflatable extension element may be embodied as a circular tube or a flat tubular structure and may be arranged adjacent to the non-inflatable region situated between the inflatable regions adjacent to the non-inflatable region, thereby essentially filling or bridging the gap between the inflatable regions provided by the non-inflatable region. The resulting surface may still be considered uniform if the external force acting on the inflatable protection device is sufficiently distributed across the interior surface of the inflatable protection device and thus over the surface of the element or body part to be protected so that no extreme local force occurs.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable extension element may be connected to the inflatable element in a first region where the inflatable extension element and the inflatable element may be in fluid connection so to be tillable by the same gas source, and wherein the inflatable extension element may be connected to the inflatable element in a second region, in particular with a non-fluid connection, so to maintain a defined position relative to the non-inflatable region.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element may be formed in the region of or adjacent to the non-inflatable region, and wherein the inflatable element and the non-inflatable region may be brought into superimposition by folding one element relative to the other element.

[0032] The interior of the inflatable extension element and the interior of the inflatable element or the inflatable protection device in general, may be in fluid connection in a first region so that a gas used for filling the inflatable protection device naturally transitions through the fluid connection from the interior of the inflatable element/inflatable protection device to the interior of the inflatable extension element, thereby inflating the inflatable extension element. Such an inflation may be simultaneous or successive, and that either one of the inflatable extension element or the inflatable element/inflatable protection device is inflated before the respective other elements. Depending on the volume to be filled, one element may be substantially fully inflated before the other element may be substantially fully inflated. E.g., in case the inflatable extension element/its internal volume is comparably small compared to the inflatable element/inflatable protection device, a simultaneous inflation may result in the inflatable extension element being substantially completely inflated before the inflatable element is substantially completely inflated. In case of a substantially unobstructed fluid connection between the inflatable extension element and the inflatable element in the first region, the inflation may occur concurrently despite a difference in internal volume, so that all inflatable elements are substantially completely inflated at substantially the same time.

[0033] With the connection of the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element in the second region, the position of the inflatable extension element relative to the inflatable element, to the non-inflatable region or to the inflatable protection device in general may be defined. E.g., in case the inflatable extension element is protruding from the inflatable protection device in the first region/the fluid connection, and is bent over back or folded towards/on top of or about the inflatable protection device so that it rests against the inflatable protection device in the area of the inflatable elements or in particular the non-inflatable region, the relative position of the inflatable extension element and the inflatable element/non-inflatable region/inflatable protection device may be fixed. Such a fixation in the second region may be provided by a scene connecting the elements, by stitching, welding, or using rivets or buttons or the like. The inflatable extension element may in particular comprise a non-inflatable part in the area of the second region so that it can be connected to the inflatable protection device in the second region by the aforementioned methods without risking the unintentional leaking of gas used for filling the inflatable protection device.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element may comprise a first fabric side and a second fabric side for forming an inflatable region or inflatable volume between the fabric sides, and wherein the non-inflatable region is a region where the fabric side are connected in direct contact or are integrally formed.

[0035] The inflatable element, but also the inflatable extension element and the inflatable protection device in general may comprise a first fabric side and a second fabric side that are connected so that an inflatable interior volume is formed. In order to provide an airtight inflatable interior volume, the fabric sides need to be connected in an airtight manner. In case the inflatable element is formed from separate fabric sides, the joining may be performed by stitching together the fabric sides by forming a dedicated seam or by welding the fabric sides, e.g., by application of heat so that the fabric sides are at least partially melting in the local area of heat application, thereby joining the fabric sides in a substantially airtight manner. Alternatively, the fabric sides may be integrally connected, e.g., by a one-piece woven fabrication process.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable extension element may be arranged between the inflatable element and the element or body part, or the inflatable element may be arranged between the inflatable extension element and the element or body part. [0037] An arrangement where the inflatable extension element is arranged between the inflatable element and the element or body part to be protected allows a simple positioning and holding in place of the inflatable extension elements, since it is essentially tucked away between the inflatable element/the inflatable protection device in general and the element or body part to be protected. In other words, the inflatable extension element remains in place between and the element or body part to be protected and the inflatable protection device since no significant forces may act on the inflatable extension element that would otherwise reposition or move the inflatable extension element. In particular when the inflatable extension element and the inflatable element are connected, in particular fluidly connected, in a first region and are otherwise connected in a second region, and accidental repositioning of one element relative to the other element may be avoided.

[0038] Alternatively, when the inflatable element/the inflatable protection device in general is situated between the inflatable extension element and the element or body part to be protected, the shape of the inflatable extension element may not be required to conform with the inflatable protection device in the area of the non-inflatable region to the same degree as when the inflatable extension element is the between the inflatable element and the element or body part to be protected. E.g., in case the inflatable extension element is of a circular extension and the non- inflatable region is V-shaped, the inflatable extension element in order to provide additional protection for the non-inflatable region may protrude beyond the outer surface of the inflatable protection device to a larger degree. Such a protrusion may be not detrimental to the protection function when on the outside of the inflatable protection device while it may provide an area of increased exposure to external forces when situated on the inside of the inflatable protection device by protruding beyond the inner surface of the inflatable protection device towards the element or body part to be protected.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the non- inflatable region and the inflatable extension element may comprise a substantial linear, straight, or curved two-dimensional extension.

[0040] Such an easy geometrical shape may allow the preferred adaptation of the shape and form of the inflatable extension element and the non-inflatable region so that the weak area of the non-inflatable region may be sufficiently covered or compensated by the provision of the inflatable extension element having a similar shape. Thereby, the non-inflatable region may be adapted for optimal protection of the element or body part to be protected by allowing the required movement of the inflatable elements relative to one another along the non-inflatable region. In this regard, the non-inflatable region can be adapted as required by the protection function of the inflatable protection element while not being required to consider the weaknesses introduced thereby to the same extent as the weaknesses are subsequently compensated by the appropriately shaped inflatable extension element covering or compensating the weakness of the non-inflatable region.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable element may comprise a plurality of non-inflatable regions and/or a plurality of inflatable extension elements, in particular wherein the number of non-inflatable regions may equal the number of inflatable extension elements.

[0042] By providing a plurality of non-inflatable regions a preferred three-dimensional shape of the inflatable protection device, specifically adapted to the shape and form of the element or body part to be protected may be provided. The areas of reduced protection introduced by the non- inflatable regions may subsequently be compensated by the provision of the inflatable extension elements. The number of inflatable extension elements and the number of non-inflatable regions does not necessarily be the same. E.g., in case it is beneficial for the protection functionality, a non-inflatable region may be provided with a plurality of inflatable extension elements, each specifically adapted to a part of the non-inflatable region. Such may allow a preferred adaptation of the shape and form of the inflatable extension elements and the non-inflatable regions to increase the protection function of the inflatable protection device.

[0043] Exemplarily, the non-inflatable region may be V-shaped and be covered by exemplarily two inflatable extension elements each covering one leg of the V. Alternatively, the inflatable extension element itself may be V-shaped. Such a V shape of the non-inflatable region may provide a preferred adaptation of the three-dimensional shape of the inflatable protection device to the shape of the element or body part to be protected to achieve enhanced protection functionality. A V-shaped inflatable extension element may be fluidly connected in a first region at the bottom side of the V with two second regions where the inflatable extension element is connected to the inflatable protection device so that the two legs of the V are held in place adjacent to the V shaped non-inflatable region. Alternatively, the V-shaped inflatable extension element may comprise two fluid connections, e.g., at the two top sides of the V, which may result in an automatic positioning of the V-shaped inflatable extension adjacent to a V shaped non- inflatable region. Since the two top sides of the V may be fluidly connected with the inflatable interior of the inflatable protection device and are joined at the bottom and of the V, the resulting shape of the inflatable extension element is substantially defined. When inflated, the V-shaped is formed and substantially coincides with the V shaped non-inflatable region, if so adapted. Even a rolled-up V-shaped extension element may unroll and/or extend to form the V-shape, thereby avoiding accidental misalignment of the inflatable extension element and the non-inflatable region. It may still be preferable to provide a fixation between the inflatable extension element and the inflatable protection device in the second region as described previously. [0044] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the inflatable element and the inflatable extension element may comprise at least one internal stabilization element and/or woven-in-tether so to provide a three-dimensional shape for accommodating the element or the body part.

[0045] By providing an internal stabilization element or a woven-in-tether, the overall three- dimensional shape, in particular the thickness of certain regions of the inflatable protection device may be defined. Thus, by the provision of one or a plurality of such internal stabilization elements, a curvature of the inflatable protection device in the inflated condition may be provided so that the three-dimensional shape conforms to the outer surface shape of the element or the body part to be protected. The internal stabilization element or woven-in-tether may likewise be used in the inflatable extension element to provide a defined three-dimensional structure to the inflatable extension element, e.g., so that a better match of the shape of the inflatable extension element and e.g., a non-inflatable region may be provided. Thereby, a preferred inner or outer uniform surface may be formed where no element is particularly protruding.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflatable protection device may be a wearable protection device, in particular a jacket-type protection device or a trouser type protection device.

[0047] Due to the provisioning of a plurality of non-inflatable regions, the overall shape of the inflatable protection device may be adapted to the overall shape and form of a human body. As such, the inflatable protection device may be embodied as a jacket type protection device or a trouser type protection device. The inflatable protection device may thus substantially surround a part of the body of a wearer for protecting that part. The wearer may be a pedestrian, e.g., crossing the street, or a cyclist or motorcyclist riding a vehicle. The present concept is however not limited to two wheeled vehicles. It is likewise conceivable that a wearer wears the protection device while occupying a four-wheeled vehicle, like a car, truck, bus, or van. Even in the interior, the inflatable protection device, when inflated in an ongoing or imminent vehicle crash, may provide extra protection to the wearer, even in case they are seated. The inflatable protection device may be embodied to protect especially the parts of the body that are particularly exposed in a certain application scenario. E.g., for occupants of a vehicle, it may be beneficial that the inflatable protection device provides protection to a prominently exposed front side of the wearer, whereas a less exposed back side, e.g., resting against a sear of a vehicle, may experience less or a reduced protection. Such reduced protection may be realised by the provisioning of a reduced size of an inflatable air chamber in the interior of the inflatable protection device, or the omission of the same altogether in a region less prone to accident exposure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows an inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure in a plan view.

[0050] Figs. 2A to 2C show the steps of preparing the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure in a wearable configuration.

[0052] Figs. 4A to 4C show further views of the steps of preparing an inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Figs. 5A to 5C show the operating steps of inflating the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Figs. 6A and 6B show the operating steps of inflating of an alternative embodiment of the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Now referring to Fig. 1 , which shows an inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure in a plan view.

[0056] Figure 1 shows an inflatable protection device 100 in a plan view, or in other words in a non-assembled state. The inflatable protection device 100 comprises a first fabric side and a second fabric side, which is not separately discernible in figure 1 . The first fabric side and the second fabric side essentially coincide, i.e., are substantially identically shaped. One fabric side forms the outer side of the inflatable protection device 100 and one fabric side forms the inner side of the inflatable protection device 100. The fabric sides are joined together by seam 116. Seam 1 16 may be an integrally formed seam in that the fabric sides are one piece woven to form the seam 116. Alternatively, the fabric sides may be separate fabric sides which are joined by seam 116 embodied as a weld or stitching.

[0057] The inflatable protection device 100 of figure 1 a comprises a chest area 122, a back area 124 and shoulder areas 126. Further, the inflatable protection device 100 comprises a head opening 120. In the area of the head opening 120, a gas inlet 108 is provided, which is essentially a fluid pathway between the fabric sides into the interior of the inflatable protection device 100. A gas generating element, not depicted, may be connected to the gas inlet 108 for filling the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 with a gas, thus inflating the inflatable protection device 100. The inflatable protection device 100 comprises a plurality of inflatable elements 102, e.g., inflatable chambers, which are in fluid communication with one another and with gas inlet 108 so that gas introduced into the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 through the gas inlet 108 is distributed throughout the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 and thus inflates the inflatable protection device 100. In addition to the peripheral seam 116, the inflatable protection device 100 of figure 1 exemplarily comprises a plurality of connection points 114a which are provided to maintain a defined distance between the fabric sides of the inflatable protection device 100 so to avoid the flaring out or ballooning of certain areas of the inflatable protection device 100. The connection points 1 14a may be externally introduced connection points, e.g., by welding or stitching, or may be integrally formed using a one-piece woven technique and/or by providing woven in tethers in the interior of the inflatable protection device when manufacturing the same.

[0058] In order to allow a defined three-dimensional shape, in addition to the connection points 114a, the inflatable protection device 100 comprises non-inflatable regions 106, which are in particular arranged between defined inflatable elements 102. Such non-inflatable regions 106 are in particular regions where the two fabric sides are joined as described previously, e.g., by welding, stitching, or one-piece weaving. The non-inflatable regions 106 allow a relative movement of one inflatable element relative to a further inflatable element, thereby allowing the inflatable protection device 100 to conform to an element or body part to be protected when the surrounding the same. Such non-inflatable regions 106 however are weak points or weak regions in the structure of the inflatable protection device 100 in that non-inflatable regions 106 do not provide the same protection as inflatable elements 102. In order to provide a substantially continuous inflated structure around the element or body part to be protected, the inflatable protection device 100 comprises inflatable extension elements 104, which are arranged such that they may be inflated, in the embodiment of figure 1 , at essentially the same time as the inflatable elements 102. The inflatable extension elements 104 are brought in superposition with the non- inflatable regions 106, thereby strengthening the weak points or weak regions of the inflatable protection device 100 introduced by the non-inflatable regions 106.

[0059] In the embodiments of figure 1 , the inflatable extension elements 104 are extending in a first region 110 from the inflatable protection device 100 and are intended to be folded 128 back onto the non-inflatable regions 106in said first region 110, thereby bringing the non-inflatable regions 106 and the inflatable extension elements 104 in superposition. The folding is indicated by the black arrows in figure 1. When folded, when brought into superposition with the non- inflatable regions 106, the inflatable extension elements 104 may be fastened in a second region 112 to the surface of the inflatable protection device 100 so that the inflatable extension elements 104 remain in a defined position relative to the inflatable protection device 100, i.e., in superposition with the non-inflatable region 106. The folding and fastening of the inflatable extension element 104 to the inflatable protection device 100 is not depicted in figure 1.

[0060] In order to further provide a three-dimensional shape, the inflatable protection device 100 comprises fastening regions 118, in figure 1 exemplarily to fastening regions 1 18a, 1 18b, which can be joined by appropriate means like welding, stitching, riveting, tying together or the like. The connection in the fastening regions 118 may be a reversible connection or an irreversible connection.

[0061] Generally, the inflatable protection device 100 exemplarily is a chest protection device to be worn by a person, e.g., a rider of a motorcycle or a pedestrian. The inflatable extension element 104 may be folded to the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 or alternatively may be folded to the exterior of the inflatable protection device 100. Further, figure 1 shows connection points 1 14b arranged at select inflatable elements 102. This provides an opening in the chest area 122 so that when the inflatable protection device 100 is arranged as a jacket-type protection device, donning and doffing in the assembled state is simplified. The inflatable protection device 100 in figure 2B is in the assembled but still uninflated state.

[0062] The joining of the inflatable elements 102 and the inflatable extension elements 104 is depicted in figure 2C. Figure 2C shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view through line A-A’ of figure 2B. Also discernible from figure 2C are the first and second fabric sides of the inflatable protection device 100 as top and bottom layers of the respective elements 102, 104, which are joined exemplarily depicted in one instance with seam 1 16. In figure 2C, the inflatable elements 102 are folded onto the (already folded) inflated extension elements 104 and are at least temporarily joined or fastened at connection point 1 14b with a seam 1 16a or a similar, suitable (reversible) connection method like welding. In the context of the further description, it is beneficial to have a reversible connection method despite the connection method being referred to as a seam or weld.

[0063] Now referring to Figs. 2A to 2C, which show the steps of preparing the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0064] In figure 2A, the inflatable extension elements 104 are folded 128 to come into superposition with the non-inflatable regions 106, as depicted by the horizontal broken lines. The non-inflatable regions 106 are not separately visible anymore in figure 2A, as they are underneath the inflatable extension elements 104. Connection points 1 13, exemplarily embodied as seams, are provided for fastening and holding in place the inflatable extension elements 104 relative to the non-inflatable region 106 and the inflatable elements 102. In figure 2B, in addition to the inflatable extension elements 104 being folded 128 about the horizontal broken lines, select inflatable elements 102 are folded 128 about vertical broken lines, exemplarily halving the inflatable elements 102 so that the connection points 114b of the inflatable elements 102 are adjacent to the inflatable extension elements 104. Thereby, the folded inflatable extension elements 104 and the folded inflatable elements 102 may be, at least temporarily, fastened to one another so to hold in place the inflatable extension elements 104 and the inflatable elements 102.

[0065] Now referring to Fig. 3, which shows the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure in a wearable configuration.

[0066] Figure 3 shows an assembled wearable protection device 100, seen from the back area 124. The fastening regions 118a,b are fastened relative to one another using appropriate in particular reversible means in case the inflatable protection device is to be disassembled. The inflatable extension elements 104 are folded to the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 and the inflatable elements 102 are folded likewise to the interior and are appropriately (reversible) joined to the inflatable extension elements 104 and or a seam, e.g., a seam of the noninflatable region 106. This provides a jacket type inflatable protection device, which can be donned and doffed without requiring disassembly. The inflatable protection device may be integrated in a further piece of clothing, e.g., a protection jacket, which may have the appearance of regular clothing. Since the inflatable protection device 100 in the uninflated state as depicted in figure 3 is rather unobtrusive, incorporation into a further piece of clothing is easily manageable.

[0067] A gas source may be connected to gas inlet 108 for on-demand delivery of gas to inflate the inflatable to protection device 100, not depicted in figure 3.

[0068] Now referring to Figs. 4A to 4C, which show further views of the steps of preparing an inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0069] In figure 4A, comparable in structure to the embodiment shown in figure 1 , a part of a wearable protection device 100 is shown. The inflatable protection device 100 again comprises inflatable elements 102 with a non-inflatable region 106 situated in between. The inflatable protection device 100 comprises inflatable extension element 104, in the unfolded state, i.e., not (yet) folded 128 about the horizontal dashed line.

[0070] In figure 4B, the inflated extension element 104 is folded 128 about the horizontal broken line while the inflatable element 102 is folded about the vertical broken line. The non-inflatable region 106 is underneath the combined folded elements 102, 104, not visible in figure 4B. The inflatable extension element 104 is attached to the wearable protection device 100 by connection points 113, exemplarily depicted are two individual seam sections. A single seam, in the region of the top seam in figure 4B is conceivable or alternatively a longer seam comparable to the connection point 1 13 depicted in figure 2A. The folded elements 102, 104 are (temporarily) joined in connection points 1 14b, exemplarily being stitched together in figure 4B. Connection points 114b are a comparably fragile stitch, i.e., a stitch made to break upon inflation. A temporarily joining of the folded elements 102, 104 shall in particular be understood as a temporal joining until the inflatable protection device and thus the inflatable element 102 and the inflatable extension element 104 are inflated. When inflated, the force provided by the inflation, i.e., the shape change of the inflatable element 102 and the inflatable extension element 104 results in a force acting on the connection means connecting elements 102, 104 by the resulting moving away of the elements 102, 104 from one another thereby separating or releasing the joining of the elements 102, 104. In other words, the force of the inflation of the inflatable protection device 100 releases the connection, e.g., tears the seam connecting the elements 102, 104. Alternatively, there is no seam connecting the elements 102, 104, and both elements are only connected to the inflatable protection device 100, e.g., to the base layer or outer, or top side layer of the fabric of the inflatable protection device 100.

[0071] Figure 4C shows the arrangement of figure 4B from the reverse side. Here, the inflatable element 102 and the inflatable element 104 are folded 128 to the back of the inflatable protection device 100 as positioned in figure 4C and are thus not visible in figure 4C. The non-inflatable region 106 in turn is visible in figure 4C.

[0072] Now referring to Figs. 5A to 5C, which show the operating steps of inflating the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0073] In figures 5A to 5C, the inflatable protection device 100 is successively inflated. In figure 5A, the inflatable protection device is substantially uninflated as depicted in figures 1 to 4. In figure 5B, introduction of a gas into the interior of the inflatable protection device has been commenced, thereby (partially) inflating the inflatable elements 102 and the inflatable extension element 104. Since the inflatable extension element 104 is at the back side of the inflatable protection device 100, the inflated condition is not readily visible in figure 5B. The condition is still that the inflatable extension element 104 and the inflatable element 102 are folded 128 to the distal side in Fig. 5B and the inflatable extension element 104 and the inflatable element 102 are still joined to the inflatable protection device 100, e.g., to the base layer or outer, or top side layer of the fabric of the inflatable protection device 100.

[0074] The inflation of the inflatable protection device 100 continues figure 5C, thus the pressure in the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 increases to a point where the reversible connection between the inflatable element 102 and the inflatable extension element 104 is released. Consequently, the inflatable element 102 is unfolded 128 by the pressure of the gas in the interior of the inflatable element 102. By the unfolding of the inflatable element 102, the gap at the chest area 122, as depicted in figure 2B, is substantially closed, since both inflatable elements 102 are unfolded and are now arranged in the chest area 122, thereby closing the gap. [0075] The inflatable extension element 104 remains at the interior of the inflatable protection device 100 in the area of the non-inflatable region 106 thereby providing added protection in the area of the non-inflatable region 106.

[0076] Now referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, which show the operating steps of inflating of an alternative embodiment of the inflatable protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0077] A different embodiment of an inflatable protection device 100 is shown in figure 6A, 6B. Here, an external inflatable extension element 104 is positioned in the region of the non-inflatable regions 106, which are not visible in figure 6A,B since they are underneath the inflatable extension element 104. The inflatable protection device 100 is closed in the chest area 122 by a fastening mechanism. In the embodiment of figures 6A,B the inflatable elements are exemplarily tied together by laces, so that the inflatable elements 102 in the chest area 122 are held in place relative to one another. Accordingly, the inflatable elements 102 are not folded but remain unfolded even in the uninflated condition. The inflatable extension elements 104 in the embodiment of Figs. 6A,B are arranged at the exterior of the inflatable protection device 100 in the uninflated condition and are held in place by appropriate means, not further depicted in figure 6A,B. When inflated as shown in figure 6B, the inflatable extension elements 104 remain in place, in particular in the vicinity of the non-inflatable regions 106 not visible in figures 6A,B. Thereby, the weak regions of the non-inflatable regions 106 may be compensated by the protection function of the inflatable extension elements 104 being in superposition.

[0078] The inflatable elements 102 and the inflatable extension elements 104 may not be arranged in fluid connection. In other words, while connected to one another, or arranged in superposition, the inflation of the inflatable elements 102 and the inflation of the inflatable extension elements 104 may be independent from one another. As such, it may be conceivable that two independent gas generating elements, not depicted in figures 6A and 6B, are provided, which can be activated independently from one another. Thus, the inflatable elements 102 and the inflatable extension elements 104 may be inflated independent from one another. As such, a timed succession in inflation is more easily realizable by separate gas generating elements.

[0079] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements may be made without deviating from the concepts described here. Any of the features described above and below may be used separately or in combination with any other features described herein, provided they are not mutually exclusive, and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein. Finally, it should be noted that the term "comprising" not exclude other elements or steps, and that "a" or "one" does not exclude the plural. Elements that are described in relation to different types of embodiments can be combined. Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of a claim. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 inflatable protection device

102 inflatable element

104 inflatable extension element

106 non-inflatable region

108 gas inlet

110 first region/fold

112 second region

113 seam

114a,b connection point

116 seam

118a,b fastening region

120 head opening

122 chest area

124 back area

126 shoulder area

128 fold