INFLATABLE DEVICE FOR THE PROTECTION OF OBJECTS OR PERSONS

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting an object or a person, comprising a sealed elastic membrane (2) intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope (3) containing said membrane (2): in the rest state, the membrane (2) has a size different to that of the envelope (3) and the envelope (3) containing the membrane (2) can be folded; in the active state, the membrane (2) has a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope (3), the membrane (2) then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope (3), the envelope (3) being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane (2) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope (3), referred to as a second volume, said envelope (3) being designed to take a shape that fits the object or person to be protected, in the unstressed state, the membrane (2) can occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope (3).

Claims

1. Device (1) for protecting an object or a person, the protection device (1) comprising a sealed elastic membrane (2) intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope (3) containing said membrane (2): in the rest state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) is of a size different to that of the envelope (3) and the envelope (3) containing the membrane (2) can be folded, in the active state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope (3), the membrane (2) then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope (3), referred to as a second volume, the envelope (3) being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane (2) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope (3), said envelope (3) being designed to take a shape that fits the object or person to be protected, and in that, in the unstressed state, the inflated membrane (2) can occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope (3).

2. Protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the rest state of the protection device (1), the membrane (2) has a shape that is distinct from the envelope (3).

3. Protection device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one valve (20).

4. Protection device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the envelope (3) and/or the membrane (2) comprises a marker (25, 30) which corresponds, in the rest state of the protection device (1), to an indicator of a deflated state of the membrane (2) and, in the active state of the protection device (1), to an indicator of an inflated state of the membrane (2) in order to occupy said first volume.

5. device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure of the membrane (2) is between 1 bar and 30 bars, and the pressure is preferably between 2 bars and 6 bars.

6. Protection device (1) according to, claim 5 characterized in that the envelope (3) has folds allowing folding and unfolding which can be repeated each time the protection device (1) is used.

7. Protection device (1) according to, claim 6 characterized in that the membrane comprises at least one tensioner (22, 23, 24) which makes it possible to control the expansion of the membrane in order to obtain the desired shape.

8. Protective helmet for a person, characterized in that it is formed by a protection device (1) according to claim 7, and in that the fibrous envelope (3) is suitable for taking the form of a protective helmet when the protection device (1) changes from its rest state to its active state.

9. Protective helmet according to claim 8, characterized in that the protective helmet comprises an adjustment system which makes it possible to adapt the protective helmet to the person wearing it.

10. Method for assembling a protection device (1) for an object or a person according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a patterning step in which a material forming the fibrous envelope or the sealed membrane is positioned on an object or the part of the body to be protected in order to determine the protection areas, and then these protection areas are projected onto the material to create a two-dimensional plane of the fibrous envelope or the sealed membrane; a step of joining this membrane (2) by welding; a step of including a valve of the membrane (2); a verification step which consists of measuring an expansion of the volume of the membrane (2) beyond the maximum volume of the envelope (3).

Description

[0152] Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, will become apparent on reading the following detailed description, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0153] FIG. 1a schematically shows a protection device surrounding an object to be protected and shown in an inactive state,

[0154] FIG. 1b shows the protection device from FIG. 1a in an active state,

[0155] FIG. 1c schematically shows a protection device according to the invention without an object to be protected,

[0156] FIG. 1d schematically shows the device from FIG. 1c folded,

[0157] FIG. 2a is a front view of a protection device forming a protective helmet,

[0158] FIG. 2b is a side view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a,

[0159] FIG. 2c is a rear view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a,

[0160] FIG. 2d is a top view of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a,

[0161] FIG. 3 is a front view of a pattern of an envelope of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a to 2d,

[0162] FIG. 4 is a front view of a pattern of a membrane of the protective helmet from FIG. 2a to 2d,

[0163] FIG. 5 shows a first variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,

[0164] FIG. 6 shows a second variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,

[0165] FIG. 7 shows a third variant of a protection device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for an object to be protected.

[0166] FIG. 8 schematically shows a section of a hygienic protective sheet.

[0167] FIG. 9 schematically shows a section of a shock-absorbing structure provided with the membrane.

[0168] FIG. 10 is an exploded schematic view of a sealed connection system for a valve.

[0169] FIG. 11 schematically shows a striker for a valve.

[0170] FIG. 12 schematically shows a pressure indicator.

[0171] FIG. 1a to 1d show a device 1 for protecting an object. Such a protection device 1 may be, for example, a carrying case for an intricate object to be transported, such as a mechanical part in the space or aeronautics sectors.

[0172] The device 1 for protecting an object comprises a sealed elastic membrane 2 intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope 3 containing said membrane 2.

[0173] The envelope 3 is intended to surround the object 4 to be protected.

[0174] The envelope 3 is designed to take a shape which fits the object to be protected.

[0175] FIG. 1a shows the device in an inactive state, i.e. when the elastic membrane 2 contained in the fibrous envelope 3 is deflated.

[0176] The fibrous envelope 3 is formed by joining two skins 3′, 3″ between which the membrane 2 is contained.

[0177] A first skin is intended to form an outer skin 3′ and a second skin is intended to form an inner skin 3″.

[0178] The inner skin 3″ is in contact with the object 4 to be protected, unlike the outer skin 3′.

[0179] FIG. 1b shows the device 1 for protecting the object 4 in an active state, i.e. corresponding to the inflated state of the membrane in which the membrane 2 is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope 3, the membrane 2 then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope 3, the envelope 3 being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane 2 beyond the maximum volume of the envelope 3.

[0180] According to a particular feature of the invention, the outer skin 3′ and the inner skin 3″ are formed from different materials, such that the inner skin 3″ is formed from an elastic fibrous material while the outer skin 3′ is formed from a fibrous material of low elasticity.

[0181] By way of example, the outer skin 3′ is formed from a high resistance material such as Zylon fiber and the inner skin 3″ is formed from a textile material such as polypropylene or polyester, which may comprise an elastane composition, at least in part.

[0182] It will be understood that the combination of such an outer 3′ and an inner 3″ skin makes it possible to control the expansion of the membrane 2 when it is inflated while ensuring the correspondence in shape of this same membrane 2 to the object 4 that it has to protect. The object 4 to be protected is then kept in the fibrous envelope 3 and the overall volume of the protection device is controlled.

[0183] In this way, better protection of the object 4 is ensured during its transport.

[0184] FIG. 1c shows the protection device 1 without the object 4 to be protected, so as to illustrate its advantageous space-saving properties. Indeed, the space requirement of the protection device 1, which is made of fibrous and elastic material, can advantageously be easily reduced so that it can be placed in a compartment provided for its storage, for example.

[0185] Also shown are preformed fold lines on at least the fibrous envelope 3, in order to facilitate folding thereof.

[0186] FIG. 1d shows the protection device 1 in a folded state. In this folded state, the protection device 1 occupies dimensions in length and in width which correspond to one third of those of the protection device 1 in its active state.

[0187] FIG. 2 to 7 show a protection device 1 forming a protective helmet 1 for a person.

[0188] The helmet according to the invention comprises a sealed elastic membrane 2 intended for receiving a gas and a fibrous envelope 3 containing said membrane 2.

[0189] The envelope 3 is designed to take a shape which fits the head of the person to be protected.

[0190] In the active state of the protective helmet 1, i.e. when the membrane is inflated, the membrane 2 is of a size that corresponds in shape to that of the envelope 3, the membrane 2 then occupying a first volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the envelope 3, the envelope 3 being intended to restrain an expansion of the volume of the membrane 2 beyond the maximum volume of the envelope 3.

[0191] It will be understood that the membrane 2 is in accordance with the invention and is intended to occupy a third volume greater than the maximum volume of the envelope 3 in the unstressed state.

[0192] The membrane 2 is in a single-piece form. Such a single-piece form advantageously makes it possible to ensure that the active state of the protective helmet 1 is reached by pressurizing the membrane 2 by a single valve received in a hole 31 in the membrane 2 provided for this purpose and corresponding to an opening 21 in the envelope.

[0193] For this, the membrane 2 is formed by a main strip 2a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2b-2f. From a front end, the main strip 2a extends through a first joining strip 2b corresponding to a front strip of the protective helmet 1, a second joining strip 2c corresponding to a first top strip, a third joining strip 2d corresponding to a second top strip, a fourth joining strip 2e corresponding to a first rear strip and a fifth joining strip 2f corresponding to a second rear strip.

[0194] The second joining strip 2c is in the shape of an upturned Y. The third joining strip 2d is U-shaped.

[0195] The front, top and rear positions relate to the orientation of the protective helmet worn by the person.

[0196] It will be noted that, in the front position of the protective helmet 1, the fourth joining strip 2e is arranged between the first joining strip 2b and the second joining strip 2c.

[0197] It will also be noted that, in the rear position of the protective helmet 1, the second joining strip 2b is arranged between the third joining strip 2d and the fourth joining strip 2e.

[0198] It will also be noted that, in the rear position of the protective helmet 1, the first joining strip 2b is arranged between the fourth joining strip 2e and the fifth joining strip 2f.

[0199] It has been observed that the arrangement of the joining strips 2b-2e with respect to one other allows optimum protection of the person wearing the helmet in the event of impacts.

[0200] FIG. 3 shows a pattern of the envelope 3 of the helmet formed by an assembly in two parts.

[0201] The references 2b-2f will be used to describe the shapes of the envelope 2 in correspondence with the shapes of the joining strips 2a-2f.

[0202] As shown, a first joining part 3a of the envelope 3 is intended to correspond to the first joining strip 2b and the second joining strip 2c. A second joining part 3b of the envelope 3 is intended to correspond to the third joining strip 2d, the fourth joining strip 2e and the fifth joining strip 2f.

[0203] Each joining part of the envelope 3 is advantageously sewn along its contour.

[0204] Recesses 30 formed in the joining strips 2b-2f are shown. These recesses 30 are preferably regularly shaped to allow for optimal evacuation of the air contained in the fabric.

[0205] These recesses 30 are dimensioned such that they allow the air to be evacuated when the membrane is inflated without, however, modifying the shape of the membrane.

[0206] In the active state of the protection device, markers 25 of the membrane 2 are visible through at least one recess 30 in the envelope in the active state of the protection device. These markers indicate the active state of the protection device.

[0207] FIG. 4 shows a pattern of the membrane 2 forming the main strip 2a and the joining strips 2b-2f described previously.

[0208] To assemble the protective helmet 1, it will be understood that the membrane 2 is first placed between two fibrous strips of the envelope 3 before sewing the envelope 3 to trap the membrane 2.

[0209] A tensioner 20 is provided to restrain an unwanted expansion in volume of the membrane 2.

[0210] For this, a tensioner 20 can be formed in an area of the membrane 2 formed by the crossing of the main strip 2a with a joining strip 2b-2e, in this case with the third joining strip 2d.

[0211] The tensioner 20 here takes a solid 8 shape suitable for allowing the expansion of the membrane 2 area to be restrained.

[0212] Advantageously, in order to avoid damaging the membrane 2 during the sewing, it is gathered in a smaller space by an element which loses this function from the first inflation.

[0213] Advantageously, the patterning of the membrane is such that it makes it possible to have additional material allowing sewing or joining at certain points with the envelope 3, reducing the risk of damaging the sealed compartment of the membrane.

[0214] The fibrous envelope 3 is also formed by joining two skins 3′, 3″ between which the membrane 2 is contained.

[0215] A first skin is intended to form an outer skin 3′ and a second skin is intended to form an inner skin 3″.

[0216] The inner skin 3″ is in contact with the head of the person to be protected, unlike the outer skin 3′.

[0217] By way of example, the outer skin 3′ may be formed from a high resistance material such as Zylon fiber or Kevlar, and the inner skin 3″ may be formed from a textile material such as polypropylene or polyester, which may comprise an elastane composition, at least in part.

[0218] In this way, the outer skin 3′ provides protection against impacts for the wearer of the helmet while the inner skin 3″ ensures stable support for the wearer's head during an impact.

[0219] With respect to FIG. 5 to 7, various embodiments of a protective helmet according to the invention will be described. Only the shape of the membrane 2 will be described. The fibrous envelope 3 described above will of course be produced in a shape corresponding to the membrane 2.

[0220] FIG. 5 shows a first variant of the membrane 2, in which it is also formed by a main strip 2a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2b-2e. From a front end, the main strip 2a extends through a first joining strip 2b corresponding to a linear front strip of the protective helmet 1, a second joining strip 2c corresponding to a first top strip, a third joining strip 2d corresponding to a second top strip, and a fourth joining strip 2e corresponding to a first linear rear strip. The first joining strip and the second joining strip define a length of the membrane. The second joining strip 2c and the third joining strip 2d are advantageously in a Y shape so as to ensure better correspondence with the areas of the head of the helmet wearer to be protected.

[0221] FIG. 5 shows two tensioners, namely a first tensioner 22 and a second tensioner 23 formed on the membrane 2.

[0222] Each tensioner 22, 23 is intended to restrain an unwanted expansion in volume of the membrane 2.

[0223] For this, each tensioner 22, 23 can be formed in an area of the membrane 2 formed by the crossing of the main strip 2a with a joining strip 2b-2e or on another part of the main strip 2a.

[0224] In the example shown, the first tensioner 22 and the second tensioner 23 are formed in a joining area between the main strip 2a and, respectively, the second joining strip 2b and the third joining strip 2c, each in the shape of a Y.

[0225] It will be understood that such areas form surfaces for which the shape of the membrane 2 cannot be controlled when it is in its inflated state.

[0226] Each tensioner 22, 23 is selected in a shape adapted to the surface of the area with which it is associated. In this case, the first tensioner 22 is made in the shape of a rectangle while the second tensioner 23 is made in the shape of a solid circle.

[0227] These tensioners can be produced by plastic welding of a single layer of the membrane or of two opposite layers of the membrane.

[0228] FIG. 6 shows a second variant of the membrane 2, in which it is also formed by a main strip 2a extending through mutually spaced joining strips 2b-2e. The main strip 2a ends in a point 2a′ defining a front end of the protective helmet.

[0229] In the plane shown, from the front end, the main strip 2a extends through four joining strips 2b-2e, i.e. successively a first 2b, a second 2c, a third 2d and a fourth joining strip 2e, each inclined relative to the main strip 2a at an angle of between 10° and 90°.

[0230] The second 2c and third 2d joining strips are of similar size, while the first joining strip 2b is of shorter length than the second 2c and third 2d joining strips, and preferably it is less than half, even more preferably less than two-thirds the length thereof. The fourth joining strip 2e is less than half the length of the second 2c and third 2d joining strips.

[0231] The fourth joining strip 2e forms a rear strip of the protective helmet according to the invention.

[0232] Each tensioner 24 is made in the shape of a solid circle.

[0233] FIG. 7 shows a third variant of the membrane 2, in which it is formed by a solid circular central strip 2a from which a plurality of peripheral strips 2b-2f extend.

[0234] The peripheral strips 2b-2f are in a triangular shape so that the protection area of the head of the helmet wearer extends in proportion to its distance from the central strip 2a.

[0235] For each of these peripheral strips 2b-2f, a tensioner 24 having a shape similar to the peripheral strip with which it is associated is formed.

[0236] It will be understood that the particular shape of the peripheral strips follows the pattern of a head of which the areas to be protected have been identified.

[0237] FIG. 8 shows a hygienic protective sheet 40 with multiple layers 41, 42, 43, 44 that can be torn off, and which is designed to be placed inside the helmet.

[0238] The layers 41, 42, 43, 44 forming the sheet 40 are advantageously glued together in a non-permanent manner. In other words, they can become detached from one other by successive tearing off from one another.

[0239] For example, the layers 41, 42, 43, 44 may be non-permanently self-adhesive. In other words, they can be detached from one other and reattached to one other.

[0240] Any type of self-adhesive glue may be suitable.

[0241] Such a sheet 40 allows for hygienic single use. This is because each layer 41, 42, 43, 44 can be successively torn off after using the helmet. In this way, the user is assured of a perfectly clean helmet for his head when using it.

[0242] FIG. 9 shows a shock-absorbing structure 50 formed with the elastic membrane 2.

[0243] As shown, the shock-absorbing structure 50 comprises a network of shock absorbers 51, in this case represented by interconnected bubbles.

[0244] This network of shock absorbers 51 is fluidically connected to the membrane (shown schematically), i.e. it is formed at the same time as the membrane inflates.

[0245] FIG. 10 shows a sealed connection system 60 for a valve comprising a lower part 61 and an upper part 62 intended for sealingly enclosing the contour of an opening 63 formed in the membrane 2 and for sealing a butyl valve 64.

[0246] The lower part 61 takes the form of a peripheral ring 61A comprising, at its center, a threaded opening 61B terminating in an internal shoulder 61C from which a hollow tube 61D extends.

[0247] The valve 64 comprises a lower portion 64A and an upper portion 64B separated by a shoulder 64C.

[0248] The upper part 62 also takes the form of a peripheral ring 62A from which, at its center, a connection sleeve 62B threaded on its periphery extends. Furthermore, a rigid tongue 62C is preferably integral with the peripheral ring 62A of the upper part 62 and extends therefrom.

[0249] When the connection system is assembled, the butyl valve 64 is inserted, via its lower portion 64A, into the hollow tube 61D of the lower part 61 to open into interior of the membrane 2. The complementary shoulder 64C of the valve 64 then bears against the shoulder 61C formed in the lower part 61.

[0250] The lower part 61 equipped with the valve 64 is intended to be inserted through the opening 63 under the elastic membrane 2, i.e. in the volume of the membrane in the active state, for example.

[0251] Once the lower part 61 has been inserted under the membrane 2, the upper part 62 is brought closer thereto so that the upper portion 64B of the valve 64 penetrates the interior of the connection sleeve 62B. The shoulder 64C of the valve 64 then bears against the contour 62D of the end of the sleeve 62B. The rigid tongue 62C of the upper part of the sleeve 62B is then rotated so that the thread of the sleeve 62B of the upper part 62 penetrates the thread of the lower part 61 until it is fully tightened.

[0252] In the assembled state, the sealed connection between the membrane 2 and the sealed system 60 is provided by the surfaces of the rings 61A, 62A of the lower and upper parts 61, 62 and the sealed connection between the valve 64 and the sealed system 60 is provided by the surface of the shoulder 61C of the lower part 61 and the contour 62D of the end of the sleeve 62B.

[0253] In a particular application to this sealed system 60, the membrane 2 used is a polyurethane film.

[0254] An O-ring seal may be provided between the rings 61A, 62A of the lower and upper parts 61, 62.

[0255] FIG. 11 shows a protective helmet 1 equipped with the sealed connection system 60 and, moreover, a striker 70.

[0256] The striker 70 comprises a main body 71. An outlet 72 of the striker 70, delimited by said striker, extends from this main body 71 through a clearance hole 73. The outlet 72 of the striker 70 ends with a needle 74.

[0257] In addition, a radial stop 75 extends radially from the body 71 to prevent the striker 70 from rotating when a cartridge 76 is aimed at it.

[0258] This may not be shown, but the body 71 of the striker 70 is of course intended to allow a cartridge 76 to be screwed in and to pierce the lid of the cartridge 76 to release the gas contained therein through the needle 72.

[0259] The operation of inflating the membrane 2 is carried out using the striker 70, the needle 74 of which is inserted into the valve 64 to reach the internal volume of the membrane 2.

[0260] The clearance hole of the striker 73 is then found resting on the upper part 62 of the sealed connection system 60. The cartridge 76 is then screwed into the body 71 of the striker 70. When the cartridge is mounted, the striker 70 can be rotated, but its rotational travel can be blocked by its radial stop 75, which is held by a projection 62E provided on the upper part 62 of the sealed connection system 60.

[0261] The operation of deflating the membrane 2 is also carried out using the striker 70, which is not equipped with a cartridge 76, in order to release the gas contained in the membrane 2 into the atmosphere.

[0262] Advantageously, the thread of the striker can be specific to the thread of the cartridge.

[0263] The striker 70 can be bonded to the helmet by a wire connection such as a cord.

[0264] FIG. 12 shows a pressure indicator 80 formed by a rigid or semi-rigid hollow tube 81 bonded to the membrane 2 and fluidically connected to the volume of the membrane 2 by an opening 82, the tube 81 comprising a compressible element 83, in this case a spring, pushing a gauge 84 forming a pressure indicator. The hollow tube 81 is made of a transparent material to make the position of the gauge readable.

[0265] The hollow tube 81 can be bonded to the membrane 2 by heat-sealing or by welding, for example.

[0266] As shown, the hollow tube 81 can be positioned perpendicularly to the wall of the membrane 2 to which it is attached, or alternatively can be positioned along the latter.

[0267] When the membrane is pressurized, the pressure in the membrane 2 penetrates the opening 82 to reach the volume of the tube 81 and then pushes the gauge 84. The displacement of the gauge 84 is then representative of the pressure level in the membrane 2.

[0268] The tube 81 and the compressible element 83 are advantageously dimensioned so that a first end position of the gauge corresponds to the inactive state of the protection device 1 and a second end position of the gauge corresponds to the active state of the protection device 1.

[0269] The features described in relation to the protective helmet apply of course to the protection device and vice versa.

[0270] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with one another other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.