Airbag for head protection

Abstract

An airbag system including an airbag and a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-inflated state, and at least one size adjustment mechanism. Further, an inflatable helmet having such airbag system, and an item of apparel having such airbag system are provided.

1 . An airbag system comprising an airbag and a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-inflated state, and at least one size adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
         2 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the airbag system is arranged as a collar, wherein the size adjustment mechanism is arranged to adjust a diameter of the collar from a larger diameter (D) to a smaller diameter (d). 
     
     
         3 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one size adjustment mechanism comprises a set of pads, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell or at an exterior side of the shell facing a neck of an intended user. 
     
     
         4 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one size adjustment mechanism comprises an elongate pad, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell or at an exterior side of the shell facing a neck of an intended user. 
     
     
         5 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one size adjustment mechanism comprises an elastic band, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, at an exterior side of the shell facing a neck of an intended user or at an inside wall of the shell. 
     
     
         6 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the size adjustment mechanism comprises a set of additional detachable shells having smaller sizes compared to the detachable shell. 
     
     
         7 . The airbag system according to  claim 1 , wherein the size adjustment mechanism is an inflatable tube, and wherein the airbag system further comprises a valve for inflation of the inflatable tube. 
     
     
         8 . The airbag system according to  claim 7 , further comprising a pump for inflation of the inflatable tube. 
     
     
         9 . The airbag system according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one size adjustment mechanism comprises at least one elastic strap, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, at an exterior side of the shell facing a neck of an intended user or at an inside wall of the shell. 
     
     
         10 . The airbag system according to  claim 9 , wherein the size adjustment mechanism further comprises a strap fastener arranged at each end of the collar to fasten the at least one elastic strap when a desired diameter of the collar is achieved. 
     
     
         11 . The airbag system according to  claim 10 , wherein the strap fastener is a plate shaped device having openings adapted for receiving the elastic straps. 
     
     
         12 . The airbag system according to  claim 9 , wherein the size adjustment mechanism further comprises a strap fastener arranged at the exterior side of the shell which is not facing the neck of the intended user. 
     
     
         13 . The airbag system according to  claim 12 , wherein the strap fastener comprises a plurality of protrusions to fasten the at least one elastic strap. 
     
     
         14 . The airbag system according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one size adjustment mechanism comprises at least one strap in the form of a loop, arrangeable between the airbag and the shell, at an exterior side of the shell facing a neck of an intended user or at an inside wall of the shell. 
     
     
         15 . The airbag system according to  claim 14 , wherein the size adjustment mechanism further comprises a strap fastener arranged at an end of the collar to fasten the at least one strap such that each strap is arranged through the strap fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The airbag system according to  claim 15 , wherein the strap fastener comprises a spool member inside a housing. 
     
     
         17 . The airbag system according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one strap is secured to the spool member such that when the spool member is rotated in a tightening direction, the at least one strap will be drawn into the housing. 
     
     
         18 . The airbag system according to  claim 17 , wherein the spool member has teeth around its periphery such that the spool member is locked in position after desired tightening. 
     
     
         19 . The airbag system according to  claim 17 , wherein the spool member is spring biased. 
     
     
         20 . The airbag system according to  claim 15 , wherein the strap fastener is arranged such that each strap is divided into two loops with the strap fastener between them. 
     
     
         21 . The airbag system according to  claim 20 , wherein the strap fastener divides the at least one strap into a first loop, which extends around the collar, and a second loop, which extends freely from the strap fastener. 
     
     
         22 . The airbag system according to  claim 21 , wherein the first loop is larger than the second loop. 
     
     
         23 . The airbag system according to  claim 21 , wherein a size of the first loop is inversely proportional to a size of the second loop. 
     
     
         24 . The airbag system according to  claim 23 , wherein the strap fastener are arranged to fasten the at least one strap when a desired diameter of the collar is achieved. 
     
     
         25 . The airbag system according to  claim 15 , wherein the strap fastener comprises a clamp and a spool. 
     
     
         26 . An inflatable helmet comprising an airbag system according  claim 1 . 
     
     
         27 . An item of apparel comprising the airbag system according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         28 . The item of apparel according to  claim 27 , the item being a collar.