Patent Description:
It therefore concerns a protection device which preferably forms part of a wearable article, such as a garment or other article of clothing. The protection device includes in particular an inflatable body which in the inflated condition, is designed to protect from impacts and/or falls a motorcycle rider or passenger or similar user, during a sporting and/or working and/or any other activity. Alternatively, the inflatable body is designed to provide protection from the cold.

A known protection device is, for example, that described in European Patent <CIT>. Such a device includes an inflatable element designed to assume an active inflated condition and a deflated rest condition. The inflatable element includes a knitted body, namely a body made by means of a knitting process. Said knitted body is a closed or at least tubular structure defining an inner region or area or chamber. This inner chamber is occupied at least partially by a plurality of joining threads which connect together opposite portions of the knitted body. The fact of providing a single knitted body has the advantage of limiting the manufacturing waste and minimizing the production time; in fact, the joining threads and meshes may be processed using a single knitting machine. The joining threads form part of single thread connected to the opposite portions of the knitted body. In particular, the thread passes along alternate sections and continuously between a first portion and a second portion of the knitted body.

The inflatable element also includes sealing walls which are arranged externally and allow the inflation fluid to be contained for a predetermined period of time. The walls consist, for example, of a first sheet, or first wall, and of a second sheet, or second wall, which are fixed together along respective perimetral edges. Said first and second sheets made of impermeable material cover and line the knitted body on an outer side or outer surface.

Such a wearable protection device is known from <CIT>.

Both the wearable devices have the advantage that they have, in the inflated condition, a flat mattress-like form which is particularly suitable and appropriate for insertion in a garment. An inflatable element designed in this manner, while being very advantageous from many points of view, nevertheless has the drawback that it covers the body also in the deflated condition and does not always allow suitable breathability in the article of clothing in which it is incorporated or inserted. In particular, the inflatable element in the deflated condition may create a kind of bag around the user's body which does not allow a suitable throughflow of ventilation air. An inflatable protection device which does foresee ventilation of the garment when deflated is disclosed by <CIT>.

A technical problem underlying the present disclosure is that of providing a protection device for protecting a user, which is configured in such a way that the inflatable body is able to maintain in the inflated condition a substantially mattress-like - and therefore substantially flat - form and at the same time is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and which ensures a greater breathability and/or achieves further advantages.

This problem is solved by a protection device for protecting a user and by wearable article according to the respective independent claims. Secondary characteristic features forming the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the respective dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the personal protection device includes a mattress body including a plurality of inflatable elements arranged adjacent in sequence, wherein each inflatable element has an elongated envelope - preferably substantially tubular - shape so as to define an internal chamber which is channel-like, namely shaped in the manner of a channel.

The mattress body is designed to assume a first rest configuration in which the inflatable elements are in a deflated condition close to or stacked on top of each other. The mattress body is designed to assume also an active configuration in which said inflatable elements are in an inflated condition. The form of the mattress body, which, as mentioned, is formed overall by a plurality of tubular elements arranged adjacent in sequence, favours unfolding from the stacked condition into the inflated condition where they are extended and unfolded.

Each inflatable element has an elongated, preferably tubular, form and therefore the internal channel-shaped chamber, when the inflatable element is substantially inflated, has a form corresponding to the internal hollow zone of a tubular element. The tubular elements are in fact narrow and long separate bodies which are joined together in sequence side-by-side. More particularly, they consist of elements which are straight in the inflated condition, namely have a straight and/or rectilinear - and not curved - form. In this way, the tubular elements may easily pass from a compact stacked condition into an extended or unfolded condition in which the inflatable elements are fully expanded so as to obtain the flat-shaped mattress body, with an inflated panel-like configuration.

Furthermore, each inflatable element has mutual connection zones and separation zones. In particular, the mutual connection zones are configured to maintain a mutual connection between the adjacent inflatable elements, while the separation zones are configured to maintain a separation between adjacent inflatable elements. In particular, the separation zones defines a plurality of through-channels passing between adjacent inflatable elements.

The protection device also includes a covering sleeve or simple cover, which defines an internal zone where the mattress body is housed.

The set of inflatable elements is therefore lined with at least one cover, or covering sleeve, configured to provide the airbag with greater dimensional stability and therefore resistance to high pressures. Furthermore, it may provide greater abrasion resistance and therefore, for example, may be made of a material such as a synthetic fabric, for example Cordura, but may also be made of a material with fireproof/flame-proof properties so as to ensure greater fire resistance. For example it may be formed by a pair of sheets arranged opposite each other and joined together along a respective perimeter or may be a single body. The covering sleeve therefore defines an internal zone or region where the mattress body including the plurality of inflatable elements is arranged.

The device furthermore includes one or more tie elements connected to the covering sleeve and each slidably and/or freely inserted inside a respective through-channel.

In other words, each tie element is not fixed directly to the inflatable elements, but surrounds the outer sleeve so as to help provide the flat form of the mattress body and give the entire device a greater dimensional stability and consequently resistance to high pressures. Owing to the sliding and free insertion inside the respective through-channel, the tie element may adjust the form of the protection device, without however directly acting on the inflatable elements so as to avoid excessive tensioning of the inflatable elements.

The mutual connection zones are adherence areas. The inflatable elements therefore have side walls adhering in pairs and two opposite walls which, once the inflatable elements are joined together, form opposite external surfaces of the mattress body, namely a surface or wall exposed to an impact or to the cold and a rear wall facing the user.

The two opposite surfaces are substantially flat in the inflated condition. The tie elements protrude from the opposite surfaces and are connected to the cover.

Consequently, when the mattress element is in the inflated condition, owing to the combination of characteristic features such as:.

it is possible to provide control of the mattress-like or flat form for the mattress body. When the inflatable mattress body is inflated, the tie elements are preferably tensioned between the two side walls adhering to each other. It should be noted that the maximum tension of the tie elements determines the maximum possible distance between the external surfaces and, owing to the fact that these tie elements are free with respect to the inflatable elements, it is possible to achieve form control without excessive tensioning of the inflatable elements.

Owing to the form control, the inflatable element may be easily combined with other protection devices or elements, for example rigid plate-type protection bodies, separate from the inflatable element and having a form matching that of the inflatable element in the inflated condition, or inserted inside the pocket of the wearable article.

A further advantage consists in the fact that the tie elements and the partially adhering walls of the inflatable elements ensure a limited expansion of the inflatable element in an inflated condition so as to obtain a smaller overall size, and in particular a limited thickness, while at the same time ensuring adequate protection for a user.

Since it relates in fact to an inflatable device, such a solution is particularly advantageous, for a wearable article, such as a garment, a jacket, a suit or other article of clothing.

This smaller size moreover ensures, in the event of accidental inflation of the inflatable element, less inconvenience and risk for a user while driving a vehicle. In other words, a limited expansion of the inflatable element does not adversely affect control of a vehicle by the user and therefore does not pose the risk of an accident.

Another advantage consists in the fact that, by controlling the form of the inflatable element. it is possible to control (and in particular limit) also the amount of gas needed for inflation of the inflatable element.

The inflatable mattress body is therefore a flexible body which, in the inflated condition, maintains this condition at least for a given time period. Preferably, it consists of a body which is impermeable to an inflation gas. In this case, a breather valve is provided for deflation of the mattress body.

More particularly, a body made of a pressure-resistant material, which is able to ensure the gas-tightness for at least a certain period of time, may be used as the material for the mattress body. Said material may be, for example, PU (polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These membranes may also be impregnated with non-extensible fine meshes in order to ensure greater tightness of the inflatable elements (in terms of expansion resistance).

As mentioned, in order to create the mattress body, a wall of an inflatable element of the plurality of inflatable elements is fixed so as to adhere only locally to a wall of an adjacent inflatable element of the plurality of inflatable elements, so as to define a mutual connection zone between two adjacent inflatable elements. Preferably, each inflatable element, or part of them, includes at least two walls which are joined together along a perimeter so as to define a perimetral joining edge. As regards the geometry of the parts described there, along the sequence of adjacent inflatable elements, namely along a direction of expansion of the mattress body or direction of side-by-side arrangement, it may be understood that said adherence zone between two adjacent inflatable elements alternates with a perimetral joining edge of the two inflatable element walls. A mattress body with a concertina-like structure is therefore formed.

In other words, according to this preferred embodiment, the inflatable element is in fact a double-leaf body, namely similar to a body with two flat sheets joined together along the perimeter so as form a long and narrow body. It can be understood that the prechosen geometrical form of an inflatable element with a double leaf joined together along the perimetral edge favours the compression of one wall against another one in the deflated condition like a concertina and at the same time the opening into the inflated condition again in the manner of a concertina.

The protection device preferably also includes one or more gas sources connected to the inflatable mattress body so as to inflate the mattress body between the deflated condition and the inflated condition. The gas source may be housed inside the internal channel-like chamber of an inflatable element.

For example, the gas source may be a pressurised gas generator or a manual inflation device which can be activated by a user, such as an air pump.

Alternatively, for inflation, the inflatable elements may each have independent access to one or more gas sources. Alternatively, the adjacent inflatable elements are in fluid communication with each other for common inflation. For example, the mattress body includes through-holes or fluid communication holes in the adhering walls of two said adjacent inflatable elements so as to provide the fluid communication. Alternatively, an inflation device comprising a fluid generator may be arranged outside the inflatable elements and connected there in fluid communication by means of a suitable connection.

The protection device can be housed in a receiving area of the garment or in a garment portion. Said portion is understood as being a garment portion which covers a part of the body, such as the torso (neck region, chest region, shoulder joint region, back and arms). The garment portion includes said layer and is made using a predefined textile technology able to provide the garment with given properties, such as breathability, or with ventilation openings.

In the continuation of the present disclosure "wearable article" is understood as meaning any article or portion thereof which may be worn by a user, such as an article of clothing, a garment or other wearable accessory.

Preferably, the wearable article, or a portion thereof, includes a protection device such as that described above and at least one layer defining a zone for receiving the body of a user, i.e. intended to receive the body of a user for a protective function, whether it be protection from impacts or protection from the cold or the like. The protection device is associated with said layer, on one side, which may be identified as the inner layer of said layer, facing said receiving area. The layer of the wearable article also has a breathability property or has at least one ventilation opening.

The receiving area includes a first part and a second part open towards the first part, and the breathability property or ventilation opening is associated at least with said second part of the receiving area so as to allow ventilation at least in said second part. In the first part of the receiving area and in the second part of the receiving area the mattress body performs its protection function in the inflated condition, while ventilation and breathability may be ensured when the mattress body is in the deflated condition.

Basically, the second part of the receiving area is configured to receive the mattress body in the extended and inflated condition, while it remains free to allow breathability when the mattress body is in the rest configuration. Expressed in yet other words, in the inflated condition, the mattress body occupies both said first part of the receiving area and said second part of the receiving area and preferably the whole of the second part of the receiving area. In the deflated condition, the mattress body occupies only the first part of the receiving area. Consequently, once housed inside the garment and the mattress body is in the deflated condition, the second part of the receiving area, which is normally devoid of mattress body, is able to allow the breathability and ventilation of the garment.

Further characteristic features, advantages and modes of use forming the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of a number of preferred examples of embodiment thereof, provided by way of a nonlimiting example. It is nevertheless evident that each embodiment may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is nevertheless not necessary that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings in which:.

With reference to the accompanying figures, the reference number <NUM> indicates a wearable article, in the present case a waistcoat, including a personal protection device <NUM> according to the present disclosure in accordance with a respective embodiment of the present disclosure.

A portion of the wearable article <NUM>, for example the chest portion, or back portion, according to the present disclosure includes at least one layer <NUM> defining an area for receiving the body of a user. The layer is a layer of the waistcoat or a lining of the waistcoat. The layer <NUM> is to be understood as being a layer of the waistcoat, in general, made of fabric or other material. Preferably, as will be explained more clearly below, at least part of the layer <NUM> allows breathability and the entry of air inside the wearable article <NUM>.

In other words, the waistcoat or similar wearable article <NUM> includes an area - indicated by means of broken lines and the reference number <NUM> - which is intended to receive the body of a user for a protection function, whether it be protection from impacts, protection from the cold, or any other kind of protection. The receiving area <NUM> is, in the embodiment shown, an area intended to receive the torso of a user.

The layer <NUM> also has, as mentioned, a breathability property or has at least one ventilation opening <NUM>. The protection device <NUM> is associated with said layer <NUM>, on an inner side of said layer towards the receiving area, as shown in <FIG>.

More particularly, the personal protection device <NUM> includes a mattress body <NUM>, including a plurality of inflatable elements <NUM>, arranged adjacent in sequence, wherein each inflatable element has the form of a long and narrow envelope, preferably tubular shaped, i.e. in the form of a closed tube, so as to each define an internal chamber <NUM> shaped like a channel. The inflatable elements <NUM> and the respective internal chambers <NUM> are preferably in fluid communication by means of through-holes so as to form a single inflation chamber for said inflatable elements <NUM>.

Preferably, the inflatable elements <NUM> which form the mattress body <NUM> are identical to each other in terms of shape and size, namely they all have the same form and the same dimensions.

In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable elements <NUM> may have a different shape and/or size, for example at least one of the inflatable elements <NUM> may have dimensions greater than or smaller than other inflatable elements <NUM> of the mattress body <NUM>, or may be shaped differently from other inflatable elements <NUM> of the mattress body <NUM>. With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the inflatable elements <NUM> may be organized or grouped together in groups of inflatable elements, wherein each group of inflatable elements may comprise, or group together, inflatable elements <NUM> with the same shape and/or size. For example, the inflatable elements <NUM> may be grouped together in at least two groups in which the inflatable elements of each group have dimensions greater than or smaller than those of the inflatable elements of another group. For example, the tubular-shaped elements <NUM> of one group may have a height and/or diameter greater or smaller than the inflatable elements <NUM> of another group. Each group of inflatable elements may also be arranged alongside and/or associated with a further group of inflatable elements. For example, a first group of inflatable elements with a first shape and/or size may be associated with or arranged alongside a second group of inflatable elements, wherein the second group of inflatable elements comprises inflatable elements with a second shape and/or size, wherein preferably the second shape and/or size is different from the first shape and/or size. In this way it is possible for the mattress body <NUM> to assume specific or desired shapes and/or obtain a variable thickness, when the inflatable elements <NUM> are in the deflated or inflated condition.

Furthermore, each inflatable element <NUM> has at last one mutual connection zone <NUM> and at least one separation zone <NUM>. In particular, the mutual connection zones are configured to maintain a mutual connection, namely one where they are joined together and preferably totally adherent, between the adjacent inflatable elements <NUM>, while the separation zones <NUM> are configured to maintain a separation between adjacent inflatable elements <NUM>. Consequently, the separation zones <NUM> define a plurality of through-channels <NUM> passing between adjacent inflatable elements <NUM>.

In other words, the adjacent inflatable elements <NUM> have mutual connection zones <NUM> where the adjacent inflatable elements <NUM> are connected for example by means of gluing together, stitching or similar joining systems, and separation zones <NUM>, where the adjacent inflatable elements <NUM> are kept separate and/or disconnected. In this way, at least one through-channel <NUM> is defined in each of the separation zones <NUM>, so as to define a plurality of through-channels <NUM> between adjacent inflatable elements <NUM>.

The set of inflatable elements <NUM> is also covered by at least one or more membranes or a sheet designed to form a cover <NUM> or a covering sleeve and provide the mattress body <NUM> with greater dimensional stability and hence resistance to high pressures. In other words, the protection device <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> which defines an internal zone and said internal zone receives the mattress body <NUM>.

The device furthermore includes one or more tie elements <NUM> connected to the cover <NUM> or covering sleeve and each slidably and/or freely inserted inside a respective through-channel <NUM> between the inflatable elements <NUM>.

In other words, the one or more tie elements <NUM> surround(s) the cover <NUM> and is free to slide with respect to the inflatable elements <NUM> so as to allow form control (since it is fixed to the cover <NUM>) but without creating a tension on the inflatable elements <NUM>.

As regards the geometry of the parts described above, each of the inflatable elements <NUM> has ta least one side wall 18a, 18b partially adhering to an adjacent side wall 18a, 18b of an adjacent inflatable element and two opposite walls 18c, 18d which, once the sequence of inflatable elements <NUM> has been defined, form opposite external surfaces, namely a surface or wall exposed to an impact, or to the cold, and a rear wall facing the user. The tie elements <NUM> protrude from the external surface and are connected to the cover <NUM>.

Furthermore, the adherent side walls 18a, 18b of adjacent inflatable elements comprise the mutual connection zones <NUM>, and the separation zones <NUM>, together with the tie elements <NUM>, help to act as components for controlling the form of the protection device <NUM> between the two external surfaces and to provide control of the mattress or flat form for the mattress body, without creating excessive tension on the tie elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more tie elements <NUM> are parts of an elongated body such as, for example, a band. Namely a plurality of tie elements <NUM> are connected together to form an elongated body <NUM> which, in the outer zones, may also surround the cover <NUM> on the outside in the manner of a hoop.

In other words, the tie elements <NUM> are inserted slidably and freely inside the respective through-channels <NUM> and are also part of an elongated body which may surround on the outside at least partially each of the inflatable elements <NUM>. The elongated body <NUM> may maintain and/or stabilize a desired shape of the inflatable elements <NUM> in the inflated condition, owing to the fact that it surrounds and encircles the tie elements.

Preferably, the inflatable elements have through-channels <NUM> which are aligned and the elongated body <NUM> is inserted slidably and/or freely inside aligned through-channels <NUM> between adjacent inflatable elements <NUM>. In other words, the inflatable elements <NUM> have through-channels <NUM> aligned with each other in rows. The elongated body <NUM> is slidably inserted in a sinusoidal manner from above and from below the group of inflatable elements inside the respective aligned through-channels <NUM>. The elongated body portions <NUM> which are inserted inside the through-channels <NUM> act as or form the tie element <NUM>.

Expressed differently, the elongated body <NUM> which forms the tie elements <NUM> of a series of aligned channels <NUM> is inserted in a sinusoidal manner in the through-channels <NUM>, namely, once inside the aligned through-channels <NUM>, it may form a sinusoid which surrounds at least partially the inflatable elements <NUM> on the outside.

According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated body <NUM> has a plurality of connecting elements 52a configured to be associated with each other in a removable manner so as keep the internal band portions in positions corresponding to the one or more tie elements <NUM> inserted inside said through-channels <NUM>, without the risk of them sliding out. For example, the connecting elements 52a may be loops or annular elements which are associated with the one or more tie elements <NUM> and which may be connected together removably, for example, by means of one or more clasps or hooks <NUM> or any element suitable for keeping at least two loops or two annular elements joined together. In other words, the connecting elements 52a may removably connect the one or more tie elements <NUM> so as to prevent the tie elements <NUM> from coming out of the respective through-channels <NUM>.

Advantageously, this configuration not only prevents a fixed connection between the tie elements <NUM> and the inflatable elements <NUM>, but also avoids having to associate the one or more tie elements <NUM> with the covering sleeve at too many points, for example by means of stitches, which may be difficult to execute owing to the proximity to the inflatable elements <NUM>.

For example, a single stitch along the elongated body <NUM> may be provided, or no stitches and only hooks, fasteners or other locking devices are present.

As mentioned above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mattress body <NUM> is designed to assume a first rest configuration in which the inflatable elements <NUM> are in a deflated condition close to or stacked on top of each other as shown in <FIG> inside a first part 12a of the receiving area <NUM> underneath said layer <NUM>, leaving free a second part 12b of the receiving area which is open towards the first part.

The mattress body <NUM> is also designed to assume an active configuration in which said inflatable elements <NUM> are in an inflated condition and occupy both said first part 12a of the receiving area and the second part 12b of said receiving area <NUM>.

Even more particularly, said at least one layer <NUM> has said breathability property or said ventilation opening <NUM> at least in said second part 12b of the receiving area <NUM>, and said second part of the receiving area, when the mattress body <NUM> is in the deflated configuration, is devoid of the mattress body <NUM>. Basically the second part 12b of the receiving area <NUM> is configured to receive the protection device in the extended and inflated condition, while it remains free to allow breathability when the protection device <NUM> is in the deflated rest configuration. The mattress body <NUM>, which overall is formed by a plurality of tubular elements <NUM> arranged adjacent in sequence, favours the unfolding from the stacked condition, into the extended and unfolded condition. As shown in <FIG>, in the inflated condition, the mattress body occupies preferably the whole of the second part 12b of the receiving area.

As mentioned, each inflatable element <NUM> has a tubular shape and therefore the internal chamber <NUM>, when the inflatable element is substantially inflated, has a channel-like shape corresponding to the empty volume of a tubular element. The tubular elements <NUM> are in fact narrow and long. As can be seen, they are elements which are straight and not curved; in this way, not only when they are extended, the mattress body <NUM> has a flat shape, but they may also pass easily from a compact stacked condition into an extended condition.

The inflatable elements <NUM> therefore have side walls 18a, 18b adhering to each other in pairs and two opposite walls18c, 18d which, once the inflatable elements <NUM> are joined together, form and act as opposite external surfaces, i.e. a surface or wall exposed to an impact or to the cold and a rear wall facing the user. As a result, when the mattress body <NUM> is in the inflated condition, the adjacent side walls 18a, 18b adhering to each other act as tensioning components between the two external surfaces, so as to provide control of the mattress or flat form of the mattress body. The mattress body <NUM> is inflated preferably so as to tension the side walls 18a, 18b which adhere to each other. The maximum tension of the tie components determines the maximum distance which is possible between the external surfaces.

In particular, the geometry of the parts described above enables a structure which is as flat as possible to be obtained, and the inflatable elements <NUM> are arranged alongside each other and at the same time define, by means of the adherent walls 18a, 1b, internal separating walls or partitions suitably arranged so as to create a plurality of housings.

Preferably, in order to achieve the fluid communication, the mattress body <NUM> includes through-holes <NUM> or fluid communication holes in the adherent walls 18a, 18b of two said adjacent inflatable elements, so as to form the fluid communication. The holes <NUM> are formed in the mutual connection zones <NUM> of the tubular elements <NUM>.

Again preferably, as shown in <FIG> in detail, each inflatable element <NUM> includes at least two sheets <NUM>, <NUM> or walls which are joined together along a perimeter so as to define a perimetral joining edge <NUM>, defining for each inflatable element the aforementioned internal chamber <NUM> in fluid communication with an adjacent internal chamber. As regards the geometry of the parts described there, along the sequence of adjacent inflatable elements, an adherence area <NUM> alternates with a perimetral joining edge <NUM> of the two walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the inflatable element. The inflatable element <NUM> is in fact therefore a body of the double-leaf type, i.e. it is like a body having two flat sheets which are joined along the perimeter and which form a long and narrow body. It can be understood that the geometrical form chosen, of an inflatable element with double leaf joined together along the perimetral edge <NUM>, favours the compression of one wall against the other one in the deflated condition or configuration in the manner of a concertina, and at the same time the opening, like said concertina, towards the inflated condition.

The joining together of the two walls or sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be performed using technology known in the sector, for example by means of gluing and/or by means of suitable edging with tape or by means of spot gluing or gluing along one edge, or by means of hot pressing.

It is pointed out that the protection device <NUM> according to the present disclosure may find an application in numerous areas, also for protection of the head. In particular, with reference to <FIG>, the protection device <NUM>, such as that described above, may be curved so as form a kind of "C" or open ring, in order to protect the head. <FIG> shows a direction of expansion of the protection device <NUM>, from a deflated condition, in which the inflatable elements are collapsed onto each other, and an inflated condition, in which the inflatable elements are extended so as to create a protection mattress, as described above. In the deflated condition, the protection device <NUM> may be housed in the collar of an article of clothing, in a backpack or other housing seat and extend upwards so as to protect the head when required.

It is to be understood that the protection device preferably includes also a gas source (not shown) connected to the inflatable mattress body so as to inflate the mattress body <NUM> between the deflated condition and the inflated condition. The gas source may be housed inside an inflatable element.

In particular, in order to perform inflation of the mattress body, in the event of a sudden fall and/or sliding and/or an impact involving a user or a vehicle being ridden/driven by the user, the protection device <NUM> is designed to cooperate with special activation means (not shown) which are operationally connected for example to the gas source (as mentioned, not shown), such as a canister containing compressed cold gas, for example helium. The canister may be provided with a respective shut-off valve (not shown).

Alternatively, the inflation fluid source may comprise gas generators preferably of the pyrotechnic or hybrid type or other types known according to the state of the art. Opening of the shut-off valve of each inflation canister is preferably controlled by a control unit depending on the detection of the state of the vehicle/rider system; for example said control unit may implement a system for predicting the fall which allows early identification of the fall event and a reliable prediction of this event by means of accelerometer sensors fixed to the vehicle (or rider) and a unit for processing the signals produced by the said sensors.

Alternatively, the device according to the present disclosure may also be applied using an activation cable connected to a vehicle ridden/driven by a user, which cable activates inflation of the inflatable element following the movement of the user away from the vehicle, for example following a fall or a sudden impact. Use of a cable is employed in particular in the horse-riding sector.

In any case the aforementioned activation and inflation means may be incorporated in the protection device according to the present invention or located on the outside thereof.

Claim 1:
Protection device (<NUM>) for the personal protection of a user, wherein said device includes a mattress body (<NUM>) including a plurality of inflatable elements (<NUM>), arranged adjacent side-by-side in sequence, wherein each inflatable element (<NUM>) has an elongated envelope shape so as to each define an internal chamber (<NUM>) shaped like a channel, and wherein the mattress body (<NUM>) is designed to assume a first rest configuration in which the inflatable elements (<NUM>) are in a deflated condition close to or stacked on top of each other, and wherein the mattress body (<NUM>) is designed to assume an active configuration in which said inflatable elements (<NUM>) are in an inflated condition with a straight and/or rectilinear form, wherein each inflatable element (<NUM>) has at least one mutual connection zone (<NUM>) and at least one separation zone (<NUM>), wherein said mutual connection zones (<NUM>) are configured to maintain a mutual connection between inflatable elements (<NUM>) adjacent to each other and said separation zones (<NUM>) are configured to maintain a separation between adjacent inflatable elements (<NUM>), and wherein said separation zones (<NUM>) define a plurality of through-channels (<NUM>) passing between adjacent inflatable elements(<NUM>),
and wherein the protection device (<NUM>) comprises a cover (<NUM>) defining an internal zone, the internal zone being configured to receive the mattress body (<NUM>),
and wherein the device includes one or more tie elements (<NUM>) connected to the cover (<NUM>) and each inserted slidably and/or freely inside a respective through-channel (<NUM>) passing between adjacent inflatable elements (<NUM>),
and wherein each of the inflatable elements (<NUM>) has at least one side wall (18a, 18b) partially adhering to a side wall (18a, 18b) of an adjacent inflatable element and two opposite walls (18c, 18d) which, once the sequence of inflatable elements (<NUM>) has been defined, form opposite external surfaces, namely a surface or wall exposed to an impact or to the cold and a rear wall facing the user,
and wherein the partially adhering side walls (18a, 18b) of adjacent inflatable elements comprise said mutual connection zones (<NUM>) and said separation zones (<NUM>) and said one or more tie elements (<NUM>) protrude from opposite sides beyond said two external surfaces and are connected to the cover (<NUM>).