CA2510118A1 - Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger - Google Patents
Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2510118A1 CA2510118A1 CA 2510118 CA2510118A CA2510118A1 CA 2510118 A1 CA2510118 A1 CA 2510118A1 CA 2510118 CA2510118 CA 2510118 CA 2510118 A CA2510118 A CA 2510118A CA 2510118 A1 CA2510118 A1 CA 2510118A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- balloon
- person
- danger
- air
- lighter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Abstract
A method and an aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger, which includes a harness adapted to be worn by a person. At least one balloon is tethered to the harness. The balloon is normally in a deflated condition. A source of lighter than air gas is coupled to the balloon and adapted to rapidly inflate the balloon upon command. An activator is provided to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from the source, to inflate the balloon when the person feels threatened by danger. The balloon, when inflated by lighter than air gas, has the capability of lifting the person into the air above the danger.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an emergency escape apparatus for use in extricating oneself from a danger, such as an avalanche or a tsunami.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of inflatable personal floatation devices, which are intended to provide a buoyant force to keep a person afloat in water. U.S. Patent 4,887,987 (Kato 1989) is an example. The same principles have been applied in U.S. Patents 4,365,628 (Hodel 1982), 4,635,754 (Aschauer et al 1987) and 6,270,386 (Visocekas 2001) to provide a buoyant force to keep a person closer to the surface of an avalanche.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for escaping danger. A first step involves securing to a person at least one balloon along with a portable source of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating the at least one balloon. The balloon is carried in a deflated condition. When inflated, the balloon has the capability of lifting the person into the air above a potential source of danger. Second step involves inflating the balloon, when confronted with danger. The balloon lifts the person into the air and keeps the person hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger, which includes a harness adapted to be worn by a person. At least one balloon is tethered to the harness. The balloon is normally in a deflated condition.
A source of lighter than air gas is coupled to the balloon and adapted to rapidly inflate the balloon upon command. An activator is provided to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from the source, to inflate the balloon when the person feels threatened by danger.
The balloon, when inflated by lighter than air gas, has the capability of lifting the person into the air above the danger.
Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an emergency escape apparatus for use in extricating oneself from a danger, such as an avalanche or a tsunami.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of inflatable personal floatation devices, which are intended to provide a buoyant force to keep a person afloat in water. U.S. Patent 4,887,987 (Kato 1989) is an example. The same principles have been applied in U.S. Patents 4,365,628 (Hodel 1982), 4,635,754 (Aschauer et al 1987) and 6,270,386 (Visocekas 2001) to provide a buoyant force to keep a person closer to the surface of an avalanche.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for escaping danger. A first step involves securing to a person at least one balloon along with a portable source of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating the at least one balloon. The balloon is carried in a deflated condition. When inflated, the balloon has the capability of lifting the person into the air above a potential source of danger. Second step involves inflating the balloon, when confronted with danger. The balloon lifts the person into the air and keeps the person hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger, which includes a harness adapted to be worn by a person. At least one balloon is tethered to the harness. The balloon is normally in a deflated condition.
A source of lighter than air gas is coupled to the balloon and adapted to rapidly inflate the balloon upon command. An activator is provided to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from the source, to inflate the balloon when the person feels threatened by danger.
The balloon, when inflated by lighter than air gas, has the capability of lifting the person into the air above the danger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a person equipped with an aerial escape apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, engaged in the water sport of surfing.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, engaged in the snow sport of snow boarding.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus who was engaged in the water sport of surfing as illustrated in FIG. 3, having activated the aerial escape apparatus to escape a tsunami.
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an inflated balloon to be used with the aerial escape apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a detailed front elevation view, in section, of the balloon shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an aerial escape apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG.1 through 7.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown aerial escape apparatus 10 including a harness 12 adapted to be worn by a person 14. Referring to FIG. 2, a balloon 15 is tethered to harness 12, and is carried normally in a deflated condition. It will be understood that more than one balloon 15 may be included. A source 16 of lighter than air gas, such as helium, is coupled to balloon 15 and adapted to rapidly inflate balloon 15 upon command.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is also an activator 18 to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from source 16 to inflate balloon 15 when the person feels threatened by danger, such that, when inflated by lighter than air gas, balloon 15 has the capability of lifting person 14 into the air above the danger, as depicted in FIG. 5. Activator 18 contains a power source and wires (not shown) connecting it to source 16, such that when activator 18 is activated, referring to FIG. 2, a current is sent to a solenoid valve 20 to open it, releasing the lighter than air gas from source 16 into balloon 15 through tube 22. As shown in FIG. 2, source 16 is located outside a pouch 24 designed to contain balloon 15 when deflated. It may also be contained within pouch 24 as well, as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 5, balloon 15 also includes steering handles 26 so a person can steer themselves while in the air.
Referring now to FIG. 6, balloon 15 preferably comprises various chambers denoted 28A, 28B and 28C for convenience. Central chamber 28A has the largest capacity, chambers 28C have the smallest, and 28B has a capacity between the two. To provide enough lift to lift 300 lb with helium as the lighter than air gas, chamber 28A may have a 64 cubic ft capacity (4'x4'x4'), chambers 28B may have a 48 cubic ft capacity each (4'x4'x3'), and chambers 28C may have a 18 cubic ft capacity each (3'x3'x2'). Handles 26 are attached to balloon 15 using a buckle 29 to reinforce the attachment. Referring now to FIG. 7, it can be seen that an air tube 32, such as a tube that has a 2" diameter, is located along the peripheral edge of balloon 15 to form a frame. Air tubes 32 help balloon 15 to inflate more efficiently, and also provide extra protection against abrasion and electrical shock from power lines, with the overall result of preventing premature helium escape. Also, in addition to being leak-proof and water proof, balloon 15 is preferably fabricated from a double walled, non-conducting, abrasion resistant material to improve its strength.
Operation:
A method for escaping danger includes the steps of securing to a person 14 balloon 15 by harness 12 along with a portable source 16 of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating balloon 15. Source 16 may be carried within pouch 24 as shown in FIG. 3 or without as shown in FIG. 2. Balloon 15 is carried in a deflated condition and may also be contained in pouch 24. When inflated, balloon 15 is capable of lifting person 14 into the air above a potential source of danger. When confronted with danger, balloon 15 is inflated by activating activator 18 which in turn opens solenoid valve 20, releasing the lighter than air gas to inflate balloon 15 as shown in FIG. 5, by inflating air tubes 32 to define the shape of balloon 15. Once inflated, balloon 15 can then lift person 14 into the air and keep person 15 hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass. It is preferred that the device be able to maintain person 14 about 15 to 20 feet above ground for at least 1 hour. They can return to ground by releasing the lighter than air gas once they feel the danger has passed. It is felt that a suitable rating for apparatus 10 would be one capable of elevating 300 pounds, although varying sizes may be designed.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a person equipped with an aerial escape apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, engaged in the water sport of surfing.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, engaged in the snow sport of snow boarding.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the person equipped with the aerial escape apparatus who was engaged in the water sport of surfing as illustrated in FIG. 3, having activated the aerial escape apparatus to escape a tsunami.
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an inflated balloon to be used with the aerial escape apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a detailed front elevation view, in section, of the balloon shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an aerial escape apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG.1 through 7.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown aerial escape apparatus 10 including a harness 12 adapted to be worn by a person 14. Referring to FIG. 2, a balloon 15 is tethered to harness 12, and is carried normally in a deflated condition. It will be understood that more than one balloon 15 may be included. A source 16 of lighter than air gas, such as helium, is coupled to balloon 15 and adapted to rapidly inflate balloon 15 upon command.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is also an activator 18 to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from source 16 to inflate balloon 15 when the person feels threatened by danger, such that, when inflated by lighter than air gas, balloon 15 has the capability of lifting person 14 into the air above the danger, as depicted in FIG. 5. Activator 18 contains a power source and wires (not shown) connecting it to source 16, such that when activator 18 is activated, referring to FIG. 2, a current is sent to a solenoid valve 20 to open it, releasing the lighter than air gas from source 16 into balloon 15 through tube 22. As shown in FIG. 2, source 16 is located outside a pouch 24 designed to contain balloon 15 when deflated. It may also be contained within pouch 24 as well, as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 5, balloon 15 also includes steering handles 26 so a person can steer themselves while in the air.
Referring now to FIG. 6, balloon 15 preferably comprises various chambers denoted 28A, 28B and 28C for convenience. Central chamber 28A has the largest capacity, chambers 28C have the smallest, and 28B has a capacity between the two. To provide enough lift to lift 300 lb with helium as the lighter than air gas, chamber 28A may have a 64 cubic ft capacity (4'x4'x4'), chambers 28B may have a 48 cubic ft capacity each (4'x4'x3'), and chambers 28C may have a 18 cubic ft capacity each (3'x3'x2'). Handles 26 are attached to balloon 15 using a buckle 29 to reinforce the attachment. Referring now to FIG. 7, it can be seen that an air tube 32, such as a tube that has a 2" diameter, is located along the peripheral edge of balloon 15 to form a frame. Air tubes 32 help balloon 15 to inflate more efficiently, and also provide extra protection against abrasion and electrical shock from power lines, with the overall result of preventing premature helium escape. Also, in addition to being leak-proof and water proof, balloon 15 is preferably fabricated from a double walled, non-conducting, abrasion resistant material to improve its strength.
Operation:
A method for escaping danger includes the steps of securing to a person 14 balloon 15 by harness 12 along with a portable source 16 of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating balloon 15. Source 16 may be carried within pouch 24 as shown in FIG. 3 or without as shown in FIG. 2. Balloon 15 is carried in a deflated condition and may also be contained in pouch 24. When inflated, balloon 15 is capable of lifting person 14 into the air above a potential source of danger. When confronted with danger, balloon 15 is inflated by activating activator 18 which in turn opens solenoid valve 20, releasing the lighter than air gas to inflate balloon 15 as shown in FIG. 5, by inflating air tubes 32 to define the shape of balloon 15. Once inflated, balloon 15 can then lift person 14 into the air and keep person 15 hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass. It is preferred that the device be able to maintain person 14 about 15 to 20 feet above ground for at least 1 hour. They can return to ground by releasing the lighter than air gas once they feel the danger has passed. It is felt that a suitable rating for apparatus 10 would be one capable of elevating 300 pounds, although varying sizes may be designed.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (3)
1. A method for escaping danger, comprising the steps of:
securing to a person at least one balloon along with a portable source of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating the at least one balloon, the at least one balloon being carried in a deflated condition, the at least one balloon, when inflated, having the capability of lifting the person into the air above a potential source of danger; and inflating the at least one balloon when confronted with danger, such that the at least one balloon lifts the person into the air and keeps the person hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass.
securing to a person at least one balloon along with a portable source of lighter than air gas capable of rapidly inflating the at least one balloon, the at least one balloon being carried in a deflated condition, the at least one balloon, when inflated, having the capability of lifting the person into the air above a potential source of danger; and inflating the at least one balloon when confronted with danger, such that the at least one balloon lifts the person into the air and keeps the person hovering in the air for a time interval sufficient for the danger below to pass.
2. An aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger, comprising:
a harness adapted to be worn by a person;
at least one balloon tethered to the harness, the at least one balloon being normally in a deflated condition;
a source of lighter than air gas coupled to the at least one balloon and adapted to rapidly inflate the at least one balloon upon command; and an activator to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from the source to inflate the at least one balloon when the person feels threatened by danger, the at least one balloon, when inflated by lighter than air gas, having the capability of lifting the person into the air above the danger.
a harness adapted to be worn by a person;
at least one balloon tethered to the harness, the at least one balloon being normally in a deflated condition;
a source of lighter than air gas coupled to the at least one balloon and adapted to rapidly inflate the at least one balloon upon command; and an activator to selectively trigger the release of lighter than air gas from the source to inflate the at least one balloon when the person feels threatened by danger, the at least one balloon, when inflated by lighter than air gas, having the capability of lifting the person into the air above the danger.
3. The aerial escape apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein the balloon has more than one compartment.
3. The aerial escape apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein the balloon has a framework of inflatable air tubes.
3. The aerial escape apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein the balloon has a framework of inflatable air tubes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510118 CA2510118A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510118 CA2510118A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2510118A1 true CA2510118A1 (en) | 2006-12-02 |
Family
ID=37480379
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510118 Abandoned CA2510118A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Method and aerial escape apparatus for escaping danger |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2510118A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114768127A (en) * | 2022-01-14 | 2022-07-22 | 深圳市轩泰机械设备有限公司 | High-rise building quick escape and high-altitude operation lifting system |
-
2005
- 2005-06-02 CA CA 2510118 patent/CA2510118A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114768127A (en) * | 2022-01-14 | 2022-07-22 | 深圳市轩泰机械设备有限公司 | High-rise building quick escape and high-altitude operation lifting system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |