CH705341B1 - Avalanche rescue system for use as avalanche airbag for preventing sinking of ski mountaineers, in floating avalanche, has lifting body and inflatable protector made of foldable material and filling arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The avalanche rescue system has a lifting body (2) and inflatable protector made of foldable material and a filling arrangement, where the lifting body is inflatable with the user. The lifting body is provided with a foldable skeleton (3) and a check valve that is connected with the circumference and is opened in the inner side of the lifting body.

Description

The invention relates to an avalanche rescue system, comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body of collapsible, tear-resistant material connectable to the user and a Befüllanordnung, and a method for filling such an avalanche rescue system, comprising the steps of actuating the triggering device, and then the automatic filling the buoyancy body.

Such an avalanche rescue system, also referred to as avalanche airbag, is a rescue device, which od the undercutting of touring, skiers od. Snowshoe hikers should prevent in a flowing avalanche. The effect is not based on "swimming" in the traditional sense. An inflated avalanche airbag enlarges the skier / tourer / hiker and due to the "sorting effect" he remains in a flowing avalanche or in the area of the surface. Because large parts remain on the slab / avalanche surface due to this "inverse segregation" (segregation under the influence of gravity) and small ones sink into deeper layers. Also finding and recovering the carrier of an avalanche airbag is greatly facilitated by the "enlargement" of the person concerned.

Currently, these avalanche rescue systems consist of one or two balloons with a total volume of about 150 liters. These are integrated in a ski touring or freeride backpack or attached to such. When pulling a trigger handle, the balloons are inflated within 3-4 seconds from a compressed air cartridge and a valve system with ambient air.

According to EP 0 123 684 B1, one or more balloon-type air chambers (in total about 150 l) are filled via a pressure bottle, wherein about 70% of the filling volume comes from the ambient air via a venturi system. In this case, the Venturi nozzles or even the filling unit can also be installed directly in the balloons, as disclosed in EP 0 957 994 B1. According to EP 1 948 323 A1, the air chamber of the avalanche rescue system can also be collar-like around the neck and also at least partially covering the thorax.

All current avalanche airbags use in principle the same system, namely at least one balloon which is inflated via a compressed air cartridge and a valve system for the most part with ambient air. However, these systems are very heavy and require relatively large compressed air cartridges. As a result, the refilling after each triggering is very expensive, which in case of emergency, a certain inhibition threshold against perhaps «unnecessary» triggering is given - in practice, it is then often to trigger late. Moreover, the possibilities for refilling by transport regulations and restrictions, for example, in aviation for compressed gas containers are limited and generally too complicated. Also, the purchase price is very high.

The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a simple, easy and inexpensive avalanche rescue system which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and provides the supportive formation of respiratory or movement cavities and a protector effect. Another object was an improved method of filling such a system.

To solve the first problem, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the buoyancy body is provided with a foldable skeleton and with at least one opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment check valve.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the unfoldable skeleton comprises an automatically unfolding linkage.

Another advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton is designed as an inflatable support structure and can be filled via a compressed gas unit with compressed gas container and triggering device.

Preferably, at least part of the inflatable skeleton is designed as a protector. After its targeted venting in the event of spillage, this also ensures the creation of a vital respiratory or movement cavity.

Advantageously, the at least one check valve is mounted in the material of the buoyant body.

In order to store the avalanche rescue system again after use, merge or to form a rescue breathing cavity in an emergency, advantageously at least one user-operable vent valve for manual venting of the buoyant body may be provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve.

Preferably, an embodiment is provided, in which the buoyant body and / or the skeleton and / or parts of the skeleton is provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, so that in an emergency the user without his own help at most a life-saving respiratory or Movement cave is created.

In this case, a variant may be characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation comprises a pressure relief valve.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the arrangement for targeted automatic venting by using a combined opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment check valve is realized with a pressure relief valve. Preferably, it is also possible to choose a valve design which, after a single opening after defined pressure application, also remains open when the pressure drops again.

Another alternative for the formation of the respiratory or movement cavity for the victim by slow collapse of the avalanche rescue system is characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation is realized by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least a portion of the buoyant body if necessary, an air exchange with the environment can be provided. The selective discharge and the air exchange can each be provided individually or in combination.

Furthermore, the opening of the, or individual, valves can be done electronically and so only from certain chambers of the airbag deflate the air to create targeted respiratory movement cavities.

In order to ensure an automatic triggering of the avalanche rescue system in an emergency even without action of the possibly shocked or otherwise impaired by the emergency user or by the overall situation impossible to trigger a sensor array provided for the determination of emergency conditions and with actuators for the Unfolding the skeleton connected. Various sensors could be used, such as pressure sensors, acceleration or position sensors, u.v.m. Of course, the release of skeleton deployment could also be done manually by the user.

To solve the further object of a method for filling the avalanche rescue system is characterized by the steps of the automatic unfolding of the skeleton with clamping of the buoyant body and suction of ambient air over the or each check valve.

According to a first variant of this method, the filling of an inflatable support structure is provided with pressurized gas for clamping the buoyant body.

Advantageously, the inventive method also includes the targeted automatic ventilation after full deployment of the buoyant body or its skeleton or parts of the skeleton.

The method may advantageously be characterized according to a further embodiment in that an automatic triggering for the unfolding of the skeleton is provided via a sensor for the determination of emergency conditions.

A preferred variant further provides that the targeted venting takes place in the presence of overpressure via a mechanical opening and / or an electronic opening of the pressure relief valve.

In the following description, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of examples and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 2a and 2b are views of a valve for use in the avalanche rescue system according to the invention, and Fig. 3 illustrates in simplified form a combined non-return / pressure relief valve for use in the avalanche rescue system according to the invention ,

The avalanche rescue system shown in Fig. 1 consists of a special backpack 1 or even a back plate, which are connected as support elements with at least one balloon-like inflatable buoyancy body 2 of collapsible, tear-resistant material. The buoyancy body 2 is provided for this purpose with a skeleton 3 which can be unfolded very rapidly and which, after the avalanche rescue system has been triggered, can rapidly unfold from a collapsed or folded state and thereby spans the buoyancy body 2 for the intended shape and size. The unfoldable skeleton 3 can comprise an automatically deploying mechanical linkage or can also be designed as an inflatable support structure, which can be filled via at least one compressed gas unit 4 comprising at least one pressurized gas container with pressurized gas, preferably compressed air. This airbag system 2, 3, 4 can also be easily removed from the backpack 1, so that it can then be used as a summer backpack without airbag system.

The mounting of the skeleton 3, for example, by blowing a support structure (in the manner of a framework) by means of CO2 cartridge or a more suitable liquid gas (similar to life jackets / lifejackets) take place. These typically allow the following volumes: 60 g of CO2 at 0 ° C give a volume of 30.78 liters, 60 g of CO2 at 15 ° already gives 32.46 liters and 60 g of NO2 at 15 ° C even 51.3 liters. Such a volume is sufficient to inflate an optimized skeleton 3 bulging and thus "protective pads" and the buoyancy body 2 aufzuspannen with a total volume of at least 150 liters. The cartridge (s) are preferably located directly on the inflatable skeleton 3, so that no pressure hoses are necessary for the introduction of the gas, so that losses are avoided and time is gained during unfolding. The triggering happens mechanically or electronically. Advantageously, a sensor arrangement for the determination of emergency conditions is provided for this purpose and connected to an actuator for the unfolding of the skeleton 3. Of course, optionally, in addition to the sensor arrangement, the filling can be triggered via a tripping device actuated by the user.

In order to increase the total volume of the buoyant body 2, two or more cartridges can be installed and triggered in parallel. The inflation rate of the airbag is of great importance. Due to the small diameter of the tubular textile skeleton 3 this and thus also the buoyancy body 2 and the protectors are clamped faster than conventional airbags to 100%.

Preferably incorporated in the material of the buoyant body 2 and advantageously laterally thereto or otherwise integrated via a conduit system to the buoyancy body 2 in the system is at least one opening into the interior of the buoyancy body 2 and connected to the environment check valve, which in the course of tightening by the effect of the unfolding skeleton 3 from the ambient air is sucked into the buoyancy body 2.

The valve outer side, in particular the valve opening 5, an advantageous and illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b embodiment of a check valve 6 for the avalanche rescue system according to the invention is preferably covered by its own air-permeable textile to prevent penetration and closure by fine snow. Turbine-shaped spacers 7 may be provided to increase the suction area and prevent the closure of the valve opening 5. A thin silicone membrane 8, which is limitedly movable in a cylinder 9 in the axial direction, allows air to flow in and closes in the opposite direction the valve 5, which is preferably inserted into the material of the buoyant body 2, in particular welded thereto. In addition, the attachment can be reinforced with a nut.

As a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one user-operable vent valve for manual venting of the buoyant body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 or at least a part thereof may be provided. This vent valve may optionally be provided in combination with at least one check valve and allows the avalanche rescue system stowed after use again, merge or to be able to form a rescuing respiratory or movement cavity in an emergency, which blatantly increases the probability of survival, as studies have shown.

The combination of check valve and pressure relief valve can also be realized in a valve 10, as it is simplified in Fig. 3 is shown. In a cylindrical housing 11, a check valve 12 is inserted on or in a sealing ring 13. This sealing ring 13 is pressed by a spring 14 with a defined spring force against the pressure direction up to the sealing edge 15. If the pressure reaches a defined maximum value, the sealing ring 13 together with the non-return valve 12 seated thereon is pressed into the housing 11, which has air outlet openings 16 on the sides and underside, through which the venting proceeds. The air intake through the check valve 12 is done through these air openings 16th

When using connected to the buoyancy body 2 or used in the material pressure relief valves of the buoyancy body 2 of an airtight material, preferably an airtight textile exist. The preferably at least two pressure relief valves serve as a defined safety device in that excess pressure is eliminated by venting air. In combination with the check valve 6 of Fig. 2a and 2b or a check valve of any other construction, the air can flow unhindered when clamping the buoyant body 2, while the outflow is blocked, except in the case of a Ganzverschüttung with increased pressure on the buoyancy body 2. Then namely, the snow pressure as explained above causes the defined discharge or outflow of air from the buoyancy body 2 or the air exchange with the environment of the buoyancy body 2. Preferably, the skeleton 3 is vented into the interior of the buoyancy body 2, while the buoyancy body 2 itself to the outside, ie in the environment or the snow, is vented.

The opening of the or each pressure relief valve may also be controlled electronically, preferably after a predefined time or after the occurrence of certain trigger signals from position, speed, acceleration sensors or similar monitoring organs, since the carrier of the avalanche rescue system often can not manually initiate the vent For example, if he is unconscious or wedged by the snow masses, the buoyancy body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 is advantageously provided with a device for targeted automatic ventilation, which is preferably used only after full deployment of the buoyant body 2. Thus, under pressure - by the surrounding snow masses - or electronically limited in time, the gas from the buoyant body 2 and / or from the spanning skeleton 3 or only partially submerged automatically escape and thus the avalanche victims in the event of a full burial the possibly lifesaving respiratory or To provide a movement cavity.

The arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, for example, comprise at least one pressure relief valve, possibly also be realized by using at least one combined opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment check valve with a pressure relief valve. An embodiment which can be combined therewith or used alone for an arrangement for targeted automatic venting is realized by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least part of the buoyant body, optionally with an air exchange with the environment. The buoyant body in this case consists of a tear-resistant textile with a consciously used and defined air permeability (It EN ISO 9237: regulates, for example, the air and thus the oxygen permeability in tissues as for bivouac sacks in the military sector).

With regard to the valves used according to the invention, provision is advantageously made for an arrangement with at least two on the sides, preferably on at least two sides of the buoyant body. As already explained above, these valves allow the air to freely flow into the buoyant body during clamping, but then block the outflow. Only in the event of pressure on the buoyant body, as is the case in the case of a complete burial by the snow pressure, air is slowly released from the buoyancy body and there is the possibly life-saving air space in the head area of the buried.

Claims (17)

An avalanche rescue system comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body connectable to the user (2) of collapsible, tear-resistant material and a filling arrangement, characterized in that the buoyancy body (2) comprises a foldable skeleton (3) and at least one inside the buoyancy body (2) opening and connected to the environment check valve (6, 12) is provided. 2. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton (3) comprises an automatically deploying linkage. 3. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton (3) is designed as an inflatable support structure and via a compressed gas unit (4) can be filled with compressed gas container and triggering device. 4. avalanche rescue system according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a part of the inflatable skeleton (3) is designed as a protector. 5. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one check valve (6, 12) in the material of the buoyant body (2) is fixed. 6. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one user-operable vent valve for manually venting the buoyant body (2) is provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve (6, 12). 7. avalanche rescue system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one user-operable vent valve for manual venting of the skeleton (3) is provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve (6, 12). 8. avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy body (2) and / or the skeleton (3) or only parts of the skeleton is provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation. 9. avalanche rescue system according to claim 8, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation comprises a mechanically or electronically opening pressure relief valve. 10. avalanche rescue system according to claim 8, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by using a combined opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment check valve (12) with a pressure relief valve (13, 14, 15) is realized. 11. avalanche rescue system according to claim 8, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least a portion of the buoyant body (2) is realized, wherein optionally an air exchange with the environment may be provided. 12. avalanche rescue system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a sensor arrangement is provided for the determination of emergency conditions for the automatic triggering of the unfolding of the skeleton (3). 13. A method for filling an avalanche rescue system according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of actuating the triggering device, and then the automatic filling of the buoyancy body (2), characterized by the steps of automatically unfolding the skeleton (3) with mounting of the buoyant body (2) and sucking in ambient air via the or each check valve (6, 12). 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized by the filling of an inflatable support structure with pressurized gas for clamping the buoyant body (2). 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the targeted automatic ventilation after full deployment of the buoyant body (2). 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that an automatic triggering for the unfolding process of the skeleton (3) is provided via a sensor system for the determination of emergency conditions. 17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the targeted venting in the presence of overpressure via a mechanical opening and / or an electronic opening of the pressure relief valve (13, 14, 15).