DE202012101961U1 - Avalanche Rescue System - Google Patents

Abstract

Avalanche rescue system, comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body (2) which can be connected to the user close to the body and / or inflatable protector made 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 ins Inside the buoyancy body (2) opening and provided with the environment check valve (6, 12) is provided.

Description

The invention relates to an avalanche rescue system, comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body, which can be connected to the user close to the body, from collapsible, tear-resistant material and a filling arrangement.

Such an avalanche rescue system, also known as avalanche airbag, is a rescue device, which should prevent the sinking of touring, skiers or snowshoe hikers in a flowing avalanche. The effect is not based on "swimming" in the traditional sense. An inflated avalanche airbag increases the skier / tourer / hiker and he remains due to the "sorting effect" in a flowing avalanche at or near the surface. Because large parts remain on the slab / avalanche surface due to this "inverse granulation" (segregation under the influence of gravity), small ones sink into deeper layers. Also finding and recovering the wearer of an avalanche airbag is made much easier by the "enlargement" of the person concerned.

Currently, these avalanche rescue systems consist of one or two balloons with a total volume of approximately 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 the EP0123684B1 One or more balloon-type air chambers (in total about 1501) are filled via a pressure bottle, whereby about 70% of the filling volume come from the ambient air via a venturi system. The Venturi nozzles or even the filling unit can also be installed directly in the balloons, as in the EP0957994B1 is disclosed. The air chamber of the avalanche rescue system can also according to the EP1948323A1 Collar-like surrounding 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" tripping 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 a simple, easy and inexpensive avalanche rescue system which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and offers the supportive formation of respiratory cavities and a protector effect. Another object was an improved method of filling such a system.

To solve the first object, 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 deploying 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 fastened in the material of the buoyant body.

To stow the avalanche rescue system again after use, merge or to be able to form a rescue breathing cavity in an emergency, advantageously at least one user-operable vent valve for manually venting 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 gets a life-saving respiratory or movement cavity created without own intervention.

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

Alternatively, it can also be provided 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 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, optionally with an exchange of air can be provided with the environment. 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 let the air out of certain chambers of the airbag to create targeted respiratory movement cavities.

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

One possible method for filling the avalanche rescue system is characterized by the steps of automatically unfolding the skeleton by mounting the buoyant body and drawing 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 method also includes the targeted automatic venting after full deployment of the buoyant body or its skeleton or parts of the skeleton.

According to a further embodiment, the method may advantageously also be characterized in that an automatic triggering for the unfolding process of the skeleton via a sensor system for the determination of emergency conditions is provided.

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 limiting valve.

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

It shows the 1 a view of the fully deployed avalanche rescue system, 2a and 2 B are views of a valve for use in avalanche rescue system according to the invention and 3 illustrates in simplified form a combined check / pressure relief valve for use in the avalanche rescue system according to the invention.

This in 1 shown avalanche rescue system consists of a special backpack 1 or even just a back plate, which as carrier elements with at least one balloon-like inflatable buoyancy body 2 made of collapsible, tear-resistant material are connected. The buoyancy body 2 is with a very quickly unfoldable skeleton 3 provided that can deploy after the avalanche rescue system from a collapsed or folded state quickly and thereby the buoyancy body 2 spans to the intended shape and size. The unfoldable skeleton 3 may include an automatically unfolding mechanical linkage or may also be preferably designed as an inflatable support structure, which has at least one compressed gas unit 4 comprising at least one compressed gas container with pressurized gas, preferably compressed air, can be filled. This airbag system 2 . 3 . 4 preferably also from the backpack 1 simply be removed so that it can then be used as a summer backpack without airbag system.

Clamping the skeleton 3 For example, by inflating a support structure (in the manner of a truss) 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 give 32.46 liters and 60 g of NO2 at 15 ° C even 51.3 liters. Such a volume is enough to create an optimized skeleton 3 inflate bulging and thus "protective pads" and the buoyant body 2 with a total volume of at least 150 liters. The cartridge (s) preferably sit directly on the inflatable skeleton 3 with which 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 and provided with an actuator for the unfolding of the skeleton 3 connected. Of course, optionally, in addition to the sensor arrangement, the filling can be triggered by a tripping device actuated by the user.

To the total volume of the buoyant body 2 To increase, 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 becomes this and thus also the buoyancy body 2 or the protectors stretched faster than conventional airbags to 100%.

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

The valve outside, in particular the valve opening 5 , a beneficial and in the 2a and 2 B illustrated 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 closing by fine snow. Turbine-shaped spacers 7 can increase the suction area and prevent the closing of the valve opening 5 be provided. A thin silicone membrane 8th in a cylinder 9 In the axial direction is limited movable, allows air to flow or closes in the opposite direction, the valve 5 , preferably in the material of the buoyant body 2 used, in particular welded to it. 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 manually venting the buoyant body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 or at least part of it. 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 in a valve 10 be realized as it simplifies in 3 is shown. In a cylindrical housing 11 is a check valve 12 on or in a sealing ring 13 used. This sealing ring 13 is by means of a spring 14 with defined spring force against the pressure direction up to the sealing edge 15 pressed. When the pressure reaches a defined maximum value, the sealing ring becomes 13 together with the non-return valve sitting on it 12 in the case 11 pressed, which at the sides and bottom air outlet openings 16 through which the vent is going through. Also the air intake through the check valve 12 happens through these air openings 16 ,

When using with the buoyancy body 2 connected or used in the material pressure relief valves, the buoyancy body 2 consist of an airtight material, preferably an airtight textile. 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 the 2a and 2 B or a check valve of any other construction can thus when clamping the buoyant body 2 the air will flow in unimpeded, while the outflow is blocked, except in the case of a full burial with increased pressure on the floats 2 , Then, as explained above, the snow pressure causes the defined discharge or outflow of air from the buoyant body 2 or the air exchange with the environment of the buoyant body 2 , Preferably, the skeleton becomes 3 into the interior of the buoyancy body 2 vented while the buoyant body 2 even to the outside, ie venting into the environment or the snow.

The opening of the or each pressure relief valve can 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 venting, for example, when he is unconscious or wedged by the snow masses, is advantageously the buoyancy body 2 and / or the skeleton 3 provided with an arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation, preferably only after full deployment of the buoyant body 2 is used. This can 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 slowly escape automatically from subareas and thus provide the avalanche victim in the event of a total burial the possibly life-saving respiratory or 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 into the interior of the buoyancy body opening 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 consists in this case 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.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0123684 B1 [0004]
• EP 0957994 B1 [0004]
• EP 1948323 A1 [0004]

Cited non-patent literature

• EN ISO 9237 [0035]

Claims (11)

Avalanche rescue system comprising at least one inflatable buoyancy body connectable to the user ( 2 ) and / or inflatable protector of collapsible, tear-resistant material and a filling arrangement, characterized in that the buoyant body ( 2 ) with a foldable skeleton ( 3 ) and with at least one into the interior of the buoyant body ( 2 ) and connected to the environment check valve ( 6 . 12 ) is provided. Avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton ( 3 ) comprises an automatically deploying linkage. Avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that the unfoldable skeleton ( 3 ) formed as an inflatable support structure and via a compressed gas unit ( 4 ) can be filled with compressed gas tank and triggering device. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least part of the inflatable skeleton ( 3 ) is designed as a protector. 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 attached. An avalanche rescue system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one user-operable ventilation valve for manual venting of the buoyant body ( 2 ) and / or the skeleton ( 3 ) is provided, optionally in combination with at least one check valve ( 6 . 12 ). 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 a device for targeted automatic ventilation. Avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation comprises a mechanically or electronically opening pressure relief valve. An avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the targeted automatic venting arrangement by use of a combined opening into the interior of the buoyancy body and connected to the environment non-return valve ( 12 ) with a pressure relief valve ( 13 . 14 . 15 ) is realized. Avalanche rescue system according to claim 6, characterized in that the arrangement for targeted automatic ventilation by the use of a gas-permeable material for at least part of the buoyant body ( 2 ) is realized, where appropriate, an air exchange with the environment may be provided. Avalanche rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a sensor arrangement for the determination of emergency conditions provided and with actuators for the unfolding of the skeleton ( 3 ) connected is.

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