EP1890569A1

EP1890569A1 - Multifunctional carrying device for firemen

Info

Publication number: EP1890569A1
Application number: EP06743744A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Thiriot; Stéphane HURIET
Original assignee: Kermel SNC
Current assignee: Kermel SNC
Priority date: 2005-06-15
Filing date: 2006-04-26
Publication date: 2008-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-26
Also published as: EP1890569B1; PT1890569E; FR2887131B1; ATE484209T1; AU2006258927A1; AU2006258927B2; ES2354273T3; WO2006134241A1; CA2612201C; FR2887131A1; US20080277443A1; CA2612201A1; DE602006017542D1; NZ564312A

Abstract

The present invention concerns a multi-functional carry pack assembly intended to equip fire fighters when fighting fires in wildland areas. The carry pack assembly of the invention comprises: a) a carry frame, preferably with at least two straps of shoulder strap type resting on the shoulders, and at least one cross-strap joined to said shoulder type straps and acting as belt, b) a first element of pouch type fixed or fixable to the carry frame, able to carry at least one water reservoir and a "hands-free" hydration system connected or connectable to said water reservoir, and c) at least one second element of pouch type fixed or fixable onto the carry frame and able to contain a protective, action or survival garment, a protective mask or at least one other accessory.

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY FOR SAPPER FIREFIGHTERS

The present invention relates to the field of fire fighting. It relates more particularly to a multifunctional carrying assembly intended for firefighting equipment, particularly in the context of fire fighting activities for natural areas or any other activity requiring a great deal of autonomy, without the possibility of relying on local logistical support.

Firefighters who have to fight against these disasters need to ensure their personal protection with specific equipment. This material differs according to the mission, the place and the moment of the action. The firefighter, confronted with the intervention, must be able to choose to take with him such or such protective equipment according to these parameters. Also, to work safely without being unnecessarily heavy, he needs flexible personal protective equipment. In addition, the equipment he chooses to bring with him must be at hand and immediately available when needed.

Moreover, during the fight, the firefighter provides intense physical effort in extreme conditions: heat, wind, smoke, stress. These working conditions require a constant hydration of the speaker to allow him to maintain his physical and mental performance during the fight.

Finally, the firefighter who attacks wildland fires must, for security reasons, be identifiable, soil and air, day and night.

In order to allow the firefighter to move while having at hand the specific equipment he needs, it has already been proposed by document CA.2.424.778 a harness allowing the firefighter to wear on the back a package containing the accessories and safety equipment that it needs, more particularly the package referenced M 1983, widely used on the North American continent. This harness comprises a set of straps and a belt assembly equipped with adjustment means to take into account the morphology of the individual and fastening means of the package M 1983, in the form of a set of Y straps, starting from the back of the belt assembly to hang on the back of the straps assembly, in the back of the firefighter.

The harness described in this document CA.2.424.778 is certainly a step forward, but nevertheless it has the major disadvantage of requiring the firefighter to remove the harness to open the package and have access to a specific equipment or accessory.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying set for firefighters that meets the requirements imposed, in particular by the fight against wildland fires and which overcomes the aforementioned drawback.

This object is perfectly achieved by a carrying assembly which comprises: a) a carrying frame intended to be worn on the torso and consisting of straps, preferably at least two strap-type straps resting on the shoulders and at least one transverse strap secured to said strap-type straps and serving belt, b) a first bag-type element fixed or fixable on the carrying frame, accommodating at least one water bag, and a hands-free hydration system Connected to or connectable to said water bag and; c) at least one second bag-like element, fixed or fixable on the carrying frame and able to contain a protective clothing, intervention or survival, a protective mask, or at least one other accessory.

The materials constituting the reinforcement and the bag-like elements being provided for a fire-fighting application, are resistant to heat and fire and must not pose a danger to the wearer. Preferably, these materials are based on aramid fibers.

In addition, each second bag-like element is provided with a rapid opening system allowing the firefighter direct access to its contents, without requiring removal of the carrying frame. Thus when he leaves for an intervention of a specific type, the firefighter can carry, thanks to the carrying set of the present invention, the water bag to hydrate and all the equipment he needs, using as support means the outer face of the carrying straps, the water bag and said equipment being arranged in different bag-type elements which are fixed, depending on the volume required, or transversely on the armature, for example simultaneously on the strap-type straps, either longitudinally for example on a single shoulder strap or a cross strap.

Preferably the first and / or the second bag-like elements are fixable by easily detachable fastening means on the carrying frame, so as to be easily disconnected from said frame either to be removed purely or simply for to be moved, on this same frame. This is for example the case when it is a question of transferring all or part of the bag-type elements on the back of the torso to the front of the torso, in particular to allow the fireman to carry on his back a heavy load, such as a rack of portage for a facility of great length.

In one embodiment, the carrying frame comprises two U-shaped side straps acting as straps. In another embodiment, the strap type straps are arranged Y-shaped.

According to an alternative embodiment, the first bag-type element is carried and fixed transversely on the outer face of the frame, for example two side straps, at the upper part of the torso, preferably on the back. Said first element, containing the water bag, is connected to a so-called "hands-free" hydration system, in that the firefighter can hydrate without having to handle it. This system may consist of a feed pipe fixed or fixable on the outer face of the frame, for example a side strap, so that its end is accessible to the mouth of the firefighter. It is then sufficient for the latter, to rehydrate, to grab the end of the feed pipe and suck the water in the pocket. According to an alternative embodiment, the carrying assembly comprises a respiratory protection assembly placed at least partly in the first or, in a second bag-type element. Such a respiratory protection assembly may comprise a filtration system, for example a filter cartridge, placed in a second bag-type element and a connection pipe connecting the filtration system to a connection piece. The connection tip may be a mouthpiece, or mask, applicable on the face, either "half mask" or "quarter mask" according to its configuration. The connecting pipe is preferably fixed or fixable on a strap-type strap, for example passing over the top of a shoulder or side, under the arm of the firefighter. Such a respiratory protection assembly may comprise only a mask, called leakage mask, associated with a filter cartridge; in this case the whole is placed in its entirety in a second element of the bag type, preferably quick opening. It should be noted that in the embodiment referred to above, wherein the filter gas cartridge is connected to a connecting pipe, said cartridge can be housed in the same first bag-type element containing a water bag. In this case, the feed pipe of the water bag and the connecting pipe of the filter gas cartridge are fixed or fixable respectively on the one and the other lateral straps of the shoulder strap type at the level of the top of the shoulders. .

When the filter gas cartridge remains permanently in the first or second bag-like element, it is important to ensure that the air intake can not be closed for example by the poncho or other protective clothing that would have been threaded over the device. In a variant of the invention, the filter cartridge is placed laterally in the bag, the air intake directed towards the side. In a second variant, a grid is disposed at the air inlet of the cartridge to prevent a tight contact between a fabric and the cartridge, for example a curved grid. In an alternative embodiment, the carrying assembly comprises, in a second bag-type element, a garment-type protective garment. intervention consisting of a jacket and over pants and / or a survival suit, for example an aluminized poncho.

The intervention vest and the over trousers together constitute an additional intervention garment that the firefighter may have to put on over his permanent wear garment in the case where the fire fighting conditions require a level of protection. superior protection.

Whether for an aluminized poncho or an additional intervention garment, said second bag-type element comprises a quick opening system. This rapid opening system advantageously consists in a side hatch provided with a gripping tab. It is sufficient for the firefighter to seize the gripping tab, to pull on it to achieve the opening of the side door.

Preferably the poncho, the intervention vest or over trousers and / or the survival garment are themselves provided with a gripping tab and are stored inside the second element of the bag-type such that said gripping tab is accessible from the side hatch. Thus once said hatch open, it is sufficient for the firefighter to seize this gripping tab to get out the aluminized poncho and / or the intervention vest and / or pants on said element and put it on. This can be done quickly and automatically. In particular, being an aluminized poncho, the presence of the gripping tab facilitates the proper positioning of the poncho during its threading.

Advantageously, the inner face of the second bag-like elements forming part of the carrying assembly according to the invention has a protective coating with a low coefficient of friction, for example a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. This particular arrangement makes the extraction of the contents of said elements easier and ensures protection against anything that can penetrate inside said second elements, especially the agents used in the fight against fire and water. With regard to the additional clothing of intervention to be put on over the garment of permanent wear or service dress, in a first mode of realization, the additional jacket and over pants have assembly means adapted to cooperate to allow their assembly to one another, once they have been threaded over the garment permanent wear. In a second embodiment, only the over trousers comprises hooking means for securing said pants on the outer face of the straps of the carrying set. Since the over trousers intervention usually comprise straps, direct assembly to the jacket or hanging on the straps avoids the superposition of straps.

In an alternative embodiment, the carrying assembly comprises at least a second bag-type element adapted to contain an accessory, for example a radio communication device, a topographic map, a compass, food, small tools, said second element being fixed or fixable on the outer face of the armature, for example a shoulder-type strap, for example on the front of the carrying assembly, or on the outer face of a transverse strap. Preferably, two second elements are fixed on the armature, on the torso, and contain the components of a portable radio transceiver, one of said second elements comprising an opening for the passage of the antenna of said transceiver .

According to an alternative embodiment, the first or second bag-like element comprises a visual and / or audible signaling device. The presence of this device improves the identification of a firefighter who would be momentarily away from colleagues.

In one embodiment, this device is connected to the quick-opening system of one or all of the second bag-type elements containing protection elements and / or the system releasing the tip of the respiratory protection device of such so that this signaling device is triggered automatically upon actuation of the rapid opening system, thus notifying his entourage or his manager that the firefighter is in danger. In another embodiment, this signaling device is associated with a multi-function trigger and can be triggered remotely, non-selectively, by any carrier of the same type of equipment. Thus, a wearer who performs for example a short action on a first button for tripping his equipment sees all the near visual signaling devices start, allowing him to quickly locate firefighters located nearby. This same carrier, for example, performing a prolonged action on the same first trigger button activates the audible and visual signals of the nearby signaling devices. This visual and sound message, once codified by the users, can mean an urgent action to be performed such as returning immediately to the gear, for example to allow an aircraft to perform its release. The sound message may consist of a modulated ringing tone, or even a summary message clearly expressing the expected action. A second button is used to acknowledge the information and return the trigger to the standby state. A third button makes it possible to turn on only its own visual signaling device so as to signal itself on a position. In an alternative embodiment, the visual and / or sound signaling device has three different transmit / receive channels. Thus, on a sector comprising three teams working side by side, each of them is assigned a different channel. In case of use of the device, this variant allows the teams not to interfere with each other. The proposed visual and / or sound signaling device thus makes it possible to ensure efficient and simple communication between each participant, which represents a considerable advance when it is known that the crews generally have only one portable radio machine.

In an alternative embodiment, on the front of the carrying assembly, at least one of the straps, for example straps or transverse type, is provided with at least one ring or hook for hanging small equipment themselves equipped with a carabiner or a ring. It may be for example the attachment of a flashlight, gloves. Advantageously, the ring or hook disposed on the outer face of the strap is protected by a protective flap which covers it in case of non-use and which can easily be raised when used. Preferably the straps are also provided with loops to press against them small equipment that is hooked so that they do not swing when the wearer is moving.

In an alternative embodiment, spacers, for example flanges of flame retardant foam, are disposed on the inner face of the straps, in particular straps, preferably substantially at the same level as the bag-like elements. These spacers have as a first function to allow air circulation in the space between the carrying assembly and the back of the wearer for better comfort. In an alternative embodiment, the carrying assembly comprises a release handle, which is fixed on a spacer extending between two lateral strap-type straps at the upper part of the rear of said assembly. This handle facilitates the transportation of the firefighter equipped with the carrying set, in case it is injured. Preferably, the carrying assembly comprises at the rear a thread which extends between the straps, in particular of the strap type, in particular from the spacer if said assembly is equipped with it.

Preferably, the carrying assembly, and possibly the pants and the intervention vest are of a color that provides a significant contrast with the natural environment so as to make the firefighters very visible in the middle of the vegetation, s acting red, red-orange or yellow.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of a preferred embodiment of a multifunctional firefighter carrying set, more particularly intended for fire fighting activities propagating in natural spaces, illustrated by FIG. the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a very schematic representation in perspective of an assembly comprising, mounted on the rear of the actual carrying frame, a first element and two second bag-type elements, and mounted on the front of the frame, a second bag-like element, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a permanent wearing jacket over which the carrying assembly of FIG. 1 has been placed. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in plan and plan view of FIG. a first bag-like element comprising a water bag and its supply pipe, a filter cartridge, its connecting pipe and its breathing mask and finally a visual signaling device and its actuation commands,

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation in plan and from above of an alternative embodiment of the first bag-type element of FIG. 3, with the breathing mask and the entirety of the connecting pipe which are housed inside said first element. element, being accessible through an opening closed by an access door in the closed position.

Figure 5 is a partial view of the first bag-like element of Figure 4 showing the opening of the access door. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an additional protective jacket (intervention garment) comprising a system of integrated shoulder straps and, partially, over pants equipped with assembly means.

The carrying assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a carrying frame comprising two lateral straps 2 and 3, arranged in a U-shape, acting as straps, two transverse straps 4, 4 'secured to the side straps 2 and 3, one of which, secured to the ends of the side straps 2, 3 acts belt. The straps 2, 3, 4, 4 'are made from non-fire son, for example aramid; they are sufficiently thermostable to maintain their integrity at relatively high temperatures. Furthermore, said straps are dimensioned not only to support the weight of the accessories, for example of the order of 5 kg, but also to withstand the transport of the firefighter carrying the assembly 1, in case of loss of consciousness.

This carrying assembly 1 is intended to be worn on the torso, as shown in Figure 2, in particular above a permanent wearing jacket 16 in the composition of the service dress, or a jacket specially adapted to forest fires.

The carrying assembly 1 comprises a first bag-like element hereinafter referred to as the first bag 5, capable of containing a drinking water bag 22 intended for the hydration of the fireman during his activity. This first bag 5 is fixed on the outer face of the two side straps 2, 3 at the upper part of the back, so that the water bag 22 is constantly inclined.

The drinking water bag 22 preferably has a capacity of between one and two liters. Moreover, its shape allows access, by means of a feed pipe 6, to all the liquid contained. In a preferred embodiment said water bag 22 has a triangular shape, the pipe 6 drawing into the tip which is turned towards the bottom of the pocket 22.

In the illustrated example the first bag 5 has two lateral extensions 5a, 5b which extend and which are fixed on the outer face of two side straps 2,3 above the shoulders. The supply pipe 6, whose distal end is immersed in the bottom of the water bag 22, has its proximal end 6a which opens out from a lateral extension 5a and which is, for example, bent to face the face of the sapper -specialize and be directly accessible to him if he wants to hydrate himself. It is desirable that this proximal end 6a is in its outer portion to the lateral extension 5a or in its non-fixed portion on the strap 2, has the shortest possible length to reduce the risk of attachment, for example in branches, during progressions in difficult environment. The inner and sealed portion of the water bag 22 is made of a food grade material, for example a PTFE, so that the heat does not create toxic releases in the liquid.

For practical reasons, it is important that the firefighter can remove alone the bag 5 containing the water bag 22 to fill, even when it is carried in the back. This is possible for example thanks to a fastening system reported on the front of the frame, like two "paws" passing on both sides of the neck on the shoulders. In this case, by unhooking one of the two legs and passing it behind the head, the bag 5 is in front and always supported.

The water bag 22 has a filling orifice closed by a plug 23. The filling can be carried out either by withdrawing the bag 22 from the first bag 5 and then putting it back in place, once filled, or by means of a source external supply which allows to inject water into the water bag 22 through the filling opening, without having to remove it from the first bag 5. In the latter case, to access the filling cap, there is an access opening, formed in the bag. The injection of water can be made by siphoning from a supply of water using a suitable pipe. The access opening to the filler cap or the opening formed in the bag to remove the bag for filling or replacement is preferably located on the inside of the bag, that is to say the bag. face which is turned towards the user. When it wants to proceed with the filling, it releases one of the two lateral extensions 5a, 5b of the corresponding side strap 2,3, it pivots the bag 5 by passing it in front of it, which makes directly accessible said opening which is then turned outward. According to an alternative embodiment, the carrying assembly comprises, housed in whole or in part in the first bag 5 or in a second bag-like element, hereinafter referred to as the second bag, a respiratory protection device intended to provide a respiratory protection of emergency.

In a first embodiment, the respiratory protection device is composed of a filtration system 7, for example a filter cartridge housed in a first 5 or second 11 bag and a connecting pipe 9 ending in a breathing tip 8, said connecting pipe 9 being arranged so that the tip 8 is easily accessible to the firefighter and he can apply it on the mouth or face. In the example shown, the filter cartridge 7 is in the back in the first bag 5, and the connecting pipe 9 is disposed on the shoulder above a strap lateral 2, or in this case above the lateral extension 5b of the first bag 5. It is long enough to be worn in the mouth of the firefighter. It can also go through the side, under the arm of it. This arrangement saves precious seconds in case of danger. In the case where the filter cartridge 7 is housed in the first bag 5 containing the water bag 22, the supply pipe 6 of the water bag 22 and the connecting pipe 9 of the gas filter cartridge 7 are fixed. or fixable respectively directly on both side straps 2,3 at the top of the shoulders or indirectly via the lateral extensions 5a, 5b which themselves are attached to the side straps 2, 3 to level of the top of the shoulders.

As shown in FIG. 5, the end piece 8 of the connecting pipe 9 can be protected by a protective tab 24. The tab 24 is equipped with a quick-opening system, for example provided with self-gripping elements to hooks and loops or snaps.

Preferably the tab 24 is connected, by a link 10 to a percussion system of the filter cartridge 10. When the firefighter flaps the tab 24 forward, it exerts a pull on the link 10, which causes the percussion of the filter cartridge 7. Among the different types of tip 8 existing mask, half mask, quarter mask or mouthpiece, it is the mouthpiece that is the most convenient and fastest to apply because the Wearing a mask or a half mask requires the removal of the helmet, if the helmet does not have a built-in compatible system. However, in the case of a mouthpiece, it is preferable to supplement the respiratory protection device with a nose clip, for example hooked by a connecting wire towards the end of the connecting pipe 9, that the firefighter is placed on the nose to prevent accidental aspiration through the nose.

In addition the respiratory protection device comprises a valve system, allowing the suction of air, passed through the air intake of the filtration system, including the filter cartridge, and letting out exhaled air. In a second embodiment, the breathing device 8 is an independent system, for example a leakage mask which comprises a mask connected directly to a filter cartridge. It is equipped with the carrying set in a second bag 11, 12 with quick opening so that the firefighter can seize and set up quickly in case of danger.

In all cases, on the one hand the first or second bag must preferably comprise an air passage opening facing the air intake of the filter cartridge and secondly the arrangement of the filter cartridge 7 must be compatible with the wearing of the poncho or other protective clothing that would have been threaded over the carrying set 1. To prevent the poncho or clothing from being veneered on the air intake of the cartridge 7 , it is arranged with its air intake directed to the side, as shown in Figure 1. Another option is to provide a grid, including curved, at the air passage opening, which allows access the air even with a cloth plated over the first or second bag.

When working on wildland fires, it may be necessary to have a higher level of protection, such as an intervention jacket 17 and an over trousers 18 and / or a poncho, that the fire-fighter may have to put on over his permanent garment.

The recent development of new materials made it possible to make very light and flexible work clothes. Thanks to the carrying set according to the invention, it is thus possible to take these additional clothes with you, stored in a second bag, to be able to dispose of the appropriate time. In the context of the use of an additional intervention garment, they are worn over the carrying assembly 1 to avoid long handling and any external help.

For this purpose, the carrying assembly 1 comprises in a second bag 11, 12 an intervention garment-type protective clothing comprising an intervention vest 17 and a trousers 18 and / or a survival garment such as an aluminized poncho. Preferably, this second bag is hung on the dorsal portion of the carrying frame at a height between the bottom and the middle of the back to make it easy to grip the equipment inside. Each of the second bags 11,12 comprises a quick opening system, consisting of a side hatch 13, 14 provided with a gripping lug 15, 15 '. Preferably the poncho, the additional intervention jacket 17 or the pants 18 are themselves provided with a gripping tab and are stored inside the second bag so that said gripping tab is accessible from the side hatch 13, 14. Thus once said hatch open, it is sufficient for the firefighter to seize this gripping tab to get out the aluminized poncho and / or the additional jacket 17 and / or over pants 18, said element , and put it on.

The inner face of each first and / or second bag 5, 11, 12 has a low friction coating, for example a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. This particular arrangement makes it easier to extract their contents and provides protection against anything that can get inside, including agents used in the fight against fire or water.

In a variant embodiment not shown, the breathing device is placed in the same second bag as the aluminized poncho and / or the additional jacket 17 and / or on pants 18.

The additional intervention vest 17 is light, its weight not exceeding preferably 1.4 kg. It is made of a soft material and does not include protective foam. It has a color contrast with the environment, for example red, for better visibility, especially to be seen from the sky. It should be noted that a fairly light color also has the advantage of absorbing less sunlight than a dark color, such as the navy blue, traditionally used in many countries for firefighters clothing. Thus the use of a clear color is recommended for the fight against fires of natural areas generally happening in summer. Being intended to be worn over the carrying assembly 1, the jacket 17 has a gusset ease at the back. Preferably she does not have pockets, because the carrying set 1 offers enough storage possibilities.

The space provided for the storage of the jacket 17 can be as small as 30 cm wide for a height of 15 cm and a depth of about 15 cm. The material used to make the jacket 17 can be level 2 according to EN 469. This standard allows the approval of a given garment taking into account the clothes that are worn below this garment. In the specific case of fighting forest fires, the draft ISO 15384 standard already requires the wearing of a garment made of non-combustible materials. It is then preferable to use in this case an approved intervention jacket taking into account the hold worn below because they can be therefore thinner, less cumbersome when stored, lighter and more comfortable.

The space provided for the storage of pants 18 is also very small, for example with a width of about 30 cm for a height and a depth of about 10 cm, respectively. A pants 18 consists of a single layer of fabric of about 200 to 240 g / m ² , to pass, depending on the materials used, level 1 of the standard EN 469 when taking into account the presence of trousers itself approved according to ISO 15384, weighs about 400 to 500g. In a first embodiment, the additional jacket 17 and pants 18 comprise assembly means 19, 19 'for example, in Figure 6, three straps of straps sewn on the inner faces of the jacket and over trousers and whose free ends are provided with respectively 19a female and 19'a female assembly parts, adapted to cooperate by snapping to allow their assembly to one another, once they have been threaded over the garment d intervention 16.

In a second embodiment, only the over trousers 18 comprises assembly means 19 'for securing said over trousers on the outer face of the side straps 2,3 of the carrying assembly 1, at the means of 19 "hooking, which are in Figure 1, are sections of shoulder straps provided with mah 19" assembly parts, similar to what has been described in the first embodiment. This solution has the advantage, compared to the shoulder straps 19 integrated in the jacket 17, not to create a risk of crushing equipment worn on the carrying set 1.

Regarding the poncho can be placed in a second bag 11,12, this equipment is made of aluminized fireproof fabric, with a footprint of the same order as that of pants 18. The weight of the aluminized poncho is about 800g. As explained above, the arrangement of the poncho allows a quick and secure grip, thanks to a tab or extraction handle integrated into the bottom of the poncho, and a quick application: once extracted, the poncho is always held by the extraction handle then is threaded.

The carrying assembly 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises other second bags 20, 25 adapted to contain an accessory, for example a radio communication device or a topographic map, the bags being fixed or fixable on the outer face of a single side strap 2,3, for example on the front of the carrying assembly, or on the outer face of a transverse strap 4,4 '. It may be provided other second bags 26, hung on the front of one of the side straps 2,3, for containing small equipment: compass, first aid, food, small tools.

A special bag for the topographic map is particularly useful if it allows the consultation of said map without having to manipulate it. For example we prefer a bag for the storage of a flat card open on two sides, with a day allowing reading of almost all of these two components. This bag can be folded in half on itself when not in use, for the protection of the card. This bag, fixed by its upper part to the transverse strap serving belt, allows the consultation of the card by simple handling requiring only one hand.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the side straps 2,3 located on the torso of the wearer comprise two second bags offering a volume suitable for carrying a portable radio transceiver whose antenna can protruding outside the pocket through an opening provided for this purpose without disturbing the wearer.

As regards the different second bags 20, 25, 26 suspended on a single strap, they are made of non-fire fabric, for example aramid fabric weighing between 200 and 250 g / m ² . These bags can also be laminated fabric or coated with PTFE, for protection against bad weather material in the pocket and also to facilitate the extraction of this material.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first bag 5 comprises a visual and / or audible signaling device 21. The presence of this device 21 improves the location of a firefighter who would be momentarily away from colleagues.

Preferably, this device 21 is connected to the quick-opening system of one or more bags containing protection elements and / or the system releasing the tip of the respiratory protection device so that it is triggered automatically. , signaling to his entourage that the fire-fighter is in a dangerous situation, having, if necessary, either to take a protective element or to seize the mouthpiece of the respiratory protection device. This signaling device 21 could also be equipped with a trigger that could be operated remotely, non-selectively, by any carrier of the same type of equipment. Thus, a carrier who would perform a short action on a first button of the multifunction trigger of his equipment would see all near visual signaling devices start, allowing him to quickly locate firefighters located nearby. This same carrier who would perform a prolonged action on the same first button would activate the audible and visual signals of nearby signaling devices. This visual and sound message, once codified by the users, could mean to them an urgent action to be carried out, for example to return immediately to the machines. A second trigger button would acknowledge the information and return the device to the standby state. A third button on the trigger would light only its own visual signaling device so as to signal itself on a position. As a visual signaling device it can be a xenon flasher, or "flash lamp" that can be activated in several ways.

Of course, in a simplified embodiment, the signaling device 21 may be triggered manually only by the wearer of the carrying set, in order to enable the latter to signal in difficulty or simply to signal its position. if it is located in a particularly dark place or away from others, for example, when monitoring a portable motor pump feeding a facility of great length. In this case it includes a simple manual control of the on / off type. The carrying assembly 1 illustrated in Figure 1 also laterally comprises a hook system 31, integrated at the transverse webbing 4 serving belt, for example for the wearing of gloves intervention.

On the front of the carrying assembly 1, at least one of the lateral 2.3 or transverse straps 4,4 'is provided with at least one ring or hook 28, for example for fastening small equipment themselves equipped with a carabiner or a ring. It may be for example the attachment of a flashlight or gloves. Advantageously, the ring or the hook 28 disposed on the outer face of the strap 2, 3 is protected by a protective flap which covers it in case of non-use and which can be easily folded down when used.

The side straps also have loops to clamp against them hung equipment so that they do not sway when the wearer is moving.

Preferably, the carrying set, the over trousers and the fire jacket are of a color that provides a significant contrast with the natural environment so as to make the firefighters very visible in the middle of the vegetation, for example red color red-orange and yellow.

Spacers 29, 29 ', for example flanges of fire-retardant foam, are arranged on the internal face of the side straps 2,3, preferably substantially at the same level as the first bag-like element or elements. The carrying assembly 1 of Figure 1 comprises a release handle 30, which is fixed on a spacer 31 extending between the two side straps 2.3 to the upper part of the rear of said assembly. This handle 30 would facilitate the transport of the firefighter equipped with the carrying set in case it would be injured.

The carrying assembly 1 of Figure 1 has on the back a net 27 which extends between the two side straps 2,3, especially from the spacer if said assembly is equipped. This net 27 is preferably made of perforated mesh based on non-fire material, for example aramid. The use of the carrying set 1 gives the firefighter many advantages. It allows in particular to ensure the basic functionalities required during an intervention against fires of natural spaces, namely:

- hydration, thanks to the water bag and its supply pipe;

- emergency breathing function, thanks to the respiratory protection device;

- Fire-approach thermal protection, including additional jacket and over-trousers and / or aluminized poncho;

- signaling and / or communication, thanks to the signaling device. Moreover, it is particularly flexible, since it allows the fireman to bring the elements he needs according to the mission, the place and the time of the action and also because it allows to modify the location of said elements, in particular in front or behind depending on the constraints related to its mission.

Claims

1. multi-functional carrying assembly for firefighter characterized in that it comprises: a) a carrying frame intended to be worn on the torso, and formed of straps, preferably at least two straps (2, 3) of type suspender resting on the shoulders and at least one transverse strap (4) secured to said straps (2, 3) type strap and serving belt, b) a first bag-type element (5) fixed or fixable on the carrying frame, accommodating at least one water bag (22), and a "hands-free" hydration system connected to or connectable to said water bag (22) and, c) at least one second bag-like element (11, 12), fixed or fixable on the carrying frame and adapted to contain a protective clothing, intervention or survival, a protective mask, or at least one other accessory, in that the materials constituting the frame and bag-like elements are heat resistant and fire, and in that each second bag-like element (11, 12) is provided with a quick-opening system allowing the fire-fighter direct access to its contents, without the need for removal of the armature. portage.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 characterized in that the bag-type elements (5, 11, 12) are fixed, depending on the volume required on the armature, either transversely for example simultaneously on two straps (2, 3) of the type. straps, either longitudinally for example on a single strap (2, 3) of the strap type or on a transverse strap (4).

3. An assembly according to claim 2 characterized in that the first bag-type element (5) comprises two lateral extensions (5a, 5b), and in that it is fixed transversely to the armature, for example on the outer face. two lateral straps (2, 3) at the upper part of the torso, both lateral extensions (5a, 5b) being at the level of the upper part of the shoulders.

4. The assembly of claim 3 characterized in that said first element is fixed by two fasteners on the frame to rest on the upper back and in that one of the fasteners is accessible to the user and is detachable so to allow the pivoting of said first element on the front, especially for the filling of the water bag.

5. Assembly according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the "hands free" hydration system consists of a feed pipe (6) fixed or fixable directly or via a lateral extension ( 5a, 5b) on the frame, for example on the outer face of a side strap (2, 3), so that its end (6a) is accessible to the mouth of the firefighter.

6. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises, as an accessory, a respiratory protection assembly comprising a filtration system (7), for example a filter cartridge, placed in the first (5) or a second bag-type element (11, 12) and a connecting pipe (9) connecting the filtration system (7) to a connection piece (8), in particular a mouthpiece, or a mask, which can be applied to the face either "half mask" or "quarter mask".

7. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises, as an accessory, a respiratory protection assembly comprising only a mask, said leakage mask, associated with a filter cartridge (7) and is placed in a second bag-type element (11, 12).

8. Assembly according to one of claims 6 or 7 characterized in that the filtration system (7), in particular the filter cartridge is placed laterally in the bag, the air intake, preferably protected by a grid, being directed to the side.

9. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that it comprises, in a second bag-type element (11, 12), a garment-type protective clothing consisting of a jacket (17). ) and a pants (18) and / or a survival garment, for example an aluminized poncho.

10. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the quick opening system of each second bag-like element (11, 12) consists of a side door (13, 14) provided with a tab of gripping (15,

15 ¹ ). he. Assembly according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the intervention jacket (17), the trousers (18) and / or the survival suit are provided with a gripping tab and are stored at the inside the second bag-like element (11, 12) so that said gripping tab is accessible from the side hatch (13, 14) and facilitates the removal or the threading of the jacket, the overtrouser and / or the clothes survival, especially with a poncho.

12. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the inner face of the second bag-like elements (11, 12) has a protective coating with a low coefficient of friction, for example a coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) .

13. The assembly of claim 9 characterized in that the pants (18) comprises hooking means (19, 19 ', 19a, 19'a) for securing it on the frame, in particular on the outer face of the straps (2, 3, 4, 4 ').

14. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it comprises at least a second bag-type element (20, 25, 26) adapted to contain, as an accessory, a radio communication device, a card topographic, a compass, food or small tools, said second member (20, 25, 26) being fixed or fixable on the frame, in particular on the outer face of a shoulder strap (2, 3), by example on the front of the carrier assembly, or on the outer face of a transverse strap (4,40-

15. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the first (5) or a second element (11, 12) bag-type comprises, as an accessory, a visual and / or sound signaling device (21). .

16. An assembly according to claim 15 characterized in that the visual and / or sound signaling device (21) is connected to the quick-opening system of one or all second bag-like elements (11, 12). 00928

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containing protection elements and / or a system releasing a tip of a respiratory protection device so that this signaling device (21) is triggered automatically upon actuation of the rapid opening system.

17. The assembly of claim 15 characterized in that the visual and / or sound signaling device (21) is associated with a multi-function trigger, and can be triggered remotely, non-selectively.

18. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 17 characterized in that the carrying frame, for example at least one of the straps (2, 3) type shoulder strap or transverse (4, 4 ') is provided with at least one ring or hook (28) for the attachment of small equipment, themselves equipped with a carabiner or a ring, the ring or hook (28) being preferably protected by a protective flap which covers it in case of non-use and which can easily be raised when used.

19. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 18 characterized in that it comprises spacers (29, 29 '), for example flanges of flame retardant foam, arranged on the inner face of the frame, for example straps. (2, 3) shoulder strap type, preferably substantially at the same level as the bag-like elements (5, 11, 12).

20. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that the carrying frame comprises two side straps type braces and in that it comprises a release handle (30), fixed on a spacer (31) extending between said two side straps (2, 3) at the upper part of the rear of said assembly (1).

21. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 20 characterized in that it comprises on the rear of the frame a net (27), for example which extends between two straps (2, 3) type shoulder strap. , especially since the spacer (31) if said assembly (1) is equipped.