Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B33/00—Devices for allowing seemingly-dead persons to escape or draw attention; Breathing apparatus for accidentally buried persons
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
  • A62B17/04—Hoods
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
  • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
  • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
  • B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
  • B63C9/125—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments
  • B63C9/1255—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments inflatable

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a survival buoy, especially for avalanche. Specifically, the present invention relates to an avalanche lifebuoy being a single inflatable buoy by a gas release system upon actuation by the user.
• the present invention also relates to the mechanisms used for inflating and emptying this lifebuoy. These various mechanisms are there to optimize the use and reduce the weight of the systems used for such inflatable envelopes (airbag) inflated by a pyrotechnic air generator or a compressed air cartridge.
• US 6,270,386 B1 using a cover to put the envelope folded, uses an opening mechanism that opens completely by the inflation and during it. This procedure uses the energy of the pressure vessel to open the cover and reduces its effectiveness. Indeed, the inflation time of this process is about 9 seconds.
• the devices EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1 use a non-return valve placed in a suction chamber which surrounds the venturi nozzle or ejector.
• This suction chamber is used to channel the suction on the non-return valve.
• the latter in the presence of suction goes down and lets the ambient air enter the chamber and then into the diffuser or mixer that are connected to the envelope. This way of doing things complicates the manufacture of the system because it is necessary to create a chamber suction to channel the suction and a protection of the non-return valve to the outside which prevents it from being opened unexpectedly (for example: by the pressure of the snow which would press on it).
• the devices EP 0 957 994 B1, EP 957 995 B1 use a metal membrane for closing their gas cartridge. This pierced and perforated by a needle or punch will allow the emptying of the gas cartridge. The use of this system requires potential energy embedded to come perforate the membrane.
• the devices EP 0 957 994 B1; US 6,270,386 B1; EP 0 123 684 B1; EP 0 957 995 B1; EP 0 723 790 A2 use a gas cartridge for inflating their inflating envelope (airbag) but do not have the visual or tactile ability to control its filling state before use.
• the present invention allows the user to increase these chances of survival and decrease the weight of the assembly.
• the present invention makes it possible, by its simplified form and mechanisms, to reduce the components or to reduce the energy carried or to improve the functions of the inflatable envelope (air bag).
• the avalanche lifebuoy with respect to other devices is characterized by the fact that the buoy attaches directly to the user's standard harness / shoulder belt. As a result, another harness or other devices having the function of keeping the envelope on the user becomes useless. Decreasing weight is a very important element for this kind of device.
• the avalanche lifebuoy with respect to other devices is characterized by the fact that the envelope / cover opens fully when the release handle has been pulled.
• Our system uses the principle of a release handle hinge already used in skydiving. To avoid too long a run, three or four hinge cables will be used for the release handle. Indeed, the release movement of the handle must be as short as possible to reduce the range of motion and be as fast as possible. This system of anticipated opening of the envelope / cover saves energy and saves many seconds for inflation.
• the avalanche lifebuoy compared to other devices that use a valve or mouth-bite is characterized by the fact that an automatic drain valve will trigger depending on the opening system (timer delay or pressure sensor to determine the difference in altitude). Both systems will be triggered by the extraction of the release handle.
• This principle of automating the emptying of the envelope starts from the fact that the user may not be able to do it himself for different reasons:
• the user breathes into the cavity that has been created inside the envelope.
• This chamber is created, during the inflation of the envelope, by the shaped ribs formed of two patch welded to the envelope and an elastic connecting them.
• the second phase which is the automatic draining of the envelope, brings breathable air to the user and creates a vital space that will allow him to move.
• the inflation of the envelope and the abrupt stop of the avalanche can generate an internal pressure which can exceed the admissible pressure by the envelope. This potential pressure is evacuated by this same automatic drain valve.
• the innovation also concerns a non-return valve for an inflatable envelope (airbag).
• the innovation relates to a mechanism for opening and closing the cartridge for inflatable envelope (airbag).
• a needle as closure and opening of the gas cartridge.
• the opening mechanism uses no on-board potential energy for opening, such as a compressed gas as in EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1.
• the orifice of the cartridge is locked by a needle which is pressed against it with a spring in balance. The instantaneous opening of the orifice, knowing that under the needle there is air under pressure, is achieved by a small force which unbalances the mechanical system maintaining the equilibrium between the spring and the needle.
• the innovation is the mechanism of a visual or tactile indicator connected to the airbag cartridge. Compared to other devices it is characterized by the fact that none of the known devices used a visual or tactile indicator system attached to the cartridge that informed us about the capacity of gas before use.
• an automatic drain valve for inflatable casing compared to other devices that use a valve / mouth bite placed in front of the user that triggers by sucking on it.
• This proposed new mechanism is characterized by its implementation using an electromagnet or a shape memory spring that allows the automatic opening of the drain valve after a predetermined time by the manufacturer or by the immobilization of the user. The immobilization can intervene after a fall or an avalanche, it will be determined by sensors of acceleration or atmospheric pressure.
• Fig. 1 shows a perspective front view of the avalanche life buoy of the present invention
• Fig. 2 shows a user wearing the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1;
• Fig. 3 and 3bis show the front and rear attachment points of the FGG avalanche lifebuoy on the user's harness / shoulder belt;
• Fig. 4 shows the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 with the release handle released from its original location
• Fig. 5 and 5bis show the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 when inflated in perspective and when inflated from the front;
• Fig. 6 shows a side section of the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 when inflated and covered by snow, this cut allows us to see the small cavity around the user's head and a rib shape that maintains the shape of the envelope, as well as the position of the automatic valve of drain;
• Fig. 7 shows a side section of the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 once deflated and covered by snow, this cut allows us to see the space (80) around the head and chest of the user;
• Fig. 8 shows a view of the hinge system with a cable of the release handle used for the avalanche life buoy of FIG. 1;
• Fig. 9 shows the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 built into a backpack
• Fig. 10 shows the avalanche survival buoy of FIG. 1 integrated in a standard jacket
• Fig. 11 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing the cartridge and the suction system of the present invention
• Fig. 12 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing the open non-return valve of the present invention
• Fig. 13 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing the closed non-return valve of the present invention
• Fig. 14 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the one-piece non-return valve, closed position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 15 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the non-return valve in one piece, open position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 16 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the one-piece non-return valve, closed position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 17 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the one-piece non-return valve, open position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 18 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the non-return valve having a mechanical portion and a flexible or rigid portion to obstruct the opening. Open position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 19 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the non-return valve having a mechanical portion and a flexible or rigid portion to obstruct the opening. Closed position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 20 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the opening and closing system of the cartridge of the present invention
• Fig. 21 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the opening and closing system of the cartridge of the present invention in closed position
• Fig. 22 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the opening and closing system of the cartridge of the present invention in open position
• Fig. 23 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an automatic drain valve system using an electromagnet coupled to a booster system, closed position
• Fig. 24 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an automatic drain valve system using an electromagnet coupled to an overpressure system, open position by the electromagnet;
• Fig. 25 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an automatic drain valve system using an electromagnet coupled to an overpressure system, open position by an overpressure in the casing
• Fig. 26 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an automatic drain valve system using a shape memory spring coupled to an overpressure system, closed position.
• This survival buoy for avalanche 1 is composed of a single chamber.
• the fabric used for the envelope may be a polyamide 6.6 or Cordura fabric with a coating of PU or PVC or other polymers.
• PU or PVC coating makes it possible to have a suitable gas-tightness and to be able to weld the fabric.
• the characteristics of this fabric will have to be the tensile strength and the resistance to abrasion.
• the assembly of the envelope can be done in different ways: sewn, welded.
• the shape of the buoy is maintained by a rib system of shape 20 inside the envelope.
• the ribs 20 are simplified to the extreme to minimize the weight and the time of realization.
• the ribs of form 20 are patches 21 welded or sewn on the envelope and an elastic 22 which connects them together.
• the first one 30 is positioned on the outside of the casing, it will be connected to the cartridge assembly 3 and the nozzle system venturi 5.
• the second 4 is welded or screwed in front of the respiratory tract of the user and allow the air supply thereof once the emptying.
• This survival buoy for avalanche 1 is fixed directly on the harness / shoulder 10 of the user.
• the first point 101 is on the front of the shoulder belt and the second point 102 is connected to the harness / shoulder belt 10 in the back.
• the attachment to the first point 101 may be a carabiner 103 fast aluminum or stainless steel that comes take the buckle of the harness / shoulder 10 with one of the loops of the envelope 106 that could be provided for this purpose.
• Fixing the second point 102 is an adjustable strap 104 with a closure loop 105 of aluminum.
• the adjustable strap 104 may be nylon, it connects the harness / shoulder 10 and the envelope of the avalanche survival buoy 1.
• the trigger is manual.
• the release handle 6 acts as a hinge 63 between the two edges of the envelope 2 or the cover which closes it on itself and is held by the strands 62 passing through the loops 63. It is protected against inadvertent opening by a closed storage pocket 60 with velcro that opens when the risk of avalanche increases.
• the release handle 6 pulled the envelope opens on its own.
• the envelope inflated, it creates a small cavity 8 around the head of the user. This small cavity 8 allows the user to breathe during the duration of the avalanche. This period lasts approximately 90 to 120 seconds or until the immobilization of the victim that will order the automatic drain valve 4 to open completely.
• the extraction of this handle 6 ensures the release of the opening mechanism of the cartridge 3 of pressurized air for inflating the buoy. This function is achieved by a connection between the handle 6 and the pin 52.
• the inflatable avalanche survival buoy 1 completely protects the user's airway against asphyxiation. It also protects the user's head and chest from damage from falls, rocks, ice, snow, etc. In addition, during an avalanche, the survival buoy for avalanche 1 improves the flotation in the avalanche or on our environment such as water. Thus, the survival buoy for avalanche 1 increases the chances of the user to stay on the surface.
• the first is to put halyards 23 between the two parts of the envelope that prevents the opening thereof.
• the closing principle is simple, the more you inflate, the more the halyards will want to stretch and thus keep the lifebuoy closed.
• halyards 23 could be of different widths or diameters.
• the second possibility could be used alone or reinforce the halyards 23 by a series of Velcro® type strips on both sides of the slot of the envelope. This series of Velcro® type bands may not be continuous to give the user the opportunity to breathe through the various orifices.
• the emptying of the envelope is done automatically by the automatic drain valve 4 which ventilates the chamber 8.
• the emptying is optimized by elastics 22 under tension which act as a rib 20 in the swollen phase.
• the envelope by emptying creates a space 80 around the user who releases the strong pressure on the chest and allows him to move.
• the air of the envelope allows the user to reduce the risk of asphyxiation during this period.
• the inflating means of the buoy are described below and with reference to FIGS. 11 to 26.
• the non-return valve 111 may be made according to two different designs, either in one piece 112 or by a mechanical system, for example hinge 114, with a flexible or rigid portion 115 which obstructs the orifice.
• the material used provides the flexibility to replace the mechanical hinge and let the air flow on one side while being rigid enough to retain it once the inflation of the finished envelope.
• the second case is an assembly of several components allowing the same functions.
• the materials used for the flexible part may be rubber, PU, PVC or any other polymer or fabric coated with PU, PVC or any other polymer or material that gives it flexibility.
• the rigid part of the second case may be metal or plastic or rigid polymer.
• the diffuser or mixer 113 may have a recess on the end before entering the envelope, it could allow the fixing of the non-return valve 111 and the protection thereof against any malfunction.
• the fixing of the non-return valve 111 or its hinge can be achieved by pinching or gluing or screwing or crimping on the support of the diffuser recess or mixer 113 provided for this purpose.
• the mechanism for opening and closing the cartridge Fig. 11, 21, 22 is made of a metal alloy, or even an alloy of high strength (eg aluminum, brass, titanium) which allows a good compromise between the weight and its mechanical strength.
• the needle 117 pressed on the orifice of the cartridge ensures the seal.
• the force exerted by the needle 117 on the orifice comes from either a spring 121 or a mechanism that has the ability to be released instantly.
• This spring 121 or this mechanism can use for their release a release pin 52 which can be mounted so as to take up only a very small part of the force exerted on the needle 117.
• This mechanism fIg. 11, 21, 22 has the advantage that the force to be exerted on the pin 52 to remove it from its housing is small, since there is a force reduction system using a pivoting lever 120 and a retaining pin 119.
• the seal must also be guaranteed between the needle 117 and the needle holder 122 during deflation. It may be by a sealing system on the needle 117 or on the support of the needle 122. This sealing system may be an o-ring seal 118. This embodiment gives a non-limiting example of the multiple possibilities mechanisms that may arise from the use of a needle.
• a manometer 129 fIg. It is attached to the cartridge or connected to it.
• This miniaturized manometer 129 fig. 11 allows a reading of the pressure. In this way, before each use, the user can check the pressure of its cartridge and if necessary have it recharged.
• there is a fill valve 130 on the tip of the cartridge which will allow its filling once the locking mechanism is locked.
• the automatic drain valve opening mechanism 4 for inflatable envelope is performed using an electromagnet 123 or a shape memory spring 124.
• the triggering of the microcontroller is effected by the manual extraction of the release handle 6 or by another system during the fall or avalanche.
• the microcontroller can be equipped with a timer for the predetermined time or acceleration sensors or pressure sensors to determine the immobilization of the user. It is powered by batteries that have an extended range of use.
• the spring 128 is fixed between the valve and the orifice of the automatic valve. It keeps the swivel flap closed. Passage holes allow the pressure of the casing to rest on the pivoting valve 127. If the internal pressure of the envelope applied to the internal surface of the valve generates too much force, the force of the spring 128 will be insufficient to keep the valve closed and it will open.
• the buoy may be made of a transparent material.
• the use of the buoy is not limited to avalanches, but other applications are possible, for example as a buoy to float in the water.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Pulmonology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Safety Valves (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
• Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
• Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
• Ceramic Products (AREA)
• Polymers With Sulfur, Phosphorus Or Metals In The Main Chain (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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ID=37808288

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (3)

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• 2006
  • 2006-11-03 CA CA002628182A patent/CA2628182A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2006-11-03 DE DE602006021337T patent/DE602006021337D1/de active Active
  • 2006-11-03 AT AT06821321T patent/ATE505238T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2006-11-03 US US12/092,386 patent/US20090239428A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2006-11-03 WO PCT/IB2006/054101 patent/WO2007069100A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2006-11-03 EP EP06821321A patent/EP1948323B1/de not_active Not-in-force

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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