Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
  • A41D13/0002—Details of protective garments not provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/1281
• • 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
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
  • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
  • A45F3/04—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
• • 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
  • B63C2009/0023—Particular features common to inflatable life-saving equipment
  • B63C2009/0076—Inflation devices making use of the Venturi-effect for enhancing the gas flow from the pressurized gas source by entraining ambient air, e.g. using eductor-jet pumps for decreasing inflation time
• • 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
  • B63C9/18—Inflatable equipment characterised by the gas-generating or inflation device
• • 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
  • B63C9/24—Arrangements of inflating valves or of controls thereof

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a portable airbag system for persons, particularly for the protection of persons in the event of avalanches or falls.
• Airbags for the protection of persons during avalanches are described in the patent applications: DE 201 06 766U1; GB-A-2,162,129; DE 12 68 999B; US 2005/130516; US 4635754; US 6158380; EP0957994B1; US 6220909.
• Some of the known personal airbag systems have an air bag that deploys around the neck and head and in front of the user's chest to protect the user's head and ribcage. During an avalanche, such a configuration also creates a space in front of the user to breathe when buried in the snow.
• the known airbags In order to deploy forward, the known airbags have a relatively complex storage system with parts arranged in straps and on the back of the user, requiring modifications on the shoulder straps and the entire bag to significant backs that can generate a lack of comfort or a poor ergonomic shape and complications in the manufacture of the product.
• the configuration limits the possibilities of combining the airbag with other elements useful for hiker, climber or worker, the shoulder straps and other parts containing the airbag to be left free and exposed to the outside. Also, the combination of the airbag with backpacks of different shapes and sizes, a jacket, or other equipment, is very limited.
• the airbag can be an automatic trigger system or a manual or semi-automatic trigger system.
• the trigger system chosen will depend on the application, an automatic system being more difficult to implement in most cases since it requires the measurement of well-defined parameters to define with a high level of security the triggering moment of the application.
• airbag The simplest semi-automatic systems are those comprising a rope that is connected to a support and that pulls a trigger when the user drops.
• triggering means comprising an electronic trigger coupled to an inertia sensor (shock sensor), a remote control button, or a pressure sensor are also conceivable.
• the handle By being attached to a flexible rope, the handle can move by the movement of the user and can be in an undetermined position within its radius of travel. Another problem is the risk of inadvertent triggering of the airbag if the handle locks on an external object or by a false movement or mishandling of the user or when storing or storing the airbag system, the handle being exposed.
• Known airbag systems use a gas generator coupled to a venturi system that is configured to draw outside air that is added to the gas supplied by the gas generator to fill the airbag.
• This system advantageously allows to have a gas generator volume and reduced weight for filling a relatively high volume bag, in particular 2 to 3 times the volume supplied by the gas generator per se.
• the venturi system is mounted directly on the bag, the venturi system comprising a housing in two parts, one part being mounted inside the bag and the other outside.
• the interface between the two parts is in the form of flanges which clamps the fabric of the airbag over the entire periphery of the hole formed in the bag for mounting the venturi system.
• the venturi Before triggering the airbag system, the venturi is stored with the bag inside a protective cover. After triggering, and in a first stage of inflation of the bag following the gas supplied by the gas generator, the venturi system and the bag unfold out of the cover and are exposed to the outside air, allowing the venturi system to suck up the air from the outside freely.
• the venturi system is nevertheless directly exposed to the outside and the inlet openings can be blocked by snow blocking partially or totally the air intake from the outside and causing insufficient or partial swelling of the bag.
• the portion mounted on the outside of the airbag is exposed to shock because it represents an unprotected protrusion once the airbag inflated.
• the manufacture of a venturi and its mounting in two parts inside and outside the bag is also relatively expensive and weakens the bag at the interface between the venturi system and the bag, leading to the risk of rupture and leaks.
• a percussion trigger system for a compressed gas cylinder or cylinder includes a projectile tip which pierces a frangible wall portion of the cartridge.
• the gas cartridge is typically screwed to the trigger device.
• the triggering device may have been triggered, for example by having pulled the trigger handle, and therefore the tip may be in an extended position before mounting a cartridge on the trigger system. If the user does not check that the trigger system is in its retracted position, that is, not deployed, it can punch the cartridge when it is mounted on the trigger device.
• the perforation of a gas cartridge before it is completely mounted on the trigger device is dangerous for the user, the inflation of the airbag in such a situation being equally dangerous.
• Known trigger systems are also relatively heavy and bulky. Weight and bulk are important elements for any mountain gear.
• An object of the invention is to provide a portable airbag system for people which offers a great flexibility in the choice of support and which deploys in a safe and reliable manner under all circumstances to provide good protection for a user, particularly his head and upper part of the thorax.
• an airbag system with a manual or semi-automatic triggering system that allows the user a fast and safe deployment through an ergonomic and practical handle to prevent unintentional triggering. It is advantageous to provide an airbag system with a gas generator and a robust venturi system for air intake that allows reliable and safe deployment of the airbag and is economical to manufacture and assemble. It is advantageous to provide an airbag system which is very compact and lightweight before deployment and which allows mounting on various personal systems and equipment such as a backpack, a jacket, a harness with great flexibility, that is to say means easily adaptable to different systems in an economical, safe and reliable way.
• Objects of the invention are realized by a portable airbag system for persons according to claim 1.
• An airbag device for a portable system for persons comprises at least one inflatable balloon, a gas generator, and a venturi system.
• the system is connectable on the one hand to the gas generator, on the other hand to the inflatable balloon.
• the inflatable balloon is arranged in a cover comprising fastening elements provided to be connected in a removable manner with complementary elements of the portable system for persons.
• the cover preferably comprises a Velcro type closure or flash type or snaps to allow to fix the cover containing at least the inflatable balloon on the support of the portable system for people through a closure type Velcro or type of flash or snap type provided on it, so that once fixed, the closure of the cover is open.
• the venturi system has an outlet inserted into an inflatable balloon orifice, the venturi system comprising a suction part with orifices for the passage of outside air sucked by the venturi system during its deployment, and / or the venturi system is connected through the cover or disposed in the cover with the inflatable balloon.
• a portable airbag system for persons comprising a support intended to be worn by a user, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one central portion configured to be disposed behind the head of a user. after tripping.
• the airbag device is assembled into a bag cover or bag portion forming a unit configured to be disposed entirely on the back of a user prior to deployment, the airbag device being secured by means of a fixing in a removable and separable manner of the support.
• Such a configuration allows to have an airbag device forming a compact unit separable from the support worn by the user, but which can protect the head and chest of the user.
• the portable airbag system for people according to the invention offers the possibility of transferring the airbag device from one support to another easily by a non-professional user, while minimizing the risk of mishandling and improper function to ensure that the airbag system deploys safely and reliably under all circumstances and provides good protection for the head and chest of a user.
• the support without an airbag device can also be used in avalanche-safe situations.
• the fixing device may comprise a zipper or a Velcro-type closure on the support and a complementary zipper, respectively or a Velcro type closure, on the cover or bag portion of the airbag device.
• the fixing device can also be formed of a row of snaps.
• the zipper or the Velcro-type fastening makes it possible to fix the cover containing the inflatable balloon on the support by means of the zipper, respectively of the Velcro closure of the cover in such a way that once fastened, the zipper respectively the Velcro closure of the cover is open.
• the support includes a backpack comprising a reinforced area attached to a rim of the backpack, the reinforced area comprising fasteners configured to be releasably attached to fasteners integral with the inflatable balloon.
• the fastening elements may advantageously be in the form of "T” and the fasteners in the form of complementary slots.
• the support comprises a backpack comprising a usual border of a backpack, that is to say normally with a fabric band (reinforcement, edge binding) that covers the layers of the backpack that are connected / sutured to the edge of the back wall of the backpack.
• individual fasteners preferably four fasteners spaced along the upper portion of the rim, configured to be removably attached to fasteners integral with the inflatable balloon, are attached to or in the rim , ie for example using the band of cloth that covers the layers.
• this standard backpack models can be equipped with such fasteners and sold without a portable airbag system for people, but a portable airbag for people can be added and integrated easily.
• the portable airbag system for persons may then comprise a backpack comprising at least one fastening system for the airbag device, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one inflation system, characterized in that the fastening system is directly stitched to the usual banding edge of a regular backpack.
• the fastening system can for example be composed of webbing loops that are directly caught in the seam of the assembly edge of a bag usual backpack.
• the fastening system may be for example composed of a piece of fabric reinforced with eyelets which is directly taken in the seam of the assembly edge of a usual backpack.
• Such a backpack is customary, to be adapted to be provided with a portable airbag system that can be removed if it is not needed, normally it must be equipped with at least one means or a combination of means following additional
• a slot configured to allow the deployment of the inflatable balloon may be closed by a "Velcro" type openable closure or a zipper having a defined breaking zone and calibrated to open in the event of swelling of the balloon.
• This slot configured to allow the deployment of the inflatable balloon may be an additional closure to the usual closure of the backpack in the upper region of the backpack. Normally such additional closure is located parallel to the usual closure and offset from it to the back of the wearer. Or the usual closure can be modified so that this function is performed by it; and or
• Such means can be one or more strips that pass underneath the removable bag of the portable airbag system avoiding that at the time of tripping the portable airbag system could go down inside the backpack.
• Such means may be attached to the usual border and / or the back portion of the backpack, or there may be additional fasteners or webbing loops for attaching one or more tapes or such a support system; in addition or as an alternative there may be "Velcro" or zippers attached to the backpack corresponding to the closure of the removable bag of the portable airbag system to allow attaching it by these means to the bag backpack.
• the attachment means forms an additional open or closed compartment in the backpack; and or
• a passage for the pipe / tube or cable of the airbag system to the shoulder straps This passage preferably leads directly to a channel in the ramp for the cable or pipe; and or
• a reinforced buckle for the belt for example of the aluminum type.
• the support is in the form of a backpack, the backpack comprising a slot configured to allow the deployment of the inflatable balloon, this slot being closed by a "Velcro" type openable closure or a zipper having a defined breaking zone and calibrated to open in case of swelling of the balloon.
• the support may be a jacket, the jacket comprising as the backpack a slot configured to allow the deployment of the inflatable balloon.
• the airbag device comprises a gas generator, and a venturi system connectable on the one hand to the gas generator, on the other hand having an output inserted into an inflatable balloon orifice.
• the venturi system comprises a suction part with openings for the passage of outside air sucked by the venturi system during the deployment of the airbag, the outlet being in the form of a tube is fixed by clamping on a tubular protrusion of the air bag, the body of the venturi system being disposed in a recumbent manner against the surface of the air bag.
• the air bag system may include a trigger handle device comprising a handle portion attached to a cable, or other means of interaction such as a gas or liquid line, connected to a Airbag release system.
• the cable (or other means) is attached to a pivoting body pivotally mounted to the handle portion, the handle device further comprising a locking device configured to lock the portion of the handle handle in a position transverse to the cable.
• the handle device may comprise a stiffening tube extending from the pivotable body a certain length around the cable.
• the air bag device includes a trigger device for triggering a gas generator, the trigger device comprising a trigger tip with a spring for pushing the tip, the spring being in compression before tripping. and retained by a trigger element.
• the trigger member includes a retention member engaged in a removable locking member, the locking member being retained by the retention member in a position allowing a gas generator to be mounted to the trigger device, and when the Trigger member has been moved to a deployment position, the retention member releases the blocking member which is configured to be moved to a position blocking the assembly of the gas generator to the trigger device. This avoids mounting a gas generator if the trigger tip is in the tripped position.
• the airbag device may include a trigger tip with a spring to push the tip, the tip being reset by means of a tool configured to push the locking member and then raise the trigger tip. This advantageously avoids mounting a gas generator if the trigger tip is in the tripped position.
• an air bag device comprising a trigger device for tripping a gas generator, the device comprising a trigger tip with a spring for pushing the tip, the spring being in compression before tripping. and retained by a trigger element, the trigger tip comprising lateral passages configured to avoid a cylinder effect during the percussion of the gas generator. This advantageously allows to limit the weight and bulk of the trigger device.
• an airbag device comprising a triggering device for triggering a gas generator, the triggering device comprising a metal body with two parallel chambers. These two parallel chambers allow the interaction of the various elements, because the elements are parallel.
• the interaction of the trigger cable, the trigger ball and the locking element is such that the trigger element connected to the cable allows, in the up position, to trigger the trigger by releasing the ball, and in the low position to maintain the locking element in the retracted position.
• the trigger device of the gas generator may include a cover providing several functions including the fixing of the high pressure hose and the closure of the metal body which ensures the compression of the spring of the trigger. This advantageously makes it possible to limit the weight, the price and the bulk of the triggering device.
• an airbag device comprising a venturi system comprising a suction part with orifices for the passage of outside air sucked by the venturi system during its deployment.
• the outlet is in the form of a tube and the port of the airbag has tissue attached by a clamping ring around the outside of the tube, the body of the venturi system being recumbent against the surface of the airbag.
• the venturi system has a longitudinal shape, the longitudinal axis being disposed substantially parallel to the surface of the portion of the bag on which the venturi system is mounted.
• the Venturi system is mounted in a sort of pocket created by the airbag so that the Venturi system is protected from shocks by the airbag once inflated.
• the venturi system can advantageously be covered by a net attached to the airbag allowing the outside air to feed the venturi system.
• the net comprises opening and closing means, such as a zipper or velcro, allowing access to the venturi system.
• the venturi system may advantageously be disposed on a central portion of the airbag configured to be disposed behind the user's head during deployment and on a lower portion of the central portion so that the venturi system is turned towards the feet of the user.
• a carrier to be worn by a user for a portable airbag system for persons in the form of a backpack includes a reinforced area attached to a rim of a portion of the back of the rucksack so as to utilize the naturally reinforced areas of a rucksack.
• the reinforced zone includes fasteners configured to be detachably attached to fasteners integral with the inflatable balloon, allowing the backpack to be used with or without the air bag system by the end user.
• the fastening elements may advantageously be in the form of "T" and the fasteners in the form of slots.
• the backpack includes a slot configured to allow deployment of the inflatable balloon, which slot is closed by a closure "Velcro-type" openable workpiece or a zipper having a defined breaking zone and calibrated to open in the event of swelling of the balloon.
• the airbag device is intended to be used with a plurality of portable systems for persons, eg with different backpacks.
• it comprises an inflatable balloon, a gas generator, and a venturi system connectable on the one hand to the gas generator, on the other hand having an output inserted into an inflatable balloon orifice, where the venturi system comprises a part suction pipe with openings for the passage of outside air sucked by the venturi system during its deployment.
• Such a device has the inflatable balloon arranged in a cover comprising fastening elements provided to be connected in a removable manner with complementary elements of the portable system for persons. So the cover is a block that can be easily handled by a user. In this case the venturi system is either connected through the cover or disposed in the cover with the inflatable balloon. So the user has only one "set” in hand, the device according to Figure 1 e. Then the cover has a Velcro type closure or flash type or a closure comprising a row of snaps that is intended to allow to fix the cover on the support of the portable system for people through a Velcro type closure where type flash provided on it, so that once fixed, the closure of the cover is open.
• the support is preferably a backpack or a jacket comprising said reinforcements.
• Figure 1a is a perspective illustration of a portable airbag system for persons, in the deployed position, according to one embodiment of the invention
• Figure 1b is a rear view of the deployed airbag system of Figure 1a without its support (without backpack);
• Figure 1c is a partial detailed view of a portion of the airbag system of Figures 1a and 1b, showing a venturi system of the airbag;
• Figure 1d is a front side view of the airbag in the deployed position in the case of a substantially rectangular airbag
• Figure 1 e is a view of an airbag device according to one embodiment of the invention not mounted on a support of the system according to one embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2a is a plan view of a venturi system according to one embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2b is a view in the direction of the arrow 2b of Figure 2a;
• Figure 2c is a sectional view through the lines 2c-2c of Figure 2a;
• Figure 3a is a view of a trigger handle device of an air bag system according to one embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 3b is a sectional view of the handle device according to Figure 3a, but in the folded position for storage;
• Figure 3c is a sectional view of the handle device according to Figure 3b, in ready-to-use position;
• Figure 4a is a perspective view of a trigger handle device according to a variant of the invention;
• Figure 4b is a sectional view of the handle device according to the variant of Figure 4a in the folded position for storage;
• Figure 4c is a sectional view of the handle device according to the variant of Figure 4b;
• Figure 5a is a sectional view of a tripping device for a gas generator according to one embodiment of the invention, in the position before release, ready for assembly of a gas generator;
• Figure 5b is a view similar to Figure 5a showing the tripping device in the tripped position
• FIG. 5c is a view of the trigger device according to Figures 5a, 5b once the gas generator removed and with a latch preventing the attachment of a gas generator;
• FIG. 5d is a sectional view of the tripping device according to the variant of FIG. 5a in position before tripping, ready for assembly of a gas generator
• FIG. 5e is a view of the tripping device before tripping, ready for assembly of a gas generator.
• FIG. 6a is a view of a support of the portable airbag system before assembly of an airbag device, in a form of FIG. embodiment of the invention, wherein the support is a backpack;
• Figure 6b is a view of the portable airbag system according to the embodiment of Figure 6a after the attachment of the airbag device on the support;
• FIG. 6c is a view of the portable airbag system once the fastening of the system is complete and with a cover giving access to the fastening zone in the open position;
• Figure 6d is a view of the airbag system once the attachment of the support and airbag device is completed and with the opening giving access to the fastening zone in the closed position; and Figure 6e is a rear view of the airbag system in the case of a rectangular inflatable balloon once it is triggered.
• Figure 7 is a perspective illustration of a backpack according to an advantageous aspect of the invention comprising a portable air bag system for persons according to one embodiment of the invention
• a portable airbag system for persons comprises a support 12 and an airbag device 1.
• the airbag device comprises an inflatable bag or balloon 2 , a gas generator 4, a trigger system of the gas generator (for example a cartridge) 6, a venturi system 8 fluidly interconnected to the gas generator 4, and a cover, bag or other storage means 10 in which the balloon is stored before deployment.
• the airbag system 1 is fixed in a removable and separable manner to the support intended to be worn by a user, the support being able to be a backpack 12 or a jacket (not shown) or a simple harness (not shown) acting as a support for the airbag system.
• the support is carried by a user 14 at least partly on his back 16a and, depending on the variant, partly on his thorax 16b, for example by means of straps 18 of a backpack 12 or other support carried by the user.
• the airbag device according to the invention can also be integral or fixed permanently (that is to say non-separable) of a harness, jacket, backpack or other equipment worn by the user.
• the airbag device according to the invention is configured to be worn and be placed on the back of the user, in particular the upper part of the back of the user, for example at around the shoulders of the user. the user.
• the main part of the airbag device comprising the inflatable balloon 2, the venturi system 8 and the gas generator 4, is mounted together forming a separable and removable compact unit stored in a cover 10 or a part of bag.
• This main part of the airbag device is configured to be placed entirely on the back of the user, while being configured to be deployed for example around the rear part of the head and sides of the user's head and, according to the variant, going down on the front side of the thorax.
• Such a configuration allows to have an airbag device forming a compact unit separable from the support worn by the user, but which can protect the head and chest of the user.
• This aspect of the invention also makes it possible to avoid a complex configuration of the airbag system in each ramp, which increases the cost of manufacture and assembly and makes the airbag very specific and difficult to adapt to different user equipment.
• An assembly with the elements cited according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 e.
• the whole of the protective cover 10 comprising the inflatable balloon 2 and comprising the venturi system 8 and fasteners 63 with the gas generator 4 connected by the tube 32 and connected with the trigger 48 is intended to be used with any backpack having complementary fastener elements 22 and preferably a storage means 100 in the shoulder strap as shown in FIG. 7.
• An airbag bag for protecting trauma comprises a central portion 2a configured to be disposed behind the head of the user, and if appropriate, side portions 2b configured to be disposed on either side of the head of the user down the front part of his chest.
• the lateral parts 2b each comprise a positioning strap 20, the strap being fixed at one end to an intermediate zone of the lateral part, the other end being attached to the equipment of the user, in particular the support device carried by the user.
• One end of the strap may be provided with a loop, clip or other separable fixing means configured to be coupled to a complementary fastening means attached to the equipment of the user, in particular in an advantageous embodiment, 18.
• the positioning straps 20 have a length configured to allow the side portions 2b of the bag to be stored in their covers on the back of the user, but when the bag is inflated, they form attachment points. which inflates the lateral parts 2b towards the front of the user, the straps pivoting from a folded position towards the shoulder of the user at a low position towards the user's belly.
• These positioning straps thus advantageously make it possible to mount the airbag on the back in a compact unit while ensuring the deployment of the lateral parts forward.
• the clipping means it is possible to remove the airbag device from the support carried by the user.
• the support system intended to be worn by the user requires only fastening means such as loops for loops 22, as well as a zipper 60 (see Fig.
• air bag device on a backpack, jacket or harness of a user.
• the adaptation of a user equipment is therefore economical and allows great flexibility of use of the airbag device without changing the airbag system on all kinds of media or bases worn by the user.
• One of the important advantages is that the user can have only one airbag system but different supports, such as backpacks of different volumes, a jacket, a harness or other equipment without having to have several airbag systems which are relatively expensive, but while having a very compact, safe, reliable and economical system.
• Another important advantage of the system is that the user can easily lighten the support of the airbag system to use it in non-avalanche conditions or not requiring the wearing of an avalanche airbag.
• the positioning straps 20 may have a length adjustment means that adjusts the length of the straps for adjustment depending on the equipment and the position of the attachment point on the equipment.
• the straps Preferably, however, the straps have an already fixed length, the position of the point of attachment on the jacket, the strap 18 or the harness being positioned on the optimum position in the manufacture of the equipment.
• the venturi system 8 comprises an inlet 30 fluidly coupled to the gas generator 4 by a pipe, for example a high pressure hose 32, an outlet 34 intended to be connected. to the inflatable balloon for blowing air and gas into the balloon, a suction portion 36 for sucking air into the venturi system, and a venturi channel 38 within the casing 39 of the venturi system 8.
• Gas (G) of the gas generator injected into the inlet 30 flows at high speed and is projected by a nozzle 40 in the direction of the outlet 34.
• Venturi 38 formed by the housing 39 creates a zone of underpressure in the area surrounding the nozzle 40 and upstream of this zone so as to suck the air from the outside through the orifices 42 of the suction portion 36 and to project it towards the outlet 34.
• the venturi effect is in itself well known, as well as the hydrodynamic effect, and will not be described in more detail.
• the nozzle 40 of the venturi system also acts as a link between the venturi system 8 and the high pressure hose 32 while allowing rotation about its longitudinal axis.
• This nozzle allowing rotation about its axis offers the advantage of giving an additional degree of freedom to the high pressure tube and thus limiting the forces transmitted to the Venturi system 8 by the high pressure tube 32.
• the outlet 34 is in the form of a tube extending integrally from the casing 39 of the venturi part, the tube being configured to be inserted into an orifice of the bag forming a part of a tube which is clamped on the outside of the outlet tube 34 by clamping means in the form of clamping bands or by a crimped band, or by any other clamping ring.
• a radial shoulder 41 on the outlet tube makes it possible to maintain and lock the clamping ring to the venturi system, the clamping ring being disposed between the shoulder and the part of the casing surrounding the venturi device.
• the venturi system fixed by a clamping ring 45 to a tube of fabric 47 or of the flexible material of the bag (see FIG. Fig. 1 c), is disposed lying on the bag and held in this position covered by a protective net 44.
• the protective net has mesh which allow the air to pass freely to inflate the bag, but which form a protection against snow, leaves, or other external objects, enter the venturi system and limit or block the air intake during deployment.
• the protective net (see FIG 1c) is provided with a zipper 46 or other closure, for example of the Velcro type, making it possible to open or close the net above the venturi system so as to access to the venturi system, for example for maintenance or replacement issues.
• a zipper 46 or other closure for example of the Velcro type, making it possible to open or close the net above the venturi system so as to access to the venturi system, for example for maintenance or replacement issues.
• the arrangement of the venturi system lying against the surface of the inflation bag that is to say where the axis of the long portion of the housing is substantially parallel to the surface of the fabric of the bag (also corresponding to the direction of entry gas generator) allows a very compact configuration and offers good protection to the venturi system during its deployment.
• the venturi system 8 is disposed on the central part 2a of the bag (see Fig. 1a), in particular on a lower part of the central part turned towards the ground when it is carried by the user, so that the venturi system is well protected from external objects when it is deployed.
• the venturi system does not create a bead or extra thickness exceeding the greater part of the surface of the airbag on which the venturi system is mounted, in order to have optimal shock protection. This position also protects the venturi system from clogging with snow or other external elements, at least better than if it was on the top or the front of the bag, while giving it good access to external air that must be sucked.
• the invention thus makes it possible to have a venturi system mounted outside the inflatable balloon but protected from impacts by the latter.
• an outlet tube 34 which is curved or which includes a bend portion so as to penetrate into the bag opening at an oblique angle or perpendicular to the general surface of the bag surrounding the system. venturi.
• the trigger handle device 48 includes a handle portion 50, 50 'connected to a cable 52 connected to the trigger device 6 for deployment of the airbag.
• a rigid or semi-rigid tube 54a, 54b is arranged around the flexible cable 52, for example a tube made of polyethylene or other plastic or elastic material which gives a certain rigidity to a certain length L1, L2 of the cable extending from the handle portion 50.
• the length L2 of the tube 54b may be of the order of 10 to 25cm and advantageously allows better defining the position of the wrist, arranged for example around the center of the thorax, so that the user can access it quickly even in a situation of stress or panic.
• the rigid or semi-rigid tube avoids excessive swaying of the wrist portion and present it at a specific angle and able to be taken in hand crosswise.
• the cable extends from the trigger device 6 disposed on the user's back above his left shoulder and going in a direction towards the ground and optionally oblique towards the center of the thorax, the person crossing its right forearm in front of its chest in an approximately aligned angle with the tube 54.
• Means such as a strip of fabric, or rings on the support such as a jacket or straps, can be used to guide and support the tube 54a, 54b.
• there may be two coaxial stiffening tubes a first tube 54a extending from the wrist portion 50 of length L1 and a second tube 54b of length L2 of smaller diameter, in order to have more flexibility. large at a position farther from the part of the wrist.
• the tube 54a is pivotally attached to the handle portion 50, 50 ', a pivot 56 enabling the tube 54a to be pivoted from a position substantially perpendicular to the axis P of the wrist portion 50 to a position substantially parallel to the wrist portion in a housing 58 formed in the wrist portion 50, 50 '.
• the wrist portion can be folded and aligned in the axis of the cable and stored in a cover, for example the cover in which the balloon is arranged, or along the cover to the outside in a compact manner and reducing the risk of unintentional attachment of the handle to external objects.
• the handle part 50, 50 ' is thus arranged transversely to the tube section 54a and held in this position by a locking system 60.
• the locking system comprises a pivoting locking pin 62 pushed by a spring 68 to a notch 64 of a pivoting body 66 fixed to the release cable 52 and the tube 54.
• the notch forms a shoulder 67 which abuts against the end of the finger 62 to prevent rotation of the body in the stored position.
• the finger is manually pivoted by the manual deflection of an arm 69 integrally connected to the locking finger 62.
• the locking system comprises a pivoting body 66 'fixed to the release cable 52 and the tube 54, 54a and held in the locked position by a stop 62' or linearly removable and pushed fork in a position bearing against the body 66 'by a spring 68'.
• the part 60 has a surface that prevents rotation of the body 66 'as the part 60 is locked.
• the trigger device comprises a body 72 in which is slidably mounted a trigger 73 comprising a trigger tip 76 provided with a passage 77 for the flow of the pressurized gas contained in a compressed gas cylinder 94 (illustrated in part). only).
• the tip 76 is a sharp tip for puncturing a frangible portion of the compressed gas bottle.
• the tip 76 can also be configured to hit a pyrotechnic element forming the gas generator.
• the trigger 73 comprises a preload spring 78 compressed before use, as shown in Figure 5a.
• the trigger 73 is kept locked in its upper position, that is to say before triggering, by a removable locking protrusion 79 which, in this variant, is in the form of a guided ball in a passage 80 of the body 72 and engaged in a depression or cavity 82 of the trigger 73.
• the ball 79 is held in the locked position by a trigger element 84 of the actuator 86 connected to the trigger cable 52.
• a spring 85 pushes the trigger element 84 downwards in its locked position and, when pulling on the cable 52, the spring is compressed and the trigger element rises until a depression 87 of the trigger element is at the height of the ball 79 which can move to clear the depression 82 in the trigger 73.
• the trigger device 6 comprising a metal body 72 with two parallel chambers. These two parallel chambers allow the interaction of the various elements, because the elements are parallel.
• the interaction of the trigger 84 between the cable 52, the trigger 73 by the ball 79 and the locking element 90 is such that the trigger element 84 which is connected to the cable 52 allows in the up position to trigger the trigger 73 by the ball 90 and in the low position to maintain the locking element 90.
• the device also comprises a cover 81 providing several functions, in particular the fixing of the tube 54, the fixing of the high pressure hose 32 and the closing of the metal body which compresses the spring 78.
• the trigger element 84 engages at its end 88 in a complementary cavity 89 of a locking element 90.
• the locking element 90 is removably mounted in a cavity of the body 72 and is urged by a spring 91 towards an opening 92 in which the head of the gas generator is inserted and fixed. In its locked position prior to tripping, the blocking member 90 is disengaged from the opening 92, allowing a gas generator to be screwed (or otherwise secured) to the body 72 of the triggering device.
• the trigger 73 is in the low position, which implies that the trigger element 84 is in the raised position and the end 88 released from the locking element, the latter is pushed by the spring 91 to engage at least partially the opening 92 and blocks the insertion of a gas generator.
• the locking element 90 is pivotally mounted to the body 72 of the device, but can also be slidably mounted without pivoting.
• the trigger tip 76 is configured in the form of a piercing tip and provided with an internal channel 77 for the passage of the gas contained in a bottle of compressed gas. Part of the gas passes to the outside of the needle, and the wall of the trigger at the base of the tip 76 is provided with one or more lateral orifices 93 allowing the passage of the gas, this to avoid a cylinder effect.
• This solution advantageous makes it possible to limit the force necessary for the good perforation of the cartridge.
• the gas thus passes through a hollow central portion of the trigger 73 and through the lateral openings 93 of the trigger and then be injected into the high pressure pipe 32 connected to the trigger device.
• the airbag device comprising a trigger tip 76 with a spring 78 to push the tip is reset by means of a tool 87 for pushing the locking member 90 and then to raise the trigger 73 Once the trigger 73 is raised, the ball 79 hold it up and the tool 87 can be removed.
• This solution advantageously allows to reset the trigger device 6 simply, without risk of false manipulation and with a compact tool.
• the fastening device comprises a backpackable support 12 comprising a back wall 95, a side wall 96, and an opening wall 97 enclosing a volume of capacity of the bag.
• the support further comprises an attachment means 60 which can advantageously be a zipper, a reinforced zone 61, an opening slot 62 through which the airbag deploys and an access opening 66 that can be closed by the opening wall. 97.
• the reinforced zone 61 is disposed towards the top of the bag on the back wall 95 and comprises zones of fasteners 22 intended to make the inflatable balloon integral with the support by means of the fastening elements 63 (see FIG. on the inflatable ball.
• These fixing elements 63 may be known as "T" -shaped elements on the name of "olives” and the zones of fasteners 22 of the slots (see Fig. 6a) for passing these olives.
• the reinforced zone may advantageously be made integral with the support in being fixed on the edge 65 provided at the corner formed by the back wall 95 and the side wall 96 of the backpack. This allows to benefit from the natural structure of a backpack while having a very resistant and light system.
• a reinforced zone 61 disposed upwardly of the bag on the back wall 95 and including attachment zones 22 as shown in FIG. 6, or individual fasteners distributed along the edge to the top of the backpack, which are attached to or in the usual rim 65 of the backpack, as described above.
• the zipper 60 makes it possible to fix the cover 10 containing the inflatable balloon on the support by means of the zipper 64 of the cover in such a way that once fastened, the zipper 64 of the cover is opened.
• the slot 62 through which the inflatable balloon deploys must be able to open under the pressure exerted by the balloon after triggering.
• This slot can be inter alia closed by a "Velcro" type zone or a zipper having a defined breaking zone and calibrated to open in case of swelling of the balloon.
• the access opening 66 can be closed by the opening wall 97 of the backpack by means of a zipper 98 at the interface between the opening wall 97 and the side wall 96.
• the fixing device also makes it possible to fix the airbag device 1 by first making the airbag secured by means of its fastening elements 63 and attachment zones 22, then making the cover 10 integral with the support by means of the attachment means 60 and closing the cover 64. It is preferable to additionally add elements complementary to the fastening elements 63 and the zipper 64 an additional fastener on the support, eg provided below the location of the cover ( eg in figure 6b or 6c at the level of the tube 32 on the material of the back wall 95, preferably on a reinforcement of the reinforced zone type 61.
• This fastener forms the starting point of an additional strap which is then pulled around the cover and fixed to the above the cover near the opening slot 62:
• the strap for attaching is fixed between the slot 62 and the velcro closure or flash 60 to further secure that the opening of the balloon 2 is not done in the volume backpack but to the support, so to the back of the user.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a backpack 12 according to an advantageous aspect of the invention comprising a portable airbag system for persons according to one embodiment of the invention.
• the back wall 95 of the backpack 12 is connected to two shoulder straps 18 in a known manner.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Pulmonology (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Air Bags (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

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• 2011
  • 2011-10-26 US US13/881,490 patent/US9585425B2/en active Active
  • 2011-10-26 EP EP11776418A patent/EP2485810A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-10-26 CA CA2815908A patent/CA2815908C/fr active Active
  • 2011-10-26 WO PCT/EP2011/068749 patent/WO2012055913A2/fr active Application Filing
  • 2011-10-26 EP EP16202765.0A patent/EP3181195B1/de active Active

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