EP3205223B1 - Integral avalanche respiratory protection helmet - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The subject matter of the invention is an integral avalanche protective helmet, in particular for use by winter sports enthusiasts in free alpine terrain. Specifically, the invention relates to such a helmet with a supply of fresh air or oxygen in the helmet and for discharging at least a portion of the breathed air to the outside.

Background of the Invention, Prior Art

Avalanches with massive injuries or fatalities are still a great danger for winter sports enthusiasts traveling in free alpine terrain. Suffocating is the most common cause of death compared to other injuries.

Although known avalanche transceivers (LVS) have increased the chances of survival, but require that helpers are immediately operational after the avalanche departure and perform the search for the victim or the competent. Be the one or the If not buried within 15 to 20 minutes after the avalanche has disappeared, the death by suffocation can be expected.

In order to increase the chances of survival after burial, three conditions must be met. On the one hand, the protection of the entire head including the face from injury must be ensured, on the other hand, the upper respiratory tract (mouth, nose, throat) must be kept free, and third, the provision of a small air cavity, ie, a small cavity in front of the mouth and nose the spill, which is free of snow, soil and the like, necessary, which allows a continuous supply of the buried with air.

The protective helmets, which have been developed especially for skiers and snowboarders, protect the head (ie, forehead, temples, crest and occipital bone) in accidents, and thus can usually prevent traumatic brain injury. However, mouth, nose and throat remain unprotected. In addition to midfacial fractures, an avalanche burial can also cause the snow and soil material to be pressed into the mouth, nose and throat, causing a rapid asphyxiation.

Previously known further developments or ideas for avalanche rescue systems are aimed primarily at the protection of the head and / or the provision of a breathing air supply for the victim. For example, the avalanche avalanche backpack system already on the market (cf. U.S. Patent 5,490,501A or http://www.powderguide.com/magazine/artikel/das-avalung-system.html) on a valve tube system that separates the inhalation from the exhalation air. However, the hose must be actively supplied to the mouth by the person concerned in case of an emergency and always kept in the mouth in the event of an avalanche, where it is fixed by means of masticatory force.

A comparable idea follows in the EP 1 998 639 B1 described avalanche rescue helmets that protect the victim's head and the air supply via breathing hoses guided in a fixed chin guard should ensure. The connection to the mouth takes place via an on demand (avalanche) to be activated mouthpiece, which has a valve for the separation of inhalation and exhalation air. The respiratory air passes through diffusion of oxygen-containing air from the snow over lattice-protected openings in the helmet to the buried. The problem arises here that, on the one hand, it is not clear to what extent diffusion of oxygen from the avalanche-confined snow can take place in the helmet, and, on the other hand, there is the danger that snow entering the mouth and nose will block the connection of the hose system Mouth breaks, as a visor protecting the face is missing.

The lack of protection of the face from penetrating snow or soil material is also the main disadvantage of the EP 2 311 335 A2 revealed ski helmets for freeriders. This helmet is connected to an air / oxygen supply unit and a suction device for CO ₂ -enriched expiratory air. Again, no protection of the mouth, nose and throat from penetrating snow or soil is described. In addition, there is no protection system for the breathable / oxygen-carrying connections to the helmet nor for the existing activatable control unit, so that there is no guarantee that snow penetrating towards the mouth and nose does not interrupt the connection of the hose system to the mouth.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an avalanche protective helmet which protects the head of the wearer, including the face area, with a respiratory air or oxygen reservoir connected to the helmet and arranged outside the helmet, wherein the release of the supply of respiratory air or the oxygen is possible in a simple way.

These and other objects are achieved by the integral avalanche safety helmet according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are listed in the subclaims.

Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

DRAWINGS

• FIG. 1 shows a first schematic view of an embodiment of the inventive avalanche aviator helmet with a head-neck-shoulder protection device in the inactive state, for example. An unfilled airbag (airbag);
• FIG. 2 shows a second schematic view of an embodiment of the inventive avalanche aviator helmet with a head-neck-shoulder protection device in the activated state, for example. A filled air cushion (airbag);
• FIG. 3A shows a schematic front view of the inventive avalanche respiratory protective helmet of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with open sighting device; and
• FIG. 3B shows a schematic front view of the inventive avalanche respiratory protective helmet of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with closed sighting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the context of the present description, terms are used which are also used in relevant publications and industrial property rights. It should be noted, however, that the use of these terms is for the convenience of understanding only. The inventive idea and the scope of the protection claims should not be limited by the specific choice of the terms in the interpretation. The invention can be readily applied to other conceptual systems and / or fields. In other fields the terms are to be applied mutatis mutandis.

Full-face helmets are a closed type helmets. This is used among other things as a motorcycle helmet. Full-face helmets have a fixed chin and a lockable visor. They offer the best design protection with minimal weight.

Like from the Fig. 1 can be seen, the i ntegrale avalanche respirator helmet 2 of the invention (hereinafter referred to briefly ILASH hereinafter) a Helmaußen- 4 and a helmet inner shell 6, between which guide devices 8, 10 for the supply of fresh breathing air or oxygen from outside through a rear portion 14 of the Helmes 2 are provided in the helmet and for the derivation of at least a portion of the exhausted breath to the outside from a front portion 12 of the helmet 2. The fresh respiratory air or the oxygen is stored in a breathing air or oxygen reservoir 16 arranged outside the helmet in the back region of the wearer. The helmet 2 further comprises a sighting device 18, consisting of a jaw guard 20 with a visor disc 22 fixedly connected thereto. By closing the sighting device 18, the release of the supply of stored in the breathing air or oxygen reservoir fresh breathing air or oxygen is triggered.

The jaw guard 20 and the visor plate 22 are firmly connected to each other so that they perform synchronous movements when opening or closing the sight. The sighting device is rotatably coupled on both sides of the helmet outer shell 4, for example by means of a pivot joint 26. Of course, other coupling mechanisms are also conceivable for the person skilled in the art. In sleep mode, ie, if there is no danger of an avalanche, the jaw guard 20 is located together with the visor 22 on the helmet 2 (see. Fig. 3A ). At risk of avalanche, the helmet 2 is then closed by folding down the sighting device 18 (ie jaw guard 20 and visor 22). As a result, the breathing air or oxygen supply is activated from a respiratory air or oxygen reservoir 16 arranged in the back region of the helmet wearer. In closed condition (cf. Fig. 3B ) pulls the jaw guard to under the chin of the helmet wearer, so that no snow, soil or the like can penetrate into the helmet.

By folding down the sighting device, a small air cavity is formed in front of the nose and mouth of the helmet wearer, which allows a continuous supply of respiratory air or oxygen to the victim. This unobstructed air supply is guaranteed even in case of unconsciousness.

Of course, the system also works in the event that the helmet wearer is not completely buried, but only partially covered by snow and earth material. In the following, however, the sake of simplicity is always spoken by the "victim".

The transport of the respiratory air or oxygen is ensured by guide means 8, 10 between the helmet outer 4 and the helmet inner shell 6, wherein these guide means consist in a first embodiment of hoses 8, 10 (supply or discharge hose). In a second embodiment, the guide means are formed by channels (not shown) arranged between the helmet outer 4 and the helmet shell 6. It is advantageous to bring the air supply laterally to the mouth and nose of the victim, while the outflow of the spent air is more about the skull backwards, so that it is ensured that there is always a large amount of oxygen-rich air before the mouth and nose of the victim ,

The breathing air or oxygen reservoir can be, for example, a compressed air cylinder 16, optionally in combination with an air cushion (airbag) 24A, 24B, which constitutes a secondary downstream air reservoir in addition to a protective function.

In the case of the ILASH according to the invention, at least two hoses 8, 10 or channels leading from the outside of the helmet into the inner front helmet part are provided from the rear helmet area 14. For example, respiratory air flows from a breathing air or oxygen reservoir 16, 24 outside the helmet. Oxygen forward into the airway to the victim's nose and mouth, allowing it to breathe freely.

It serves as a further air reservoir and allows at least part of the spent breathing air to be conducted outside the helmet into the back area of the person buried, eg. in a collection container located in a backpack (not shown). The used breathing air is low in oxygen, carbon dioxide enriched and moist. The remaining in the helmet portion of the consumed air is enriched by fresh air with oxygen.

Within the helmet, for example in recesses or depressions in the inner shell, one or more CO ₂ absorbers (for example, calcium deposits - not shown) can be arranged in an advantageous embodiment of the ILASH according to the invention. These limescale deposits absorb part of the carbon dioxide that is present and thus reduce the increase in the CO ₂ concentration inside the helmet. This is advantageous because a high CO ₂ content has a negative effect on craniocerebral injury and disturbs the own respiratory drive of the buried. In addition, the absorbers absorb atmospheric moisture, which facilitates the respiration of the victim, as strongly moistened air makes breathing significantly more difficult in the sense of a subjective malaise. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that these depots can also be arranged elsewhere in the helmet than in the recesses or depressions mentioned. It is thus possible, for example, not to form the helmet shell completely, so that space for fixing the absorber remains here.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the ILASH according to the invention is connected to a head-neck-shoulder protection device 24A, 24B, which the helmet wearer carries, for example, on or in his backpack. For example, the head-neck-shoulder protection device 24A, 24B may be an air bag or other protective system, such as a helmet-backpack sleeve. In the activated state (cf. FIG. 2 ), the head-neck-shoulder protection part 24B at least partially surrounds the head and neck of the helmet wearer, thereby also protecting the guide devices 8, 10 in this area.

In the case of an avalanche, the helmet wearer closes the helmet by folding down the sighting device 18 (cf. FIGS. 3A, 3B ). This process triggers the opening of a compressed air cylinder 16 entrained in the backpack via a mechanically continuous connection 28 (Bowden cable) or an electromagnetic signal whose air content in a first embodiment abruptly fills an air cushion (airbag). The Bowden cable 28 is attached via attachment points 30, 32 on the one hand to the sighting device 28, on the other hand to the valve of the compressed air cylinder 16. The electromagnetic signal is preferably triggered by a reed contact (not shown). The filling of the air bag 24A, 24B has the primary effect that the air bag portion 24B at least partially encloses the helmet wearer's head, and thus also the guide devices 8, 10 (supply and discharge hose) from the backpack over the rear helmet area 14 to the end of the helmet front helmet area 12 protects.

After filling of the air bag (airbag) 24A, 24B, the air therein is directed from the rear into the interior of the helmet 2 and there guided by the guided between the helm 4 and the helmet outer shell 6 arranged guide devices 8, 10 to the respiratory cavity in front of the mouth and nose of the victim guided. The flow direction of the air follows the pressure gradient between air cushion interior and the respiratory cavity. This ensures a continuous stream of unused air towards the respiratory zone of the victim, whereby sufficient oxygen is transported, at least until the air cushion (airbag) is completely emptied. Rebreathing the spent breathing air of the victim into the delivery tube is ruled out as a result of this continuous flow of air from the air bag. By appropriate dimensioning of the volume of the compressed air cylinder, a certain feeding time can be ensured (see below).

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supply of unused breathing air from an additional, carried in the backpack compressed air cylinder (not shown) go out. This is opened in the same way as described above when closing the helmet and then provides via an integrated pressure reducer, which can be set to a fixed flow amount, also a continuous air flow in the direction of the respiratory cavity of the victim. Also in this embodiment, the air is passed through the hose connection by means of the breathing air hose to the respiratory cavity of the victim.

In the above case, the head-neck-shoulder protection device, for example, the airbag 24A, 24B has only a protective function for both the spill and the guide devices 8, 10 between the helmet 2 and the backpack, the air-filling of the airbag thus remains unchanged.

The supply of fresh breathing air or oxygen in the present invention can thus be realized in two different embodiments - either directly via a compressed air cylinder with integrated pressure reducer or secondarily via the air filling of an air cushion (airbag).

Assuming a spillage time of 45 minutes, the compressed air cylinder can be dimensioned for air supply with 0.5 l volume at a cylinder pressure of 300 bar, which corresponds to a continuous airflow of 3 lmin ^-1 over 50 minutes. The same supply duration with oxygen ensures a 150-liter airbag.

Common airbag rescue systems (airbags) have a volume of 150 to 170 liters and are equipped with a suitably sized compressed air bottle so that these systems can be easily integrated into the system of the present invention.

The ILASH of the present invention protects the entire head of the helmet wearer including the face area. It thus prevents the penetration of snow or foreign material (eg soil) into the nose and Oral cavity. In addition, it ensures in the inside of the helmet in front of the nose and mouth of the helmet wearer a small breathing cavity, through which the free supply of breathing air is possible.

Another advantage of the ILASH according to the invention is the easy release of the supply of respiratory air or oxygen.

The ILASH according to the invention can be used both with and without an additional airbag system (airbag). LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 2 Integral avalanche safety helmet (ILASH) 4 Helmet outer shell 6 Helmet inner shell 8, 10 guide devices 12 front helmet area 14 rear helmet area 16 Breathing air or oxygen reservoir 18 sight 20 Kiefer guard 22 visor 24A, 24B Head-neck-shoulder protection device 26 swivel 28 mechanically continuous connection 30, 32 attachment points

Claims (15)

1. Integral avalanche respiratory protection helmet (2), comprising an outer helmet shell (4) and an inner helmet shell (6) between which guiding devices (8, 10) are provided for supplying fresh breathable air or oxygen from outside via a rear region (14) of the helmet (2) into the helmet and for discharging at least part of the consumed breathable air towards the outside from a front region (12) of the helmet (2), wherein the fresh breathable air or oxygen is stored in a breathable air or oxygen reservoir (16) arranged outside the helmet (2) in the back region of the wearer, characterised in that the helmet (2) has a visor device (18) consisting of a jaw guard (20) and a visor screen (22) fixedly connected thereto and that the release of the supply of fresh breathable air or oxygen stored in the breathable air or oxygen reservoir (16) can be triggered by closing the visor device (18).
2. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claim 1, characterised in that the visor device (18) is rotatably mounted on the outer helmet shell (4) by means of a pivot joint (26).
3. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the guiding devices (8, 10) include tubes passed through between the outer helmet shell (4) and the inner helmet shell (6).
4. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the supply devices (8, 10) include channels arranged between the outer helmet shell (4) and the inner helmet shell (6).
5. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the breathable air or oxygen reservoir (16) is arranged in the back region of the wearer, in particular in a rucksack.
6. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the tube (10) or channel serving for the removal of consumed breathable air has a larger diameter than the tube (8) or channel serving for the supply of fresh breathable air or oxygen.
7. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the breathable air reservoir (16) is a compressed-air cylinder.
8. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that a device for protecting the head, neck and shoulders, in particular an airbag (24A, 24B), is arranged between the helmet (2) and the rucksack to stabilise the guiding devices (8, 10).
9. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claim 8, characterised in that the airbag constitutes a secondary, downstream air reservoir.
10. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the device for protecting the head, neck and shoulders (24A, 24B) can be activated, in particular the airbag can be filled by a compressed-air cylinder.
11. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of claims 5 and 7 to 10, characterised in that the compressed-air cylinder is arranged in the rucksack.
12. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claim 10, characterised in that the device for protecting the head, neck and shoulders (24A, 24B) in an activated state at least partially surrounds the head of the wearer of the helmet and therefore at least partially surrounds the guide devices (8, 10).
13. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more CO₂ absorbers is/are arranged within the helmet (2).
14. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the tube (10) for discharging the consumed breathable air towards the outside can be guided into the rucksack.
15. Avalanche respiratory protection helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the release of the supply can be triggered by a mechanically continuous connection (28), in particular by a Bowden cable, or by an electromagnetic signal.

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