EP1948323B1 - Life buoy, especially for avalanches - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a life buoy that can be used especially in the event of an avalanche, said life buoy comprising at least one envelope that can be inflated by inflation means including a pressurised gas generating cartridge and means for emptying the buoy. The envelope is a single compartment which completely surrounds the head of the user and covers at least part of the thorax of the user.

Description

Field of the invention

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.

State of the art

Various devices such as 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 have already been described. The inflated envelope / envelopes of these devices have several functions. The main functions are flotation and protection, but the protection in these devices only partially covers the body or the head. Plus for the device US 6,270,386 B1 the envelope is coupled to a hood or a mesh which has the function of protecting the top of the head and respiratory tract. These various devices use a built-in harness / shoulder belt for attachment to the user.

The device 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 0 723 790 A2 , US 6,270,386 B1 using a valve or bite-squeegee must be triggered by the user or used in a fixed position (open or closed). As a result, there is an obligation for user intervention.

Apart from the two patents EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1 which have a description of their various inflation systems making credible the use of their inflating envelope (airbag), other patents often poorly or not describe the mechanisms used.

Thus, the devices EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1 use a non-return valve placed in a suction chamber that 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 to close their gas cartridges. 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 to inflate their inflating envelope (airbag) but do not have the visual or tactile ability to control its state of filling before use.

DE 201 06 766 41 describes a lifebuoy according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

Because of the prior problems and disadvantages of the different devices, the present invention allows the user to increase these chances of survival and decrease the weight of the assembly.

Consequently, 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 innovation of the avalanche lifebuoy compared to other devices is that none of the predecessors responded to the problem of asphyxiation during the avalanche. Indeed, this envelope, made of a single compartment, completely encompasses the head and covers the chest. Once inflated, a cavity is created around the user's face that allows breathing during use and avoids direct contact with the snow. The buoy is characterized by the fact that it comprises a system for automatically adjusting the emptying of the envelope by an automatic variable pressure relief valve which allows the user to supply air and the automatic emptying of the envelope after a predetermined duration. In addition, it provides effective protection against the various shocks that could cause the avalanche. This single-compartment envelope simplifies manufacturing and decreases weight. Our predecessors did not offer full head protection and chest protection. The idea of a hood or mesh coupled to the envelope proposed by US 6,270,386 B1 to protect the top of the head does not offer as good protection as an air cushion as used for the rest of the head.

In a preferred embodiment the buoy is fixed directly on 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.

In a preferred embodiment 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.

• Soit inconscient
• Soit porteur d'un casque avec mentonnière
• Soit avoir la bouche obturée par des lunettes, la neige ou autres

In a preferred embodiment, the automatic valve will trigger as a function of 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:

• Be unconscious
• Wear a helmet with a chin strap
• Either have your mouth closed by glasses, snow or other

In the first phase, about 90 seconds, 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.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment system comprises an electromagnet or a shape memory spring which allows the automatic opening of the drain valve after a predetermined time by the manufacturer or the immobilization of the valve. 'user. The immobilization can intervene after a fall or an avalanche, it will be determined by sensors of acceleration or atmospheric pressure.

Description of an embodiment Brief description of the figures:

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective front view of the avalanche lifebuoy of the present invention;
• Fig. 2 shows a user wearing the avalanche survival buoy from Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 and 3a show the front and rear attachment points of the avalanche survival buoy fig.1 on the harness / harness of the user;
• Fig. 4 shows the avalanche survival buoy from Fig. 1 with the release handle released from its original location;
• Fig. 5 and 5a show the avalanche survival buoy Fig. 1 once inflated in perspective and once inflated from the front;
• Fig. 6 shows a side cut of the avalanche survival buoy 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 drain valve ;
• Fig. 7 shows a side cut of the avalanche survival buoy Fig. 1 once deflated and covered by snow, this cut allows us to see the space (80) around the user's head and chest;
• Fig. 8 shows a view of the hinge system with a release handle cable used for the avalanche survival buoy Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 9 shows the avalanche survival buoy from Fig. 1 integrated into a backpack;
• Fig. 10 shows the avalanche survival buoy from Fig. 1 integrated into a standard jacket;
• Fig. 11 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing a cartridge and a suction system;
• Fig. 12 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing an open non-return valve;
• Fig. 13 shows a perspective section of a method of manufacturing a closed non-return valve;
• Fig. 14 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a one-piece non-return valve, closed position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 15 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a non-return valve in one piece, open position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 16 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a one-piece non-return valve, closed position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 17 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a non-return valve in one piece, open position (screwed or glued);
• Fig. 18 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a 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 a 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 a system for opening and closing the cartridge;
• Fig. 21 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a system for opening and closing the cartridge in the closed position;
• Fig. 22 shows a section of a method of manufacturing a system for opening and closing the cartridge in the 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 envelope;
• 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.

There are two PU / PVC valves which are welded or screwed to the casing, the inflation valve 30 and the automatic drain valve 4. 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. There are two quick attachment points that allow quick assembly and size adjustment. 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. In the normal position, 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. On the other hand once the release handle 6 pulled the envelope opens on its own.

Once 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. In addition, 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.

To ensure the maintenance of the closed envelope different possibilities can be envisaged. Here are two examples, 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. These 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.

There are two handles 110 on the outer sides of the envelope that could be used by the user to hold his or her upper limbs close to the envelope.

At the end of the timer of about 2 minutes or after immobilization of the user, 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 Figures 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. In the first case, 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 carried out by pinching or gluing or screwing or crimping on the support of the diffuser recess or mixer 113 provided for this purpose.

The opening and closing mechanism of the cartridge Fig. 11 , 21 , 22 is made of a metal alloy, or even an alloy of high strength (example: 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 holding 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 pressure gauge 129 Fig. 11 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. In addition, 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 (airbag) is performed using an electromagnet 123 or a shape memory spring 124.

Both mechanisms will open thanks to a microcontroller. 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.

• ➢ Pendant les quelques secondes qui suivent le branchement du ressort 124 à mémoire de forme, il jouera le rôle d'une résistance. Il se chauffera par effet joule obtenu par court-circuit du système. Puis, une fois la température de transition obtenue, il s'allongera jusqu'à ouvrir le clapet 127 de la valve de vidange automatique 4. Les moyens nécessaires pour obtenir un tel fonctionnement sont connus en soi dans l'état de la technique.
• ➢ L'électro-aimant 123, une fois branché, va diminuer fortement sa force d'attraction sur la contre plaque 126. En conséquence, le ressort 125 placé sur l'électro-aimant va pouvoir dès lors expulser la contre plaque 126 du côté clapet 127 et de cette manière l'ouvrir.

Once the order is given by the microcontroller, the automatic drain valve opening mechanism 4 will engage differently depending on the system used.

• ➢ During the few seconds following the connection of the spring 124 memory shape, it will play the role of a resistance. It will heat by joule effect obtained by short circuit of the system. Then, once the transition temperature obtained, it will extend until open the valve 127 of the automatic drain valve 4. The means necessary to obtain such operation are known per se in the state of the art.
• ➢ The electromagnet 123, once plugged in, will greatly reduce its attractive force on the counter plate 126. As a result, the spring 125 placed on the electromagnet will then be able to expel the counter plate 126 on the side. valve 127 and in this way open it.

Mounting with a memory spring Fig. 26 and mounting with an electromagnet the Fig. 23 are coupled to another spring 128 which manages the overpressure of the envelope. 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.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, these descriptions are intended to be merely non-limiting illustrations of the invention and variations are possible. For example, the buoy may be made of a transparent material.

In addition, 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.

Claims (10)

1. A life buoy (1) for a user, which may be used during an avalanche, comprising at least one envelope inflatable by inflation means, including a pressurized gas cartridge (3) and means for emptying the buoy, the envelope being of a single compartment and is configured for integrally surrounding the head of the user and covering at least a portion of the thorax of the user, characterized in that the buoy comprises an automatic adjustment system (126, 127, 128) for emptying the envelope through an automatic variable overpressure valve, which allows air to be supplied to the user and automatic emptying of the envelope after a predetermined period.
2. The buoy according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a cavity/chamber (8) is created in front of the airways of the user upon inflation and during its use, allowing him/her to breathe.
3. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity/chamber (8) is created by a system of ribs with a shape (20) giving a maximum volume to the envelope upon inflation and able to facilitate the emptying of the envelope at the right time.
4. The buoy according to claim 3, wherein the shape ribs (20) are made of fabric patches, coated for welding, welded or sown on the envelope, and connected together with an elastic or with another system, which may have the same function.
5. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a system for fast opening of the envelope/cover, which allows accelerated deployment of the envelope before its inflation.
6. The buoy according to claim 5, wherein the opening system comprises at least one release handle (6) attached to at least one first cable (62) connected to a member (52) for triggering the inflation system.
7. The buoy according to claim 6, characterized by said handle which is connected to at least one second detachment cable (62) crossing loops (63) distributed along a cover or on the actual envelope of the buoy, which play the role of a hinge so as to release the envelope and to allow it to totally open by itself by inflation upon removing said cable from the loops.
8. The buoy according to claim 7, wherein said second detachment cable is formed with several independent strands (62).
9. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment system comprises at least one electromagnet (123) or a shape memory spring (124) which allows automatic opening of the valve after a predetermined time period.
10. The buoy according to the preceding claim 7, wherein the time period is predetermined by the manufacturer or by immobilization of the user, after a fall or an avalanche, by means of a pressure sensor.

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