WO2024256361A1

WO2024256361A1 - Personal protection system and safety device

Info

Publication number: WO2024256361A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/066013
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Stewart THOMAS
Original assignee: Oval Technics Limited
Priority date: 2023-06-12
Filing date: 2024-06-11
Publication date: 2024-12-19

Abstract

A personal protection system (300A) comprising a first portion (300) comprising at least one protective barrier member (200) which can be deployed by inflation, and a second portion (8) comprising a handheld device, the first portion (300) including the at least one protective barrier member (200) being mountable on the handheld device (8), wherein the at least one protective barrier member (200) is movable from a stored position, wherein it is contained by the first portion to a deployed position, wherein the at least one protective barrier member (200) expands outwards from the first portion (300) and wherein the at least one protective barrier member comprises front and rear inflatable barrier elements (210, 220).

Description

Personal Protection System and Safety Device

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a personal protection and safety device for the protection of a user (for example a nurse) to provide the user with space (distance between user and another individual) and time to avoid or minimise contact with another individual (for example a patient), for example in a care setting. The device comprises an inflatable element intended to protect the user, wherein the inflatable element can form a barrier between at least a portion of the user and another individual. Also disclosed is a cartridge which can comprise the inflatable element - a protective barrier - wherein the cartridge can be used as part of the device, and the use of the device and cartridge.

Background of the invention

In a care setting, in particular within a psychiatric and forensic nursing setting, injuries can be sustained by the nursing staff, due to contact from patients or from objects held by or thrown by patients. For example, nursing staff may be struck by objects used in a care setting, for example such as a snooker ball thrown by patients, stabbed, physically assaulted, or killed by a patient. This obviously causes health and safety concerns for nurses. Psychiatric nurses are typically trained in the restraint of patients who exhibit violent or aggressive tendencies. Typically, such restraint requires at least two nurses to maintain safety standards. The ratio of nurses to patients can be legal decisions made by appropriate doctors or nurses involved in the care of patients. Staffing shortages can exacerbate safety issues, as if a patient requires two nurses to be present to allow adequate control, but only one nurse is available, this can lead to increased risk to the nursing staff.

In addition to care settings, it is understood that there may be other settings, for example care establishments, educational establishments, secure units, secure learning difficulty units in the community, penal establishments, retail I commerce establishments, forensic hospitals - such as Broadmoor hospital in the UK, forensic wards, homes of individuals recovering from head trauma or other environments in which staff or individuals may be at risk from other individuals.

Summary of the invention

The present inventor has determined that there is a need for a device which can safeguard a user (operator such as a nurse) and provide cushioning from impact to the user. The impact may be from contact from another individual (for example a patient), an object thrown or held by other individual and / or impact from another object due to the actions of another individual to the user (nurse). The use of the device is also considered to be advantageous for the safety of the patient.

The present invention relates to a personal protection device to provide space and time to a user, and optionally to shield at least a portion of a body of a user from another individual.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a personal protection system comprising a first portion comprising at least one protective barrier member which can be deployed by inflation, and a second portion comprising a handheld device, the at least one protective barrier member being mountable on the handheld device, wherein the at least one protective barrier member is movable from a stored position to a deployed position, wherein the at least one protective barrier member comprises front and rear inflatable barrier elements.

Suitably the protective barrier member may cause a predetermined distance to be created between the operator of the protective barrier member and another individual due to the inflation of the protective barrier member. Suitably in the deployed position the protective barrier member may shield at least part of an operator (for example a nurse) holding the handheld personal protection device system, to prevent injury to the operator from another person. As will be understood, the protective barrier member may be dimensioned such that it minimises or prevents the operator of the protective barrier member from being in contact with another individual.

The operator will likely be a nurse. Suitably the nurse may be a nurse in a psychiatric facility. Suitably the handheld personal protection device system may comprise two main parts, wherein a first part is reusable, and a second part is disposable and advantageously can be recycled. Suitably the second part is reusable.

Suitably the system may be for use by individuals (operator) such as staff in psychiatric facilities to provide protection in the event of a physical assault.

Suitably the handheld personal protection device system may require to be held by both hands of the operator during deployment of the protective barrier member (protective barrier).

Suitably in use, following inflation of the protective barrier member, the protective barrier member may be mounted on the handheld device.

Suitably the protective barrier member may be provided by a single inflatable protective barrier member, for example an inflatable cushion. In use, the rear barrier element extends toward the operator and the front inflatable barrier element extends away from the operator. Suitably the front and rear inflatable barrier elements may be provided in the same or different parts of the body of the device. Suitably multiple inflatable barrier elements may be inflated at a similar time to provide as complete protection as possible to a user I operator. Suitably a protective barrier member may have a curved top surface. Suitably there is provided a personal protection device wherein front and rear inflatable barrier elements are inflated in a particular order, suitably wherein a rear inflatable barrier element is inflated in advance of the front barrier element. Suitably the inflatable barrier element may be sized to fit between a door frame to effectively block or jam a door. Suitably a barrier member may be sized to effectively seal a door to minimise air flow through the door. Suitably such a barrier member sized to fit a door frame to minimise air flow, may be used to block fire spread.

Suitably the protective barrier member and I or device may comprise a trigger I trigger mechanism wherein the trigger is operable by a user to move a gas inlet port from a first position to a second position. Suitably, in use, prior to inflation, an inflatable protective barrier member in a deflated position may be provided within an enclosure of the body of the device. Suitably the body of the device may be part of reuseable part of the handheld device. Alternatively the body may be part of a second part of the device, for example a recyclable part of the device. Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may be provided in a cartridge which can be mounted onto the handheld device, the cartridge forming an enclosure in which the deflated inflatable device is stored. Suitably an inflation gas or fluid may also be located in the cartridge. Suitably a cartridge can be recycled to allow an inflated protective barrier member to be repackaged in the cartridge, and inflation fluid or gas to be provided to the cartridge to allow inflation of the repackaged barrier member. Suitably the cartridge is connected to the handheld device such that the trigger of the device provides for the inflation of the protective barrier member in the cartridge such that the protective barrier member moves to an inflated position. Suitably the device or cartridge may comprise a cover section which in normal use closes the enclosure and contains at least one protective barrier member. Suitably the cover section may comprise a tear seam formed by perforation or other mechanical weakening that is openable under pressure of the expanding inflatable protective barrier member to allow the protective barrier member to be released from within the enclose of the device. Suitably the device or cartridge may comprise a second inflatable protective barrier member. Suitably a first inflatable protective barrier member may be elongate in shape.

Suitably the device may comprise a power source, for example a battery. Suitably the battery may be rechargeable. In embodiments, a power source may provide power to the enclosure of the body of the device to allow a signal to be provided to allow inflation of the protective barrier member, and / or to a cartridge to allow an inflation signal to be provided to the cartridge and allow inflation of the protective barrier member. Suitably connections between the power source in the device and the cartridge may be provided. For example, in embodiments, the power source may be connected to the cartridge via power connectors provided on a or both cartridge mounting bars or a cartridge mounting plate of the device. Suitably a battery may be located within the handheld device. For example in embodiment a battery may be provided in a grip portion of the device. Suitably the trigger mechanism allows control of power from the power source to the cartridge.

Suitably the device may comprise propellant, inflation fluid or pressurised gas integrated into the device. This inflation causing portion suitably provides for inflation of the protective barrier member following activation of the trigger I trigger mechanism by the operator. Alternatively, the device may comprise an enclosure to receive a cartridge or container wherein the cartridge or container comprises an inflation causing portion, for example propellant, inflation fluid or pressurised gas which can be placed into the device.

Alternatively, the device may comprise a fixing to fix a cartridge or container, wherein the cartridge or container comprises propellant, inflation fluid or pressurised gas to the device, such that the cartridge or container can be arranged outside the device. Suitably a cartridge comprising an inflatable barrier member for mounting onto a handheld device can comprise at least one inflatable barrier member and a mechanism to allow inflation of the inflatable protective barrier member such as propellant, inflation fluid or pressurised gas.

Suitably the protective barrier member and I or the device may comprise a trigger catch (safety mechanism) to prevent the gas being moved to inflate the protective barrier member, for example to inhibit a gas inlet port being moved from a first closed to a second open position. Suitably the device may comprise a trigger catch that interacts with the trigger or part of a trigger mechanism which prevents the trigger or trigger mechanism from being activated.

Suitably at least one inflatable protective barrier member may be provided in an enclosure of a cartridge or container. Suitably the cartridge or container may further comprise pressurised gas or inflation fluid. Suitably the cartridge may comprise at least one pressurised gas container or inflation fluid container or a plurality, for example 2 or 3 pressurised gas containers or inflation fluid containers. Suitably the pressurised gas containers may be provided to the device such that when a gas inlet port is moved from a first position to a second position, gas can fluidly flow from the gas container into the gas inlet port and cause rapid inflation of the inflatable protective barrier member. Suitably the cartridge may comprise a cover section which in normal use closes the cartridge and contains the protective barrier member. Suitably the cover section may comprise a tear seam formed by perforation or other mechanical weakening that is openable under pressure of the expanding inflatable protective barrier member to allow the protective barrier member to be released from within the cartridge.

Suitably the protective barrier member, when deployed in use, extends from the handheld device towards the operator to create a support (stock) between the handheld device and the operator. Suitably the protective barrier member, when deployed in use, creates a cushion backwards from the device such that the cushion extends towards the operator to act as a support and an ability to direct the protective barrier member.

Suitably the protective barrier member, when deployed in use, may extend from the handheld device away from the operator and forward of the handheld device. Suitably the protective barrier member or elements of the protective barrier member may extend toward and away from the operator.

Suitably there may be provided at least two protective barrier members, the at least two protective barrier members mountable or mounted on a handheld personal protection device, wherein the protective barrier members are movable from a stored position to a deployed position, wherein in the deployed position they may advantageously shield at least part of a user (operator such as a nurse) holding the handheld personal protection device, to prevent injury to the user from another person and optionally create a specified distance between an operator and another individual and I or minimise the risk of the operator coming into contact with another object. In embodiments a first protective barrier member may deploy from the handheld device toward the operator (nurse) and a second protective barrier member may deploy from the handheld device away from the operator, or alternatively a single protective barrier member may, when deployed in use, deploy from the handheld device toward the operator (nurse) and deploy from the handheld device away from the operator.

Suitably the handheld personal protection device comprises a body portion and the protective barrier member is mounted on the body portion. In alternative embodiments the handheld personal protection device comprises a body portion and the protective barrier member is mounted in the body portion. Suitably the protective barrier member may be removably mounted to the handheld device. Suitably, after the protective barrier member has been deployed it may be removed and re-folded such that the re-folded protective barrier member can be re-mounted in or on the device such that the re-folded protective barrier member can be deployed a second time. Suitably the protective barrier member may be removably mounted to the handheld device such that after the protective barrier member has been deployed it may be removed and a new protective barrier member may be mounted to the handheld device.

A suitable source of gas under pressure or inflation fluid or solid or liquid propellant is used to deploy the inflatable protection barrier member. The gas under pressure may be provided by a solid propellant, a liquid propellant or a mixture thereof. Suitably an amount of inflation fluid or solid propellant is provided such that weight of the device is easily held by a user whilst allowing suitable inflation of the protective barrier member. Suitably a solid propellant or inflation fluid for example as used in air bags may be used. Suitably an air bag system as used in automobiles may be utilised, and where suitable the trigger may be an electronic trigger or switch. Suitably a cartridge comprising a gas source to allow inflation of the protective barrier member may be mounted onto the handheld device.

The protective barrier member and source of gas under pressure or inflation fluid or propellant may be mounted in a housing of the handheld personal protection device. Alternatively the protective barrier member and source of gas under pressure or inflation fluid or propellant may be provided as a cartridge which may be mounted onto the handheld device. Suitably a cartridge comprising a protective barrier member and source of gas under pressure or inflation fluid or propellant is mountable onto a handheld device to provide the system of the first aspect of the invention. Suitably such a cartridge provides a second aspect of the system.

Suitably the cartridge may be an aspect of the invention on its own, separate to the device and as such forms a second aspect of the present invention. As would be understood, the cartridge may be provided as a consumable product. The cartridge provides for forward and rearward deployment configuration of at least one protective barrier member.

Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides at least one inflatable protective barrier member in an enclosure of a cartridge or container wherein the cartridge or container further comprises pressurised gas or inflation fluid, wherein the at least one protective barrier member comprises front and rear inflatable barrier elements. Suitably the cartridge may comprise at least one pressurised gas container or inflation fluid container or a plurality, for example 2 or 3 pressurised gas containers or inflation fluid containers. Suitably the cartridge or container is mountable on a handheld device to form a system of the first aspect of the invention.

Suitably the handheld device on which the protective barrier member is mountable is reuseable. Suitably the protective barrier member may be provided in a cartridge which is mountable to a handheld device wherein the cartridge is disposable for example following deployment of the protective barrier member or which is reuseable. In a reuseable form, after deployment the protective barrier member may be refolded and provided such that it can be reattached to a handheld device to form a system of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a device comprising a body portion wherein the body portion has at least one inflatable protective barrier member and a source of gas under pressure or an inflation fluid or a solid propellant, the device further comprising a gas inlet port wherein the gas inlet port is in fluid connection with the at least one inflatable protective barrier member and a source of gas under pressure or an inflation fluid or solid propellant wherein the gas inlet port can be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in use when the gas inlet port is moved from a first to a second position, gas can move from the source of gas under pressure or the inflation fluid into the inflatable barrier element and the inflatable protective barrier member is caused to move from a first deflated position to a second inflated position, wherein the at least one protective barrier member comprises front and rear inflatable barrier elements.

In an alternative embodiment, the body of the device may comprise a cartridge receiving portion. Suitably the cartridge receiving portion may receive a cartridge comprising pressurised gas or inflation fluid or propellant. Suitably the cartridge receiving portion may receive a cartridge comprising an inflatable protective barrier member or element wherein the barrier or element is provided in a deflated position. Suitably the cartridge receiving portion can receive a cartridge of the second aspect of the device.

Suitably the device comprises a trigger I trigger mechanism, wherein the trigger is operable in use to move the gas inlet port from a first position to second position to cause inflation of the protective barrier member. Suitably the gas inlet port is moveable from a first closed position to a second open position, wherein in a second open position gas can move into the protective barrier member. Suitably, the trigger / trigger mechanism may be provided as part of a gas container or as part of the cartridge.

Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may be inflated using gas from a gas canister. Suitably a valve on the gas canister may be pushed to an open position to allow gas to move to inflate barrier.

Suitably the at least one inflatable protective barrier member may be provided in a cartridge which can be connected or mounted to the device. Suitably the cartridge may comprise a container with an inflatable protective barrier member therein. Suitably a cartridge I container may comprise an inflatable protective barrier member in a non-deployed I non-inflated form, suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may comprise a single element or multiple elements, for example front and rear inflatable barrier elements folded to allow inflation when the gas is provided. The cartridge may also include one or more pressurised gas containers for the rapid automatic inflation and deployment of the inflatable protective barrier member.

Suitably the base of the cartridge may be configured to secure the cartridge to the handheld device receiving surface (for example the base) of the cartridge to a cartridge receiving surface (an upper surface) of the handheld device. The cartridge receiving surface may comprises ears to locate the cartridge on the surface and catches to secure the cartridge to the surface. The cartridge may include a trigger mechanism that cooperates with a corresponding mechanism on the trigger mechanism of the handheld device, which when the trigger is operated activates a gas canister(s) to inflate the protective barrier member. Suitably a valve on the gas canister may be pushed to an open position to allow gas to move from gas canister to inflate barrier member when the cartridge or protective barrier member is provided to the handheld device on movement of a further valve or closure. Suitably a trigger I trigger mechanism is then required to cause the gas to move from the gas canister or other inflation I propellant source to inflate the barrier member. Suitably a cartridge comprising a protective barrier member may also comprise a cover section which in normal use closes the cartridge and contains the protective barrier member. The cover may include a tear seam formed by perforations or other mechanical weakening that tears in use under the pressure of the expanding protective barrier member to allow the protective barrier member to be released from within an enclosure of the cartridge.

Suitably the protective barrier member when deployed may be about 36 - 38 inches (91 - 97 cm) in length, and 5-8 inches (12 - 21 cm) wide. Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member, when moved to a second inflated position is about 10 -12 inches (25 - 6 cm) high, 36 -38 inches long (91 - 97 cm), and about 8 to11 inches (21 - 28 cm) wide. Suitably the protective barrier member may comprise a stock section from the device towards the user, which may be about 14 -16 inches (35 - 41 cm) in length from the trigger of the device towards the shoulder of the user when the protective barrier member is deployed. The length of the device advantageously fits in users of typical height and build without significantly changing their centre of gravity or enabling the barrier member to be used to alter the balance of the user by another individual.

Suitably the protective barrier member may extend from the handheld device toward the operator with about 14 inches (35 cm) from the handheld device to provide a stock back portion for the user (nurse) to firmly brace the protective barrier member, for example to beheld against the operator’s shoulder to stabilise the protective barrier member.

The handheld device comprises a front end and rear end and in use, when the inflatable protective barrier member is inflated, the inflatable protective barrier member extends beyond the front of the device and beyond the rear of the device (for example to be used by the operator of the protective barrier member to hold and I or stabilise the protective barrier member).

Suitably the device comprises a trigger mechanism which can be used to move a gas inlet port from a first to a second position. Suitably in a second position, the protective barrier member may be deployed - gas is moved into the protective barrier member (thus a second position can be a deployed position). Suitably the handheld body of the device supports a cartridge containing an inflatable protective barrier member. The trigger mechanism activates the cartridge to inflate a protective barrier member which is released and deployed from within the cartridge. The inflated protective barrier member can advantageously remain connected to the cartridge and I or the handheld device. The inflated protective barrier member can include a forward element that deploys forwardly of the handheld trigger device away from the operator I user of the device. This provides a barrier member between the operator and another person and can force the other person to retreat. A further rear element deploys rearwardly of the handheld device towards the operator.

Suitably to allow a gas to move into the protective barrier member, an arming pin may be required to be removed. Suitably an arming pin may be moved from a first safe position to a second armed position by engaging a cartridge with the handheld device. Suitably an arming pin may be provided to prevent a gas from moving into the protective barrier member to allow for removal of the cartridge from the handheld device. Suitably an arming pin may be moved from a second armed position to a first safe position by removing the cartridge from the handheld device. Suitably a cartridge comprising a protective barrier member may comprise a side bar which can be moved to move an arming pin from a first safe position to a second armed position. Suitably a cartridge comprising a protective barrier member may comprise a side bar wherein movement of a side bar may allow an arming pin to be moved from a second armed position to a first safe position. Suitably a second (spare) arming pin may be provided with the cartridge to allow an arming pin to be inserted into the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted onto to the device to lock the cartridge and prevent the inflatable protective barrier member from being deployed.

It is advantageous if the device includes multiple safety mechanisms to inhibit accidental or non-intended deployment of the protective inflatable barrier member.

Suitably the device may comprise a hand air pump. Suitably the hand air pump may be connected to an air line which is connected to an air outlet. Suitably when the hand air pump is depressed, air moved in the air line allows the air to cause a movement of a valve which allows a gas to move into the protective barrier member to allow inflation of the barrier member. Suitably when the hand air pump is not depressed the air does not move in the air line and this prevents movement of a valve and prevents a gas to move into the protective barrier member to allow inflation of the barrier member. In use, such a hand air pump will require an operator, for example a nurse, to hold the handheld device with both hands to allow deployment of the protective barrier member. A first hand will be required to depress a hand air pump and second hand will be required to activate a trigger mechanism to allow inflation of the protective barrier member. Such a first and second trigger arrangement or a first safety mechanism for ensuring grip of the device and a trigger mechanism to ensure that device is not activated by accident - at least two mechanisms to minimise the risk of non-intended deployment and requirement that the device is securely held in two hands - is considered to be advantageous. This can be considered as a pneumatic safety mechanism. The requirement that the device is held in two hands for operation advantageously minimises the risk of wrist injury to the user (nurse) when the device is deployed.

Suitably, in use, in such embodiments a cartridge comprising the inflatable protective barrier member may be loaded onto the handheld device, a safety or arming pin (the safety pin when located in the cartridge preventing movement of a trigger catch and the movement of gas into the protective barrier member) may be removed from the cartridge to allow the inflatable protective barrier member to be inflated on actuation of a trigger mechanism and, in some embodiments, when the air pump is depressed by a second hand of the user. Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may only be inflated on both actuation of a trigger mechanism and when the air pump is depressed by a second hand of the user after a further safety catch (for example a safety pin or arming pin) on the device has been released.

Alternatively, rather than the pneumatic safety device or mechanism, the device may comprise a safety mechanism wherein at least two members are spaced a first distance apart and can be moved towards each other by a user, wherein when the members are moved toward each other they allow the activation of a trigger mechanism to allow inflation of the protective barrier member. The at least two members may be spaced a first distance apart by a resilient material or a spring interposed between the two members. Suitably, a user can exert a pressure of the members when holding the device, such that when a pressure is applied to the members to cause the at least two members to be squeezed together (for example by a grip of a user of the device) the resilient member is deformed or moved and this can allow movement of a valve or a safety catch from a first position to a second position, and when the pressure is released, the at least two members move back to being spaced a first distance apart and the valve or safety catch to a first position.

Alternatively the members may be spaced a first distance apart by a mechanical mechanism such as a spring (e.g. a coil spring or leaf spring or other mechanical mechanism which moves at least a first and second member apart to a first distance when an opposing force is not provided to move the members together), wherein when a pressure is applied to the members to cause the at least two members to be squeezed together (for example by a grip of a user of the device) the mechanical mechanism resiliently deforms and when the pressure is released the at least two members move back to being spaced a first distance apart. In use, the at least two members can be located on the device to require an operator, for example a nurse, to hold the handheld device with both hands to allow deployment of the protective barrier member. A first hand will be required to press the at least two members together, and a second hand will be required to activate a trigger mechanism to allow inflation of the protective barrier member.

Suitably the device comprises a manual safety mechanism. The manual safety mechanism interacts with triggering mechanism and prevents the trigger mechanism from being activated (wherein activation of the trigger mechanism causes the gas inlet to move from a first to a second position) without the safety mechanism first being deactivated. The manual safety mechanism may be a catch member or locking member that inhibits movement of the trigger.

Thus, suitably there may be provided a pneumatic safety mechanism or mechanical safety mechanism wherein an operator’s (nurse’s) grip on a portion of the handheld device causes an air pump to move air along an air line to allow an opening of a valve such that gas can move into the protective barrier member or to move at least two members together which allows gas to move into the protective barrier member after actuation of the trigger mechanism. In such an embodiment, should an operator (nurse) not be gripping the handheld device such that the air pump moves air along an air line to allow the opening of a valve or movement of a safety catch member or the at least two members are pushed together, then the protective barrier member will not be deployed. Such embodiments provide for two handed use of the device such that a first hand requires to depress the air pump or press the at least two members together and a second hand is required to move the trigger mechanism to a deployed position. Deactivation of the safety catch or movement of the valve may only be achieved by the operator depressing an air pump, for example an inflatable bladder, built into the body of the device. In such embodiments, the bladder is arranged to necessitate the user to use two hands to activate the device, thus ensuring the device is held securely before activation. Suitably a cartridge which comprises the protective barrier member may be about 9.5 inches by 2.5 inches (5 - 13 cm). Suitably the cartridge may have a top portion (a portion on a different face to that which is in abutment with the handheld device) that is perforated.

Suitably the device may comprise a non-friction strip pad on at least part of the device. Suitably the non-friction strip pad may comprise rubber or another resilient material such that if the device contacts an individual then damage or pain to the individual can be minimised.

Suitably the handheld device may be rounded to minimise catching on other objects

Suitably the device, when deployed, can act as a barrier member between two people. The device can comprise an inflatable protective barrier member wherein, in use, the inflatable protective barrier member can form a barrier member between at least a portion of the user/ operator and another individual. Suitably the device allows for the rapid inflation of the inflatable protective barrier member to allow the inflatable protective barrier member to be deployed between the user / operator and another individual. Moreover, the inflatable element or a portion thereof or a second inflatable element may be deployable by the user/ operator to protect the user/operator from an impact, for example due to slipping or falling of the user I operator.

Suitably inflation may be about a tenth of second or faster. Suitably inflation of the protective barrier member may occur in a similar time scale as per a life jacket or airbag deployment.

Suitably the at least one inflatable protective barrier member may be inflated by a source of gas under pressure or an inflation fluid or propellant external to the inflatable element. The source of the gas under pressure may be, for example a gas canister. Suitably, inflation fluid can comprise pyrotechnical or hybrid type inflation fluid. Suitably the pressurised gas may be CO2. Advantageously when CO2 is used as the inflation gas, in addition to providing inflation of the inflatable barrier element it also cools the inflatable barrier element providing a “cold shock” to an individual in contact with or near to the inflatable barrier element.

Suitably the device may comprise a handheld container and the at least one inflatable protective barrier member may be contained in the handheld container, prior to inflation. Suitably the protective barrier member is connected to the handheld container following inflation.

Suitably the device may be provided in a holster to allow ease of carrying by a user.

Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may be contained in a container worn by an operator. Suitably the protective barrier member may be connected to the container following inflation. Suitably the inflatable protective barrier member may be formed from any suitable material, for example as would be known from air bag technology (for example as used in automobiles) or in safety equipment such as motorcycle airbag vest or horse riding vest or life jacket technology. Suitably the protective barrier member may be formed from polyamide material. Suitably the protective barrier member may be polyamide of about 600 denier. As will be appreciated, there is a balance of speed of inflation, and the capacity of the inflatable barrier member. Suitably multiple inflatable barrier members or shaped inflatable barrier members (i.e. shaped to form a stock if back facing (extending toward device user) or if forward facing (directed away from user) to block a door). Suitably the inflatable barrier member may be moved from an uninflated to an inflated position via a mechanical or electrical switch. Suitably the switch is connected to trigger mechanism. The movement of the inflatable barrier member from an uninflated to an inflated position following actuation of a trigger mechanism may be inhibited by a safety catch or safety catches. Suitably the inflatable barrier member may be provided in different sizes. Suitably differently sized handheld devices may be provided on which to mount a differently sized inflatable barrier member.

Suitably in the second inflated position, the protective barrier member can provide effective absorption of energy to minimise injury to an operator upon impact from either an object or another individual on the protective barrier member.

Suitably, in use the cartridge comprising the protective barrier member may be mounted onto a handheld device. During mounting of the cartridge, the gas container or inflation fluid container or propellant container in the cartridge may be pushed into a receiving portion, causing a valve of the gas container or inflation fluid container or propellant container to be moved to an open position to allow gas to flow when a second trigger mechanism is moved to a deploy position. Suitably further safety mechanisms require to be moved to a deploy position to allow inflation and deployment of the protective actuated. Suitably the movement of the trigger mechanism to a deploy position moves a gas inlet port from a first closed position to a second open position, wherein in a second open position gas can move into the protective barrier member.

Suitably the protective barrier member may be deployed following activation of a trigger by a user. Suitably the activation of the trigger causes a release of gas from a cartridge and inflation of the protective barrier member.

Suitably the protective barrier member device may be used by individuals such as staff in a psychiatric facility to provide protection in the event of physical assault. The device comprises an inflatable protective barrier member wherein on activation of a cartridge by an operator, a gas is released by the cartridge and the protective barrier member is inflated.

The protective barrier member is inflated such that the inflatable protective barrier member is deployed between the operator (nurse) and a patient. The inflated protective barrier member can then provide protection to the operator from assault by the patient. The protective barrier member is deployed forward of the operator such that it is provided between the operator (nurse) and patient. Suitably the protective barrier member may be deployed to at least one side of the operator, suitably on at least two sides of the operator, suitably at least on one side and forward of the operator, suitably at least two sides and forward of the user. The protective barrier member is deployed rearwardly of the operator. The protective barrier member is deployed at least forward and rearward of the operator.

Suitably the rear of a protective barrier member unfolds first to form a stock to provide support to the user I operator. Suitably a protective barrier member may comprise a deflation mechanism

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a system of the first aspect wherein the method comprises: holding the handheld device with one hand (first hand) on a first safety mechanism for example a hand air bulb, or mechanical mechanism comprising at least two members spaced apart from each other, holding the handheld device with one hand (second hand) to move the trigger mechanism, moving the trigger mechanism from a non-inflation to a protective barrier member inflation (deployed) position, inflating an inflatable protective barrier member from a non deployed position to a deployed position.

As discussed herein an air bulb, for use in a pneumatic safety mechanism, may be formed from resilient material such that on constriction or compression of the bulb, air is caused to move and on non-constriction or compression allows the bulb to be filled with air. The air bulb may be a flexible bag that can be expanded and contracted by moving the portions of the bag away from each other and then together forcing air out of the bag and along the air pipe. When the bag is inflated or the portions of the bag are pulled away from each other then air is moved into the bulb I bag. This movement of air can be used to cause the release of a safety catch I opening of a valve which allows inflation of the protective barrier member on actuation of the trigger mechanism by the user. As discussed herein, in another embodiment, at least two members spaced a first distance apart may be provided, wherein an operator can exert a force on each of the two members to cause them to move towards each other - by gripping the device - causing the two members to move to a second position, the second position causing the members to be spaced apart a second distance wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. The movement of the members from the first to the second distance allows gas to be moved into the protective barrier member when another trigger and I or safety mechanism is deployed.

Suitably in a non-deployed, non-inflated position the inflatable protective barrier member is mounted on or is housed within the body of a device or in a cartridge or container which can be provided to the device.

Suitably the method may comprise a step of arming the protective barrier member, for example by removing a pin from a cartridge to allow gas to move into the protective barrier member.

Suitably, in use, the inflatable protective barrier member, on inflating of the inflatable protective barrier member, will expand away from the user operating the device. Suitably, in use, the inflatable protective barrier member on inflating of the inflatable protective barrier member will expand toward the user operating the device and then expand away from the user operating the device.

Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a handheld device for use with an inflatable element to provide a personal protection system in accordance with the disclosure.

Figure 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figure 1. Figure 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of the handheld device of Figures 1 to 7 with a cartridge mounted on the handheld device.

Figure 9 is an illustration of an embodiment of a component of the handheld device.

Figure 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of a component of the handheld device.

Figure 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of a component of the handheld device.

Figure 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a mounting face of the handheld device.

Figure 13 is an illustration of an embodiment of a cartridge showing protective barrier member(s) contained therein.

Figure 14 is an illustration of a cartridge from a front left side view.

Figure 15 is an illustration of a cartridge from a right rear top view.

Figure 16 A is an illustration of a cartridge from a top view.

Figure 16 B is an illustration of a cartridge from a bottom view.

Figure 17 is an illustration of a gas canister from a plan view.

Figure 18 is an illustration of a gas canister from a side view.

Figure 19 A illustrates an assembled safety mechanism including an arming pin.

Figure 19B illustrates an exploded view of the components of the safety mechanism.

Figure 20 is an illustration of a cartridge.

Figure 21 is an illustration of an inflated cushion.

Figures 22 A, B and C are illustrations of an inflated barrier member mounted to a cartridge base.

Figure 23 is an illustration of a “hand bag” version of the handheld device.

Figure 24 is an anti personnel version of the device.

Figure 25 is an illustration of a right rear view of valve and canister as illustrated in Figure 17.

Figure 26 is an illustration of a further embodiment of the device.

Figure 27 illustrates the device including a mechanical safety mechanism. Figure 28 is an illustration of the device showing a mechanical safety mechanism provided by at least two members biased apart by sprung arms.

Figure 29 is an illustration of a mechanical safety mechanism as part of the handheld device of Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 30 is an illustration of the cartridge showing the cartridge cover and a cut away sectional view.

Figure 31 is an illustration of a cartridge being mounted onto the handheld device of Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 32 is a further illustration of the cartridge being mounted onto the handheld device.

Figure 33 is an illustration of a perspective view of a smaller handheld device, smaller than that of Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 34 is a further illustration of the smaller handheld device of Figure 33.

Figure 35 is an illustration of inside the smaller handheld device of Figure 33.

Figure 36 is an illustration of a larger handheld device, larger than the handheld device of Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 37 is an illustration of a perspective view of the larger handheld device of Figure 36.

Figure 38 is an illustration of a further perspective view of the larger handheld device of Figure 36.

Figure 39 is an illustration of a personal protection system in accordance with the disclosure including a cartridge return system.

Figure 40 is an illustration of the cartridge return system of Figure 39 incorporating an envelope.

Figure 41 is a close up view of the envelope of the cartridge return system of Figures 39 and 40.

Figure 42 is a further illustration of a cartridge return system.

Figure 43 is an illustration of a cartridge being engaged with a front mounting bar of the handheld device.

Figure 44 is an illustration of a handheld device wherein female connectors are provided to electrically connect the handheld device to a cartridge. Figure 45 is an illustration of a cartridge with male electrical connectors to allow connection to a handheld device.

Figure 46 is an illustration of cutaway view of a cartridge showing the internal workings of a cartridge.

Figure 47 is an illustration of a perspective view of a cartridge including an arming pin holder on a side of the cartridge.

Figure 48 is a side view illustration of a cartridge with male power connectors including an arming pin holder and an arming pin on the same side of the cartridge.

Figure 49 is a top view illustration of a cartridge showing a male power connector and inflation gas together with a folded inflatable barrier element.

Figure 50 illustrates a partial cutaway view of components of an arming pin and microswitch arrangement.

Figure 51 A and B illustrate components of the arming pin with microswitch.

Figure 52is an illustration of a right internal view of an embodiment of the handheld device with a long trigger mechanism.

Figure 53 is an illustration of a left internal view of an embodiment of the handheld device with a long trigger mechanism.

Figure 54 is an illustration of the handheld device of Figures 52 and 53 with a long trigger embodiment showing internal elements of the handheld device.

Figure 55 is an illustration of a cutaway view of a long trigger embodiment cartridge for use with the handheld device of Figures 52 to 54.

Detailed Description

A first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will now be described with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 9.

Figures 1 to 4 show a handheld device 8 comprising a body 10, a cartridge mounting plate 12 (see Figure 2), with cartridge front positioning ears 13, a cartridge front mounting bar 14, a trigger hammer 16, cartridge retaining catch 26 located therein, a handle 18, and arcuate portion 20 extending from the cartridge mounting plate 12 towards the handle 18.

Within the body 10 of the device 8 there is located a hand grip portion 22, and a trigger mechanism 24. At an end of the cartridge mounting plate 12 opposite to the cartridge front positioning ears 13 and the cartridge front mounting bar 14 are rear cartridge locating ears 28.

As shown for example in Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure 5 within the body 10 of the device 8, located between the trigger mechanism 24 and the trigger hammer 16, a safety catch release 30 is provided. The safety catch release 30 can be moved from a first locked position 32 (see Figure 6) to a second unlocked position.

Referring to Figure 5 to 7, as shown in Figure 5, in a cutaway view of the device 8 (as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4), under the handgrip 22, there is provided a hand air pump 100, suitably bellows or bulb which can be filled with air, which in use of the device 8 can be moved by a user to provide air via a micro airline 102 to an air outlet 104.

The air outlet 104 is fluidly connected to a piston assembly 116 (see Figure 6), wherein the air moves a piston against a return spring 108 (see Figure 7) moving a pneumatic safety catch 114 within a pneumatic safety catch notch 112 from a locked to a deploy position.

When the return spring 108 is compressed, due to the piston movement from air movement into the micro air line 102, from compression of the hand air pump 100, the safety pneumatic safety catch 114 is moved to an unlocked deploy position.

When the return spring 108 is released due to their being a lack of air movement into the micro air line 102, from no compression of the hand air pump 100, the safety pneumatic safety catch 114 is moved to a locked position. This requires an operator (e.g. a nurse) to hold the device 8 via the handgrip 22 should it be intended to inflate the protective barrier member (as described further below with reference to Figures 13 to 22).

As illustrated in more detail in Figure 6, the return spring 108 holds the piston against the trigger mechanism 24 preventing the trigger hammer 16 from moving to a deploy position. When the return spring 108 is compressed, due to the piston movement from air movement into the micro air line 102, from compression of the hand air pump 100, the safety pneumatic safety catch 114 is moved to an unlocked deploy position and this allows the trigger hammer 16 to be moved via actuation of the trigger mechanism 24 to a deploy position. As illustrated in Figure 6, a manual safety catch 30 can be moved from a manual safety catch first position 32 which stops the movement of the trigger hammer 16 via manual safety latch release 44 to a second position that allows the trigger hammer 16 to be moved to a deploy position when the trigger mechanism 24 is moved to a deployed position.

The handheld device 8 and a mounted cartridge 300 (see Figure 8) together form a system according to the invention. Referring to Figures 9 to 22, Figures 13 to 22 show an illustration of a cartridge 300 or components thereof which can be used with the handheld device 8 as part of a personal protection system.

The cartridge 300 comprises a protective barrier member which can be inflated and an inflation mechanism (gas source) 400 (see Figure 17, Figure 25 and Figure 30) to allow inflation of the protective barrier member. The protective barrier member 200, 210, 220 is folded within the housing 390 of the cartridge 300.

As illustrated in Figure 13 the cartridge 300 may comprise first and second protective barrier members 210, 220 or first and second portions/elements of a protective barrier member, wherein a first protective barrier member or first portion/element of a protective barrier member 210 extends from a trigger mechanism forward of the device 8 and away from the operator and a second protective barrier member 220 or second portion/element of a protective barrier member 220 extends rearward of a trigger mechanism toward an operator.

The cartridge 300 is mountable against a mounting plate 12 of the handheld device 8 (see Figures 2 to 8, 12 and Figures 31 to 32) to provide a personal protection system 300A.

In the illustrated examples, the cartridge 300 is located onto the handheld device 8 using cartridge positioning guide ears 13, 28 located on the handheld device 8 and then mounted pivotally relative to the handheld device 8 using a front cartridge mounting bar 14 and cartridge rear lock 48 (for example, see Figures 9, 10 and 12).

In the illustrated example (see Figures 14 to 16B and Figure 47), the cartridge 300 includes a housing 390, which includes an exposed face 392. The exposed face 390 includes perforated lines 320, which define four flaps 325. The flaps 325 are operable to open about the perforated/weakened lines 320, in the deployed state, to allow the protective barrier members 200, 210, 220 to expand/inflate.

Figure 16B illustrates the mating face 395 of the cartridge 300. The mating face 395 being the face that abuts the cartridge mounting plate 12 when the personal protection system 300A is assembled. The mating face 395 includes two openings 330, 340, where the first opening 330 receives the trigger hammer 16 and the second opening 340 receives the cartridge retaining catch 26 in the assembled personal protection system 300A as illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 17 illustrates an example of the cartridge housing 390, viewed from inside. In this example, the housing 390 contains the inflation mechanism 400 e.g., a compressed gas canister, The inflation mechanism 400 is held within the housing 390 by suitable brackets and fasteners 370 and includes a safety mechanism 360, as described further below with reference to Figures 19A and B. The safety mechanism 360 is operable to prevent accidental deployment of the protective barrier members 200, 210, 220 contained inside the cartridge 300.

The housing includes wings 430, which can be used to attach the cartridge 300 to the mounting plate 12 of the handheld device 8 to provide the personal protective system 300A.

The mounting wings 430 are further illustrated in Figures 22A to C. Figures 22A to C also show a protective barrier member 200 partially inflated relative to a mounting plate 435 showing the wings 430. In these examples the protective barrier member 200 is suitably bonded or fixed to an internal wall of the cartridge.

The protective barrier member 200 when inflated, as it is mounted in the cartridge 300, inflates to provide a suitable rigidity of the barrier member 200 in the deployed state for use to hold the barrier member 200 as a stock against the operator’s shoulder and to provide an active barrier member 200.

The inflation of the protective barrier member 200 can cause the interior of the barrier member 200 to form a tunnel to allow easier and more rapid inflation.

The protective barrier member 200 can extend both rearwardly and forward of the device 8 and left to right of the device 8.

Suitably the rearwardly inflating portion or element of the barrier member may inflate or reach full inflation prior to the forwardly deploying portion of the protective barrier member. This advantageously provides a stock to allow the operator to more easily guide the protective barrier member.

Referring to Figures 17 and 19A and B, as noted above a safety mechanism 360 is provided with the cartridge 300. The safety mechanism 360 includes a a side bar e.g., a slider component 310 that may be moved from a first position to a second position (see Figures 14 and 15) to move an arming pin 520 in the cartridge 300 from a first safe position to a second armed position.

Movement of the side bar component 310 in reverse may allow the arming pin 520 to be moved from the armed position to the safe position.

In the illustrated embodiment, to allow a gas (inflation medium) to move from the inflation mechanism 400 into the protective barrier member 200, the arming pin 520 is required to be moved to the armed position or removed. As illustrated in Figures 17 and 19A and B and 20 the safety mechanism 360 is included and the arming pin 520 can be moved from the safe position to the armed position after engaging the cartridge 300 with the handheld device 8.

The arming pin 520 is provided to prevent a gas (inflation medium) moving from the inflation mechanism 400 into the protective barrier member 200, 210, 220. With the safety mechanism in the safe position, this allows for safe removal of the cartridge 300 from the handheld device 8.

The arming pin 520 may be moved or removed during engagement of a cartridge 300 with the handheld device 8.

As illustrated, the arming pin 520 can be an elongate member, e.g. made of steel. The arming pin 520, in this example, is located in a cylindrical arming pin holder 500 e.g. a resilient tube. The arming pin holder 500 comprises a notch 510 which, in use aligns with the trigger mechanism 24 of the handheld device 8 such that the trigger 16 is held in a position that does not promote deployment of the protective barrier member 200, 210, 220. Upon removal of the arming pin 520 from the arming pin holder 500, the trigger mechanism 24 can be moved such that the trigger hammer 16 facilitates opening a valve within the inflation mechanism 400 to allow gas (inflation medium) to be displaced from the inflation mechanism 400 via the outlet 380 into the protective barrier member, thereby inflating the protective barrier member 200 or elements 210, 220 thereof.

Suitably the use of an arming pin 520, for example similar to a pin in a fire extinguisher, to prevent inflation of a protective barrier member 200 allows easy and safe transportation of the protective barrier member, in particular a cartridge containing a protective barrier member without risk of inflation.

As indicated in the illustrated example in Figure 19A to B, the arming pin 520 is located within a resilient tube 500, wherein when the pin 520 is located within the resilient tube 500 the assembly prevents the movement of the trigger mechanism 24.

The indentation or notch 510 ensures a tight abutment between the trigger mechanism 24 and the arming pin 520 when the arming pin 520 is provided in the tube 500.

The assembly of the arming pin 520 and the resilient tube 500 is housed in a housing 505, which includes a hollow channel 515 to receive the resilient tube 500 and includes a notch 517 corresponding to the notch 510 in the resilient tube 500. The housing 510 includes a flange 530 that facilitates connecting the safety mechanism 360 to the inside of the cartridge housing 390. As shown in Figure 17 and Figure 20 the arming pin 520 is located in the cartridge housing/bracket 390 such that the arming pin 520 can be located to prevent the barrier member (not illustrated) from being inflated.

As illustrated in Figure 21 , the cartridge 300 may have a further safety mechanism 580 to minimise the risk of unintended deployment. Suitable safety mechanisms would be known in the art and may be locking pins or catches which block valve opening.

As shown in Figure 19, forward movement of the trigger hammer 16 is inhibited when the arming pin 520 is inserted into the tube 500. The tube 500, can be formed out of a flexible material such as rubber such that upon insertion of the arming pin 520 the tube 500 becomes rigid. The indentation 510 in the tube 500 allows the trigger mechanism 24 to be tightly held against the arming pin 520.

Figure 23 shows an example of a handheld device 800 that is sized to fit in a conventional handbag.

This handheld device 800 may be is shorter from front to back than the one illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 Such an embodiment may have a safety mechanism which can be released by a user’s thumb. Such an embodiment may be attached to an operator via a holster arrangement.

Figure 24 shows an example of an anti-personnel/military version of the handheld device 8000.

In this example the device 8000 is longer front to back than the handheld device illustrated in Figures 1 to 8. In this example, the front grip portion is differently arranged to be more central in the body of the device 8000. Such an embodiment of the device may allow the device to be wielded more defensively and with greater force, for example in penal or military, or policing situations.

Figure 26 shows a further example of a handheld device 8100, which includes a safety mechanism described further below with reference to Figures 27 to 29.

Figures 27, 28 and 29, illustrate examples of structure/components of the handgrip 22. A mechanical safety device 600 is provided wherein at least two members 540, 560 are spaced a first distance apart and can be moved towards each other by a user. The members 600 are biased apart by spring steel arms 605.

In these examples, the mechanical safety mechanism 600, in use of the device, can be moved by a user to bring first 540 and second 560 members together which in turn can move a cable 580 to allow release of a pressure safety catch 590 from a locked to a deploy position. Suitably for example a foam portion 570 or other suitably material can be positioned outwardly of the first member 540 and the second member 560 to allow the user to more easily grip the first and second members 540, 560 to allow them to be moved inwardly.

When the cable 580 is in a first position, due to the first and second members 540, 560 being in a first position, as they are biased apart from each other, the gas (inflation medium) is inhibited from inflating the barrier member (not shown); however pressure from a user gripping the device around the first member 540 and second member 560 causes the first and second members 540, 560 to be moved together and in turn causes the cable 580 to be moved to a second position and the safety catch 590 to be moved to an unlocked deploy position. When the first and second members 540, 560 are released by the user, as there is no force provided to counteract the bias provided, for example by a leaf spring, butterfly spring or other mechanical arrangement, such as a biased pivot, and the first and second members 540, 560 move apart, wherein the safety catch 590 is moved to a locked position. This requires an operator (e.g. a nurse) to hold the device via the handgrip 22 should it be intended to inflate the protective barrier device.

A further embodiment of the device 1000, is illustrated in figures 33 to 35, and is an adaptation of the handheld device 8 of Figures 1 to 8. The device 1000 has been developed in which the centre of gravity of the device 1000 and the pivot point of the trigger have been moved forward closer to the front of the device 1000. This provides for a smaller device, for example which may be suited for those with smaller hands, such as ladies, and may be provided in a handbag or the like - see also the example illustrated in Figure 23.

The example illustrated in figures 33 and 34, shows the use of a powered firing mechanism (electrically powered such that trigger actuation provides an electrical signal and can activate an electrical switch such as a micro switch to provide for inflation of a barrier member) wherein a power connection 1010 to activate the inflation of the cartridge is provided at the front of the device 1000 (where the inflatable barrier member would extend away from the user following inflation) when a cartridge is fitted to the mounting plate 1112.

In such an embodiment, a power supply, for example a battery, may be provided within the handheld device (for example in the grip portion) to provide power to activate inflation of the cartridge. Suitably the cartridge in a first uninflated size is around 5 cm to 6 cm in width and 15 to 18 cm in length.

As illustrated in figure 35, in an embodiment of a personal protection device 1300A, a power light or ready light 1020 is provided to show that the device 1000 is ready to activate a cartridge 1300. As discussed in relation to other examples described herein, this example also includes a manual safety catch 1030 on the device 1000, along with a rubber panel 1040 which the user can grip to action a safety catch. An arming pin 1060 is provided in the cartridge 1300, wherein the arming pin 1060 can be removed and stored in an arming pin wallet 1070 provided on the cartridge housing when the device 1300A is to be used.

The arming pin wallet 1070 can be formed from a stretchable fabric or material fixed to the cartridge housing wherein the fabric or material is arranged to form a pocket or recess and the pocket or recess having at least one open end into which an arming pin can be provided.

The cartridge 1300 comprising the inflatable barrier member is located on a mounting plate via back 1050 and front 1010 mounting portions. Suitably a battery located in the device 1300A may be charged and in this example a battery charging socket 1110 is located in a grip portion of the device 1300A.

In another example, as illustrated in figure 36, a personal protection device 1300B is shown in which the handheld device 8B is around 30 cm to 36 cm in length and around 5 to 6 cm in width i.e. , larger than the device 8 illustrated in Figure 1 to 8.

This size would allow a larger inflatable member to be used with the device 1300B. The larger inflatable member may be formed from a heavier material than that used with a smaller device.

It will be appreciated that the personal protection device 1300B also includes a larger cartridge 300B and also a a larger inflatable barrier member. The illustrated example includes a protective barrier member, which, when inflated, can act as a door jam - for example blocking or inhibiting movement of a person, an object, or for example fire or smoke through a doorway. Suitably, in this example the inflatable barrier member may be sized to be about 700mm to 950mm in width to 2000mm to 2500mm in height such that it can be placed across a conventional doorway. In embodiments the inflatable barrier member may be sized about 900mm to 2400mm (about 3 feet by 8 feet) in width and height.

The device illustrated in Figures 36, 37 and 38 include features common to the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 35. This example represents a larger example of a personal protection device 1300B and provides a second grip portion which comprises at least two apertures 2000 and 2002 extending from a first side of the device to a second side of the device. In use, the first aperture 2000 allows a user’s hand to extend through the device such that the palm of the user’s hand can come into contact with a central portion 2006 of the second grip portion and the user’s fingers can extend around the central portion to allow a pressure sensitive safety mechanism 1030 to be depressed. The aperture or inset in the second grip portion allows the pressure sensitive safety catch 1030 to be gripped by the user when holding the device.

The user’s other hand can grip a first grip portion 22 and a finger or fingers of the user’s other hand can be used to depress the trigger mechanism 24as required. The requirement that the user’s first and second hands must depress a trigger and pressure sensitive safety catch at the same time, inhibits the accidental activation or firing of the inflation mechanism (not shown).

A pressure pad portion 220 (to provide a pneumatic safety mechanism) may be provided. This is provided to be gripped by a second hand of a user to allow a safety catch to be released and can be provided in a second grip portion of the device which allows the device to be held more securely in two hands.

As discussed, in previously described embodiments, the cartridge may include a cartridge arming pin. As described in other embodiments, the cartridge may be mounted onto the device. When the cartridge is mounted on the device, power may be provided to the cartridge via power contacts, for example as provided by mounting bars at the front of the device. It would be understood that power may be provided to the cartridge from the device by any suitable means. Suitably a handheld device can comprise female electrical connectors which can contact mail electrical connectors on a cartridge mounted on the handheld device such that an electrical signal can move from the handheld device to the cartridge such that a signal to cause inflation of a barrier member can be provided. As previously described the device can include a safety catch, trigger and second pressure sensitive safety mechanism. In figure 38 illustrated, the handheld device comprises a cartridge mounting plate 12, cartridge positioning ears 13, retaining catch 28 and other features as previously described, with the front mounting bar providing electrical contacts, for example female electrical contacts to allow connection to male electrical contacts provided on a cartridge to allow electrical connection from the handheld device to a mounted cartridge.

An embodiment of a personal protection system, including and cartridge and handheld device is illustrated in Figure 39. In this example, the cartridge 300C is designed to allow easy return of activated cartridges.

Figures 39 to 42 represent a spent cartridge return system. In the illustrated example, this comprises an envelope 1500 which can include return address details. The envelope 1500, in this example includes a box pleat 1510 which allows the envelope 1500 to be closed around the spent cartridge. A stitched section 1530 facilitates a part of the envelope to be folded out to form an overall cover and a glue line 1520 facilitates sealing the spent cartridge inside the envelope 1500 such that the envelope 1500 fully envelops the spent cartridge.

Figure 42 illustrates preparation of a spent cartridge. The spent cartridge is rolled up and placed inside the envelope 1500 via an opening 1540 within the spent inflation mechanism to allow return of the spent cartridge. The envelope 1500 or a portion thereof may be formed from stretch material.

Suitably the inflatable elements of the protective barrier member can be used to form at least part of the envelope to return the spent cartridge. When the inflatable elements of the cartridge/barrier member are tightly rolled this can be sealed using a glue line 2010 as illustrated in Figure 42. In this example the return details can be provided on the inflatable element to allow the spent cartridge to be returned for restoration to an undeployed condition and ready for redeployment.

In the example illustrated in Figure 42, the inflated elements include inverted pleats 2020 which enable the formation of end caps of the wrapping around the inflation mechanism before sealing using the glue line 2010. To allow the return of the spent cartridge, suitably, in use, the inflation mechanism may be wrapped by the inflatable barrier member in under 5 minutes, under 2 minutes, under 1 minute. The simplicity of wrapping the inflation mechanism with the inflatable barrier member allows for increased speed of preparing the spent cartridge for dispatch to allow it to be repacked, recharged, and/or recycled.

Figure 43 shows a cartridge 300 disconnected from the handheld device 8 and indicates how the cartridge is engaged with a handheld device 8. In this regard, one end of the cartridge 300 is pivotally connected to the front cartridge mounting bar 14 provided on the handheld device 8. The cartridge is then pivoted towards the mounting face 12 of the handheld device 8, where it engages with the cartridge retaining catch 26.

The connection of the cartridge and handheld device can also be an electrical connection as described further below.

As illustrated in figure 44, a power supply such as a battery 1015 is provided in the handheld device to allow an electrical trigger mechanism 24 to be used to allow activation of a cartridge mounted onto the device and electrically connected to the device via a power connection 1010 such that activation of the cartridge causes an inflatable barrier member to be moved from a first non-inflated to a second inflated position. Connection of the cartridge to the handheld device can be via female electrical connectors (Figure 44) or male electrical connectors (see Figure 45). 1 Figure 45 illustrates the cartridge 300 including an electrical safety switch, which can further comprise a safety mechanism such as the arming pin (described above) to inhibit inflation until the arming pin is removed. Figure 45 also shows the arrangement of the folded barrier member when deflated i.e., in the non-inflated state.

Figure 46 shows a cutaway view of a cartridge 300 showing the internal workings of a cartridge which includes a microswitch 520A associated with the trigger mechanism 24, wherein the microswitch 520A controls inflation of the inflatable barrier member via activation of the trigger mechanism 24, an inflation mechanism (gas canister) 400, and an electrical connector 1010 operable to electrically connect the cartridge and the handheld device (as described above with reference to Figures 44 and 45).

Figure 47 and 48 shows a perspective view of a cartridge 300 as described above with reference to Figures 14 to 16B. In the example illustrated in Figure 47 one side of the cartridge includes an arming pin holder/wallet 1070 and the other side (not visible) includes an arming pin. In Figure 48) the arming pin holder/wallet and the arming pin are located on the same side of the cartridge. These features are described further above with reference to Figure 35.

The cartridge illustrated in Figure 48 includes male power connectors 1010 to electrically connect the cartridge 300 to the handheld device.

Figure 49 illustrates an internal view of a cartridge 300 that includes an inflation mechanism 400 located centrally and fluidly connected to a folded inflatable barrier member 200. In this example the front end of the cartridge includes male power connectors 1010 to electrically connect the cartridge 300 to the handheld device.

Figure 50 illustrates an assembly of the safety mechanism 360A described above with reference to Figure 19 and including a microswitch 520A and a power source 520B to the microswitch 520A. This device 360 prevents forward movement of the trigger hammer 16 when the arming pin 520 is inserted in the resilient arming tube 500. The indentation/notch 510 in the mechanism 360 and arming pin 520 allows the trigger mechanism 24 to be tightly held against the arming pin 520 and prevents accidental activation. This example also includes a switch lever 520C.

Figure 51 A and B illustrate the resilient tube 500 including the microswitch 520A and an adapted retaining housing/bracket 390A to accommodate the microswitch and the resilient tube 500. In embodiments the handheld device can comprise a trigger mechanism 24 that interacts with the cartridge at the portion of the cartridge toward the front of the device (at the portion of the device which in use is towards an end of the handheld device furthest from the user).

In such an embodiment the trigger mechanism 24 can directly interact with the inflation mechanism (gas cartridge) to allow activation of the inflation mechanism. In such an embodiment (a long trigger embodiment), as illustrated in figures 52 to 54 the trigger mechanism 24 may comprise a first end (trigger 16A) which is actuated by the user of the device, a second end (trigger hammer 16) which in use can be brought into contact with an inflation barrier member and an elongate portion 16B that extends between the first and second ends. Suitably the trigger mechanism 24 may be fixed to the mounting plate 12 by one or more brackets 12A, 12B, wherein the one or more brackets support the trigger mechanism 24 along the elongate portion 16B. In such an embodiment, movement of the trigger mechanism 24 from a first position to a second position causes the first end (trigger 16A) when actuated by a user to move within a trigger slot 16C, the elongate portion to move relative to the one or more brackets 12A, 12B and a second end (trigger hammer 16) of the trigger mechanism 24 to come into contact with an inflation mechanism, for example a pressurised gas container, inflation fluid component or the like to cause inflation of the protective barrier member. In this example a pneumatic safety catch 112 is included.

It will be appreciated that in each of the examples described the personal protection system can include one or more safety catches (as described above), for example a pneumatic safety catch, a mechanical actuated arms safety catch, an arming pin to prevent movement of the trigger mechanism 24. Examples have been discussed above.

As illustrated in figures 52 and 53, in a long trigger embodiment, the inflation causing portion of the cartridge may be activated at the front of the device (at the portion of the device which in use is towards an end of the handheld device furthest from the user). In such an embodiment the features of the cartridge will require to be moved - for example provided in a reverse orientation.

Figure 55 shows an example of a long trigger cartridge for use with the handheld device of Figures 52 to 54. In this example the internal elements i.e. , the inflation mechanism 400, and the mounting plate 350 are oriented in reverse compared with the arrangement illustrated in Figure 17. Therefore, in this example the arming mechanism 360 is provided at the end of the device, which, in use, is towards an end of the handheld device furthest from the user. As such the trigger mechanism is inhibited from coming into contact with the inflation mechanism 400 thereby preventing accidental actuation of the trigger mechanism 24 and thereby preventing inflation of the inflatable barrier member.

The subject of the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all falling within the concept of the same invention and comprised within the scope of the claims hereinafter.

Claims

1. A personal protection system comprising a first portion comprising at least one protective barrier member which can be deployed by inflation, and a second portion comprising a handheld device, the first portion including the at least one protective barrier member being mountable on the handheld device, wherein the at least one protective barrier member is movable from a stored position, wherein it is contained by the first portion to a deployed position, wherein the at least one protective barrier member expands outwards from the first portion and wherein the at least one protective barrier member comprises front and rear inflatable barrier elements.

2. A personal protection device system of claim 1 wherein the device is required to be held by an operator using two hands to enable deployment of the protective barrier member, wherein a first hand of a user is required to depress a first portion of the device and a second hand of the user is required to actuate a trigger mechanism at a second portion of the device to deploy the protective barrier member.

3. A personal protection device system of claim 1 wherein front and rear inflatable barrier elements are inflated in a particular order, wherein the rear inflatable barrier element is inflated in advance of the front barrier element.

4. A personal protection device system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the rear inflatable element of the at least one protective barrier member, when deployed in use, extends from the handheld device towards the operator to create a support (stock) between the handheld device and the operator.

5. A personal protection device system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one protective barrier member extends from the handheld device towards the operator to create a support (stock) between the handheld device and the operator and the front inflatable element extends forward of the handheld device.

6. A cartridge for use in a system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the cartridge comprises at least one inflatable protective barrier member and a pressurised gas or inflation fluid.

7. A cartridge of claim 6 wherein the cartridge further comprises a gas inlet port wherein the gas inlet port is in fluid connection with the at least one protective barrier member which can be deployed by inflation and a source of gas under pressure or an inflation fluid wherein the gas inlet port can be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in use when the gas inlet port is moved from a first to a second position, gas can move from the source of gas under pressure or the inflation fluid into the at least one protective barrier member and the at least one protective barrier member is caused to move from a first deflated position to a second inflated position.

8. A handheld device for use in the system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the device comprises a cartridge receiving portion wherein the cartridge receiving portion is configured to receive a cartridge comprising pressurised gas or inflation fluid or propellant and the at least one protective barrier member, which can be deployed by inflation.

9. The handheld device of claim 8 wherein the cartridge receiving portion allows a cartridge comprising pressurised gas or inflation fluid or propellant and the at least one protective barrier member, which can be deployed by inflation to be mounted onto the device.

10. The handheld device of claim 8 wherein the cartridge receiving portion allows a cartridge comprising pressurised gas or inflation fluid or propellant and a protective barrier member, which can be deployed by inflation to be mounted into the device.

11. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim wherein the at least one protective barrier member when moved to a second inflated position is 36 - 38 inches (91 - 97 cm) in length, and 5-8 inches (12 - 21 cm) wide.

12. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim wherein the at least one protective barrier member when moved to a second inflated position is 10 -12 inches (25 - 6 cm) high, 36 -38 inches long (91 - 97 cm), and 8 to11 inches (21 - 28 cm) wide.

13. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim wherein the at least one protective barrier member, when moved to a second inflated position, comprises a rearwardly directed inflatable barrier element that is 14 -16 inches (35 - 41 cm) in length from the trigger of the device towards the shoulder of the user.

14. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim comprising multiple safety mechanisms to inhibit accidental or non-intended deployment of the at least one protective barrier member, which can be deployed by inflation.

15. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim comprising a safety mechanism for ensuring grip of the device and a separate trigger mechanism to ensure that device is not activated by accident wherein at least two mechanisms require to be actuated to minimise the risk of non-intended deployment.

16. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim comprising a pneumatic safety mechanism.

17. A system, cartridge or device of any one preceding claim comprising a safety mechanism wherein at least two members are spaced a first distance apart and can be moved towards each other by a user, wherein when the members are moved toward each other they allow the activation of a trigger mechanism to allow inflation of the at least one protective barrier member.

18. A method of using a system of any of claims 1 to 5 or 11 to 17 wherein the method comprises: holding the handheld device with one hand on a first safety mechanism for example a hand air bulb or mechanical mechanism comprising at least two members spaced apart from each other, holding the handheld device with one hand to move the trigger mechanism, moving the trigger mechanism to a deployed position, inflating the at least one protective barrier member, which can be deployed by inflation from a non deployed position to a deployed position.