Life buoy, especially for avalanches

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[0001]The present invention relates to a life jacket, particularly for avalanches. Specifically, the present invention relates to an avalanche life jacket being a single bag that can be inflated by a system of release of gas when activated by the user.[0002]The present invention also relates to the mechanisms used for inflating and deflating this life jacket. These various mechanisms are there to optimize the use and reduce the weight of the systems used for such airbags inflated by a pyrotechnic air generator or a compressed air cartridge.PRIOR ART[0003]Various devices such as EP 0 957 994 B1; U.S. Pat. No. 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 bag / bags of these devices has / have several functions. The main functions are flotation and protection, but protection in these devices only partially covers the body or the head. In addition, for the device U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1, the bag is coupled...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Because of the earlier problems and disadvantages of the various devices, the present invention allows the user to increase his chances of survival and to reduce the weight of the assembly.

[0011]Consequently, the present invention, through its shape and simplified mechanisms, makes it possible to reduce the components or diminish the energy carried or improve the functions of the airbag.

[0012]The innovative step of the avalanche life jacket when compared with the other devices lies in the fact that none of the predecessors solved the problem of asphyxia during the avalanche. Specifically, this bag, made in a single compartment, completely surrounds the head and covers the thorax. Once inflated, a cavity is created around the face of the user which makes it possible to breathe during its use and prevents direct contact with the snow. In addition, it provides effective protection against the various impacts that the avalanche could cause. This single-compartment bag simplifies manufacture and reduces the weight. Our predecessors did not offer complete protection of the head and protection of the thorax. The idea of a cap or mesh coupled to the bag proposed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1 to protect the top of the head does not offer as good a protection as an air cushion as used for the rest of the head.

[0014]In addition, the avalanche life jacket when compared with the other devices is characterized in that the bag / cover opens fully when the release grabhandle has been pulled. Our system uses the principle of a hinge release grabhandle already used in parachuting. To prevent too long a travel, three or four hinge cables will be used for the release grabhandle. Specifically, the release movement of the grabhandle must be as short as possible to reduce the amplitude of the movement and be as fast as possible. This system of early opening of the bag / cover makes it possible to save energy and gain many seconds for inflation.

[0020]The innovation also relates to a nonreturn valve for an airbag. When compared with the other devices, it is characterized in that none of the predecessors used a nonreturn valve placed in the mixer or diffuser and therefore in the actual axis of the air flow coming out of the venturi nozzle or ejector. The latter makes it possible to greatly simplify the geometry while reducing the weight, because this construction avoids the manufacture of a suction chamber and a grill to protect against it being opened inadvertently. Specifically, its innovative position is possible when using a nonreturn valve offering practically no resistance in the inflation direction but allowing it to be closed at the end of inflation. This nonreturn valve may be used both for pyrotechnic inflation systems or for those using a compressed gas cartridge.

[0021]In addition, the innovation relates to a mechanism for opening and closing the cartridge for the airbag. When compared with the other devices, it is characterized in that none of the predecessors used a needle for closing and opening the gas cartridge. Such a needle allows multiple use without having to change component. In addition, the opening mechanism uses no onboard potential energy for the opening, such as a compressed gas as in EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1. The orifice of the cartridge is locked by a needle which is pressed against the latter with the aid of a balanced spring. The instantaneous opening of the orifice, in the knowledge that under the needle there is pressurized air, is achieved by a weak force which unbalances the mechanical system maintaining the balance between the spring and the needle.

Problems solved by technology

The main functions are flotation and protection, but protection in these devices only partially covers the body or the head.

This method uses the energy of the pressurized receptacle to open the cover and reduces its efficiency.

This method complicates the manufacture of the system because it is necessary to create a suction chamber to channel the suction and protection for the nonreturn valve on the outside which prevents the latter being opened inadvertently (for example, by the pressure of the snow pressing thereon).

Images