Avalanche airbag backpack with breathing device

Abstract

An avalanche backpack (10) is provided, comprising an avalanche airbag (180); at least one first air outlet (140a) on at least one shoulder strap (140) of the avalanche backpack (10); a breathing mask (160) on the avalanche backpack (10) with at least one second air outlet (160a); and an air supply device (100) that can be coupled to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a), and the at least one second air outlet (160a), and is designed to supply air to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a), and the at least one second air outlet (160a) upon activation of the avalanche airbag (180). Furthermore, the use of the avalanche backpack (10) for providing air to a buried person and a method for providing air to a buried person are provided.The method is carried out with the aid of the avalanche backpack (10) and comprises activating the air supply device (100); providing air to the avalanche airbag (180) in order to fill the avalanche airbag (180); and providing further air to the at least one first air outlet (140a) and to the at least one second air outlet (160a) after the avalanche airbag (180) is filled.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an avalanche backpack with an avalanche airbag. In particular, the invention relates to an avalanche backpack with an avalanche airbag and an air supply device designed to supply air to the avalanche airbag and a buried person. background

[0002] People continue to suffocate under snow avalanches. For buried people, the probability of survival drops drastically after about 15 minutes. One reason for this is that buried people have little room to breathe. Due to the limited space and lack of air circulation, the air in the facial area of ​​a buried person quickly becomes filled with CO 2 which comes from the exhaled air; at the same time the O 2 concentration, so that the buried person can suffocate.

[0003] To increase the overall probability of survival in snow avalanches, the following technologies are known from the state of the art. For example, the use of an avalanche backpack with an avalanche airbag is known. This is filled with a gas or air after activating a trigger mechanism (e.g., by pulling a lever). This creates a large, lightweight volume that can help a person "float" on the surface of the avalanche (Brazil nut effect). A gas cartridge or an electric blower can be used to fill the avalanche airbag. WO 2017 / 137244 A1, DE 20 2011 110 748 U1, and WO 2021 / 078440 A1 describe avalanche airbags for avalanche backpacks that can be quickly inflated using a blower.

[0004] Avalanche backpacks can reduce the likelihood of burial, but cannot prevent it entirely. To increase the chances of survival of a buried person, WO 2019 / 093906 A1 and WO 2023 / 085947 A1 disclose the use of an air supply device that uses an electric fan to draw in fresh air from the back of the buried person and transports it via air hoses to at least one outlet in the shoulder or chest area of ​​the person. This allows the CO exhaled by the buried person to be 2diluted with fresh air and thus reducing the risk of suffocation. However, the operating life of the battery-operated electric fan is limited. In addition, the effectiveness can be impaired if, for example, snow between the at least one outlet in the shoulder or chest area and the face of the buried person impairs the air supply. Furthermore, EP 0 998 959 A1 discloses an air supply device in which fresh air is supplied to the buried person via a mouthpiece similar to a snorkel. Furthermore, DE 10 2016 120 441 A1 discloses a breathing aid for a person buried by an avalanche, which can be mounted on a shoulder strap of a backpack and has a housing designed as a handle, wherein the housing has an inhalation channel and an exhalation channel as well as a mouthpiece arranged on the housing.

[0005] There is still a need for improved technologies that further increase the chances of survival of people in avalanches.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a technology that can supply a buried person with oxygen-rich air for as long as possible and can also be combined with an avalanche airbag. Brief outline

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object and further objects, according to a first aspect of the invention, an avalanche backpack is provided, wherein the avalanche backpack comprises: an avalanche airbag; at least one first air outlet on at least one shoulder strap of the avalanche backpack; a breathing mask on the avalanche backpack with at least one second air outlet; and an air supply device that can be coupled to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet. The air supply device is designed to (selectively) supply air (fresh air) to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet upon activation of the avalanche airbag.

[0008] The avalanche airbag can be quickly inflated (filled) using the air supply device, which causes it to unfold and allow a person to float with the avalanche. This can significantly reduce the risk of burial, as described above. The avalanche airbag can be a conventional avalanche airbag, which is arranged or stored in the avalanche backpack in the usual way.

[0009] By supplying (providing) air (fresh air) to at least one first air outlet, CO 2enriched air in the face area of ​​a buried person can be diluted, thereby significantly reducing the risk of suffocation. The at least one first air outlet can be arranged on the front side (and in the chest area) of the at least one shoulder strap; this allows the supplied air exiting at the at least one first air outlet to flow into the immediate vicinity of the face area and the exhaled air, which is enriched with CO 2-enriched air, thereby significantly reducing the risk of suffocation for a buried person. It can also be advantageous if the at least one first air outlet has at least one mesh insert that is arranged on the at least one shoulder strap and through which air can flow out. The at least one mesh insert can prevent the at least one air outlet from becoming blocked. It can also be advantageous if the at least one first air outlet has two first air outlets (each with a mesh insert), distributed over both shoulder straps; this allows even more fresh air to be directed close to the facial area of ​​a buried person; in particular, this also creates a certain degree of redundancy, so that if one air outlet fails or is blocked, the other air outlet can continue to operate.

[0010] By further supplying (providing) air (fresh air) to the at least one second air outlet on the breathing mask, a further air supply channel is advantageously created, through which a buried person is provided with additional air (fresh air) for breathing; in the event of an avalanche, a person can grasp the breathing mask arranged on the backpack and inhale the supplied air through it; this can further significantly reduce the risk of suffocation for a buried person.

[0011] In the avalanche backpack according to the invention, the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet are supplied with air (fresh air) by the same air supply device. The combination of the avalanche airbag and the first and second air outlets with a central air supply device enables a compact and lightweight avalanche backpack that does not differ significantly in size and weight from conventional avalanche backpacks equipped with only one avalanche airbag. At the same time, the risk of suffocation is significantly reduced by the supply of fresh air via two differently designed air outlets located at different positions on the backpack.

[0012] The air supply device can in particular be designed to supply air (fresh air) to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet and the at least one second air outlet simultaneously or in a predetermined time sequence. It is particularly advantageous if the air supply device is designed to first fill the avalanche airbag with air. Thus, the air provided by the air supply device is initially supplied entirely to the avalanche airbag until the latter has reached its final deployed state (i.e., a predefined volume and predefined pressure). Because the air provided by the air supply device is initially used entirely to fill the avalanche airbag, it can be ensured that the avalanche airbag quickly unfolds to its full size and thus prevents possible spillage.

[0013] The air supply device can further be configured to supply (provide) the air (fresh air) still provided after (complete) filling of the avalanche airbag to the at least one first air outlet and the at least one second air outlet. According to one implementation, the air supply device can be configured to supply air (fresh air) to both air outlets (i.e., the at least one first air outlet and the at least one second air outlet) simultaneously. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the air supply device to supply air (fresh air) to the at least one first air outlet or the at least one second air outlet with priority.

[0014] It may also be advantageous if the air supply device comprises an air intake device. The air intake device can be designed to draw in ambient air and supply it to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet. The air intake device can be accommodated in the back region of the avalanche backpack. The air intake device can, in particular, be designed to continuously draw in air and supply it first to the avalanche airbag and subsequently to the two air outlets (first and second air outlets). In particular, the air intake device can comprise an electrically operated fan or blower.

[0015] In order to be able to supply air from the air intake device to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet, the air supply device can comprise at least one air duct. The at least one air duct can be (pneumatically) coupled to an air outlet opening of the air intake device; furthermore, the at least one air duct can be (pneumatically) coupled to the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet.

[0016] According to one variant, the airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet can each be coupled to the air outlet opening of the air intake device via a separate air duct. Alternatively, the avalanche airbag, the at least one first air outlet, and the at least one second air outlet can be coupled to the air outlet opening of the intake device via a common air duct. This creates a particularly simple and space-saving air supply device.

[0017] The at least one air channel can be configured in the form of at least one air hose arranged in the avalanche backpack; in particular, the at least one air hose can be guided along the shoulder strap or along the two shoulder straps to the at least one first air outlet (two first air outlets).

[0018] To enable selective (pneumatic) coupling between the air intake device and the avalanche airbag, the air supply device can further comprise a first valve arranged between the air intake device and the avalanche airbag. The first valve can have an open state and a closed state; in the open valve state, air provided by the air intake device can enter the airbag via the air channel; in the closed valve state, no air can flow into or out of the airbag. The first valve is in the closed state (or is closed) in particular when the airbag is fully deployed and has reached its final volume.

[0019] The air supply device can further comprise a second valve arranged between the at least one first air outlet and the air intake device. The second valve can have an open state and a closed state; in particular, the second valve can be switched (be in a closed state) as long as the first valve is open to fill the airbag with air. The second valve can be switched (be in the open state) after the airbag is filled and the first valve is closed. In a particularly simple embodiment, the second valve can be designed as a mechanical check valve (or pressure difference valve) that allows air to flow in only one direction (toward the at least one first air outlet).

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the second valve and the first valve are replaced by a common switching valve; the switching valve can be designed to couple the airbag to the air intake device in a first switching state and to couple the at least one first air outlet (and the at least one second air outlet) to the air intake device in a second switching state.

[0021] The air supply device can further comprise a third valve arranged between the at least one second air outlet and the air intake device. The third valve can realize an open state and a closed state; in particular, the third valve can switch to an open state (be in the open state) when the buried person inhales air through the breathing mask (is sucked in). Furthermore, the third valve can switch to a closed state (be in the closed state) when the buried person exhales through the breathing mask. Thus, the third valve is a valve that allows the air provided by the air intake device to flow in only one direction (namely, toward the breathing mask).The third valve can be implemented particularly simply in the form of a (mechanical) check valve or differential pressure valve, which opens when air is sucked into the breathing mask (by the buried person) and closes again when air is exhaled.

[0022] Advantageously, the breathing mask can be a foldable breathing mask; this allows the breathing mask to be stored on the avalanche backpack in a particularly space-saving manner; according to a variant, the breathing mask can be arranged on or near an actuating lever of an activation mechanism of the avalanche backpack, whereby the breathing mask is quickly and easily accessible.

[0023] In particular, the breathing mask may have a mouthpiece on which the at least one second air outlet is arranged. The breathing mask may further be coupled to an air discharge channel, which guides the exhaled air away from the face area of ​​the buried person. This advantageously allows the exhaled CO 2 be diverted directly away from the user's breathing area, further preventing the user from breathing in CO 2 suffocated.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if, depending on a predefined event, the avalanche airbag is (pneumatically) coupled to the at least one first outlet and / or to the at least one second outlet of the breathing mask. For example, the air stored in the avalanche airbag can be additionally supplied to the buried person for breathing. The predefined event can be, for example, a malfunction or failure of the air intake device (for example, if the power supply of the air intake device is depleted). This allows a buried person to be supplied with oxygen for an even longer period, further increasing the probability of survival.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, the avalanche backpack described here is used to provide air, in particular fresh air, to a buried person.

[0026] The air or fresh air is supplied via an air supply device integrated into the avalanche backpack. For this purpose, at least one first air outlet is located on the front and in the chest area of ​​the avalanche backpack's carrying strap or is integrated into the carrying strap. Furthermore, at least one second air outlet is provided in a breathing mask attached to the avalanche backpack. An (electrically operated) air intake device is used for the air supply, which is also used to inflate an avalanche airbag integrated into the avalanche backpack.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for providing air (fresh air) to a buried person is provided, wherein the method is carried out using the avalanche backpack described above and comprises the following steps: activating the air supply device; providing air to the avalanche airbag to fill the avalanche airbag; providing further air to the at least one first air outlet and to the at least one second air outlet after the avalanche airbag is filled. The air is provided by the activated air supply device.

[0028] The step of activating the air supply device may further comprise activating the air intake device to draw in air from the environment and selectively provide it to the avalanche airbag or the at least one first air outlet and the at least one second air outlet.

[0029] The step of providing air to the avalanche airbag may include switching the first valve to an open state to couple the avalanche airbag to the air intake device.

[0030] The step of providing air to the at least one first air outlet and the at least one second air outlet may comprise: switching the first valve to a closed state to decouple the (inflated) airbag from the air intake device; and switching the second valve and / or the third valve to an open state to couple the at least one first outlet and / or the at least one second outlet to the air intake device.

[0031] The method may further comprise providing air through the avalanche airbag to the first and / or second air outlet when the air intake device fails.

[0032] Furthermore, the above-mentioned method may comprise evacuating the air exhaled in the breathing mask. Short description of the drawings

[0033] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an avalanche backpack according to the invention; Fig. 2 a further representation of the avalanche backpack according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a flowchart illustrating a method according to the invention for operating the avalanche backpack. Detailed description

[0034] In connection with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an avalanche backpack 10 according to the present invention is further described.

[0035] The avalanche backpack 10 comprises an air supply device 100, an activation mechanism 200 for activating the air supply device 100, an avalanche airbag 180, at least one first air outlet 140a and at least one second air outlet 160a.

[0036] The air supply device 100 comprises an air intake device 105 and at least one air supply duct 110 (hereinafter referred to as air duct 110). The avalanche airbag 180, the at least one first air outlet 140a, and the at least one second air outlet 160a are (pneumatically) coupled to the air intake device 105 via the at least one air duct 110. The at least one air duct 110 can be configured in the form of at least one air hose or another air line.

[0037] The air intake device 105 is designed to suck in fresh air and direct it into the air duct 110. The intake device 105 can be designed in the form of an electrically operated fan or an electrically operated blower. To operate the air intake device 105, a power supply, preferably in the form of a battery, can be present in the avalanche backpack 10. The air intake device 105 can be coupled to the activation mechanism 200. The activation mechanism 200 can have an actuating cable or an actuating rod 206 and an actuating handle 205 attached thereto (see Fig. 2). The cable / rod 206 is coupled to the air supply device 100 or the air intake device 105. By pulling the handle 205, the air supply device 100 or the air intake device 105 can be activated.

[0038] The avalanche airbag 180 may be a commercially available avalanche airbag that is housed in the avalanche backpack 10 and can be deployed by filling it with air and inflated to a large volume. The avalanche airbag 180 is pneumatically coupled to the air intake device 105 via the air duct 110. As can be seen from the Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 1, a first valve 112 is arranged between the avalanche airbag 180 and the air intake device 105 (in the air channel 110). The first valve 112 is designed to selectively pneumatically couple or decouple the avalanche airbag 180 from the air intake device 105.

[0039] When the first valve 112 is open, the air intake device 105 can thus force the sucked-in air into the avalanche airbag 180 and fill it until it reaches its final volume and a desired air pressure. When the first valve 112 is closed, the avalanche airbag 180 is separated (pneumatically decoupled) from the air intake device 105, allowing the air supplied to the avalanche airbag 180 to be retained in the avalanche airbag 180.

[0040] At least one first air outlet 140a is also pneumatically coupled to the air intake device 105 via the air duct 110. The at least one first air outlet 140a can be selectively coupled or decoupled from the air intake device 105 via a second valve 114a or a second valve 114b. Fig. 1 shows both the second valve 114a and the second valve 114b, although it should be understood that, depending on the implementation, either the second valve 114a or the second valve 114b is used. The first valve 112 and the second valve 114a or 114b can also be implemented as a single switching valve; this switching valve can be configured to selectively pneumatically couple the air intake device 105 to the avalanche airbag 180 and the at least one first air outlet 140a.

[0041] The at least one first air outlet 140a may comprise two air outlets 140a, wherein one air outlet 140a is arranged on each of the two shoulder straps of the avalanche backpack 10, as shown in Fig. 2. In the concrete implementation in Fig. 2, a first air outlet 140a is arranged on the front and in the chest area of ​​each of the two shoulder straps. The at least one first air outlet 140a can comprise mesh inserts 140 that allow air to flow out while simultaneously preventing the air outlet from becoming blocked.

[0042] The at least one second air outlet 160a is also pneumatically coupled to the air duct 110. Furthermore, a third valve 116 can be provided, which is arranged between the at least one second air outlet 160a and the air intake device 105. The third valve 116 can be arranged downstream of the second valve 114a. A variant provides for the use of the second valve 114b instead of the second valve 114a, so that the second valve 114b and the third valve 116 are connected in parallel and not in series. The third valve 116 is in an open state when the buried person draws in air through the at least one second air outlet 160a. Furthermore, the third valve 116 is in a closed state when the person exhales air.

[0043] The at least one second air outlet 160a is integrated in a breathing mask 160, as in Fig. 2. The breathing mask 160 can, for example, be arranged on the actuating cable / actuating rod 206 of the activation mechanism 200 and thus can be easily grasped by a user (see Fig. 2).

[0044] As in Fig. 1, an air discharge channel 120 may be provided, which is coupled to the breathing mask 160 and is designed to discharge exhaled air from the breathing mask 160. This channel may be routed in the backpack 10 such that the exhaled air is directed as far away as possible from the facial area of ​​a buried person.

[0045] To prevent exhaled air from flowing back into the breathing mask 160, a fourth valve 118 may be provided; this may be designed as a check valve that allows air to flow in only one direction, namely away from the breathing mask 160.

[0046] Likewise, the third valve 116 and optionally also the second valve 114a or the second valve 114b can each be designed as a check valve that allows air to flow in only one direction, namely toward the at least one first air outlet 140a and the at least one second air outlet 160a. They can be designed, for example, as check valves, thereby achieving particularly cost-effective and simple air flow regulation.

[0047] In connection with the Fig. 3, the operation of the avalanche backpack 10 is further described. In particular, in connection with the Fig. 3 describes a method for providing air (fresh air) to a person (for example a skier or snowboarder) in the event of being buried under an avalanche.

[0048] If a person (skier or snowboarder) wearing the avalanche backpack 10 notices that he or she is in danger due to an avalanche, the person can activate the air supply device 100 by actuating the activation mechanism 200 (step S30 in Fig. 3). The activation mechanism 200 can be activated by pulling the actuating handle 205. This can be done by the person pulling the actuating handle 205, which is positioned in the shoulder / chest area on the backpack, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0049] As a result of the activation, the air intake device 105 of the air supply device 100 initially provides air (fresh air) to the airbag (step S32). This can occur because the air intake device 105 draws in air and forces it into the air channel 110. The first valve 112 is in an open state, while the second valve 114a or the second valve 114b is in a closed state. As a result, the air provided by the intake device 105 can initially flow exclusively into the avalanche airbag 180, causing it to unfold and inflate. The first valve 112 is kept open until the avalanche airbag 180 is fully inflated (i.e., reaches its final size and final air pressure). Whether the avalanche airbag 180 has reached its final state (final size and final air pressure) can be detected by a sensor system integrated on the avalanche airbag 180, on the air intake device 105 and / or on the first valve 112.This sensor can, for example, be designed to measure air flow, air pressure and / or air flow resistance.

[0050] Subsequently, in a further step, air is provided at the at least one first air outlet 140a and at the at least one second air outlet 160a of the avalanche backpack 10 (step S34). In this step, the first valve 112 is (automatically) closed and the second valve 114a or second valve 114b is opened, whereby the air sucked in by the air intake device 105 can flow further toward the at least one first air outlet 140a on the shoulder strap or on the two shoulder straps of the avalanche backpack 10 and further toward the at least one second air outlet 160a of the breathing mask 160. The breathing mask 160 can have a mouthpiece that the person can bite on and through which they can suck in air. The breathing mask positioned at the mouth and nose also serves as a mouth guard and can thus prevent injuries.The second valve 116 may be a one-way valve and may be open whenever the person draws air through the mouthpiece. Exhaled air may be directed away from the buried person via the fourth valve 118 and the air discharge channel 120.

[0051] The avalanche backpack according to the invention has several advantages. Firstly, the avalanche backpack according to the invention provides air (fresh air) to a buried person via two air outlets, which significantly reduces the risk of suffocation. Furthermore, the exhaled air is directed away from the face of the buried person; this can prevent CO 2 -Accumulation in the facial area can be avoided. Furthermore, the air supply system described here can be combined with an avalanche airbag; by sharing the intake device, a compact design can be achieved.

Claims

[1] Avalanche backpack (10), comprising: an avalanche airbag (180); at least one first air outlet (140a) on at least one shoulder strap (140) of the avalanche backpack (10); a breathing mask (160) on the avalanche backpack (10) with at least one second air outlet (160a); and an air supply device (100) which can be coupled to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a), which is designed to supply air to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a) when the avalanche airbag (180) is activated. [2] Avalanche backpack (10) according to claim 1, wherein the air supply device (100) is designed to supply air to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a) simultaneously or in a predetermined time sequence. [3] Avalanche backpack (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air supply device (100) is designed to first fill the avalanche airbag (180) with air. [4] Avalanche backpack (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the air supply device (100) is designed to provide air to the at least one first air outlet (140a) and / or the at least one second air outlet (160a) after filling the avalanche airbag (180). [5] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air supply device (100) comprises an air intake device (105) which is designed to suck in ambient air and to provide it to the avalanche airbag (180), the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a). [6] Avalanche backpack (10) according to claim 5, wherein the air intake device (105) comprises a fan or a blower. [7] Avalanche backpack (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the air supply device (100) comprises at least one air duct (110) which couples the air intake device (105) to the avalanche airbag (200), the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a). [8] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a first valve (112) arranged between the air intake device (105) and the avalanche airbag (200) for selectively coupling the air intake device (105) to the avalanche airbag (200). [9] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a second valve (114a, 114b) arranged between the air intake device (105) and the at least one first air outlet (140a) for selectively coupling the air intake device (105) to the at least one first air outlet (140a). [10] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 5 to 9, further comprising a third valve (116) arranged between the air intake device (105) and the at least one second air outlet (160a) for selectively coupling the air intake device (105) to the at least one third air outlet (160a). [11] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the breathing mask (160) is a foldable breathing mask (160). [12] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the breathing mask (160) has a mouthpiece on which the at least one second air outlet (160a) is arranged. [13] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an air discharge channel (120) coupled to the breathing mask (160) for discharging exhaled air. [14] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an activation mechanism (200) for activating the air supply device (100). [15] Avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one first air outlet (140a) and the at least one second air outlet (160a) are selectively coupleable to the airbag (180). [16] Use of the avalanche backpack (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15 for providing air to a buried person. [17] A method for providing air to a buried person, the method being carried out using the avalanche backpack (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and comprising the following steps: Activating the air supply device (100); Providing air to the avalanche airbag (180) to fill the avalanche airbag (180); Providing further air at the at least one first air outlet (140a) and at the at least one second air outlet (160a) after the avalanche airbag (180) is filled. [18] The method of claim 17, further comprising: Providing air through the avalanche airbag (180) to the at least one first air outlet (140a) and / or the at least one second air outlet (160a) when the air intake device (105) fails. [19] The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising removing the air exhaled in the breathing mask (160).

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