Operability indicator device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-08
AI Technical Summary
The packaging of safety equipment, such as protective hoods, in vacuum bags lacks a reliable method to visually verify the operational status, particularly after inflation or perforation, which is crucial for ensuring the equipment's functionality in emergency situations like aircraft depressurization.
An operation indicator device is integrated into the packaging box, featuring a flag member with visual indicators for correct operation and malfunction, which moves to an alert position when the bag inflates excessively, and is maintained in that position by a spring and holding element, allowing for persistent visualization of the equipment's status even after pressure release.
This solution enables reliable visual verification of the safety equipment's operational status, preventing its use when compromised, and ensures crew safety by maintaining the alert indication even after pressure reduction, thus preventing misuse of non-functional equipment.
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050695_05122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
DESCRIPTION Title: Operation indicator device [1] The present invention relates in particular to an operating indicator device configured to equip a packaging box in which is placed a bag containing safety equipment under vacuum, in particular a protective hood. [2] Patent application EP2979561 discloses a hood comprising a flexible, waterproof envelope intended to be put over a user's head, the flexible envelope being provided with a transparent window and comprising, in its lower part, a rigid base element of generally annular shape intended to be placed around the user's neck. The base element comprises a tubular oxygen tank provided with a calibrated outlet opening into the internal volume of the flexible envelope. This type of device is used on board aircraft when the cabin atmosphere is polluted (depressurization, smoke, chemical agent, etc.). This equipment must in particular allow the flight crew to combat the damage, rescue passengers and manage a possible evacuation of the aircraft. This equipment can be packaged in a bag, itself placed in a packaging box.This packaging must comply with strict regulatory constraints. [3] The present invention aims in particular to improve the safety of such packaging. [4] The invention thus relates to an operating indicator device configured to equip a packaging box in which a bag containing safety equipment, in particular a protective hood, is placed under vacuum, this operating indicator device comprising: a viewing window, a flag member comprising a visual indicator of proper operation and a visual indicator of malfunction, this flag member being movable between a nominal position in which the visual indicator of proper operation is visible through the viewing window, and an alert position in which the visual indicator of malfunction becomes visible through the viewing window replacing the visual indicator of proper operation, the flag member further comprising a bearing face against which the bag presses when this bag inflates while being in the packaging box,this support on the support face causing the movement of the flag member from the nominal position to the alert position, a spring secured to the flag member and configured to exert an elastic return force opposing the passage of the flag member from the nominal position to the alert position until a sufficient force is exerted by the bag which inflates on the bearing face of the flag member causing the flag member to pass from the nominal position to the alert position, an element for holding the flag member in the alert position when this alert position has been reached, so that the flag member remains in the alert position even if the force exerted on the bearing face of the flag member ceases or is reduced. [5] The operating indicator device according to the invention provides several advantages as explained below. [6] First of all, the invention makes it possible to visually check whether the bag, for various reasons, has swollen abnormally, in particular to the point of perforation of this bag. Such swelling followed by perforation of the bag has the consequence of rendering the equipment contained therein inoperative. The invention thus makes it possible, in a reliable manner, to check whether the safety equipment, in particular a protective hood, is operational or not. For example, the flight crew of an aircraft must be able to check, using the operating indicator device according to the invention, whether the equipment is still kept under vacuum in the bag. Maintaining the vacuum of the bag means that the equipment can be used. Conversely, if the bag is no longer under vacuum, then the equipment must not be used. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to visualize the operating indicator device placed on the packaging box.This operating indicator device provides either a visual indicator of proper operation or a visual indicator of malfunction through the viewing window. [7] In the event of inflation of the bag, the latter exerts a thrust on the flag member. If the thrust reaches a certain threshold, then the flag tilts into the alert position and the visual malfunction indicator appears through the viewing window. The invention is particularly advantageous in that after the pressure of the bag on the flag member is released, this flag member is held in the alert position by means of the holding element according to the invention. The operating indicator device according to the invention thus makes it possible to memorize a situation of excessive inflation followed by a perforation of the bag, so that the user is informed of the fact that the equipment is inoperative and must not be used. This alert is maintained even if the pressure of the bag on the flag member is released or has disappeared.In the absence of such a holding element according to the invention, the flag member would return to its nominal position by the action of the spring, which would erase the anomaly information from the. inflation of the bag. The invention thus allows reliable verification of the operating status of the safety equipment packaged in the vacuum bag. [8] It may be chosen to have a target of triggering the visual malfunction indicator after an aircraft cabin type depressurization threshold for an altitude of more than 50kft (“kilofeet”). [9] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the holding element is part of the spring.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the holding element is formed by a locking portion of the spring configured to engage with a locking element on a flag holder of the operation indicator device. This flag holder is for example made of plastic, and is for example configured to be fixed to the box by clipping or other means.
[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking portion of the spring is formed by a locking window configured to engage the locking member on the flag holder.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, this locking element on the flag holder is formed by a protrusion or boss of the flag holder.
[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking window on the spring is substantially rectangular.
[0014] Thus when the flag member reaches the alert position, the spring sees the locking window engaged on the locking boss of the flag holder so that, even when the pressure exerted on the flag member ceases, the cooperation between the locking window of the spring and the locking boss on the flag holder prevents the return of the flag member to the nominal position.
[0015] Alternatively, the locking window on the spring may be replaced by a step formed on the spring leaf, the step being configured to engage under the locking relief or boss of the flag holder, so as to lock the spring leaf under this relief or boss of the flag holder. In this case, the spring leaf may be solid, without a locking window.
[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation passing through the flag holder.
[0017] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member comprises a support tab which defines the support face against which the bag presses when the bag inflates.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member comprises a central portion fixed with the spring.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, this attachment is achieved using one or more rivets which hold the flag member and the spring together.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member comprises an information tab comprising a first zone corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation and a second zone corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, these first and second zones, in particular adjacent to each other, are formed on a flat face of the information tab.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, these first and second zones have different colors. These colors are chosen to allow the user to easily recognize proper operation or malfunction. For example, these colored zones are painted areas.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first zone corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation is green in color, and the second zone corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction is red in color.
[0024] Other visual information, other than colors or in addition to colors, can be used. For example, a drawing or letters can be used as flags.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member has a substantially II-shaped side profile, with the central portion and at the ends of this central portion, the support tab and the information tab.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support tab has a length greater than the length of the information tab.
[0027] When the flag member tilts around the rotation axis, the information tab pivots so that, in the nominal position, it is the first zone corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation which is visible through the viewing window. When the flag member has tilted into the alert position, it is the second zone of the information tab of the flag member which becomes visible in the viewing window.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member is made of a rigid material.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag member may be made of metal or, alternatively, of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the central portion of the flag member comprises two lateral pins serving as a pivot joint around the axis of rotation.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the spring comprises a plate for fixing the spring to the flag member.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rivet(s) pass through this fixing plate.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the spring comprises an elbow between a portion of spring forming a blade and this fixing plate.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the elbow makes an angle of substantially 90°, i.e. a right angle, when the spring and the flag member are in the nominal position.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the leaf spring comprises the locking window.
[0036] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking window is formed at one end of the blade opposite the elbow that connects the blade to the mounting plate.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking window on the blade is made above the contact location between the blade and the locking relief on the flag holder so that when the flag member tilts from the nominal position, it is a solid part of the blade which comes to bear on the locking relief of the flag holder.
[0038] Thus the spring bends around the elbow due to the force exerted by the flag member which tilts. The spring is then supported by its blade on the relief or locking boss of the flag holder until the alert position is reached. When the tilting is done to the alert position, the window engages in the relief or locking boss of the flag holder, and this maintenance prevents the spring from returning the flag member to the nominal position.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the spring has a width of between 8 and 14 mm, being in particular 12 mm.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flag holder of the operating indicator device comprises the viewing window provided with a transparent plate placed in front of the information tab of the flag member.
[0041] The invention also relates to a packaging box for a protective hood comprising an operating indicator device as described above.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation indicator device is placed in an opening in a wall of the packaging box, for example an opening on an opening hatch of the packaging box.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the packaging box is metallic and / or made of plastic.
[0044] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the packaging box is configured to be disposed in a compartment on board an aircraft.
[0045] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:
[0046] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a hood according to an exemplary implementation of the invention, in the folded state;
[0047] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the hood of Figure 1, in the unfolded state;
[0048] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the hood of Figure 1, with the user moving the hinged device aside to put on the hood;
[0049] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is an isolated schematic representation of the articulated hood device of Figure 1;
[0050] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the hood of Figure 1, fitted over the user's head;
[0051] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a triggering member of the chronometer of the hood of Figure 1;
[0052] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the hood of Figure 1, stored in a bag;
[0053] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 represents an alert sequence associated with the hood timer of Figure 1;
[0054] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a packaging box according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which a bag containing a protective hood under vacuum is placed;
[0055] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the operating indicator device configured to equip the packaging box of Figure 9;
[0056] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a schematic representation, in section, of the operating indicator device of Figure 10, in the nominal position;
[0057] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a schematic representation, in section, of the operating indicator device of Figure 10, in the alert position;
[0058] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of the packaging box according to Figure 1, with the bag inflated;
[0059] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a schematic representation, in section, of an operating indicator device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the nominal position;
[0060] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a schematic representation, in section, of the operating indicator device of Figure 14, in the alert position.
[0061] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.
[0062] Figures 1 and 2 show a protective hood 1 comprising: a flexible envelope 2 configured to be stored in a folded state (state shown in Figure 1) and to be put on, in an unfolded state (state shown in Figure 2), through an open base 3 of the flexible envelope 2, on the head of the user U, an articulated device 5 (shown in isolation in Figure 4) secured to the open base 3 and configured to be placed around the neck of the user U when the flexible envelope 2 is put on the user's head.
[0063] In the example described, the flexible envelope 2, which is airtight, mainly contains a Nomex® fabric and a flexible collar 6, in particular made of Neoprene®, forming the base 3.
[0064] The hood 1 also includes a semi-rigid visor 7, in particular made of transparent polymer, and possibly a sound membrane (not shown).
[0065] The hood 1 also includes a handle 10 secured to the flexible envelope 2, this handle 10 being placed on a top 11 of the flexible envelope 2, so as to accessible to the user when the flexible envelope 2 is in the folded state, as can be seen in Figure 1.
[0066] In the example described, the handle 10 is in the form of a flexible strip 12, of substantially rectangular shape.
[0067] Other strip shapes can be provided, for example a trapezoid shape or a shape with a rounding.
[0068] The band-shaped handle 10 is solid, i.e., it has no orifice. The handle 10 has no loop.
[0069] The strip-shaped handle 10 is fixed to the flexible casing 2 by an edge of the strip, on an external face 14 of this flexible casing 2. For example, the handle 10 is heat-sealed to the flexible casing 2.
[0070] The handle 10 is made of self-extinguishing material, namely a material which can burn in a flame, but which extinguishes itself as soon as it is removed from it.
[0071] The handle 10 may or may not be made of the same material as the flexible casing. The handle 10 could, if desired, be made in one piece with the flexible casing 2, being for example an extension of the material of the flexible casing.
[0072] Advantageously, the handle 10 has a color distinct from the color of the flexible casing 2, here being fluorescent yellow.
[0073] Thus, the handle 10 is easily and very quickly identifiable by the user when he takes the folded hood 1 out of a bag. It may be necessary for the equipment to be put in place in less than 15 seconds.
[0074] As can be clearly seen in Figure 4, the articulated device 5 comprises two rigid parts 20 and 21 connected by an articulation 22 allowing these two rigid parts 20 and 21 to pass from a folded position (state shown in Figure 4) preventing the user's head from passing into the hood 1 to an unfolded position (state shown in Figure 5) allowing the user's head to pass into the hood 1.
[0075] The articulated device 5 has a mass of at least 50%, in particular at least 60% or 70%, of the total mass of the hood 1.
[0076] Thus the articulated device 5, quite heavy compared to the rest of the hood, allows reliable action to unfold the hood 1 by gravity.
[0077] The two parts 20 and 21 of the articulated device are formed by two tubular portions connected by the articulation 22 to form an open ring in the unfolded position.
[0078] The articulated device 5 is configured to provide an autonomous breathing function for the user having put on the hood 1. This is the case on hoods intended for real use, unlike hoods intended for training which can be simpler.
[0079] Thus the articulated device 5 comprises an oxygen reservoir 24 formed in the tubular part 21 and provided with an oxygen outlet opening into the internal volume of the flexible envelope 2.
[0080] The tubular part 20 comprises a cartridge 25 for capturing CO2, for example lime, configured to adsorb the CO2 resulting from the user's breathing.
[0081] In the example described, the tubular portion 21 which comprises the oxygen reservoir 24 is curved, and the tubular portion 20 which comprises the CO2 capture cartridge 25 is straight.
[0082] In the case of a training hood, which does not need to have the functional equipment that must equip a protective hood for real use, it can be equipped with an articulated device without a respiratory function, still allowing users to practice deploying the hood.
[0083] The tubular part 20 of the articulated device 5 comprises, at its opposite end 29 to the articulation 22, a timer 30 configured to be triggered when the articulated device 5 passes from the folded position (figure 4) to the unfolded position (figure 5).
[0084] The chronometer 30 is equipped with a triggering member 31 configured to trigger the chronometer 30, this triggering member 31 being linked, on the one hand, to the chronometer 30 and, on the other hand, to the tubular part 21 of the articulated device 5 so that the spacing between the two parts 20 and 21 of the articulated device 5 acts on the triggering member 31 in order to trigger the chronometer 30.
[0085] The triggering member 31 is connected to the chronometer 30 in a removable manner so that the separation of the two parts 20 and 21 of the articulated device 5 from its folded position to its unfolded position causes an extraction of the triggering member 31 from the chronometer 30, extraction which results in a triggering of the chronometer which begins a countdown.
[0086] As can be clearly seen in Figures 4 and 6, the trigger member 31 comprises a trigger tab 33 configured to be inserted into a slot 34 of the chronometer 30.
[0087] The stopwatch 30 is configured to be in deactivated mode as long as the tab 33 is held in place.
[0088] For example, the extraction of the tab 33 makes it possible to connect the chronometer 30 to a power source, for example a battery.
[0089] Alternatively, the trigger tab 33 is made of electrically insulating material, and is configured to keep open an electrical power supply circuit of the chronometer 30.
[0090] The extraction of this trigger tab 33 causes the closure of the chronometer's power supply circuit, and the chronometer starts running.
[0091] The 30 stopwatch is part of an electronic card 35.
[0092] For example, the stopwatch 30, or the electronic card 35 which defines the stopwatch, is mounted in a cover 36 of the CO2 capture cartridge 25.
[0093] Advantageously, the chronometer 30 is placed away from the oxygen capacity 24 (on the other rigid part of the articulated device) which may include metal parts likely to be at risk for electric arcs.
[0094] The trigger member 31 comprises at least one wire 37 connecting the removable trigger tab 33 and the opposite part 21 of the articulated device 5.
[0095] The wire 37 is configured so that, when the articulated device 5 is moved from its folded position to its unfolded position, this wire 37 is taut and pulls the removable tab 33 to extract it from the slot 34 of the stopwatch.
[0096] The removable trigger tab 33 includes a double loop 38 for the passage of the wire 37.
[0097] This double loop 38 allows for the most material to be placed in the extraction axis of the tab 33.
[0098] The double loop 38 made of a sufficiently flexible material of the tongue 33, each with a notch entry 39, makes it easy to place the wire 37 in the notch 40.
[0099] A notch 40 and a counter-notch 41 are provided to prevent the lace from becoming dislodged from the double loop 38.
[0100] The wire 37 has a sufficient length so that, when the hood 1 is in the folded state, this wire 37 is relaxed (as can be seen in Figure 4). Thus, no tension is exerted on the trigger tab by the wire 37.
[0101] The removable trigger tab 33 comprises a non-return member 42 configured to oppose with a predetermined force the extraction of this tab 33 from the slot 34 of the chronometer.
[0102] The non-return member 42, in the form of an elastic tab, makes it possible, during assembly operations (for example folding and introduction into the bag and vacuuming), to eliminate the risk of applying a force to the tab 33 likely to trigger the timer 30 involuntarily. The non-return member 42 increases the force required to remove the tab 33 and thus prevents involuntary triggering.
[0103] The non-return member comprises a protrusion 43 housed in the slot 34.
[0104] In the example described, the removable trigger tab 33 is made from a plate, for example a plastic plate, in particular cut with a water jet.
[0105] The hood 1 is configured to provide the user with at least one item of information on the use of the hood based on data provided by the stopwatch 30, this item of use information being an alert of the end of an oxygen reserve available in the articulated device 5 when the stopwatch has measured a predetermined duration, for example a duration of 15 minutes.
[0106] The hood 1 comprises a light indicator 45, formed by one or more LEDs, configured to provide the user with information on the use of the hood. This light indicator 45 is placed on the electronic card 35.
[0107] The indicator light 45 is controlled by the electronic card 35 to control the emission of light according to different modes.
[0108] For example, as illustrated in Figure 8, following the triggering of the timer 30 at time T0 and after a period PS of, for example, 14 minutes, the electronic card 35 is configured to flash the indicator light 45 for a first period P1 which lasts, for example, one minute. The expiration of the first period P1 corresponds to the reaching of time Ter where the regulatory time of use of the hood expires, which is, for example, 15 minutes. This regulatory time of use is determined by the manufacturer on the basis of the availability of oxygen in the reserve.
[0109] Then the indicator light 45 is kept lit constantly for a second period P2, for example 3 minutes, then the electronic card 35 is configured to turn off the indicator light 45 at the end of the second period P2. The user must be able to remove the hood before the end of this period P2.
[0110] The invention thus provides an effective alert to the user, so that he can manage the intervention time and remove the hood in time, when the oxygen reserve of the hood 1 is exhausted.
[0111] Other alert sequences can of course be considered, for example using another light sequence and / or a sound sequence.
[0112] Timer 30 is configured to start independently of the oxygen reserve being triggered.
[0113] We will now describe steps of a method for packaging a protective hood 1 as described above, in a bag 50, under vacuum, the packaging method comprising the following steps: folding the hood 1 so as to leave the handle 10 visible and accessible when the hood 1 is in the folded state. placing the hood 1 thus folded in the bag 50, closing the bag 50.
[0114] When folding, the visor 7 is placed on the folded flexible envelope 2 (see figure 1) so that folds of the flexible envelope are located behind the visor 7.
[0115] Preferably, the visor 7 is positioned as flat as possible or keeping its initial curvature against the articulated device to avoid the phenomenon of cracks appearing in the material when it remains constrained by folding for a long storage period which may be between 10 years and 15 years.
[0116] We will now describe steps of a method for deploying a hood 1 as described above, initially stored under vacuum in the folded state in a bag 50, the method comprising the following step: opening the bag 50 by the user U to be able to remove the hood 1 in the folded state (see figure 7), lifting the hood 1 initially in the folded state, using the handle 10 held by the user, to the high position, so that the flexible envelope 2 can unfold by the action of the weight of the base of the flexible envelope 2 and the articulated device 5, to pass from the folded state to the unfolded state (see figure 2), when the flexible envelope 2 is in the unfolded state, turning the hood 1 over and moving the two rigid parts 20 and 21 apart from each other to move the articulated device 5 into the unfolded position, so that the user can put on the hood 1. hood 1.
[0117] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to deploy the hood 1 simply by holding it vertically using the handle 10, without having to shake the hood suddenly.
[0118] The timer 30 is triggered when the articulated device 5 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, during deployment.
[0119] For use in a real situation, the hood 1 is stored in the bag 50 which itself is placed in a packaging box 100. For use on board an aircraft, the packaging box 100 is placed in a compartment accessible by the flight crew. The packaging box 100 is for example metallic and is provided with an opening hatch 101 which can be opened by the flight crew to be able to remove the bag 50.
[0120] We will now describe, with reference to figures 9 to 13, an operating indicator device 200 configured to equip such a packaging box 100.
[0121] The operation indicator device 200 is placed in an opening 102 on the opening hatch 101 of the packaging box 100.
[0122] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the operation indicator device 200 comprises a viewing window 201, and a flag member 202 comprising a visual indicator of proper operation 203 and a visual indicator of malfunction 204, this flag member 202 being movable between a nominal position (see Figure 11) in which the visual indicator of proper operation 203 is visible through the viewing window, and an alert position (see Figure 12) in which the visual indicator of malfunction 204 becomes visible through the viewing window 201 replacing the visual indicator of proper operation 203.
[0123] The flag member 202 further comprises a bearing face 210 against which the bag 50 presses when this bag 50 inflates while being in the packaging box 100, this pressing on the bearing face 210 causing the movement of the flag member 202 from the nominal position to the alert position, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0124] The operating indicator device 200 further comprises a spring 211 secured to the flag member 202 and configured to exert an elastic return force opposing the passage of the flag member 202 from the nominal position to the alert position until a sufficient force is exerted by the bag 50 which inflates on the one bearing face 210 of the flag member 202 causing the flag member 202 to pass from the nominal position to the alert position.
[0125] The operating indicator device 200 further comprises a holding element 212 of the flag member 202 in the alert position when this alert position has been reached, so that the flag member 202 remains in the alert position even if the force exerted on the one bearing face 210 of the flag member 202 ceases or is reduced.
[0126] First of all, the invention makes it possible to visually check whether the bag 50, for various reasons, has swollen abnormally, in particular to the point of perforation of this bag 50. Such swelling followed by perforation of the bag 50 has the consequence of rendering the equipment contained therein inoperative. The invention thus makes it possible, in a reliable manner, to check whether the safety equipment, in particular the protective hood, is operational or not. For example, the flight crew of an aircraft must be able to check, using the operating indicator device according to the invention, whether the equipment is still kept under vacuum in the bag 50. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to view the operating indicator device 200 placed on the packaging box. This operating indicator device 200 makes visible through the viewing window 201, either a visual indicator of proper operation 203, or a visual indicator of malfunction 204.
[0127] In the event of inflation of the bag 50, the latter exerts a thrust on the flag member 202. If the thrust reaches a certain threshold, then the flag tilts into the alert position and the visual malfunction indicator 204 appears through the viewing window 201. The invention is particularly advantageous in that after the pressure of the bag 50 on the flag member 202 has been released, this flag member 202 is held in the alert position by means of the holding element 212 according to the invention. The operating indicator device 200 according to the invention thus makes it possible to memorize a situation of excessive inflation followed by a perforation of the bag 50, so that the user is informed of the fact that the equipment is inoperative and must not be used. This alert is maintained even if the pressure of the bag 50 on the flag member 202 is released or has disappeared.In the absence of such a holding element 212 according to the invention, the flag member 202 would return to its nominal position by the action of the spring 211, which would erase the information on the anomaly in the inflation of the bag 50.
[0128] The holding element 212 is part of the spring 211.
[0129] The holding element 212 is formed by a locking portion 215 of the spring 211 configured to engage with a locking element 216 on a flag holder 220 of the operation indicator device. This flag holder 220 is made of plastic, and is configured to be fixed to the box by clipping or other means. The viewing window 201 is formed on a front face of this flag holder 220.
[0130] The locking portion 215 of the spring 211 is formed by a locking window 218 configured to engage the locking element 216 on the flag holder 220.
[0131] This locking element 216 on the flag holder 220 is formed by a protrusion or boss of the flag holder 220.
[0132] The locking window 218 on the spring 211 is substantially rectangular.
[0133] Thus when the flag member 202 reaches the alert position, the spring 211 sees the locking window 218 engaged on the locking boss of the flag holder 220 so that, even when the pressure exerted on the flag member 202 ceases, the cooperation between the locking window 218 of the spring 211 and the locking boss on the flag holder 220 prevents the return of the flag member 202 to the nominal position.
[0134] The flag member 202 is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation X passing through the flag holder 220.
[0135] The flag member 202 comprises a support tab 230 which defines a support face 210 against which the bag 50 presses when the bag 50 inflates.
[0136] The flag member 202 comprises a central portion 231 fixed with the spring 211.
[0137] This attachment is achieved using one or more rivets which hold the flag member 202 and the spring 211 together.
[0138] The flag member 202 comprises an information tab 232 comprising a first zone 233 corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation 203 and a second zone 234 corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction 204.
[0139] These first and second zones 233 and 234, adjacent to each other, are formed on a flat face of the information tab 232, and have different colors. These colors are chosen to allow the user to easily recognize proper operation or malfunction. For example, these colored zones are painted zones.
[0140] The first zone 233 corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation 203 is green in color, and the second zone 234 corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction 204 is red in color.
[0141] Other visual information, other than colors or in addition to colors, can be used. For example, a drawing or letters can be used as flags.
[0142] The flag member 202 has a substantially U-shaped side profile, with the central portion 231 and at the ends of this central portion, the support tab 230 and the information tab 232.
[0143] The support tab 230 has a length greater than the length of the information tab 232.
[0144] When the flag member 202 tilts around the rotation axis X, the information tab 232 pivots so that, in the nominal position, it is the first zone 233 corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation 203 which is visible through the viewing window 201. When the flag member 202 has tilted into the alert position, it is the second zone 234 of the information tab 232 of the flag member 202 which becomes visible in the viewing window 201.
[0145] The flag member 202 is made of a rigid material, and may be made of metal or, alternatively, of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate.
[0146] The central portion 231 of the flag member 202 comprises two lateral pins 238 serving as a pivot joint around the axis of rotation X.
[0147] The spring 211 comprises a fixing plate 239 for the spring 211 on the flag member 202.
[0148] The rivets 240 pass through this fixing plate 239.
[0149] The spring 211 comprises an elbow 245 between a portion of spring 211 forming a blade 246 and this fixing plate 239.
[0150] The elbow 245 makes an angle of approximately 90°, i.e. a right angle, when the spring 211 and the flag member 202 are in the nominal position.
[0151] The blade 246 of the spring 211 includes the locking window 218.
[0152] The locking window 218 is formed at one end of the blade 246 opposite the elbow 245 which connects the blade 246 to the fixing plate 239.
[0153] The locking window 218 on the blade is made above the contact location between the blade 246 and the locking relief 216 on the flag holder 220 so that when the flag member 202 tilts from the nominal position, it is a solid part of the blade 246 which comes to bear on the locking relief 216 of the flag holder 220.
[0154] Thus the spring 211 bends around the elbow 245 due to the force exerted by the flag member 202 which tilts. The spring 211 is then supported by its blade 246 on the locking relief or boss 216 of the flag holder 220 as long as the alert position is not yet reached. When the tilting is done to the alert position, the window 218 engages in the locking relief or boss 216 of the flag holder 220, and this maintenance prevents the spring 211 from returning the flag member 202 to the nominal position.
[0155] The spring 211 has a width between 8 and 14 mm, being notably 12 mm.
[0156] The flag holder 220 of the operating indicator device 200 comprises the viewing window 201 provided with a transparent plate placed in front of the information tab 232 of the flag member 202.
[0157] In a variant illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the locking window 218 on the spring 211 may be replaced by a step 300 formed on the leaf 246 of the spring, the step 300 being configured to engage under the locking relief or boss 216 of the flag holder 220, so as to block the spring leaf under this relief or boss 216 of the flag holder 220. In this case, the spring leaf 246 may be solid, without a locking window 218.
Claims
CLAIMS
1. Operation indicator device (200) configured to equip a packaging box (100) in which is placed a bag (50) containing safety equipment under vacuum, in particular a protective hood, this operation indicator device comprising: a viewing window (201), a flag member (202) comprising a visual indicator of proper operation (203) and a visual indicator of malfunction (204), this flag member being movable between a nominal position in which the visual indicator of proper operation is visible through the viewing window, and an alert position in which the visual indicator of malfunction (204) becomes visible through the viewing window replacing the visual indicator of proper operation, the flag member (202) further comprising a bearing face (210) against which the bag presses when this bag inflates while being in the packaging box,this support on the support face causing the movement of the flag member from the nominal position to the alert position, a spring (211) secured to the flag member (202) and configured to exert an elastic return force opposing the passage of the flag member from the nominal position to the alert position until a sufficient force is exerted by the bag which inflates on the support face (210) of the flag member causing the flag member to pass from the nominal position to the alert position, a holding element (212) of the flag member in the alert position when this alert position has been reached, so that the flag member (202) remains in the alert position even if the force exerted on the support face of the flag member ceases or is reduced.,
2. An operation indicator device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding element (212) is formed by a locking portion (215) of the spring configured to engage with a locking element (216) on a flag holder (220) of the operation indicator device.
3. An operating indicator device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking portion (215) of the spring is formed by a locking window (218) configured to engage the locking element (216) on the flag holder.
4. Operation indicator device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flag member (202) comprises an information tab (232) comprising a first zone (233) corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation (203) and a second zone (234) corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction (204).
5. Operation indicator device (200) according to the preceding claim, in which these first and second zones (233, 234) have different colors, in particular the first zone corresponding to the visual indicator of proper operation being green, and the second zone corresponding to the visual indicator of malfunction being red.
6. Operation indicator device (200) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the flag member (202) has a substantially II-shaped side profile, with the central portion (231) and at the ends of this central portion, the support tab and the information tab (232).
7. Operation indicator device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the spring (211) comprises an elbow (245) between a spring portion forming a blade (246) and a fixing plate.
8. An operating indicator device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein a locking window (218) on the blade is made above the contact location between the blade (246) and the locking relief on the flag holder so that when the flag member (202) tilts from the nominal position, it is a solid portion of the blade (246) which comes to bear on the locking relief of the flag holder.
9. Operation indicator device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the spring (211) has a width of between 8 and 14 mm, being in particular 12 mm.
10. Operation indicator device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flag holder of the operation indicator device comprises the viewing window (201) provided with a transparent plate placed in front of the information tab of the flag member.
11. Packaging box (100) for a protective hood comprising an operating indicator device (200) according to one of the preceding claims.