Safety device for a user caught in an avalanche

Abstract

Safety device for a user caught in an avalanche. Safety device (10) for making a user (12) locatable in an avalanche, comprising: - a storage pouch (16), and a bladder (18), - a container (20) holding a pressurized fluid (22), - a rope (26) for attaching to a harness (32), and to the bladder by a fastening system extending more than 5 cm in at least one direction (D) against the bladder, - a triggering system (24) for inflating the bladder with the fluid. The device is mobile between a passive use configuration, in which the bladder is deflated in the storage pouch, the rope being folded edge-to-edge, coiled, or wound, and an active use configuration, in which the bladder is inflated outside the storage pouch and floats above the avalanche, the rope and fastening system securing the bladder to the user. Figure for the summary: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Safety device for a user caught in an avalanche

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device for locating a user wearing the device when the user is buried by a snow avalanche.

[0002] It is known that avalanches represent a deadly danger for skiers or hikers, whether they are natural, or triggered by their passage over an unstable snowpack.

[0003] Indeed, a person buried in an avalanche typically finds themselves under at least one meter of snow on average and can only rely on others for rescue, otherwise they will quickly suffocate. If the person is rescued within fifteen minutes of being buried, their chances of survival are known to be greater than or equal to 91% on average. After thirty-five minutes, their chances of survival drop extremely rapidly to less than 34%. It is therefore crucial to locate the person quickly in order to maximize the chances of pulling them out of the avalanche alive.

[0004] The buried person is by definition not visible, and locating them by probing the ground is often far too long and exhausting for rescuers in practice.

[0005] If the person is lucky, they may leave a trace, such as a ski or a glove, on the surface of the avalanche. However, this marker may be located a considerable distance from the buried person, as this type of object is more easily swept away by the avalanche than the person themselves. Generally, this trace does not allow the person to be found in less than fifteen minutes.

[0006] Traditionally, visual devices were used to help locate the person, before electromagnetic devices appeared, or possibly as a complement to the latter.

[0007] In the 1950s, there was a red avalanche cord that skiers could drag behind them at all times. However, such a device is not practical for skiing, and there is no guarantee that it will remain visible in the event of an avalanche.

[0008] The device called "Ballon Hôlder" in the 1970s consisted of an inflatable balloon worn as an armband. It was designed to detach fairly easily from the wearer in the event of an avalanche. This proved unsuccessful, primarily due to the materials used and a faulty ejection mechanism.

[0009] The device called "Avalanche Bail", of Austrian origin, comprises a large, mechanically deployable balloon stored in a dedicated backpack. It was therefore heavy and required a backpack to be worn on which to attach the system. Its mechanical deployment system required regular checks to verify the condition of the metal (impact, rust).

[0010] The device called "Rotauf MRK5," of Swiss origin, was a technological failure. The balloon it contained did not inflate completely, or inflated too slowly when exposed to cold. Furthermore, once inflated, this device tended to detach easily from the buried person. An avalanche can indeed strip the person of their clothing and break the straps of a backpack, for example. The balloon of this device also tended not to float in heavy snow.

[0011] Furthermore, active electromagnetic systems are not always reliable. They can be disrupted by a mobile phone or any metallic object. They require a proper power supply, the quality of which must be checked before each use. It is estimated that batteries should be changed preventively when their charge level drops below 80%. The "transmit" mode consumes little power, but the search mode drains batteries very quickly when exposed to cold.

[0012] In addition, for long-term health reasons, some people do not wish to wear a device emitting electromagnetic waves.

[0013] Furthermore, these devices require mandatory and recurring training in their use, which is not currently the case, as numerous misuse scenarios are possible: for example, a member of the group might forget to put their device in search mode during the search, leading the other members present to first find a rescuer, and then, once the search team is aware of the error, the person trapped under the avalanche. In practice, it is common for several people in a group of snowshoers or skiers to be unfamiliar with using this device. In some common situations, such as day-long snowshoeing trips led by a guide or mountain leader, only the professional is proficient in this search technique.

[0014] Finally, given the constraints of legislation on the use of electromagnetic waves, the new models have a reduced range compared to some older models, despite the addition of additional antennas (three currently on the most recent models).

[0015] Finally, in many cases, during outings, it is also noticed that a person in the group simply did not turn on their device, either by forgetfulness or by putting their device in search mode when it should have been in transmit mode.

[0016] One object of the invention is therefore to overcome all or part of the above disadvantages, by providing a lightweight, relatively inexpensive safety device, and increasing the chances of quickly locating a user buried under an avalanche.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a safety device intended to make a user visually identifiable while the user is caught in a snow avalanche, the device comprising:

[0018] - a storage pouch, and an inflatable bladder, movable between a deflated state, and a swollen state in which the bladder has an external volume between 5 and 60 liters,

[0019] - at least one container holding a pressurized fluid for inflating the bladder,

[0020] - a cord, a first fastening system, separate from the storage pouch and intended to connect one end of the rope to a harness worn by the user, and a second fastening system connecting a second end of the rope to the bladder, the second fastening system extending more than 5 cm in at least one direction against the bladder in its inflated state,

[0021] - a triggering system for triggering bladder inflation by the fluid,

[0022] the device being mobile between, on the one hand, a passive use configuration, in which:

[0023] - the bladder is in the deflated state and located in the storage pouch, the capacity being mounted on the triggering system, and

[0024] - the cord includes a middle portion located in the storage pouch, the the middle section being folded edge-to-edge, coiled or wound, the first end of the rope being intended to be attached to the harness by the first fastening system,

[0025] and, on the other hand, an active usage configuration, in which:

[0026] - the bladder is inflated and outside the storage pouch, the bladder being designed to float above the avalanche and be spotted, and

[0027] - the middle part of the rope is deployed out of the storage pouch, the The first fastening system is the rope, and the second fastening system holds the bladder to the user.

[0028] According to particular embodiments, the device comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in all technically possible combinations:

[0029] - the fluid is gaseous at a reference pressure of 10 bar absolute and a temperature reference temperature of -20°C;

[0030] - the rope is braided and comprises high-density polyethylene fibers, of mass molar greater than 106 g / mol, the first fastening system comprising, on the one hand, a connecting splice forming a loop, and, on the other hand, a carabiner intended to be attached to the harness;

[0031] - the bladder includes a casing comprising a polyurethane-coated fabric;

[0032] - the second fastening system comprises several straps, each of the straps having at least one segment fixed along its entire length to the bladder, and / or each of the straps surrounding at least partially the bladder in the inflated state;

[0033] - the bladder is formed by at least two parts fixed one on top of the other in such a way waterproof said fluid in the inflated state, said parts forming one or more drop edges, and said segments of the straps of the second fastening system being sewn onto the drop edge(s);

[0034] - the straps form loops surrounding the bladder in its inflated state, the second fastening system further comprising parts glued or welded to the bladder and spanning said strap segments, the parts being adapted to lock said segments against the bladder;

[0035] - the triggering system includes a handle suitable and intended to be located outside from the storage pouch in the passive use configuration and to be pulled by the user to trigger the inflation of the bladder by the fluid, the handle preferably being adapted to be grasped in the palm of the hand by the user, the hand forming an "O" or a "C" surrounding the entire handle;

[0036] - the bladder is adapted to be manually deflated by the user, and includes a valve allowing oral inflation of the bladder by the user;

[0037] - the storage pouch includes a wall, and at least one elastic element attached on the wall and adapted to hold the middle part of the rope against the wall in the passive use configuration;

[0038] - the fluid comprises at least 50% by volume of nitrogen, argon, or a mixture of nitrogen and argon; and

[0039] - the handle has a shape of revolution around the handle axis, by for example, a pear shape.

[0040] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic, perspective view of a user wearing a device according to the invention, the device being in the passive operating configuration,

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the device shown in [Fig.1], the user is currently activating the device's triggering system,

[0043] [Fig.3][Fig.4] Figures 3 and 4 are successive views in time, in perspective, showing the deployment of the device represented in figures 1 and 2, the device being in the active use configuration in [Fig.4],

[0044] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the device and the person depicted in figures 1 to 4, the device is in its active operating configuration, with the person buried in an avalanche.

[0045] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view of the rope of the device shown in Figures 1 to 5, the device being in passive use configuration,

[0046] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view of the first fastening system of the device shown in figures 1 to 5,

[0047] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view of a variant of the first fastening system. presented on [Fig.7],

[0048] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view of the bladder and part of the second system of fixing the device shown in figures 1 to 5,

[0049] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view of a first variant of the bladder and part of the second fixation system shown in [Fig. 9],

[0050] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view of a detail of the bladder and part of the second fixation system shown in [Fig. 10],

[0051] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view of a second variant of the second fastening system shown partially in [Fig. 9],

[0052] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a partial view of a third variant of the second fastening system shown partially in [Fig. 9], and

[0053] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a view of an optional damping system of the device shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0054] With reference to figures 1 to 5, a safety device 10 according to the invention is described.

[0055] The device 10 is adapted to make a user 12 visually detectable while the user is caught in an avalanche 14 of snow ([Fig.5]).

[0056] User 12 is, for example, a skier or a mountain hiker

[0057] In Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 is in a passive use configuration, in which it is simply worn by the user in the absence of a threatening avalanche.

[0058] In [Fig.3], the device 10 is evolving towards an active use configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5, in which the user 12 is likely to be buried in the avalanche 14, totally (as shown in [Fig.5]), or partially.

[0059] The device 10 includes a storage pouch 16, an inflatable bladder 18 (Figures 3 to 5), at least one reservoir 20 (Figures 3 and 4) containing a pressurized fluid 22 for inflating the bladder, and a triggering system 24 for initiating the inflation of the bladder by the fluid. The device 10 includes a rope 26, a first fastening system 28 for connecting one end 30 of the rope to a harness 32 worn by the user, and a second fastening system 34 connecting a second end 36 of the rope to the bladder 18.

[0060] Optionally, the device 10 includes a damping system 38 shown in [Fig. 14].

[0061] The storage pouch 16 is for example attached in a removable manner to the harness 32.

[0062] Advantageously, as seen in [Fig.6], the storage pouch 16 comprises a wall 40, and two elastic elements 42, 44 fixed to the wall and adapted to retain a middle part 46 of the rope 26 against the wall in the passive use configuration.

[0063] According to variants not shown, the storage pouch 16 comprises a single elastic element, or more than two elastic elements.

[0064] The rope 26 is advantageously braided and comprises, for example, high-density polyethylene fibers with a molar mass greater than 106 g / mol. The rope 26 is, for example, made of sheathed Dyneema®, or in an unsheathed variant.

[0065] The rope 26 advantageously has a length, in the deployed state, between the first end 30 and the second end 36, of between 4.0 and 8.0 meters, the optional damping system 38 being deployed.

[0066] The middle part 46 of the rope is stored in the storage pouch 16 in the passive use configuration ([Fig.6]) and deployed out of the storage pouch in the active use configuration ([Fig.5]).

[0067] In the passive use configuration, the middle part 46 is for example folded edge-to-edge, and advantageously forms loops 48 held by the two elastic members 42, 44 so as to prevent the formation of knots.

[0068] According to variants not shown, the middle part 46 is coiled or wound inside the storage pouch 16 in the passive use configuration.

[0069] The first end 30 of the rope 26 is located outside the storage pouch 16 and attached to the harness 32 by the first fastening system 28 in the passive use configuration.

[0070] In the passive use configuration, the second end 36 of the rope 26 is located in the storage pouch 16 and attached to the bladder 18 by the second fastening system 34.

[0071] The first fastening system 28 is distinct from the storage pouch 16 in that it is adapted to fix the rope 26 directly onto the harness 32 independently of whether the storage pouch itself is possibly fixed onto the harness.

[0072] Advantageously, the first fastening system 28 comprises a connecting splice 50 forming a loop 52 in the extension of the first end 30 of the rope 26, and a carabiner 54 passing through the loop and intended to be attached to the harness 32.

[0073] The connecting splice 50 is for example sewn ([Fig.7]), or made on braid ( [Fig.8]).

[0074] The bladder 18 is mobile between a deflated state ([Fig. 3]) and an inflated state (Figures 4 and 9) in which it has an external volume of between 5 and 60 liters, preferably between 15 and 50 liters. In the inflated state, the bladder 18 advantageously has a spherical or ellipsoidal shape.

[0075] The bladder 18 is adapted to be stored in the deflated state in the storage pouch 16 in the passive use configuration.

[0076] In the active use configuration, the bladder 18 is inflated and located outside the storage pouch 16, the bladder being intended to float above the avalanche 14 and to be spotted by one or more rescuers (not shown).

[0077] The bladder 18 advantageously has a colour that is visible from a distance and easily, for example red.

[0078] The bladder 18 advantageously comprises a cover 56 made of polyurethane-coated fabric.

[0079] Advantageously, the bladder 18 is adapted to be manually deflated by the user and includes a valve 58 ([Fig. 9]) allowing oral inflation by the user. For example, the bladder 18 is manually deflated via the valve 58.

[0080] According to a variant shown in Figures 10 and 11, the bladder 18 is for example formed by two parts 58, 60 fixed to each other in a way that is airtight to said fluid 22 in the inflated state, said parts forming a drop edge 62.

[0081] According to an unrepresented variant, the bladder 18 is formed by more than two parts, forming several drop edges.

[0082] The two parts 58, 60 are for example welded to each other on a zone 64 which delimits the drop edge 62.

[0083] As a further alternative, the two parts 58, 60 are glued one on top of the other.

[0084] The second fastening system 34 includes, for example, a splice 66 ([Fig.6]) forming a loop 68 in the extension of the second end 36 of the rope 26.

[0085] The second fixation system 34 extends for more than 5 cm in at least one direction D against the bladder 18 in the inflated state.

[0086] In the example shown in [Fig.9], the second fastening system 34 comprises three straps 70, 72, 74, each of the straps forming a loop 75 surrounding the bladder 18 in the inflated state and having segments 76 fixed along their entire length to the bladder.

[0087] The straps 70, 72, 74 form, for example, a connecting loop 78 passing through the loop 68 of the splice 66. The straps 70, 72, 74 are advantageously formed by a single braid, for example made of the same material as the rope 26.

[0088] The segments 76 are for example blocked by parts 80 glued or welded onto the bladder 18 and which span the segments 76.

[0089] According to variants not shown, there are two straps, or more than three, or each of the straps, or of the strap, has only one segment fixed on the bladder 18.

[0090] According to a first variant shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second fastening system 34 comprises two straps 70, 72 (continuous with each other, since they are formed from a single braid in the example). The segments 76 are advantageously sewn onto the drop edge 62 of the bladder 18, for example by a zigzag stitch 82. Advantageously, the straps 70, 72 encapsulate the drop edge ([Fig. 11]). For example, the straps 70, 72 are sewn all along the drop edge 62.

[0091] According to a second variant shown in [Fig.12], the second fastening system 34 comprises a plurality of straps 84 surrounding the bladder 18 in the inflated state, advantageously forming a net 86.

[0092] According to a third variant shown in [Fig. 13], the second fastening system 34 comprises at least one eyelet 88, a ribbon 90 passing through the eyelet, and a fastening piece 92 fixed to the bladder and defining an orifice 94 through which a central part 96 of the ribbon 90 protrudes.

[0093] The ribbon 90 further comprises, in a longitudinal direction, two lateral parts 98, 100 extending between the bladder 18 and the fixing piece 92.

[0094] The fastening piece 92 has, for example, a disc shape.

[0095] The capacitance 20 is adapted to be mounted on the triggering system 24 in the passive use configuration. Capacity 20 is advantageously rechargeable with fluid 22, or is a cartridge intended to be replaced and advantageously recycled.

[0096] The fluid 22 is advantageously gaseous at a reference pressure of 10 bar absolute and a reference temperature of -20°C. The fluid 22 is stored in the container 20 at a pressure that is not necessarily the reference pressure, and at a temperature that is not necessarily the reference temperature.

[0097] The pressure of the fluid 22 in the capacity 20 is for example between 50 and 210 absolute bars.

[0098] The fluid 22 comprises, for example, at least 50% by volume of dinitrogen, argon, or a mixture of dinitrogen and argon.

[0099] According to particular embodiments, the fluid 22 is compressed air, or industrial dinitrogen or argon with a purity of at least 99% by volume.

[0100] The triggering system 24 is advantageously adapted to conduct the fluid 22 from the reservoir 20 to the bladder 18 when actuated. The triggering system 24 is advantageously a percussion system.

[0101] The triggering system 24 advantageously includes a handle 102 suitable and intended to be located outside the storage pouch 16 in the configuration passive use and to be pulled by the user 12 to trigger the inflation of the bladder 18 by the pressurized fluid 22 from the capacity 20.

[0102] According to a particular embodiment, the triggering system 24 is adapted to be triggered remotely by a third party or an automated system (not shown). For example, the triggering system 24 is adapted to receive an electromagnetic triggering signal (not shown).

[0103] The handle 102 is preferably adapted to be grasped in the palm of the hand by the user 12, the hand forming an "O" or a "C" surrounding the entire handle 102, for example around an axis of the handle D1. Thus, the handle 102 advantageously does not form a loop into which the user 12 would have to pass their fingers (an operation made difficult if the user is wearing gloves, for example), and in which their fingers could get caught, which would prevent the deployment of the device 10.

[0104] Advantageously, the handle 102 has a shape of revolution around the handle axis Dl, for example a pear shape.

[0105] As shown in [Fig. 14], the damping system 38 advantageously comprises a frame 104 and includes portions 106 of the rope 26 folded edge to edge inside the frame. The portions 106 are adjacent to one another successively in a direction D2 and are sewn together. The seams 108 are designed to gradually release if a tension T exceeding a given threshold is applied to the rope 26.

[0106] In the example shown in [Fig.14], the rope is interrupted by connecting systems 110, 112 located on either side of the damping system 38.

[0107] The threshold is for example 200 daN.

[0108] The operation of device 10 will now be described.

[0109] First, the user 12 ensures that the capacity 20 is functional and connects it to the triggering system 24, with the bladder 18 deflated and stored in the storage pouch 16. At least the middle section 46 of the rope 26 is also stored in the storage pouch. Optionally, the user 12 has several capacities available as spares.

[0110] The user 12 first places the device 10 in the passive use configuration ([Fig. 1]). For example, they put on the harness 32, connect the storage pouch 16 to the harness, and attach the first attachment system 28 to the harness. For example, they connect the carabiner 54 to a belay loop on the harness 32. The optional handle 102 of the release system 24 is positioned, or is naturally located, outside the storage pouch 16.

[0111] Alternatively, the device 10 is already connected to the harness 32, and the user 12 only has to put on the harness.

[0112] In the absence of an avalanche, user 12 does not, in principle, make use of the system of triggering 24 and device 10 remains in passive use configuration.

[0113] Optionally, the user 12 can remove the bladder 18 from the storage pouch 16 and perform oral inflation of the bladder using the valve 58, which allows the device 10 to be placed preventively in the active use configuration without using the capacity 20. The user 12 can then manually deflate the bladder 18 and replace it in the storage pouch 16. He also replaces the middle part 46 of the rope 26 in the storage pouch if the rope has been deployed.

[0114] If the user 12 notices or suspects a risk, they put the device 10 into the active operating configuration by activating the triggering system 24 ([Fig. 3]). For example, the user 12 pulls on the constantly accessible handle 102. Advantageously, with this single action, they remove the bladder 18 from the storage pouch 16 and trigger its inflation by the pressurized fluid 22. Pulling the handle 102 advantageously triggers the inflation of the bladder 18 by percussion.

[0115] Then, the user 12 advantageously projects the bladder 18, the capacity 20 and the triggering system at a distance, for example in the opposite direction of the avalanche ([Fig.4]).

[0116] This projection is facilitated by the mass of the assembly 114 consisting of the bladder, the capacity, and the triggering system. The projection causes the middle section 46 of the rope 26 to emerge from the storage pouch 16 and deploy.

[0117] If the avalanche 14 unfortunately reaches the user 12 and buries them ([Fig. 5]), the inflated bladder 18 floats to the surface due to a reverse segregation effect. The first fastening system 28, the rope 26, and the second fastening system 34 securely hold the bladder 18 to the user 12. The resulting traction line passes through the harness 32, the first fastening system 28, and the rope 26 without significantly passing through the storage pouch 16, thus preventing the device 10 from being accidentally pulled away from the user 12 by the avalanche 14.

[0118] Within the device 10, the second fastening system 34 prevents the bladder 18 from being torn away from the rope 26.

[0119] The bladder 18 is located in principle downstream of the user 12 with respect to the direction of progression of the avalanche 14 (arrow F on [Fig.5]), which makes it possible to determine an approximate location of the user with respect to the bladder 18, in an angular sector (not shown) widening from the bladder upstream of the avalanche 14, at a maximum distance E determined by the length of the rope 26. The rescuer(s) can search for the user 12 starting from this location, then within a certain perimeter around the bladder 18, starting from the upstream side defined by the avalanche 14.

[0120] If the avalanche 14 does not reach the user, the user can reset the device 10 by connecting a new capacity 20, if available, to the triggering system 24. The user can also perform manual inflation and deflation of the bladder 18.

[0121] This feature allows the user to deploy the device 10 in areas with a high potential risk of avalanche and to reset it once the area has been left without consuming the fluid 22 from the capacity 20.

[0122] Thanks to the characteristics described above, the device 10 is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and significantly increases the chances of quickly locating the user 12 buried under the avalanche 14.

[0123] Furthermore, the device 10 can optionally be reset if the user 12 has spare capacities 20. Reconditioning the device 10 is also easier and less expensive than for very large airbags.

[0124] Thanks to the optional valve 56, the device 10 can be manually inflated for preventive deployment, for example to cross a risk zone, and then returned to the passive use configuration.

[0125] The device 10 is lightweight, with a mass for example less than or equal to 800 g without the harness.

[0126] Device 10 is advantageously complementary to electromagnetic safety devices known in themselves (not shown).

[0127] Device 10 makes it possible to considerably reduce the time required for the primary search, particularly in large avalanches or slides. In some cases, device 10 allows the searcher to proceed directly to the final, or secondary, search, thus saving considerable time.

[0128] Device 10 also makes it possible to greatly reduce uncertainties about location, especially if there are several victims and if surface clues (gloves, sticks) are distributed inconsistently because they were carried away at different speeds by the avalanche 14.

[0129] Device 10 is an indisputable and immediate location indicator.

[0130] The inflation of the bladder 18 is very rapid, especially with an argon or nitrogen capacity, even at low ambient temperature.

[0131] The optional feature in which the rope 26 is braided and comprises high-density polyethylene fibers with a molar mass greater than 106 g / mol ensures particularly high mechanical strength. Furthermore, the use of connecting splices 66 eliminates weak points through retention by constriction / friction. The risk of loss of the bladder 18 by detachment due to the high stresses exerted by the avalanche 14 is considerably reduced.

[0132] The attachment of the bladder 18 to the rope 26 by the second fastening system 34 by zigzag stitching on the drop edge 62 of the bladder is very strong and does not compromise the sealing of the bladder, because it is carried out away from the area 64 of welding or gluing of the parts 58, 60 of the bladder.

[0133] The storage pouch 16 is attached in a "floating" manner to the user 12. The The storage pouch 16 is attached to the harness 32, but the structural strength of the connecting chain does not rely on the storage pouch. It cannot be pulled off or slipped along the user's body (leg or arm) 12.

[0134] The optional cushioning system 38 further reduces the risk of tearing, by limiting the traction T between the bladder 18 and the user 12.

[0135] The device 10 in the passive operating configuration is always usable and does not require extending a handle, as it is already accessible. The pear-shaped handle 102 does not get caught on branches during crossings. The handle 102 is easily released from the hand, even with gloves, when the bladder 18 is ejected by the user 12.

[0136] Proper storage of the middle part 46 of the rope 26 avoids knots and ensures an excellent deployment rate of the device 10.

[0137] The bladder 18 is optionally equipped with a deflation valve for storage and repacking, also allowing oral inflation for preventive deployment when crossing avalanche zones, thus saving the use of a capacity 20, which is very useful for ski touring. This also allows the user 12 to remain "covered" by the device 10 during a long outing after an initial deployment.

[0138] The volume of the bladder 18 ensures its good buoyancy, even in very heavy snow.

[0139] The weight of the 20-capacity and 24-triggering system ensures good de "Ballistic" folding by the user.

[0140] The optional feature in which the triggering system 24 is remotely ac-tionable can compensate for a lack of reflexes on the part of the user 12 or a lack of time for him to trigger the device 10.

Claims

Demands

1. A safety device (10) intended to make a user (12) visually detectable while the user (12) is caught in a snow avalanche (14), the device (10) comprising: - a storage pouch (16), and an inflatable bladder (18), movable between a deflated state, and an inflated state in which the bladder (18) has an external volume between 5 and 60 liters, - at least one container (20) containing a fluid (22) under pressure to inflate the bladder (18), - a rope (26), a first fastening system (28), separate from the storage pouch (16) and intended to connect a first end (30) of the rope (26) to a harness (32) worn by the user (12), and a second fastening system (34) connecting a second end (36) of the rope (26) to the bladder (18), the second fastening system (34) extending for more than 5 cm in at least one direction (D) against the bladder (18) in the inflated state, - a triggering system (24) to trigger inflation of the bladder (18) by the fluid (22), the device (10) being mobile between, on the one hand, a passive use configuration, in which: - the bladder (18) is deflated and located in the storage pouch (16), the capacity (20) being mounted on the triggering system (24), and - the rope (26) includes a middle part (46) located in the storage pouch (16), the middle part (46) being folded edge-to-edge, coiled or wound, the first end (30) of the rope (26) being intended to be attached to the harness (32) by the first fastening system (28), and, on the other hand, an active use configuration, in which: - the bladder (18) is inflated and outside the storage pouch (16), the bladder (18) being intended to float above the avalanche (14) and to be spotted, and - the middle part (46) of the rope (26) is deployed out of the storage pouch (16), the first fastening system (28), the rope (26) and the second fastening system (34) retaining the bladder (18) to the user (12).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid (22) is gaseous at a reference pressure of 10 bar absolute and a reference temperature of -20°C.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rope (26) is braided and comprises high-density polyethylene fibers, with a molar mass greater than 106 g / mol, the first fastening system (28) comprising, on the one hand, a connecting splice (50) forming a loop (52), and, on the other hand, a carabiner (54) intended to be attached to the harness (32).

4. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bladder (18) comprises a casing (56) comprising a polyurethane-coated fabric.

5. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second fastening system (34) comprises several straps (70, 72, 74), each of the straps (70, 72, 74) having at least one segment (76) fixed along its entire length to the bladder (18), and / or each of the straps (70, 72, 74) at least partially surrounding the bladder (18) in the inflated state.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the bladder (18) is formed by at least two parts (58, 60) fixed to each other in a way that is airtight to said fluid (22) in the inflated state, said parts (58, 60) forming one or more drop edges (62), and said segments (76) of the straps (70, 72, 74) of the second fastening system (34) being sewn onto the drop edge(s) (62).

7. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the straps (70, 72, 74) form loops (75) surrounding the bladder (18) in the inflated state, the second fastening system (34) further comprising parts (80) glued or welded to the bladder (18) and spanning said segments (76) of the straps (70, 72, 74), the parts (80) being adapted to lock said segments (76) against the bladder (18).

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the triggering system (24) comprises a handle (102) suitable and intended to be located outside the storage pouch (16) in the passive use configuration and to be pulled by the user (12) to trigger the inflation of the bladder (18) by the fluid (22), the handle (102) preferably being adapted to be grasped in the palm of the hand by the user (12), the hand forming an "O" or a "C" surrounding the entire handle (102).

9. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in in which the bladder (18) is adapted to be manually deflated by the user (12), and includes a valve (58) permitting oral inflation of the bladder (18) by the user (12).

10. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage pouch (16) comprises a wall (40), and at least one elastic element (42) fixed to the wall (40) and adapted to retain the middle part (46) of the rope (26) against the wall (40) in the passive use configuration.

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