Protective hood

Abstract

Title: Protective hood The subject of the invention is a protective hood (1) in a bag, in particular vacuum-packed, this hood comprising: - a flexible envelope (2) configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base (3) of the flexible envelope, on the user's head, - a visor (7), - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible envelope is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to pass from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood (1) to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a handle secured (10) to the flexible envelope,this handle being placed on a top of the flexible envelope (2) in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Protective hood

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective hood, and its method of deployment by a user, for example on board an aircraft.

[0002] Patent application EP2979561 discloses a hood comprising a flexible, waterproof envelope intended to be put on the head of a user, 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.

[0003] The present invention aims in particular to improve the deployment of a safety hood by a user.

[0004] The invention thus relates to a method for deploying a protective hood by a user, this hood comprising: - a flexible envelope configured to be stored in a folded state and to be slipped, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, onto the user's head, - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible cover is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a handle secured to the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top of the flexible envelope in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state, the method comprising the following step: - lift the hood initially in the folded state, using the handle held by the user, in particular in the high position, so that the flexible envelope can unfold by the action of the weight of at least the base of the flexible envelope and the articulated device, to pass from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0005] Thanks to the handle according to the invention, which is advantageously positioned on the top of the flexible envelope, it is possible for the user, for example a flight crew on board an aircraft, to deploy the hood by taking advantage of the gravity exerted on different components of the hood to unfold the flexible envelope. These components which participate in the unfolding by gravity include the articulated device which, following the lifting of the hood, is located at the bottom of the flexible envelope and participates in the unfolding action of the hood. The protective hood according to the invention may be an operational hood ready to be used in a real situation on board a vehicle, for example an aircraft, or alternatively, be a protective hood intended for training in a training center.In the case of a protective hood intended for training, this hood may be simpler than the hood for actual use, in the sense that the training hood may have fewer features, for example being devoid of an oxygen reserve or being stored in the open air, without being put in a closed bag.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to deploy the hood simply by holding it vertically using the handle, without having to shake the hood suddenly.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood being initially stored in the folded state in a closed bag, in particular under vacuum, the method comprising the following step: - opening of the bag by the user to be able to remove the hood in the folded state, - then unfold the flexible envelope by gravity using the handle.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following step: - when the flexible envelope is in the unfolded state, turn the hood over and act on the articulated device so as to move it from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the deployment method comprises the following step: - move the two rigid parts apart from each other to move the articulated device into the unfolded position, so that the user can put on the hood.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood comprises a timer configured to be triggered when the articulated device moves from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood 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, for example this item of use being an alert of the end of an oxygen reserve available in the articulated device when the stopwatch has measured a predetermined duration, for example a duration of 15 minutes.

[0012] The fact that the triggering occurs when the articulated device passes from the folded position to the unfolded position allows this triggering to be concomitant with the deployment of the hood. Thus the presence of both the handle and the stopwatch according to the invention ensures, in a synergistic manner, a rapid and efficient deployment of the hood to put it in optimal operating condition.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for packaging a protective hood in a bag, in particular under vacuum, this hood comprising: - a flexible envelope configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, on the user's head, - a visor secured, in a removable or non-removable manner, to the flexible envelope and configured to allow the user to see through the hood when this hood is put on the user's head, - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible cover is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a handle secured to the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top of the flexible envelope in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state, the packaging process comprising the following steps: - fold the hood so that the handle is visible and accessible when the hood is folded. - place the folded hood in the bag, - close the bag which then takes the shape of a pancake or any other shape.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, during folding, the visor is placed on the folded flexible envelope so that folds of the flexible envelope are located behind the visor.

[0015] Preferably, the visor 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. Indeed, the hood can be stored in the bag for a storage period which may range from 10 years to 15 years, a duration which corresponds to the maximum duration authorized before the expiry of the assembly.

[0016] The invention also relates to a protective hood, in particular intended to be used in the deployment method as described above, comprising: - a flexible envelope configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, over the user's head, - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible cover is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a handle secured to the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top of the flexible envelope, in particular in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the handle is in the form of a flexible strip, in particular of substantially rectangular shape.

[0018] Other strip shapes may be provided, for example a trapezoid shape or a shape with a rounding.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the strip-shaped handle is solid, i.e. being devoid of an orifice.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the handle is devoid of a loop.

[0021] These strip shapes of the handle, different from a loop, make it possible to avoid dangerous risks of the handle catching on a part of the hood or the bag or the environment (for example a high element in an aircraft cabin) in which the hood is handled, risks which are likely to hinder the removal of the folded hood from the bag or the deployment of the hood or during movements of the user with the hood on. In addition, the flat shape of the strip makes it possible to optimize the volume taken up by the handle, in the folded position during storage.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the strip-shaped handle is fixed to the flexible casing by an edge of the strip, on an external face of this flexible casing. The fixing is obtained by glue, welding or by any other means. For example, the handle is heat-sealed to the flexible casing.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the handle 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.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the handle has a color distinct from the color of the flexible casing.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the color of the handle is yellow or another distinctive color different from gray, in particular with a fluorescent effect.

[0026] Thus the handle is easily and very quickly identifiable by the user when he takes the folded hood out of the bag. It may be necessary for the time to set up the equipment to be less than 15 seconds.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the articulated device has a mass of at least 50%, in particular at least 60% or 70%, of the total mass of the hood.

[0028] Thus the articulated device, quite heavy compared to the rest of the hood, allows reliable action to unfold the hood by gravity.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the articulated device are formed by two tubular portions, in particular curved or straight, connected by the articulation, the two parts forming an open ring in the unfolded position.

[0030] It is understood that the term "annular" designates a shape partially surrounding the user's neck, without this necessarily being in the shape of a perfect ring.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible envelope is waterproof and the articulated device is configured to provide an autonomous breathing function for the user having put on the hood. This is the case on hoods intended for real use, unlike hoods intended for training which can be simpler.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the articulated device comprises an oxygen reservoir, in particular of tubular shape, provided with an oxygen outlet opening into the internal volume of the flexible envelope, and a CO2 capture cartridge, for example made of lime, configured to adsorb the CO2 resulting from the user's breathing. For example, the tubular portion which comprises the oxygen reservoir is curved, and the tubular portion which comprises the CO2 capture cartridge is straight. The material configured to adsorb the CO2 may be porous.

[0033] In one variant, the flexible envelope is permeable to air so that the user having put on the hood can breathe without respiratory assistance.

[0034] The hood, in this case, is for example a training hood, which does not need to have the functional equipment that must equip a protective hood for real use. For example, the training hood can be equipped with an articulated device without a breathing function, still allowing users to practice deploying the hood.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood comprises a sound membrane.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible envelope mainly contains a Nomex® fabric, a flexible collar, particularly in Neoprene®, a semi-rigid visor, particularly in transparent polymer, and possibly a sound membrane in rigid polymer material.

[0037] The invention also relates to a protective hood, in particular intended to be used in the aforementioned deployment method, comprising: - a flexible envelope configured to be stored in a folded state and to be slipped, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, onto the user's head, - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible cover is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a timer configured to be triggered when the articulated device moves from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parts of the articulated device are formed by two tubular portions, in particular curved or straight, connected by the articulation, and the chronometer is equipped with a triggering member configured to trigger the chronometer, this triggering member being linked, on the one hand, to the chronometer and, on the other hand, to at least one of the parts of the articulated device so that the spacing between the two parts of the articulated device acts on the triggering member in order to trigger the chronometer.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering member is connected to the chronometer in a removable manner so that the separation of the two parts of the articulated device from its folded position to its unfolded position causes an extraction of the triggering member from the chronometer, extraction which results in a triggering of the chronometer.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the trigger member comprises a trigger tab configured to be inserted into a slot of the chronometer.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the stopwatch is configured to be in deactivated mode as long as the tab is held in place.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the trigger tab is configured to act on a switch of the chronometer.

[0043] For example, removing the tab allows the stopwatch to be connected to a power source, for example a battery.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the trigger tab is made of electrically insulating material, and is configured to keep open an electrical power supply circuit of the chronometer.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the extraction of this trigger tab causes the closure of the electrical power supply circuit of the chronometer, and the chronometer starts running.

[0046] For example, the trigger tab is configured to be interposed between an electrical terminal of the timer and a battery, and removal of the trigger tab allows the battery to be brought into contact with the terminal, thereby closing the electrical supply circuit.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the chronometer is part of an electronic card.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic card is mounted on one of the two parts of the articulated device, in particular at a free end of the part formed by a CO2 capture cartridge, in particular a lime cartridge.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the chronometer, or the electronic card which defines the chronometer, is mounted on a cover of the CO2 capture cartridge.

[0050] This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts by doing without a specific support for the chronometer.

[0051] Advantageously, the chronometer is placed away from the oxygen capacity (on the other rigid part of the articulated device) which may include metal parts likely to be at risk from electric arcs.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the triggering member comprises at least one link, in particular a wire, connecting the removable triggering tab and the opposite part of the articulated device.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the link, in particular the wire, is configured so that, when the articulated device is moved from its folded position to its unfolded position, this link is taut and pulls the removable tab to extract it from the stopwatch.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the removable trigger tab comprises a double loop for the passage of the wire.

[0055] This double loop allows for the most material to be in the extraction axis of the tab.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the double loop made of a sufficiently flexible material of the tongue, each with a notch entry, makes it easy to place the wire (or lace) in its notch. The assembly can be done with one hand without applying force in the direction of extraction of the tongue. The elasticity of the plastic material is used to pass the lace without permanently deforming the tongue.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, a counter-notch is provided to prevent the lace from becoming dislodged from the double loop.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the wire, or lace, has a sufficient length so that, when the hood is in the folded state, this wire, or lace, is relaxed. Thus no tension is exerted on the trigger tab by the wire.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the removable trigger tab comprises a non-return member configured to oppose with a predetermined force the extraction of this tab from the slot of the chronometer.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the non-return member 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 likely to trigger the timer involuntarily. The non-return member increases the force required to remove the tab and thus prevents involuntary triggering.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the non-return member comprises a protrusion.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the removable trigger tab is made from a plate, for example a plastic plate, in particular cut with a water jet.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood 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, for example this item of use being an alert of the end of an oxygen reserve available in the articulated device when the stopwatch has measured a predetermined duration, for example a duration of 15 minutes.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the hood comprises a luminous and / or audible alert device, for example a light indicator, for example formed by one or more LEDs, configured to provide the user with information on the use of the hood.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the indicator light is controlled by an electronic card which forms the chronometer, in particular to control the emission of light according to different modes.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic card is configured to flash the indicator light for a first period (PI), for example one minute, then to keep the indicator light lit constantly for a second period (P2). The expiry of the first period (PI) corresponds in particular to the reaching of the regulatory time of use (Ter) of the hood, 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.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic card is configured to turn off the indicator light at the end of the second period (P2). The user must be able to remove the hood before the end of this P2 period.

[0068] 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 is exhausted.

[0069] Other alert sequences can of course be envisaged, for example using another light sequence and / or a sound sequence.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the timer is configured to be triggered independently of the triggering of the oxygen reserve.

[0071] The invention also relates to a method for deploying a protective hood by a user, this hood comprising: - a flexible envelope configured to be stored in a folded state and to be slipped, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, onto the user's head, - an articulated device secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible cover is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts connected by a joint allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a timer configured to be triggered when the articulated device moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, and the method comprising the following step: - move the hinged device apart so that it moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, causing the stopwatch to start.

[0072] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0073] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a hood according to a example of implementation of the invention, in the folded state;

[0074] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the hood of [Fig.l], in the unfolded state;

[0075] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the hood of [Fig.l], with the user moving the hinged device aside to put on the hood.

[0076] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an isolated schematic representation of the articulated hood device of [Fig.l];

[0077] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the hood of [Fig.l], put on the user's head;

[0078] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a triggering member of the hood chronometer of [Fig.l];

[0079] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the hood of [Fig.l], stored in a bag;

[0080] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents an alert sequence associated with the stopwatch of the hood of [Fig.l].

[0081] 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 imagined 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.

[0082] 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 [Fig. 1]) and to be put on, in an unfolded state (state shown in [Fig. 2]), through an open base 3 of the flexible envelope 2, over the head of the user U, - an articulated device 5 (shown in isolation in [Fig.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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The hood 1 further comprises a semi-rigid visor 7, in particular made of transparent polymer, and possibly a sound membrane (not shown).

[0085] The hood 1 also comprises a handle 10 secured to the flexible envelope 2, this handle 10 being placed on a top 11 of the flexible envelope 2, in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope 2 is in the folded state, as can be seen in [Fig.l].

[0086] In the example described, the handle 10 is in the form of a flexible strip 12, of substantially rectangular shape.

[0087] Other strip shapes may be provided, for example a trapezoid shape or a shape with a rounding.

[0088] The strip-shaped handle 10 is solid, i.e. being devoid of an orifice. handle 10 is without a loop.

[0089] The strip-shaped handle 10 is fixed to the flexible envelope 2 by an edge of the strip, on an external face 14 of this flexible envelope 2. For example, the handle 10 is heat-sealed to the flexible envelope 2.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Advantageously, the handle 10 has a color distinct from the color of the flexible envelope 2, being here fluorescent yellow.

[0093] 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 time taken to set up the equipment to be less than 15 seconds.

[0094] As can be clearly seen in [Fig. 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 [Fig. 4]) preventing the user's head from passing into the hood 1 to an unfolded position (state shown in [Fig. 5]) allowing the user's head to pass into the hood 1.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Thus the articulated device 5, quite heavy compared to the rest of the hood, makes it possible to act reliably to unfold the hood 1 by gravity.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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, the latter can be equipped with an articulated device without a respiratory function, still allowing users to train to deploy the hood.

[0103] The tubular part 20 of the articulated device 5 comprises, at its end 29 opposite the articulation 22, a timer 30 configured to be triggered when the articulated device 5 passes from the folded position ([Fig.4]) to the unfolded position ([Fig.5]).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The stopwatch 30 is configured to be in deactivated mode as long as the tab 33 is held in place.

[0108] For example, the extraction of the tab 33 makes it possible to connect the chronometer 30 to a source of electrical power, for example a battery.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Extracting this trigger tab 33 causes the electrical supply circuit of the chronometer to be closed, and the chronometer starts running.

[0111] The chronometer 30 is part of an electronic card 35.

[0112] For example, the chronometer 30, or the electronic card 35 which defines the chronometer, is mounted in a cover 36 of the CO2 capture cartridge 25.

[0113] 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 from electric arcs.

[0114] 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.

[0115] The wire 37 is configured so that, when the articulated device 5 is moved away from its folded position to its unfolded position, this wire 37 is stretched and pulls the removable tab 33 to extract it from the slot 34 of the chronometer.

[0116] The removable trigger tab 33 comprises a double loop 38 for the passage of the wire 37.

[0117] This double loop 38 allows for the most material to be placed in the extraction axis of the tab 33.

[0118] The double loop 38 made of a sufficiently flexible material of the tongue 33, each with a notch entry 39, makes it possible to easily place the wire 37 in the notch 40.

[0119] A notch 40 and a counter-notch 41 are provided to prevent the lace from becoming dislodged from the double loop 38.

[0120] 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 [Fig.4]). Thus no tension is exerted on the trigger tab by the wire 37.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The non-return member comprises a protrusion 43 housed in the slot 34.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 information on use 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.

[0126] 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 45 is placed on the electronic card 35.

[0127] The indicator light 45 is controlled by the electronic card 35 to control the emission of light according to different modes.

[0128] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.8], following the triggering of the stopwatch 30 at time TO 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 PI which lasts, for example, one minute. The expiry of the first period PI corresponds to reaching 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Other alert sequences can of course be envisaged, for example using another light sequence and / or a sound sequence.

[0132] The timer 30 is configured to trigger independently of the triggering of the oxygen reserve.

[0133] 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: - fold the hood 1 so as to leave the handle 10 visible and accessible when the hood 1 is in the folded state. - place the hood 1 thus folded in the bag 50, - close the bag 50.

[0134] When folding, the visor 7 is placed on the folded flexible envelope 2 (see [Fig.l]) so that folds of the flexible envelope are located behind the visor 7.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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: - open the bag 50 by the user U to be able to take out the hood 1 in the folded state (see [Fig.7]), - lift the hood 1 initially in the folded state, using the handle 10 held by the user, into 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 of the device articulated device 5, to move from the folded state to the unfolded state (see [Fig.2]), when the flexible envelope 2 is in the unfolded state, turn the hood 1 over and move 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The timer 30 is triggered when the articulated device 5 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, during deployment.

Claims

Claims

1.

2. Method for deploying a protective hood (1) by a user, this hood (1) comprising: a flexible envelope (2) configured to be stored in a folded state and to be slipped, in an unfolded state, through an open base (3) of the flexible envelope (2), onto the user's head, an articulated device (5) secured to the open base (3) and configured to be placed around the user's neck (U) when the flexible envelope (2) is put on the user's head, the articulated device (5) comprising at least two rigid parts (20, 21) connected by a joint (22) allowing these two rigid parts to pass from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, a handle (10) secured to the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top (11) of the flexible envelope (2) in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state, the process comprising the following step: lifting the hood (1) initially in the folded state, using the handle (10) held by the user, in particular in the high position, so that the flexible envelope can unfold by the action of the weight at least of the base of the flexible envelope (2) and of the articulated device (5), to pass from the folded state to the unfolded state. Deployment method according to the preceding claim, the hood (1) being initially stored in the folded state in a closed bag (50), in particular under vacuum, the method comprising the following step: opening of the bag (50) by the user to be able to remove the hood in the folded state, then unfold the flexible envelope (2) by gravity using the handle (10).

3. Deployment method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following step: - when the flexible envelope (2) is in the unfolded state, turning the hood (1) over and acting on the articulated device (5) so as to move it from the folded position to the unfolded position.

4. Deployment method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hood (1) comprises a timer (30) configured to be triggered when the articulated device (5) moves from the folded position to the unfolded position.

5. Method for packaging a protective hood (1) in a bag, in particular under vacuum, this hood comprising: - a flexible envelope (2) configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base (3) of the flexible envelope, on the user's head, - a visor (7) secured, in a removable or non-removable manner, to the flexible envelope (2) and configured to allow the user to see through the hood when this hood is put on the user's head, - an articulated device (5) secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible envelope is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts (20,21) connected by a joint (22) allowing these two rigid parts to move from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood (1) to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a handle (10) integral with the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top of the flexible envelope (2) in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state, the packaging process comprising the following steps: - fold the hood (1) so as to leave the handle (10) visible and accessible when the hood is in the folded state. - place the hood (1) thus folded in the bag, - close the bag (50) which then takes in particular a pancake shape or any other shape.

6. Packaging method according to the preceding claim, in which during folding, the visor is placed on the folded flexible envelope (2) so that folds of the flexible envelope are located behind the visor (7).

7. Protective hood (1) in particular intended to be used in the deployment method according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or in the packaging method according to one of claims 5 to 6, comprising: - a flexible envelope (2) configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, on the user's head, - an articulated device (5) secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible envelope is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts (20, 21) connected by an articulation (25) allowing these two rigid parts to pass from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood,- a handle (10) secured to the flexible envelope, this handle being placed on a top (11) of the flexible envelope, in particular in a manner accessible to the user when the flexible envelope is in the folded state.,

8. Protective hood according to the preceding claim, in which the handle (10) is in the form of a flexible strip, in particular of substantially rectangular shape, and in particular has a color, for example yellow, distinct from the color of the flexible envelope.

9. Protective hood (1) in particular intended to be used in the deployment method according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or in the packaging method according to one of claims 5 to 6, comprising: - a flexible envelope (2) configured to be stored in a folded state and to be put on, in an unfolded state, through an open base of the flexible envelope, over the user's head, - an articulated device (5) secured to the open base and configured to be placed around the user's neck when the flexible envelope is put on the user's head, the articulated device comprising at least two rigid parts (20, 21) connected by an articulation (22) allowing these two rigid parts to pass from a folded position preventing the user's head from passing into the hood to an unfolded position allowing the user's head to pass into the hood, - a timer (30) configured to be triggered when the articulated device moves from the folded position to the unfolded position.

10. Protective hood according to the preceding claim, in which the two parts (20, 21) of the articulated device are formed by two tubular portions, in particular curved or straight, connected by the articulation, and the stopwatch (30) is equipped with a triggering member (31) configured to trigger the stopwatch, this triggering member (30) being linked, on the one hand, to the stopwatch and, on the other hand, to at least one of the parts of the articulated device so that the spacing between the two parts of the articulated device acts on the triggering member in order to trigger the stopwatch.

Images