Inflatable fall prevention pad with rollers

Abstract

To provide an inflatable fall prevention pad that can be rolled over a ground surface.SOLUTION: An inflatable fall prevention pad 100 comprises a body 110 defining inflatable three-dimensional volume. The body 110 has a base wall 120, an upper wall 122, and sidewalls 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D connecting the base wall 120 and the upper wall 122. The inflatable fall prevention pad further comprises a set 210 of roller units attached to the base wall 120 along an exterior-facing surface 220 of the base wall 120. The set 210 of roller units is arranged in a multi-dimensional array 230. Two or more roller units 212 of the set 210 are spaced in a first dimension 232 of the multi-dimensional array 230. Two or more roller units 214 of the set 210 are spaced in a second dimension 234 of the multi-dimensional array 230 that is orthogonal to the first dimension 232.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 508,980, filed Jun. 19, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application for all purposes.

[0002]

[0002] The subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to fall protection pads for preventing the fall of a person or object, and more specifically to a movable inflatable fall protection pad having rollers to assist in moving the pad across a ground surface. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] In manufacturing and maintenance environments, personnel work on structures that may be in a partially assembled or disassembled state. As an example, movable structures such as aircraft frames and other large machines, or fixed structures such as buildings, may involve personnel working at heights where a fall could result in injury. When such structures are in a partially assembled or disassembled state, floors, walls, and handrails may not be present, resulting in areas from which personnel may fall during manufacturing or maintenance operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] The inflatable fall protection pad comprises a deformable body defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume. The deformable body has a base wall, a top wall, and a side wall spanning the base wall and the top wall. The inflatable fall protection pad further comprises a set of roller units attached to the base wall along an outwardly facing surface of the base wall. The set of roller units are arranged in a multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the set are spaced apart from one another in a first dimension of the multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the set are spaced apart from one another in a second dimension of the multidimensional array that is orthogonal to the first dimension. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary inflatable fall protection pad in an inflated state. [Diagram 2] 2 shows another view of the inflatable fall protection pad of FIG. 1 in an inflated state. [Diagram 3] 3 illustrates the inflatable fall protection pad of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an inflated state for use within an exemplary aircraft fuselage. [Figure 4A] 3A and 3B illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection pad of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an inflated state before a load is applied to the top wall of the pad. [Figure 4B] 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection pad of FIG. 4A in an inflated state in response to a load being applied to the top wall of the pad. [Figure 5A-5D] 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D show an exemplary roller unit of the inflatable fall protection pad of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 6A-6B] 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary roller unit in schematic form and show an exemplary fastening technique for attaching the roller unit to the base wall of the inflatable fall protection pad of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 7A-7C] 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate schematic diagrams of additional examples of sets of roller units attached to a base wall of an inflatable fall prevention pad in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 8A-8D] 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show schematic examples of folding the inflatable fall prevention pad of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a deflated state. [Figure 9] 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of using the inflatable fall protection pad of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006]

[0015] As described in more detail herein, the inflatable fall protection pad comprises a deformable body defining an inflatable three-dimensional volume. The deformable body has a base wall, a top wall, and a side wall spanning the base wall and the top wall. The inflatable fall protection pad further comprises a set of roller units attached to the base wall along an outwardly facing surface of the base wall. The set of roller units are arranged in a multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the set are spaced apart from one another in a first dimension of the multidimensional array. Two or more roller units of the set are spaced apart from one another in a second dimension of the multidimensional array that is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0007]

[0016] A set of roller units of the inflatable fall protection pad allows the pad to roll over the ground surface. By way of example, the pad may be of such a mass, area, or volume that it would be difficult for a person or group of people to move without the roller units due to friction between the base wall and the ground surface.

[0008]

[0017] The set of roller units are spaced apart from one another across an area defined by the base wall such that the deformable body of the pad, when contracted, can be folded for storage along one or more folding paths located between the roller units in both the first and second dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, the deformable body of the pad can be rolled up for storage.

[0009]

[0018] Furthermore, loads applied to the upper wall, such as while arresting a fall or supporting the weight of a person, may affect the mobility of the inflatable fall protection pad. Since the sets of roller units are spaced apart from one another over an area defined by the base wall, deformation of the base wall due to the application of a load to the upper wall may cause the base wall to deform toward the ground surface. Such deformation may cause the base wall to initiate or increase contact with the ground surface. For example, one or more areas of the base wall located between the sets of rollers may deform into contact with the ground surface under a load applied to the upper wall, thereby increasing lateral resistance to movement of the pad along the ground surface due to friction. Such deformation and increased contact between the base wall and the ground surface may provide a damping function with a damping force responsive to a load applied to the upper wall. The damping function may help stabilize the pad. As the magnitude of the load increases, the contact between the base wall and the ground surface may increase, thereby increasing lateral resistance to movement of the pad along the ground surface.

[0010]

[0019] In some examples, the set of roller units can be sized and positioned on the base wall of the pad such that the base wall initiates contact with the ground surface in response to a load on the top wall reaching or exceeding a predetermined magnitude. In this example, when the top wall of the pad is unloaded or loaded below a predetermined magnitude, the base wall does not contact the ground surface. This approach can aid in the mobility of the pad under conditions in which objects that do not reach or exceed a predetermined magnitude are supported by the top wall of the pad. This approach can also provide the braking function described above under certain conditions in which a load on the top wall reaches or exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

[0011]

[0020] As one example, the predetermined magnitude of the load can be selected to correspond to the static weight of a sample adult human being placed on the top wall. In this example or other examples, a conservative weight estimate for an adult human (such as 100 pounds or other suitable value) can be used as an example. As another example, the predetermined magnitude can be selected to correspond to the dynamic force of an adult human being falling from a given distance. As yet another example, the predetermined magnitude of the load can be selected to correspond to the static weight or dynamic force of a child.

[0012]

[0021] 1 illustrates generally an exemplary inflatable fall protection pad 100 in an inflated state. Pad 100 includes a deformable body 110 that defines an inflatable three-dimensional volume 112. Body 110 has a base wall 120, a top wall 122, and side walls 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D that span the base and top walls.

[0013]

[0022] In at least some examples, the body 110 can be formed from a flexible woven material or a flexible continuous sheet material. Such materials can include, for example, polymers such as nylon, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and / or natural fibers. In at least some examples, the woven material can be treated with a polymer coating to reduce breathability and / or to provide water resistance.

[0014]

[0023] As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, the pad 100 further comprises a set of roller units attached to the base wall 120. The set of roller units allows the pad 100 to roll along the ground surface 130. In at least some examples, the body 110 of the pad 100 is of a size, weight, or volume that would be difficult for a person or group of people to move in the absence of the set of roller units due to friction between the base wall 120 and the ground surface 130. FIG. 1 depicts a person 132 in relationship to the body 110 of the pad 100 in order to provide an example of the scale of the body 110. It will be understood that the body 110 may be of other suitable sizes and / or shapes.

[0015]

[0024] In at least some examples, the top wall 122 and the base wall 120 have different areas, and the side walls 124B and 124D taper between the base wall and the top wall on opposite sides of the body 110. In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the top wall 122 has a larger area than the base wall 120, and the side wall tapers 124B and 124D taper inwardly from the top wall to the base wall on opposite sides of the body 110. The side walls 124B and 124D have respective profiles 144B and 144D that are shaped to match the physical structures within or between which the pad 100 may be used. As an example, the physical structure may include the interior of an aircraft fuselage, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. It will be appreciated that the body 110 may have other suitable shapes.

[0016]

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates generally an exemplary fan assembly 150 that can be used to inflate the body 110 and maintain the body 110 in an expanded state. In this example, the body 110 includes an opening 152 through which air is supplied to inflate the three-dimensional volume 112 defined by the body 110. As an example, the sidewall 124A defines the opening 152. An outlet of the fan assembly 150 can be fluidly coupled to the opening 152 via a flexible or rigid conduit 154. In at least some examples, the conduit 154 can form part of the body 110. As another example, the outlet of the fan assembly 150 can be attached directly to the opening 152. In at least some examples, the fan assembly 150 can be attached to a set of rollers that allow the fan assembly to follow the pad 110 as the pad moves between locations. In this example, the conduit 154 also serves as a tether to attach the fan assembly 150 to the body 110.

[0017]

[0026] 2 shows another schematic view of the inflatable fall protection pad 100 of FIG. 1 in an inflated state, with the base wall 120 visible. In this example, the base wall 120 has a rectangular shape. In other examples, the base wall 120 can have a polygonal shape with three, four, five, or more sides. In other examples, the base wall can have a circular, elliptical, or irregular shape.

[0018]

[0027] The pad 100 includes a set of roller units 210 attached to the base wall 120 along an outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall. The set of roller units 210 are arranged in a multidimensional array 230. Two or more roller units 212 of the set 210 are spaced apart from one another in a first dimension 232 of the multidimensional array 230, and two or more roller units 214 of the set 210 are spaced apart from one another in a second dimension 234 of the multidimensional array 230 that is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0019]

[0028] The sets of roller units 210 are spaced apart from one another across an area defined by the base wall 120 such that deformation of the base wall in response to a load being applied to the top wall 122 can initiate or increase contact between the base wall and the ground surface. For example, one or more areas of the base wall 120 (e.g., exemplary area 260) surrounding and between the sets of roller units 210 can deform to contact or increase contact with the ground surface under a load applied to the top wall 122, thereby increasing lateral resistance to movement of the pad along the ground surface due to friction. Such deformation and increased contact between the base wall 120 and the ground surface can provide a braking function having a braking force responsive to a load applied to the top wall.

[0020]

[0029] In at least some examples, the outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall 120 comprises a different material than the outwardly facing surfaces of the top wall 122 and / or the sidewalls. As one example, the outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall 120 can comprise a material having a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the material of the outwardly facing surfaces of the top wall 122 and / or the sidewalls, e.g., due to material composition, texture, etc., to facilitate the damping functions described herein. In this various non-limiting example, the surface 220 can be made from, incorporate, or be at least partially covered with such material.

[0021]

[0030] In at least some examples, the sets of roller units 210 are arranged in two, three, four, or more rows 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D, etc., of the multidimensional array 230, with each row including two or more roller units. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, each row includes four roller units, such as roller units 250A, 250B, 250C, 250D of row 240A. Each row of the sets of roller units 210 may be spaced apart from one another at regular intervals (e.g., equal intervals), in one example. As another example, the spacing between the rows may vary across the base wall 120 along the first dimension 232. In still other examples, the sets of roller units 210 are not arranged in rows.

[0022]

[0031] In at least some examples, the sets of roller units 210 are arranged in two, three, four, or more columns 242A, 242B, 242C, 242D, etc. of the multidimensional array 230, with each column including a roller unit in each row. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, each column includes four roller units, such as roller units 250A, 250E, 250F, 250G in column 242A. Each column of the sets of roller units 210 may be spaced apart from one another at regular intervals (e.g., equal intervals), as one example. As another example, the spacing between the columns may vary across the base wall 120 along the second dimension 234. In still other examples, the sets of roller units 210 are not arranged in columns.

[0023]

[0032] 7A, 7B, and 7C, in at least some examples, the set of roller units 210 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to a mid-plane of the deformable body 110 that bisects the base wall 120 along an axis parallel to the first dimension 232. Additionally, or alternatively, the set of roller units 210 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to a mid-plane of the deformable body 110 that bisects the base wall 120 along an axis parallel to the second dimension 234. The symmetry of the roller unit arrangement with respect to one or both mid-planes of the deformable body 110 may provide consistent performance and / or responsiveness of the pad 100 in terms of mobility and braking functionality.

[0024]

[0033] 2, the set of roller units 210 includes 16 roller units distributed over the base wall 120 and arranged in a 4×4 array. It will be appreciated that other suitable quantities and / or arrangements of roller units may be distributed over the base wall 120 to enable the pad 100 to roll across a ground surface with a given lateral force applied to the pad. For a given application, the quantity and arrangement of roller units attached to the base wall 100 may be selected to provide an appropriate level of mobility when the top wall 122 is unloaded and an appropriate level of braking force when the top wall 122 is loaded.

[0025]

[0034] As an example, to aid in mobility of pad 100, the quantity of roller units per unit area of ​​base wall 120 can be selected to provide a desired level of lateral resistance to movement of pad 100 along a ground surface when no load is applied to top wall 122. For example, lateral resistance to movement of pad 100 along a ground surface when top wall 122 is unloaded can be decreased by increasing the quantity of roller units per unit area of ​​base wall 120.

[0026]

[0035] To assist in the braking function, the quantity of roller units per unit area of ​​the base wall 120 can be selected to provide a desired level of lateral resistance to movement of the pad 100 along the ground surface when a load is applied to the top wall 122. For example, the braking force provided in response to the application of a load to the top wall 122 can be increased by reducing the quantity of roller units per unit area of ​​the base wall 120.

[0027]

[0036] In at least some examples, the deformable body 110 includes a plurality of internal baffle walls that interface with the inwardly facing surface of the base wall 120 within the expandable three-dimensional volume. In such examples, each roller unit of the set of roller units 210 can be attached to the base wall 120 at a respective location within a region bounded on at least two opposing sides by a baffle wall of the plurality of internal baffle walls that interface with the inwardly facing surface of the base wall. As an example, reference numeral 290 in FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary region bounded on opposing sides by baffle walls within which the roller units of the set of roller units 210 are attached. This attachment approach can facilitate a damping function by locating the roller units within a region of the base wall 120 that exhibits greater deformation than regions secured to the baffle walls.

[0028]

[0037] 3 illustrates the inflatable fall protection pad 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an inflated state, as it may be used within an aircraft fuselage 300. In this example, the lower deck 330 of the fuselage 300 points to an exemplary ground surface, on which the set of rollers 210 at least partially supports the pad 100. Furthermore, in this example, the side walls 124C and 124D of the pad 100 generally conform to the structural features of the fuselage 300, allowing the pad 100 to move along the lower deck 330 (e.g., along an axis oriented in and out of the page) via the set of rollers 210.

[0029]

[0038] In FIG. 3, the person 132 is positioned on the pad 100 within the fuselage 300. During manufacture or maintenance of the fuselage 300, for example, a portion of the upper deck 310, indicated generally at 312, may be absent, creating a gap into which the person 132 may fall. As an example, a temporary floor panel installed to facilitate assembly of a portion of the fuselage may subsequently need to be removed to install a permanent floor panel. After the temporary floor panel is removed and before the permanent floor panel is installed, a gap between beams or other supporting structures may be present, creating a fall hazard for workers working in that area. Because the pad 100 occupies the space below the upper deck 310, the pad can prevent the person 132 from falling or support the person's weight. An example of a load 320 on the upper surface 122 is depicted generally in FIG. 3 and may represent the static weight or dynamic force of the person 132 against the pad 100. As depicted generally at 332, the region of base wall 120 surrounding roller unit 210 deforms to initiate or increase contact with ground surface 330. As previously described, deformation of base wall 120 in response to a load applied to top surface 122 can initiate or increase contact with the ground surface to provide a damping function that increases lateral resistance to movement of the pad relative to the ground surface. For example, in some embodiments, such contact with the ground surface under load can effectively prevent lateral movement of the pad, stabilizing the pad in place until the load is removed.

[0030]

[0039] In some embodiments, the pad may be configured to deform in response to a load at a location other than the base wall 120. For example, referring to the pad 100 of FIG. 3, one or more portions of the side walls 124B, 124D may be configured to deform outwardly in response to a load 320 on the top surface 122, such as due to the placement of an internal baffle wall or other internal structure. Such outward deformation of the side walls may occur in addition to deformation of the base wall 120. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 3, the pad is shaped and sized to occupy an interior volume of the fuselage 300 bounded by ground level and other structural features such as vertical walls or beams, and depending on the amount of clearance between the outer surface of the pad and these structural features, the pad may be configured to such an extent that such deformation presses at least a portion of the outer surface of the side walls against these structural features, such as to enhance lateral resistance to movement of the pad when subjected to a load. In such an embodiment, the outer surface of the side walls may incorporate a material having a desired coefficient of friction, for example to facilitate a braking function.

[0031]

[0040] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection pad 100 in an inflated state before the top wall 122 is loaded. In FIG. 4A, exemplary roller units 410 and 412 of the set of roller units 210 are illustrated in schematic form in contact with the ground surface 130. Also in FIG. 4A, the roller units 410 and 412 at least partially support the base wall 120 above the ground surface 130. The roller units 410 and 412 may refer to any two adjacent roller units of the set 210. The deformation of the base wall 120 between the roller units 410 and 412 due to the weight of the pad 100 is illustrated in FIG. 4A at 420. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the deformation of the base wall 120 illustrated in schematic form at 420 may contact the ground surface 130 under the weight of the pad 100.

[0032]

[0041] 4B illustrates, in a schematic manner, an exemplary behavior of a portion of the inflatable fall protection pad 100 in the inflated state illustrated in FIG. 4A in response to the application of a load to the top wall 122. In FIG. 4B, the application of a load to the top wall 122 increases the deformation of the base wall 120 between the roller units 410 and 412, as depicted diagrammatically at 430, such that the base wall contacts the ground surface 130. In response to the application of a load to the top wall 122, the surface area of ​​the base wall 120 that contacts the ground surface 130, as depicted diagrammatically at 432, increases relative to FIG. 4A. The surface area of ​​the base wall 120 that contacts the ground surface 130 may, by way of example, be located within the region 260 of FIG. 2.

[0033]

[0042] In this example, deformation of the base wall associated with the application of a load to the top wall 122 initiates and increases contact between the base wall and the ground surface. Additionally, as a result of the application of a load to the top wall 122, the contact force between the base wall 120 and the ground surface 130 increases, thereby increasing lateral resistance to movement of the pad along the ground surface due to friction. This deformation and increased contact between the base wall 120 and the ground surface 130 provides a damping function in response to a load on the top wall 122.

[0034]

[0043] In at least some examples, the base wall 120 does not contact the ground surface until the load on the top wall 122 reaches or exceeds a predetermined magnitude. For example, FIG. 4A can show an example where the top wall 122 is unloaded or the load on the top wall 122 is less than a predetermined magnitude, and FIG. 4B can show an example where the load on the top wall reaches or exceeds a predetermined magnitude. This approach can be used to initiate a damping function in response to the load on the top wall reaching or exceeding a predetermined magnitude. This approach also assists in the mobility of the pad by not resisting the movement of the pad on the ground surface when the load does not reach or exceed a predetermined magnitude. In some examples, a "load of a predetermined magnitude" can represent a load localized to a given area of ​​the top wall. In other words, in some embodiments, the pad may be configured (e.g., by configuration of internal baffle walls or other internal structures) such that a portion of the bottom surface deforms sufficiently to contact the ground surface only when a load of a predetermined magnitude is applied within a given (e.g., localized) area of ​​the top surface. Such an embodiment may be useful in situations where the presence of a load, such as the weight of a person on the top surface, within a given area of ​​the top surface causes the bottom surface of the pad to sufficiently contact the ground surface to limit lateral movement of the pad until the load is removed, yet it is undesirable for the bottom surface of the pad to "bottom out" against the ground surface due to the presence of tools or other objects in different areas of the top surface of the pad (even if the combined weight of such items meets or exceeds the predetermined magnitude). In other embodiments, the pad may be configured such that the bottom surface "bottoms out" against the ground surface regardless of the location (or locations) of the predetermined load on the top surface.

[0035]

[0044] As previously described with reference to Figure 2, the set of roller units 210 includes a plurality of roller units distributed on the outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall 120. Figures 5A-5D show schematic diagrams of example roller units 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D that may be attached to the base wall 120 of the inflatable fall protection pad 100. The example roller units of Figures 5A-5D are depicted schematic diagrams in bottom view facing upward from ground level.

[0036]

[0045] Each roller unit of the set of roller units 210 includes one or more rollers. Examples of rollers include wheels, wheeled casters, ball casters, etc. One or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units 210 can have a fixed rolling direction along a single axis, such as a fixed axle wheel, or a rolling direction in all directions in a plane, such as a wheeled caster or ball caster.

[0037]

[0046] As previously described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the side walls 124B and 124D of the pad 100 are tapered between the base wall 120 and the top wall 122 on opposite sides of the deformable body 110. In this example, the opposite sides of the deformable body may be parallel to a fixed rolling direction of the set of rollers. Thus, in this example, the profile of the side walls 124B and 124D configured to be received in a particular structure may be oriented parallel to the fixed rolling direction to allow the pad 100 to move within or between features of the structure.

[0038]

[0047] Each roller unit may include one, two, three, or more wheels, wheeled casters, or ball rollers. Two or more fixed axle wheels of each roller unit with a fixed rolling direction may be aligned with each other along a common axis. In some examples, three, four, or more rollers of each roller unit may be arranged to form a polygonal shape for local stabilization of the base wall 120, such as a three-sided triangular configuration, a four-sided rectangular configuration, or the like. In other examples, two or more rollers of each roller unit may be arranged linearly along an axis.

[0039]

[0048] Each roller unit includes a rigid body that interfaces with the outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall 120, to which one or more rollers of the roller unit are rotatably mounted. The rigid body of each roller unit can provide a non-deforming area of ​​the base wall 120 to which the rigid body is attached. The rigid body of each roller unit can be attached to the base wall 120 via one or more mechanical fasteners (bolts, rivets, screws, clips, etc.), hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, and / or stitching.

[0040]

[0049] The roller unit 500A of Figure 5A includes four fixed axle wheels 510-1, 510-2, 510-3, and 510-4 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 512 in a rectangular configuration. Exemplary mechanical fasteners 514 by which the rigid body 512 may be attached to the base wall 120 are depicted diagrammatically in Figure 5A. The roller unit 500A has a fixed rolling direction along an axis 516 in this example.

[0041]

[0050] The roller unit 500B of FIG. 5B includes four wheeled casters 520-1, 520-2, 520-3, 520-4 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 522 in a rectangular configuration. Exemplary mechanical fasteners 524 by which the rigid body 522 may be attached to the base wall 120 are depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 5B. The roller unit 500B has an omnidirectional rolling direction in a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 526 and 528. The roller unit 500B may alternatively include four ball casters.

[0042]

[0051] The roller unit 500C of FIG. 5C includes three ball casters 530-1, 530-2, and 530-3 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 532 in a triangular configuration. An exemplary mechanical fastener 534 by which the rigid body 532 may be attached to the base wall 120 is depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 5C. The roller unit 500C has an omnidirectional rolling direction in a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 536 and 538. The roller unit 500C may alternatively include three wheeled casters or three fixed axle wheels.

[0043]

[0052] The roller unit 500D of FIG. 5D includes a single ball caster 540-1 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 542. Exemplary mechanical fasteners 544-1, 544-2, 544-3, and 544-4 that may attach the rigid body 542 to the base wall 120 are depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 5D. The roller unit 500D has an omnidirectional rolling direction in a plane as indicated by orthogonal axes 546 and 548. The roller unit 500D may alternatively include one wheeled caster or one fixed axle wheel.

[0044]

[0053] 6A and 6B depict an exemplary roller unit 600 generally from the side and show an exemplary fastening technique for attaching the roller unit to the base wall 120 of the pad 100 along the outwardly facing surface 220. In this example, the roller unit 600 includes exemplary rollers 610-1 and 610-2 rotatably mounted to a rigid body 612.

[0045]

[0054] 6A, the rigid body 612 is attached to the base wall 120 along the outwardly facing surface 220 via mechanical fasteners 614-1 and 614-2. Additionally, in this example, a backing plate 620 is disposed on the opposite side of the roller unit 600 across the base wall 120. The mechanical fasteners 614-1 and 614-2, in this example, pass through the base wall 120 and engage the backing plate 620.

[0046]

[0055] In FIG. 6B, the rigid body 612 is attached to the base wall 120 along the outwardly facing surface 220 via a hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive, represented generally by reference numeral 630 .

[0047]

[0056] The hook-and-loop fasteners can provide the advantage of allowing the roller units 600 to be removed from the base wall 120 and / or repositioned in a different position or orientation relative to the base wall. As an example, the base wall 120 can include a hook or loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener along some or all of the outwardly facing surface 220 to allow the quantity, orientation, placement, and type of roller units in a set of roller units mounted to the base wall to be reconfigured for various applications.

[0048]

[0057] In the examples depicted in Figures 5A-5D and 6A-6B, each roller unit includes a rigid body to which one or more rollers are rotatably attached. In another example, multiple roller units forming a row (e.g., 240A-240D in Figure 2) or column (e.g., 242A-242D in Figure 2) can share a rigid body that spans the multiple roller units. In this configuration, the deformable body 110 cannot be folded or rolled around a dimension orthogonal to the row or column having a shared rigid body that spans the multiple roller units, but the deformable body can be folded or rolled around a dimension parallel to such row or column. With reference to Figure 2, for example, each of the rows 240A-240D can include multiple roller units that share a rigid body that spans the multiple roller units of that row. In this example, the deformable body 110 can be folded and / or rolled around a dimension parallel to the rows 240A-240D. Further, in this example, deformation of the base wall 120 can occur in one or more regions located between the rows 240A-240D in response to the application of a load to the top wall 122. As another example, each of the columns 242A-242D can include multiple roller units sharing a rigid body spanning the multiple roller units of that column. In this example, the deformable body 110 can fold and / or roll about a dimension parallel to the columns 242A-242D. Further, in this example, deformation of the base wall 120 can occur in one or more regions located between the columns 240A-240D in response to the application of a load to the top wall 122.

[0049]

[0058] 7A, 7B, and 7C show schematic diagrams of additional examples of sets of roller units attached to the base wall 120 of an inflatable fall protection pad.

[0050]

[0059] In FIG. 7A, an inflatable fall protection pad 100-7A includes a plurality of roller units 700 distributed on a base wall 120 in rows and columns having a staggered configuration.

[0051]

[0060] In FIG. 7B, the inflatable fall protection pad 100-7B includes a plurality of roller units 700 distributed on the base wall 120 in rows and columns in which the spacing between the columns oriented parallel to the first central plane 710 decreases in each direction outward from the first central plane. Alternatively, the spacing between the columns may increase or otherwise vary in each direction outward from the first central plane 710. The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7B is symmetrical with respect to the first central plane 710 in this example. The spacing between the rows oriented parallel to the second central plane 712, which is perpendicular to the first central plane 710, is regular or consistent between the rows in this example. The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7B is symmetrical with respect to the second central plane 712 in this example.

[0052]

[0061] In FIG. 7C, the inflatable fall protection pad 100-7C includes a plurality of roller units 700 distributed on the base wall 120 in rows and columns in which the spacing between the columns oriented parallel to the first central plane 710 decreases in each direction outward from the first central plane. Alternatively, the spacing between the columns may increase or otherwise differ in each direction outward from the first central plane 710. The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7C is symmetrical with respect to the central plane 710 in this example. In addition, the spacing between the rows oriented parallel to the second central plane 712 decreases in each direction outward from the second central plane. Alternatively, the spacing between the rows may increase or otherwise differ in each direction outward from the second central plane 712. The arrangement of the roller units 700 in FIG. 7C is symmetrical with respect to the second central plane 712 in this example.

[0053]

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the roller unit in some embodiments may be configured to provide a self-braking function, such as a braking function independent of the self-braking function provided by deformation of the bottom wall of the pad under load as described above. Moreover, such braking function may be "self-braking" in that it is responsive to a load being applied to the pad. For example, the roller 610 of the exemplary roller unit 600 depicted in Figures 6A and 6B may be rotatably mounted to a rigid body 612 by one or more axles that are spring-biased relative to the rigid body 612, each such axle being biased to provide a sufficient amount of vertical clearance between the top of the roller 610 and the outwardly facing surface 220 of the base wall 120 to allow the roller to roll when the pad is not bearing a load, such as a load of a predetermined magnitude. However, such axle deflection can be calibrated (e.g., by spring configuration, pad weight, number of rollers, etc.) such that this vertical clearance is reduced when a load is applied to the pad, e.g., such that the rollers are biased into contact with the base wall 120 in response to a load (e.g., a load of a predetermined magnitude applied to the top surface of the pad) in a manner that effectively prevents the rollers from rolling by friction, thereby inhibiting lateral movement of the pad. Other roller unit configurations can provide similar self-braking functionality. In some embodiments, one or more of the roller units may provide such self-braking functionality in addition to or as an alternative to the braking functionality provided by deformation of the side and / or bottom walls of the pad as discussed herein.

[0054]

[0063] 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show schematic examples of inflatable fall protection pad 100 in a deflated state that has been folded from an unfolded state to a folded state for storage. Additionally or alternatively, pad 100 can be rolled from an unrolled state to a rolled state for storage.

[0055]

[0064] In FIG. 8A, the base wall 120 and the set of roller units 210 are visible. A number of possible folding paths across the pad 100 are depicted in FIG. 8A, diagrammatically at 810, 812, and 814 along the first dimension 232, and at 820, 822, and 824 along the second dimension 234, orthogonal to the first dimension. As an example, the pad 100 can be folded along the folding path 822, as shown by reference numeral 830, to obtain the folded configuration of FIG. 8B, with the top wall 122 now visible. As another example, shown in FIG. 8B, the pad 100 can be folded again along the folding path 812, as shown by reference numeral 832, to obtain the folded configuration of FIG. 8C. As another example, shown in FIG. 8C, the pad 100 can be folded again along the folding paths 810 / 814, as shown by reference numeral 834, to obtain the folded configuration of FIG. 8D. It will be appreciated that the pad 100 can be folded in a variety of ways along one or more folding paths disposed along one or more regions of the deformable body 110 that do not have one or more roller units attached to the base wall 120.

[0056]

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a method 900 using an inflatable fall protection pad including multiple rollers. As will be apparent from the following description, some steps may be optional or may correspond to optional versions of the method according to the present disclosure. Thus, not all methods according to the present disclosure need include the steps illustrated. The method and steps illustrated in FIG. 9 are not limiting, and other methods and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure and may include methods having more or less steps than those illustrated and / or steps in a different order, as will be understood from the discussion herein. As an example, the method 900 may be implemented using an inflatable fall protection pad 100 having multiple roller units 210 attached to the base wall 120, as described herein.

[0057]

[0066] At 910, the method includes obtaining an inflatable fall protection pad (eg, 100) that includes a plurality of rollers.

[0058]

[0067] At 912, the method includes unfolding and / or spreading the pad from the folded and / or rolled state to obtain an unfolded and unrolled state of the pad.

[0059]

[0068] At 914, the method includes inflating the pad from the deflated state to obtain an expanded state of the pad. As an example, the fan assembly 150 of FIG. 1 can be actuated to supply air to the pad 100 via the conduit 154 and the opening 152.

[0060]

[0069] At 916, the method includes placing the pad at a target location, which may include a target position and / or orientation. As an example, the pad can be moved at 918 by rolling the pad over the ground surface on rollers of a plurality of roller units mounted to the base wall.

[0061]

[0070] If, at 920, the target configuration (eg, position and / or orientation) of the pad is changed, the method returns to 916 where the pad can be repositioned to the target configuration.

[0062]

[0071] If, at 922, the pad is to be stored, the method may proceed to 932. At 932, the method includes deflating the pad from the inflated state to obtain a contracted state of the pad. As an example, the fan assembly 150 of FIG. 1 may be turned off and / or disconnected from the opening 152 and / or conduit 154 of the pad 100. At 934, the method includes folding and / or rolling the pad from the unfolded and unrolled state to obtain a folded and / or rolled state of the pad suitable for storage.

[0063]

[0072] At 924, the method includes applying a load to a top wall of the pad. By way of example, the load on the top wall of the pad can reach or exceed a predetermined magnitude at which a damping function is initiated, at least in part, by a base wall of the pad deforming and initiating contact with the ground surface. Additionally or alternatively, the damping function can be initiated by a side wall of the pad deforming and initiating contact with a surrounding structure.

[0064]

[0073] At 926, the method includes deforming a base wall of the pad in response to the load being applied to the top wall to initiate or increase contact between the base wall and the ground surface. Additionally, a side wall of the pad may deform at 926 in response to the load applied at 924 to initiate or increase contact between the side wall and the surrounding structure. As previously discussed, the increased contact between the base wall and the ground surface may provide a damping function. Additionally or alternatively, the deformation of the side wall may initiate and / or increase contact between the side wall and the surrounding structure, thereby providing a damping function. Referring again to FIG. 3, for example, side walls 124B and 124D may deform under the applied load to initiate or increase contact with the surrounding structure of the aircraft fuselage 300.

[0065]

[0074] At 928, the method includes removing the load applied to the top wall of the pad. At 930, contact between the base wall and the ground surface is reduced or discontinued in response to removing the load. Additionally or alternatively, contact between the side walls and the surrounding structure is reduced or discontinued in response to removing the load.

[0066]

[0075] 9, or in the order depicted, and / or may include multiple iterations of certain steps. As an example, the method may include positioning (at 916 and / or 918) the pad at a target placement location before inflating (at 914), etc. In a related example, the method may include positioning (at 916 and / or 918), inflating (at 914), and then orienting (at 916) the pad.

[0067]

[0076] Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following provisions:

[0068]

[0077] Clause 1. A deformable body defining an expandable three-dimensional volume, the deformable body having a base wall, a top wall, and a side wall spanning the base wall and the top wall; an inflatable fall protection pad comprising: a set of roller units attached to the base wall along an outward surface of the base wall, the set of roller units being arranged in a multidimensional array, two or more roller units of the set being spaced apart from one another in a first dimension of the multidimensional array and two or more roller units of the set being spaced apart from one another in a second dimension of the multidimensional array that is orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0069]

[0078] Clause 2. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 1, wherein the set of roller units are arranged in a multi-dimensional array of three or more rows, each of the three or more rows including two or more roller units.

[0070]

[0079] Clause 3. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 2, wherein each of the three or more rows are spaced apart from one another at regular intervals.

[0071]

[0080] Clause 4. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 2, wherein each of the three or more rows are spaced apart from each other at different intervals.

[0072]

[0081] Clause 5. The inflatable fall protection pad of clause 2, wherein the set of roller units are arranged in a multi-dimensional array of three or more columns, each of the three or more columns including a roller unit in each of the three or more rows.

[0073]

[0082] Clause 6. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein one or more areas of a base wall surrounding each roller unit of the set of roller units are deformable, and applying a load to an upper wall of the deformable body deforms one or more of said areas of the base wall towards the ground surface, on which the set of roller units support the deformable body.

[0074]

[0083] Clause 7. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 6, wherein one or more of the regions of the base wall are configured to deform toward the ground surface to such an extent that at least a portion of the base wall contacts the ground surface when a load is of a predetermined magnitude.

[0075]

[0084] Clause 8. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 7, wherein contact with the ground surface by a portion of the base wall increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection pad along the ground surface.

[0076]

[0085] Clause 9. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the base wall is configured to contact a ground surface such that when a load of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper wall of the deformable body, the set of roller units contacts the ground surface to support the deformable body on the ground surface.

[0077]

[0086] Clause 10. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 9, wherein the surface area of ​​the base wall in contact with the ground surface increases as the magnitude of the load increases.

[0078]

[0087] Clause 11. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 10, wherein contact of a portion of the base wall with the ground surface increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection pad along the ground surface, the lateral resistance increasing as the surface area of ​​the base wall in contact with the ground surface increases.

[0079]

[0088] Clause 12. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein each roller unit of the set of roller units includes a rigid body that interfaces with an outwardly facing surface of the base wall, and one or more rollers rotatably mounted to the rigid body.

[0080]

[0089] Clause 13. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 12, wherein one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units include one or more wheels having a fixed rolling direction.

[0081]

[0090] Clause 14. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 13, wherein one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units includes four wheels arranged in a rectangular configuration.

[0082]

[0091] Clause 15. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 13, wherein the side walls are tapered between the base wall and the top wall on opposing sides of the deformable body, and the opposing sides of the deformable body are parallel to the fixed rolling direction.

[0083]

[0092] Clause 16. The inflatable fall protection pad of clause 12, wherein one or more rollers of each roller unit of the set of roller units include one or more casters having omnidirectional rolling directions.

[0084]

[0093] Clause 17. An inflatable fall protection pad according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the top wall and the base wall have different areas.

[0085]

[0094] Clause 18. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in clause 17, wherein the top wall has a larger area than the base wall, and the side walls taper inwardly from the top wall to the base wall on opposite sides of the deformable body.

[0086]

[0095] Clause 19. An inflatable fall prevention pad as described in any of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the deformable body includes within the inflatable three-dimensional volume a plurality of internal baffle walls that join with the inwardly facing surface of the base wall, and each roller unit of the set of roller units is attached to the base wall at a respective position within an area bounded on at least two opposing sides by a baffle wall of the plurality of internal baffle walls that join with the inwardly facing surface of the base wall.

[0087]

[0096] Clause 20. An inflatable fall prevention pad as described in any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein one of the side walls spanning the base wall and the top wall defines an opening through which air is supplied to an inflatable three-dimensional volume defined by the deformable body.

[0088]

[0097] Clause 21. The inflatable fall protection pad of clause 20, further comprising a fan assembly in communication with the opening for inflating an inflatable three-dimensional volume defined by the deformable body, the fan assembly including another set of rollers.

[0089]

[0098] Clause 22. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in any of clauses 1 to 21, wherein each roller unit of the set of roller units is attached to the base wall via one or more fasteners.

[0090]

[0099] Clause 23. An inflatable fall protection pad as described in any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the outwardly facing surface of the base wall comprises a different material than the outwardly facing surface of the top wall.

[0091]

[0100] Clause 24. An inflatable fall prevention pad described in any of clauses 1 to 23, wherein the deformable body is foldable along one or more folding paths disposed along one or more regions of the deformable body that do not have one or more roller units attached to the base wall.

[0092]

[0101] It will be understood that the configurations and / or techniques described herein are exemplary in nature and that numerous variations are possible, and therefore the specific examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various examples, configurations, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein, and any and all equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100 Inflatable Fall Prevention Pad 110 Transformable Body 112 Expandable three-dimensional volume 120 Base Wall 122 Upper Wall 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D side wall 130 Ground surface 132 people 144B, 144D Profile 150 Fan Assembly 152 Opening 154 Rigid Conduit 156 Roller unit installation 210 Roller unit installation 212 Roller unit 214 Roller unit 220 Outer surface 230 Multidimensional Arrays 232 The First Dimension 234 The Second Dimension 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D rows Columns 242A, 242B, 242C, 242D 250A, 250B, 250C, 250D, 250E, 250F, 250G Roller Unit 260 areas 290 areas 300 aircraft fuselage 310 Upper Deck 312 parts 320 Load 330 Lower Deck 332 areas 410 Roller unit 412 Roller unit 420 Transformation 430 Transformation 432 surface area 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D Roller Unit 510 fixed axle wheels 512 Rigid Body 514 Mechanical fasteners 516 Axis 520 4 wheels with casters 522 Rigid Body 524 Mechanical fasteners 526, 528 Orthogonal axis 530 Ball Caster 532 Rigid Body 534 Mechanical fasteners 536, 538 Orthogonal axis 540 Ball Caster 542 Rigid Body 544 Mechanical fasteners 546, 548 Orthogonal axis 600 Roller Unit 610 Roller 612 Rigid Body 614 Mechanical fasteners 620 Backing Plate 630 Fasteners or adhesives 700 Multiple Roller Units 710 First central surface 712 Second central surface 810, 812, 814 Folding Path 820, 822, 824 Folding Path 830 Folded 832 Folded 834 Folded 900 ways

Claims

1. a deformable body (110) defining an expandable three-dimensional volume (112), the deformable body (110) having a base wall (120), a top wall (122), and side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) spanning said base wall (120) and said top wall (122); a set of roller units (210) attached to the base wall (120) along an outwardly facing surface (220) of the base wall (120), the set of roller units (210) being arranged in a multi-dimensional array (230); An inflatable fall prevention pad (100) comprising: two or more roller units (212) of the set are spaced apart from one another in a first dimension (232) of the multidimensional array (230); two or more roller units (214) of said set are spaced apart from one another in a second dimension (234) of said multidimensional array (230) that is orthogonal to said first dimension (232); An inflatable fall prevention pad (100).

2. 2. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 1, wherein the set (210) of roller units is arranged in three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) of the multidimensional array (230), each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) including two or more roller units (214).

3. 3. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 2, wherein each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.

4. 3. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 2, wherein each of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D) are spaced apart from one another at different intervals.

5. 3. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 2, wherein the set (210) of roller units is arranged in three or more columns (242A, 242B, 242C, 242D) of the multidimensional array (230), each of the three or more columns (242A, 242B, 242C, 242D) including a roller unit (250A, 250E, 250F, 250G) in each row of the three or more rows (240A, 240B, 240C, 240D).

6. one or more regions (260) of said base wall (120) surrounding each roller unit of said set (210) of roller units are deformable; 2. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 1, wherein applying a load (320) to the top wall (122) of the deformable body (110) causes one or more of the regions (260) of the base wall (120) to deform toward a ground surface (130) on which the set (210) of roller units supports the deformable body (110).

7. 7. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 6, wherein one or more of the regions (260) of the base wall (120) are configured to deform toward the ground surface (130) to an extent that at least a portion of the base wall (120) contacts the ground surface (130) when the load (320) is of a predetermined magnitude.

8. 8. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 7, wherein contact of a portion of the base wall (120) with the ground surface (130) increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection pad (100) along the ground surface (130).

9. 9. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the base wall (120) is configured to contact a ground surface (130) on which the set (210) of roller units supports the deformable body (110) when a load (320) of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the top wall (122) of the deformable body (110).

10. 10. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 9, wherein a surface area (432) of the base wall (120) in contact with the ground surface (130) increases as the magnitude of the load (320) increases.

11. 11. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 10, wherein contact of a portion of the base wall (120) with the ground surface (130) increases lateral resistance to movement of the inflatable fall protection pad (100) along the ground surface (130), the lateral resistance increasing as the surface area (432) of the base wall (120) in contact with the ground surface (130) increases.

12. Each roller unit of said set of roller units (210) a rigid body (512) that interfaces with the outwardly facing surface (220) of the base wall (120); and one or more rollers (510) rotatably mounted on said rigid body (512); The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

13. 13. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 12, wherein the one or more rollers (510) of each roller unit of the set (210) of roller units include one or more wheels (510) having a fixed rolling direction.

14. 14. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 13, wherein the one or more rollers (510) of each roller unit of the set (210) of roller units includes four wheels arranged in a rectangular configuration.

15. the side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) are tapered between the base wall (120) and the top wall (122) on opposite sides of the deformable body (110); 14. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of claim 13, wherein the opposing sides of the deformable body (110) are parallel to the fixed rolling direction.

16. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the top wall (122) and the base wall (120) have different areas.

17. the deformable body (110) includes a plurality of internal baffle walls within the expandable three-dimensional volume (112) that join with an inwardly facing surface of the base wall (120); 9. The inflatable fall prevention pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each roller unit of the set (210) of roller units is attached to the base wall (120) at a respective position within an area (290) bounded on at least two opposing sides by baffle walls of the plurality of internal baffle walls that join the inwardly facing surface of the base wall (120).

18. a side wall of the side walls (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) spanning the base wall (120) and the top wall (122) defines an opening (152) through which air is supplied to the expandable three-dimensional volume (112) defined by the deformable body (110); The inflatable fall protection pad (100) further comprises a fan assembly (150) in communication with the opening (152) for inflating the inflatable three-dimensional volume (112) defined by the deformable body (110); 9. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fan assembly (150) includes another set of rollers (156).

19. 9. The inflatable fall protection pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outwardly facing surface (220) of the base wall (120) comprises a different material than the outwardly facing surface (220) of the top wall (122).

20. 9. The inflatable fall prevention pad (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the deformable body (110) is foldable along one or more folding paths (810, 812, 814, 820, 822, 824) disposed along one or more regions of the deformable body (110) that do not have one or more roller units attached to the base wall (120).

Images