Retention system of a self-breathing apparatus

Abstract

Retention system (1) of a self-breathing apparatus (2) to a fixed structure, said system (1) comprising: - a first portion (3) attachable to said self-breathing apparatus (2) and comprising a fastening element (4); and - a second portion (5) attachable to said fixed structure, said second portion (5) comprising one or more retention elements (6), each retention element (6) being reversibly movable between a first position, wherein it mechanically interferes with said fastening element (4) to engage said first (3) and second (5) portion of the retention system (1) together, and a second position, distinct from said first position, wherein said retention element (6) releases said fastening element (4) to allow the detachment of said first portion (3) from said second portion (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: RETENTION SYSTEM OF A SELF-BREATHING APPARATUS

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a retention system of a self-breathing apparatus, for example for use on rescue vehicles.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Rescue personnel, such as fire-fighters or primary rescue workers, can wear a transport device for carrying a self-breathing container in order to have breathable air available in environments contaminated by toxic gases or which are insufficiently ventilated during a rescue operation.

[0007] Rescue vehicles, such as fire trucks and technical support vehicles, are commonly equipped with specially adapted seats to support an operator wearing the transport device, ensuring that the container is retained against the seat for safety purposes during transport and at the same time that the operator can release the container if necessary.

[0008] EP2185243B1 , US00568180A, CA2090777A1 , US5934749A, US10940777B2, US2006076820A1 , US2010133404A1 , US2011272975A describe a respective releasable retention system of a self-breathing container.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] "Substantially orthogonal" relatively to geometric elements (such as straight lines, planes, surfaces, etc.) means that these elements (or elements parallel thereto and mutually incident) form an angle within the range of 90°+ / -20°, preferably within the range 90°+ / -15°.

[0011] "Substantially parallel" relatively to the aforesaid geometric elements means that these elements (or elements parallel thereto and mutually incident) form an angle within the range 0°+ / -20°, preferably within the range 0°+ / -15°.

[0012] Any reference to an angle between a straight line and a plane is understood to refer to the angle between such a straight line and its projection on the plane.

[0013] The Applicant has found that the known retention systems of a self-breathing container have several drawbacks and / or can be improved in some respects.

[0014] In this context, the Applicant has addressed the problem of making a retention system capable of safely and releasably retaining a self-breathing apparatus to a fixed structure, such as a structure of a rescue vehicle, which is versatilely suitable for apparatuses of different shapes and / or sizes, and / or compact, and / or light and / or economic.

[0015] According to the Applicant, one or more of the aforesaid problems are solved by a retention system in accordance with the appended claims and / or having the following features.

[0016] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a retention system of a self-breathing apparatus to a fixed structure, said system comprising:

[0017] - a first portion attachable to said self-breathing apparatus and comprising a fastening element; and

[0018] - a second portion attachable to said fixed structure, said second portion comprising one or more retention elements, each retention element being reversibly movable between a first position, wherein said retention element mechanically interferes with said fastening element to engage said first and second portion of the retention system together, and a second position, distinct from said first position, wherein said retention element releases said fastening element to allow the detachment of said first portion from said second portion.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the retention system according to the aforesaid first aspect of the present invention, in any of its embodiments, to releasably retain said self-breathing apparatus to the fixed structure. Preferably, said use comprises:

[0020] - attaching one of said first and second portion (preferably said first portion) to said apparatus; and

[0021] - attaching another of said first and second portion (preferably said second portion) to said fixed structure.

[0022] Preferably, said use comprises moving each retention element into said second position, bringing said first portion closer to said second portion along an insertion direction and subsequently placing said retention element into said first position to mechanically interfere said retention element with said fastening element.

[0023] According to the Applicant, the aforesaid retention system comprising a first portion (distinct from, and external to, said self-breathing apparatus, i.e. , not belonging to the structure of any component of the self-breathing apparatus) which, in use, is attached to the apparatus, allows, thanks to the mechanical interference with each retention element of the second portion in the first position, to stably and safely retain the apparatus, for example it allows withstanding accelerations up to about 10 times the acceleration of gravity without being released, and at the same time allows the nondestructive release following an action of the operator which causes the movement of each retention element into the second position.

[0024] Furthermore, the aforesaid first portion makes the retention system versatilely suitable for apparatuses, e.g., the containers of such apparatuses, of different shapes and / or sizes. In fact, in the known retention systems such as the one described in EP2185243B1 , the retention system directly engages the container and must therefore be shaped to the container.

[0025] In the present invention, the presence of the first portion attached, in use, to the apparatus, and cooperating with the second portion of the retention system, allows the retention system to be optimally designed, freeing it from the specific shape and / or dimensions of the container. Thereby, the aforesaid retention system is, with the same retention force, more compact, lighter and cheaper than the known systems.

[0026] The present invention in one or more of the aforesaid aspects can have one or more of the following preferred features.

[0027] Preferably said first portion consists of said fastening element, more preferably said fastening element being in one-piece. Thereby, the system is simple and light.

[0028] Preferably, said fastening element and each retention element comprise a respective engagement surface, said respective engagement surfaces being in mutual contact when each retention element mechanically interferes with said fastening element, to prevent said first portion from moving away from said second portion along an insertion direction.

[0029] Preferably, said second portion comprises a cavity. Preferably, said fastening element is insertable into said cavity along an insertion direction. Preferably, each retention element, when it mechanically interferes with said fastening element, prevents said fastening element from exiting said cavity along said insertion direction.

[0030] Preferably said fastening element comprises a protruding element extending from the rest of the fastening element along a direction orthogonal to said insertion direction, where said engagement surface of the fastening element belongs to said protruding element. Preferably, said protruding element consists of two mutually opposite protruding sub-elements extending from the rest of the fastening element in opposite directions. Preferably, said fastening element has, in a view orthogonal to said insertion direction, a substantially rectangular shape, where each protrusion extends along a respective side, more preferably short.

[0031] In an embodiment, said fastening element is mushroom-shaped, preferably with cylindrical symmetry around an insertion direction.

[0032] Preferably, said fastening element comprises a thrust surface facing opposite to said engagement surface of the fastening element, where, on at least one, more preferably on any, sectional plane passing through an insertion direction, an acute angle formed between a tangent to at least one point, more preferably each point, of the thrust surface and said insertion direction and containing said point is directed towards said fastening element.

[0033] Preferably, each retention element comprises a respective thrust surface facing opposite to said engagement surface of said retention element, where, on at least one, more preferably on any, sectional plane passing through an insertion direction, an obtuse angle formed between a tangent to at least one point, more preferably each point, of the respective thrust surface and said insertion direction and containing said point is directed towards said retention element.

[0034] Preferably, during the approach of the first portion to the second portion, each retention element, more preferably the respective thrust surface, and said fastening element, more preferably the respective thrust surface, slide against each other to move said retention element into the second position.

[0035] Thereby, said fastening element, exploiting the principle of inclined planes (i.e., the thrust surface on the fastening element and / or on the retention element), during the approach along the insertion direction pushes each retention element, moving it into the first position, thus facilitating the engagement by the operator.

[0036] Preferably, said fastening element comprises a through opening, more preferably substantially transverse to said insertion direction.

[0037] Preferably, said self-breathing apparatus comprises a wearable transport device for carrying a self-breathing container and / or a self-breathing container.

[0038] Preferably, said first portion is attached to a wearable transport device for carrying a self-breathing container or directly to said self-breathing container, more preferably by means of straps or ties which pass through said through opening.

[0039] Preferably, there are two or three or four of said retention elements. Thereby, a high retention force is obtained while keeping the system compact. Preferably, said retention elements are distributed around the insertion direction in an angularly uniform manner and / or equidistant manner from said insertion direction. Thereby, a high retention force is obtained which is evenly distributed on the fastening element.

[0040] Preferably, each retention element is reversibly movable between said first position and said second position by moving on a respective plane of motion that forms an angle with said insertion direction facing towards said first portion and towards each said retention element greater than or equal to 45°, more preferably greater than or equal to 65°, and / or less than or equal to 135°, more preferably less than or equal to 115°, even more preferably less than or equal to 90°. Thereby, the retention and release are efficiently carried out.

[0041] Preferably, each retention element moves on said plane of motion in rotational or translational rectilinear motion, even more preferably along a direction of radial motion with respect to a direction of insertion or that forms with said insertion direction an angle facing towards said first portion and towards each said retention element greater than or equal to 45°, more preferably greater than or equal to 65°, and / or less than or equal to 135°, more preferably less than or equal to 115°, even more preferably less than or equal to 90°. Thereby, the retention system is simple and compact, for example along the insertion direction.

[0042] In an embodiment, each retention element is reversibly movable between said first position and said second position by rotating about a rotation axis which is perpendicular, and more preferably incident, to an insertion direction. Thereby, the retention system is constructively simple.

[0043] Preferably, said second portion comprises a main body which is attachable / attached to said fixed structure.

[0044] Preferably, said second portion comprises one or more first elastic elements operatively interposed between said one or more retention elements and said main body of the second portion, more preferably a respective first elastic element operatively interposed between each retention element and said main body, to maintain said one or more retention elements pushed towards said first position. Thereby, the second portion is normally closed.

[0045] Preferably, said second portion comprises (at least) a release element.

[0046] Preferably, said release element is reversibly movable between a respective latching position, wherein said release element allows each retention element to assume said respective first position, and a respective release position wherein said release element allows each retention element to assume said respective second position. It is thereby possible to release the first portion by acting on the release element.

[0047] Preferably, said release element comprises one or more operative surfaces each shaped to slide against a respective operative surface of a respective retention element to move, or allow movement of, said respective retention element from the first to the second position while said release element moves from the latching position to the release position. Preferably, said release element lacks rotation symmetry with respect to said insertion direction. Thereby, the movement of the release element is kinematically transferred to each retention element, possibly overcoming the thrust force of the first elastic element.

[0048] In an embodiment, said release element is reversibly movable between said latching position and said release position according to a (purely) rotational motion around said insertion direction.

[0049] In a further embodiment, said release element is reversibly movable between said latching position and said release position according to a (purely) translational motion along a direction parallel to said insertion direction.

[0050] Preferably, said second portion comprises one or more second elastic elements, each second elastic element being interposed between said release element and said main body of the second portion to maintain said release element pushed towards said latching position. Thereby, the release element is automatically returned to the latching position.

[0051] In an embodiment, said retention elements are small balls and said release element consists of a sleeve movable along the insertion direction, said small balls being housed between said sleeve and said fastening element. Preferably, the first portion comprises a fixed body and said fastening element is movable relative to said fixed body along the insertion direction. Preferably, the first portion comprises a respective elastic element operatively interposed between said fastening element and said fixed body, to push the fastening element away from the fixed body.

[0052] Preferably, the second portion comprises a locking element movable between a locking position, wherein it maintains, e.g., through mechanical interference, said release element in the latching position and an unlocking position wherein it allows said release element to assume the release position. Preferably, the second portion comprises one or more third elastic elements operatively interposed between said main body and said locking element to maintain said locking element pushed towards said locking position.

[0053] In an embodiment, said fastening element is U-shaped, where in the first position of the retention element said fastening element engages a recess obtained in said retention element and where said retention element is movable between said first and second position according to a rotational motion around an axis orthogonal to said insertion direction.

[0054] Preferably, said second portion comprises a release cable (or several release cables) mechanically connected (e.g., to an end of said cable) to said release element or said locking element or to each retention element, more preferably so as to move said release element (or said locking element or said retention element) from said latching position (or said locking position or said first position, respectively) to said release position (or said unlocking position or said second position, respectively) following a traction exerted on said cable, possibly overcoming an elastic force exerted by said one or more second elastic elements. Thereby, an operator can release the first portion from the second simply by pulling on the cable.

[0055] Preferably, said fixed structure consists of a seat of a vehicle (e.g., a rescue vehicle). Thereby, said retention system can be used to retain a self-breathing apparatus in the compartment obtained in a backrest of the seat of a vehicle used to support a person wearing said self-breathing apparatus.

[0056] In an aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising said retention system in any embodiment, said self-breathing apparatus and / or said fixed structure.

[0057] Brief description of the figures

[0058] - Figures 1 a and 1 b schematically and partially show an exploded view and a section, respectively, of a first embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention;

[0059] - Figures 2a and 2b schematically and partially show a section of a second embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention in the latching and release condition, respectively;

[0060] - Figures 3a and 3b schematically and partially show a section and a front view, respectively, of a third embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention;

[0061] - Figures 4a and 4b schematically and partially show a section and a front view, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention;

[0062] - Figures 5a and 5b schematically and partially show a section and a front view, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention;

[0063] - Figures 6a and 6b schematically and partially show a section and a front view, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention;

[0064] - Figures 7a and 7b schematically and partially show two mutually orthogonal views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a retention system according to the present invention.

[0065] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0066] The features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention, presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures. In the present description and figures, the same reference number is used for the same or similar elements, structurally and / or functionally. Furthermore, the various embodiments illustrated 1 -7 are indifferently indicated with ordinal or cardinal numbers. Exemplarily, in the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a retention system of a selfbreathing apparatus 2 to a fixed structure (not shown in the figures).

[0067] Exemplarily, the self-breathing apparatus 2 (not shown as for example of known type) comprises a self-breathing container and a wearable transport device (e.g., of the rucksack type with shoulder straps and container attachment straps) for carrying the container. The container is typically a cylinder (or several cylinders), containing air, or similar gaseous mixtures, intended to be used to provide breathable air to a person in situations where the surrounding air is not safe, such as in environments contaminated by toxic gases or that are insufficiently ventilated, or in environments without air (e.g., underwater)

[0068] The system comprises a first portion 3 attachable to said self-breathing apparatus 2 and comprising a fastening element 4.

[0069] In the embodiments 1 and 3-7, the first portion 3 consists of the fastening element 4, which is in one-piece.

[0070] In the embodiment 2, the first portion 3 comprises a fixed body 22 and the fastening element 4 is movable relative to the fixed body 22 along the insertion direction 9. Exemplarily, the first portion 3 comprises a respective elastic element 23 operatively interposed between the fastening element 4 and the fixed body 22, to push the fastening element 4 away from the fixed body 22.

[0071] Exemplarily, the fastening element 4 comprises a through opening 14 (exemplarily shown only in the first embodiment but possibly also present in the embodiments 2-6) substantially transverse to the insertion direction 9. Exemplarily, the first portion 3 is attached to the transport device or directly to the self-breathing container by means of straps or ties (not shown in the figures) which pass through the through opening 14, or by means of other mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts. For example, a metal strap passing through the opening 14 can directly wrap the container which is in turn attached to the wearable transport device by means of Velcro straps which are an integral part of the transport device, or such straps of the transport device can also pass through the opening 14.

[0072] Exemplarily, the fastening element 4 comprises a protruding element 7 extending from the rest of the fastening element 4 along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction 9. Exemplarily, the protruding element 7 comprises an engagement surface 8.

[0073] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1a and 1 b, the protruding element 7 consists of two mutually opposite protruding sub-elements 7 extending from the rest of the fastening element 4 in opposite directions. In such an embodiment, the fastening element 4 has, in a view orthogonal to the insertion direction 9, a substantially rectangular shape, where each protruding sub-element 7 extends along a respective short side.

[0074] In the embodiments 2-6, the fastening element 4 is mushroom-shaped, exemplarily with cylindrical symmetry around the insertion direction 9.

[0075] In the seventh embodiment, the fastening element 4 is U-shaped.

[0076] Exemplarily, the fastening element 4 comprises a thrust surface 11 facing opposite to the engagement surface 8 of the fastening element 4, where, on at least one, more exemplarily on any, sectional plane passing through the insertion direction 9, an acute angle 12 formed between a tangent to at least one point, more preferably each point, of the thrust surface 11 and the insertion direction 9 and containing the point considered, is directed towards the fastening element 4. For example, in the first embodiment (Fig. 1 b), such an acute angle 12 is equal to about 80°.

[0077] The retention system 1 further comprises a second portion 5 comprising a main body 17 attachable to the fixed structure and having its main extension in a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction 9.

[0078] Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises one or more retention elements 6, each retention element 6 being reversibly movable between a first position (shown in Figures 1 b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a and 7a), wherein it mechanically interferes with the fastening element 4 to engage the first 3 and second 5 portion of the retention system 1 together, and a second position (shown in Figures 2b, 4a in dashed lines, 5b in dashed lines, 6b in dashed lines, only for one element, and 7b in dashed lines), distinct from the first position, wherein the retention element 6 releases the fastening element 4 to allow the detachment of the first portion 3 from the second portion 5.

[0079] Exemplarily, the embodiments 1 , 3 and 4 comprise two retention elements 6, the embodiment 5 three, the embodiment 6 four, embodiment 7 a single retention element. The embodiment 2 comprises a plurality of retention elements 6, in the form of small balls.

[0080] Exemplarily, the retention elements 6, when more than or equal to two in number, are distributed around the insertion direction 9 in an angularly uniform manner and equidistant manner from the insertion direction 9.

[0081] Exemplarily, each retention element 6 comprises a respective engagement surface 8’, the respective engagement surfaces 8, 8’ being in mutual contact when the retention element 6 mechanically interferes with the fastening element 4, to prevent the first portion 3 from moving away from the second portion 5 along the insertion direction 9. Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises a cavity 10 wherein the fastening element 4 is insertable along the insertion direction 9. Exemplarily, the one or more retention elements 6, when they mechanically interfere with the fastening element 4, prevent the fastening element 4 from exiting the cavity 10 along the insertion direction 9.

[0082] Exemplarily, each retention element 6 comprises a respective thrust surface 13 facing opposite to the engagement surface 8’ of the retention element 6. Preferably, the thrust surface 13 is substantially parallel to the thrust surface 11 of the fastening element 4. Exemplarily, during the approach of the first portion 3 to the second portion 5, the two thrust surfaces 11 and 13 slide against each other to move the one or more retention elements 6 into the second position.

[0083] Exemplarily, in the first embodiment, each retention element 6 is reversibly movable between the first position and the second position by translating (e.g., sliding along respective guides obtained in the main body 17) along a rectilinear direction of motion 16 that forms with the insertion direction 9 an angle 12 facing towards the first portion 3 and towards each retention element 6 equal to about 80°.

[0084] Exemplarily, in the embodiments 2, 3 and 5, each retention element 6 is reversibly movable between the first position and the second position by translating rectilinearly along a radial direction of motion 16 with respect to the insertion direction 9.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, each retention element 6 is reversibly movable between the first position and the second position by rotating about a rotation axis which is perpendicular to the insertion direction 9 and mutually parallel.

[0086] In the sixth embodiment, each retention element 6 is reversibly movable on the same plane of motion orthogonal to the insertion direction 9, by rotating about a respective rotation axis parallel to the insertion direction 9.

[0087] In the seventh embodiment, in the first position of the retention element 6 the fastening element 4 engages a recess 25 obtained in the retention element 6 and the retention element 6 is movable between the first and second position according to a rotational motion around an axis orthogonal to and incident with the insertion direction 9.

[0088] Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises one or more first elastic elements 18 operatively interposed between the one or more retention elements 6 and the main body 17 of the second portion 5, or between each pair of retention elements 6, to maintain the one or more retention elements 6 pushed towards said first position.

[0089] Exemplarily, in the embodiments 1 , 3, 5 and 7, a respective first elastic element 18 is directly (i.e., without the interposition of other elements) interposed between each retention element 6 and the main body 17.

[0090] In the fourth embodiment, the first elastic element 18 is directly interposed between the two retention elements 6.

[0091] Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises a release element 19. Exemplarily, the release element 19 is reversibly movable between a latching position, wherein the release element 19 allows each retention element 6 to assume the respective first position, and a respective release position wherein the release element 19 allows each retention element 6 to assume the respective second position. Exemplarily, the release element 19 comprises one or more operative surfaces 20, each shaped to slide against a respective operative surface 20' of a respective retention element 6 to move, or allow movement of, the respective retention element 6 from the first to the second position while the release element 19 moves from the latching position to the release position.

[0092] In the embodiments 1 , 5 and 6, the release element 19 is reversibly movable between the latching position and the release position according to a (purely) rotational motion around the insertion direction 9.

[0093] Exemplarily, in the first embodiment, the release element 19 lacks rotation symmetry with respect to the insertion direction 9, so that its operative surface 20 (at an edge of the release element) acts as a cam during rotation.

[0094] Exemplarily, in the fifth and sixth embodiment, the release element is disc-shaped. In the fifth embodiment, a respective pin 28 attached to the disc 19 slides along an inclined seat obtained in each retention element 6. In the sixth embodiment, the rotatable disc 19 is interconnected with each retention element 6 through a respective rod to form a kinematic chain through joints which allow the relative rotational motion between the respective members of the kinematic chain.

[0095] In the embodiments 2, 3 and 4, the release element 19 is reversibly movable between the latching position and the release position according to a (purely) translation motion along a direction parallel to the insertion direction 9.

[0096] Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises one or more second elastic elements 21 , each second elastic element 21 being directly interposed between the release element 19 and the main body 17 of the second portion 5 to maintain the release element 19 pushed towards the latching position.

[0097] In the sixth embodiment, a single elastic element acts as both the first 18 and the second elastic element 21 .

[0098] In the second embodiment, the release element 19 is a sleeve movable along the insertion direction 9, where the small balls 6 are housed between the sleeve and the fastening element 4. The inner surface of the sleeve is shaped to push the small balls into the first position in the passage from the release position to the latching position, such a passage occurring under the thrust of the base body 22 of the first portion 3. In such an embodiment, the second elastic elements 21 directly interposed between the release element 19 and the main body 17 maintain the release element 19 pushed towards the release position. The second portion 5 further comprises a locking element 24 movable between a locking position, wherein it maintains, e.g., through mechanical interference, the release element 19 in the latching position and an unlocking position wherein it allows the release element 19 to assume the release position. Exemplarily, the second portion 5 comprises a third elastic element 29 directly interposed between the main body 17 and the locking element 24 to maintain the locking element 24 pushed towards the locking position.

[0099] Preferably, the second portion 5 comprises a release cable 26 (or several release cables) mechanically connected (e.g., to an end of the cable 26) to the release element 19 or to the locking element 24 or to the retention element 6, so as to move the release element 19 (or the locking element 24 or the retention element 6, respectively) from the latching position (or the locking position or the first position, respectively) to the release position (or the unlocking position or the second position, respectively) following a traction exerted on the cable 26, possibly overcoming an elastic force exerted by the one or more second elastic elements 21 (or third elastic elements 29 or first elastic elements 18, respectively).

[0100] Exemplarily, the fixed structure (not shown in the figures) consists of a seat of a vehicle (e.g., a rescue vehicle) or the body (e.g., frame and / or chassis) of a vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Retention system (1 ) of a self-breathing apparatus (2) to a fixed structure, said system(1 ) comprising:- a first portion (3) attachable to said self-breathing apparatus (2) and comprising a fastening element (4); and- a second portion (5) attachable to said fixed structure, said second portion (5) comprising one or more retention elements (6), each retention element (6) being reversibly movable between a first position, wherein said retention element mechanically interferes with said fastening element (4) to engage said first (3) and second (5) portion of the retention system (1 ) together, and a second position, distinct from said first position, wherein said retention element (6) releases said fastening element (4) to allow the detachment of said first portion (3) from said second portion (5).

2. Retention system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said first portion (3) consists of said fastening element (4), said fastening element (4) being in one-piece, wherein said second portion (5) comprises a main body (17) attachable to said fixed structure, wherein said second portion (5) comprises a cavity (10), wherein said fastening element (4) is insertable into said cavity (10) along an insertion direction (9), wherein said fastening element (4) and each retention element (6) comprises a respective engagement surface (8, 8'), said respective engagement surfaces (8, 8') being in mutual contact when each retention element (6) mechanically interferes with said fastening element (4), to prevent said fastening element (4) from exiting said cavity (10) along said insertion direction (9).

3. Retention system (1 ) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening element (4) comprises a protruding element (7) extending from the rest of the fastening element (4) along a direction orthogonal to said insertion direction (9), wherein an engagement surface (8) of the fastening element (4) belongs to said protruding element (7), wherein said fastening element (4) comprises a thrust surface (11 ) facing opposite to said engagement surface (8) of the fastening element (4), wherein each retention element (6) comprises a respective thrust surface (13) facing opposite to said engagement surface (8) of the retention element (6), and wherein during the approach of the first portion (3) to the second portion (5), the two thrust surfaces (11 , 13) slide against each other to move the retention element (6) into the second position (5).

4. Retention system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said retention elements (6) are distributed around the insertion direction (9) in an angularly uniform and / or equidistant manner from said insertion direction (9), wherein eachretention element (6) is reversibly movable between said first position and said second position by moving on a respective plane of motion that forms an angle (12) with said insertion direction (9) facing towards said first portion and towards each retention element (6) greater than or equal to 45° and / or less than or equal to 135°, and wherein each retention element (6) moves on said plane of motion in rotational or translational rectilinear motion.

5. Retention system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second portion (5) comprises one or more first elastic elements (18) operatively interposed between said one or more retention elements (6) and said main body (17) of the second portion (5) to maintain said one or more retention elements (6) pushed towards said first position.

6. Retention system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second portion (5) comprises a release element (19) reversibly movable between a respective latching position, wherein said release element (19) allows each retention element (6) to assume said respective first position, and a respective release position wherein said release element (19) allows each retention element (6) to assume said respective second position, wherein said release element (19) comprises one or more operative surfaces (20) each shaped to slide against a respective operative surface (20') of a respective retention element (6) to move, or allow movement of, said respective retention element (6) from the first to the second position while said release element (19) moves from the latching position to the release position, and wherein said second portion (5) comprises one or more second elastic elements (21 ), each second elastic element (21 ) being operatively interposed between said release element (19) and said main body (17) of the second portion (5) to maintain said release element (19) pushed towards said latching position.

7. Retention system (1 ) according to claim 6 wherein said second portion (5) comprises a release cable (26) mechanically connected to said release element (19) to move said release element (19) from said latching position to said release position upon a pulling force applied to said cable (26), overcoming an elastic force exerted by said one or more second elastic elements (21 ).

8. Retention system (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said second portion (5) comprises a locking element (24) movable between a locking position, wherein it maintains, through mechanical interference, said release element (19) in the latching position and an unlocking position wherein it allows said release element (19) to assumethe release position, wherein the first portion (3) comprises a fixed body (22), said fastening element (4) being movable relative to said fixed body along the insertion direction, wherein the first portion (3) comprises a respective elastic element (23) operatively interposed between said fastening element and said fixed body to push the fastening element away from the fixed body, and wherein said second portion (5) comprises one or more third elastic elements (29) operatively interposed between said main body (17) and said locking element (24) to maintain said locking element (24) pushed towards the locking position.

9. Assembly comprising the retention system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, said self-breathing apparatus (2) and / or said fixed structure, wherein said selfbreathing apparatus (2) comprises a wearable transport device for carrying a selfbreathing container and / or a self-breathing container, wherein said fixed structure consists of a vehicle seat, wherein said fastening element (4) comprises a through- opening (14) substantially transverse to said insertion direction (9), and wherein said first portion (4) is attached to said wearable transport device or directly to said self-breathing container.

10. Use of the retention system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to releasably retain said self-breathing apparatus (2) to the fixed structure, the use comprising:- attaching one of said first (3) and second portion (5) to said self-breathing apparatus (2) and attaching another of said first (3) and second portion (5) to said fixed structure, and- moving each retention element (6) into said second position, bringing said first portion (3) closer to said second portion (5) along an insertion direction (9) and subsequently placing each retention element (6) into said first position to mechanically interfere said each retention element (6) with said fastening element (4).

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