Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a rescue device and, more
specifically, to a rescue
device for persons caught in an avalanche and/or mudslide. The avalanche
survival kit of the
present invention includes a backpack style apparatus having means for
discharging a body
supporting inflatable airbag able to support a predetermined amount of weight.
When deployed,
the body supporting airbag reduces the chances of the user from being covered
with avalanching
snow and allows the user to move along the surface of and in a direction of
the moving snow or
mud. The avalanche survival kit further includes a homing device transmitter
which is activated
upon deployment of the inflatable airbag.
The airbag incorporates intake/exhaust valve and pressure gauge for monitoring
gas pressure and
serving as indicator for a discharged airbag. Once inflated the valve is
recessed in the body,
preventing damage to the valve or airbag, with aperture clearance for
attaching and de-attaching
the hose coupling.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are other rescue devices and kits designed for avalanche survival.
Typical of these is U.S.
Pat. No. 1,230,290 issued to B. A. Geiger on Jun. 19, 1917.
Another patent was issued to W. Oldham on Jun. 2, 1965 as U.S. Pat. No.
3,362,034. Yet another
U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,561 was issued to V. F. Asaro on Sep. 19, 1978, and still
yet another was
issued on Jan. 13, 1987 to Peter Aschauer as U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,754.
Another patent was issued to Peter Aschauer on Dec. 12, 2000 as U.S. Pat. No.
6,158,380. Yet
another U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,909 was issued to Peter Aschauer on Apr. 24, 2001.
Another was
issued to Ariel Visocekas on Aug. 7, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386. and
still yet another was
issued on Oct. 20, 1981 to Howard Porter as U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,438. Another
patent was issued
to Carl Rowe on Jul. 2, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,482.
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A WIPO publication No. W084013007 was filed by Peter Aschauer on Apr. 12, 1984
and a
U.K. patent was issued to Arthur Dixon on Feb. 24, 1982 in Great Britain as
Patent No.
GB2081660 and still yet another was issued in Canada on Nov. 30, 1998 to
Gerald Kampel as
Canadian Patent No. CA 2,255,092.
This invention relates to life preservers which consist of inflatable tubes.
The object of the
invention is to provide in a life preserver of this type a novel and improved
means for inflating
the same, a container being provided which is connected to the belt and
carries a gas under
sufficient pressure to inflate the belt when released. The invention also has
for its object to
provide novel and improved means for opening the container so that it may
discharge into the
belt.
Stowage means for an inflatable article such as the buoyancy chamber of a
lifejacket, comprising
an elongated pouch in which such article is compactly accommodated prior to
inflation and
which is normally held closed by a series of connected toggles passed through
loops at least one
of its edges, said article having self inflatable traction member which
simultaneously effects
collective withdrawal of the toggles from the loops to allow deployment of the
inflating article.
Except for the parts thereof engaged with the pouch-securing loops, the
toggles are contained in
a flexible guide tube to ensure their free operation around a curved pouch
opening, such tube and
toggles being protected by flaps closable by a slide-fastener and press studs.
An avalanche rescue marker system consisting of an openable pack assembly and
a trigger
inflation assembly, the openable pack assembly being carried by the user on
his upper back and
the trigger inflation assembly being carried by the user on an upper front
portion of his outer
garrnent with a gas tube coupled therebetween. The trigger inflation assembly
carries a gas
cylinder having compressed lighter-than-air gas therein and is coupled to the
input of a deflated
marker airbag which in turn has its neck portion coupled to a tether which is
folded in anti-
fouling loops. When a lever is pulled by the wearer the gas in the cartridge
enters the airbag,
inflating the airbag after which the airbag automatically escapes, pulling the
tether upward along
with it. The tether is attached to the wearer and hence, the airbag becomes a
marker marking the
location of the wearer.
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A device for producing a rescue signal for use by a person who is lost or has
had an accident.
The device is in the form of a compact package including a casing containing a
deflated and
collapsed airbag, and a cartridge of compressed gas, such as helium, air, or
CO<sub>2</sub> and a hand
lever for forcing the cartridge to puncture it. A needle tube has a first,
pointed, end for
puncturing the cartridge, and a second end extending into the airbag, and the
airbag has a
sphincter valve normally holding the airbag on the needle tube, and closing
when the airbag is
inflated and released. A pull tab is provided on the airbag for grasping by
the user for releasing
the airbag, and a tether line is tied to the airbag and wound on a spool. The
casing is normally
closed, confining nearly all of the other components and readily opened
manually for exposing
those elements. It may be small and light in weight for carrying on the person
as in hiking,
skiing, mountain climbing, etc., or for scuba diving, or it may be larger for
carrying in a car, a
boat, airplane, etc. The device is made of inexpensive material and may be
considered a throw-
away item.
Rescue apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a tear-resistant airbag
bound to a frame
that is securable to a person. To initiate rescue action, the airbag is
inflated by pressurized gas to
buoy the attached person at, for example, the surface of the avalanche. The
apparatus is formed
by a frame with a collar to which the airbag is attached. A filling mechanism
for the airbag is
positioned within the frame and includes a nozzle valve that operates in
accordance with Venturi
action.
Lifesaving device for people in avalanches with two airbags, where at least
one airbag is a tear-
resistant airbag, which can be securable close to a user's body by means of an
attachment. In an
emergency the device is inflated by mean of pressurized gas so that it, just
like a buoyancy body,
keeps its user at the surface of the avalanche.
A filling device connects at least one of the airbags to at least one
pressurized gas container. The
filling device includes a device to open the container and is connected to a
filling hole of the
airbag, in which case the pressurized gas container with filling device is
secured, independent of
the airbag, to the body of the user. Each airbag includes at least one
pressurized gas container.
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The filling device for a complete, fulfilling of the airbags by means of the
pressurized gas drawn
from the pressurized gas bottles is connected via a pressure line to the
filling hole of the airbag.
All opening devices can be actuated via a common release mechanism.
An avalanche life saving system has at least one inflatable buoyancy body of
airbag design
secured close to a user's body, a filling unit, a compressed gas unit with a
compressed gas
container and a release mechanism capable of actuation without a tool and
attached to the
compressed gas unit via a quick coupling and a release tubing. Compressed gas
is transmitted to
the buoyancy body via the filling unit upon actuation of the release
mechanism. Actuation of the
release mechanism produces a controlled pressure wave, which starts the flow
of compressed gas
from the compressed gas container to the filling unit).
An avalanche life jacket having an airbag inflatable by a gas release system
upon actuation is
disclosed. The life jacket provides a torso strap and buckles for attaching
the life jacket to the
user. Prior to inflation, the airbag is folded and enclosed within the
harness. The harness encloses
the airbag via an enclosure mechanism, which opens during inflation of the
airbag to allow the
airbag to fully expand. The life jacket further comprises a gas release
system, which may be
automatically actuated by an accelerometer and/or manually actuated by the
user's pulling of a
release handle. Upon actuation, the gas release system releases gas into and
inflates the airbag.
The airbag inflates to surround at least the back and sides of the user's head
to thereby provide
physical protection and a thermal buffer between a portion of the user and the
external
environment, for example, during and after an avalanche and to facilitate
search and rescue of
the user after the avalanche. The inflated airbag also provides a buoyant
force against the
downward force exerted by the current of the avalanche as well as a supply of
breathable gas. A
hood or mesh is also included to shield the user from the external elements
such as snow and
thereby facilitate in preventing injury and/or suffocation during a fall or an
avalanche.
The avalanche survival pack assembly includes a main support chest pack
assembly to be
secured as by a waist support assembly and a shoulder harness assembly to a
user thereof; an
oxygen supply assembly or means to provide oxygen through a nose/mouth mask
assembly to be
worn by an avalanche victim and placed in operation on initially observing
being caught up
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within an avalanche condition; an auxiliary power supply assembly to provide
electrical battery
power to an oxygen conserving assembly or means and a radio signal transmit
beacon assembly
or means; 4) the radio signal transmit beacon assembly to transmit a radio
signal therefrom for
aiding in locating the avalanche victim by avalanche rescuers; a visual
location indicator
assembly having a lengthy, brightly colored ribbon-like material and having
one end connected
to the main support chest pack assembly and the other end to be trailed
outwardly hoping to be
exposed on a top surface of the avalanche snow pack; and a control circuit
assembly operable to
automatically energize itself on closing an "on" switch to provide oxygen to
the avalanche victim
even though the victim may be in an unconscious condition. The main pack
assembly is provided
with a C02 absorbing foam material which is important in increasing the
chances of an
avalanche victim's survival. The oxygen supply assembly has been modified with
an oxygen
conserving assembly to provide a pulsating supply of oxygen to the avalanche
victim which is
sufficient to provide a life-sustaining oxygen condition for a period of at
least one hour. The
nose/mouth mask assembly is provided with a face mask member having discharge
valve
members to discharge carbon dioxide from the nose and mouth sections of the
avalanche victim
and having a teeth grip member to be grasped by teeth of the avalanche victim
to securely hold in
a usage position.
Rescue apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a tear-resistant airbag
bound to a frame
that is securable to a person. To initiate rescue action, the airbag is
inflated by pressurized gas to
buoy the attached person at, for example, the surface of the avalanche. The
apparatus is formed
by a frame with a collar to which the airbag is attached. A filling mechanism
for the airbag is
positioned within the frame and includes a nozzle valve that operates in
accordance with Venturi
action.
An inflatable garment which is close fitting at neck, ankles, and wrists is
worn by a person
getting into it through an aperture which extends from neck to crutch and
which is closed by a
zip fastener or other suitable means. Canisters of a compressed gas which is
lighter than air are
fitted to the waistband of the garment. For fire escape the gas must also be
non-inflammable. The
gas is released by a quick release mechanism into voluminous pouches at the
sides, on top and
behind the shoulders. The gas will provide lift to the body overcoming much of
the body's
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weight to the extent of allowing the person to step off the level at which
there is danger and
descend to a lower level more slowly than without the garment.
An improved rescue device for locating persons buried by avalanches operates
in either a
transmit mode or a receive mode. A first belt terminator is lockably engagable
with a first belt
terminator receptor on a case, and is associated with a power switch. The
power switch switches
between a power on position and a power off position in response to the
engagement and
disengagement of the first belt terminator with the first belt terminator
receptor, and preferably is
also independently manually operable. A second belt terminator is lockably
engagable with a
second belt terminator receptor on the case, and is associated with a mode
switch. The mode
switch toggles between a transmit mode position and a receive mode position,
and preferably is
also independently manually operable. A signal processing system generates a
visual display
which provides graphic information to expedite searching. Prompt icons are
displayed when a
coarse search or a pin-point search should be conducted, when the stage of a
multistage amplifier
should be changed, or when the rescue device needs to be reoriented to obtain
maximum signal
strength. Preferably, the signal processing system also displays the signal
strength as a bar graph
and displays an estimated distance to the buried transmitter.
While these improved rescue devices for locating persons buried by avalanches
may be suitable
for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable
for the purposes of
the present invention, as hereinafter described.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a rescue device and, more
specifically, to a rescue
device for persons caught in an avalanche and/or mudslide. The avalanche
survival kit of the
present invention includes a backpack style apparatus having means for
discharging a body
supporting inflatable airbag able to support a predetermined amount of weight.
When deployed,
the body supporting airbag reduces the chances of the user from being covered
with avalanching
snow and allows the user to move along the surface of and in a direction of
the moving snow or
mud. The avalanche survival kit further includes a homing device transmitter
which is activated
upon deployment of the inflatable airbag.
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A primary object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit that overcomes
the shortcomings of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rescue device for
persons involved with
avalanches and/or mudslides.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit that securely
attaches to the user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit that includes a
backpack which is removeably secured to the user.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit including an
selectively inflatable body positioned within the backpack for deployment in
the case of an
avalanche.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit wherein the
selectively inflatable body is able to support a predetermined amount of
weight.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein the
selectively inflatable body, when inflated ranges between substantially five
feet and substantially
seven feet in length.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit wherein the
selectively inflatable body, when inflated, ranges between substantially two
feet and
substantially four feet in width.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein
the selectively inflatable body is tear-resistant.
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Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein the
selectively inflatable body is able to keep the user on the surface of at
least one of snow, mud
and debris.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein
the selectively inflatable body is deployed by at least one of a gas and
chemical reaction similar
to an airbag in a motor vehicle.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit wherein the gas
used to deploy the airbag is helium gas or other like gas.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein the
selectively inflatable body can deflate when no longer in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit including a
transmitter homing device when deployed.
Still an even further object of the present invention is to provide an
avalanche survival kit
wherein the transmitter is a global positioning transmitter able to transmit a
signal able to
provide a precise location to potential rescuers.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit wherein the
selectively inflatable device distinguishingly colored and marked for easy
visual identification
thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche survival
kit that is simple and
easy to use.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an avalanche
survival kit that is
economical in cost to manufacture.
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Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description
proceeds.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing
a rescue device
for persons involved with avalanches and the like that comprises a full body
protection.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the
description to follow. In the
description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part
hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be
practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the
art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized
and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. In
the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or
similar parts
throughout the several views.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope
of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be
described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention in use;
FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention in use;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the avalanche survival kit of the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
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FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention in use;
FIG. 10 a block diagram of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention; and
FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of the avalanche survival kit of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters denote similar
elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the avalanche
survival kit of the
present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following
numbering is used
throughout the various drawing figures. 10 avalanche survival kit of the
present invention 12
user 14 avalanche 16 housing 17 top side 18 adjustable arm harness 19 bottom
side 20 waist
harness 21 front side 22 transmitter 23 rear side 24 "D" ring 26 transmission
28 airbag 30 hook
and loop fastening leg strap 32 hook and loop fasteners 34 pull cord flap 36
pop off cover 37
aperture 38 pull cord 40 valve 42 compressed gas canister 44 compressed gas 46
compressed gas
line 48 release valve 50 exterior housing components 52 interior housing
components 54 body
attachment straps 56 deployment assembly 58 intake valve 60 pressure gauge
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention
(and several
variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed,
however, as limiting the
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invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art
will recognize
numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of
the invention, the
reader is directed to appended claims.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters denote similar
elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 12 illustrate an
avalanche survival kit of
the present invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral
10.
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention in use. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist harness 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof A
second end of the arm harness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another.
Located on a first outer edge of one of the waist harness straps is a pull
cord flap 34 which
protects a pull cord 38. Positioned at one end of the pull cord 38 is a "D"
ring 24. The user 12
pulls the "D" ring 24 which in turn pulls the pull cord 28 and deploys the
airbag 28 of the
avalanche survival kit 10 of the present invention. The housing 16 further
includes a transmitter
22 positioned thereon. The transmitter 22 is also connected to at least one of
the airbag 28 and
the pull cord 38 and is activated upon at least one of deployment of the
airbag 28 and pulling of
the pull cord 38. Upon activation of the transmitter 22, a signa126 as shown
in FIG. 2, is emitted
thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This signal is able to direct
the rescuer to the user 12
and increase the chance of survival. Preferably, the transmitter 22 is formed
integral with the
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housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal transmitted from the transmitter
22 is able to direct
the rescuer receiving the signal to the user 12 directly to the user. The
transmitter 22 is located
on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the transmitter 22 may be
selectively positioned on
any side of the housing 16.
Shown herein, a user 12 is wearing the avalanche survival kit 10 while skiing
when an avalanche
14 occurs. In response to the avalanche 14, the user 12 pulls the "D" ring 24
to deploy the airbag
28 as will be discussed hereinafter regarding FIG. 2 of the avalanche survival
kit 10 of the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention in use. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes the housing 16 selectively connected to the
user 12 by the arm
harness 18 and the waist harness 20. The housing 16 includes the selectively
inflatable tear-
resistant airbag 28 positioned therein which, when fully inflated reveals a
leg strap 30. The
housing 16 also includes the transmitter 22 for transmitting the signal 26
therefrom. Shown
herein the user 12 is wearing the avalanche survival kit 10 and anticipates
the avalanche 14. As
shown in FIG. 1, the user 12 actuates the "D" ring 24, which deploys the
airbag 28 from within
the housing 16. The manner in which the airbag 28 is deployed from the housing
16 will be
discussed hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 5-8. The deployment results in the
airbag 28 being
inflated. The user 12 is then able to further secure the airbag 28 to his body
through the use of
the Velcro leg strap 30. The user 121eans back onto the inflated airbag 28 and
is able to remain
above the surface of the avalanche 14. Additionally, deployment of the
avalanche survival kit 10
activates the transmitter 22, shown in FIG. 1, to send out a signa126 to alert
others of the
location of the user 12.
FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the
present invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
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16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist harness 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof. A
second end of the arm harness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another.
Located on a first outer edge of one of the waist harness straps is a pull
cord flap 34 which
protects a pull cord 38. Positioned at one end of the pull cord 38 is a "D"
ring 24. The user 12
pulls the "D" ring 24 which in turn pulls the pull cord 28 and deploys the
airbag 28 of the
avalanche survival kit 10 of the present invention. The housing 16 further
includes a transmitter
22 positioned thereon. The transmitter 22 is also connected to at least one of
the airbag 28 and
the pull cord 38 and is activated upon at least one of deployment of the
airbag 28 and pulling of
the pull cord 38. Upon activation of the transmitter 22, a signal 26 as shown
in FIG. 2, is emitted
thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This signal is able to direct
the rescuer to the user 12
and increase the chance of survival. Preferably, the transmitter 22 is formed
integral with the
housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal transmitted from the transmitter
22 is able to direct
the rescuer receiving the signal to the user 12 directly to the user. The
transmitter 22 is located
on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the transmitter 22 may be
selectively positioned on
any side of the housing 16.
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the
present invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist harness 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof. A
second end of the arm hatness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
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one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another. An air intake valve 58 is positioned upon the lower side of
the housing 16
providing means to charge and discharge the compressed air 44 to and from the
compressed gas
canister 42. A pressure gauge 60 is located adjacent to the transmitter 22
providing means to
monitor the pressure of the compressed gas 44.
Positioned on the front side 21 of the housing 16 a is selectively
displaceable cover 36. Upon
inflation of the airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, cover 36 is caused to be
ejected from the housing
16. The housing 16 further includes a transmitter 22 positioned thereon, and
upon deployment of
the airbag 28, the transmitter 22 is activated. Upon activation of the
transmitter 22, a signal 26 as
shown in FIG. 2, is emitted thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This
signal is able to
direct the rescuer to the user 12 and increase the chance of survival.
Preferably, the transmitter
22 is formed integral with the housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal
transmitted from the
transmitter 22 is able to direct the rescuer receiving the signal to the user
12 directly to the user.
The transmitter 22 is located on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the
transmitter 22 may
be selectively positioned on any side of the housing 16.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention taken along
line 5-5 in FIG. 4. The avalanche survival kit 10 includes the housing 16 for
retaining the airbag
28 therein. The housing 16 further includes the transmitter 22 positioned
thereon. The housing 16
has a front size 21 and a rear side 23. When the housing 16 is positioned on
the user 12 as shown
in FIG. 1, the rear side 23 is positioned adjacent to the back of the user 12.
The housing is
secured to the user via the arm harness 18 and the waist harness 20 as shown
in FIG. 1. The front
side 21 side of the housing 16 includes an aperture 37 which is covered by the
removeable cover
36. The aperture 37 allows the airbag 28, upon inflation, to pass therethrough
to displace the
cover 36 from the front side 21. An air intake valve 58 is positioned upon the
lower side of the
housing 16 providing means to charge and discharge the compressed air 44 to
and from the
compressed gas canister 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, intake valve 58
is connected to vain
40.
14
CA 02625325 2008-03-11
Positioned within the housing 16 is the airbag 28 and a mechanism for
deploying the airbag 20
from within the housing 16. The deployment mechanism includes a source of
compressed gas 42
having a line 46 connected thereto. The line 46 is connected at the end
opposite the source 42 to
the airbag 28. A valve 40 is positioned between the source 42 and the line 46
and remains in a
first closed position thereby preventing the gas in the source 42 to pass
through the line 46 and
into the airbag 28. The pull cord 38 is connected to the valve for actuation
thereof. The D ring 24
is connected to the pull cord 38 at an end opposite the connection of the
valve 40 and upon
actuation thereof, the valve 40 moves from a first closed position to a second
open position.
When the valve 40 is in the second open position, gas from the source 42
passes through the line
46 and into the airbag 28. This deployment process will be discussed in
greater detail hereinafter
with specific reference to FIGS. 6-8. The compressed gas 44 includes but is
not limited to a
pressurized gas such as helium, and is used to inflate the airbag 28 and keep
it buoyant. The
compressed gas 44 being helium is described for purposes of example only and
maybe be any
non-combustible gas that is able to rapidly inflate the airbag 28 and cause
the airbag 28 to remain
on the surface of avalanching snow andlor mud.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist harness 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof. A
second end of the arm harness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another. An air intake valve 58 is positioned upon the lower side of
the housing 16
providing means to charge and discharge the compressed air 44 to and from the
compressed gas
CA 02625325 2008-03-11
canister 42. A pressure gauge 60 is located adjacent to the transmitter 22
providing means to
monitor the pressure of the compressed gas 44.
Positioned on the front side 21 of the housing 16 a is selectively
displaceable cover 36. Upon
inflation of the airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, cover 36 is caused to be
ejected from the housing
16. The housing 16 further includes a transmitter 22 positioned thereon, and
upon deployment of
the airbag 28, the transmitter 22 is activated. Upon activation of the
transmitter 22, a signal 26 as
shown in FIG. 2, is emitted thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This
signal is able to
direct the rescuer to the user 12 and increase the chance of survival.
Preferably, the transmitter
22 is formed integral with the housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal
transmitted from the
transmitter 22 is able to direct the rescuer receiving the signal to the user
12 directly to the user.
The transmitter 22 is located on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the
transmitter 22 may
be selectively positioned on any side of the housing 16.
Shown herein, the avalanche survival kit 10 has been deployed. The deployment
results in the
airbag 28 being inflated. The airbag 28 is caused to inflate by pulling on the
D-ring 24 as shown
in FIG. 5 thereby opening the valve 40 and allowing the compressed gas 44 to
pass through the
gas line 46 and into the airbag 28. The inflating airbag 28 exerts a force on
the pop-off cover 36
and displaces the cover 36 from the front side 21 of the housing 16. Upon
inflating the airbag 28,
the transmitter 22 is caused to transmit a signa126 for receipt by a rescuer
to alert the rescuer of
the location of the user 12. The transmitter 22 is selectively activated by at
least one of actuation
of the D-ring 24, inflation of the airbag 28 and displacement of the cover 36.
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the
present invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist hamess 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof. A
16
CA 02625325 2008-03-11
second end of the arm harness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another.
Positioned on the front side 21 of the housing 16 a is selectively
displaceable cover 36. Upon
inflation of the airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, cover 36 is caused to be
ejected from the housing
16. The housing 16 further includes a transmitter 22 positioned thereon, and
upon deployment of
the airbag 28, the transmitter 22 is activated. Upon activation of the
transmitter 22, a signa126 as
shown in FIG. 2, is emitted thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This
signal is able to
direct the rescuer to the user 12 and increase the chance of survival.
Preferably, the transmitter
22 is formed integral with the housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal
transmitted from the
transmitter 22 is able to direct the rescuer receiving the signal to the user
12 directly to the user.
The transmitter 22 is located on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the
transmitter 22 may
be selectively positioned on any side of the housing 16.
Shown herein, the avalanche survival kit 10 has been deployed. The deployment
results in the
airbag 28 being inflated. The airbag 28 is caused to inflate by pulling on the
D-ring 24 as shown
in FIG. 5 thereby opening the valve 40 and allowing the compressed gas 44 to
pass through the
gas line 46 and into the airbag 28. The inflating airbag 28 exerts a force on
the pop-off cover 36
and displaces the cover 36 from the front side 21 of the housing 16. Upon
inflating the airbag 28,
the transmitter 22 is caused to transmit a signal 26 for receipt by a rescuer
to alert the rescuer of
the location of the user 12. The transmitter 22 is selectively activated by at
least one of actuation
of the D-ring 24, inflation of the airbag 28 and displacement of the cover 36.
FIG. 7 shows the
airbag 28 being at least partially inflated.
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the
present invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes a housing 16 having a tear-resistant
selectively inflatable
airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, positioned therein. The housing 16 is formed
preferably as a
backpack and includes a top end 17, a bottom end 19, a front side 21, and a
back side 23. The
17
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housing is substantially rectangular in shape. However, the housing 16 may be
formed in any
geometric shape. The housing 16 is removeably connected to back of the user
12. The housing
16 is connected to the user via arm harness 18 and waist harness 20. The arm
harness 18 is
attached at a first end to the backside 23 of the housing 16 proximate the top
end 17 thereof. A
second end of the arm harness 18 opposite the first end are releaseably
connected to a respective
one of the waist harness 20. The waist harness straps 20 extend from each side
of the housing 16
proximate the bottom end 19 thereof. At an end of each waist harness strap 20
opposite the
connection to the housing are hook and loop fasteners 32 for securing the
waist harness straps 20
to one another.
Positioned on the front side 21 of the housing 16 a is selectively
displaceable cover 36. Upon
inflation of the airbag 28, as shown in FIG. 2, cover 36 is caused to be
ejected from the housing
16. The housing 16 further includes a transmitter 22 positioned thereon, and
upon deployment of
the airbag 28, the transmitter 22 is activated. Upon activation of the
transmitter 22, a signal 26 as
shown in FIG. 2, is emitted thereby for receipt by a third party rescuer. This
signal is able to
direct the rescuer to the user 12 and increase the chance of survival.
Preferably, the transmitter
22 is formed integral with the housing 16 thereby ensuring that the signal
transmitted from the
transmitter 22 is able to direct the rescuer receiving the signal to the user
12 directly to the user.
The transmitter 22 is located on the top 17 of the housing 16. However, the
transmitter 22 may
be selectively positioned on any side of the housing 16.
Shown herein, the avalanche survival kit 10 has been deployed. The deployment
results in the
airbag 28 being inflated. The airbag 28 is caused to inflate by pulling on the
D-ring 24 as shown
in FIG. 5 thereby opening the valve 40 and allowing the compressed gas 44 to
pass through the
gas line 46 and into the airbag 28. The inflating airbag 28 exerts a force on
the pop-off cover 36
and displaces the cover 36 from the front side 21 of the housing 16. Upon
inflating the airbag 28,
the transmitter 22 is caused to transmit a signal 26 for receipt by a rescuer
to alert the rescuer of
the location of the user 12. The transmitter 22 is selectively activated by at
least one of actuation
of the D-ring 24, inflation of the airbag 28 and displacement of the cover 36.
The airbag 28 is shown in its fully inflated state. The airbag 28 further
includes a release valve
18
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48 for selectively releasing the gas contained therein in order to deflate the
airbag 28 when no
long needed. When fully inflated the airbag 28 is able to support a
predetermined amount of
weight of user while staying on the surface of at least one of avalanching
snow and sliding mud.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes the housing 16 having exterior housing
components 50 and
interior housing components 52. The exterior housing components 50 include the
pop off cover
36, the pull cord 38, the "D" ring, 24, the transmitter 22, and the body
attachment straps 54
which include the waist harness 20 and the shoulder harness 18. The interior
housing
components 52 include the airbag 28 and the deployment assembly 56. The
deployment
assembly includes the compressed gas canister 42, the compressed gas 44, the
compressed gas
line 46 and the valve 40.
The housing 16 is attached to the user via the body attachment straps 54. To
deploy the
avalanche survival kit 10, the user pulls on the "D" ring 24, which extends
from the waist
harness 20. Pulling the "D" ring 24 in turn pulls the pull cord 38. This force
on the pull cord 28
opens the valve 40 and allows the compressed gas 44 to flow from the
compressed gas canister
42 into the compressed gas line 46. The compressed gas 44 then flows into the
airbag 28 for
inflation thereof. As the airbag inflates the pop off cover 36 is displaced
and the airbag extends
out from the housing to be used to keep the user 12 above the surface of the
avalanche 14, shown
in FIG. 2. Additionally, when the avalanche survival kit 10 is deployed, the
transmitter 22 is
activated and sends out a transmission 26 to alert others of the location of
the user 12.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention. The
avalanche survival kit 10 includes the housing 16 having exterior housing
components 50 and
interior housing components 52. The exterior housing components 50 include the
pop off cover
36, the pull cord 38, the pull cord flap 34, the "D" ring, 24, the transmitter
22, and the body
attachment straps 54. The waist harness 20 and the shoulder harness 18 make up
the body
attachment straps 54. The interior housing components 52 include the airbag 28
and the
deployrnent assembly 56. The airbag 28 has a release valve 48. The deployment
assembly
includes the compressed gas canister 42, the compressed gas 44, the compressed
gas line 46 and
19
CA 02625325 2008-03-11
the valve 40.
The housing 16 is attached to the user via the body attachment straps 54. To
deploy the
avalanche survival kit 10, the user reaches under the pull cord flap 34 and
pulls on the "D" ring
24, which extends from the waist harness 20. Pulling the "D" ring 24 in turn
pulls the pull cord
38. This force on the pull cord 28 opens the valve 40 and allows the
compressed gas 44 to flow
from the compressed gas canister 42 into the compressed gas line 46. The
compressed gas 44
then flows into the airbag 28 and inflates it, so that it pushes off the pop
off cover 36 and can be
used to keep the user 12 above the surface of the avalanche 14, shown in FIG.
2. Additionally,
when the avalanche survival kit 10 is deployed, the transmitter 22 is
activated and sends out a
transmission 26 to alert others of the location of the user 12. To deflate the
airbag 28, the user
opens the release valve 48 to allow the compressed gas 44 to escape.
FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention. The steps
shown herein instruct the user 12 how to setup the avalanche survival kit 10
with compressed gas
44 is step S 114, and secure attach the avalanche survival kit 10 to their
body beginning in step
S 100. In step S 102, the user 12 inserts the right or the left arm into one
of the shoulder straps. In
step S 104, the user 12 inserts the opposite arm into the other shoulder
strap. Thereafter, in step
S 106, the user fastens the waist strap around their waist using the hook and
loop strap to make
sure the waist strap is secure. The user the adjusts the size of the first
shoulder strap in step S 108
followed by adjusting the opposite shoulder strap in step S 110. Finally, the
user in step S 112
identifies the location of the deployment pull cord on the waist strap.
FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of the avalanche survival kit 10 of the present
invention in use. In step
S200, the user equips himself with the avalanche survival kit 10 in the manner
described
hereinabove with respect to FIG. 11. In step S202 the user, wearing the
avalanche survival kit 10,
proceeds with his sporting or work activities and is subjected to avalanche
conditions as shown
in step S204. In step S206, at least one of an avalanche occurs and the user
expects that an
avalanche is likely to occur. At this point, the user pulls on the "D" ring
located on the waist
strap as in step S208. Pulling the "D" ring causes two actions to occur
simultaneously. First, in
step S210, the the transmitter is activated and caused to emit a homing
signal. Second, in step
CA 02625325 2008-03-11
S212, the valve attached to the compressed gas filled canister is caused to
move from a first
closed position to a second open position. Thereafter, in step S214 the
compressed gas is
expelled from the canister and flows into the airbag for inflation thereof as
in step S216. The
airbag causes the cover removeably connected to the housing to be displaced
therefrom as in step
S218 and in step S220, the further increased mass of the airbag causes the
airbag to be expelled
from the housing. Upon being expelled from the housing in step S220, the
released gas fills the
airbag to create a body supporting apparatus that is able to stay on the
surface of avalanching
snow and/or sliding mud.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described
and are pointed out
in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above,
since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in
the forms and
details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those
skilled in the art
without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the
present invention that
others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various
applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute
essential characteristics
of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
21
