Airbag rescue system

Abstract

The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche, for example. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.

Claims

1. An airbag system for rescue in snow or water comprising: at least one inflatable airbag having an inflated state and a deflated state; a powered air mover; and a supporting device designed to support the at least one inflatable airbag and the powered air mover on a user of the airbag system or on equipment used by the user; the supporting device comprises a backpack having an upright panel configured to be supported against a user's back; in the deflated state, the supporting device being structured and arranged such that the at least one airbag is positioned within the supporting device; in the inflated state, the at least one airbag being structured and arranged to extend externally beyond the supporting device; and in the inflated state, a majority of the at least one airbag extending forwardly of the upright panel.

2. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the supporting device comprises a backpack having shoulder straps, the backpack supporting at least the at least one airbag and the powered air mover; in the deflated state, the at least one airbag is contained within the backpack.

3. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one ambient air intake positioned on an outer surface of the supporting device.

4. An airbag rescue system according to claim 3, further comprising: ambient air intake ducting positioned to channel ambient air from the at least one ambient air intake to the powered air mover.

5. An airbag for rescue in snow or water comprising: at least one inflatable airbag having an inflated state and a deflated state; a powered air mover comprising a means for inflating the at least one airbag with 100% ambient air to a volume of at least 100 liters in no more than 5 seconds; and a supporting device comprising a backpack having shoulder straps, the backpack being designed to support the at least one inflatable airbag and the powered air mover on a user of the airbag system; the backpack comprising an upright panel configured to be supported against a user's back; and in the deflated state, the at least one airbag being contained within the backpack; in the inflated state, the at least one airbag being structured and arranged to extend externally beyond the supporting device; and in the inflated state, the at least one airbag extending forwardly of the upright panel.

6. An airbag system according to claim 1, wherein: the supporting device comprises structure to support the at least one airbag respectively in the deflated state and in the inflated state; in the inflated state, the at least one airbag comprises at least a portion designed to be positioned proximate the user's head at the height of the user's head.

7. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the powered air mover comprises: a bladed rotor; an electric motor; and a battery connected to the electric motor for powering the electric motor for rotating the bladed rotor.

8. An airbag rescue system according to claim 7, wherein: the supporting device supports the battery as well as the electric motor and the at least one airbag.

9. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the powered air mover further comprises: a battery; a controller connected to the battery and the powered air mover, the controller being configured to control power to powered air mover.

10. An airbag rescue system according to claim 9, further comprising: a manual activation switch in communication with the controller, the switch being configured to be manipulated by the user and, via the controller, to selectively switch power to the powered air mover between off and on states.

11. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the airbag rescue system includes neither a compressed gas container nor a source of compressed gas.

12. An airbag rescue system according to claim 7, wherein: the electric motor has a weight of a fraction of a pound.

13. An airbag rescue system according to claim 12, wherein: the electric motor has a weight of no more than 98 grams.

14. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: in the inflated state, the at least one airbag is configured to extend at a height of the user's head on both sides of the user's head.

15. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the supporting device comprises a backpack; and the powered air mover is substantially centered, left-to-right, in relation to the backpack.

16. An airbag rescue system according to claim 1, wherein: the supporting device comprises a backpack; and the backpack includes a main compartment for housing the airbag in the deflated state, in addition to other pockets.

17. An airbag system for rescue in snow or water comprising: at least one inflatable airbag having an inflated state and a deflated state; a powered air mover; and a supporting device designed to support the at least one inflatable airbag and the powered air mover on a user of the airbag system or on equipment used by the user; in the deflated state, the supporting device being structured and arranged such that the at least one airbag is positioned within the supporting device; in the inflated state, the at least one airbag being structured and arranged to extend externally beyond the supporting device; in the inflated state, at least a majority of a volume of the at least one airbag extends above the powered air mover; and in the inflated state and in an upright position of the airbag system when supported on the user, a majority of the volume of the at least one airbag is positioned above a top of the supporting device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings which are provided only by way of non-limiting examples, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of backpack with which an airbag system according to the invention is incorporated, showing an airbag of the system in an inflated, deployed configuration;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the backpack and airbag system of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, illustrating components of the airbag system of the invention which are incorporated into the backpack;

(5) FIG. 4 is a view like that of FIG. 3, illustrating an alternative embodiment;

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an assembly of components mounted to an airbag, representing a specific non-limiting embodiment of the invention;

(7) FIG. 6 an exploded perspective view of the components of FIG. 5; and

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the components of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) The following detailed description is that of particular embodiments, including exemplary structures, materials, and arrangements of parts, as well as exemplary methods. However, it is to be understood that this description is presented for the purpose of enhancing an understanding of the invention and not to limit it to such particular embodiments and methods.

(10) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an airbag system 1 according to the invention, incorporated with a backpack 2, with an airbag 3 in a deployed, i.e., inflated, configuration.

(11) The backpack provides a structure for supporting various components of the airbag system, as further described below in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. The backpack includes an upright panel 4, adapted to lie against the back of the wearer, to provide rigidity to the backpack and support for components of the airbag system, as well as a pair of shoulder straps 5 and a waist belt 6, both with adjustable coupling elements, and a pad 7 for support against the lower back of the wearer. A backpack such as that disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0041906, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, having an upright panel (referred to therein as a sheet frame 42, e.g.), could be utilized in the invention to support certain components thereof.

(12) The backpack 2 can include a main compartment and various pockets like those of conventional backpacks. Alternatively, rather than comprising such attributes of conventional backpacks, only those components necessary for supporting the various components of the airbag system can be utilized. Thus, rather than having the airbag system incorporated into a backpack that has utility beyond merely supporting the airbag system, it is to be understood that the invention can be incorporated with what can be characterized as merely a supporting device, such as a harness. In this regard, therefore, the supporting device can be devoid of a main compartment and various pockets, e.g., although it can include a compartment, such as compartment 8, for storing the airbag 3 prior to inflation, in which case the supporting device could thereby be regarded as a backpack of a specialized type.

(13) In alternative embodiments, not shown, the airbag system of the invention can be incorporated with any of various articles of clothing, such as jackets or vests, for example. That is, such articles of clothing can have incorporated therein various supporting devices for the components of the airbag system.

(14) Although not shown with further particularity, the uninflated airbag(s) can be stored in compartment 8, prior to activation, and released from the compartment upon inflation of the airbag(s), in the manner of the systems disclosed in the aforementioned patents and publications, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,380 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0184343, for example, the disclosures of such patents and publications being incorporated by reference thereto for this purpose.

(15) To facilitate inflation of the airbag with 100% ambient air, at least one of the sides of the backpack includes a screen or ventilated panel 9 to enable the ambient air to be drawn in.

(16) FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate components of a particular embodiment of an airbag system according to the invention. Details of the airbag itself, deployed as in FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as the backpack, are depicted in broken lines.

(17) FIG. 3 illustrates a conduit 10, or intake ducting, providing an ambient air passageway for channeling air from the intake, such as through the ventilated panel 9, to an output, the latter opening at the airbag 3 for inflation. Alternatively, rather than a single conduit, a pair of such conduits, or intake ducting, such as conduits 10a, 10b in FIG. 4, can be employed, pulling in ambient air from respective ones of a pair of spaced-apart intakes 9 positioned on respective ones of the sides of the backpack. The conduit(s) 10 or 10a, 10b, can be mounted on, or can be supported by, the panel 4 of the backpack, with the air intake, i.e., vent 9, being positioned on an outer surface of the backpack or harness, as shown in the drawing figures.

(18) Proximate the output end of the conduit 10 in FIG. 3, or at the junction of the conduits 10a, 10b, proximate the output end thereof, in FIG. 4, an air movement device that includes, e.g., a fan, such as a rotor having a plurality of blades, is positioned within the conduit for drawing in ambient air from the intake and pushing the air through the output for inflating the airbag 3.

(19) The invention encompasses other forms of air movement devices for achieving the objectives of the invention, particularly that of fully inflating an airbag volume (such as at least 150 liters or more) within a predetermined time period (such as no greater than five seconds, or less). For example, a ducted fan blower, a rotary or centrifugal fan/compressor, an axial fan/compressor (turbine), a rotary vane pump/blower/compressor, a gear pump, and a squirrel-cage blower/fan are all possibilities within the scope of the invention.

(20) Further, in this regard, the fan/blower/compressor (i.e., generally referred to here as an “air movement device” or a part of such device) can be a single or a multi-stage configuration. To achieve higher pressures or a stronger draw of ambient air (if required based upon the application), multi-stage blowers in series, e.g., can be used (as with axial turbine compressors or two centrifugal vacuum cleaners). To achieve higher flow/fill rates or redundancy for safety, parallel systems can be used. A combination of two types of blowers also can be used (such as a rotary vane pump for high pressure for initial airbag deployment used with an axial ducted fan for very high volume air movement).

(21) With further reference to the illustrated embodiment, the air movement device (hereafter “fan,” for convenience) is powered by an electric motor 11, such as an inrunner or outrunner brushless DC motor, the fan 12 being positioned within a conduit proximate the output end thereof, with the fan being mounted on the output shaft of the motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 11 is positioned downstream of the fan 12. Alternatively, the motor can be mounted exteriorly of the conduit, supported on the panel 4 of the backpack, with a right-angle drive that couples the shaft of the fan with the output shaft of the motor or, in the case of an inrunner brushless motor, with the fan mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox which is mounted to the motor. The invention encompasses other types of electric motors, as well, which are suitable for achieving the objectives of the invention. More particularly, FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate an outrunner brushless DC motor 11, with a fan 12 mounted on its output shaft.

(22) Also supported proximate the motor and fan, and wired to the motor, is the electric power supply, in the form of a battery 13, such as of the lithium-polymer (LiPo) type, and a controller 14, such as that which provides digital control. The invention encompasses other forms of power supply and control for achieving the objectives of the invention, including, e.g., a heated or self-heated battery.

(23) Although the airbag illustrated in the drawings, such as in FIGS. 1 and 2, is positioned at the height of the head of the wear and extends from the rear and along both sides of the head, the invention is not limited to such particular shape and can be suitably practiced with other shapes. In addition, although a single airbag is shown, the invention can be suitably practiced with a pair of airbags, as disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,380 and other documents, or more than two airbags.

(24) Further, the total volume of the airbag 3 could be approximately 150 liters, although the volume can be larger if desired, such as within a range of approximately 150-300 liters, inasmuch as there would not appear to be a large penalty, such as an additional increment of weight of the system, for utilizing airbag(s) with a larger volume.

(25) On at least one of the shoulder straps, a trigger 15, or activation switch, is positioned, such trigger being coupled to the controller 14 via wire 16 (see FIGS. 3, 4). The trigger can be any of several types, requiring a push, a pull, a twist, or other manipulation for initiating the electrical activation of the system and the inflation of the airbag(s). In certain embodiments encompassed by the invention, the trigger has a size and shape that particularly facilitates manipulation with a gloved hand. The wired electrical connection 16, extending between the trigger 15 and the controller 14, either along or within the structure of the strap to which the trigger is mounted.

(26) In operation, when the wearer (skier, hiker, snowmobiler, e.g.) becomes aware of an avalanche situation, he/she manipulates the trigger 12, resulting in a signal being sent to the controller 14, thereby powering the motor 11 to begin rotation of the fan 12, for drawing ambient air through the passageway(s) 10 or 10a, 10b, to the output, for inflation of the airbag 3.

(27) According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the fan pumps ambient air into the airbag for a predetermined time. For fully inflating a 150-liter airbag, the “on” signal from the controller to the motor could be transmitted for at least five seconds. Alternatively, for safety reasons, the fan could be powered for a longer duration, i.e., greater than a calculated full-inflate time, greater than five seconds, i.e., such as 10-15 seconds or more, for the aforementioned 150 liter airbag. This could accommodate variations in ambient conditions, such as including variations in temperature and pressure, which could affect a predetermined full-inflate time.

(28) In a simplified embodiment according to the invention, the airbag system includes, in addition to the airbag(s), an air movement device (such as a fan), an electric motor, a power source (including a battery, for example), and an on/off switch, whereby, when the wearer becomes aware of an avalanche, the switch is manipulated, thereby powering the motor, which turns the fan until the power source is depleted or until the wearer were to move the switch to the off position.

(29) In an enhanced embodiment, e.g., the airbag system of the invention can include an air pressure sensor to monitor pressure within the airbag, whereby the motor would be signalled to cycle off power to the fan upon attaining a predetermined pressure. In fact, each of the aforementioned time cycles for inflation (i.e., five seconds, or 10-15 seconds, e.g.) and the pressure-sensed power-control for inflation could be used separately in respective embodiments, or in combination. In the latter case, e.g., the pressure sensing could be used as a cut-off for a time-dependent system, whereby power would be interrupted before the end of the time duration if pressure reaches a set level.

(30) In any case, the invention encompasses the alternate cycling of power to the fan, i.e., on and off, after an avalanche but prior to recovery, either as a function of a set time interval or as a function of an airbag pressure drop below a set level. This feature, of course, is unavailable with known systems that rely upon a one-time-use compressed gas container to inflate the airbag(s). Further, in this regard, modern battery technology, including LiPo batteries, e.g., enables multiple airbag deployments between charges.

(31) In yet an additional enhanced embodiment of the invention, the airbag is fitted with an overflow valve (or pressure-relief valve), so that the fan (or blower or compressor) delivers breathable air to the vicinity of the user's head. In this regard, such a valve supplies breathable air continuously or in incremented cycles, whereby the fan is cycled on and off, as long as the power supply is not depleted. The overflow air could be delivered manually by the wearer by means of an appropriate control member positioned near the trigger, e.g., and/or automatically (for safety reasons, inasmuch as the wearer might be in an incapacitated state), such as by means of an appropriate control algorithm.

(32) For the aforementioned enhanced embodiment, the supply of breathable air, post-avalanche, would be drawn in via the intake vents/screen(s) 9, particularly if either side of the backpack, and vents/screen(s) 9, are exposed, or from the snow-pack.

(33) FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are directed to a specific, yet non-limiting, embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a motor 11, to which a bladed rotor 12 is attached, for drawing in ambient air to an airbag through a dual source ducting arrangement (similar to that of FIG. 3). A flange 112 mounts the motor 11 and certain associated components to the airbag 31, a cut-away portion of the airbag being shown for convenience in FIG. 5. Adhesive or mechanical fastener(s) can be used, if necessary, to secure the flange to the airbag if determined to be advantageous or necessary. The flange 112 is shown with a wiring port through which the electrical connection extends between the digital speed controller and the motor.

(34) FIGS. 5-7 identify the details of specific components of an exemplary embodiment for carrying out the invention. These details are presented only for the purpose of enhancing an understanding of the invention, although the scope of the invention is not limited to such details, nor are the details shown and described in FIGS. 5-7 intended to represent essential elements nor essential limitations of the invention.

(35) As an example, FIG. 5, illustrates an assembly schematic of centrifugal avalanche airbag blower, showing power supply, digital control, ducting, and mounting to airbag. The assembly comprises: a battery 13 having the following features: Lithium-ion polymer; 1200 (100 g, 3 cell) to 1700 (200 g, 4 cell) mAh; 11.1V or 14.8V; Burst discharge 55 degrees C.; 92 mm×35 mm×32 mm; a digital brushless speed controller 14 having the following features: Constant current 40 A; Max Current 50 A (10 s); 35 grams; 65 mm×25 mm×9 mm; a motor 11 secured on the avalanche airbag fabric 31, having the following features: 3900 KV w/14.8 V or 5100 KV w/11.1V Brushless DC motor; rpm=KV rating×battery voltage; Voltage range: 6-14.8V; Dimensions: 28 mm diameter×35 mm length; 98 grams; 3.17 mm shaft diameter; 35 amp draw at maximum efficiency; an intake ducting 19 having the following features: dual source ducting; 2×to single 50 m I.D.

(36) FIGS. 6 and 7 represent an exploded view of a centrifugal blower and motor for an avalanche airbag comprising: the motor 11 defined above; a motor mount/rotor casing 111 having the following features: nylon 6.6; heat guard for airbag fabric; rotor blade guards; a mounting flange 112 having the following features: Thermoplastic Polyurethane; wiring port; sews or welds to airbag; blower assembly installed with circular clamp; a rotor 12 having the following features: fiber-reinforced nylon 6.6; helical blade centrifugal rotor, 7- or 9-blade; a rotor casing/intake duct 113 having the following features: nylon 6.6 50 mm i.d. duct intake; ball bearing bracket; a diaphragm check valve 114 made in silicone; a check valve housing 115 made in nylon 6.6.

(37) In this regard, for example, the invention illustratively disclosed herein—with regard to FIGS. 5-7 as well as with regard to the invention shown in the other drawing figures and described elsewhere herein—suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

(38) Finally, although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, structures, materials, and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particulars explicitly disclosed and extends to all equivalents within the scope of the claims.