Backpack for Fall Protection

Abstract

A backpack that includes an airbag and a release module that comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge. The backpack is configured such that the airbag, in a standby state, is deflated and stowed in a storage space of the backpack. The backpack is also configured such that the airbag is automatically inflated, in response to the control unit detecting a fall of a user of the backpack, by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag. The backpack is further configured such that the airbag, in an inflated state, protects a cervical spine and/or a chest region and/or shoulder region of the user.

Claims

1. A backpack for fall protection comprising: an airbag; a release module, which comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge; a storage space configured to receive and stow the airbag, in a standby state that is deflated; and wherein the airbag is automatically inflated, in response to the control unit detecting a fall of a user of the backpack, by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag to extend from the backpack to protect a cervical spine, a chest region, or a shoulder region of a user wearing the backpack.

2. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein release module is configured to bring the airbag from the standby state to the inflated state within 0.5 seconds or less.

3. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein inflation of at least a first airbag portion of the airbag releases the first airbag portion from the storage space through an opening through which the first airbag portion extends upon inflation and further comprising at least one of a zipper, a velcro fastener, or snaps, and wherein the opening is at least partially closed by the at least one of a zipper, a velcro fastener, or snaps when the airbag is in the standby state.

4. The backpack according to claim 3, wherein the at least one of a zipper, a velcro fastener, or snaps is configured to be opened by the airbag pressing against the at least one of a zipper, a velcro fastener, or snaps upon inflation.

5. The backpack according to claim 4, wherein the at least one of a zipper, a velcro fastener, or snaps includes a burst section.

6. The backpack according to claim 5, wherein the burst section is arranged at a top of the backpack and centered between shoulder straps.

7. The backpack according to claim 3, wherein in the standby state, at least part of the first airbag portion, is stowed in the storage space within shoulder straps and the opening of the storage space runs along a respective edge of the shoulder straps.

8. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the release module comprises a sensor unit comprising one or more sensors, and wherein the control unit is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor unit and, based on the sensor data, detect a fall of the user.

9. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the release module is removably stowed in an inner compartment inside of a main compartment.

10. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein, in the standby state, the airbag is inserted in the storage space in a fan-shaped folding shape.

11. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is made from a double weave of a woven material interwoven at outer edges of the airbag, and configured to bend at least part of the airbag into shape upon inflation of the airbag to wrap around the cervical spine, the chest region, or the shoulder region upon inflation.

12. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising a chest strap or a hip strap and wherein the release module is activated when a buckle of the chest strap or of the hip strap is in a closed state and deactivated when the buckle of the chest strap or the hip strap is in an opened state.

13. The backpack according to claim 12, wherein the buckle of the chest strap or the hip strap comprises a magnet and is configured to aid in closing the buckle.

14. The backpack according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the chest strap or the hip strap has a widened portion configured to at least partially shield the user from a magnetic field of the magnet, and wherein the buckle of the chest strap or the hip strap has indicators configured to indicate whether the release module is activated, whether a gas cartridge is correctly connected with the airbag, whether the gas cartridge is empty, or a battery state of the release module.

15. A method for protecting a cervical spine, a chest region, or a shoulder region of a user during a fall, the method comprising: arranging the user in a backpack comprising: an airbag; a release module, which comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge; a storage space configured to receive and stow the airbag, in a standby state that is deflated; automatically detecting a fall of the user of the backpack; and in response to detecting the fall of the user, automatically inflating the airbag by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: when a buckle of a chest strap or a buckle of a hip strap is closed, activating a release module that is configured to detect the fall of the user and release gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag; or when the buckle of the chest strap or the buckle of the hip strap is opened, deactivating the release module that is configured to detect the fall of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] In the enclosed figures,

[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic, not to scale illustration of an oblique view of a backpack;

[0079] FIG. 2 is a schematic, not to scale illustration of back view of the backpack;

[0080] FIGS. 3a to 3c are schematic, not to scale illustrations of the backpack when the airbag is in an inflated state;

[0081] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic, not to scale illustrations of at least part of the back side of the backpack in partially disassembled states and a detailed view of a buckle;

[0082] FIGS. 5a to 5c are schematic, not to scale illustrations of a top view of the backpack showing part of the storage space;

[0083] FIGS. 6a to 6c are schematic, not to scale illustrations of a main compartment and an inner compartment;

[0084] FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematic, not to scale illustrations of an airbag and release module removed from the storage space, wherein, in FIG. 7b some elements are omitted for simplicity and a cable, a chest strap, and a buckle are shown for illustrative purposes; and

[0085] FIG. 8 is a schematic, not to scale illustration of a release module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate different schematic, not to scale views of a backpack 1 and its components.

[0087] Not all of the elements that are part of the backpack are visible in all of the views illustrated in the figures. However, it is to be understood that they are nonetheless present, although not visible. Furthermore, it is to be understood that in the following a preferred embodiment is disclosed and the invention is not limited to the features in the combination shown below. That is, several of the features may be optional, in particular, may be omitted or replaced with other features as long as they still fall within the scope of the invention.

[0088] FIGS. 1 to 8 show a backpack 1, having an airbag 2, and a release module 3. The release module comprises a control unit 4 and gas cartridge 5. The gas cartridge may be arranged in an upright orientation, particularly with a portion that is connected to the airbag being arranged at the lower end of the gas cartridge. In the present example, the gas cartridge is arranged centrally, but it may alternatively also be arranged closer to one of the side panels of the main compartment.

[0089] The release module also comprises a sensor unit 11, which may comprise an acceleration sensor 11a, a gyroscope 11b, a magnetometer 11c, and a barometer 11d. Backpack also has a storage space 6, different portions of which are visible in some of the figures. In this example, a first airbag portion 2a, which is released from the storage space upon inflation, is stowed in a first portion 6a of the storage space and a second airbag portion 2b is stowed in a second portion 6b of the storage space.

[0090] The backpack further comprises fixing means 7a and 7b, that cooperate so as to releasably fix the airbag to the storage space. In this example, the fixing means comprise toggles 7a and button holes 7b that cooperate with the toggles. As an example, the airbag may have several, in this example eight, button holes, which in this example are provided along the first airbag portion 2a. The backpack may comprise several, in this example eight, toggles provided inside the storage space, in particular distributed along the length of the first portion 6a of the storage space.

[0091] Other fixing means may be used and the number of fixing means may be different. Moreover, it is also possible to omit fixing means altogether.

[0092] As illustrated in the figures, the storage space has an opening 8 through which the first airbag portion extends upon inflation of the airbag. Furthermore, the figures show closing means 9, in this case in the form of a zipper, specifically a single zipper in this example, the zipper being configured to close the opening of the storage space. In the present case, the first portion of the storage space 6a extends along the shoulder straps 10 of the backpack.

[0093] At the top of the backpack, in a central position vertically above the release module, a burst section 9a of the zipper is provided. The burst section in this example is covered by means of piece of cover material 9b, e.g., a flap that may be secured, for example, using a velcro fastener.

[0094] The storage space 6 in the present example has a second portion 6b that is arranged inside the main compartment 12 of the backpack, more specifically in an inner compartment 13 within the main compartment. The inner compartment can be closed off from the main compartment by closing means 13a, e.g., a zipper, fastening a fabric panel 13b.

[0095] Retaining means 14 may be provided inside the inner compartment, for example in the form of a sleeve as shown in the figures, so as to stabilize the release module, particularly the gas cartridge, in an upright orientation and/or limit upward motion of the release module.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the airbag may be arranged inside the inner compartment and adjacent to a back panel 12a of the main compartment.

[0097] A detailed view of the airbag is shown in FIG. 7a, where it can be seen that the airbag is made from a double weave, for example comprising two plies 15a and 15b that are interwoven at the outer edges 2c of the airbag. Moreover, as also shown in FIG. 7a, the airbag may comprise interwoven sections 2d.

[0098] As can be seen in some of the figures, there are several interwoven sections that extend vertically and several interwoven sections that extend horizontally. As explained above, this ensures that a proper three-dimensional shape is obtained when the airbag inflates.

[0099] For example, as shown in FIG. 7b, in an inflated state, the airbag takes a three-dimensional shape that resembles several adjacent cushions.

[0100] The backpack comprises a buckle 16 of chest strap 17, and a buckle 18 of hip strap 19. A cable 20 may connect at least one of the buckles, in this particular case the buckle 16 of the chest strap, with the release module. As indicated in the figures, the cable 20 may run through the storage space from the buckle to the release module, i.e. it may be accommodated in the storage space together with the airbag in a standby position.

[0101] As schematically indicated by means of a circle, at least buckle 16 of the chest strap comprises a magnet 21 that aids in closing the buckle. Moreover, at least buckle 16 of the chest strap comprises an indicator 22, for example comprising LEDs, which is configured to be a status indicator for the status of the release module. Buckle 18 optionally may also comprise a magnet and/or an indicator. However, in the present example it is shown without these elements and is shown as a side-release buckle without magnets or indicators.

[0102] It is noted that the backpack may comprise a USB charging port 25 for charging a battery of the release module. The charging port in this embodiment is shown as being located adjacent to the control unit, but other arrangements can be envisioned.

[0103] In order to obtain proper protection for the user, the position of the chest strap relative to the shoulder straps may be adjustable. In the backpack as shown in the figures, this is achieved by a daisy chain system by which the chest strap can be fixed in various positions along the shoulder straps. To do so, loops 23 and fixing means 24, for example snap hooks, configured to cooperate with the loops may be provided.

[0104] The figures also illustrate how the airbag may be stowed in the storage portion and how the release module may be stored in the inner compartment 13 within the main compartment 12 of the backpack.

[0105] As can be seen in the figures, the second airbag portion 2b, the end of which is attached to the release module, is placed in the inner compartment within the main compartment of the backpack, while the main compartment and the inner compartment are open. In this example, the cartridge is inserted from below into a sleeve that opens at least downwardly.

[0106] The first airbag portion 2a, which is configured to inflate to protect the user, are arranged in a folded state inside part of the first portion 2a of the storage space, particularly at least in the shoulder straps 10 of the backpack and a part of the storage space extending between the upper ends of the shoulder straps and connecting the parts of the storage space in the shoulder straps.

[0107] When closing means 9 for closing the opening of the storage portion, is provided, as part of assembling the backpack, the closing means may be closed after placing the first airbag portion into the storage space.

[0108] Furthermore, as part of assembling the backpack, the above-mentioned closing means 13a may be closed so as to close off the inner compartment from the main compartment.

[0109] In case there is a cable 20 that runs from the buckle of the chest strap to the release module, upon inserting the airbag in the storage space, particularly in the storage space in the shoulder straps, the cable can be placed inside the storage space together with the airbag. If the airbag is fixed to the inside of the storage space, assembling the backpack, particularly stowing the airbag into the storage space, may also include fixing the airbag to the inside of the storage space using the fixing means 7a and 7b described above.

[0110] In the following, an embodiment of an airbag for use in a backpack will be described making reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b. Some of the features of the airbag 2 described above may similarly apply to the airbag of this embodiment. The airbag is configured to, upon gas being automatically released into the airbag in response to a fall of the user of the backpack being detected, inflate so as to protect a cervical spine, a chest region, and/or a shoulder region of the user wearing the backpack. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, due to the configuration of the airbag, all three regions are protected. The airbag may be for use in a backpack as described above or any other suitable backpack.

[0111] In the following, an embodiment of a method will be described, in some cases making reference to the backpack and airbag as illustrated in the figures, for ease of understanding and to better illustrate the method. However, it is noted that the method can also be carried out with any other suitable backpack.

[0112] The method according to the present invention includes the step of protecting the cervical spine, chest region, or shoulder region or a combination thereof by means of an airbag, for example the airbag described above, which is stowed in a backpack, for example a backpack as described above, in a standby position. The method comprises the step of automatically detecting a fall of the user of the backpack and, in response to detecting the fall of the user, automatically inflating the airbag by releasing gas from a gas cartridge, for example gas cartridge 5 mentioned above, into the airbag.

[0113] The method may comprise the step of activating a release module, for example release module 3 shown in the figures and described above, that is configured to detect the fall of the user and release gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag when a buckle, for example buckle 16 of a chest strap 17 or buckle 18 of a hip strap 19, is closed. Alternatively or in addition, the method may also comprise the step of deactivating the release module when the respective buckle is opened.

[0114] More specifically, the user may put on the backpack and close one of the buckles 16 or 18. The buckle may sense whether it is opened or closed and communicate this information to the release module, thereby activating the release module when the buckle is closed and/or deactivating the release module when the buckle is open. When the release module is activated, a processing unit, for example processing unit 4 described above, monitors data from which it can detect a fall of the user. For example, the data that is used for detecting the fall of the user may be obtained by a sensor unit, for example sensor unit 11 described above. When a fall of the user is detected, the processing units triggers release of gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag. This can be achieved, for example, by automatically triggering a punch that opens the fluidic connection between the gas cartridge and the airbag through which gas is released into the airbag. When gas is released into the airbag, the airbag inflates and extends, for example through the opening of the storage space, outside of the storage space so as to protecting a cervical spine and/or a chest region and/or a shoulder region of the user.

[0115] The method may optionally comprise deactivating the release module in response to the user opening the buckle of the chest strap and/or the hip strap, e.g., for taking off the backpack after use. When the release module is deactivated, the processing unit will not trigger release of gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag. In particular, deactivating the release module may comprise that the processing unit stops monitoring for a potential fall altogether. In addition, deactivating the release module may comprise deactivating one or more of the sensors of the sensing unit.

[0116] Optionally, the method may also comprise, upon closing the buckle that activates the release module, activating an indicator, for example including LEDs, indicating the state of the release module, for example the battery state and/or the presence and/or pressure of the gas cartridge and/or whether the release module is activated.

[0117] Optionally, the method may also comprise putting the buckle that activates and/or deactivates the release module in a parking position when the buckle is open, so as to avoid that the buckle inadvertently closes and activates the release module.

[0118] The activation and/or deactivation of the release module may also be performed in other ways, for example using an on/off button or any other type of suitable mechanism.

[0119] The airbag may optionally be reused after inflation. The method may optionally comprise exchanging the gas cartridge, for example after the airbag has been inflated.

[0120] Optionally, the method may also include assembly or disassembly of a backpack, e.g., a backpack as described above. This may include placing the release module and the first airbag portion into an inner compartment inside the main compartment of the backpack, and optionally closing off the inner compartment from the main compartment. It may also include placing, the second airbag portion in the storage space, in particularly in a folded manner, and optionally fixing the first airbag portion in the storage space. It may further include closing the opening of the storage space. Assembly may optionally comprise placing a cable, e.g., the above-mentioned cable 20, inside the storage space together with the airbag. For example, these steps may be performed as already described above in the context of the embodiment describing the backpack. Disassembly may be performed by reversing the steps performed for assembly.

[0121] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In view of the foregoing description and drawings it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.