WO2023227498A1

WO2023227498A1 - Avalanche airbag backpack system

Info

Publication number: WO2023227498A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/063575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias WERZ
Original assignee: ADVENATE GmbH
Priority date: 2022-05-27
Filing date: 2023-05-22
Publication date: 2023-11-30
Also published as: DE102022113412A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an avalanche airbag backpack system (100) comprising a) a main element (10) which has one or more shoulder straps (14, 15), b) an additional element (40, 40a, 40b) which can be detachably fastened to the main element (10) and has a holding space (52), c) an inflatable avalanche airbag (54), wherein d) the avalanche airbag (54) is arranged in the holding space (52) of the additional element (40, 40a) at least prior to inflation of the avalanche airbag (54).

Description

Avalanche backpack system

Description:

The invention relates to an avalanche backpack system with a base element that has one or more carrying straps, an additional element that can be detachably attached to the base element and has a receiving space, and an inflatable avalanche airbag.

Avalanche backpack systems are generally known. They are used in various mountain sports, such as touring. Avalanche backpack systems have an avalanche airbag, often also called a buoyancy body. When an avalanche is triggered, a mountain athlete can deploy the avalanche airbag, increasing the surface area of the avalanche athlete. This is intended to ensure that the mountain athlete essentially floats up and is not buried.

An avalanche backpack cannot generally be used for other sports because the avalanche airbag and the associated release devices are usually permanently installed, have a certain weight and take up a lot of space.

However, it is desirable to create a backpack system that can not only be used in winter for winter sports but can also be used for other sports or activities.

Accordingly, the task is to provide a backpack system that can be used universally. According to the invention, this task is solved by an avalanche backpack system with a. a base element that has one or more carrying straps, b. an additional element that can be detachably attached to the base element, c. an inflatable avalanche airbag, whereby d. the additional element has a receiving space surrounded by a cover and the avalanche airbag is arranged in the receiving space of the additional element at least before the avalanche airbag is inflated.

Because the avalanche airbag is arranged in the receiving space of the additional element, in particular in the empty and/or folded state, at least before inflation, i.e. before it is triggered by the user, and the additional element is releasably arranged on the base element, the additional element together with the avalanche airbag be detached from the base element and another additional element be connected to the base element. When the additional element containing the avalanche airbag is connected to the base element, an avalanche backpack is created. If the additional element that has the avalanche airbag is replaced by another additional element that does not have an avalanche airbag, the backpack system can be used for other activities without having to additionally carry the avalanche airbag. Most of the components required for the avalanche airbag can therefore be arranged in the receiving space of the additional element. The base element can be used for other purposes. The additional element can in particular form a closed storage space in which the avalanche airbag can be arranged. The storage space can be accessible via a lockable opening.

Since the additional element can be detached from the base element, additional elements of different sizes can also be combined with the base element.

According to a further development, it can be provided that the avalanche airbag can be completely removed from the additional element. This means that the airbag that has not been deployed can be removed. It is understood that a triggered avalanche airbag must at least partially leave the recording space in order to be able to enlarge the surface area of a user.

It is therefore not even necessary to provide a second additional element, but rather the one additional element can accommodate the avalanche airbag and then be used together with the base element as an avalanche backpack or the avalanche airbag can be removed from the additional element, so that a backpack is created that is suitable for Other activities that do not require an avalanche airbag can be used.

Because the avalanche airbag can be completely removed from the additional element, it can be easily replaced if it becomes worn or damaged without having to purchase a completely new avalanche backpack.

The base element can have a plurality of first connecting elements which cooperate with a plurality of second connecting elements of the additional element. The connecting elements must be designed to be so stable that they can withstand the stress of an avalanche. A conventional zipper is usually not suitable for this.

At least some of the first and/or second connecting elements can be designed as or have belt loops. The belt loops can be firmly connected, in particular sewn, to the base element or the additional element.

Furthermore, at least some of the first and/or second connecting elements can be designed as or have buckles or toggles. These buckles or toggles are preferably made of a highly resilient material. For example, they can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. The buckles or toggles can also be firmly attached to the Base element or the additional element can be connected. They can also be sewn in place, if necessary using belt straps.

For the additional connection of the base element and additional element, a particularly circumferential zipper can be provided. The zipper can be arranged outside the first and second connecting elements and thus cover them when the zipper halves are connected. This zipper can also prevent dirt from getting in between the base element and the additional element.

A triggering mechanism for the avalanche airbag can be provided on the base element. The trigger mechanism may include, for example, a handle that can be pulled by a user. The trigger mechanism may have activation cables. The handle can be connected to the activation cables to deploy the airbag. The trigger mechanism can include a Bowden cable. The trigger mechanism can include electrical and/or pyrotechnic elements. It can be provided that the electrical and/or pyrotechnic elements can be triggered via the handle.

Furthermore, a breathing tube can be provided on the base element. A mouthpiece can be provided at one end of the breathing tube, which the user can feed into his mouth. The mouthpiece can be coupled to the trigger mechanism. In particular, the handle of the trigger mechanism can be combined with the mouthpiece, which is connected to the breathing tube. The breathing tube can be designed as an inhalation or exhalation tube. The breathing tube can be perforated and fresh air can be directed to a buried person through the perforated tube on the shoulder strap. There does not necessarily have to be a mouthpiece or a handle at the end of the breathing tube. The breathing tube can be designed according to US 2020 360 738 Al. The breathing tube can run in sections between the base element and the additional element. It is also conceivable that the breathing tube runs at least in sections in the additional element. For this purpose, the additional element can have a through opening for the breathing tube. Elements of the triggering mechanism, for example activation cables, can also be guided through this through opening.

The additional element can have a predetermined tear point that tears open when the avalanche airbag deploys. This allows the avalanche airbag to at least partially leave the additional element when it is inflated, creating a larger surface area around the user.

The additional element can have an air-permeable suction area through which air can be sucked in to inflate the avalanche airbag. In particular, the cover or wall of the additional element can have an area that is permeable to air. The avalanche airbag can be coupled to the additional element in the area of the suction area.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if an inflation mechanism is provided for inflating the avalanche airbag. This is preferably arranged in the additional element.

The inflation mechanism can, for example, have a blower and/or a gas cartridge. An electrical energy source can also be provided, for example to operate a blower or a hair dryer. The inflation mechanism may be coupled to the release mechanism.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following detailed exemplary embodiments of the invention, from the figures in the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to be understood to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features according to the invention can be made clearly visible. The different features can Each can be implemented individually or in groups in any combination in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing, exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in various stages of use and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a base element of an avalanche backpack system;

2 shows an additional element that can be connected to the base element;

Fig. 3 shows a representation of the interior of the additional element;

4 shows an alternative representation of the interior of the additional element;

5 shows an alternative embodiment of the base element;

Fig. 6 an avalanche backpack system;

Fig. 7 is a view from the front of the avalanche backpack system;

8a - 8c different additional elements;

9 shows a first connecting element;

10 shows a second connecting element;

Fig. 11 coupled first and second connecting elements. Figure 1 shows a base element 10, which has a base element body 12, in particular a back plate. The base element 10 has carrying straps 14 and a hip belt 16. On the side of the base element body 12 facing away from a user, several first connecting elements 18 are provided, which will be described in more detail later. The first connecting elements 18 serve to connect an additional element to be described.

The base element 10 has a triggering mechanism 20 for an avalanche airbag. The trigger mechanism 20 can, for example, have one or more activation cables, in particular Bowden cables 22. Furthermore, the trigger mechanism 20 can have a handle 24. The handle 24 can be designed as a mouthpiece and connected to a breathing tube 26.

The breathing tube 26 is guided through a through opening 28 in the base element body 12. If necessary, the Bowden cable 22 can also be guided through the through opening 28. Sections of the trigger mechanism 20 and sections of the breathing tube 26 can be guided along the carrying strap 14. On the back of the base element body 12, the breathing tube 26 can be fixed in its position by holding elements 30, for example webbing. In the exemplary embodiment shown, an exhalation area 32 is provided at the end of the breathing tube 26, through which CO2 can be released.

Furthermore, a first element 34 of a circumferential zipper 36 can be seen.

Figure 2 shows an additional element 40, which can be detachably attached to the base element 10 of Figure 1. For fastening, the additional element 40 has second connecting elements 42, which cooperate with the first connecting elements 18. The first and second connecting elements 18, 42 are designed to withstand the forces triggered by an avalanche can and prevents the additional element 40 from being torn from the base element 10 by an avalanche.

The second part 44 of the zipper 36 is arranged on the additional element 40. When the first and second parts 34, 44 of the zipper 36 are connected to one another, they cover the first and second connecting elements 18, 42. Both the zipper 36 and the connecting elements 18, 42 are arranged in the peripheral area of the base element 10 and the additional element 40.

The additional element 40 has a receiving space in which an avalanche airbag is arranged. So that the avalanche airbag can at least partially leave the additional element 2 when it is deployed or inflated, a predetermined breaking point 46 is provided. This tears open when the avalanche airbag is inflated. So that the avalanche airbag can be inflated, an air-permeable suction area 48 is provided in the cover 50 of the additional element 40. The shell 50 surrounds the recording space. The additional element 40 therefore forms a closed storage space.

Figure 3 shows the interior of the additional element 40, in particular the interior of a receiving space 52. An avalanche airbag 54 is arranged in the additional element 40, in particular its receiving space 52. In the non-inflated state, the avalanche airbag 54 can be arranged in areas along the circumference of the additional element 40 in the receiving space 52. An inflation mechanism 56, which is arranged in the area of the suction area 48, is connected to the avalanche airbag 54. When the avalanche airbag 54 is inflated via the inflation mechanism 56, the avalanche airbag 54 deploys, causing the predetermined tear point 46 to tear. The avalanche airbag 54 thereby leaves the additional element 40 in some areas. In order to protect the inflation mechanism 56, a housing 58 can be provided, see Figure 4.

4 it can also be seen that the additional element 40 has a through opening 60 through which the trigger mechanism 20, In particular, an activation cable, for example the Bowden cable 22, can be guided to the inflation mechanism 56 within the housing 58. In particular, the housing 58 can surround an airbag piercing unit or a fan.

Figure 5 shows that the trigger mechanism 20 can also be removed from the base element 10. It can also be seen that instead of the first connecting elements 18, second connecting elements 46, which are designed as loops, can be arranged on the base element 10. Accordingly, first connecting elements, which can be designed, for example, as toggles or clasps, can then be arranged on the additional element 40. A mixture is also conceivable, such that some first connecting elements are provided on the base element 10 and some first connecting elements on the additional element 40 and correspondingly some second connecting elements on the base element 10 and some second connecting elements on the additional element 40.

6 shows the avalanche backpack system 100 according to the invention with additional element 40 arranged on the base element 10.

Figure 7 shows a view from the front of the backpack system 100. In particular, it can be seen that in addition to the carrying straps 14, 15, a chest strap 62 can be provided. It can also be seen that the handle 24 is also designed as a mouthpiece.

8a shows an additional element 40 in a standard size, it being provided that an avalanche airbag can be arranged therein in a detachable manner, in particular in a detachable manner.

Figure 8b shows an alternative embodiment of an additional element 40a, which is larger than the additional element 40. An avalanche airbag can also be arranged in the additional element 40a in a completely removable manner, in particular in a detachable manner. There is also additional storage space available to transport additional items.

Figure 8c shows an additional element 40b, which can be used for other sports or activities and does not have an avalanche airbag, but also forms a storage space or has a receiving space. Accordingly, no suction area is provided for the airbag. Since there are no (tensile) forces of an avalanche to endure here, it may be sufficient to connect the additional element 40b via the zipper 36. Additional connecting means can, but do not necessarily have to, be provided on the additional element 40b. The additional elements 40, 40a, 40b described above thus represent replaceable luggage compartments of the backpack system 100, which can be coupled to the base element 10 as required. At least one additional element 40 can be designed to accommodate (and fasten there) an avalanche airbag 54 in the receiving space (52).

Figure 9 shows a first connecting element 18, which has a buckle 70, in particular made of metal, preferably aluminum or stainless steel. The buckle 70, which can also be viewed as a toggle, is firmly connected to the base element body 12 via a webbing 72.

Figure 10 shows a second connecting element 42, which is designed as a folded and sewn webbing 74. The webbing 74 is firmly sewn to the additional element 40.

Figure 11 shows connected first and second connecting elements 18, 42.

Claims

Claims Avalanche backpack system (100) with a. a base element (10) which has one or more carrying straps (14, 15), b. an additional element (40, 40a, 40b) which can be releasably attached to the base element (10), c. an inflatable avalanche airbag (54), characterized in that d. the additional element (40, 40a, 40b) has a receiving space (52) surrounded by a cover (50), the avalanche airbag (54) being in the receiving space (52) of the additional element (40, 40a) at least before the avalanche airbag (54) is inflated ) is arranged. Avalanche backpack according to claim 1, characterized in that the avalanche airbag (54) can be completely removed from the additional element (40, 40a). Avalanche backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (10) has a plurality of first connecting elements (18) which cooperate with a plurality of second connecting elements (42) of the additional element (40, 40a, 40b). Avalanche backpack according to claim 3, characterized in that at least some of the first and/or second connecting elements (18, 42) are designed as belt loops or have such.

5. Avalanche backpack according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least some of the first and / or second

Connecting elements (18, 42) are designed as buckles or toggles or have such.

6. Avalanche backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particularly circumferential zipper (36) is provided for the additional connection of the base element (10) and additional element (40, 40a, 40b).

7. Avalanche backpack system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a triggering mechanism (20) for the avalanche airbag is provided on the base element (10).

8. Avalanche backpack system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a breathing tube (26) is provided on the base element (10).

9. Avalanche backpack system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (40, 40a) has a predetermined tear point (46) which tears open when the avalanche airbag (54) deploys 0. Avalanche backpack system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Additional element (40, 40a) has an air-permeable suction area (48) through which air can be sucked in to inflate the avalanche airbag (54). 1. Avalanche backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inflation mechanism (56) is provided for inflating the avalanche airbag (54).