Articulating support assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus

Joint support assembly for self-contained breathing apparatus Background art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a self-contained respirator worn on the back of a user, and more specifically, to a self-contained respirator having an engaging support assembly.

[0002] Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (sometimes referred to as compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA)) is used by first responders such as firefighters, law enforcement personnel, military personnel, and other rescue and emergency workers in hazardous or dangerous situations. Devices used when operating in the environment °SCBA usually includes several main components, including pressure gas tanks or cylinders, pressure regulators, inhalation connections (such as mouthpieces or masks), and a carrier frame or support assembly worn by the user.

[0003] Respirators are well known in the prior art. For example, US Patent 7,191,790 (Mele) describes a quick connect pressure reducer and cylinder valve for use with SCBA. U.S. Patent 9,004,068 (Phifer et al.) describes a self-contained breathing apparatus that includes a cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi. The SCBA includes a first regulating valve and a second regulating valve, a mask, and a mask for supporting the cylinder on the operator. The frame of the back. US Patent 9,257,028 (Parkulo) describes a portable device that can be used with respirators such as SCBA. The contents of U.S. Patent 7,191,790 (Mele), U.S. Patent 9,004,068 (Phifer et al.), and U.S. Patent 9,257,028 (Parkulo) are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] Self-contained respirators have always been essential equipment in various situations and environments. Therefore, there is always a need to improve the performance and use of such equipment. In particular, there is a continuing need to improve the comfort, usability, durability, care (for example, maintainability and cleanliness), and repairability of a load-bearing frame or support assembly used to support the SCBA on the operator's back.

Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a respirator, such as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which includes, for example, a pressure tank or cylinder, a pressure regulator, an inhalation connection (such as a mouthpiece or a mask), and is worn by a user The load-bearing frame or support component. [0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an SCBA that includes a support assembly that includes: a back frame configured to be worn on the back of a user; a lumbar pad, which is removably attached Connected to the lower region of the back frame; and a first elongated fixing member arranged to removably fix the back frame to the waist pad, wherein the first elongated fixing member is configured to allow the waist pad to be at a predetermined position relative to the back frame Move within the range of motion.

[0007] The advantages of certain embodiments of the SCBA and support assembly described herein include: the support assembly allows increased mobility and freedom of movement, thereby increasing the comfort of the wearer, so that the SCBA can be used without tools It is easy to assemble and disassemble, and all the fabric parts of the support assembly (including lumbar pads, shoulder strap assembly and pouch for storing emergency breathing support system (EBSS)) can be easily removed and replaced for cleaning, maintenance and /Or repair.

Description of the drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view showing an SCBA support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the SCBA support assembly of FIG. 1, showing the support assembly in its assembled state.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a detailed view of the area marked A in FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the SCBA support assembly of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the SCBA support assembly of FIG. 2.

[0013] Figure 5 is a plan view of an emergency breathing support system (EBSS) pouch used with the SCBA support assembly shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Detailed ways

[0014] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which in several views, the same reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding parts. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used to support the Support component on the back of the person 2. In addition to the support assembly 2, the SCBA may also include other components normally associated with the SCBA, such as a pressure gas tank or cylinder, at least one pressure regulator, and a suction connection (such as a mouthpiece or a mask). In order to make the support assembly 2 look clearer, the pressure gas tank, the pressure regulator and the suction connection are not shown in the figure. In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 2 generally includes a back frame 4, a lumbar pad 6, a shoulder strap assembly 8, and a pair of elongated fixing members 10,12. These features will be explained in detail below.

[0015] The back frame 4 is configured to be located adjacent to the user's back when the user wears the support assembly 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the back frame 4 is generally rigid and has a unitary (ie, one-piece) construction. In one embodiment, the back frame 4 may be formed of a metal sheet such as steel or aluminum, but other lightweight and high-strength materials such as composite materials may be used.

[0016] The back frame 4 includes an upper edge 14, a lower edge 16, a pair of side edges 18, 20, and a first main surface 22 and a second main surface 24 opposed to each other. The back frame 4 includes a backrest portion 4a and a shelf portion 4b extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the lower edge 16 of the backrest portion 4a. Configured in this way, the backrest portion 4a and the shelf portion 4b are combined to form a substantially L-shaped back frame 4. When the user wears the SCBA support assembly 2, the backrest portion 4a includes: an upper region 26, which is positioned near the user's upper back; and a lower region 28, which is positioned near the user's lower back. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper region 26 and the lower region 28 are offset (ie, the backrest portion 4a is not planar). The offset is provided to match the curved contour of the user's back, so as to provide the user with an ergonomic and more comfortable fit.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the first elongated fixing member 10 and the second elongated fixing member 12 removably fix the lumbar pad 6 to the lower region 28 of the backrest portion 4b of the back frame 4. The first elongated fixing member 10 and the second elongated fixing member 12 may be, for example, substantially flat strips of material and/or flexible bands. The flexible belt may be formed of a variety of materials, including, for example, synthetic plastic materials, natural materials such as leather, metals, and combinations thereof. The particular material selected for the belts 10, 12 is not important to the present invention, as long as it provides the desired properties, such as sufficient strength, durability, and heat resistance. In one embodiment, the flexible belt may include a woven fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible belt includes a webbing formed of high-strength synthetic aramid fibers, such as aramid fibers, Nomex, Technora, and Twaron, and combinations thereof. Other suitable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester, including Dyneema and Spectra, which can be blended or combined with any of the foregoing materials.

[0018] The waist pad 6 may be, for example, a cushion pad, which has a front surface 38 for contacting the user's lower back area and a back surface 40 opposite to the front surface 38. In the illustrated embodiment, to provide additional strength, the back 40 of the waist pad 6 includes a reinforced area 42 that includes a webbing that is permanently attached (for example, by stitching or bonding) to the waist pad 6. The reinforced area 42 is used to reinforce the area of the waist belt to which the first belt 10 is attached, and is also used to distribute the load applied by the first belt 10 to the waist pad 6 to a larger area. The waist pad 6 also includes an adjustable strap 76 for fixing the waist pad 6 around the waist of the user. The strap 76 may be integrated into the waist pad 6 or provided as a part thereof, or may be provided as one or more separate components, which may be removably attached to the end of the waist belt 6.

[0019] In order to facilitate the separation of the waist pad 6 and the back frame 4, at least one end of the first strap 10 is removably connected to the back frame 4 and/or the waist pad 6. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the first strap 10 is removably connected to the waist pad 6. More

In general, each end of the first strap 10 includes a pair of snap fasteners 44a, 46a, 44b, 46b for removably attaching the first strap 10 to the reinforced area 42 of the waist pad 6, This allows the lumbar pad 6 and the back frame 4 to be manually connected and separated without using tools. Suitable snap fasteners include Pull-the-DOT locking snap fasteners available from Scovill Fasteners, Clarkesville, GA. Although snap fasteners have been found to have a particular purpose in providing a removable connection between the first strap 10 and the waistband 6, other fasteners, such as clips or sliding plates, may also be used.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the first strap 10 can slidably engage the lower region 28 of the back frame 4, thereby allowing a limited degree of left-to-right movement between the lumbar pad 6 and the back frame 4. More specifically, as shown most clearly in FIG. 1, the first strap 10 can slidably engage a pair of spaced apart openings 30, 32 contained in the lower region 28 of the backrest portion 4 a of the back frame 4. In order to provide a stronger connection between the first belt 10 and the waist pad 6, the first belt 10 is threaded through a pair of belt loops 80, 82 provided on the back 40 of the waist pad 6. The end of the belt loop 80.82 is permanently fixed to the back 40 of the waist pad 6 by, for example, heavy box stitching, thereby forming an opening through which the first belt 10 can be slidably inserted. In this way, the strap loop 80.82 is used to removably and slidably fix the first strap 10 to the waist pad 6.

[0021] In one aspect, the length and width dimensions of the opening 30.32 are greater than the width of the first belt 10. This allows the belt 10 to move freely within the opening 30.32, thereby minimizing the possibility of pinching and sticking, and also reducing wear of the belt 10.

[0022] As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, the back frame 4 includes a longitudinal axis 34, and when the first strap 10 is arranged in its fixed position to connect the back frame 4 and the lumbar pad 6, the first strap 10 is substantially perpendicular to the back The longitudinal axis 34 of the frame extends along the length of the lumbar pad 6. That is, the opening 30.32 for slidably receiving the first strap 10 is spaced apart transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 of the back frame 4.

[0023] In one aspect, when the first strap 10 is fixed to the back frame 4 and fastened to the lumbar pad 6, the first strap 10 is used to hold the lumbar pad 6 close to the backrest portion 4b of the back frame 4. Lower area 28. In this way, the first strap 10 reduces the possibility of the second strap 12 being unintentionally detached from the back frame 4. In addition, in the event that the second strap 12 fails or is unintentionally separated from the back frame 4, the first strap 10 is designed to independently support the load carried by the support assembly 2, thereby providing the back frame 4 and the lumbar cushion 6. The connection between provides redundancy.

[0024] The second elongated fixing member 12 is also used to removably connect the lumbar pad 6 and the back frame 4. The second elongated fixing member 12 includes a second flexible strap having a first end permanently attached to the waist pad 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end is attached to the waist pad 6 between the two areas where the first strap 10 is attached to the waist pad 6 and the area between the belt loops 80.82. The second elongated fixing member 12 also includes a second free end that extends outwardly away from the lumbar pad 6 to engage with the back frame 4. As shown most clearly in Figure 1, the second strap 12 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first strap 10 (ie, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 of the back frame). Arranged in this way, the first strap 10 and the second strap 12 combine and cooperate to form a flexible connection that provides a joint or pivot point 36 between the back frame 4 and the lumbar pad 6 (Figure 3), thereby The lumbar pad 6 is allowed to pivot up and down within a predetermined range of motion relative to the pivot point 36 and the back frame 4. That is, the straps 10, 12 allow the lumbar pad 6 to pivot or rotate relative to the back frame 4, as shown by the arrow 78 in FIG. 4. The pivot point 36 is positioned along the lower edge 16 of the back frame 4 where the second strap 12 contacts the bottom surface of the shelf portion 4 b of the back frame 4.

[0025] The free end of the second strap 12 includes a holding element 48 configured to interlock with a mating groove 50 provided in the shelf portion 4b of the back frame 4. The holding element 48 may be, for example, an I-shaped bar that can be manually inserted through the slot 50 and removably held therein. When the support assembly 2 is carrying a load, the second strap 12 is placed under tension, which in turn pushes the I-shaped strip toward the second main surface 24 of the lower region 28 of the backrest portion 4a of the back frame 4. This force is used to hold the I-shaped bar firmly near the lower backrest portion 4a of the second main surface 24. Constructed in this way, the second belt 12 tends to be used as the main negative

Load-bearing belt.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the back frame 4 further includes a reinforcing member or strip 52 that extends from the shelf portion 4b to the upper region 26 of the backrest portion 4a. Arranged in this way, the reinforcing bars 52 and the back frame 4 are combined to form a truss-like structure capable of safely and firmly carrying a large amount of load.

[0027] The shoulder strap assembly 8 enables the support assembly 2 to be removably fixed around the user's shoulders. Like the lumbar pad 6, the shoulder strap assembly 8 can be manually connected to or removed from the back frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder strap assembly 8 includes a pair of shoulder pads 54 and 56 that are removably connected to the back frame 4. More specifically, each shoulder pad includes an upper end that is removably connected to the upper area 26 of the back frame 4 and a lower end that is removably connected to the lower area 28 of the back frame 4.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the shoulder pad 54.56 includes an attachment strap 74 that forms a loop. The ring serves as a handle that can be manually grasped by another person to make the fixed user wearing the SCBA support assembly 2 safe. The attachment strap 74 includes a holding device for removably fixing the attachment strap 74 to the back frame 4. Suitable retaining devices include, for example, clips, snaps, and buckles. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device includes a pair of sliding plates 58a, 58b. Suitable skateboards include, for example, the Tri-Slide skateboard available from AAA Technology & Specialties Co., Inc. Houston, TX.

[0029] The upper region 26 of the back frame 4 contains a pair of slots 60, 62 for matingly receiving slides 58a, 58b-best seen in FIG. 4 provides a manually releasable joint between the upper regions 26. The shoulder pad 54.56 is connected to the upper end of the back frame 4 by manually passing the sliding plates 58a, 58b through the slot 60.62, respectively. By providing a pair of slide plates 58a, 58b and slots 60, 62, when the assembled SCBA support assembly 2 is worn by the user and the SCBA support assembly 2 is used to carry a load, the lower slide 58b serves as the main load-bearing support, and When the user is not wearing the SCBA support assembly 2, the upper slide 58a tends to bias the shoulder pad 54.56 outward away from the back frame 4, thereby making it easier for the user to wear the backpack assembly 2. In other words, when the user wants to wear the SCBA support assembly, the upper slide 58a makes the shoulder pads "present" to the user, so that the user can wear the SCBA support assembly 2 more easily and quickly.

[0030] The lower end of the shoulder pad 54.56 is connected to the lower region 28 of the back frame 4 through an adjustable waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64, as shown in part in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of the shoulder pad includes buckles 66, 68 for slidably and adjustably receiving the opposite end of the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64. The waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64 slidably engages an angled slot 70.72 provided in the lower region 28 of the backrest portion 4a along the lower edge 16 of the back frame 4. Arranged in this manner, the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64 can be manually slidably released from the back frame 4. Alternatively, a separate waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap may be provided to removably and adjustably fix the lower end of the shoulder pad 54.56 to the lower region 28 of the backrest portion 4a of the back frame 4. If connected in this way, the end of the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap may include a retaining device (not shown) configured to matingly engage with a slot 70.72 provided in the lower region of the back frame, This provides a manually releasable joint between the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap and the lower area of the back frame. The holding device may be, for example, a slide plate similar to the slide plates 58a, 58b, but other holding devices such as clips or snaps may also be used.

[0031] When the shoulder strap assembly 8 is fixed to the back frame 4 in the above-described manner, it is obvious that the shoulder strap assembly 8 and the back frame 4 can be easily connected and disconnected manually without using tools. In addition, each shoulder pad 54.56 includes main portions 54a, 56a and fin portions 54b, 56b, and the fin portions 54b, 56b are arranged to form a roll for accommodating one or more hoses, tubes, wiring, cables, etc. Tao. The fin portions 54b, 56b may be arranged to overlap the main portions 54a, 54b and include at least one end that is removably coupled to the main portions 54a, 56a, thereby providing easy access to the raceway. Configuring in this way allows the shoulder strap assembly 8 to be manually separated from the back frame 4 without tools and without disconnecting any electrical or pneumatic wires (ie hoses, tubes, wiring or cables).

5, the support assembly 2 may also include a pouch 88 for storing an emergency breathing support system (EBSS). In one embodiment, the pouch includes a strap loop 90 for slidably receiving the strap 76, and a strap loop 92 for slidably receiving the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64. Attaching the pouch to the strap 76 and waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap 64 in this manner provides a series of engagement movements that allow the pouch 88 to rotate during activities such as reaching the top of the head, crawling, bending, twisting, and sitting. In addition, this attachment configuration allows the EBSS system to be removed from the pouch 88 and separated from both the waist pad 6 and the shoulder strap assembly 8 without breaking any pneumatic connections.

[0033] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the above-mentioned present invention without departing from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structure described in this patent application, but should only be limited by the structure described in the text of the claims and its equivalent structure.

[0034] The present invention provides the following exemplary embodiments, the numbering of which should not be construed as specifying the degree of importance:

[0035] Embodiment 1 provides a self-contained respirator, which includes a support assembly that includes a back frame configured to be positioned near the back of the user when worn by the user; a lumbar pad, which Removably attached to the lower region of the back frame; and a first elongated fixing member arranged to removably fix the back frame to the lumbar pad. The first elongated fixing member is configured to allow the lumbar pad to move within a predetermined range of motion relative to the back frame.

[0036] Embodiment 2 provides the self-contained respirator of claim 1, wherein the elongated fixing member is configured to allow the lumbar pad to pivot relative to the back frame.

[0037] Embodiment 3 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the first elongated fixing member includes a flat strip of material.

[0038] Embodiment 4 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first elongate fixation member includes a first flexible strap.

[0039] Embodiment 5 provides the self-contained respirator according to embodiment 4, wherein the first flexible belt includes a woven fabric.

[0040] Embodiment 6 provides the self-contained respirator according to embodiment 5, wherein the woven fabric includes a webbing formed of synthetic fibers.

[0041] Embodiment 7 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the first flexible strap is configured to slidably engage the lower region of the back frame.

[0042] Embodiment 8 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 4 to 7, wherein the first flexible belt is slidably engaged and contained in the lower region of the back frame At least one pair of spaced openings.

[0043] Embodiment 9 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 4 to 8, wherein the back frame includes a longitudinal axis, and in addition, wherein the first flexible band is arranged to be substantially vertical On the longitudinal axis of the back frame.

[0044] Embodiment 10 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the lower region of the frame includes a pair of laterally spaced openings, the openings being adapted to The first flexible belt can be slidably accommodated.

[0045] Embodiment 11 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 4 to 10, wherein the back frame includes an upper edge, a lower edge, a pair of side edges, and an opposite first major surface And a second main surface, and in addition, wherein at least one end of the first flexible band is removably connected to the second main surface of the back frame.

[0046] Embodiment 12 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein the

Each end of the first flexible strap is removably connected to the second main surface of the back frame.

[0047] Embodiment 13 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the lumbar pad includes a front surface for engaging with the lower back region of the user and The front surface is opposite to the back surface, and further wherein the back surface of the waist pad includes a reinforced area.

[0048] Embodiment 14 provides the self-contained respirator of embodiment 13, wherein the reinforced area includes a webbing that is permanently attached to the lumbar pad.

[0049] Embodiment 15 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 4 to 14, wherein each end of the first flexible belt includes a pair of The strap is removably attached to the snap fastener on the reinforced area of the lumbar pad, thereby allowing manual separation of the lumbar pad and the back frame without the use of tools.

[0050] Embodiment 16 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, further comprising a second elongated fixing member configured to hold the The back frame is removably fixed to the lumbar pad.

[0051] Embodiment 17 provides the self-contained respirator of embodiment 16, wherein the second elongate fixation member is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the back frame.

[0052] Embodiment 18 provides a self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 16 to 17, wherein the second elongated fixing member includes a second flexible band, the second flexible band having a One end and a second end, the first end is permanently attached to the waist pad in the area in the middle of the connection point of the first flexible belt, and the second end extends outward from the waist pad to communicate with the waist pad. The back frame is joined.

[0053] Embodiment 19 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the back frame includes a backrest portion and an angled portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the backrest portion The shelf portion, whereby the backrest portion and the angled shelf portion form a substantially L-shaped back frame.

[0054] Embodiment 20 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the second end of the second flexible band includes a holding device, the holding device being configured To be interlocked with a mating groove provided in the shelf portion of the back frame.

[0055] Embodiment 21 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the back frame further includes a reinforcing member or strip, and the reinforcing member or strip is removed from the shelf The part extends to the upper area of the backrest part.

[0056] Embodiment 22 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, further comprising a shoulder strap assembly removably attached to the back frame for attaching the The support assembly can be removably fixed around the user's shoulder.

[0057] Embodiment 23 provides the self-contained respirator according to embodiment 22, wherein the shoulder strap assembly includes a pair of shoulder pads, the pair of shoulder pads having the upper region of the back frame An upper end that is removably connected and a lower end that is removably connected to the lower region of the back frame.

[0058] Embodiment 24 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 23, wherein the upper end of the shoulder pad includes a belt with a retaining device, and in addition, the back frame The upper area includes a slot for cooperatively accommodating an upper shoulder pad holding element, thereby providing a manually releasable engagement between the upper end of the shoulder pad and the upper area of the back frame.

[0059] Embodiment 25 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the lower end of the shoulder pad is connected to the back by an adjustable waist-to-shoulder pad extension belt The lower areas of the frame are connected.

[0060] Embodiment 26 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 25, wherein the lower end of the shoulder pad includes an extension for slidably receiving the waist-to-shoulder pad The buckle of the belt.

[0061] Embodiment 27 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 26, wherein the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap includes a retaining device configured to The slots in the lower region of the back frame are matingly engaged, thereby providing a manually releasable engagement between the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap and the lower region of the back frame.

[0062] Embodiment 28 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 27, wherein the shoulder strap assembly and the back frame can be manually separated without the use of tools, and additionally The shoulder strap assembly can be manually separated from the back frame without disconnecting any electrical or pneumatic connections.

[0063] Embodiment 29 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 28, wherein each shoulder pad includes a main portion and a flap portion, the flap portion being arranged to form It is a raceway that accommodates at least one wiring, cable or pipe.

[0064] Embodiment 30 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of embodiments 22 to 29, wherein the flap portion includes an end that is removably coupled with the main portion, thereby providing To the entry of the raceway.

[0065] Embodiment 31 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 30, further comprising an adjustable strap for removably fixing the support component To the waist of the user.

[0066] Embodiment 32 provides the self-contained respirator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 31, further comprising an EBSS pouch for storing an emergency breathing support system, the emergency breathing support system Removably and pivotally fixed to the strap and the waist-to-shoulder pad extension strap.