Systems and methods for inflatable avalanche protection

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0002The invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for efficient inflation of an avalanche safety chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0003One type of emergency life-preserving equipment is an inflatable safety system configured to inflate a chamber in response to an emergency event such as an impact or a potential impact. For example, automobile driver inflatable safety systems are designed to automatically inflate a chamber over the steering wheel in response to an impact between the automobile and another object so as to protect the driver from forceful impact with the interior of the automobile. Likewise, avalanche inflatable safety systems are designed to manually inflate a chamber adjacent to the user in response to the user's triggering of an inflation mechanism. Inflatable safety systems generally include an inflatable chamber, an activation system, and an inflation system. The inflatable chamber is designed to expand from a compressed state to an inflated state so as to cushion the user or dampen potential impact. The inflatable chamber may also be used to encourage the user to elevate over a particular surface. The elevation of the inflatable chamber is achieved by reverse segregation in which larger volume particles are sorted towards the top of a suspension of various sized particles in motion. The activation system enables manual or automatic activation of the inflation system. The inflation system transmits a fluid such as a gas into the inflatable chamber, thus increasing the internal pressure within the inflatable chamber and thereby transitioning the inflatable chamber from the compressed state to the inflated state.

p-0004Unfortunately, conventional inflatable avalanche safety systems fail to provide an efficient safety system. First, conventional systems are limited to single use in-field operation. The portable compressed gas canisters used in the conventional systems are generally configured to only contain a sufficient volume for a single deployment and therefore must be completely replaced to rearm the system. Therefore, if a user inadvertently deploys the system, it cannot be rearmed without replacing the canister. Second, conventional systems include one or more combustible or pressurized components that are not permitted on airplanes and helicopters, thus limiting the systems' use in travel situations. Third, conventional avalanche inflatable systems require a complex rearming procedure that includes replacing at least one component to enable subsequent use after activation. This may compromise user safety or system operation if performed incorrectly.

p-0005Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an efficient and reliable inflatable avalanche safety system that overcomes the problems with conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0006The present invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component.

p-0007Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in the field of avalanche safety systems. Embodiments of the present invention avoid the limitations of conventional avalanche safety systems by using ambient air rather than a canister of compressed gas. The use of ambient air avoids the explosive dangers associated with compressed gas canisters and thereby is legal for air transportation. Likewise, ambient air is unlimited and therefore enables multiple inflations and/or rearming the device after inadvertent deployments. Finally, the procedure to rearm the system is simplified to enable intuitive user operation.

p-0008These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0009The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the physical dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a profile view of an avalanche safety system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a schematic of the avalanche safety system illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref><i>a</i>-<i>d </i>illustrate perspective views of inflation system components;

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the air intake frame, internal airway channel, and fan;

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an exploded view of the air intake with respect to the remainder of the avalanche safety system;

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a flow chart of a method in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7C</figref> illustrate an operational sequence of the system in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and the method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

p-0017The present invention generally relates to inflatable avalanche safety systems and methods of operation. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component. Also, while embodiments are described in reference to a method for inflating an avalanche safety chamber, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other areas including but not limited to inflating a safety chamber for purposes other than avalanche safety.

p-0018Reference is initially made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, which illustrates a profile view of an avalanche safety system, designated generally at <b>100</b>. The illustrated system <b>100</b> includes an inflatable chamber <b>140</b>, an inflation system <b>160</b>, an activation system (not shown), and a harness <b>120</b>. The inflatable chamber <b>140</b> is a three dimensional, inflatable, partially enclosed structure. In particular, the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> includes an inlet (not shown) and a particular inflated shape. The inflatable chamber <b>140</b> is illustrated in the compressed state in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The compressed state includes substantially expelling air from within the inflatable chamber and compressing the external surface of the inflatable chamber upon itself. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> illustrates the inflated state of the inflatable chamber. The inflated state of the inflatable chamber includes expanding the external surface apart from itself substantially analogous to the inflation of a balloon. However, the inflatable chamber may include a particular three dimensional inflated shape such that upon inflation, the external surfaces are forced to form the shape. For example, the inflatable chamber may be configured to include multiple chambers, multiple regions, etc. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> illustrates on embodiment of an inflated shape including a substantially pillow-shaped form with two horn members. It will be appreciated that various other shapes may be practiced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> may be configured to wrap around the head and/or torso of the user.

p-0019The inflation system <b>160</b> is configured to transition the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> from the compressed state to the inflated state. The inflation system <b>160</b> may further include an air intake <b>180</b>, a fan <b>164</b>, a battery <b>166</b>, an internal airway channel <b>168</b>, a motor <b>170</b>, and a controller <b>172</b>. The air intake <b>180</b> provides an inlet for receiving ambient air. The illustrated air intake <b>180</b> includes an elongated vent structure through which ambient air may transmit. The air intake <b>180</b> is coupled to the internal airway channel <b>168</b> such that ambient air may be transmitted through the air intake <b>180</b> to the internal airway channel with minimal loss. The components and operation of the air intake will be described in more detail with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> below. The fan <b>164</b>, battery <b>166</b>, motor <b>170</b>, and controller <b>172</b> are the electrical components of the inflation system. The electrical components of the inflation system <b>160</b> are electrically coupled to the activation system as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The fan <b>164</b> is a rotational member configured to generate a vacuum force in a particular orientation upon rotation. The fan is oriented in the system <b>100</b> to generate the vacuum force such that ambient air is pulled into the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. It will be appreciated that fans in a variety of sizes may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The battery <b>166</b> may be any form of electrical storage device. The motor <b>170</b> converts electrical energy into mechanical rotation. The controller <b>172</b> may be any form of speed controller to facilitate particular inflation patterns such as a logarithmic increase in fan speed. The fan <b>164</b>, battery <b>166</b>, motor <b>170</b>, and controller <b>172</b> are selected to correspond with one another to facilitate optimal inflation characteristics. For example, the size of fan <b>164</b> dictates the necessary speed and time required to inflate the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. The speed and time parameters thereby influence optimal selection of the remaining electrical components.

p-0020The activation system <b>190</b> is configured to activate the inflation system <b>160</b> to inflate the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> to the inflated state. The activation system <b>190</b> is a user input device configured to a user-triggered action intended to activate the system <b>100</b>. The particular user-triggered action depends on the specific type of activation system components. For example, the activation system <b>190</b> may include some form of physical switch configured to receive a physical switching motion from the user to activate the system <b>100</b>. The switch may be any type of switching mechanism including but not limited to a rip cord, push button, toggle, etc. The activation system <b>190</b> is electrically coupled to the inflation system <b>160</b> so as to engage the inflation system upon receipt of the user-triggered action. Alternatively or in addition, the activation system <b>190</b> may include other sensors to activate the system without a user-triggered action. In addition, the activation may include a deactivation switch. The deactivation switch may be used to deactivate the system in the event of an inadvertent activation.

p-0021The harness <b>120</b> couples the system <b>100</b> to the user <b>200</b> as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7C</figref>. The illustrated harness <b>120</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref> is a backpack including a hip strap <b>124</b> and a shoulder strap <b>122</b>. The backpack configuration provides an internal chamber separate from the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> within which the user may store items. The internal chamber is disposed between the user and the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> such that the inflatable chamber is distally disposed with respect to the remainder of the harness/backpack <b>120</b> and the user. Therefore, upon activation the inflatable chamber will be able to inflate without obstruction. The inflation system <b>160</b> is distal to the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> in the illustrated embodiment. The inflation system <b>160</b> may be disposed within a region configured to break away or articulate upon the inflation of the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>, as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-C</figref>. The backpack or harness may further include various other straps and compartments in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, the harness may be any form of simple strap structure configured to couple the system to the user.

p-0022Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, which illustrates a schematic of the avalanche safety system illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The schematic diagram illustrates the operational relationship between various components of the system <b>100</b>. The activation system <b>190</b> includes a switch <b>192</b>. As discussed above, the activation system <b>190</b> is configured to receive a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system <b>100</b> and inflate the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. The switch <b>192</b> is electrically coupled to the inflation system <b>160</b> between the battery <b>166</b> and the controller <b>172</b>. As described above, the battery <b>166</b> stores electrical energy for use in inflating the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. The controller <b>172</b> is electrically coupled between the battery <b>166</b> and the motor <b>170</b>. The controller <b>172</b> may provide a particular electrical inflation profile including modulating current with respect to time. The motor <b>170</b> is electrically coupled to the controller <b>172</b> and fan <b>164</b> such that the modulated current from the controller <b>172</b> may be converted to mechanical rotation of the fan <b>164</b>. The fan <b>164</b> is mechanically disposed between the air intake <b>180</b> and the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. In particular, an internal airway channel <b>168</b> interconnects the air intake <b>180</b>, fan <b>164</b>, and inflatable chamber <b>140</b> so as to minimize air loss. As discussed above, upon activation, the fan <b>164</b> generates a rotational force that creates a vacuum aligned with the illustrated arrows. The vacuum pulls external ambient air through the air intake <b>180</b>, the fan <b>164</b>, and into the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>.

p-0023Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref><i>a</i>-<i>d</i>, which illustrate perspective views of inflation system components. The battery <b>166</b> may be any type of electrical storage device including but not limited to a direct current battery of the type illustrated. The fan <b>164</b> may be a circular fan that facilitates engagement with the internal airway channel <b>168</b>. The motor <b>170</b> may be any type of motor <b>170</b> configured to correspond to the battery <b>166</b> and controller <b>172</b> parameters. Likewise, the controller <b>172</b> may be configured according the inflation objectives for the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>.

p-0024Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, which illustrates a perspective view of the air intake frame <b>182</b>, internal airway channel <b>168</b>, and fan <b>164</b>. The air intake frame <b>182</b> is part of the air intake <b>180</b>. Various other air intakes may also be utilized including but not limited to the sides, bottom and front of the system <b>100</b>. Increasing the number of air intake regions increases reliability of air intake during operation. The air intake frame <b>182</b> is a partially rigid member with a lateral vent structure as illustrated. In particular, the lateral vent structure includes a channel to the internal airway channel <b>168</b>. Therefore, air/gas transmitted through the lateral vents may be routed to the internal airway channel <b>168</b>. The air intake frame <b>182</b> includes rigid internal structure members to maintain the channel. The illustrated internal airway channel <b>168</b> is a cylindrical member coupled between the air intake frame <b>182</b> and the fan <b>164</b>. The internal airway channel <b>168</b> substantially encloses the coupling so as to minimize air leakage between the air intake frame <b>182</b> and the fan <b>164</b>. The fan <b>164</b> is coupled to the internal airway channel <b>164</b>. The inflatable chamber <b>140</b> (not shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) is coupled to the fan <b>164</b> either directly or via another internal airway channel member (not shown).

p-0025Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, which illustrates an exploded view of the air intake <b>180</b> with respect to the remainder of the avalanche safety system. The air intake <b>180</b> includes the air intake frame <b>182</b> (illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>), a battery compartment <b>186</b>, and a cover <b>184</b>. The battery compartment <b>186</b> is configured to be disposed within the air intake frame <b>182</b>. The positioning of the battery compartment <b>186</b> and the battery (not shown) with respect to the user is important because of the relative weight of most batteries. Therefore, positioning the battery <b>164</b> in a central region enables the shoulder <b>122</b> and hip straps <b>124</b> of the backpack (harness <b>120</b>) to efficiently support the battery during operation. In addition, the battery <b>164</b> must be kept above a certain temperature for proper operation, and therefore positioning adjacent to the user ensures some amount of thermal insulation from the ambient temperature. The cover <b>184</b> includes padded regions and mesh regions. The padded regions facilitate user comfort and are disposed between the user and the air intake frame <b>182</b>. The mesh regions are oriented to align with the lateral venting structure of the air intake frame <b>182</b>. Therefore, ambient air may transmit through the mesh regions and into the air intake frame <b>182</b> as discussed above. Likewise, the mesh regions prevent debris from obstructing the vent structure of the air intake frame <b>182</b>.

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> further illustrates a frame <b>126</b> member of the backpack or harness <b>120</b>. The frame <b>126</b> may include a rigid support region for further supporting the system with respect to the user. The exploded view illustrates the positioning of the air intake <b>180</b> and the frame <b>126</b> with respect to the remainder of the system <b>100</b>. The hip/waist straps <b>124</b> and the shoulder straps <b>122</b> are also illustrated in the exploded view for positional reference.

p-0027Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, which illustrates a flow chart of a method in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method for inflating an inflatable chamber within an avalanche safety system comprises a plurality of acts. The illustrated method may be performed using the avalanche safety system <b>100</b> described above or in correlation with an alternative avalanche safety system. The method receives a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system, <b>210</b>. The act of receiving the user-triggered action may include receiving a physical operation or gesture such as pulling a ripcord or depressing a button. Alternatively, the act of receiving a user-triggered action may include receiving a non-physical operation. Upon receipt of the user-triggered action, the method transmits ambient air to the inflatable chamber, <b>220</b>. The act of transmitting ambient air to the inflatable chamber may include generating a vacuum that transmits ambient air through an internal airway channel to the inflatable chamber. The act of generating a vacuum may include using a fan and/or other electrical components. The inflatable chamber is inflated, act <b>230</b>. The act of inflating the inflatable chamber may include inflating entirely with ambient air. The act of inflating the inflatable chamber may also include forming a particular three dimensional shape and internal pressure of the inflatable chamber. The inflation of the inflatable chamber thereby protects the user from an avalanche, act <b>240</b>. The act of protecting the user from an avalanche may include cushioning the user from impact during the avalanche, elevating the user above the avalanche, and/or providing a breathing receptacle of ambient air.

p-0028Reference is next made to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7C</figref>, which illustrate an operational sequence of the system in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and the method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates a user <b>200</b> with an avalanche safety system <b>100</b> in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the user <b>200</b> is wearing the system <b>100</b> via a backpack harness structure including a set of hip/waist straps <b>124</b> and shoulder straps <b>122</b>. The system includes an activation system <b>190</b> (not shown), inflation system <b>160</b> and inflatable chamber <b>140</b> as described above. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> in the compressed state so as to be contained within a region of the backpack. In addition, the system illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> has not been activated and therefore the user has not performed any type of user-triggered action upon the activation system <b>190</b>. Prior to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>, the user performs a particular user-triggered action such as pulling a ripcord or pressing a button to activate the system <b>100</b>. As described above, the activation system includes an electrical coupling that activates the components of the inflation system <b>160</b>. For example, activation of the activation system <b>190</b> may include switching a switch so as remove electrical resistance between a battery and other electrical components. Upon activation, the inflation system <b>160</b> transmits ambient air to the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> represents the transition from the compressed state to the inflated state of the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. The inflatable chamber <b>140</b> is partially filled with ambient air directed through an air intake <b>180</b>, internal airway channel <b>168</b>, and fan <b>164</b>. A controller <b>172</b> may be used to inflate the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> according to a particular inflation profile. The inflation system <b>160</b> automatically translates in response to the inflation of the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation system <b>160</b> is disposed within a region that is translating to the right as the inflatable chamber <b>140</b> is expanding. The inflation system <b>160</b> may be housed within a region with a releasable coupling (such as VELCRO) to the remainder of the system, thereby enabling automatic displacement in response to inflation. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> illustrates complete transition to the inflated state of the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. The inflatable chamber <b>140</b> thereby forms a particular three dimensional shape and has a particular pressure. The particular three dimensional shape and pressure of the inflatable chamber are specifically selected to protect the user <b>200</b> from impact and provide flotation during an avalanche. Various alternative shapes and pressures may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The pressure within the inflatable chamber may be maintained for a particular time using a one way valve that seals the inlet from transmitting air out from the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>. Likewise, the controller <b>172</b> may be configured to shut off and/or restart the fan <b>164</b> after a certain amount of time corresponding to complete inflation of the inflatable chamber <b>140</b>.

p-0029It should be noted that various alternative system designs may be practiced in accordance with the present invention, including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> or described above. Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above.