WO2002054895A2 - Inflatable safety vest with a cartridge actuation mechanism - Google Patents
Inflatable safety vest with a cartridge actuation mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002054895A2 WO2002054895A2 PCT/US2002/000911 US0200911W WO02054895A2 WO 2002054895 A2 WO2002054895 A2 WO 2002054895A2 US 0200911 W US0200911 W US 0200911W WO 02054895 A2 WO02054895 A2 WO 02054895A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- vest
- cartridge
- actuation
- strap
- interior
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/015—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with shock-absorbing means
- A41D13/018—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with shock-absorbing means inflatable automatically
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2600/00—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes
- A41D2600/10—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for sport activities
- A41D2600/102—Motorcycling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S2/00—Apparel
- Y10S2/03—Inflatable garment
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of body protection devices, and more particularly to items of apparel that are inflatable so as to offer protection to a part of the wearer's body.
- Inflatable items for the protection of a part of the human body are well known.
- items such as protective pads and helmets have been made with inflatable bladders to offer protection to a body part from blows, falls, and other sources of trauma.
- inflatable vests used as life preservers i.e., to provide added buoyancy to keep the human body afloat in water.
- Inflatable life vests of conventional design typically include a unitary internal bladder that is connected to a source of pressurized gas, typically a C0 2 cartridge.
- the cartridge must be actuated manually, by pulling an actuation cord connected to a valve-actuation pin that opens a valve connecting the cartridge to a gas inlet tube communicating with the bladder.
- an actuation cord connected to a valve-actuation pin that opens a valve connecting the cartridge to a gas inlet tube communicating with the bladder.
- an inflatable protective garment such as a vest
- An example of such an activity is riding a motorcycle, ski-mobile, or personal water craft. While in some cases (particularly in riding a personal water craft), it may be acceptable or even desirable to wear a pre-inflated vest, in the case of motorcycle riding, it is not practical to do so.
- the present invention is a body protection device in the form of an inflatable garment having an inflation mechanism that is actuated in response to the separation or removal of the wearer from a motor vehicle, in particular, a motorcycle, ski-mobile, or personal water craft.
- the invention is embodied as an inflatable vest, comprising an inflatable bladder configured as a vest, a compressed gas cartridge communicating with the interior of the bladder through an inflation tube, and a cartridge actuation mechanism comprising a triggering device that can be actuated to open the cartridge.
- the triggering device includes an actuation lever that actuates the triggering device, and in doing so detaches from the actuation mechanism, upon being pulled with a force of predetermined magnitude.
- the invention further comprises a lanyard having a first end connected to the actuation lever and a second end that is attachable to the vehicle.
- the lanyard exerts an actuation force on the actuation lever, which actuates the triggering device before detaching from the actuation mechanism, thereby opening the cartridge and allowing the gas from the cartridge to inflate the bladder.
- Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a person wearing an inflatable safety vest in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vest being in its deflated state;
- Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the person and vest of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a person wearing the vest of Figure 1 while riding a motorcycle, the vest being in its deflated state;
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vest of Figure 1, taken along line 4 - 4 of Figure 1 , but omitting the person wearing the vest;
- Figure 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the inwardly-facing surface of the vest, showing a deflation tube that is advantageously included with the vest;
- Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the person lying on the ground with the vest in its inflated state;
- Figure 7 is a detailed view of the compressed gas cartridges and the actuation mechanism used in the present invention.
- FIGS 1, 2, and 3 show an inflatable safety vest 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, being worn by a person 12 wearing the other apparel typically worn by a motorcycle rider.
- the vest 10 is shown in its deflated state.
- the vest 10, as best shown in Figure 4 comprises an inflatable, gas-tight bladder 14 configured to form a unitary back portion, left and right shoulder " portions, and left and right chest portions of the vest.
- the vest 10 also includes side panels 16 connecting the chest and back portions.
- the side panels 16 may be unitary, or, as shown in Figure 4, they may each be divided into front and rear portions 16a, 16b, respectively, connected to each other by means such as laces 18.
- the left and right chest portions of the vest 10 are attachable to each other by fastening means such as a zipper 20, although other means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and buckles may also be used. Size adjustment means may be provided to assure a snug and secure fit of the vest 10 on persons of different sizes.
- fastening means such as a zipper 20, although other means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and buckles may also be used.
- Size adjustment means may be provided to assure a snug and secure fit of the vest 10 on persons of different sizes.
- one or more cross-straps 22, that are length-adjustable by means of buckles 24, may be attached to the outside of the vest 10.
- the vest 10 is provided with a source of compressed gas for inflating the vest.
- the compressed gas source is at least one compressed C0 2 gas cartridge 26, and preferably two such cartridges 26, as shown.
- Each cartridge 26 is removably secured within a fabric loop 28 fastened to one of the straps 22.
- the gas cartridges 26 are of conventional design, and are commercially available from a number of sources. While such cartridges come in a variety of sizes, two cartridges, each of the 16 gram net contents weight size, provide good results.
- each cartridge 26 is removable coupled (as by a threaded fitting, not shown) to a cartridge actuation mechanism 30.
- the actuation mechanism 30 is of conventional design, and is commercially available from a number of sources. For example, if 16 gram cartridges are used, the actuation mechanism 30 may be the Model 840AM, manufactured by Halkey-Roberts, of St. Moscow, Florida, or the equivalent.
- the actuation mechanism 30 includes a triggering device that comprises an actuation lever 32 that is detachably connected to a spring-loaded pin or rod (not shown), installed in the actuation mechanism ' 30 so as to rupture the neck of the cartridge 26 when the lever is pulled with a force of predetermined magnitude, thereby opening or "firing" the cartridge 26.
- the vest is provided with a pair of inflation tubes 34 (only one of which is shown in Figure 4). Each inflation tube 34 has a first end on the exterior of the vest that is connected to one of the cartridges 26 through its associated actuation mechanism 30, and a second end opening into the interior of the bladder 14.
- the invention further comprises a lanyard 36 having a Y-shaped or bifurcated proximal portion comprising two branches 38a, 38b, each of which is secured to one of the actuation levers 32 by an attachment ring 40. If only one cartridge 26 is used, the proximal portion of the lanyard 36 will be unitary, rather than bifurcated.
- the lanyard 36 has a main portion 42 with a distal end that is terminated by a clip 44.
- the main portion 42 is advantageously connected to the proximal portion by a snap fitting 46 that permits the main portion 42 to be detached from the proximal portion.
- Figure 5 shows a bladder deflation tube 48 that is advantageously provided on the inner surface of the vest, preferably on the lower part of one of the chest portions.
- the deflation tube 48 communicates between the interior of the bladder 14 and the ambient atmosphere through a deflation valve 50, of conventional design, that can be manually opened to deflate the vest 10 after it has been inflated.
- the valve 50 may, for example, be of the well-known type that is rotated in opposite directions to move it respectively toward and away from a valve seat to close and open the valve, respectively.
- a person 12 wears the vest 10 while riding on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle 60.
- the vest 10 is normally in its deflated state.
- the proximal lanyard branches 38a, 38b are respectively secured to the levers 32 of the triggering devices in the two actuation mechanisms 30.
- the levers 32 are attached to their respective actuation mechanisms 30.
- the distal end clip 44 of the lanyard 36 is clipped to a convenient portion or component of the vehicle 60.
- the resulting force applied to the lanyard 36 is transmitted to the actuation levers 32, resulting in the actuation of the triggering devices in the actuation mechanisms 30, thereby firing the cartridges 26 to inflate the bladder 14 through the inflation tubes 34.
- the actuation force applied to the lanyard 36 is sufficient to separate the actuation levers 32 from the actuation mechanisms 30. Consequently, as shown in Figure 6, the vest 10 is inflated before the person 12 hits the ground, while the vest itself is separated from the lanyard 36. The impact of the fall is softened by the inflated vest 10, thereby reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. After impact, the vest 10 can be deflated for reuse by opening the deflation valve 50.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP02701963A EP1355547A2 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2002-01-11 | Inflatable safety vest with a cartridge actuation mechanism |
AU2002235361A AU2002235361A1 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2002-01-11 | Inflatable safety vest with a cartridge actuation mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US26148001P | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | |
US60/261,480 | 2001-01-12 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002054895A2 true WO2002054895A2 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
WO2002054895A3 WO2002054895A3 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
Family
ID=22993484
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/000911 WO2002054895A2 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2002-01-11 | Inflatable safety vest with a cartridge actuation mechanism |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6546561B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1355547A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002235361A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002054895A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10300975B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2019-05-28 | Alpinestars Research Srl | Protective garment provided with an inflatable protective device and associated inflating method |
Families Citing this family (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2309144T3 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2008-12-16 | Cressi-Sub S.P.A. | DEVICE FOR ACTUATING THE INFLATION AND DEFLASH VALVES OF THE AIR CHAMBER OF A COMPENSATING CLALECO FOR AN AUTONOMOUS DIVER. |
ITFI20020049U1 (en) * | 2002-05-07 | 2003-11-07 | Cressi Sub Spa | DIVING BALANCING JACKET WITH MODIFIED WEIGHT HOLDER POCKETS |
KR20040006707A (en) * | 2002-07-13 | 2004-01-24 | 박대량 | The Airbag Waistcoat For MoterCyle |
US6859939B1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2005-03-01 | Ralph J Osburn, Sr. | Inflatable restraint device |
US7059924B2 (en) * | 2002-10-26 | 2006-06-13 | Float Tech Inc. | Personal flotation device |
US7171695B2 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2007-02-06 | Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc. | Ventilated garment with vent opening system |
US6951493B1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-10-04 | Jin-Yi Lu | Automatically inflatable safety device |
US7299507B1 (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2007-11-27 | Jeffery Hermoso | Protective harness for a motorcycle rider |
JP4548729B2 (en) * | 2005-09-21 | 2010-09-22 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Wearable airbag device |
US20080010729A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2008-01-17 | Christopher Delara | Ski-safety vest |
KR100717083B1 (en) * | 2006-07-25 | 2007-05-14 | 차오남 | Safety vest for fall provision |
JP4931624B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2012-05-16 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Air bag jacket |
US7854694B1 (en) * | 2008-09-02 | 2010-12-21 | Gary Frunzi | Exercise vest |
SI2437627T1 (en) * | 2009-06-05 | 2014-06-30 | Alpinestars Research Srl | Airbag system for motorcycle riders |
US20130014310A1 (en) * | 2011-07-15 | 2013-01-17 | Tang Tai Shun | Swimsuit with lifesaving device |
US8911273B2 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-12-16 | Patagonia, Inc. | Watersports inflation vest |
AU2014219383B2 (en) * | 2013-02-21 | 2017-05-25 | Andras FENYVES | Crash protection system |
ITVR20130138A1 (en) * | 2013-06-12 | 2014-12-13 | Dainese Spa | PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE. |
ITVR20130136A1 (en) | 2013-06-12 | 2014-12-13 | Dainese Spa | PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICE. |
US8662528B1 (en) | 2013-07-29 | 2014-03-04 | Ali Gh. S. Gh. Abdulaziz | Protective suit |
CN105495772B (en) * | 2016-01-04 | 2017-02-15 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Protective equipment, protective equipment system and fall down protection method |
US10721978B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2020-07-28 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Wearable airbag |
US10271591B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2019-04-30 | Elwha Llc | Protective garment systems for protecting an individual and methods of using the same |
EP3921227A1 (en) | 2019-02-06 | 2021-12-15 | Boost Ideas, LLC | Water safety garment, related apparatus and methods |
WO2020191063A1 (en) | 2019-03-18 | 2020-09-24 | Fenyves Andras | Airbag system and related methods of inflating an airbag |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB429540A (en) * | 1933-04-08 | 1935-05-31 | Kidde & Co Walter | Improvements in and relating to inflatable flotation devices |
US5746442A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1998-05-05 | Hoyaukin; Peter | Safety apparel |
DE19750898A1 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-04-15 | Artlaender Bekleidungswerke Ho | Impact-resistant garment has flexible sleeve |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3930667A (en) * | 1975-02-14 | 1976-01-06 | Osuchowski Andrew J | Inflatable garment for crash protection |
US4059852A (en) * | 1976-05-24 | 1977-11-29 | Crane Stanley J | Inflatable suit for cyclists |
US4685151A (en) * | 1983-10-19 | 1987-08-11 | Dan Kincheloe | Motorcycle safety apparel |
US4825469A (en) * | 1983-10-19 | 1989-05-02 | Dan Kincheloe | Motorcycle safety apparel |
US4637074A (en) * | 1986-03-17 | 1987-01-20 | Taheri Syde A | Protective garment |
US5781936A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1998-07-21 | Alaloof; Jacob | Projection system for the rider of a non-enclosed vehicle and vehicle incorporating same |
US6125478A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 2000-10-03 | Merhav-A.A.P. Ltd. | Protection system for the rider of a non-enclosed vehicle |
US5867842A (en) * | 1997-07-31 | 1999-02-09 | Pinsley; Sherri Wallis | Protective inflatable vest |
US6350168B1 (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 2002-02-26 | Kroll Family Trust | Light selective sport garments |
JP2000185109A (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2000-07-04 | Safety:Kk | Buffer vest with emergency air bag |
-
2002
- 2002-01-11 EP EP02701963A patent/EP1355547A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-01-11 WO PCT/US2002/000911 patent/WO2002054895A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-01-11 AU AU2002235361A patent/AU2002235361A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-01-11 US US10/043,917 patent/US6546561B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB429540A (en) * | 1933-04-08 | 1935-05-31 | Kidde & Co Walter | Improvements in and relating to inflatable flotation devices |
US5746442A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1998-05-05 | Hoyaukin; Peter | Safety apparel |
DE19750898A1 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-04-15 | Artlaender Bekleidungswerke Ho | Impact-resistant garment has flexible sleeve |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10300975B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2019-05-28 | Alpinestars Research Srl | Protective garment provided with an inflatable protective device and associated inflating method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2002054895A3 (en) | 2002-09-26 |
US6546561B2 (en) | 2003-04-15 |
US20020092088A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
EP1355547A2 (en) | 2003-10-29 |
AU2002235361A1 (en) | 2002-07-24 |
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