U.S. patent application number 12/092386 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for life buoy, especially for avalanches.
This patent application is currently assigned to SNOWPULSE SA. Invention is credited to Yan Berchten.
Application Number | 20090239428 12/092386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37808288 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090239428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berchten; Yan |
September 24, 2009 |
LIFE BUOY, ESPECIALLY FOR AVALANCHES
Abstract
The invention relates to a life buoy that can be used especially
in the event of an avalanche, said life buoy comprising at least
one envelope that can be inflated by inflation means including a
pressurised gas generating cartridge and means for emptying the
buoy. The envelope is a single compartment which completely
surrounds the head of the user and covers at least part of the
thorax of the user.
Inventors: |
Berchten; Yan; (Sion,
CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Assignee: |
SNOWPULSE SA
Verbier
CH
|
Family ID: |
37808288 |
Appl. No.: |
12/092386 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
November 3, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB06/54101 |
371 Date: |
September 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 9/1255 20130101;
A62B 33/00 20130101; A62B 17/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/80 |
International
Class: |
A63B 29/00 20060101
A63B029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2005 |
CH |
01774/05 |
Mar 22, 2006 |
IB |
PCT/IB2006/050887 |
Claims
1. A life jacket that can be used particularly during an avalanche,
comprising at least one bag that can be inflated by inflation means
including a pressurized gas cartridge and means of emptying the
jacket, characterized in that the bag is made in a single
compartment and in that it completely surrounds the head of the
user and covers at least a portion of the thorax of the user.
2. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a
cavity/chamber is created in front of the airways of the user at
the time of inflation and during its use, allowing him to
breathe.
3. The jacket as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cavity/chamber is
kept closed by halyards connecting the two sides of the bag.
4. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity/chamber is
created by a system of shaped ribs giving the maximum footprint to
the bag during inflation and being able to make the emptying of the
bag easier at the appropriate time.
5. The jacket as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shaped ribs
consist of cloth patches, coated for cementing, cemented or
stitched to the bag and connected together by an elastic element or
another system able to have the same function.
6. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the
jacket is attached directly to a standard hardness/baldrick worn by
the user or by using the straps and the belt of a backpack for the
integrated version.
7. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, characterized by a system for
rapid opening of the bag/cover which allows accelerated deployment
of the bag before its inflation.
8. The jacket as claimed in claim 6, wherein the opening system
comprises at least one release grabhandle attached to at least a
first cable connected to an element for triggering the inflation
system.
9. The jacket as claimed in claim 7, characterized by the said
grabhandle that is connected to at least a second separation cable
passing through loops distributed along a cover or on the actual
bag of the jacket which play the role of a hinge so as to release
the bag and allow it to open fully of its own accord by inflation
when said cable is removed from the loops.
10. The jacket as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second
separation cable is formed of several independent strands.
11. The jacket as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the inflation means
comprise a venturi nozzle, a venturi-effect diffuser/mixer and a
nonreturn valve characterized in that the nonreturn valve is placed
in the diffuser/mixer, directly in the axis of the air flow, making
it possible to close the bag once inflated, said valve offering no
resistance to the gas flow arriving in the bag.
12. The jacket as claimed in claim 10, wherein the nonreturn valve
is made in a single piece or comprises a pivoting mechanism with a
flexible or rigid portion which obstructs the passage of air and
prevents its return through the diffuser/mixer.
13. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressed gas
cartridge interacts with a needle valve as a closure and opening of
the gas cartridge, said needle valve comprising an instantaneous
release mechanism the needle as a trigger element of the inflation
system.
14. The avalanche life jacket as claimed in one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that it comprises an automatic system for
regulating the emptying of the bag by a variable automatic
overpressure valve which allows the user to be supplied with air
and the bag to be automatically emptied after a predetermined
time.
15. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regulating system
comprises at least one electromagnet or a shape-memory spring which
allows the valve to open automatically after a predetermined
delay.
16. The jacket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the delay is
predetermined by the manufacturer or by the immobilization of the
user, after a fall or an avalanche, by means of a pressure sensor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a life jacket, particularly
for avalanches. Specifically, the present invention relates to an
avalanche life jacket being a single bag that can be inflated by a
system of release of gas when activated by the user.
[0002] The present invention also relates to the mechanisms used
for inflating and deflating this life jacket. These various
mechanisms are there to optimize the use and reduce the weight of
the systems used for such airbags inflated by a pyrotechnic air
generator or a compressed air cartridge.
PRIOR ART
[0003] Various devices such as EP 0 957 994 B1; U.S. Pat. No.
6,270,386 B1; EP 0 123 684 B1; EP 0 957 995 B1; EP 0 723 790 A2
have already been described. The inflated bag/bags of these devices
has/have several functions. The main functions are flotation and
protection, but protection in these devices only partially covers
the body or the head. In addition, for the device U.S. Pat. No.
6,270,386 B1, the bag is coupled to a cap or a mesh whose function
is to protect the top of the head and of the airways. These various
devices use an integrated harness/baldrick for their attachment to
the user.
[0004] The device U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1, using a cover in
order to place the folded bag therein, uses an opening mechanism
which is fully opened by the inflation and during the latter. This
method uses the energy of the pressurized receptacle to open the
cover and reduces its efficiency. Specifically, the inflation time
of this method is approximately 9 seconds.
[0005] The devices EP 0 723 790 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1
using a valve or "mouth-bite" must be triggered by the user or are
used in a fixed position (open or closed). Consequently an
intervention of the user is obligatory.
[0006] Apart from the two patents EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1
which give a description of their various inflation systems making
the use of their airbag credible, the other patents have often
described the used mechanisms badly or not at all.
[0007] Therefore, the devices EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1 use
the nonreturn valve placed in a suction chamber which surrounds the
venturi nozzle or ejector. This suction chamber makes it possible
to channel the suction to the nonreturn valve. The latter, in the
presence of suction, descends and allows the ambient air to enter
the chamber and then enter the diffuser or mixer that are connected
to the bag. This method complicates the manufacture of the system
because it is necessary to create a suction chamber to channel the
suction and protection for the nonreturn valve on the outside which
prevents the latter being opened inadvertently (for example, by the
pressure of the snow pressing thereon).
[0008] The devices EP 0 957 994 B1, EP 957 995 B1 use a metal
membrane for closing their gas cartridge. The latter, struck and
perforated by a needle or a spike, will allow the gas cartridge to
be emptied. The use of this system requires onboard potential
energy to perforate the membrane.
[0009] The devices EP 0 957 994 B1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1; EP
0 123 684 B1; EP 0 957 995 B1; EP 0 723 790 A2 use a gas cartridge
to inflate their airbag but do not have the visual or tactile
possibility to check how full it is before its use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Because of the earlier problems and disadvantages of the
various devices, the present invention allows the user to increase
his chances of survival and to reduce the weight of the
assembly.
[0011] Consequently, the present invention, through its shape and
simplified mechanisms, makes it possible to reduce the components
or diminish the energy carried or improve the functions of the
airbag.
[0012] The innovative step of the avalanche life jacket when
compared with the other devices lies in the fact that none of the
predecessors solved the problem of asphyxia during the avalanche.
Specifically, this bag, made in a single compartment, completely
surrounds the head and covers the thorax. Once inflated, a cavity
is created around the face of the user which makes it possible to
breathe during its use and prevents direct contact with the snow.
In addition, it provides effective protection against the various
impacts that the avalanche could cause. This single-compartment bag
simplifies manufacture and reduces the weight. Our predecessors did
not offer complete protection of the head and protection of the
thorax. The idea of a cap or mesh coupled to the bag proposed by
U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,386 B1 to protect the top of the head does not
offer as good a protection as an air cushion as used for the rest
of the head.
[0013] In addition, the avalanche life jacket when compared with
the other devices is characterized in that the jacket is attached
directly to the standard harness/baldrick of the user. Accordingly,
another harness or other devices having the function of keeping the
bag on the user become unnecessary. The weight reduction is a very
important element for this type of device.
[0014] In addition, the avalanche life jacket when compared with
the other devices is characterized in that the bag/cover opens
fully when the release grabhandle has been pulled. Our system uses
the principle of a hinge release grabhandle already used in
parachuting. To prevent too long a travel, three or four hinge
cables will be used for the release grabhandle. Specifically, the
release movement of the grabhandle must be as short as possible to
reduce the amplitude of the movement and be as fast as possible.
This system of early opening of the bag/cover makes it possible to
save energy and gain many seconds for inflation.
[0015] In addition, the avalanche life jacket when compared with
the other devices that use a valve or a "mouth-bite" is
characterized in that an automatic deflation valve will trigger
depending on the opening system (delay timer or pressure sensor to
determine the difference of altitude). The two systems are
triggered by pulling out the release grabhandle. This principle of
automating the deflation of the bag arises from the fact that the
user will perhaps not be able to do it on his own for various
reasons: [0016] Being unconscious [0017] Wearing a helmet with chin
strap [0018] Having the mouth obstructed by goggles, the snow or
other elements
[0019] In the first phase, of approximately 90 seconds, the user
breathes in the cavity that has been created inside the bag. This
chamber is created, when the bag inflates, by shaped ribs formed by
two patches cemented to the bag and by an elastic element
connecting them together. The second phase which is the automatic
deflation of the bag brings breathable air to the user and creates
a vital space which will perhaps allow him to move. The inflation
of the bag and the sudden stopping of the avalanche may generate an
internal pressure which may exceed the pressure admissible by the
bag. This possible overpressure is released by this same automatic
deflation valve.
[0020] The innovation also relates to a nonreturn valve for an
airbag. When compared with the other devices, it is characterized
in that none of the predecessors used a nonreturn valve placed in
the mixer or diffuser and therefore in the actual axis of the air
flow coming out of the venturi nozzle or ejector. The latter makes
it possible to greatly simplify the geometry while reducing the
weight, because this construction avoids the manufacture of a
suction chamber and a grill to protect against it being opened
inadvertently. Specifically, its innovative position is possible
when using a nonreturn valve offering practically no resistance in
the inflation direction but allowing it to be closed at the end of
inflation. This nonreturn valve may be used both for pyrotechnic
inflation systems or for those using a compressed gas
cartridge.
[0021] In addition, the innovation relates to a mechanism for
opening and closing the cartridge for the airbag. When compared
with the other devices, it is characterized in that none of the
predecessors used a needle for closing and opening the gas
cartridge. Such a needle allows multiple use without having to
change component. In addition, the opening mechanism uses no
onboard potential energy for the opening, such as a compressed gas
as in EP 0 957 994 B1 and EP 957 995 B1. The orifice of the
cartridge is locked by a needle which is pressed against the latter
with the aid of a balanced spring. The instantaneous opening of the
orifice, in the knowledge that under the needle there is
pressurized air, is achieved by a weak force which unbalances the
mechanical system maintaining the balance between the spring and
the needle.
[0022] In addition, the innovation relates to the mechanism of a
visual or tactile telltale element connected to the cartridge for
the airbag. When compared with the other devices, it is
characterized in that none of the known devices used a visual or
tactile telltale system attached to the cartridge that told us the
level of gas before its use.
[0023] Finally, an automatic deflation valve for the airbag, when
compared with the other devices that use a valve/"mouth-bite"
placed opposite the user that is triggered by sucking thereon. This
new proposed mechanism is characterized by its being produced with
the aid of an electromagnet or a shape-memory spring which allows
the automatic opening of the deflation valve after a delay
predetermined by the manufacturer or by the immobilization of the
user. The immobilization may occur after a fall or an avalanche; it
will be determined by acceleration or atmospheric pressure
sensors.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
Brief Description of the Figures
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a front view in perspective of the avalanche
life jacket of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a user wearing the avalanche life jacket of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIGS. 3 and 3b is show the front and rear attachment points
of the avalanche life jacket of FIG. 1 on the harness/baldrick of
the user;
[0027] FIG. 4 shows the avalanche life jacket of FIG. 1 with the
release grabhandle pulled out of its initial location;
[0028] FIGS. 5 and 5b is show the avalanche life jacket of FIG. 1
once inflated in perspective and once inflated from the front;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a side section of the avalanche life jacket of
FIG. 1 once inflated and covered by snow; this section allows us to
see the small cavity around the head of the user and a formed rib
which retains the shape of the bag, and the position of the
automatic deflation valve;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows a side section of the avalanche life jacket of
FIG. 1 once deflated and covered by snow; this section allows us to
see the space (80) around the head and the thorax of the user;
[0031] FIG. 8 shows a view of the hinge system with a cable of the
release grabhandle used for the avalanche life jacket of FIG.
1;
[0032] FIG. 9 shows the avalanche life jacket of FIG. 1
incorporated into a backpack;
[0033] FIG. 10 shows the avalanche life jacket of FIG. 1
incorporated into a standard jacket;
[0034] FIG. 11 shows a section in perspective of a method of
manufacturing the cartridge and the suction system of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 12 shows a section in perspective of a method of
manufacturing the open nonreturn valve of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 13 shows a section in perspective of a method of
manufacturing the closed nonreturn valve of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 14 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve in a single piece, closed position (screwed or
bonded);
[0038] FIG. 15 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve in a single piece, open position (screwed or
bonded);
[0039] FIG. 16 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve in a single piece, closed position (screwed or
bonded);
[0040] FIG. 17 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve in a single piece, open position (screwed or
bonded);
[0041] FIG. 18 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve having a mechanical portion and a flexible or rigid
portion to obstruct the opening. Open position (screwed or
bonded);
[0042] FIG. 19 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
nonreturn valve having a mechanical portion and a flexible or rigid
portion to obstruct the opening. Closed position (screwed or
bonded);
[0043] FIG. 20 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
system for opening and closing the cartridge of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 21 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
system for opening and closing the cartridge of the present
invention in the closed position;
[0045] FIG. 22 shows a section of a method of manufacturing the
system for opening and closing the cartridge of the present
invention in the open position;
[0046] FIG. 23 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an
automatic deflation valve system using an electromagnet coupled to
an overpressure system, closed position;
[0047] FIG. 24 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an
automatic deflation valve system using an electromagnet coupled to
an overpressure system, position opened by the electromagnet;
[0048] FIG. 25 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an
automatic deflation valve system using an electromagnet coupled to
an overpressure system, position opened by an overpressure in the
bag;
[0049] FIG. 26 shows a section of a method of manufacturing an
automatic deflation valve system using a shape-memory spring
coupled to an overpressure system, closed position.
[0050] This avalanche life jacket 1 consists of a single chamber.
The cloth employed for the bag may be a polyamide 6.6 or Cordura
cloth with a coating of PU or PVC or other polymers. The PU or PVC
coating makes it possible to have a suitable gas seal and to be
able to cement the cloth. The features of this cloth must be
stretch-resistance and abrasion-resistance. The bag can be
assembled in various ways: sewn, cemented.
[0051] The shape of the jacket is maintained by a system of shaped
ribs 20 inside the bag. The shaped ribs 20 are simplified to the
extreme to minimize the weight and production time. The shaped ribs
20 are patches 21 cemented or sewn onto the bag and an elastic
element 22 that links them together.
[0052] There are two PU/PVC valves that are cemented or screwed to
the bag, the inflation valve 30 and the automatic deflation valve
4. The first 30 is positioned on the outside of the bag; it will be
connected to the cartridge assembly 3 and to the venturi nozzle
system 5. The second 4 is cemented or screwed in front of the
airways of the user and will make it possible to supply the latter
with air when it deflates.
[0053] This avalanche life jacket 1 is directly attached to the
harness/baldrick 10 of the user. There are two quick attachment
points which allow a quick fitting and size adjustment. The first
point 101 is on the front of the baldrick and the second point 102
is connected to the harness/baldrick 10 at the back. The attachment
to the first point 101 may be a quick snap hook 103 made of
aluminum or stainless steel which holds the loop of the
harness/baldrick 10 with one of the loops of the bag 106 which
could be provided for this purpose. The attachment of the second
point 102 is an adjustable strap 104 with a fastening buckle 105
made of aluminum. The adjustable strap 104 may be made of nylon; it
connects the harness/baldrick 10 and the bag of the avalanche life
jacket 1.
[0054] Triggering is manual. In the normal position, the release
grabhandle 6 plays the role of a hinge 63 between the two edges of
the bag 2 or of the cover which closes it on itself and is held by
the strands 62 passing through the loops 63. It is protected
against inadvertent opening by a storage pocket 60 closed with
velcro that is opened when the risk of an avalanche becomes more
pronounced. On the other hand, once the release grabhandle 6 has
been pulled, the bag opens of its own accord.
[0055] Once the bag is inflated, it creates for itself a small
cavity 8 around the head of the user. This small cavity 8 allows
the user to breathe for the duration of the avalanche. This period
lasts approximately 90 to 120 seconds or until the victim is
immobilized which will give the instruction to the automatic
deflation valve 4 to open fully. In addition, pulling out this
grabhandle 6 ensures the release of the mechanism to open the
pressurized air cartridge 3 allowing the jacket to inflate. This
function is carried out by a connection between the grabhandle 6
and the pin 52.
[0056] The inflated avalanche life jacket 1 completely protects the
airways of the user against asphyxia. It also protects the head and
the thorax of the user against injury due to falls, rocks, ice,
snow, etc. In addition, during an avalanche, the avalanche life
jacket 1 improves flotation in the avalanche or in another
environment such as water. Therefore, the avalanche life jacket 1
increases the user's chances of staying on the surface.
[0057] To ensure that the bag remains closed, various possibilities
may be envisaged. Here are two examples; the first is to place
halyards 23 between the two portions of the bag which prevents the
latter from opening. The closure principle is simple; the more you
inflate, the more the halyards will want to tighten and therefore
keep the life jacket closed. These halyards 23 could be of various
widths or diameters. The second possibility could be used alone or
could reinforce the halyards 23 with a series of strips of the
velcro.RTM. type on both sides of the opening of the bag. This
series of velcro.RTM.-type strips would perhaps not be continuous
in order to provide the user with the possibility of breathing
through the various orifices.
[0058] There are two handles 110 on the outer sides of the bag
which could be used by the user to keep his upper limbs close to
the bag.
[0059] At the end of the approximately two-minute time delay or
after the immobilization of the user, the bag deflates
automatically through the automatic deflation valve 4 which
ventilates the chamber 8. The deflation is optimized by the elastic
elements 22 under tension which play the role of shaped ribs 20 in
the inflated phase. By deflating, the bag creates a space 80 around
the user which takes the strong pressure on the thorax away from
him and allows him perhaps to move. The air from the bag allows the
user to reduce the risks of asphyxia during this period.
[0060] The means of inflating the jacket are described below and
with reference to FIGS. 11 to 26.
[0061] The nonreturn valve 111 may be made according to two
different designs, either in a single piece 112 or by a mechanical
system, hinge 114 as an example, with a flexible or rigid portion
115 which obstructs the orifice. In the first case, the material
used provides the flexibility necessary to replace the mechanical
hinge and allow the air flow to pass on one side while being rigid
enough to retain it once the inflation of the bag is complete. The
second case is an assembly of several components allowing the same
functions. The materials used for the flexible portion may be
rubber, PU, PVC or any other polymers or else cloth coated with PU,
PVC or any other polymers or material which gives it flexibility.
The rigid portion of the second case may be made of metal or
plastic or rigid polymer.
[0062] The diffuser or mixer 113 may have a crank on the end before
entering the bag; it could allow the attachment of the nonreturn
valve 111 and the protection of the latter against any malfunction.
The nonreturn valve 111 or its hinge may be attached by clamping or
bonding or screwing or swaging onto the bearing surface of the
crank of the diffuser or mixer 113 provided for this purpose.
[0063] The mechanism for opening and closing the cartridge FIGS.
11, 21, 22, is made of a metal alloy, or even a high-strength alloy
(example: aluminum, brass, titanium) which allows a good compromise
between weight and mechanical strength.
[0064] The needle 117 pressed on the orifice of the cartridge
ensures the seal. The force exerted by the needle 117 on the
orifice comes either from a spring 121 or from a mechanism that is
able to release instantaneously. This spring 121 or this mechanism
may use for their release a release pin 52 which may be mounted so
as to take only a very small portion of the force applied to the
needle 117. This mechanism FIGS. 11, 21, 22, has the advantage that
the force to be applied to the pin 52 to move it out of its housing
is weak, because there is a force-reduction system using a pivoting
lever 120 and a retention spindle 119.
[0065] There must also be a seal between the needle 117 and the
needle support 122 during deflation. This can be done by a sealing
system on the needle 117 or on the needle support 122. This sealing
system may be an O-ring seal 118. This embodiment gives a
nonlimiting example of the multiple possibilities of mechanisms
that can arise from the use of a needle.
[0066] A manometer 129 FIG. 11 is attached to the cartridge or
connected to it. This miniaturized manometer 129 FIG. 11 allows the
pressure to be read. In this manner, before each use, the user can
check the pressure of his cartridge and if necessary have it
recharged. In addition, there is a filler valve 130 on the endpiece
of the cartridge which will allow it to be refilled once the
closure mechanism has been latched.
[0067] The mechanism for opening the automatic deflation valve 4
for the airbag is achieved with the aid of an electromagnet 123 or
a shape-memory spring 124.
[0068] The two mechanisms will open thanks to a microcontroller.
The microcontroller is triggered by manually pulling out the
release grabhandle 6 or by another system during the fall or
avalanche. The microcontroller may be fitted with a time delay for
the predetermined time or with acceleration sensors or else
pressure sensors to determine the immobilization of the user. It is
supplied by batteries which have an extensive range of use.
[0069] Once the instruction is given by the microcontroller, the
mechanism for opening the automatic deflation valve 4 will engage
in a different manner depending on the system used. [0070] During
the few seconds following the connection of the shape-memory spring
124, it will play the role of a resistance. It will heat up by
Joule effect obtained by short-circuiting the system. Then, once
the transition temperature is obtained, it will lengthen until it
opens the element 127 of the automatic deflation valve 4. The means
necessary to obtain such an operation are known per se in the prior
art. [0071] The electromagnet 123, once connected, will greatly
reduce its force of attraction on the counterplate 126.
Consequently, the spring 125 placed on the electromagnet will be
able then to expel the counterplate 126 on the side of the valve
element 127 and in this manner open it.
[0072] The assembly with a shape-memory spring (FIG. 26) and the
assembly with an electromagnet in FIG. 23 are coupled to another
spring 128 which makes it possible to manage the overpressures of
the bag. The spring 128 is attached between the valve element and
the orifice of the automatic valve. It keeps the pivoting valve
element closed. Through-holes allow the pressure of the bag to
press on the pivoting valve element 127. If the internal pressure
of the bag applied to the inner surface of the valve element
generates too great a force, the force of the spring 128 will be
insufficient to keep the valve element closed and it will open.
[0073] Although various embodiments of the invention have been
described, these descriptions are provided in order to be simply
nonlimiting illustrations of the invention and variations are
possible. For example, the jacket may be made of a transparent
material.
[0074] In addition, the use of the jacket is not limited to
avalanches, but other applications are possible, for example as a
jacket for floating in the water.
[0075] Therefore, it will be evident to those skilled in the art
that modifications may be made to the incorporations as described
without departing from the scope of the claims defined below.
* * * * *