U.S. patent application number 15/421361 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for airbag lung.
The applicant listed for this patent is K-2 Corporation. Invention is credited to Curtiss Clark, Bruce Jahnke, Jason Neubauer.
Application Number | 20170216680 15/421361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59385332 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170216680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neubauer; Jason ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
AIRBAG LUNG
Abstract
A method of inflating an airbag includes expanding a collapsed
or folded frame that supports and expands the airbag. The expansion
of the airbag creates a lower pressure in the interior of the
airbag as compared to the exterior, which allows air to be drawn
into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag. The
frame can be made from inflatable ribs, or the frame can be made
from interconnecting rigid members. The inflatable ribs can be
inflated using a compressed gas canister, while the frame made from
rigid members can be expanded using a spring. Filling a frame made
from inflatable ribs, as opposed to the airbag itself allows for a
smaller compressed gas canister.
Inventors: |
Neubauer; Jason; (Sammamish,
WA) ; Jahnke; Bruce; (Seattle, WA) ; Clark;
Curtiss; (Edmonds, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K-2 Corporation |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59385332 |
Appl. No.: |
15/421361 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62289802 |
Feb 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0125 20130101;
A45F 2003/045 20130101; A41D 13/018 20130101; A62B 33/00 20130101;
B60R 2021/23115 20130101; B60R 21/264 20130101; A41D 13/00
20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 29/00 20060101
A63B029/00 |
Claims
1. A method of inflating an airbag, comprising: inflating a
collapsed inflatable frame that supports and expands walls of an
airbag and creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag
as compared to the exterior during expansion of the inflatable
frame, while allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the
lower pressure to fill the airbag.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the airbag is fluidly connected
to a forced air device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises inflatable
ribs placed along the airbag walls.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises inflatable
ribs that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner
membrane.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an enclosed
pocket surrounding a majority of the air bag wall surface.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising inflating the
inflatable frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame receives gas from a gas
storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the
atmosphere.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the gas storage device further
includes a Venturi valve.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable frame has a
capacity that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable frame receives
gas from a source that is a different source than the gas used to
inflate the airbag.
11. A method of inflating an airbag, comprising: with a device,
expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands
airbag walls, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the
airbag as compared to the exterior, and allowing gas to be drawn
into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag,
wherein the frame comprises rigid interconnecting members.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the device is a torsion
spring.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a plurality
of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and
the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on
the same corresponding side.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the airbag comprises a first
and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane
connects the first plate to the second plate to form the
airbag.
15. An airbag, comprising: a thin membrane formed into a collapsed
deflated bag with an inlet in communication to the atmosphere, a
collapsed frame that is attached to walls of the bag, and a device
connected to the frame, wherein the device is configured to expand
the frame.
16. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the device includes a torsion
spring connected to the frame.
17. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the collapsed frame comprises a
plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two
sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting
point on the same corresponding side.
18. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the airbag comprises a first
and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane
connects the first plate to the second plate to form the
airbag.
19. An airbag, comprising: a first thin interior membrane formed
into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet that allows air to
enter from the atmosphere, a second thin exterior membrane
juxtaposed on and surrounding the first thin membrane, wherein a
first inflatable volume is created between the first and second
membranes, and a second inflatable volume is create in the interior
of the first membrane, wherein the capacity of the first inflatable
volume is less than the second inflatable volume.
20. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is
connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable
volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
21. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is
connected to a forced air device.
22. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is
connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. U.S. 62/289,802, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An avalanche airbag system is a self-protection product
designed to reduce the chance for burial by the user if caught in
an avalanche. These systems are carried by the user and have a
deployable chamber that fills with gas to increase the user's
buoyancy and overall volume to decrease the chances of burial.
These systems try to balance weight and cost versus effectiveness.
Generally, a larger, more voluminous airbag is favored. However,
larger systems become burdensome to carry because of size and
weight. Therefore, systems try to minimize the size and weight of
the system without compromising the effectiveness. The airbag
volume seems to be limited by the device that is tasked to fill the
airbag. Some systems may use a closed system where a compressed gas
canister contains all the air (or gas) needed to inflate the
airbag. In other cases, the compressed gas may be routed through a
Venturi valve before vented into the airbag. The Venturi valve
creates a drop in pressure that then pulls in ambient air into the
flow from the compressed gas, thus adding to the overall gas
delivered into the airbag. By adding this type of valve, the gas
canister can provide much more gas into the airbag than that
provided by the gas canister alone. Other systems may omit
compressed gas canisters because of their single use nature.
Accordingly, some systems may use a mechanical air mover with
rechargeable batteries.
SUMMARY
[0003] An airbag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
can require substantially less compressed gas to fill, thus
minimizing the size of the gas canister or increasing the volume of
the airbag that is substantially more than all the gas volume from
the compressed gas canister. Instead of relying on pushing air into
the airbag chamber to fill it, embodiments of the airbag in
accordance with the invention expand the airbag outer surface and
therefore create a lower pressure inside the airbag as compared to
outside, which will naturally fill with ambient atmospheric air.
The airbag outer surface may be expanded by different means. Some
embodiments may use a rib structure inside (or outside) the airbag
chamber. The rib structure can take the form of a frame made from
rigid members that fold or collapse when not in use, and that can
be sprung to expand the frame and cause inflation of the airbag.
Another rib structure can be made from inflatable channels (ribs)
that are inflated, instead of the airbag directly, with the
compressed gas from the gas canister. The compressed gas canister,
when deployed, will inflate the ribs which will expand the airbag
chamber and create a vacuum on the inside of the airbag as the
exterior airbag surface is increased by the tension as the ribs
increase in pressure. The ribs surround and are connected to the
airbag, so that as the ribs become rigid, the ribs support the
airbag walls and force air into the airbag via the natural vacuum
that is created. The airbag chamber can be connected to a one-way
valve allowing ambient atmospheric air to enter the airbag but not
allowed to leave the airbag. In some of the disclosed embodiments,
the airbag does not require nearly the amount of compressed gas to
fully inflate the airbag, because the compressed gas canister need
only carry enough compressed gas to inflate the internal ribs. In
some embodiments, a Venturi valve may be used with the compressed
gas canister to increase the amount of air entering the rib
structure.
[0004] Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag.
The method includes inflating a collapsed inflatable frame that
supports and expands walls of an airbag, creating a lower pressure
in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior during
expansion of the inflatable frame while allowing gas to be drawn
into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag.
[0005] In some embodiments, the airbag is fluidly connected to a
forced air device, such as a battery operated fan.
[0006] In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs
placed along the airbag walls.
[0007] In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs
that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner
membrane.
[0008] In some embodiments, the frame comprises an enclosed pocket
surrounding a majority of the airbag wall surface.
[0009] Some embodiments further include inflating the inflatable
frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
[0010] In some embodiments, the frame receives gas from a gas
storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the
atmosphere.
[0011] In some embodiments, the gas storage device further includes
a Venturi valve to increase the amount of air that is pushed into
the airbag.
[0012] In some embodiments, the inflatable frame has a capacity
that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
[0013] In some embodiments, the inflatable frame receives gas from
a source that is a different source than the gas used to inflate
the airbag.
[0014] Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag.
The method includes, with a device, expanding a collapsed or folded
frame that supports and expands airbag walls, creating a lower
pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior,
and allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower
pressure to fill the airbag, wherein the frame comprises rigid
interconnecting members.
[0015] In some embodiments, the device is a torsion spring.
[0016] In some embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of
arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and
the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on
the same corresponding side.
[0017] In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second
rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the
first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
[0018] Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a
thin membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet in
communication to the atmosphere, a collapsed frame that is attached
to walls of the bag, and a device connected to the frame, wherein
the device is configured to expand the frame.
[0019] In some embodiments, the device includes a torsion spring
connected to the frame.
[0020] In some embodiments, the collapsed frame comprises a
plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two
sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting
point on the same corresponding side.
[0021] In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second
rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the
first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
[0022] Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a
first thin interior membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag
with an inlet that allows air to enter from the atmosphere, a
second thin exterior membrane juxtaposed on and surrounding the
first thin membrane, wherein a first inflatable volume is created
between the first and second membranes and a second inflatable
volume is created in the interior of the first membrane, wherein
the capacity of the first inflatable volume is less than the second
inflatable volume.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable
volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
[0024] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to a forced air device.
[0025] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
[0026] The methods and airbags disclosed herein have use, for
example, in avalanche protection devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1A is a diagrammatical illustration of an airbag;
[0029] FIG. 1B is a diagrammatical illustration of the airbag of
FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 2A is a diagrammatical illustration of a combination of
an airbag and backpack;
[0031] FIG. 2B is a diagrammatical illustration of the combination
of airbag and backpack of FIG. 2A;
[0032] FIG. 2C is a diagrammatical illustration of the combination
of airbag and backpack of FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIG. 2D is a diagrammatical illustration of the combination
of airbag and backpack of FIG. 2A;
[0034] FIG. 3A is a diagrammatical illustration of an airbag;
[0035] FIG. 3B is a diagrammatical illustration of the airbag of
FIG. 3A;
[0036] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatical illustration of an airbag;
[0037] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatical illustration of the airbag of
FIG. 4A; and
[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration of an airbag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1A, one embodiment of an airbag system 100
is illustrated. The airbag system 100 includes an airbag 102 and a
three-dimensional frame structure 104. The frame structure 104 is
for supporting the walls of the airbag 102 to add volume. The frame
structure 104 has two modes, an initial collapsed (or folded) mold
and a rigidized or deployed mode. When in the collapsed mode, the
airbag is deflated, while when the frame is in the rigid mode, the
airbag is inflated. The process of going from the collapsed to
rigidized mode causes the airbag to inflate via vacuum that is
created inside the airbag. In the embodiments disclosed, "airbag"
is used to refer to any chamber that holds gas of any type,
including, but not limited to, air. The airbag systems disclosed
herein may include features not shown, but which are known to be
used with airbag systems, such as restraints, backpacks, and
trigger mechanisms. The airbags may be used in safety devices for
protection against burial in avalanches.
[0040] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 A and 1B, the frame 104 is
formed from a plurality of inflatable channels or ribs. The airbag
102 is made from a thin, flexible membrane that is generally gas
impermeable. The membrane may be elastic in some embodiments. The
airbag 102 is generally sealed on all sides to prevent gases from
escaping therefrom. As its name implies, the airbag 102 is
inflatable. The airbag 102 may be made from two or more thin
similar or dissimilar layered materials. The airbag may be made
from one or more thin membranes wherein each layer may provide for
a specific function. For example, one layer may provide for gas
impermeability, a second layer may provide for biaxial strength,
and a third layer may provide for exterior puncture resistance.
Materials for such uses are known in the art. The frame structure
104 may be placed on the interior or exterior of the airbag 102. In
some embodiments, the rib structure 104 may include inflatable
vertically and horizontally placed channels. However, either
vertical or horizontal channels may be used alone. The channels
themselves are sealed from the main airbag chamber and may
constitute a closed system, wherein the airbag is also a separate
closed system. That is, the rib structure 104 may have a separate
and distinct gas source for inflating, and the airbag 102 may have
a distinct and separate gas source for inflating. The rib structure
104 may be created by heat welding a layer next to the surface
layer of the airbag 102 by welding the two juxtaposed layers in the
horizontal and vertical directions and creating open, intersecting
channels. The system of channels 104 is open to a gas inlet that is
separate from the gas inlet of the airbag 102. Specifically, the
gas inlet for the rib structure 104 includes a compressed gas
cylinder or canister 108. The gas cylinder 108 connects to the rib
system 104 via a tube. Optionally, a Venturi valve 114 may be
included in the tube between the compressed gas cylinder 108 and
the entrance to the rib structure 104. As explained in the
Background section above, the Venturi valve 114 introduces a
greater amount of gas than is otherwise available from the
compressed gas cylinder 108 via the Venturi effect which creates a
vacuum and draws in additional ambient air. Because the rib
structure 104 requires less volume of gas to be inflated to a
rigidized state than the airbag 102 chamber, the compressed gas
cylinder 108 can be significantly reduced in size as compared to a
gas cylinder that would be needed if the compressed gas cylinder
were to inflate the entirety of the airbag chamber.
[0041] Activation and release of the compressed gas from the
compressed gas cylinder 108 may be accomplished via several
mechanisms. For example, the compressed gas cylinder may be
activated by manual or automatic means. Manual means may include a
ripcord-style mechanism. The compressed gas cylinder 108 may feed
only the rib structure 104 to inflate and pressurize the rib
structure 104 to a pressure that expands the rib structure outward
as seen in FIG. 1B. As the rib structure 104 becomes inflated, the
rib structure 104 is forced apart, thereby expanding the airbag 102
along with it. As the airbag 102 expands along with the rib'
structure, a lower pressure is created in the interior chamber 106
of the airbag, thereby causing a vacuum. A one-way valve 110 is
provided solely to feed the airbag chamber 106. Once the air enters
the airbag chamber 106, the air is prevented from leaving by the
one-way valve 110.
[0042] A one-way valve 112 that connects the ribs 104 to the airbag
102 may also be provided that allows pressurization of the airbag
chamber 106 above atmospheric pressure. The rib structure 104 is
attached to and supports the walls of the airbag 102 such that as
the rib structure 104 becomes pressurized, the rib structure causes
the airbag walls to expand outward. Once the chambers of the rib
structure 104 have been pressurized, the one-way valve 112 may
allow pressurized gas to enter into the airbag chamber 106 from the
rib structure 104.
[0043] As seen in FIG. 1B, the rib structure 104, when inflated,
assumes a three-dimensional volume that makes for a rigid frame
surrounding the inflated chamber of the airbag 102. The volume of
gas that takes to inflate and pressurize the rib structure 104 is
small in comparison to the overall volume of the airbag chamber
106. The rib structure 104 may be formed by welding and/or gluing
an additional layer 116 juxtaposed on the airbag membrane in
strategic directions so as to create inflatable channels.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, another embodiment of
an airbag system 200 is illustrated. The airbag system 200 may be
mounted on a harness 206, such as in a backpack-style arrangement.
It should be apparent that all airbag embodiments may be connected
to the user via a harness, or mounted to a backpack that can then
be attached to the user via a harness. The airbags are mountable on
backpacks or are individually carried on a person's back.
[0045] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D,
the airbag system 200 includes a frame 202 made from rigid
interconnected members. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B,
the frame 202 has a collapsed or folded mode and an expanded mode.
In one embodiment, a collapsed frame 202 may be made from a
plurality of rigid arc-shaped members. The rigid arc-shaped members
can be nested within each other. While the individual arc-shaped
members are rigid, the overall frame 202 is a foldable or
collapsible to a small size when the airbag is not deployed. The
frame unfolds or expands into a larger volume in order to deploy
the airbag 208. The principle used in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that the frame 202 that
supports and is connected to the airbag 208 is caused to expand,
thereby expanding the walls of the airbag 208. Upon expansion, the
interior airbag chamber experiences a lower pressure on the inside
of the chamber as compared to the ambient exterior atmosphere,
thereby causing air to rush into the airbag chamber. In FIG. 2B,
the frame 202 is folded or collapsed to have minimal volume, and
the airbag 208 is also folded and collapsed.
[0046] The frame 202 is made from individual arc-shaped members
having two sides. All of the members are connected about a pivoting
point on the same corresponding side. As can be appreciated, the
members can swing about the pivot points thereby creating a larger
volume from the initial folded mode. A torsion spring 204 may be
connected coaxial with the pivot, wherein one end of the coil
spring is attached to the first (or last) rigid arc-shaped member
and the other end of the coil spring is attached to the last (or
first) rigid arc-shaped member. A torsion spring is one that stores
rotational energy, such as by coiling tighter. Energy is released
when the coils unwind partly. In the case of the airbag 200, the
torsion spring 204 stores energy and upon release, the spring 204
causes the last (or first) of the arc-shaped members to rotate away
from the first (or last) arc-shaped member, thus expanding into a
three-dimensional shape out of an essentially initial flat shape.
The once flat assembly of rigid arc-shaped members are caused to
revolve around the pivot point. The expanded shape may resemble
part of a torus. However, the frame may take on other shapes as
well. One or two springs 204 may be used, each on a separate end of
the arc-shaped members, or a single spring that spans the width of
the arc-shaped members. As shown in FIG. 2B, the individual
arc-shaped members are in a position that minimizes the volume. An
airbag 208 is draped over and attached to the frame 202, and the
bag 208 is also collapsed and deflated, thereby presenting only a
small volume when in the deflated state.
[0047] The airbag 208 includes a one-way valve 210. The valve 210
allows air to enter the airbag 208 but prevents air from escaping
from the airbag 208. The springs 204 are under torsional force and
are prevented from releasing by a type of trigger mechanism. The
trigger mechanism may be manually activated, such as via a ripcord,
for example. FIGS. 2C and 2D show the airbag system 200 in a
deployed mode. The spring 204 has uncoiled, thereby moving the
individual arc-shaped members apart by rotating the last member
with respect to the first member. As the spring 204 expands the
frame, the bag 208 supported on the frame expands with it, and
thereby causes a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as
compared to the exterior.
[0048] Air is allowed to enter the airbag 208 via the one-way valve
210. As can be appreciated, the airbag system 200 does not rely on
any compressed gas to fill the airbag 208. The airbag 208 is filled
by creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag by
expanding a frame 202 that supports and is connected to the walls
of the airbag chamber 200.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, another embodiment of an
airbag system 300 is illustrated. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B, the airbag includes a first plate 302 and a second plate
304. The plates 302 and 304 are arranged such that the peripheries
of the respective plates are inline. The plates 302 and 304 are
rigid, rectangular-shaped, thin plates. In FIG. 3A, the plates are
close to each other in a compressed or compacted state. An airbag
is created by attaching a membrane 314 that connects the first
plate 302 to the second plate 304 on the entire periphery of the
plates 302, 304, so as to create a closed volume formed by the
sides of the plates and the membrane 314. The first and the second
plates 302, 304 may be connected via a linkage comprising a first
rigid rod 306 and a second rigid rod 316. One end of the rod 306 is
connected to plate 306, and one end of the rod 316 is connected to
the plate 304. The opposite ends of rods 306, 316 are connected at
a pivoting point. A torsion spring 308 is connected to the ends of
the rods 306, 316 that are not connected to the plates. A second
similar mechanical linkage comprising a third rod 310 and a fourth
rod 310 and a second spring 312 may connect the plates 302 and 304
at a second location thereof. Similar linkages may also be provided
on the opposite side of the plates 302, 304 (not shown). The airbag
system 300 includes a one-way valve 322, for example, on the
membrane material 314. The one-way valve 322 communicates with the
interior chamber created by the sides of the plates 302, 304 and
the thin, flexible membrane 314.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 3B, the torsion springs 308 and 312 have
been released, thereby causing each pair of rods 306, 316, 310, and
320 to spring apart, thereby separating the plates 302 and 304 from
each other. The act of causing the plates 302, 304 to separate from
each other expands the sides of the airbag 314, thereby creating a
lower pressure in the interior of the airbag 314 as compared to the
exterior. Air is drawn into the interior of the airbag 314 by the
one-way valve 322. As can be appreciated, the embodiment of FIGS.
3A and 3B does not rely on compressed gas to fill the airbag, but
instead relies on the expansion of the outer walls of the airbag,
thus causing a lower pressure in the interior and the drawing in of
atmospheric air through the valve 322.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of an
airbag system 400 is illustrated. In FIG. 4A, a collapsed airbag is
illustrated. The airbag may be formed from an exterior thin
membrane 402 and interior thin membrane 404. There are two closed
spaces created from the exterior 402 and interior 404 membranes.
There is an interspace created between the interior membrane 404
and the exterior membrane 402, and an interior chamber created from
the interior of the membrane 404, such that the interspace is
closed from the interior chamber. The airbag may be described as a
bag within a bag. The interspace is connected to a pressurized gas
cylinder 406, whereas the interior chamber is connected via a
one-way valve 408 to the ambient atmosphere.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, when the pressurized gas cylinder
406 is deployed, the gas enters into the interspace between the
interior 404 and exterior 402 membranes, thereby causing the space
between membranes 402 and 404 to expand outward. The outward
expansion creates a lower pressure in the interior of the membrane
404 as compared to the exterior ambient atmosphere, thereby drawing
in air via the one-way valve 408.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment is illustrated
wherein the airbag includes a rib structure 504 similar to the rib
structure described in connection with FIGS. 1 A and 1B. However,
instead of a pressurized gas cylinder, the embodiment of FIG. 5
uses a forced air device such as a fan to inflate the rib structure
504. The rib structure 504 is a closed system and is provided with
a separate and distinct gas source as compared to the airbag
chamber 506, which is fed via the one-way valve 512.
[0054] Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag.
The method includes inflating a collapsed inflatable frame that
supports and expands walls of an airbag, creating a lower pressure
in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior during
expansion of the inflatable frame, while allowing gas to be drawn
into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag.
[0055] In some embodiments, the airbag is fluidly connected to a
forced air device, such as a battery operated fan.
[0056] In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs
placed along the airbag walls.
[0057] In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs
that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner
membrane.
[0058] In some embodiments, the frame comprises an enclosed pocket
surrounding a majority of the airbag wall surface.
[0059] Some embodiments further include inflating the inflatable
frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
[0060] In some embodiments, the frame receives gas from a gas
storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the
atmosphere.
[0061] In some embodiments, the gas storage device further includes
a Venturi valve to increase the amount of air that is pushed into
the airbag.
[0062] In some embodiments, the inflatable frame has a capacity
that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
[0063] In some embodiments, the inflatable frame receives gas from
a source that is a different source than the gas used to inflate
the airbag.
[0064] Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag.
The method includes, with a device, expanding a collapsed or folded
frame that supports and expands airbag walls, creating a lower
pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior,
and allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower
pressure to fill the airbag, wherein the frame comprises rigid
interconnecting members.
[0065] In some embodiments, the device is a torsion spring.
[0066] In some embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of
arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and
the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on
the same corresponding side.
[0067] In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second
rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the
first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
[0068] Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a
thin membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet in
communication to the atmosphere, a collapsed frame that is attached
to walls of the bag, and a device connected to the frame, wherein
the device is configured to expand the frame.
[0069] In some embodiments, the device includes a torsion spring
connected to the frame.
[0070] In some embodiments, the collapsed frame comprises a
plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two
sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting
point on the same corresponding side.
[0071] In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second
rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the
first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
[0072] Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a
first thin interior membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag
with an inlet that allows air to enter from the atmosphere, a
second thin exterior membrane juxtaposed on and surrounding the
first thin membrane, wherein a first inflatable volume is created
between the first and second membranes, and a second inflatable
volume is create in the interior of the first membrane, wherein the
capacity of the first inflatable volume is less than the second
inflatable volume.
[0073] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable
volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
[0074] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to a forced air device.
[0075] In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is
connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
[0076] The features of any one embodiment may be combined with any
other embodiment, or certain features may be omitted from any one
embodiment, as well.
[0077] The principle used in the disclosed embodiments for
inflating the airbag is to expand a frame that supports and is
connected to an airbag, thereby expanding the walls of the airbag.
Upon expansion of airbag walls using a type of expanding frame, the
airbag chamber experiences a lower pressure on the inside of the
chamber as compared to the ambient exterior atmosphere, thereby
causing air to rush into the airbag chamber.
[0078] Embodiments of the airbag disclosed herein may be deployed
in various ways. For example, the user may use a ripcord to
activate the gas canister or release a pin that unlocks a spring
device. Alternatively, the gas canister or spring may be triggered
automatically, for example, via a pressure switch, an
accelerometer, a push button, and the like. Embodiments of the
airbags disclosed herein may be used in burial prevention safety
devices to avoid burial in avalanches.
[0079] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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