Backpack for fall protection
AssigneeMINERVA Corp.
InventorsHolger Feist, Anne Schwarz, Simon Scherer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A backpack that includes an airbag and a release module that comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge. The backpack is configured such that the airbag, in a standby state, is deflated and stowed in a storage space of the backpack. The backpack is also configured such that the airbag is automatically inflated, in response to the control unit detecting a fall of a user of the backpack, by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag. The backpack is further configured such that the airbag, in an inflated state, protects a cervical spine and/or a chest region and/or shoulder region of the user.
Claims16
A backpack for fall protection comprising:
- an airbag;
- a release module, which comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge;
- a storage space configured to receive and stow the airbag, in a standby state that is deflated;
- and
- wherein the airbag is automatically inflated, in response to the control unit detecting a fall of a user of the backpack, by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag to extend from the backpack to protect a cervical spine, a chest region, or a shoulder region of a user wearing the backpack,
- wherein inflation of at least a first airbag portion of the airbag releases the first airbag portion from the storage space, while remaining fixed to the inside of the storage space,
- wherein the backpack is configured such that, in the standby state, at least part of the first airbag portion is stowed in the storage space within shoulder straps of the backpack, and
- where the first airbag portion is fixed to the inside of the storage space using a plurality of fixing means, which are distributed along the length of a first storage portion of the storage space where the first airbag portion is stowed.
A method for protecting a cervical spine, a chest region, or a shoulder region of a user during a fall, the method comprising:
- arranging the user in a backpack comprising:
- an airbag;
- a release module, which comprises a control unit and a gas cartridge;
- a storage space configured to receive and stow the airbag, in a standby state that is deflated;
- automatically detecting a fall of the user of the backpack;
- in response to detecting the fall of the user, automatically inflating the airbag by releasing gas from the gas cartridge into the airbag, and
- where inflation of at least a first airbag portion of the airbag releases the first airbag portion from the storage space, while remaining fixed to the inside of the storage space,
- wherein, in the standby state, at least part of the first airbag portion is stowed in the storage space within shoulder straps of the backpack;
- and
- wherein the first airbag portion is fixed to the inside of the storage space using a plurality of fixing means, which are distributed along the length of a first storage portion of the storage space where the first airbag portion is stowed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.