Abstract:
An airbag rescue system employed as a life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche or other situation, such as a water rescue. The airbag system includes an air movement device that takes the form of a source of compressed air or an electrically powered air mover, such as one that includes a bladed rotor for inflating the airbag with ambient air, such as 100% ambient air, for example. The system further includes a supporting device, such as a harness or a backpack, for supporting the inflatable airbag and the powered air movement device on a user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system. The system also includes triggering device that includes a trigger handle configured and arranged to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag by being manipulated by the user. In the ready position of the airbag rescue system, while the airbag is not yet in a deployed position, the trigger handle is conveniently externally accessible for the user to trigger the inflation of the airbag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/026,251, filed Jul. 18, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to an airbag system and, more particularly, to an airbag rescue or safety system and, more particularly, an airbag system employed as a life-saving system to enable a person using such system to survive an avalanche, or analogous situation, such as to facilitate a water rescue, e.g., as well as an airbag system for attachment to, and for recovering, equipment of the person, such as a snowmobile. In these regards, the invention relates to such systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,568, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. The system of US &#39;568 employs a battery-powered electric motor to turn the blower, i.e., the fan, turbine, or impeller, e.g., to inflate the airbag. However, the invention also encompasses an airbag rescue or safety system that relies upon a compressed gas or air cartridge to inflate the airbag. 
     More particularly, the invention relates to a triggering device for an airbag rescue system. 
     A system of the aforementioned type can be used when activated (either remotely or manually by the user) to maintain the user or the user&#39;s equipment buoyant during an avalanche, or analogous situation, and to maintain the user or equipment on the surface of the avalanche, or as close to the surface as possible, thereby enabling the user to survive the avalanche or to facilitate recovery of the user&#39;s equipment. 
     In a further particular implementation, the field of invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a harness or backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, snowmobiler, hiker, or a person engaged in another activity, who risks being exposed to an avalanche. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention includes an airbag system and, particularly, an avalanche airbag system, and a triggering device therefor, whether such system is of the compressed air or gas cartridge type or another type, such as one that utilizes an electrically powered blower to inflate the airbag. More particularly, the invention relates to components of a triggering device for such an airbag system for initiating the inflation of the airbag, particularly while the airbag is supported on a person by means of a backpack or a harness. 
     An airbag rescue system encompassed by the invention includes:
         an inflatable airbag designed to be in a non-deployed position or a deployed and inflated position;   an air movement device comprising at least one of the following: a source of compressed gas or air or an electrically powered air mover that includes a bladed rotor;   a supporting apparatus comprising a harness or a backpack designed to support the inflatable airbag and the powered air movement device on the user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system;   a base plate fixed to the supporting apparatus;   a triggering device designed to be manipulated by the user according to at least first and second manipulations to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag, the triggering device comprising:
           a base fixed in relation to the base plate, the base including a blocking part;   a trigger handle designed for movement by the user, in relation to the base, from a non-airbag-inflation-initiation position to an airbag-inflation-initiation position;   a safety lock designed for movement by the user, in relation to the base, from a locked position and an unlocked position;   said movement of the safety lock comprising the first manipulation of the triggering device, and said movement of the trigger handle comprising the second manipulation of the triggering device; and   in the locked position of the safety lock, the safety lock engages the blocking part and blocks the movement of the trigger handle, and, in the unlocked position of the safety lock, the safety lock is not blocked by the blocking part of the base.   
               

     According to a particular embodiment, the supporting apparatus comprises a shoulder strap and the base plate is fixed in relation to the shoulder strap. 
     In one embodiment, the safety lock is mounted over the base and the movement of the safety lock is transverse in relation to the base. 
     In one embodiment, the safety lock is mounted over the base and the movement of the safety lock is rotational in relation to the base. 
     Further, according to the invention, the triggering device further comprises a cable extending between the trigger handle and the supporting apparatus. 
     According to another particular embodiment, the base has a tubular shape and extends from the base plate in a direction to the trigger handle, the trigger handle slidably mounted on the tubular base. Further, the cable of the triggering device is fixed in relation to the trigger handle and extends through the tubular base and the cable and a cable housing extend between the base plate and the supporting apparatus. 
     In a particular embodiment in which the air movement device is an electrically powered air mover, the invention further includes an electric power switch designed to activate the electrically powered air mover, and the cable is connected to the electric power switch. 
     A particular feature of the invention relates to the trigger handle being externally accessible and includes no pocket or cover so as to maintain the trigger handle in a ready position. More particularly, according to a particular embodiment, the trigger handle is suspended from the base plate. 
     In a particular embodiment of the invention, the supporting apparatus comprises a closeable airbag compartment containing the airbag in the non-deployed position, and the airbag compartment includes an opening system to allow the airbag to emerge from an opening in the compartment upon the initiation of the inflation of the airbag by the triggering device. 
     More particularly, the opening system can comprise a readily burstable slide fastener that releasably closes the opening of the airbag compartment and is designed to open upon inflation of the airbag. The aforementioned cable is operably connected to the air movement device to activate either the source of compress air or the electrically powered air mover upon initiation of the inflation of the airbag by the triggering device. 
     In another particular embodiment of the invention, the air movement device is an electrically powered air mover comprising a power switch, and the cable is operably connected to the power switch to activate the electrically powered air mover upon initiation of the inflation of the airbag by the triggering device. 
     As an alternative to a readily burstable slide fastener to releasably close the airbag compartment, the opening system can include a lid and a latch mechanism to releasably secure the lid over the opening. The latch mechanism comprises a latch fixed to one of a surface of the compartment or a surface of the lid and a post fixed to a second of the surface of the compartment or the surface of the lid, and whereby the cable is operably connected to the air movement device to activate either the source of compress air or the electrically powered air mover. 
     An airbag rescue system encompassed by the invention also includes:
         an inflatable airbag designed to be in a non-deployed position or a deployed and inflated position;   an gas or air movement device comprising at least one of the following: a source of compressed gas or air or an electrically powered air mover that includes a bladed rotor;   a supporting apparatus comprising a harness or a backpack designed to support the inflatable airbag and the air movement device on the user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system, the supporting apparatus comprising first and second shoulder straps;   a base plate fixed in relation to the first shoulder strap;   a triggering device designed to be manipulated by the user to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag, the triggering device comprising:
           a base fixed in relation to the base plate;   a trigger handle designed for movement by the user, in relation to the base, from a non-airbag-inflation-initiation position to an airbag-inflation-initiation position;   a supplemental triggering mechanism comprising a lanyard having a first end fixed in relation to the trigger handle and a second end having a releasable clip;   the lanyard having a length designed to allow the releasable clip to removably fasten the lanyard to a second location spaced apart from the trigger handle.   
               

     According to the invention as described above, the second location can be the second shoulder strap and the lanyard can extend between the first and second shoulder straps. 
     With further regard to the invention as described above, the base plate is removably fixed in relation to the first shoulder strap to allow relocating the base plate to be fixed in relation to the second shoulder strap. 
     An airbag rescue system encompassed by the invention also includes:
         an inflatable airbag designed to be in a non-deployed position or a deployed and inflated position;   an air movement device comprising at least one of the following: a source of compressed gas or air or an electrically powered air mover that includes a bladed rotor;   a supporting apparatus comprising a harness or a backpack designed to support the inflatable airbag and the air movement device on the user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system, the supporting apparatus comprising at least one shoulder strap;   a base plate fixed in relation to the shoulder strap;   a triggering device designed to be manipulated by the user to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag, the triggering device comprising:
           a base fixed in relation to the base plate and having a length extending from the base plate;   a trigger handle slidably mounted along the length of the base for movement by the user from a non-airbag-inflation-initiation position to an airbag-inflation-initiation position;   at least one detent, or detent recess fixed at a predetermined position along the length of the base to engage a portion of the trigger handle during the movement of the trigger handle but before the trigger handle reaches the airbag-inflation-initiation position to thereby provide physical feedback to the user of an impending triggering of the inflation of the airbag.   
               

     According to the invention as described above, the at least one detent or detent recess and the portion of the trigger handle are made of materials and are arranged in relation to each other to require a force between 50 and 150 Newtons to be applied to the trigger handle to move the portion of the trigger handle beyond the detent or detent recess to enable the trigger handle to the airbag-inflation-initiation position. 
     With further regard to the invention as described above, at least one of the detents or the portion of the trigger handle comprises an elastically deformable material. 
     With further regard to the invention as described above, there are two detents or detent recesses spaced apart from each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be implemented, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an airbag rescue system according to the invention in the form of a pack being worn by a user and in a ready position, the triggering device being positioned for activation; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a pack according to the invention, having a different trigger handle from that of the rescue system pack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a view of the pack of  FIG. 2  being worn, with the airbag being stowed, non-deployed, within a compartment of the pack; 
         FIG. 2B  is a view of the pack of  FIG. 1  being worn, with the airbag being inflated in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 3  is partial view of a pack of the invention employing a lanyard connected to a left shoulder strap with an end clipped thereto; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial view like that of  FIG. 3 , with the end of the lanyard clipped to the right shoulder strap to provide additional triggering options in the event access to the trigger handle itself were to be difficult during an avalanche situation; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial view of a shoulder strap to which the triggering device is affixed, showing the trigger handle in the non-airbag-inflation-initiation position; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial view like that of  FIG. 5 , showing the trigger handle in the airbag-inflation-initiation position and showing a recess/detent on the base of the triggering device that had engaged a portion of the trigger handle as it had been pulled longitudinally away from the base plate of the triggering device, the base plate being fixed to the shoulder strap; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial view of a pack according to an embodiment, showing a lid closed on a top opening of the airbag compartment of the pack; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial view of the pack according to  FIG. 7  in a front view; 
         FIG. 9  is partial view of the pack of  FIG. 7 , showing the post (fixed to the lid) of a latch mechanism having been released from the latch (fixed to an upper portion of the pack); 
         FIG. 10  is a partial view of the pack of  FIG. 9 , showing the airbag beginning to emerge from its compartment of the pack; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial view of the pack of  FIG. 10  in a front view; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial view of the pack of  FIG. 11 , showing the lid more widely open and the airbag further expanding from its compartment; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial view of the pack of  FIG. 12 , in perspective, showing the airbag having expanded further from its compartment; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a triggering device according to the invention, with the trigger handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14A  is a cut-away side view of the triggering device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective cut-away view of the triggering device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic exploded view of a latch mechanism and associated portions of a pack and pack lid according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the latch mechanism, showing interior components of the latch case of the mechanism of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a top view of the latch case of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , assembled; 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  16 B- 16 B of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 16C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  16 C- 16 C of  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a trigger handle of the triggering device of an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , showing a slide lock thereof in an unlocked position, allowing the trigger handle to be pulled away from the base plate along the base of the triggering device; 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view of the trigger handle of  FIG. 17  taken along line  17 A- 17 A of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 17B  is an enlargement of a portion of the trigger handle of  FIG. 17 , taken around the line  17 B- 17 B of  FIG. 17 , showing the handle in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a trigger handle of the triggering device shown in  FIG. 17 , showing the slide lock thereof in a locked position, preventing the trigger handle to be pulled away from the base plate along the base of the triggering device; 
         FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional view of the trigger handle of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 18B  is an enlargement of a portion of the trigger handle of  FIG. 18 , showing the handle in the locked position; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of a significant components of triggering device, showing the base plate, retaining flange, and base, which are designed to be fixed to a shoulder strap, as well as movable components, such as the trigger handle, safety lock, and cable. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the latch mechanism, similar to the view of  FIG. 15 , showing components of the latch mechanism in place within the latch case, with the cable of the triggering device attached to the latch; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded longitudinal cut-away perspective view of the latch mechanism of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a further exploded longitudinal perspective view of the latch mechanism of  FIG. 20 , with the post of the latch mechanism cut-away through its center; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded transverse cut-away perspective view of the latch mechanism of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a view of a pack according to the invention having a readily burstable slide fastener, rather than a non-locking closure for the airbag; 
         FIG. 25  is a view of the pack of  FIG. 24 , showing the airbag in a deployed and inflated position; 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the handle, base, cable, and rotatable safety lock components of the triggering device shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 26A  is a top view of the components of  FIG. 26 , with the rotatable safety lock in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 26B  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 26A ; 
         FIG. 26C  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 26B ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the handle, base, cable, and rotatable safety lock components of the triggering device shown in  FIG. 19 , assembled in the locked position of the lock; 
         FIG. 27A  is a top view of the components of  FIG. 27 , with the rotatable safety lock in the locked position; 
         FIG. 27B  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 27A ; 
         FIG. 27C  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 27B ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the handle, base, cable, and rotatable safety lock components of the triggering device shown in  FIG. 19 , assembled in a “pulled” position of the trigger handle, that is, in the airbag-inflation-initiation position; 
         FIG. 28A  is a top view of the components of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 28B  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 28A ; and 
         FIG. 28C  is an enlarged detail of  FIG. 28B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description makes reference to  FIGS. 1-28C , which illustrate exemplary embodiments and features of the invention. The description and drawings are presented for the purpose of explanation and understanding, but the particular structures, details, and features that are shown and described are not intended to limit the invention unless otherwise expressed herein. 
     The invention encompasses a triggering device, such as for use in an avalanche rescue system, and, more particularly, in a system that employs a backpack or harness that carries an inflatable airbag. A triggering device according to the invention includes structural components designed to initiate the activation of the means used to inflate the airbag, such as an electric motor that turns a fan/turbine/impeller or that activates inflation via a compressed gas or air canister/cartridge/container. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pack  1  worn on the back of a user, the pack being supported by at least one shoulder strap  2 , or a pair of shoulder straps  2 ,  2 ′, one of which is shown in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the top of the pack includes a hinged lid  3 , shown in a closed position beneath which an uninflated or underinflated airbag, or balloon, is housed within a compartment of the pack  1 . The top of the pack can be designed differently, such that, for example, the pack is closed by means of a structural configuration that utilizes a mechanical latch or no latch. As described in greater detail below with reference to other drawing figures, once the user activates the triggering device, the latch is moved to a position that allows the stowed airbag to emerge from within the pack as it is inflated. As also described below, alternatively, an airbag compartment can be closed with a readily burstable slide fastener, such as a burst zipper, which opens from the force of the inflating airbag. 
     The trigger handle  4  of the triggering device  30 , described in greater detail below and with reference to additional drawing figures (see  FIG. 4 , for example), is shown in  FIG. 1  in the non-airbag-inflation-initiation position. According to the invention, the triggering handle  4  is designed to be easily accessible to the user, no pocket or cover designed to stow it away, but being difficult to trigger accidentally. A cable  5  or, more particularly, a cable in a housing  36 , extends from the triggering handle  4  to an actuator that activates inflation of the airbag. This actuator can be coupled to a latch, as further described below. 
     For example, the trigger handle  4  is constantly available on, or just off, a shoulder strap and not, for example, in a closed pocket, perhaps zipped away.  FIG. 1  shows the trigger handle  4  conveniently located at a generally mid-torso height, or slightly above the mid-torso, and at a left-of-center position on or proximate the left shoulder strap, the latter location being particularly convenient for grasping the handle with the right hand. For left-handed grasping of the trigger handle, the trigger handle is releasably fixed in placed so that it can be relocated on or proximate the right shoulder strap. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the trigger handle  4  is constantly available. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a pack  1 ′ according to the invention, having a trigger handle  6  with a shape different from that of the trigger handle  4  of  FIG. 1 . The trigger handle  6  is shown in an unlocked position (indicated by a solid circle on the lock  12 ′) and in a locked position (indicated by an “X” on the lock  12 ′). The pack of  FIG. 2  shows an optional waist belt  7  for additional support on the wearer, as well as a leg strap  8 , both of which can be employed in the pack of  FIG. 1 . 
     In addition, sternum strap  9  extends between the left and right shoulder straps  2 ,  2 ′. An optional feature of the invention is a lanyard  10 , in the form of a cross-chest cable, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , having one end fixed to the trigger handle  4 , such as through a hole  25  (see  FIG. 14A ) or hole  25 ′ (see  FIG. 26A ). In  FIG. 3 , the opposite end of the lanyard  10  is releasably clipped to the left shoulder strap  2 , that is, the same shoulder strap to which the triggering device and trigger handle  4  is connected. In  FIG. 4 , the releasable clip  11  is released from the right shoulder strap  2  and is secured to the left shoulder strap  2 ′. When the lanyard  10  is positioned to extend as shown in  FIG. 4 , the user is provided with a supplemental triggering mechanism to provide additional triggering possibilities in the event access to the trigger handle  4  (or handle  6  of  FIG. 2 ) were to be difficult in an avalanche situation. That is, in certain avalanche situations, when one is caught in an avalanche slide before the airbag can be triggered, it can become difficult or impossible to reach the trigger handle so as to pull and activate the airbag. In such a case, the wearer would have the option of swiping either hand downward along the torso between the shoulder straps and catch the lanyard  10  and pull it downward, thereby also pulling the trigger handle  4  or  6  downward to initiate airbag inflation. This supplemental triggering mechanism/lanyard thereby provides the possibility of accomplishing triggering of inflation of the airbag with a larger and less precise movement than grasping the trigger handle. Alternatively, the lanyard  10 , when not connected across the user&#39;s chest, can also be allowed to hang below the trigger handle such that it can be caught with a simple swipe of the thumb. Such lanyard can be used with either blower or compressed air or gas systems. In fact, according to the invention, a lanyard can be attached to any trigger for any airbag rescue system generally. This would include airbag rescue systems other than those disclosed herein, including such systems with or without safety locks, for example. Further, the releasable clip  11  can be any of many types, such as snap hooks, detachable buckles, and others. 
     Accidental triggering is prevented by virtue of certain precautionary measures. First, a trigger lock is incorporated into the trigger handle  4 ,  6 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  schematically illustrate two respective positions of a first embodiment of the lock, in the form of a slide trigger lock  12 , retained in place by lock retainer  19  with fasteners  47 . This first embodiment and a second embodiment of such a lock are further described below and are illustrated in other drawing figures. The slide trigger lock  12 , similar to a gun safety, is easily moved by one&#39;s finger selectively between an engaged and locked position (shown in  FIG. 5 ), and a disengaged and unlocked position (shown in  FIG. 6 ), the trigger lock being secure and stable in each position.  FIG. 18B  also illustrates the trigger lock  12  in the locked (engaged) position, and  FIG. 17B  illustrates the trigger lock  12  in the unlocked (disengaged) position. These respective positions are visible to the user by virtue of the position of the slide trigger lock  12  in relation to the length of the remainder of the trigger handle  12 . More specifically, when the slide lock  12  is in the unlocked position, the width of the lock  12  is centered, or substantially centered, in relation to the length of the handle  12 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . When the slide lock  12  is in the locked position, the width of the lock  12  is offset in relation to the length of the handle  6 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . Still further, the cross-sectional enlarged detail views of  FIGS. 17B and 18B  show different engagements of surfaces of the base  13  slide lock in the unlocked and locked positions, respectively. In the unlocked slide lock position of  FIG. 17B , the lower profile wedge  52  of the inside of the lock  12  is positioned in the recess, that is, detent recess  14  of the base  13  only partially and, when the user pulls on the handle along the base, the engagement between the handle  12  and base  13  is overcome upon exertion of a sufficient longitudinal pulling force, whereby the cable is pulled and inflation of the bag is initiated. If, however, the slide lock  12  were to be moved in its offset, locked, position of  FIG. 18 , a wider profile wedge  53  comes into play, as shown in  FIG. 18B , that has a shape that more fully engages the recess of the base, that is, the detent  14  of the base or, more specifically, the detent recess of the base. Herein, the expression “detent recess” is used to refer to a recess that is designed to be engaged with a detent or other wedge, projection, or surface. Such engagement effectively blocks, or at least effectively blocks, any effort by the user to pull the handle  12  longitudinally to an airbag-inflation-initiation position. The slide trigger lock  12  is also shown in the exploded diagrams of  FIGS. 14, 14A, and 14B . The slide trigger lock  12 , and a rotatable, or twistable, trigger lock  12 ′, are further described below. The invention encompasses airbag systems generally, including ones that rely upon a compressed air or gas cartridge, that have a triggering device that requires a pulling of a handle for actuation, inasmuch as such pulling can be provided to be locked against movement or unlocked for movement. 
     A second measure to prevent accidental triggering is a requirement for a certain threshold force to be exerted for triggering the activation of the inflation of the airbag. For example, a pull force within a range of 50 N to 150 N, for example, can be set to release the airbag, i.e., a good firm pull. This range is in the proposed CE standard (such as in the February 2014 draft Norm prEN  16716  “Mountaineering equipment—Avalanche airbag systems—Safety requirements and test methods).” For example, a force of 100 N can be set. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , as well as in  FIGS. 14, 14A, and 14B , the trigger handle  4  is movable longitudinally in relation to the base  13  of the triggering device, the base  13  being fixed with respect to a base plate  15 , the base plate being fixed in relation to the shoulder strap  2 . The base  13  is raised from the surface of the shoulder strap and the interior of the trigger handle  4  slidably receives the longitudinally projecting base. The cable  5  extends from the pack through the base  13  and is fixed to the trigger handle  4  by means of a cable end stop  17  and a stopper  18 . On the outer surface of the base  13  is at least one detent recess  14 , although two additional detent recesses  14 ′ are shown in the drawing, which detents become frictionally engaged with an inner surface of the trigger handle  4  when the handle is pulled in a direction to trigger airbag inflation. The detent recess(es)  14  and  14 ′ and the interior of the handle  4  are structured and made of materials, such as one or more elastically deformable materials or shapes so as to require the aforementioned force of 50-150 N to be exerted by pulling on the trigger handle  4 , by means of the interior of the handle  4  passing over the detent recess  14 , the additional detent recesses  14 ′ providing a lesser force, yet providing physical feedback to the user. The required force 50-150 N could be settable and/or designed differently, for instance, by using elastic means, a spring, rubber, or the like. The total pull travel of the trigger handle  4 ,  6  is approximately 45 to 50 mm in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment and beyond the frictional sliding of the handle over the detent recesses  14 ,  14 ′, thereby providing an opportunity to stop pulling in the event of an unintentional triggering attempt. 
     The foregoing description is also applicable to the second triggering device embodiment  30 ′ illustrated in exploded perspective in  FIG. 19 , which includes handle  6 , lock  12 ′, lock retainer  19 ′, and base  13 ′. The handle  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 14, 14A, 14B , is comprised of front and rear parts secured together. Likewise, the handle  6 , shown in  FIG. 19 , is comprised of front and rear parts  6 A,  6 B which are secured together by means of fasteners  47 . 
     After the minimum pull force is reached and the trigger handle  4 ,  6  has moved longitudinally beyond the base  13  or  13 ′, the handle can pivot and move at an indirect angle in relation to the length of attached cable  5  to cover multiple pull angles, as the handle  4 ,  6  is then merely tethered to the shoulder strap  2  by means of the cable  5 . 
     Next, the latch mechanism  20 , if used in any particular embodiment, and, for an electrically powered inflation embodiment, the triggering of a power switch  32 , that corresponds to the actuator that activates the airbag, are described with reference to relevant figures of the drawing. 
     When a completed pull of the handle  4  or  6  is accomplished, the locking post  21  of the latch mechanism  20  (see  FIGS. 10 and 16 , for example), fixed to the lid  3  at the top of the pack  1 , by means of fasteners  26  extending through the post plate  55 , and projecting downward from the lid, is pushed out of the latch  22 . The ramp  23  of the latch (see  FIG. 16 , for example), as it is pulled by the cable  5 , ensures enough force so that the post  21  can be pushed out even in the event it had become frozen in place). An electrical switch  32 , fixed together with the latch  22  within the latch case comprised of the case top  28  and case bottom  29  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 , for example), is incorporated within the latch mechanism  20  such that the post  21  must be released from the latch  22  before the electric motor can be activated (see  FIGS. 15, 16 , for example) by means of the plunger  34  engaging the power switch  32 .  FIG. 15  illustrates a surface plate  31 , mounted to the fabric of the pack  1  by means of fasteners  26  connecting the plate  31  to the latch case  28 ,  29 , with the switch  32  and latch  22  positioned within the thusly mounted case. The compression spring  35  biases the latch  22  to return to its initial position within the latch case after separation of the post  21  and the latch  22 . 
     The latch mechanism  20  of  FIG. 16  also shows the cable housing  36 , a compression nut  37  against which a collet  40  is positioned, the nut being engaged with the threaded sections  38 ,  38 ′ that are formed on the respective top and bottom  28 ,  29  of the latch case. A protection tube  39  is provided for the electrical cable  41  to which the switch  32  is connected. The perspective and cross-sectional exploded views of  FIGS. 20-23  show the latch mechanism  20  in greater detail. 
     After the post  21  is clear of the hook  24  of the latch  22  (that is, nothing holding the airbag compartment within the pack  1  closed, as shown in  FIGS. 9-13 ), the motor is powered on to inflate the airbag  33 , such as for a seven-second blower activation. That is, the motor cannot be activated until the post  21  has been released from the latch  22 . 
     Once the latch  22  and post  21  of the latch mechanism  20  are released from each other, the lid  3  of the airbag compartment is completed unfettered to open (see  FIGS. 9, 10 ), such that the inflation of the airbag  33  itself forces it from the compartment of the pack  1  to a deployed position. The post/latch combination  21 ,  22  is the single locking point of closure. The airbag  33  is stowed purely by being folded (such as by “origami” style or any non-restricting fold(s), but not by being rolled, for example), which allows the airbag to release, during inflation, in all directions (into a more than a full hemisphere), rather than “funneling” through a narrow door, for example. 
     The releasable latching embodiment described above is not the only closure that is encompassed by the invention, inasmuch as a non-locking closure for the airbag can be employed. For example, a separating sliding fastener, such as a readily burstable slide fastener, such as a burst zipper  42  shown in  FIG. 24 , can be employed. As known in the art, a burstable zipper has a number of teeth removed or omitted from one or more of the stringers of the zipper. If a burst zipper is employed, it can be positioned to extend across the top of the pack and, optionally, down the sides, as shown in  FIG. 24 , as the airbag is inflating, whereby the burst zipper automatically opens from the force generated by the inflating airbag, thereby allowing the airbag to emerge from the airbag compartment to the deployed position shown in  FIGS. 2B and 25 . The burst zipper can be re-zipped for further use, after the airbag is deflated and re-stowed in its compartment. With a readily burstable slide fastener, the cable system is used for activating the power switch  32 , there being no need to open a latching mechanism as well. Optionally, with the use of a burstable slide fastener, a Velcro® tab could be employed across the length of the fastener and it would be designed to release at the time of airbag inflation. 
     Any time after inflation of the airbag, such as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 25 , the trigger handle  4  or  6  can be pulled again to activate another seven-second blower cycle, or a cycle having an appropriate duration for a given application. In addition, upon inflation of the airbag and deployment during use, the blower can be automatically pulsed repeatedly to maintain inflation or a predetermined level of inflation. 
     After having deployed the airbag, the airbag can be returned to the non-deployed position within the pack (as shown in  FIGS. 2, 2A, and 24 ), the trigger handle  4  or  6  must be physically pushed back into the closed position, that is, in the non-airbag-inflation-initiation position (see  FIG. 3 , showing the closed position,  FIG. 4  showing the open position, that is, the airbag-inflation-initiation position) to re-enable the latching mechanism  20 , if used, for stowing the airbag in its compartment. This ensures that the latch  22  cannot be accidentally re-fastened to the post  21 . Alternatively, a detent recess can be provided within the switch/latch case  28 ,  29  that holds the latch  22  in an open position once it has been deployed. The locking post  21  being forcefully re-inserted into the socket  43  (see  FIG. 16 ) engages with the ejector ramp  23  on the latch plunger  34  and snaps the latch  22  back past the detent recess. In this way, the ramp is used to the exact opposite effect as when it is used to eject the post initially. The trigger handle  4  or  6 , in either event, is to be re-docked, if the cable length is set to do so, but it is not required. 
     Once the airbag is deflated, that is, purged of air, it can be easily packed back into the compartment of the pack (origami-style, for example, or otherwise using non-restricting folds) and quickly latched securely. 
     The cable mechanism, comprising the cable  5  extending between the trigger handle  4  or  6  and the latch mechanism  20  or burstable zipper  42 , at the top of the pack, as well as associated parts, such as the housing  36 , the compression nut  44  that engages with the threaded extension  46  attached to the flanged connector  16 , or retaining flange, and the collet  45 , is similar to the type of cable mechanism like that used in a bicycle brake cable system, for example. 
     The latch mechanism  20  (post in keyhole) is a solid structural component when closed (see  FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 ) and is the only closure point on the compartment containing the airbag. The sides of the airbag compartment are folded in and are secured along with the top of the compartment at the latch point (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     Features of the invention, relating to the foregoing description, include the following:
         An easily accessible exposed handle with a secure yet easily operated safety lock;   Travel of the trigger handle over one or more detent recesses for additional warning of impending activation;   Action at end of travel of the trigger handle to ensure a mechanical failsafe for proper sequence to (1) release the latch and (2) power on the motor;   mechanical release also ensures release in wet, cold, icy conditions;   Inability to re-latch without first repositioning the trigger handle;   Clippable lanyard to provide additional activation surface in difficult situations;   Airbag compartment folded so that it has a single latch point and, once unlatched, is completely free to open in any direction (except where it is attached to the pack).       

     In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the airbag compartment and the latch mechanism are different. The opening is on the upper back side of the pack top, that is, away from the wearer and in about the same orientation as in  FIGS. 7 and 13  but facing the other way. It is secured by a hook-and-loop fastener, rather than the latch mechanism extending through holes in the fabric, as in the illustrated embodiment described above. In such a version, the cable runs over the top of the pack and allows the wearer to pull the hook-and-loop fastener open with the cable. It also features a switch for the motor that cannot be activated until the fastener has been opened. 
     A particular feature of the triggering handle  4  or  6  is that it is very easy for the user, that is, the person wearing the avalanche airbag and pack, to locate and grab the handle. To this end, the handle is always externally accessible, in contrast to systems whose components are stowed in a pouch, such as a zippered pouch, on a shoulder strap to prevent an accidental release that might be caused by being caught/snagged on something or an ill-timed or accidental manipulation. For systems in which the handle is kept in a pouch, the user can forget to unzip the handle and have it accessible when it is taken out. Also, they tend to move around within the pouch, so the handle is not in the same position all the time. 
     As mentioned above, the triggering device of the invention includes at least two features to avoid accidental triggering, while maintaining the triggering handle permanently exposed and easily accessible. One is that which is described above that includes the detent recess  14 , particularly, over which the trigger handle  4  or  6  is engaged as the handle is pulled and a force of 50-150 N is required to completely pull the trigger handle for triggering activation. 
     The second feature relates to a safety lock mechanism, such as that which includes a slidable lock  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 17, 17A, 17B  (unlocked) and  FIGS. 18, 18A, 18B  (locked). The slide lock  12  is designed to be moved between locked and unlocked positions with a single finger or thumb. In an emergency situation, the user might want to have the handle unlocked in a critical area. The motion that is required to unlock the slide lock safety triggering device is similar to that required for a gun safety lock. The locking mechanism is simply movable transversely, with a snap action, between the locked and unlocked positions. 
     The second feature can be realized differently, by a second embodiment of a pack  1 ′ as illustrated in  FIGS. 26, 26A, 26B, and 26C . The triggering device  30 ′ has an alternative safety lock mechanism, particularly, one having a twistable lock  12 ′, rather than a slide lock, that is, a lock that is rotatable about the base  13 ′ that allows the user to flip the lock 180 degrees, i.e., with the remainder of the handle, around the base between locked and unlocked positions, the latter position allowing the handle  6  to be pulled longitudinally to initiate airbag inflation. That is, for accomplishing airbag inflation, the user moves the triggering device according to two manipulations. First, the safety lock  12 ′ must be rotated from the locked position (shown in  FIGS. 27 and 27A ) to the unlocked position (shown in  FIG. 26A ). Second, the trigger handle  6  must be pulled in relation to the base  13 ′ to the position shown in  FIGS. 28, 28A, and 28B .  FIG. 28C  illustrates an enlarged detail of  FIG. 28B , showing the trigger handle stopper  18  having reached a restricted position in relation to the trigger handle  6  such that the stopper  18 , secured in place by the wire cable  5  end stop  17  to thereby release the post  21  from the latch  22 , for embodiments having both a latch mechanism  20  (see  FIG. 16 , for example) and actuating the electrical switch  32 , as explained above. 
     In the unlocked position of the twist lock  12 ′, whereby the handle  6  had been twisted 180° around the base  13 ′, a lower profile wedge  48  projecting from the interior of the handle  6 , shown in  FIG. 26C , provides a certain level of resistance, such as within the range of 50-150 N, for disengagement of the lock from the detent recess  14  during the pulling of the handle  6  to the pulled position shown in  FIG. 28 . An indication on the handle  6 , in the form of a green circle  51 , alerts the user to the handle being in the unlocked position. Other forms and shapes can be used for the same purpose. 
     A red “X”  50 , or other indication, is shown in  FIGS. 27 and 27B  as an indication that the handle  6  is in the locked position, after the handle had been rotated from the unlocked position. As shown in  FIG. 27C , the higher profile wedge  49  of the handle  6  provides a positive lock against longitudinal displacement of the handle  6  in the locked position. While the detent recess  14  is shown on the base  13 ′ (or base  13 , for the slide lock embodiment), the detent recess could be located on the handle and a complementary wedge or projection could be formed on the base. 
     The aforementioned locked and unlocked positions of the “twist” trigger handle  6  are also indicated in  FIG. 2 , with an “X” and “O”, respectively, for the two positions of the safety lock  12 ′. In this example, the indication of the state of the handle (locked or unlocked) is visible, which means this indication is not oriented toward the user, but outwardly. 
     The triggering device  30 ,  30 ′ can also comprise means for maintaining the trigger lock  12 ,  12 ′ in an expected position, locked/unlocked. These means may be clips, plastic deformation, tightening, for example. 
     For manufacturing airbag rescue systems and triggering devices in particular, the use of various materials are within the scope of the invention and various manufacturing processes are within the scope of the invention, such as injection molding. Various components of the triggering device, such as the handle and the lock, as well as the base, for example, can be made of any of various synthetic polymers such as particular thermoplastics, including nylon and, more particularly, polyoxymethylene (POM), for example, the latter being self-lubricating and offers favorable characteristics for use in cold and wet conditions, has a low coefficient of friction, low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, and high tensile strength, for example. In this regard, variations of components are embraced by the invention, such as making the base plate  15  and retaining flange  16  as one piece. Other components, such as cables, screws, nuts, etc. can be made of stainless steel or other materials that have characteristics that perform well in outdoor environments, particularly in wet and cold environments. 
     The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but extends to all embodiments covered by the following claims. 
     Lastly, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.