Multi-functional Carry Pack Assembly for Fire Fighters

Abstract

The present invention concerns a multi-functional carry pack assembly intended to equip fire fighters when fighting fires in wildland areas. The carry pack assembly of the invention comprises: a) a carry frame, preferably with at least two straps of shoulder strap type resting on the shoulders, and at least one cross-strap joined to said shoulder type straps and acting as belt, b) a first element of pouch type fixed or fixable to the carry frame, able to carry at least one water reservoir and a “hands-free” hydration system connected or connectable to said water reservoir, and c) at least one second element of pouch type fixed or fixable onto the carry frame and able to contain a protective, action or survival garment, a protective mask or at least one other accessory.

1 . A multi-functional carry pack assembly for fire fighters comprising:
 a) a carry frame intended to be worn on the torso, and formed of straps, preferably at least two straps of shoulder strap type resting on the shoulders, and at least one cross-strap joined to said shoulder type straps and acting as belt,   b) a first element of pouch type fixed or fixable to the carry frame and able to contain at least one water reservoir and a “hands-free” hydration system connected or connectable to said water reservoir, and   c) at least one second element of pouch type fixed or fixable onto the carry frame and able to contain a protective, action or survival garment, a protective mask or at least one other accessory,   wherein the constituent materials of the frame and elements of pouch type are heat-resistant and fireproof,   and each second element of pouch type is provided with a quick-opening system, giving a fire fighter direct access to its content, without requiring removal of the carry frame.   
   
   
       2 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the elements of pouch type are fixed onto the frame according to necessary volume, either cross-wise for example, simultaneously on two straps of shoulder strap type, or longitudinally, for example, on a single strap of shoulder strap type or on a cross-strap. 
   
   
       3 . The pack assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the first element of pouch type comprises two side extensions and in that it is fixed cross-wise on the frame, e.g., on the outer surface of two side straps in the upper part of the torso, the two side extensions lying in the upper part of the shoulders. 
   
   
       4 . The pack assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein said first element is fixed by two fastenings onto the frame so that it rests on the upper part of the back, and that one of the fastenings is accessible to the user and is detachable so that said first element can be pivoted towards the front, in particular for filling of the water reservoir. 
   
   
       5 . The pack assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the “hands-free” hydration system consist of a drinking tube fixed or fixable directly or via a side extension onto the frame, e.g., on the outer surface of a side strap so that its end tip is accessible to the fire fighter's mouth. 
   
   
       6 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein, as accessory, it comprises respiratory protection gear comprising a filtering system, e.g., a filtering cartridge, placed in the first or a second element of pouch type, and a connecting tube connecting the filtering system to a connecting end piece, in particular, a mouth piece or a mask, to be applied to the face, either a “half-mask” or a “quarter-mask”. 
   
   
       7 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein, as accessory, it comprises respiratory protection gear solely comprising a mask, called an exhalation mask, associated with a filtering cartridge and placed in a second element of pouch type. 
   
   
       8 . The pack assembly according to  claim 6 , wherein the filtering system particularly, the filtering cartridge, is placed sideways in the pouch, the air intake preferably protected by a grating being directed sidewards. 
   
   
       9 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein, in a second element of pouch type, it contains an item of protective clothing of action gear type consisting of a jacket and over-trousers and/or a survival garment, e.g., an aluminised poncho. 
   
   
       10 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the quick-opening system of each second element of pouch type consists of a side access provided with a grasp tab. 
   
   
       11 . The pack assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the action jacket, the over-trousers and/or survival garment are provided with a grasp tab and are arranged inside the second element of pouch type such that said grasp tab is accessible from the side access (and facilitates the removal and even the donning of the jacket, over-trousers and/or survival garment, particularly, a poncho. 
   
   
       12 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the second elements of pouch type has a protective coating with low friction coefficient, e.g., a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. 
   
   
       13 . The pack assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein the over-trousers comprise fastening means so that they can be fastened to the frame, in particular, on the outer surface of the straps. 
   
   
       14 . The pack assembly according to further comprising at least one second element of pouch type able to contain, as accessory, radio communication apparatus, a topographical map, a compass, rations or small tooling, said second element being fixed or fixable to the frame, in particular, to the outer surface of a strap of shoulder strap type, e.g., on the front of the carry pack assembly, or on the outer surface of a cross-strap. 
   
   
       15 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first or second element of pouch type, as accessory, contains a visual and/or sound signalling device. 
   
   
       16 . The pack assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the visual and/or sound signalling device is connected to the quick-opening system of one or all the second elements of pouch type containing safety gear and/or to a system releasing the end piece of a respiratory protection device so that the signalling device is triggered automatically as soon as the quick-opening system is actuated. 
   
   
       17 . The pack assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the visual and/or sound signalling device is associated with a multiple-function trigger and is able to be remotely triggered non-selectively. 
   
   
       18 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the carry frame, e.g., at least one of the straps of shoulder strap type or a cross-strap, is provided with at least one ring or hook to hang small equipment items, themselves fitted with a snap hook or ring, the ring or hook preferably being protected by a protective flap to cover it when not in use and which can be easily lifted when required. 
   
   
       19 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising spacers, e.g., fire-resistant foam pads arranged on the inner surface of the frame, e.g., of the straps of shoulder strap type, preferably substantially at the same level as the elements of pouch type. 
   
   
       20 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the carry frame comprises two side straps of shoulder strap type, and it comprises an evacuation handle fixed to a cross-member extending between the two said side straps in the upper part of the rear of said pack assembly. 
   
   
       21 . The pack assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein, on the rear of the frame, it comprises netting which extends, for example, between two straps of shoulder strap type, in particular from the cross-member if said pack assembly is equipped therewith.