CA1080045A - Stabilized life raft - Google Patents
Stabilized life raftInfo
- Publication number
- CA1080045A CA1080045A CA267,901A CA267901A CA1080045A CA 1080045 A CA1080045 A CA 1080045A CA 267901 A CA267901 A CA 267901A CA 1080045 A CA1080045 A CA 1080045A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- raft
- chamber
- door
- fluid
- canopy
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A stabilized life raft utilizing a fluid filled depending buoy chamber for overall stabilization and including as improved features thereon a peripheral skirt chamber which fills with the raft supporting fluid upon deployment of the raft and serves as a temporary stabilizing means while the buoy chamber becomes filled. The buoy chamber includes baffle means to impede the flow of the stabilizing fluid from one portion of the chamber to another in the event of a sudden weight shift within the raft. Improved valve means permit a more rapid inward flow of fluid upon deployment of the raft and yet prevents outward flow in instances where the buoyant raft is suddenly thrust upwardly by elements such as waves. The raft, because of the particular placement of the various structural elements in conjunction with the placement of the survival gear and inflation system, is automatically self-righting.
A stabilized life raft utilizing a fluid filled depending buoy chamber for overall stabilization and including as improved features thereon a peripheral skirt chamber which fills with the raft supporting fluid upon deployment of the raft and serves as a temporary stabilizing means while the buoy chamber becomes filled. The buoy chamber includes baffle means to impede the flow of the stabilizing fluid from one portion of the chamber to another in the event of a sudden weight shift within the raft. Improved valve means permit a more rapid inward flow of fluid upon deployment of the raft and yet prevents outward flow in instances where the buoyant raft is suddenly thrust upwardly by elements such as waves. The raft, because of the particular placement of the various structural elements in conjunction with the placement of the survival gear and inflation system, is automatically self-righting.
Description
The prior art in the inflatable life saving equipment field is well known to the present inventor and is believed to be fully disclosed and described in United States Patent No. 3, 883, 913. It is the applicant s position that the prior art as noted hereinabove does not anticipa~e the basic invention and further that there is nothing in the art presently known to the invention which would anticipate the present improvements.
As has been noted in the above referenced patent, one oF the difficulties with inflatable life rafts has been the fact that since they are, of necessity, light of weight and are inflated with a gaseous substance, they are extremely subject to being blown away by high winds. Since the construction of the heretofore accepted raft also results in a h;gh center of gravity, the rafts are easily overturned in high seas or by sudden shifts within the raft.
The basic stabllized raft, as described in the above referenced United States patent, ellminates these problems by uttlizing the supporting Fluid as a stabilizing and weighted keel integrating such Fluid into the structure oF the raft.
Although the stabilized and weighted keel as described in the above referenced United States patent substantially solves the major problems and detractions of the heretofore accepted inflatable life raft there has proven to be, through testing and utilization of the stabilized raft, areas of improvement, w~fiich when seriously considered and attached in a positive manner have rendered the raft as described herein of even superior stability and safety.
One of the problems noted during the testing oF the basic stabilized raft is in the amount of time, short though it may be, that it takes for the buoy chamber to fill with the supporting fluid. During this filling time, the raft~
because of its basic nature, continues to have some of the instabiiity it was designed to correct. \Nith the above noted problem in mind it is an object of .. ,. ~ .
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ne present invention to provide a valve structure in the base of the stabilizing -chamber which will allow the chamber to be filled far more rapidly and readily and yet prevent a rapid outflow of fluid such as could be caused under certain specific conditions when the raft is suddenly lifted by a wave.
Yet another problem of currently available life rafts is in the fact that a sudden shifting of weight within the raft when combined with an inoppor- ;;
tune wind direction or wave action may cause the raft to flip over. It has been noted that even in a stabilized raft such as described in the above noted United States patent, a sudden shifting of material within the raft can at least cause 10 the feeling of instability.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to greatly improve the stability of a life raft which contains a fluid filled buoy by placing within the buoy chamber itself a plurality of baffles or other deterents to the rapid flow of water which have included therewlth a number of openings permitting the equalization of the fluld within the chamber and yet preventing rapid movement oF Fluids in the chamber from one section to another. This 7ncreased stability counteracts a rapid shift of weight in the main portion of the raft.
Still another disadvantage of presently available rafts is apparent in the entrance by way to those rafts which include enclosures to protect the 20 occupants from the weather. The entry ways have been traditionally secured by a covering door held in position by zippers. During a heavy sea or high wind, it is extremely d7fFicult for a fatigued person to stabilize themselves upon a rapidly bobb7ng raft whtle attempting to open the door by means of unzipping a zipper.
With the above problem in mind it is another object of the present invention to provide a door to the enclosed survival chamber which is capable -of rapid and simple opening and does not require intricate finger manipulation. ~ ;
The seal between the canopy bubble and the door itself is formed by means of . Velcro fasteners which extend around the inner periphery of the door opening 30 and the exterior of the door~ An opening strap is provided which extends from one of the upper inner corners of the door, downwardly, interior of the raft and then outwardly to terminate in a hand grip exterior of the raft. When a person desires to gain entrance to the raft a rapid yank upon the strap will release the top component of the door. Because of the arcuate shape of the ~5 tQ~D~ 10Rk -2--s anopy the door will simply roll downwardly away from the framework upon continuous pullingiof the strap, exposing the entry.
Yet another problem that has lessened the value of heretofore acceptable inflatable rafts at sea and thus inhibited their use has been the fact that quite often they would inflate in an upside-down position. When this happens, particularly in heavy seas, it is virtually impossible to either right the raft or to maintain oneself on top of the overturned raft. Needless to say the survival gear required is secured on the interior of topside of the raft and thus unaccessibie when the raft is overturned.
IO With this problem in mind it is still another object of the present invention to combine the proper placement of the survival and inflation gear of the raft in conjunction with the buoyant tubes themselves including the inflat- -able strut members which support the canopy such that the raft, when inflated will automatically be self-rlghtlng under most conditions.
A princlpal object 7s to provlde a life sav7ng dev7ce for use upon a fluid such as water compr7s7ng a buoyant platform of a s7ze and hav7ng suff7c7ent buoyancy to support at least one human body, sa7d platform supported by inflatable tube means, stabilizing means to prevent the overturning of said inflatable tubemeans, said stabilizing means including a first sheet member secured to the platform and extending downwardly therefrom, a second sheet member secured to the platform at a distance from the securement of the first sheet means, means securlng the f7rst sheet means to the second sheet means along the bottom edges thereof, at least one of sa7d sheet members having openings 7n the upper port70nthereof, whereby the 7nflat70n of the tube means physically separates the upper portion of the two sheet means drawing 17qu7d into the vo7d and generating a stabi l izing chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW~NGS
Figure 1 7s an env7ronmental view of the stabilized raft, of which the present improvements are a part;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the novel doorway closure as viewed from the interior of the raft;
Figure 3 is a sect70nal view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing an alternate improved stabilizing means utilizing a per7pheral sk7rt; ~ ~ ~
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- . . .. . . ..
, ::
Figure 4 is a plan view of the raft partially broken away showing the placement of the inflation system as well as the baffles located in the interior of the buoy chamber; and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion of the buoy chamber showing the placement of the baffle members, as well as an improved one-way valve structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As seen in Figure 1 an illustrative life saving raft is shown and includes as a basic portion thereof the buoyant raft supporting peripheral 10 inflatable member 2 below which is suspended the buoy chamber 4 and above which is placed the canopy 6 which is supported by inflated truss members 8.
A door 10 and ladder 12 permit access to the raft for persons seeking safety and protection from the elements. A bottle 13 containing compressed a7r is secured to the slde of the raft and 7s activated either manually or by water pressure 7f the raft slnks beneath a predetermined depth in a manner well known in the prior art. ~Iso~ as seen In th7s figure are a plural7ty of stabili-zing water bags -14 which serve as aids in stabilization during the filling of the buoy chamber 4.
The buoy chamber 4 is, as to be explained hereinafter, filled 20 through a bottom opening 16 and a plurality of side ports 18 which serve to both admit fluid and also to provide an escape for any gaseous substances entrapped within the buoy itself. A plurality of cable elements or closed loops 20 are i sewn 7nto the buoy compartment and extend around the periphery of the buoy chamber as w711 be described in greater detail hereinafter. ~;
Referring now to Figure 2, the door 10 which provides access to the raft must, by regulation, be capable of opening inwardly of the protective canopy. It is imperative that it be able to open inwardly such that people within the raft have a means to exit if necessary even when there is great exterior pressure against the entry way, but it also must be able to withstand the force 30 of wind and waves in heavy seas so that the interior oF the raft remains secure.
The door 10 of the present invention is secured to the wall of the canopy 6 by means of Velcro fasteners 22 and 24 which are secured respectively to the canopy and around the periphery of the door. When the edges are placed in contact the complementary fasteners interlock and retain the door in position . , .. . - ~. ~ . .,, .. , . .. , . : .
3gainst the intrusion oF waves and weather. Since the door must also be capable of being opened from the exterior of the raft, the door being in a closed position when the raft is packed, a strap 26 is provided which extends from the upper corner 28 of the door 10 diagonally across the door and exits through a slot 30 to terminate in a handle means 32 (see Figure 1). When an individual desires access to the interior of the canopy, he grabs the handle 32 and yanks outwardly of the raft, causing the strap 26 to disengage the corner 28 of the door 10. Continued pulling of the strap 26 causes the door to curl away from the Velcro securement quickly and easily exposing the entire opening 10 allowing easy access to the interior of the canopy without the necessity of difficult digital manipulation.
Referring now to Figure 3, an alternative method of providing -~
stabilization during the easly stages of deployment is shown. As envisioned in this particular embodiment, the main support tube 2 has secured thereto a secondary support tube 3 which has extending upwardly thereFrom an 7nFlatable strut 8 whlch, as noted above, supports the canopy 6. As further seen in this figure, the buoy element 4 which is secured to the support tube 2 or other portion of the bottom of the raft has sewn therein a plurality of cable or other ~
similar members 20 which have some degree oF memory such that when the raft ~ ~ `
20 15 in the inflated condition form closed loops giving substance to the sidewalls of the buoy chamber. The members 30, when packed for storage or carrying are in a co71ed, compact form. A port 18 one of many about the upper periphery oF the chamber whTch permit water to the interior of the buoy or allow gases trapped w7thin the buoy dur7ng the filling thereof to escape, is also shown.
Exterior of the buoy wall 4 is a peripheral skirt 32 which extends from the outer edge of the inflatable tube 2 to a line of interconnection part way down the skirt. As the raft is deployed and the tube 2 inflates1 providing an upward buoyant force counteracting the downward force generated by the plurality of cables 20 and the other material and gear, the skirt 32 is forced 30 outwardly from the wall 4 creating a partial vacuum condition between the wall 4 and the wall 32. The partial vacuum condition rapidly draws fluid into the lower portion of the skirt, i. e. below opening 18, providing a temporary stabilizing medium extending around the entire periphery of the raFt. A one-way valve or flap 34 is provided on the interior of hole 35 which extends through the .
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Ipper portion of the wall of skirt 32 such that rapid shifting of weight such as occurs during boarding or the like will not cause the water within the peripheral chamber to flow outwardly thereof, the valve preventing such flow.
Referring now to Figure 4, which is a plan view, the relative location of the inflation bottle can be seen. As seen in this view the bottle is located adjacent the end of one of the inflatable struts and it is when located thus, that it reacts with the inflatable portions, causing the raft to be self-righting. As will be recognized, it is imperative that the raft inflate in the proper right side up orientation since if the canopy were to fill with water, 10 the raft would be difficult, if not impossible, to right. The proper location of the inflating medium with respect to the inflatable portions, thus predetermining the portion which is initially buoyant, controls the orientation upon inflation.
It is to be understood that the proper placement of the other survival material within the raft will definitely affect the orientation of the collapsed raft when in the water and so will assist in the selF-righting aspect. Also to be seen in thls view is the doorway 10, the strap handle 32, the placement of the struts ;
8, shown 7n phantom, and also the relative placement of a bafFle system `
including vertical elements 40 mounted within the buoy chamber itself. `
Attention is now directed to Figure 5 wherein the preferred baffle 20 elements 40 can be seen extend7ng upwardly from the bottom portion of the buoy chamber defined by the wall 4. It is to be noted that the baMle elements 40 7nclude a plurality of ports 42 which permit a controlled flow of liquid from one baffle chamber to the other and yet restrict the flow such that a rapid movement of welght within the raft will not cause a similar flow oF Fluid within the baMle chamber. It is to be noted that 7nto the very bottom most portion oF
the wall 4 which defines the buoy chamber there are sewn a plurality of circular cable elements 46 which serve to urge the buoy wall to its extended position also to define the periphery of the main filling opening ~8.
When deployed, the majority of the fluid which fills the chamber 30 defined by the wall 4 enters through the opening 48. As stated hereinabove, it is desirable to have the ~luid remain within the chamber during a rapid -upward movement of the raft itself. The opening therefore must be fitted with a valve which permits rapid inflow of fluid and yet prevents outward flow of fluid. As shown in Figure 4, this control is provided by a multi-piece valve, , ~ .
. ~ ., . , .: ~ . , : ~
31 al80~4S
~hich has a main body portion 50 secured to the edges of the opening 48 by a plurality of straps 52. Straps 52 permit upward movement of the valve and yet downward movement is limited and controlled. When portion 50 is in its downward position it will overly and thus close the opening 48. Since the main body 50 of the valve would likewise restrict inward flow as shown in this j~ -view a second stage identical to the First stage having a maid body 54 and straps S6 is shown. It is to be understood that if a two stage valve does not prove effective in permitting the water to rapidly fill the chamber then a three stage or four stage valve of similar construction is contemplated. The addition 10 of stages permits inward flow but in the manner described hereinabove, automatical l y prevents outward flow.
Thus, as can be seen, the raFt which incorporates the buoy chamber in conjunction with the one-way valve, the self-righting feature and the control of flow wlthtn the chamber Ttself oMers substantially more stabTlity and thus safety, than has heretofore been available. It is to be noted also that the door which 7s closed by a Velcro fastener as descrlbed herein provides substantial advantage over the zipper doors which are present available.
' ..'' ' ' ,"~ . .. ....
As has been noted in the above referenced patent, one oF the difficulties with inflatable life rafts has been the fact that since they are, of necessity, light of weight and are inflated with a gaseous substance, they are extremely subject to being blown away by high winds. Since the construction of the heretofore accepted raft also results in a h;gh center of gravity, the rafts are easily overturned in high seas or by sudden shifts within the raft.
The basic stabllized raft, as described in the above referenced United States patent, ellminates these problems by uttlizing the supporting Fluid as a stabilizing and weighted keel integrating such Fluid into the structure oF the raft.
Although the stabilized and weighted keel as described in the above referenced United States patent substantially solves the major problems and detractions of the heretofore accepted inflatable life raft there has proven to be, through testing and utilization of the stabilized raft, areas of improvement, w~fiich when seriously considered and attached in a positive manner have rendered the raft as described herein of even superior stability and safety.
One of the problems noted during the testing oF the basic stabilized raft is in the amount of time, short though it may be, that it takes for the buoy chamber to fill with the supporting fluid. During this filling time, the raft~
because of its basic nature, continues to have some of the instabiiity it was designed to correct. \Nith the above noted problem in mind it is an object of .. ,. ~ .
8(~
ne present invention to provide a valve structure in the base of the stabilizing -chamber which will allow the chamber to be filled far more rapidly and readily and yet prevent a rapid outflow of fluid such as could be caused under certain specific conditions when the raft is suddenly lifted by a wave.
Yet another problem of currently available life rafts is in the fact that a sudden shifting of weight within the raft when combined with an inoppor- ;;
tune wind direction or wave action may cause the raft to flip over. It has been noted that even in a stabilized raft such as described in the above noted United States patent, a sudden shifting of material within the raft can at least cause 10 the feeling of instability.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to greatly improve the stability of a life raft which contains a fluid filled buoy by placing within the buoy chamber itself a plurality of baffles or other deterents to the rapid flow of water which have included therewlth a number of openings permitting the equalization of the fluld within the chamber and yet preventing rapid movement oF Fluids in the chamber from one section to another. This 7ncreased stability counteracts a rapid shift of weight in the main portion of the raft.
Still another disadvantage of presently available rafts is apparent in the entrance by way to those rafts which include enclosures to protect the 20 occupants from the weather. The entry ways have been traditionally secured by a covering door held in position by zippers. During a heavy sea or high wind, it is extremely d7fFicult for a fatigued person to stabilize themselves upon a rapidly bobb7ng raft whtle attempting to open the door by means of unzipping a zipper.
With the above problem in mind it is another object of the present invention to provide a door to the enclosed survival chamber which is capable -of rapid and simple opening and does not require intricate finger manipulation. ~ ;
The seal between the canopy bubble and the door itself is formed by means of . Velcro fasteners which extend around the inner periphery of the door opening 30 and the exterior of the door~ An opening strap is provided which extends from one of the upper inner corners of the door, downwardly, interior of the raft and then outwardly to terminate in a hand grip exterior of the raft. When a person desires to gain entrance to the raft a rapid yank upon the strap will release the top component of the door. Because of the arcuate shape of the ~5 tQ~D~ 10Rk -2--s anopy the door will simply roll downwardly away from the framework upon continuous pullingiof the strap, exposing the entry.
Yet another problem that has lessened the value of heretofore acceptable inflatable rafts at sea and thus inhibited their use has been the fact that quite often they would inflate in an upside-down position. When this happens, particularly in heavy seas, it is virtually impossible to either right the raft or to maintain oneself on top of the overturned raft. Needless to say the survival gear required is secured on the interior of topside of the raft and thus unaccessibie when the raft is overturned.
IO With this problem in mind it is still another object of the present invention to combine the proper placement of the survival and inflation gear of the raft in conjunction with the buoyant tubes themselves including the inflat- -able strut members which support the canopy such that the raft, when inflated will automatically be self-rlghtlng under most conditions.
A princlpal object 7s to provlde a life sav7ng dev7ce for use upon a fluid such as water compr7s7ng a buoyant platform of a s7ze and hav7ng suff7c7ent buoyancy to support at least one human body, sa7d platform supported by inflatable tube means, stabilizing means to prevent the overturning of said inflatable tubemeans, said stabilizing means including a first sheet member secured to the platform and extending downwardly therefrom, a second sheet member secured to the platform at a distance from the securement of the first sheet means, means securlng the f7rst sheet means to the second sheet means along the bottom edges thereof, at least one of sa7d sheet members having openings 7n the upper port70nthereof, whereby the 7nflat70n of the tube means physically separates the upper portion of the two sheet means drawing 17qu7d into the vo7d and generating a stabi l izing chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW~NGS
Figure 1 7s an env7ronmental view of the stabilized raft, of which the present improvements are a part;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the novel doorway closure as viewed from the interior of the raft;
Figure 3 is a sect70nal view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing an alternate improved stabilizing means utilizing a per7pheral sk7rt; ~ ~ ~
. :.. , ' _ 3 _ `'-~1 .
- . . .. . . ..
, ::
Figure 4 is a plan view of the raft partially broken away showing the placement of the inflation system as well as the baffles located in the interior of the buoy chamber; and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion of the buoy chamber showing the placement of the baffle members, as well as an improved one-way valve structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As seen in Figure 1 an illustrative life saving raft is shown and includes as a basic portion thereof the buoyant raft supporting peripheral 10 inflatable member 2 below which is suspended the buoy chamber 4 and above which is placed the canopy 6 which is supported by inflated truss members 8.
A door 10 and ladder 12 permit access to the raft for persons seeking safety and protection from the elements. A bottle 13 containing compressed a7r is secured to the slde of the raft and 7s activated either manually or by water pressure 7f the raft slnks beneath a predetermined depth in a manner well known in the prior art. ~Iso~ as seen In th7s figure are a plural7ty of stabili-zing water bags -14 which serve as aids in stabilization during the filling of the buoy chamber 4.
The buoy chamber 4 is, as to be explained hereinafter, filled 20 through a bottom opening 16 and a plurality of side ports 18 which serve to both admit fluid and also to provide an escape for any gaseous substances entrapped within the buoy itself. A plurality of cable elements or closed loops 20 are i sewn 7nto the buoy compartment and extend around the periphery of the buoy chamber as w711 be described in greater detail hereinafter. ~;
Referring now to Figure 2, the door 10 which provides access to the raft must, by regulation, be capable of opening inwardly of the protective canopy. It is imperative that it be able to open inwardly such that people within the raft have a means to exit if necessary even when there is great exterior pressure against the entry way, but it also must be able to withstand the force 30 of wind and waves in heavy seas so that the interior oF the raft remains secure.
The door 10 of the present invention is secured to the wall of the canopy 6 by means of Velcro fasteners 22 and 24 which are secured respectively to the canopy and around the periphery of the door. When the edges are placed in contact the complementary fasteners interlock and retain the door in position . , .. . - ~. ~ . .,, .. , . .. , . : .
3gainst the intrusion oF waves and weather. Since the door must also be capable of being opened from the exterior of the raft, the door being in a closed position when the raft is packed, a strap 26 is provided which extends from the upper corner 28 of the door 10 diagonally across the door and exits through a slot 30 to terminate in a handle means 32 (see Figure 1). When an individual desires access to the interior of the canopy, he grabs the handle 32 and yanks outwardly of the raft, causing the strap 26 to disengage the corner 28 of the door 10. Continued pulling of the strap 26 causes the door to curl away from the Velcro securement quickly and easily exposing the entire opening 10 allowing easy access to the interior of the canopy without the necessity of difficult digital manipulation.
Referring now to Figure 3, an alternative method of providing -~
stabilization during the easly stages of deployment is shown. As envisioned in this particular embodiment, the main support tube 2 has secured thereto a secondary support tube 3 which has extending upwardly thereFrom an 7nFlatable strut 8 whlch, as noted above, supports the canopy 6. As further seen in this figure, the buoy element 4 which is secured to the support tube 2 or other portion of the bottom of the raft has sewn therein a plurality of cable or other ~
similar members 20 which have some degree oF memory such that when the raft ~ ~ `
20 15 in the inflated condition form closed loops giving substance to the sidewalls of the buoy chamber. The members 30, when packed for storage or carrying are in a co71ed, compact form. A port 18 one of many about the upper periphery oF the chamber whTch permit water to the interior of the buoy or allow gases trapped w7thin the buoy dur7ng the filling thereof to escape, is also shown.
Exterior of the buoy wall 4 is a peripheral skirt 32 which extends from the outer edge of the inflatable tube 2 to a line of interconnection part way down the skirt. As the raft is deployed and the tube 2 inflates1 providing an upward buoyant force counteracting the downward force generated by the plurality of cables 20 and the other material and gear, the skirt 32 is forced 30 outwardly from the wall 4 creating a partial vacuum condition between the wall 4 and the wall 32. The partial vacuum condition rapidly draws fluid into the lower portion of the skirt, i. e. below opening 18, providing a temporary stabilizing medium extending around the entire periphery of the raFt. A one-way valve or flap 34 is provided on the interior of hole 35 which extends through the .
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Ipper portion of the wall of skirt 32 such that rapid shifting of weight such as occurs during boarding or the like will not cause the water within the peripheral chamber to flow outwardly thereof, the valve preventing such flow.
Referring now to Figure 4, which is a plan view, the relative location of the inflation bottle can be seen. As seen in this view the bottle is located adjacent the end of one of the inflatable struts and it is when located thus, that it reacts with the inflatable portions, causing the raft to be self-righting. As will be recognized, it is imperative that the raft inflate in the proper right side up orientation since if the canopy were to fill with water, 10 the raft would be difficult, if not impossible, to right. The proper location of the inflating medium with respect to the inflatable portions, thus predetermining the portion which is initially buoyant, controls the orientation upon inflation.
It is to be understood that the proper placement of the other survival material within the raft will definitely affect the orientation of the collapsed raft when in the water and so will assist in the selF-righting aspect. Also to be seen in thls view is the doorway 10, the strap handle 32, the placement of the struts ;
8, shown 7n phantom, and also the relative placement of a bafFle system `
including vertical elements 40 mounted within the buoy chamber itself. `
Attention is now directed to Figure 5 wherein the preferred baffle 20 elements 40 can be seen extend7ng upwardly from the bottom portion of the buoy chamber defined by the wall 4. It is to be noted that the baMle elements 40 7nclude a plurality of ports 42 which permit a controlled flow of liquid from one baffle chamber to the other and yet restrict the flow such that a rapid movement of welght within the raft will not cause a similar flow oF Fluid within the baMle chamber. It is to be noted that 7nto the very bottom most portion oF
the wall 4 which defines the buoy chamber there are sewn a plurality of circular cable elements 46 which serve to urge the buoy wall to its extended position also to define the periphery of the main filling opening ~8.
When deployed, the majority of the fluid which fills the chamber 30 defined by the wall 4 enters through the opening 48. As stated hereinabove, it is desirable to have the ~luid remain within the chamber during a rapid -upward movement of the raft itself. The opening therefore must be fitted with a valve which permits rapid inflow of fluid and yet prevents outward flow of fluid. As shown in Figure 4, this control is provided by a multi-piece valve, , ~ .
. ~ ., . , .: ~ . , : ~
31 al80~4S
~hich has a main body portion 50 secured to the edges of the opening 48 by a plurality of straps 52. Straps 52 permit upward movement of the valve and yet downward movement is limited and controlled. When portion 50 is in its downward position it will overly and thus close the opening 48. Since the main body 50 of the valve would likewise restrict inward flow as shown in this j~ -view a second stage identical to the First stage having a maid body 54 and straps S6 is shown. It is to be understood that if a two stage valve does not prove effective in permitting the water to rapidly fill the chamber then a three stage or four stage valve of similar construction is contemplated. The addition 10 of stages permits inward flow but in the manner described hereinabove, automatical l y prevents outward flow.
Thus, as can be seen, the raFt which incorporates the buoy chamber in conjunction with the one-way valve, the self-righting feature and the control of flow wlthtn the chamber Ttself oMers substantially more stabTlity and thus safety, than has heretofore been available. It is to be noted also that the door which 7s closed by a Velcro fastener as descrlbed herein provides substantial advantage over the zipper doors which are present available.
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Claims (10)
1. A life saving device for use upon a fluid such as water comprising:
a buoyant platform of a size and having sufficient buoyancy to support at least one human body, stabilizing means secured to the platform about the periphery thereof, canopy means extending over and spaced upwardly from the platform and including access means secured by contact fastening means such that a tug upon an exterior opening device allows rapid entry.
a buoyant platform of a size and having sufficient buoyancy to support at least one human body, stabilizing means secured to the platform about the periphery thereof, canopy means extending over and spaced upwardly from the platform and including access means secured by contact fastening means such that a tug upon an exterior opening device allows rapid entry.
2. A life saving device as claimed in Claim 1 said platform supported by inflatable tube means, said stabilizing means including a first sheet member secured to the platform about the periphery thereof and extending downwardly there from, a second sheet member secured to the platform at a distance from the securement of the first sheet means, means securing the first sheet means to the second sheet means along the bottom edges thereof, at least one of said sheet members having openings, whereby the inflation of the tube means physically separates the upper portion of the two sheet means drawing liquid into the void and generating a stabilizing chamber.
3. A stabilized life raft comprising a peripheral inflatable member supporting a floor spanning the interior distance of the inflatable member and a stabilizing chamber defined by the floor of the raft and a wall structure spaced from said floor, a peripheral trough surrounding said chamber, openings in at least one of the walls of said trough to permit the supporting fluid to flow into said trough, said trough filling with the supporting fluid and providing temporary stabilization during the filling of the main chamber, said chamber being substantially filled with the supporting fluid when in use, and an occupant protecting canopy including an access means and means securing a closure over the access means, said closure opened by an opener secured to the upper portion of the door and extending to a lower corner, exterior of the canopy.
4. A device as in Claim 2, wherein the stabilizing chamber includes at least one baffle extending across the chamber to impede the flow of fluid in the event of a rapid shifting of relative position of the device.
5. A device as in Claim 4, wherein the baffle means includes a plurality of intersecting flexible elements including openings to permit the restricted flow of fluid therethrough.
6. A device as in Claim 2 and further including a plur-ality of flexible resilient elements sewn within the walls of the chamber, said elements being coiled in a compact configuration when the device is stored and expanding to a large circular loop when the device is in use.
7. A device as in Claim 2 and further including a one way valve in the lower portion of the stabilizing chamber.
8. A device as in Claim 7, wherein the one way valve comprises a plurality of similar interconnected overlapping valve elements permitting a greater opening for inflow and yet a reliable restriction upon the outflow of fluid.
9. A life saving device for use upon a fluid such as water comprising a buoyant platform of a size and buoyancy to support a human body, said platform means having a stabilizing means secured about the periphery thereof, said platform including a protective canopy structure to shield an occupant of the platform from the elements, access means to the interior of said canopy by an inwardly opening door, means securing the door to the canopy capable of rapid securement by pressing the edge of the door to the canopy adjacent the door opening and release by pulling the door away from the canopy and opening means secured to the door, extending from the upper corner of the door interior of the canopy to the exterior of the canopy adjacent the lower edge of the door whereby the door may be opened by a person in the water by a single tug.
upon the opening means which pulls the door inwardly and down-wardly whereby a person suffering from exposure and having lost control of small muscles is still able to gain entrance to the canopy.
upon the opening means which pulls the door inwardly and down-wardly whereby a person suffering from exposure and having lost control of small muscles is still able to gain entrance to the canopy.
10. A life saving device as in Claim 3 wherein the stabilizing chamber includes a multi-sectional one way valve to control the fluid flow.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA267,901A CA1080045A (en) | 1976-12-14 | 1976-12-14 | Stabilized life raft |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA267,901A CA1080045A (en) | 1976-12-14 | 1976-12-14 | Stabilized life raft |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1080045A true CA1080045A (en) | 1980-06-24 |
Family
ID=4107505
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA267,901A Expired CA1080045A (en) | 1976-12-14 | 1976-12-14 | Stabilized life raft |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1080045A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114524067A (en) * | 2022-02-23 | 2022-05-24 | 广东海洋大学 | Intelligent rescue unmanned ship |
-
1976
- 1976-12-14 CA CA267,901A patent/CA1080045A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114524067A (en) * | 2022-02-23 | 2022-05-24 | 广东海洋大学 | Intelligent rescue unmanned ship |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |