CA2034028C - Submarine escape assembly - Google Patents
Submarine escape assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2034028C CA2034028C CA002034028A CA2034028A CA2034028C CA 2034028 C CA2034028 C CA 2034028C CA 002034028 A CA002034028 A CA 002034028A CA 2034028 A CA2034028 A CA 2034028A CA 2034028 C CA2034028 C CA 2034028C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- liferaft
- assembly according
- suit
- container
- inflation source
- 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 - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/06—Floatable closed containers with accommodation for one or more persons inside
- B63C9/065—Floatable closed containers with accommodation for one or more persons inside for one person
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/02—Lifeboats, life-rafts or the like, specially adapted for life-saving
- B63C9/04—Life-rafts
- B63C2009/042—Life-rafts inflatable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/02—Lifeboats, life-rafts or the like, specially adapted for life-saving
- B63C9/04—Life-rafts
- B63C2009/044—Life-rafts covered
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
- Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
- Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
- Gloves (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
- Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
Abstract
A submarine escape assembly comprises a waterproof suit (10) to which is integrally attached a container (20) for a deployable liferaft. The liferaft has its own inflation source which is actuated by means of a handle (21) on the container (20). The suit (10) includes an inflatable buoyancy stole (11) which is inflated through a valve (18) from the submarine's inflation source. An integral cord or lanyard is used to attach the liferaft to the container (20).
Description
1.
SUBMARINE ESCAPE ASSEMBLY
This invention relates to a submarine escape assembly and in particular to a submarine escape assembly comprising a waterproof suit together with a deployable liferaft.
Many types of submarine escape suits are known and one of the most commonly-encountered of such suits consists of a flotation garment of an air-retaining material, the garment including an inflatable portion such as a buoyancy stole.
Although such suits provide flotation and insulation for the user, the need to keep the body of the suit inflated after surfacing results in the wearer being made to float in a supine position, often for several hours, before being rescued. Prolonged floating in a supine position can cause disorientation and frequently seasickness, leading to the additional hazard that the user might asphyxiate by inhalation of vomit .
The object of the present invention is to provide the user of an escape suit with a personal rescue craft, so that the hazards of prolonged floating on the surface while awaiting rescue can be minimised.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a submarine escape assembly comprising in combination a waterproof suit, a deplayable inflatable liferaft, and an inflation source far the liferaft, wherein the waterproof suit has a container integrally formed therewith and the deployable liferaft is stored in the container and is removable therefrom for deployment.
Preferably, the suit and the liferaft include at least one inflatable portion. For example, the suit may include an inflatable buoyancy stole and the liferaft may include an inflatable buoyancy tube.
The liferaft may conveniently be provided with its own inflation source and a handle or other actuation means for that inflation source may be provided on the integral container.
SUBMARINE ESCAPE ASSEMBLY
This invention relates to a submarine escape assembly and in particular to a submarine escape assembly comprising a waterproof suit together with a deployable liferaft.
Many types of submarine escape suits are known and one of the most commonly-encountered of such suits consists of a flotation garment of an air-retaining material, the garment including an inflatable portion such as a buoyancy stole.
Although such suits provide flotation and insulation for the user, the need to keep the body of the suit inflated after surfacing results in the wearer being made to float in a supine position, often for several hours, before being rescued. Prolonged floating in a supine position can cause disorientation and frequently seasickness, leading to the additional hazard that the user might asphyxiate by inhalation of vomit .
The object of the present invention is to provide the user of an escape suit with a personal rescue craft, so that the hazards of prolonged floating on the surface while awaiting rescue can be minimised.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a submarine escape assembly comprising in combination a waterproof suit, a deplayable inflatable liferaft, and an inflation source far the liferaft, wherein the waterproof suit has a container integrally formed therewith and the deployable liferaft is stored in the container and is removable therefrom for deployment.
Preferably, the suit and the liferaft include at least one inflatable portion. For example, the suit may include an inflatable buoyancy stole and the liferaft may include an inflatable buoyancy tube.
The liferaft may conveniently be provided with its own inflation source and a handle or other actuation means for that inflation source may be provided on the integral container.
2.
Tn order to prevent loss of the deployed liferaft, an elongate cord or lanyard may be provided to join the liferaft permanently to the integral container.
The suit may conveniently be made of a single layer of a flexible waterproof material. This facilitates storage of the suit/liferaft assembly prior to use.
The liferaft may be provided with a canopy and this, too, may suitably be made of a flexible waterproof material.
The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts) .
Figure 1 is a view of a submarine escape assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows, in its deployed condition, a liferaft forming part of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figures 3 to 7 show, in sequence, the operation of the assembly following surfacing.
Referring to Figures 1 and 3, a suit 10 is made from a single layer of a waterproof fabric and includes an inflatable buoyancy stole 11 with an integral hood 12, overshoes 13, waterproof slide-fasteners 14 and 15 to close the suit 10 and hood 12 respectively, together with a container 20, attached permanently to the outer surface of the suit 10, for a liferaft.
A handle 21 is provided on the container 20 for the actuation of inflation means for, and deployment of, the liferaft. The suit 10 is further provided with manually-operable valves 16 and 17 venting from the stole 11 into the hood 12, together with an inflation valve 18 for connection to an external inflation source and connected, via the stole 11, to valves 16 and 17 by means of a tube (not shown).
2p34a28 3.
Referring to Figures 2 and 7, a liferaft 30 comprises a buoyancy tube 31 adapted to be inflated from an inflation source 32 through a valve 33, together with a canopy 34 of a flexible waterproof material. The canopy 34 serves as a protective cover for the occupant of the liferaft and may include a transparent face shield 35. The liferaft may additionally be provided with other customary accoutrements, for example a drogue 36, grab-handles 37 and 38 and stabilising pockets 39. The material of the canopy may be of a conspicuous fluorescent colour and other location aids (such as lights) may be provided on the liferaft.
In an escape situation, the assembly according to the present invention operates as follows .
The user dons the suit and inflates the buoyancy stole 11 from the submarine's inflation source through valve 18. At this point, valves 16 and 17 are in the "open" condition so as to vent the buoyancy stole pressure into the hood 12 and provide air for the user to breathe during ascent.
After surfacing, the user opens the hood 12 and immediately closes valves 16 and 17 so as to retain air in the buoyancy stole 11. This permits the user to float on the surface of the water while the liferaft is deployed. (Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings).
The user then operates the handle 21 on the container 20. This actuates the liferaft inflation source.
(Figure 4 of the drawings).
The liferaft 30 inflates, remaining attached to the user by means of an integral lanyard 40. (Figure of the drawings).
Finally, the user boards the liferaft and erects the canopy 34. (Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings).
Tn order to prevent loss of the deployed liferaft, an elongate cord or lanyard may be provided to join the liferaft permanently to the integral container.
The suit may conveniently be made of a single layer of a flexible waterproof material. This facilitates storage of the suit/liferaft assembly prior to use.
The liferaft may be provided with a canopy and this, too, may suitably be made of a flexible waterproof material.
The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts) .
Figure 1 is a view of a submarine escape assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows, in its deployed condition, a liferaft forming part of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figures 3 to 7 show, in sequence, the operation of the assembly following surfacing.
Referring to Figures 1 and 3, a suit 10 is made from a single layer of a waterproof fabric and includes an inflatable buoyancy stole 11 with an integral hood 12, overshoes 13, waterproof slide-fasteners 14 and 15 to close the suit 10 and hood 12 respectively, together with a container 20, attached permanently to the outer surface of the suit 10, for a liferaft.
A handle 21 is provided on the container 20 for the actuation of inflation means for, and deployment of, the liferaft. The suit 10 is further provided with manually-operable valves 16 and 17 venting from the stole 11 into the hood 12, together with an inflation valve 18 for connection to an external inflation source and connected, via the stole 11, to valves 16 and 17 by means of a tube (not shown).
2p34a28 3.
Referring to Figures 2 and 7, a liferaft 30 comprises a buoyancy tube 31 adapted to be inflated from an inflation source 32 through a valve 33, together with a canopy 34 of a flexible waterproof material. The canopy 34 serves as a protective cover for the occupant of the liferaft and may include a transparent face shield 35. The liferaft may additionally be provided with other customary accoutrements, for example a drogue 36, grab-handles 37 and 38 and stabilising pockets 39. The material of the canopy may be of a conspicuous fluorescent colour and other location aids (such as lights) may be provided on the liferaft.
In an escape situation, the assembly according to the present invention operates as follows .
The user dons the suit and inflates the buoyancy stole 11 from the submarine's inflation source through valve 18. At this point, valves 16 and 17 are in the "open" condition so as to vent the buoyancy stole pressure into the hood 12 and provide air for the user to breathe during ascent.
After surfacing, the user opens the hood 12 and immediately closes valves 16 and 17 so as to retain air in the buoyancy stole 11. This permits the user to float on the surface of the water while the liferaft is deployed. (Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings).
The user then operates the handle 21 on the container 20. This actuates the liferaft inflation source.
(Figure 4 of the drawings).
The liferaft 30 inflates, remaining attached to the user by means of an integral lanyard 40. (Figure of the drawings).
Finally, the user boards the liferaft and erects the canopy 34. (Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings).
Claims (21)
1. A submarine escape assembly comprising in combination a waterproof suit, a deployable inflatable liferaft and an inflation source for said liferaft, wherein said waterproof suit has a container integrally formed therewith and said deployable liferaft is stored in said container and is removable therefrom for deployment.
2. An assembly according to Claim 1, in which said suit includes at least one inflatable portion and inflation source therefor.
3. An assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, in which said suit includes an inflatable buoyancy stole.
4. An assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, in which said liferaft includes at least one inflatable portion.
5. An assembly according to Claim 3, in which said liferaft includes at least one inflatable portion.
6. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which said liferaft includes an inflatable buoyancy tube.
7. An assembly according to Claim 5, in which said liferaft includes an inflatable buoyancy tube.
8. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which said liferaft includes an inflation source.
9. An assembly according to Claims 5, 6 or 7 in which said liferaft includes an inflation source.
10. An assembly according to Claim 8, in which said liferaft inflation source is actuated by means of a handle provided on said integral container.
11. An assembly according to Claim 9, in which said liferaft inflation source is actuated by means of a handle provided on said integral container.
12. An assembly according to Claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 or 11 in which said liferaft is permanently attached to said integral container by means of an elongate cord or lanyard.
13. An assembly according to Claim 3, in which said liferaft is permanently attached to said integral container by means of an elongate cord or lanyard.
14. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which said liferaft is permanently attached to said integral container by means of an elongate cord or lanyard.
15. An assembly according to Claim 9, in which said liferaft is permanently attached to said integral container by means of an elongate cord or lanyard.
16. An assembly according to Claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, or 15, in which said suit is made of a single layer of a flexible waterproof material.
17. An assembly according to Claim 3, in which said suit is made of a single layer of a flexible waterproof material.
18. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which said suit is made of a single layer of a flexible waterproof material.
19. An assembly according to Claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, or 18, in which said liferaft is provided with a canopy of a flexible waterproof material.
20. An assembly according to Claim 3, in which said liferaft is provided with a canopy of a flexible waterproof material.
21. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which said liferaft is provided with a canopy of a flexible waterproof material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9004231.8 | 1990-02-24 | ||
| GB9004231A GB2241678B (en) | 1990-02-24 | 1990-02-24 | Submarine escape assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2034028A1 CA2034028A1 (en) | 1991-08-25 |
| CA2034028C true CA2034028C (en) | 2000-09-26 |
Family
ID=10671599
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002034028A Expired - Lifetime CA2034028C (en) | 1990-02-24 | 1991-01-11 | Submarine escape assembly |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0444400B9 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU639968B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2034028C (en) |
| DE (2) | DE444400T1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0444400T4 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2025528T5 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2241678B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO175578C (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1997032776A1 (en) * | 1994-10-18 | 1997-09-12 | Morten Heldahl | Method and equipment for securing a person, for marine use |
| GB2330517A (en) * | 1997-10-27 | 1999-04-28 | Beaufort Air Sea Equipment Ltd | Submarine Escape Suit incorporating a Life Raft |
| GB2342277B (en) * | 1998-10-07 | 2002-09-04 | Wardle Storeys Ltd | Marine escape suit |
| GB2371466A (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2002-07-31 | Electroluminescent Solutions L | Marine survival clothing |
| GB2438606B (en) * | 2006-05-31 | 2011-03-02 | Survitec Group Ltd | Submarine escape suit |
| GB2441959B (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2011-06-15 | Survitec Group Ltd | Submarine escape suits |
| GB2441986B (en) * | 2006-09-21 | 2011-08-17 | Survitec Group Ltd | Submarine escape suits |
| GB2441985A (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2008-03-26 | Survitec Group Ltd | A submarine escape suit and liferaft pack assembly |
| DE102010023518A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft Gmbh | Submarine rescue suit |
| US20120270453A1 (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2012-10-25 | Feng-Jung Chang | Fully shrouded self-rescue inflatable boat |
| DE102015221496A1 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2017-05-04 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Underwater Rescue |
| US11254403B2 (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2022-02-22 | Mario Cesar VIGNOLA | Salvage suit for shipwrecks with high functionality and insulation |
| GB2620112A (en) | 2022-06-21 | 2024-01-03 | Survitec Group Ltd | Protection garments |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2076219A (en) * | 1935-05-03 | 1937-04-06 | Belloni Angelo | Means for facilitating escape from submerged craft |
| GB557220A (en) * | 1942-05-06 | 1943-11-10 | Zbigniew Siedlecki | Improvements relating to buoyant suits for use more especially for life saving purposes |
| GB788338A (en) * | 1955-10-05 | 1957-12-23 | Frankenstein & Sons Manchester | Improvements in or relating to inflatable life-rafts |
| US3080586A (en) * | 1961-04-26 | 1963-03-12 | Harris E Steinke | Escape apparatus |
| GB1405279A (en) * | 1972-01-11 | 1975-09-10 | Res Q Raft Inc | Raft |
| FR2175358A5 (en) * | 1972-03-10 | 1973-10-19 | Amanjean Pascal | |
| DE3213995A1 (en) * | 1982-04-16 | 1983-10-27 | Autoflug Gmbh, 2084 Rellingen | AIR EMERGENCY RESCUE SYSTEM |
| GB2156655B (en) * | 1984-04-05 | 1988-12-14 | Toyo Bussan Kk | Improvements relating to clothing |
-
1990
- 1990-02-24 GB GB9004231A patent/GB2241678B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-01-08 ES ES91100191T patent/ES2025528T5/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-08 DK DK91100191T patent/DK0444400T4/en active
- 1991-01-08 DE DE199191100191T patent/DE444400T1/en active Pending
- 1991-01-08 DE DE69101460T patent/DE69101460C5/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-01-08 EP EP91100191A patent/EP0444400B9/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-11 CA CA002034028A patent/CA2034028C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-11 AU AU69277/91A patent/AU639968B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-01-24 NO NO910284A patent/NO175578C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DK0444400T4 (en) | 2003-04-22 |
| GB9004231D0 (en) | 1990-04-18 |
| NO175578B (en) | 1994-07-25 |
| EP0444400B2 (en) | 2003-03-26 |
| EP0444400B1 (en) | 1994-03-23 |
| EP0444400A1 (en) | 1991-09-04 |
| DK0444400T3 (en) | 1994-04-11 |
| DE69101460T2 (en) | 1994-06-30 |
| GB2241678B (en) | 1993-10-13 |
| NO175578C (en) | 1994-11-02 |
| NO910284D0 (en) | 1991-01-24 |
| AU6927791A (en) | 1991-08-29 |
| DE69101460D1 (en) | 1994-04-28 |
| DE444400T1 (en) | 1992-02-06 |
| EP0444400B9 (en) | 2003-09-17 |
| ES2025528T1 (en) | 1992-04-01 |
| ES2025528T3 (en) | 1994-05-16 |
| NO910284L (en) | 1991-08-26 |
| GB2241678A (en) | 1991-09-11 |
| AU639968B2 (en) | 1993-08-12 |
| CA2034028A1 (en) | 1991-08-25 |
| DE69101460C5 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
| ES2025528T5 (en) | 2003-07-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) |
Effective date: 20121202 |