CA2205109C - Low profile flotation collar - Google Patents
Low profile flotation collar Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2205109C CA2205109C CA 2205109 CA2205109A CA2205109C CA 2205109 C CA2205109 C CA 2205109C CA 2205109 CA2205109 CA 2205109 CA 2205109 A CA2205109 A CA 2205109A CA 2205109 C CA2205109 C CA 2205109C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flotation
- collar
- symmetric
- cells
- user
- 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
Landscapes
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
A safety and life-preserving flotation collar intended for use by aircraft and shipboard personnel in an emergency that leaves the personnel in the water. The flotation collar has a fabric shell (13) housing two automatically inflatable, independent, symmetric flotation cells (11, 12); two oral inflators (14) and mechanical inflators (17) mounted on the fabric shell (13); and a face shield (31) stowed in the fabric shell (13). The flotation collar may be worn with an auxiliary belt (26) or with a survival vest.
Description
LOW I~ROI~ILE FLl~AIIC)N aOIlAR
BACK(~ROUND
Field of the Invention Ihe present invention relates to ~ flota~on devices, ie., life ~s~lv~l~, and, more ~ifir~lly, to ~lotation collars.
Back~round of the Invention Military and federal regulations require ~e av~ hility of life ~les~lv~,~
on board ships and aircrafc for use in the event of a watOE cra~h, .1;1~`.1.;i~" ejection, or O~OE event OVOE watOE or in water. lhose who depend on life ~1C;S~;1V~1~ for survival require higbly ffin~i~n~l e~ HOWeVOE, flotation collars prior to the present invention have g~n~lly provided only a limited ~ l of life-saving r~u~c;s.
Typical prior aTt flotation collars have serious ~ wl)acks in their construction and in ~eir range of available r~lules. For eY~lç, U.S. Patent Nos.1,385,581; 2,210,809; and 5,421,760 .li~ lose _otation devices having several in~ nl1~nt co~ , such that if one of the ~1l4~1lllt;lll~ fail, the ~lus will still ~U~J~)Oll, the weight of the wearer. However, in those devices, support is provided from the neck up only. This forces the wearer to bob face r~w~d in the water in an ~ vertical p~itinn Swi~ , e~lly for any ~ nrP; is ~liffi~llt and ~;Y1,~"~
FuIth~n~-re, some prior art devices provide only lln.~t~hle support if one of the air Cu~ llc;ll~ fail. In this event, it rnay be liffi',lllt for the wearer to keep his head s~lu~ly above water. Also, with m~y of the prior art devices, when water surges at the user, it is ~.h~nntq.lecl b~;Lwt;t~ll the infl~t~ lobes of the flotation device directly into the wearer's nose and mouth. Yet another problem with some prior inventions is that they are not cnn~tihle with typical military e~ ;pn~ inc~ (lin~
seating le~L~ L h~rn~s~t-,s, head gear, survival vests, and ~llxili~ry belts due to weight and volume.
A personal ~lotation device should be c~ rol~le to wear on a continuous basis, in or out of the water; be cn~ ;hle with other typical survival gear;
be quickly and easily put on and removed; provide imm~li~te support Ll~ u~,ll re~lm~l~nt inflation components; provide easy-to-use manual inflation co~ llents;
provide contimle~l and stahle SUppOIt should one of the flotation cells fail to op~r~t~,;
and provide a shape and component parts that will ~l~v~l-l water from surging a~ the user's nose and mou~.
SIJMIU~RY OF lHE INVEN~I~
The present invention is a persnn~l flotation device for use by aircraft and shipboard ~;lsollllel in the event of an e~ lg~ y. It is in an int~r~9ted system of coll~lll;llL~ that are constructed and zl~ l to provide the user with an ~
efflcient, complete, and functional life-saving flotation collar. It inrlu(l~s (1) two m~ml~lly or ~ l;cally infl~t~bl~, in~ nt, and sy~ lc;Llic flotation cells installed within a fabric shell; (2) two oral infl~tnr,~; (3) a face shield housed in the fabric shell; and (4) an exterior ~ .Le~,1ive cover. The flotation collar maybe used with a survival vest, or with an au~liaty belt.
Rec~llce the two ~lotation cells are completely inc1çp~ nt, if one cell fails, the other can support the user with his~er head elevated, with his~er face out of the water. Rec~ e the cells are symmetric, only one cell can support the user in a relatively cùlllru ~ e ~ e7 should the other cell fail.
Putting on and using the flota~on collar is quick and sirnple, as shown by the following instructions:
1. The user :'~t~'31P,~ the collar front and rear f~tPnPrs to the rna~ng front and rear f~tPnPr.s of his survival vest or au7~1iary helt. The user then dons the ~ Prnhled system 2. Once the user has donned the system, he fastens the collar chest strap.
BACK(~ROUND
Field of the Invention Ihe present invention relates to ~ flota~on devices, ie., life ~s~lv~l~, and, more ~ifir~lly, to ~lotation collars.
Back~round of the Invention Military and federal regulations require ~e av~ hility of life ~les~lv~,~
on board ships and aircrafc for use in the event of a watOE cra~h, .1;1~`.1.;i~" ejection, or O~OE event OVOE watOE or in water. lhose who depend on life ~1C;S~;1V~1~ for survival require higbly ffin~i~n~l e~ HOWeVOE, flotation collars prior to the present invention have g~n~lly provided only a limited ~ l of life-saving r~u~c;s.
Typical prior aTt flotation collars have serious ~ wl)acks in their construction and in ~eir range of available r~lules. For eY~lç, U.S. Patent Nos.1,385,581; 2,210,809; and 5,421,760 .li~ lose _otation devices having several in~ nl1~nt co~ , such that if one of the ~1l4~1lllt;lll~ fail, the ~lus will still ~U~J~)Oll, the weight of the wearer. However, in those devices, support is provided from the neck up only. This forces the wearer to bob face r~w~d in the water in an ~ vertical p~itinn Swi~ , e~lly for any ~ nrP; is ~liffi~llt and ~;Y1,~"~
FuIth~n~-re, some prior art devices provide only lln.~t~hle support if one of the air Cu~ llc;ll~ fail. In this event, it rnay be liffi',lllt for the wearer to keep his head s~lu~ly above water. Also, with m~y of the prior art devices, when water surges at the user, it is ~.h~nntq.lecl b~;Lwt;t~ll the infl~t~ lobes of the flotation device directly into the wearer's nose and mouth. Yet another problem with some prior inventions is that they are not cnn~tihle with typical military e~ ;pn~ inc~ (lin~
seating le~L~ L h~rn~s~t-,s, head gear, survival vests, and ~llxili~ry belts due to weight and volume.
A personal ~lotation device should be c~ rol~le to wear on a continuous basis, in or out of the water; be cn~ ;hle with other typical survival gear;
be quickly and easily put on and removed; provide imm~li~te support Ll~ u~,ll re~lm~l~nt inflation components; provide easy-to-use manual inflation co~ llents;
provide contimle~l and stahle SUppOIt should one of the flotation cells fail to op~r~t~,;
and provide a shape and component parts that will ~l~v~l-l water from surging a~ the user's nose and mou~.
SIJMIU~RY OF lHE INVEN~I~
The present invention is a persnn~l flotation device for use by aircraft and shipboard ~;lsollllel in the event of an e~ lg~ y. It is in an int~r~9ted system of coll~lll;llL~ that are constructed and zl~ l to provide the user with an ~
efflcient, complete, and functional life-saving flotation collar. It inrlu(l~s (1) two m~ml~lly or ~ l;cally infl~t~bl~, in~ nt, and sy~ lc;Llic flotation cells installed within a fabric shell; (2) two oral infl~tnr,~; (3) a face shield housed in the fabric shell; and (4) an exterior ~ .Le~,1ive cover. The flotation collar maybe used with a survival vest, or with an au~liaty belt.
Rec~llce the two ~lotation cells are completely inc1çp~ nt, if one cell fails, the other can support the user with his~er head elevated, with his~er face out of the water. Rec~ e the cells are symmetric, only one cell can support the user in a relatively cùlllru ~ e ~ e7 should the other cell fail.
Putting on and using the flota~on collar is quick and sirnple, as shown by the following instructions:
1. The user :'~t~'31P,~ the collar front and rear f~tPnPrs to the rna~ng front and rear f~tPnPr.s of his survival vest or au7~1iary helt. The user then dons the ~ Prnhled system 2. Once the user has donned the system, he fastens the collar chest strap.
3. Afier cle~ring the ~ul)~ g vehicle or upon ent~ing the water, the user pulls one or both of the beaded activation h~n-lles located on the exterior protective cover to initiate inflation. If one or both inflation cells do not inflate, the user ir~ates the cells via the oral inflator(s).
4. The user adjusts the front straps to the desired comfort level.
5. The user deploys the face shield by puUing either release tab located r~nt to the user's helmet. Once the shield is released from its ~luw~ge pouch, the user Fulls it up and over his helmet, and secures it to the fu,w~d area of the ~otation shell by hook and pile (e.g., VelcrolM) f~ The user may discard or release the face shield respectively by (a) Grasping the rear area of the shield and plllling up sharply with either or both hands, then rPl~in~; the front ~tt~r31m~lt to c-lmrlet~ly detach it from the shell, or WO 97/10144 PCTtUS96tl5665 (h) :~ele~ing the front ~tt~r3".~ only and pulling the shield back over the helmet for retention and later use.
Ihe present invention will crntiml~ to function ~lu~lly and provide stable ~u~ if one of the flotation cells fails. It orients the user's face ulJw~.l in the water, and elevates his head and upper torso out of the water. It supports the user's upper torso as well as the user's head, thus m~kin~ ~wi,.".~ g easier.
The present invention is ~I~ ;hle with current military helmt?tc le~ h~mt-,ccçc, survival e l--il,--~l-l and vests. It also provides a place for the user to rest his arms.
It is compact and lightweight and thus can be worn coll~ l~ly on a c ntim10ll~ basis.
It can be easily lGlll~ved and repl~r~l in-flight by a seated wearer, providing m-issiorlltask flexihility.
It can be used with an a~liary belt alone (i.e., without a survival vest) which provides the wearer with additional mobility and c~lllrul~ during shipboard operations.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a superior means for the user to survive a water ~lit~3lin~ or crash e~ lg~ ;y, falling overboard, ejection, or other in-water ~;lllc;l~ cy.
It is another object of the present invention to provide re~-ntl~n~y in inflation by i~ lcollllecting the rnanual inflation handles so that the user can activate both flotation cells by pulling either handle.
It is anoth.er object of the present invention to provide a ~lotation device that can be easily and quickly put on and taken off.
It is another object of ~e present invention to provide a flotation device that is cf~ tihle with typical r~litary gear inrlll~lin~ hPlmPt~ survival vests, and au~liary belts.
It is anothe.r object of the present invention to provide the user wi~
stable :iU~)~ll in the water in the event that one of the flotation cells fail.
It is another object of the present invention to prov~ide a device that is c~ ru,~ e enough to be worn cnntinnously and rem~ins colllru,l~le when deployed in an ~ cy situation.
It is ano~er object of ~e present invention to provide a flotation device that provides a cul~ ent for ~lPflectin~ water from ~e user's nose and mouth.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a flotation device that, through its outer shape, aUows free rotation of the user's neck and head.
DES~lt'llOq~ OF mE DRAW~GS
Figure la is a s~h~tic diagram of the fabric shell within which the ~y~ ;c flotation cells of the present invention are in~ A
Figures lb and lc are sc.h~tic ~ ram~ of the first and second symm~Tic ilotation cells, respectively.
Figure ld is a s~ lic ~li~ram of a side view of the first and second flotation cells in the fabric shell.
Figure le is a s ~ 1;c tli~ m of ~lol~live collar 21.
Figure 2a is a srhPn~tic diagram of a frontal view of the flotation collar before deployment.
Figure 2b is a srhP~n~tic diagram of an au~liary belt that can be used with the flotation collar.
Figure 2c is a srl1Pn~tic diagram of a frontal view of the undeployed flotation collar ~tt~rhPll to the au~liary belt, shown as it would be worn by the user.
Figure 3 is a srhPm~tic diagram of a user in water deploying the flotation collar by pulling the beaded h~n~llr~s Figure 4 is a srll~tic diagram of a frontal view of a user in water aflcer deployment, with the ilotation collar fully infl~te~
Figure 5 is a side view of a user in water wearing the deployed flotation collar and res~ng his arms on the front straps.
Figure 6 is a frontal view of a user wearing an undeployed flotation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 7 is a side view of a user w~,,~, an undeployed _otation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 8 is a back view of a user wearing an undeployed ~lotation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 9 is a side view of a user w~ an infl~t~ otation collar in water. The user is shown re~rhing back to begin deploying the face shield Figure 10 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~t~l flotation collar in water. The user is shown pulling the tabs on the face shield rolw~d.
Figure 11 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~tPA flotation collar in water, showing the face shield fillly deployed and ~tt~h~l to the front of the collar.
The user is shown resting his arms in t~e front straps.
Figure 12 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~t~A flotation collar in water. The user is releasing the face shield to gain a~cess to the ~UI vividl vest lifting ring.
DETAILED DE~IION OF ~E IN~ION
The primary cornponents of the ~lotation collar are an outer protective cover, a fabric shell, two infl~ta~le flotation cells, two oral infl~tf)rs, two m~r.tl~nic~l ir~lators, ah~rnP~ syster~ an illlegl~ledface shield~ and, optionally, ;tll~olll;1licwater-sensing ~
As shown in Figures la-ld, the present invention cnmI risP,s two m~rh~nically, ~ n,l~l;e~lly or orally infl~t~l flotation cells 11 and 12, which are installed in a fabric shell 13. FlotationL cells 11 and 12 are totally independent of each other, i.e., there is no :~uid c nn.o~ion l~lw~l~ the two cells. If one of the cells fails, the other cell will cnntimle to support the user. Figures la-lc also show oral infl~tnrs 14 in ~lotation cells 11 and 12, valve adaptor 15 ~ich connects the ~lotation cells to the CO2 inflation ~ rl~ ll, access port 16 in fabric shell 13 for the oral infl~tnrs, CO2 inflation l~ m and cylinders 17, stowage pouch 18 for the face shield, and zippered access to fabric shell 13 (for in~t~ tion of ilotation cells 11 and 12), rear hold-down straps 22, beaded handles 24 front hold-down straps 25, and face shield hold down tabs 34.
Figure ld is a side view showing _otation cells 11 and 12 inside fabric shell 13.
As shown in Figure 2a, ~ lecLiv~ collar 21 is secured to the user by rear hold-down adjustable straps 22, chest straps 23, and front hold-down adjustable straps 25. The straps force the infl~tP~ shell to c~ lln closely to the user's torso.
This elevates the user's head further out of the water, reduces the water drag, and st~hili7P~ the user, allowing the user to swim r ~ d more easily. Front hold-down adjustable straps 25 extend over each side of the infl~t~l shell and also provide a means for the user to rest his arrns w~ile awaiting rescue.
Front straps 25 secure the inflation shell within the exterior ~ le~Live cover during norma~ use, and ensure that the inflation shell el~æ~,es from the cover in the proper se~ Pnce during inflation. Re~A~l h~nrllPc 24 are used to activate pnP,l~m~tic inflation ~ JI~; which inflate the _otation cells by rele~ing gas from, e.g., carbon dioxide cylinders, ~ unLed on the userls front left and right sides, ~en beaded handles 24 are pulled. In addition, the user can m~ml~lly activate both flotation cells via a single beaded handle. 'Ihis is an ~ l~ll feature, since the user may be in~r~ t~cl in either hand or arm lhis m~ml~lly re~m~ nt infl~*on activation is achieved by a "Y" bridle and lanyard arr~n~nPnt that "lL~ lects both beaded handles and r~.llm~*c ~ ";.~
On the back of the ~lninfl~t~d collar are two adjustable back straps 22, 7~tt~rh~l to the collar. lhese attach to the back of the user's survival vest or belt. The back straps also help control the shape of the infl~t~Prl shell and elevate the head and upper torso further out of the water.
WO g71~0144 PCT/US96/is665 Figure 2b shows allxiliary belt 26, which is used when the user is not wearing a su~vival vest. C~ ~;L. ,. ~ 27 and 28 are used to securely connect back straps 22 and front straps 25, ~ ,liv~ly, to the auxiliary belt.
Figure 2c shows a user w~ g the flota~on collar with an auxiliary belt.
Figures 3-5 f3~ ~e use of the present invention. In Figure 3, the user is pulling on the beaded h~nclles to start inflation. In Figure 4, the flotation collar has been fillly infl~t~l Figure 5 shows the user resting his arms on the front straps, -with his head elevated out of the water by the llotation collar.
Figures 6 to 8 show a user w~ g the present invention with a survival vest.
The individual flotation cells are constructed rom symmetric p~1t~n~
~at peImit ease of repair or i~ c~ g~ility. They are rnade of pol~ e-coated nylon. Tn.ct~ tion into the fabr;c shell is ~r~m~ h~l via zippered access for each cell. The ~ ed access is located on the top surface of the fabric shell.
~ nce the collar is infl~t~l the two carbon dioxide cylinders are exposed on the front of the flotation collar. Afcer rescue or aflcer a standard ~ re test, they can be discarded by ulls~ w.llg them from the ~ l~ Also visible are two oral infl~t~rs, one on each side of the front of the collar near the user's mouth. As can be seen rom Figure 5, the shape of the infl~t~1 shell re(luces the surge of water into the user's nose and mouth.
A ~ic;r~lled embodiment of the present invention incl~ es a face shield to allow the user to breathe and see in wind-driven water spray conditions. As shown in Figures 9-12, the user releases the face shield and pulls it over his head for L~;lion afcer inflation of the _otation collar. In~ation of the shell reveals a pocket on the top of the back of the collar directly behind the user's head Ihis pocket, which is secured with Velcro(~) tabs, stores an adjustable, clear, flexible face shield 31 ~l~ch~1 to a stretchable fabric 32. Two release tabs 33 are provided for access by either hand to deploy the face shield over the head. Once pulled over the head, the face shield is secured to tabs 34 near each of the front straps 25 on the lower portion of the i~fl~tetl shell. The stret~ hle fabric a~..~ t~c large and small hPlmP.tc The user can detach and discard the shield at any time, as shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, the user is releasing the face shield from behind the user's helmet, so that he or she can gain access to the survival vest's lifLing ring (not shown).
If the user is wearing a head protection device, the shape of the infl~t~
shell provides a c ~ uled cradle to permit the free rotation of the user's head and neck.
Typical .li~ ions for the flotation collar are a length of 18 inches and a ~ ;llllllll wid~ of 15 inches. The exterior ~l,J1~1iv-e collar is made of, e.g, an aramide fiber such as Nomex~3). A releasable zipper runs the length of the outer edge of the collar and secures the fabric shell, rnade of nylon, within the exterior ~,role ,1ive cover.
~ l.k~ c salt water-sensing ~ ;tl..l.~; rnay be used with the present invention. The water sensing ~ provide the a~lv~l~ge of protection for the use.r who is unconscious, wounded, or in other ways in~Ap~hle of plllling the beaded ~*l~t~r handles or using the oral inilation ~ i Water sensing ~ 0l ~ are small electronic devices that are co-located with the CO2 in~ation cylinder. When salt water enters a ~ , a sensor within the ~chl~t~)r causes a circuit to be closed, activating the ~Pr.lw~i~m used to pierce the CO2 cylinder.
Ihe foregoing disclosure of the ~l~r~lled ~m~t of the invention has been l)lrsPi~lr~l for the purposes of illllclTAtion and des., ;l.l;on. It is not int~
to be ~xl~ ;vt; or to limit the invention to the precise form ~lic~los~ ny variations and modifica~ons of the embo-liment described herein will be obvious to one of ~ ~ y skill in the art in light of the above i ~ ~Lion. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the cl~im.c a~ended hereto.
Ihe present invention will crntiml~ to function ~lu~lly and provide stable ~u~ if one of the flotation cells fails. It orients the user's face ulJw~.l in the water, and elevates his head and upper torso out of the water. It supports the user's upper torso as well as the user's head, thus m~kin~ ~wi,.".~ g easier.
The present invention is ~I~ ;hle with current military helmt?tc le~ h~mt-,ccçc, survival e l--il,--~l-l and vests. It also provides a place for the user to rest his arms.
It is compact and lightweight and thus can be worn coll~ l~ly on a c ntim10ll~ basis.
It can be easily lGlll~ved and repl~r~l in-flight by a seated wearer, providing m-issiorlltask flexihility.
It can be used with an a~liary belt alone (i.e., without a survival vest) which provides the wearer with additional mobility and c~lllrul~ during shipboard operations.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a superior means for the user to survive a water ~lit~3lin~ or crash e~ lg~ ;y, falling overboard, ejection, or other in-water ~;lllc;l~ cy.
It is another object of the present invention to provide re~-ntl~n~y in inflation by i~ lcollllecting the rnanual inflation handles so that the user can activate both flotation cells by pulling either handle.
It is anoth.er object of the present invention to provide a ~lotation device that can be easily and quickly put on and taken off.
It is another object of ~e present invention to provide a flotation device that is cf~ tihle with typical r~litary gear inrlll~lin~ hPlmPt~ survival vests, and au~liary belts.
It is anothe.r object of the present invention to provide the user wi~
stable :iU~)~ll in the water in the event that one of the flotation cells fail.
It is another object of the present invention to prov~ide a device that is c~ ru,~ e enough to be worn cnntinnously and rem~ins colllru,l~le when deployed in an ~ cy situation.
It is ano~er object of ~e present invention to provide a flotation device that provides a cul~ ent for ~lPflectin~ water from ~e user's nose and mouth.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a flotation device that, through its outer shape, aUows free rotation of the user's neck and head.
DES~lt'llOq~ OF mE DRAW~GS
Figure la is a s~h~tic diagram of the fabric shell within which the ~y~ ;c flotation cells of the present invention are in~ A
Figures lb and lc are sc.h~tic ~ ram~ of the first and second symm~Tic ilotation cells, respectively.
Figure ld is a s~ lic ~li~ram of a side view of the first and second flotation cells in the fabric shell.
Figure le is a s ~ 1;c tli~ m of ~lol~live collar 21.
Figure 2a is a srhPn~tic diagram of a frontal view of the flotation collar before deployment.
Figure 2b is a srhP~n~tic diagram of an au~liary belt that can be used with the flotation collar.
Figure 2c is a srl1Pn~tic diagram of a frontal view of the undeployed flotation collar ~tt~rhPll to the au~liary belt, shown as it would be worn by the user.
Figure 3 is a srhPm~tic diagram of a user in water deploying the flotation collar by pulling the beaded h~n~llr~s Figure 4 is a srll~tic diagram of a frontal view of a user in water aflcer deployment, with the ilotation collar fully infl~te~
Figure 5 is a side view of a user in water wearing the deployed flotation collar and res~ng his arms on the front straps.
Figure 6 is a frontal view of a user wearing an undeployed flotation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 7 is a side view of a user w~,,~, an undeployed _otation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 8 is a back view of a user wearing an undeployed ~lotation collar over a survival vest.
Figure 9 is a side view of a user w~ an infl~t~ otation collar in water. The user is shown re~rhing back to begin deploying the face shield Figure 10 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~t~l flotation collar in water. The user is shown pulling the tabs on the face shield rolw~d.
Figure 11 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~tPA flotation collar in water, showing the face shield fillly deployed and ~tt~h~l to the front of the collar.
The user is shown resting his arms in t~e front straps.
Figure 12 is a side view of a user wearing an infl~t~A flotation collar in water. The user is releasing the face shield to gain a~cess to the ~UI vividl vest lifting ring.
DETAILED DE~IION OF ~E IN~ION
The primary cornponents of the ~lotation collar are an outer protective cover, a fabric shell, two infl~ta~le flotation cells, two oral infl~tf)rs, two m~r.tl~nic~l ir~lators, ah~rnP~ syster~ an illlegl~ledface shield~ and, optionally, ;tll~olll;1licwater-sensing ~
As shown in Figures la-ld, the present invention cnmI risP,s two m~rh~nically, ~ n,l~l;e~lly or orally infl~t~l flotation cells 11 and 12, which are installed in a fabric shell 13. FlotationL cells 11 and 12 are totally independent of each other, i.e., there is no :~uid c nn.o~ion l~lw~l~ the two cells. If one of the cells fails, the other cell will cnntimle to support the user. Figures la-lc also show oral infl~tnrs 14 in ~lotation cells 11 and 12, valve adaptor 15 ~ich connects the ~lotation cells to the CO2 inflation ~ rl~ ll, access port 16 in fabric shell 13 for the oral infl~tnrs, CO2 inflation l~ m and cylinders 17, stowage pouch 18 for the face shield, and zippered access to fabric shell 13 (for in~t~ tion of ilotation cells 11 and 12), rear hold-down straps 22, beaded handles 24 front hold-down straps 25, and face shield hold down tabs 34.
Figure ld is a side view showing _otation cells 11 and 12 inside fabric shell 13.
As shown in Figure 2a, ~ lecLiv~ collar 21 is secured to the user by rear hold-down adjustable straps 22, chest straps 23, and front hold-down adjustable straps 25. The straps force the infl~tP~ shell to c~ lln closely to the user's torso.
This elevates the user's head further out of the water, reduces the water drag, and st~hili7P~ the user, allowing the user to swim r ~ d more easily. Front hold-down adjustable straps 25 extend over each side of the infl~t~l shell and also provide a means for the user to rest his arrns w~ile awaiting rescue.
Front straps 25 secure the inflation shell within the exterior ~ le~Live cover during norma~ use, and ensure that the inflation shell el~æ~,es from the cover in the proper se~ Pnce during inflation. Re~A~l h~nrllPc 24 are used to activate pnP,l~m~tic inflation ~ JI~; which inflate the _otation cells by rele~ing gas from, e.g., carbon dioxide cylinders, ~ unLed on the userls front left and right sides, ~en beaded handles 24 are pulled. In addition, the user can m~ml~lly activate both flotation cells via a single beaded handle. 'Ihis is an ~ l~ll feature, since the user may be in~r~ t~cl in either hand or arm lhis m~ml~lly re~m~ nt infl~*on activation is achieved by a "Y" bridle and lanyard arr~n~nPnt that "lL~ lects both beaded handles and r~.llm~*c ~ ";.~
On the back of the ~lninfl~t~d collar are two adjustable back straps 22, 7~tt~rh~l to the collar. lhese attach to the back of the user's survival vest or belt. The back straps also help control the shape of the infl~t~Prl shell and elevate the head and upper torso further out of the water.
WO g71~0144 PCT/US96/is665 Figure 2b shows allxiliary belt 26, which is used when the user is not wearing a su~vival vest. C~ ~;L. ,. ~ 27 and 28 are used to securely connect back straps 22 and front straps 25, ~ ,liv~ly, to the auxiliary belt.
Figure 2c shows a user w~ g the flota~on collar with an auxiliary belt.
Figures 3-5 f3~ ~e use of the present invention. In Figure 3, the user is pulling on the beaded h~nclles to start inflation. In Figure 4, the flotation collar has been fillly infl~t~l Figure 5 shows the user resting his arms on the front straps, -with his head elevated out of the water by the llotation collar.
Figures 6 to 8 show a user w~ g the present invention with a survival vest.
The individual flotation cells are constructed rom symmetric p~1t~n~
~at peImit ease of repair or i~ c~ g~ility. They are rnade of pol~ e-coated nylon. Tn.ct~ tion into the fabr;c shell is ~r~m~ h~l via zippered access for each cell. The ~ ed access is located on the top surface of the fabric shell.
~ nce the collar is infl~t~l the two carbon dioxide cylinders are exposed on the front of the flotation collar. Afcer rescue or aflcer a standard ~ re test, they can be discarded by ulls~ w.llg them from the ~ l~ Also visible are two oral infl~t~rs, one on each side of the front of the collar near the user's mouth. As can be seen rom Figure 5, the shape of the infl~t~1 shell re(luces the surge of water into the user's nose and mouth.
A ~ic;r~lled embodiment of the present invention incl~ es a face shield to allow the user to breathe and see in wind-driven water spray conditions. As shown in Figures 9-12, the user releases the face shield and pulls it over his head for L~;lion afcer inflation of the _otation collar. In~ation of the shell reveals a pocket on the top of the back of the collar directly behind the user's head Ihis pocket, which is secured with Velcro(~) tabs, stores an adjustable, clear, flexible face shield 31 ~l~ch~1 to a stretchable fabric 32. Two release tabs 33 are provided for access by either hand to deploy the face shield over the head. Once pulled over the head, the face shield is secured to tabs 34 near each of the front straps 25 on the lower portion of the i~fl~tetl shell. The stret~ hle fabric a~..~ t~c large and small hPlmP.tc The user can detach and discard the shield at any time, as shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, the user is releasing the face shield from behind the user's helmet, so that he or she can gain access to the survival vest's lifLing ring (not shown).
If the user is wearing a head protection device, the shape of the infl~t~
shell provides a c ~ uled cradle to permit the free rotation of the user's head and neck.
Typical .li~ ions for the flotation collar are a length of 18 inches and a ~ ;llllllll wid~ of 15 inches. The exterior ~l,J1~1iv-e collar is made of, e.g, an aramide fiber such as Nomex~3). A releasable zipper runs the length of the outer edge of the collar and secures the fabric shell, rnade of nylon, within the exterior ~,role ,1ive cover.
~ l.k~ c salt water-sensing ~ ;tl..l.~; rnay be used with the present invention. The water sensing ~ provide the a~lv~l~ge of protection for the use.r who is unconscious, wounded, or in other ways in~Ap~hle of plllling the beaded ~*l~t~r handles or using the oral inilation ~ i Water sensing ~ 0l ~ are small electronic devices that are co-located with the CO2 in~ation cylinder. When salt water enters a ~ , a sensor within the ~chl~t~)r causes a circuit to be closed, activating the ~Pr.lw~i~m used to pierce the CO2 cylinder.
Ihe foregoing disclosure of the ~l~r~lled ~m~t of the invention has been l)lrsPi~lr~l for the purposes of illllclTAtion and des., ;l.l;on. It is not int~
to be ~xl~ ;vt; or to limit the invention to the precise form ~lic~los~ ny variations and modifica~ons of the embo-liment described herein will be obvious to one of ~ ~ y skill in the art in light of the above i ~ ~Lion. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the cl~im.c a~ended hereto.
Claims (38)
1. A flotation collar comprising;
(a) two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(b) means for inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(c) auxiliary means for orally inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(d) an outer shell housing the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (e) means for securely attaching the outer shell housing to a user.
(a) two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(b) means for inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(c) auxiliary means for orally inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(d) an outer shell housing the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (e) means for securely attaching the outer shell housing to a user.
2. The flotation collar of claim 1, further comprising an integrated face shield stowed in a pocket in the back-of-the-neck portion of the outer shell.
3. The flotation collar of claim 2, wherein the integrated face shield is attached to the outer shell by a stretchable fabric.
4. The flotation collar of claim 2, wherein the integrated face shield is detachably attached to the outer shell.
5. The flotation collar of claim 2, further comprising pull tabs for releasing the integrated face shield
6. The flotation collar of claim 1, wherein the means for inflating the flotation cells comprises pneumatic inflation actuators.
7. The flotation collar of claim 6, wherein the means for inflating the flotation cells also comprise at least one beaded handle which activates inflation of the flotation cells when pulled.
8. The flotation collar of claim 7, comprising a left beaded handle and a right beaded handle, and wherein the flotation cells can be inflated by pulling the left beaded handle alone, the right beaded handle alone, or both the left and right beaded handles.
9. The flotation collar of claim 1, wherein the means for securely attaching theouter shell housing to the user comprises rear adjustable straps, front adjustable straps, and a chest strap.
10. The flotation collar of claim 9, wherein when the flotation cells are inflated, the rear adjustable straps, the front adjustable straps and the chest strap force the inflated collar to conform closely to the user.
11. The flotation collar of claim 9, further comprising an auxiliary belt, and means for attaching the front adjustable straps and the rear adjustable straps to the auxiliary belt.
12. The flotation collar of claim 1, wherein the flotation cells are fabricated from polyurethane-coated nylon.
13. The flotation collar of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary means for orally inflating the two symmetric flotation cells are positioned in close proximity to the user's mouth.
14. The flotation collar of claim 1, wherein the exterior protective cover is fabricated from aramide fibers.
15. The flotation collar of claim 1, further comprising salt water sensing actuators.
16. A flotation safety system comprising:
(a) a survival vest;
(b) a flotation collar comprising:
(i) two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(ii) means for inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(iii) auxiliary means for orally inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(iv) an outer shell housing the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (v) a protective cover housing the fabric shell; and (c) means for attaching the flotation collar to the survival vest.
(a) a survival vest;
(b) a flotation collar comprising:
(i) two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(ii) means for inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(iii) auxiliary means for orally inflating the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(iv) an outer shell housing the two symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (v) a protective cover housing the fabric shell; and (c) means for attaching the flotation collar to the survival vest.
17. The flotation safety system of claim 16, further comprising an integrated face shield stowed in a pocket in the back-of-the-neck portion of the outer shell.
18. The flotation collar of claim 16, wherein the means for inflating the flotation cells comprises pneumatic inflation actuators.
19. The flotation collar of claim 16, wherein the flotation cells are fabricated from polyurethane-coated nylon.
20. The flotation collar of claim 16, wherein the exterior protective cover is fabricated from aramide fibers.
21. A flotation collar comprising:
(a) a first symmetric inflatable flotation cell, (b) a second symmetric inflatable flotation cell having no fluid connection with the first symmetric inflatable flotation cell;
(b) auxiliary means for orally inflating the first and second symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(c) an outer shell housing the first and second symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (d) means for securely attaching the outer shell housing to a user, wherein the first inflatable symmetric flotation cell can support the user's head above water level, and wherein the second inflatable symmetric flotation cell can support the user's head above water level.
(a) a first symmetric inflatable flotation cell, (b) a second symmetric inflatable flotation cell having no fluid connection with the first symmetric inflatable flotation cell;
(b) auxiliary means for orally inflating the first and second symmetric inflatable flotation cells;
(c) an outer shell housing the first and second symmetric inflatable flotation cells, said outer shell having a back-of-the-neck portion, a left front portion and a right front portion; and (d) means for securely attaching the outer shell housing to a user, wherein the first inflatable symmetric flotation cell can support the user's head above water level, and wherein the second inflatable symmetric flotation cell can support the user's head above water level.
22. The flotation collar of claim 21, further comprising an integrated face shield stowed in a pocket in the back-of-the-neck portion of the outer shell.
23. The flotation collar of claim 22, wherein the integrated face shield is attached to the outer shell by a stretchable fabric.
24. The flotation collar of claim 22, wherein the integrated face shield is detachably attached to the outer shell, and further comprises pull rings for releasing the integrated face shield.
25. The flotation collar of claim 21, further comprising pneumatic inflation actuators for inflating the first and second inflatable flotation cells.
26. The flotation collar of claim 25, further comprising at least one beaded handle which activates pneumatic inflation of the first and second symmetric flotation cells when pulled.
27. The flotation collar of claim 26, comprising a left beaded handle and a right beaded handle, and wherein the first and second flotation cells can be inflated by pulling the left beaded handle alone, the right beaded handle alone, or both the left and right beaded handles.
28. The flotation collar of claim 21, wherein the flotation cells are fabricated from polyurethane-coated nylon.
29. The flotation collar of claim 21, wherein the exterior protective cover is fabricated from aramide fibers.
30. The flotation collar of claim 21, further comprising, water actuators.
31. A flotation collar comprising:
(a) a first symmetric flotation cell;
(b) a second symmetric flotation cell fluidly independent of the first symmetric flotation cell;
(c) a fabric shell housing the first and second symmetric flotation cells;
(d) means for orally and mechanically inflating the first and second symmetric flotation cells; and (e) means for securing the fabric shell to the body of a user, wherein, when a user is in the water supported by the first and second symmetric shells which are fully inflated, the inflated shells are shaped so as to reduce any surge of water towards the user's nose and mouth.
(a) a first symmetric flotation cell;
(b) a second symmetric flotation cell fluidly independent of the first symmetric flotation cell;
(c) a fabric shell housing the first and second symmetric flotation cells;
(d) means for orally and mechanically inflating the first and second symmetric flotation cells; and (e) means for securing the fabric shell to the body of a user, wherein, when a user is in the water supported by the first and second symmetric shells which are fully inflated, the inflated shells are shaped so as to reduce any surge of water towards the user's nose and mouth.
32. The flotation collar of claim 31, wherein the shape of the inflated shell conforms to the body of the user.
33. The flotation collar of claim 31, wherein the means for mechanically inflating the first and second symmetric flotation cells comprises at least one gas cylinder, wherein the carbon dioxide cylinders are mounted such that they can be easily discarded after inflation of the first and second symmetric flotation cells.
34. The flotation collar of claim 31, further comprising a face shield stowed in a pouch in the fabric shell and attached to a stretchable fabric.
35. The flotation collar of claim 34, wherein the face shield is detachable and discardable.
36. The flotation collar of claim 34, further comprising tabs on the fabric shell for securing the face shield in position over the user's face.
37. The flotation collar of claim 31, wherein the means for inflating the first and second symmetric flotation cells is redundant such the user can manually activate the inflation means using either hand.
38. The flotation collar of claim 31, wherein the means for inflating the first and second symmetric flotation cells comprises a water-sensing actuator.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/527,700 | 1995-09-14 | ||
| US08/527,700 US5692933A (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1995-09-14 | Low profile flotation collar |
| PCT/US1996/015665 WO1997010144A1 (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1996-09-13 | Low profile flotation collar |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2205109A1 CA2205109A1 (en) | 1997-03-20 |
| CA2205109C true CA2205109C (en) | 2000-11-14 |
Family
ID=29422822
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2205109 Expired - Lifetime CA2205109C (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1996-09-13 | Low profile flotation collar |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2205109C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO20150272A1 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-08-29 | Moeller Sverre | life jacket |
-
1996
- 1996-09-13 CA CA 2205109 patent/CA2205109C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2205109A1 (en) | 1997-03-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| AU708671B2 (en) | Low profile flotation collar | |
| TW544429B (en) | Integrated parachute harness system | |
| US7270077B2 (en) | Avalanche survival kit | |
| US20040157514A1 (en) | Variably configured inflatable personal flotation device also serving as an emergency distress marker | |
| US5855454A (en) | Water safety and survival system | |
| EP1595577B1 (en) | A safety harness | |
| US5516233A (en) | Water safety and survival system | |
| US8920205B2 (en) | Personal floatation device | |
| US5085163A (en) | Weight release system | |
| CN104648632A (en) | Multifunctional emergency life jacket | |
| US6203246B1 (en) | Break away counter weight assembly with neutralizing buoyancy offset for diver's safety | |
| US20090029611A1 (en) | Multifunction safety garment | |
| US7104858B1 (en) | Emergency supplemental flotation device | |
| CA2205109C (en) | Low profile flotation collar | |
| US7335078B2 (en) | Tactical flotation support system | |
| US3497889A (en) | Inflatable life preserver | |
| AU2012267128B2 (en) | Marker and recovery device | |
| US6422513B1 (en) | Inflatable restraint systems for ejection flight vests | |
| KR101810429B1 (en) | A Belt Type life buoy | |
| CN110494355A (en) | Positioning, salvage and floatation device | |
| GB2407067A (en) | Automatically inflatable buoyancy aid for an aviator | |
| CN217483356U (en) | Single-soldier sea, land and air multipurpose protective clothing | |
| CN219467960U (en) | Multifunctional life jacket | |
| US11731745B1 (en) | Personal flotation, evacuation and rescue device | |
| CA2625325A1 (en) | Avalanche survival kit |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20160913 |