CA2231040A1 - Inflatable life preserver belt - Google Patents
Inflatable life preserver belt Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2231040A1 CA2231040A1 CA002231040A CA2231040A CA2231040A1 CA 2231040 A1 CA2231040 A1 CA 2231040A1 CA 002231040 A CA002231040 A CA 002231040A CA 2231040 A CA2231040 A CA 2231040A CA 2231040 A1 CA2231040 A1 CA 2231040A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inflatable
- bladder
- floatation device
- nozzle
- gas outlet
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
- B63C9/24—Arrangements of inflating valves or of controls thereof
-
- 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
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
- B63C9/15—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments
- B63C9/155—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments inflatable
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/20—Check valves specially designed for inflatable bodies, e.g. tyres
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
An inflatable personal floatation device which has an inflatable bladder, a cover which surrounds the bladder when in an uninflated condition, a first pair of cooperating attachments for use to secure the device around the waist of a wearer when in an uninflated condition and a second set of attachments for securing ends of the bladder together when the bladder is inflated, both a compressed gas inflation device and a manual oral inflation arrangement, both means of inflation having nozzles which provide a plurality of air paths to the bladder to ensure inflation and overcome any blocking of the air paths.
Description
CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 INFLATABLE LIFE PRESERVER BELT
BACKGROUN[) OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to personal floatation devices.
A number of different types of personal floatation devices are known in the art. These pl rsonal floatation devices range from Type 11 floatation vests which fit around thle upper torso of a person to belts of a buoyant material. The particular design of the personal floatation device depends on the end use - i.e.
Type 11 floataltion vests are required to be used when boating and are designed to keep the user in an almost upright position with the head held out of the water.
Generally, they are manufactured of a very thick floatation foam which makes them relatively bulky. The vests are Idesigned with various types of zippers, tabs, clips and the like.
Floatation belts are also widely available on the market and usually comprise an ~longaled member of a buoyant material with strap means attached at either end for securement about l:he waist of the user.
All of the above devices made of a buoyant material do suffer from the disadvantage that they are relatively bulky and can inhibit the motions of the wearer in many sihl~tions. This is palrticularly the case when the wearer is using the device merely in the case of falling into the water but would otherwise require or desire freedom of movement.
It is also known in the art to provide for personal noatalion devices in the form of an inflatable member wherein the user wears the deflated floatation device until the device is needed whereby an ~ssori~ted compressed gas inflation device is actuated. However, many of the proposed devices have not CA 0223l040 l998-0C,-06 received com,mercial acceptance as they are of a relatively complicated construction which renders manufac:turing relatively expensive.
SUMMARY C)F THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved inflatable floatation device having an inflatable! unit enclosed in a belt adapted to be worn around the waist of the user.
It is al further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device which is comfortable to wear and reliable in operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device I which the inflatable unit is constructed so as to ensure quick reliable operation when inflated.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device having an oral inflaltion means configured to minimize the risk of blockage.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device which will conform to conventional forms of manufacturing, be of simple construction and economically feasible.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inflatable personal floatation device comprising an inflatable bladder, a cover secured to th~ inflatable bladder, closure means associated with the cover, first attachment rrleans for securing first and second ends of the cover together whenthe ir,nalat'e bladder is in an uninflated condition, second attachment means for securing the first and second ends of the bladder togell,er when the inflatable bladder is in an inflated condition, a compressed gas inflation device operatively CA 02231040 1998-0~-06 connected to the inflatable bladder, the compressed gas inflation device including a pressurized gas container, actuation means, and a first outlet nozle assembly providing gaseous communication between the gas container and the inflatable bladder, the first nozle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other, and manual oral inflation means comprising a conduit and a second nozzle assembly providing gaseous commun.~alion between the conduit and the inflatable bladder, a second outlet nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments thereof, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an inflatable floatation device in a non-inflated configuration;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable floatation device of Figure 1 in a non-inflated configuration being wom around the waist of a user;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the innatable floatation device of Figure 1 in an inflate!d configuration;
Figure 4 is a per~pe~i~e view illu~ liny the inflatable floatation device in an inflated configuration in association with a user of the same;
Figure! 5 is a cross sectional view of the inflatable floatation device in a non-inflated configuration as taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 1;
Figure 5A is a cross sectional view of the inflatable floatation device in an inflated condition;
CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 Figure 6 is an elevational view of the compressed gas inflation device of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention;
Figure 6A is an elevational view of the nozle portion of the gas inflation device;
Fi9Ure! 7 iS an elevational view similar to Figure 6 illustrating the compressed gas inflation device with a different embodiment of a nozle;
Figure 7A is an elevational view showing the nozle of Figure 7;
Figure!s 8 8A and 8B illustrate alternative embodiments of different nozzles which may be used in association with the compressed gas inflation device;
Figure 9 is a side elevational view illustrating a manual inflation means in accordance vvith an embodiment of l:he present invention;
Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 illustrating an alternative embodiment thereof;
Figure 10A is a perspective view illustrating the nozle of Figure 10;
Figure 11 is a perspective vie~N illustrating a still further embodiment of a nozle which may be utilized with the manual inflation means of Figures 9 and 10;
Figure! 12 is a view of the gas inflation device according to the present invention;
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention in a non-inflated configuration; and Figure 14 is a top plan view of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention in an inflated configuration.
CA 02231040 1998-0~-06 DIESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated an inflatable personal floatation device which is generallydesignated by reference numeral 10.
Inflatalble floatation device 10 is comprised of an inflatable bladder 14 which is shown in Figure 5 in an uninlRated condition whiie in Figure 5A, inflatable bladder 14 is shown in an inflated condition with the interior of the bladder 14being designated by reference numeral 15. As may be seen from Figure 5A, bladder 14 has a somewhat oval configuration when inflated.
Associated with inflatable bladder 14 is a cover 16 which, as may be seen in Figure 5A, is secured to innatable bladder 14 by a line of stitching 40. Cover 16 is designed to surround and enclose inflatable bladder 14 when it is in an uninflated condilion. To this end, cover 16 may include means for fastening and preferably, as is shown in Figure 5, I:he fastening means comprises a hook and loop textile fastener such as is marketed under the Trademark Velcro. As will benoted, the upper portion or flap of cover 16 is designed to overlap the lower portion or flap of cover 16 to prevent the ingress of any extraneous material such as sand or the like.
Inflatable floatation device 10 has the overall configuration of a belt and is designed to be worn about the waist of a wearer. As such, inflatable floatation device 10 includes first attachment means for securing first and second ends together when the inflatable bladder is in an uninflated condition. Thus, as maybe seen in Figures 1 and 2, straps 18 having buckle attachments 20 secured CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 thereto are designed to be secured together to hold inflatable floatation device10 in the required position on the walist of the wearer. A slopper buckle 22 is also provided on strap 18.
In order to inflate inflatable floatation device 10, there is provided a compressecl gas inflation device which is generally designated by reference numeral 24. Compressed gas inflation device 24 includes, as may be seen in Figures 6 and 12, a compressed gas container 26 which is held in position by means of a retaining member 32. Compressed gas inflation device 24 also, as seen in Figure 12, includes a release handle 30 which is operatively connected to a release! mechanism 52. Such mechanisms are well known in the art and need not be described in greater detail herein.
Compressed gas inflation device 24 also includes an upper nut 56, an upper washer 54, a valve 48, a lower washer 50 and an adapter 49 for secu,emenl to inflatable bladder 14 A safety pin 58 also may be provided with compressecl inflation device 24.
Inflatable noA1~tion device 10 also includes a manual oral inflation means which comprises a conduit 36 having an end cap and check valve 38 associated therewith.
Upon actuation of compressed gas inflation device 24 by means of release mechanism 52 and ~lease handle 30, inflatable bladder 14 assumes the position shown in Figures 3 and 4 wherein cover 16 is opened. In this arrangement, there are provided second attachment means comprising a hook 42 secured to one end of inflated bladder 14 and which is adapted to engage a U-shaped member 44 secured to the opposile end of bladder 14.
CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 In order to ensure proper opening of the inflatable bladder 14, a nozle arrangemenl: is provided wherein there are a plurality of gas outlet paths, the paths being arranged in different orientations to assure inflation despite the blocking of any single path.
Thus, as shown in Figures 6 to 11, various different configurations may be employed for nozzle assembly 68 and an associated nozzle head 76.
In greater detail, one embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 6A wherein nozle assermbly 68, which includes an interior air passageway 64, has a nozle head 76 whic:h has a side wall 70 and a centrally formed slot 73 which provides two air passageways diametrically opposed.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 7A, nozle head 76 has a frustraconically shaped configuration with a plurality of apertures 72 formed inside wall 70 while there is also provided a main outlet aperture 74 centrally ofnoz71e head 76.
Figures 8, 8A and 8B illustrate various different nozle configurations.
Thus, in Figure 8, two different arrangements are illusllated; a first one has aplurality of apertures 72 formed in a side wall 70 with the nozle head 76 also having an inwardly tapered side wall portion 75 surrounding a central outlet 74.In the other illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, side wall 70 does not have any apertures; rather, tapered wall portion 75 has a plurality of slots 77 formed therein to provide a plurality of gas outlet paths. There is also provided a centrally located gas outlet path.
In the! embodiment of Figure 8A, nozle head 76 is of a frustraconical configuration with a plurality of aperhlres 72 formed in side wall 70 and a centrally CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 located outlet 74. In Figure 8B a ~;imilar arrangement is illustrated except that no centrally located outlet is provided.
Figures 9 10 1 OA and 1 1 illlustrate further embodiments of nozle head configurations which are used in associ~lion with the manual inflation means 34.It will of course be understood that nozles similar to those described with respect to c~mpressed gas inflation device 24 may also be employed.
In thl embodiment of Figure 9 a plurality of apertures 72 are radially spaced with r~spect to nozle head 76. In Figure 10 a plurality of apertures 72 are formed in side wall 70 of nozle Ihead 76. In Figure 11 a somewhat different configuration is illustrated wherein a nozle head co,n~,rises a disk shaped member 75 Ihaving a plurality of radially extending and alternating ridges 79 and grooves 77. This a"dnge",e"l provides a plurality of radially extending gas outlet paths from c entrally located conduit 74.
As will be seen from the above various dil~r~nt configurations of a nozle head to permit inflation of the device irrespective of any sealing together of the bladder mernbrane may be utilized.
It will be understood that l:he above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the !3pirit and scope of the invention.
BACKGROUN[) OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to personal floatation devices.
A number of different types of personal floatation devices are known in the art. These pl rsonal floatation devices range from Type 11 floatation vests which fit around thle upper torso of a person to belts of a buoyant material. The particular design of the personal floatation device depends on the end use - i.e.
Type 11 floataltion vests are required to be used when boating and are designed to keep the user in an almost upright position with the head held out of the water.
Generally, they are manufactured of a very thick floatation foam which makes them relatively bulky. The vests are Idesigned with various types of zippers, tabs, clips and the like.
Floatation belts are also widely available on the market and usually comprise an ~longaled member of a buoyant material with strap means attached at either end for securement about l:he waist of the user.
All of the above devices made of a buoyant material do suffer from the disadvantage that they are relatively bulky and can inhibit the motions of the wearer in many sihl~tions. This is palrticularly the case when the wearer is using the device merely in the case of falling into the water but would otherwise require or desire freedom of movement.
It is also known in the art to provide for personal noatalion devices in the form of an inflatable member wherein the user wears the deflated floatation device until the device is needed whereby an ~ssori~ted compressed gas inflation device is actuated. However, many of the proposed devices have not CA 0223l040 l998-0C,-06 received com,mercial acceptance as they are of a relatively complicated construction which renders manufac:turing relatively expensive.
SUMMARY C)F THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved inflatable floatation device having an inflatable! unit enclosed in a belt adapted to be worn around the waist of the user.
It is al further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device which is comfortable to wear and reliable in operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device I which the inflatable unit is constructed so as to ensure quick reliable operation when inflated.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device having an oral inflaltion means configured to minimize the risk of blockage.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable floatation device which will conform to conventional forms of manufacturing, be of simple construction and economically feasible.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inflatable personal floatation device comprising an inflatable bladder, a cover secured to th~ inflatable bladder, closure means associated with the cover, first attachment rrleans for securing first and second ends of the cover together whenthe ir,nalat'e bladder is in an uninflated condition, second attachment means for securing the first and second ends of the bladder togell,er when the inflatable bladder is in an inflated condition, a compressed gas inflation device operatively CA 02231040 1998-0~-06 connected to the inflatable bladder, the compressed gas inflation device including a pressurized gas container, actuation means, and a first outlet nozle assembly providing gaseous communication between the gas container and the inflatable bladder, the first nozle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other, and manual oral inflation means comprising a conduit and a second nozzle assembly providing gaseous commun.~alion between the conduit and the inflatable bladder, a second outlet nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments thereof, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an inflatable floatation device in a non-inflated configuration;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable floatation device of Figure 1 in a non-inflated configuration being wom around the waist of a user;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the innatable floatation device of Figure 1 in an inflate!d configuration;
Figure 4 is a per~pe~i~e view illu~ liny the inflatable floatation device in an inflated configuration in association with a user of the same;
Figure! 5 is a cross sectional view of the inflatable floatation device in a non-inflated configuration as taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 1;
Figure 5A is a cross sectional view of the inflatable floatation device in an inflated condition;
CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 Figure 6 is an elevational view of the compressed gas inflation device of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention;
Figure 6A is an elevational view of the nozle portion of the gas inflation device;
Fi9Ure! 7 iS an elevational view similar to Figure 6 illustrating the compressed gas inflation device with a different embodiment of a nozle;
Figure 7A is an elevational view showing the nozle of Figure 7;
Figure!s 8 8A and 8B illustrate alternative embodiments of different nozzles which may be used in association with the compressed gas inflation device;
Figure 9 is a side elevational view illustrating a manual inflation means in accordance vvith an embodiment of l:he present invention;
Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 illustrating an alternative embodiment thereof;
Figure 10A is a perspective view illustrating the nozle of Figure 10;
Figure 11 is a perspective vie~N illustrating a still further embodiment of a nozle which may be utilized with the manual inflation means of Figures 9 and 10;
Figure! 12 is a view of the gas inflation device according to the present invention;
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention in a non-inflated configuration; and Figure 14 is a top plan view of the inflatable floatation device of the present invention in an inflated configuration.
CA 02231040 1998-0~-06 DIESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated an inflatable personal floatation device which is generallydesignated by reference numeral 10.
Inflatalble floatation device 10 is comprised of an inflatable bladder 14 which is shown in Figure 5 in an uninlRated condition whiie in Figure 5A, inflatable bladder 14 is shown in an inflated condition with the interior of the bladder 14being designated by reference numeral 15. As may be seen from Figure 5A, bladder 14 has a somewhat oval configuration when inflated.
Associated with inflatable bladder 14 is a cover 16 which, as may be seen in Figure 5A, is secured to innatable bladder 14 by a line of stitching 40. Cover 16 is designed to surround and enclose inflatable bladder 14 when it is in an uninflated condilion. To this end, cover 16 may include means for fastening and preferably, as is shown in Figure 5, I:he fastening means comprises a hook and loop textile fastener such as is marketed under the Trademark Velcro. As will benoted, the upper portion or flap of cover 16 is designed to overlap the lower portion or flap of cover 16 to prevent the ingress of any extraneous material such as sand or the like.
Inflatable floatation device 10 has the overall configuration of a belt and is designed to be worn about the waist of a wearer. As such, inflatable floatation device 10 includes first attachment means for securing first and second ends together when the inflatable bladder is in an uninflated condition. Thus, as maybe seen in Figures 1 and 2, straps 18 having buckle attachments 20 secured CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 thereto are designed to be secured together to hold inflatable floatation device10 in the required position on the walist of the wearer. A slopper buckle 22 is also provided on strap 18.
In order to inflate inflatable floatation device 10, there is provided a compressecl gas inflation device which is generally designated by reference numeral 24. Compressed gas inflation device 24 includes, as may be seen in Figures 6 and 12, a compressed gas container 26 which is held in position by means of a retaining member 32. Compressed gas inflation device 24 also, as seen in Figure 12, includes a release handle 30 which is operatively connected to a release! mechanism 52. Such mechanisms are well known in the art and need not be described in greater detail herein.
Compressed gas inflation device 24 also includes an upper nut 56, an upper washer 54, a valve 48, a lower washer 50 and an adapter 49 for secu,emenl to inflatable bladder 14 A safety pin 58 also may be provided with compressecl inflation device 24.
Inflatable noA1~tion device 10 also includes a manual oral inflation means which comprises a conduit 36 having an end cap and check valve 38 associated therewith.
Upon actuation of compressed gas inflation device 24 by means of release mechanism 52 and ~lease handle 30, inflatable bladder 14 assumes the position shown in Figures 3 and 4 wherein cover 16 is opened. In this arrangement, there are provided second attachment means comprising a hook 42 secured to one end of inflated bladder 14 and which is adapted to engage a U-shaped member 44 secured to the opposile end of bladder 14.
CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 In order to ensure proper opening of the inflatable bladder 14, a nozle arrangemenl: is provided wherein there are a plurality of gas outlet paths, the paths being arranged in different orientations to assure inflation despite the blocking of any single path.
Thus, as shown in Figures 6 to 11, various different configurations may be employed for nozzle assembly 68 and an associated nozzle head 76.
In greater detail, one embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 6A wherein nozle assermbly 68, which includes an interior air passageway 64, has a nozle head 76 whic:h has a side wall 70 and a centrally formed slot 73 which provides two air passageways diametrically opposed.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 7A, nozle head 76 has a frustraconically shaped configuration with a plurality of apertures 72 formed inside wall 70 while there is also provided a main outlet aperture 74 centrally ofnoz71e head 76.
Figures 8, 8A and 8B illustrate various different nozle configurations.
Thus, in Figure 8, two different arrangements are illusllated; a first one has aplurality of apertures 72 formed in a side wall 70 with the nozle head 76 also having an inwardly tapered side wall portion 75 surrounding a central outlet 74.In the other illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, side wall 70 does not have any apertures; rather, tapered wall portion 75 has a plurality of slots 77 formed therein to provide a plurality of gas outlet paths. There is also provided a centrally located gas outlet path.
In the! embodiment of Figure 8A, nozle head 76 is of a frustraconical configuration with a plurality of aperhlres 72 formed in side wall 70 and a centrally CA 0223l040 l998-0~-06 located outlet 74. In Figure 8B a ~;imilar arrangement is illustrated except that no centrally located outlet is provided.
Figures 9 10 1 OA and 1 1 illlustrate further embodiments of nozle head configurations which are used in associ~lion with the manual inflation means 34.It will of course be understood that nozles similar to those described with respect to c~mpressed gas inflation device 24 may also be employed.
In thl embodiment of Figure 9 a plurality of apertures 72 are radially spaced with r~spect to nozle head 76. In Figure 10 a plurality of apertures 72 are formed in side wall 70 of nozle Ihead 76. In Figure 11 a somewhat different configuration is illustrated wherein a nozle head co,n~,rises a disk shaped member 75 Ihaving a plurality of radially extending and alternating ridges 79 and grooves 77. This a"dnge",e"l provides a plurality of radially extending gas outlet paths from c entrally located conduit 74.
As will be seen from the above various dil~r~nt configurations of a nozle head to permit inflation of the device irrespective of any sealing together of the bladder mernbrane may be utilized.
It will be understood that l:he above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the !3pirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. An inflatable personal floatation device comprising;
an inflatable bladder;
a cover secured to said inflatable bladder;
closure means associated with said cover;
first attachment means for securing first and second ends of said cover together when said inflatable bladder is in an uninflated condition;
second attachment means for securing said first and second ends of said bladder together when said inflatable bladder is in an inflated condition;
a compressed gas inflation device operatively connected to said inflatable bladder, said compressed gas inflation device including a pressurized gas container, actuation means, and a first nozzle assembly providing gaseous communication between said gas container and said inflatable bladder, said first nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other; and manual oral inflation means comprising a conduit and a second nozzle assembly providing gaseous communication between said conduit and said inflatable bladder, said second nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other.
an inflatable bladder;
a cover secured to said inflatable bladder;
closure means associated with said cover;
first attachment means for securing first and second ends of said cover together when said inflatable bladder is in an uninflated condition;
second attachment means for securing said first and second ends of said bladder together when said inflatable bladder is in an inflated condition;
a compressed gas inflation device operatively connected to said inflatable bladder, said compressed gas inflation device including a pressurized gas container, actuation means, and a first nozzle assembly providing gaseous communication between said gas container and said inflatable bladder, said first nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other; and manual oral inflation means comprising a conduit and a second nozzle assembly providing gaseous communication between said conduit and said inflatable bladder, said second nozzle assembly providing a plurality of gas outlet paths arranged in different orientations with respect to each other.
2. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said first attachment means comprises a first strap secured to a first end of said cover, first buckle means on said strap, a second strap secured to a second end of said cover, second buckle means on said second strap, said first and second buckle means being designed to be secured together to retain said inflatable personal floatation device on the body of a wearer.
3. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said second attachment means comprises a first member secured to a first end of said inflatable bladder and a second member attached to a second end of said inflatable bladder.
4. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said closure means associated with said cover comprises a hook and loop textile fastener.
5. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said first nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head mounted interiorly of said bladder, said nozzle head having a plurality of spaced apart gas outlet apertures formed in a side wall thereof.
6. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said first outlet nozzle includes a nozzle head of a frustraconical configuration, at least one of said gas outlet paths comprising a main outlet centrally located of said nozzle head, and a plurality of apertures in a side wall portion of said frustraconically shaped nozzle head each providing a gas outlet path.
7. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said first nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head formed as a disk shaped member having a centrally located air passageway therein, said disk shaped member having a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves formed on a surface thereof which is mounted interiorly of said bladder to thereby provide said plurality of gas outlet paths.
8. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said second nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head mounted interiorly of said bladder, said nozzle head having a plurality of spaced apart gas outlet apertures formed in a side wall thereof.
9. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said second outlet nozzle includes a nozzle head of a frustaconical configuration, at least one of said gas outlet paths comprising a main outlet centrally located of said nozzle head, a plurality of apertures in a side wall of said frustraconically shaped nozzle each providing a gas outlet path.
10. The inflatable personal floatation device of Claim 1 wherein said second nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head formed as a disk shaped member having a centrally located air passageway therein, said disk shaped member having a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves formed on a surface thereof which is mounted interiorly of said bladder to thereby provide said plurality of gas outlet paths.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9709118.5 | 1997-05-07 | ||
| GBGB9709118.5A GB9709118D0 (en) | 1997-05-07 | 1997-05-07 | Inflatable life preserver belt |
| PCT/CA1998/000852 WO2000015492A1 (en) | 1997-05-07 | 1998-09-10 | Inflatable personal flotation device with gas inlet nozzle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2231040A1 true CA2231040A1 (en) | 1998-11-07 |
Family
ID=25683162
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002231040A Abandoned CA2231040A1 (en) | 1997-05-07 | 1998-05-06 | Inflatable life preserver belt |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU9057898A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2231040A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9709118D0 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018146362A1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2018-08-16 | Saul De Leon Arteta | Portable cover for a lifebuoy |
| US12054231B1 (en) | 2022-10-14 | 2024-08-06 | Jms Ip, Llc | Lower body garment with inflatable flotation device |
-
1997
- 1997-05-07 GB GBGB9709118.5A patent/GB9709118D0/en active Pending
-
1998
- 1998-05-06 CA CA002231040A patent/CA2231040A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-09-10 AU AU90578/98A patent/AU9057898A/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018146362A1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2018-08-16 | Saul De Leon Arteta | Portable cover for a lifebuoy |
| US12054231B1 (en) | 2022-10-14 | 2024-08-06 | Jms Ip, Llc | Lower body garment with inflatable flotation device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9709118D0 (en) | 1997-06-25 |
| AU9057898A (en) | 2000-04-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |