GB2253190A

GB2253190A - Lifebuoy

Info

Publication number: GB2253190A
Application number: GB9104400A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Brettle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-03-01
Filing date: 1991-03-01
Publication date: 1992-09-02
Also published as: GB9104400D0

Abstract

A lifebuoy (1) including light emission means (4, 5) which is: a) fixed or fixable to the body (2) of the lifebuoy (1); b) maintained in an OFF condition when the lifebuoy (1) is stowed in an upright, generally vertical orientation; and c) arranged to be activated into an ON condition when the lifebuoy (1) is cast into the water, so that it is visible over substantially the whole field of view in either generally horizontal orientation assumed by the lifebuoy when afloat. In the preferred embodiment, the light emission means comprises a lamp (4, 5) located on each side of the lifebuoy body, so that the lamp which is uppermost when the lifebuoy is afloat is that which is activated into the ON condition, to provide a visible distress signal over substantially the whole field of view. Each lamp may be operated by a two-way, mercury-operable level switch (not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

LIFEBUOY DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a lifebuoy with means for generating a visual distress signal, such as a flashing light, when the lifebuoy is cast into the water.

A known form of this type of lifebuoy, which is stored on board a boat or ship, usually in an upright orientation, is provided with a light in the form of a separate unit attached to the lifebuoy by a lanyard and ballasted so that the lamp is above water when the lifebuoy is cast into the water and the unit is afloat.

This known arrangement is somewhat cumbersome, in that the lanyard can be tangled when the 'lifebuoy is cast into the water, thereby resulting in undue delay and, as a consequence, placing the life of a victim at risk.

In another known form of lifebuoy, a light is fixed to the lifebuoy but is so arranged with respect thereto that it is not visible over substantially the whole field of view in each of the two possible orientations which the lifebuoy can assume when afloat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lifebuoy which overcomes, or at least substantially reduces, the disadvantages associated with the known types of lifebuoy discussed above.

Accordingly, the invention resides in a lifebuoy including light emission means which is: a) fixed or fixable to the body of the lifebuoy; b) maintained in an OFF condition when the lifebuoy is stowed in an upright, generally vertical orientation; and c) arranged to be activated into an ON condition when the lifebuoy is cast into the water, so that it is visible over substantially the whole field of view in either generally horizontal orientation assumed by the lifebuoy when afloat.

Preferably, the light emission means comprises a lamp located on each side of the lifebuoy, so that the lamp which is uppermost when the lifebuoy is afloat is that which is activated into the ON condition, to provide a visible distress signal over substantially the whole field of view.

In a preferred embodiment of inventive lifebuoy to be discussed in more detail below, the two lamps are located on respective sides of a housing attached or attachable to the lifebuoy body, with a two way level switch located within the housing. This switch maintains each lamp in its OFF condition when the lifebuoy is stowed in its upright, generally vertical orientation but is operable to activate the uppermost lamp when the lifebuoy is afloat in its generally horizontal orientation, such that it is that uppermost lamp which generates the visible distress signal over substantially the whole field of view, rather than the other, lowermost lamp which is more than likely immersed in the water beneath the housing. A suitable power source is, of course, provided, preferably within the housing which is, advantageously, watertight.

The housing and components, such as, the switch, lamps and power source, may be provided as a separate unit for subsequent attachment to a lifebuoy.

Alternatively, such components may be mounted integrally with or within the lifebuoy body, in which case, the housing may be omitted.

In order that the inventive lifebuoy may be more fully understood, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a perspective view of the lifebuoy in use.

Referring to the drawing, a lifebuoy indicated generally at 1, comprises a generally U-shaped body 2 to which is attached, at the base thereof, a watertight housing 3.

On opposed sides of that housing 3 are provided respective lamps 4, 5. The housing 3 also contains a two-way, mercury-operable, level switch (not shown) and associated circuitry, whose operation will be described hereinbelow.

When the lifebuoy 1 is stowed for use aboard a boat or ship, it is supported in its upright, generally vertical orientation, as shown at A in the drawing. In this orientation, the mercury level switch remains inoperative and neither lamp 4, 5 is lit.

If, however, the lifebuoy 1 is cast overboard, falling in the direction of the arrow X, it may land on the water and float in its first generally horizontal orientation, as shown at B, in which case, the level switch is operated to activate the uppermost lamp 4 into its ON condition, with the lowermost lamp 5 facing downwardly and remaining unlit in its OFF condition.

If, however, the lifebuoy 1 is cast overboard in the direction of the arrow Y, and lands in its other generally horizontal orientation, as shown at C, then the level switch is operated to activated the other but now uppermost lamp 5 into its ON condition, with the now lowermost lamp 4 facing downwardly and remaining unlit 4 in its OFF condition.

In either generally horizontal orientation of the lifebuoy 1, the associated lamp 4, 5 in its ON condition generates a visible distress signal which can be seen from all directions either level with or above the lifebuoy body 2, namely, one which is visible over substantially the whole field of view.

As indicated above, the light emission means in the form of the housing 3, lamps 4, 5 and associated power supply and circuitry, can be preformed and attached to the body 2 of the lifebuoy 1 for subsequent use. Alternatively, the lamps 4, 5, associated power source and circuitry, can be formed integrally with the lifebuoy body 2, in which case, the watertight housing 3 can be eliminated.

Claims

1. A lifebuoy including light emission means which is: a) fixed or fixable to the body of the lifebuoy; b) maintained in an OFF condition when the lifebuoy is stowed in an upright, generally vertical orientation; and c) arranged to be activated into an ON condition when the lifebuoy is cast into the water, so that it is visible over substantially the whole field of view in either generally horizontal orientation assumed by the lifebuoy when afloat.

2. A lifebuoy according to claim 1, wherein said light emission means comprises a lamp located on each side of the lifebuoy body, so that the lamp which is uppermost when the lifebuoy is afloat is that which is activated into the ON condition, to provide a visible distress signal over substantially the whole field of view.

3. A lifebuoy according to claim 2, wherein the lamps are located on respective sides of a housing attached or attachable to the lifebuoy body, with switch means for the lamps located within the housing.

4. A lifebuoy according to claim 3, wherein said switch means comprises a two-way level switch, preferably a mercury-operable level switch, arranged to maintain each lamp in its OFF condition when the lifebuoy is stowed in its upright, generally vertical orientation and operable to activate the uppermost lamp when the lifebuoy is afloat in its generally horizontal orientation.

5. A lifebuoy according to any preceding claim including a power source for said light emission means.

6. A lifebuoy according to any preceding claim, wherein said light emission means is provided in a separate unit for subsequent attachment to the lifebuoy.

7. A lifebuoy according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said light emission means and any associated components are mounted integrally with or within the body of the lifebuoy.

8. A lifebuoy substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.