GB2480255A

GB2480255A - A lifejacket with an integral chin support

Info

Publication number: GB2480255A
Application number: GB1007772A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Parkes
Original assignee: Crewsaver Ltd
Current assignee: Crewsaver Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2010-05-10
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-10
Also published as: GB201007772D0; GB2480255B

Abstract

A lifejacket 1 having first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 arranged such that, in use, the first and second buoyancy sections lie on opposite sides respectively of a wearer's chest. When the first and second buoyancy sections are brought together in a side-by-side abutting relationship, a space is defined between the first and second buoyancy sections below a wearer's chin and the first buoyancy section 3 is provided with a chin support 11 which extends from the first buoyancy section into said space. The chin support may be integral with the first buoyancy section and may abut the chest of the wearer and the second buoyancy section.

Description

Improved Lifejacket The present invention relates to a lifejacket and particularly, but not exclusively, to a lifejacket in which buoyancy is provided by one or more inflatable sections disposed, in use, on a wearer's chest.

A problem with known lifejackets is that, in use, water tends to flow into a wearer's mouth which can cause drowning, especially if a wearer is unconscious. This is especially a problem with split-front twin lobe lifejackets. Such lifejackets generally have two symmetrical lobes which lie on opposite sides of a wearer's chest. A channel is defined between the lobes, up the middle of the wearer's chest. In use, water tends to flow up this channel, towards the wearer's mouth.

A further problem is that, in use, the action of water on the buoyancy section causes the buoyancy section to ride up over a wearer's head. This is especially a problem with large lifejackets.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to reduce or overcome the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a lifejacket comprising first and second buoyancy sections arranged such that, in use, the first and second buoyancy sections lie on opposite sides respectively of a wearer's chest wherein when the first and second buoyancy sections are brought together in a side-by-side abutting relationship, a space is defined between the first and second buoyancy sections below a wearer's chin and the first buoyancy section is provided with a chin support which extends from the first buoyancy section into said space.

The chin support acts to close the wearer's mouth, to prevent the wearer from swallowing any water that is channelled towards his mouth, In addition, the chin support tilts the wearer's head away from the level of the water.

A further advantage is that a chin support is provided without requiring the first and second buoyancy sections to overlap, i.e. independently of the position of the buoyancy sections relative to each other. Accordingly, even if the second buoyancy section is moved away from the first buoyancy section, for example due to the action of waves, the wearer's chin is still supported by the chin support. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the first or second buoyancy sections to form a close fit with the wearer's neck, in order to provide support to the wearer's chin. Such a close fit can feel uncomfortable and restrictive. This is particularly important when considering that lifejackets must work in conjunction with large subject size ranges and when worn with immersion suits on multiple layers of clothing.

In addition, when the chin support is nested under the wearer's chin, it acts to prevent the first buoyancy section from riding up over the wearer's head.

Preferably the chin support is integral with the first buoyancy section.

Preferably the chin support is arranged such that, in use, it abuts the chest of a wearer.

The chin support may be arranged such that, in use, it abuts the second buoyancy section.

Preferably the chin support comprises first and second sections arranged such that, in use, the first section abuts the second section and wherein the first and second sections are attached to the first buoyancy section.

Preferably the first section of the chin support is arranged to contact a wearer's chin and the second section of the chin support is arranged to contact the wearer's chest and/or the second buoyancy section.

Preferably the chin support is inflatable.

Preferably the chin support is arranged such that, in use, the second section is folded between the first section and the wearer's chest, Preferably the first and second sections of the chin support comprise respective first and second inflation chambers that are fluidly connected to each other.

Preferably said first and second inflation chambers are at least substantially separated by a seam. Preferably said seam extends substantially across the chin support, from a first end to a second end, but terminates before the second end to define an opening between the seam and the second end that fluidly connects the first and second inflation chambers.

Preferably the first and second sections of the chin support arc ananged to fold along the seam.

Preferably the second section of the chin support is connected to the first buoyancy section by a connecting means such that acts to retain the second section of the chin support between the first section of the chin support and the wearer's chest, when the chin support is inflated, Preferably the first buoyancy section is inflatable and comprises an inflation chamber which is fluidly connected to the first and/or second inflation chambers of the chin support.

The second buoyancy section may also be provided with a said chin support.

Preferably, when inflated, the first and second buoyancy sections are elongate members of a generally oval cross-sectional shape.

Preferably respective first ends of the first and second buoyancy sections are joined together and respective second ends of the first and second buoyancy sections form free ends.

Preferably the first andlor second buoyancy sections each comprise a first portion, provided towards said first end of the buoyancy section and a second portion provided towards said second end of the buoyancy section. Preferably the second portion is of greater volume than the first portion. Preferably, when inflated, said second portion extends a greater distance away from the wearer's chest than the first portion. This is advantageous in that it increases the self-righting turning moment of the wearer, thereby acting to self-right the wearer into a face-up position in water as well as preventing the wearer from tilting into a face-down position in the water.

Preferably the second end of the first and/or second buoyancy sections comprises an inwardly curved edge such that the buoyancy section is formed into first and second lobes respectively. Preferably the first and second lobes are provided on opposed sides of the buoyancy section.

This is advantageous in that it allows the buoyancy section to form lobes that are of different shapes and/or sizes, allowing the buoyancy and self-righting properties of the lifej acket to be varied, without the buoyancy section requiring separate inflation chambers for the first and second lobes.

Preferably the first lobe is provided on a side of the buoyancy section that, in use, is proximal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket. Preferably the second lobe is provided on a side of the buoyancy section that, in use, is distal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket.

Preferably the second lobe is of greater volume than the first lobe. This is advantageous in that the second lobe increases the self-righting turning moment of the lifejacket while the first lobe increases the vertical orientation of the wearer in the water and increases the height of the wearer above the level of the water.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a lifej acket according to the present invention, when inflated; Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of the inflated lifejacket shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a first layer of material used to form the lifejacket shown in figures 1 and 2, showing the lines of attachment to a second said layer of material; Figure 4 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the chin support of the inflated lifejacket shown in figures 1 and 2; and Figure 5 shows an enlarged side perspective view of the chin support and first buoyancy section of the inflated lifejacket shown in figures 1 and 2; Referring to Figures 1 to 5 there is shown a lifejacket 1. The lifejacket comprises a body 2 that is generally horse-shoe shaped and is for fitting around a wearer's neck.

The body 2 comprises first and second inflatable buoyancy sections 3, 4 which form symmetrically disposed legs of the horse-shoe, arranged to lie on opposite sides of a wearer's chest. First ends of the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 are joined together by a neck portion 5. The first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 each extend from said first end to a second end 50, which is a free end. The first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4, together with the neck portion 5, define an aperture 6 for receiving a wearer's head and neck.

The lifejacket body 2 is formed from first and second layers of material sealed together along a seam 7 (as described below), towards a peripheral edge, to define a body inflation chamber 8. The layers of material protrude from the seam 7 to form an edge 30.

When inflated, each buoyancy section 3, 4 is an elongate member of generally oval cross section.

The inflation chamber 8 is connected to an inflation cartridge 9, containing compressed gas, that can be manually actuated by a pull handle. Following actuation, the inflation cartridge inflates the body inflation chamber 8.

Each buoyancy section 3, 4 is provided with a mouth-operable inflator in the form of a tube 10 connected to the interior of the body inflation chamber 8. This allows manual inflation of the body inflation chamber 8 in the event of failure of the inflation cartridge 9. Each tube 10 is provided with a non-return valve and a closure cap to prevent water flowing down the tube and into the body inflation chamber 8.

As seen in Figure 1, in use the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 lie on opposite sides respectively of a wearer's chest, in side-by-side relationship. Portions of the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4, provided towards the head aperture 6, abut in a side-by-side relationship, with the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 diverging away from each other towards their respective second ends 50.

In use, the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 define a space below the wearer's chin. The first buoyancy section 3 is provided with an integral chin support 11 which extends from a portion of the first buoyancy section 3 provided towards the neck aperture 6 into said space.

The chin support 11 is integral with the first buoyancy section 3. This is advantageous in that a chin support 11 is provided without requiring the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 to overlap, i.e. independently of the position of the buoyancy sections 3, 4 relative to each other. Accordingly, even if the second buoyancy section 4 is moved away from the first buoyancy section 3, for example due to the action of waves, the wearer's chin is still supported by the chin support 11.

In addition, when the chin support 11 is nested under the wearer's chin, it acts to S prevent the first buoyancy section 3 from riding up over the wearer's head.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a first layer of material used to form the lifejacket. In order to form the lifejacket, a second said layer is place over the first layer and aligned with the first layer. The first and second layers of material are then heat sealed together. In order to achieve this heat sealing, a layer of heat meld adhesive is provided between the first and second layers of material.

The first and second layers of material are a plastic-coated fabric that is gas impermeable. It will be appreciated that any suitable material or method of heat sealing may be used.

The chin support 11 is then attached, in a folded position (as described below and as shown in Figure 5), to opposed sides of the first buoyancy section 3 by a pair of retaining strips 18.

As shown in Figure 3, the chin support Ills formed by sealing said first and second layers of material together along a seam 31, provided towards a peripheral edge of the chin support 11. These layers of material are also sealed together along a seam 12, provided midway along the length of the chin support 11. The seam 12 divides the chin support 11 into first and second sections 13, 14 (see Figure 5), having first and second inflation chambers 15, 16 respectively (see Figure 3). The layers of material protrude from the seam 31 to form an edge 32.

The seam 12 extends from one side of the chin support 11, in a width direction, and terminates at a point inwardly of the other side of the chin support 11. Accordingly a relatively narrow opening 17 is provided between the seam 12 and said other side of the chin support 11 that fluidly connects the first and second inflation chambers 15, 16 together.

The chin support Ilis integral with the first buoyancy section 3 and extends from the first buoyancy section 3 at a first end. At the first end of the chin support 11, the seam 31 converges to define a relatively narrow opening 54 that opens into the body inflation chamber 8. Accordingly, the first and second inflation chambers 15, 16 are fluidly connected to the body inflation chamber 8 such that the chin support 11 inflates as the body 2 inflates.

In an alternative embodiment, the inflation chambers 15, 16 of the chin support may be self-contained, i.e. not fluidly connected to the body inflation chamber 8.

In either of the above embodiments, the chin support 11 may be provided with its own means of inflation, such as its own inflation cartridge or inflation tube, as described above.

As shown in Figure 5, an end of the second section 14 of the chin support ii distal to the seam 12 is attached to opposed sides of the first buoyancy section 3 by said pair of retaining strips 18, which are generally symmetrically disposed. Each retaining strip 18 is attached at one end to the edge 32 of the chin support 11 and at another end to the edge 30 on a respective side of the first buoyancy section 3 by stitching. It will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment may be used, In the current embodiment the retaining strips 18 are made of fabric, although any suitable material may be used.

The second section 14 of the chin support 11 is folded underneath the first section 13 along the seam 12, i.e. folded between the first section 13 and the chest of the wearer.

The chin support 11 and retaining strips 18 are arranged to retain the chin support in this folded position when the chin support 11 is inflated.

In this folded arrangement, an outer surface 35 of the first section 13 of the folded chin support 11 will in use contact the wearer's chin and an outer surface 36 of the second section 14 will contact the wearer's chest.

When folded, the first and second sections 13, 14 of the chin support II diverge away from each other with increasing distance from the seam 12. This provides the chin support 11 with a relatively large effective height, relative to the wearer's chest, thereby supporting a wearer's chin at a relative large height above the water level.

The degree of folding of the first and second sections 13, 14 may be varied, thereby varying the areas of contact of the first and second sections 13, 14. Accordingly, different effective heights of the chin support, relative to the wearer's chest, can be achieved, thereby accommodating for large subject size ranges, as well as the wearing of immersion suits on multiple layers of clothing.

The chin support 11 acts to close the wearer's mouth, thereby preventing the wearer from swallowing any water that is channelled towards his mouth. In addition, the chin support 11 tilts the wearer's head away from the water.

A fUrther advantage is that chin support 11 supports the wearer's chin without requiring the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 to overlap, i.e. independently of the position of the buoyancy sections 3, 4 relative to each other. Accordingly, even if the second buoyancy section 4 is moved away from the first buoyancy section 3, for example due to the action of waves, the wearer's chin is still supported by the chin support 11.

In addition, when the chin support 11 is nested under the wearer's chin, it acts to prevent the first buoyancy section 3 from riding up over the wearer's head.

Alternatively or additionally, the second buoyancy 4 section may be provided with an above described chin support 11.

With reference to figure 2, the first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 each comprise a first portion 19, provided towards said first end of the buoyancy section 3, 4 and a second portion 20 provided towards said second end 50 of the buoyancy section 3, 4.

When inflated, the second portion 20 is of greater volume than the first portion 19. In addition, the second portion 20 extends a greater distance away from the wearer's chest than the first portion 19.

This shaping of the buoyancy sections 3, 4 increases the self-righting turning moment of the wearer and lifejacket 1, thereby acting to self-right the wearer into a face-up position in water as well as preventing the wearer from tilting into a face-down position in the water.

As shown in Figure 2, the second end 50 of the first and/or second buoyancy sections 3, 4 comprises an inwardly curved edge 41 such that the buoyancy section 3, 4 is formed into first and second lobes 42, 43 respectively provided on opposed sides of the buoyancy section 3, 4.

This is advantageous in that it allows the buoyancy section 3, 4 to form lobes 42, 43 that are of different shapes and/or sizes, allowing the buoyancy and self-righting properties of the lifej acket 1 to be varied, without the buoyancy section 3, 4 requiring separate inflation chambers for the first and second lobes 42, 43.

The first lobe 42 is provided on a side of the buoyancy section 3, 4 that, in use, is proximal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket. The second lobe 43 is provided on a side of the buoyancy section that, in use, is distal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket.

The second lobe 43 is of greater volume than the first lobe 42. This is advantageous in that the second lobe 43 increases the self-righting turning moment of the lifej acicet 1 while the first lobe 42 increases the vertical orientation of the wearer in the water and increases the height of the wearer above the level of the water.

A neck support 22 in the form of an upwardly extending flange is provided around a section of the inner circumference of the head receiving aperture 6.

When the lifejacket I is in a deflated condition it is housed within a generally u-shaped flexible casing (not shown). The flexible casing is arranged such that it opens in a controlled fashion as the lifejacket 1 is inflated. The flexible casing is provided on a harness for attachment to a person via straps 23.

The second buoyancy section 4 is provided with a buddy line 24 and a light retaining panel 25.

In order to increase the visibility of the lifejacket, each buoyancy section 3, 4 is provided with reflective strips 26, distributed around its lower section.

The neck portion 5 of the lifejacket is provided with a spray hood 27, for fitting over a wearer's head to protect them from spray. When not in use the spray hood is retained in a packed state within webbings 28.

In view of the above the present invention provides a lifejacket I having an integral chin support 11, which acts to close a wearer's mouth and support the chin, functions independently of the relative positioning of its buoyancy sections 3, 4, raises a wearer's chin relatively high above the water level and prevents the first buoyancy section 3 from riding up over the wearer's head.

In addition, the lifejacket 1 is self-righting and keeps the wearer at a generally vertical position in the water.

The above embodiment is described by way of example. Many variations are possible without departing from the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lifejacket comprising first and second buoyancy sections arranged such that, in use, the first and second buoyancy sections lie on opposite sides respectively of a wearer's chest wherein when the first and second buoyancy sections are bthught together in a side-by-side abutting relationship, a space is defined between the first and second buoyancy sections below a wearer's chin and the first buoyancy section is provided with a chin support which extends from the first buoyancy section into said space.
2. A lifejacket according to claim 1 wherein the chin support is integral with the first buoyancy section,
3. A lifejacket according to either of claims I or 2 wherein the chin support is arranged such that, in use, it abuts the chest of a wearer.

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4. A lifej acket according to any preceding claim wherein the chin support is 0) arranged such that, in use, it abuts the second buoyancy section.
5. A lifejacket according to any preceding claim wherein the chin support comprises first and second sections arranged such that, in use, the first section abuts the second section and wherein the first and second sections are attached to the first buoyancy section.
6. A lifejacket according to claim 5 wherein the first section of the chin support is arranged to contact a wearer's chin and the second section of the chin support is arranged to contact the wearer's chest and/or the second buoyancy section.
7. A lifejacket according to claim 6 wherein the chin support is arranged such that, in use, the second section is folded between the first section and the wearer's chest.
8. A lifejacket according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the first and second sections of the chin support comprise respective first and second inflation chambers that are fluidly connected to each other.
9. A lifejacket according to claim 8 wherein said first and second inflation chambers are at least substantially separated by a seam.
10. A lifejacket according to claim 9 wherein said seam extends substantially across the chin support, from a first end to a second end thereof, but terminates before the second end to define an opening between the seam and the second end that fluidly connects the first and second inflation chambers.
11, A lifejacket according to either of claims 9 or 10 wherein the first and second sections of the chin support are arranged to fold along the seam.LU

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12. A lifejacket according to claim 11 wherein the second section of the chin 0") support is connected to the first buoyancy section by a connecting means that 0 acts to retain the second section of the chin support between the first section of the chin support and the wearer's chest, when the chin support is inflated.
13. A lifejacket according to any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the first buoyancy section is inflatable and comprises an inflation chamber which is fluidly connected to the first and/or second inflation chambers of the chin support.
14. A lifejacket according to any preceding claim wherein, when inflated, the first and second buoyancy sections are elongate members of a generally oval cross-sectional shape.
15. A lifejacket according to any preceding claim wherein respective first ends of the first and second buoyancy sections are joined together and respective second ends of the first and second buoyancy sections form free ends.
16. A lifejacket according to claim 15 wherein the first and/or second buoyancy sections each comprise a first portion, provided towards said first end of the buoyancy section and a second portion provided towards said second end of the buoyancy section, wherein the second portion is of greater volume than the first portion.
17. A lifejacket according to claim 16 wherein when inflated, said second portion extends a greater distance away from the wearer's chest than the first portion.
18. A lifejacket according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second end of the first and/or second buoyancy sections comprises an inwardly curved edge such that the buoyancy section is formed into first and second lobes respectively. r

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19. A lifejacket according to claim 18 wherein the first and second lobes are 0 provided on opposed sides of the buoyancy section. 0*)
20. A lifejacket according to either of claims 18 or 19 wherein the first lobe is provided on a side of the buoyancy section that, in use, is proximal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket and the second lobe is provided on a side of the buoyancy section that, in use, is distal to the chest of a wearer of the lifejacket.
21. A lifejacket according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the second lobe is of greater volume than the first lobe.
22. A lifejacket according to any preceding claim wherein the second buoyancy section is also provided with a said chin support.
23. A lifejacket substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.