GB2583451A

GB2583451A - Life vest stowage device with releasably secureable closure

Info

Publication number: GB2583451A
Application number: GB1904566.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor Mullenger Michael; Jane Steele Rebecca
Original assignee: Trenchard Aviation Ltd
Current assignee: Trenchard Aviation Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-01
Filing date: 2019-04-01
Publication date: 2020-11-04
Also published as: GB201904566D0

Abstract

A life vest stowage device 1 for stowing a life vest (3, Fig 7) comprises a receptacle 2 with an opening 4 through which the life vest is removable from the receptacle. A closure comprises a tongue 5 on a first side of the opening. The tongue is foldable between an open configuration in which the opening is unobstructed and a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening. A pocket 6 is provided on a second side of the opening, the pocket being adapted to receive the tongue in the closed configuration. A fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion (9, Fig 5) and at least one recess (10, Fig 5). When the tongue is in the closed configuration, the tongue is releaseably securable in the pocket and the protrusion is received in the recess. The fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Description

LIFE VEST STOWAGE DEVICE WITH RELEASABLY SECURABLE CLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to an apparatus for stowing a life vest, for example a life vest stowage device, having a releasably securable closure. The disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to a life vest stowage device suitable for use on commercial passenger aircraft.

Background to the Disclosure

Aviation regulations require commercial passenger aircraft to carry a life vest (or "life jacket") for each passenger. The life vest must be accessible to the passenger for use in the event of an emergency. In order to comply with these regulations, a life vest is usually stowed under each seat in a commercial passenger aircraft.

Life vest stowage devices are usable for stowing life vests under aircraft seats. These devices are subject to a number of regulations and, at least due to this, are often complex and time consuming to handle.

In particular, all unsealed life vest stowage devices must have their life vests removed and be manually searched prior to an aircraft departing to enter or leave United States air space. A life vest is therefore typically secured in a life vest stowage device by a security seal. The security seal can be checked by airline ground crew to see whether or not it has been tampered with, thereby avoiding the need to search life vest stowage devices with intact security seals. With the life vest stowed and the security seal in place, it is important that access cannot be gained to the inside of the life vest stowage device, so that no foreign objects can be secreted inside the device in breach of aircraft security. There is therefore a need to provide simplified arrangements that, for example, require less time for airline ground crew to check and maintain.

Summary of the Disclosure

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a life vest stowage device comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest; an opening in the receptacle through which the life vest is removable from the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening, which tongue is foldable between an open configuration in which the opening is unobstructed and a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the -2 -opening; a pocket on a second side of the opening, the pocket being adapted to receive the tongue in the closed configuration; and, a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess such that when the tongue is in the closed configuration the tongue is releaseably securable in the pocket and, the protrusion is received in the recess, wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

This arrangement may provide a secure and accessible device for accessing a life vest. Not least, the fastening assembly may secure the tongue in the pocket. For example, only by the protrusion being released from the recess may the tongue be removed from the pocket.

Optionally, the opening of the recess via which the protrusion is inserted into the recess when the tongue is in the closed configuration is narrower than at least a distal part of the protrusion. This may cause the protrusion to have a snap fit, or some similar type of engagement, into the recess.

Optionally, the protrusion is resiliently deformable so as to reduce in width as the protrusion moves out of the recess and/or the recess is resiliently deformable so as to increase in width as the protrusion moves out of the recess.

Optionally, the fastening assembly comprises one or more cut-outs.

Optionally, the protrusion is substantially aligned with the tongue.

Optionally, the protrusion extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the tongue. In other words, the protrusion may extend normal to a plane of the tongue.

Optionally, the protrusion is disposed on the tongue and the recess is disposed on the pocket. Optionally, the pocket is adapted to flex as the protrusion moves out of the recess. This flexing may provide the resilient deformability of the fastening assembly.

Optionally, the receptacle comprises a first material and the pocket comprises a second material. In some examples, the tongue may comprise a third material.

Optionally, the receptacle comprises a first material and the tongue comprises a second material. In some examples, the pocket may comprise a third material.

Optionally, the second material is stiffer than the first material, preferably, the second material is a polycarbonate material, preferably PVC/Acrylic, more preferably Lexan®.

Optionally, the pocket is mounted on the second side of the opening in the receptacle; preferably, the pocket is stitched to the receptacle.

Optionally, the tongue is mounted on the first side of the opening in the receptacle; preferably, the tongue is stitched to the receptacle. -3 -

Optionally, the pocket comprises: a first plate which extends across the width of the receptacle; a second plate comprising at least one portion of the fastening assembly, the second plate being configured to engage with the tongue in the closed configuration; a third plate comprising at least one aperture with which the tongue interacts in the closed configuration; wherein, the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are stitched together such that the pocket has internal dimensions equal to the dimensions of the tongue.

Optionally, the fastening mechanism is adapted so that the force required to move the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration is not more than 30Ibs (approximately 133N), preferably not more than 15Ibs (approximately 67N), more preferably not more than 10Ibs (approximately 44N), yet more preferably not more than Sibs (approximately 22N). The fastening mechanism may be adapted so that the force required to move the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration is 15Ibs (approximately 67N).

Optionally, at least one aperture is provided on the pocket through which an area of the tongue is exposed in the closed configuration.

Optionally, the life vest stowage device also comprises a pull strap that is extendable out of the pocket when the tongue is in the closed configuration, the strap being adapted to interact with the tongue such that pulling the tab out of the pocket causes the tongue to be pulled out of the pocket, preferably into the open configuration.

Optionally, with the tongue in the closed configuration and inserted in the pocket, the pull strap is extendable out of the pocket from inside the receptacle between the tongue and the pocket.

Optionally, the pull strap extends from inside of the receptacle from a side wall of the receptacle, the side wall being on the second side of the opening.

Optionally, the pull strap is slideably attached to the receptacle so as to be slideable relative to the receptacle in the direction it extends from inside the receptacle.

The life vest stowage device may also comprise at least one tab on at least one of: the tongue; the first side of the receptacle; the second side of the receptacle; and the pocket, the tab being outside of the receptacle in the closed configuration.

When the life vest stowage device comprises at least one tab and a pull strap, the tab and/or pull strap may comprise one or more apertures outside of the receptacle in the closed configuration, preferably wherein the apertures are aligned in the closed configuration. -4 -

A frangible loop may be provided, extending between at least two of the apertures of the at least one tab and the pull strap in the closed configuration such that when the device is moved from the closed to the open configuration the frangible loop is broken.

Optionally, the life vest stowage device also comprises a baffle located inside the receptacle, inwardly of the opening, for retaining the life vest.

Optionally, the baffle comprises: a first flap attached along one edge to an interior surface of the first side of the receptacle; a second flap attached along one edge to an interior surface of the second side of the receptacle; and, a fastener adapted to releaseably secure the first flap and the second flap; wherein when the first flap and the second flap are secured, the baffle extends from the first side of the receptacle and the second side of the receptacle.

Optionally, the fastener of the baffle is at least one of: a hook and loop fastener; a snap fastener; and an adhesive fastener.

In one example, the pull strap may be attached to the baffle, preferably the first flap of the baffle.

Optionally, the life vest stowage device comprises an adhesive label mountable such that it extends from the outside of the pocket to the surface of the tongue through the apertures provided in the top surface of the pocket, wherein the label is affixed to both the tongue and the pocket.

Optionally, the device is provided with a life vest stowed inside the receptacle.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a seat comprising the life vest stowage device, preferably a seat on an aircraft. There may also be provided an aircraft comprising the life vest stowage device.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of stowing a life vest, the method comprising: providing a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest, the receptacle comprising; an opening in the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening; a pocket on a second side of the opening; and, a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, the recess being adapted to receive the protrusion; wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration; moving the life vest through the opening; moving the tongue from an open configuration in which the opening is unobstructed to a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening; wherein in the closed configuration the tongue is received by the pocket.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of retrieving a life vest, the method comprising: providing a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest, the -5 -receptacle comprising; an opening in the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening; a pocket on a second side of the opening; and, a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, the recess being adapted to receive the protrusion; wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration; moving the life vest through the opening; moving the tongue from a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening to an open position.

The disclosure extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Further features of the disclosure are characterised by the other independent and dependent claims.

Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the disclosure, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

The disclosure extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a life vest stowage device; Figure 2 is a top view of the life vest stowage device; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a closure assembly of the life vest stowage device, with the closure assembly in an open configuration; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the closure assembly of the life vest stowage device, with the closure assembly in a closed configuration; Figure 5 is a top view of sheets that form a pocket and a security seal.

Figure 6 is a top view of the pocket of Figure 5 with a tongue fixed in the pocket. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device in the closed configuration where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 2; -6 -Figure 8 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device with the life vest stowed in the device and dislodged by an impact, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 2; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device, with the closure assembly open, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 2; Figure 10 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device with the life vest partially removed from the device, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 2; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a security seal affixed to the life vest stowage device in the closed configuration; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a life vest stowage device with an extended pull strap in an open configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12 in a closed configuration; Figure 14 is a top view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12; Figure 15 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12 with the life vest stowed in the device, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12, with the life vest stowed in the device and dislodged by an impact, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 14; Figure 17 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12, with the closure assembly having been opened and with the life vest being removed from the device, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 12; Figure 18 is a sectional view of the life vest stowage device of Figure 12, with the life vest removed further from the device, where the section is along the line A-A in Figure 25 12; Figures 19A-B show sheets forming another embodiment of the pocket and a corresponding embodiment of a closure assembly; and Figures 20A-B show a perspective view of the life vest stowage device further comprising an additional tab and pull-tight security seal.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a life vest stowage device 1 for stowage of a life vest 3 comprises a receptacle 2, an opening 4, a pocket 6 and a pull strap 12. The opening 4 is formed by a top plate of the pocket 6, which top plate comprises apertures 18, and a bottom plate of the pocket 6. The pull strap 12 comprises a first end (not shown) that is -7 -attached to the receptacle 2, a second end 14 that is not attached to the receptacle 2, and optionally a loop 15. In this embodiment, the stowage device 1 further contains an internally connected flap 28 that comprises part of a baffle arrangement. The optional baffle arrangement is described further below, with reference to other drawings.

The life vest stowage device 1 is suitable for use on a commercial passenger aircraft. As such, it is arranged to be securable under an aircraft seat. Straps or other mountings are provided on the life vest stowage device 1 for this purpose, but are omitted from the accompanying figures for clarity.

The receptacle 2 comprises the opening 4 through which the life vest 3 can inserted into and removed from the receptacle 2.

Typically, the receptacle 2 is a bag. The bag is a single piece of a first material folded over itself and joined along its edges, except at one end where the opening 4 is provided in the receptacle 2. The bag is adapted to accommodate the life vest, typically by deforming to a required height in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the life vest is inserted. In some embodiments, the receptacle 2 comprises a receptacle that is substantially non-deformable and is fixed at a height suitable for accommodating a life vest.

The opening 4 extends across the width of the receptacle 2. A closure assembly is provided by which the opening 4 can be opened and closed. When the opening 4 is in an open position, the life vest 3 can be removed or inserted. When the opening 4 is in a closed position, the life vest 3 is secured inside the life vest stowage device 1 and cannot be removed.

The pull strap 12 is arranged to extend from the receptacle 2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the loop 15 of the pull strap 12 is arranged to extend from the receptacle 2 such that it is accessible by a user of the life vest 3. In this embodiment, this comprises the loop 15 extending from beneath a seat in an aircraft such that it can be grasped by the user.

Conventionally, three main groups of different sizes of life vests are specified for use on commercial passenger aircraft. When folded for stowing, a small life vest is approximately 24cm long, 13cm wide and 6cm deep; a medium life vest is approximately 22cm long, 16cm wide and 6cm deep and a large life vest is approximately 22cm long, 20cm wide and 7cm deep. Typically, the receptacle 2 of the life vest stowage device 1 is large enough to be able to contain a life vest snugly, and the receptacle 2 is sized according to the life vest that is intended to be used with the life vest stowage device 1. It will be appreciated that the stowage device described herein may be designed to be used with any size of life vest. -8 -

In an exemplary embodiment, in order to accommodate a large life vest, the bag has a length L of approximately 29cm, including a closure assembly as described herein, and a width W of approximately 24cm.

In general, the present disclosure relates to a life vest stowage device 1 that is useable to secure a life vest 3, the life vest being rapidly removable for use during an emergency. Further, the life vest stowage device 1 of the disclosure is adapted to provide a secure internal environment when in a closed position, wherein the entry of external matter is prevented. Yet further, the present disclosure relates to a secure seal that shows whether the life vest stowage device 1 has been opened.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a view of the life vest stowage device 1 in an open configuration. The closure mechanism of the stowage device 1, which is visible in Figure 3, comprises a tongue 5 and the pocket 6. The tongue 5 comprises at least one protrusion 9. and while in this embodiment the tongue 5 comprises two protrusions, it will be appreciated that any number of protrusions, including just one protrusion, may be provided. In the view of Figure 3, a first end 13 of the pull strap 12 is shown, the first end 13 being attached to the receptacle 2. Further shown in Figure 3, is a first flap 24 of a baffle and a first portion 26 of a hook and loop fastener; these components are described later with reference to later figures.

The tongue 5 is arranged such that it can be folded across the opening 4 to obstruct the opening 4. The tongue 5 is arranged so that in the closed configuration, e.g. the configuration where the tongue 5 obstructs the opening 4, the protrusion 9 is received by a recess (not shown in this drawing). The protrusion 9 and the recess are arranged to interact such that in a closed configuration the protrusion 9 is held in the recess. Typically, in order to move between the open configuration, where the protrusion 9 is not received by the recess, and the closed configuration, where the protrusion 9 is received by the recess, the protrusion 9 and/or the recess are resiliently deformed.

In some embodiments, the tongue 5 is arranged so that it only partially obstructs the opening 4. In this embodiment, the tongue 5 is arranged to be able to obstruct the opening 4 completely. In order to achieve this, the tongue 5 extends across the width of the receptacle 2. The complete obstruction of the opening 4 by the tongue 5 prevents any access (e.g. by particulate matter) to the inside of the receptacle 2 when it has been folded to obstruct the opening 4.

On a second side of the opening 4, opposite to the first side of the opening 4, there is provided the pocket 6. The pocket 6 is arranged so that the tongue 5 can be inserted into the pocket 6 when the tongue 5 is folded to obstruct the opening 4. Typically, the -9 -pocket 6 has internal dimensions similar to the external dimensions of the tongue 5, and the tongue 5 is foldable into the pocket 6.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 2 comprises a first material and at least one of the tongue 5 and the pocket 6 comprises a second, different material. In some embodiments, each of the receptacle 2, the tongue 5, and the pocket 6 comprise different materials.

Typically, at least one of the components comprises a cloth material. In some embodiments, the cloth is fire resistant; in some embodiments, the cloth is a polyamide substrate with polyurethane coating and a fluorocarbon finish. In various embodiments, various types of cloth are used. Depending on the materials used, each component is variously joined by at least one of stitching, glue, and heat treatment. In this embodiment, the receptacle 2 comprises such a cloth material.

In this embodiment, the tongue 5 comprises a sheet of polycarbonate material, preferably PVC/Acrylic or Lexan®, preferably the sheet is 1.2mm thick. The tongue 5 is fixed to the periphery of the first side of the receptacle 2. In this embodiment, the tongue 5 is stitched onto the first side of the receptacle 2.

Referring to Figure 4, the pocket 6 comprises a third plate 40 that extends across the width of the opening 4. This is further described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 below.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the construction of the pocket 6 is shown in more detail. The pocket 6 comprises a first plate 7, a second plate 8, and a third plate 40, the plates being fixed together to form the structure of the pocket 6.

The first plate 7 is fixed to the outside of the receptacle 2. In various embodiments, the first plate 7 is fixed to the receptacle 2 by means of stitching to the receptacle 2; by means of an adhesive; or by another appropriate method. In this embodiment, the first plate 7 extends across the entire width of the receptacle 2.

The second 8 plate extends across the width of the first plate 7 and has dimensions approximately equal to that of the first plate 7 with the dimensions of the tongue 5 cut out on one side. The second plate 8 is fixed, for example by stitching, in place to the first plate 7 such that in the open configuration the side edges and the edges closest to the centre of the receptacle 2 of the first plate 7 and the second plate 8 are aligned.

The third plate 40 is of similar shape to the first plate 7 and is fixed to the second plate 8 such that in the open configuration the side edges and the edge closest to the centre of the receptacle 2 of the third plate 40 and the second plate 8 are aligned. -10-

Typically, the plates are made of the same material, this material being a different material to that used for the receptacle 2. In some embodiments, one or more of the first plate 7, the second plate 8, and the third plate 40 are made of different materials.

The described configuration defines a void between the first plate 7, second plate 8 and third plate 40, the void having a height equal to the height of the second plate 8 and a width and depth equal to the width and depth of the tongue 5. This provides a pocket 6 with an opening between the surfaces of the first plate 7 and the third plate 40, and one or more edges of the second plate 8. The opening 4 of the pocket 6 is on the side of the pocket 6 furthest from the centre of the receptacle 2, such that the tongue 5 in the folded configuration is insertable into the pocket 6. The internal dimensions of the pocket 6 match those of the tongue 5. It will be appreciated that the pocket 6 can be formed with these dimensions by three fixed plates, in the manner described, or by another process such as an injection moulding process such that the pocket 6 is formed of one integrally moulded structure. Other appropriate methods of manufacture with which the same structure is achievable will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Stitching the plates together and/or to the outside of the receptacle 2 is a method particularly suited to cheap, fast and reliable manufacturing. In this embodiment the sheets forming the pocket 6 are of the same thickness as the sheet forming the tongue 5. Particularly the middle sheet is the same thickness as the tongue 5 to enable the tongue 5 to be inserted into the pocket 6.

The opening in the pocket 6 is adjacent to the opening 4 in the receptacle 2. More specifically, the perimeter of the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 and the perimeter of the opening in the pocket 6 coincide at an edge of the receptacle 2 on the second side of the opening 4 in the receptacle 2. The tongue 5 can be folded around this edge to obstruct the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 and the tongue can then be inserted in the pocket 6. In this embodiment, the opening of the pocket 6 and the edge of the receptacle 2 around which the tongue 5 can be folded are in line with one another. This means that it is easy for a user to manipulate the tongue 5 into the opening in the pocket 6 and for the pocket 6 to be sealed tightly, with the tongue 5 in the closed configuration.

A fastening assembly is provided between the tongue 5 and the pocket 6 such that in the closed configuration the tongue 5 is releaseably securable in the pocket 6. In this embodiment, the fastening assembly comprises at least one fastening mechanism, where the fastening mechanism is a snap-fit assembly comprising a protrusion 9 and a recess 10. In this embodiment, the first part of the fastening mechanism is a protrusion 9 of the tongue 5 extending in the plane defined by the length and width of the tongue 5 from the edge of the tongue 5 that sits deepest in the pocket 6 in the closed configuration. A second part of the fastening mechanism is a recess 10 in the edge of the second plate 8 closest to the opening of the pocket 6, the recess being adapted to receive the protrusion 9 of the tongue 5. The dimensions of the recess 10 are similar to those of the protrusion 9 which it will meet in the closed configuration, such that that protrusion 9 fits snugly within the recess 10. While in this embodiment, the protrusion 9 is a protrusion 9 of the tongue 5 and the recess 10 is in the second plate, it will be appreciated that alternative arrangements of recesses and protrusions are possible. In this embodiment, there are two fastening mechanisms arranged symmetrically about the centre of the tongue 5 and pocket 6 but it will be appreciated that the number of fastening mechanisms can be varied and that in some embodiments the arrangement is not symmetrical.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 9 has a neck narrower than a distal part of the protrusion 9. The width of the recess 10 is similar to and smaller than the distal part of the protrusion 9 which it will meet in the closed configuration. Thus, in this embodiment, the opening 11 of the recess 10 is also narrower than the distal part of the protrusion 9 and of the recess 10. The recess 10 is adapted to resiliently deform when the protrusion 9 is urged through the opening 11 of the recess 10 to receive the protrusion 9, thus allowing the protrusion 9 to enter the recess 10 and sit within the recess 10 and resist being withdrawn from the recess 10. This arrangement thus allows for a 'snap-fit, requiring a force to engage the interlocking parts and a force to separate them.

To provide for improved resilient deformation of the recess 10 to accept the protrusion 9, the recess of the fastening mechanism also may further comprise one or more cut outs 16 on one or both sides of the recess 10 to allow increased resilient deformation of the opening 11 of the recess 10. The recess 10 may also further comprise an additional cut out 19 from the recess 10 such that the recess 10 is not entirely filled by the protrusion 9 when they are engaged. This can enable further control or variation in the resilient deformation of the recess 10. Equally, as an alternative or additional feature, at least one cut out can be provided in the protrusion 9 to allow deformation of the protrusion 9 on entry into the recess 10. For example, a cut out similar to those 16 of the recess 10 in the exemplary embodiment extending into the protrusion 9 from its tip allows the protrusion 9 to deform such that its width decreases to that of the opening 11 of the recess 10 on urging into the recess 10.

In various embodiments, the dimensions and layout of the protrusions 9 and recess 10, and the number of fastening mechanisms are varied allowing for a fastening assembly that provides a closure assembly that is opened with a desired force. The material properties and consistent manufacture of the materials used, which may include a polycarbonate material, allow for reliable adherence to regulatory requirements. This allows for controllable, repeatable, consistent usage and sealing of the life vest stowage device as the closure assembly provides aural and/or tactile feedback (the 'snap') to the user that the closure has been sufficiently completed.

Referring to Figure 19A, in some embodiments, the protrusions 9 and/or recesses 10 of the fastening mechanism comprise protrusions 9 on the upper or lower surface of the tongue 5 or internal surfaces of the pocket 6, extending out of the plane defined by the length and width of the plates with corresponding recesses 10 provided on the tongue 5 and/or internal surfaces of the pocket 6. The tongue 5 is adapted to be fixed in place, for example by a frictional force applied between the inner surfaces of the pocket 6 and the tongue 5. It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the protrusions 9 to have the same shape as those described in this embodiment. The height and shape of the protrusions 9 and recesses 10 can be varied to achieve the desired fastening strength between tongue 5 and pocket 6.

Referring to Figure 19B, there is shown a cross section along line B-B of Figure 19A of two embodiments of the arrangement described with reference to Figure 19A.

In the first embodiment of Figure 19B, the recess 10 is included in the top plate 40, more specifically, the recess 10 comprises an aperture in the top plate 40. The protrusion 9 of the tongue 5 is adapted to sit in the recess 10 when the closure assembly is in the closed configuration.

In the second embodiment of Figure 19B, there is provided the recess 10 on the top plate 40 and there is provided the protrusion 9 on the tongue 5; each of the recess 10 and the protrusion 9 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the tongue.

In some embodiments, the material defining the pocket 6 can resiliently flex out of the plane to accept the tongue 5 in the closed configuration.

Referring to Figures 7 to 11, there is shown a baffle that may be provided in the interior of receptacle 2. The baffle comprises a first flap 24, a second flap 25, and a hook and loop fastener comprising a first portion 26 and a second portion 27.

The first flap 24 and the second flap 25 extend across the width of the receptacle 2 parallel to the closure assembly. The first flap 24 is disposed on a first side of the receptacle 2 and the second flap 25 is disposed on the second side 25 of the receptacle 2. The first flap 24 is attached along one of its edges 29 to the interior of the first side of the receptacle 2. The second flap 25 is attached along one of its edges 28 to the interior of the second side of the receptacle 2. A hook and loop fastener is provided along the unattached edges of the fabric flaps, such that the flaps can be secured together across the width of the receptacle. A first portion 26 of the hook and loop fastener is fixed along the unattached edge of the first flap 24 extending across the width of the receptacle 2. A second portion 27 of the hook and loop fastener is affixed along the unattached edge of -13-the second flap 25 extending across the width of the receptacle. In the closed configuration the flaps are secured together by means of the hook and fastener and a barrier is thus formed which further prevents removal of the life vest 3. In this embodiment the flaps are made of the same material that comprises the receptacle, although in some embodiments the flaps are made of different materials. Typically, the portions of the hook and loop fastener are fixed to the flaps of the baffle by stitching.

The pull strap 12 is adapted to facilitate pulling the tongue 5 out of the pocket 6 and unfolding the tongue 5 so that the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 is unobstructed by the tongue 5. The pull strap 12 also facilitates the opening of the baffle. In this embodiment, the pull strap 12 is fixed to the first flap 24 of the baffle. More specifically, a first end 13 of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the first flap 24 intermediate the width of the receptacle 2. In this embodiment, the first end 13 of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the first flap 24 of the baffle in the middle of the width of the receptacle 2. The first end 13 of the pull strap 12 is fixed to a first surface of the first flap 24 that faces the inside of the receptacle 2.

With the flaps of the baffle fixed together by means of the hook and loop fastener and the tongue 5 folded to obstruct the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 and inserted in the pocket 6, the pull strap 12 extends around an edge of the first flap 24 of the baffle, to a first surface of the tongue 5, opposite to the second surface of the tongue 5. From the second surface of the tongue 5, the pull strap 12 extends out of the pocket 6. At a second end 14 of the pull strap 12, opposite to the first end 13, the pull strap 12 is folded over and fixed to itself to provide a loop 15. The loop 15 can be pulled by a user. In this embodiment, there is also provided a notch in the tongue 5 around which the pull strap 12 extends in the closed configuration. The tongue 5 and pocket 6 are configured such that the pull strap 12 sits snugly in the pocket 6 while the device is in the closed configuration.

In this embodiment, the pocket 6 comprises one or more apertures 18 on its outer facing surface, the third plate of the pocket 6, by which in the closed configuration areas of the tongue 5 are exposed. In this embodiment there are two apertures 18 in the top plate of the pocket 6. The apertures 18 are square apertures of side length are aligned with each other such that the furthest edges of the squares are parallel and the apertures are symmetrically arranged about the line A-A of the plate. In a preferable embodiment the apertures have a side length approximately 25mm and the distance between their furthest edges is 87mm. Other arrangements and dimensions of the apertures are, of course, possible.

Referring to Figures 12 to 18, a life vest stowage device 1 is shown with, the pull strap 12 of the life vest stowage device 1 extendable from inside the receptacle 2 from an -14-attachment point 20 on a side wall of the receptacle 2 on the same side of the receptacle 2 as the second side of the opening 4 in the receptacle 2. The first end 13 of the pull strap 12 is fixed to the receptacle 2 at the attachment point 20.

From the attachment point 20, the pull strap 12 extends to the tongue 5. However, in the position at which the pull strap 12 is fixed to the first flap of the baffle in the first embodiment, the pull strap 12 is slideably attached 30 to the first surface of the first flap of the baffle so as to be slideable relative to the baffle in the direction that the pull strap 12 extends from inside the receptacle 2. The pull strap 12 passes between the tongue 5 and the pocket 6 by a recess 10 in either tongue 5 or pocket 6 or both. It will be appreciated that, in order to extend from the attachment point 20 out through the opening 4 in the receptacle 2, the pull strap 12 may be longer than would otherwise be necessary. Referring to Figure 20A, there is illustrated an optional further feature of the stowage device 1. Specifically, there is provided at least one tab 21 on at least one of the tongue 5, the first or second side of the receptacle 2, or the pocket 6 which extends away from the centre of the receptacle 2 in the closed configuration, e.g. it is outside the receptacle 2 in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration the tab or tabs may be aligned with each other and/or the pull strap 12. In this optional feature at least two of the pull strap 12 and the at least one tab have apertures. The pull strap 12 and the at least one tab may be preferably aligned. The aperture 22 of the pull strap 12 and the aperture 23 of the at least one tab may also be aligned in the closed configuration.

Referring to Figure 21A there is illustrated a further exemplary embodiment of the stowage device 1. In this embodiment the closure assembly comprises a tab 21 integral with the top plate 40 of the pocket, which extends from the edge of the top plate 40 defining the perimeter of the opening of the pocket in the direction outwards from the centre of the receptacle. There may be provided an aperture 23 in the tab 21. Additionally, there may be provided an aperture 35 in the tongue which may be aligned with the aperture 23 of the tab 21 in the closed configuration. In this embodiment the tongue 5 has a protrusion 9a, situated between the protrusions 9 of the fastening assembly, extending from the edge that faces in the direction that the tongue is inserted into the pocket. The second plate has a further recess 10a adapted to receive said protrusion 9a in the closed configuration. The recesses 10 of the fastening assembly are configured to resiliently deform to increase in width when the protrusions 9 of the fastening assembly are urged through their opening 11. It will be appreciated that these described features can be included together or separately in various embodiments of the device 1.

Figure 21B illustrates the plates of the closure assembly of Figure 21B overlaid as they will sit in the closed configuration. In this embodiment, the tab 21 does not extend -15-beyond the edge of the top plate 40 furthest from the centre of the receptacle in the closed configuration. In this embodiment it is also not necessary for the recess 10a to deform to receive the protrusion 9a. The aperture 23 of the tab and aperture 35 of the tongue 5 may be aligned in the closed configuration.

The provision of the tabs and apertures described allows for flexibility in the use of different security seals known in the art and described in more detail below.

A security seal 17 is provided for affixing to the closure assembly. The security seal is mountable on the top plate of the pocket 6. In some embodiments, the security seal 17 has dimensions similar to distance between the furthest edges of the apertures of the third plate of the pocket 6 and the width of the aperture(s). In this embodiment the security seal is a 25mm x 75mm tamper evident adhesive seal.

One surface of the tamper evident adhesive seal is covered with glue (not shown). The glue is usually covered by a protective cover (not shown), which is removable to expose the glue when it is desired to affix the security seal 17 to the receptacle 2. The security seal 17 is provided with a membrane (not shown) that disintegrates to reveal a visual indicator of the security seal 17 being removed from the closure assembly after it has been affixed to it. Such tamper evident adhesive seals are known in the field of the disclosure.

In this embodiment, the security seal 17 is mountable on the closure assembly such that it a first side of the security seal 17 is affixable to the tongue through a first aperture in the top plate of the pocket, a second side of the security seal 17 is affixable to the tongue through a second aperture in the top plate of the pocket, and a middle portion of the security is affixable to the outer surface of the top plate of the pocket between apertures.

It will be appreciated that other forms of security seal are compatible with the life vest stowage device 1. For example, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag comprises an RFID chip, a near field antenna and a far field antenna. The RFID tag may comprise an adhesive label and the RFID chip, near field antenna and far field antenna are provided on a substrate of paper or plastics materials with an adhesive surface. A backing sheet is also provided. The backing sheet is a sheet of similar dimensions to the RFID tag and comprises a paper or plastic material similar to the substrate of the RFID tag with an adhesive surface. The substrate of the RFID tag and the backing sheet are both frangible. That is they can be torn with a force less than that required to tear the receptacle 2 or the pocket 6 or tongue 5.

The RFID tag and backing sheet are mountable on the top plate of the pocket 6 in a similar manner to the tamper evident security seal described. Preferably, the near field -16-and/or far field antennas will extend across the portion of the seal affixed to the top plate and one or both of the portions attached to the tongue 5. More preferably, the RFID tag is configured to tear preferably substantially parallel to the edge of the aperture traversed by the mounted RFID seal, thus breaking the antennas so that the breakage it detectable.

The inclusion of the additional at least one tab 21 on one or all of the pocket 6, tongue 5 or first or second sides of the opening of the receptacle 2, allow for the use of a frangible loop security tag to be inserted through the aperture 23 of the tabs 21,aperture of the pull strap 22 pull strap 12 or aperture 35 tongue and to extend between at least two of them such that it will break when the pocket 6 and the tongue 5 are separated as the device moves from the open to the closed configuration, for example, when the pull strap 12 is pulled by a user wishing to access the inside of the receptacle.

Referring in particular to Figures 9, 10, 17 and 18, in use the life vest 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2 through the opening 4 in the receptacle 2. With the life vest 3 inside the receptacle the first flap 24 and the second flap 25 of the baffle are folded such that the hook and loop fastener portions provided on their surfaces affix the flaps to each other to obstruct the path of the life vest 3 to the opening of the receptacle 2. The tongue 5 is thereafter folded across the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 to obstruct the opening 4. More specifically, the tongue 5 is folded around the edge of the receptacle 2 on the second side of the opening 4 and inserted into the pocket 6. As the tongue 5 is inserted into the pocket 6, the interlocking parts of the fastening assembly come into contact with each another and the protrusions 9 are urged into their corresponding recesses 10 to secure the tongue 5 inside the pocket 6. The pull strap 12 folds around the tongue 5 and extends out of the receptacle 2. More specifically, the pull strap 12 extends from the first surface of the baffle, to the first surface of the tongue 5, to the second surface of the tongue 5 and out of the pocket 6.

In embodiments comprising the security seal 17, the security seal 17 is applied to the closure assembly in the closed configuration by affixing a first side of the seal 17 through the first aperture in the pocket 6 to the tongue 5, affixing a second side of the seal 17 through the second aperture in the pocket 6 to the tongue 5 and affixing the middle portion of the seal 17 to the outside of the top surface of the pocket 6 between the apertures. As the closure assembly is substantially flat, affixing the security seal 17 firmly to the top plate and the tongue 5 of the second material is easy and reliable. If the closure assembly is moved from the closed to the open configuration the security seal 17 will be torn, disintegrated or otherwise degraded by the movement of the tongue 5 away from the top plate of the pocket 6, both of which are affixed to the security seal 17. This tearing or deformation of the security seal 17 is detectable to an observer or inspector by the visual -17-indicator of the security seal 17 or the breaking of the antennas of the RFID tag. Similarly if the additional tabs 21 with apertures 23 and/or an aperture 22 in the pull strap 12 and/or an aperture 35 the tongue 5 are provided for use with a frangible loop, the loop extending between two or more of these apertures will break when the closure assembly is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

The life vest stowage device 1 can then be positioned appropriately under an aircraft seat. In the event of the life vest 3 becoming dislodged within the receptacle 2, for example if the aircraft suffers an impact, the life vest 3 is held within the receptacle 2 by the baffle. More specifically, the life vest 3 will have a tendency to press against the baffle of the receptacle 2 from within the receptacle 2, as shown in Figure 8. This has the effect of gently urging the first and second flaps of the baffle apart. However, this force is easily overcome by the hook and loop fastener. The baffle therefore reduces instances in which the life vest comes into contact with the closure assembly in the closed configuration. This reduces the number of nuisance openings of the receptacle, thereby reducing the likelihood of an unnecessary inspection being required.

Should a passenger need to retrieve the life vest 3 from the life vest stowage device 1, the passenger pulls the pull strap 12 away from the receptacle 2. This urges the tongue 5 out of the pocket 6 and unfolds the tongue 5 and to leave the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 unobstructed, as shown in Figure 9. This also urges the first flap of the baffle away from the second flap of the baffle, to leave the path of the life vest to the opening of the receptacle unobstructed. The passenger can then reach into the receptacle 2 through the opening 4 and pull the life vest 3 out of the life vest stowage device 1, as shown in Figure 10. As the pull strap 12 extends around an edge of the tongue 5 deepest in the pocket 6, pulling the pull strap 12 imparts a force on the tongue 5 that urges the interlocking parts 10, 11 of the fastening assembly apart. As the pull strap 12 extends around an edge of the first flap 24 of the baffle and is attached to a first surface of the baffle, pulling the pull strap 12 imparts a force on the first flap 24 that urges the first flap 24 and second flap 25 of the baffle apart, the hook and loop fastener is adapted so that this force overcomes the hook and loop fastening mechanism to allow the first flap 24 and the second flap 25 to separate. This means that the passenger can pull the tongue 5 out of the pocket 6 and open the baffle with a force of preferably less than 15Ibs (approximately 67N); it will be appreciated that the life vest stowage device 1 can be adapted so that the opening force required differs in differing embodiments.

Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, in use when the life vest 3 is inserted into the receptacle 2, it meets the pull strap 12 where it extends from the attachment point 20 across the receptacle 2 to the tongue 5. Pushing the life vest 3 into the receptacle 2 -18-urges the pull strap 12 further into the receptacle 2, with the tab extending around an end 21 of the life vest 3 deepest within the receptacle 2. Later, when the passenger pulls the pull strap 12, once the tongue 5 has been removed from the pocket 6 and the tongue 5 is unfolded such that the opening 4 in the receptacle 2 is unobstructed, and the first flap 24 has been separated from the second flap 25 of the baffle such that the path of the life vest to the opening in the receptacle is unobstructed by the baffle, further pulling of the pull strap 12 urges the life vest 3 out of the receptacle 2. This feature simplifies retrieval of the life vest 3 from within the life vest stowage device 1.

Alternatives and modifications Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features described herein.

Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

As an example, it is not essential that the pull strap 12 is slideably attached to baffle. This feature may be omitted altogether, with it being down to the user to position the pull strap 12 appropriately when inserting the life vest 3 in the receptacle 2. In another embodiment, the pull strap 12 is slideably attached to the receptacle 2 on an inside surface of the receptacle 2 on the first side of the opening 4, elsewhere than to the first flap of the baffle. In another embodiment, the pull strap is slideably attached to the first surface of the tongue.

It will be appreciated that while the baffle has been described as comprising a hook and loop fastener any other method of securing two members may be used, for example a snap fastener or an adhesive fastener.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. -19-

It will be understood that the present disclosure has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the disclosure.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A life vest stowage device comprising: a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest; an opening in the receptacle through which the life vest is removable from the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening, which tongue is foldable between an open configuration in which the opening is unobstructed and a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening; a pocket on a second side of the opening, the pocket being adapted to receive the tongue in the closed configuration; and a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, wherein when the tongue is in the closed configuration: the tongue is releaseably securable in the pocket; and the protrusion is received in the recess; wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the recess via which the protrusion is inserted into the recess when the tongue is in the closed configuration is narrower than a distal part of the protrusion.
3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the protrusion is resiliently deformable so as to reduce in width as the protrusion moves out of the recess and/or the recess is resiliently deformable so as to increase in width as the protrusion moves out of the recess.
4. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the fastening assembly further comprises at least one cut out.
5. The device according to the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion is substantially aligned with the tongue and/or wherein the protrusion extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the tongue.
6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pocket is adapted to deform as the protrusion moves out of the recess.
7. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a first material and the pocket comprises a second material, preferably wherein the tongue comprises a third material.
8. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receptacle comprises a first material and the tongue comprises a second material, preferably, wherein the pocket comprises a third material.
9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second material is stiffer than the first material, preferably, wherein the second material is a polycarbonate material, preferable PVC/Acrylic, more preferably Lexan®.
10. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the tongue is mounted on the first side of the opening in the receptacle, preferably wherein the tongue is stitched to the receptacle and/or wherein the pocket is mounted on the second side of the opening in the receptacle, preferably wherein the pocket is stitched to the receptacle.
11. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the pocket comprises: a first plate which extends across the width of the receptacle, a second plate comprising at least one portion of the fastening assembly, the second plate being configured to engage with the tongue in the closed configuration, a third plate comprising at least one aperture with which the tongue interacts in the closed configuration, wherein the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are arranged such that the pocket has internal dimensions equal to the dimensions of the tongue.
12. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured so that the force required to move the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration is not more than 30Ibs, preferably not more than 15Ibs, more preferably not more than 10Ibs, yet more preferably not more than 5lbs.
13. The device of any preceding claim wherein at least one aperture is provided on the pocket through which an area of the tongue is exposed in the closed configuration.
14. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pull strap that is extendable out of the pocket when the tongue is in the closed configuration, the pull strap being adapted to interact with the tongue such that pulling the tab out of the pocket causes the tongue to be pulled out of the pocket, preferably wherein, with the tongue in the closed configuration, the pull strap is adapted to extend out of the pocket from inside the receptacle and between the tongue and the pocket.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the pull strap is adapted to extend from a side wall of the receptacle inside the receptacle, the side wall being on the second side of the opening.
16. The device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the pull strap is slideably attached to the receptacle so as to be slideable relative to the receptacle in the direction it extends from inside the receptacle.
17. The device of any preceding claim, comprising at least one tab on at least one of: the tongue; the first side of the receptacle; the second side of the receptacle; and the pocket, the tab being outside of the receptacle in the closed configuration.
18. The device according to claim 17, when dependent on any of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least two of the at least one tab, the tongue and the pull strap have apertures, preferably wherein the apertures are aligned in the closed configuration.
19. The device according to claim 18, comprising a frangible loop extending between at least two of the apertures of the at least one tab, the tongue and pull strap in the closed configuration such that when the device is moved from the closed to the open configuration the frangible loop is broken.
20. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a baffle located inside the receptacle, inwardly of the opening, for retaining the life vest.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the baffle comprises: a first flap attached along one edge to an interior surface of the first side of the receptacle; a second flap attached along one edge to an interior surface of the second side of the receptacle; and, a fastener adapted to releaseably secure the first flap and the second flap, preferably wherein the fastener is at least one of: a hook and loop; a snap fastener; and an adhesive fastener.
22. The device of any claim 20 or 21 when dependent on any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the pull strap is attached to the baffle, preferably the first flap of the baffle.
23. The device of any preceding claim, comprising an adhesive label mountable such that it extends from the outside of the pocket to the surface of the tongue through the apertures provided in the top surface of the pocket, wherein the label is affixed to both the tongue and the pocket.
24. A seat and/or an aircraft comprising the device of any preceding claim.
25. A method of stowing a life vest, the method comprising: providing a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest, the receptacle comprising; an opening in the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening a pocket on a second side of the opening; and a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, the recess being adapted to receive the protrusion; wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration; moving the life vest through the opening; moving the tongue from an open configuration in which the opening is unobstructed to a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening; and wherein in the closed configuration the tongue is received by the pocket.
26. A method of retrieving a life vest, the method comprising: providing a receptacle adapted to contain a life vest, the receptacle comprising; an opening in the receptacle; a tongue on a first side of the opening a pocket on a second side of the opening; and a fastening assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess, the recess being adapted to receive the protrusion; wherein the fastening assembly is resiliently deformable so as to resist movement of the protrusion out of the recess and thereby to resist movement of the tongue from the closed configuration to the open configuration; moving the tongue from a closed configuration in which the tongue obstructs the opening to an open position; and moving the life vest through the opening.