GB823922A - Improvements in or relating to safety devices for use in water - Google Patents

Abstract

823,922. Inflatable lifesaving apparatus. BRADLEY-MOORE, R. Aug. 31, 1955 [May 24, 1954], No. 15279/54. Class 77 [Also in Group XXXIII] Lifesaving apparatus comprises a long member 1, Fig. 1, of flexible, waterproof, gas-tight, non-metallic material subdivided into a plurality of continuous inflatable compartments 2 and stowed in a freely rotatable container 3. Each compartment may either contain a capsule of gas under pressure or two gas producing chemical compounds one of which, may be loose whilst the other is disposed in a glass or plastic capsule. Alternatively, both compounds may be within a single capsule having a dividing wall or one compound may be in a capsule 7, Fig. 3, housed in a further capsule 7a containing the other compound. On withdrawing the member from the container the capsules are ruptured by passage through rollers 8 thus effecting inflation of the compartments. Knife blades 9, 10, sever the issuing member when desired. In a further apparatus, the member has reinforcing walls 16, Fig. 3, and the compartments in the leading end contain packages 12...14 of food, drink, dry clothes, instruments, medical supplies and distress signals. Gas cylinders 17...20, Fig. 5, inflate a further member each cylinder being connected through non-return valves to a group of compartments. In another apparatus inflation is effected by the reaction of a chemical 27, Fig. 7, and water which enters through a valve 28. Holes large enough to embrace a person's waist and hand holds are incorporated in yet another apparatus. In a member 1, Fig. 9, towed by a boat 31, the compartments are formed with indentations providing a hammock type bed. In using a further modification a member 1 has one end tied to a sea anchor-which is either fired or dropped from a vesselby a pulley block and tackle. In a means for inflating the member as it leaves its container each capsule is ruptured by a rotatably mounted cranked rod 38, Figs. 11, 12, co-operating with a spring-loaded hammer 39. The rod is rotated by the teeth 41 of wheels 40 engaging holes 42 spaced along the member. Further alternative inflation means comprise a slowburning explosive, a cap or detonator or a friction igniter. The cap or detonator may be exploded by the rod and hammer 38, 39, whilst the withdrawing tension of the member leaving the container may effect operation of the igniter. The member 1 may be self-propelled. The compartments may comprise emergency manual inflation devices and the length of the member may be such that it could ring a sinking ship or could enclose a bay or cove to prevent bathers from being swept to sea.