JP2005225478A - Inflation type safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inflation type safety device not hindering a swimmer as user from making motions and easy to handle. <P>SOLUTION: The inflation type safety devices 10, 10' operated manually or automatically are equipped with at least one compression gas bottle 17, 20 furnished with operating rods 25 and 54. The compression gas bottle is coupled with at least one inflatable element 15, 18, which serves as a releasing ring so that it is folded up first and installed in ribbon-shaped cases 13, 26 to be tied with the waist of the user. The inflatable element 15, 18 is coupled with the cases 13, 26 by telescopic means 27, 60 and/or 14, 14', 16, 16'. The inflatable element can be installed at the level under the underarm of the user through elongation of the telescopic means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to an inflatable safety device.
More particularly, the present invention can be used in water, inflated if necessary, and advantageously incorporated into clothing used by swimmers, or to accessories such as belts worn around the waist, It relates to a safety device that can also be incorporated into swimsuits, in particular slips, seawater pants, and diving suits and / or their accessories.

  It is known that swimmers can face difficulties and feel fear when underwater due to unexpected events. This type of condition is caused by physical fatigue, which can cause muscle spasms due to illness or panic that occurs. In such a case, the swimmer cannot swim, cannot swim to the shore by himself, and there is a risk of drowning if there is no quick rescue.

  On the other hand, it is physically impossible for swimmers, especially experienced swimmers, to always wear life-saving buoys, or belts or jackets made of air-inflated or light materials such as cork, or sponges. It is. Moreover, in practice, these accessories are an obstacle for swimmers because they are forced to swim in an unnatural state with a part of their body floating.

  In addition to this difficulty, such devices are somewhat uncomfortable for swimmers. On the other hand, under special conditions such as racing, even an experienced swimmer is supposed to use a safety jacket, but when such a swimmer simply swims, use a safety jacket. There is nothing to do. However, the most serious danger may arise in such an environment.

For this purpose, various inflatable devices are known which are attached to the body by the user attached to the waist or other parts of the body, and these devices are described in the following patent documents. However, these solutions are almost simply inflatable life-saving buoys, which do not ensure proper stabilization and floating action, and have a complex operating system of inflation means. There are drawbacks.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,970,326 U.S. Pat.No. 3,144,667 U.S. Pat.No. 3414920 German patent DE19850187 German patent DE2202902 European Patent No. EP0325994

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to obtain an improved inflatable safety device.
In particular, the object of the present invention is not to hinder the movement of the user, does not unnaturally change the user's body position during swimming, is not difficult to handle, and can be used normally by swimmers. To obtain an inflatable safety device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable safety device of the type described above that can be operated only when necessary by the user and is not noticeable to wear.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable safety device that is strong, has high temporal reliability, and can be easily manufactured at low cost.

  At least one pressurized gas bottle with an actuating rod and an open ring shape, which is initially folded and incorporated in a ribbon-like case that joins the user's waist, At least one inflatable element adapted to the pressurized gas bottle, wherein the at least one inflatable element is connected to the ribbon-like case by an extensible means, the inflatable element once A safety device which, when inflated, causes the inflatable element to be placed at a height under the user's armpits by extension of the expandable means, which is manually or automatically activated by the inflatable safety device of the present invention, These and other objectives are achieved.

  A better understanding of the structure and function of the inflatable safety device of the present invention will be gained from the following detailed description, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiment by way of example only, without limiting the invention. Can do.

  1-7, the inflatable safety device of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 10, comprises a tubular chamber 12 having a generally circular cross section comprising an open ring of extensible plastic material. , Or more integral ducts, preferably two opposing pairs of integral ducts 14, 14 'and 16, 16'. The ducts 14, 14 ′ and 16, 16 ′ are vertically oriented and extend in the vertical direction with respect to the tubular chamber 12, and these integral ducts are higher than the tubular chamber 12 in the open ring life saving. Seamlessly connected to a buoy-shaped inflatable element 18, the inflatable element 18 communicates with the tubular chamber 12 through the ducts 14, 14 ′ and 16, 16 ′. Here, the “open ring” refers to an annular member having a partially cut shape, such as the inflatable element 18 of FIG.

At least one known bottle or container 20 contains a pressurized fluid consisting of air or an inert gas such as CO ₂ gas, and is provided with a threaded cap 34 at one end of the container. To the chamber 12 and / or the inflatable element 18. The container 20 includes a known valve assembly 32 in addition to the threaded cap 34 of the container 20. In order to better understand how the device of the present invention operates, the container 20 and associated valve assembly 32 will be briefly described below. A threaded base 34 is provided at one end of the container 20 and the valve assembly 32 incorporating the mobile plug 36 is screwed into the threaded base. The mobile plug 36 to which elastic tension is applied by the spiral spring 38 slides into the chamber 40. The chamber 40 extends into the valve assembly 32 at a right angle to the exposed surface of the cap 34 of the container 20. The base 34 is sealed by a diaphragm 42 made of a plastic material forming the cap of the container 20 or other suitable material. The diaphragm 42 is appropriately sized and stabilized so as to form a barrier at the outlet of the pressurized fluid released from the container 20 only after the user has performed appropriate operations. For this purpose, the normal valve assembly 32 comprises a pointed or pin-like body 44 (see FIG. 7), which is tensioned by a helical spring 46 and is used for the container 20. The pin-shaped body 44 is connected to the valve assembly 32 and is operated in the axial direction by a lever 48 installed on the valve assembly 32. As shown in detail in FIG. 7, one end 50 of both ends of the lever 48 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 44, the other end 52 is a free end, and is connected to a rod 54. A grip knob 56 is fixed to the rod 54. If necessary, the knob protrudes freely from the valve assembly 32 so that the user can grasp and pull the knob. When a pulling force is applied to the knob 56 connected to the lever 48, the lever 48 swings, and the pin 44 is inserted into the diaphragm of the container 20 to release the pressurized fluid stored in the container. To this end, according to the present invention, the valve assembly 32 is tightly secured to the tubular chamber 12 by, for example, a heat seal and / or an adhesive collar 58. This restraint is obtained by a tongue 32 ′ of the valve assembly 32 that partially engages a hole provided in the tubular chamber 12. Therefore, after the pin 44 is inserted into the diaphragm 42 of the container 20, the pressurized fluid inside the case 20 fills the tubular chamber 12, ducts 14, 14 ′, 16, 16 ′, and the inflatable element 18. To do.

  The container 20 according to the illustrated embodiment, which is not limited thereto, is accommodated in connection with one end of the chamber 12 as shown in particular in FIGS. Like the end of the ring-shaped expandable element 18, both free ends of the tubular chamber 12 are tightly closed, for example by heat sealing and / or adhesive. The ends of the tubular chamber 12 (in relation to one of which the case 20 is housed) face each other on the front side of the user's body along the abdominal region.

  According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the inflatable safety device 10 is advantageously incorporated, particularly in the ribbon-like case 26 shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. . The case, made of any suitable material, preferably developed natural fibers, synthetic fibers, can be folded along its long side into elongated strips. The edges of the case 26, i.e., the end wraps 26 ', 26 ", are at least partially overlapping, and through the temporary access stabilization means, one or more of these edges are provided. In terms, they are fixed to each other.

  Said temporary access stabilization means labeled 28 in FIG. 5 is preferably composed of one or more “Velcro” ®-type tapes or removable adhesive tapes. is there. Ribbon-like case 26, which forms a belt that can be used around the waist by the user, is provided by an elastic clip of buckle 30 (see FIG. 4), for example made of plastic or other suitable material, or Both free end connection arrangement means constituted by a small connection frame are provided. The material from which the ribbon-like case 26 is made is preferably at least partially elastic or elasticized, which is the user of this case incorporating the safety device 10 and the associated pressurized fluid container 20. This is to easily achieve positioning and stabilization around the waist. From the ribbon-like case 26, the pulling means, i.e., the knob 56, protrudes, and if necessary, if two containers 20 are provided, two matching knobs forming gripping means are provided so that the user can tie rods. By pulling 54, the pin-like body is inserted into the diaphragm 42 of the container 20 to open, and the pressurized fluid stored in the container 20 is released.

  As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 and 5, like a bellows, by repeatedly folding, at least the inflatable element 18 of the safety device 10 is inside the case 26, preferably on itself. Can be compressed. Thus, the element 18, tubular chamber 12, and associated connecting ducts 14, 14 'and / or 16, 16' can be easily compressed into the case. The case can clearly be integrated along the upper edge of a swimming garment or other similar garment used around the waist of the user.

  According to a preferred embodiment that is not so limited, ducts 14, 14 'and / or 16, 16' for connecting and communicating the inflatable tubular chamber 12 to the inflatable element 18, and a ribbon having a suitable width. Associate 60 each. This is to stabilize the duct along the user's body when inflated. The ribbon 60, one of which is shown in FIG. 2, is advantageously made of a flexible plastic material and is fixed to the ducts 14, 14 'and 16, 16' by heat sealing. For the production of the ribbon 60, it is advantageous to use the same material as the duct, but optionally other natural or synthetic materials are also used. Ribbons 60 are placed along both the front abdominal area and part of the back to prevent contact with the user's body, and the ribbons 60 are each at their opposite free ends, It is attached to the inflatable tubular chamber 12 and to the inflatable element 18 by heat sealing or adhesive.

  From the above description, the operation of the safety device of the present invention is easily understood. Once the safety device is activated, a complete life preserver is generated around the chest of the swimmer wearing it. In case of an emergency, the user pulls the knob 56 and the rod 54 connected thereto outward and operates the lever 48 to insert the pointed or pinned body 44 through the septum 42 of the container 20. Following this insertion, the fluid exits the container 20 and immediately disperses within the tubular chamber 12 and reaches the inflatable element 18 through the ducts 14, 14 'and 16, 16'. When the chamber 12 begins to expand due to the action of expanding the chamber 12, the case 26 opens to overcome the resistance of the "Velcro" shaped tape or adhesive tape, and consists of the duct and the expandable element 18. The rest of the device is loosened and inflated. 1-3 schematically show the safety device, FIG. 1 shows the safety device worn by the user when not inflated, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are in operation. In the state, the overall position and configuration of the expanded device is shown. The user wears a first reduced cross-section lifebuoy corresponding to the tubular chamber 12 that joins the waist. The second wide lifebuoy corresponds to the inflatable element 18 and extends and is coupled to the body at an underarm height. These elements form a complete life preserver.

8-11 show a simplified embodiment of an alternative to the inflatable safety device of the present invention. According to this embodiment, in the inoperative state, the device indicated by the reference numeral 10 'in FIG. 8 has a flexible ribbon-like element 13 made of textile, natural material or synthetic material, and the case. Relatedly, it comprises at least an inflatable element 15 provided with one or more known bottles 17 containing pressurized gas, typically CO ₂ .

  Since the ribbon-like case 13 is coupled to the user's waist, connecting means are provided at both ends for that purpose. The connecting means is preferably made of a buckle of at least plastic or other suitable material formed by two conventional components 19, 21 which are connected to the groove and tongue. This is suitable for elastically connecting the components. The components 19, 21 are advantageously fixed by the interposition of one or more ribbons at both ends of the case 13, so that the user can adjust precisely. In place of the buckle described above, two opposing strips of suitable material are provided, one of which is provided with a buckle with a tongue and the other is provided with a number of spaced holes on the other to form a belt The adjusting means can be adapted to the ribbon-like case 13.

  A similar buckle or corresponding adjusting means, indicated by reference numerals 19 ', 21' in FIG.

  Ribbon-like element 13 is advantageously arranged to accommodate inflatable element 15 and associated bottle 17 of pressurized gas, and for this purpose a removable compression closure means is provided in the vertical direction, i.e. in the height direction. . The closing means is preferably made of one or more tapes 23 of Velcro, secured by adhesive or stitching along its edge portion or in any other suitable position. The velcro tape 23 allows the ribbon-like element 13 to be folded and closed so that the ribbon-like element 13 incorporates an inflatable element 15 so that the user can easily wear it around the waist, Form an abdominal belt that can be adjusted appropriately. .

  The velcro tape 23 forms a closing means that can be easily removed when the device 10 'is operated. When the element 15 expands through the bottle 17, the end of the ribbon-like element 13 connected to the tape 23 is provided. The edge is automatically removed, thus exposing the element 15 as described below.

  The operation of the compressed gas bottle 17 can be effected, for example, by a known device constituted by a rod 25. When the user actuates the rod 25, the bottle valve is opened to free the gas, and the gas enters the inflatable element 15 and expands. As shown in FIG. 3, the rod is clearly outside the folded ribbon-like case 13, and in an emergency, the user can grasp and pull it.

  The bottle 17 is directly fixed to the inflatable element 15 via a valve support 17 'and communicates with the base of the inflatable element. A known type of valve support 17 'is secured to the latter by any suitable means such as adhesive or heat sealing.

  According to the embodiment given as an example shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the ribbon-like case 13 is one of a suitable length made of woven fabric, or natural material, or synthetic material, or other suitable material, or One lifebuoy inflatable element 15 connected to the case is incorporated by a larger number of tapes 27.

  Both ends of the tape 27 are fixed to the expandable element 15 and the ribbon-like case 13 by an adhesive, heat sealing, or other appropriate means, respectively. When the device is not in operation, the entire length of the tape 27, which is rounded by itself, causes the inflatable element to stand up along the chest of the user once it is inflated and to be positioned at the height of the armpit. . Once this position is reached, the expanded element 15 is stabilized due to the action of the tape 27 secured to the ribbon case 13.

  By means of the above-described buckle or other suitable means, the ribbon-like case 13 is now properly stabilized around the user's waist. Therefore, when the user loses consciousness, the inflatable means 15 does not slip out of the user's body even if the user unconsciously raises his arm. Thus, the floating state is ensured and when inflated, the element 15 is placed in the most appropriate position, keeping the user's head out of the water and protecting against waves.

  FIG. 12 shows diagrammatically a device according to the invention according to a variant embodiment leading to one of the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, the main difference of this embodiment from the previous embodiment being pressurization. The positioning of a fluid bottle or container. 12 uses the same reference numerals as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, but the pressurized fluid container 20 is fixed and installed on the inflatable element 18, and once inflated, the user It becomes the height of the armpit.

  The compressed gas bottle 17 or 20 can be of the automatic type, i.e. provided with a valve that releases the gas immediately upon contact with water and expands the inflatable element 12, 15 or 18. This embodiment, which prevents the user from pulling on the rod 25 or 54, is particularly suitable for use on a boat, which automatically turns the device on if the user accidentally falls into the water. It is because it operates to.

  The bottles 17 and / or 20 are connected to a valve support of the kind produced by the known valve support 17 ′, ie Halkey Roberts, referred to as “Manual Inflator” series V870. The bottles 17 and / or 20 are manually screwed into suitable screw holes in the support.

  If necessary, or instead of the tubular inflatable chamber 12, an inflatable element 15, 18 with an associated removable closure cap 37 is provided on the inflatable elements 15, 18 and once the lifesaving operation is completed, the element is The bottle 17 or 20 that has been shrunk and folded into the ribbon-like case 13 or 26 and replaced with a new one can be used next time. If the user stays in the water and wants to float without trying to float the body, the base 35 is tubular, depending on the user's mouth, without activating the bottle 17 or 18. Elements 15, 18, or 12 can be expanded.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to some examples, these examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the present invention in accordance with the above description. Therefore, it is obvious that the present invention encompasses all changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

It is a diagram from the front side of the inflatable safety device of the present invention worn by a user who is resting. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the front side of the safety device of FIG. 1 worn by a user in operation. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the rear side of the safety device of FIGS. 1 and 2 worn by a user in operation. It is a diagrammatic partial cross-section front view of a case including the inflatable safety device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the case of FIG. 4. 1 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of a safety device of the present invention and a case thereof. It is a diagrammatic front view of the operating means of the safety device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front view of a safety device of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front view of a safety device of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic front view of the safety device of FIGS. 8 and 9 worn by a user when not in operation. FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic front view of the safety device of FIGS. 8 and 9 worn by the user in operation. FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic front view of a further alternative safety device of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10 'Inflatable safety device 12 Tubular chamber 13 Flexible ribbon-like element 14, 14', 16, 16 'Connection duct 15, 18 Inflatable element 17, 17', 20 Bottle, container 19, 21 Component 19 ', 21' Buckle, adjusting means 23 Velcro tape 25, 54 Rod 26 Ribbon case 27 Tape 28 Temporary access stabilization means 30 Buckle 34 Screw cap 35 Protruding cap 37 Closure cap 58 Adhesive collar 60 Ribbon

Claims (16)

  At least one pressurized gas bottle (17, 20) with actuating rods (25, 54) and a ribbon-like shape that has the shape of an open ring and is initially folded and joined to the user's waist At least one inflatable element (15, 18) incorporated in the case (13, 26) and adapted to the pressurized gas bottle, the at least one inflatable element (15 , 18) are connected to the ribbon-like case (13, 26) by extensible means (27, 60, 14, 14 ', 16, 16'), and the inflatable elements (15, 18) are once A manually or automatically actuated inflatable safety device (10, 10 ′) characterized in that when inflated, the inflatable means is extended to place the inflatable element at a height under the user's armpits. ).   The means (27, 60) for connecting the expandable element (15, 18) to the ribbon-like case (13, 26) is constituted by at least one tape or ribbon made of natural or synthetic material. The safety device according to claim 1, wherein:   The means (14, 14 ', 16, 16') for connecting the expandable element (15, 18) to the ribbon-like case (13, 26) communicates at one end to the expandable element (15 or 18). The safety device according to claim 1, wherein the other end is constituted by one or more flexible tubular ducts communicating with the inflatable tubular chamber (12).   The ribbon-like case (13, 26) is made of woven or natural material and / or synthetic material and is integral with the relevant ends of the case and elastically engaged between the ends. Any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one buckle (30) constituted by two complementary components (19, 21) or corresponding fixing adjustment means is provided on the ribbon-like case. Safety device according to item 1.   Any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element (15, 18) is provided with buckles or fixed adjustment means (19 ', 21') attached to the relevant ends of the inflatable element. By safety device.   Fixed and removable means (23, 28) squeezed vertically and / or horizontally along one or more portions of the edge and / or surface of the ribbon-like case A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ribbon-like case (13, 26) is provided.   7. The safety device according to claim 6, wherein the fixed removable means is velcro tape (23).   The ribbon-like case (13, 26) is at least partially elastic, or at least partially elasticized, and if necessary, is integrated with clothing such as seawater pants. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims.   The compressed gas bottle (17, 20) is fixed to the inflatable element (15, 18, 12) by heat sealing and / or an adhesive collar (58) or a valve support (17 '). A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims.   The ribbon or tape (27, 60) is connected to one or more flexible tubular ducts (14, 14 ') connecting the inflatable element (15, 18) to the inflatable tubular chamber (12). 16, 16 ′). Safety device according to claim 2.   11. Safety device according to claim 10, wherein the ribbon (27, 60) is secured to the free ends, to the inflatable tubular chamber (12) and to the inflatable element (18).   The inflatable tubular chamber (12) is fixed to the ribbon-like case (13, 26) at one or more points by an adhesive, heat sealing, or other fixing means. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims.   A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compressed gas bottle (17, 20) is self-actuating.   Safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element (15, 18) is provided with at least one protruding base (35) with an associated removable closure cap (37).   2. Safety device according to claim 1, wherein at least the inflatable element (18) is compacted at the end of the case (26) by repeated folding like a bellows.   By repetitively folding, i.e. like a bellows, the tubular chamber (12) and the associated connecting ducts (14, 14 ', 16, 16') are made compact inside the case. The safety device according to Item 14.

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