US20120178319A1 - Marine Safety Device - Google Patents

Marine Safety Device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120178319A1
US20120178319A1 US13/263,372 US201013263372A US2012178319A1 US 20120178319 A1 US20120178319 A1 US 20120178319A1 US 201013263372 A US201013263372 A US 201013263372A US 2012178319 A1 US2012178319 A1 US 2012178319A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
mast
person
inflatable
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/263,372
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English (en)
Inventor
Ross Spencer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2009901508A external-priority patent/AU2009901508A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20120178319A1 publication Critical patent/US20120178319A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/0005—Life-saving in water by means of alarm devices for persons falling into the water, e.g. by signalling, by controlling the propulsion or manoeuvring means of the boat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/20—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of marine safety and rescue devices, and more particularly to apparatuses which offer life saving protection for unwanted immersion of a person in the ocean and in other water bodies.
  • the present invention further relates to improvements in life saving floatation devices having dual inflatable chambers each defined by opposing membranes.
  • the invention further provides a combined inflatable marker buoy and rescue device for use in particular though not exclusively in the event of a person being washed or falling overboard.
  • Inflatable life vests of conventional design typically include a unitary internal bladder that is connected to a source of pressurized gas. The gas is applied via a gas source such as a cartridge.
  • the cartridge may be actuated manually, by pulling an actuation cord connected to a valve-actuation pin which in turn, opens a valve connecting the cartridge to a gas inlet tube communicating with the bladder.
  • safety vests which spontaneously inflate while a person is engaging in a hazardous or semi-hazardous activity. These are useful devices where there may not be sufficient time or an appropriate opportunity to manually actuate an inflation mechanism of an inflatable protective garment (such as a vest) before a fall is suffered.
  • inflatable protective garments that can be worn comfortably in a deflated condition, either alone or with a further jacket, and which can be automatically and nearly instantaneously inflated upon entry into water.
  • Body protection devices in the form of an inflatable garment having an inflation mechanism include an inflatable bladder configured as a vest, a compressed gas cartridge communicating with the interior of the bladder through an inflation tube, and a cartridge actuation mechanism comprising a triggering device that can be actuated to open the cartridge.
  • the triggering device can include an actuation lever that actuates the triggering device, upon being pulled with a force of predetermined magnitude.
  • Boating safety requires that persons have on or have available life jackets. These can be worn as a matter of course such as in a yacht race or they may be worn in the event of an emergency requiring the safety measure of life jackets. However, even though a person is wearing a life jacket there remains the danger of losing sight of a person overboard. This is a safety problem whether or not the person is wearing a life jacket or not.
  • Boats usually carry buoyancy rings which can be deployed in the event that a person is swept or falls overboard. Such rings, once deployed, are very difficult to see both for the personnel on the boat and also for the person in the water.
  • Other known devices include those that inflate upon immersion in water to provide a visible marker of the position where a person is lost overboard.
  • the marker buoy allows rescue personnel to keep sight, of the location of the person to be rescued. In high seas it is easy to loose complete sight of a person's head in wave troughs and once sight is lost it is often impossible to regain a visual on the person.
  • devices which provide a marker of the position in the ocean to maintain sight of a person overboard to date those devices have been essentially markers only and as valuable as a marker buoy can be as a reference, the person in the water cannot currently obtain a safety benefit since current devices are not adapted to allow the person to gain buoyancy and floatation from the device.
  • the known market buoys employ automatic inflation once the buoy is in contact with the water. Once inflated the buoyancy markers can float away and with wind and current influencing the path to the buoyancy device. The marker might separate from the person in the water whose life the deployment was to save.
  • the prior art does not teach a combination buoyancy marker and safety flotation device which a person in the water can connect to so that the location of the buoyancy device will also be the location of the person for rescue purposes.
  • the present invention seeks to ameliorate the problems with the prior art assemblies described above.
  • the present invention provides an assembly which offers life saving protection for unwanted immersion of a person in the ocean and other water bodies.
  • the present invention further provides improvements in life saving floatation devices having dual inflatable chambers each defined by opposing membranes.
  • the invention further provides a combined inflatable marker buoy and rescue device for use in particular though not exclusively in the event of a person overboard.
  • the present invention comprises:
  • a marine safety device for deployment in water upon unwanted entry by a person into said water to indicate the location of and to provide buoyancy for that person;
  • the assembly comprising; a cover for retaining components of the device as an undeployed package; an inflatable member having a proximal end which engages the cover and a distal free end, means for inflation of the inflatable member upon contact between the device and a body of water, a weight located at or near the proximal end of the inflatable member to bias the device further comprising means to enable a person in the body of water to gain floatation from the assembly via at least one grippable member attached to the inflatable member; wherein the device when deployed, sits in the body of water so that at least part of the inflatable member remains exposed to view above a top water level to enable rescuers to pinpoint the location of the person in the water and to enable a person in the water to use the inflatable member as a buoyant safety device.
  • the present invention comprises:
  • a buoyancy marker kit for deployment in a water body upon unwanted entry into said water by a person to indicate the location of and to provide buoyancy support for that person;
  • the kit comprising; a foldable envelope defining an internal space; at least a weight and an inflatable mast located in the internal space; means for inflation of the inflatable mast upon contact with a body of water, means on the assembly to enable a person in the body of water to gain floatation from the assembly by at least one gripping formation or member incorporated in or on said inflatable mast; wherein said at least one gripping formation or member is located such that when a person obtains floatation by engagement with the mast when deployed, wherein the kit sits in the body of water so that at least part of the inflatable mast forms a floatation mast associated with the assembly remains exposed to view to enable rescuers to pinpoint the location of the person in the water while the person engages the gripping member.
  • the kit includes a sea anchor.
  • the envelope comprises folding opposing flaps forming a cross with opposing flaps folded towards each other.
  • the gripping formation is a loop of material attached to said floatation mast.
  • the gripping formation is an opening formed into the floatation mast.
  • the kit further comprises at least one source of gas for at least one chamber in the inflatable member or separate sources of gas for each chamber. Inflation of the floatation mast is activated by contact with water which enables release of the gas into the floatation member.
  • the present invention comprises:
  • a buoyant marker assembly for deployment in a water body upon unwanted entry into said water by a person to indicate the location of that person;
  • the assembly comprising; a container for retaining an inflatable member; means for inflation of the inflatable mast upon contact with a body of water, means on the assembly to enable a person in the body of water to gain floatation from the assembly by at least one gripping formation or member incorporated on said inflatable member; the inflatable member including an inflatable mast; wherein the said at least one gripping formation or member is located to enable a person to reach the formation when the assembly sits in the body of water; wherein at least part of the floatation mast includes a weight which biases the mast to an orientation so that the majority of the length of the mast remains exposed to view to enable rescuers to pinpoint the location of the person in the water.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the marine safety device according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an elevation view of the mast when deployed and inflated
  • FIG. 3 the assembly of FIG. 1 in its folded configuration.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded view of a the buoyancy mast assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Assembly 1 comprises an envelope 2 shown unfolded and including closure flaps 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 .
  • Envelope 2 may be closed by engagement between flaps 3 and 5 and 4 and 6 .
  • Flap 4 includes a velcro strip 7 which engages corresponding velcro strip 7 a located on an opposite face of flap 6 .
  • velcro strip 24 engages corresponding velcro strip 25 located on an opposite face of flap 3 .
  • Tab 8 provides a locking closure of envelope 2 . All components to be described below are contained in the envelope by the above folding regime.
  • Assembly 1 further comprises an inflatable mast 11 having a first end 13 which when the mast is fully inflated provides a visual indicator for search and rescue personnel.
  • mast 11 is anchored to and preferably integrally attached to cover envelope 2 via a zipper 10 .
  • This connection may be effected by alternative means such as by use of stitching.
  • Mast 11 also includes a dead weight 9 which when the assembly is deployed, provides a restoring moment keeping mast 11 substantially upright so that end 13 is maintained at its highest making it easier for rescuers or any person overboard to locate.
  • Weight 9 can be provided by a solid lead block, lead pellets, glass beads, or other suitable material. The weight can be attached to mast 11 or inserted in a pocket provided on that mast.
  • Mast 11 preferably includes a ribbon 34 which provides a visual marker for search and rescue services making the device easier to spot during rescues.
  • gas canister 15 is engaged with valve assembly 17 .
  • valve assembly 17 Connected to valve assembly 17 is a water sensing cartridge 36 ′ which triggers inflation of the mast 11 upon contact with water.
  • Canister 15 is retained by flexible saddle 16 .
  • Inflation may be initiated manually by pulling cord 18 which actuates valve 26 and enables gas from canister 15 to enter inflatable mast 11 .
  • gas from canister 15 may be released by immersion of the assembly 1 in water which erodes a reactive tablet (not shown) also causing actuation of valve 26 .
  • Assembly 1 is also adapted with a sea anchor 21 which is secured to eyelet 20 via cord 19 .
  • Mast 11 further comprises a one way manual inflation valve 35 which acts as an oral inflation tube and provides an alternative means to allow inflation of the mast.
  • Mast 11 can also be provided with a whistle which can be reached by the overboard victim.
  • Inflatable mast 11 is characterised in having handles 22 and 23 which allows the assembly to be gripped by a victim when deployed in rough seas thereby ensuring that the assembly and victim are not separated from each other.
  • Gripping handles 22 and 23 are merely examples of numerous possibilities for adapting the mast 11 so that it can be gripped to increase victim safety until rescue.
  • Gripping handles may be integrally formed or moulded into the mast 11 or can be sewn into or otherwise attached to the wall of mast 11 as shown.
  • the gripping handle may also include a length of rope or like material attached at one end to the mast with the opposite end allowed to hang freely.
  • the locations of handles 22 , 23 and 26 are selected to optimise the maintenance of buoyancy and also to ensure stability of the assembly 1 when floating in the water.
  • the handles are preferably positioned low enough to enable a victim in the water to reach and grip them, but high enough so that once engaged by the victim, buoyancy of the assembly is retained without causing end 13 to rotate away from its highest point. At least part of a floatation mast associated with the assembly remains exposed to view to enable enabling rescuers to pinpoint the location of the person in the water.
  • Mast 11 preferably includes reflectors 30 , 31 , 32 and 33 .
  • FIG. 2 shows with corresponding numbering an elevation view of the buoyancy mast 1 of FIG. 1 when deployed.
  • FIG. 3 shows with corresponding numbering the assembly of FIG. 1 with envelope 2 folded to form carry case 40 .
  • Carry case 40 includes a handle 41 which enables assembly 1 to be stowed as a compact space efficient package in its folded configuration.
  • Flaps 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 co operate to form case 40 by interleaving.
  • the flaps are preferably secured by Velcro fastening.
  • the buoyancy assembly may comprise one or more sources of gas for inflatable chambers or separate sources of gas for individual chambers in buoyancy mast 11 .
  • the weight used for buoyancy would preferably be in the order of 4 kg and the mast 11 would be in the region of 2 meters.
  • the gripping handles preferably are located to sit out of the water prior to loading (gripping) by a victim and after loading for buoyancy. As soon as the kit hits the water the mast inflates and exposes the components such as the sea anchor which allows the mast to track with the current.
  • the prior art devices are purely markers whereas the assembly of the invention is a combined marker and safety device for victim buoyancy. This ensures that the victim tracks with the current and the marker so can be found by rescuers.
  • the gripping handle is positioned to reduce or eliminate any overturning tendency since a loss of visual contact with the mast 11 would potentially compromise victim safety.
  • the gas supply is from a CO 2 cylinder which can be unscrewed from the firing head.
  • the firing head can be tested using a manual operating lever attached to it and moving the lever through its full length of travel.
  • the compressed gas source is at least one compressed gas cartridge.
  • the device provides a method for deployment recovery and storage of a Market Buoy for small craft and work boats and rigid hull inflatables.
  • the present invention obviates the disadvantages of the prior art and provides other advantages which are apparent from the description herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
US13/263,372 2009-04-08 2010-04-08 Marine Safety Device Abandoned US20120178319A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2009901508 2009-04-08
AU2009901508A AU2009901508A0 (en) 2009-04-08 Overboard Rescue Device
PCT/AU2010/000397 WO2010135762A1 (fr) 2009-04-08 2010-04-08 Dispositif de sécurité marin

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120178319A1 true US20120178319A1 (en) 2012-07-12

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/263,372 Abandoned US20120178319A1 (en) 2009-04-08 2010-04-08 Marine Safety Device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20120178319A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2417015B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2010251861A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010135762A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8998666B1 (en) 2013-08-02 2015-04-07 Steven Albright Rescue method and system for an overboard passenger
US20150140879A1 (en) * 2013-11-18 2015-05-21 William Lee Life saving dan buoy
ITUB20159654A1 (it) * 2015-12-14 2017-06-14 Claudio Rivaroli Dispositivo salvagente estensibile

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3039820B1 (fr) 2015-08-07 2018-11-23 Decathlon Parachute de palier

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3095568A (en) * 1958-04-10 1963-06-25 Harry E Aine Life preserver with integral pneumatic antenna erecting apparatus
US3618150A (en) * 1969-03-04 1971-11-09 James V Anselmi Beacon buoy marker containing lifesaving and signaling devices
US4187570A (en) * 1978-02-17 1980-02-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Ship escape and survival system
US5374211A (en) * 1993-01-14 1994-12-20 Takata Corporation Lifesaving devices
US5735719A (en) * 1996-12-03 1998-04-07 Berg; Daniel T. Combination inflatable dive flag and float
US20070238373A1 (en) * 2006-04-07 2007-10-11 Lars H Henrikson Buoyant visibility device
US7927162B1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2011-04-19 Doubleday Marc D Multi-functional, personal flotation device

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4498879A (en) * 1983-01-31 1985-02-12 Halkey-Roberts Corporation Emergency rescue device
DE8408410U1 (de) * 1984-03-20 1984-06-20 Schönmehl, Franz-Joachim, 4600 Dortmund Vorrichtung zur anzeige der position einer ueber bord gefallenen person
US5257954A (en) * 1993-01-19 1993-11-02 Gregory G. Steiner Rescue buoy package
DE29810181U1 (de) * 1998-06-06 1998-10-29 Fichna, Günther, 24103 Kiel Aufblasbarer Markierungsmast mit integriertem Rettungsring in einer Wurfboje
US6162106A (en) * 1999-04-30 2000-12-19 Shieh; Steve S. Inflatable flag buoy workable in both the daytime and the night
WO2004041363A2 (fr) * 2002-11-01 2004-05-21 Courtney William L Dispositif de flottaison personnel gonflable a configuration variable servant egalement d'indicateur de detresse de secours

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3095568A (en) * 1958-04-10 1963-06-25 Harry E Aine Life preserver with integral pneumatic antenna erecting apparatus
US3618150A (en) * 1969-03-04 1971-11-09 James V Anselmi Beacon buoy marker containing lifesaving and signaling devices
US4187570A (en) * 1978-02-17 1980-02-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Ship escape and survival system
US5374211A (en) * 1993-01-14 1994-12-20 Takata Corporation Lifesaving devices
US5735719A (en) * 1996-12-03 1998-04-07 Berg; Daniel T. Combination inflatable dive flag and float
US20070238373A1 (en) * 2006-04-07 2007-10-11 Lars H Henrikson Buoyant visibility device
US7927162B1 (en) * 2009-05-01 2011-04-19 Doubleday Marc D Multi-functional, personal flotation device

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8998666B1 (en) 2013-08-02 2015-04-07 Steven Albright Rescue method and system for an overboard passenger
US9223027B1 (en) 2013-08-02 2015-12-29 Steven Albright Rescue method and system for an overboard passenger
US20150140879A1 (en) * 2013-11-18 2015-05-21 William Lee Life saving dan buoy
US9233741B2 (en) * 2013-11-18 2016-01-12 William Lee Life saving dan buoy
ITUB20159654A1 (it) * 2015-12-14 2017-06-14 Claudio Rivaroli Dispositivo salvagente estensibile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2010135762A1 (fr) 2010-12-02
AU2010251861A1 (en) 2011-11-24
EP2417015A4 (fr) 2012-12-26
EP2417015B1 (fr) 2015-09-23
EP2417015A1 (fr) 2012-02-15

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